Kessinger, Lula Wilson

Lula Wilson Kessinger, age 74, of Newport, Virginia, departed this life on November 2, 2011. She was born on July 31, 1937 to the late Homer Roy and Estie Cora Wilson of Pearisburg, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Rowena (Rene) and Ralph Akers, and her brothers, Homer Roy Wilson, Jr., and Robert (Bobby) Wilson. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 53 years, Cecil Howard Kessinger; her daughters, Pamela Kessinger (Michael Donnini), of Buchanan, Virginia and Patricia Echols (Dennis) of Newport, Virginia, her son, Randy Kessinger of Newport, Virginia; her beloved granddaughters, Natalia, Valentina, and Anastasia Donnini. She is also survived by three sisters, Marjorie Talbott of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Gracie Vaught (Leon) of Floyd, Virginia, and Elizabeth East of Pearisburg, Virginia; a brother, Steve Wilson (Cathy) of Pearisburg, Virginia; as well as a special sister-in-law, Nettie Wilson of Pearisburg; and a host of nieces and nephews. Lula was a devoted wife and mother. She had two green thumbs and loved working in her gardens among nature’s glory. Irises were her favorite flower, and on the November day she passed, a beautiful yellow iris miraculously bloomed in front of her bedroom window, letting her family know that she is with God. She loved feeding the birds, and her family thought of her as one of God’s chickadees. Lula enjoyed traveling with her daughters and their families, and dreamed of white sand beaches since visiting Antigua. She was a wonderful cook, an expert seamstress, and decorated a beautiful home. She was also the world’s proudest and very best grandmother. The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Osamoni and the dedicated and caring ICU nurses at Montgomery Lewis Gale Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:00 am in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Garland Linkous officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.