Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Page

Obituaries, Page 15

Melvin Richard Garten, 85, of Cabell Heights, Beckley, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 24, 2006. Born Oct. 10, 1920, in Terry, he was the son of the late Rev. Leslie A. Garten Sr. and Edith E. Miller Garten. Mr. Garten was a 1939 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and he was a life-long resident of Raleigh County. Well known in the automobile industry, Melvin was associated with Raleigh Motor Sales for over 45 years. He attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Beckley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by mother and father-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Blevins; brothers, Norman and Les Garten Jr.; sister-in-law, Melba; brother-in-law, Davis Snuffer; daughter-in-law, Gina; and son-in-law, Howard McKinney II. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 65 years, Anna Arla Blevins Garten; two daughters, Wilma McKinney of Roanoke, Va., and Sue Baldwin and husband, Bill, of Ghent; two sons, Larry Garten of Dandridge, Tenn., and Bobby Garten and wife, Sandy, of Beckley; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren; a brother, Edward of Beckley; a sister, Juanita Snuffer of Mabscott; two sisters-in-law, Iline Collins of Crab Orchard and Bonnie Garten of Summerville, S,C.; numerous nephews and nieces; and his faithful caregiver J.R. Ellison. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Bill Parker, his grandson Howard McKinney III and the Rev. Jim Lowe officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

GALLIPOLIS, Ohio - Mary Frances Sanna Jennings Harrison [WWHS '54] of Gallipolis, Ohio, died Thursday, March 23, 2006, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla., following a brief illness. Mary was a retired registered nurse. She worked the majority of her career at Pleasant Valley Hospital and at Holzer Medical Center. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing. She later received her B.S. in nursing from Ohio University. She was a member of the Gallipolis Emblem Club, Cliffside Golf Course, the Greedy Gals Investment Club in Gallipolis, and the Garden Clubs both in Gallipolis and Tampa. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Josephine Greco Sanna; her first husband, Thomas C. Jennings Jr.; her second husband, Donald L. "Don" Harrison; two brothers, Paul and Nick Sanna; a sister, Margaret Sanna Sizemore; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Sanna. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Jennings of Lawrenceville, Ga.; son, Thomas C. (Lorene) Jennings III of Tampa; four grandchildren, Gary, Kira, Cali and Alea Jennings; brothers and sisters, Leonard (Toni) Sanna of Palmdale, Calif., V.J. (Robert) Sanna Monarchy of Beckley, Samuel (Beverly) Sanna of Beckley and Barbara Sanna of Shady Spring; brother-in-law, Jack Sizemore of Beckley; and several other extended family members. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Louis Catholic Church with Monsignor William Myers officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home, 810 Second Ave., Gallipolis. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163. To send condolences, please visit www.timeformemory. com/whw. Arrangements by Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home, Gallipolis.

Alan Jay Holliday, 48, of Beckley, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006, in a local hospital after a sudden illness. Born July 24, 1957, in Beckley, he was the son of the late John L. Holliday and Peggy Carter Holliday of Beckley. Mr. Holliday was a 1975 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, was a member of First Baptist Church, Beckley, and a former member of Beckley-Raleigh County Jaycees. He was currently employed as an advertising executive with Lamar Advertising Co. and was a former insurance agent with Raleigh Insurance Agency in Beckley. Mr. Holliday was a lifelong resident of Beckley. Survivors besides his mother include his wife, Kathy Sheets Holliday; two sons, Alan J. Holliday II and his wife, Jillian, and Michael Cameron Holliday, all of Beckley; grandson, Tyler Alexander Holliday of Beckley; grandmother, Pauline Rand of Beckley; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Viola Sheets of Stephenson; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Jim Benedum of Bridgeport; and nieces, Jamie, Courtney and Kelsey Benedum. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Vondie Cook 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 sons Alan J. II and Michael Cameron Holliday and Jim Benedum, John Ball, Emmett Feijo and Rick Holliday. An online guest book is available at www.calfeefh. com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Miss Isabel M. Farris, 91, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at her home. Born Sept. 1, 1914, in Beckley, she attended Beckley schools and was a 1933 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was a member of the school orchestra and a cheerleader. As a lifetime member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, she served as a past grand regent of the Catholic Daughters. She was a partner in the Gus Farris Department Store where she worked for 65 years until the closing of the store in 1991. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed traveling. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Jamile Farris of Beckley; brothers, Felix P. Farris, Joseph F. Farris and Dr. Frederick P. Farris; and a sister, Alice M. Lynch, all of Beckley. She is survived by brothers, Elmer J. Farris and Dr. James T. Farris, and sisters, Helen C. Hayes and Evelyn A. Farris, all of Beckley; a sister, Florence M. Boisse of Manchester, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 24, at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, Beckley, with the Rev. Samuel S. Sacus officiating. Rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., led by the Rev. Mr. Don Wise. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. An online guestbook is available at www.calfeefh.com. Donations of sympathy may be made to your favorite charity in her remembrance. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Emma Lou McComas Meadows, [WWHS '58] age 65, of Locust Creek, died Monday, March 13, 2006, at her home. She was a retired school bus driver. She was born March 23, 1940, at Crab Orchard, the daughter of the late Retha and Anna Mae Cooper McComas. Her husband, Lowell Thomas Meadows, daughters, Kathleen Meadows, of Radford, Virginia, Terrie Gingery, of Enterprise, Alabama, and Denise Wirt, of Christiansburg, Virginia, and four grandchildren survive her. At her request the body will be cremated and there will be no services.

