Kirby Dillon Smith
Mr. Kirby Dillon Smith age 80, passed away, Sunday, October 01, 2006, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in the Big A Mountain area in Honaker and moved to Abingdon 41 years ago. He was the son of the late Charlie and Maggie Combs Smith. He graduated from the Honaker High School and then attended the University of Virginia and the National Business College. Kirby had been a member of the Abingdon Baptist Church for 41 years where he taught a Sunday School Class and was a Deacon. He was president of Smith and Starnes Builders having completed several developments in the area. He was a World War II veteran serving for the defense of the Philippine Islands and was combat wounded twice and received two purple hearts. He was a member of the Washington County Gideon’s. Kirby was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Gaylena Smith, Edwin Smith, Bert Smith, Roy Smith, Ewald Smith and Garnie Smith.
He is survived by: his wife, Eula Starnes Smith; two sons, Garry Dillion Smith and wife, Rosalind of Abingdon and Bryan Finney Smith and wife, Renée Smith of Richmond; three daughters, Sandy Moore of Johnson City, Brenda Hallock and husband, Eddy of Houston, Texas and Terry Christian and husband, Sam of Abingdon; four brothers, Brady Smith and Grady Smith both of Melbourne, Fla., Charles Smith of Knoxville, and Jack Smith of Columbus, Ohio; three sisters, Nola Cooke, Fern Warsham and Ann Slagle all of Bristol, Tenn.; grandchildren, Meishach Moore, Jes Moore, Jai Moore, Seth Smith, Jeremy Hallock, Benjamin Hallock, Gabriel Hallock, Hannah Hallock, Lydia Smith, Logan Smith and Caroline Kirby Smith; three great grandchildren and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren
A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, October 3, 2006, at 11:00 AM in the Abingdon Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Hallock, Rev. Dr. Steven Pollard and Mr. Charles Meade officiating. Entombment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 PM Monday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be the sons and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Meade, Gene Hearl, Lawrence Slate and the Harry Denton Sunday School Class.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Baptist Church Mission’s Fund.
Lonnie Michael Walden
Mr. Lonnie Michael Walden, age 52, passed away Sunday October 1, 2006 at his home. Mr. Walden was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was born June 9, 1954. Mr. Walden is preceded in death by his mother Alice Dennison Walden.
Mr. Walden is survived by his father, Thomas Wood Walden of Saltville; three brothers, Thomas Wood Walden, Jr. of Roanoke, Virginia, James Henry Walden and Robert Lee Walden both of Saltville. Three sisters, Shirley Barrett of Charlotte, North Carolina, Betty Jo Blevins of Saltville, and Peggy Ann Smith of Abingdon. Nieces, Crystal Chaffin of Lebanon, Alice Sadler, and Amanda Walden both of Abingdon, Melissa Walden of Roanoke, Va and Connie Powers of Abingdon ; Nephews, Alan Walden, James Blevins, and Thomas Blevins all of Abingdon, Ellis Blevins of Saltville, and Robert Walden of Bristol, Virginia.
A funeral service will be conducted Thursday October 5, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Clark Powers and Pastor Dennis Banks officiating. Interment
will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be James Blevins, Thomas Blevins, Ellis Blevins, Kevin Chafin, Allen Walden, and Mike Sadler. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Walden, Eddie Blevins, Jimmy Ball, and John Maye. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Wednesday October 4, 2006 from 6-8 P.M.
David Nelson Scofield
The Rev. David Nelson Scofield died Sunday, October 1, 2006, at his home following a long illness. A native of Darien, Connecticut, he was son of the late William and Laura Scofield. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and William.
With a lifetime dedicated to serving God, the Rev. Scofield pastored churches in Wickenburg, AZ, Aguila, AZ, and Island Pond, VT. He preached and taught at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, CT, and at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon. He had also served as interim pastor at Cleveland Presbyterian Church in Abingdon. David had enjoyed living in the Abingdon area since 1990.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Ellie Scofield. Other surviving family members include his brother’s wife, Allison Scofield of Stratford, CT; his wife’s sister, Dorothy Anne Novak of Bradenton, Fl; and several nephews. David had a special place in his heart for his beloved dog and cat, Hezekiah and Josie.
