Amanda Jean Hamilton
Amanda Jean Hamilton, 24, of Richlands, died July 7 in a Roanoke hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Abingdon, she was the daughter of Vonley and Jean Taylor Pruitt of Doran.
She was a lifelong resident of the area and was an occupational therapist for the Wythe County School System. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class of Highlight Academy of Education Class of 1999 and received her Associate Degree in Health Science from SVCC. She was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church of Honaker and was very active in the Relay for Life Team for her church.
Additional survivors: husband, Justin Chris Hamilton; sister, Heather Reedy and husband, Aaron, of Raven; brother, Stephen Pruitt of Richlands; father and mother-in-law, Chris and Cindy Hamilton of Lebanon; special niece, Madison Reedy; maternal grandmother, Nell Taylor of Raven; sister-in-law, Trista Willis and husband, Brandon, of Lebanon; and brother-in-law, Derrick Hamilton of Lebanon.
The funeral was conducted July 10 at 2 p.m. at the Raven Assembly of God Church in Raven with the Rev. Joe Copolo and Rev. Vonley Pruitt officiating.
Interment
followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Relay for Life Team, Bethany Baptist Church, c/o Suzette Mutter, P.O. Box 314C, Honaker, VA 24260.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands was in charge of arrangements.
Carl Cummings Meade
Carl Cummings Meade, 86, of Gratton, died July 7 at Tazewell Community Hospital in Tazewell.
Born Dec. 30, 1919 in Russell County, he was son of the late William Davis Meade and Virginia Julia Copper Meade.
He was a United States Army veteran.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Johnson, and four brothers, Earl Meade, Sam Meade, Fleix Meade, and Charles William Meade.
Survivors: sisters, Ethel Dotson of Bland, Betty Conley of Rocky Gap, Louise Parks and husband, Roy, and Mansie Hester, all of Marion, Bernice Duncan of Alexandria, Marjorie Pinter of Cedar Bluff, Ilene Sizemore of Gratton; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. July 10 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Kenny Fields officiating.
Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell.
Elbert Doak Mitchell
Elbert Doak Mitchell, 86, of Jewell Ridge, went to be with his Heavenly Father July 3 in Richlands.
He was the son of the late James and Ethel Vandyke Mitchell, both Tazewell County natives.
He was a retired coal miner and was the Fire Warden for Tazewell County for 20 years. He had a zeal for life and he delighted in being outside tending his garden, hunting or just being in the woods. He was of the Holiness faith and was a lifetime resident of Tazewell County.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and four brothers.
Survivors: loving wife, Josie Lee Meadows Mitchell; daughters, Daisy Meadows and husband, Sheilds, and Dolly Meadows and husband, Ernest, all of Jewell Ridge, Barbara Elswick and husband, Donnie, of Bandy; sons, Avery Mitchell and wife, Anna, and David Mitchell, all of Jewell Ridge; sisters, Oma Musick, and Gaynelle Nelson, both of Richlands, Hazel Mitchell of Jewell Ridge; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
The funeral was held July 6 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Grady McGlothlin officiating.
Interment
followed at the Mitchell Family Cemetery at Stinson Ridge near Jewell Ridge.
Stephen Victor Parks
Stephen Victor Parks, 50, of Mount Vernon and formerly from Pageton, died June 30 at his home.
Born in Welch, he was a son of the late William Harvey Parks and Edith Victoria Comer Parks.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William Parks and Timothy Parks.
Survivors: sisters, Bonnie Hale of Bluefield, WV, Phyllis Sporring and husband, Jim, of Woodbridge, Margaret Harris of Mullins, WV; brothers, Donald Parks and wife, Wanda, of Kimball, WV, Rev. Larry Parks of Lashmeet, WV, Blane Parks and wife, Charmayne of Woodbridge, Michael Parks of Fairfax, Sterling Parks and wife, Jasimine, of Newport News, Joseph Parks and wife, Vonda, of Bastian; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The funeral was conducted July 7 at 11 a.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with the Rev. H.G. Leach officiating.