Dr. Thomas Lynn Bibb, loving husband, father and friend, 69, of Riner, died suddenly Friday, March 17, 2006 in Wytheville. He was the son of the late James B. and Mabel S. Bibb and was born August 18, 1936 in Beckley, W. Va. Dr. Bibb received his B.S. degree in Animal Science from Va. Tech in 1958, DVM from Ohio State University in 1962 and his M.S. in Equine Reproduction from Ohio State University, Veterinary College in 1966. He was a member of the American Veterinary Association, Virginia Veterinary Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners (President), Academy of Veterinary Consultants, Society of Theriogenoly, Virginia Beef Cattle Association and the Virginia Horse Council. Also, he was Advisor and Veterinary Consultant for the Dublin Feeder Calf Association, was Resident Veterinarian for the Pulaski County Stock Market at Dublin, a member of the Academy of Small Animals Ruminants and served as advisor to numerous youth organizations, including the United States Pony Club, 4-H, FFA, and Sheep Club. Dr. Bibb was also a member of the Lions Club and the Presbyterian Church of Radford, where he had served as a Deacon and Elder and was a member of the Advisory Board of the First National Bank, Riner Branch. Dr. Bibb chose to honor life by being an organ donor. The family takes great comfort in knowing that other lives have benefited by his gift. Also he requested to be cremated and returned to his farm. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Susan B. Bibb; a daughter and son-in-law, Diane L. Bibb and Patrick M. Johnson; one brother and sister-in-law, James B. Bibb, Jr. and Kathy Bibb of Saline, Michigan; and one niece, Susan B. Ekkens and her family, Michigan. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2006 from the Horne Funeral Home Chapel in Christiansburg. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Riner SubStation Fund, P.O. Box 176, Christiansburg, 24068, to the Riner Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 11, Riner, Va., 24149 or to The Conservancy, 490 Westfield Road, Charlottesville, Va., 22901. Online condolences may be made by visiting hornefuneralservice.com. The Bibb family is being served by Horne Funeral & Cremation Service, Christiansburg. [The Roanoke Times]

Marcelle Smith Mize, 89, of Beckley, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 18, 2006. Born Nov. 24, 1916 at Hot Coal in Raleigh County, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Anna White Smith of Stanaford. In addition to her parents, Marcelle was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Wilson Mize; grandson, Daniel DeMarchi of Talcott; sisters, Alma Smith and Nellie Sachs; brothers, Guy Smith, Roy Smith, Jimmie Smith, David Smith, and Ernie Smith. Marcelle is survived by daughters, Joyce Holdway and husband, Tom, of Woodstock, Va., Jane DeMarchi of Talcott; three sons, Benny and wife, Joyce, of Daniels, Henry and wife, Pearl, of Washington, W.Va., and William “Bill” Mize of Beckley. Also surviving are brothers, Martin Smith and Clyde Smith; a sister, Betty Scholl; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Marcelle was a 1936 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of the Beckley Regular Baptist Church. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, with Rev. Jason Naff officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Pallbearers will include grandsons, close friends, and relatives of the family. Friends may gather with the family from 12 p.m. until time of the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia in her name and memory, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. A wonderful group of people and may God bless them all. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is in charge of the arrangements.

