Irene Jones Riley

Irene Jones Riley, 90, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Saturday, September 20, 2008. She was born on August 19, 1918, in Baltimore, Md., to Thurman W. and Catherine "Carrie" Blake Jones. Irene's parents; her brother, Wilbur W. Jones; and her sister, Elizabeth J. Ashburn, all predeceased her. Irene was married to her beloved husband, John Lee Riley, for almost 43 years when he passed away on June 16, 1980. Their little son, John Jr. "Bubbie" joined the other Angels in Heaven at 15 months old on May 21, 1941. Irene leaves behind her daughter, Janet Riley Leslie; her son-in-law, Robert L. "Bob" Leslie Sr., of Botetourt County. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother they called "Nannie" to her three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Donna Leslie Van Elzen, her husband, Patrick J. Van Elzen Sr., Jacksonville, Fla., their children, Chelsea Riley Van Elzen and Patrick J. Van Elzen Jr. Her grandson, Robert L. Leslie Jr. and his wife, Nan, Salem, Va., their children, Jodi Leslie Novak, her husband, Jesse, Robert L. Leslie III and Sarah and Jenny Frazier. Her grandson, John A. Leslie, Botetourt County, his children, Katie, Kristin and Andrew Leslie. "Nannie" was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker who always catered to her husband and family as long as she was able. She was a member of North Roanoke Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. Darryl Crim. Her family will receive visitors on Monday, September 22, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank the staff and friends at Springtree Health Care & Rehabilitation and also to the staff of Gentle Shepherd Hospice for the care and concern they gave to Irene and her family. Simpson Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, 540-366-0707.