MARION, VIRGINIA: EDNA BLESSING, resident of Marion for many years, passed away at Carrington Place at Wytheville-Birdmont Center on Tuesday, December 6th. Born February 10, 1909, reared in Wythe County, daughter of John W. Gilbert and Ida Vaught Gilbert. She was married to Roby L. Blessing, Sr. and they came to reside and make their home in Marion in 1936. She is survived by her son, Roby L. Blessing, Jr. and his wife, Beverley who reside in Carlsbad, California. She is also survived by two sisters, Vivian Gilbert Wampler of Marion and Hazel Gilbert Brinkley of Painsville, Ohio and by two sisters-in-law, Lucille Dix Gilbert of Wytheville and Mae Blessing Joviak of Miami, Florida. She has three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Helen Burkett, who along with her husband, Samuel Burkett of Marion, were close to and attentive to Mrs. Blessing over the years and up until the time of her passing.
Mrs. Blessing and her husband were members of and active in the First United Methodist Church during their years in Marion. She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a former member of the Smyth County Community Hospital Auxiliary and a Charter Member of the Marion Garden Club. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 8th between 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by the funeral service at Seaver-Brown Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Lambert officiating, with interment at Rose Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the First United Methodist Church Piano Fund, 115 South Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354 are suggested.