Craighead, Violet DeWeese

Violet Maebee DeWeese Craighead, 80, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013. Violet was born in Floyd County, and was the daughter of the late Trigg DeWeese and Laura Bowles DeWeese.

Violet was a member of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. She was also a retired employee of Eli Lilly and Elizabeth Arden after 30 years of service. Violet loved to travel with family and friends. In recent years, Violet visited Myrtle Beach, the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk, Hoover Dam, New York City and Las Vegas. Over the years, Violet enjoyed helping sell produce at the Salem Farmer’s Market, making homemade jam and jelly baskets and chow-chow at the Floyd Craft Fair. Violet also enjoyed years of companionship with her pet dachshund, Cookie.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert (Hub) Craighead. Surviving are a daughter, Maria Faye Craighead Nichols and son-in-law, Thomas (Tom) Nichols, of Copper Hill; son, Douglas (Dougie) Craighead and daughter-in-law, Robin Wertz Craighead, of Salem; grandchildren, Hollie Young and husband, Kevin Young, Bedford, Michael Craighead and special friend, Danielle Reed, of Blacksburg; great-granddaughters, Kylie Young and Maggie Young, of Bedford. Also surviving are two sisters, Lois Rock, Salem and Jo Barksdale and husband, Bill, of Rocky Mount; one brother, Arving Hubert DeWeese and wife, Ocelia, of Bent Mountain; longtime special partner and companion for 18 years, John D. (J.D.) Gibson, of Salem and his sons, Mike Gibson and wife, Becky and his family, David and Scott Gibson and granddaughter, Sofie Gibson, Salem.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2013, at Lotz Salem Chapel with Pastor Ed Woodard officiating. Interment will follow in Copper Hill Cemetery in Copper Hill. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.