Virginia Jenny Elswick
Virginia F. Jenny Elswick, 89, of the Deskins area of Vansant, died June 26 in the Pikeville Methodist Hospital, Pikeville, KY, following an extended illness.
Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late George and Ema Yates Mullins.
She was a life-long resident of Buchanan County and was of the Baptist faith. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and a wonderful homemaker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Rell Elswick; one daughter, Georgia Lane; one son, Dewey Elswick; one brother; and three sisters. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: daughters, Lillian Daugherty of Spring City, TN, Lois Stiltner of Miller Creek, NC, Ollie Stump of Richlands, Patsy and husband, Clayton Deel, of Vansant, Darlene and husband, Bill Stiltner, of Harman; son Theodore Elswick of Palmetto, FL, James and wife, Lillian Elswick, of Warren, MI, Leon and wife, Ruby Elswick, of Grundy; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted June 30 at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evg. Jim Hill officiating.
Burial followed in Elswick Cemetery on Devil’s Branch in Deskins near Vansant.
Services were conducted at the funeral home June 28 at 7 p.m. by Evg. Jim Hill and services were conducted June 29 at 7 p.m. by Rev. Pim Griffey and Elders William McClanahan, Jim Blankenship, and Frank Newsome.
Thomas G. Fowler, Jr.
Thomas G. Fowler, Jr., 79, of Rocky Gap, died July 1 at a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born at Hartwell, WV, he was a son of the late Thomas Gordon Fowler, Sr. and Mary Belle Allison Fowler.
He had made his home in the Rocky Gap area for over 31 years. He was retired from Appalachian Power Co. with 40 years of service where he never missed a day of work. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors: daughters, Michelle and husband, Spc. Kyle Norlin, of Killeen, TX, Cathy and husband, Chris Jones, of Knova, WV, Angela and husband, Joseph Fridley, of Poca, WV; brothers, Harvey K. Fowler of Butler, TN, Albert Fowler and wife, Dortha, of Squire, WV, Donald R. Fowler and wife, Judy, of La Grange, IL, Bennie D. Fowler and wife, Betty, of Squire; grandson, Evan; special nephew, Rocky Fowler of Tazewell; and ex-wife, Patricia Bailes.
Graveside services were conducted July 3 at 1 p.m. at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA, with Rev. Martin West.
Members of Barns-Beavers VFW Post 7136 of Tazewell conducted military graveside rites.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV 24701.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home of Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Cleta “Maggie” Francis
Cleta Muriel “Maggie”
Francis, 83, of Bluefield, died June 27 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center.
Born in Mohegan, she was a daughter of the late Charles Childress and Eliza Surratt Childress.
She was a member of the First Church of God in Bluefield, VA and had received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1995 at the age of 72.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carmel Francis; one sister, Mamie Carroll; and one brother, Hursell Childress.
Survivors: sons, Ronald Francis and wife, Brenda Vickers Francis, of Decatur, GA, Bill Francis and wife, Mary Jo, of Roanoke, David Francis and wife, Teresa, of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughters, Brenda Francis Anlauf of Atlanta, GA, Sandra Francis Day and husband, Harold, and Cheryl Francis, all of Tampa, FL; sisters, Audrey Rose of Maryland, Mildred Trent of Bluefield, WV; brother, Raymond Childress of Indianapolis, IN; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted June 30 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with the Rev. Randy Cline officiating.
Burial followed in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.
Elizabeth M. Gillespie
Elizabeth M. Gillespie, 83, of the Springville area of North Tazewell, died July 1 at the Hospice Home in Burlington, NC.
Born April 14, 1923 in Wyoming County, WV, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Samuel and Hattie Mae Johnson McGhee.
She was a member of the Dial Rock Church of God in Tazewell. She had made her home for the past three years with her brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Gladys McGhee of Swepsonville, NC.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Robert Gillespie; two brothers, Frank McGhee and William Robert McGhee; and two sisters, Anna Mae Mounts and Lucille Walker.
