Lelia Mae Via

Ms. Lelia Mae Strange Via, aka “Tulum,” age 62 of Roanoke, Virginia took her heavenly flight early Monday morning, August 30, 2021 with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Roanoke, Virginia May 12, 1959 and was the daughter of the late Mr. Elonze and Mrs. Bessie Calloway Strange. Lelia was educated in the Roanoke City Public Schools and was a graduate of William Fleming High School, a graduate of Dominion Business School, received her Bachelor of Science degree from Word of Life Theological Seminary KBP Life Bible Institute.

She was a beloved mother to her two sons: James A. Via and Sidney L. Via; devoted grandmother to four grandchildren: Saviana D. Via, Mylasia R. Via, Zaidyn L. Via, and A’Leia R. Via; and one great-granddaughter, Harmony A. Smith; three loving sisters: Dr. Judy Havner, personal caregiver and spiritual advisor-Bertha Dillard, and Angela Strange; one nephew, Antwon Strange; three nieces: Hope Hill, Andrea Strange, and Charmae Tinsley.

From her early teens Lelia, along with Judy and Bertha, traveled with The Vocalettes to sing gospel songs. As years passed, the three sisters continued to sing gospel songs, but known as The Strange Sisters.

Lelia leaves to cherish her loving memories with her family; church families, which include: Garden of Prayer #7 Pastor Bishop Shadrack Brown, Jr.; and Galilean House of Worship, Pastor Bishop Michael Penn; a host of aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and co-workers.

Lelia’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all for their prayers and acts of kindness; and to Carilion IPR, Lewis Gale Medical Center, Intrepid Hospice, Springtree Nursing and Rehab, and Rader Funeral Home for their services.

Lelia’s home going service will be 7:00 pm Friday, September 3 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road Daleville with Elder Freddy Jones officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home Friday beginning at 6:30 pm.

Psalm 27:2-4
New King James Version
2 When the wicked came against me
To eat[a] up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me,
My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In this I will be confident.
4 One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the [b]beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.

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