Mack J. Stiltner
Mr. Mack Joseph Stiltner, 51, of Abingdon, VA, a former Buchanan County resident and coal operator, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2002 at Bristol Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mack was a loving husband, father, son and brother. His hobbies included racing and golf. He was a strong supporter of many charitable organizations and events. He is preceded in death by his father, Gilmer Stiltner; two brothers, Douglas Ersel Stiltner and Clifford Stiltner. He is survived by: His wife, Jackie Sue Keene Stiltner of Abingdon; two sons, Joseph LecDean Stiltner and Jason Heath Stiltner both of Abingdon; his mother, Lillie Ramey Stiltner of Grundy, VA; three brothers, Hansel A. Stiltner or Mountain City, TN, Clarence Edward Stiltner of Grundy, VA, and Ervin Stiltner of Abingdon, VA; four sisters, Mervil Rowe of Abingdon, Mrs. Franklin (Geneva) Stiltner of Grundy, Mrs. Donald (Brenda) Ashby of Grundy and Mrs. Jay (Downeda) Wallace of Abingdon; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Monday, September 9, 2002, at 8:00 p.m. in the First Christian Church of Abingdon with ministers Donald Ashby, Mike McCoy, J.C. Anderson and Richard Gaminde. A committal service will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. in the Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. and following the service on Monday at the church. Family and friends are to meet at the funeral home by 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday for a procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Keene, Brian Mitchell, Jay Wallace, Bob Steele, Hank Matney, Roger Widner, Morgan Clifton, Keith Stiltner and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Elswick, Franklin Elswick, Jeff Wallace, Clyde Stacy, Sam Blankenship, Bill Henry Miller, Jim McGlothlin, James (Jim) Bunn, Jerry Skeens, Bob Cole, Jim Cook, Elmer Bare, Johnny Bare, Johnny Matney and Michael Ramey.

Gini Bingham
Mrs. Gini Bingham, 78, died Sunday, Sept. 8, 2002, at the Wellmont Hospice House. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., and moved from Knoxville to Emory in 1953. She was a member of the Emory United Methodist Church and was widely recognized for her artistic work with clay. Gini was also known as a friend and mother to generations of students at Emory & Henry College. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Bingham; and a daughter, Kathy Bingham Morris. She is survived by one sister, Hope Owen Caldwell of Jefferson City, Tenn.; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Emory United Methodist Church with Rev. Beverly Robinette officiating. A committal service will follow in the Holston Conference Cemetery. Following the committal, family and friends will gather at the fellowship hall in the church.

Clyde H. Buchanan, Jr.
Mr. Clyde Herbert Buchanan, Jr., age 74, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Born in Damascus, he was a son of the late Clyde H. Buchanan, Sr. and Ella Mae Wilson Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan was a member of the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church, a life member of the Washington County Life Saving Crew and a retired employee of the United States Postal Service. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He is survived by his wife, Doris W. Buchanan; a son and daughter-in-law, Clyde M. (Mickey) Buchanan and wife Andrea of Sterling, VA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca (Becky) B. Thompson and husband Roy W. Thompson and Vickie B Crigger and husband John Crigger, Jr. all of Abingdon; a sister, Geraldine Buchanan of Abingdon; four grandchildren, Travis W. Thompson, Eric Thompson, Lyndsey Crigger and Patti Buchanan; and a great granddaughter, Madelyn Thompson. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 13, 2002 at the graveside in Knollkreg Memorial Park with Pastor Robert Tolar officiating. Interment will follow. Casketbearers will be Bob Buchanan, Bill Buchanan, D. B. Wright, Jimmy Kroll, John Crigger, Sr. and Charles Edward Gray, Jr. Honorary casketbearers will be members of the Washington County Lifesaving Crew. Those attending the funeral service are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 10:40 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Washington County Life Saving Crew, 237 Park Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 or to the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 136 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210. The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2002 at the funeral home.

