Allie Grey Mundy
Allie Grey Mundy, 68, of Bluefield, VA, died Nov. 12, 2005 at her home.
Born in Mundy Town, she as a daughter of the late James Paul Mundy and Tina Marie Bagwell Mundy.
She was a member of the Advent Christian Church in Princeton, was a 1956 graduate of Graham High School and was a former employee at Virginia Foods – Nash Finch and later worked at the Maples Nursing Home in Bluefield.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Earl Wallace Mundy.
Survivors: sister, Carol Pauline Mundy Wilson of Bluefield, WV; sister-in-law, Phyllis Mundy of Bluefield, VA; nieces, Paula Lynn Wilson of St. Albans, WV, Patricia Lea Wilson Atwell and husband, Aaron, of Troutville; and great nieces, Cassi Atwell, Brooke Atwell and Lauren Atwell.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA, with Rev. Orville Harvey officiating.
Burial followed in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.
Jay Perkins
Jay Baxter Perkins, 93, of Swords Creek, died Nov. 14, 2005 at his home.
Born Feb. 2, 1912 in Honaker, he was a son of the late Granville and Rachel Hale Perkins.
A lifelong resident of Russell County, he was a retired coal miner and farmer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Hazel Dye Perkins; three sons, Leslie Perkins, Ferrell Perkins, and Alva Perkins; two brothers, Avery Perkins and Geoffery Perkins; one sister, Gertie Hess; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two step-grandchildren.
Survivors: wife of 30 years, Dorothy Perkins; daughters and sons-in-law, Narcie and Dub Dye and Roberta and Bill Fields, all of Honaker; son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Del Perkins of Honaker; step-sons, Jerry and Rhonda Jewell and Larry and Regina Hall, all of Swords Creek; daughters-in-law, Janet Perkins and Nancy Perkins, both of Honaker; brother, Lowie Perkins of Honaker; sisters, Iowa Miller of Swords Creek, Ruby Ball of Bristol, TN; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and five step-great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Gregory Harman and Rev. Ellis Whited officiating.
Interment
followed in the Perkins Family Cemetery in Wysor Valley.
Wilma Jean Quesenberry
Wilma Jean Quesenberry, 60, of Richmond, formerly of Tazewell, died Nov. 15, 2005 at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond.
Born Feb. 4, 1945 at Pounding Mill, she was a daughter of the late James Frederick Quesenberry and Millie D. Hill Quesenberry.
Survivors: sisters, Delma Tatum and husband, Earl, of North Tazewell, Velma Riley of Tazewell, Nadine Kroh and husband, Ed, of Tappahannock, Sylvia Neel and husband, George, of Vinton; brothers, Herman Quesenberry and wife, Mildred, of Tennessee and Larry Quesenberry and wife, Louise, of Tazewell; one niece; and several nephews.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Max Linkous officiating.
Burial followed at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill.
Gary Lee Rasnake
Gary Lee Rasnake, 55, of Honaker, died Nov. 14, 2005 at his home.
Jesus has taken him out of this awful world and out of the long suffering of five years. He is at peace, no more pain, no more sorrow. He now can see the beautiful place he has talked about so long.
Born Dec. 20, 1949 in Russell County, he was a son of Ella Perkins Rasnake of Tazewell and the late Earl Rasnake.
He was a lifelong resident of the area. He was a disabled coal miner, having been employed by Island Creek Coal Company for 28 years. He was a member of the UMWA and attended Outreach Temple in Wysor Valley.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one sister, Laura Gay Rasnake; his special nephew, Harvey Randall "Ran" Hess; and his father-in-law, Lee Osborne.
Additional survivors: wife of 35 years, Linda (Lynn) Osborne Rasnake; sisters, Joyce Whited of Drill, Phyllis Harrison and husband, Terry, of Paintlick; brothers, Larry Rasnake and wife, Mary Lou, of Swords Creek, Randy Rasnake of Richlands; mother-in-law, Dixie Osborne of Honaker; special great-niece, Kelly Beth Hess of Blountville, TN; sisters-in-law, Sue Hess and husband, Harvey, and Marie Hess and husband, Carl, all of Honaker; brother-in-law, Agee Osborne of Honaker; nieces, Leigh Tolliver, Kimberly Lynn Rasnake, and Rhonda Gaye Hale; and nephews, Kris Rasnake, Brad Baldwin, M.D., Derrick Rasnake, Ronald Hess, and Jeff Hess.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Larry Robinson officiating.
