Ella Jean Athey

Ella Jean Athey, 72, of Walnut Ave. in Pembroke, Va., departed this life on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2009, at Giles Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Born in Smyth County, Va., on June 10, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Robert Thomas and Lula Prater Wilson. She was a member of Calvary Christian Church in Pembroke and was retired as a supervisor at the Celanese Plant at Narrows. Ella Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy W. Reed; and her brother, Robert D. "Bobby" Wilson. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Glenn Austin Athey; her two sons and daughterin-law, Phillip Todd Athey of Pembroke, and Charles Craig and Treena M. Athey of Ripplemead; her two granddaughters, Avrial Tara Athey and Keeley Anene Athey; a host of good friends; and her faithful dog, Abraham. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 5, 2009, in the Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke with the Rev. David Kessinger, the Rev. Bobby Sutphin and the Rev. Eddie Kendall officiating. Entombment will follow 11 a.m. on Friday morning, March 6, 2009, in Birchlawn Abbey in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. before the services. Online condolences may be sent to kendallfuneralhome.com.