Linda Carol Mabe
Linda Carol McGhee Mabe, 53, of Mt. Airy, NC, went to be with the Lord Dec. 5, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born May 18, 1952 to George and Arbutus McGhee.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Marvin McGhee, Jr., and one sister, Mary McGhee.
She is survived by the love of her life, Grover Mabe of the home; daughters, Melissa Sue Mabe and fiancé Jammy Shinault, Tammy Mabe Atkins and boyfriend, Trent Draughon, Mildred Mabe Hicks and husband, William Scott Hicks, all of Mt. Airy; granddaughters and grandson who she loved very dearly, Ashley Leighann Manning, Rebecca Haley Manning, Abigail Madison Hicks, and Shane Thomas Atkins, all of Mt. Airy; her mother, Arbutus McGhee of Richlands; sisters, Donna Griffith and husband, Dean, Patsy Shortt and husband, Mark; brothers, Jim McGhee and wife, Faye, and David McGhee, all of Richlands. She is also survived by Dorothy and Elbert Bowman, Marcella and Bill Manley, Alene and Bobby Pell, Lorene Marshall, Elma Hiatt, Elaine Dishman, Elsie Mabe and Marie Mabe; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Linda Shinault, Louise Vaughn, Rebecca Hull, Missy Dunbar, Angie Bumgarner, Coy Lee Atkins, Mildred Smith, Leo Pipes, Wanda Holt and Libby Marion.
A memorial service was held Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home with Rev. Dewayne Sands officiating.
Information submitted by Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff.
Harvey Luther Marshall
Harvey Luther Marshall, 79, of Cedar Bluff, died Dec. 7 in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born Sept. 16, 1926 in Russell County, he was the son of the late Almarine "Bud" and Rosa Griffith Marshall.
He was a retired employee for General Shale. He was of the Pentecostal faith and attended the Church of New Beginnings.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Pat Marshall, Joe Marshall, Henry Marshall, Marvin Marshall, Frank Marshall and Robert Marshall, and five sisters, Ethel Ball, Jamie Reynolds, Flora Marshall, Mary Louise Marshall and Lucy Hagy.
Survivors: wife of 53 years, Pearl Virginia Gross Marshall; sons, Harvey Lee Marshall of Cedar Bluff, Ronnie Allen Marshall of Richlands; daughters, Carolyn Sue Marshall of Swords Creek, Pamela Annette Marshall of Middle Creek; sisters, Renda "Sis" Ball and Rebecca Ball, both of Rosedale; grandchildren, Shawn Compton, Rodney Marshall, Joseph Marshall, Jermine Marshall, Kristy Marshall, Tasha Mitchell and Jamey Marshall; great grandchildren, Logan Marshall, Brooke Mitchell, Alexis Mitchell, Kyle Nicoholson, Bailey Nicoholson and Dallas Nicoholson; and step grandchildren, Michael Wayne Profitt, Shawn Smith and Hope Blackwell.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Danny Houchins officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Margie E. Moody
Margie Estrue Walls Asbury Moody, 82, of Tazewell, died Dec. 5 at Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell.
Born Feb. 12, 1923 at Coalwood, WV, she was a daughter of the late Frank Brooks Walls and Roxie Virginia King Walls.
She was of the Baptist faith, having been baptized at the First Baptist Church in Welch, WV, where she attended for several years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Otis Asbury; her second husband, Luther Moody; one daughter, Linda Asbury Woods; two sisters, Alma Tobias and Anna Lane; and two brothers, Ray Walls and Paul Walls. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: daughters, Rita Ann Asbury Hurley of Tazewell, Janet Asbury Smith of Beckley, WV; son, David Asbury; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were conducted at 11 a.m. Dec. 8 at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Bluewell, WV with the Rev. Doug Johnson officiating.
Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Virginia Rose Penix
Virginia Lorain Rose Penix, 82, of Pounding Mill, went home to be with the Lord Dec. 9 at a Tazewell hospital following a lengthy illness.
She was born at Berwind, WV, and was the daughter of the late Earby Hall Rose and Rosie Lou Ellen Davis Rose.
