Bratton, Margaret Sutphin Dickerson

Margaret Belle Sutphin Dickerson Bratton, 83, of Pulaski, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2007 after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Born March 31, 1923 in Wythe County, Va., Margaret had a remarkable zest for life and laughter. She especially enjoyed entertaining others by sharing one of her countless jokes. Above all, she enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, U. Clyde Bratton, brother E. Earl Sutphin, one sister, Cleo Sutphin and stepson, U. Clyde Bratton, Jr.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Ken and Joyce Pendergrast of Dublin, Mr. and Mrs. Doug and Lynne Johnson of Roseboro, N.C., Mrs. Margie Lockard of Roanoke and Mr. and Mrs. Harold and Betty Turner of Boones Mill, Va.; one son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Sharon Crawford of Manassas, Va.; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ben and Dreama Gardner of Rocky Mount, N.C.; one brother, Wallace E. Sutphin of Roanoke, Va.; one sister-in-law, Pearl Sutphin of Roanoke, Va. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, including a very special granddaughter and grandson, Lindsey and Hunter of Dublin; and numerous great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren, as well as countless nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Margaret is also survived by her special family of friends at Pulaski Retirement Center that she called home for many years. Margaret will be sadly missed by her loving family and friends and by one very special family pet, “Ivy”.

The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Dan Bradley, the Nursing Staff and all ancillary departments at Pulaski Community Hospital involved in our mother’s care. The attention and support that you provided during Margaret’s lengthy illness and passing demonstrated outstanding professionalism and endless commitment and compassion.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 2 p.m. from the Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski, with the Rev. Mike Blouse officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. Visiting will be Tuesday evening at Stevens Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Flowers will be appreciated, but for those who wish, they may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Rd., Roanoke, Va., 24018. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.