Teel, Imogene Lucas

Nora “Imogene” Lucas Teel, having lived 96 years on this earth, began her new life in paradise on Saturday, June 4, 2022, after a brief illness. She joined her husband, Colen Teel, in heaven after living 24 years alone.

Imogene was born on October 30, 1925, to her parents Montie J. Lucas and Margie Lester Lucas, being the seventh of eight children raised on the family farm in Riner.

Besides her husband Colen and her parents, she is also predeceased by six siblings—her three brothers, Randolph, Ralph, and Raymond Lucas, and three sisters, Irene Thompson, Virginia Altizer, and Ida Mae Bishop.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters—Alice T. Hinterschied and her husband Michael of Norcross, Georgia, and Joan T. Hannah and her husband David of Radford, Virginia. Also surviving are her sister Jackie Shelton of Christiansburg, a sister-in-law Freda Teel of Christiansburg, and a brother-in-law Joe McKenzie of Lebanon, Ohio. Numerous nephews, nieces, neighbors, and friends also survive.

Imogene graduated from Auburn High School, enrolled in a business program at Radford College, and worked at the Carnation Milk Company in downtown Riner. It was there that she met a handsome milk hauler named Colen and married him in 1947. She later worked in the Auburn High School cafeteria from 1960-1990, serving as the cafeteria manager for many years. She fed thousands of meals, always putting a little extra sugar and love into the school lunches for Auburn students and staff. Thirty years of AHS students can still remember the smell of her homemade rolls coming from the cafeteria through the hallways.

Imogene was a long-time member of the Christiansburg Church of Christ, serving as a Bible class teacher and participating in the ladies’ group. Her beautiful soprano voice remained clear and strong while singing hymns every Sunday, even into her 90’s.

Imogene was adventurous. She and Colen enjoyed traveling after her retirement from AHS and his retirement from the dairy farm. They traveled to the western US states, Alaska, Canada, and England. She was a participant of the Montgomery County Parks and Recreation program, often being photographed for the MCPR brochure with her hiking poles or in the pool doing water aerobics. When she was in her 70’s, she even para-sailed with her teenage nieces at Myrtle Beach.

Imogene commented often about the beauty she found in the world and took a great deal of pleasure in her yard – the flowers she grew, her gardens, and the birds at her feeders. Inheriting a love of plants from her mother, she grew immaculate vegetable gardens each year and shared generously with all she knew. The flowers in and around her house were colorful during all four seasons of the year. She received much joy from her flowers, and she loved sharing that joy with all who visited her home.

Imogene’s incredible positive attitude endeared her to all, and she had a gift of hospitality. She had a sincere and genuine interest in everyone around her, her first questions being “How are YOU?” and “What all have you been doing?” Whether she had known a person for many years or for just five minutes, she was an active listener and wanted to hear the details of that person’s life. She had an incredible memory for these details, even until her death. Visitors always left feeling uplifted and loved.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8, 2022, from 10 am to 11 am at Horne Funeral Home. A celebration of Imogene’s life will begin at 11 am in the Chapel with Mr. Dennis Curd presiding. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, Christiansburg. Visitors are asked to wear a face mask.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carilion Hospice (701 Randolph St, Radford, VA 24141) or to Christiansburg Church of Christ (1250 S. Franklin St, Christiansburg, VA 24073).

The family extends special gratitude to Melinda Smith and all the loving caregivers who assisted Imogene in her final days. Thank you, also, to Dr. Daniel Kelly for his loving care.