Martha "Gerry" Geraldine Ballard Pilos

Martha ‘Gerry’ Geraldine Ballard Pilos, 85, passed away peacefully in her Asheville home on November 14, 2016. Raised in Johnston County, NC, she set off for her life adventures in 1948 by moving to Raleigh where she graduated from Hardbarger College, worked, married and raised three children. She had a zest for life which included the arts, travel and continual learning, but it was her faith, church, family and friends that gave her the most joy.

She was a woman of grace, kindness, hospitality, courage and love. She was friend to all and a classic southern lady. She always had a smile on her face and her kind nature was rarely matched. Her beauty, smile, and willingness to be a friend, will live in the hearts of those who knew her.

In her final months, she was lovingly cared for, humored by, encouraged and doted over by her son, Harry, with Maria, Nick, Terri, Joanne, and a team of others assisting. The family wishes to thank CarePartners, Transitions LifeCare, and, everyone who made her final months meaningful.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Spiro Pilos, Sr, of Raleigh; parents, John Raymond Ballard and Nellie Stewart Ballard, of Selma, NC; brother & sister-in-law Graham & Myrtle Ballard, of Selma; sister & nephew, Lois & Timothy Thompson, of Selma; brother-in-law, John Pilos, and sister-in-law, Delores Rattelade, both of Raleigh.

Surviving are her loving children, Harry S. Pilos, Jr, and Maria Nell Pilos, both of Asheville; Nicholas J. Pilos (wife, Michelle), of Raleigh; and, grandchildren whom she adored, Patrick Pilos Narron, Gaither Pilos Narron, Sophia Pilos Narron, Aris Pilos and Athan Pilos. She is also survived by many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17th, 6-8 pm (7:00 pm prayer service). Funeral will be Friday, November 18th, 11:00 am. Both services will be at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh NC. All are welcome to a short cemetery service at Raleigh Memorial Park and Celebration of Life luncheon following funeral.

Memorial donations may be made to CarePartners Hospice Foundation, 68 Sweeten Creek Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh. Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com