Heslep, Annie Arwilda

Annie Arwilda Lawrence Heslep, 90, of Elliston, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, Novemer 14, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur W. Heslep, Jr.; her parents, Hubert T. and Kayoula M. Lawrence; and two sisters, Fannie Mae Webster and Betty Joyce Lawrence.

She is survived by her four children, Richard Heslep, Nancy Waddell (Danny), Roger Heslep (Myrteen), and Patricia Hall (Darin); five grandchildren, Mike, Mallory, Brielle, Dylan, and Sarah; and one great granddaughter, Tyler. Also surviving are her brother, Elwood Lawrence (Helen); and sister, Clara Smith (Crowell), and a special niece and nephew.

Arwilda was a long time member of the Lafayette United Methodist Church where she was active in Sunday School and the United Methodist Women. She would sew and make crafts year round for the annual bazaar. She was a working mom who started her career at the Radford Arsenal and continued for many years as a skilled seamstress. She was a kind and gentle person devoted to the care and joy of her family, gardening, and preparing wonderful meals.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Karen Barnhart and staff of Carilion Salem Office and Dr. Prokopchak for their loving care. Also, thanks to the staff at Joseph C. Thomas Assisted Living facility for their wonderful care.

The family will receive friends from 12 until 1 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2015 in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A service to honor Arwilda’s life will follow at 1 p.m., with Rev. Terry Johnson officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.