Viola G. Firebaugh, 88, of Natural Bridge Station, VA, went home to her Lord on April 14, 2011.
She is survived by her brothers and sisters: Leonard Firebaugh and wife Mary Alice of Roanoke, VA; John Firebaugh and wife Lynn of Chester, VA; Dorothy Gaddy of Hopewell, VA; Alice Pfaff and husband Charles of Radford, VA; Judy Perez and her husband Ruben of Monterrey, Mexico; and sisters-in-law Margaret Firebaugh of Roanoke, VA and Chappie Firebaugh of Rocky Mount, VA. In addition to her brothers and sisters, Sissy (as she was affectionately called), is survived by 22 nieces and nephews, 34 grand nieces and nephews, 8 great-grand nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents Lucille (Smith) and Lee H. Firebaugh; brothers Lee H. Firebaugh, Jr., Malcolm Firebaugh, James Firebaugh; and sister Ann Lyles.
Viola’s family and friends will miss her loving and caring ways, her gracious smile and hospitality, and her love for her Lord that was seen in all of her actions.
Viola retired from Wachovia Bank. Previous to that she worked in the family grocery store and as a secretary at Locker Brick Company.
She was a life-long member of Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship, and was honored on June 29, 2010, for her service to the church and the church family. During her 88 years, she served faithfully for many years as secretary-treasurer and in various other capacities such as Sunday school teacher, choir director/member, church trustee, and children’s ministries.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship, Education Building Construction Fund, P. O. Box 126, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579.
The family will receive friends at 2 p. m. on Sunday, April 17, at the Natural Bridge Christian Fellowship. The funeral will follow at 3 p. m., and interment will be at the High Bridge Cemetery.
The following are comments after the original news about Viola's death and funeral arrangements. Just remember you have the option to make comments following any news item.
1. Mary Anne Weeks wrote:
Everette and I celebrate the home going of "Sissy" and pray that the Lord will comfort each family member. Leonard and Mary Alice are among our most cherished friends, and we know that our Lord will strengthen them as they remember the times they have shared with their precious sister. Soon Jesus will come to take us all home. Our prayers are with you all.
In Him.
2. Barry Nall wrote:
I was honored to pastor Natural Bridge Fellowship, and served as not only Viola's pastor, but also her late Mother, Lucille. Those ladies and that wonderful Firebaugh family have had a great impact on my life, Viola in particular. She is one of the most gracious, sweet Christian women I have ever known. I always enjoyed visiting their home, and Viola always served as a great example of Christian virtue. She was a wonderful friend, and Debs, Hannah & I will miss her. I spoke with her on the phone two weeks ago, and I will cherish that coversation the rest of my life.
3. Darla Fulton Allman wrote:
I read in today's newspaper about the death of Viola. Although I never met her, she was always spoken about affectionately by her baby sister, Judy, while we were roommates at Radford College. She must have been a true saint of God with very loving ways of helping others. I rejoice with your family today to know that Viola is in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord! She is having the Family Reunion she has always lived for. Your family will remain in my prayers.
God bless you all,
Darla Fulton Allman
Class of '67, Radford College
4. Karen F. Jones Georgia Conference IPHC wrote:
I grew up in the Natural Bridge church, and it was one of God's greatest gifts to me to have had Viola as a Sunday school teacher and choir director. She is the one who led me to the Lord; I accepted Jesus as my Savior in her primary Sunday school class. Watching her sing with such passion each Sunday gave me a love for music that has never died. She impacted the lives of scores of young people over the years; only God truly knows how far her ministry has reached! Many of us have commented on the number of Bible verses she helped us commit to memory. I cannot be in Virginia for the funeral today, but my heart is there. Viola's younger sister, Judy, was my youth director. Both of these ladies did more to disciple me than anyone else in my life. I am not sure "who" I would be today without their influence; I owe them both so much! Heaven is a little sweeter today because Viola is there. I can just see her radiant face as she sings with untold passion to the God she loved so much and served so faithfully on this earth! One day I will join her there, and we will sing together again. Thank you Lord for sharing her with me and using her to so greatly touch my life; I have been blessed indeed!
[Editor's comment: When I published the death announcement and obituary, I did not have a photo of Viola. Thanks for her brother, John, we now have it.
If you need to write me, you must send your e-mails to: hugh@hughsnews.com.
Any correspondance through the mail should be sent to:
Hugh Morgan
17 Sweet Apple Lane
Winder, GA 30680
It is a pleasure serving you.]
Posted on
Fri, April 22, 2011
by Hugh Morgan