Emily Hoke Mays, age 79, of Clifton Forge, Virginia, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia.

She was born May 21, 1931 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, a daughter of the late Clyde Earl and Gussie Evans Hoke.

She was a self-employed caregiver.

She attended Central Advent Christian Church and Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, and was a proud and loving mother and caring friend.

She loved bird watching, gardening, eating out with family and friends, shopping, and travelling.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Eva Lovenia; two sisters, Vivian Dorcas Clark and Betty June Bush; a half sister, Eula Lee Brooks; one brother, Rembert Hoke; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Clark.

She is survived by four daughters, Betty H. Bunch and husband, Harry of Falling Springs, Emma H. Gibson and husband, Danny of Jerry's Run, Edith H. Slater of Colonial Heights, and Eunice H. Ruff and companion, Eddie Worley of Chester; a brother, Glenn Hoke and wife, Barbara of Clifton Forge; a sister-in-law, Mary Hoke; a brother-in-law, Delmas Bush; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and a caring and loving friend, Everette Bush of Clifton Forge.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday at 1:00 p.m. in Sunrise Cemetery, Low Moor with Reverend Youel Altizer officiating. Interment will follow. There will be no formal visitation. However, friends may call any time at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, or at the home of Betty and Harry Bunch, 202 Big Cedar Drive, Falling Springs Gardens, Hot Springs, VA.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Falling Springs Fire and Rescue Department, 303 Friels Drive, Covington, VA 24426.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.