Garner McCormick
GLADE SPRING -- Mr. Garner McCall McCormick, 92, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, at the Grace Healthcare. He had lived most of his life in Washington County, Va. He was a member of the Glade Spring Baptist Church and a charter member of the Glade Spring Volunteer Fire Department. He was the son of the late Stuart and Stella McCormick. Garner was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Lucille McCormick; a son-in-law, Jack Booth; a daughter-in-law, Pat McCormick; two grandchildren, Peggy and Perry McCormick; four brothers; and two sisters. He is survived by one son, James McCormick of Pulaski, Va.; two daughters, Stella Booth of Glade Spring and Judy Cherry and husband, Clyde of Grandy, N.C.; two sisters, Mildred Baker of Abingdon and Audrey Combs of Bluefield, W.Va.; grandchildren, Jennifer Camper of Abingdon, Angie Blevins and Stephaine Gregory, both of Glade Spring, Pam Cox of Virginia Beach and Sherry Tevepaugh of Aydlett, N.C.; five step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Mount Rose Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Turner officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ted Wilson, Herbert Davenport. Haynes Hayden, Scottie Gregory and Phillip Blevins. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Glade Spring Baptist Church, P.O. Box 367, Glade Spring, VA 24340. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery before the service.

Lucy W. Steffey
VIAN, Okla. -- Lucy Marie Widener Steffey, 89, the oldest of 13 children, born March 30, 1913, at Glade Spring, passed away on Nov. 3, 2002, in Vian. Author of the poem, "The Seasons of Life", she was a graduate of Liberty Hall and 1930 graduate of Radford State Teachers College in Radford, Va. She taught school at Green Cove, Va.,. was a homemaker, worked at Smithey's Department Store, Ramsey's 5 & 10, the Silver Moon Cafe in Damascus and later opened The Steffey's Cafe and Damascus Bowl along with her husband, Charles Hyden Steffey, whom she married on Feb. 14, 1931, in Mountain City. Having also lived in Montana, California, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon while her family worked for Bonneville Construction Co., she, upon retiring from the restaurant business, moved to Bristol Virginia, where she worked until her move to Oklahoma as a babysitter in her home. Of the Baptist faith, she was preceded in death by her parents, John Frank Widener and Elsie Blevins Widener; her husband of 39 years, Charles Hyden Steffey; one son, Tony Michael Steffey; one daughter-in-law, Mildred Katherine Steffey; one grandson, Presley (Buster) Burke; and six sisters, Martha Delana Widener, Orpha Viola Widener, Mildred Amelia Hutton, Mary Alice Dutton, Virginia Ruth Garrett and Ora Imogene Widener. She is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Charles Bud Steffey of Memphis and Billy John and Eldeva Faye Steffey of Sallisaw, Okla.; four sisters and two brothers, Mable Francis Blevins of Bristol Tennessee, Alma Grey Miller of Bristol Virginia, Thelma Gay Taylor of Bristol Tennessee, Eva May Cunningham of Leesburg, Va., John Herman Widener of Glade Spring, Va., and Bobby Dean Widener of Damascus. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Wanda Fitzgerald, Linda Draayer and Larry Burke of Olive Branch, Miss., Rhonda Woodward of Greenville, S.C., John Steffey of Owasso, Okla., Martha Jacob of Bedford, Mass., and Teresa Anderson of Kingsport; 12 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and a multitude of friends. Viewing will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, at Farris Funeral Home in Abingdon. The funeral, officiated by Rev. James Woodward, will be held at the Farris Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, with burial in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Widener's Valley, Va. Pallbearers will be Larry Burke, John Steffey, Chris Anderson, Joe John Widener, William Robert Widener, Leo Widener, Mickey Hutton and Steve Cunningham. Honorary pallbearers are John Jacob, James Albert Dutton, James Blevins, Herman Widener, Don Miller, Larry Taylor, J.R. Garrett, Frank Cunningham and Bobby Dean Widener; and a host of nephews.

