Carnis Grayson Childers
Carnis Grayson Childers, 79, of Salt Rock, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, October 9, 2001, in St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born April 21,1922, on Smith Creek Road in Salt Rock, the son of the Late Henry Clay and Edith Adkins Childers. He was preceded in death by two brothers, H.C. “Johnny” Childers and L. Atchley Childers; one sister, Irene M. Jones. Carnis was a special person who touched many people’s lives through his devout friendship and Christian love. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends and looked forward to occasions where he could share special memories. He was proud of his accomplishments as a gardener and his perfect attendance record at Sunday School for 10 consecutive years. He was a member of Salt Rock United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher for his Sunday School Class. Carnis also worked at Childers’ General Store, alongside his father and brother for more than 50 years. He is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Wilburn Triplett Jr. of Salt Rock, where he made his home; two sisters-in-law, Alpha Jane and Betty Lou Childers of Salt Rock; one brother-in-law, James Jones of Denver, Colo. He is also survived by five nieces, Patty Day, Laura Kasey, Jennifer Ross, Judy Naze and Jana Triplett; six great-nephews; four great-nieces; one great-great-niece and one great-great-nephew; and a host of friends. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and care they devoted to Carnis during his illness, especially Mike Tabor, Freeda Ross and Wandel and Deloris White. The family appreciates the special care Carnis received from his physicians and the oncology nurses of St. Mary’s Hospital.
Funeral services were conducted Friday, October 12, 2001 at the Salt Rock United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Cartwright and the Rev. Cass Hutchinson officiating and Mike Tabor assisting. Burial in Green Valley Cemetery. Nephews and great-nephews served as pallbearers. Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth L. Songer
Kenneth L. Songer, 73, of Barboursville, husband of Ruby Edwards Williams Songer, died Tuesday, October 9, 2001 at home. He retired from CSX Transportation. Also surviving are one daughter, Katie Douthat of North Carolina; one son, Kenneth Songer of Ashland; two sisters, Lillian Noble of Milton and Ola Mounts of Kerrville, Texas; and two brothers, John Songer of Humble, Texas, and George Songer of Columbus, Ohio. Funeral services were conducted Friday, October 12, 2001 at Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville; burial in Forest Memorial Park, Milton.
Gaynell “Nell” Perry Adkins
Gaynell “Nell” Perry Adkins, 82, of Barboursville, formerly of Salt Rock, went to be with the Lord Sunday, October 7, 2001. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at Bloomingdale-Salem Baptist Church by Pastor Jeff Sizemore and the Rev. David Cardwell. Burial in Baylous Cemetery, Salt Rock. She was born June 20, 1919, in Cabell County, a daughter of the late Eli and Liva Ann McCoy Perry. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Arnie Adkins; four brothers, Chelsie, Cletis, Garland and Clifford Perry; and one sister, Erma McCallister. She was a retired employee of Huntington State Hospital, and was a member of Bloomingdale-Salem Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Delores Ann and Charlie Abshire of Barboursville; two sisters, Eva Adkins and Louise Chambers, both of Barboursville; three grandchildren, Kim Holley of Huntington, Randy Baylous and his wife Alice, and Barry Baylous and his fiance Tammy, all of Salt Rock; two great-grandchildren, Natasha Smith and her husband Rick of Huntington and Carissa Baylous of Salt Rock; and two great-great-grandchildren, Dakoda Smith and Tayitland Smith. Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends, but we know she is in Heaven with her husband Arnie.
William Gene “Bill” Clark
William Gene “Bill” Clark, 63, of Milton died Monday, October 8, 2001, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Huntington, after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was a 1956 graduate of Duval High School, a U.S. Army veteran and was retired from Local #669 of the Automatic Sprinkler Industry. He was a Christian. He was preceded in death by his father, Mirrell Clark, and grandparents, Lessie and Everett Miller and Mattie and William Clark. He is survived by one daughter, Cheyenne of Pinellas Park, Fla.; one son, Bill of Huntington; his mother, Hallene Clark of St. Albans; a sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Harold Stowers of Winfield; sisters, Judy Hale of St. Albans and Mary McGrew of Scott Depot; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Linda Clark of Scott Depot; and caregiver Mary Kestner. Funeral services were held Thursday, October 11, 2001 at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, W.Va., with Pastor Jackie Clark and Pastor Alan Stewart officiating. Burial in Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey, W.Va.