She had made her home in Squire, WV, all her life until eight years ago when she made it with her daughter. She was a loving mother, grandmother and was a housewife. She was a member of the Thompson Valley Church of God.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Girven "Bob" Penix; one sister, Pearl Beavers; two brothers, Wiley Rose and Jessie Rose, Sr.; four brothers-in-law, Alma Beavers, Andrew Sturgill, Rex E. Sparks and Jimmy P. Lawson; and one son-in-law, Douglas E. Barnett.
Survivors: daughter, Bobbi Sabrina Burnett-Shrader and husband, Rev. James Curtis Shrader, of Pounding Mill; sisters, Vella Sparks of Cedar Bluff, Frances Sturgill of Louisa, KY, Cora Lawson of Crystal River, FL; granddaughter, Natasha Hope Lewis Simpson and husband, Roger Lee Simpson, Jr., of Pounding Mill; and great grandchildren, Zoe Brown, Zachary Simpson and Hunter Simpson of Pounding Mill.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel of Tazewell with Rev. Kevin Seabolt officiating.
Interment
followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Millard "Buss" Rapp
Millard "Buss" Rapp, 84, of Abingdon, formerly of Bradshaw, WV, went to be with the Lord Dec. 11 at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born in Yukon, WV, he was a son of the late Carl and Mae Spence Rapp, both Bradshaw natives.
He was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran. He was a self-employed mechanic. He was a member of United Methodist Church in Bradshaw, and a member of the American Legion Post #175 of Bradshaw. He attended the Holston Valley Baptist Church in Abingdon. He was a lifelong resident of Bradshaw.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jeffrey Keith Rapp; one grandson, Christopher Joseph Rapp; and one sister, Daisy Mae Payne. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family
Survivors: wife, Nola Faye Mullins Rapp; son, Dr. Carl Steven Rapp and wife, Mary, of Abingdon; nieces, Ginger Harris and husband, G.T., and Shirley Hammond and husband, Jim, all of Richlands, Sarita Mullins and husband, Johnny, of Abingdon, Linsey McGlothlin of Cedar Bluff; nephews, Darrell Wimmer of Watseka, IL, Harold Wimmer and wife, Rita, of Claypool Hill, Billy Wimmer and wife, Valentine, of Cedar Bluff; grandson, Steven Matthew Rapp of Abingdon; former daughter-in-law, Connie Riffe and son, Jeffrey, of Bradshaw; special sister-in-law, Lola Mae Wimmer and husband, Bill, of Whitewood; cousin, Viola Johnson; several great nephews; and special caregivers, Roby, Connie, Theresa and John and Amendysis Home Hospice Care.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Kelly Stevenson and the Rev. John Kiser officiating.
Interment
will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Members of the American Legion Post #175 of Bradshaw will conduct military graveside rites.
Friends may call at the funeral home Dec. 14 from 6-9 p.m.
Dr. Jonathan Rasnake
Dr. Jonathan Randall Rasnake, 26, of Richlands, died Dec. 9 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Abingdon.
Born Oct. 17, 1979 in Richlands, he was the son of Randall C. and Freda Simmons Rasnake of Richlands.
He was a 1997 graduate of Richlands High School. He graduated in 2001 from the University of Virginia with a BS in biology and chemistry. He was a 2005 graduate of the Medical College of Virginia with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He was employed at the Dental Office of Dr. Darrell Harman.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Arnold Rasnake, Andy J. Simmons and Gus Vandyke.
Additional survivors: grandmothers, Mae Vandyke of Raven, Ellen Simmons of Richmond, Blanche R. Rasnake of Oakwood; special aunts and uncles, Patricia and Dr. Brooks Crumpton, Vicki and Raymond Simpson, Anita and Wayne Plaster, Holli and Codie Harman and Diana and Alan Hobeck; cousins, Ellie Simpson, Patrick Crumpton, Jeremy Plaster, Brittany Plaster, Dusty Plaster, Nicholas Harman, Sarah Harman, Lynn Bates, Laurie Cost and Amanda Prior; and a special friend, Monica Kimbrell.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Barry Absher, Rev. Jack Keen and Rev. Lester Frank officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Raven Assembly of God Church.
