Rosa Lark Sunderland
Rosa Lark Sunderland, 88, of Lebanon, formerly of Honaker, died Sept. 26 in a Lebanon hospital.
Born Feb. 25, 1918 in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late Charlie and Nannie Hess.
She had spent most of her life in the Honaker area and had attended Full Gospel House of Prayer.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Sunderland; one brother, Vernie Hess; and three sisters, Blanche Perry, Mary McManus and Marie Guy.
Survivors: sister, Leona Runyon of Ohio; special niece and caretaker, Deloris Hess and husband, James, of Swords Creek; sister-in-law, Wanda Hess of Honaker; special friend, Phyllis Honaker James of Honaker; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Peerman Lester and Rev. Gerald Lester officiating.
Entombment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.
Charlie Burke Sword
Charlie Burke Sword, 83, of Honaker, died Oct. 1 in a Mountain Home, TN Veterans Hospital.
Born May 4, 1923 in Russell County, he was a son of the late Susie Martin Sword.
He had spent most of his life in the area and was of the Holiness faith. He was a United States Army veteran, having served in World War II, and was a member of the American Legion of Richmond.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, June Sword, and one son, Wilmer Burke Sword.
Survivors: daughters, Shirley Farley and husband, Ronald, of Woodbridge, Sylvia Jean Kennedy and husband, James, Linda Cottingham and husband, Frank, and Laura Gail Compton and husband, Roger, all of Honaker; son, Ronald Lee Sword and wife, Linda, of Honaker; sister, Madeline Franklin of Front Royal; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Oct. 4 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. David Wilmouth officiating.
Interment
will follow in the Russell Memorial Cemetery at Lebanon.
Military graveside honors will be conducted by VFW Post # 9864 of Lebanon.
Lowell C. VanDyke
Lowell C. VanDyke, 68, of Doran, died Oct. 2 at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Buchanan County and was the son of the late George and Lou Looney VanDyke of Doran.
He was a Grundy Senior High School Class of 1957 graduate. He had spent most of his life in Ohio where he was a retired meat cutter for Dinner Bell Packing Company of Archbold, OH, before moving back to Doran 15 years ago.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Jackson, Ola Gay Matney, and Juanita Pasture.
Survivors: wife, Magaline Helton VanDyke; daughters, Teresa Vandyke of Dublin, OH, Debbie Castillo of Rockford, OH; sons, Randy Lee VanDyke and wife, Pam, of Defiance, OH, Tom VanDyke and wife, Kim, of Delaware, OH, Tony VanDyke of Doran; brothers, Noah VanDyke of Home Creek, Marshall VanDyke, Paul VanDyke and Joe VanDyke, all of Doran, Johnny VanDyke of Bristol, VA; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands with Rev. Dennis Hoffman officiating.
Interment
will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Patricia K. Wallace
Patricia Karen Wallace, 50, of Honaker, died Sept. 29 in a Lebanon hospital.
Born July 31, 1956 in Richlands, she was a daughter of Charles Wayne and Pauline Wallace of Honaker.
She was a lifelong resident of the area and was of the Baptist faith.
Additional survivors: special friend, Joe Martin of the home; son, Steve Wayne Wallace of Honaker; granddaughter, Kayla Nicole Wallace of Honaker; sisters, Teresa Keen and husband, Mike, of Blackford, Pamla Damron and husband, Bobby, of Elkorn City, KY, and Linda Jackson and husband, Claude, of Red Ash; brothers, Mark Wallace and wife, Loretta, of Swords Creek, Gary Wallace and wife, Susan, of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Stevens and Rev. Arvil Arwood officiating.
Interment
followed in the Martin Cemetery on Stinson Ridge.
John J. Burks
John J. Burks, 76, of Rt. 1, Grundy, died Oct. 3 at his home following an extended illness.
Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late John and Pearlie McCoy Burks Sr.
He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was a truck driver and coal miner for over 30 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was a member of Little Vine Old Regular Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by one son, Larry Burks; three sisters, Ellen Bowen, Olivia Burch and Ella Burks; two half-sisters, Hattie Justice and Ginny McCoy; four brothers, Harold, Bride, Boyd and Roger Burks; and three half-brothers: Willie, Oscar and Edward Burks.