Survivors: brother, Jay McGhee and wife, Gladys, of Swepsonville; sisters, Gladys Blevins and husband, Jim, of Shady Springs, WV, Betty Jo Parker of Union, WV, Mabel Harvey and husband, Gene, of Ghent, WV; sister-in-law, Mary McGhee of Josephine, WV; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 10 a.m. July 4 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. John Canning and the Rev. Earl Hess officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Ellis “Homz” Goodman
Ellis “Homz” Melvin Goodman, 60, of Dublin, formerly of Raven, died June 23 at North Carolina Baptist Hospital.
He was a manager of Wilco/Hess service station in Fairlawn.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Charlie Hugh Goodman.
Survivors: wife of 37 years, Doris David Goodman; daughter, Sharron Waddell of Fairlawn; son, Michael Ellis Goodman of Dublin; mother, Anna Lee Marshall Goodman of Dublin; brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Edna Goodman of Louisiana; Thomas and Lana Goodman of Dublin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and Gene Keen and Lois and James Prescott, all of Dublin; and special pets, Kitsy, Jumper and Tiger.
The funeral was conducted June 27 at 11 a.m. at the Dublin Church of God with Rev. Michael Collins and Rev. Tommy Ramsey officiating.
Interment
followed in the Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317.
Mullins Funeral Home in Radford was in charge of arrangements.
Jeffery Scott Green
Jeffery Scott Green, 34, of Bluefield, died June 18 at his home.
Born in Bluefield, he was a son of the late Robert Lee Green and Estell Louise King Green.
He was of the Church of God faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, John Wayne Green.
Survivors: wife, Jerri Lynn Spivey Green; daughters, Taylor Leiann and Hanna Brooke; brothers, Thomas Edward Green of Bluefield, Robert Eugene Green of Brushfork, Larry Junior Green of Roanoke; sisters, Patsy Miller of Green Valley, Jackie Williams of Waynesboro, Brenda Taylor of Dublin, Rachael Knott and Mary Honaker, both of Bluefield, Deborah Carver of Bluewell, Alice Umberger of Brushfork, Pam Smith of Richlands, Rosezta Keen of Tazewell, Melissa Hager of Bluefield; and several nieces and nephews.
He has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, VA is in charge of arrangements.
Daniel Allen Honaker
Daniel Allen Honaker, 59, of the River Mountain section of Lebanon, died June 27 at his home.
Born March 23, 1947 in Lebanon, he was a son of Cli Edith Yates Honaker of Lebanon and the late Bernie Taze Honaker.
He had spent most of his life in the area and was of the Baptist faith. He loved animals, farming and nature.
Additional survivors: wife of 42 years, Elma Sue Honaker; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Ricky Ratliff of Lebanon; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Debbie Honaker of Lebanon; grandchildren, Tiffany Woodward Ratliff, Amber Ratliff, Tyler Honaker, and Ryan Honaker; sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Randy Watson of Abingdon; and brother and sister-in-law, Quay B. and Frances Honaker of Lebanon.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. June 30 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. J.C. Steele and Rev. Larry Burton officiating.
Interment
followed in the Honaker Cemetery on River Mountain.
Donald I. Horn
Donald I. Horn, 72, of Pounding Mill, died June 29 in a Kingsport, TN hospital.
Born March 29, 1934 in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Evans and Nona Davis Horn.
He attended Richlands Tabernacle Church. He was a partner of Triple H Construction and R and D Trucking Company.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Oma Cantrell Horn.
Survivors: wife, Dollie (Boyd) Horn; sons, Dorsel Horn and wife, Betty, of Pounding Mill, Randall Horn and wife, Denise, of Cedar Bluff; daughters, Linda Hamm and Sandra Lowe and husband, James, all of Cedar Bluff, Diana Clevinger and husband, Doug, of Pounding Mill; grandchildren, Jaimie Hess and husband, Gary, Ritchie Horn and wife, Amy, Michelle Elswick and husband, Raubi, Erin Hamm, Brian Lowe, Bridget Lowe, Victor Lawson and wife, Leah, Kimberly Holder and husband, Michael, and Don Curtis Horn; great grandchildren, Justin Hess and Wyatt Holder; brothers, Elster Horn of Richlands, Emory Horn of Pounding Mill; and sisters, Madeline Horn and Dorothy Newberry and husband, Junior, all of Raven.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. July 2 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Bob Osborne and Rev. Ralph Horton officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Edna Freda Keen Horn
Edna Freda Keen Horn, 57, of the Raven’s Nest Branch Road area of Cedar Bluff, died June 28 at the home of her sister in Roanoke.