Interment
followed in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon.
Pauline Perkins Ray
Pauline Perkins Ray, 82, of Swords Creek, died Nov. 21, 2005 in a Richlands hospital.
Born July 21, 1923 in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Cora Miller Perkins.
A lifelong resident of the Swords Creek area, she was a member of Perkins Chapel.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Ray; one son, Ralph Ray; one granddaughter, Peggy Robinson; four brothers, and one sister. In her generation, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Paul Keen, Helen and Michael Whited, and Wilma Miller, all of Swords Creek; sons and daughters-in-law, Dewey and Geraldine Ray, Ronnie Steve and Vivian Ray and their daughter, Rosemary, Robert and Patricia Ray, Claude, Jr. and Nancy Ray, and Kenneth and Kimberly Ray, all of Swords Creek, and Louis and Anna Ruth Ray of Lebanon; special friend "son", Darrell Miller of Swords Creek; special sister, Kathy Price of Swords Creek; 43 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Daniel Richardson, Rev. Ellis Whited, and Rev. Lee Dye officiating.
Interment
will follow in the Ray-Plaster Cemetery in Call Valley.
Betty Lois Sawyers
Betty Lois Maxfield Sawyers, 68, of Tazewell, died Nov. 18, 2005 at her home.
Born Feb. 13, 1937 in Tazewell County, she was a daughter of the late Robert Nathan Maxfield and Georgia Maude Quesenberry Maxfield.
She was a member of the Tazewell First Assembly of God Church. Earlier in her life, she was an employee of the General Instrument Corporation and later worked as a certified nursing assistant until her retirement.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James William "Bill" Sawyers; one sister, Ruth Boothe; two brothers, Kenny Maxfield and Joe Maxfield; and one brother-in-law, Charlie Pruett.
Survivors: daughters, Lessie Frances Ball of Bluefield, WV, Connie Sue Jones and husband, Wayne, of High Point, NC, Mary Yvonne Meredith and husband, John Lee, of Thompson Valley, Georgia Lois Smith and husband, Lonnie, of Tazewell; sisters, Patsy Wilson and husband, Clyde, of Dry Fork, Nancy Pruett of North Tazewell, Peggy Cothery of Nevada, and Corine Osborne of Maryland; brothers, George Maxfield and wife, Stella, of Gratton, Richie Maxfield and wife, Belinda, of Maryland; 14 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Doug Johnson officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Dorothy Marie Stevens
Dorothy Marie Ball Stevens, 77, of Council, died Nov. 14, 2005 in a Johnson City, TN hospital.
Born Aug. 17, 1928 in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late David and Gracie Bowen Ball.
A lifelong resident of the area, she attended the Swamp Church at Hurricane Creek.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Barnes Stevens; one daughter, Nancy Gay Owens; one sister, Delphia Ball; and one brother, Thurman Ball.
Survivors: daughter, Lilly Silcox and husband, Ron, of Clintwood; sons, Harold Stevens and wife, Tina, of Kentucky, Danny Stevens and wife, Tania, of Richlands, Christopher Stevens and wife, Debi, of Council, Bernard Allen Stevens, Roy Stevens, and Troy Stevens, all of the home; brothers, Bernard Ball and wife, Marsha, of Council; sister, Edith Helton of Honaker; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson and Rev. Carson Powers officiating.
Interment
followed in the Bowen Cemetery at Council.
Denise Kay White
Denise Kay White, 51, of Bandy, died Nov. 15, 2005 at her home.
Born in Charleston, WV, she was a daughter of the late Jesse W. and Anna Alice Massey Waycaster, both West Virginia natives.
She was a Child Care Provider and had lived most of her life in the Bandy area.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Dinah Faye Wright, and one brother, Danny Dale Waycaster.
Survivors: husband, Tom White of Bandy; brothers, David Eugene Waycaster of Columbus, OH, Paul Roger Waycaster of Cleveland, OH; brother-in-law, Charles Alexander Wright of Bandy; special niece/sister, Tresia Barnett Kleineick of Cedar Bluff; great-nieces and nephews, Danielle Bandy Lester and husband, Jeff, of Raven, Timothy Bandy and Rachael Bandy, both of Cedar Bluff; great-great nephew, Ethan Alexander Lester; and many nieces and nephews who were very special and dear to her in Ohio. She had a dear Christian friend, Yorko Jones, who helped her keep her faith in God and in her heart during her illness.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at El Bethel Church in Baptist Valley with the Rev. Sammy Barnett officiating.