Burial followed in the Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Bluewell.
Anthony (A.R.) Simpson
Anthony Randell (A.R.) Simpson, 20, of Bluefield-Tazewell Rd., Bluefield, VA, died July 1 at his home.
Born in Bluefield, WV, he was the son of A M Randall Simpson of Bluefield-Tazewell Rd. and Kimberly Dawn Reed Mullens of Princeton.
He was employed at R & S Coal Co. in Keystone, was a 2004 graduate of Graham High School and attended church at the Mountain View Church of Christ in Springville.
Additional survivors: stepmother, Rebecca Simpson; stepfather, Charles Mullens; brothers, Mark Anthony Huffman of the home, Alex Mullens of Princeton, WV; grandparents, Robert and Mossie Simpson of Bluefield-Tazewell Rd., North Tazewell, Carol Reed and John Vassallo of Montcalm, Carl Reed and wife, Brenda, of Brushfork, James and Tia Coburn of Greenvalley, Mike and Paula McPherson of Smithfield, James and Bernice Mullens of Princeton; uncles, Robert Kinder and wife, Robin, of Bluefield-Tazewell Rd., North Tazewell, Brent Reed and wife, Teresa of Princeton; and a host of extended family.
The funeral was conducted July 6 at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Church of Christ with Minister Garfield Cooper and Minister Bill Boyd officiating.
Burial followed in the Grandview Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV, 24701.
Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, VA, was in charge of arrangements.
Carl Hassell (Tence) Ball
Carl Hassell (Tence) Ball, age 58, of the Kents Ridge Road section of Cedar Bluff passed away Saturday, July 15 at his home following a length illness.
Born in Russell County he was the son of the late King and Cordova Ray Ball. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Darlene Proffitt Ball, one son Carl Andrew Ball, three brothers Burle, Cline and Harley Ball and two sisters Mary Lillian (Kitt) Gross and Beulah Reynolds. He attended the Freedom Ministries Church.
He was survived by: two daughters Cheryl Bishop and husband Robert and Lora Carty of Cedar Bluff; two sons Scott Ball of Texas and John Ball of Cedar Bluff; one sister Opal Sargent of College Estates; one brother Thurman Ball and wife Edith of Abingdon; four grandchildren Dustin Carty, Tristan Carty, Alex Ball and Evan Ball; special nephew Gary Gross and best friends Mike and Sue Boyd.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2006 in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Mickey Hale and Rev. Charlie McGlothlin officiating. Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Cemetery at Claypool Hill.
Singleton Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Brooks
Hazel Brooks, 80, of Richlands, passed away Saturday July 15, 2006 at her home following a brief illness.
Born in Buchanan County she was the daughter of the late Luther and Ocie Stevens Lester. She was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Richlands.
She is survived by seven daughters: Sue Cruey of Richlands, Jo Ann Vandyke and husband William of Grundy, Judy Grove and husband Ronnie of Claypool Hill, Gaylene Hess and husband Titus of Jacksonville, AL, Peggy McBride and husband Gordon of North Tazewell, Sandy Dye and husband Kenny of Cedar Bluff, Janet Cruey and husband Dale of Elkton; two sons, Bobby Jackson and wife Barbara of Roanoke, Danny Brooks and wife Vickie of Leesville, SC; one brother Curtis Lester of Dayton, OH; one sister Gay Pena of Lancaster, CA, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2006 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with the Rev. Jim Denton and Rev. Gordon McBride officiating. Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to Preferred Hospice, P.O. 784, Richlands, VA 24641. Singleton Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Jadon Mae Cantrell
Jadon Mae Cantrell, four month old daughter of Joseph William and Kimberly Dowdy Cantrell of Cedar Bluff went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 14, 2006.
She was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandfather, Ernest Wayne Dowdy and Paternal Grandmother, Goldie Mae Cantrell.
