The Falling Asleep of Sophia Aslanis

Sophia Aslanis

January 30, 1935-January 4, 2021


Sophia Aslanis

(birth name: Pearlie Leigh Caudle)

January 30, 1935-January 4, 2021

87 years old, of Winston-Salem, NC died January 4th 2023, after suffering from complications from several strokes and diabetes.

Sophia was born January 30, 1935 to Pleas H. Caudle (schoolmaster and farmer) and Margaret Mickles Caudle(homemaker) in Yadkin County. She was raised on the family farm and went to Forbush High School.  Afterwards, she lived with older sisters, Jettie Mae and Fidella Caudle, before marrying beloved husband, Pete G. Aslanis in 1954.

After she and her husband retired from Simos Bar-B-Que Inn, and Sam Pappas' Tavern on the Green in Winston-Salem, Mom spent most of her time with her daughter and friend, Margaret Aslanis Nystrom, and grand-daughter Tina Nystrom. It was very common for Sophia and her daughter to call each other several times a day every day. The three of them enjoyed each other's company all the time by going to the movies, eating out, laughing and playing Bingo, cooking, gardening, shopping, trips to the beach or mountains, as well as, going to her beloved Annunciation Greek Orthodox church for services and activities. She shared in the care of her late mother-in-law, Maria G. Aslanis, with her late sister-in-law, Tina Simos. She cared for her husband, Pete G. Aslanis, at their home, who died in 1998 from ALS.

Sophia was a hard-working mother who loved her family and church. Her last job was working in the Winston-Salem Greek Church pre-school, where she was loved by all for many years. At the church, she was a member of the Parrish Council, worked Vacation Bible School, Greek Festival, Bake Sales, attended Adult Discussion Group(Bible study), and supported her daughter in directing the choir, at the High Point Greek Orthodox Church, and the W-S Greek Orthodox Church.

Sophia was pre-deceased by two infant sons, her adult daughter, Brenda Leigh Caudle Lankford (2022). Her parents Pleas H. Caudle and Margaret Mickles Caudle. She was the last of all siblings: Three adult brothers: Paul, Henry, and Fonzo. Seven adult sisters: Naomi, Fidella, Clivie, Jettie Mae, Eloise, Bettie Jo, and WindaRuth (Wendy). Her beloved husband, Pete G. Aslanis, of Piraeus, Greece, who became a proud U.S. citizen, after surviving and fighting in WWII.

She is survived by her eldest: Margaret Aslanis Nystrom, and grand-daughter Tina Nystrom. Her grandchildren Christina Lankford, and Brian Lankford (and wife Sarah). Her great-grandchildren Kris and William (Will) Lankford.

In lieu of flowers, her daughter, Margaret Aslanis Nystrom, and grand-daughter, Tina Nystrom, request donations be made to the Winston-Salem Greek Orthodox Pre-school in her honor.


  • A 40 Day Memorial will take place on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
  • Coffee hour offered in loving memory and in honor by Margaret Aslanis- Nystrom and Tina Nystrom

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