Arthur L. Goff
GLADE SPRING -- Mr. Arthur L. (Punk) Goff Jr., 78, died Monday, Nov. 4, 2002. He had lived most of his life in Washington County, Va. Mr. Goff was a retired builder. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Infantry in France, Belgium and Germany. Wounded twice in combat, he received the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was a member of the Byars-Cobbs United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga M. Goff. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Janet Goff; two granddaughters, Emma and Maggie Goff, all of Bronxville, N.Y.; one brother, Robert Oscar Goff of Flint Hill, Va.; and one sister, Eulah Slutz of Charlottesville, VA. A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Mount Olivet Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Timothy Graham officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the E & H Fund, c/o Emory & Henry College, P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327.

Robert H. Smith
ABINGDON -- Mr. Robert Hubert Smith, 87, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Honaker and had resided in Abingdon since 1980. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Grant and Frances Virginia Crawford Smith; sisters, Pet Anderson, Eula Hale, Ethel Keen, Lona Lee; and brothers, Roby Smith and John Smith. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Smith, Abingdon; sons, Rick Smith and Glenn Smith, both of Abingdon, Charles E. Smith, Ron Smith and Johnny Smith, all of Bucyrus, Ohio, Robert Smith, Jackson, Mich., Jerry Smith, Jacksonville , Fla., and Roger Wise, Knoxville; daughters, Joyce Stewart, Deltona, Fla., Janet Finical, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Sandy Hess, Honaker and Sharon Ward, Richlands; a sister, Erma Boyd, Honaker; 30 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bobby King officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Grandsons will serve as active and honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.

Rosa J. Gaddy
ABINGDON -- Mrs. Rosa J. (Mitchell) Gaddy, 77, died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002, at her home. She was born in Belgium Oct. 14, 1925, and came to the States in 1946. She was retired from the ILGWU, an AFL-CIO affiliate. She worked as the Southwest Virginia area business agent and was very active in the Democratic Party. She was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Gaddy, in March 2002. She is survived by two sons, Marion Mitchell and wife Janet of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Alan Mitchell and wife Jerri of Abingdon; one sister and brother-in-law, Marie Jeannie and Marcel Van Gestel Peeters of Belgium; four grandchildren, Greg, Melissa, Ginny and Beth Mitchell; one great-grandchild, Ashley Mitchell; and two-step-grandchildren, Carrie and Mandy Pusl. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Robert Krenik officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday night at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Buck Jones, Charlie Jones, Charlie Warren, Chuck Lunsford, Junior Reynolds, Chad Roark and Bob Moore. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 600 W. Ridge Road, Wytheville, VA 24382.

Kenneth Hutton
ABINGDON -- Dr. Kenneth "Ernie" Hutton, 72, passed away Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, at his residence. Dr. Hutton was a native of Marion, Va., and began his dentist practice in Marion in 1956 and worked there until his retirement. He was a former member of the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Gwyn Hutton; two sons, Kenneth Hutton, San Antonio, Texas, and Stuart Hutton and wife Ying, Batesville, Ark.; a daughter, Linda Moore and husband Terry, San Antonio; a sister, Kathrin Simon and husband, George, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.; grandson, Ryan Barnett; step-grandson, Eric Moore; and a nephew, Barney Sigel, Georgia. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, Nov. 11, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, Marion, with the Reverend Alan Gray officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of the giver's choice. The family will receive friends Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002, from 4-5 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Home, Abingdon, and from 1-2 p.m. Monday at the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, Marion.