Survivors, in addition to her parents, are: Two sisters, Alexis Kae and Melissa Cheyenne Powers of the home; Maternal Grandmother, Irene Duvall and husband, Robert of Baptist Valley; Maternal Great Grandmothers, Gladys Dowdy and Altie Helton of Richlands; Paternal Grandfather, Jessie William "Bill" Cantrell, Jr. of Wardell; Paternal Great Grandparents, Mildred White of Cedar Bluff and Jessie William and Watie Cantrell, Sr. of Richlands.
Funeral services for Jadon Mae Cantrell will be conducted Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 2:00pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with the Rev. Charlie McGlothlin officiating. Interment
will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements.
Orville Ferguson
William Orville Ferguson, 83, formerly of Lebanon, died Sunday, July 16, 2006, at Tazewell Community Hospital in Tazewell.
Born June 6, 1923 in Lebanon, he was a son of the late A.J. and Ann Johnson Ferguson. He was educated in Russell County schools and graduated from Bluefield Business College. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Before moving to Tazewell 11 years ago, he enjoyed farming on his farm in Lebanon. He was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed gardening and sports, especially his favorite, the Washington Redskins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers Harry, Wolford and Hugh.
Survivors include: his wife of 14 years Marie Deskins Ferguson; two stepsons Michael D. Deskins and wife Norma j of Tazewell and Greg Deskins and wife Roxanne of Rural Retreat; grandson Michael R. Deskins of Tazewell; granddaughters Britany Deskins and Angie Arnold; great grandson Ethan Arnold of Rural Retreat; one sister Carrie Warner of Lebanon, special nephew Harry Ferguson Jr.; and several other nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at Russell Memorial Cemetery at Lebanon with the Rev. Harless Hess officiating.
Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell was in charge of the arrangements.
James Woodson Givens, Jr.
James Woodson Givens, Jr., 83, of Dogwood Estates in Tazewell, formerly of 1202 Ritchie Street in Princeton, died Friday, July 14, 2006 at his residence.
Born August 10, 1922 in Berwind, he was the son of the late James W. givens Sr. and Sadie L. Kennedy Givens.
Survivors include several cousins.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m., July 16, 2006 at George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton, WV with the Rev. Larry Dyer officiating. Burial followed at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Princeton.
Harrison "Buddy" Kinser
Harrison Miller "Buddy" Kinser, 76, of Bastian, died July 10 at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV.
Born May 13, 1930 at Rocky Gap, he was the son of the late John Henry and Lettie Straus Higginbotham Kinser.
He was a United States Army Veteran. He was an avid coon hunter and loved Tennessee Walking Horses. He was a hard working farmer and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Eloise Stowers, Blanche Compton, Eileen Wagner, and Lois Kinser.
Survivors: loving wife of 46 years, Ann Pruitt Kinser; sons, Jeffery Miller Kinser and wife, Cristy, and Todd Harrison Kinser, all of Bastian; daughters, Cynthia Mulford and husband, Clay, of Knoxville, TN, Janet Pennington and husband, Russell Pennington, Jr., of Greensboro, NC, Carol Conley and husband, Anthony, of Bastian; sister, Nannie Rose Tiller of Rocky Gap; grandchildren, Leslie Skidmore, Brett Pennington, Julia Pennington, Greta Conley, Denver Conley, and Kaitlin Kinser; and great-grandsons, Preston and Spencer Skidmore.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. July 13 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Clay Mulford officiating.
Burial followed at Bishop Cemetery in Bastian.
Alta Charles Matney
Alta Charles Matney, 54, of the Slate Creek area of Rt. 3 Grundy passed away Friday, July 14, 2006 at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville following an extended illness.
Born in Buchanan County she was a daughter of the late Wayne and Frankie Stacy Charles. She was a life-long resident of Buchanan County and member of the Slate Creek Church of God. She was a former employee of Dixie Drive Inn Restaurant, Buchanan General Hospital and the Grundy Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, homemaker, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by: two sisters Berdie Spencer and Chloe Hurley; two brothers Miles and Robert Charles.
