The falling asleep of Jane Elliott Kotsionis

Jane Elliott Kotsionis

It is with profound sadness, yet with hope in the Resurrection, that we announce the falling asleep of our beloved sister in Christ, Jane Elliott Kotsionis.

ALL FUNERAL SERVICES ON TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026.

Jane Elliott Kotsionis, 75, a resident of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away due to unexpected health complications on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Jane was born in 1950 in Lawndale, NC to Charlie and Ada Elliott. She graduated from Burns High School and North Carolina State University.

Jane was unusually bright, wildly creative, endlessly talented, and radiated a vibrant spirit to the world. She was a force of nature who dedicated her immense energy to supporting and celebrating others. Her generosity was boundless and was felt by so many who knew and loved her. If you received a card from Jane, it was always the most beautiful and delightful card you’d ever seen. Jane naturally conjured so much joy and humor. She was savvy, forward thinking, and had many interests. She loved traveling and learning about other cultures, the arts, music, theater, and was fascinated by technology, business, and space exploration. She uniquely balanced her expressive and fun nature with an unshakable, constant sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to her work. Her impeccable character was seen in her dedication to doing what is right and making things their best. She truly brought beauty to everything she touched.

One of Jane’s greatest accomplishments was the creation of Hero House, the restaurant she started with her husband, Harvey. With meager resources, they opened in 1975, and grew the restaurant into a Winston-Salem staple, beloved by so many in the city. Jane was always connected to her customers, loved being of service, and felt deep gratitude for the shared community the restaurant provided. She was incredibly proud that Hero House celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary last July.

Jane, a metropolitan girl at heart, was raised on a farm in the south and had deep American roots. When she met Harvey Kotsionis and married into the Greek culture, it clicked instantly. Jane held a lifelong, deep appreciation for everything Greek. She loved learning Greek, blasted Greek music in her car every day, and she treasured the generous community and family-oriented nature of the Greek church. To honor her late husband, and the Greek heritage she so valued, Jane recently designed and donated a new playground for her church, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston Salem. She named it the “Agape Playground”. ‘Agape’ is the Greek word meaning the highest form of love – a love that is unconditional and selfless. Some of her last moments were spent overseeing the end of its construction. She passed away right before it was fully completed, so it will forever resonate as a beautifully poetic, final gesture and a celebrated piece of her incredible legacy.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harvey Kotsionis, and many beloved family members. She is survived by her precious three daughters Carey Kotsionis (Matthew Lindahl) of Nashville, Tennessee, Cami Plagianis (Harry Plagianis) of Winston Salem, NC, Courtney Kotsionis (Nikolai Antonie) of Winston Salem, NC, and her five grandchildren Sophia Plagianis, Juliana Plagianis, Marilisa Plagianis, Aviva Antonie, and Rhodes Antonie. She is also survived by her brother, Charlie Elliott Jr. (Diane), sisters-in-law Maria Nicopoulos and Laura Nixon, and many adored nieces and nephews. Jane loved her family fiercely and found immense joy in their presence. She also leaves behind a dedicated family of treasured employees who help to keep her restaurant running and uphold that honor every day.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Minas Tsambounieris officiating. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. The family requests that those wishing to make memorial donations direct them to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Brenner’s Children’s Hospital, or to Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem. Online condolences can be made through salemfh.com. Online memorial donations to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church can be made here: onrealm.org/wsgoc/give/memorials