Slate Funeral Home

William Arthur "Aussie" Simmons, 77, of King, NC, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

Mr. Simmons was born on July 19, 1948, in Summers County, WV, to the late William Jennings Brian Simmons II and Mary Grace Addleman Simmons. He was the husband of the late Mary Jane Edenheart Simmons.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Kim Adams (Bobby), Kelly Mills (Keith), Samantha Moretz (Richard Willard), and JB Simmons (Kaitie), along with his beloved grandchildren: Levi Mills, Luke Mills, Ian Moretz, Colin Moretz, Ella Simmons, Meredith Moretz, and Reese Simmons, and one great-grandchild, Felix Mills.

The family is honoring Mr. Simmons' request that no formal services be held; please just remember him fondly.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Arthur Simmons. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

Kingston Legend Bessant, infant son of Bailey Welch and Javonnie Bessant, passed away after a brave, hard-fought battle on June 9, 2026.

Kingston was born on May 29, 2026, and the moment he came into this world, he stole mommy and daddy’s hearts. In just the short time he was on this earth, he gave them so much love and joy. He will be remembered and cherished always.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Bailey Welch; his father, Javonnie Bessant; his big sister, Jayleigh Bessant; his aunts: Haley Welch, Kayley McNeill, and Leona Bessant; his uncles: Kane Wilson, Trequane Bessant, Javonta Bessant, and Jazeon Bessant, his maternal grandmother, Ada McNeill, his paternal grandparents, Leon and Loretta Bessant, his great-grandfather, Ray Humble and great-grandmother, Vivian Patterson.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Slate Funeral Home in King, NC. A graveside service will be held at 1:15 p.m. at First Christian Church of King with Minister Glenn Van Meter officiating.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Kingston Legend Bessant. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

It’s the U.S. Army’s birthday! Thank you to all of our active duty and reserve Army service members and civilian personnel as you serve our nation and protect our way of life.

Sharon “Gail” Phipps Johnson, 76, of King, NC, passed away at her home on Thursday, June 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Ms. Johnson was born on November 27, 1949, in Tazwell County, VA, to the late James Stanley Phipps and Daphina Hardy Heck. She retired from Hanes Brands, where she worked for many years as a seamstress.
She was a faithful member of Victory Bible Baptist Church in Tobaccoville, NC, where she often sang her favorite hymns and gospel songs. She would also visit the nursing home and sing for the residents. She found joy in gardening and tending to her flowers. She was known as a take-charge person who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Curtis Phipps, and her second husband, John Johnson. Also preceding her are her brothers, William and James Phipps, and a sister, Alma Johnson.

Left to cherish her memory are her siblings: Randy Phipps, Mickey Phipps (Tammy), Lawrence Phipps (Heather), Connie Davis (Roger), Joyce Fletcher, and Vivian Young, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Slate Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Pittman officiating. Interment will immediately follow at King Memorial Park.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane. Winston-Salem, NC 27106.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sharon “Gail” Phipps Johnson. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

Robert John Fisher, 72, of King, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 8, 2026, at his home, leaving behind a legacy marked by love and devotion.

Born in Duncan, OK, on December 23, 1953, John found joy in exploring his roots through ancestry.com, found joy in listening to classic rock music, and was an avid Carolina Panthers fan. Above all, his greatest joy came from his dedication to his wife and family, whom he loved dearly and whose moments together he treasured.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Louis W. Fisher and Mary K. Simmons, as well as his infant son, Matthew A. Fisher.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Enbody Fisher; two sons, Jeremy D. Fisher and Dawson Christopher Fisher; two daughters, Ashley Michelle Rush (Lucas) and Felicia Kailey Youngblood (Allijah); two brothers, Michael Hight and David Hight; two grandchildren, Brody Clay Rush and Jackson Potter Rush; and one grandchild on the way.

In accordance with John’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, a party to celebrate his life will be held at a later date to honor his memory.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert John Fisher. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

Johnnie Eddy Lankford, 83, of King, NC, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his home with his beloved family by his side.

Johnnie was born on December 1, 1942, in Stokes County, NC, to the late Odell and Lelia Fulk Lankford. He was a dedicated, faithful member of Boyles Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon since 2013. Johnnie enjoyed gardening and was known for his wonderful tomatoes and watermelons. He was an honest, hard-working man who dearly loved his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Jarell Lankford, siblings: Eugene Lankford, Geraldine Calloway, LaRue Hall, Jimmy Lankford, Odell Lankford, Jr., and Leon Lankford.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Adam Lankford and wife Kristen, and Chris Lankford and wife Jackie, three grandchildren: Conner Lankford, Anna Lankford and Fiancé Jakob Hellard, and Joseph Lankford, a sister, Elsie Huffman, many beloved nieces, nephews, and other family members.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Boyles Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm, with Elders Jeffery Whitaker and Rodney Marshall Officiating. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Boyles Chapel Primitive Baptist Church or to the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Cancer Center.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Johnnie Eddy Lankford. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.