She is survived by: her husband Herman Lee Matney of Grundy; one son Christopher Issac Matney of Grundy; one grandson Christopher Edward Nipper of Richlands; two sisters Pricy Justus and husband George of Forks, WA and Laurnie Mae Charles of Grundy; one brother Waldon and wife Ginger Charles of Big Rock; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted Monday July 17, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Mullins, Evg. Hobert Kennedy, and Evg. Michael Trent officiating with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock.
Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements.
Jerry "Wayne" Perkins
Jerry "Wayne" Perkins, 57, of the Stone Branch section of Honaker, died July 11 at National Healthcare in Bristol, VA.
Born March 13, 1949 in Russell County, he was a son of Rita Lavona Wallace Perkins of Honaker and the late Avery Perkins.
A lifelong resident of the area, he was a member of the Full Gospel House of Prayer. He was a special citizen, who was known and loved by many in the Honaker community for his friendly, out-going personality. He enjoyed his hobbies of farming and fishing and will be sorely missed.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one brother, James Perkins of Honaker.
Additional survivors: nieces, Debbie Perkins Boyd and husband, Keith, of Bristol, VA, Deirdre Perkins Rickman and husband, Johnny, of Roanoke; uncle and aunts, Lowie and Gay Perkins of Honaker, Ruby Perkins Ball of Bristol, TN, Iowa Perkins Miller of Russell County; special cousins, Ernie and Nancy Perkins; special friends, whom he considered family, Troy and Aleta Lester; and a host of cousins and others who have shown special acts of kindness.
The funeral was conducted at 7:30 p.m. July 13 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Peerman Lester and Rev. Gerald Lester officiating.
Graveside services were conducted at 10 a.m. July 14 at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon.
Rosa Lee Skeens
Rosa Lee Skeens, 74, of the Baptist Valley section of Cedar Bluff, went to be with the Lord July 12.
Born Sept. 6, 1931 in Cedar Bluff, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Wilson and Cosbie Beavers Wilson.
She worked in the school cafeteria at Cedar Bluff Elementary for 10 years. She was a faithful member and trustee of Cross Road Community Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Wilson and Willie Wilson; three sisters, Susie Owens, Nelle Williamson and Catherine Mangus; and one grandson, Christopher Bostrum.
Survivors: husband, Sidney Edward Skeens; daughters, Cosby Bostrum and husband, Brad, of Kingsport, TN, Gay Nell Bandy and husband, Harold, of Statesville, NC, Mary Yates and husband, Keith, of Cedar Bluff; son, Joseph Skeens and wife, Mary Ann, of Bandy; sisters, Ruth Gibleyou and husband, Richard, of Niceville, FL, Vernie Brewster of Tennessee; six grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted at 7 p.m. July 14 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Ricky Pruitt and Pastor Chris Alford officiating.
Graveside services were conducted at 11 a.m. July 15 at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Joseph Skeens, 2941 Bandy Road, Bandy, VA 24602.
Eula Maud Brown Sparks
Eula Maud Brown Sparks, 95, of the Baptist Valley section of North Tazewell, died July 12 at her home following a lengthy illness.
Born at Baptist Valley, she was the daughter of the late Mame and Sally Mae Harrison Brown.
She had made her home in Baptist Valley all her life. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She was a member of the Dailey’s Chapel Methodist Church in Baptist Valley.
She was the last member of her immediate family. She was the widow of Albert Edwards Sparks, Sr. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Sally Mae Graham; two sons, Jack Witten Sparks and John L. Sparks; one granddaughter, Tina Sparks; and one son-in-law, Harold Fuller.
Survivors: daughter, Dot Fuller and husband, Harold, of Lexington; sons, Albert E. Sparks, Jr. and wife, Doris, of Columbus, OH, Robert G. Sparks and wife, Betty, of Baptist Valley, Shelby B. Sparks and wife, Jennie, of Hilliard, OH; 16 grandchildren; 19 great- grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and special friends that cared for her during her illness.
