Joe Frank Fields
Joe Frank Fields, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in Johnston Memorial Hospital and is now reunited with Mabel O. Fields, his beloved wife of 61 years, who passed away in November of 2006.
He was the son of the late Walter and Mae Fields and was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and a foster sister. He was born in Russell County but lived most of his life in Washington County. As a young man, Joe served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later joined the U. S. Navy, serving in the Philippines during World War II. He retired in 1983 from the Virginia Department of Highways with 33 years of service. After retiring Joe enjoyed gardening and volunteering at the Washington County Department of Social Services. He thrived on helping others and being a good neighbor. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church.
He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather and is survived by two daughters, Jerri Mitchell and husband, Alan, Patricia (Chris) Fleenor and husband Curtis both of Abingdon, two sons, Joe S. (Steve) Fields and wife Trenna of Dalton, GA and Dennis F. Fields, Sr. and wife Glenna of Abingdon and one sister, Lorraine Burke of Montvale, VA, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Farris Funeral Service Forest Hills Chapel from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 but friends may call at the homes of the individual children at any time.
Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in the Garden of Peace with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating with military rites conducted by Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to gather at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to any chosen charity. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the staff at Grace Healthcare for the loving care given to Joe during his stay there. We would also like to thank all the staff on the 3rd floor of Johnston Memorial Hospital for all the courtesies extended to our family during this most difficult time.
Nancy Jane Plummer Thomas
Nancy Jane Plummer Thomas, age 52, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, April 5, 2007 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital.
She was born February 26, 1955 in Washington County, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband Dan Thomas, her parents Arthur Plummer and Pearl Price Plummer, her brothers Lester, Earl Roscoe, and Wilton Lee Plummer and her sister Netty Gay Connor.
She is survived by her sisters, Lilly Thomas and husband Bill Thomas, Meadowview, VA, Ethel Caudill, Meadowview, VA, Barbara Kestner and husband Jeff Kestner, Meadowview, VA, her brothers, Arthur Plummer and wife Thelma Plummer, Abingdon, VA, Troy Plummer, Bristol, VA, several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews, a very special neighbor Mr. Elmer Wright and one very special best friend Paula Orfield.
The funeral service will be conducted on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Pastor Tommy Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Friends may visit at the homes of Bill and Lilly Thomas, 14118 Brandon Drive, Glade Spring or Sherry Hartsock, 26464 Old Saltworks Road, Meadowview, VA. Interment
will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Eric Taylor, Jeff Kestner II, Tom Sexton, Jimmy Mulkey, Howard Blevins and Eli Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Kestner, Bill Thomas, Conley Orfield, John Blackwell, Dr. Carey McKain, Oakley Sanders, Doug Morris, Jason Plummer, Jim McCray and the Nursing Staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
A special thanks to the 3rd floor nursing staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Sally D. Neely
Sally D. Neely, age 97, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2007 in Grace Healthcare of Abingdon.
Mrs. Neely was a native of Johnson County, TN, was a member of the Corinth Baptist Church, Laurel Bloomery, TN and attended the Centenary Baptist Church in the Sutherland Community. She had been employed with Lincoln Furniture Company in Damascus until its closing and was a cook with several local restaurants until her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leonard Neely, two sons, Henry Neely and David Neely, a grandson, Johnny Bebber and a great-grandson, Andrew Creasey.
Survivors include her son, Robert Neely and wife Reba Neely, Abingdon, VA; her daughters, Doris Bebber, Abingdon, VA; Mary McClure and husband Dan McClure, Sutherland Community, TN; and Betty Younce, Moravian Falls, NC; nineteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
The graveside service for Mrs. Neely will be conducted Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sunset Memorial Park, Damascus, VA with Pastor Robert Griffin, Jr. officiating. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 3:20 p.m. Tuesday for the procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will Rob Rambo, Tony Bebber, Donald Bebber, Gary Bebber, Robert Younce and Michael Younce.
There will no visitation in the funeral home although friends may visit the funeral home to sign the guest register. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Alzheimer’s Foundation, 207 Boone Street, Suite 1050, Johnson City, TN, 37604.
Cannie S. Leach
Bristol, VA - Cannie S. Leach passed away Monday, April 9, 2007, at her sister’s home in Bristol, VA. She was born February 17, 1919, in Russell County, Virginia, a daughter of the late Ira and Dora Stevens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur L. Leach, five brothers and one sister.
Mrs. Leach was a former resident of the Xenia and Beavercreek Ohio area. She had retired after working 38 years at the Delco Division of General Motors. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Temple Church in Dayton, OH.
Survivors include her sisters, Mary Rasnick of Bristol, VA, and Hettie Farmer of Honaker, VA; her brother, Russell Stevens of Bristol, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Leach’s family will visit with friends on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. The family will also receive friends Friday, April 13, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M., at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, OH.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 A. M. Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Beaver Cemetery in Beavercreek, OH.
Dorothy Louise Murdock
Dorothy Louise Murdock, age 89, passed away Monday April 2, 2007 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Dorothy was born February 16, 1918 in Salem, Virginia. Dorothy was a resident of Grace Health Care in Abingdon.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday April 11, 2007 in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Everyone wishing to attend the service is asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:50 A.M.
Roland Herndon
Mr. Roland Perry Herndon, age 89, died Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Grace Healthcare Center in Abingdon.
Born on April 11, 1918 in Russell County, VA, he was a son of the late Perry Franklin Herndon and Mary Evelyn Helton Herndon. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Nell Esther Counts Herndon and his brother, Ralph Herndon.
