Iris Ely Southern

Iris Ely Southern, 95, of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Richfield Recovery & Care Center in Salem. She was born to the late Ballard and Corda Ely on July 8, 1922, in Dryden, Va., was a graduate of Radford College and Indiana University, and was retired from Radford College. Her church membership was held at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford. Preceding her in death was her husband, Charles T. Southern; sisters, Reba Christine Ely and Nell Ely Carter; brother, Harold G. Ely; and her beloved dog, Andy. Her surviving family includes her a step-daughter, Patricia Thurston; step-son, Charles E. (Bo) Southern; step-grandchildren, Josh Thurston and Zech Thurston; four step-great-grandchildren; niece, Jamie Minor and husband, Frankie; and great-nieces, Jordan Minor and Madison Minor. A period of visitation will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice. You are also encouraged to do a good deed in her memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation

Sunday, September 24th, 2017 2:30pm - 3:30pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Interment Location

Powell Valley Cemetery

Rt 1 Dryden, Virginia 24243