The funeral was conducted July 15 at 11 a.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel of Tazewell with Rev. Kenneth Gillespie officiating.
Interment
followed at Greenhills Memory Gardens, Claypool Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dailey’s Chapel Methodist Church, 6073 Baptist Valley Rd., North Tazewell, VA 24630.
Bertha Mae Bowman
Bertha Mae Marrs Bowman, 67, of Tazewell, formerly of Brewsterdale, WV, died July 23 at Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell.
Born Dec. 12, 1938 in Tazewell County, she was a daughter the late Braxton Marrs, Sr. and Della Dye Marrs.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ at Brewsterdale.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Bowman, Sr., and one son, John Wayne Bowman.
Survivors: daughters, Doris Ann McBride and husband, Junior, and Sarah Lou Mitchem and husband, William, all of Martinsville; son, Robert E. “Buckshot” Bowman, Jr. and wife, Jane, of North Tazewell; sisters, Helen McBride of Ceres, Betty Rose of Horsepen, Clara Baker of Mundytown, Freda Eldreth of Tazewell; brother, Braxton Marrs, Jr. of Boissevain; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. July 26 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Arnold Marrs, Ronnie Marrs and Junior McBride officiating.
Burial will follow at Brewsterdale Cemetery in Brewsterdale.
Mark Anthony Edwards
Mark Anthony Edwards, 50, of Cedar Bluff, died July 18 following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Born May 18, 1956 in Dayton, OH, he was the son of Joyce Ann Bostic of Vansant and the late Leo Parkis Edwards.
He was a mechanic for Jewell Smokeless and attended the Church of Christ at Claypool Hill.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one nephew, Brian Leo Hall.
Survivors: mother and step-father, Joyce Ann and Ransom Bostic of Vansant; wife, Martha Sue Edwards; son, Matthew Parkis Edwards of the home; daughter, Melinda Dawn Atwood of Charlotte, NC; brothers, Mitchell Edwards of North Tazewell, Charles B. Edwards of Maxie; sisters, Betty Owens of Grundy, Tansy Hatfield of Patterson; step-brothers, Herman and Randy; step-sister, Janice; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. July 21 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Evangelist Bob Smith and Brother Bill Neeley officiating.
Burial followed in the A.J. Edwards Cemetery at Prater.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the A.J. Edwards Cemetery, c/o Allean Sykes, 332 Rakes Ridge Road, Birchleaf, VA24220.
Eula Gay Gamble
Eula Gay Gamble, 77, of Lebanon, died July 20 in a Lebanon hospital.
Born June 9, 1929 in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Grover and Gladys Rasnake Wilson.
A lifelong resident of the area, she was of the Baptist faith.She had formerly been employed by Russell Manufacturing as a seamstress.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Gamble; three sons, Mark Gamble, Jack Gamble, and John Clinton Gamble; and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors: daughter, Gail Sykes of Bristol, VA; sons, Clyde Gamble of Glade Springs, Wayne Gamble of Speedwell, TN, Mack Gamble of Abingdon, Foster Gamble of the home, Rush Gamble of Lebanon; brothers, Garfene Wilson and Clyde Wilson, both of Dayton, OH, Rev. Giles Wilson of Council; sisters, Mary Love of Dayton, Wilma Rash of Lenoir, NC, Brenda Harris of Honaker; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. July 23 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Walter Statzer officiating.
Interment
followed in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon.
May Belle Herald
May Belle Herald, 79, of Tazewell, died July 18 at Tazewell Community Hospital.
Born Jan. 29, 1927 at Pounding Mill, she was a daughter of the late Garnett George Herald and Blanche Etta Anderson Herald.
She was a member of the Riverside United Methodist Church in North Tazewell, where she served as a lay speaker.
Survivors: sisters, Virginia Kinder of Tazewell, Elizabeth Gay Beavers of Cedar Bluff, Garnette Jackie Minton of Falls Mills, Judith Davis of West Melbourne, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 7 p.m. July 20 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Kenneth Gillespie officiating.