Winston Troy Reed
Winston Troy Reed, 84, of Cedar Bluff, died Dec. 6 in a Bristol, TN hospital following a lengthy illness.
He was born and raised in Jenkins, KY, and was the son of the late Meredith and Margaret Baker Reed, both Kentucky natives. He had lived in the Cedar Bluff area for the last 13 years. He was a retired coal miner and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian Goins Reed, and several brother and sisters.
Survivors: wife, Cretta Cole Reed; sons, Calvin Reed and wife, Pamela, of Ashland, KY, Don Case and wife, Darlene, of Richlands; several step children; sister, Carolyn Baker of Interlaken, FL; brothers, Ottis Reed of Loraine, OH, William Reed of Pikeville, KY; and grandchildren, Donna Case, Celesta Reed and Brandon Reed.
The funeral was held Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Payne Gap Freewill Baptist Church of Payne Gap, KY with the Rev. Buddy Bates officiating.
Interment
followed at the Reed Family Cemetery in Jenkins.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands and Polly and Craft Funeral Home in Jenkins was in charge of arrangements.
Wendell Rayden Rife, Sr.
Wendell Rayden Rife, Sr., 65, of the Pea Patch section of Jewell Ridge, died Dec. 9 at Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy.
Born in Riley County, WV, April 20, 1940, he was the son of the late Walter Rife and Oma Blanche Wimmer Rife.
He was a retired truck driver, of the Church of Christ faith, avid gardener, enjoyed four wheeling and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors: wife of 46 years, Rosetta Keen Rife of Pea Patch; daughter, Doris Cooper and husband, Gilbert, of Jewell Ridge; sons, Wendell Rayden Rife, Jr. and wife, Loretta of Raven, Bruce Edward Rife of Athens, GA, Kennith Wade Rife and wife, Robin, of Knoxville, TN; sisters, Josephine Kennedy and Leola Mullins, both of Jewell Ridge; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Oak Grove Church of Christ, White Mountain, Jewell Ridge, with Evangelists Clarence Herron and Hobert Kennedy officiating.
Burial followed in the Rife Cemetery on Pea Patch, Jewell Ridge.
A song service was held at 7 p.m. at the church Dec. 11.
Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home in Grundy was in charge of arrangements.
Sherry Denise Slate
Sherry Denise Slate, 43, of Raven, died Dec. 10 at her home.
Born June 29, 1962 in Tazewell County, she was the daughter of Madge Broadhead Slate of Raven and the late James Harvey Slate.
Additional survivors: daughter, Samantha Lynn Whitaker of the home; son, James Curtis Whitaker of Richlands; brother, Danny Slate and wife, Martha Ann, of Cedar Bluff; and grandchildren, Amy Brewster, Tyler Brown and Isaac Brown.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Johnny Hatfield of Toler, KY officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Laura (Ethel) Smith
Laura (Ethel) Lowe Smith, 88, died at her home on Ravens Nest Branch Dec. 7 after a lengthy illness.
She was the daughter of the late Riley and Mintie Lowe. She was known for her hospitality and was of the Pentecostal faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Caleb Smith; one sister, Ruby Blankenship; and two brothers, Lundy and John Lowe.
Survivors: daughter, Carolyn Miller of Roanoke; sons and spouses, Clayton and Debbie Smith and Larry and Doris Smith, all of Cedar Bluff; grandchildren, Thomas Dickens, Ralph Miller, Jr., Dennis Miller and wife, Gail, all of Roanoke, Clay Smith and Mark Smith, both of Cedar Bluff, Lindsay Pellatt and husband, Bryan, of Virginia Beach; great granddaughter, Carrie Pellatt of Virginia Beach; sister, Ruth Lowe of Havre De Grace, MD; brother and wife, Mason and Annie Lowe of Cedar Bluff; many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins; four sisters-in-law; a close friend and caregiver, Linda Johnson; and a true friend and companion, Elsa.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Max Linkous and Rev. Rick Herald officiating.