Melba H. Gold
KINGSPORT -- Melba Heiner Gold, 86, died Saturday, Nov. 9, quietly in her sleep at her home. Mrs. Gold was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family and friends lovingly knew her as Grandma Gold. Born in Morgan, Utah, she had resided in Abingdon for 47 years before moving to Kingsport in 1999. Mrs. Gold graduated from Utah State Agricultural College with a degree in education. She taught elementary school in Weber County, Utah, and at Abingdon Elementary School, where she warmly touched the lives of many school age children. After retirement from public schools, she continued to teach as a volunteer in the Highlands Educational Literacy Program in Abingdon, served as a volunteer at Johnston Memorial Hospital and Barter Theater in Abingdon, and later as a volunteer at Holston Elementary School in Blountville until early this year. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was actively involved in all aspects of church life. She served as a visiting teacher, Sunday School teacher, primary president, Relief Society president and Family History Center worker. She married Sherman F. Gold in the Logan, Utah Temple July 26, 1940. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Sherman F. Gold; two brothers, Sydney H. Heiner and Clifton Wesley Heiner; and an infant sister, Betty Heiner of Morgan, Utah. Surviving are two sisters, Louise Anderson, Ogden, Utah, and Marilyn Mecham, Salt Lake City, Utah; two sons and daughters-in-law, Duane and Faye Gold, Kingsport and Dirk and Isabel Gold, Waynesboro, Va.; four daughters and sons-in-law, Alice Kay and Boyd Alder, Santa Clara, Calif., Rosemary and Ray Rawlins, Saratoga Springs, Utah; Janie and Phil Nelson, Walnut Creek, Calif., and Julie and Newell Wright, Bridgewater, Va.; 24 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 13 Heritage Drive, Bristol, Va. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the church with Bishop William Whitlock and Bishop LeGrande Boyer officiating. Burial will be at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Abingdon, immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sherman and Melba Gold Memorial Scholarship Fund, Abingdon High School, 705 Thompson Drive, Abingdon, Va., or the Perpetual Education Fund, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 Canongate Road, Kingsport, TN.

Ruth Ann Wise
LINCOLNTON, N.C. -- Mrs. Ruth Ann Wise, 63, passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2002, in Lincolnton. Mrs. Wise had lived most of her life in Abingdon and was preceded in death by her parents, Windom and Tiny Powers Davis, and a grandson, Jeffrey Dean Wise Jr. Survivors include her husband, Cecil Wise, Abingdon; sons, Jeffrey Dean Wise and Richard Allen Wise, both of Stanley, N.C., William Cecil Wise Jr., Iron Station, N.C., and Ernest Lee Wise, Abingdon; daughters, Debra Thomas of Stanley and Melissa Wise Parrish of Iron Station; brothers, Bob Davis and Johnny Davis, both of Abingdon, Roscoe Davis and Ernest Lee Davis, both of Thomasville, N.C., Larry Davis and Steve Davis, both of High Point, N.C., and Lonnie Davis of Stanley; sisters, Jean Thomas, Iron Station, Carolyn Thomas, Concord, N.C., Peggy Davis, Roanoke, Teresa Davis, Thomasville, and Janice Davis, High Point; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, 11 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Paul Price officiating. Interment will follow in the Kestner-Reynolds Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Virgil Wise, Junior Wise, James Sailor, Robin Jones, Davis Jones, Shawn Brown and Jason Reynolds. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.

Mackie D. Prater
ABINGDON -- Mr. Mackie D. Prater, 60, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born and lived most of his life in Buchanan County and moved to Abingdon in 1992. He was a son of the late Lundy and Dennie Stiltner Prater. He was a member of Painter Creek Church of Christ where he served as deacon and chairman of the board. Mr. Prater was a retired coal miner and business owner in Grundy. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Prater and Clayton Hess; one nephew, Randy Prater; and a very special great-niece, Shana Dye. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Prater; two sons and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Eve Prater of Abingdon and Mackie Gearld Prater of Abingdon; two brothers, Bobby Prater of Grundy and Danny Prater of Abingdon; two sisters, Gaynell Silcox of Abingdon and Thelma Stiltner of Grundy; and two grandsons, Casey and Ryan Prater. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday at 11 a.m. in Painter Creek Church of Christ with Mr. Richard Gaminde, Mr. Mike Trent, Mr. Mike Rife, Mr. E.W. Damron and Mr. Hiliary Underwood officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Methodist Cemetery, Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Gary Prater, Lundy Prater, Danny Keith Prater, Ronnie Prater, Jimmy Silcox, Jerry Silcox, Ricky Stiltner and Rex Stiltner. The family will receive friends Thursday and Friday evenings at Painter Creek Church of Christ beginning at 7 p.m.

