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.
[Editor's Note: The last time I saw Viola Firebaugh was a couple of years ago at the evening Camp Meeting service at the Appalachian Conference at Dublin, VA. That evening she was traveling with Leonard and Mary Alice Firebaugh.
Years before that, Melvine and I drove over to Natural Bridge from our home in Richmond to see the Laser Show, and stopped by her home--the home place of the Firebaugh family. She was a gracious and loving hostess and welcomed us into her home to view it.
The Firebaugh family has been been an inspiration to all of us who are members of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church over the years. I attended Emmanuel College with James Firebaugh back in the early 50s. These are genuine Pentecostal Holiness people who love God, their family, church, and community. You could always count on them for faithfulness, loyalty, and commitment. My love and prayers, along with those of Melvine, go out to Viola's family. We love them all.]
Posted on
Sat, April 16, 2011
by Hugh Morgan