Sally Irene Henderson Farris, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at Davant Extended Care Center in Blowing Rock, NC.
She was born February 28, 1920, in Saltville, Virginia, a daughter of the late David Ryburn "Rybe" Henderson and Minnie Barnett Henderson. Sally's family served the community through Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville. After marrying Mark Farris, they began their family and lived in Saltville until 1952, when they moved to Abingdon to establish Henderson Funeral Chapel. In 1974, the name of the funeral home was changed to Farris Funeral Service to reflect the ownership and management of the firm by Mark and Sally and their son David and his wife Barbara.
Sally was a member of Abingdon Baptist Church. She enjoyed painting and needlework of all kinds; her family members cherish the many paintings, hats, scarves, afghans, and needlework pictures Sally made for them over the years.
Sally's beloved husband Emmett Mark Farris preceded her in death on November 27, 2005. In addition to her husband and parents, Sally was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
Sally is survived by her sons: David Mark Farris and wife Barbara of Abingdon; William Barnett Farris and wife Mary of Wilmington, NC; and Michael Ryburn Farris and wife Kathy of Boone, NC; eight grandchildren: Kimberly Farris Luke, David M. Farris II, Kelly P. Farris, Matthew Farris, Daniel Farris, Cary Farris Green, Michael Farris and Mariah Farris, twelve great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Ruth Buchanan of Saltville; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Sally Irene Henderson Farris will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 30, 2011, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. John E. Massey, Jr., and Rev. Barry Loupe officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be David Farris II, Kelly Farris, Bob Luke, Matt Farris, Dan Farris, Michael Farris II, David Mark Farris III, and Caleb Farris. Honorary pallbearers will be Zac Green, David Henderson, Michael Smith and the extended family from Farris Funeral Service and Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2011, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Abingdon Baptist Church Building Fund, 361 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements for the family of Sally Irene Henderson Farris.