Lois Jean Matney Hirsch

Knoxville, TN Lois Jean Matney Hirsch, 72, passed away February 16, 2015 at her home in Knoxville, TN after a short battle with cancer. She was born January 1, 1943 to Charlie and Virgie Matney, at Patterson, VA. Lois had a successful business and marketing career which began in 1961 and extended from Washington, DC to Whitter, CA and ending in Knoxville, TN where she retired as a sales executive of government contracts with Hewlett Packard. After retirement, she was business manager for Hair of the Dog in Asheville, NC, owned by her daughter, Michelle Hart. She was of the Christian faith, with membership at the New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton, TN. She was gifted with a uniquely Lois “never met a stranger personality”. Her bright, warm smile and genuine gift of friendship brought much comfort, joy, laughter and wonderful memories to all who were blessed to have known her. She will be fondly remembered for her talent as a bargain hunter, love of animals, unique gift giving, and most of all her many special food request at restaurants. To all who knew her she will always be that very special wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Lois was preceded in death by her father, Charlie A. Matney and two sisters, Greta Karen and Elaine Matney. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Frank M. Hirsch; son, Michael C. Hirsch and husband Richard Bennett of Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Michelle Hart and husband David of Ashville, NC; step-granddaughter, Lauren Hart and step-great-granddaughter, Addilyn Paige Bradley of Asheville, NC; mother, Virgie Matney of Doran, VA; brothers, Charlie Matney, Jr. of Pounding Mill, VA, J. D. and wife (Marie Ramey) Matney of Abingdon, VA; sisters, Moselle and Carl Hinkle of Suffolk, VA, Frances and Pete Vance and Dwana and Darell Cantrell of Cedar Bluff, VA, Peggy and Elmer Simmons of Lancaster, SC; sister-in-law, Jackie and Andy Dean of Tega Cay, SC; and many nieces and nephews who loved and adored her in addition to a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Her beloved Oscar and Toby will miss her. Visitation with the family will be held 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Danis Simmons, Todd Simmons, Jonah Davis, Trent Davis, Camron Davis, Sean Perschetti, Austin Pallone, Eli Baldwin, Carl J. Fisher, and David Matney serving as pallbearers. A reception will be held immediately after the interment at the Forest Hills Location of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. Those wishing to express sympathy may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Hirsch family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.