On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, our father and brother and uncle, Jack E. O’Neill Jr., died in the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Beckley following a long illness. He was 58 years of age. Born Jack Edward O’Neill Jr. on Aug. 6, 1947, at Clarksburg, he was the son of the late Jack O’Neill Sr. and Martha Campbell O’Neill. Jack spent his childhood on Pine Street. He was a 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a graduate of Bluefield State College with a degree in criminal justice. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era with rank of petty officer. Jack began a career with the Beckley Police Department where he attained the rank of sergeant and was a city detective. He later moved to the state of Florida where he worked for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He returned to Beckley in 2000. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Donna O’Neill Hafer. He is survived by two sons, Shannon and Brian O’Neill, both of Sunrise, Fla.; a brother, Phillip O’Neill of Douglasville, Ga..; two nieces, Portland Obidzinski and Courtney Nicole O’Neill; and three nephews, Phillip Obidzinski, Brandon Jack and Phillip Patrick O’Neill. Committal service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Highlawn section of Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, with the Rev. David Trump officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Department of the Navy and Oak Hill Post 3110 of Veterans of Foreign Wars. There will be no visitation. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley. [Published Mar. 18, 2006.]

BLAND, Va. - James Melvin Smith, 83, of, 415 Valley View Lane, Bland, died Tuesday, March 14, 2006 in a Roanoke hospital. Born Nov. 8, 1922 in Beckley, he was a son of the late Luther and Annie Mae White Smith. Mr. Smith was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Water Tender and was a retired Mechanic with the Norfolk and Western Railroad. He was also of the Protestant faith, a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and the Michigan Technical Institute. Mr. Smith was also a frequent resident of the Hampton Lodge Campground in Coinjock, N.C. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alma C. Smith, two sisters, and four brothers. Survivors include: Two sisters: Marcelle Mize of Beckley and Betty Scholl of Green Valley, Ariz.; two brothers: Martin Smith and wife Eunice of Beckley and Fred Smith and wife Mary of Joppa, Md.; sisters-in-law: Mary Smith of Beckley, Billie Smith of Princeton and Janie Barnett and husband Ralph “Bud” Barnett of Bluefield; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Lillian Shuputnic of Norfolk, Va. Military graveside rites will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday March 17, 2006 from the Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Bluewell conducted by the Mercer County Veterans Council. Pallbearers will be friends of the family. Those wishing to attend services are asked to meet at the Mercer Funeral Home in Bluefield by 1:30 p.m. The family may be reached at the home of Janie Barnett, 300 Union St., Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory of Bluefield is serving the Smith family. [Bluefield Daily Telegraph]

STILES, Janet Lee (Nee Mills) Age 69 [WWHS '54] of Lebanon, OH died March 6, 2006. Visitation March 9, 6-8PM with funeral March 10 at 2:30 PM, all at Oswald Hoskins Funeral Home, Lebanon. Published in The Middletown Journal on 3/8/2006.

Evelyn Anne Stanley. On March 2, 2006, at 1:40 a.m., Anne Stanley left this world and entered into her Heavenly home where she was met by her husband, Waymon Stanley Jr. Born Dec. 14, 1922, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Evelyn Thompson. Anne was a 1941 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and worked in the dietary department at Pinecrest from 1971-1976 and was a cook for the Raleigh County Workshop from 1980-1990. She served a year as state president for the Military Order of Purple Heart Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband who passed away in 2003 and whom she married on April 29, 1942; her son, Charles Lafayette Stanley, in 1984; a brother, James A. Thompson; and her half brother, John Hartsog. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth “Anne” Stanley of Beckley; her sons, Chester Waymon Stanley and his wife, Lynn, of Bedford, Va., Aaron Patrick “Pat” Stanley and his wife, Cathy, of Lexington, N.C., and Timothy “Timmy” Randall Stanley and his wife, Hazel, of Fairdale; her adopted grandson, Waymon Lewis Stanley and his wife, Kathy, of Roanoke, Va.; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Special helpers who gave love and care are Betty Terry, Summer Miller, Brasta Griffith, Kathy Taylor, Sherry Adkins, Ramona Boggess, Wanda Marcum, Vicki Ashley and Linda Caddell. Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Mount Tabor Baptist Church with the Pastors Michael King and Pat Haynes officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Tabor Cemetery, Mt. Tabor Road, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Perry McKinney, Mark Parkulo, Frank Dameron, Dawson Davis, Everett Reece and Timothy Stanley. The family request that donations of sympathy be made to American Legion Post 32, 1708 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801, or the Military Order of Purple Heart, P.O. Box 3459, Baltimore, MD 24225-0459. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

