Samuel Vince White
Samuel Vince White, 82, of Jewell Ridge, died Aug. 22 at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born April 29, 1924 in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late John D. and Sarah Lowe White.
He was a retired coal miner and a member of Loggy Bottom Pentecostal Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jennings White, Sr.; one daughter, Emma Frances Lester; two sisters; and one brother.
Survivors: wife of 61 years, Virgie Woosley White; sisters, Ida Sizemore and Eunice Cantrell, both of Wabash, IN, Virginia Dudley of Canandaigua, NY; son-in-law, Elisha Lester, Jr. of Wilmington, NC; daughter-in-law, Alice Johnson of Pippa Passes, KY; six grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. Aug. 26 at Loggy Bottom Pentecostal Church at Pilgrim Knob with Rev. Lawrence Horn, Rev. Ancil Childress, Rev. Troy Lester and Rev. Jack Ward officiating.
Burial followed at the White Cemetery at Jewell Valley.
Services were held at the church Aug. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m.
Buchanan Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.
Glen Elwood Young, Sr.
Glen Elwood Young, Sr., 77, of Squire, WV, died Aug. 27 at his home after a long battle with cancer.
Born Jan. 19, 1929 in River Rouge, MI, he was a son of the late Kenneth Ray Young and Daisy Beavers Young.
He was a retired motorman with Consolidated Coal Company, having been employed with them for 39 years. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War, who loved camping and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Young, and one son, Glen E. Young, Jr.
Survivors: son, Darrell Lane and wife, Vikki, of Summerville, SC; daughters, Brenda Hall and husband, J.R., of Jacksonville, FL, Sheila Beavers and husband, Roger, of Squire; brother, Donald Young of Marion; sisters, June Denoff and husband, Frank, of Lansing, WV, Irlene Woods and husband, Junior, of Joppa, MD, Joyce Pertee of Dearborn, MI; grandchildren, Stephanie Hall, Jodie Bryant, Heather Lane, and Shane Young; and great grandchildren, Jacob Newman and London Newman.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Aug. 29 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Tim Boyd and the Rev. Mary Osborne officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Angela (Angie) Baker
Angela (Angie) Gail Baker, 47, of Abingdon, died Sept. 3 at her home following a brief illness.
Born in Richlands, she was the daughter of Anna Ruth Ball McGuire of Lebanon and the late John Calvin Richie.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one sister, Nora Rene Richie, and grandparents, Jonah and Nora Ball.
Additional survivors: sons, Jonah Richie and wife, Annie, of Columbia, SC, Derek Baker of Mountain City, TN; step father, Kelley McGuire of Lebanon; sisters, Tammy Richie and Brandi Gilbert of Bluefield, VA; and granddaughter, Bianca Zyra Baker of Mountain City.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sept. 7 in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Elder Ezra Davis, Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow in the Pinion Family Cemetery at Swords Creek.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 9:30 a.m. Sept. 7.
Hugh P. Bell
Hugh P. Bell, 84, of the Cove area in Tazewell County, died Sept. 2 in Tazewell.
Born June 15, 1922 at Cornelius, NC, he was a son of the late Monroe Patterson Bell and L. Smith Bell.
He was a member and Elder of the Tazewell Presbyterian Church. He was a graduate of NC State University at Raleigh, NC, were he received his degree in agriculture.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary B. Bell; three sisters, Margaret Bell, Lenora Bell, and Mary Bell; and two brothers, James Bell and Monroe Bell.
Survivors: wife, Susie Barns Bell; son, Clinton Bell and wife, Loretta, of the Cove; sisters, Louise Caudle of Burlington, NC, Kathryn Bell of Davidson, NC, Lena Bell of San Francisco CA; brother, George Bell of Burlington, NC; sister-in-law, Virginia Barns of the Cove; and step grandchild, Chase Bowman.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Sept. 4 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Dr. James H. Grant, Jr. officiating.
