Person Page - 5172

     His Social Security Number was 224-94-9022.⁶ Robert Lee Smallwood was born on March 16, 1960 at Manassas, Virginia.^1,2,3,4,6 He married Faye Annette Vest, daughter of Ralph Edward Vest and Bernice Marie King, on June 20, 1980 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ Robert Lee Smallwood and Faye Annette Vest were divorced on March 4, 1985 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.² Robert Lee Smallwood died on October 22, 2011 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 51.^4,5,6 He Robert Lee Smallwood, 51, of Salem, took flight within God's Arms and the wings of His Angels on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 10:28 p.m. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mamie Helen Knave Smallwood; sister, Shirley Ann (Sissy) Smallwood; brother, Sonny Smallwood (Sonny Boy); stepmother, Francis Smallwood (Mamasan); surrogate mom, Anne-Lise Hansen Migneco; and special guardian, Bob Woodard. He's survived by his caring and selfless guardians; brother, Curtis J. Smallwood and his wife, Sharon, of Montvale; brother, Joseph J. Smallwood and wife, April, of Franklin County; brother, Thomas N. Smallwood, of Boones Mill; father, Clarence J. Smallwood, of Salem, and formerly Boones Mill; son, Robby Smallwood, of Roanoke; his three grandchildren whom he adored, Ethan, Jonathan, and Kayla, of Roanoke; his dear cats and constant companions, Jasmine, Thomas, and Little Girl; favorite uncle, George Knave, of Front Royal, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; father surrogate and dear friend, Domenico Migneco, of Amherst; dear friend and confidant, John Turner, of Roanoke; his childhood friend, Barry Whelcher and family; Miss Divers, former Roanoke County School teacher who looked after Robert; and his former wife and companion of 18-years, Nina Migneco, of Roanoke. Robert was born in Manassas, Va., on March 16, 1960. His mother, Mamie, was the biggest influence on Robert's life. She imparted a shaman-like wisdom; teaching him about his gifts and Native American heritage, kindness to people, animals, and a respect for nature. Like his mom, he loved to read; especially Civil War and Native American History. He was an ardent admirer of General Robert E. Lee and especially proud of his ancestors partaking in the first and second Battles of Bull Run. Robert regularly tuned into PBS, Discovery, and History channels to continue his thirst for knowledge. He loved to fish and hike in the mountains; often alone to talk with God. Robert was extremely sentimental; never forgetting birthdays, personal occasions, anniversaries, births, deaths... His tattered photo album even included a splinter that had been taken out of his father and a letter from his sister, Sissy, from 1993. There's no doubt that Robert was a tough, mountain-raised man who's softer side had been seen on several occasions sneaking into another room to wipe his eyes during a tear-jerker movie or when he spoke of his family. He also loved to laugh; often making up his own jokes to try out on me. His favorite comics were the characters of Ernest T. Bass whom he often compared to family friend, David Underwood (sorry David), and the unforgettable Fred Sanford whose lines he used to incorporate into his jokes. He loved 70s Rock and Country Music. Robert intently listened to the words; his favorite songs told stories like Harry Chapin's "Cats in the Cradle," The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's, "Mr. Bojangles," and Randy Travis', "Three Wooden Crosses." Robert's gifts were many; he was wonderful with children, an incredible cook, a natural-born driver, a gifted engineer who could fault-isolate and fix just about anything, and held an acute memory and attention to the most minute of details. His gardens bore fruit when others floundered and the many wild and domesticated animals he rescued came to him with little fear, some willingly. Robert lived by the credo to be loving, kind, and generous to all walks of life; he was incapable of discriminating. His heart was as vast as God's universe; forever empathizing with the underdog and loyal to his family and friends. He was previously employed with IBM as a Mechanical Engineer in Research Triangle Park, Durham, N.C. and prior, to UPS; 1 of 3 amongst hundreds of other applicants chosen to drive twin tractor-trailers out of their Greensboro, N.C., hub to all points up and down the eastern seaboard. He was also OSHA Certified and held all CDL/HAZMAT Endorsements; serving as an OSHA trainer on several safety committees. Words cannot begin to express the heartfelt thanks to those who cared for and prayed with Robert in the end; Sharon Smallwood, his angel and guardian who ensured and provided the best loving care in addition to her full-time duties as a Hospice Aide for Good Samaritan, God's band of angels of Unit 3; Salem Health and Rehab, Vanessa Jones; CNA, Tamara Nance; LPN, Malory Eanes; LPN, Tina Barlow; Housekeeping, Kaila Jones; CNA, Honey Chambers; LPN, Caressa Martin; CNA, and Amanda Akers; CNA. God Bless each and every one of you providing the family solace knowing Robert was under such wonderful care; comforted, encouraged, and loved until his last breath, and another of God's angels, Nicole Caldwell; CNA, Good Samaritan Hospice; thank you for your love and kindness. Sincere thanks and gratitude for Roanoke City Paramedics/EMS; Roanoke Memorial ICU; Pastor Butch Hammond; Salem VAMC Chaplains, Harold Bryant and Quentin White; Beth Wright, LCSW Salem VAMC; and Taral R. Sharma, MD, Salem VAMC. Robert should be honored and remembered as a true warrior and survivor. He fought hard his last four months and hoped to someday again have an apartment and part-time job. Sadly, his body could no longer hold up under the attack that he'd suffered. I will always remember Robert Lee Smallwood as one of the most selfless, intelligent, and talented people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. "We all love and admire you Robert! Set up a rod and reel for me; I know the fish are biting & the sun is forever shining on you in Heaven" on October 28, 2011.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 431-17-0498.¹ Pamela Lou Shiels was buried at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2868 Airport Road, Hot Springs, Garland Co., Arkansas.² Her married name was Bright.² Her married name was Spinti.¹ She married Unknown Spinti.¹ Pamela Lou Shiels married Randy Bright.² Pamela Lou Shiels was born on June 28, 1959 at Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Indiana.¹ She died on October 6, 1998 at Alabama at age 39.¹