Lueverne P. Hayes
Mrs. Lueverne Patillo Hayes, age 48, passed away Friday, September 13, 2002 at Select Specialty Hospital, Bristol, TN. Lueverne was born November 5, 1953 in South Hill, VA and had resided in Meadowview for the past twenty-three years. She received an Associate Degree from Wytheville Community College and was employed with the Social Security Administration in Bristol, VA with many years of service. Lueverne attended the Meadowview congregation of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was preceded in death by her mother, Louise Joy Patillo. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Wayne Hayes; a son, Victor Justin Hayes and a daughter, Hope Eleanor Hayes all of the home; her brothers, Arnold Patillo of Los Angeles, CA, Donald Patillo of South Hill, VA, John Webb, Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Bernard Patillo of Richmond, VA; her sister, Patricia Webb of South Hill, VA, grandchildren Teona Hayes and Travis Fudge, Jr. The service will be conducted Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Mr. Tony Salfi speaking. At the request of Lueverne, cremation will follow the service. In memory of Lueverne, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 18129 North Fork River Road, Abingdon, VA 24210 or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720. Family and friends may call anytime after 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the home of Tommy's mother, Margaret Coleman, 305 Holston Heights, Glade Spring, VA.

Margaret F. Wagner
Mrs. Margaret F. Wagner, age 90, of 23381 Walden Road, died Sunday, September 15, 2002. Mrs. Wagner was born on August 20, 2912 in Washington County and was the widow of W. Maiden Wagner, Sr. She is survived by her sons, William M. Wagner, Jr. and wife Marliene R. Wagner of Pulaski, VA and Jim K. Wagner and fiance Louise Bolduc of Yorktown, VA; her grandchildren, Nicole L. Wagner or Richmond, Jill W. Shirtz and husband Jason of Greenville, NC, Greg Wagner of Yorktown, VA; a great grandson, Tyler Shirtz of Greenville, NC; a sister, Virginia F. Shockley of Abingdon, VA; a brother, Lonzo Flannagan and wife Jane of Abingdon; several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September18, 2002 at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Betty Reiff officiating. Interment will follow. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2002 at the funeral home.

Vivian V. Herndon
Vivian Virginia Glovier Herndon, loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2002 after a long illness. She was born in Benham, Ky, grew up in Harlan County, Ky and lived most of her adult life in Abingdon where she was active for many years with BSA, AHS Band, church youth and Wolf Hills Archeological Chapter. She was a former beautician and housewife and was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie S. Herndon. She was a member of Abingdon United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star and a lifetime member of the Archeological Society of Virginia. Surviving are a son, Charlie S. Herndon, Jr. and wife Nancy of Abingdon; two daughters, Barbara Lee Price and husband Don of Roanoke and Serita Joy Fay and husband Larry of Mauldin, SC; one sister, Mary Jo Hamilton of North Wilkesboro, NC; two brothers, Delmas (Bo) Glovier and wife Mary Helen of Clinton, TN, and J. T. Glovier of Adelphia, MD; nine grandchildren, James Scott Herndon, Jason Todd Herndon, Jeffry Stowe Herndon, Kenneth Scott Warner, Stephen Warner, David Lance Warner, Don Andrew Price, Lisa Annette Shumate and Laura Lee Kaufman; 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, James Scott Herndon, Jason Todd Herndon, Jeffry Stowe Herndon, Kenneth Scott Warner, David Lance Warner, Stephen Warner, Don Andrew Price and nephew Fred Alden Herndon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Lung Association of Virginia, 370 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210 or to Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. The funeral service will be conducted Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, at 2 p.m. at the graveside in the Temple Hill Memorial Park with Reverend Bill Rowland officiating. There will be no visitation in the funeral home. Family and friends may assemble at the funeral home on Friday with the procession to Temple Hill Memorial Park leaving at 1 p.m.

