Jesse Ward Gunther, 60, of Reservoir Road, Beckley, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at his home following a short illness. Born Feb. 21, 1943, at Edwight, he was the son of Donnie Belle Stover Gunther Musick of Beckley and the late Robert Lee Gunther. Mr. Gunther had been a resident of Beckley since the age of 6, living the past 10 years on Reservoir Road, and he was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. For many years, he was the manager of the Exxon service station on the West Virginia Turnpike, and he later worked for Warren's Wrecker Service on Eisenhower Drive. He was of the Christian faith. He had an avid interest in baseball and basketball after his son, Patrick, came to the age of playing sports. He coached AAU and YBOA teams and two years in a row his teams went to the national tournament. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and he will be remembered as a good neighbor. He was preceded in death by a brother, Willie Jackson Gunther; and stepfather, Ellis Musick. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Meyers Gunther; sons, Patrick Gunther, a sophomore at West Virginia University, Shane Radcliff of Huntington and Keith Gunther and Brian Gunther, both of Beckley; a grandson, B.J. Gunther; and his nephews and nieces, Jack Gunther, Barbara Allen, Petra Coleman, Karen Cahall and Jane Gunther. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Delmas E. Wolfe officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Joshua Robertson, Terry Robertson, Tommy Garten, Sonny Brammer, Mike Ross and Sam Rahal with honorary pallbearers Tom Harman and James "Sam" Shannon. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802-1472. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Howard Edwin Lambert, 76, of Lambert Drive, Beckley, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, in a Charlottesville, Va., hospital following a short illness. Born April 3, 1927, at Matoaka, he was the son of the late Carl and Lena Hawks Lambert. Mr. Lambert spent his early childhood in Matoaka. His family settled in Sprague when he was a young man and he had been a resident of the Beckley area ever since. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Lambert had been the owner of Lambert Development Co. since 1985; he also operated Lambert Transfer Co. and worked in the coal mining industry for 12 years. He was a member of the UMWA and the Beckley Moose Lodge. He was of the Baptist faith. He will be remembered as a hard-working man. A son, Howard Lambert Jr., and a grandson, Buddy Ellison, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Ballengee Lambert; two daughters, Patricia Grant and her husband, Paul, of Russell, Ky., and Sue Lambert of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter-in-law, Pam Garretson of Grandview; three granddaughters, Shannon Weller, Erin Grant and Linda Light; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Eldridge Lambert and his wife, Margaret, of Sprague; two sisters, Norma Jean Broyles Wood and her husband, Bob, of South Charleston and Doris Dunn and her husband, Bob, of Parkersburg; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Bill Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Paul Rose, Don and David Broyles, Mike and Aaron Lambert and Hanes Smith. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the American Cancer Society, Raleigh County Unit, P.O. Box 2157, Beckley, WV 25802-2157. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
James Kendall Miller, 24, of 322 Allen Ave., Beckley, was dead on arrival Sunday, April 6, 2003, at the Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill, from injuries as a result of an automobile accident. He was born April 23, 1978, at Beckley, the son of Victoria Wheeler Miller of Beckley and the late Michael R. Miller. Mr. Miller was employed by Cracker Barrel Restaurant and was previously employed by Outback Steakhouse, Texas Steakhouse and Ryan's Steakhouse. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of the Beckley Church of God. Other survivors besides his mother include three brothers, Rodney Nathan Miller and wife, Cindy, of Charleston, Michael R. Miller Jr. of Beckley and Elvis Presley Miller and wife, Marsha, of Beckley; two nephews, Allen Austin Miller and Dacoda Lee Miller; and a niece, Chandra Lynn Miller. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with the Rev. F.D. Sexton officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Margaret Louise Zankowitz [WWHS '44] of 609 Johnstown Rd., Beckley, died Saturday, March 29, 2003, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born at Cranberry, she was the daughter of the late Major Sparks and Ruby Bowman Sparks. Mrs. Zankowitz was a retired LPN for Dr. Harold Harvey. She received her training at the Baltimore City Hospital and had worked at the Beckley Hospital. She was a member of the Beckley Regular Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Major and Fred Sparks. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Joseph Zankowitz; two sons, Joseph Zankowitz and wife, Kathryn, of Beckley and Thomas Zankowitz and wife, DeDe, of Beckley; a brother, George Sparks and wife, Olga, of MacArthur; a sister, Jane Ann Atkinson and husband, Buren, of Beckley; and two grandchildren, Amy Zankowitz and Steven Zankowitz. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with Pastor Jason Naff and the Rev. Randy Carroll officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Men of the Beckley Regular Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Loralea Michele Foreman Canterbury, 36, of Sophia, died at her home, Saturday, March 22, 2003, following a long illness. Born Oct. 11, 1966, at Beckley, she was the daughter of William Foreman of Crab Orchard and Norma Lee Lively Foreman of Crab Orchard. She was a homemaker, a disabled bank employee having worked at area local banks. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Raleigh County Vocational Technical Center and a member of the Glen View Independent Baptist Church. She was an avid animal, bird and flower lover. She was preceded in death by a sister, Melanie Renee Foreman Burgess; paternal grandparents, William and Leona Foreman; and maternal grandparents, William and Pearl Lively. Other survivors include two sons, Joshua Adam Canterbury and Lucas Daniel Canterbury at home; her children's father, Thomas Canterbury of Beckley; nieces, Jamie Burgess Anderson and husband, B.J. of Glen View, Caitlin Burgess of Prosperity; and a brother-in-law, Tom Burgess of Prosperity. Services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Glen View Independent Baptist Church with Pastor Duane Pease officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
RIPLEY - Jeffrey Sleboda, 45, of Skyline View Drive, formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at his home. Born July 26, 1957, in Winter Haven, Fla., he was the son of Jenell Ruth Phillips Sleboda of Troutville, Va., and the late Gaze Michael Sleboda. Jeff spent his childhood in Beckley on West Locust Drive. He was a 1975 graduate of WWHS. He was of the Christian faith. He had been a resident of Ripley the past six years. He enjoyed fishing and being with his children. He was a loving husband and father and a dear son and brother. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Andrew and Helen Sleboda; and his maternal grandparents, Alton and Bette Phillips. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Dinah; two sons, Charles Jeffrey Sleboda and Michael Wayne Sleboda, both at home; three daughters, Katelyn Grace Sleboda at home, Lori Beth Sleboda of New Libson, Wis., and Julie Ann Sleboda of Mauston, Wis.; a granddaughter, Skye Karalyn Jakel; two brothers, Gregory Wayne Sleboda and his wife, Ann, and Michael James Sleboda, all of Troutville; and a large extended family. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Homer Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, gifts to the family would be appreciated. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Ann C. Spreacker, 79, of The Greystone Inn, Beaver, formerly of Reservoir Road, Beckley, died Sunday, March 16, 2003, at her residence. Born Sept. 26, 1923, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Gay and Freda Sayre Casto. Mrs. Spreacker was employed in the personnel office for the U.S. government, having worked in Chicago, Cincinnati and Beckley. She was a graduate of WWHS and attended National Business College in Roanoke, Va. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, South Heber Street, Beckley, and a member of the Ladies Circle at the church. Mrs. Spreacker was preceded in death by her daughter, Lynn Cooke Griffith; a brother, Dwight E. Casto; and by Jack Cooke. She had been a resident of Beckley most of her entire life. Survivors include her sister, Clela Hurst of Beckley; her granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Henderson and her husband, Christian, of Jacksonville, Fla.; her grandson, Jeffrey Howard Griffith and his wife, Vanessa, of Orlando, Fla.; a son-in-law, Michael Griffith of Orlando; seven nieces, Sharon Dix, Viki Patton, Becky Ford, Pat McKinney, Toni Leeber, Penny Casto and Cindy Lovell; and four great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Heber St., Beckley, with the Rev. Ellen Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, and one hour before service Thursday at the church. Pallbearers will be Joshua Hite, Mark Martin, Christian Henderson, Larry Ford and David Dix. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Ralph D. Farrish Jr., 19, of Beckley, died Thursday, March 20, 2003, in a Beckley area hospital following a sudden illness. Born April 7, 1983, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Ralph Doug Farrish and Cassandra Ogle Brown and Ray Brown of Beckley. Ralph attended Beckley Church of the Nazarene. He was a senior at Woodrow Wilson High School and a lifelong resident of Beckley. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Richard William and Eva Lorraine Ogle. In addition to his mother and stepfather, survivors include a sister, Kimberly T. Ogle of Beckley; a brother, Andrew Davis Ibsen of Tennessee; paternal grandparents, Vernon and Ruth Farrish of Beckley; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Beckley Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Brian Pope officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley. Family will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Mr. James Elias Kilpatrick, 63, [WWHS '58] of Dalton, departed this life Wednesday morning, March 19, 2003, at his home. Mr. Kilpatrick was born March 4, 1940, in Union County, N.C., son of the late John Fred and Edna Mae Hall Kilpatrick. His brother, Johnny Kilpatrick, also preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Maddox Kilpatrick of the residence; sons and daughter-in-law, Michael and Teresa Kilpatrick of Chatsworth; and Steven Kilpatrick of Dalton; daughters and sons-in-law, Sherrie L. and David Waters and Melissa and Andy Freeman, all of Dalton; grandchildren, Brittani Sherleen Waters, James Adam Benjamin Waters, Rachel Ann Leon, Monica Beiling, Letasha Kilpatrick, James Steven Kilpatrick and Stephanie Kilpatrick; great-grandchildren, Diego Leon and Austin Leon; sisters, Athelee Worley of Dalton and Vivian Payne of Monroe; several nieces and nephews. Services are Friday at 2 p.m. in the Calhoun Chapel of Ponders Funeral Home with the Rev. John Meadeor officiating. Burial will be in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Resaca. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today after 3 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: House of Prayer Revival Center or to Shirley Kilpatrick, 4103 S. Dixie Highway, Dalton, GA 30721. Condolences may be sent to kilpatrickfamily@pondersfuneralhome.com. Ponders Funeral Home, Calhoun Chapel, Highway 41 North, Calhoun is in charge of arrangements. [Dalton, Georgia, Daily Citizen]
