Virginia Lambert Houchens Vest passed away peacefully on January 23, 2014. She was born in Altavista, Virginia on July 11, 1924. She was a lifelong resident of Salem, having moved there at age five when her father took a job with the Salem Public Works Department. She was a graduate of Roanoke College, and except for a brief stint in Clifton Forge, spent her entire career as an English and Social Studies teacher in the Roanoke County and Salem Public Schools before retiring at age 62. She was known to her family and friends as Boots, a nickname given to her as a child because of the colorful boots that she wore while visiting her grandfather’s Altavista farm. She was an avid bridge player and a lifelong member of Salem Presbyterian Church where she had served as a deacon. Boots loved all things Salem, her neighbors and friends and her family; especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank E. Houchens and her second husband Robert Vest. She is survived by her brother Robert Lambert of Salem, her sons Edwin L. Houchens of Richmond and John E Houchens of Atlanta, and three grandchildren, Taylor Houchens, Ryan Houchens, and Laura Houchens. She is also survived by members of her extended family; Bob Vest’s daughter-in-law Bonnie Vest and her sons Stuart Vest and Cameron Vest, all of Salem. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in the Abby Chapel of Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday, January 27 at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Presbyterian Church 41 East Main Street Salem, VA 24153. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.