Survivors: wife, Mary Frankie Burks; son, Darrell and wife, Nancy Burks, of Belfast; sisters, Lucy and husband, Don Peaks, of Fort Wayne, IN, Shirley and husband, Jack Deleon, of Columbus, OH, Edith and husband, Henry Stiltner, of Welch, WV; brother, Alfred C. and wife, Vivian Burks, of Welch; granddaughters, Pamela Burks of Harmon, Tiffany Burks of Parkersburg, WV, Tina Morgan of Ft. Wayne, IN; step-grandchildren, David Ball and Tonya Whitt, both of Rosedale; great-grandchildren, Michael Morgan, Trae Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Jayden Morgan, Ashley Collins, Alicia Collins and Landon Ball; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 6 at 12 noon at the Burks Memorial Baptist Church, Hurley, with Pastor Alvin Belcher, Pastor Dennis Burks and Evg. Michael Trent officiating.
Entombment followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.
Services were held at the church Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m.
Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy was in charge of arrangements.
Vera Whited Chappell
Vera Whited Chappell, 80, of Colonial Heights, died Oct. 4 after a courageous battle with her fourth cancer.
Born Aug. 15, 1926 in Russell County, she was the daughter of the late Preston Whited and Eunice Elkins Whited.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W.S. “Bill” Chappell. She lived in Danville for 56 years and retired from Disston Tools after 30 years of service.
The last of her generation she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Major Whited and Vernie Whited, and five sisters, Blanche Whited, Chorilda Horton, Elease Keen, Beatrice Whited and Grace Duncan.
Survivors: son, Steve Chappell, Sr. of Colonial Heights; grandsons, Steve Chappell, II and Benjamin Weigand of New York City, Corrie Frazier and wife, Monica, of Henrico County, many loving nieces and nephews; and very loving and faithful companion, Rocky Dog.
A memorial service will be held Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. at Danville Memorial Gardens in Danville with Rev. Ralph Horton and Rev. Phillip Horton officiating.
Obituary information submitted courtesy of Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands.
Douglas I. Cleaver
Douglas I. Cleaver, 49, of North Tazewell, lost his courageous battle with cancer while walking with his Lord Oct. 3 at Tazewell Community Hospital in Tazewell with his loving family by his side.
He was born Aug. 28, 1957 in Cincinnati, OH, and was a son Helen Retherford Smith of Tazewell and the late John D. Smith.
He was a member of the Riverside United Methodist Church at North Tazewell, where he had a very loving church family.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Julius and Ethel Retherford.
Additional survivors: wife, Kim Gillespie Cleaver; sons, Matt Cleaver of the home, Jason Snapp and wife, Suzanne, along with Doug’s expected grandson, Hunter Snapp of Morgantown, WV, Todd Mitchell of Tazewell; sister, Sherry Smith and fiancé, Gene Cole, of Richlands; brothers, Jay Cleaver of Tazewell, Jimmy Smith and wife, Teresa of Whitewood, Tommy Smith of Indianapolis, IN; father and mother-in-law, Fred and Louise Gillespie of Tazewell; brothers-in-law, Freddie Gillespie and Rick Gillespie and wife, Polly; sisters-in-law, Lisa Hagy and husband, Anthony, and Donna Monk and husband, Mike, all of Tazewell; and a host of nieces and nephews, whom he adored.
A memorial service celebrating his life was conducted Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Riverside United Methodist Church at North Tazewell with the Rev. Kenneth Gillespie and John Roberts officiating.
Burial was private.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made in the name of Douglas Cleaver to the Riverside United Methodist Church, 816 West Riverside Drive, North Tazewell, VA 24630.
Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home of Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Christina Louise Froy
Christina Louise Froy, 25, of Bluefield, died Sept. 29 at a Bluefield hospital.
Born in Bluefield, she was a daughter of Elizabeth (Libby) Ryan of Grundy and the late Kim Woodward.
She was of the Protestant faith and was a former employee at the Bluefield Union Mission.
