LOIS LINK ADKINS
CHRISTIANSBURG - Lois Link Adkins, 54, passed away, November 20, 2002 at Montgomery Regional Hospital after a long battle with cancer.
She was employed by Litton-Poly Scientific in Blacksburg for 24 years.
She is survived by: husband, Eddie Adkins, Christiansburg; two children and spouse, Teresa A. and Tony Davis, Christiansburg, Jerry Adkins, Riner; two step-children and spouse, Tammy Adkins, Charlotte, North Carolina, Terry and Shannon Adkins, Charlotte, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Tiffany Davis, Christiansburg, Tracy Davis, Christiansburg; two step grandchildren, Jaylin Adkins, Charlotte, North Carolina, Dalton Adkins, Charlotte, North Carolina; four sisters and brother-in-Law: Beulah Lutz, Ferrum; Olean Vest, Pilot, Susie Poff, Copper Hill, Lucell & Junior Linkous, Riner; brother-in-Law, Wayne Adkins, Christiansburg; sister-in-law, Caroll Adkins, Christiansburg. Funeral Services was held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2002 at Gardner Funeral Home with Rev. Mickey White officiating.
Interment
followed in Wilson Cemetery.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Harry McCoy and his staff and to Montgomery Regional Hospital for the special care given to Lois during her illness.
HYBUNIA POFF NAFF
CHECK - Hybunia Poff Naff, 82, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was retired from Floyd Garment Company where she enjoyed working with all her co-workers for many years.
Survivors include: a loving husband of 62 years, Erman L. Naff, Check; one daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and Boyce Thompson, Orlando, Florida; one son and daughter-in-law, William and Connie Naff, Lebanon, Tennessee; three grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Virginia Thompson, London, England, Caroline Thompson, Gainesville, Florida, Alicia Naff, Lebanon, Tennessee; one brother, Winston W. Poff, Copper Hill; two sisters, Augustine Walton, Silver Spring, Maryland, Edith Pearl Thomas, Floyd.
Graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2002 in Jacksonville Cemetery, Floyd, with Reverend Elbert Lee Naff officiating. Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements.
BLAINE ARTHUR TANNER SR.
COPPER HILL - Blaine Arthur Tanner Sr., 82, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2002. He was born in Widen, West Virginia on February 13, 1920 to Tessie Cline and John Tanner. A graduate of Beckley College and Morris Harvey College, he later attended the University of Delaware for graduate courses. He taught school and coached various sports in West Virginia and Deleware. He also served in the United States Navy and the Air National Reserves.
He is survived by: his wife and high school sweetheart, Lucy Shelor Tanner; children, Linda Cole, Blaine (Butch) Tanner II and wife Katherine; grandchildren, Richard Cole, Sasha Toomey and husband Daniel, Shawn Tanner and wife Lindsey, Gabriella Williams, Shane Tanner and wife Susan; great-grandchildren, Ande Williams, Meghan Williams, Ashley Tanner, Draper Tanner, Caleb Tanner, Tristan Tanner, Courtney Tanner; siblings, Virginia Musceria, Johnny Tanner and wife Carol, Charles Tanner and wife Freddie.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 1, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. at Floyd Presbyterian Church with Reverend Shirley Larson officiating. Military rites will be performed by Floyd VFW Post #7854.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Blaine Tanner Memorial Fund, C/O Floyd County Cares, Inc. for Youth Programs, P.O. Box 545, Floyd, VA 24091.
Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, is in charge of the arrangements.
LIVIE REED AKERS
ROANOKE - Livie Reed Akers, 99, formerly of Christiansburg passed away Thursday, September 26, 2002 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was a retired school teacher having taught in Floyd County for thirty two years. She was active in church work all of her life.
She was preceded in death by husband, Jesse W. Akers; her parents, Reverend Harvey and Rachael Dulaney Reed; three brothers, Price Reed, Prince Reed and Dewey Reed; a sister Delilah Linderman. Survivors include numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2002 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Reverend Michael Hostetter pastor of Williamson Road Church of the Brethren officiating.
Burial was held in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Floyd. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
MINNIE O. BOWSHER
GODFREY, IL - Minnie O. Bowsher, 81, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2002 at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, IL She was born to the late Foster R. and Effie Hylton Harmon Sr. on March 29, 1921 in Floyd. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Russell E. Ardinger in 1974, sister, Virginia Nielson, Wanda June Harmon and two brothers, Verman W. and Robert Wayne Harmon in infancy.
