Rebecca Naff Green

Rebecca Naff Green of Retreat Farm in Boones Mill, Virginia, was a remarkable person who never stopped learning, doing, and giving. Her wonderful life journey ended peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021.  Born on September 14, 1930, she grew up loving the outdoors, nature, gardening, cooking, and most of all, Retreat Farm. She helped to care for her younger siblings and learned to love all aspects of farming including driving trucks and tractors at an early age.

After graduating from Callaway School, Rebecca attended Bridgewater College to pursue her interests in home economics and art. In 1949, she married her best friend and love of her life, Shelby Lacy Green, after several years of courtship and hundreds of letters from his time away in Army service during World War II and at Lynchburg College.

While she always enjoyed being the consummate homemaker, she also looked for ways to broaden her horizons and became one of Franklin County’s first woman school bus drivers. She thoroughly enjoyed children and would often be a confidant and friend to many who rode her bus. She traveled nearly every mountain road as one of the coordinators for the 1970 Census in Franklin County and learned to know people from all parts of the area. She was always active with her children’s activities and education with particular interest in their 4-H work and tennis. Later, as she and Shelby aged and became more mindful of their health, she became very active in the local Mended Hearts Chapter and hosted numerous events at her home.

Rebecca was most proud to be a founding member and president for many years of the Green Thumb Garden Club in Callaway, and she was also active in the regional and statewide Garden Club Associations from which she received recognition for her accomplishments. She loved designing and creating her gardens which were a showcase for the community.

Hosting large meals for her family and friends for any holiday or event was a particular pleasure for Rebecca. Family members will remember the tennis tournaments and picnics under the trees. Anyone who tasted her brownies swore they were the best ever made.

Rebecca’s parents were Wesley W. Naff, Sr. and Ethel Jamison Naff and her parents-in-law were Luther and Clytie Holt Green. Also predeceasing her were her beloved husband Shelby and son, Johnny; sister Rosemary Naff Stevens and her husband Bob; brother Wesley Naff, Jr. and his wife, Angelia; brothers- in-law Fred Green and Dr. Russell Davis; and brother and sister-in-law Melvin and Gertrude Green Owen.

Rebecca is survived by her children, Dawn Green Banks and husband Stephen, Claude Green and his wife Karen, and Jackson Green and his wife Jackie; grandchildren Ethan Green and wife Michele; Amy Green and her fiancé Jared Ferris, Micah Green and his fiancée Heather Hoffeditz, Emily Green, and Rachel Green Bannworth and her husband Isaac; and great-grandchildren Brooke, Addison, and Charleigh Grace. Also, remaining are her sisters Betsy Davis and Gretchen Naff; sister Virginia Cooper and husband Gary; sisters-in-law Mary Katherine Green Pennell and husband Howard, and Patricia Green Bass and her husband David.

A celebration of Rebecca’s full and meaningful life will be held at the outdoor pavilion at Antioch Church of the Brethren at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021, 2996 Callaway Rd., Rocky Mount, Virginia. Social distancing and mask-wearing will be observed.

Thanks from the family go to staff at Pheasant Ridge Memory Care who helped keep her safe and happy during a nine-year journey with dementia. Special thanks to daughter-in-law Jackie who held her hand and guided her care during Rebecca’s last decade.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Green Thumb Garden Club, Attn: Janet Bowles, 50 Holland Rd., Callaway, VA 24067, or the Antioch Church of the Brethren Cemetery Fund, Attn: Cemetery Fund, 2996 Callaway Rd., Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

Every person who met Rebecca learned something special from her. The world is a better place because she lived.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.