Additional survivors: husband, Kenneth Froy of Bluefield; son, Christopher Woodward of Bluefield; sisters, Cynthia Cole of Beckley and her children, Brittany Cole and Madison, Tiffany Farrington of Bluefield, WV; half-brother, Frankie Farrington of Bluefield, WV; grandfather, Dave Ryan of Green Valley; stepchildren, Kenny Froy Jr., Kimberly Froy and Kenny Aaron Froy, all of Bluefield, WV, Kevin Froy of Corpus Christi, TX, Sherman Asbury of Bluefield, VA, Scott Tinsley of Port Lavaca, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
There were no services.
In lieu of flowers, the family will accept donations.
Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, VA was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Jane Hall
Betty Jane Hall, 76, of Middleville, MI, formerly of Burkes Garden, died Oct. 6 at her home.
Born Sept. 13, 1930 at Bristol, VA, she was a daughter of the late Edward Campbell Dutton and Lula Mae Wilson Dutton.
She was a member of the Hastings Church of Christ in Hastings, MI.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Hall; one sister, Mary Lou Whittaker; and two brothers, Wayne Dutton and E.C. Dutton.
Survivors: daughters, Diane Shockney and husband, Larry, of Belding, MI, Beverly Hall of Richmond, IN, Vanessa Armbruster and husband, Tim, of Middleville; son, Michael Hall and wife, Cindy, of Middleville; 12 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Oct. 11 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Brother Tim Matney and Brother Keith Matney officiating.
Burial will follow at the Central Church Cemetery in Burkes Garden.
The family request that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Michigan Development Department, 400 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI48201, or The ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hill, CA 91301-5104.
Robert (Casey) Jones
Robert R. (Casey) Jones, 83, of Bluefield, VA, died Oct. 4 at the Carrington Place in Wytheville.
Born at Crockett, he was the son of the late Onyx P. Jones and Essie Scott Jones.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Bluefield, VA, a lifetime member of the VFW Post 9696, Bluefield, VA, a WWII veteran and retired from Appalachian Power Co. with 40 years service.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances H. Jones; stepmother, Nettie Mae Davis; one brother, Onyx P. Jones, Jr.; two sisters, Marylou Jones, Isabelle Ward; and one grandson, Brent P. Jones.
Survivors: sons, Robert A. (Bob) Jones of Sumter, SC, David P. Jones of Bluefield, VA; daughter, Tammy C. Jones Martin of Bluefield, VA; grandsons, Randy Jones and Todd Jones, both of Sumter, Christopher Jones of Bluefield, VA; sister, Elizabeth Jones of Wytheville; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with the Rev. Ray Amos officiating.
Burial followed in the Grandview Memory Gardens.
Graveside services were conducted by the VFW Memorial Post 9696, Bluefield, VA and Pocahontas American Legion Post 14.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV.
Mollissie Street Keene
Mollissie Street Keene, 88, of Markham, formerly of Honaker, died Oct. 1 in a Front Royal hospital.
Born Sept. 16, 1918 in Skeggs, she was a daughter of the late Anthony Street, Sr. and Lou Tiny Fletcher Street.
She had lived in Markham for the past five years, moving there from Honaker and was of the Pentecostal faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Keene; one son, Frank Keene; one infant daughter, Della Joyce Keene; one brother, Anthony Street, Jr.; and six sisters, Zella Keen, Nancy Street, Gladys McGlothlin, Lydia Hess, Maudie Shortridge, and Edgar Price.
Survivors: daughters and sons-in-law, Irene and Victor Presley of Markham, Edith and Melvin Green of Manassas; sisters, Nellie McGlothlin of Rowe, Marie Weaver of Leesburg; grandchildren, Randy Green, Karen Fries, Darlene Coulter, Linda Spence, Michael Presley, and Patricia Keene; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Oct. 5 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Ancil Childress and Rev. Arvil Arwood officiating.
Interment
followed in the McGlothlin Cemetery at Rowe.
Frank Kuffner
Frank Kuffner, 83, of Bluefield, VA, died Sept. 23 at his home with his family by his side.
Born June 5, 1923 in Maybeury, WV, he was the son of the late Anton and Yelka Kuffner.