She worked for the US Government in the General Accounting Department for 35 years retiring in 1982. She was married to James P. Bowsher.
Survivors include: stepdaughter, Gail S. and Billy Lawrence, Alton, IL; two step-grandchildren, Kristine N. Bybee and Craig W. Gibbs; three step great-grandchildren, David "D.J." Smith, Hailey and Paige Bybee; special friend, Crystal Ingold; 13 nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews, six great-great nieces and nephews; sisters and brother-in-law, Ruth Voumard Glen of Fosterburg, Willa Humenick, Alton, IL, Mary Conley, Alton, IL, Doris Harmon, Godrey, IL, Shirley and Wilbur Schreiber, Arriba, CO.; brother-in-law, Kirk Mielson, Worland, Wyoming; brother and sister-in-law, Foster J. Harmon and Teresa, Bethalto. Funeral service will be held October 6, 2002 at 3 p.m. at Elm St. Presbyterian Church, Alton, IL with Reverend Nicole Richardson. Gent Funeral Home of Alton, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Private family burial will be held at Roselawn Memory Garden in Bethalto, IL. Memorials may be made to Elm Street Presbyterian Church, Alton, IL or a charity of your choice.
EDNA COX BURTON
FLOYD - Edna Cox Burton, 84, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2002 at New River Valley Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bueford Burton, a son, Phillip Burton, her parents, Vander Bilt and Elizabeth Shelton Cox.
Survivors include: sons, Richard Burton and special friend, Diana Morris, Floyd, Samuel and Donna Burton, Christiansburg; daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Jack Lewis, Jane and Raymond Myers, Floyd, Liz and Gene Lee, Vinton; sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Bernard Tilley, Radford; brother and sister-in-law, Jep and Virginia Cox, North Beach, MD; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 3, 2002 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Richard Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Jacksonville Cemetery. Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements.
ELLEN GAY BELCHER EDWARDS
MEADOWS OF DAN - Ellen Gay Belcher Edwards, 90, died Monday, September 30, 2002 at RJ Reynolds Patrick County Memorial Hospital. She was born in Floyd County on July 28, 1912 to the late Benjamin Harrison Belcher and the late Mannie Conner Belcher. In addition to her parents , she was preceded in death by her husband, Avery J. Edwards, four brothers, Barley, Thomas, Daniel and Ray Belcher, and a grandchild, Franklin Wayne Edwards. She had been a member of Slate Mountain Presbyterian Church for over 75 years.
She is survived by: a daughter, Shirley Edwards, Stuart; two sons, Franklin D. Edwards, Henry, Donald Edwards, Woolwine; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Minie Harmon, Willis, Monie Lovins, Christiansburg, Lula Harris, Radford and Pauline Bolt, Meadows of Dan.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Slate Mountain Presbyterian Church with Pastor Brian Childress and Reverend J.C. Willard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Moody Funeral Home, Stuart, is in charge of arrangements.
WARREN WILLIAMS GILBERT
ROANOKE - Warren Williams Gilbert, (Gil), 82, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2002 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Surviving are: his wife of fifty-six years, Hassie Dodson Gilbert; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Rick Shawn, Jan and Ron Milliron, all of Roanoke; Jean and Lyle Wimmer, Charlotte, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Bret and Jamie Shawn, John Milliron, all of Roanoke, David Milliron and his his wife, Greer, Ashland, Adam and Katie Wimmer, Charlotte, North Carolina; cousin, Mary Hinman, Troutville; sister-in-law, Louise Gilbert, Troutville; and many other loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyden and Thomas Gilbert; brother, Leonard Gilbert, sister, Alice Mundy, all of Roanoke.
The Gilberts have been life long members of Fairview United Methodist Church. He was an honorably discharged WWII Veteran. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army for the 322 Bombardment Group, the 322nd played vital reconnaissance and bombardment roles in several key European campaigns including Normandy (D-Day), Northern France, Central Europe, and Rhineland conflicts. He and his wife were married on December 1, 1945 and began rewarding community and business careers in the Roanoke Valley. He was a licensed pilot and his love of flying was evident throughout his life. He was active in the Roanoke Valley Experimental Aircraft Association and supported the local airport and their programs.