Gail Miller Henrichs, 75, of Hendricks Street, Beckley, died suddenly Tuesday, March 18, 2003. Born Dec. 17, 1927, at Prince, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Lula Ramsey Miller. Gail was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1945. She attended Beckley College and Miami University of Ohio. She was a longtime resident of Beckley and Ravenswood. A successful real estate broker in Jackson County, she was previously employed as a school teacher in Raleigh County and Hamilton County, Ohio. Gail had also worked as a canteen manager for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Beckley. She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sophia VFW Post 4226. She will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother and her outgoing personality was a joy to everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Henrichs Jr., in 1987; three sisters; and a brother. Survivors include her son, William F. Henrichs III and his wife, Karen, and their son, Andrew William, all of Elkview; two sisters, Ann Ahlbrand of Columbus, Ind., and Evelyn Estep of Canton, Ohio; two brothers, Robert F. Miller of Charleston and the Rev. Howard Miller of Beckley; and her longtime companion, Walter J. Mankins. Service will be 3 p.m. Friday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Wanda Child officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 2 p.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 700 Maxwell Hill Road, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Mark Stephen Dorsey, 48, of 1161 Grandview Road, Daniels, died at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2003, at Interstate 64 near East Beckley following injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. Born Nov. 8, 1954, in Raleigh County, he was the son of Fred Dorsey and Etheline Pate Dorsey of Daniels. Mr. Dorsey was former owner of Champion Motors at Daniels and presently was employed as a salesman at C&O Motors in St. Albans. He attended Crow Baptist Church and was a member of Beckley Lodge No. 16041, Loyal Order of the Moose. He was a 1972 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Marshall University. He was preceded in death by a brother, Freddy, in 1966. Other than his parents, he is survived by a brother, Gary Dorsey of Daniels; a sister, Melody Sears and her husband, James, of Daniels; and nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, Jessica Harris, Chelsea Dorsey, Scott Harris and Chris Fotos. Service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Dennis Burks officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Mike Pate, Johnny Pate, Richard Pate, Daniel Foley, Donnie Chambers, Chris Foley and James Lewis. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Pate, Jim Pate, Rob Pate, Tom Pate, David Quesenberry, Jerry Zaferatos and Lowell Foley. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
John M. Voloski, 78, of Bradley, went to his home in heaven on Thursday, March 13, 2003, after a three-year battle with cancer. Born June 25, 1924, at Oswald, he was the son of the late John and Mary Voloski of Beckley, formerly of Slovakia. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Voloski. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Voloski lived at Skelton before moving to Bradley. He was a lifetime member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. He was a lifetime member of Father John Halpin Knights of Columbus Council No. 5657, Loyal Order of Moose and was a member of the UMWA. John graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant during World War II, having served with distinction in the Pacific Theater at New Guinea, Biak, Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. John loved gardening when he was able and always enjoyed visits from friends and family. He always had a kind word. Mr. Voloski retired from the mining industry after 43 years, having worked at the New River Coal Co. Tipple in Skelton and the Westmoreland Eccles facility. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Frances Bondzo Voloski; three sons, John E. Voloski and his wife, Patricia, of Beckley, Joseph M. Voloski and his wife, Debra, of Maple Fork and Thomas P. Voloski and his wife, Deborah, of Beckley; a daughter, Mary Webb and her husband, Robert, of Cabell Heights; seven grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Brian Taylor of Columbus, Ohio, Kasey Voloski, Joseph Voloski, Julie Voloski, Adam Voloski, Amanda Webb and Samantha Webb; and a dear friend, Leo Porreca. John had a full life; he loved his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral liturgy will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, Beckley, with the Rev. Perry Malacaman as celebrant, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Donald Wise. Rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. The family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, where a rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. Members of the Knights of Columbus will serve as pallbearers: Mike Kosco, Leo Porreca, Danny Kuhn, Robert Cannon, George Fama and Jim Powell. Honorary pallbearers will be E.G. Underwood, Steve Dorsey, Charles Lively, Jerry Lively and Dr. Gary Poling. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Thomas Arthur "Artie" Hartley, 45, of 213 Parkwood Drive, Beckley, died Monday, March 10, 2003, at Raleigh General Hospital following a short illness. Born Sept. 9, 1957, in Beckley, he was the son of Thomas G. Hartley of Beckley and Barbara Hilbert Hartley of Beckley. Artie was the owner and operator of Art's Mobile Detailing. Besides his parents, he is also survived by a sister, Kathy Miller and husband, Ronald, of Fenton, Mich.; and a nephew and niece, Matthew and Kelly Miller. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Evangelist Jeff Belknap officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Men of the congregation of the Carriage Drive Church of Christ will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Charles "Uncle Joe" Ciatto, of 205 Piney Ave., Beckley, by believing in Jesus Christ, went to heaven on Saturday, March 1, 2003, 9:42 p.m. at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born Dec. 12, 1933, at Mabscott, he was the son of the late Antonio and Gina Onori. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tony Troy Ciatto; a daughter, Gina Elizabeth Ciatto; maternal grandparents, Dominique and Irma Onori, and paternal grandparents, Carmello and Santa Ciatto. At Woodrow Wilson High School he played baseball and football, and wrestled. He was state champion in wrestling in his senior year and a member of the Football Hall of Fame. He worked at the Miners Memorial Hospital as store supervisor before his disability forced him into retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, attending ball games and spending time with family and friends. He loved animals and he was a Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6 a.m. shift dialysis patient. He is survived by two sisters, Connie VanBuren and husband, Vernie Sydenstricker, of Beckley, and Santina and husband, Sam Costanza, of Falls Church, Va.; nine nieces and nephews, Diane Law and husband, Alan, of Meadow Creek, Jamie Carr and husband, Marvin, of Grandview, Charlie Gillian and wife, Betsy, of Grandview, Mary Williams of Beckley, David Gillian and wife, Wanda, of Grandview, Pat Gillian and wife, Gail, of Martinsburg, Gina Matosian and husband, Joe, of Martinez, Ga., Laura Matheny and husband, Pat, of Fairfax, Va., Luci Clark and husband, John, of Oak Hill, Va.; nineteen great nephews and nieces and eight great-great nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends. Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Chapel in Beckley with the Rev. Eddie McNeely presiding. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Prosperity Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Willard Johnson, Bill Lilly, Charles Cernuto Sr., Mel Cernuto, Bob Maltempie, Tom DePolo, Danny Kincaid, Sammy Sparacino and Bill Peery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the Raleigh County Humane Society. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Zoe Anna Brammer Whitman, 79, of Pine Lodge, died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born April 26, 1923, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Oliver M. and Lottie Lilly Brammer. Zoe Anna was a lifelong resident of North Vance Drive. A 1941 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she was an accountant for 43 years, retiring from Simpkins and Associates. She was a devoted member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. Her loving husband, John Joseph Whitman, preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1997; and her sister, Wahnetta B. Murdock, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her dear sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Riley Baird of Warren, Mich., and their son, John Riley Baird and his wife, Yuri. Several people who were blessed to have known her also survive her: Her friend of 50 years, Mary Voloski and her husband, John, and their children, Mary, John, Joe and Tom; also Donna O'Neal, Norma Jean Davidson and Bruce Blankenship. A special thanks to Dr. James Farris who faithfully brought Zoe Anna Communion. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at the St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Father Perry Malacaman as celebrant. Entombment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. Zoe Anna's good friend, deacon Don Wise, will hold a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be John Voloski, Tom Voloski, Joe Voloski, Andy Moscarito, Leo Porreca, Robert Cannon, Mike Kosco and Carroll Simpkins. Honorary pallbearer will be Dr. James Farris. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, 614 South Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Edward L. Lilly, 57, [WWHS '63] of Grandview, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at his home following a long illness. Born July 17, 1945, in Beckley, he was the son of Evelyn Griffith Lilly of Beckley and the late Paul Lilly. Mr. Lilly was a retired employee of Consolidation Coal Co. and a retired employee of the Raleigh County Board of Education in the maintenance department. He was a member of Beckley Church of God. Besides his mother, other survivors include his wife of 37 years, Sheila Martin Lilly; a son, Edward Mike Lilly of Grandview; a daughter, Tresha James of Mooresville, N.C.; a brother, Daniel Lilly of Paris, France; and three grandchildren, Jared and Tiffany James and Trevor Pritchett. