With heartfelt sorrow, we share the passing of Clessie Ola McIvor Coles, of Winston-Salem, on January 3, 2026, at the age of 90. Born in Vivian, WV, to Joseph Lenoard McIvor and Ella Mae Goggins, she moved to Mocksville, NC as a child, where her journey of resilience and generosity began.

A proud graduate of Davie County Training School, Clessie built a life defined by hard work and service. She supported others seeking opportunities in the North while working for RCA Recording in Stamford, CT, and later dedicated over three decades to Fiber Industries (Celanese) in Cleveland, NC. Alongside her professional commitments, she maintained a second career as an independent home cleaner, always striving to uplift those around her.

Clessie found joy in welcoming loved ones into her home, traveling, fishing, and gardening. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of Smith Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, contributing to its growth and renovation. In her later years, she faced Alzheimer's disease with courage and grace.

She spent much of her life teaching family about finances for that she will forever be missed. She was a life-long member of the Elk's club of Winston-Salem and The Sisters of Mahalia. Her devotion and servitude each organization decreased due to her illness, however her legacy of commitment reigns forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grandmother Effie Mae Goggins, Uncles – Lee and John Goggins; her beloved children Perry Coles, Jerry McIvor, and Queenesther Powell. Her legacy includes teaching her family the importance of financial wisdom and serving as a lifelong member of the Elks Club of Winston-Salem and The Sisters of Mahalia. Even as illness limits her involvement, her spirit of commitment and service remains an inspiration.

She leaves to cherish her memory, Mary McIvor Williams (sister), Dr. Wille DeVon Williams(nephew), Sharon Williams Settle(niece), Terry O'Neal Williams(nephew), Thosha Dillard Baity(granddaughter), Denise Sheppard(granddaughter) Crystal Coles(granddaughter) Nino Harden(grandson) KayKel Dillard, Alonda, (great-granddaughters), Joseph Gorham, Jr., Aaron & Andy Baity(great-grandsons) and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Refuge Community Church, 137 Marginal Street, Cooleemee, NC 27014.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a nonprofit organization supporting housing for children.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com