Mr. Herndon had retired from the U. S. Postal Service after serving as Postmaster for 30 years at Swords Creek Virginia. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of WW II.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, David and Brenda Herndon of Kingsport, TN; his sister, Helen Carlson of Bristol, VA; his grandchildren, Russell Herndon, Erin Herndon and Brian Herndon; his great grandchildren, Mary Herndon and Marshall Herndon.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:45 P. M. Sunday, April 15, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 P. M. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Russell Herndon, Brian Herndon, Jeff Moyers, David Counts, Fred Gent and Bob Miller. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Virginia Office, 274 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA, 22901.
Monte Helton
Mr. Montie Winston Helton, age 50, passed away Sunday April 15, 2007 at his home.
Mr. Helton was born August 12, 1956 in Smyth County, Virginia to Montague and Gertie Helton.
Mr. Helton is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie Helton and his father, Montague Helton.
Mr. Helton is survived by his mother, Gertie Helton of Abingdon, Virginia, one son, Travis Helton of Saltville, Virginia, three daughters, Becca Osborne and husband, Nathan of Meadowview, Virginia, Melissa Thomas and husband, Jeremy of Glade Spring, Virginia, and Jessica Helton of Saltville, Virginia. Two brothers, Ronnie Helton and Johnny Helton and wife, Kathy all of Saltville, Va; Three sisters, Brenda Helton and Carolyn Helton both of Saltville, Virginia and Betty Jo Taylor and husband, Doug of Glade Spring, Virginia. Four grandchildren, Austin Osborne, Skylar Thomas, Madison Thomas, and Leann Woods. Special nephew, Eugene Ellis of Saltville, Virginia and several nieces and nephews also survive.
At the request of Mont there will be no services conducted.
Curtis Ray Barrells
Mr. Curtis Ray Barrells was reunited with his beloved wife Mae on their 70th Wedding Anniversary, April 17, 2007. He was born on October 5, 1918 in Jackson, TN and was also a veteran of World War II serving in the Army. He was employed for 36 years with General Motors and was a steward of the United Auto Workers Union.
Mr. Barrells was preceded in death by sons Kenneth Ray (Sonny) and Gerald David and leaves behind his daughters and sons-in-law Linda and Kemper Rasnake and, Debbie and Roger Jones all of Abingdon. A son Robert (Bob) Barrells of Tampa, FL; a daughter-in-law Margaret Barrells of Madison Heights, MI. Additionally, he is survived by: Eight grand Children: Elizabeth (Jack) Crager; Melissa (Michael) Sautters; Scott (Lora) Rasnake; Steven (Angela) Rasnake; Jennifer (Dana) Towne; Jason (Kelly) Jones; Jasmine (Jim) Williams and Julia Jones Smith. Eight Great Grandchildren: Kaylee Rasnake, Madison Rasnake, Erin Crager, Darby Burson, Alexa Rasnake, Reed Rasnake, Ellen Sautters and Patrick (Ducky) Smith. One sister, Virginia Reiman of Arizona and, numerous nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-laws and friends.
Known affectionately as the Colonel, Dad loved working with his hands using all kinds of found items. He was creative and believed paint covered it all. Daddy was a big man and leaves behind an even bigger void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Services for Curtis Ray Barrells will be conducted Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy, Abingdon with Pastor Roger Williams and Pastor William Spann officiating. Interment
will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Color Honor Guard.. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 20, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Forest Hills Chapel. Pallbearers will be grandsons Scott Rasnake, Steve Rasnake, Jason Jones, Michael Sautters, Eric Vanover, and son-in-laws Kemper Rasnake and Roger Jones.
Karen Lee Hess
Mrs. Karen Lee McNew Hess, 52 passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2007.
She was a native of Alaska and had been a resident of the Abingdon area for some 35 years. She was a Pentecostal and was preceded in death by her father, Lee A. McNew.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Hess, Abingdon, VA, her son, Carter Thomas and wife Becky, Abingdon, VA, her daughter, Carolyn Carbary and husband Billy, Meadowview, VA, her mother, Betty McNew, Saltville, VA, her brothers, Gary McNew and wife Robin, Bristol, VA, Dean McNew and wife Donna, Saltville, VA, her grandchildren, Tiffany Carbary, Derek Carbary and Robert Riley Thomas, Jr., several nephews including Jonathan McNew.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 20, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Forest Hills Chapel. Brother Ronnie Matney will have prayer at the conclusion of the visitation. There will be no funeral service. Interment
will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Mae R. Tate
Mae Robinson Tate, age 95, died Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at her home.
Born on September 15, 1911 in Russell County, Virginia, Mae was a daughter of the late Ben Robinson and Mary Ellen Boardwine Robinson. She was also preceded in death by her husband William C. Tate. She was the last surviving child of her parents, including 3 brothers and 2 sisters who also preceded her in death.
Survivors include her son Vernon R. Tate and wife Kathleen of Sykesville, MD; her daughters, Retha Harvey and husband Lewis of Meadowview, VA and Rhonda Scully and husband John of Wyomissing, PA; her grandchildren, Becky Procopio, Allison Tate, Randy Nevens, Lewis Harvey IV, Stephen Hock and Theresa Bauer; seven great grandchildren; 2 brothers-in-law and 4 sisters-in-law; 2 special nieces, Sharon Kestner and Estelle Boothe as well as several other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 9:00 P. M. Friday, April 20, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, April 21, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Chad Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Hockett Cemetery in Meadowview. Nephews will serve as active pallbearers and great grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would like to give special thanks to the Wellmont Hospice Staff for their care and support shown to Mae and her family.