Marion Adkins
Marion Adkins, 57, of Huntington, died Saturday, October 6, 2001, at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Funeral services were conducted at Wednesday, October 10, 2001, at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel by the Rev. Truman Adkins and the Rev. Ray Adkins. Burial in Mays Cemetery. He was born November 13, 1943, in Cabell County, a son of the late Elba and Addie Mays Adkins. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Doliver, Arbie and Carlos Adkins. He was an employee of Steel of West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Lee Blevins Adkins; two daughters and one son-in-law, Vickie Renee and Marty Adkins, and Crystal Dawn Copley, all of Dryden, Mich.; one brother, Ollie Adkins of Milton; two sisters, Elizabeth Tooley and Jean Tooley, both of Barboursville; four grandchildren; three stepchildren, Jonah Gilkerson, Sharon Gilkerson and Kimberly Hodge; and six step-grandchildren.
Mary Isabell Conrad
Mary Isabell Conrad, 91, of Salt Rock, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, October 8, 2001 at her residence. Funeral Service were conducted Wednesday, October 10, 2001 with Pastor Steven Nida officiating. Burial in Lunsford Cemetery, Milton. She is survived by 4 sons, Harry Conrad of Ona, Billy Conrad of Lesage, Charles Conrad of Milton, and Roy Conrad of Salt Rock; 4 Daughters, Edith Clagg and Edna Duffer of Milton, Barbara Lively of Salt Rock, and Mildred Ingels of Huntington. Heck Funeral Home, Milton, was in charge of arrangements.
Lester D. McCroskey
Lester D. McCroskey, 86, of Ona, WV went home to be with his Savior on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday Oct. 10 at Heck Funeral Home, Milton, with Pastor Pete Davidson and Pastor Bill Davis officiating. Burial in Forest Memorial Park, Milton. He was born September 12, 1915, a son of the late Charles T. McCroskey and Viola M. Reynolds. Three brothers and three sisters also preceded him in death. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church, Ona, WV. He was a machinist by trade. He sang “Bass” in gospel groups for most of his life. Music was a major part of his family as a youth and continued to be so through his adult life. This tradition is carried on today by his son, grandchildren, and now involves the great-grandchildren whom he called “my buddies”. He helped establish the Ona Volunteer Fire Dept, and played a major role in creating the Salt Rock Public Service District. He was actively involved in politics for most of his life and was a committeeman for the Cabell County Democratic Committee at the time of his death. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Gertrude Davis McCroskey; son Don McCroskey and wife Constance; daughter Saundra Perry and husband Bill; grandchildren, Myreeha Randolph, Tanya Dailey, and Charles “Chuck” McCroskey; adopted granddaughter Vicki Hensley; step-granddaughter Ashley Perry; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Naylon, and Niles Dailey. Also a host of other relatives and friends.
Willa “Billie” Craigo
Willa “Billie” Craigo, 80, of New Port Richey, Florida, formerly of Hurricane, died September 28, 2001.
She was a former two-term Democratic Committeewoman for Putnam County.
Surviving: husband, Leonard; son, Jesse Coble of Deland, Florida; daughters, Sue Hudnall of Statesville, North Carolina, Barbara Barnett of Pt. Pleasant, Janet Conlin and Glenna Kolstad of New Port Richey; brothers, Charles Bowe of New Port Richey, Wetzel Bowe of Hugheston WV, and Chester Bowe of Portsmouth, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson.
Service was held at Dobies Funeral Home, New Port Richey. Burial was in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.
Lesta E. Criner
Mrs. Lesta E. Criner of Red House died Wednesday, October 3, 2001, after a long illness.
She was a lifetime resident of Putnam County. She was a homemaker and the mother of 15 children. During her life, she had been a Sunday school teacher and a youth group leader for the Lone Oak Church of God Mission. She belonged to the Sunshine Pas Club. Her hobbies included writing poetry, sewing and making crafts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, five sister, one son and one grandson.
Surviving: husband, Homer K. Criner; daughters, Delores M. Barnes of Midway, Agatha L. Currey of Charleston, Mary L. Boggess of Liberty, Ruth A. Barnett of Arbuckle, Nagene C. Cable of Hometown, Bethlene K. Barnett of Buffalo, Carolyn Sue Bailey of Steel Ridge, and Pixie L. Legg of Eleanor; sons, James H. Criner of Avon, Ohio, Dayton H. Criner of St. Albans, Delmar K. Criner of Brooksville, Ohio, Ronnie A. Criner of Buffalo, Thomas R. Criner of Midway, and Michael S. Criner of Red House; 39 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.
