Elsie Gertrude Harrell Brinkley

Elsie Gertrude Harrell Brinkley, 102, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully into the awaiting arms of God on Monday, June 15, 2009. Elsie was the oldest resident of the Carrington Place of Daleville, Va., where she resided for the past two years. Elsie was born on July 9, 1906, in Wythe County, Va. She was one of six children born to the late James K.B. Harrell and Margaret Gertrude Shortt Harrell, of Pulaski County, Va. Ms. Brinkley was married to the late Roy Ernest Brinkley Sr. She was preceded in death by four sons, Malcolm G. Brinkley, Roy E. Brinkley Jr., James K. Brinkley, and Ronnie L. Brinkley. She was also preceded by two daughters, Mary E. Engleman and Barbara J. Hamlin Ficca. Elsie is survived by four daughters, Alma M. Brown (Clarence), of Richmond, Va., Mildred M. Sanger (Calvin), of Midlothian, Va., Joyce M. Smith, of Roanoke, Va., and Judith A. Bussey (Robert), of Montvale, Va. She is also survived by one sister, Virginia Coaltrane Irving, of Bristol, Va. Elsie was the proud grandmother of 28 grandchildren; and numerous great and great-greatgrandchildren. Elsie was employed by Peter Stevens Inc. of Roanoke, until her retirement in 1971. In May of 1978, she moved to Shenandoah Homes Retirement Village and started a new career as the head cook. Elsie had a passion for cooking and in October 1992 she was recognized as "Employee of the Month for the East and West Coast" by All Kitchens Food Service. She retired from this position at the age of 89. The family would like to thank Carrington Place for the loving care provided to our Mother during her residency there. We would also like to thank Southern Health Hospice for the care given to her during her final days. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel with the Rev. Paul Stover officiating. The interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will be receiving friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.