Burial followed in the Lowe/Beavers Family Cemetery at Ravens Nest Branch.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV 24701 or the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216 Glen Allen, VA 23058.
Leland Ira Sutherland
Leland Ira Sutherland, 75, of the New Garden Road section of Honaker, died Dec. 7 at his home.
Born July 21, 1930 in West Virginia, he was a son of the late Hollin Milton and Mable Inez Boyd Sutherland.
He had lived in the Honaker area since 1978 and had served in the United States Army and United States Air Force. He attended Barnes Chapel in Abingdon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul Raymond Sutherland, Craig Allen Sutherland, and Boyd Milton Sutherland, and two sisters, Rebecca Ruth S. Mullins and Willie Faye S. Drennen.
Survivors: sons, Donnie Sutherland of Ohio, Ronnie Sutherland of Mississippi; sisters, Irene S. Thompson of Honaker and his twin sister, Leona Iris S. Finch of South Carolina; and several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Stafford Compton officiating.
Interment
followed in the Sutherland Cemetery at Finney.
Gay S. VanDyke
Gay S. VanDyke, 82, of North Tazewell, died Dec. 10 at her home.
Born March 3, 1923 at Rich Valley, she was a daughter of the late Joseph D. Smith and Lucille Smith Kinder.
She was a retired Plant Clerk with General Telephone and Electronics Company having worked with the company 32 years. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Barns-Beavers VFW Post #7136 Ladies Auxiliary in Tazewell. She attended Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tazewell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Smith; one sister, Mable Smith Johnson; one half-brother, Boyd Carter Kinder; and one half-sister, Mamie Kinder Centani.
Survivors: husband of 64 years, Eugene "Van" VanDyke; son, Thomas J. "T.J." VanDyke and wife, Sherry, of Dublin; daughter, Anita V. Reynolds and husband, Donald, of North Tazewell; grandchildren, Doniell and James D. "J.D." Reynolds of North Tazewell, Thomas J. "Joey" VanDyke, Jr. of Richmond, Stephanie R. VanDyke of Tazewell; brother, Harry D. Smith and wife, Paulette, of Tazewell; and half-sister, Earlene K. Taylor of New Orleans, LA.
Graveside services were conducted Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell with the Rev. Henry Johnson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV 24701.
Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Bobby Yates
Bobby Yates, 64, of Rt. 1, Vansant, died Dec. 11 at Buchanan General Hospital following a brief illness.
Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of the late Ruffice Airis and Pinkie Mae Deel Yates.
He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and attended Shiloh Pentecostal Church. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a retired coal miner.
He was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Kermit Nelson, and one nephew, Jimmy Roger Yates.
Survivors: wife, Debra Lynn Thacker Yates of Vansant; daughter, Bobbi Rena and husband, Gary Shaun Baker, of Cedar Bluff; son, Bobby Gene Jr. and wife, Monique Dianne Yates, of Haysi; sisters, Shirley and husband, Albert Horn, and Lois Jean "Sissy" Nelson, all of Vansant, Lula and husband, Doye Stanley, of Oakwood, Patsy Ann Grey of Richlands; brother, Jimmy Roger and wife, Linda Yates, of Vansant; and grandchildren, Mandy Larae Yates of Clintwood, Amy Lauren Coleman of Rt. 1, Vansant, Skyler Drew Baker and Gunner Sean Baker, both of Cedar Bluff.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evg. Mike Rife and Rev. Terry Colley officiating.
Burial will follow at the Yates Cemetery in Vansant.
Services were held at the funeral home Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Betty Lou Vance Billips
Betty Lou Vance Billips, 71, of the Mudfork community in Tazewell, died Dec. 16 at Tazewell Community Hospital in Tazewell.
Born Dec. 13, 1934, in Bishop, she was a daughter of Ama A. Kiser Vance of Tazewell and the late Edward F. Vance.
She was a member of the Mudfork Church of Christ. She graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1952.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Marsha Rew, and two sisters, Joyce Smith and Mary Sue O’Donnell.