In the final weeks of his life, the Rev. Scofield was under the care of Hospice of Southwest Virginia. He also received compassionate care and friendship from his neighbor, Beverly Keener.
A celebration of the life of the Rev. David Scofield will take place Thursday, October 5, 2006, at 4:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church with the Rt. Rev. F. Neff Powell and the Rev. Craig R. Wylie officiating. A private entombment service will follow in the church columbarium. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Discretionary Fund, 124 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Carl H. Belcher
Mr. Carl H. Belcher, age 75, went to be with the Lord, October 4, 2006. He was born October 6, 1930 to the late Ellis and Lola Sauls Belcher. He was a faithful member of the Landmark Baptist Church in Glade Spring and retired in 1991 from Martin-Merritta (Baltimore, Maryland) after 36 years of service.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Jane Glass Belcher
Four children, Amanda Testerman and husband, Bobby of Charlottesville, Va.
Darrall Belcher and wife, Ruth
Dennis Belcher and Joyce Rasnick all of Meadowview, Va.
Seven grandchildren, Sarah Testerman, Chris Belcher, Casey Belcher, Danielle Testerman, Blake Belcher, Derrick Rasnick and Mindy Belcher.
Brothers and sisters, Ralph Belcher, John Belcher both of Abingdon
Ernest Belcher of Damascus
Arnold Belcher, Clara Hinchey and Mary Jones all of Bristol, Tenn.
Hazel Hawthorne of Bristol, Va.
Several nieces and nephews
A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 2:00 PM in the Landmark Baptist Church with Pastor Darrell Hamm, Jr. and Rev. Tommy Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Glade Presbyterian Cemetery with military rites by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Friday at the Landmark Baptist Church, 34299 Lee Highway, Glade Spring, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Chris Belcher, Darrell Hawthorne, Mike Belcher, Rick Belcher, Skip Hinchey, Eddie Counts and Jamerson Bowman. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Adult Sunday School Class of Landmark Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Landmark Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Fund, P.O, Box 188, Glade Spring, VA 24340.
Nellie Kate Mitchell
Nellie Kate Mitchell, age 88, a resident of the Brumley Gap Community, died Thursday, October 4, 2006 at her home. Born on April 23, 1918 in Washington County, Nellie was a daughter of the late Ruben Tweed and Josie Payne Tweed. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Roby J. Mitchell; a sister, Mrs. Eugene (Helen) Hearl; a brother, Carl Tweed and a granddaughter, Darlene Blankenship. Nellie had attended the Chestnut Grove Community Church before her illness.
Survivors include six children, Jack Mitchell and wife Pam, Glen Mitchell and wife Lorene, Billy Mitchell and wife Josie; James Fields and wife Mary; Edna Alexander and husband Dale and Jane Mitchell; her brothers, James Tweed and wife Lee and Arley Tweed; her sister, Bertha Kitchens; 20 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 33 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to the Russell County Medical Center Hospice, the Hospice and Palliative Care of Southwest Virginia and nurse Pam Crain and the Valley Rescue Squad.
The funeral service for Nellie Kate Mitchell will be conducted at 4:00 P. M. Saturday, October 7, 2006 in the Brumley Gap United Methodist Church with Rev. Olen Cassell and Rev. Paul Price officiating. Burial will follow in the Counts Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Junior Tweed, William (Hank) Alexander, Phillip (Hoppy) White, Tony Worley, Phillip Hearl and Michael Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and members of the Brumley Gap Volunteer Fire Department. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 9:00 P. M. Friday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.
D. P. Henderson
Mr. D. P. Henderson, 84, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2006 in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Mr. Henderson attended Fellowship Baptist Church and was a proud Veteran of World War II serving in the U. S. Army in the European Theater and was a POW. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Abingdon McCabe Lodge IOOF #56.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Cress Henderson, a sister, Helen Sillix and a brother, Hershel Henderson.
