Garrett, Algene Wertz

Thelma Algene Wertz Garrett, 95, of Elliston, and formerly of Roanoke, Va., left this life for her Heavenly home on Saturday, October 25, 2014. For the past 10 months she was a resident at Snyder Nursing Home in Salem, Va.

She was born on September 19, 1919, and preceded in death are her parents, J. Walter and Rose Alice (Smith) Wertz; and stepmother, Nora Wertz; her loving husband of 56 years, Brownie Wayne Garrett Jr.; brother, Malcolm Wertz; sister-in-law, Connie Wertz; special nephew, Calvin Wertz; and her grandchild and nakesake, Melissa Algene Garrett.

Surviving are her loving sister, Desmond Tingler of Salem; and her two sons, Brownie Wayne (BW) Garrett III of Virginia Beach, and Gordon Grant Garrett and daughter-in-law, Deborah H. Garrett, of Elliston. Grandchildren of BW, Brownie Wayne and Vickie Garrett IV of Zuni; great-grandchildren, Austin, Megan and Garbiella (Gabby); grandson, John and Mandy Garrett of Norfolk; great-grandchildren, Ava and Isla. Grandchildren of Gordon, Christopher Garrett, of New Mexico and David Garrett of Florida; great-grandchildren, Brayden and Elijah Saunders; and stepgranddaughter, Emily and Ray Sharks of Elliston; and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Laurel and Troy.

Algene was a loving dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker all of her life. She was a proud graduate of the Class of 1937 from Andrew Lewis High School. She was a devout Christian and a faithful charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Roanoke. She served as Sunday School secretary for over 40 years. She also served in many other capacities as a greeter and even painted murals on the walls in the children’s department. She loved to knit, sew and paint. Her passion was painting on just about anything one could imagine. The family is blessed to have so many beautiful works of art to remember her.

The family would like to express its appreciation for the care she received while a resident at Snyder Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Snyder Nursing Home, Inc. 11 North Broad St. Salem, VA 24153.

Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va., with the Rev. Turner officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at Lotz Salem Chapel.

Online condolences may be left at www.lotzfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Lotz Salem Chapel, 540-389-9208.