Claudette Abbott Brizendine, 82, of Catawba (VA) passed away on Friday, April 28. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, E. M. and Letha Abbott; and five brothers Preston, Layton, Odell, Herbert and Jerry Abbott. She was also preceded in death by the father of her children, Thurman Brizendine.
She is survived by her longtime companion Lonnie Sawyer; three children, Ron and spouse B. Tscheiner Brizendine of Bristol, Tenn., Judy and spouse Richard Garman of Catawba, VA; Glen and spouse Brien Brizendine of Youngsville, NC.; and five grandchildren, Daniel and Casey Garman, Emma, Anna and Ellie Brizendine; and two great grandchildren, Joanna and Ensley Garman.
She was a retired employee of Roanoke College and former owner of Briz’s Drive Inn, a landmark restaurant establishment in New Castle during the late 1960s and 70s. She was also well known for her love and skill of quilting as well as her lifetime hobby of gardening. The family received friends from 6 to 7 p.m. after a celebration of life ceremony on April 30 at Paitsel Funeral Home. A graveside ceremony was held on Monday, May 1, at 2 p.m. at Brickey Cemetery. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home, New Castle, Va. www.paitselfh.com