Burial was private.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands was in charge of the arrangements.
Max Buford Willard
Max Buford Willard, 69, of Oakwood, died Nov. 12, 2005.
Born in Kimball, WV, he was the son of Margaret Moritz Willard of Brunswick, OH and the late Loyd Willard.
He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a graduate of Welch High School and Concord College. He was a public accountant and was owner of Max B. Willard Accounting. He was a member of the Buchanan First Presbyterian Church. He was fire chief of the Oakwood Fire Department. He was also a member of the Oakwood Lions Club.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one brother, Douglas Willard.
Additional survivors: daughters, Sharon Tropf and husband, Pete, of Ashburn, Valorie Walz and husband, Scott, of Lexington, KY; son, Gregory Willard of Lebanon; brothers, Loyd Willard of Burbank, CA, John Willard of Racine, WI; sisters, Joeann Gentry of Cocoa, FL, Marion Collins of Athens, TN, Billie Mae Hoffman of Brunswick, OH; and grandchildren, Nathan Tropf, Adam Tropf and Katherine Tropf.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel in Keen Mountain with Rev. Mike Rife officiating.
Burial followed in the Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery at Princeton, WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Oakwood Fire Department or the Oakwood Lions Club.
James Earl Yates
James Earl Yates, 63, of Lebanon, died Nov. 14, 2005 in the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville.
Born Oct. 12, 1942 in Russell County, he was a son of Earnest D. Yates and the late Thelma Shephard Yates.
He was a retired Engineer with the Norfolk Southern Railway with 35 years of service. He was a member of Shekinah Ministries in Blountville, TN.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by one brother, Dallard Faye Yates.
Survivors: daughter, Erin Amanda Yates Hann and husband, Dylan A. Hann, of Radford; father, Earnest D. Yates of Lebanon; sister, Mollie Zell Yates of Lebanon; brother, Burl E. Yates and wife, Sandra J. Yates, of Youngsville, NC; nieces, Joy Vencill and husband, Gary Vencill, Susan Sutherland and husband, David Sutherland, Shannon Kiser and husband, Shayne Kiser, Jennette Yates and Sara Buckles; nephews, Jason Yates and wife, Kelli Yates, and Justin Yates; and great nieces, Roxann Buckles and Marissa Yates.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Danny Altizer officiating.
Burial followed in the Stinson Family Cemetery.
Tom P. Beavers
Tom P. Beavers, 74, of the Dry Fork area of North Tazewell, died Nov. 27 at his home.
Born Dec. 9, 1930 at Tazewell County, he was a son of the late Dewey John Beavers and Hanna Mae Williams Beavers.
He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a retired section foreman with Norfolk and Western Railroad.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Donna Glass, and two brothers, Orville Beavers and Blaine Beavers.
Survivors: wife of 52 years, Freda Bradley Beavers; sons, Michael Beavers and wife, Loretta, of Grapefield, Jerry Beavers and wife, Marie, of the Healing Springs area of North Tazewell; sisters, Sadie Testerman of Bel Air, MD, Helen Hiltner and husband, William, of Fredericksburg, Pat Kornto and husband, Frank, of Eden, NC, Judy Roberts and husband, Tom, of Bluefield, WV; six grandsons; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.
The funeral will be conducted Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Johnny Elmore and Larry Brown officiating.
Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell.
Fern Lynn Harrison
Fern Lynn Harrison, 32, of Tazewell, died Nov. 27 at Tazewell Community Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell.
Ruth Kathaleen Hess
Ruth Kathaleen Stevens Hess, 87, of Claypool Hill, formerly of Cedar Bluff, died Nov. 27 following a long illness.
Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late Otis and Pearl Jackson Stevens.
She was a member of Richlands Tabernacle.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Jay Hess, four brothers and one sister.
Survivors: daughter, Mrs. Don (Betty) Horton of Richlands; sons, John S. Hess, Jr. and wife, Celina, of Fairfield, CA, Billy J. Hess and wife, Reba, of Richlands, Allen B. Hess and wife, Betty, of Doran; sisters, Peggy Lane of Denver, CO, Betty Jackson of Nashville, TN; brother, Otis Stevens of Cleveland, OH; half sister, Nancy Walker of Wilkesboro, NC; special niece, Francis Stevens Coleman; five grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Ralph Horton and Rev. Leon O’Quinn officiating.
