Our beloved Betty Jean Hodges Stoneman of Roanoke, passed away on Jan. 6, 2014 at the age of 74. 

 

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Hall Hodges; her parents, W. Dennis and Goldie Hodges, and her grandson, Christopher.

 

She is survived by her dearly loved sister, Murielene Swindeck; devoted daughters, Lisa (Chuck Akers), and Jennifer; adoring grandchildren, Hannah and Nick; nephew, William Swindeck; lifelong friends, Susie Kirby and Peggy and Lloyd Hannah, and a host of other family and friends. 

 

Betty worked as an executive secretary and REALTOR with J.G. Sheets & Sons for over 55 years. After her retirement, she worked with the Bradley Free Clinic. She also volunteered extensively at the VA Hospital, DAV and AMVETS.

 

Anyone who knew Betty knows her as the world’s greatest NASCAR fan. Her grandchildren have fond memories of Sunday afternoons spent listening to the sounds of the race and sipping on her perfectly brewed sweet tea. She was also a lifelong voracious reader, a passion that she passed along to her children and grandchildren. 

 

Betty almost exclusively answered to “Ma” after her grandchildren were born, a testament to her comforting, motherly presence. Even when sick and so very tired, Betty was known to grocery shop for a friend in need, or provide a ride to the doctor, no questions asked; her motherly love also extended to her four-legged friends. Betty’s generosity and kindness knew no bounds.

 

To know her was to love her, and the world is a dimmer place with her loss. 

 

Arrangements provided by Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel (downtown) with visitation on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 6-8 p.m. and funeral service on Friday, Jan. 10, at 12 p.m. A brief graveside service will be held at the Hodges Family Cemetery, Old Plantation Rd., Rocky Mount, Va.