Frances Marie Garris

Frances (Penny) Garris, 78, of Clemmons, NC, wife of William (Bill) Earl Garris, passed away peacefully at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Care Center in Winston-Salem, NC on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born September 13, 1947, in Winston Salem, NC to John T. and Ada S. Forester.

Penny Graduated from North Forsyth High School in 1966 and went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Bill, on February 25, 1967. They were married for over 57 years and had two sons, four granddaughters and seven great grandchildren. They were in the US Air Force and lived in Goldsboro, NC throughout their term and then returned to Winston Salem, NC.

Penny was a wonderful wife, mother and loving lady. She worked as an administrative assistant during her career, retiring at age 50. After retirement, she volunteered as a worker for The Sheppard’s Center for several years. She loved the beach, and family traveled there very often. In 2008 they purchased a home at Surfside Beach and lived there for about 16 years, and she walked her 2-mile beach walk every day until her illness started. Due to her illness, they returned to NC to a home in Clemmons to be near family, friends and doctors.

Penny is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey Wayne and wife Carol and Brian Craig Garris, her four grandchildren, Madison Nicole and husband Jesse Martinez, Lauren Gabrielle and husband Kealand Dirks, Caitlin Mckenna and husband Zach Spach and Lillian Grace Garris. Her seven Great Grandchildren Violet Eliane Martinez, August Mavrick and Holland Rose Dirks, Hudson Roy, Amelia Mckenna, Sadie Lee and Cooper Wayne Spach. She is also survived by her brother Ken Forester and wife Karen. In addition, numerous nieces and nephews

Penney was dedicated to her sons and grandchildren. Providing transportation everywhere every day, she was their taxi. She loved being active with the grandchildren. Many memories were created over the years. She loved animals and always had a pet dog and, on occasion, a cat. She loved them so much. She loved the beach, and it became a valued part of her life. She and the family were constantly traveling back and forth. Penny was a gentle loving lady with kind words to all that she met in life. Family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mount Carmel Global Methodist Church, which can be made online at mountcarmelmethodist.org/giving or through the Davidson Funeral Home obituary. Mary Miller (Pastor) provided incredible support during Penny’s final days, and the family will be forever grateful to her and to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center for the excellent care that they provided to Penny.

Funeral services will be Monday, September 22, 2025, at Mount Carmel Global Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston Salem, NC 27127. Graveside service will be afterward at Gardens of Memory, 5676 Old Walkertown Road, Walkertown,