Barbara Anne Booher Ault
CLERMONT, Fla. -- Mrs. Barbara Anne Booher Ault, 65, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002. Mrs. Ault was born April 12, 1937, in Abingdon, to the late Albert T. Booher and Rachel Hale Booher. She was a homemaker and an accounting clerk. Mrs. Ault was a member of South Lake Presbyterian Church in Clermont. She is survived by her husband, Donald Ault of Clermont; one son, Edmund T. Ault of Clermont; two daughters, Sara Cahill and Debora Holley, both of Clermont; two sisters, Amelia McConnell of Abingdon and Julia Nelson of Galax; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church. Rev. Robert Tolar will officiate. A private interment will be held at Knollkreg Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hospice of Lake and Sumter Counties, 12300 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778.

Pauline M. Robbins
Mrs. Pauline Mann Robbins, age 78, died Friday, November 15, 2002 at the Grace Healthcare Center. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia. She was a member of the Charity Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John Robert Robins, and a brother, Jimmy Mann. She is survived by one son, Richard Robins and wife Brenda of Abingdon; one brother, Abe Mann of Abingdon; three grandchildren, Mary Rasnake, Randy Robbins and Kathy Robins; two great grandchildren, Candice Rasnake and Dakota Rasnake; two step-grandchildren, James Lewis and Marshall Lewis; five step-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. John Wesley Price and Rev. Mahlon Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Dual Rasnake, James Lewis, Marshall Lewis, Buddy Parris, Abe Mann, Jr., Steven Gregory and Dakota Rasnake. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Grace Healthcare, Dr. Patrick Wallace and Dr. Roger Emory for the care they gave Mrs. Robbins.

Ruby W. Barker
Mrs. Ruby Wynegar Barker, age 75, died Sunday, November 17, 2002 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Born in Washington County, she was a daughter of the late John William Wynegar and Vinnie Heath Wynegar. Mrs. Barker was preceded in death by her husband, Roy M. Barker; three sisters, Tillie Griffin, Gracie Helton and Ida Bell Wynegar; six brothers, Daniel Wynegar, Clyde Wynegar, Ballard Wynegar, Andrew Wynegar, Bill Wynegar and Lyhue Wynegar. She is survived by three sons, Carl Barker and wife Shirley, Roy M. Barker, Jr. and Danny Barker all of Abingdon; three daughters, Wanda Reynolds and husband Bob of Abingdon, Mary Lee and husband Darryl of Glade Spring and Bonnie Booher and husband Jerry of Bristol, VA; two brothers, Scott Wynegar of Polk City, FL and Zachary R. Wynegar of Abingdon; a sister, Mary Ann Shutters of Bristol, VA; nine grandchildren, Tina B. Camper, Debbie B. Gonderman, Juanita R. Hefler, Bobby Reynolds, Dolly R. Payne, Roy L. Reynolds, Kristie Lee Ralston, Jerry Booher and Cory Barker; four great grandchildren, Amber Gonderman, Michael Gonderman, Danielle Hefler and Joseph Payne. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2002 in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Bob Reynolds officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews. The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home or anytime at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Shirley Barker, 878 Hillman Highway, Abingdon, VA. Family members and friends attending the service on Wednesday are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m.