Additional survivors: husband, Earl H. Billips; daughters, Penny Billips of Richmond, Debra Hatfield and husband, Russ, of Bluefield, VA, Eva Bailey and husband, Randy, of Christiansburg; sons, Robert Billips of Mudfork, Jeff Billips of Tazewell, Kevin Billips and wife, Chaney, of Anniston, AL; son-in-law, Jerry Rew of Richmond; grandchildren, Allen Hatfield, Amanda Eggleston, Kyle Bailey, Drew Bailey, Nikki Billips, Derek Billips, Tessa Billips, Isaac Billips, Tricia Rew, and Jeffery Billips presently in the military in Iraq; great-grandchildren, Savannah Eggleston and Ryan Rew; sisters, Phyllis Wall of Pulaski, Brenda Manchester of Gratton; and brothers, Bill Vance of Bishop, and Farley Vance of Bastian.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Johnny Elmore officiating.
Entombment followed at Grandview Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Bluefield, VA.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 919 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611.
Naomi Jewell Bullion
Naomi Jewell Bullion, 89, of Whitewood, died Dec. 19 in a Lebanon nursing home following a lengthy illness.
Born in West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late William Henry and Mary Elizabeth Hagerman Jewell, both Buchanan County natives.
She had made her home in the Whitewood area most of her life and was a retired Postmaster at Jewell Valley. She was also a former employee of the Buchanan County School System and was a member of the Shelter Free Will Baptist Church in Whitewood.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Silas A. "Kingsport" Bullion; two sisters, Madge Cole and Watie Collins; and eight brothers, A.B. "Buck", John, Bill, Elbert, Oliver, Eugene, Roy, and Charles Jewell.
Survivors: daughters, Linnie Hackworth and husband, Junior, and Christine Cole and husband, Earl, all of Whitewood; sister, Ruby Fuller of Whitewood; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friends and caregivers, staff of the Maple Grove Nursing Home.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Earl Cole and Bro. Columbus Baker, Jr. officiating.
Interment
will follow at the White-Jewell Family Cemetery on White Mountain near Jewell Valley.
May Ola Justice
May Ola Hall Justice, 90, of West Palm Beach, FL, formerly of Richlands and Landover, MD, died Dec. 2 in West Palm Beach following a brief illness.
She was born in Pounding Mill in 1916 and was the daughter of the late Dexter Frazier Hall and Lillie Belle Presnell Hall.
She graduated from Richlands High School in 1933 and went into nursing where she met her future husband, Clarence Houston Justice, who preceded her in death. After nursing, she became a homemaker and started a career as a pharmacist assistant for People’s Drug Store.
In Florida, at the age of 80, she went into the C. O. P. program where she received several commendations and achieved the rank of Colonel.
Survivors: daughters, Lillie Weiner of Bel Air, MD, Barbara Mize of Alabaster, AL; son, Aaron Dexter Justice of Canton, PA; sister, Eileen Maxey; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a life long friend, Mary Mac Neil.
A memorial service was conducted Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at Greenhills Memory Gardens Chapel Mausoleum at Claypool Hill with Rev. Scott Childress officiating.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands was in charge of the arrangements.
Ernie Willard Marrs
Ernie Willard Marrs, 73, of Squire, (Brewsterdale) WV, died Dec. 14 at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, WV.
Born Mar. 16, 1932 at Brewsterdale, he was a son of the late Oscar and Finnie Nunley Marrs.
He retired from Deskins Supermarket Warehouse with 20 years of service. He also worked at Tazewell Farm Bureau mill and store in Tazewell. He was of the Holiness faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Pearl Stevenson; one brother, Ray Marrs; and one niece, Linda Bowman.
Survivors: wife of 34 years, Virginia Bowman Marrs; son, Brian Marrs and wife, Jennifer Anderson Marrs, of Charleston; sisters, Edna Bowman of Martinsville, Loraine Bowman of Newhall, WV, Ella Lou Graham of Horsepen; and brother, Shirley Marrs of Brewsterdale.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Kenneth Gillespie officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Vernie "Bud" Marshall
Vernie Lee "Bud" Marshall, 66, of Mt. Rainier, MD, died Dec. 14 at his home.