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Roger Lafferty officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Kenny Compton, Kenny O'Neal, Leon Bolen, Eddie Cochran, Frank House and Ronnie Morton. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Sidney Louis Fink, 88, of Beckley, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after a short illness. Born Sept. 20, 1914, in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Louis J. and Annie Wasserkrug Fink. Mr. Fink was a 1931 graduate of WWHS, was the retired owner/president of Hub & Vogue in Beckley, a member of Temple Beth-El of Beckley, where he served on the Board of Directors, and was the last surviving charter member. He was an active member and past president of the Beckley Kiwanis Club, past member of the Beckley Chamber of Commerce and member of Black Knight Country Club, Beckley Elks Lodge No. 1452 and Beckley Moose Lodge No. 1606. Mr. Fink served with the U.S. Army from 1942-1945 with the rank of staff sergeant, serving in the Quartermaster Corps, North Africa Theater. He was a stamp collector and enjoyed golfing and was a beloved and generous man devoted to his family. Mr. Fink had been a resident of Beckley for the past 86 years. He was preceded in death by a brother, Morie Fink. Survivors include his wife, Irene Besso Fink; his two sons, Dr. Kenneth Martin Fink and his wife, Connie Poynter Fink, of Huntington and Leonard Besso Fink and his wife, Marsha Smith Fink, of Beckley; his daughter, Molly Fink Herman and her husband, Scott Herman, of Silver Spring, Md.; grandchildren, Megan, Rachel, Addison and Ariel Fink; and two sisters, Ruth Fink Miller of Baltimore and Edna Fink Friedman of California. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, with Dr. Joseph Golden presiding. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 11 a.m. until time of service Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Sidney L. Fink to Temple Beth-El, P.O. Box 425, Beckley, WV 25802, or to the Beckley Area Foundation, P.O. Box 5092, Beckley, WV 25801-5092. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Eva Rahe Ferrell, 67, of Bradley, passed away Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, after a short illness. Born March 5, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Lydia Williams Brehm. Eva was a full-time homemaker. She was an ardent animal lover and, when able, enjoyed gardening and decorating. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, in October 2002. Survivors include her daughter, Eva Danette of Bradley; and her cousins, Sue Davis of Maple Fork, Norma Craddock of Dry Hill Road and Nancy Williams of Prosperity. Private graveside service will be Thursday at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. The family asks that for friends who would prefer not to send flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society in Fayette County at the following address: Citizens for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, P.O. Box 955, Fayetteville, WV 25840, Attention: Patti Payne. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. - Edith Bsharah, 76, [WWHS '44] died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003. She was born in Beckley and had been a resident of Beckley for 20 years, coming from Miami. She was an office manager with Marsh and McClennen Insurance Co. for 20 years. She also worked at St. Andrews Episcopal Church as an office volunteer. Ms. Bsharah loved to travel. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Louise Bsharah; and three brothers, Fred Bsharah, Phillip Bsharah and Lewis Bsharah. Survivors include a sister, Jennie Bsharah of Fort Pierce; two nephews, Andrew Bsharah of Beckley and Rick Bsharah of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and two nieces, Phyllis Bsharah of Atlanta and Jenine Baines of La Canda, Calif. Graveside service will be noon Thursday at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, with Father John W.T. Weise officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 210 S. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, and VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1111 36th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley
Janet L. Foreman, 56, [WWHS '64] of Beckley, died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, following a short illness. Born Feb. 17, 1946, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Harry A. and Irene Harvey Neal. She will be lovingly remembered by two daughters, Kelli L. Alpaugh and husband Jeff of Beckley and Kristi D. Collins of Beckley; a great-aunt with whom she resided, Inez Harvey of Beckley; friend and companion, James M. Smith of Daniels; special friend and father of her daughters, George A. Foreman of Rainelle; stepmother, Opal Neal of Beckley; two brothers, Harry H. Neal and wife Pip of Yorktown, Va., and Steve Neal and wife Barbara of Maple Fork; three sisters, Linda K. Allen and husband Bob of Prosperity, Diane Anderson and husband Ben of Prosperity and Cheryl A. Barker and husband Lonnie of Beckley; two grandchildren, Sarah Renee and Autumn Marie Collins, both of Beckley; and a host of family, friends and co-workers. Ms. Foreman was the general manager of Beckley Plaza Bob Evans. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Prosperity. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Rev. Ken Pritt officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Bobby Allen, Michael Allen, Stuart Anderson, Andy Neal, Jeffrey Neal and Jason Hackworth. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Russell Gene Smith, 65, of Hilltop View Drive, Beckley, beloved husband, father and son, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born July 27, 1937, at Abraham, he was the son of Lula Mae Todd Smith of Beckley and the late Russell A. Smith. Mr. Smith spent his childhood on North Pike Street in Beckley. An only child, he married at the age of 17 into a family of four brothers and three sisters who loved him as a brother. He returned to Beckley in 1956 from Philadelphia to operate a restaurant in the Greyhound Bus Terminal with his wife, Juanita, and brother and sister-in-law Howard and Alma Earehart. When the bus terminal was relocated, he became a ticket agent. He also was a driver for Quesenberry Bus Lines. In 1960, he began selling cars at Earehart AMC and Earehart Chrysler-Plymouth. In 1969, he went into business with Lawrence Comer and opened Smith and Comer Used Cars on Harper Road. In 1970, he and his wife opened Gene Smith Dodge in Sophia, which he sold in 1981. He then worked as sales manager at Howard Earehart, Beckley Toyota for five years. He then became the general sales manager for Mountaineer Buick, Pontiac, GMC and Acura, where he earned several high awards before his retirement in 2002. Mr. Smith faithfully attended the MacArthur Church of God Family Worship Center. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed going to Pendleton County with his father, son and brother-in-law Howard. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife of 48 years, Juanita Earehart Smith; a son, Larry Gene Smith and his wife, Jean, of Beckley; a daughter, Cindy Sessler and her husband, John Daniel, of Southlake, Texas; four grandchildren, Aaron Smith, Johnette, Jelayne and J.D. Sessler; brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard and Alma Earehart, Andy and Pat Earehart, Virginia and Artie Spencer, Linda Tingler, Betty Daniel and Norma and Bill Dakos; aunts and uncles, Sylvan and Thelma Todd of Mabscott, Melcena and Don Whittaker of Painesville, Ohio, Evelyn Mitchell of Parkersburg and Blanche Meritt of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the MacArthur Church of God Family Worship Center with Pastor Mark Schrade officiating and a eulogy by Tommy Lilly. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the church, where a memorial service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Pallbearers will be John Pack, Dr. Thomas Wilson, Dave Mollohan, Tommy Lilly, C.H. Mitchell and Scott Weber Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews and Kent Roop, Randolph Brooks, Boyd Humphrey and Howard and Andy Earehart. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Building Fund, MacArthur Church of God Family Worship Center, P.O. Box 99, MacArthur, WV 25879-0099, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern West Virginia, 623 Lee St. W., Charleston, WV 25339. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
TARBORO, N.C. - Joan Hatfield Hindsley, 85, died peacefully Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at The Albemarle in Tarboro after declining health. She was born Aug. 10, 1917, to Dr. David and Addie Hatfield in Yukon. After graduating from Big Creek High School, she entered Roanoke College in Salem, Va., at the youthful age of 16. She transferred and completed her teaching degree at Concord College in southern West Virginia, and became a certified educator qualified to teach numerous subjects. Joan enjoyed teaching English, music, and later special education at the high school level at Woodrow Wilson High School. From childhood through early adult life her recreational passion was music. She played both the violin and piano beautifully, and loved to sing and attend dances. While in college Joan met and eloped with John, her late husband of 63 years. She taught school until John graduated from college and was commissioned into the Army during World War II. During the war years, as a young officer's wife and the mother of small children, she was required to make several cross-country, solo moves. In 1946 the family settled in Beckley, where they lived for 50 years. Joan was a devoted mother of three sons and a valued member of the Beckley community. She was very active in the Presbyterian Church, where she filled many important positions to include being one of the church's first female elders. She continued to enjoy music throughout her life, playing piano, violin and hand bells. Joan was a trained Hospice volunteer. She was readily available to play bridge with friends. Both Joan and John were sports enthusiasts and regularly attended high school and college football, basketball and baseball games: "Go Mountaineers!" - often their cheer. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Europe and Korea. Many warm summer evenings were spent camping with her grandchildren and poodles. Joan and John moved from West Virginia to The Albermarle in October 1997 and joined in the many activities with their new friends. Joan is survived by her oldest son, David and his wife, Kay, of Fayetteville, N.C.; their second son, Pack and his wife, Janet, of Washington, N.C., and the youngest son, Scott and his wife, Cindy, of Whitefish, Mont. She also leaves six grandchildren and six and one half great-grandchildren. Joan's ashes will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bluewell. The family requests that any memorials be made to your charity of choice.