Elizabeth P. South
Mrs. Elizabeth Polly South, age 61, went to be with the Lord Monday, November 18, 2002 at her residence. Polly was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a member of the Key Street Pentecostal Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Oliver W. Holley; and a brother, Raymond Holley; and was an employee of Fred's Mobile Home Service for 31 years. Survivors include her husband, Fred South; sons, Dwayne South and wife Lori, Craig South and wife Amanda; a daughter, Susan Coleman and husband Nick, all of Abingdon; her mother, Lottie Holley, Glade Spring; brothers, Tom Holley and Gene Holley and wife Elsie, all of Saltville; sisters, Hazel Bowman, Collinsville, Va., Marie Clifton and husband Herb, Abingdon, and Dottie Briggs and husband Bobby, Glade Spring; grandchildren, Savannah and Dalton Martin and Kalley South; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Thurman Chapman, Rev. Ronnie Booher, Rev. Bobby Briggs, and Rev. Clayton Reynolds officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Bob Sterns, J.T. Martin, Eddie Briggs, Tony Briggs, Eugene Holley, Donald Clifton, Timmy Holley and J.R. Horn. Honorary pallbearers will be Abe Hurt, Dave Gibson, Junie Moore, Kenny Moore and Wayne Holland. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. in the funeral home.

Pearl L. Neal
OFFSET COMMUNITY -- Mrs. Pearl Lee "Granny" Neal, 91, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a native of and lifelong resident of Washington County and the Offset Community. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jake Neal; a daughter, Ann Neal; and two sons, Luther Neal and Cecil Neal. Mrs. Neal was a member of the Greenwood Freewill Baptist Church and a member of the Damascus Senior Citizens Center. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dewey and Wilma Neal; a daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Noah Wright, all of the OffseNov. 22,t Community; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov.22, 2002, in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Mike Abel officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Casketbearers will be Charles Dollar, Mark Baumgardner, Gene Sweet, Graham Sweet, Bud Wright, Marshall Wright and Steve Baumgardner. Honorary casketbearer will be Frank Wright. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home or any time at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Dewey and Wilma Neal.

Vida B. Jenkins
Mrs. Vida Blackburn Jenkins, age 85, died Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Jenkins was a former resident of Huntsville, Ala., and had lived her entire life there before moving to Abingdon in May of this year. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip N. Jenkins; and sisters, Lola B. Sadler and Christine B. Page. She is survived by her daughter, Loretta Johnson Evans and husband Tom of Abingdon; a sister, Mrs. Mildred Cobb of Huntsville, Ala.; two grandsons, Steve Johnson of Bristol Virginia, and Frank Johnson of Pana, Ill.; four great-grandchildren, Paulena, Lexie, Zachory and Mollie; a niece, Norma Crowder of Montgomery, Ala.; and a nephew, Dr. Michael Sadler of Huntsville. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Valhalla Funeral Home and Memory Gardens in Huntsville with Dr. Michael Sadler officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The family asks that all flowers be sent to Valhalla Funeral Home and Memory Gardens.

Joanna K. Surber
Mrs. Joanna Kelly Surber, age 49, of 19372 Dennison Drive died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County. She was a 1971 graduate of Patrick Henry High School and a graduate of Emory & Henry College and Radford College. Joanna was a first-grade teacher at Abingdon Elementary School, having taught in Washington County for 27 years. She also taught piano for more than 30 years to students of all ages. She was a member of Abingdon United Methodist Church and Phi Delta Kappa Teachers Fraternity. She was preceded in death by her father, James Thomas Kelly Sr. She is survived by her husband, James C. Surber; her mother, Mrs. Oma Kelly of Chilhowie; one sister, Patsy Edmisten and husband, Willard, of Simpsonville, S.C.; three brothers, James T. Kelly Jr. and wife, Angie, of Meadowview, Bill Kelly and wife, Mary, of Alexandria and George Kelly and wife, Evelyn, of Bristol Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at 2 p.m. in Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Rowland, Rev. Betty Reiff and Rev. Billy Gillespie officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Rose Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:30-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be the faculty and staff of Abingdon Elementary School, members of Abingdon United Methodist Church, her many piano students and her first-grade class, who were very special to her.