Service was held Friday, October 5, 2001, at Gatens Funeral Home, Poca, with the Rev. James B. Legg officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Red House.
Timothy J. Jackson
Timothy Jacob Jackson, 17, died Sunday, September 30, 2001, of injuries sustained in a car accident.
He was a junior at Winfield high School and a third-year member of the Winfield General Admission Show Choir. He was a member of St. John United Methodist Chirch, Scott Depot, and was active with the Kanawha Valley Chrysalis Community.
Surviving: parents, Susan and Larry Jackson; sisters, Samantha and Theresa; maternal grandparents, Harry and Bailey Ann Mills of Charelston; uncle, David and aunt Robin Mills of St. Albans; paternal grandparents, Richard and Shirley Jackson of Lewisburg, Ohio; uncle, John Jackson of Denver; aunts, Estel Jackson and Tammy Howett, both of Lewisburg, Ohio, Becky Hulett of Cincinnati; numerous cousins. Timothy also leaves behind his show choir family, friends from school and everywhere he went.
Service was held Friday, October 5, 2001, at Kings’ River Worship Center, St. Albans, with Dr. L. Frank Frye officiating. Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, was in charge of arrangements. The family suggests donations be made to the Timothy Jackson Memorial Fund for the Arts, c/o City National Bank, 1 Wall Street, Winfield WV 25213.
Rolee H. Stockwell
Mrs. Rolee Hyden Stockwell, 80, of Scott Depot died Wednesday, October 3, 2001, in St. Mary’s Hospital after a short illness.
Rolee was a 20 year resident of Scott Depot and a member of Light House Baptist Church, Hurricane.
She was preceded in death by a son, James W. Harmon.
Surviving: son, Greg Harmon of Nitro.
Service was held Saturday, October 6, 2001, at Gatens Funeral Home, Poca, with Pastor Gerry White officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Colten Matthew Rhodes Jennings
Colten Matthew Rhodes Jennings died 18 days after being born on September 15, 2001. He fought to live even with all the problems that a preemie faces.
Surviving: mother, Mylissa V. Jennings of Winfield; father, Joey M. Rhodes of Liberty; maternal grandparents, Betty and Tom Jennings of Winfield; paternal grandmother, Shelia Stanley of Hurrifcane; uncle, Cody Stanley of Liberty.
Service was held Saturday, October 66, 2001, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with the Rev. Art Hage officiating. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane.
Small stuffed animals were collected at the funeral to be donated in memory of Colten to be taken to children in the NICU at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Roxie Jane “Sis” Lucas
Roxie Jane “Sis” Lucas, 80, of .Salt Rock, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2001, at home. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2001, at Mt. Calvary Church, Salt Rock, by pastor Ronnie Eplin and Pastor Bill Cassady. Burial in Baylous Cemetery. She was born January 24, 1921, in Cabell County, a daughter of the late Richard Nelson and Audry Virginia Gue Holton. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ritzel V. Lucas, and one brother, William “Bobby” Holton. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Lynn and Windell Ferguson of Salt Rock; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Charlotte Lucas of Salt Rock and Daniel and Regina Lucas of Branchland; two sisters Hermia Ross and Betty Ross; one brother, Harlan Holton; and one sister-in-law, Opal Holton all of Salt Rock; grandchildren, Thomas Garrett Lucas, Daniel Shawn and Beth Lucas, Walter Brian and Kelly Lucas, Stephanie Diane and Christopher Chaffin, Allen Ray Ferguson, Cassandra Ferguson and Duston Cole Ferguson; and.several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Wallace Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Lona E. Gibson