John Bose Houck Jr., 77, of Foote St., Beckley, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, at a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Nov. 13, 1928, at Beaver, he was the son of the late John Bose and Vella Keith Houck Sr. Mr. Houck spent his childhood on Reservoir Road and attended Woodrow Wilson High School. He was a US Army veteran serving in the Korean Conflict. A plumber, he worked for Maxwell and Keyser Plumbing for over 35 years, before coming self-employed with Houck Plumbing, Inc. He was an active member of the Memorial Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and participated in the Living Christmas Tree for 17 years, he also was a Sunday School Director and loved his church family very much. He was an avid bowler enjoying bowling with the Men’s Major League on Tuesdays and Thursdays nights. A talented counted cross stitcher, he created numerous pieces that he loved to give to his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Pauline Wiseman Kosnoski and his father-in-law, Coda Wiseman and Adam Kosnoski. Survivors include his wife of 52 and 1?2 years, Patsy Wiseman Houck, their children, Beth Jarrell and her husband, Richard of Gainesville, Va. and Amy Dempsey and her husband, Randy of Kernersville, N.C., John Daniel Houck and his wife, Dee Dee of Beckley and David Coda Houck and his wife, Jessica of Gilbert. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie Houck, Elizabeth Houck, Cody Houck, Hannah Dempsey, Rachael Dempsey and Laura Jarrell and by a sister, Mary R. McAlister and her husband, Gray and a sister-in-law, Polly Legg and her husband, Bobby, all of Beckley. Many nieces and nephews.The family wants to send their thanks to the staff at SunBridge Pine Lodge for their care and compassion. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memorial Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Blizard officiating. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church. Pallbearers will be John Daniel, David and Cody Houck, Randy Dempsey, Richard Jarrell, Dr. Paul Legg, and Timothy Legg. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Keyser, Bobby Legg, Gray McAlister, Bob Kosnoski, Lee Hart and Bill Williams and Bill Sergent. Donations of sympathy can be made to the Jim Franklin Christian Life Center of the Memorial Baptist Church, 1405 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Betty Jo Kelley, 76, of Autumn Lane, Beckley, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born Feb. 2, 1930, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late James Hugh and Eva Virginia Ferguson Mahood. Mrs. Kelley spent her childhood in Beckley and was a 1948 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She studied nursing at the old Raleigh General Nursing School and last worked for Raleigh General Hospital with 38 years as a registered nurse before retiring in 1985. She was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church. She has been a resident of Wildwood House for the past four years coming from MacArthur where she lived since 1987. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard L. “Buz” Kelley on Feb. 1, 1999 and by a brother, James Thomas Mahood. Survivors include a son, James Paul Tindilia and his wife, Dorothy “Dodie” and their children, Christopher and Caela, all of Edgewood, Md.; his stepchildren, Lugene Kelly and his wife, Bonnie of Leslie, Sarah Henson and her husband, Randy of Suffolk, Va., Kathy Mimms and Donna Knapp, both of Chester, Va. Also survived by numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren and by a special friend, Genevia Lambert of Crab Orchard. Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley. Burial will follow in the Warden Cemetery at Skelton. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Virginia Rose Robertson Ramsey, 79, of MacArthur, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born Nov. 2, 1926, at Glen White, she was the daughter of the late Leonard G. Robertson and Glydus Daniel Robertson. Mrs. Ramsey was a homemaker. She was a member of Hollywood Missionary Baptist Church at MacArthur, where she was Sunday school teacher and a member of the Missions Circle. She was a 1944 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Stover and Mary Phillips. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Elmer Ramsey; a son, Richard Ramsey of Blue Jay; a daughter, Pam Ramsey of Charleston; brothers, Leonard Robertson Jr. of Valdosta, Ga., and John Russell Robertson of Apoka, Fla.; and two sisters, Wilma Rachel Campbell of Orlando, Fla., and Ann Bowyer of Titusville, Fla. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Robert Keaton officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Friday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

LORAIN, Ohio — Karen L. Molina, 55, (nee Foster) of Lorain, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at Community Health Partners and Surgical Center unexpectedly. Mrs. Molina was born in Glen Rogers on Sept. 12, 1950. After high school she attended Beckley and Concord College for two years. She was a para-professional employed by the Lorain City School Board. She enjoyed shopping, volunteering, traveling, reading and crafts. Mrs. Molina is survived by her husband, William Molina; daughters, Ashley Lawson of Lorain and Brenda Laws of Beckley; sons, Jason Molina of Chicago, Ill., and Aaron Molina of Cranston, R.I.; and brothers, Raymond Foster Jr. and Greg Foster, both of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Daisey (Fanning) Foster. Service will be 7 p.m. Friday at Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. Fifth St., Lorain, with the Rev. James E. Smucker, pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church, officiating. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com. Arrangements by Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, Lorain.

