Iona Johnson Oliver, 98, of Christiansburg, 98, moved back to Heaven on Dec. 16, 2020, to begin her joyful reunion with her Heavenly Father, and those who preceded her there, including her husband, Garland ‘Bentley’ Oliver; an infant son, Stephen; a son, Michael; her parents, Frank Johnson and Florence ‘Ethel’ Atkinson Johnson; siblings Alice Jones, Reba Oberndorfer, Wilma Bonds Comer and Frank ‘Buck’ Johnson; and other beloved family members and friends.
Those she leaves behind are a sister, Maurine Nester of Salem; daughters and sons, Joyce Belshan, Garland ‘Jerry’ Oliver and Sharon Akers of Round Hill, Va., Rhonda Smith, Phillip Oliver and Marc Oliver of Shawsville; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and other extended family and friends, especially J.D. and Paulette Lambert. Iona’s family and friends will greatly miss her, but we rejoice in her newly restored and joy-filled life.
Iona’s family wants to thank the diligent members of Faith Christian Church and the Alleghany Church of Christ who tirelessly brought communion to Iona and ministered to her. She appreciated and enjoyed their fellowship so much. Iona is remembered for her dedication to God, family, and country, and her loves of gardening, homemaking, NFL and VT football, and her lovely smile.
A mother holds her children’s hands for a moment, but holds their hearts eternally (author unknown).
Please make life celebration memorial gifts in Iona’s name to the Faith Christian Church of Christ or the Alleghany Church of Christ building funds.
Services were held at the Alleghany Church of Christ with interment at Sunset Cemetery.