Lona E. Gibson, 83, of Salt Rock, with singing and praise went to be with the Lord Thursday, October 4, 2001. Funeral services were conducted 2 p.m .Sunday, October 7, 2001, at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel, Barboursville, by the Rev. Steve Nida and the Rev. Jim Dailey. Burial in Susie Chapel Cemetery. She was born April 22, 1918, in Cabell County, a daughter of the late Z.W. and Della Paugh Adkins. She was a member of Upper Smith Creek Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by her husband, Talmage Gibson; one son, Gary Gibson and one grandson, Gary Alan Gibson. She is survived by one daughter, Sharon K. Gibson of Largo, Fla; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Carolyn Gibson of Barboursville; one daughter-in-law, Linda Gibson Frazier of Salt Rock; one sister, Jimmie Short of Barboursville; and one brother Amos Adkins of Marion, Ohio; seven loving grandchildren, Vanisea, Robert Timothy, Michael, Leisa, Barry, Donald and Lesley; nine adorable great-grandchildren, Matthew, Nathan, Morgan, Brittany, Paige, Kayla, Andrew, Justin and Marissa; and a host of brothers and sisters in Christ. The family appreciates all of the blessings showered on Lona during her illness. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Lessie P. Hill
Lessie P. Hill, 94, of Barboursville, WV, formerly of Huntington, WV, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2001. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2001, at Chapman’s Mortuary, Huntington, with the Rev. Bob Withers officiating. Burial in Powers Family Cemetery, Huntington. She was born December 30, 1906, in Huntington, a daughter of the late Noah L. and Phenton Harrison Powers. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, William K. Wassum; her second husband, Herbert N. Hill; a brother, Arnett Powers; and a sister, Lucy Billups Wallace. She was a retired receptionist for the former Huntington C&O Hospital and was an active member of Seventh Avenue Baptist Church, where she was also a member of the choir. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Donald C. and Barbara Wassum of Teanick, N.J.; and two granddaughters, Kim Wassum of Edgewater, NJ and Lynn Wassum of New Haven, Conn.. Chapman’s Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Charles Raymond Southerland
Charles Raymond Southerland, 68, of Milton, husband of Barbara Moravcik, died Sunday at home. He was a retired welder with Joliet Tower and Tank. Also surviving are five daughters, Laura Edmonds of Milton and Margie Parker, Teresa Hillman, Patricia “Patty” Weaver and Barbara Swisher, all of Burlington, Iowa; one son, Terry Southerland of Burlington; one brother, Frances Leroy Southerland of Burlington; three sisters, Mary Johnson, Dorothy Touch and Rose York, all of Burlington; and two stepsisters, Margaret Juaraz and Helen Reynolds, both of Burlington. Funeral services were held 2 p.m Tuesday at Heck Funeral Home, Milton; burial in Forest Memorial Park, Milton.
Elizabeth “Joan” Runyon
Elizabeth “Joan” Runyon, 62, of Huntington died Saturday, October 6, 2001, in St..Mary’s Hospital. Funeral services were conducted at 230 p.m Monday, October 8, 2001, at the Wallace Funeral home & Chapel, by the Rev. Larry Mobley. Burial in Oaklawn Memorial Park. She was born March 24,1939, in West Virginia, a daughter of the late Clifford Farris and Donna Ramsey Farris Snyder. She was retired from Marshall University. She is survived by three daughters, Belinda, Tracy and her husband Rick, and Ruth Ann Edwards, all of Huntington; four sons, Carl and his wife Janice., Charlie, Gary and Keith, all of Huntington; three sisters, Ella Farris Holley and Sylvia Swann Beever, both of Huntington, and Vickie Swann Tolle of Leesburg, Ohio; two brothers, Raymond Farris of Victoria, Texas, and Kenneth Swann of Huntington; 16 grandchildren, including two special grandchildren, Renae and Cart Jr.; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Phyllis H. Richmond
Phyllis H. “Phil” Richmond, 73, of St. Albans died Oct. 7, 2001, in Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, after a long illness.
She was a homemaker and owner/operator of the campus grill, “The Drag”, in St. Albans from 1964-70. She was a member of Highlawn Baptist Church, St. Albans.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Lloyd and Bessie Nichols Austin; sister, Eunice Swann.
Surviving: husband, Earl C. Richmond; daughter, Kayla Hoover of Poca; sons, Karl Richmond of Greensboro, N.C., Michael Richmond of Fairfax, Va.; sister, Arretta Cheatham of Huntington; brothers, Harold Austin of Culloden, Roger Austin of Staunton, Va.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside service and burial were held Tuesday, Oct. 9th at Teays Hill Cemetery, St. Albans, with the Rev. Dr. Joe Hyde officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Highlawn Baptist Church, 2304 Jefferson Ave., St. Albans, WV 25177, the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD, or a charity of choice.
Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, was in charge of arrangements.
