Obituary for Kathy Sisson Journell
Kathy Sisson Journell, 71, of Roanoke, Va., passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, with her family by her side.
She was blessed with one son, Stephen, whom she got to watch grow into the man he is today. She had an amazing daughter-in-law, Becky, and “perfect” granddaughter, Isabelle. She adored watching Isabelle learn new things at school, dance in the Nutcracker ballet, and grow into the beautiful girl she is today. They would dance in the living room, make slime, doctor on stuffed animals, feed the ducks on the pond, and have hot fudge sundaes on the special nights Isabelle spent with her.
Family time was important, and not just on holidays. Kathy enjoyed spending time with her brother, sister, son, and all the “kids”. Although chaotic, family time was quality time and worth the loudness. Everyone could see her happiness, hear her laughter, and would smile back at her.
Kathy traveled with her best friend and older sister, Carol. They enjoyed the last few years together doing what made them happy. Often Kathy would spend the night with Carol. They would order out and watch movies together. They even experienced Bourbon Street in New Orleans, La., pre-COVID - together, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Kathy worked as secretary to Dr. Ray Harron for many years. She counted as dear friends the other women in the office, often sharing special lunches on someone’s birthday. She had many long-time friends, and loved them all.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Walthall Sisson; father, Asa “Red” Branham Sisson II; brother, Asa “Andy” Branham Sisson III; and husband, James “Jimmy” Clinton Journell.
Her surviving family includes her son, Stephen James; daughter-in-law, Becky James; granddaughter, Isabelle James; sister and best friend, Carol Eaton; brother and sister, Fred and Tina Sisson; favorite aunt, Frieda Hiner; mother-in-law, Frances Collins Huddleston; sister-in-law, Wanda J. Conner; nieces and nephews, Christy Sisson, Jessi and German Rodriguez, Jimmy and Diane Sisson, Joey Sisson, Josh Eaton, and Troy and Shana Sisson; great-nieces, Ava Rodriguez, Emma Sisson, Layla Sisson, Logan Sisson, and Taylor Rooksberry; and great-nephews, Iryan Sisson and Josiah Rodriguez.
A celebration of Kathy’s life will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Va., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. This will be live streamed through the funeral home’s website (www.johnmoakey.com) for those unable to attend. Interment will follow immediately follow Sherwood Memorial Park. Pastor Ben Lockhart will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
The Journell family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va.
She was blessed with one son, Stephen, whom she got to watch grow into the man he is today. She had an amazing daughter-in-law, Becky, and “perfect” granddaughter, Isabelle. She adored watching Isabelle learn new things at school, dance in the Nutcracker ballet, and grow into the beautiful girl she is today. They would dance in the living room, make slime, doctor on stuffed animals, feed the ducks on the pond, and have hot fudge sundaes on the special nights Isabelle spent with her.
Family time was important, and not just on holidays. Kathy enjoyed spending time with her brother, sister, son, and all the “kids”. Although chaotic, family time was quality time and worth the loudness. Everyone could see her happiness, hear her laughter, and would smile back at her.
Kathy traveled with her best friend and older sister, Carol. They enjoyed the last few years together doing what made them happy. Often Kathy would spend the night with Carol. They would order out and watch movies together. They even experienced Bourbon Street in New Orleans, La., pre-COVID - together, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Kathy worked as secretary to Dr. Ray Harron for many years. She counted as dear friends the other women in the office, often sharing special lunches on someone’s birthday. She had many long-time friends, and loved them all.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Walthall Sisson; father, Asa “Red” Branham Sisson II; brother, Asa “Andy” Branham Sisson III; and husband, James “Jimmy” Clinton Journell.
Her surviving family includes her son, Stephen James; daughter-in-law, Becky James; granddaughter, Isabelle James; sister and best friend, Carol Eaton; brother and sister, Fred and Tina Sisson; favorite aunt, Frieda Hiner; mother-in-law, Frances Collins Huddleston; sister-in-law, Wanda J. Conner; nieces and nephews, Christy Sisson, Jessi and German Rodriguez, Jimmy and Diane Sisson, Joey Sisson, Josh Eaton, and Troy and Shana Sisson; great-nieces, Ava Rodriguez, Emma Sisson, Layla Sisson, Logan Sisson, and Taylor Rooksberry; and great-nephews, Iryan Sisson and Josiah Rodriguez.
A celebration of Kathy’s life will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Va., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. This will be live streamed through the funeral home’s website (www.johnmoakey.com) for those unable to attend. Interment will follow immediately follow Sherwood Memorial Park. Pastor Ben Lockhart will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
The Journell family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va.