Thomas Garland Allen Sr., 76 of Beckley, died Tuesday, September 18, 2001, at his residence following a sudden illness. Born July 25, 1925, in Talcott, he was the son of Albert "Griff" and Amanda Maude Scott Allen, Sr. Mr. Allen was a school bus driver, having retired from the Raleigh County Board of Education after 18 years of service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Beckley and had been a resident of Beckley since 1936. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert R. Allen Jr. and Arnold E. Allen. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Evelyn Hess Allen; a son, Thomas G. Allen Jr., of Daniels; two grandchildren, Craig Allen and Miranda Allen, both of Beckley; and a great-granddaughter, Victoria Allen of Beckley. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B, Beckley. Friends may call noon until time of service Friday at the funeral home. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Margaret Lee Harper, 80, of Beckley, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003, at a local hospital. Born Sept. 21, 1922, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Kyle D. and Mary E. Ward Harper. Miss Harper was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and was retired from the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, D.C. She was a member of United Methodist Temple, Beckley. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Lyda Harper, Eileen Gadd Fleshman and B. Jeanette Dietz. Survivors include her brother, Kyle D. Harper Jr. of Beckley; a niece, Kristin Gadd of Mabscott; and a nephew, David Gadd of Los Angeles. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B, Beckley, with the Rev. Daniel B. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
EDGEWATER, Fla. - Charles William Burdiss, 81, went to live with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003. Mr. Burdiss, formerly of Mullens, was born in Beckley on July 17, 1921, the son of the late John William and Fannie Miller Burdiss. He was preceded in death by brothers, John, James and Fred; sisters, Evelyn Tucker and Francis Beaver; and his son, Thomas Lee Burdiss. Mr. Burdiss is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gertrude Davis Burdiss; a daughter, Carol Burdiss Miller and her husband, Gene, of Edgewater; two sons, Michael Patrick Burdiss and his wife, Patricia, of Mullens and John William Burdiss and his wife, Cela Burge, of Cape Charles, Va.; nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Mr. Burdiss served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served in Okinawa during World War II. He was employed at Peoples Bank of Mullens for 36 years, where he served in various capacities, retiring as executive vice president. He also served as a member of the bank's board of directors and was active in various professional banking organizations. He retired in 1986 and he left the board when he and Mrs. Burdiss moved to Florida in 1999. He was a 52-year member of Mullens United Methodist Church and was a member of Coronado Community United Methodist Church, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Mr. Burdiss was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Mullens and Mullens Moose Lodge. He served in various officer capacities with those organizations, including post commander of American Legion Post 106, 6th District commander and state vice commander of the West Virginia State American Legion. He was also a counselor for West Virginia Boys' State and served on the Oratorical Committee. Mr. Burdiss served as a public member on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Judicial Investigation Commission. He was an avid golfer, beginning as a caddy at Black Knight Country Club in the 1930s and finally scoring a hole in one at his home course, Twin Falls, in 1984. He was also an avid history buff, especially regarding the Civil War. Committal service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B, Beckley, with the Rev. Doug Mills officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Holiday Inn Restaurant on Harper Road immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in his memory to Mullens United Methodist Church, 118 Guyandotte Ave., Mullens, WV 25882. Family will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.
Christina N. Mitchem, 16, of 1105 S. Oakwood Avenue, Beckley, died Friday, January 17, 2003 at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley following a long illness. Born March 5, 1986, she was the daughter of Dawn D'Angelo Stephens of Beckley and Timothy Mitchem of Sophia. Christina was a junior at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley. Other survivors are two brothers, John Cody Stephens at home and Nicholas Dominic D'Angelo at home; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Judith D'Angelo of Beckley; and paternal grandparent, Frieda Mitchem of Whitby. Service will be 3 p.m. today at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Pastor Frank Meadows officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the National Diabetes Association in memory of Christina Mitchem. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
From the Register-Herald, April 1988: Albert R. Allen Jr., 66, [WWHS '40] of 114 Maplewood Lane, Beckley, died Friday, April 8, 1988, at 9:30 p.m. in a Beckley hospital after a long illness. Born Sept. 17, 1921, at Talcott, he was the son of the late Albert R. and Maude Scott Allen Sr. Mr. Allen was a retired captain of the Beckley Fire Department, a member of the First Baptist Church at Beckley and the Baracca Sunday School Class of the church, a World War II U. S. Army veteran, a member, past commander and past post adjutant of American Legion Post No. 32, a scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop No. 6 of the First Baptist Church for 25 years, a holder of the Silver Beaver Award, one of the highest awards for leaders in Scouting, and a member of the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America and the staff of Boy Scout Camp Roland at Bastian, Va., for many years. He was named Civitan Club Citizen of the year in 1983 and served for many years on the American Legion Cemetery Committee. He was an active leader for many years for Mac's Toy Fund's party. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Barney Allen; a daughter, Mrs. Sam (Barbara) Ratliff of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboron, N. C.; two brothers, Arnold E. and Thomas G. Allen, both of Beckley; and three grandchildren. Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the Calfee Funeral Home chapel at Beckley with Rev. Lance Yost officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Beckley. Friends may call today from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Beckley Fire Department, Boy Scouts and American Legion.
Norma Virginia Hulvey, 79, of Westwood Drive, Beckley, died at the home of her niece Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003, following an extended illness. Born March 29, 1923, in Garden City, Kan., she was the daughter of the late Carter Ford and Mary Gertrude Dedrick Hulvey. Miss Hulvey was a 1941 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She worked in the shipyards of Baltimore during World War II, but spent most of her life caring for her family. She was a volunteer at the VA hospital for several years, and she enjoyed walking and visiting with her neighbors. She was a great lover of animals. A sister, Eleanor Shrewsbury, preceded her in death. Survivors include nieces, Jane Anne Lawson and Mary Beth Lee and her husband, Blair; nephews, Tom Shrewsbury and wife, Kim, and Bill McCauley and his wife, Rita; great-nieces, Natalie Lawson and Erin Shrewsbury; and a great-nephew, Sean Lawson. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday at United Methodist Temple, Beckley, with the Rev. Daniel Johnson officiating. Friends will be received at the church one hour before service. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
AUSTIN, Texas - Ronald Lee Griffith, 65, formerly of Beckley, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003, in an Austin hospital following a long illness. Born Jan. 27, 1937, in Glen Daniel, he was the son of the late Harlie W. and Bessie Linkous Griffith Gunnoe and stepson of the late Robert Felix Gunnoe. Ronald attended Mount Tabor Christian High School and was a 1955 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 40 years, retiring from Giant Good Inc. of Maryland in 1992. He was a charter member of the Baptist Church in Camp Spring, Md. He had been a resident of Austin since 1999 under the guardianship of his brother Bill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara D. Griffith Vest, in 1996; and two brothers, John W. Griffith in 2001 and Bob Griffith in 1990. Survivors include two brothers, Bill Griffith of Austin and Roger D. Griffith of Beckley; and two sisters, June Gunnoe Green of Elk Park, N.C., and Linda Gunnoe Moses of Beckley. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Michael King officiating. Burial will follow in Davis Cemetery, Mount Tabor Road, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Kevin Griffith, Roscoe Porter, C.E. Huffman, Doff Huffman, David Christian, John Ed Griffith and Jerry Angius. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Forest Harold Goins, 66, [WWHS '55] of Piney View, died at 9:10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, at Beckley VA Medical Center, following a short illness. Born March 2, 1936 at Logan, he was the son of the late Alva and Erma Adkins Goins. Mr. Goins was a retired custodian for FMRS. He was Army and Air Force Veteran, Korean conflict. He was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita Goins Ayers; brothers, Robert Goins and Leon Goins; maternal grandparents, Bessie Adkins and Ernest Adkins; paternal grandparents, Edith Goins and Hike Goins. Survivors include his wife, Sharon Hansen Goins of Lanark; two sons, Billy Forest Goins and wife, Melissa of Lanark and Mark Moore and wife, Hope of Tucson, Ariz.; three daughters, Kimberly Goins Grant and fiance, Mark of Coinjock, N.C., Nanci Goins and fiance, Johnny of Lanark and Robin Goins Grose and husband, Jeffery of Lanark; two brothers, Toby Goins of Richmond, Va. and Dwayne Goins of Richmond, Va.; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Graveside rites and burial will be 1 p.m. today at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, with Pastor Cecil Smith officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Sophia-Midway Post No. 4326 Honor Guard. Friends called 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Allen Grant, Matthew Goins, Shane Goins, Johnny Jones, Jeffery Grose and Willie Willis. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
John D. Furrow, 42, of Beckley, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, following a sudden illness. Born July 25, 1960 in Beckley, he was the son of James L. and Ruby Williams Furrow of Mabscott. Mr. Furrow was employed by HAZMAT as an operating engineer. He was a member of the U.S.S.S.A. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, and was an avid softball player. He was a 1978 Woodrow Wilson High School graduate. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lonnie and Tellie Williams; and paternal grandparents, Ralph and Blanche Furrow. In addition to his parents, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Hariette Scarborough Furrow; two sons, Jason Jon Furrow and Jordan Furrow, both at home; four brothers, Jimmy Furrow of Nashville, Tenn., Willie Furrow and wife, Kim of Morgantown, Keith Furrow and wife, Terri of Cool Ridge and Eugene Furrow of Mabscott. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. F.D. Sexton officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Robert L. Harold, Brian Mooney, Steve Martin, Brad Hurt, Arthur Davis, Nick Fleece, John Parkulo, Tim Patterson, Spanky Francis, Bobby Tolliver and Paul Smith. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
