Melvin, Irene Kirby

Irene (Granny) Kirby Melvin, 94, of Dublin. The angels came and took our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend home Friday, October 3, 2008 at her home. Born October 14, 1913 in Bland County, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Louise Farley Kirby.

Her husband, Harvey Andrew Melvin, sons, Wallace Melvin and Donald Melvin, three infant daughters, grandson, Doug Lyons, stepgrandson, Andy Thornton and several sisters and brothers also preceded her in death.

She was a member of Morgan’s Chapel United Methodist Church, New River. She loved her church and church family. She was a Sunday School teacher and did the Children’s Church for many years. She was loved by everyone who met her and never met a stranger. She was a devoted and caring housewife and took care of several elderly family members.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Eddie Young, Riner, Lora and Don Thornton, Pulaski; sons and daughters-in-law, Cecil and Mary Melvin, Bland, Russell and Judy Melvin, LaPlata, Md., Harvey and Irene Melvin, Dublin; brother and sister-in-law, Davis and Hazel Kirby, Bland; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren ; one great-great-grandchild; four step grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the Morgan’s Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Darlene Marshall officiating. Interment will follow at the Hoge’s Chapel Cemetery, Bland Co. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8p.m. Sunday evening at the Bower Funeral Home, Pulaski.

The family wants to thank Carilion Hospice for their special loving care. The family requests memorial contributions may be sent to Carilion Hospice Services, 707 Randolph Street, Suite 251, Radford, VA 24141.

Bower Funeral Home, Pulaski is handling the arrangements. www.bowerfuneralhome.com.