She was the daughter of the late James “Jim” and Rosetta Underwood Keen, both of Pea Patch.
She was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be truly missed by her family and friends. She had been a lifelong resident of the area and was of the Holiness faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie Horn; two sisters, Gracie Boggs and Bessie Mullins; and one brother, Robert Keen.
Survivors: daughters, Tammy White and husband, Jeffrey, of Jewell Ridge, Tonya Blankenship and husband, Joe, of Cedar Bluff; sisters, Betty Jane Jones of Roanoke, Mary Adams of Raysal, WV, Gladys Church of Bandy, Carmia Horn of Thompson Valley; brothers, James Jarvey Keen of Pea Patch, Harvey Keen of Troutville, Creed Keen of Henry, Robert “Bobby” Carter Keen, Jr. of Youngstown, OH; and grandchild, Brandon White.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. July 1 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with Rev. Jerry Casey officiating.
Interment
followed in Gilbert Day Cemetery at Pea Patch.
Paul “Jake” Justice
Paul “Jake” Wayne Justice, 62, of Garland, NC, formerly of Buchanan County, died July 2 in Richlands.
He was the son of the late Hibbert and Ocie Thompson Justice, both Buchanan County natives.
He was a coal miner for a time and the owner and operator of Jake’s Repair Shop in Homecreek, before retiring. He was of the Baptist faith and had lived most of his life in Buchanan County before moving to North Carolina several years ago.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenny and Kennis Justice, and two sisters, Lillian Looney and Betty Jean Walsh.
Survivors: wife, Joan Justice; daughter, Robyn Paulabeth Justice and fiancé, Kevin Reeves, of Kernersville, NC; step-daughters, Donna Lee and Teresa Andrasko and husband, Ricky, all of Clinton, NC; former wife, Grace Blankenship Justice of Grundy; sister, Faye Hughes and husband, Lee, of Doran; brother, Ron Keith Justus and wife, Julie, of Grundy; sister-in-law, Mrs. Kennis (Ruby) Justus of Grundy; special nephews, Jeff, Rocky, Brian, Chris, Jeff, Jr., Matthew Justice and Carroll Walsh; and special nieces, Lana Hughes, Marietta O’Quinn and Sharon Bentley.
A private funeral service was held for the family July 3 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands.A funeral service will be held July 6 at Carter Funeral Home in Garland, with a viewing Wednesday (July 5) evening.
Interment
will take place at the Union Grove Baptist Cemetery in Garland.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Jan Willem Marinus
Dr. Jan Willem Marinus, 78, of Roanoke, died June 27 at his home.
He was born in Holland on Jan. 14, 1928. He graduated from Leiden University in Europe and he and his wife, Lie, came to the United States in 1956. He completed his residency in Sewickley, PA, before going to work at the Western State Hospital in Stanton. He wanted to practice medicine in a rural community and located his practice in Fries, where he practiced for approximately 30 years. He loved both the rural setting and the people in the Town of Fries.
While practicing medicine, he had office hours during the day and made house calls in three counties to visit the elderly and those without transportation during the evening. He averaged 10 to 20 house calls per day, including weekends often starting before daylight and ending after midnight. Dr. Marinus often referred to himself as "an old country doctor" and put an average of 5,000 miles on his vehicle per month practicing medicine. Often, Dr. Marinus was paid with a simple "thanks" or vegetables from his patient’s gardens.
He loved all people, regardless of their race, financial situation, or handicap. He was the team doctor for Fries High School for many years. After retirement, he loved spending his days woodworking, playing with his dogs, and tending to his flower gardens.