LEESBURG, Va. - James Mathew Hudson, 84, formerly of Beckley, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, in Leesburg following a long illness. Born April 1, 1918, in Giles County, Va., he was the son of the late Robert Joseph Hogue Hudson and Esthal Willie McGraw Hudson. Mr. Hudson was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and later joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He played baseball in the Coalfield League of Southern West Virginia and basketball for Beckley College. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and was yeoman 1st class at the Bureau of Yards and Docks of the U.S. Navy Department in Washington, D.C. Mr. Hudson worked as a sheriff's deputy for the Raleigh County Sheriff's Department. He was a charter member of the Beckley Elks Club. He received a B.A. in business administration from George Washington University. He was an officer of Briggs National Bank in Springfield, Va. In 1973, he became vice president and controller of Peoples National Bank in Leesburg until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Hudson became executive director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross in 1985 and for many years he played in the Loudoun County Men's Softball League and he managed and coached ladies' softball and basketball teams. He was a member of the Washington Golf and Country Club. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Miles Hudson; three sisters, Lillian Leon Hudson White of Parkersburg, Virginia Mae Hudson Lodmell of Beckley and Evelyn Marie Hudson Elliott of Oak Hill; three brothers, Robert Ralph Hudson of True, the Rev. Charles Frederick Hudson of Beckley and Harold Lawrence Hudson of Barnesville, Ga. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Tommy Mounts officiating. Burial will follow in Calfee Cemetery, Mount Tabor. Friends may call one hour before service Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to someone; in this way you will honor Mr. Hudson's precious memory. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Lewis N. McManus, of Beckley and Charleston, a Raleigh County native who served his state as speaker of the House of Delegates and in numerous government and civic roles, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at Charleston Area Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 73. Born Sept. 8, 1929, the son of the late Joab L. and Mattie Ferguson McManus, he served six terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He was speaker of the House from 1971-76. After attending Beckley College for two years, he graduated magna cum laude in 1956 from Morris Harvey College. He served his alma mater (now the University of Charleston) as its 24th president from 1988-89. Mr. McManus devoted his life to improving his native state. He took a particular interest in education and youth, serving as president of the West Virginia Education Alliance (formerly the West Virginia Education Fund) and on the boards of the West Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges, Ohio-West Virginia YMCA, Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia Inc., the University of Charleston, West Virginia Graduate College Foundation, and the West Virginia Center for the Arts & Sciences. The organizations and communities he served recognized him for his public contributions. In August, Mr. McManus received the prestigious YMCA Spirit of the Valley Award, which recognized him for his lasting contributions to the community. Also honoring him for his service were the West Virginia Rehabilitation Association, Knights of Columbus of Beckley, Governors Moore and Caperton, Marshall University, the Lilly Family Reunion Association, and West Virginia Public Broadcasting. He also served in varying volunteer capacities with the College of West Virginia (now Mountain State University), West Virginia Graduate College Foundation, Theatre Arts of West Virginia, Raleigh County Mental Health Association, Citizens Scholarship Fund of Beckley, Sunrise Foundation of Charleston, Higher Education Interim Governing Board, and the Beckley Community Concert Association. Since 1978, Mr. McManus served as guest commentator for West Virginia Public Broadcasting during the last night of the legislative session. Lifelong friend Carroll D. Simpkins of Beckley said of McManus: "He had legendary diplomatic skills. He was able to function in the political arena in the most difficult of circumstances and do so without rancor." He was most appreciative to the people of Raleigh County for permitting him to serve them in government and as a community volunteer. Mr. McManus worked since 1990 as associate vice president of Charles Ryan Associates in Charleston. Previously, he served as special assistant to the president of West Virginia University, program officer for the Local Initiatives Support Corp., and executive secretary of the Public Employees Retirement System. He also worked as an insurance company executive in Beckley. Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the University of Charleston Wehrle B. Geary Auditorium and 2 p.m. Sunday at the John W. Eye Center at Mountain State University in Beckley. Melton Mortuary in Beckley is in charge of arrangements.
PARKERSBURG - Herbert L. Francisco, 58, lost his struggle with cancer at his home on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002. Born Feb. 11, 1944, in Beckley, he was a son of the late Charles and Lila Gunnoe Francisco. Mr. Francisco graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Beckley College and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. He served in the United States Army National Guard as a tank commander. He had been active as a Cub Scout leader and Little League coach for both football and baseball at Godbey Field. He remained a dedicated child advocate. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where he was active in the RCIA Program. He was employed at Marietta Memorial Hospital for 32 years. He was a devout family man and a loyal and loving friend who will be missed by all. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Washburn of Bradley. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Lois of Parkersburg; two sons, Sean D. Francisco and wife, Kristi, of Parkersburg and Jason R. Francisco of Charleston; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Sue Francisco of Beaver and J.C. and Charlene Francisco of Beckley. Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with Father David Huffman officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Marietta Memorial Hospital Fund, 401 Matthew St., Marietta, Ohio, or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 532 Market St., Parkersburg. Arrangements by Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg.
WEST HARWICH, Mass. - Lorene Adair H. Russell, 84, passed away at her home Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, following a long illness. Mrs. Russell was born and raised in Beckley. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Business School in Huntington. She worked in retail sales for 24 years and lived in Washington, D.C., during World War II. She later moved to Miami, Fla., at the age of 30 and lived there for 10 years. She married and settled in Medford, Mass., and West Harwich, Mass. Mrs. Russell lost her husband in 1982. He was a wool merchant on Summer Street in Boston, Mass., and was president of the American Wool Association. Mrs. Russell's activities and hobbies included needlework, embroidery work, playing bridge, and an innate wisdom in the fashion world and social graces. She is survived and greatly missed by her daughter, Donna Hennequin of HarwichPort, Mass.; two grandsons, Gary M. Hoffman and wife, Maria Czechut Hoffman, of Omaha, Neb., and Michael Hoffman of Clarksville, Tenn.; a stepgrandson, Bruce Hennequin of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and five great-grandchildren. A service celebrating her life is planned for the summer of 2003. Donations are suggested in her memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 270 Communication Way, Hyannis, MA 02601. Arrangements submitted by Coutinho-Boisse Funeral Home, Harwich, Mass.
Mr. E. Douglas Gilmer, 69, of Beckley, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, in Morgantown, of natural causes. Born April 7, 1933, in Rogersville, Tenn., he was the son of the late E.T. and Alice Hale Gilmer Jr. Mr. Gilmer was a 1951 honor graduate of WWHS and a 1955 graduate of the University of Tennessee. He then served with the U.S. Navy, earning the rank of Lt. JG., and returned to Beckley to work with his father in the Gilmer Insurance Agency. He was a 1968 graduate of Indiana University with a Master of Music in organ and voice. He afterward worked for the Wicks Pipe Organ Company in Highland, Ill., and in 1969 he returned to Beckley and joined the faculty of Beckley College and opened the Gilmer Studio of Music. Mr. Gilmer was the former organist and choir master at the United Methodist Temple and the Beckley Presbyterian Church. He earned a certificate of Colleague of American Guild of Organist and retired as instructor of voice and choir at Concord College in December 2001. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Betsy Roberts Gilmer of Beckley; two daughters, Michele Vanet of Clarksburg and Melinda Bland and her husband, Richard, of Beckley; a son, Eric Gilmer and his wife, Laura, of New Market, Md.; two granddaughters, Sydney and Coryn Gilmer of New Market, Md.; and two grandsons, Richard and Christopher Bland of Beckley. In keeping with Mr. Gilmer's wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the United Methodist Temple, Beckley, with Rev. Daniel B. Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the service hour Saturday at the United Methodist Temple. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of E. Douglas Gilmer to the Music Department of either the United Methodist Temple, 3871 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801, or the Beckley Presbyterian Church, 2230 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Lewis Edward Lee Jr., 41, also known as John "Joey" Ward, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born April 22, 1961, he was a lifelong resident of Beckley. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Concord College. He was a member of the MacArthur Church of God Family Worship Center, where he was involved in the Church of God Prison Ministries and was a member of the church choir. Lewis Lee is survived by his wife, Brenda Sodosky Lee, whom he married July 12, 1992; his parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sodosky, Barbara Gardner and her husband, Robert, R.T. Gardner and his wife, Julia, and Jennifer Atkinson and her husband, Brian. In keeping with his wishes, Mr. Lee has been cremated. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the building fund of MacArthur Church of God Family Worship Center, P.O. Box 99, MacArthur, WV 25873.
