Epperly, Dorothy Childress

Dorothy Childress Epperly, a long time resident of Fairlawn, Va., peacefully departed this life from the comfort of her home on the morning of January 11, 2006 into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her loving family including Gentle Canine companion of her home, “Toby”.

For many years she battled daily, numerous life threatening illnesses with great grace and dignity. Dorothy was born in Smyth County, Va. on May 1, 1924 and she was predeceased by her husband, Walter Thomas Epperly, Sr. and her parents James and Belva Childress; a brother, Joe T. Childress and one sister Betty J. Childress.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Brenda E. Branscom, Christiansburg, Donna K. Epperly, Fairlawn; a son and daughter-in-law, Walter T. (Tommy) and Karen Epperly of Christiansburg; a granddaughter and husband Kelly E. and Mike Barbour, Shawsville; two grandsons, Greg Branscome, Christiansburg, Patrick Epperly and Fiancee Cara Pasnter, Chrsitainsburg; a brother, Jones B. Childress, Christiansburg; and two sisters Sue E. Childress, Radford and Gaynell Coffery, Lakewood, Ohio; a sister-in-law and husband Joyce and Carl Mowry. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to her ever faithful and compassionate caregivers, Carl Roberts, Dublin, and Karen Alderman of Pilot. In addition, a special thanks to the Physicians and staff of Dr. Allen Tauro, Dr. Vzair Wyne, Dr. Bheirvi Trevedi and Dr. Williams Baker. Also to the staff of Carilion Hospice services with special recognition to Brenda Morris, RN.

Throughout her illness she and her family were blessed with spiritual support and guidance from Pastor Danny Collins and Pat Collins at Fairlawn Baptist Church. Family will forever hold dear her example of strength and courage in the face of adversity.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2006 at Highland Memory Gardens with Pastor Danny Collins officiating. The funeral procession will leave DeVilbiss Funeral Home at 10: 40 a.m. to go to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 272 Waterworks Road, Radford, Va. 24141 or to the Fairlawn Baptist Church 6758 Oxford Avenue Radford, Va. 24141. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2006 at the DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford.