Bessie Inez Kanode

Bessie Inez Kanode, 84, of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. She was born in Salem, VA, a daughter of the late Roy W. Hudgins and Blanche Hambrick Hudgins and had been an area resident for all her life. She was employed earlier in her life at Garland Cleaners as well as Goodwin Insurance Agency. She was a faithful member of Salem Baptist Church having taught Sunday School classes throughout the years and held various volunteer positions within the church. She was a member of the Extension Homemakers Club and the Friendship Garden Club where she held numerous positions as well as being past president of both clubs. Mrs. Kanode was a long time advocate of missions work both locally and globally. She served on numerous mission teams in the United States as well as international countries. She served as past President of the RVBA WMU. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lewis E. Kanode, Sr. She is survived by two sons, Lewis E. Kanode, Jr. and his wife, Teresa; Rev. Roy E. Kanode and his wife Mary Jane; two brothers, David Hudgins and his wife Myrna, and Lonnie Hudgins and his wife Dody; a sister, Virginia Proctor and her husband Richard; grandchildren Amanda, Steven, and Austin Kanode; a sister-in-law, Ruby McCloskey and husband Bob, as well as several nieces and nephews, and numerous special friends she cherished through the years. Linda Taylor and Michelle Collins were not only dear friends, but they also served as her caregivers during her final years. A special thanks to all the folks at Good Samaritan Hospice for their loving care these final weeks. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Tuesday , April 26, 2011, in the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA. The Revs. Everette Keir and Roy E. Kanode will officiate. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Ridgewood Baptist Church Vision Fund, 703 Hemlock Rd. Roanoke, VA 24017 or you may designate to the Salem Baptist Church African Mission Trip, 103 North Broad St. Salem Virginia, 24153. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 389-5441, is serving the Kanode family.