Teresa Marlene Hornbarger Sharitz

Bland, VA- Teresa Marlene Hornbarger Sharitz, 62, died Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at home surrounded by family and friends. She was born on August 23, 1949 in Squire, WV. Marlene spread the joy of life to those she encountered. She is survived by her son, Zachary Burgess of the home; Mother, Jean Hornbarger; Sisters Gloria Tyree, Debbie Simpkins, Denise Taylor and Cathy Hornbarger; Sister-in-Law Debbie Hornbarger; Brother-in-laws Mark Taylor and Trent Simpkins. She adored her nieces and nephews, Kristen Collins, Joshua Hornbarger, Kelli Green, Jacob Hornbarger, Matthew Saavedra, Lindsay Hazuka, Jonathan Taylor, Justin Goad, and Daniel Goad. Iris Fernandez, Nikki Rowe Chuga, and Lanny Rowe are lifetime “honorary” sisters and brother of the family. Rev. Michael and wife, Connie Bratton, Rev. Barbara Johnson, and Rev. Kay and husband Robert Dickerson provided immeasurable spiritual support for the entire family. Presley Sharitz, “Master P” is her beloved puppy who looked over her and is loved by the family. She is preceded in death by her Father, Leon Boyd Hornbarger; Brother, Larry Stephen Hornbarger; and Nephew, Michael Shane Hundley. Marlene graduated from Big Creek High School in War, WV and the Roanoke Memorial School of Nursing. She retired from The VA Medical Center in Beckley as Head of Surgical Services. She gave 37 years of dedicated service to the Veterans Administration and later worked for the Virginia Department of Corrections as a registered nurse. Services will be held at the Mercer Funeral Home, Bluefield, WV. Visitation is Thursday November 3, 2011 from 5:00 ?" 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday November 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Bratton officiating. Nephews are honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Bland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, located at 67 Orchard View Lane, Bland, VA and Wytheville Hospice, located at Wytheville Community Hospital. Marlene was bigger than life itself. If we only had to choose a few words to describe her, these are a brief characterization: Christian, funny, loving, giving, arts, medicine and horses. The world is a much smaller place for her family and friends left behind, but the Heavenly Angels are rejoicing. 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 Teresa Marlene Hornbarger Sharitz.

Teresa Marlene Hornbarger Sharitz

August 23, 1949 - November 1, 2011