DRY FORK,

Zada P. Oakes, 94, died on January 13, 2018 at Roman Eagle Nursing Home in Danville after suffering a stroke. She was born in Martinsville on March 17, 1923 to Pearl G. and Lafe P. Prillaman, who predeceased her. Also preceding her in death were her sister Norris P. Miller, brothers James A. Prillaman, A. Otis Prillaman, L. Berkley Prillaman, and Kenneth G. Prillaman, brothers-in-law F.B. “Snookie” Davis and Raymond P. Miller, sister-in-law Barbara M. Prillaman, and son-in-law Luther M. Scruggs.

She and her husband, Calvin C. Oakes, had been married 65 years when he died in 2015.
Zada is survived by her sister Clara P. Davis and brother A. Norman Prillaman, both of Martinsville; sister-in-law Eloise P. Prillaman, of Lynchburg; three children, Donna O. Jones (Roy) of Danville, Gary C. Oakes (Gail) of Chatham, Joy M. Oakes (Thomas J. Cassidy) of Arlington; four grandchildren, LT Michael Cassidy of Lauderdale, Mississippi, Hannah Oakes of Roanoke, Sean Cassidy of Arlington, and Rhonda Holley of Danville; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

After graduating from Madison College with a degree in education, Zada taught high school until her marriage. When she retired from the Pittsylvania County Department of Social Services in 1989, Zada was named “Woman of the Day” by WBTM in recognition of her 29+ years of compassionate, dedicated service. Of her many activities in retirement – growing vegetables, creating wildflower arrangements, serving as pianist at Oakes Memorial Baptist Church, working on the family farm – being “Ma” to her beloved grandchildren was her deep passion and joy.

The family is grateful for the Roman Eagle staff’s skilled, kind care of Zada for the past three years.

The family will receive friends at Scott Funeral Home, 147 S. Main Street, Chatham on Tuesday, January 16, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

A Christian service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes Memorial Baptist Church, 14433 Franklin Turnpike, Swansonville. Burial will follow nearby in the Boaz family cemetery.

Scott Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Chatham is serving the Oakes family. scottfuneralhomechatham.com.