Survivors: wife of 47 years, Lie Marinus, of Fries; son, Jan W. Marinus of Fries; daughter-in-law, Beth Marinus, of Wytheville; daughter, Margie L. Bamonte, and husband, John, of Gibsonia, PA; son, Harold Marinus and wife, Donna, of North Tazewell; grandchildren, Kristie Hale and Kayla Marinus, both of Wytheville, Jonathan Sheets of Princeton, WV, Brandon Sheets and Logan Marinus, both of Tazewell, Desiree Marinus of Charlottesville, Tyler Marinus of Max Meadows, Angelina Bamonte, Alessandra Bamonte and John Bamonte, all of Gibsonia, JonPatrick Marinus of North Tazewell; brother and sister-in-law, Wim P. Marinus and Joyce, of Australia; special friend and caregiver, Roxie Enoch of Roanoke; and his beloved dogs, Butch and Becky.
Dr. Marinus has continued his giving spirit even after his death. He requested that his body be donated to a university and used for research by medical students. His family has made arrangements for his body's donation for this worthwhile purpose. A "Celebration of Life" was held June 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fries Recreation Center at 115 West Main St. in Fries to honor Dr. Marinus.
Information submitted by Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell.
Ted Martin
Ted Martin, 75, of the Martin Mountain section of Drill, died June 29 in a Lebanon hospital.
Born April 26, 1931 in Drill, he was a son of the late Arch and Nancy Harris Martin.
He spent his early life in the area prior to moving to Cleveland, OH, where he worked as an engineer for River Terminal Railroad for 36 years, moving back to Martin Mountain in 1991. He was a member of Outreach Temple Church in Wysor Valley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Maude Crouse and Nellie Martin, and three brothers, Lee Martin, Clarence Martin and Edward Martin. In his generation he was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors: wife of 55 years, Helen Arwood Martin; daughters, Judy Deskins of Lebanon, Patty Price of Rowe; sons, Joe Martin of Honaker, Billy Martin and Teddy Martin, both of Rowe; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. July 2 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Arvil Arwood, Rev. Ancil Childress and Rev. Peerman Lester officiating.
Interment
followed in the Martin Cemetery on Stinson Ridge.
James (Jay) Mitchell
James Charter (Jay) Mitchell, 75, of Bluefield, VA, died June 18 at Rock Springs Rehab., Pomeroy, OH.
Born Feb. 11, 1931 in Dry Fork, he was a son of the late Arthur W. Mitchell and Earrie Johnson Mitchell.
He was a retired street superintendent for the Town of Bluefield, VA, for whom he had worked for over 46 years. He was an avid hunter and coon dog breeder.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Rosa, Alma, Maybelle and Alice; three brothers, Arthur Jr., Thomas and Roy Lee; one daughter, Teresa Darlene; and his first wife and mother of his sons, Dorcus Roten Mitchell.
Survivors: sons, Cecil Mitchell and wife, Linda, Johnny Mitchell, and Steve Mitchell, all of Bluefield, VA, Pee Wee Mitchell and wife, Linda, of Green Valley, James (Butch) Mitchell, Jr. address unknown; brother, Otis Mitchell of Bluefield, VA; sister, Mary Jane Brewster of Bluefield, VA; longtime companion and friend, Madeline Burnett and children; eight grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with Rev. Tony Ellis officiating.
Burial followed in the Grandview Memory Gardens.
Edith Mae Pugh
Edith Mae Brewster Pugh, 80, of Bluefield, died June 26 in Bastian.
Born in Bluefield, VA, she was a daughter of the late Archie Brewster and Ethel Lee Spence Brewster.
She was a member of the Parkview Baptist Church in Bluefield, VA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Gerald Blaine Pugh; two brothers, Gene Brewster and Roy Brewster; and two sisters, Gladys Neel and Grace Reynolds. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: husband, W.B. “Buck” Pugh; daughter, Sandra Jean Tiller and husband, Stanley, of Bland; grandchildren, Eric Tiller Jr., Staci Pugh, Michael Pugh and wife, Nora, Steve Pugh and Jessica, and Timmy Pugh; daughter-in-law, Sheri Nash of Bluefield, VA; and great grandchildren, Katherine, Michael, Lexie and Montana.
