Lisa Jean Howard, 42, of Christiansburg, Virginia, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2007 at Lewis Gale Medical Center of complications from a stroke. Ms. Howard lived her entire life in Southwest Virginia. She was raised primarily in Independence, VA and lived, most recently, in Hillsville, VA before moving to Christiansburg in 2006 to be closer to her job at Corning. Ms. Howard is survived by her son, Justin and daughter-in-law Robin Potochnik of Alexandria, VA, sisters Barbara and Sharmane, nephews Andrew and John David, all of whom reside in Galax, VA and niece Amanda of Charlotte, NC. The family is inviting friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2007 at Vaughn Guynn McGrady Chapel in Hillsville. The funeral will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Cliffview Church of God in Galax.

Ms. Howard was born on September 16, 1964 at Waddell Hospital. She is the daughter of the late Margaret Emmer Howard. Her other close relatives are Delilah Thompson, Delina Parks, Kisha Parks, Baby Noah Parks and her close friends Bridgette Slater, Beverly Trotter, Mari Cottrell, and William Patrick Council. Lisa attended Independence Elementary School and Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA, where she played clarinet in the band and was a majorette. She was a candy striper at Lewis Gale Hospital. At various times she attended Mt. Zion Baptist, Oak Grove United Methodist and Gospel Temple Churches. Lisa worked for Hanes in Sparta, NC; Burlington Industries; Magnolia in Hillsville; Corning, Inc. in Christiansburg;