Irene James Tarpley

Irene James Keith Tarpley,86, of Salem, VA, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 7, 2011; precisely one month after her beloved husband of 23 years passed away, Claude L. Tarpley. She was born July 4, 1924 in Richmond, VA to George and Ruth James. She is preceded in death by her first husband, W. Herald Keith, two brothers, George James, Jr. and Clifford Sonny James and a sister, Kathryne Duncan. Surviving, are her two sons, Don H. Keith and wife, Virginia Miller of North Carolina, and James R. Buddy Keith and wife, Karen and one daughter, Auvray K. Shumate and husband, William Bill of Salem, one sister, Nancye Carlson of California, two surviving sisters-in-law, Pat James of Salem and Shirley James Hawthorne of Richmond, Va. There are four grandchildren and three great grandchildren; stepchildren are Clarence L. Tarpley and wife, Betty of Roanoke, Joyce T. Rausch and husband Richard Dick of Florida, eight step grandchildren, eleven step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Irene always enjoyed being involved in social and civic organizations. She served as President of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club, the Moss in the Valley chapter of the P. Buckley Moss Society and was a Girl Scout Leader for several years, to name a few. As a young woman during WWII she served as a nurses aide. After her first husband died, she became a hard working single parent of three and eventually retired from Sherwood Memorial Park as their bookkeeper. She and Claude enjoyed many years together, entertaining family and friends, gardening and watching the birds in their backyard. Our family extends a special appreciation for the loving care that Irene and her family received from the hard working Nurses, CNAs, Physical Therapists and supporting staff at the Joseph C. Thomas Center and the Recovery Center at the Richfield Retirement Community. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2PM Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. Everette Kier officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, Salem. The family will receive friends Monday, January 10, 2011 from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. In lieu of flowers it is Irenes wish that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 2224 Jefferson St. SE, Roanoke, VA 24014 or Salem Baptist Church, 103 N. Broad St., Salem, VA 24153 Online condolences may be made to the family at www.johnmoakey.com. John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, & Cremation Service is serving the Tarpley family, (540) 389-5441.