Committal and interment
services were conducted at 11 a.m. July 21 at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Lena Virginia Linkous
Lena Virginia Linkous, 76, was called home by her Lord July 17. She left this world unexpectedly and peacefully, passing away at her home in Denton, TX.
She was born Nov. 3, 1929 in Harford County, MD, and spent the first 71 years of her life there. In 2002 she moved to Texas to be near her family. She was the daughter of the late Everett and Lottie Lester Linkous.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband and love of her life, Walter Witten Linkous; a daughter, Sue Ann Linkous; and her sister and best friend, Leila Mae Linkous Graham.
Left to cherish her memory: daughter, Niki Linkous Scoggins and special son-in-law, Sam Scoggins; grandsons, Troy Scoggins, Kevin Scoggins, Matthew Scoggins, Zach Scoggins and Link Scoggins; and great-granddaughters, Rachel Scoggins and Jessica Scoggins, all of Texas.
A memorial service, in her honor, was held July 20 at 2 p.m. at the DeBerry Funeral Chapel in Denton, TX.
For those who choose, the family requests memorial contributions be made to your local Adult Literacy Programs.
Shirley Jean Boyd Matney
Shirley Jean Boyd Matney, 62, of Abingdon, formerly of Vansant, died July 17 in North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston Salem, NC, following an extended illness.
Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of George Ellis Boyd of Council and the late Hattie Victoria Tiller Boyd.
She had been a resident of Buchanan County several years prior to moving to Abingdon. She was a member of Little Prater Church of Christ and attended First Christian Church in Abingdon. She was a graduate of Council High School Class of 1962, was a former School Bus Driver for Buchanan County School System and a licensed Beautician.
She was a volunteer at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon and enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Beverly Boyd, and one brother, E. E. Boyd.
Survivors: husband, Ellis Fred (Shy) Matney of Vansant; sons, Terry Ellis and wife, Cammie Matney, and Shawn Allen Matney and special friend, Summer Moore and daughter Emily, all of Abingdon; stepdaughter, Anita Lynn Gross of Tazewell; sisters, Norma Gay and husband, Hershel Potter, of Tazewell, Vicky Dee Boyd of Greenville, TN; brothers, Vernal Lee and wife, Thelma Boyd, of Council, Michael Keith and wife, Robin Boyd, of Vansant; special grandchildren, Colin Clay and Tristan Ellis Matney of Abingdon; and several special nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral was conducted July 20 at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evgs. Michael Trent, Mike Rife and Dennis Wheeler officiating.
Entombment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.
The family suggests that expression of sympathy be made in the form of donations to the Heavenly Helpers-Relay for Life Cancer Team, P.O. Box 1016, Grundy, VA 24614.
Stephen Harry Peery
Stephen Harry Peery, 59, of Burke’s Garden, died July 20 at his home after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Born Feb. 11, 1947 in Bluefield, WV, he was the son of the late Stephen Alfred and Thelma Mitchell Peery of Burke’s Garden.
He attended the Burke’s Garden School and graduated from Tazewell High School in 1965. He went on to Virginia Tech where he received his Bachelor’s degree in 1969 and his Master’s Degree in 1975. He returned to his native Tazewell County, where he would spend his entire career in the service of Tazewell County Public Schools.
Between 1969 and 1988, he taught Mathematics at Richlands Junior High School, Tazewell Junior High School, Tazewell Middle School, and Tazewell High School. He loved teaching; he always kept the welfare of students at the center of his career, and tirelessly encouraged others to do the same. He was a devoted advocate for the rights of educators in Tazewell County and across the Commonwealth, and served as President of the Tazewell Education Association from 1971-1972.
In 1989, he became Tazewell County’s first Director for Educational Technology, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. Under his leadership, Tazewell County Public Schools was able to build, maintain, and expand its IT and networking infrastructure, personnel, and expertise to become one of the most technologically advanced school divisions in the region.
