Raleigh native, Freeda Charles Poniros, 94, passed away on Wednesday, November 20,2024. She was a founding member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, a member of their first choir, and a lifelong member of their Philoptochos organization. Freeda was a graduate of Hardbarger Jr. College, later serving there as an administrative assistant from 1974-1988.
Loved by many, she will always be known as the glue and matriarch of her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Steve Poniros; her parents, George and Mary Charles; and her sister Pauline Vassilion. Both Greek immigrants, her parents settled in Raleigh and founded the iconic restaurant "The Roast Grill" in 1940. Freeda helped her mother at the Grill until her son George took over and helped his grandmother. She later worked with her son at the Grill and became known as the "Hotdog Lady" and the "Tootsie Roll Lady."
In 1957, Steve and Freeda opened a booth at the NC State Fair called "Steve's Dog House," where the family would run it for over 60 years. Freeda is already missed by so many nieces, nephews, friends, and especially her children, George (Kathy); daughter, Risa; granddaughter, Araina (Adam); two great grandchildren, Lacey James and Lilah; and her brother, Ernest Charles and sister, Helen Nixon.
A visitation will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 from 5-7 pm, with Trisagion prayers beginning at 6 pm, at Holy Trinity. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11am at Holy Trinity. Burial will follow at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Capital Campaign, 5000 Lead Mine Rd. Raleigh, NC 27612.
May Her Memory Be Eternal.
Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Poniros family.