WHEELING - Robert O. Meador, 78, of Welty Apartments, formerly of Oakland Avenue, Springdale, Wheeling, died Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Wheeling. Born Sept. 30, 1924, in Beckley, he was a son of the late Mack and Thelma Dunkley Meador. Robert was a member and former elder of First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Wheeling. He was a graduate of Tri-State University with a degree in electrical engineering and was a retired electrical engineer, having worked 40 years for the former Wheeling Power Co. and American Electric Power, and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of the BPOE No. 28 of Wheeling, a former member of the Advisory Committee of Belmont Technical College and a former member of the American Right-Of-Way Association, having been named man of the year in West Virginia in 1976. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Ellen Meador; a grandson, Brandon Douglas Shriver; and a brother and a sister, Ralph and Thelma Meador. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Jeanette Wyatt Meador; two sons, Gary R. Meador and his wife, Mary Jane, of Wheeling and Douglas J. Meador and his wife, Jennifer, of Charlotte, N.C.; a daughter, Barbara Shriver and her husband, Edwin, of Carrollton, Ohio; a sister, Frances Meador of Beckley; four grandchildren, Kara, Mack and Cody Meador and Robert Shriver, all of Wheeling; and a great-granddaughter, Karlee Caldwell. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, 1343 National Road, Wheeling, with Dr. Bonnie Thurston officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling. Friends may call noon until time of service Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Wheeling Health Right Inc., 99 Main St., Wheeling, WV 26003. Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www. kepnerfuneral.com. Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Homes, Wheeling.
Caroline Gunther Sturgill, of the Mount Tabor area of Beckley, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Macie Mae Gunther. Mrs. Sturgill was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a lifelong resident of the Beckley area. She was a former employee of G.C. Murphy Co. and BJW Printers, and retired from the Raleigh County Board of Education with 19 1/2 years of service as a cook and teacher's aide. She was an active member of Mount Tabor Baptist Church and in her leisure time enjoyed southern gospel music. A son, Timothy B. Sturgill, a brother, Emory Clyde Gunther, and a sister, Arlene Gunther DeHart, preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Buster Richard "Buddy" Sturgill; a daughter, Tammy Sturgill Landy and husband, Nathan, of Beckley; a brother, Grover Aliff Gunther of Beaver; an aunt, Shirley Pettry of Beckley; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Revs. Jack Tankersley and David Trump officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Tabor Church Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be C.E. Huffman, Shane Huffman, Henry Pettry, Bob Watson, Bill Tilley and James Staton. The family may be contacted at the home of Tammy and Nathan Landy, 115 Albany Lane, Peaceful Valley Estates. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
CHARLESTON - Wanda L. Gravely, 77, died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at CAMC Memorial Division after a short illness. She was a homemaker and attended Boyd Memorial Christian Church, Charleston. Wanda was a volunteer for the Women's Auxiliary of St. Francis Hospital with over 30 years of service. She was born in Beckley. Surviving are her husband, Ray; a son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Kim Gravely of Charleston; brothers, the Rev. John A. Lares of Beckley and David R. Lares of Mullens; a sister, Christina Chervenak of Pennington, N.J.; and two grandsons, Chris Gravely and Stephen Smith, both of Charleston. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston with the Rev. John A. Lares officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to be made to The Women's Auxiliary of St. Francis Hospital, c/o Mary Williams, 333 Laidley St., Charleston, WV 25301 or The American Diabetes Association, 1221 Ohio Ave., Dunbar, WV 26064. Arrangements by Good Shepherd Mortuary, South Charleston.
COPPER HILL, Va. - Blaine Arthur Tanner, 82, formerly of Beckley, passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Copper Hill. Born Feb. 13, 1920, he was the son of the late John and Tessie Cline Tanner. Mr. Tanner was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where he was an All-State football player. He served four years in the United States Navy, then graduated from Morris Harvey College. He was the Mount Hope Junior High football coach for six years, losing only one game. He was then named head coach at Mount Hope High School in 1959, where his Mustangs shut out Woodrow Wilson High School three straight years, winning two state championships. He then accepted the head football coaching job at John Dickerson High School in Wilmington, Del. He coached two all-pro football players, Lonnie Warwick (Mount Hope) of the Minnesota Vikings and Randy White (John Dickerson) of the Dallas Cowboys. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lacy Shelor Tanner; a son, Blaine "Butch" Tanner; a daughter, Linda Cole; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Virginia Muskera of Bluefield; and two brothers, John and wife, Carol, of Beckley and Charles and wife, Freddie, of Huntington. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Floyd, Va., Presbyterian Church. Military rites will be performed by Floyd VFW Post 7854. Arrangements by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd.
Beckley dentist Dr. Kyle McCue Jarrell Jr., 80, of McLean Addition, Beckley, died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following an extended illness. Born Feb. 7, 1922, at 400 N. Kanawha St., Beckley, he was the youngest son of the late Dr. Kyle M. and Mabel Allen Jarrell. Dr. Jarrell spent his childhood on North Kanawha Street. A 1939 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, he attended Marshall University, where he received a B.S. degree in 1943. He was accepted at the Dental College of the University of Maryland, graduating in 1950 with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery. He began his private practice on South Heber Street, retiring after a career that spanned 50 years on East Main Street. A World War II U.S. Army veteran, he served in the European Theater in the 28th Infantry, Keystone Division. He was a Medic in the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, and was the recipient of three Battle Stars. He was a member of United Methodist Temple of Beckley, the American Dental Association, the West Virginia State Dental Association and the New River Dental Society, serving as its president in 1968. He was a past member of the Beckley Elks, Moose, Lions Club and Black Knight Country Club. He had been a resident of McLean Addition since 1954. He was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur P. Jarrell; and a brother-in-law, Lt. Col. Harold H. Smith, USA, ret. Survivors include his wife, whom he married on May 15, 1953, Betty Gordon Foster Jarrell; a sister, Eileen Jarrell Smith of Concord, N.C., and her children, Sharon Smith Hayes, Richard Alan Smith, Dr. Charles Gregory Smith and Dr. Harold Henkel Smith Jr.; his late brother's son, Kyle Victor Jarrell of Stone Mountain, Ga.; a brother-in-law, Emmett J. Foster and wife, Jan, of Longwood, Fla., and their children, Gregory Jay Foster and Linda Thomas. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Daniel B. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the funeral home. The family request donations of sympathy be made to United Methodist Temple, 3871 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley. [Corrections to this obituary were made on June 15, 2006]
Mary Pribich Slipkovich, 83, of Westwood Drive, Beckley, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at the home of her son in Nashville, Tenn., following a short illness. Born April 1, 1919, in Silvis, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Sam and Dora Sadak Pribich. Mrs. Slipkovich was a graduate of Beckley College and Concord College with a degree in teaching. She taught in the Raleigh County School system for 25 years, retiring from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1982. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and active in both local and state politics. She was a faithful member of the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church. Her husband, George S. Slipkovich, preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 1977. Survivors include a son, Dan Slipkovich and his wife, Lisa, of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Daniel Slipkovich of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Sam and Jacob Slipkovich of Nashville; nieces, Dora Scarfino of Troy, Mich., and Paulette Hess of Springhill, Fla., and nephew, David Pribich and family of Dallas, Texas. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox CHurch with the Rev. Father Samuel Haddad officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary, wherre Trisagion Prayers will be said at 8 p.m. The famly requests memorials be made to the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 211 South Heber Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Janice Plummer Burdiss, 64, of Sullivan Road, Glen Morgan, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born July 26, 1938, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late James Clifton and Mildred Keith Plummer. Mrs. Burdiss spent her childhood in Mabscott, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1957 and had been a resident of Sullivan Road since 1968. She formerly worked as a ward clerk for the operating room at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was a member of Tilden Community Church. A brother, Jimmy Plummer, preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Robert Bruce Burdiss and wife, Mable, of Glen Morgan and Richard Clay Burdiss II and wife, Angela, of Vincent, Ohio; a grandson, Joshua Burdiss; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Burdiss; a brother, Richard Plummer; and several cousins. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Ed Garten officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Mordorf Floyd "Mork" O'Dell, 70, formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, in a hospice unit in Fairfax, Va., after a long battle with cancer. Mr. O'Dell was born in Lynhurst, Va., on Nov. 7, 1932, the son of the late Joseph C. "Joe" O'Dell and Dixie Simms O'Dell. He spent most of his childhood in Raleigh County, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Michael of Sterling, Va., Mark of Mclean, Va., and Jerry of Sterling; seven grandchildren; four brothers, Ronald O'Dell and wife, Nada, and Gary O'Dell and wife, Rosemary, all of Beckley, Benjamin O'Dell and wife, Ella Jean, of Marion, Va., and Joseph William "Bill" O'Dell and wife, Suzanne, of Sterling; and five sisters, Joan Wells and husband, Herb, Betty Curtis and husband, Wade "Buck," Connie Brown and husband, William "Bill," and Wilma Phipps, all of Beckley, and Linda Allen of Daleville, Va. Floyd worked for Beckley Newspapers before going to the Falls Church area in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. O'Dell was an active member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Falls Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene B. O'Dell, on Jan. 21, 1974. Service will be at Murphy's Falls Church Funeral Home. Interment will be at Mount Comfort Cemetery, Arlington, Va. The family requests contributions be made to Hospice of Northern Virginia, 9300 Lee Highway, Suite 500, Fairfax, VA 22031. Arrangements by Murphy's Falls Church Funeral Home.
