Lisa Bragg Kirkwood-Hammes, 52, of the Roanoke Valley, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023. Born on Sunday, March 15, 1970, to the late Thomas J. and Mary Sue Hess Bragg, in Salem, VA. Lisa was many things, a loving mom, Yaya, wife, and friend. Anyone who knew her knew she was a spitfire. She would go to war for those she loved, especially her children and grandbabies. She spent her life caring for those around her; she was the type of woman you knew you could rely on, no matter what. She was always there for anyone who needed it. Lisa loved to be in nature! On the bank of a creek, with her toes in the mud and the sun on her cheeks, you could find her often. She loved to camp and fish. She loved to feed the birds, deer, and squirrels in her backyard. More than anything, Lisa loved her family. Nothing made her happier than seeing everyone together, laughing, and making memories. She was the glue that held everyone together through good and bad. Words could never express how much she will be missed, or how very much she is loved. She was the most stubborn and strong-willed woman who loved everything inside her. Lisa was a member of the American Postal Workers Union 482. She served as the editor of the APWU newspaper called the “Steward APWU.” She also served in the capacity of Vice President for the Virginia chapter of APWU. She was a member of the Western VA Coalition of Labor Union Women, Western VA Labor Federation, and a board member for IWLA Izaak Walton League Roanoke Chapter. In addition to her parents, she was greeted on the shores of heaven by her paternal grandparents, Thomas, and Alynne Bragg; maternal grandparents, Benny, and Zola Hess; Imogene Salyers, Ruby Dowdy; and niece, Bridgett; Ida and Johnny Bumgarner, Sue and Holly Mutter, and Betty Richardson; and many beloved family members; shortly after she left this world, her beloved fur baby Roxy, also joined her in heaven.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband and best friend, Jonathan Hammes; children, Kylen S. Kirkwood, II, and wife, Trish of Thaxton, VA, Danielle N. Kirkwood of Goodview, VA, and Victoria C. Kirkwood of Roanoke, VA; sister, Karen Phillips; grandbabies, Izabella, Haley, and Emberlynn; stepchildren, Justin Wade Hammes of Washington D.C., Joshua Ross Hammes, and Dylan Chase Hammes both of Roanoke, VA; nephews, Brandon, Mitchell, Jason, and Matthew; nieces, Laura, and Kennedy; and numerous other family members and friends.

In keeping with her wishes for everyone to be together, Lisa’s family invites everyone to gather in her memory from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to contribute to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke, in honor of Lisa.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.