Margaret Caywood
Mrs. Margaret Webb Caywood, age 52, died Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at her home. She was born in Smyth County, VA and had lived in Washington County all of her life. She was a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church. Margaret was a loving wife, mother, sister and will be greatly missed by her family and friends who loved her greatly. She is survived by her husband, Garland (Kink) Caywood; two sons, Charles Warden Puckett and Jason Andrew Caywood both of Glade Spring; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Harold Lester and Martha and Jackie Ratcliffe all of Meadowview, VA; a very special grandson, Cody Warren Puckett of Meadowview, VA two half brothers, Ken Hart of Front Royal, VA and Harley Hart of Everett, Washington; three special nieces, Trish Talbert, Amy Callahan and Candace Ratcliffe; two special nephews, Ian Talbert and Alex Callahan; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mary Caywood Crosen, Mrs. Delores Caywood Prator and Mrs. Sharon Caywood Shortridge; several special nieces and nephews, Rozette, Matthew, Kathy and Kimberly. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Dr. Darlene Litton officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2002 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jason Caywood, Lance Tolbert, Chris Bland, Steven Fisher, Bill Caudill and Glenn Caywood. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Duncan, Joe Findley, Harold Counts, Steve Lester, Robert Delp and Elvis Blevins.

Della M. Stanley
Mrs. Della Meade Stanley, age 89, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2002, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was born in Pound and had resided in Castlewood where she retired from the Russell County School System. She later moved to Abingdon. She was the daughter of the late Walter and Laura Cantrell Meade and was preceded in death by her husband, F. L. (Lee) Stanley; four brothers: Oliver Meade, Troy Meade, Bill Meade and Letcher Meade; and three sisters: Hattie Cantrell, Ruby Chester, and Eunice Meade. She is survived by one son: Freddie Lee Stanley and wife, Joan Bolinsky Stanley, Abingdon; two granddaughters: Heather Stanley Nelson and husband, Michael D. Nelson of Abingdon; and Laura Michelle Stanley of Raleigh, N.C.; one brother: Vester Meade, Hansonville; one sister: Nell Cantrell, Wise; several nephews, nieces and step-grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002, at 11:00 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bill S. Goforth. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Fund, P. O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Pallbearers will be Mike Nelson, Henry Phillips and nephews.

Hannah Ruth Orfield
Mrs. Hannah Ruth Orfield, 88, died Friday, September 20, 2002 in the Grace Health Care Center. She was a daughter of the late George Atkins and Elizabeth Hughes Atkins. Mrs. Orfield was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Orfield. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a member of the Woodland Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Mildred Ferguson and Stella Blackwell, both of Abingdon; three sons, Woodrow Lewis Orfield and Steve Alexander Orfield both of Abingdon and Edwin B. Orfield of Bristol, VA; a brother, John Atkins of Smyth County, VA; a sister, Pearl Shortt of Abingdon; eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2002 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. John Wesley Price officiating. Interment will follow. Casketbearers will be Virgil Ferguson, Sonny Orfield, Cecil Garrett, Harry Wright, Ronnie Wolfe, Jonathan Dickey and Darrell Simcox. The family will receive friends from 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. before the funeral service on Saturday.

Margaret Warren Witt
Mrs. Margaret Warren Witt, 82, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She had lived most of her life in Washington County, Va. and was of the Baptist faith. She was the last surviving child out of thirteen children born to the late William Turner Warren II and Ida Mitchell Warren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Witt. She is survived by her sons: Clyde Witt of Chilhowie and Ritzy Witt of Abingdon; step-daughters: Helen Beeler, Dorothy Dingus and Margaret Davenport all of Bristol; one special sister-in-law, Pauline Warren of Abingdon; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, Sept. 23, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Counts Cemetery in Brumley Gap. Rev. John Stapleton will officiate. Pallbearers will be Paul Warren, Raymond, Warren, Raymond. J. Duncan, Gabriel Nelson, Jonathan McDaniel, and Brian Warren. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Monday morning to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Katherine W. Self
Mrs. Katherine Jane Warren Self, 78, died Saturday, Sept. 21, 1001 at Grace Healthcare in Abingdon. A lifelong resident of Washington County, she was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Con Warren and Ada Jordan Warren, by her sister, Beatrice Johnson, and by her husband Ross Self. Survivors include her step-daughters: Edna Malone and Yvonne (Judy) Harless; two brothers: Wilmer Warren of Maryland and C. M. Warren and wife Sharon of Abingdon; one sister, Flossie Warren of Abingdon; grandchildren: Katy Malone-Myer and husband Marcus, Joe Malone and wife Pam, and Wayne Harless; great grandchildren: Sue, Dawn and Randy; great-great-grandchildren: Brandon and Steven; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, 2002 at the Farris Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Herbert Bailey and the Pastor Billy Denton officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. View Methodist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Harless, Joe Malone, Wayne Harless, Gilmer Harless, Rodney Warren and Donald Denton. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Walker Mountain Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. The family would like to offer special thanks too Pam, Patsy, Sis, Nerine and Kim and the staffs of Grace Healthcare, Johnston Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their care during Mr. Self's recent illness.