He was a 1941 graduate of Northfork High School. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in WWII in the Pacific Island Campaign. He was a Pharmacist Mate 2nd/class/corpsman attached to the 1st Marine Amphibious Corps.
He was a member of the Bluefield Moose and the Rotary Club of Keystone. He had a lifetime love of sports and enjoyed bowling and golf with his friends. He played baseball with KeyEck in the Coalfield League. He was an avid fan of WVU, the Northfork Blue Demons, and was his grandson Matt’s number 1 fan in all sports from grade school through college.
He was of the Catholic faith. He began his work career in the Keystone Mines and after moving to Chicago for a few years, he returned to the area and worked for Kentucky Central Life Insurance Co. until he retired. He filled his retirement years by working first as a volunteer on the grounds crew for the Bluefield Orioles, eventually becoming the Baby Bird Head Grounds Keeper. He was a big supporter of the Baby Birds and was a leader of the vocal group of fans known as the “Rail Birds.”
He was a devoted husband and active in the lives of his daughter and grandson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John Kuffner, Steve Kuffner and Tony Kuffner; and four sisters, Helen Seaman, Mary Vaglienti, Josephine Kwiatkowsky and Tracy Roman.
Survivors: wife of 53 years, Arlene Anderson Kuffner; daughter, Virginia (Ginger) Dishner and husband, George, and grandson, Matthew, of Mechanicsburg, PA; sister, Annie Vitosky of Chicago, IL; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with Father William Matheny and Rev. Bob Johnson officiating.
Burial followed in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV, American Heart Association, P.O. Box 12110, Charleston, WV, or to Total Home Care Hospice, P.O. Box 661, Grundy, VA.
Margaret S. Matthews
Margaret Susan Matthews, 55, of Falls Mills, departed this world and went to be with her God and Lord Oct. 3 surrounded with the love and support of her family.
She was born Aug. 1, 1951 in Falls Mills and is the daughter Ernestine Virginia Anderson of Falls Mills and the late Wilmyth Anderson.
She worked in the medical field in billing until her long battle with cancer forced her to retire. She was a member of the Falls Mills Christian Church.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one sister, Carolyn Murphy.
Survivors: loving and devoted husband, Ronald Matthews; sons, Jason Kenneth Matthews and wife, Angela, of Falls Mills, Stephen Wayne Matthews of the home; grandchildren, the light of her life, her precious Austin and Ashley Matthews; sisters, Connie Swim and husband, Daniel, of Church Hill, TN, Kathy Tester of Bluefield, VA; brother, Wilmyth Edwin Anderson. Jr. of Princeton, WV; nieces, Brenda Farmer of Newport News, Sherri Huber of Melbourne, FL, Leslie Roberts of Birmingham, AL, April Puckett of Bluewell, WV, Anna Moore of Bluefield; nephews, Carl Murphy of Glenwood Park, WV, Tom Murphy of Raleigh, NC, Michael Roberts of Fincastle, Chris Roberts of Columbus, OH; sisters-in-law, Patricia Roberts of Bluefield, VA, Vicki Roche of Memphis, TN; special friends, Joyce Byrd and Dr. Tom and Tessie Mathew; her brothers and sisters in Christ at Falls Mills Christian Church and many points beyond, who have prayed for and supported her in her struggle.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Falls Mills Christian Church with Tom Reid and Jason Cole officiating.
Burial followed in the Grandview Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christian Acres.
Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, VA was in charge of arrangements.
Lorraine Davis Morris
Lorraine Davis Morris, 86, of Richlands, died Oct. 7 following a brief illness.
She was born Sept. 29, 1920 and was the daughter of the late Edward and Nannie Davis of the Lake Park section of Richlands.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She moved from the Richlands area in the 50s to Cleveland, OH, where she met and married her husband of 46 years, Edward Morris, Jr., who preceded her in death Dec. 15, 2000.
She was employed by Gray Drug Stores, Inc. of Cleveland, OH, where she retired from the company with 32 years of dedicated service. Upon retirement, she and her husband relocated back to the Richlands area in May of 1987.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Doskie Davis and Mary Belle Davis Horton, and four brothers, Elbert “Hump” Davis, Ben Davis, Jay Davis, and Andrew B. Davis.
