Ida Bevins

Ida Bevins Ida Cook Bevins, 93, passed away on April 30, 2010, at Holston Valley Hospital following a brief illness. Momma Ida, as she was known to family, friends, and the community, was born on Aug. 8, 1916, in Buchanan County, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Naomi Tester Cook; sisters Gladys Justice, Lula Bentley, Hazel Bise, Alta Dotson, Lucy Dotson, and Ollie May; brothers, Ralph Cook, Earl Cook, and Lonnie Cook; her husband, W.N. Bevins; two children, Billy Joe Bevins and Hazel Franks; and special friend, Ruth Burke. Momma Ida was a walking sermon regarding her relationship with her God whom she faithfully served since the age of 12. She was a founding member and Trustee of Trinity Life Center Church whose first meeting was held in her living room. Momma Ida is credited with having written the church's first tithing check. She cherished her church family and pastors, Rev. John and Martha Mc Carroll and is lovingly known as the "mother of the church." She shared scripture, not by verse, but by sections of chapters, followed by commentary and something about the writer of that particular scripture. Momma Ida loved her family passionately and talked about how proud she was of each of them. She often talked about how many of her family attended "Clinch Valley College", now The University of Virginia's College at Wise, and was especially proud of family members who were educators. She believed in the value of education and encouraged every family member to pursue some type of higher education. Momma Ida was also known for her patriotism. She was an avid supporter of every branch of the military, especially the Navy where her great-grandson served, and staunchly supported veterans. She donated the foundation money to purchase the large flag that flies in front of Trinity Life Center and the two large eagles that grace the church's entrance. She prayed for peace but believed in the value of war for the cause of freedom. Momma Ida had a flag pole and flag in her yard, and as part of her daily ritual, said the Pledge of Allegiance followed by prayer and daily Bible reading. Momma Ida is survived by her daughter, Louellen Payne and husband, Rex; son-in-law, Milas Franks; grandchildren, Cindy Ferguson and husband, Jim, David Whitaker, Beth Hildebrand and husband, Rick, William Franks, Jewell Worley and husband, Wayne, Rhonda Greear, Paula DuVal and husband, John, Nancy Wheatley and husband Wayne, Melissa Bevins, and Suzy Mullins and Steve; 11 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grand children. Visitation for friends will be held at Trinity Life Center Church in Tacoma beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 3, followed by the funeral service conducted by the Rev. John McCarroll at 7 p.m. Family and friends will meet at Greenwood Cemetery in Coeburn on Tuesday at 1 p.m. for graveside services which will be conducted by the Rev. John McCarroll. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Flag Fund at Trinity Life Center or Relay For Life/Southwest VA Cancer Center. Estes Funeral Home in Coeburn is in charge of the arrangements.