Della Mae Payne Pulliam Winston Salem, North Carolina Obituary

Della Mae Payne Pulliam

Della Mae Payne Pulliam died on August 2, 2022, at Salemtowne Retirement Community where she lived for 20 years enjoying activities with her friends, both staff and residents. She was born on September 22, 1924, in the Octagon House in Lake Landing, North Carolina, to William Wallace Payne and Annie Gray Weston Payne. Della enjoyed a happy childhood, centered around her church and family, Life in a farming community included crabbing in the canals and harvesting oysters with her daddy. Her basketball team at Engelhard High School, where she played guard and won the state championship two years. She graduated Valedictorian, and soon left for Charlotte to attend Geyer Business School. Della met Charles Smith Pulliam at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where they worked together as youth leaders with the Young People’s Service League. They were married on November 19, 1950, there, and enjoyed 53 years together. Della was preceded in death by a brother, Durward Payne, a sister, Ann Lancaster, and a daughter, Alice. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Muir of New Bern, and Lillis Ward (Joe) of Raleigh, and four grandsons, Matthew Ward (Jenny) of Tulsa, OK, Robert Muir of Reston, VA, Daniel Ward of Raleigh, William Muir (Mary Catherine), of San Antonio, TX, and three great-grandchildren: Charlie Ward and Elliott Ward of Tulsa, and Clara Muir of San Antonio. Della will forever be remembered for the many young lives she influenced as a Girl Scout leader and trainer, as well as her contributions to Thompson Children’s Home in Charlotte. She served on their boards for many years and worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Active in her churches, Della was always busy doing what she so enjoyed: being a choir mother, arranging altar flowers from her yard, and baking Communion bread. Della was the ultimate homemaker. Gathering around her table was always a treat for the girls’ friends and later the sons-in-law and grandchildren. Fresh flowers always adorned the table! The girls’ clothes, prom dresses and wedding dresses were handmade by Della. No tribute to Della would be complete without mentioning her love of flowers, gardening, and camping with her family. She was a member of Pfafftown Garden Club, a Lifetime Member of the NC Garden Club, and worked at the Dixie Classics Fair Flower Competition for many happy years. A reception will be held at Salemtowne on Friday, August 5th from 2 to 4 PM. A family graveside service will be held later at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Engelhard. Della’s daughters want to thank the staff of Salemtowne and Trellis Supportive Care who took such loving care of her. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for Salemtowne Employee Appreciation Fund (190 Moravian Way Dr. Winston Salem NC 27106) or St. Paul’s Senior Adult Ministry (520 Summit St. Winston Salem NC 27101).
September 22, 1924 - August 2, 202209/22/192408/02/2022
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jay godfrey
August 24, 2022
Dear family, I am deeply saddened by the grief that you are feeling. Knowing of God's embracing love for you, continue to look to him when " He will wipe out all tears from our eyes, death will be no more, neither will suffering, crying and pain be anymore. " Revelation ... Continue Reading
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Jill Miller
August 5, 2022
I will never forget as a child visiting Aunt Della for the first time. We went out on the canoe and picked fresh blueberries and then she made them into the most delicious blueberry pancakes. I had never seen a stack so tall! And on Easter morning to my surprise I found... Continue Reading
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Vickie B. Sigmon
August 4, 2022
I had the privilege of knowing Della and Charles at church in Winston Salem. My strongest memory of Della is when she spoke of her own late mother with great love and appreciation. I am sure Della's children feel the same way about her. Vickie B. Sigmon
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With Deepest Sympathy, Alyson Ward
August 4, 2022
I have such fond memories of "Grandma" Della. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Sending peace and comfort.
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Mary Kroohs
August 3, 2022
I recall my first Sunday attending St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Winston Salem. Della and Charles greeted us at the door and that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. I witnessed many of Della’s altar flower arrangements, and her delicious communion bread. L... Continue Reading