Survivors include his son, Phil Henderson and wife Janie, his daughter, Judy O’Quinn and husband David, all of Meadowview, VA, his brothers, D. N. Henderson and Joy Henderson both of Abingdon, VA, his sisters, Zane Litton, Abingdon, VA, and Margaret Williams, Meadowview, VA, three special grandsons, Shawn Henderson, Brennan O’Quinn and Travis O’Quinn, several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Mr. D. P. Henderson will be conducted Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Chad Johnson officiating. Military graveside honors will be rendered by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Those attending are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Those attending are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. for the procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Henderson, Mike Bricker, Tim Henderson, Tom Williams, Hugh Stringer, Dale Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Tivis Wright, Willard Kestner, D. N. Henderson, Joy Henderson, Lonnie Kidd and all nephews and neighbors.
The family would like to express special thanks to our family and friends for their love and support over the past few years, also the special caregivers, Wanda Kestner, Sue Thomas, Erma Dye, Maxie O’Quinn, Rose Taylor, Reba Catsulis, Brenda Mitchell and Louise Shew. A big thanks to his milk shake buddies Tivis Wright and Willard Kestner.
The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Karen Morrison
Karen Morrison, age 56, died Sunday, October 8, 2006 from injuries received in an automobile accident.
Karen was born on May 29, 1950 and was a daughter of the late Ronald Watson and Eula Widener Watson. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Rick Watson. Karen was a member of the Lyndale Church of Christ and had retired as the cafeteria manager at Patrick Henry High School with 18 plus years of service.
Survivors include her husband, Gary Morrison; her daughter, Gina Morrison and special friend Jamie Widener of Meadowview, VA; her sons, Kenneth Morrison and wife Ginger of Lebanon, VA and Jeff Morrison and wife Cindy of Bristol, VA; her brother, Ronnie Watson and wife Nancy of Lenoir, NC; her granddaughter, Jillian Morrison, five step-grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; a special niece, Rhonda White of Lenoir, NC and several aunts and cousins.
The funeral service for Karen Morrison will be conducted at 2:00 P. M., Wednesday, October 11, 2006 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Mr. Johnny Farmer officiating. Burial will follow in the Rush Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robbie Cornett, Rick Boyd, Curtie Scott, Bryan Reynolds, Michael Morrison and Ricky Watson. Honorary pallbearer will be Jeff Stiltner. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.
Edward Lee Hahn
Edward Lee Hahn, age 67, died Oct. 7, 2006.
He is survived by wife, Ann Townes Hahn; sons, Ed (Judy) Hahn and Jeff Hahn, both of Virginia, Joe B. (Becky) Hood and Ernie (Sharon) Kesee; grandsons, Zac (Kim) Hahn, Cody Lee Hahn, both of Virginia, and Aaron Hood; granddaughter, Savannah; sisters, Carlene Hahn, Frances St. John and Ann (Bud) Holmes; brothers, Fred (Kathy) Hahn and Brad (Debbie) Hahn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family has chosen cremation. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at 6 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with the Rev. Darrell Martin officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Carroll David Widener
Mr. Carroll David Widener, age 52, died, Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at the Wellmont Hospice. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia and was preceded in death by his father, Luther Benjamin Widener.
He is survived by His son, Carl David Benjamin Widener of Abingdon; His daughter, Alicia Sailor of Abingdon; His mother, Elizabeth Doss Worley of Abingdon; Five sisters, Polly Sullivan of Damascus, Janet Baber of Mountain City, Tenn., Kathy Widner of Ellison, Va., Pauline McCracken of Meadowview, Va. and Patsy Thomas of Tennessse; Six grandchildren
A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, October 14, 2006, at 3:00 PM in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Mr. Preston Brown. Burial will follow in the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Irvin Brown, Billy Nichols, John Nichols, Cecil Owens, Joseph Moorefield, Carroll Doss. The family will receive friends from 7 – 9 PM Friday at the funeral home.
Carolyn Elizabeth Jessee
Carolyn Elizabeth Jessee, age 45, died Friday, October 13, 2006 at her home. Carolyn was born on March 1, 1961 in Washington County, Virginia and was a daughter of Arthur Fields and Rachel Lowe Fields.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn is also survived by her husband, Barry Jessee; her daughter, Shannon Jessee of Glade Spring, VA; her son, Shane Jessee of Ft. Hood, TX; her granddaughter, Kaleigh Jessee; her brothers, John Fields, David Fields and Jim Fields all of Abingdon, VA; her sister, Barbara Stallard of Abingdon, VA and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Carolyn Elizabeth Jessee will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Sunday, October 15, 2006 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Burial will follow in Mt. View United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Saturday at the funeral home.
