Mozelle Robertson Oakes, 84, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, comforted and surrounded by her family, on March 21st. Born Aug. 15, 1927 on a farm in Axton, she was the 12th of 14 children born to Dee M. Robertson and Betty Ann Cook Robertson. She was predeceased by her husband, Harmon Oakes, Jr. and twelve of her siblings: Sadie Jones, Theo Robertson, Lena R. Roach, Cassie R. Lester, Dan S. Robertson, Sam K. Robertson, Frank M. Robertson, Gordon Robertson, Dee Robertson Jr., Roy Robertson, Henry Robertson and Abraham "Jiggs" Robertson.

She is survived by her daughter Wanda and husband Ron Ross of Danville, and her son Mark and wife Glenda (Dawson) Oakes of Chester; two grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Amelia Ross of Copper Hill, and Katie Elizabeth Ross of Winston-Salem; one brother, Roger W. "Bill" Robertson and his wife, Alta of Martinsville; two sisters-in-law, Mary Robertson and Elsie Robertson, both of Axton; one brother-in-law, Burton Lester of Richmond and numerous nieces and nephews. Mozelle was an active member of Brosville United Methodist Church, having served on the Administrative Council, as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Wenonda (Sr. Citizens) Lunch Volunteer, member of the Lindsey Bible class and was involved with numerous fundraising projects. She regularly made apple butter to benefit the church. She was a graduate of Madison College (now JMU) where she was a member of Zeta TAU Alpha. She taught in the Pittsylvania County Public School system for thirty-three years at Brosville HS, Tunstall HS (Home Economics) and Brosville Elementary (Science), where her annual Rocket Day launches were legendary. Sometimes encouragement came from a paddle, which her students autographed after the discipline. Throughout her life, she served as a long-term caregiver for her mother, husband, mother-in-law and sisters. She enjoyed baking and preparing meals for her family and community. She served a meal for a church funeral just two days before her recent illness. She was a past board member of the Sandy River Medical Center, and was proud of the continued business development in her community. She was passionate about vegetable and flower gardening, canning and freezing and sewing for many who needed a seamstress. She designed and made the wedding dress for her grandson's bride, Amelia. She enjoyed travel and visiting out-of-town relatives. She will be missed by all who knew, loved and respected her. The family will receive friends at Norris Funeral Services, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave., 58 West, Danville at 7-8:30PM, Friday March 23, 2012 and other times at her daughter's residence on Horseshoe Rd. A funeral service conducted by Rev. Faith Weedling and Rev. Dave Rochford will be held at Brosville United Methodist Church, located at the corners of Long Circle and Highway 58 West on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 1:00PM. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens on 58 West. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Brosville United Methodist Church 12648 Martinsville Hwy Danville, VA 24541 or Brosville Fire and Rescue 11912 Martinsville Hwy Danville, VA 24541. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Oakes family.

Published in Danville and Rockingham County from March 22 to March 23, 2012