CALDWELL, Faye O.
Faye Christine Owen Caldwell, 83, of Fincastle, died Thursday June 21, 2018 at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Salem.
Faye was born in Roanoke March 13, 1935 and lived in Botetourt County most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Christopher Arthur and Catherine Ava Huffman Owen.
Faye worked for the Social Services Department in Botetourt County for 30+ years. She was a graduate of Hollins University with a BA in Sociology and MA in Liberal Studies. She enjoyed many clubs of Botetourt County, such as Rotary and the Red Hat Society, to name a few. Faye was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She enjoyed drawing and playing instruments, like the harp. Faye was a published author of a children’s book, “The Doll’s Tea Party.”
In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Fontaine Porter Caldwell. She is survived by numerous cousins, her dear friends, the Muncey family of Botetourt, and Melvin and Johnie Corbett of Fincastle.
A celebration of Faye’s life will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville with the Rev. Rob Marsh and the Rev. John Fox officiating. A private burial will be at Godwin Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Faye’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3959 Electric Road, Roanoke, 24018. On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.
COLLINS, Jean M.
Iris Jean Myers Collins of Fincastle, age 78, born October 30, 1939, to the late John and Blanche Dunbar Myers, passed away on June 14, 2018.
She was also predeceased by sister, Joann Dize; brothers, David Myers and Billy Myers; and special friend, Earl R. Wills.
Jean was retired from the Botetourt County School System with 30 years of service as a school bus driver. She loved flowers, riding motorcycles and dancing.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Karen Johns Switzer and husband, James (Jimmy) Switzer of Salem; sisters, Patty (James) Johnson, Roanoke, and Betty June (Sonny) Reed, Fincastle; and brother, Jerry T. (Mary Jo) Myers, Blackstone. She is also survived by numerous special nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her special friends from North Star.
Jean will be carried for her last ride by motorcycle to Wheatland Lutheran Church Cemetery, Buchanan, where a graveside interment service will be held on July 6, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider Fincastle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 432, Fincastle, 24090, or “Back Pack Buddies,” c/o Troutville Church of Brethren, P.O. Box 156, Troutville, 24175 or Botetourt County Public Schools, Education Foundation Inc., 143 Poor Farm Road, Fincastle, 24090.
PEAY, Kay F.
Kay Francis Peay, 80, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018 due to complications of her 16-year battle with cancer.
Kay was born on August 10, 1937 in Oriskany to Anna Virginia Hickenbotham and James Edward Hickenbotham Sr. Growing up with her father who was a deacon, it is apparent that she was raised in a respectful Christian household. Kay accepted Jesus at a young age.
Throughout her years of schooling, Kay was known for having outstanding achievements, such as earning straight A’s and honors. Kay was the valedictorian of her class at Academy Hill High. Continuing her studies, Kay thrived and performed well while attending Virginia State University, majoring in History and Home Economics.
Kay relocated to Washington, D.C. in the early ’60s where she met her husband, Archie Greenlee Peay Sr. Together they raised five children. She became a widow when he passed away in 1995.Kay was also preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Joyce Carol Peay, who suddenly passed away on October 2, 2017.
Kay is survived by her brother, James Edward Hickenbotham Jr.; sister, Reva Waldron-Turner; son, Archie G. Peay Jr. (Hattie); daughter, Lynda Kay Spencer (Timothy); daughter, Audrey Francesca Peay; and daughter, Angela Geanette DeBruhl. Kay was blessed with six beautiful grandchildren: Anthony G. Peay Jr (Joi), Rafaela Valentia Mason (Jeffrey), Walter Horace Spencer, Julia Autumn Peay, Kaylin Kamaya Peay and Jawar Khalil DeBruhl; and one great-granddaughter Skylar Iman Mason.
SIMMONS, Abraham J.
Abraham Jonathan “A.J.” Simmons Jr., 89, of Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, died Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.
He was born January 12, 1929, in Botetourt County to the late Abraham Jonathan Simmons Sr. and Stella Gertrude Clarkson Simmons. He retired as a clerk for CSX Transportation after 42 years of service. He was a member of Living Stones Ministries. He was the Mayor from December of 1977 to December of 1978 and long time council member for the Town of Iron Gate. He loved woodworking, hunting, gardening and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Louise Young Simmons; seven sisters, Hazel Piscunare, Dorothy Myers, Patricia Griner, Mary Capalby, Frances Bober, Bernice Deisher, and Phyllis Huffman; and a brother, Homer Simmons.
He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Rollins Simmons of Clifton Forge; two sons, Lee Simmons and wife Frances of Clifton Forge, and Roger Simmons and wife Linda of Troutville; a sister, Alice Wilkerson of Lynchburg; three brothers, Charles L. Simmons and wife Mary of Clifton Forge, Donald Simmons and wife Robin of Eagle Rock, and Robert Simmons and wife Linda of Covington; three grandchildren, Sharon Blanchard and husband Travis, Wesley Simmons and wife Crystal, and Krista Simmons; two great-grandchildren, Tristan Blanchard and Avery Simmons; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 23, at 1 p.m. at Living Stones Ministries Church with the Rev. Mike Rollins officiating. The family received friends at the church on Saturday at 12 p.m., one hour prior to the service.
A.J.’s special request is for memorial tributes to be in the form of contributions to the Special Missions Outreach-Through Living Stones Ministries, 601 Granville Ave, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422.
Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
