“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me…. Psalm 23:4
Oteria Vivian Wallace-Broady was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia on December 31, 1950. She departed this life on Friday, December 25, 2020 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Leonard L. and Mrs. Viola Brown Wallace. Oteria, affectionately known as “Ms. OT”, was the oldest of eight children and considered a matriarch after the death of her parents.
Guided by her mother, Oteria found the Lord early in life and was baptized at Main Street Baptist Church during the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. James A. Braxton, Sr. Being an active member of the church, she served in several capacities including singing in the Senior Choir and J. B. Williams Chorus, and she also served as the Church Clerk for a number of years.
Oteria enjoyed life, had a number of friends, and loved to sing at various churches and for hometown funerals. She also loved to shop, cook, and decorate. Some of her fondest memories include hosting people in her home, hanging out with her high school classmates when they came to town, especially a lifelong friend, the late Lenford C. Hatcher.
She attended Jefferson High School and graduated from Clifton Forge High School in 1969. Later, she also attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College earning a certificate in Pulp and Paper Technology. She worked for MeadWestvaco for twenty-eight years until her retirement. She was an avid University of Virginia sports fan.
She leaves to rejoice in her memory: one loving husband, Elijah H. Broady of Clifton Forge, VA, one devoted daughter, Ingrid Wallace Barber and a son-in-law, Randall A. Barber (Randy) of Clifton Forge, VA; one special granddaughter, Ashland Paige Barber of Clifton Forge, VA; three sisters, Genelda B. Wallace, Romania W. Jordan, and Vanessa L. Wallace all of Clifton Forge, VA; four brothers, Leonard L. Wallace, Jr of Easton, PA, Richard W. Wallace and Reginald W. Wallace both of Clifton Forge, and Rodney L. Wallace of Cave Springs, VA; four sisters-in-law, Ella Mae Waller of Cincinnati, OH, Gail D. Wallace and Latasha T. Wallace both of Clifton Forge, VA, and Joyce J. Wallace of Easton, PA; one brother-in-law, Oliver W. Jordan, Jr of Clifton Forge, VA, and one caring aunt, Carrie Turner of Concord, VA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
A funeral service will be held for the family. It will be private. However, friends may call anytime on Thursday or Friday at Nicely Funeral Home during regular business hours.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to The American Heart Association.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.
The Virginian Review has been serving Covington, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County and Bath County since 1914.