Lowell "Lolly" Erskine Walker, 75, of Johnstown Road, Beckley, died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Jan. 16, 1926, at Mabscott, he was the son of the late George Washington and Ida Lawrence Parker Walker. Lowell spent his childhood in Mabscott, was a 1944 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Beckley College. He was a U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in World War II in Germany and France. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and the Army Occupation Medal in Germany. Lowell retired from Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, State of WV with 20 years of service. He has been a resident of Johnstown Road since 1969 and was of the Christian faith. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 1606 of Beckley. Lowell was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Della Mea Walker; his second wife, Betty L. Walker; a grandson, Roy Erskine Walker; a sister, Vivian J. Fitzgerald and a brother, Gerald C. Walker. Survivors include two daughters, Vivian Crouse and her husband, Roy, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Carolyn Charles and her husband, Steven, of Sanford, N.C.; a son, Gerald Maxwell and his wife, Vicki, of Dunbar; three grandchildren, Christopher Crouse, Mary and Matthew Charles; a sister, Elizabeth Baker and her husband, Bill, of Beckley; and by many nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley. Burial will follow. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary Chapel. Those wishing to attend the graveside service, please meet at Melton Mortuary Chapel by 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
WELCH - Julia Gregory McGuire, 74, formerly of East Beckley, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, at Welch Emergency Hospital following an extended illness. Born June 24, 1928, at East Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Albert G. and Hattie Farley Gregory. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry Franklin and Sophia Hutchens Gregory and B.P. and Irene Farley; and a brother, Albert Gregory Jr. Mrs. McGuire was a WWHS graduate and attended Beckley College. She was reared in East Beckley and was employed by Farley and Gregory Grocery stores. After moving to Welch, she was office manager for a glass company, and her last employment was at Stevens Clinic Hospital at Welch. She was a member of the Hemphill United Methodist Church. Survivors include her loving husband, Frazier McGuire Sr.; beloved son, Frazier McGuire Jr. and his fiance, Sherri; a sister, Virginia Gregory Briguglio and a special nephew, Louis, with whom she made her home in the summer of 2002; special nieces, Maria and Jennifer Walters and other nieces and nephews in Florida; special friends, Thelma Reeves and Marilyn Raines, who assisted with her care while being in the home of her sister. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Douglas Mortuary in Welch, with the Rev. Patty Runyon officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Bluewell. Friends may call one hour before the service Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Douglas Mortuary, Welch.
Minister Charlie H. Johnson, 47, of Harper Heights went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002, following an extended illness. Born May 24, 1955, at Beckley, he was the son of Fannie Lee Gilbreath and the late Harry Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Church of God M.P.G. of T., where he served as a minister. He was a 1974 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Beckley College in Beckley and Appalachian Bible College in Bradley. He received a certificate from Hilltop Christian College. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Johnson; grandparents, Charles and Maymia Johnson and Yancy and Margaret Gilbreath; two sisters, Evonye Harris and his baby sister, Minister Emma Johnson; six aunts; seven uncles and several cousins. Survivors include his mother, Fannie Johnson of Harper Heights; two sisters, Jacquetta Johnson of Harper Heights and Harietta Johnson of Beckley; a brother, Otis Johnson of Columbus, Ohio; a niece, Tracie Johnson of Beckley; three nephews, Kenneth Johnson of Beckley, Otis Davis of Columbus, Ohio, Nichol Johnson of Columbus, Ohio; an aunt, Shirley Fox (Edwin Phoenix) of Boston, Mass.; and a host of relatives and friends. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Church of God M.P.G. of T. in Harper Heights with Pastor Ruby Berry officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church and one hour before service Saturday. Arrangements by Durgan Funeral Home, Beckley.
John Douglas Lusk Sr., 60, of Circleview Drive, Beckley, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Oct. 1, 1942, at Midway, he was the son of the late Vernal Haskell Lusk and Josephine Foley Stewart. Mr. Lusk spent his childhood in Shady Spring and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Air Force and worked in the coal industry for more than 15 years for Eastern Associated Coal at Bolt. He has been a resident of Beckley since 1974 and was of the Christian faith. Survivors include a son, John D. Lusk Jr. of Beckley; a daughter, Stephanie Lusk of Wendell, N.C.; and three sisters, Verna Ruth Wiley and Edith Jane Ellison, both of Columbus, Ohio, and Mary Ellen Holmes of Gallipolis, Ohio. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3110 of Oak Hill. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Eber D. Roush, 78, formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, at his residence. Born June 9, 1924, at Point Pleasant, he was a son of the late Homer Eber and Gertrude Roush. Mr. Roush was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley and worked for Clark Furniture and Beckley Hardware Co. in Beckley. He moved in 1959 to the Washington, D.C., area, worked as an interior decorator and was president of Roush Interiors, Inc. He furnished some of the most prominent homes in the Washington area reflecting the personality of the owner. He often said, "If you can recognize the room as mine, I have failed." He was a member of the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church and was a longtime member of the choir. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Davis and Peggy Roush of Ocala, Fla.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Myra Sue and Jim McVey of Huntington and Ellen and Pat Nickell of Buckhannon; three nieces, Ann Alyea, Beth McVey and Jane Ellen Nickell; six nephews, Ben Roush, Van Nickell, Wesley Nickell, Mark McVey, Phillip McVey and Scott McVey; great-nephews, Christopher Nickell, Eugene McVey, Andrew McVey, Jacob Nickell; great-nieces, Elizabeth Nickell and Grace McVey; and a special friend, Mary Jane Heyl of Washington, D.C. Service will be 1 p.m. today at the Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, Chevy Chase, Md., and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, 328 Sixth Ave., Huntington. Interment will be in Woodmere Memorial Park. Friends may call 2 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Gertrude Roush Scholarship Fund at W.Va. Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV. You may go online for the family guest book at www.klingelcarpenter.com. Arrangements by Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary, Huntington.
OAK HILL - Luther L. Scherer III, 63, died Friday, Nov. 8, 2002, at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, Ohio. Luther was born March 22, 1939, at Beckley. He was the son of the late Luther L. Scherer and the late Eleanor McCreery Payne Scherer. He was graduated from the class of 1957 of Woodrow Wilson High School and from Greenbrier Military School. He attended Western Kentucky University. Luther was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors include his brother, John Payne Scherer and his wife, Sharon Grant Scherer, of Beckley; a nephew, John Payne Scherer II of Raleigh, N.C.; a niece, Stephanie Scherer Smith and her husband, Sean Lee Smith, of Huntington; a great-niece and great-nephew, Marisa and Zachary Smith of Huntington; and cousins, Philip W. Payne and his wife, Nancy, of Beckley, E.M. Payne III and his wife, Susan, of Beckley, John Hamilton Scherer and his wife, Dorn, of Richmond, Va., and Sally Scherer of Raleigh, N.C. There will be a memorial service at a later date. The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, 129 Main St., Suite 509, Beckley, WV and to the American Lung Association of West Virginia, P.O. Box 1391, Charleston, WV 25325-1391.
