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Gloria Louise “Mutt” Canterbury Prichard, 80, of Kopperston, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday October 26, 2013. She was born November 16, 1932 in Oceana, WV, the daughter of the late Jennie Cook and Sola Canterbury. She was a member of the Oceana Freewill Baptist Church for 55 years where she loved to sing in the choir. Prior to retirement she was a part-time cook for the Wyoming County Board of Education. She was a 1955 graduate of Oceana High School. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Earl Prichard. sons Earl, Jr. and wife Ruta Prichard of Bolt, and Jeffrey and wife Kathy of Kopperston Road; stepdaughter Brenda Hutchinson and husband Jerry of Crany; grandchildren Caleb Prichard and wife Melissa of Bolt, Brent Prichard and wife Kristy of Mullens, Kaylee and Emily Prichard of Kopperston Road, David Bailey of Crany, Brian Hutchinson and wife Emily of Bolt; great grandchildren Karsey, Natalee, and Mylee Prichard, Tyler Bailey, and Heidi and Bowen Hutchinson; a sister Rema Jones of Chillicothe, OH; a special sister-in-law Louise Womack of Beckley; special niece Rosemary Elswick of Oceana; a special friend Ethelene Neal of Oceana; a special sister-in-law Maggie Blankenship of Oceana; and several nieces and nephews; and a host of other loving family and friends.. A special thank you to caregivers, Geraldine McKinney, Connie Brown and Hospice workers Darlene Bennett and Cassie Street. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday October 29, 2013 at the Oceana Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Jackie Grimmett officiating. She will be laid to rest in the mausoleum at Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. Friends may gather with the family from 6 – 9: 00 PM on Monday October 28, 2013 at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House, PO Box 1472 Beckley, WV 25802 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Brother-in-laws will serve as pallbearers. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Charles Edward Griffith, 75, of Laurel Branch, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday October 29, 2013. He was born September 8, 1938 in Glen Rogers, WV, the son of the late Luther and Maxine Hammonds Griffith. He was a retired coal miner and member of the UMWA Local 1503, having last worked at Peabody’s Harris Mine. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter Ruth Ellen Dennis. Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years Ruth Virginia Armstrong Griffith; two daughters Regina (Larry) Roberts of Clear Fork and Janet (Kelly) Stewart of Statesville, NC; two sons Charles Luther Griffith of Mill Creek and Jesse Mark (Caroline) Griffith of New Bern, NC; three sisters Ella Mae, Phyllis and Carolyn; two brothers Benny and Lloyd “Buck”; twelve grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and one due in December; and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday November 1, 2013 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home with Bro. James Bailey officiating. He will be laid to rest in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. Friends may gather with the family from 10:00 AM until time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Linda L. Toler Blankenship, 68, of Simon, WV, passed away on Friday November 1, 2013 at her home. She was born June 6, 1945 in Logan County, WV, a daughter of the late Hobert and Gladys Belcher Toler. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by six sisters. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 47 years Jay Blankenship; four daughters Lisa (Anthony) Porter of Ballard, Janet (Samuel) Morgan of Simon, Faye (Doug) Hatfield of Hanover and Dolly Blankenship of Clear Fork; two sons Bobby (Anna) Blankenship of Simon and Rick (Christy) Blankenship of Simon; a sister Melissa (Glen) Boggess of Hometown; three brothers Teddy (Marie) Toler of Clear Fork, Johnny (Norma) Toler of Simon and Moody (Imogene) Toler of Simon; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday November 5, 2013 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV with Bro. Lowell Smith officiating. Linda will be laid to rest in the Blankenship cemetery, Barn Hollow, WV. Friends may gather with the family from noon until service time at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Melissa Sue “Missy” Crouse, 37, of Oceana, WV, passed away on Saturday November 2, 2013. She was born October 20, 1976 in Lillydale, WV, a daughter of Robert Kenneth "Rabbit" Crouse of Lillydale, and the late JoAnn Edith Crouse. In addition to her mother she is preceded in death by her grandmother Lessie Gibson. Survivors include a daughter Brianna Nicole Forrest of Mullens; a son Austin James Forrest of Pineville; a sister Elaine Victoria Acord of Mullens; a brother James Adam (Cindy) Crouse of Crouches Farm; a niece Jennifer Acord; two nephews Robert Crouse and Luke Crouse; and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday November 7, 2013 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV. She will be laid to rest in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. Friends may gather with the family from 6-9:00 PM Wednesday November 6, 2013 at the funeral home. