Frankie Irene Walters

Walters, Frankie Irene Doyle (Granny Walters) passed away at her home in Ellett, VA on Friday, April 15, 2011, after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, and her husband Lacie Clifton Walters. Being the oldest of ten children of Frank and Ocie Kirby Doyle, Irene was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings: Wilson, Bernice, and Roland (Buddy) Doyle, Stella D. Moses, Lucy D. Musselman, Rhoda D. Wolfe, and Clyde Geraldine D. Akers Elliott; grandparents William and Lucy Jewell Kirby, Frank William and Lucy Sublett Doyle, and a very special uncle Bernice R. Kirby.

Leaving behind to cherish Granny's memory are her son, Clifton W. Walters, Sr. (Fay Bishop Walters), daughter, Carlene W. Smith Woolwine (Bob), seven grandchildren: Clifton W. Walters, Jr. (Shelane), Darrell Walters, Amy W. Woods (Steve), Cara Walters, Todd Walters (Paige), T. Sgt. Robert (Bobby) Smith, and Rodney Smith (Lesa) all of Ellett; twelve great-grandchildren: Derrick, Jarred, Thomas, Lesley, Parker, Brandon, and Catie Walters, Matthew, Jacob, and Zachary Woods, Letha Uvenski (Tom), and Amanda Weddle (Matt), two step great-granddaughters: Sherri Davis and Nikki Gibson; seven great-great grandchildren: Sage, Jasmine, and Sophia Walters, Izaak Weddle, Alexis and Aaliyah Epling and Edward Uvenski; four step great-great grandchildren: Abby, Parker, and Trent Yates, and Lorelei Sprecher. Also surviving are two sisters: Biddie D. Wheeling (Charlie) of Shawsville, Tommie D. Sawyer of Christiansburg, brother-in-law Jack Elliott, Christiansburg, twenty-eight nephews and nieces, sixty eight great nephews and nieces and very special friends Dot Lester Main, Patty Lester Marshall and Becky Pennington.

Irene was born in a log house on her grandparents' (Doyle) farm near Shawsville on July 26, 1912. She attended schools in Fagg and Ellett. She had an aunt, Gladys Kirby, who was born two months before her and when Gladys died at the age of seven, Irene spent her early years between her parents and grandparents (Kirby) in Ellett until she was married in 1933 to Lacie Clifton Walters. Irene and Lacie began housekeeping in her grandfather Kirby's log cabin in Ellett and lived in the community for 92 years. Irene accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She attended North Fork Baptist Church from childhood, taught the Beginners Sunday School Class for 32 years and was the oldest living member at her death. Granny Walters was very active in the Ellett Community, helping neighbors who were less fortunate taking them food, clothing, and toys. She loved children and her home was usually filled with them, especially in the summers. She enjoyed working with her many varieties of flowers and often shared bulbs and cuttings with everyone. Her vegetable garden was her pride and joy and she loved to mow her yard, often chasing black snakes with her mower. Irene never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone she met. She was a pillar of the Ellett Community and many generations honored and respected her friendship. Irene was often referred to as the "History Book of Ellett" as folks often came to her seeking information concerning the last 92 years of history in Ellett.

Granny Walters will be greatly missed. Special thanks to Dr. Greg Beato, Lewis-Gale Hospital Montgomery staff, Medi-Home Health, Erin, Lisa and Tonya for the loving care of Granny Walters.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, April 18, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm with services on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg. Service will be conducted by Olen Gardner, Rebecca Pennington, and John Wertz. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of her love of gardening, the family asks that you plant flowers or a tree in her honor at a place of your choice.