Gladys L. Powers
Mrs. Gladys L. Powers, 85, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002, in Lake Harris Health Center in Leesburg, Fla. Mrs. Powers was born in Saltville, the daughter of the late George Victor (Vic) and Georgia (Mae) Osborne Little. She was a graduate of Johnston Memorial School of Nursing in Abingdon. Her main area of practice was private duty nursing for more than 20 years. She was also an instructor at Johnston Memorial School of Nursing for a number of years. Mrs. Powers' last employment as a registered nurse was at Widner's Nursing Home in Abingdon. Mrs. Powers was an accomplished seamstress who taught herself upholstery work. She enjoyed cooking and will always be remembered for her cakes and pastries. Mrs. Powers was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Roy D. Powers Sr., in 1999; her sisters, Edna Osborne and Agnes Cox; and her brothers, Marvin and Lawrence Little. Mrs. Powers spent her retirement years in Florida and Virginia. She is survived by her sons, Roy D. and wife Carole Powers of Stickleyville, Va., and James R. (Randy) and wife Cynthia (Cindy) Powers of Fruitland Park, Fla.; granddaughters Lisa Powers and husband, Michael Thornton, of Fairview, Tenn., Susan Powers of Abingdon and Tracey Watson and husband, George, of Sailboat Key, Fla.; two great-granddaughters, Jesse and Gabrielle. She is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. A graveside service will be conducted Sunday at 1 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation-Virginia Chapter, P.O. Box 6772, Richmond,VA 23230.

Reba A. Averill
Mrs. Reba Anne "Bobbie" Averill, age 49, passed away Friday, November 22, 2002 in the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, VA. She is survived by her daughters, Rebekah Cardenas of Johnson City, TN and Amber Averill of Saltville, VA; her parents, Robert and Reba Cahill of Saltville, VA; her brother, Jeffery D. Cahill of Wichita Falls, TX. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, November 25, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. David Mumpower officiating. Pallbearers will be Tony Bunch, Mike Fisher, Phil Shaffer, Peter Siclari, Gene Mink, Harvey Combs and Pete Ward. Interment will follow in the Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring, VA The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 24, 2002 in the funeral home.

Wanda Faye Litton
Mrs. Wanda Faye Stroup Litton, 61, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at her home. She was born in Mendota, Va., and had lived in several areas before moving back to Washington County in 1980. She formerly worked at the Barter Theatre before her sickness. She is survived by three sons, Robert D. Martin of Abingdon, Jeffery K. Martin of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Jason D. Martin and wife, Jennifer of Bristol Tennessee; one daughter, Paige Martin of Abingdon; stepson, Garry Litton of Hayters Gap, Va.; stepdaughter, Connie Reynolds of Hayter's Gap; two brothers, Jesse (Chub) Stroup of Mendota and Ronnie (Bo) Stroup of Bristol Virginia; one sister, Gloria (Chic) Epes, Ledyard, Conn.; three grandsons; two step-granddaughters; a special niece, Belinda Stroup; and special friends, Ernest Blevins and Hank Pennington. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Hendricks Cemetery with Rev. Oscar Edwards officiating. There will be no viewing or visitation. Pallbearers will be Creed Dye, Hank Pennington, James Blevins, Tim Campbell, Brian Carbary and Bill Stroup. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a local food bank or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.

Patti Kay DePew
Patti Kay McNew DePew, age 41, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born in Bristol Tennessee, and had lived in Bristol and Johnson City before moving to Bluff City. She was a member of the Fountain of Life Bible Church. Patti was preceded in death by a brother, Danny McNew. She is survived by her fiancé, Andy Adams of Bluff City; her parents, Claude and Eleanor McNew of Bristol Virginia; a stepdaughter, Sarah DePew of Kingsport; three brothers, Jack McNew of Harriman, Tenn., Fred McNew of Gray, Tenn., and Tom McNew of Kingsport; three sisters, Susie Rhudy of Kingsport and Betty Lou Kistner and Robin Owens, both of Bristol Virginia; several nieces and nephews, including special great-nieces and great-nephew, Logan Cross, Kailee Cross and Gracie Blount. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002, at 6 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Michael Patterson officiating. A committal service will be held Thursday at noon in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery before the service on Thursday.