Burial followed at the Barns Cemetery on the family farm in the Cove.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Tazewell Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 26, Tazewell, VA 24651, Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands, P.O. Box 545, Wytheville, VA 24382 or to a favorite charity.
Frances Gracie Boothe
Frances Gracie Boothe, 87, of Newhall, WV, died at her home Sept. 1 following a brief illness.
Born in McDowell County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Grat and Molly Asbury Woolridge.
She had made her home in McDowell County all her life. She was a housewife and a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of the Advent Christian Church in Newhall, WV.
She was married to Hatfield Vesper Boothe for 62 years before his death in 1997. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son-in-law, Brooke Stabler; one sister, Elva Boothe; and three brothers, Hampton, Randolph and Roger Woolridge.
Survivors: daughters, Betty Anderson and husband, Grayson, of Bastian, Glenda Stabler of Middletown, MD, Katie Albright and husband, Ron, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; son and special daughter-in-law, Harold Burleigh Boothe and wife, Wilma, of Princeton, WV; sisters, Virginia Boothe of Stafford, Bonnie Akers of Martinsville, Geneva Davis of Anawalt, WV; brothers, Josh Woolridge and wife, Wasa Jean, of Chester, Henry Paul Woolridge and wife, Juanita, of Anawalt; grandchildren, Rick Boothe, Wendy Mason, Bob Stabler, Mike Stabler, Scott Albright, Todd Albright and Troy Albright; 13 great grandchildren; and special nephew, Bobby Boothe. Dr. R. K. Krishnan, his staff and Community Hospice of America took special care of her.
The funeral was conducted Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel of Tazewell with Rev. Orville Harvey officiating.
Interment
followed at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA.
Contributions may be made to: Community Hospices of America, PO Box 6364, Bluefield, WV 24701 or Advent Christian Church of Newhall, General Delivery, Newhall, WV 24866.
Kennith Jessie Boyd
Kennith Jessie Boyd, 60, of Vansant, died Sept. 4 at his home following an extended illness.
Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of the late William McKinley and Edith Charles Boyd.
He was a retired employee of Island Creek Coal Company, Beatrice Mines, and was of the Baptist Faith. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Geraldine Ratliff.
Survivors: wife, Barbara S. Compton Boyd; sons, Jessie Dwayne Boyd of Tazewell, Shannon Boyd of Vansant; brother, James Boyd of Roanoke; and grandchildren, Jessica and Matthew Boyd of Richlands.
The funeral will be conducted Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Ministers Eddie Wilson and Ronnie Sliger officiating.
Burial will follow in the Coleman Cemetery on Leemaster, near Vansant.
Services were held at the funeral home Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
Arnold "Pal" Brown
Arnold Rufus "Pal" Brown, 61, of Raven, died Aug. 31 at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born in Tazewell County, he was the son of Mary K. Whited Brown of Doran and the late Rufie Brown.
He had made his home in the Raven area all of his life and was a former worker for the cable company. He was a member of the Open Door Community Church in Baptist Valley.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one sister, Maggie Scyphers, and two infant sisters, Kathy and Zella Brown.
Additional survivors: sister, Dolly Keen and husband, June, of Raven; brothers, William Brown and wife, Phyllis, of Lebanon, Lee Brown and wife, Jennifer, of Doran; and special friend, Billie Cook of Richlands.
The funeral was conducted Sept. 2 at 12 noon at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Charlie McGlothlin and Rev. Clyde Ball officiating.
Interment
followed at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands.
Hassie A. Brown
Hassie A. Brown, 73, of Keen Mountain, died Sept. 2 at her home following a long illness.
Born Dec. 29, 1932 in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Elbert and Rachel Street Boyd.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Nelson Boyd; one sister, Lacy Rowe; and three step-sons, Jimmy Brown, Danny Brown, and Ronnie Brown.