Born in Russell County, he was a son of the late James Rolf and Mazie Wells Marshall.
He had lived in Mt. Rainier for the past 43½ years, moving there from Honaker. He was a retired truck driver, having been employed at Burnham Service Corporation for 33 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Peggy Combs.
Survivors: wife, Armeldia Marshall of the home; children, Robert Marshall and wife, Mary, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Anita Johnson and husband, Todd, of Nanjamoy, MD, Buddy Marshall and wife, Chrysta, and Howard Honaker, all of Mt. Rainier; brothers, Billy Marshall and Sonny Marshall and wife, Judy, of Hyattsville, MD; sisters, Betty Boozer and husband, "Boozer," of Gray, TN, Connie Kiser and husband, Wayne, of Honaker; brother-in-law, Jim Combs of Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, Brian, Andy, Lindsay, Kaitlin, Christopher and Todd, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Robert, Donald, Oz, Zuki Kate and Kramer; special friends, Brent Howard of Frederick, MD, Joe Howard of Mt. Airy, MD, Peggy Taylor of Honaker; and special nurse, Marylin Mowatt of Mt. Rainier.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Taylor officiating.
Interment
followed in Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon.
Joshua David Mercer
Joshua David Mercer, 26, of Pounding Mill, died at his home, Dec. 12.
Born in Richlands, he was the son of Tina Muir of Pounding Mill and the late Tommy David Mercer.
He was a life long resident of the area and had attended Richlands High School. He was an employee of the Apple Jack Coal Company of Dante.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Phyllis Mercer, and one aunt, Dana Sayers.
Additional survivors: step-father, Ronnie Hurt; brother, Elijah Craig Stiltner of Pounding Mill; maternal grandparents, Bob and Nell Muir of Raven; his special dog and constant companion, Buddy; aunts and uncles, Rebecca Fox and husband, Mike, of Richlands, Robert Muir and wife, Debbie, of Doran; cousins, Greta Hurst, Holly Cantrell, Heather Sayers, Joey Fox, Robert Muir, Zachary Muir, James Mercer, Michelle Mercer, Shawn Combs and Jared Combs; and a host of family and friends.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. David Brannock officiating.
Interment
followed at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands.
Charles Gray Miller
Charles Gray Miller, 65, of the Big A Mountain section of Honaker, died Dec. 18 at his home.
Born May 3, 1940 in Monroe County, WV, he was a son of the late Charles Winfred and Nellie Miller.
He had married into the Rasnake and Street families 41 years ago, when he met Juanita Rasnake Miller. He had resided in the Honaker area for the past four and a half years, moving there from Gaithersburg, MD.
He was a retired water department worker, having been employed by the D.C. Government. He was a member and knight with the Knights of Pythias, Lodge #123 in Gaithersburg, MD. He was of the Baptist and Holiness faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, infant, Dora Miller, Fay Wells and Betty Christian.
Survivors: wife, Juanita Rasnake Miller of the home; daughter, Donna A. Miller of Honaker; son, Charles Gregory Miller and wife, Regina, of Germantown, MD; grandchildren, Callie Ann Miller, Julia Marie Miller, Benjamin Louis Miller, Trista Liane Miller; sisters, Mary Ford of Christiansburg, Nellie Smith of Weaver, AL; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Ancil Childress, Rev. Giles Ball and Bro. Denver Sutherland officiating.
Interment
will follow in the Street Cemetery at Rowe.
Roberta Gail Simmons
Roberta Gail Simmons, 71, of Cedar Bluff, died Dec. 13 in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Utica, NY, she was the daughter of the late Erwin and Roberta Morgan Briggs, both New York natives.
She had made her home in the Cedar Bluff area for the past 50 years and was a member of the Raven Assembly of God Church in Raven. She was a graduate of Boone High School in Orlando, FL.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence O. Simmons, and one son, Rodney Simmons.