Burial was private at the Hankins Cemetery in Richlands.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richlands Tabernacle, 2506 4th Street, Richlands, VA 24641.
Georgia Mounts Horn
Georgia Mounts Horn, 87, of Bastian, formerly of Buchanan County, died Nov. 23 in a Bland County nursing home following a long illness.
Born in Buchanan County June 17, 1918, she was the daughter of the late George and Delilah Hunt Mounts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Millard C. Horn; one daughter, Mable Viola Horn; four brothers; and five sisters.
Survivors: son, Ed Horn and wife, Brenda, of Danville; grandsons, Seth Horn and Bo Horn, both of Danville; brother, Alex Mounts of Grundy; sister, Okie Hurley of Grundy; sister-in-law, Phyllis Horn of Bluefield, VA; her niece and guardian, Kay Horn, of Jewell Ridge; a very special friend, Mary Boyd and family of Richlands; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were conducted Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Clinch Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Richlands.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are asked to be sent to the family in care of Singleton Funeral Service, P.O. Box 201 Cedar Bluff, VA 24609.
Lawrence R. Houchins
Lawrence Raymond Houchins, 70, of Tazewell, died Nov. 23 at Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell.
Born Sept. 16, 1935 in Tazewell County, he was a son of the late George and Sarah Jones Houchins.
Survivors: sisters, Helen Harrison and husband, Bert, of Richlands, Mae Crawford and husband, Donald, and Zola Thompson and husband, Charlie, all of North Tazewell.
Graveside services were conducted Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum in Richlands with the Rev. Gerald K. Stacy officiating.
Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell was in charge of the arrangements.
Michael W. Johnson
Michael W. Johnson, 52, of Oak Harbor, OH, formerly of Tazewell, went home to be with God Nov. 21 at Laurens, SC.
Born Feb. 14, 1953 at Welch, WV, he was a son of Jack and Shirley Bandy Johnson of Laurens.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Terry Johnson, and his grandparents, Claude and Lillian Bandy and Lonnie and Hattie Johnson.
Additional survivors: wife, Carol Bishop Johnson; daughters, Michelle Kodak of Laurens, Jennifer Keith of Republic, OH, Janna Johnson of Port Clinton, OH; grandchildren, Alexa Haskin, Blaze and Madison Kodak, all of Laurens, Gunner and Kade Keith and Shane Green, all of Republic, Kaz Johnson of Port Clinton; sisters, Sharon Saunders of Lincolnton, NC, Rita Pauley of North Tazewell, Judith Johnson Wadsworth of Laurens, formerly of Port Clinton; and step daughters, Brandy Bishop and Christy Leow, both of Ohio.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Kenny Fields officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
English Joyce
English Joyce, 87, of Richlands, died Nov. 28 at his home following a long illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff.
Ruby Joyce
Ruby Joyce, 69, of Cedar Bluff, died Nov. 27 in a Richlands hospital.
Born Jan. 22, 1936 in Squire, WV, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Martha Jane Russ Street.
She was a nurse at River Bend Healthcare Center in Ft. Wayne, IN for 22 years. She was a member of the Chapel of Love Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Royce Kim Joyce; two brothers, Freddy Charles and Earnest Charles; and two sisters, Stella Keen and Edna Mallory.
Survivors: husband of 50 years, Doyle Joyce, Jr.; sons, Keith Joyce and wife, Dolly, of Hallerster, FL, Kirk Joyce of Richlands, Kris Joyce and wife, Frances, of Ft. Wayne, Johnathan Hamilton of Cedar Bluff; daughter, Samantha Joyce of Cedar Bluff; sisters, Betty Singleton of Florida, Hester Harnish and husband, Galin, of Ft. Wayne; grandchildren, Kyle, Brandon, Ashley, Josh, Jermi, Jamie and Karen; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Roger Lester officiating.
Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Kenneth W. Lambert
Kenneth Ward Lambert, 68, died peacefully Nov. 26 at Wellmont Hospice House after a long and valiant fight against kidney disease.
Rejoice, he suffers no longer and has been made strong and whole again in a glorified body in Heaven.
He was born Mar. 16, 1937 in Grundy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Ward Lambert and Ilene Virginia French Lambert; one younger brother, Scotty Watson Lambert; and his beloved wife of 37 years, Claudette Davis Lambert.