Survivors: husband, Aubrey D. Brown; son, Robert Brown of Bristol, TN; daughter, Patricia B. Huffman and husband, John, of Columbia, SC; step sons, Eddie Wayne Brown of Keen Mountain, Jerry Brown and wife, Joyce, of Garden Creek; step daughter, Teresa Hale of Little Garden; brother, Charlie (Jack) Boyd of Abingdon; and sisters, Bonnie Street of Keen Mountain, Fonnie Coleman and Lonia Stout, both of Oakwood and Dorothy Potter of Abingdon.
The family received friends at the Buchanan Funeral Service at Keen Mountain Sept. 4 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sergeant First Class Marvin C. "Jack" Dye
Sergeant First Class Marvin C. "Jack" Dye, 71, of Piedmont, AL, died Aug. 30 at Jacksonville Medical Center.
A native of Richlands, he was born April 5, 1935. He was the son of the late Elbert and Bessie Emma King Dye.
He was married to the former Shelvia J. Reedy who survives.
He proudly served his country during Vietnam War in the United States Army where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Three Good Conduct Medals, and two Overseas Service Bars. After serving in the military, he was employed with Parker and Hannfin where he retired with over 20 years of service.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paxton and Ralph Dye.
Survivors: wife, Shelvia J. Dye; daughters and son-in-law, Susan and Edmond Lane, Jr. of Chelsea, AL, Sherry Dye of Piedmont; sister, Jean Fletcher of Portsmouth; brothers and sisters-in-law, Hubert and Donna Dye of Parkersburg, WV, Conely and Lila Dye and Edward and Lynn Dye, all of Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, Victoria, Zackary, and Katherine Jones and Benjamin Lane; and a number of special nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. from the chapel of the Folsom Funeral Home in Piedmont, AL, with Chaplin Richard Dye and Mrs. Sandra Johnson officiating.
Interment
followed in the Goshen Cemetery with full military honors.
Lillie Mae Harrison
Lillie Mae Harrison, 94, of Richlands, died Sept. 3 in a Richlands hospital following a long illness.
Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff is serving the family.
Willis Harrison
Willis Harrison, 65, a resident of 1455 Oak Breeze Drive, Mooresville, NC, and formerly of Thomasville, NC, died Sept. 3 at his residence.
Born in Dix Creek Oct. 25, 1940, he was a son of Thomas Harrison and Sallie Altizer Harrison.
He served in the U.S. Air Force and had retired from High Point Furniture Company. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Lawrence Harrison, Allen Harrison and Glen Harrison; and two sisters, Ethel Beavers and Lucille Gillespie.
On Jan. 15, 1966 he was married to Shirley Ann McKinney who survives of the home. Additional survivors: daughter, Rhonda Lynn Hiser and husband, Bill, of Navarre, FL; son, Mike Orman and wife, Sabrina, of Thomasville; sisters, Ruby Collier, Willetta Simpson, and Sarah Cochran, all of Cedar Bluff, Mozelle Van Dyke and husband, Floyd, of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Michael Orman, Chris Orman, Casa Lloyd, and Cameron Roberts; five great-grandchildren; and special nephew, Donnie Harrison and wife, Ann, of Oak Island, NC.
The funeral will be conducted Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at J.C. Green & Sons Chapel in Thomasville by the Rev. Michael Orman and the Rev. Kevin Morris.
Burial will be in Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Thomasville.
The family will be at the funeral home Sept. 6 from 7 until 9 p.m.
Zola Maxine Hill Martin
Zola Maxine Hill Martin, 74, of Raven, went to be with Jesus Aug. 31 after a lengthy illness.
Born July 17, 1932 in Raven, she was the daughter of the late John Rufus and Dixie Ellen Dye Hill and had lived most of her life in the Raven area.
She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church of Richlands and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 9640 of Claypool Hill.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marion T. Martin; one sister, Ruby Gibson; and two brothers, Claude and Donald Hill.
