Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 15, 2024

CHARLOTTE – It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Eftilia Veronie Koinis, who peacefully left us on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the age of 93. Effie, as she was known to her friends and Babe to her family, was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose warmth, grace, and unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on August 12, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio, Eftilia was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters of the late Dena and George Veronie. A born and bred ‘East-Sider’, Effie attended Oakdale Elementary and was a proud graduate of Morrison Waite High School.  A lifelong Greek Orthodox Christian, Eftilia was an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo, OH and, later in life, of St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC, where her faith and dedication to service were evident in her tireless involvement.  She taught Sunday School for many years and good-humoredly stated that she was the only person ever asked to NOT join the church choir. 

Married to the late Xenophon (Xenny) J. Koinis, Effie was a loving wife and mother of two children, Sophia and Ted.  Family was the most important aspect of her life.  Whether known as ‘Mom’ to her children or ‘Aunt Babe’ to her numerous nieces and nephews, her home was a sanctuary of love, and a place where all were made to feel welcome and valued.  Many evenings were spent with her brothers and sisters and their families where politics and the world’s problems were discussed and solved over goodies and coffee and an occasional Veronie version of poker.  Holiday meals were a source of joy for Aunt Babe as the house was filled with the aroma of wonderful food and the sounds of “cousins by the dozens” playing about.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren still recite her much-voiced viewpoint of meals as “delicious and nutritious!”

When Xenny was transferred with his job to Charlotte, NC, the family began a new chapter in their lives.  She and Xenny loved their new home and quickly adapted to the new life.  Effie worked for many years at Queens College in their Admissions and Athletics Departments.  In her leisure time, Effie learned to play golf as an adult and she and Xenny loved to play whenever they could, as many vacation trips were taken to golf resorts.  After her children married and started families of their own, she continued her dedication and involvement to her Greek Orthodox faith as she and Xenny became founding members of the St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, where for many years she served as their bookkeeper in the office.

Though known by many titles, her most cherished were that of Yiayia and Pro-yiayia as she truly loved her grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.  She loved spending time with them and imparting her pearls of wisdom to them whenever she could.  Yiayia always wanted to know how her grandchildren were doing in work, school, sports, and life and maintained an important connection to them.

Eftilia is survived by her two children, Sophia Koinis Hazlehurst (Yates) of Charlotte, NC and Theodore X. Koinis (Pauline) of Pearland, TX, as well as her adored grandchildren, Catherine (Jeff) Whittaker, Sarah (Gregory) Poole, Anastasia (Matthew) Milanese, James (Valerie) Koinis, Nicholas Koinis, April (David) Roberts, Richard (MyLy) Hazlehurst, and John (Cheryl) Hazlehurst, and her twelve great-grandchildren, Hazel, Emma, Margot, Louise, Yates, Hugh, Luke, Artemis, Michael, Vivian, William, and Theodore.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, William Koinis, and many, many loving nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Xenophon, her parents, brothers, William Veronie, Pete Veronie, James Veronie and John Veronie and sisters, Catherine Stathulis, Ann Slee, Evangeline Sares, nephew, Don Stathulis, and niece, Connie Mynihan.

Eftilia’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in all of us as she will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering faith, and the many lives she touched with her compassion.  We prayerfully place the soul of Eftilia in the loving hands of our Risen Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, where there is no more pain, sorrow, or suffering, but life everlasting. May her memory be eternal.

The family will receive friends at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Charlotte, NC, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday November 19, 2024, with a Trisagion prayer service at 6:00 PM.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Toledo, OH.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, OH. The family invites all those whose lives were touched by Eftilia to join them in celebrating her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Charlotte, NC, or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Toledo.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606 and Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main Street, Sylvania, OH 43560. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com or www.reebfuneralhome.com/.