Wilburn, Cora Isabell Martin

“Starry, starry nights will never be the same” Cora Isabell (Betty) Martin Wilburn, 68, of Ripplemead Va., passed away Thursday, September 20, 2007at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Narrows, Va. on January 15 1939 to the late Powhatan and Isabell Martin. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby D. Wilburn. She is survived by two sisters, Peggy Roach of Pearisburg, Va. and Joann and husband, Byron Jessee, of Narrows, Va. Also surviving are sons, Michael and wife, Deb and children, Taylor of Cloverdale Va., and daughter Miciayla and husband, William Elsesser, of Greensboro, N.C., daughter, Toni and her husband, Frank Curley, son, Mark and wife, Sue, and their children, Laekan, Hayley and Luke, daughter, Lori, son, Andy and wife, Vicky Lynn, and their children, Katie-Bell, Brevin and Matison, all of Ripplemead, Va. and youngest son, Jared of Roanoke, Va. Also many nieces and nephews as well as special friends, Rowena Crockett, Carrie Greene, Bernadette Martin, Sandy Martin and Ellen Martin.

Betty graduated from Peterstown High School in 1957 and worked as a secretary until she married and moved to Alexandria with her husband Bobby where she helped him in the insurance business. Upon moving back to Giles she once again worked as a secretary before becoming a housewife until her children where grown where she later retired from the U.S. postal service.

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many positions in the primary and relief society as well as being a local missionary.

Betty was the constant companion and lifelong love of husband Bobby. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s various games and events, taking rides throughout the countryside with her husband, friends and family hence the nickname “go Betty go”. She loved looking at the stars as well as spending many hours sitting on the front porch. “Maw Maw” was the epitome of the term; “a grandma is a hug waiting to happen” since she treasured her grandchildren. A wonderful mother, wife, companion, grandmother, and friend she will be missed by all who knew her.

Family visitation will be at New River Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Route 460 in Pembroke, Va. on September 22, 2007 from 6 to 9 pm. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Route 460 in Pembroke, Va. with graveside services at the Kire Cemetery in Kire, Va. immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Bobby and Betty Wilburn Memorial Scholarship fund in care of Kim Tilley, Giles High School, 1825 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg, Va. 24134. Checks should be made out to Giles High School. The Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.