Survivors: special niece, Louise Jones of Cleveland, OH; sister-in-law, Juanita M. Davis of Richlands; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Stafford Compton officiating.
Entombment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.
Elizabeth (Gerry) Owens
Elizabeth Geraldine (Gerry) Bohon Owens, 74, of Loganville, GA, went to be with the Lord Oct. 7 at 12:55 p.m. at the Embracing Hospice Hospital in Snellville, GA, following a long illness.
Born in Princeton, WV, she was a daughter of the late William O. and Ruth Bohon.
She lived most of her life in Buchanan County before living in Abingdon, after her retirement. Since Nov. of 2005, she had made her home with her son Tim and his family in Loganville. She had served her community as cafeteria manager for the Buchanan County Public Schools at Garden High School and Elementary until her retirement. She was a member of the Keen Mountain Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her father, William O Bohon, Sr.; mother, Ruth Petry Bohon; brother, Charles “Chuck” Bohon; and stepmother, Agnes Hagy Bohon.
Survivors: brother, William “Bill” O Bohon, Jr. and wife, Eva, of Hampton; sons, George Andrew Owens, Jr. and wife, Debbie, of Abingdon, Tim Owens and wife, Pam, of Loganville; daughter, Ruth Ellen Owens Elzey and husband, Tom, of Abingdon; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and loving friends.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 at the Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel at Keen Mountain with Rev. Ancil Childress and Rev. Jerry and Olivia Wilson officiating.
Burial followed in the Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery at Princeton, WV.
A service was held at the funeral home Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to be made to the American Cancer Society: 1808 Jefferson Street, Bluefield, WV 24701.
Lincoln Ford Peck
Lincoln Ford Peck, 87, of Santa Ana, CA, died Oct. 3 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Santa Ana.
Born Nov. 4, 1918 in Tazewell, he was the son of the late Chapman A. and Edna Ford Peck of Tazewell.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Schultz Peck.
Survivors: sons, Eric, Randolph, Michael, Charles, Frederick and Kelly; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Interment
will be at Christ Episcopal Church in St. Michael’s, MD, at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231-4596.
Donald (Slim) Ramey
Donald Cline (Slim) Ramey, 80, of Pounding Mill, died Oct. 6 at Tazewell Community Hospital following a lengthy illness.
He was a retired coal miner and lifelong resident of the Tazewell County area.
He was the son of the late Emory and Elizabeth Marcum Ramey, both Tazewell County natives. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Ramey; one sister, Ilene Ramey Cunningham; and three brothers, Lester Garland Ramey, Ronald Ramey, and Doug Ramey.
Survivors: step-sons, Eddie Mitchell and wife, Judy Faye, of Richlands, Ronnie Mitchell and wife, Pam, and David Mitchell, all of Raven, John Mitchell and wife, Bonita, of Tazewell; sister-in-law, Julie Ramey of Mansfield, OH; nine step grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Clarence Brown officiating.
Interment
followed in Bentley-Steele Cemetery at Bandy.
Lue Ella Rasnake
Lue Ella Rasnake, 78, of Pounding Mill, formerly of Drill, died Oct. 8 at the home of her daughter.
Born Mar. 22, 1928 in Richlands, she was a daughter of the late Marshall and Vinia Strouth Perkins.
A lifelong resident of the area, she was of the Freewill Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Rasnake; one son, Gary Rasnake; one daughter, Doris Gay Rasnake; five brothers, Junior Perkins, Buford Perkins, Benny Perkins, Rev. Edward Perkins, and Carlos Perkins; and one sister, Mattie Robertson.
Survivors: daughters, Phyllis Harrison and husband, Terry, of Pounding Mill, and Joyce Whited; sons, Larry Rasnake and wife, Mary Lou, of Swords Creek, Randy Rasnake of Richlands; daughter-in-law, Linda Rasnake of Honaker; sisters, Maggie Dye of Drill, Marcella Rasnake of Council; grandchildren, Rhonda Gay Hale, Brad Baldwin, Leigh Collins, Kristen Rasnake, Derrick Rasnake and Kim Rasnake; three great-grandchildren, Chace Collins, Seth Baldwin, and Eli Baldwin; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Arvil Arwood officiating.
