Coretta Gilmer Ferris

Coretta Faye Sheppard Gilmer Ferris of Boones Mill formerly of Christiansburg died Sunday morning, October 23rd, 2016, at Friendship Manor in Roanoke, Virginia. She was born June 23rd, 1931 in Vicker, Virginia, to the late Charlie Ray and Annie May Poff Sheppard. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Bernard Jackson Gilmer, Jr., and an infant daughter, Brenda Faye Gilmer; also her sister, Dorothy Sheppard Tuck, and two very special nephews, Nathaniel Tuck and Richard Tuck. She was also predeceased by her first husband, from whom she was divorced, Bernard J. “Jack” Gilmer, and her second husband, Clinton Ferris. Coretta was a graduate of Christiansburg High School, and spent most of her adult life working as a bookkeeper for various businesses. She had been an active member in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) wherever she lived, a member of Beta Sigma Phi (Pulaski Chapter) and was an avid bridge and canasta player. Coretta is survived by her daughter, Coretha Gilmer Loughridge and husband Johnny, of Tyler, Texas, grandson Paul Morra and wife Courtney Lott, of Everett, Washington, great-grandchildren Mila and Gabriel Morra; she is also survived by step-granddaughters Heather Boss and husband Todd, of Vienna, Virginia, and Shannon Kramer and husband Jake of Whitehouse, Texas, and five step-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brother Roger Sheppard and his wife Peggy, of Christiansburg, Virginia, and numerous nieces nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Joe Roberts, minister of Boones Mill Christian Church, at the Poff Family Cemetery on Peppers Ferry Road in Christiansburg, Virginia, Thursday, October 27th, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to contribute to the charity or non-profit of your choice in her memory. Arrangements are being handled by Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia, 24151.