The funeral was conducted June 29 at 11 a.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with Rev. Travis Hilton officiating.
Burial followed in the Grandview Memory Gardens.
Flowers may be accepted or donations may be made to the Bland Co. Nursing and Rehab. Center, 12185 Grapefield Rd., Bastian, VA 24314.
Robert “Bob” Richardson
Robert “Bob” Coy Richardson, 67, of the Maple Gap section of Swords Creek, died June 26 in a Tazewell hospital.
Born Aug. 19, 1938 in Richlands, he was a son of Ida Altizer of Cedar Bluff and the late Robert Coy Reedy.
A lifelong resident of the area, he was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Army.
Additional survivors: wife, Donna Gail Richardson of the home; his ex-wife, Barbara Carol Richardson of Doran; sons, Robert “Lanny” Richardson of Hickory, NC, Terry Dean Compton and wife, Kim, of Rosedale; grandchildren, Damion Hunter Richardson, Dakota Landon Richardson, Tara Ratliff and Shanna Ratliff; brothers, Robert “Bo” Reedy of Abingdon, Lowell “Red” Reedy of Hickory, Harold Richardson of Cedar Bluff; several nieces and nephews; and many loved ones.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. June 28 in the Honaker Funeral Home, Honaker, with Rev. J.C. Johnson and Rev. Jess Whited officiating.
Entombment followed in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon.
Military graveside honors were conducted by American Veteran’s Honor Guard Association of Richlands.
Jayden Lee Valach
Jayden Lee Valach, of Leckie, was born in Roanoke on Aug. 4, 2005. God took his angel home after a lifelong battle with complications brought on by liver failure on June 25, 2006 at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh as he was held in his mother’s arms and surrounded by family.
Although he was only with us 10 months, Jayden touched so many lives with his smiling personality and his enduring strength. He taught each of us so much during his short time here; we were truly blessed throughout the time we got to share with him here on earth.
Jayden is the son of Joe Valach and Kristi Brooks who dedicated their lives to their precious “Little Bird.” Including his parents, he is survived by his stepbrother, Jacob Farmer of Anawalt; maternal grandparents, Jerry and Debbie Brooks of Leckie; paternal grandparents, Bob and Mary Valach of Anawalt; maternal great-grandmother, Ethel Brooks of Leckie; and paternal great-grandfather, Joe Valach and wife, Patsy, of Pocahontas; aunts and uncles, Jody and Sherry Brooks and Jerry and Amanda Brooks, all of Bluefield, Susan and Jamie Bailey of Leckie, Steve Valach of Tuscaloosa, AL, Suzette Valach and fiancé Shaun Mitchell, Amy and Keith Dunn, and Charity Valach and fiancé Daniel Bishop, all of Princeton; and cousins Heather, JoJo, Coley, Kaleb, Brooke, Brett, and Kelsey.
The funeral was conducted June 28 at noon at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with the Rev. Daniel Parish officiating.
Burial followed at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell.
Arlen "Slim" Blankenship
Arlen Richard "Slim" Blankenship, 76, of New Garden Road, Honaker, died July 7 in a Lebanon hospital.
Born Nov. 28, 1929 in Buchanan County, he was a son of the late Benjamin and Minnie Hess Blankenship.
A lifelong resident of the area, he was of the Christian faith. He was formerly employed as a coal miner and a member of the UMWA of Jewell Valley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Danny Michael Blankenship; and one brother, Howard Blankenship. In his generation he was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors: wife of 52 years, Shirley Stiltner Blankenship; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Rita Fay Keen Blankenship of Rowe; daughters, Patty Dial of Gloucester, Rita Musick and Tina Blackburn and husband, Anthony, all of Honaker; grandsons, Tracy, Danny, Jonathan, Joshua, Bradley and William; granddaughters, Heather, Megan and Jodi; great-grandchildren, Keesha and Justin; step-grandson, Seth; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. July 10 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Arvil Arwood, Rev. Leonard Meadows and Rev. Ancil Childress officiating.