Survivors: children, Sherry L. Whitt of Oxford, NC, Leslie K. Barrett and husband, Jeff, of Rocky Gap, Karl Edward "Eddie" Martin and wife, Michele, of Apex, NC; grandchildren, Christopher Scott "Scottie" Whitt of Salisbury, MD, Anthony Stephen Barrett of Princeton, WV, Zachary Ryan Martin of Fuquay Varina, NC, Emily Valentine Martin and Sarah Elizabeth Martin of Apex; sisters, Gladys Beryl Dye of Raven, Wilma Geneva Skeens, of Lebanon; brother, Bernard Hill of Raven; a host of beloved nieces and nephews; special friends and caregivers, include her church family, along with Evelyn Grimsley, Orpha Mullins, and Pat Jackson; and faithful and beloved pets, Snowball and Poochie.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Sept. 2 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Pastor Buddy Herald officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Zola’s name to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson Street, Bluefield, WV 24701, or the building fund for the First Assembly of God Church, 430 Virginia Avenue, Richlands, VA 24641, or the wonderful caregivers at Preferred Hospice, 2629 Front Street, Richlands, VA 24641.
Ashby Mullins
Ashby Mullins, 74, of Pilgrim Knob, went to be with the Lord Sept. 3 in a Johnson City, TN hospital.
Born at Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Sonny Mullins and Linnie Church Mullins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Ethel Mae Sweeney Mullins; two sisters, Virginia Mullins and Dora Cooper; and a special grandson, Joel Ryan Owens.
Survivors: daughters, Betty Owens and husband, Carl, Orpha Kelly and husband, Bill, of Pilgrim Knob, Pat Joyce and husband, Steve, and Peggy Joyce and husband, Johnny, all of Claypool Hill, Nancy Nichols and husband, Shannon, of Abingdon, Rhonda Alley and husband, Kenneth, of Hillsville; sons, Bobby Mullins and wife, Debbie, of Thompson, Valley, Elmer Mullins and wife, Jennifer, of Jewell Ridge; sisters, Carma Blevins of Yeager, WV, Elsie Reed of Brenton, WV, Gaynell Potter of Athens, TN, Norma Horn of Pilgrim Knob, Ora Workman and Kay Bailey, both of Falls Mills, Rita Bailey of Bluefield, WV; grandchildren, Chad Owens, Daniel Kelly, Savannah Mullins, Hunter Rowe, Nathaniel Mullins, Jaren Nichols, Crystal Wimmer, Derick Joyce, Sunshine Wilmoth, Sommer Griffith, Benjamin Nichols, Travis, Angel, Morgan and Carrie Mullins, Tiffany, Joshua, Jacob and McKenzie Alley; and great grandchildren, Luke Wimmer, Katlyn Wilmoth, Kayla Griffith, Katherine, Sarah, Seth and Conner Owens.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sept. 6 at the Loggy Bottom Pentecostal Church with Rev. Luther Rife, Rev. Lawrence Horn and Rev. Clell Daniels officiating.
Burial will follow in the Sonny Mullins Cemetery at Compton Mountain.
Singleton Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Merlie O. Mullins
Merlie O. Mullins, 83, of the Golden Age Retirement Home at Claypool Hill, died Sept. 2 in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Dwight in 1923, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Naomi O’Quinn Keen, both Buchanan County natives.
She had spent all her life in the Buchanan County and Tazewell County area and was of the Old Regular Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin Mullins; one daughter, Patsy Mullins; three sisters; and one brother.
Survivors: sons, Clell Mullins and wife, Peggy, of Jewell Ridge, Junior Mullins and wife, Louise, of Pounding Mill, Richard Mullins and wife, Debbie, of Cedar Bluff; sister, Jean Martin of Athens, WV; brother, Dillard Keen of Zephyrhills, FL; special friend and caregiver, Brenda Taylor; grandchildren, Debbie Maxwell, Rodney Mullins, Sherry Bryant, Scottie Mullins, and Steven Mullins; and great-grandchildren, Adrienne Maxwell, Amber Mullins and Katlyn Mullins.
The funeral will be conducted Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Troy Lester and Rev. Audie Allen officiating.
Interment
will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Edna I. Patton
Edna I. Patton, 82, of North Tazewell, died Sept. 2 at her home.