Susie Hicks
Mrs. Susie Esther Hicks, 83, died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2002, at the Grace Healthcare. She was born in Watauga County, N.C., and moved to Washington County in 1950. She was a member of the Little Rock Baptist Church. Susie was the daughter of the late William and Calie Rominger and preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Charles Hicks. She is survived by five sons, Edward Hicks of Emory, Tommy Hicks of Salisbury, N.C., Earnest Hicks of Damascus and Johnny Hicks and Albert Hicks, both of Glade Spring; seven daughters, Barbara Testerman of Emory, Glenda Prater of Meadowview, Mary Taylor of Glade Spring, Betty Casey of Hayters Gap, Va., Brenda Baumgardner of Chilhowie, Debbie Keesee of Goldsboro, N.C., and Laura Rutherford of Meadowview; two brothers, Cecil Rominger of Vilas, N.C., and Ira Rominger of Cambridge, Ohio; 30 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Mahlon Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Holston Conference Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday night at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

Betty Ann Snapp
Betty Ann Snapp, age 59,of Boonville Share-a-Home passed away peacefully Monday, September 23, 2002. She was born July 25, 1943, in Abingdon, Virginia to the late Alfred Marvin Snapp and Stella Venable Snapp. She is survived by two brothers, Robert Snapp and wife Lillian of Winston-Salem, NC and Roger Snapp and wife Elaine Snapp of Mocksville, NC; one nephew, Christopher Snapp of Mocksville, NC. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 12:00 noon in the Holston Conference Cemetery, Emory, VA with Rev Marion Swann officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Jack David Hale
Mr. Jack David Hale, 76, died Tuesday, September 24, 2002. He was a lifelong resident of Meadowview, VA. He was a member of Meadowview United Methodist Church and Glade Spring Masonic Lodge 230. He had been employed with Washington Motor Company/Pioneer Chevrolet for 45 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Hancock Hale. Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, David and Debbie Hale, Hark Hale, and Chris and Mary Jess Hale, all of Abingdon; brother and sister-in-law C.B. and Jean Hale of Abingdon; grandchildren Brad Hale, Jennifer Hale and Carlee Hale; and very special friend Patsy Henegar of Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. in Farris Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Katie Fox officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The committal service will be conducted Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring. Those wishing to attend the committal service should meet at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Thursday for the procession. Pallbearers will be Tom McFadden, Bobby Hale, Sam Seymore, Jackie Thomas, Coy Cannon and Newell Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Pioneer Chevrolet. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 18129 North Fork River Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.

Scott P. Miller
Mr. Scott Paul Miller, 93, passed away Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a retired farmer, was a Methodist and was preceded in death by a daughter, Frieda Snapp. Survivors include his wife, Marie McCracken Miller; a daughter, Regina Baker, Newport, Ky.; sisters, Lenna Atwell and Mary Atwell, both of Abingdon; four grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at 4 p.m. at the graveside in Knollkreg Memorial Park with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. Pallbearers will be James Miller, Bill Delp, John Atwell, Eddie Counts, Kenneth Morrison and Claude Counts Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Scott, Wayne Morrison, Doug McCracken, Bobby Arnold and Charlie Arnold. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Meadowview Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 84, Meadowview, VA 24361. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2:45-3:45 p.m. in the funeral home.