Robin C. Freeman
Mrs. Robin Joylyn "Joy" Clarke Freeman, 34, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was an honor graduate of the 1986 Class of R.B. Worthy High School in Saltville, and a graduate of Southwest Virginia Community College with an associate degree in radiology tech program. She was formerly employed by Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion as a radiology technician. She was a member of the United Methodist church. Joy is survived by her husband, Kevin Freeman; a daughter, Kristen Lyn Freeman of the home; her parents, Rev. Robert E. Clarke and Florence Edwards Clark of Chilhowie; a brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Jackie Clarke of Saltville; a nephew, Wesley Clarke; an uncle, Leon Clarke of Glade Spring; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bobby and Naomi Freeman of Bristol Virginia; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Danny and Kathy Freeman of Abingdon and Mark and Renee Freeman of Bristol Virginia; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Amanda and Larry Miller of Bristol Virginia; several special aunts, uncles and cousins; a very special friend, Ronna Blevins of Marion, friends of the Tate's Chapel United Methodist Church and the Dialysis Center of Marion. Robin Joy was a wonderful and special lady who knew no stranger and engaged in many community activities during her life until her illness prevented her from doing so. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29,. 2002, in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dennis Blazer and Rev. Sharon Wylie officiating. The committal and interment service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. Those attending the graveside committal service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m. Saturday. Casketbearers will be Jeff Goff, Rob Romans, Bucky Farris, James Crabtree, Michael Hall and Mike Smith. In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service Friday or any time at the home of her parents, Rev. Robert and Florence Clark.

Macy Kennedy Sage
Mrs. Macy Kennedy Sage, 78, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002. She is survived by a son, Lonnie Daniel Sage; sisters, Geneva Lewis, Ruth Mays, Ann Rutledge and Rosie Elliott; brother-in-law, Jimmy Rutledge; nieces, nephews and cousins; and an aunt. The funeral service will be conducted Friday, Nov. 29, 1002, at 2 p.m. at the graveside in the Hendrick's Family Cemetery, Mendota, with Tommy Hall officiating. Friends will serve as casketbearers. There will be no visitation in the funeral home.

Jimmie C. Stanley
Mr. Jimmie C. Stanley, 70, passed away Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, at the home of relatives. He was raised in Clintwood and had lived most of his life in Manassas and moved to Abingdon in 1982. He was a member of the Abingdon Bible Church. Jimmie was a painting contractor and a loving husband, father, grandfather and a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. He was preceded in death by a son, Gregory Pete Stanley. He will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorraine Sutherland Stanley; two sons, Rodney Stanley of Atlanta and Larry Stanley of Manassas; one daughter, Christina Vella of Johnson City; 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at 1:30 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Paul C. Bufford officiating. Burial will follow in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Robbie Stanley, Jason Stanley, Nathan Stanley, Christopher Dishman, Justin Stanley and Daniel Stanley. Honorary pallbearers will be Aaron Stanley, Sarah Vella, Shannon Simpson and Angie Conway.

Paul V. Kelsey
Mr. Paul Victor Kelsey, 90, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002. He was a native of Blacksburg, and was the son of the late Lucy Bingham and Vane Eugene Kelsey. Mr. Kelsey was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Class of 1935. He served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a retired employee of Appalachian Power Co. and a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon. He had been active in civic affairs in Bluefield, W.Va., Pulaski, Va., and Abingdon. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Donald Y. Kelsey. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Isabell Saunders Kelsey; a daughter, Elizabeth Kelsey Hulvey of Abingdon and her husband, Dr. J. Thomas Hulvey; a son, Paul Victor Kelsey Jr. of Wilmington, Del., and his wife, Donna Taylor Kelsey; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Kelsey Hulvey and Margaret Lewis Hulvey, both of Charlottesville, Va., Dr. John Thomas Hulvey Jr., of Roanoke and Gidget Kelsey Bacon of Wilmington; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Kelsey Atkinson of Blacksburg. A memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at 11 a.m. in St. Thomas Episcopal Church with Rev. Craig Wylie officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the Parrish Hall of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Endowment Fund of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 124 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210.