Born Jan. 11, 1924 at War, WV, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Joe Hankins and Sarah Elizabeth Brooks Hankins.
She attended the Alexander United Methodist Church at Bishop. She loved her dog, Blackie, working with her flowers, puzzles, and enjoyed collecting piggy banks.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Miller Patton; two sons, Curtis Patton and Doyle Patton; one sister, Shirley Bishop; and four brothers, Joe Hankins, Jr., Charlie Hankins, Jimmy Hankins and Otis Hankins.
Survivors: daughter, Faye Wilcox, and husband, Bruce, of Sterling, OH; sons, Calvin Patton and wife, Pauletta, and Jerry Patton and wife, Jane, all of North Tazewell; sisters, Della Phillips of Akron, OH, Clara Wood and husband, James, of Barberton, OH, Pearl Fox and husband, Vernon, of Kent, OH; brothers, Fred Hankins and wife, Ada, of Lexington, NC, Bill Hankins and wife, Annie, of Bastian, Stanley Hankins and wife, Phyllis, of Doylestown, OH; ten grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and special caregiver, Lillian Yost.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sept. 6 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Kenny Fields and Steve Cornwell officiating.
Burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Hubert Oliver Short
Hubert Oliver Short, 90, of Raven, went to be with the Lord Sept. 3 in a Richlands hospital following a long illness.
Born at Buchanan County on March 2, 1916, he was the son of the late Joe and Gertie Elkins Short.
He was a former member of the Richlands Tabernacle and a current member of the Horton Ridge Church of God.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Rosie Short; one grandson, J.D. McGlothlin; one sister, Omie Short; six brothers, Clayton Short, Junior Short, Mervin Short, Vernon Short, Dallas Short and Amos Short.
Survivors: wife of 63 years, Barbara Lorraine Stilwell Short; daughters, Norma Keen and husband, John, of Pounding Mill, Sue Newberry and husband, Rondal, of Doran, Patsy McGlothlin and husband, Darnell, of Honaker, Leisa Shelor and husband, Dave, of Blacksburg; sons, James Short and wife, Sylvia, Darrell Short and wife, Judy, Donald Short and wife, Marcella, and Ricky Short and wife, Karen, all of Raven, Willard Short of the home; sister, Ressie Anders of Greenville, TN; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sept. 6 in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Dennis White, Rev. Ralph Horton and Rev. Bob Osborne officiating.
Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.
Mildred Pauline Sparks
Mildred Pauline Sparks, 74, of Squire, WV, died Sept. 4 at a Tazewell hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born at Beachfork, WV, she was the daughter of the late W. I. "Bill" and Lydia Elizabeth Meade Millsap.
She had made her home in McDowell County for her entire life. She was a housewife and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed quilting and Bluegrass music. She was of the Pentecostal faith.
She was married to the late William F. "Bill" Sparks for 31 years.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death two brothers, John and Jimmy Millsap, six sisters, Rosalie Gayness, Hazel Harris, Ruth Owens, Jacqueline Beavers, Susie Margaret Millsap and Mary Elizabeth Millsap.
Survivors: daughters, Patricia Casey and husband, Randy, and Linda McGuire and husband, Gary, all of North Tazewell; sons, Willie Sparks, Robert Sparks and wife, Cathy, David Sparks, Timothy Sparks and Ernie Sparks and wife, Susan, all of Squire; sister, Edith J. "Jerri" Beavers and husband, Carl, of Baptist Valley; eight grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel of Tazewell with Rev. Wade Quesenberry and Rev. Arnold Marrs officiating.
Interment
will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens of Bluefield, VA.
Ellen Story
Ellen McDonald Royall Story, 86, of Suffolk, died Aug. 28.
A native of Tazewell, she was the widow of Walter Franklin Story, Jr. and the daughter of Senator John Powell Royall and Jennie Bowen Royall.
She was a 1942 graduate of Longwood College and began a brief teaching career in Franklin. She was a life-long Methodist and a member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she was a former Circle Chairman, Vice-President and President of the United Methodist Women, former member of the Administrative Board, former President of the J. Lewis Rawls Sunday School Class, member of the Memorial Committee, and recipient of the United Methodist Women’s life-long service award.