Interment
followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Charles "Chuck" Bohon
Charles "Chuck" Bohon, 72, of Oakwood, departed this life July 5.
He suffered a stroke in 1994 and was cared for at home by his loving family. Born May 7, 1934 in Princeton, WV, he was the son of the late William O. Bohon, Sr. and Ruth Pettrey Bohon and step mother, Agnes Bohon.
He was a retired accountant for Jewell Smokeless. He was a member of Oakwood Presbyterian Church and Boy Scout National Council of America. He was a Kentucky Colonel, served on the board of directors for Buchanan General Hospital, and treasurer of Virginia Mining Institute. He was an avid sports fan, the "Voice of the Dragons", announcing many football and basketball games. He was a loving husband, dad, grandfather and best friend.
Survivors: wife of 53 years, Anna Wade Bohon; daughters, Harty Loria and husband, Mark, of Rochester, NY, Jennilyn Quillen and husband, Mike, of Kingsport, TN; sons, Charles D. (Buzz) Bohon, Jr. and wife, Genny, of Cedar Bluff, Joe Bohon and wife, Patricia, of Greeneville, TN, Paul Bohon and wife, Dara, of Bristol, VA; brother, Bill Bohon, Jr. of Hampton; sister, Geraldine Owens of Abingdon; grandchildren, Charles Bohon III, Jessika Bohon, Ashley Bohon, Dustin Bohon, Mark Loria, Anna Loria, Haley Bohon, Luke Bohon and Reese Bohon; and special friend, Harold Creed.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. July 8 at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel at Keen Mountain with Rev. Ancil Childress officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Noami Elizabeth Clifton
Noami Elizabeth Clifton, 80, of Clifton Fork, died July 2.
Born Jan. 30, 1926 in Tazewell County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Allie Osborne Burke.
She lived her whole life in the Clifton Fork Section of Buchanan County. She was a member of the Living Word Outreach Church at Pilgrim Knob. She devoted her whole life to her children and family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Raymond Clifton; one grandson, Johnny Mac Rogers; four brothers, Albert Burke, Lewis Burke, Lee Burke and Jessee Burke; and four sisters, Susie Terry, Gurtie Boyd, Eula Burke and Trula Burke.
Survivors: daughters, Shirley Sue Hylton and husband, Billy, of Raven, Darline Mabe and husband, Jim, of Bristol, VA, Linda Ann Ward and husband, Jerry, of Swords Creek; daughter-in-law, Linda Clifton of Clifton Fork; sons, David Clifton and wife, Donna, and Cloyd Clifton and wife, Trudy, all of Richlands, Andy Clifton and wife, Cathy, of Swords Creek, Rick Clifton and wife, Lorie, of Pounding Mill, Joe Clifton and fiancée, Jennifer Haas, of Charlottesville; brother, Thurman Burke of Raven; sister, Madiline Thompson and husband, Virgil, of Greencastle, IN; 21 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and one great great grandson; special friends, Mary Jane Keen and Berlin Viers; nephew, Tommy Brown; several nieces and nephews; and little friend, Roxanne.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. July 6 at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel at Keen Mountain with Pastor James Ray and Rev. Walter Wilson officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
A service was held July 5 at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
David Wayne Cox
David Wayne Cox, 52, of the White Mountain section of Pea Patch, died suddenly July 9 on White Mountain near Jewell Ridge.
Born in Toledo, OH, he was the son of the late George Dalton Cox and Cammy Mae Godbey Cox Muniz.
He was a retired carpenter and former employee of FEMA. He had lived in the Pea Patch area for 13 years and was of the Apostolic Faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Nicole Ranae Roberts, and his step father who helped raise him, Raymond Muniz.
