Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 13, 2020

Charlotte – Angela Karras Ballas, passed peacefully to heaven on Friday, March 13, 2020, just two days following what would have been her sixty-fourth wedding anniversary.  She was surrounded in her final years and days by her loving family.  She recently lived with her daughter, Teresa and her family as she battled the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease with quiet dignity.  Angela was born on August 18, 1933 in the village of Paparousion, Evrytanian, Greece to the late Nick and Frances (Anastasis) Karras. 

Angela came to Charlotte in 1949 with her parents, sister and brother.  In 1955, she met and married her loving husband, Jimmy where they owned and operated various restaurants and raised their four children.  Angela was richly entwined in the Charlotte Greek Orthodox community and a member of Holy Trinity for seventy-one years.  She was a devout Christian, mother and spouse.  She assisted in the church festival, Philoptochos, Evrytanian Association and various other organizations and associations.  She was a woman of classic grace, elegance and resolute strength who loved and cared for all who crossed her path.  As a dear friend described her, “Angela cared more how YOU were doing than she cared or focused on her own thoughts or feelings.”  Even in regular hospital visits to friends and family, she could be found in strangers’ rooms, visiting, sharing and caring. 

Angela was predeceased by her loving husband, Demetrios (Jimmy) Ballas and brother, Tommy N. Karras.  She is survived by her children, Anthony Ballas, Nickolas and wife, Kiki Ballas, Teresa and husband, Jim Meletiou, John and wife, Donna Ballas.  She was blessed and loved by five beautiful granddaughters; Angelika, Jaimee and Sydney Ballas; Arianna and Gabriella Meletiou of whom she adored.  Also surviving is her beloved sister, Patricia Triantis and her husband, John as well as many loving family members, sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces and multitudes of friends. 

The family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Rena Antoniou of Evia, Greece who lovingly cared for Angela for over five years with dedication and never-ending devotion. They would also like to give thanks to the exceptional team at Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region for their assistance and compassionate care. The circle of love and support which Angela effortlessly gave to others was given back to her and for that, we will be eternally grateful. 

Due the the coronavisus outbreak and the Goverrnor's restrictions on gatherings, funeral services for Angela will be private and for the immediate family only at Holy Trinity officiated by Father Vasileios Tsourlis, Cathedral Dean and Vicar.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Foundation of Charlotte, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.