She was a former President and member of the Suffolk Book Club, had served as President of the Lake Kilby Garden Club, and was a member of the Constantia Chapter of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution. She was also the first President of the Suffolk-Nansemond Longwood College Alumni Association. For many years, she was active with the Girl Scouts of America, serving as a troop leader and as the Chairman of the Tidewater Area Association.
She also served as Vice-President, Secretary and Board Member of National Screen Co., Inc. a family-operated company.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Ann Royall Story Powell, of Suffolk, and her grandson’s fiancée, Marcie Reynolds Thomason, of Washington, D.C. She was one of nine children and was predeceased by Mary Christian Royall Elmore and Rachel Louise Royall, of Richmond; John Powell Royall, Jr. of Richlands; William Archer Royall of Alexandria; Jane Bowen Royall Phlegar of Norfolk, and Samuel Henry Royall of Tazewell.
Survivors: granddaughter, Jennie Royall Powell Monette, and husband, Colin Thomas Monette, of Richmond; grandson, Charles Cutchin Powell, Jr., of Washington, D.C.; and great-grandsons, Harrison Thomas Monette and Tyler Royall Monette, of Richmond; and brothers, Rees Bowen Royall, of Tazewell, and Edwin Gratton Royall of Bluefield, WV.
A memorial service will be conducted Sept. 9 at Main Street United Methodist Church by the Rev. Robert J. Parks, Jr., at 10 a.m. Following the service, the family will receive friends at Lake Prince. The family will receive friends in the R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral & Crematory in Suffolk Sept. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church – the Ann Story Powell/Mr. & Mrs. Walter F. Story Trust Fund at 202 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434; or to Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, the Ann Story Powell/Mr. & Mrs. Walter F. Story, Jr. Scholarship Fund at 3373 Pruden Boulevard, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Lee Thomas
Lee Thomas, 71, of Cedar Bluff, died Sept. 1 at Johnston Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
Born in Dickenson County, he was the son of the late Garland Garfield Smith and Mary Martha Thomas.
He had lived in the area all of his life and had made his living as a coal miner. He was of the Holiness faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Daniel Smith, Glenn Edward Smith, and Roy Rogers Smith.
Survivors: wife, Thelma Thomas; daughters, Sandra Hunnell and husband, Rex, of Richlands, Patricia Gail Smith and husband, Dempsey, of Cedar Bluff, Tina Marie Hunnell and husband, Jimmy, of Richlands; sons, Daniel Thomas and wife, Melissa, Jerry Thomas and wife, Sherry, and David Thomas and wife, Beverly, all of Cedar Bluff, Mark Thomas and wife, Melissa, of Paintlick; step mother, Peggy Smith of Richlands; sisters, Elma Faye Turner of Peterstown, WV, Geraldine Boone and husband, Grant, of Warren, OH, Brenda Sue Christian and husband, Eddie, of Narrows, Deborah Jean Cobbler and husband, Ronnie, and Rhonda Kaye Laquadra and husband, Tony, all of Cleveland, OH, Tracy Smith, Laura Hubbard and husband, Garnett, of Cedar Bluff; brothers, Bobby Smith and wife, Geraldine, of Cedar Bluff, Donnie Smith and wife, Jean, of Raven, David Smith of Illinois, Jerry Smith of Cleveland, OH; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Sept. 5 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Bobby Joe Smith and Rev. Randall Jackson officiating.
Interment
followed at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill.
Robert "Red" Viney
Robert Crockett "Red" Viney, 57, of Tazewell, died Aug. 29 at his home.
Born Mar. 10, 1949 in Tazewell County, he was a son of the late John Blaine Viney, Sr. and Jessie Jewel Watkins Viney.
He was a member of the Midway Church of Christ – Disciples of Christ in Tazewell. He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Dessie Dinkes and Mary Smith.
