In Memory of

Class of 1949
Sep 16, 1930 - Apr 05, 2009

Betty Joe "Nickie" Hannabass, 78, of Roanoke, passed into the care of her Lord in the early hours of Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009, after a courageous 11 year battle with cancer. She was born September 16, 1930, in Vinton, Va., a daughter of the late Howard and Eva Pilson Neighbors. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, John Hunter Hannabass; her brothers, Rex B. Wimmer, and Don D. Wimmer; a son-in-law, David Knighton; and an infant greatgrandson, Bryce Gordon. She is survived by her sons, John H. Hannabass Jr. and wife, Judy, of Vinton, Eric L. Hannabass and wife, Laurie, of Culpeper, Frank B. Hannabass and wife, Marie, of Salem; her daughters, Alice Worley and husband, Jeff, of Salem, Patricia Knighton, of Ruckersville, Va.; 21 grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; her brothers, Van A. Wimmer Sr. and wife, Rose, of Salem, Lester L. Wimmer and wife, Connie, of Max Meadows, Va. She was a person of unwavering faith and did a variety of jobs and activities during her life, including waitress, school bus driver, nurses assistant, Cub Scout leader, Boy Scout volunteer, church choir, Women of the Church, and spending time during retirement traveling with her husband. She retired from the Roanoke City Health Department. A funeral service will be held at Oakey's Vinton Chapel Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Elizabeth Mortlock and the Rev. Faith Weedling officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 7, 2009, from 1 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's Vinton Chapel.