Justin Hamby
Justin Ernest Hamby, 19, of the Bethel community, died Saturday, Sept. 28 , 2002. He was a native of Abingdon and was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Loretta Hamby, who died on June 1, 2002; and his grandfathers, Ernest Hicks and William Hamby. Justin attended Rhea Valley Elementary School, Damascus Middle School, Holston High School and graduated from Grundy High School in 2001. He was attending Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon. He is survived by his father, Ben Hamby; two brothers, Ben (Chip) Hamby Jr. of Grundy and Jason Hamby of Hartford, Conn.; two sisters, April Hamby of Okinawa, Japan, and Kristie Hamby-Lewis and husband Charles Lewis and nephew Josh Hamby-Bohannon of Marietta, Ga.; his maternal grandparents, Maggie and William Lindsay of Statesville, N.C.; and paternal grandmother, Nellie Hamby of Rich Creek, Va. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills with the Rev. Don Lasley and David Matlock officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at the mausoleum prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Damascus Rescue Squad, 32094 Government Road, Damascus, VA 24236.

Leland E. Umbarger
Mr. Leland Edgar Umbarger, 85, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Bland County, Va., and lived most of his life in Washington County, Va. He attended the Shady Grove Pentecostal Church. He is survived by his wife, Emma Virginia Cole Umbarger; three sons, Ray Umbarger, Ronnie H. Umbarger and Glen Umbarger, all of Abingdon; three daughters, Linda F. Rutledge and Connie S. Umbarger, both of Abingdon, and Nancy J. White of Meadowview; six grandchildren, Randy Rutledge of Abingdon, Angie Rutledge of Maryland, Cheryl McLeod of Richmond, Rick Umbarger of Abingdon, Steven White of Chesapeake, Va., and Chasity Umbarger of Abingdon; four great-grandchildren, Randall Rutledge Jr. and Danial Rutledge, both of Abingdon and Madelyne White and Julia White, both of Chesapeake. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at 7 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Garry Cole and Rev. Noah Stout officiating. A committal service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends following the service on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Wey McLeod, Randy Rutledge, Rick Umbarger, Steven White, John Rutledge and Johnny White. Family and friends are to assemble at the funeral home by 10:35 a.m. Wednesday for a procession to the cemetery.

Alden L. Henderson
Mr. Alden L. Henderson, 73, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2002, at his home. He was born and raised in Washington County and was the son of the late Bradley and Willie Findley Henderson. He was a retired sergeant first class in the U.S. Army having served 26 years. He served during the Korean conflict and Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Hitinger Henderson of Clarksville; two brothers, Ray Findley Henderson of Layton, Utah, and Jack L. Henderson of Blacksburg, S.C.; two sisters, Elizabeth "Libby" Henderson Johnson of Norwalk, Calif., and Margaret H. Griffith of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Minister Bill Edmunds officiating. Military rites will be held immediately following the service in the Knollkreg Memorial Park by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Color Honor Guard. The family will receive friends following the service at the home of Margaret H. Griffith. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Color Honor Guard, c/o Larry Hileman, 10452 Goose Creek Road, Bristol, VA 24202.

Helen A. Stevens
Maj. Helen Aldene Stevens, U.S. Air Force (retired), 76, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002, in National Healthcare of Johnson City. Helen was a native of Washington County, Va., born Aug. 11, 1926, to Thomas L. and Mary Counts Stevens. She was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and retired from the U.S. Air Force. Survivors include sisters, Anne Stevens Sparks, Johnson City, and Ruby Stevens Brown, Bristol Virginia; an aunt, Mildred Clark, Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Full military honors will be given by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. There will be no visitation in the funeral home. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery.

Wiley Thomas
Mr. Wiley Thomas, 80, passed away Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Smyth and Washington Counties. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maelee Doss Thomas; and a son, Glen Thomas. He is survived by three sons, C.J. Thomas of Damascus, Marvin Thomas of Glade Spring and David Thomas of Damascus; five daughters, Hazel Thomas of Bristol Tennessee, Minnie Nichols of Abingdon, Janice Witt of Bristol Virginia, Martha Stanley of Damascus and Betsy Thomas of Abingdon; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at 3:30 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Tim Norris and Preston Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Widener, Eugene Barlow, Ronnie Doss, Carol Doss, Fred Thomas and Bobby Thomas. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.