Viola Cronin

Mrs. Viola Brackenridge Cronin, age 100, of Parrish Street, Covington, VA, passed away at her home and went to be with her Lord on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.
Mrs. Cronin was born September 21, 1919 in Kieffer, WV, the daughter of Edgar Brackenridge and Della Nicely Brackenridge. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Gilbert (Joe) Cronin; her brother, Thurman (Jiggs) Brackenridge; her niece, Mary Ruth Loan of Hixson, TN and a close cousin, Margaret Bryant of Meadow Bridge, WV that she loved as well as a special friend and neighbor, Sidney Oliver.
She is survived by her son, Joseph (Joe) Cronin and wife, Joyce of Goodview, VA and daughter, Peggy Cash and husband, Steve of Covington; grandchildren, Michelle Lewis and husband, James of Aberdeen, NC, Jessica Cronin of Staunton, VA, Lindsey Cash of Roanoke, VA and Philip Cash of Miami Beach, FL, Christopher Hodges and wife, Amy of Roanoke, VA and Cortney Gary and husband, Jack of Williamsburg, VA; great grandchildren, Joe Lewis and Andruw Lewis of Aberdeen, NC, Ashten Wells, Darrien Wells and Zach Boyd of Staunton, VA, Aubrey Hodges and Holden Hodges of Roanoke, VA and Charlotte Gary and Iris Gary of Williamsburg, VA.  Also, a special nephew, Junior Brackenridge and wife, Brenda of Clifton Forge; two great nephews, Jimbo Loan of Hixson, TN and Mark Brackenridge and wife, Julie of Selma; two great nieces, Angie Hinebaugh and husband, Michael of Clifton Forge and Katrina Eller and husband, Josh of Boone, NC; four great, great nieces; one great, great nephew; and two great, great, great nephews who were all very special to her along with many cousins from the Nicely and Brackenridge side too numerous to name.  Also a dear friend and caregiver, Debbie Lefler of Staunton, VA who stayed with her during the week and special friend and caregiver, Karen Depriest of Covington.  Other special friends were Lois Gillette, Roger and Dixie Oliver, Tom Oliver, James Oliver, Rena Claytor, James and Patty Crosier, Janice Pence and Jewel Anderson.  She spoke often of her many friends who preceded her in death.  We feel sure they are having a wonderful reunion in Heaven.
Mrs. Cronin has been a member of Grace Brethren Church since 1938 when she was nineteen years old.  She loved children and taught Sunday school, Bible school and kept the nursery for many years.   She was also a member of Good Hope Rebekah Lodge #8 and the Rebekah State Lodge of Virginia.
She loved keeping her grandchildren and some of her favorite times were spent working in her flower beds, driving her friends to appointments and then going to lunch together.  Mrs. Cronin was still driving when she was 98 years old and not at all happy when her family took her driving privileges away!
Viola was employed at Westvaco for 19 years and held several other jobs in her lifetime.  She also took care of her mother who lived to be 95 years old.
In keeping with the guidelines of the current COVD-19 pandemic crisis, a private graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Alleghany Memorial Park with Pastor Dan Gillette officiating.
Family and friends may stop by Loving Funeral Home to pay their respects at any time.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Grace Brethren Church, 2507 South Carpenter Drive, Covington, VA 24426 in Mrs. Cronin’s name.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.