He and his wife founded their well-known business, Warren Gilbert Photography in 1946 and for five decades, he distinguished himself as a wedding portrait, and commercial photographer. During his innovative career, he pioneered the use of roll film, strobe lighting and color photographic processing in the Southwest Virginia area. After moving to a larger studio on Peters Creek Road in 1982, he turned the business over to his son-in-law Ron Milliron and retired in 1986. He remained active in his church choir and with the Roanoke Airport group.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fairview United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1310 Van Buren Street, Roanoke, VA 24017.
Funeral service was conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2002 at Fairview United Methodist Church by the Reverend Alan Thorne and the Reverend Roy S. Whitescarver. Interment
followed in Sherwood Memorial Park.
Simpson-Tharp Funeral Home, Roanoke, handled arrangements.
FREEDA HARMAN HARTER
FLOYD - Freeda Harman Harter, 92, died Thursday, September 26, 2002 at Kroontje Health Care Center in Blacksburg. She was born in Floyd County on April 25, 1910 to the late Arthur T. and Minnie Hylton Harman.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Edna Harman Smith, Elree Harman Shelburne, and Beulah Harman Bowers, two brothers, Olin W. Harman and Jacob M. Harman, a nephew, Joseph E. Harman and her husband, Dale Harter, also predeceased her.
She graduated from Willis High School and received her B.S. Degree from Radford State Teachers' College. She taught elementary school and served as an elementary school principal in Floyd County for 45 years before retiring in 1975.
She was a member of Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd for 80 years where she served as Program Chairman for many years, planning and directing programs and pageants. She also served as a Sunday School teacher, worked on many boards and commissions, and helped record and preserve the history of the church.
She gave unselfishly to her community as evidenced by the number of civic clubs and other organizations to which she belonged. She was a member of the Floyd Courthouse Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, past president and active member of the Floyd County Woman's Club, member of the Floyd Chapter of the New River Historical Society, an honorary member of the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers, the Floyd County Retired Teachers Association, past member of the Topeco Extension Club, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization for women educators. She was on the board of directors for the Floyd American Cancer Society for many years, serving as crusade chairman.
She is survived by: a loving family of nieces and nephews and their spouses, Claudine H. and Edmund Weddle, Floyd, Rosalind H. and William Fralin, Bent Mountain, Betty L. Smith, McLean, Margaret H. and Dallas Hubbard, Floyd, Linda B. and Jerry Deviney, Virginia Beach, C.W. and Margaret Harman, Floyd, Richard A. Bowers, Blacksburg, brother-in-law, Arno Bower, Blacksburg and niece-in-law, Gayle Harmon, Floyd. Special great-nieces and great-nephews and their spouses include Dana and John Bunn, Newsoms, Sherri and Will Goodwin, Bedford, Robin and Cody Moates, Radford, Erin Deviney, Virginia Beach, Michael and Linda Harman, Roanoke, Allen and Anne Harman, Floyd, Gene and Pat Weddle, Floyd, David and Kay Weddle, Floyd, Donnie and Susan Harman, Mt. Airy, North Carolina, Leon and Annette Hubbard, Floyd, Jim Fralin, Bent Mountain, Terry Hubbard, Christiansburg; eleven great-great-nieces and nephews also survive.
Contributions may be made to Topeco Church of the Brethren Building Fund in care of Margaret H. Hubbard, Treasurer, 1543 Floyd Highway S., Floyd, Virginia, 24091.
Funeral service was conducted at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29 at Topeco Church of the Brethren in Floyd with Reverend Michael Varner officiating. Interment
followed in Topeco Cemetery. Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements.
ROBERT MAX WADE
FLOYD - Robert Max Wade, 74, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2002 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center.
He was a retired supervisor of maintenance from Radford Army Ammunition Plant.
Max was a member of Topeco Church of the Brethren where he was known for his musical talents. Those who knew him enjoyed his guitar playing and his beautiful bass voice. During the summertime he played every Sunday at Mabry Mill and he was a member of the Over The Hill Gang.
He enjoyed trout fishing and he loved bluebirds. All of his friends and neighbors were familiar with the many bluebird houses he built and placed around the country side. He will be missed by all his family and friends.
Survivors include: sons and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Brenda Wade, Pearisburg, Bobby Ray Wade, Floyd; daughters and son-in-law, Alisa and Gary Boothe, Floyd, Debra Gardner, Christiansburg; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Mary Wade, Floyd, Maurice Wade, Roanoke, Danny and Trudy Wade, Salem; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elnora and Marvin O. Harris, Christiansburg, Ruby and Barney McCrary, Floyd; special friend, Reva Quesenberry, Indian Valley; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2002 at Topeco Church of the Brethren with Reverend Michael Varner officiating. Interment
followed in Topeco Cemetery.
Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements.
LANE BARRY HUBBARD
WILLIS - Lane Barry Hubbard, 43, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2002 at his home.
He was an employee of D.L. Harrell Construciton Company.
Survivors include: his wife, Sandra Sutphin Hubbard, Willis; two sons, Johnathan Hubbard, Zachary Hubbard, Willis; two daughters, Danielle Hubbard, Emily Hubbard, Willis; parents, Hubert and Jean Hubbard, Willis; brother, Alan Hubbard, Laurel Fork; grandmother, Edith Hubbard, Meadows of Dan.
Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2002 at Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Reverend Winston Puckett officiating. Burial followed in the Shelor Cemetery.
JAMES CLINTON REYNOLDS
WILLIS - James Clinton Reynolds, 65, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2002 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center. He was manager of Willis Drive-In and a Navy veteran.
Surviving are: his wife, Nelderee S. Reynolds, Willis; daughters and sons-in-law, Lori and John Bolt, Penny and Michael Bolt, Willis; grandsons, Dereck Bolt, Andrew Bolt, Matthew Bolt, Willis; step-grandson, Mickey Bolt, Willis; step-granddaughters, Sierra Bolt, Samatha Bolt, Willis; sisters, Ruth Bower, Catlett, Elsie Dishman, Morgantown, WV.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Reverend Joe Quesenberry officiating. Burial was at Blue Ridge Cemetery.
ERNEST DEWARD CREWS
BASSETT - Ernest Deward Crews, 79, died Sunday, April 27, 2003 at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County. He was born October 6, 1923 in Bassett to the late Johnnie Burle Crews and the late Bessie "Biga Momma" Onnie Turner Crews. He was retired from General Electric Corporation and was a member of Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren. He was a World War II veteran and P.O.W. serving in the 3rd infantry in the U.S. Army.
Surviving are: his wife of 53 years, Mamie Carroll Crews, of the home; three daughters, Betty Crews Smith, Roanoke; Nannie Crews, of the home, and Lori Crews Patterson, Bassett; three sons, Dawson Drews, Roanoke, Phillip Crews, Washington, D.C. and Michael Crews, Bassett; three sisters, Virginia Shields, Nags Head, North Carolina, Jessie Wilson, Martinsville, and Bobby Stone, Bassett; three brothers, Clinton Crews, Bassett, Ronnie Crews, Ridgeway, and Donnie Crews, Richmond; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral service was at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 at Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren with Reverend Marvin Wade and Reverend Barry Sink officiating. Interment
followed in Sowers Family Cemetery, where full military honors were performed by VFW Post 7854 and American Legion 127-Floyd. Flag presentation was by David Poff, Honor Guard Commander. Pallbearers were Glen Compton, Donald Compton, Sherwood Carroll, Paul Carroll, Rick Janney, Mike Carroll, and Ernest Martin.
Collins Funeral Services, Bassett, was in charge of the arrangements.
GILBERT CHAPMAN LINKOUS
CHRISTIANSBURG - Gilbert Chapman Linkous, 75, went to be with the Lord, April 28, 2003. He grew up in Floyd County and served in the Army during World War II. He retired from General Electric after thirty-two years of service. He was known for his ability in automobile repair and painting. He will be remembered especially for the loving restoration of a 1957 Thunderbird. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Chapman and Mary Eva Linkous.
He is survived by: loving and dedicated wife of 55 years, Elsie Bishop Linkous; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Lynn and Sherry Linkous, Floyd; Sharon Jean Linkous, Radford; granddaughter, Michelle Lynn McGinnis and husband Jason; two step grandsons, David Boyd, Steven Boyd and wife Diedra Boyd; great-grandson, Michael Wayne McGinnis; sister and brother-in-law, Ocie and Reverend Harvey Clark, North Wilksboro, North Carolina; brother and sister-in-law, Harold Dean and Jolyn Linkous, Clayton, North Carolina.
Funeral service was held Wednesday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home with Reverend Ron Sutphin and Reverend Harvey Clark officiating. Interment
followed in Lee Cemetery, Tuggles Gap. Donations may be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad or to the National Alzheimers Association. Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements.