In 2001, he married Penny Vires and she became his constant companion and his loving caregiver. He was in the Air Force, worked for the FBI and then worked for 41 years for Allstate with offices in Bristol and Cedar Bluff, VA. He was an active member of Euclid Avenue Baptist Church and the Shriners in Bristol VA.
Survivors: wife, Penny Vires Lambert; sister, Oneda McClanahan of Bristol, VA; sons, Kenneth Ward Lambert II and wife, Amy, of Roanoke, Leslie Shannon Lambert and wife, Gail, of Bristol, VA; daughter, Salena Rhea Felty and husband, Jeff, of Bristol, VA; grandchildren, Payton, Kaleb, Rachel, Aaron and Nathaniel Lambert and Kolby Felty; stepchildren and step-grandchildren, Angela, Steve, Jennifer and Jessica Dolinger; Christy, Jeff, Megan and Molly Robinette; Jeff, Penny and Marcus Vires; and many special nephews, and nieces.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. in Akard Funeral Home Chapel in Bristol, TN, with Rev. Kevin Watson and Rev. Tom Elam officiating.
The Committal Service was held Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. in Mt. View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Polycystic Kidney Research Foundation at PKD Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114 (1-800-PKD-CURE) or www.pkdcure.org; Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Rd., Bristol, TN 37620 or a charity of your choice.
Hubert C. Musick
Hubert Clell Musick, 77, of Castlewood, formerly of Honaker, died Nov. 21 at his home.
Born June 15, 1928 in Russell County, he was a son of the late Sparker and Dora Kiser Musick.
A lifelong resident of the Russell County area, he was a circulating nurse at Mattie Williams Hospital in Richlands. He was a United States Army veteran, having served in Korea. He was a member of the St. Paul Assembly of God and had sung with Gospel Way singers for 30 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Mark Clell Musick, and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors: wife of 49 years, JoAnne Musick; sisters, Delpha Ball and Dorothy Johnson, both of Lebanon; brother, Elwood Musick of Culpeper; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Danny Altizer and Rev. George Jordan officiating.
Interment
followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Military graveside honors were conducted by American Veteran’s Honor Guard Association of Richlands.
Campbell A. Rasnake
Campbell Arnold Rasnake, 94, of Cedar Bluff, died Nov. 23 at Golden Age Retirement Home following a lengthy illness.
He was born April 1, 1911 in Russell County. He was a son of the late Pleasant S. (Ves) and Henrietta Osborne Rasnake, both Russell County natives.
He was a retired coal miner and farmer.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virgie Whitaker Rasnake; his second wife, Blanche Burress Rasnake; three brothers, John, Harman and Clarence Rasnake; six sisters, Ellen Lester, Ada Deel, Myrtle Rasnake, Elizabeth Tiller, Laura Johnson and Delphia Ball; and one son-in-law, Charles (Buck) Beavers.
Survivors: daughters, Mrs. Jim (Lucille) Beavers of Michigan, Ruth Beavers and Mrs. Joel (Connie) Lester, both of Cedar Bluff, Terry Newberry of Richlands; sons, Roy Rasnake and wife, Elizabeth, of Essington, PA, Buddy Rasnake and wife, Wanda, of Centerville; brother, Carl Rasnake of Cleveland; and sisters, Mrs. Goan (Fannie) Kelly of Cleveland, Thelma Musick of Abingdon; special granddaughters, Mrs. Jeff (Colleen) Honaker of Honaker, Christy Lester of Cedar Bluff, 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and three great great granddaughters.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. David Brannock and Rev. Marvin Nipper officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Carrie L. Sheets
Carrie L. Sheets, of Florahome, FL, died Nov. 19.
She was born Dec. 31, 1923 in Pounding Mill and was the daughter of James and Margaret McGuire.
She was active in her community, a member of the Ladies Around Georges Lake and served as a board member for the Georges Lake Homeowners Association for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Melv "Joe" Sheets and their son, Benny.
Survivors: son, Richard Sheets, daughter-in-law, Joanie, of Fernandina Beach, FL; daughters, Bonnie McGuire, son-in-law, John of Bloomington, IN, Peggy Palmer of Atlanta, GA, Norma Mason of Florahome, Abby Harris, son-in-law, Billy of Middleburg, FL; brother, Bill McGuire and wife, Jess, of Tazewell; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and very special friend, James "Poppy" Dixon of Florahome; as well as many special family members and friends.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. at Town & Country Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, FL.