Survivors: daughter, Karen Davis and husband, Rick, of Cedar Bluff; son, Mack Simmons and wife, Connie Jean, of Cedar Bluff; brother, Dick Briggs of Portage, MI; grandchildren, Lindsey Lambert, Eric Lambert, Gabrielle Davis, Joshua Davis, Alexandra Simmons, and Amber Simmons; great grandchild, Jaden Marie Simmons; niece, Amy Thar; and nephews, Jonathan Briggs, Danis Simmons, and Todd Simmons.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Raven Assembly of God Church in Raven with the Rev. Barry Absher officiating.
Entombment followed at the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Claypool Hill.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands was in charge of arrangements.
Albert Stevens
Albert Stevens, 68, of the Finney Road section of Honaker, died Dec. 18 in a Richlands hospital.
Born July 7, 1937 in Russell County, he was a son of the late Joseph and Pauline Chafin Stevens.
A lifelong resident of the area, he was a retired foreman with Ingersol-Rand (S & S Machinery) at Claypool Hill.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Carol Sue Peck, and three sisters, Irene Johnson, Brenda Stevens and Linda Poore.
Survivors: wife of 52 years, Dorothy Stevens; daughters, Lola Wells and husband, Doug, of Abingdon, Nancy Starnes and husband, Steve, of Lebanon; son, Gerald Stevens and wife, Debbie of Honaker; sisters, Ruth Sluder and husband, Bob, of Marion, NC, Naomi Honaker and husband, Howard, of Honaker; brothers, Henry Stevens and wife, Virginia, of Pottstown, PA, Ira Joe Stevens and wife, Virginia, of Honaker; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Chester Ball officiating.
Interment
followed in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Mildred Deola Taylor
Mildred Deola Taylor, 68, of North Tazewell, died Dec. 17 at her home.
Born Sept. 6, 1937 in Tazewell, she was a daughter of the late John and Kate Price Clark.
She had lived in Tazewell for the past three years, moving there from Winston-Salem, NC. She was of the Methodist faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Taylor, and two brothers, James Dean Clark and Roscoe "Buddy" Price.
Survivors: daughter, Wanda Sue George of North Tazewell; half-sister, Betty Foster of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Scotty Austin of Kentucky, Crystal Dye of Virginia; and five great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel in Honaker with Rev. Henry Rose and Rev. Lenora Vanover officiating.
Interment
will follow in the Hubbard Cemetery on Lewis Creek.
Clinton Edward Turley
Clinton Edward Turley, 24, of North Tazewell, died Dec. 18 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.
Born Feb. 28, 1981 at Bluefield, WV, he was a son of Larry J. and Rebecca Hicks Turley of North Tazewell.
He was a member of the Dial Rock Church of God. He previously attended the Tazewell Christian Academy, was a former member of the Graham High School Marching Band and attended Wytheville Community College. He worked as a heavy equipment operator.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ed and Mozelle Turley; aunt, Penny Turley; and uncle, Ralph Turley.
Additional survivors: brother, Allen "A.J" Turley of Dublin; maternal grandparents, Maynard and Velva Hicks of North Tazewell; fiancée, Breanne Stanton of North Tazewell; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The funeral will be conducted Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Dial Rock Church of God in Tazewell with the Rev. John Canning, the Rev. Alex Day, the Rev. Randy Fielder, and the Rev. Paul Kopp officiating.
Entombment will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Bluefield, VA.
The family requests memorial contributions be directed to: Celebrate Recovery, C/O Destiny Outreach Ministries, 160 Ireson Rd., North Tazewell, VA 24630. www.celebraterecovery.com
Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Harold Eugene Altizer
Harold Eugene Altizer, 72 of Jewell Ridge, VA died December 24, 2005 at his home.
Born December 10, 1933 at Bearwallow, VA he was a son of the late Gene and Ethel Mullins Altizer. He was of the Christian faith.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers; one sister; one half-sister; one half-brother.
Survivors include his girlfriend of fourteen years, Louise Mitchell; four sisters, Helen Cobb and husband, Allen and Dorothy Tobelman and husband, David, all of Parkersburg, WV, Mary Sue Rose and husband, Ottis of Caretta, WV and Doris Ann Hoover of Washington State; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, VA with the Rev. Delmar Somoskey officiating. Burial will follow at the Altizer Family Cemetery in Jewell Ridge, VA.