Betsy Kingsolver Owens
Betsy Kingsolver Owens, 72, a lifelong resident of Abingdon past away suddenly at her home on Friday, October 6, 2006.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, James Clarence Owens and Elizabeth Kathleen Carr Owens, her sister, Mary Alma Owens, and her brother, James A. Owens.
Betsy was a graduate of William King High School in Abingdon, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from James Madison University in 1953, a Master of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1953, and a Master of Arts Degree in English from the University of Tennessee in 1961. From 1954 to 1957 she worked in the analytical laboratory of the Tennessee Eastman Company in Kingsport.
Betsy was an accomplished musician, singer, painter, and author of prose and poetry. Some of her works included: Summer Bonding, 1988; Mango Valentine, 1993; Justin’s Quest, (poems) 1995; Guided Voices, 1998; Cherished Poems of the Western World, 1998; A Gift of Love, winner of the Bristol Herald Courier Christmas Story contest, 1999; Shadows of Life Within, with illustrations by the author, 2003. Her poem, In Gratitude to God was a third place winner in the Famous Poets Contest in 2005.
Betsy was an endless reservoir of information on the events, people, architecture, and history of Abingdon and Washington County. Her prodigious memory, keen sense of observation, and wide range of interest conspired to make her an illuminating, charming, and captivating commentator on events both past and present. She will greatly be missed by all those who had the wonderful fortune to have known her.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, October 15, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Strother Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be friends. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until time for service on Sunday. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Arts Depot at 314 Depot Square, Abingdon, Virginia 24210.
Fred Edward Morrison
Mr. Fred Edward Morrison, age 79, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2006 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Morrison was born in Russell County, Virginia May 2, 1927 to the late Everett and Rosa Hawkins Morrison. Mr. Morrison served in the United States Army in World War II.
Mr. Morrison is survived by his wife, Lillian “Del” Morrison; two sons, Johnny Morrison and wife, Judy of Meadowview; Bobby Edward Morrison and wife, Ann of Abingdon. Three daughters, Charlene Cross and husband Raymond of Meadowview; Betty McCracken and husband Doug of Abingdon and Debbie Atkins and husband Tony of Damascus. Ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews also survive.
A funeral service for Mr. Morrison will be conducted Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Scott Spence and Rev. Paul Stanley officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Chad Morrison, Eddie Cross, Mike McCracken, Jerry Minter, Jason McCracken, and Ernie Simmons. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeff Gross, Mike Jackson, Carl Parks, Jeff Harris, David Dingus, and all of his other loving caregivers. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Tuesday, October 17, 2006 after 6:00 P.M.
Joyce Gordon Hill
Joyce Gordon Hill, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 18th, 2006 at the National Healthcare Center in Bristol, VA.
Born in West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Will Gordon and Nancy Smith Gordon. Joyce was a graduate of Rawlins High School in Rawlins, Wyoming and worked at the Pentagon for the U. S. Army, retiring in 1975. She moved to Abingdon from Charlottesville, VA about twenty four years ago.
Ms. Hill was a member of Abingdon Baptist Church and the Mary Martha Sunday School Class. She had served as Sunday School teacher, WMU President and on various other church committees. She was also a member of Johnston Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, serving as a pink lady at the hospital.
Survivors include an aunt, Helen Smith of Winchester, VA and several cousins.
Special thanks is extended to the staff of National Healthcare and Irene and Charles Meade for their loving care and concern.
The funeral service for Joyce Gordon Hill will be conducted at 11:00 A. M., Thursday, October 19, 2006 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Dr. Steven Pollard officiating. Interment
will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10:00 A. M until the time of service Thursday. Pallbearers will be Charles Meade, Ken Minor, Wayne Goodman, Ken Johnson, Charles Grogan, Larry Sullins, Jake Lowe and Johnny Crigger. Memorial Contributions may be made to Abingdon Baptist Church DDM Home, 361 W. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
