Elene Flora Sink

Elene Flora Sink, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 06, 2013. She was born February 10, 1919 and was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Curtis, her son Steve Henry, her parents Newton and Margie Flora, and brothers Alvin and Bennie Flora. She is survived by sons Glen and wife Diane, Don and wife Peggy; daughter Jean and husband Mike; daughter-in-law Susan Sink; grandchildren Dennis Sink and wife Betty, Dina Golding and husband Matt, Glenda Sink, Scott Sink and wife Mendy, Julie Sink, Lisa Sink, Curtis Sink, Leslie Sink, Jacob Chitwood and Lydia Chitwood; great grandchildren Rachel Sink, Joshua Sink, Jeremiah Sink, Sydney Golding, Lyndsey Golding, Mason Golding and Mekinsley Sink. She is also survived by sister Marlyn Sink; brothers Lloyd Flora and wife Polly, Bobby Flora and wife Inez, sister-in-law Ruth Flora and the nieces and nephews who grew up on the farm, Teresa Agnew and husband Joe, Terry Sink and wife Linda, Jane Hudgins and husband Jeff, Ben Sink and wife Jill, and Joanna Sink. Other nieces and nephews include Paul Flora, Anne Lynch, Renae McBride, Kathy Carter, Donna Woody, Angela Corn, Doug Flora and Jerrold Flora. The family wishes to thank Eloise Bowman and Jessica Mendez for their wonderful care of Elene over the last two years. Throughout her lifetime, Elene was at ease with people of all ages and enjoyed her first job helping a family with a new set of twins. After marrying Curtis in 1940, she enjoyed her life as a newlywed in the big city of Roanoke, while Curtis worked for the railroad. In 1943, she and Curtis moved back to the family farm and began their successful career as dairy farmers. Very much a partner in the business, when Elene wasn’t in the kitchen or at her sewing machine, where she was a master seamstress, she could be found feeding and sketching calves or managing the farm’s finances. Her cheerful personality made it all seem effortless. She and Curtis were partners in the farm with brother-in-law, Denton (Pat) and sister Marlyn and ran the farm for over 55 years. She was a deacon and life-long member of Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren and nurtured generations there teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School and in later years being a surrogate grandma to scores. She was a dedicated member of the Women’s Fellowship quilting circle and helped produce beautiful quilts that were put together with craft and lifetime friendships. Elene’s generosity of spirit was a beacon to everyone she met and she never met a stranger. It is fitting that she lived in the house by the side of the road because she, truly, was a friend to all. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, March 8 at Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount from 5-8PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9 at 11AM at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren. Memorial contributions may be made to Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren at 2362 Brick Church Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.