Emma W. Lawless

On November 23, 2015 Emma Ethelene Lawless (79), also known as “MeeMee”, said farewell to her earthly home in Boones Mill, Virginia and stepped into her eternal heavenly home. Emma was born in Ashland, West Virginia to Frank Edward Willis and Clara Inez Guilliams. She grew up in West Virginia, where she met the love of her life James, her husband of 56 years. She was a graduate of Northfork High School, Class of 1954, and later received her Registered Nursing degree from Jefferson Hospital in Roanoke, VA. Emma is survived by her two sons: Russell Lawless of Boones Mill, and Rodney Lawless (Tammy) of Callaway; sisters Frances Church of Boones Mill, Becky Darago (Carl) of Huntingtown, MD; brother Robert Willis (Linda) of Roanoke. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband James “DeeDee”; her parents Frank & Inez Willis. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Amanda Lawless of Roanoke; Angie McGhee (Freddy) of Boones Mill; Tim Lawless (Megan) of Boones Mill; Rebecca Loan (James) of Callaway; and Tracy Weddle (Philip) of Callaway. Twelve great-grandchildren, Emmaleigh Rose, Gabrielle Rose, DJ Roderick, Brittany McGhee, Rylan McGhee, Andrew McGhee, Laci Lawless, Brandon Mathena, Jessie Mathena, Christian Loan, Kylee Sink and Zoe Weddle also survive. Emma devoted her life to her family; and was dedicated to the service of others as a Registered Nurse. She loved gospel & bluegrass music. Emma adored her loving dog & companion “Peanut” after the death of her husband in 2013. Emma’s church family of Boones Mill Baptist Church held a special place in her heart. The family would like to thank the staff of Cardiac Surgery ICU & the Cardio Thoracic Surgical Team of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for all of the support, care and compassion; as well as the overwhelming love from many friends, relatives, and members of Boones Mill Baptist Church with their cards, visits, phone calls, food and much needed prayers.The family will receive friends on Friday, November 27, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA. Funeral service to honor her life will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Flora Funeral Service with Pastor, Dr. Richard Harrell officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boones Mill, Virginia. The Lawless family is being served by Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount, 540-483-3835.