Laurel "Ann" Midkiff Mabe

Laurel "Ann" (Midkiff) Mabe, 77, of Winston-Salem, went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2026, after a long illness. Throughout her journey, she never stopped praising her Savior. Ann passed away at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem, NC, surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and dear longtime friends.

Ann was born on September 21, 1948, in Boone County, West Virginia, to the late Carl and Lena (Dunlap) Midkiff of Yawkey, WV. Ann attended Duval High School and was a member of the class of 1966.

Ann was a retired registered nurse who specialized in cardiac ICU care at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. She dedicated 14 years of her life to caring for her patients before her own cardiac issues necessitated her early retirement.

Ann was our own version of Greta Garbo, always exuding poise, grace, and beauty whenever she entered a room, simultaneously capturing everyone's attention (if you know, you know). Ann loved to sing and laugh. She was famous for her birthday songs, and if you were fortunate enough to be the recipient, you felt truly special. Ann loved Jesus and wanted everyone she knew to love Him too; she took her role as a disciple seriously. Her granddaughter once said that she taught her about grace, class, and the truth, which is 100% correct.

Ann was bold and spoke the truth unapologetically because she understood that we all needed it. Her son remembers her as incredibly giving; she was always willing to lend a hand when she was still physically able. Whether it was giving friends and family rides, cleaning their homes, or offering financial help, there was no limit to her generosity.

How can you recognize the love of Christ in someone? You can see it in their love for others, as evident in Ann's life. She had a deep love for her sisters, their children, and their grandchildren. Ann's capacity for love knew no bounds.

Ann is survived by her sister, Dorothy (Dottie) McClure, as well as her loving children: daughters Vicky Hayes (and her husband, Albert Park) of Raleigh, NC, and Christi Hayes (and her husband, Paul Roberts) of Kernersville, NC, and son Robbie Hayes (and his partner, Marsha) of Kernersville, NC. Ann was blessed with five grandchildren: Aaron and Jesse Ball, Amber Houston (and her husband, Cody), Rachel Jenkins (and her husband, Luke), and Ryan Vest. She also had seven cherished great-grandchildren: Carli and Callie Jenkins, Arya, Perseus and Bran Ball, and Rostan and Hayes Houston, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lena Midkiff, and her sisters, Carla McMasters, Lea Bushor, June Gage, and Frances Lewis.

A service will be held at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home - Kernersville Chapel, on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Friends are welcome to visit from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with the service beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory in Kernersville.

If you would like to make a donation instead of sending flowers, please donate to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.