Survivors: son, Freddie Matthew Viney; daughter, Amber Sally Omega Viney of Charlotte, NC; brothers, John B. Viney, Jr. of North Tazewell, William C. Viney and Sidney E. Viney, both of Tazewell; special brother, Donnie Dinkes of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Sally E. Smith of New York, NY, Gwendolyn M. Mitchell and husband, Walter, of Columbus, OH, Gloria V. Davis and husband, George, and Paulette O. Smith and husband, Jerry, all of Tazewell; grandchildren, Matthew Flack, Alexis Flack, Mark Viney, and Adonis Viney; special friend, Mary Jesse; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Sept. 2 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Dr. Janice Harris officiating.
Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell, where military graveside rites were conducted by members of the Barns – Beavers VFW Post #7136 in Tazewell.
Fonna Mae Wilson
Fonna Mae Ball Wilson, 71, of Bristol, VA, died Aug. 30 in a Lebanon hospital.
Born Feb. 9, 1935 in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Robert L. and Martha Ball.
She had lived in Bristol for the past five years, moving from Lebanon. She was of the Holiness faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bannard Ball; two sons, Sammy Ball and Eddie Ball; and one granddaughter, Rebecca Fletcher.
Survivors: daughter, Margaret Fletcher of Bristol, VA; grandson, Jimmy Wayne Fletcher; great-grandchildren, Brittany Annmarie Fletcher and Zachary Wayne Hicks; and several friends, cousins, and additional family.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Sept. 1 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Guy Harris and Rev. Kyle Ratliff officiating.
Interment
followed in the Rose Cemetery at Council.
Angela (Angie) Baker
Angela (Angie) Gail Baker, 47, of Abingdon, died Sept. 3 at her home following a brief illness.
Born in Richlands, she was the daughter of Anna Ruth Ball McGuire of Lebanon and the late John Calvin Richie.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one sister, Nora Rene Richie, and grandparents, Jonah and Nora Ball.
Additional survivors: sons, Jonah Richie and wife, Annie, of Columbia, SC, Derek Baker of Mountain City, TN; step father, Kelley McGuire of Lebanon; sisters, Tammy Richie and Brandi Gilbert of Bluefield, VA; and granddaughter, Bianca Zyra Baker of Mountain City.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Sept. 7 in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Elder Ezra Davis, Jr. officiating.
Burial followed in the Pinion Family Cemetery at Swords Creek.
Ezra L. Blankenship
Ezra Lincous Blankenship, 84, of Cedar Bluff, died Sept. 6 in a Bristol, TN, hospital.
Born Oct. 13, 1921 in Buchanan County, he was a son of the late Ada and Louisa Victoria Cantrell Blankenship.
A lifelong resident of the area, he was of the Pentecostal Holiness faith. A United States Army veteran, he had served in World War II.He was a disabled coal miner, having been employed by Jewell Smokeless Coal Company.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Vunia Oakley Horne Blankenship; his second wife, Lydia Belle Osborne Blankenship; several brothers and sisters; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.
Survivors: daughters, Ollie Blankenship Lester and husband, Edward, of Richlands, Trula Kiser and husband, Dennis, of Doran, Mary Osborne and husband, Curtis, Myrtle Sisk and husband, Ray, and Alice Keene and husband, Jeff, all of Oakwood; sons, James Roger Blankenship of Rosedale, John Blankenship and wife, Brenda of Raven, Carl Blankenship and wife, Margaret, of Claypool Hill, Rev. Andrew Blankenship and wife, Sharon, of Richlands, Ezra Jackie Blankenship and wife, Sherry, of Venus, TX; sister, Marie Horne of Raven; several step-sons and step-daughters; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted at 12 noon Sept. 8 at the Wilderness Tabernacle on Horne Mountain with Rev. Jason Nunley, Rev. Billy Harrison, and Rev. Kenneth Byrd officiating.
Interment
followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Military graveside services were conducted by the American Veterans Honor Guard of Richlands.
Honaker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