Survivors: loving wife, Sheliah Cole Cox; daughter, Carrie Collins and husband, Rodney, of Cedar Bluff; sons, Brian Cox and Peter Cox, both of Dunkirk, NY, Jonathan Roberts and wife, Sharon, of Richlands, Jeremy Roberts of White Mountain section of Pea Patch; sisters, Lisa Britt of Ferdona, NY, Carol Payne of Silver Creek, NY, Rosie Muniz of High Point, NC; brothers, Bill Cox and wife, Diane, of Dover, PA, Raymond Muniz of York, PA, Daina Muniz of High Point; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Cole and Briana Roberts along with two additional grandchildren; special friends, Fred and Thedosia Mullins; and father and mother-in-law, Lee and Helen Cole of White Mountain section of Pea Patch.
The funeral will be conducted July 13 at 1 p.m. at the Shiloh Community Church located at Pea Patch with the Rev. Roger Woods, Rev. McGinnis Rife, Rev. Billy Ward and Rev. Jimmie Cole officiating.
Interment
will follow at the Cole Family Cemetery on White Mountain.
Friends may call after 6 p.m. July 11 and 12 at the church.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Claude Elswick
Charles Claude Elswick, 79, a resident of the Reynolds Ridge section of Bandy, died July 7 at Tazewell Community Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Caretta, WV, he was the son of the late Charles Robert and Sally Harman Elswick.
He was a lifelong resident of Tazewell County. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and was a retired coal miner and truck driver. He was a member of Reynolds Ridge Community Church and of UMWA Local #7327 Jewell Valley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
Survivors: his loving wife, Edith Fletcher Elswick; daughter, Teresa Duncan and husband, Timothy, of San Antonio, TX; sons, Donnie Charles Elswick and wife, Barbara, of Bandy, Robert Elswick and wife, Beverly, of Mechanicsville; sister, Viola Howard of Ohio; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. July 10 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with Rev. Paul Crawford officiating.
Interment
followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Members of Casey Short VFW Post #9640 conducted military graveside rites.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Reynolds Ridge Community Church, 103 Reynolds Ridge Road, Bandy, VA 24602.
Robert W. Fitzer
Robert William Fitzer, 87, of the McGuire Valley section of Baptist Valley, died July 8 in a Montvale nursing home following a lengthy illness.
Born in Portsmouth, OH, he was the son of the late Leroy and Vivian Bricker Fitzer, both Portsmouth, OH, natives.
He had made his home in the Baptist Valley area most of his life and was a retired school teacher from the Tazewell County School System having taught for over 30 years. He taught at Richlands High School and was a former principal at Baptist Valley Elementary School. He was a graduate of Furman University and served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eugenia Hall Fitzer and three infant siblings.
Survivors: daughter, Margaret Riggs and husband, Ralph, of Salem; son, Roy Neal Fitzer of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Robert Neal Gregory and friend, LeeAnn, of Troutville, Vivien McMahan and husband, Tim, of New Castle; and great grandchildren, Leah McMahan, Nicholas McMahan, and Annabelle Gregory.
The funeral was conducted July 11 at 11 a.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands.
Interment
followed at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands.
Jonathan C. German
Jonathan Charles German, 85, of Arnold, MD, died July 10 at his home.
He was born in Baltimore, MD, Sept. 2, 1920.
Born and raised in Baltimore, he was a son of Bertram Boone, Sr. and Helen Grace German.
He served in WWII, 28th Marines, 5th Division in Siapan and was a survivor of Iwo Jima. He witnessed the raising of the flag at Mt. Suribachi and was awarded the Purple Heart. He worked as a Liaison of BG&E. He was a member of the College Parkway Baptist Church in Arnold and a member of DAV, American Legion, and VFW. He enjoyed sports and gardening. He was a direct descendant of Thomas and Elizabeth (Linstead) Boone of Severna Park, MD.
He was preceded in death by one half-brother, Bertram Lee Boone, II, former secretary of State of Maryland.
Survivors: wife of 52 years, Pauline E. German, formerly of Richlands; daughters, Kaye German of Glen Burnie, MD, Jacqueline Kramer of Baltimore; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The funeral will be conducted July 13 at 11:30 a.m. at Barranco and Sons Funeral Home in Severna Park, MD.
Interment
will be in Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.
Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com.
