Alma Exum Alley

Alma Exum Alley, 79, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2011. She was born in Wilson, NC and was a resident of the Peninsula for 60 years. Alma was the Chief of Office Operations for the Veterans Medical Center in Hampton and retired in November 1990 after 33 years of service. She was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church since 1967. Preceding her in death is her first husband of 43 years, Speight Exum; son, Terry Lawrence Exum; her second husband of 5 years, James Alley, Sr.; her parents; and four brothers. Alma is survived by her son, James Alley, Jr.; daughters, Laurie Exum Marino and husband, Bill, Sheri Exum Overton and husband, Roger, and Pat Alley Traino and husband, David; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, William Varnell; and sister, Beatrice Varnell Driver. Alma greatly enjoyed her extended family and many dear friends. She especially enjoyed the antics of her great-grandchildren. A celebration of Alma's life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2011 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service until 8:30 p.m. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4 in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church, 1024 Harpersville Rd., Newport News, VA, 23601; or the York-Poquoson Relay for Life, 11835 Canon Blvd., Ste. A102, Newport News, VA 23606. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.