Leona Emmalene Columbo

Leona Emmalene Columbo, age 87, of Union Hall, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2015. She was born on April 22, 1928, in Oswald, West Virginia. "Emmy" was a hardworking, stay at home mother and prided herself in maintaining her home, both inside and out. Having a "green thumb" was reflected in both her large vegetable garden, and multiple beautiful flower beds. She was actively involved in her local church and always willing to help wherever needed. She always loved to make things with her hands, whether it be cooking, a creative craft, using her sewing skills, or fishing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Basil and Leona Godbey, and her husband, Joseph Columbo, three brothers, Robert Godbey, Cecil Godbey, and Jimmy Godbey. Saddened by her loss are four children: Carolyn Barnett and her husband Paul of Gallatin, Tennessee, Janet Reese and her husband John of Marion, N.C., Joseph James Columbo of Union Hall, Virginia, and Nancy Fishman and her husband Jared of Mead, Colorado. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. She was survived by her three siblings: Alice Matusik, Mary Sue Godbey, and Homer Basil Godbey. Graveside Services will be conducted at her home church, Glade Hill Baptist, Glade Hill, Virginia, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 2, 2016 with Rev. David Long will be officiating. A small reception in the church will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, her family welcomes donations for missions to Glade Hill Baptist Church, 6627 Colonial Turnpike, Glade Hill, Va. 24092.
The family acknowledges sincere appreciation to the many friends who extended comfort, sympathy, and all acts of kindnesses during this time of bereavement. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.