Ora Agee Guthrie, 96, of Salem, passed away Friday, December 30, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Herman Guthrie. She is survived by her son, Shelton Guthrie; daughter, Judy Perdue; and grandchildren, Doug Perdue and Anne McCroskey, and her husband, Eric. She was born February 28, 1915, to Floyd and Kitty Agee and had 10 siblings. Of those, Roy Agee, Roscoe Agee, Andrew Agee, Zora Adams and Ruie Poff have preceded her in death. Surviving are Ruby Dyer, Doris Hawley, Frances Lewis, Madeline Bonham and Floyd Agee, Jr. She enjoyed a life of service and loving sacrifice, helping to raise several younger siblings, her own two children, and then playing a major role in the nurturing of her grandchildren, sharing with them her passion for cooking and sewing as well as her athletic skills. In the last few years, she graciously assumed the role of caretaker of her cherished husband. Ora was an employee of Maid Bess Corp. for ten years after her children were grown, until retirement. She was an expert seamstress with the innate ability to turn any fabric into whatever was needed, clothing, curtains, elaborate costumes, for all her fortunate and grateful family. The family thanks our friend and caregiver for the past year, Rachel Camilleri, for her devotion. We also thank Dr. Marc Nevin and his staff as well as the staff of MediHome Hospice for their caring guidance over the past few weeks. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Elder Larry Hollandsworth will officiate. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MediHome Hospice, 5369 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA, 24019. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem.

ROANOKE TIMES, Sun, Jan 1, 2012