Interment
followed at Riverside Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Bethel Smith
Bethel Ward Prater Smith, 77, of Oakwood, died Nov. 27 at her daughter’s residence.
Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late Sidney Ward and Carie Stevenson Ward.
She was a devoted Christian, member of the Tookland Pentecostal Church, where she was a choir member and member of the drama team. She also enjoyed needle working. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Prater; second husband, Hassell Smith; five sisters; and four brothers.
Survivors: daughters, Sue Blankenship and husband, Ron, of Stafford, Sissy Fletcher and husband, Mike, of Oakwood, Sandy Harrison and husband, Harry, and Debbie Cook, all of Richlands; sons, William Richard Prater of Vansant, Randy Dale Prater and wife, Lesley, of Richlands; brothers, Rev. Thomas Ward of Pilgrim Knob, Dennis Ward of Richlands; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Parks and Rev. Jerry Ward officiating.
Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memorial Gardens at Claypool Hill.
A service was held Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Wade Clark Sparks
Wade Clark Sparks, 83, of North Tazewell, went to be with his Lord Nov. 28 at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born at Tazewell County, he was a son of the late Charlie W. and Julie Mae Whitt Sparks.
He had made his home in Tazewell County his entire life. He was an avid trout fisherman and hunter. He was retired from Consolidated Coal Co. at Amonate and was a member of UMWA Local Union #2223 of Amonate. He was a veteran of the U S Army, WW II from 1942 to 1946. He was of the Freewill Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Carole Virginia Sparks, and three brothers, Jack, Glade and Gratton Sparks.
Survivors: loving wife of 59 years, Pansy Whitt Sparks; daughters, Julie East and husband, Clay, of English, IN, Frances Casey and husband, Jack, of Muskogee, OK, Margaret Meade and husband, Donald, of North Tazewell, Kathy McGuire of the home; sons, Harold Edward Sparks and Nancy of North Tazewell, Raymond Curtis Sparks and wife, Barbara, of Bandy, and Rex Norman Sparks and wife, Debbie, of Rocky Gap; sister, Beulah R. Hayes of North Tazewell; special caregiver, Terri Hayes of North Tazewell; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel of Tazewell with Rev. Jonah Sparks officiating.
Members of Barns-Beavers VFW Post 7136 of Tazewell will conduct military graveside rites.
Interment
will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Friends may call at the funeral home Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Helping Hands of Linkous Chapel in Baptist Valley.
Brandy Michelle Perkins Underwood
Brandy Michelle Perkins Underwood, 25, of Dye Hollow Road in the Lynn Springs section of Swords Creek, died Nov. 25 in a Richlands hospital.
Born Oct. 7, 1980 in Lebanon, she was a daughter of Virginia Johnston Perkins of Wardell and the late Donald Gene Perkins.
A lifelong resident of the area, she was currently employed at Big Lots in Richlands.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Donald Honaker.
Additional survivors: husband, Rocky Underwood of Richlands; sisters, Jessica Perkins of Lynn Springs, Misty Owens of Wardell; brother, Larry "J.R." Price, Jr. of Swords Creek; paternal grandmother, Jessie Perkins Ward of Lynn Springs; paternal grandfather, Elmer Perkins of Swords Creek; maternal grandmother, Doris Green of Wardell; uncles, Eugene Perkins and Brian Perkins, both of Lynn Springs, Bill Green and Terry Johnston, both of Wardell, Donald Honaker and Michael Honaker, both of Honaker; aunts, Linda Fitzgerald of Honaker, Wilma Miller of North Carolina; nieces, Megan Owens and Jasmine Price; nephews, Skylar Owens and Keith Perkins; and special friends, Ricky Shelton, Keith Eure, and Shawn Sargent.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Dennis White and Rev. Tommy Dye officiating.
Interment
followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
James Arvil Wilson
James Arvil Wilson, 17, of Honaker, died Nov. 27 in a Richlands hospital.
Born Oct. 8, 1988 in Lebanon, he was a son of Wanda Yates Wilson of Honaker and the late Thurman Arvil Wilson.
A lifelong resident of the area, he was employed at Long John Silvers in Richlands.
Additional survivors: sister, Jenny Wilson of Honaker; brothers, Thurman Yates and Jerry Wilson, both of Honaker; maternal grandmother, Alice Hess of Honaker; maternal grandfather, Arkie Yates of Big A Mountain; and nephew, Dylan Yates.
