Aleene Valia Silver

Aleene Valia Silver, 93, transitioned peacefully to heaven on Saturday, August 1, 2020. She was born on September 14, 1926, to Walter and Amanda Silvers.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 74 years, J. D. Silver; son Doug (Pam), daughter Melody Buckner (Jackie); grandchildren, Melissa Adams (Joey), Michelle Morgan (Freddy), Jamie (Megan), Athena Davis (Kraig), Natalie Killian (Josh); great grandchildren, Andrew Adams, Eli Adams, Chloe Morgan, Kassidy Morgan, Tyler Morgan, Elisha Silver, Yasmine Silver, Dylan Silver, Jacob Silver, Toby Silver, Francisco Davis, Emma Davis, Roman Davis, Angela Davis, Kelsey Davis; brother, Lewis Silvers; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Amanda Silvers; stepmother, Edna Silvers; brothers, Albert Silvers, Roy Silvers, Gene Silvers, Leon Silvers, Bill Silvers, Wendell Silvers; sisters, Nealie McTaggart, Lucille Shackleford, and Dorothy Shields.

As part of the war efforts, Mrs. Silver first went to work as a teenager for Standard Coosa-Thatcher Cotton Mill in Chattanooga. She often told stories of walking to work in the complete dark during WWII era blackouts in Chattanooga. Sewing was her primary occupation and labor of love, making wedding gowns for the Cleveland Anna Ball White store and sewing for private clients as well as making scores of dresses for her daughter, granddaughters and great-granddaughters. The last sewing project she ever took on was to make little purses for children in an orphanage in Cambodia, which is so fitting for the life of service she led. Mrs. Silver also poured into the lives of children as a vocation and avocation, working at First United Methodist daycare and then keeping 4 of her great- grandchildren in her home from birth until school-age.

Mrs. Silver was a matriarch of South Cleveland Church of God, having been a member for 61 years since her move to Cleveland in 1959. She dedicated her heart to South Cleveland, teaching children’s classes, as Ladies Ministries Director, offering her gifts of sewing, and serving in any way she could find. She was known for her delicious meals and desserts and her eagerness to bless people with them. She and J.D. served as the PrimeTimers Directors for many years. More importantly than her love for her church, though, was her love for Jesus. She reflected His face and His heart in everything she did and her greatest goal in life was to turn others toward Him. She was a prayer warrior and a servant for Him and everyone who knew her knew to whom she belonged.

Aleene Silver loved and cherished her family. She raised a daughter and a son with the greatest love and tenderness and she welcomed their eventual spouses as her own. She took the utmost joy in her grandchildren and their spouses, hosting family birthday dinners and holidays and just “let me cook dinner for you all tonight because you work so hard and you’re tired” meals. Nothing could have ever delighted anyone as much as her 15 great-grandchildren did her, cherishing each and every moment she was able to spend with them. Most of all, though, Aleene Silver was a wife “more precious than rubies”. She loved and supported and cared for and walked beside and held to her spouse of 74 years, J.D., until her final moments of breath. She created a family legacy that has impacted four generations and won’t ever be forgotten.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will only be a graveside service held on Wednesday, August 5, at 10 AM, at Lee Cemetery in McDonald with Pastor Edwin Lipsey, Reverend Chris Moody and Sandra Kaye Williams officiating. Her Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service. To respect those vulnerable and the seniors, please practice social distancing and wear a mask. The family appreciates your understanding.

A basket will be available if you wish to leave a note or card of condolence.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Royal Family Kids Camp, a ministry of South Cleveland Church of God. You may mail your gift to South Cleveland Church of God, 1846 Volunteer Drive SW, Cleveland, TN, 37311, or donate online at http://southcleveland.org/give/one-time-giving.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Silver family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.