Obituary of Miriam Wall

Miriam Dickens Wall, 81, of Roanoke, left this world on Sunday, September 23, 2012 without her luggage. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church throughout her 54 years in Roanoke. She was a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Women (PW) where she served in many capacities, including Moderator, and she was honored in 2012 with the Presbyterian Women Life Membership Award. Miriam was predeceased by her parents, Lonnie Black Dickens and Anna Reid Cox Dickens; her brother, Lonnie B. Dickens; her aunt/second mother, Merle Curley; and her husband, John William "Bill" Wall, Jr. She is survived by her sons, John William "Jay" Wall, III and wife Debbie and Neal Carrington Wall and wife Jo Ann; also survived by her sisters-in-law, Helen Thiele and Mary Dickens, along with her nieces and nephews. Miriam grew up in the small town of Keysville, VA, 20 miles from Farmville. She took art lessons as a young person that launched her into years of creating art, one of her many passions. She especially enjoyed the last few years with a special group of artists. She was a graduate of Randolph-Henry High School and visited and remained close to six of her classmates for her entire life. She also kept up with and traveled with many of her 1952 William & Mary classmates. Her devotion to her friends was a hallmark of her character. Miriam was the first woman to work in the engineering departments at the Virginia Electric Power Company and Appalachian Power Company; however, her calling was to be a teacher. She began teaching mathematics at North Cross School in Roanoke in 1967. Miriam was a long-term faculty advisor to the student newspaper, The Scarlet Letter. She continued her education at Hollins University and received an MALS in 1973. Served as the Head of the Mathematics Department at North Cross until her retirement in 1990. As in her personal life, she never gave up, especially on a student. If her students did not apply themselves to their school work, Miriam would usually find a way to teach them. Sometimes she would find a way even when a student would not try. Many students have claimed to her son to be "your Mom's worst nightmare of a student." "Bless his (or her) heart, he (or she) tried," Miriam would exclaim when she heard their lamentation. Miriam loved life and was a bundle of energy. In addition to painting, she enjoyed golf at the Roanoke Country Club, playing bridge, traveling, sewing, refinishing furniture, house painting, and almost any kind of "handywoman" work. If her friends had a need, it was her pleasure to do them a favor. She often said "Will work for food". There are many people who played a pivotal role in her life and she wanted them to know how much she enjoyed their company, support, and love over the years. Miriam often said "Take care of my boys-even though they're old enough" In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Bradley Free Clinic, 1240 3rd Street, SW, Roanoke, VA. 24016 or to Help Fund of Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Avenue, SW, Roanoke, 24016. A memorial service celebrating Miriam's life will be held 11:00am, Friday, September 28, 2012 at the Second Presbyterian Church with L. Gerald Carter, CP officiating. Friends may send their condolences to the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory, 366-0707.