Lorena Bolling

Abingdon, Virginia

Lorena Harris Bolling, 89, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.

She was born August 26, 1935, to the late Charles Wesley and Pearl Orfield Harris.  Lorena was a licensed beautician, but her innate desire to take care of others made her realize that she wanted to dedicate her life to nursing, which would also inspire one of her daughters and three of her granddaughters to follow in her footsteps by working in the healthcare field.   Lorena would spend the majority of her career in nursing at Cedar Lawn Nursing Home.  

After retirement as a surgical nurse at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Lorena’s passion for healthcare never ceased, and for many years, she cared for over 20 people in the community as a private, in-home caregiver.   She leaves an enduring legacy with all who knew her, but especially her children and grandchildren, of compassion and putting others before oneself.

Outside of nursing, Lorena was an active member of her community as a member of the UDC and DAR, a volunteer at the Barter Theatre, participant in naturalization ceremonies, and poll worker for several elections.  She was a devout Christian and an involved member of Abingdon United Methodist Church where she was a member of the handbell choir, participated in the youth programs and promoted the Church in the community.    

Always active, Lorena loved to quilt, knit, crochet, can fruits and vegetables, work word search and other puzzles, travel, and see the world and all its beauty.   She loved flowers and took pride in her various gardens and flower beds.  Most of all, she loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Michael Bolling; two brothers, C.W. Harris and Lewis Harris; sisters, Ruby Vestal, Stella Price, and Margaret Ann Harris. 

Those left to cherish Lorena’s memory include her husband of 65 years, Bobby Bolling; two daughters, Regina (Larry) Wilkerson and Deborah (Steve) Smith; sister, Mary (Bob) Whitley; four grandchildren, Courtney Wilkerson, Kendall Wilkerson, Riley Wilkerson, and Nathaniel Smith.   Lorena is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation for Lorena will be held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Frost Funeral Home with a service to follow with Reverend Paul Seay Officiating. A committal service will follow at KnollKreg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Barter Theatre in memory of Lorena.

Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Lorena Harris Bolling.