Interment
followed in the Rasnake Cemetery at Drill.
David Roger Rice
David Roger Rice, 57, of Breaks, died Oct. 3 at the Good Shepard Nursing Home, Phelps, KY, following an extended illness.
Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of Von Slone Rice of Breaks and the late Gene Rice.
He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was a disabled coal miner. He was a loving father, grandfather and was a member of Little Josie Old Regular Baptist Church.
Survivors: daughter, Chelsea and husband, Stewart Franklin, of Green Cove Springs, FL; sister, Shirley and husband, Danny Willis, of Breaks; brothers, Gene Jr. and wife, Emil Rice, of Tazewell, Johnny and wife, Rita Rice, of Breaks; and grandchildren, Chaz and Stewart Franklin of Green Cove Springs.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 7 at 12 Noon at the Little Josie Old Regular Baptist Church, Breaks, with Elders Jackie Yates, Toy Looney, Larry Puckett, Jerry Overstreet and A.B. Thacker officiating.
Burial followed in the Rice and Slone Cemetery, Breaks.
Services were held at the church Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy was charge of arrangements.
Margaret L. Robbins
Margaret Louise Robbins, 79, of Castlewood, died Oct. 3 at the Rose Lawn Rest Home in Castlewood, where she had made her home for the last few years.
She was born in Belfast and was a daughter of the late Ettie Robbins.
She spent most of her life in the Belfast-Steelesburg and Richlands area, was a born again Christian and a member of the Richlands First Assembly of God Church. She was the primary care giver of her beloved grandmother, Rhoda Robbins, who raised her from birth.
She will always be remembered for her humble, kind, and loving spirit.She loved everybody.
In addition to her mother and grandmother, she was preceded in death by two aunts, Maggie Nipper and Ellen Nipper, and two uncles, Evans Robbins and Russell Robbins.
Survivors: brother, John Parson Robbins of Hagerstown, MD; cousins, Betty Sword, Ruth Adkins, Ruby White, James Robbins, Marvin Nipper, Kelly Nipper, Earl Nipper, Carter Nipper and Clarence Robbins; two nieces, one nephew, and John F. Nipper
The funeral was conducted Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. Buddy Herald officiating.
Interment
followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Don Reid Robinson
Don Reid Robinson, 59, of the Thompson Valley community of Tazewell, died Oct. 2 at his home.
Born Mar. 17, 1947 in Charlotte, NC, he was a son of Pauline Teague Robinson of Tazewell and the late Carl Raymond Robinson.
He had a love for animals.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Sonny Robinson.
Additional survivors: his special companion of 21 years, Velva Taylor of the home; daughters, Virginia Robinson of Charlotte, NC, Margaret Robinson of Kagaysh, SC, Christie Robinson of Concord, NC; son, Donnie Robinson and wife, Jackie, of Concord; sister, Thelma Jean Killen and husband, “Smiley,” of Duncan, SC; brothers, Carl Robinson and wife, Pam, of Charlotte, NC, Paul Robinson of Concord; nine grandchildren; very special friends, Darrell and Brenda Coxton; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Dr. Janice Harris officiating.
Burial followed at the Coxton Family Cemetery in Thompson Valley near the home.
His request was that memorial contributions be made to the Tazewell County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 394, Tazewell, VA 24651 or to your local chapter of the Humane Society.
Mabel “Susie” Tabor
Mabel R. “Susie” Tabor, 93, of Heritage Hall, Tazewell, formerly of Bluefield, VA, died Sept. 19 at a Tazewell hospital.
Born in Monroe County, at Willow Bend, she was a daughter of the late Louis and Rosetta Harvey.
He worked in sales early in her life and then later was a caregiver to many elderly people. She was an active member of the Falls Mills Christian Church and she also was a choir member of the church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chester E. Tabor; one daughter, LaVarne Eder; and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors: son, Ray McDaniel and wife, Frances, of Gratton; sister, Lula Tabor of North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great and great great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA with Jason Cole officiating.
Burial followed in the Monte Vista Park Cemetery on the Old Bluefield Princeton Road.
