Julia Light and some of her flowers on City Market.^
This is the iris I bought from Ms. Light^When that gorgeous big-headed, peach-colored iris peeks through the ground for the fourth time of its life in a couple of months, it will have a new special meaning. I bought these plants from the Roanoke City Market's Iris Lady, Julia Light, and have simply loved them and their dark purple sisters every spring.
Ms. Light, who was about 82, died yesterday of an unexpected heart attack, leaving us all with a little less spring color. She was a delightful woman who lived over in the Mt. Pleasant area and was a City Market fixture, even as she becme increasingly frail in her old age. Her smile was never less than warm and she lived with such delight in her flowers and the people who bought them and loved them. Among the vendors, my guess is that nobody was more popular.
I'll sure as heck miss her, but I have those irises to remember her. That's special.
My friend Penny Lloyd sent this information:
The family will receive friends at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel (Downtown – Church Ave) on Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., with a remembrance service at 7 p.m. where everyone will be invited to share their favorite stories and memories of Julia. The internment will be private. Rather than send flowers, Julia’s wish was that those who knew her plant their own flowers, trees or even grass in her memory. Condolences may be sent to 15102 Martin Glen Terrace, Midlothian, VA 23112 or email to Julia@allencathern.com.
(My colleague and friend Susan Ayers remembers Ms. Light in a tribute here.)
I have irises here and there around the farm, that I bought from her, and was looking forward, as each year about this time, to buying new ones from her in the spring. The blooms will be even more special this year.
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