Nancy Mitchell Sowder

Nancy Mitchell Sowder, 77, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. She was born in Saltville, Va., to the late Lena and Roy Mitchell. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers, James Mitchell and wife, Pearl, Bill Mitchell and wife, Helen, Claude Mitchell and Charles Mitchell; also sisters, Mildred Mitchell Coates and husband, Frankie, and Elsie Mitchell Davis; and brother-in-law, Robert Kestner. She is survived by her husband, Emanuel F. Sowder; sons, Stephen L. Sowder and wife, Diane, and David L. Sowder and wife, Pam; grandson, David Adam Sowder; and granddaughters, Stephanie K. Sowder and Kaye L. Sowder. Also surviving are sister, Sue Mitchell Kestner; sisters-inlaw, Betty Mitchell and Edna Mitchell; brother-in-law, James Davis; and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Sowder was a member of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren for nearly 50 years. She was a graduate of the Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1953. She was an excellent nurse and a precious, loving and faithful wife to her husband, Emanuel. She loved her husband, sons, daughtersin-law, and grandchildren very much. She worked 39 years for Dr. Luther Lowe at Brambleton Clinic. She loved Jesus Christ, her church and church family, and her many friends and patients at Brambleton Clinic. She touched the hearts and lives of many and will be missed very much. Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, June 26, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel with Pastor William Pugh officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 25, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Educational Fund, 138 McVitty Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.