Alexandra Chryssikos

Bluefield, WV- Alexandra G. Chryssikos, 86, of 1236 College Avenue, Bluefield, fell asleep in the Lord, Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Born January 22, 1924 in Welch, WV, she was the daughter of the late Demetrios (James) and Virginia (Farasly) Gianelos. She was a graduate of Welch High School, Concord College, and completed a Masters of Arts in Education at WVU in 1962. She taught 4th and 6th grades in the Mercer County Schools for 30 years until her retirement in 1983. She also taught at the Windy Mountain Learning Center preparing students for G.E.D. She loved teaching and loved her students. The encouragement and faith she demonstrated in her students and their abilities, opened doors of self-esteem and confidence for them. And through the years many former students kept in contact with her expressing their ongoing gratitude and affection for her. She was named to Who's Who of American Women early on in her career. Active in civic organizations, Alexandra was a past president of the Bluefield Junior Women's Club and named Jr. Woman of the Year. As member of the National Educational Association, WV Education Association, and Classroom Teacher's Association, she contributed numerous professional articles to their publications. She was a past president of AAUW and of the Association of Teacher Education; she was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa (teaching sorority) and was quite active as its program chair. She enjoyed the fellowship with other teachers and was always a source of encouragement to them as well. She never refrained from being a beacon of positive influence and motivation to all those she came in contact with. She was a former member and past president of the Daughters of Penelope, a satellite of the Greek American organization A.H.E.P.A. Alexandra was an active member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Bluefield and enjoyed attending the Services up until the time of her repose. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Professor Paul N. Chryssikos. Left to cherish her memory and her love of life are her two devoted children and daughter-in-law: Virginia "Ginny" Chryssikos of the home, Telemac "Mac" Chryssikos and spouse, Maureen Chryssikos of Ellicott City, Md., three beloved grandchildren: Paul T. Chryssikos, Mary Beth Crawford and husband, Jamie of Philadelphia, Pa., and Timothy J. Chryssikos of Houston, Tx.; two great grandsons: Mac Crawford and Benjamin Crawford; one brother, Arthur J. Gianelos and sister-in-law, Helen Gianelos, and three nephews: James, Tom, and Paul Gianelos; godchildren Tim Smith, Polly Kelting and Sophia Rantis; numerous relatives in Greece who enjoyed her visits to see them in years past; special friends, Kathy Jones and Mary Rucker of Roanoke, Va. and devoted caregivers Ann Bradberry, Mary Malone and Susan Fain. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 14, from St. Mary's Orthodox Church with Father Mark Tyson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Bluewell. Friends may call from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Wednesday, at Mercer Funeral Home, with a short service of Trisaghio for the departed at 7:00 PM followed by testimonials. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Rt. 2, Box 677, Bluefield, WV 24701; Bluefield Union Mission, 2203 Bluefield Avenue, Bluefield; and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Huntington Blvd., P.O. Box 5055, Roanoke, Va. 24012. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Alexandra G. Chryssikos.

Alexandra Chryssikos

January 22, 1924 - October 9, 2010