Walter Jackson "Jack" Groseclose Jr., 66, of Clyde Street, Beckley, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Dec. 23, 1935, in Bluefield, he was the son of the late Walter Jackson and Mary Elizabeth Kersey Groseclose. Mr. Groseclose spent his childhood at MacArthur and was a 1954 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He worked as a general line supervisor for Appalachian Power Co., retiring after 41 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran and also served 33 years with the West Virginia Army National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He had been a resident of Clyde Street since 1992 and a lifelong resident of the Beckley area. He was a member of First Christian Church, Courthouse Square, Beckley, a former member of the Beckley Elks Lodge, the Isaac Walton League, and he helped organize the Mountaineer Rifle Club for Youth. Survivors include his wife, Doris Maria Hairston Groseclose; a son, Mark Bryan Groseclose and his wife, Tami, of Tucson, Ariz.; Doris' children, Michele Persinger of Beckley and Allen Persinger of Huntington; a brother, Richard Groseclose and his wife, Kate, of Naples, Fla.; and three nieces, Kim, Kari and Julie. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Bob Barley officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Sam Evans, Joe Rizzi, Jeff Franz, Jeff Staton, Kenneth "Bunk" Keatley, Robert "Bob" Davis, Don Walter and Naaman Williams. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Charles E. Godbey, 56, of Mabscott, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002, in a Charleston hospital following a long illness. Born July 23, 1946, in Beckley, he was the son of Glenna Phillips Godbey of Mabscott and the late Everett E. Godbey. Mr. Godbey was a heavy equipment operator, having retired from the West Virginia Division of Highways. He was an avid bowler, bowling in several leagues, and attended the former Calvary Baptist Church in Mabscott. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Angela Dawn Godbey; and had been a lifelong resident of Mabscott. Survivors include a daughter, Stephanie Elaine Godbey at home; his mother, Glenna Phillips Godbey of Mabscott; and a sister, Rita Pauley and her husband, Walker, of Pinch. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Rev. Jim Lough officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Keith Harden, Jamie Humphrey, Wayne Houck, Judd Stover, Victor Fitzwater and John Rock Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Martha Ann Parsons, 87, of 204 E St., Beckley, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002, at her home following a sudden illness. Born June 4, 1915, at Hanscreek, she was the daughter of the late John W. Hall and Ada Mae Miller Hall. Mrs. Parsons was a retired manager of Raleigh Laundry with 38 years of service and was last employed by Raleigh Motor Sales with 14 years of service as a sales clerk. She was a 1933 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where she played volleyball and basketball. She attended Beckley College. She was a member of Women of the Moose Chapter 822 since 1962. She was a member of the Laurel of Beckley, business and professional woman's club for 27 years and served as president and one year as state recorder. She was of the Christian faith. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Parsons, in 1961; four brothers, Herman, Mason, Calvin and Bob Hall; and two sisters, Ada Mae Conley and Hallie Edelin. Survivors include many nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Delbert Frazee and Evelyn Canaday. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Phil Combs of River of Life Church of God in Alderson officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Women of the Moose will conduct a special service during the funeral ceremony. Pallbearers will be Delbert Frazee, Mike Dorsey, Joshua Dorsey, Ray Ward, Raymond Foster and Pat Belcher. Honorary pallbearers will be David Basham, John Cletis Hall, John Basham and Mike Marion. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Connie Jean Campbell, 43, [WWHS '77] of Beckley, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002, in a local hospital of natural causes. Born December 20, 1958, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Edith M. Cumiford Fugate. Mrs. Campbell was a housewife and was of the Freewill Baptist Faith. She was a member of the Beckley Women of the Moose and a lifetime resident of Raleigh County. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Survivors include her husband, William B. Campbell; a son, William B. Campbell II and wife, Jennifer, of Crab Orchard; a daughter, Misti Campbell at home; a grand-son, Hunter Campbell at home; a sister, Linda Passal of Beckley; a brother, Roger Voies and wife, Judy, of Warrenton, Va.; two nieces, Amber Passal and Brianna Lewallen; special friends, Marita Via, Cindy Lilly Dutra and Janice Gunnoe; and many other friends. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gene Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. today. Pallbearers will be Derrick Tyree, J.K. Tyree, William B. Campbell, II, Travis Conner, Ronnie Roberts and Brandon Pack. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Gladys Mary Thabet Kourey, 74, of 119 Fairlawn Ave., Beckley, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, at her home following a long illness. Born Jan. 23, 1928, in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Tweel and Della Tweel. Mrs. Kourey was a homemaker. She was a member of the St. Stephens Episcopal Church. She lived most of her life in Beckley and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley College. She was a bookkeeper for her husband's business, J.G.K. Specialty Co. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, James Kourney; two sons, Ronald J, Kourey of Beckley and Daniel G. Kourey and wife, Sandra, of Centreville, Va.; a daughter, Patricia Frier of Beckley; and five grandchildren, Jack Frier III, Mary Leigh Frier, Lesley Anne Frier, Sean Kourey and Brett Kourey. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Very Rev. Adeeb Khalil officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
William James "Jim" Underwood Jr., 77, of Orchard Avenue, Beckley, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2002, at the home of his sister following a long illness. Born Oct. 12, 1925, in Raleigh, he was the son of the late William J. and Martha Fraley Underwood. Mr. Underwood was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley College. He was a well-known area businessman, having worked for New River Supply Co. and Heilig-Meyers Furniture Store. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Beckley. He served on the Beckley Sanitary Board for a number of years and was a past president and over 30-year member of the Beckley Lions Club. His wife, Rosemary Canterbury Underwood, preceded him in death on March 3, 1992. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Reid and her husband, Ronald, of Huntington; two brothers, Donald Underwood and wife, Jackie, of Parkersburg and Gary Underwood and wife, Karla, of St. Albans; three sisters, Joanne Halsey of Beckley, Betty Basham and husband, Richard, of Mabscott and Patricia McCormick of Mabscott; special friend, Gladys Lafferty of Beckley; his extended family of Blacksburg, Va., Helen Reid, Rich, Donna, Ben and Lizzie Oderwald; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. Gregory Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and one hour before service Thursday at the funeral home. Nephews and friends will serve as pallbearers. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Mrs. Annette Yvonne Treadway, of Matthews, became an Angel in Heaven, after being one on earth. After a courageous 5 year battle with breast, liver, and brain cancer, she went to be with her Lord on October 15, 2002, while she was in Florida visiting her mother and the beach she so dearly loved. Annette was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, WV in 1958, and then went on to become a Registered Nurse graduating from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Huntington, WV in 1961. In 1971, Annette, her husband and two daughters relocated to Matthews NC, so her husband could finish his 22 year career in the United States Navy at Camp Lejune and then the Navy Reserves in Charlotte. Shortly after moving to North Carolina in 1972 Annette became a devoted and caring nurse at Mercy Hospital Main, in Charlotte for over 30 years. She was dedicated to her profession and her patients. She loved working and taking care of her patients more than anything; even when she was on chemotherapy she pulled herself together and went to work to take care of others. Even at her weakest she wanted to be able to go back to work. She took care of her family most of all, never judging always prepared, always thinking ahead. Never once did she forget a birthday or special occasion; never did she put herself first. She did not want to leave this earth because she did not want to leave her best friend, her husband, Howard. Never once did he leave her side; he would pick her up and together they would face the next day. One day they will be together again eternally. Annette is preceded in death by her father Walter F. Walney. She is survived by her mother Ethel Yvette Walney, of Ocala, Florida. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband and best friend of 38 years, Howard A. Treadway; 2 daughters, who will try to carry on her caring and nurturing ways and live life with the memory of a beautiful and loving mother, Theresa Lynne Berry and husband Sam P. Berry of Indian Trail, NC, and Anita Craig-Bennett and husband David Michael Bennett, of Pineville; 3 grandsons she so deeply loved, R. Justin Craig, Christopher Lee Caston, and Robert Calvin Craig III (Bobby); 2 step-grandsons, Brikk M. Bennett and Ethan Gage Bennett; her sister who she loved so much, Rita Yvette Gwinn and husband Rex Randolph Gwinn of Taylor, SC; her nephew and oldest Godson, Timothy Lee Gwinn and wife Lora and their 3 children, Stephanie, Michael, and her youngest Godson Matthew, of Philadelphia, PA; nephews, Anthony Bryan Gwinn and Stephan R. Gwinn, and niece Michelle Yvette Gwinn, all of Taylor, SC; and many, many, many more brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friends. She will watch over each and all of you. The family wants to thank Dr. Mitchell and the staff at Piedmont Oncology in Charlotte, Dr. Tater and staff at Boman Gray at Wake Forest University, Munroe Regional Medical Center SICU, her nurse Diane and staff in Ocala, Florida, and all her friends who stood by her, Malinda, Judy, Nancy, Barbara, and everyone at Mercy Hospital she loved so much. Pallbearers will be David M. Bennett, Sam P. Berry, R. Justin Craig, Christopher Lee Caston, Robert Calvin Craig III and Brikk M. Bennett. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted from the Sanctuary of St. Gabriel Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m. Monday, with Father Richard Bellow, celebrant. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 4431 Old Monroe Road. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 500 E. Morehead St., Suite 211, Charlotte, NC 28202. Funeral Arrangements for the family of Mrs. Treadway are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail/Matthews. From the Charlotte Observer.