The funeral will be conducted Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson and Rev. Carson Powers officiating.
Interment
will follow in the Wilson Cemetery in Finney.
James Franklin Adair, Jr.
James Franklin "Frank" Adair, Jr., 63, of Cucumber, WV, died Nov. 28 at Tazewell Community Hospital, following a courageous battle with his illness.
Born Oct. 10, 1942 at Cucumber, he was a son of the late James Frank Adair and Eula Rasnick Adair.
He was a disabled coal miner, and he proudly served his country in the US Army. He was a member of the Canebrake Freewill Baptist Church in Canebrake, WV.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, James Franklin Adair, III.
Survivors: loving wife, JoAnn Collis Adair, loving daughter, Cheryl Adair, loving grandson, Cody, all of the home; loving daughter-in-law, Pamela Wolfe Adair, loving granddaughter, Cassandra Adair and loving grandson, James Franklin Adair, IV, all of Cucumber; sisters, Nancy Wingo of Tazewell, Wilma Ward of North Carolina, Phyllis Knox of Tennessee; brothers, W.K. Adair of Cucumber, Robert Adair of Tazewell; and special friends, Jim Quesenberry and Bruce Parker.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 1 at 11 at the Canebrake Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Long officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
An evening service was held Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the church.
Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
James C. Alford, Sr.
James Clyde Alford, Sr., 65, of Patterson, died Dec. 3 at Clinch Valley Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born in Whitesville, WV, he was the son of the late William Clayton and Barbara Ruth McNely Alford.
He had been a resident of Buchanan County for several years, was a former employee for Jewell Coal and Coke with 12-years of service and was a disabled coal miner. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors: wife, Ellen Gibson Alford; sons, Curtis Alford and James Alford, Jr., both of Richlands, William James Alford and Johnny Earl Alford, both of Berea, OH; daughters, Patricia Ann Matney of Grundy, Tonya Lynn Ensign of Brook Park, OH; sisters, Rosa Lee Howard of Cleveland, OH, Dianna Cooper of Tazewell; brothers, Larry Scott Alford of Jonesville, Jerry Wayne Alford of Ravenna, OH; and seven grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evg. Sam Casebolt officiating.
Burial will follow in the Gibson Cemetery on Compton Mountain-Gibson Ridge Road, near Pilgrims Knob.
Friends may call at the funeral home at 5 p.m. with services Dec. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.
Thomas Chase Ball
Thomas Chase Ball, 20, of Abingdon, died Dec. 4 in an Abingdon hospital.
Born July 17, 1985 in Richlands, he was a son of Mary Ellen Peck of Honaker and the late Thomas Stephen Ball.
A 2004 graduate of John Battle High School, he was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Martin and Shirley Ball.
Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his step-father, Alvin Deel of Honaker; aunts, Thelma Massie, Bobbie Jo Peck, Stephanie Ball, Sharlene Ball, Suzanne Aughtry, Penny Stinson and Kelly New; maternal grandparents, Glen and Ella Peck of Drill; step-grandparents, Elmer and Laura Deel of Honaker; fiancée, Amber McMurray of Abingdon; and many friends and cousins.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Craig Barber officiating.
Interment
will follow in the family cemetery.
Helen L. Bowling Brown
Helen L. Bowling Brown, 87, of Tazewell, went to be with the Lord, Dec. 4 at Tazewell Community Hospital in Tazewell following a long illness.
Born Nov. 4, 1918 in Tazewell County, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Mamie Lawson Bowling.
She was a member of the Tazewell Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was employed at Pop Shop #1 in Tazewell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Brown, five brothers and three sisters. She was the last surviving member of the Brown family.
Survivors: daughters, Nancy Louise Jones and husband, Virgil, of Bladensburg, MD, Mary Ellen Rose and husband, Bill, of Culpeper, Shirley G. Rose and husband, Michael, and Carol Anne Cornwell and husband, Danny, all of Tazewell, Patricia Sue Maloyed and husband, C.H., of Marion; sons, John Thomas Brown and wife, Joey, of Rixeyville, Wayne Cecil Brown and wife, Kathy, of Tazewell; sister, Frances Lewis of Tazewell; brother, Bill Bowling of Tampa, FL; 18 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Jessie Hunt and the Rev. Danny Cornwell officiating.
Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell.
The family request memorial contributions be made to Tazewell Home Health, C/O Tazewell Community Hospital, 141 Ben Bolt Ave. Tazewell, VA 24651.
