Laura Looney

Laura Elizabeth Austin Looney Laura Elizabeth Austin Looney, age 80, was taken from her earthly home by the hand of her Lord and Savior to a quieter, gentler place on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012. She lived in the Grapefield section of Bland County and was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. Born Oct. 10, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Maurine Mosley Austin and Earl Gibson Austin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Mason Looney; three brothers, William E. "Bill" Jonas, Henry "H.A." Austin and Chap Gibson Austin Sr.; one sister, Tiny Janice Nipper. Laura was the last of her siblings. Left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Joan Rowe, Michele Crotty, Clayton and wife, Margarett Brooks, all of Bastian, Va., Bonnie Lambert and husband, Danny, of Bluefield, W.Va., Larry and wife, Tina Looney, Brenda and Rick Gabriel all of Dayton, Ohio. She was "MeeMaw" to 21 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She loved them all beyond measure. Laura was a retired nurse from Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Bluefield, and Kegley Manor Nursing and Rehab Center, Bastian. Her family would like to express heartfelt gratitude and loving thankfulness to Amedysis Home Health and Hospice of Southwest Virginia for all the wonderful care given to her this past year. L aura was a dedicated member of the Grapefield Church of God and her wishes were that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Grapefield Church of God Youth Fund, 3104 Grapefield Road, Bastian, VA 24314. F uneral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at the Bland Chapel with Pastor Bruce Hage officiating. Friends may pay respects on Friday from 11 a.m. until service time or at the residence at any time. O nline condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com Highland Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, Va., is handling the arrangements.