Reba Inez Persinger Byer, age 74, left this world peacefully for her eternal Heavenly home, while at the Medical College of Virginia in Charlottesville, on Thursday, January 1, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Reba was born on January 29, 1940 in Alleghany County, Virginia to the late Abraham Lincoln Persinger, Sr. and Janet Wilson Persinger.

She was a member of Mt. Carmel Methodist Church.

She was an excellent seamstress and loved singing gospel music, going to yard sales, and helping others.

In addition to her parents, Reba was preceded in death by four sisters, Odessa, Emma, Shirley and Carol, and a brother, Leroy.

Reba is survived by two daughters, Patsy Sampson and husband, Robert of Covington, and Susan Ward and husband, Ray of Charlottesville; three granddaughters, Beth Nelson and husband, John, Megan Eberle and husband, Alan, and Carrie Thomas and husband, Dave; two brothers, John Persinger and wife, Jeanie, and Abraham Persinger, Jr. and wife, Mary; and her loving partner of 22 years and very special caregiver, to whom the entire family will be forever grateful, Richard Watson.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Doug Hollenbeck officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington.

Pallbearers will be selected from friends attending the service. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, 1200 N. Alleghany Ave, Covington, VA 24426.