Ella Jean Athey, 72, of Walnut Ave. in Pembroke, departed this life Tuesday evening March 3, 2009 at Giles Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Born in Smyth County, VA on June 10, 1936 she was a daughter of the late Robert Thomas and Lula Prater Wilson. She was a member of Calvary Christian Church in Pembroke and was retired as a supervisor at the Celanese Plant at Narrows. Ella Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Nancy W. Reed and her brother Robert D. "Bobby" Wilson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Glenn Austin Athey; her two sons and daughter-in-law Phillip Todd Athey of Pembroke and Charles Craig and Treena M. Athey of Ripplemead; her two granddaughters Avrial Tara Athey and Keeley Anene Athey; a host of good friends; and her faithful dog Abraham.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday evening at 8:00 PM in the Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke with The Rev. David Kessinger, The Rev. Bobby Sutphin and The Rev. Eddie Kendall officiating. Entombment will follow on Friday morning at 11:00 AM in Birchlawn Abbey in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM before the services. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.