Brammer, Ruby Iris Cashion

Ruby Iris Cashion Brammer, 89, formerly of Narrows, Va., faithful and loving servant of our Lord, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, July 18, 2007.

Iris was born June 18, 1918 in Greenville, S.C., but lived most of her adult life in Narrows, Va. Preceding her in death were her husband, William Brammer; her parents, Kay and Esther Cashion; her two sisters, Gladys Brownlee and Ruth Stanley; and one brother, Carl Cashion.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her four children and their spouses, Charles and Anita Brammer, Thomas Brammer, Mary Martin, Paul and Ruth Nester; along with one brother, Deward Cashion. Iris or NaNa is also survived by her five grandchildren and their spouses, Emily and Tommy Chandler, Heather Brammer, Kristin and Josh Dickson, John Martin, and Lindsay Nester; along with four great grandchildren.

Iris served as librarian for 37 years at the public library in Narrows, where she was honored by town leaders when the library’s name was changed to Iris Brammer Public Library. At the age of 80, she retired from the library and moved to the Richmond area, where she joined Oak Grove Baptist Church.

While living in Narrows, she served on the board of the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home in Salem and was a faithful member of her church, First Baptist Church of Narrows, serving as a Sunday School teacher, WMU leader, Sunbeam and Girls’ Auxiliary leader, Baptist training union teacher, choir member, and member of the drama team.

Iris and William were active in their community and traveled to England and Nigeria as lay missionaries. She continued to be active in mission work after his death, traveling to Brazil, Israel, England, Egypt, and Kenya. Her educational experiences included New River Community College, Marshall University, and Oxford University in England. While taking classes at New River Community College, she was recognized as Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges .

A gathering for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2007 at Bliley’s Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Rd., where a celebration of Iris’ life will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 4 p.m. Burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Sunrise Burial Park, Radford, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 849, Salem, VA 24153.