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Lonnie Gale McKinney, Jr., 45, of Pineville, WV went home to be with the Lord on Sunday November 10, 2013. He was born August 18, 1968 in Beckley, WV a son of Lonnie Gale Mckinney, Sr. and Wanda Lou Burgess Carter. He was a United States Marine Corp. Veteran, 1986 graduate of Pineville High School, and a member of the UMWA. He is preceded in death by his Grandparents Ella and Charles Burgess, Robert Dillon, and Clarence and Brookie McKinney. Survivors include his parents Lonnie Gale (Sandra) McKinney of Skin Fork, and Wanda Lou Burgess (Eddie) Carter of Glen Fork; a daughter Anjella Dionne McKinney of Keystone; two sons Bradley Chase McKinney of Itmann, and Gabriel Dean Nichols of Pineville; three sisters his twin Wanda (Mike) Bishop of East Bend, NC, Kimmy Mathis of East Bend, NC, and Sabrina (Carl) Musick of Fairdale; three brothers Jason Simpson of Oceana, Jacob McKinney of Skin Fork, and Harry Ropp of NC; several nieces and nephews; two special great nephews Lucas and Jack Smith; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends whom he loved dearly. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday November 15, 2013 in the Cooper Memorial Church, Skin Fork, WV, with Rev. Tommy Lusk and Rev. David Johnson officiating. He will be laid to rest in Cooper Memorial Church cemetery. Friends may gather with the family from 6-9:00PM on Thursday November 14, 2013 at the church. Pallbearers will be Chris McKinney, Bryan Brown, Dewayne Cantrell, Terry McKinney, Timmy McKinney, Zachary Green, and Aaron Cantrell. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
John "Pitts" Steffey, passed away on November 9th, 2013, in Beckley, after a long illness. He was born in Pike County, Kentucky on December 5th, 1927. He was a resident of Oceana for 62 years. He brought his new bride, Wanda Coleman Steffey, to Oceana shortly after they married
in 1951. She passed away on July 22 of this year. Pitts was also preceded in death by siblings Naomi Steffey, May Fern Worrix, Charlie Steffey, Claude Steffey, Leon Steffey, Martha Ellen Elkins, Bonnie Adkins, James Steffey and Loretta Harvel; a beloved grandson, Will Cook; and a cherished daughter-in-law Frankie Steffey. Left to cherish his memory are his sisters Eula Sarter of Sessor, IL, Magdalene Scalf of Oceana, Helen Smith of Tram, Kay Horton of Knoxville, TN, and Hannah Whisenant of Oceana; his son, Larry Wayne Steffy of Gray, TN, and daughter, Connie Cook of Queensland, Australia; and grandchildren Beth Steffey, Sara Greene, and Haley Bunn. Pitts was also blessed wtih two-great grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas Greene. Pitts was a veteran of the United States Air Force and worked in the coal mines in several positions, including Mine Foreman, for Pocahontas Coal and Eastern Associated Coal Companies. Pitts was committed to public service, giving over 30 years of service to the Town of Oceana. He served as Town Councilman for several years and also served several terms as Mayor. Pitts took pleasure in fishing and hunting. He loved sports and was an avid fan of the Westside Renegades, the Oceana Indians, and the Mountaineers, even watching this season's games from the nursing home. He also enjoyed golf and participated in many tournaments, either as a participant or assisting staff. He was even fortunate enough to achieve a "Hole In One, " on one occasion. He had many friends in Oceana, as well as in Davenport, FL, where he and Wanda spent their winters in latter years. Pitts will be missed by all. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday November 17, 2013 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV. He will be laid to rest with his wife in Palm Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Matheny, WV. Military rites will be conducted by the Wyoming County Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may gather with the family from 11 AM on Sunday until time of service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Warren Bruce “Frito” Cook, 55, of Lillyhaven, WV passed away on Sunday November 10, 2013 of a massive heart attack. He was born November 5, 1958 in Logan, WV a son of the late William Harman and Dorothy Mae Dalton Cook. He was a truck driver for many years and was employed by Bluestone Coal at the present time. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, scuba diving, paragliding and spending time with his family and friends. Warren had a very outgoing personality. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his mother-in-law Emma Louise Gainer Wease. Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 33 years Ruth Louise (Wease) Cook the love of his life; two daughters Amber Cook and companion Joey Bowman of Oceana, and Brittany Cook of Oceana; father-in-law Donzel Wease; two brothers Stanley (Patricia) Cook of Boone County, and Clarence “Wimpy” (Stephanie) Cook of Oceana; three grandchildren Dylan and Mersadies Blankenship, and Mason Bowman all of Oceana; a very special friend Debbie Smith; and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday November 13, 2013 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco. Friends may gather with the family from 11 AM on Wednesday until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the funeral home for funeral expenses. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Rodney Dale Belcher, 54, of Oceana, WV passed away on Friday November 15, 2013. He was born May 19, 1959 in Lawton, OK a son of the late Guy Belcher and Bessie Lovette Lester of Clear Fork. In addition to his mother his is survived by two daughters Autumn (Joshua) Lester of Oceana, and Amanda Noel Belcher of Oceana; his companion April Dawn Blankenship of Oceana; two sisters Angela Lester of Oceana, and Myrtle Marie (Lanny) Jordan of Clear Fork; a brother Roger Dean (Barbara) Belcher of Oceana; and a host of other loving family and friends. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Rev. Elderly John R. Justice, 78, of Panther, WV passed away on Saturday November 23, 2013 with his family by his side in Pikeville, KY. Mr. Justice was born September 15, 1935 in Buchana County, VA, he was the son of the late Harison Justus and Mary Belle (Kennedy) Justus. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by four sisters Pricey Justice, Elizabeth (Liz) Justice, Violia Justice, and Pearlie Justice; six brothers Junior Justus, Willie Justus, Allison Justus, Mathew Justus, Walter Justus, and Iverson Justus; five nieces; two nephews; a great niece; and three great nephews. John was a loving husband for 56 years, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, great uncle, and friend to everyone he met. He was a coal miner for 20 plus years. A member of Old Regular Baptist at Little Zion for 45 years and was assistant moderator at Mount Zion for 17 years, and ordained minister for 38 years. A moderator which was his life too for 18 years, he then served as assistant moderator for a short time at Panther Creek Old Regular Baptist Church. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. His hobbies were riding four wheelers, Gen Singing, and yellow root digging, visiting with family and friends. Survivors include his loving wife Lona Keaton Justice; a daughter Regina (Delmas) Steele of Monroe; six sons Thurman (Maxine) Justice of Panther, Billy Ray (Joan) Justice of Panther, Johnny (Rex) Justice and companion Teresa McCoy of Princeton, Michael (Opal) Justice of Roderfield, Ronald Justice of Home at Panther, and Keith (Brittney) Justice of Panther; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren that he loved; one brother Zeb Justus; two sisters Lucille Little of Monroe County, and Shirley Matney of Hurley, VA; many nieces and nephews that he loved; and a host of many other dear friends that he loved. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday November 30, 2013 at the Little Zion Old Regular Baptist Church at Greenbrier, at Panther, WV, with Rev. Author Short, Rev. Jerry Overstreet, Gary Young, Clyde Lewis, Hobert Halmington, Phillip Estep, Richard Stateman, and Willis Bartley officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Floyd Justus cemetery, Guesses Fork, VA. Pall Bearers will be family and friends. Friends may gather with the family on Thursday November 28, 2013 and Friday November 29, 2013 after 6:00 PM at the church. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
William F. “Bill” Sams, 80, of Oceana, WV went home to be with the Lord on Monday November 25, 2013 at his home. He was born October 24, 1933 in Glen Morrison, WV, a son of the late Grant and Edith Fisher Sams. He was a Korean War Veteran where he received a purple heart. He was a state mine inspector, and he worked for Eastern Coal Corp. where he retired. He was the last constable voted in for Wyoming County on November 7, 1972. He attended and was a member of Family Praise and Worship Center of Oceana. He attended Oceana High School. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a son Timothy Sams; two brothers Honas Poe, and Hames Sams; and a sister Agnes Tilley. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Drema Lewis Sams of Oceana; three daughters Kim (David Lee) Green of Oceana; Heather (Joe) Webb of Lexington, NC, and Kellie Sams of Oceana; a son James Sams of Oceana; grandchildren Ashlee Gibson, TJ (Jordan) Sams, Jacob Sams, Sarah Sams, Toni Sams, Samantha Sams, Timbo Sams, Nate Sams, Mia Webb, Lyndsi Webb, Joey Webb, Christian Sams, Seneca Evans, and Blake Evans; a brother Joseph Sams of Ghent; a sister Tish Dekraker of Fairfax, VA; and a multitude of extended family. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday December 1, 2013 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV, with Rev. Ricky Browning, and Bro. Ricky Proffitt officiating. He will be laid to rest in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. Pall Bearers will be family and friends. Friends may gather with the family on Sunday December 1, 2013 from 2:00 PM until time of service at the funeral home. The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of Southern WV for taking such good care of Bill, and a thank you to all the nurses at Raleigh General Hospital. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
Phillip Lee Workman, 48, of Cyclone, WV passed away on Wednesday November 27, 2013 at his home. He was born August 31, 1965 in Man, WV, a son of the late Worley Gordon and Velma Glee Lusk Workman. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother David Gordon Workman. Survivors include a sister Brenda Maynor of Cyclone; a brother John Wayne Workman of Cyclone; and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday December 2, 2013 at the Cyclone Church of God. He will be laid to rest in the Brown cemetery, Cyclone, WV. Friends may call from noon until time of service at the church. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.
