In Loving Memory of Loretta Jane Selbe

A Tribute to a Cherished Mother

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we honor the life and legacy of our beloved mother. Her presence was a source of unconditional love, warmth, and kindness for everyone who knew her. She lived her life with grace, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Loretta, age 78, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer.

Known as ‘Janie’ by friends and family, she was born September 26, 1947 in Madison, WV to William Eugene Lewis and Elsie Claire Bowen Lewis. She was the second daughter of six children. She is preceded in death by her siblings Joretta Townsend, Gary Lewis and Barry Lewis, surviving siblings are Tammy Harvey and Deanna Wright, all from WV.

Janie is survived by her four children: Wendy Frye and husband, Jay, of Salem, VA; Melissa

Selbe of Mt. Lookout, WV; Jennifer Haile and husband, Gilbert, of Winston-Salem, NC; Anthony Selbe and wife, Joy of Summersville, WV; and the loving father of her children, best friend and former husband, George William Selbe, Jr. of Mt. Lookout, WV.

Janie adored her 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, or as she often referred to them as Nana’s lovebugs. She inherited additional grandchildren and great-grandchildren along the way that naturally became part of Nana’s circle.

She was not only a loving mother and grandmother but also a loyal friend, a supportive confidante, and a pillar of strength for all who sought her counsel. One of her favorite past times was spending a few hours at the beach digging her toes in the sand, laughing with friends and family, watching her kids play in the ocean and breathing in the salty air.

Throughout her life, she taught us and showed the importance of kindness and hard work. Her generous spirit touched countless lives—whether through her comforting words, her home-cooked meals, or her selfless acts of service in the community by volunteering in sharing the Bible’s promise of a better future ahead. At an early age, she expressed interest in learning about God and the precious truths found in the Bibleand would often have discussions with her grandmother aboutthese things that were on her mind. She dedicated her life to Jehovah God and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on January 25,1959. She lived each day until her death building her faith in God and helping others do the same.

She would often refer to the scripture at Isaiah 41:10 that says – “do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold onto you with my right hand of righteousness.” She drew strength and comfort from this throughout her life and especially near the end.

As we mourn her passing, we celebrate the person she was and the impact she made on each of us.

We invite family, friends, and all who were touched by her to join us in remembering her remarkable life. May her memory be a blessing, and may her love inspire us always.

We ask that you please keep the Selbe family lifted in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” — Revelation 21:4

Professional Services Entrusted to:

Johnson Funeral Services & Cremations LLC

Compassion You Can Trust. Care You Can Feel.