In addition to his primary employment with Tazewell County Public Schools, he worked actively in many organizations to advance the economic and technological development of Southwest Virginia. He served as a representative on the Tazewell County Economic Development Commission and the Tazewell County Information Technology and Telecommunications Committee, chairman of the Southwest Virginia Technology Council and the Southwest Virginia Educational and Training Network, member of the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Public Television, long-term member of the Virginia Education Technology Advisory Committee to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and chairman of the Technology Task Force for the Four Seasons Regional Council.
He was an active member of the Burke’s Garden community. He served as the inside plant manager, secretary, and President of the Burke’s Garden Telephone Company.He was a charter member of the Burke’s Garden Volunteer Fire Department. He was a lifelong member of the Burke’s Garden Central Lutheran Church.
Survivors: wife, Linda Hypes Peery; son, Seth Peery and wife, Laura, of Blacksburg; daughter, Joanna Conrad and husband, Christian, of Lubbock, TX; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Ruth Hypes of Tannersville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Buddy and Kathy Hypes of Tazewell, Jamie and Mary Chapman of Abingdon, Mike and Rebecca Neal of Tannersville; cousin, Joe Bane of Barren Springs; and special friend and caregiver, Stephanie Boyd-Price.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. July 23 at the Burkes Garden Central Lutheran Church with Pastor George Ziegenfuss officiating.
Burial followed in the Central Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Stephen H. Peery Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o National Bank, P.O. Box 687, Tazewell, VA 24651.
Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Thelma Louise Shortt
Thelma Louise Rose Shortt, 75, of Jewell Ridge, died July 21 at her home.
Born June 12, 1931 in Tazewell County, she was the daughter of the late Dock and (Bessie) Elizabeth Griffith Rose.
She was of the Pentecostal Holiness faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Emory Shortt; one son, Tony Wayne Shortt; one granddaughter, Jatanna Cochran; one brother, Ken Rose; and one great grandchild, Austin Wayne Martin.
Survivors: son, Jeff Shortt and wife, Jennifer, of Rosedale; daughters, Peggy Shelton and husband, Mack, Wanda Lester and husband, Junior, Debbie Cordle and husband, Walter, and Martha Ball and husband, Graham, all of Richlands, Connie Cochran and husband, Danny, of Paintlick, Brenda Whitt and husband, David, of Jewell Ridge; brother, Bob Rose and wife, Arbel, of Tazewell; sister, Margaret Graham and husband, Jack, of Tazewell; 19 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren; and caregiver, Teresa Underwood.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. July 24 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Doug Allen, Rev. Grady McGlothlin and Rev. Joe Hornofficiating.
Burial followed in the Short Cemetery at Short Gap.
Ellen Ruth Stevenson
Ellen Ruth Brown Stevenson, 71, of Tazewell, formerly of Bluefield, VA, died July 20 at Tazewell Community Hospital.
Born April 10, 1935 in Tazewell County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Albert Brown, Sr. and Margaret Ellen Lewis Brown.
She was of the Pentecostal Holiness Faith and loved going to the flea markets with her husband and spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Melissa Ann Thomas.
Survivors: husband of 55 years, Daniel Boone Stevenson; sons, Michael Stevenson of Bluefield, VA, Danny Ray Stevenson of Mt. Olive, WV; daughters, Margaret Thomas and husband, Carl, of Bluefield, VA, Linda Sarver and husband, Jay, and Frances Combs, all of Brushfork, WV; brothers, Joseph Albert Brown, Jr., Oscar Ernest Brown and Jimmy Roger Brown, all of Pounding Mill, Bobby Lee Brown and wife, Sharon, of Bluefield, VA; sisters, Dorothy Head and Jean Laney and husband, David, all of Tazewell, Edna Louise Crigger and husband, Clarence, of Springville, Elizabeth Ann Lewis of Bluefield, VA; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. July 24 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Eugene Gates and the Rev. Hershel Farmer officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
