Elizabeth Genette Stallard

Elizabeth Genette Stallard, 71, of Roanoke, Va., died on Saturday, April 10, 2010,at Lewis-Gale Hospital, Salem, Va. She was happy to be a beloved member of the NE Roanoke, Va., congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Elizabeth was born in rural Southwest Virginia, the oldest daughter of James G. and Rita S. Stallard. She is survived by her mother, Rita S. Stallard; and five siblings, Loyal N. Stallard, of Daleville, Va., Wayland W. Stallard, of Washington, D.C., Mavis S. Sessions, of Carrollton, Ga., Dewey D. Stallard, of Roanoke, Va., and Rita J. Stallard, of Roanoke, Va. She earned a Masters degree in Education from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., and while she taught in various public school systems in Virginia and elsewhere, she spent more than 40 years of her adult life as a full-time volunteer in the Bible educational work being done by Jehovah's Witnesses in 236 countries. She strongly believed the most important educational work she could be involved in was the sharing of many truths she had learned from the Bible with others so they could benefit from a close, personal relationship with their Creator, Jehovah God-a relationship she herself worked hard to cultivate. Her marriage to W. Samuel Morris of Charlottesville, Va., produced no children; however, she served as "Mom" to several who became her friends. She considered her life to be enriched by the many friends and lasting friendships gained as a result of her Bible educational work. Her optimistic outlook was apparent to those around her, and her deep faith gave her the added strength to fight cancer for some 12 years. A memorial service for Elizabeth will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3495 Belle Avenue, Roanoke, Va. 24012. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Worldwide Bible Educational Work of Jehovah's Witnesses, c/o the Belle Avenue address above. Arrangements are being handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019, 540-366-0707.