Emmanuel Garner

Obituary Emanuel Keith Garner, age 59 died November 6, 2024 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 25, 1968 at KB Hospital to Reginald Roosevelt Hayes Sr. and Barbara Garner Mitchell. He grew up in Winston Salem, NC where he graduated from West Forsyth High School. He attended Forsyth Technical Community College for a period of time perusing his degree in Culinary Arts. Emanuel known as “Eman”, “E”, or “Manny” to others learned to cook as a child and developed a passion for it. He loved to cook for his family and friends. Seeing them enjoy his cooking gave him joy. He would often have family gatherings where he would cook and put his heart into making delicious meals for all who would attend. Emanuel was an employee of Wake Forest University dining staff for over 10 years before his passing. His current position held there was as a Sous Chef. He would often receive praises for his amazing tasting food. In 2016 he received an award for “Integrity and Respect Always” where he was praised for the kitchen always running smoothly under his watch and his food always looking and tasting great. In 2017 he received an award for “Front Line First” where he was recognized for his hard work in the Pit and fantastic tasting food. He was also recognized in 2017 for the “Safety Smart Award ” for always using his cut glove and setting a safe example in the kitchen. He was a highly valued employee by both his co- workers and the faculty at Wake Forest University. Emanuel was happily married to his wife Nakita Lindsay Garner who was the love of his life for over 30 years. He will be lovingly remembered by Nakita. His children, Brianna Lindsay, Tyrese Lindsay and Joshua Brown. His grandson, Maurice Lindsay. His sisters, Chance Gillespie and Taleah Hayes. His brothers, Johnathan Lamont Garner, Reginald McKey and Reginald Wilkins. His parents, Reginald Roosevelt Hayes Sr. and Barbara (Joesph) Mitchell Jr. His uncles, Robert Garner, John Hayes Jr, James Hayes and Donald Hayes. His aunts, Betty Garner, Roslyn Smith, Peggy Wilson, Sharon Hayes, Laura Hayes Allen and Verdell Hayes. His father and mother-in-law Robert (Edith) Leak. His sisters-in- laws Ladonna Lindsay (William) Fair, Camilla Abrams, Olympia Leak Boston and Cynthia Lindsay. Special nephews, Keenan Lindsay, Derrick Lindsay and Johnathan Garner. A special niece, Lakisha Belser. Special friends, Richard Herring and Jennifer Pettigrew, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughters Shericka Black and Aaliyah Lindsay, His sisters, Latanya Hayes and Sharon Garner. His brother, Clifton Garner and his uncle Ronald Hayes. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Please keep his family and friends in prayers.