Kessinger, Alice Givens

Alice Givens Kessinger, 92, of Ripplemead, departed this life on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, in the quietness of her own home. She was born in Craig County, Va., on August 18, 1918, a daughter of the late Warner and Margie Reynolds Givens. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Kenneth W. Kessinger; her brother, Bud Givens; and her sister, Dolly Givens. She was a member of Calvary Christian Church in Pembroke where her son, David, is Pastor. Alice had the “touch” for growing orchids, geraniums, ferns and calla lilies; and sometimes would admit to the fertilizer she used. No one was sure whether she loved mowing her yard or just the fact that she was still able to do it at the age of 92. When her eyesight allowed she read the newspaper and watched TV and could hold her own in any conversation about current events and sports. For about 35 years she walked three to four miles every day and wore out countless pairs of tennis shoes. She was a very good cook and delighted in providing family favorites like boiled custard, rolls, and oatmeal cake with caramel icing. But most of all she loved “her boys” and their families. She leaves to cherish her memory her sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald (Ron) and Joyce Kessinger, of Roanoke, and David and Sheila Kessinger, of Newport; her grandchildren, Kim and Stephen Medley, Rhonda and Phillip Bandy, Greg and Kathleen Kessinger, Marshall Huffman, Michele Yeary, and Gene Arnold; and her greatgrandchildren, Kenneth Bandy and Max Kessinger. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2011, in the Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow St., Pembroke with Pastor Eddie Kendall officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. before the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Memorial Fund at Calvary Christian Church, P.O. Box 486, Pembroke, VA 24136. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.