Sweeney, Allene Vest

Allene Vest Sweeney, 96, of Salem, Va., and formerly of Floyd, Va., entered into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 27, 2011, with her family by her bedside. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred D. Sweeney; four sisters; and five brothers.

Allene was the daughter of John Henry and Pallie Vest, of Check, Va. Fred and Allene were instrumental in founding the Floyd Church of the Nazarene where Allene served as missionary President for many years and enjoyed working in the nursery. The family moved to the Roanoke Valley in 1956 where they supported growth in the Garden City Church of the Nazarene and later the Hollins Church of the Nazarene where she received special recognition for 20 plus years of service in the Nursery Department.

Surviving are her children, Freddie Dalton (Bill), Susie Poff, and Audrey Poff (Wilson), all residing in the Roanoke area, Betty Rodabaugh (Larry), of Milwaukee, Wis., Doris Moses (Joe), of Nashville, Tenn., Lynwood Sweeney (Skip), of Helen, Ga., and Wayne Sweeney (Janette), of Salem. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; 32 greatgrandchildren; 15 great-greatgrandchildren; brother, Horace Vest; and sister, Allie Vest, of Check, Va.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the Rev. Lynn Riddle of Hollins Church of the Nazarene and Drs. Hooper and Somorin, and the caring nursing staff on the 3rd Floor at Lewis Gale Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Hollins Church of the Narzarene, 7039 Plantation Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019.

Funeral Services will be conducted 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. Lynn Riddle and the Rev. Dan Freeland. A Graveside Service will be conducted 10 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2011, in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.