Penny Gaye Billips
Penny Gaye Billips, 51, of Richmond, formerly of Mudfork, died Dec. 20 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield, WV.
Born April 6, 1954, at Bluefield, WV, she was a daughter of Earl H. Billips of Mudfork and the late Betty Lou Vance Billips, who died Dec. 16, 2005.
She was a member of the Mudfork Church of Christ. She was a graduate of Tazewell High School (Class of 1972) and Radford University. She was an elementary school teacher.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marsha Billips Rew.
Additional survivors: sisters, Debra Hatfield and husband, Russ, of Bluefield, VA, Eva Bailey and husband, Randy, of Christiansburg; brothers, Robert Billips of Mudfork, Jeff Billips of Tazewell, Kevin Billips and wife, Chaney, of Aniston, AL; maternal grandmother, Ama A. Vance of Tazewell; nieces and nephews, Allen Hatfield, Amanda Eggleston, Kyle Bailey, Drew Bailey, Nikki Billips, Derek Billips, Tessa Billips, Isaac Billips, Tricia Rew, and Jeffery Billips, currently serving in the military in Iraq; great nieces and nephews, Savannah Eggleston and Ryan Rew.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Johnny Elmore officiating.
Entombment followed at Grandview Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Bluefield, VA.
Brenda Sue Bogle
Brenda Sue Bogle, 50 of North Tazewell died December 26, 2005 at her home following a short illness.
Born October 21, 1955 in Welch, WV, she was a daughter of Lillie Asbury Baker of Baptist Valley, VA and the late Velt Baker. She graduated from Big Creek High School and was a LPN at the Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell. Brenda had made her home in Tazewell County for the past 27 years. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one brother, Daryl Wayne Baker of Horsepen.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, James G. Bogle, Jr.; one son, James G. Bogle, III of the home; three brothers, Randy Baker and wife, Pat of Bell Springs, VA, Buck Baker and wife, Yanna of Tazewell, Jerry Baker and wife, Ann of Horsepen; eight nieces and nephews, Bill Joe, Robert, Tammy, Shannon, Allen, Angie, Melissa, and Daryl Wayne; great nieces and nephews, Cody, Emily, Cheyene, Brandon, and Luke.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, with Pastor Arnold Marrs officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.
Brian C. Bowman
Brian C. Bowman, age 35 of North Tazewell, died December 25, 2005 at his home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell, VA
Herbert F. Bowman
Herbert Franklin Bowman, 76, of the Baptist Valley community in North Tazewell, left to be with the Lord Dec. 21 at Tazewell Community Hospital.
Born March 16, 1929 in Filbert, WV, he was a son of the late Joseph and Princess Ellen Bowman.
He was of the Holiness faith. He was a retired coal miner of 36 years and was a member of the UMWA Local #6025 at Gary, WV, District #17.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.
Survivors: wife of 17 years, Stella Mullins Bowman; sons, Alvin Bowman of Monticello, GA, Lloyd Bowman of North Tazewell; daughter, Sue DeBord of McDonough, GA; sisters, Frances McLaren and Virginia Masek of Astoria, IL; brother, Roosevelt Bowman of Danville; grandchildren, Patricia Sweatman of Stockbridge, GA, Jeremy Puckett of Thomaston, GA, Michael Bowman of Thomasville, NC; great grandchildren, Ashley Bowman of Perryville, MD, Moriah White, Joshua White, and Britney Sweatman, all of Stockbridge, Kaitlin Puckett, Christopher Puckett, Dakota Puckett, and Savannah Puckett, all of Thomaston, Kendall Bowman and Matthew Bowman, both of Thomasville; great-great grandchild, Damian Skrivanek of Perryville, MD; and many friends.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Dec. 24 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Pastor Hobert Kennedy, Pastor Charlie Marrs, The Rev. Roy Lee Smith, and the Rev. John Canning officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