Linda L. Wisnewski, 54, of Beckley, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006. Born Jan. 13, 1952, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Hallie Wisnewski. Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Larry Wisnewski and wife, Debbie, of Beckley; nephews, Larry Wisnewski Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., and Billy Belcher and wife, Tracie, of Beaver; and great-nephews, Zachary Lilly, Evan Belcher and Ariel Dillon. Service will be noon Saturday at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley, with Pastor Phil Shields of Crab Orchard Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may gather with the family 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is serving the family.

William Clinton Baker, 60, of Beckley, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. Born March 23, 1945, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Elbert and Hattie Shepard Baker. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ella May Baker; son, Arron Baker of Scott Depot; brother, Wayne Baker and wife, Martha; sister, Barbara Laffery and husband, Beldon; stepchildren, Deborah Booker and husband, Harry, Brian Allen and wife, Robin, and Karen Kidd; stepgrandchildren, Sarah and Lauren Booker, Alshley, Christie and Christopher Allen, and Matthew and Keeley Kidd; and special friends, Gene and Dreama Wilfong. William was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended West Virginia Tech. He worked for Jo Lively, Beckley Coal for 19 years, and the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service for 15 years. William served his country in the U.S. Navy and the Navy Reserves. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hospice of Southern West Virginia for all their kind and loving care. The family has requested donations of sympathy be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802-1472. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, is serving the family.

William Ray Sigmund, graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and West Virginia University, served as an officer in the Army during the Korean War. President of Sigmund-McLean and Associates, member of Beckley Board, United National Bank. Past chairman and member of the West Virginia State Board of Risk and Insurance Management, secretary-treasurer of Stanaford Acres Inc. Former member and senior warden of the Vestry of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, sang in choirs for over 50 years, member and past president of Beckley Lions Club, member and past president, Beckley Board of Realtors, member of Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce and member of WWHS Football Hall of Fame. He was one of the developers of Woodcrest, Stanford Acres, 014 Mill Village and Landmark developments in Raleigh County. Survived by his beloved wife, Sharron; a son, Dr. William Sigmund of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a daughter, Rebecca L. Sigmund of Atlanta, Ga.; a stepson, Richard Sallaz of Winchester, Va.; a stepdaughter, Kristie Sallaz of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandchildren, Andrew M. Sigmund, Lindsay M. Sigmund, William Colin Sigmund and Rossen A. Sigmund; a brother, Jim Sigmund and wife, Janice, of Columbus, Ga. Cremation remains in the St. Stephens Episcopal Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Stephens Episcopal Church or the William, Ray and Elsie Sigmund Family Fund through the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Visitation will be 9 to 10:45 a.m. and burial rites service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia St., Beckley. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Carolyn Sue Conner, 55, of Hinton, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at her home, following a short illness. Born at Bluefield on Feb. 24, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Myra Shumate of Crab Orchard and the late Warren C. Shumate. Mrs. Conner was a 1967 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and was a graduate of Beckley College. She was a secretary for the West Virginia Historical Drama Association and worked with Ewel Cornett, Charles Goddard, and Kathleen Bair in helping usher in the premier season of “Hatfields and McCoys.” She also worked for the Salem Academy for Girls in Winston- Salem, N.C., Central Printing in Beckley, and was a legal and medical secretary. The last years of her life she was a homemaker. She was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Stanaford. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Constance Raechelle Conner; and her brother, Warren C. Shumate, Jr. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Conner; her son, Jared Conner of Hinton; one sister, Sheila Allen and her husband Jerry “Duke” Allen of Easton, Pa.; two brothers, David Shumate and wife Vicki of Indialantic, Fla., and Richard Shumate of Beckley; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Bishop Todd Matson officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity. Friends may call from 6 until 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be John Yost, Michael Mays, Jeremy Harris, Thomas Treadway, and members of the Elders Quorum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley.

John George, 63, of Beckley, died at his residence Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, following a long illness. Born June 24, 1942, at MacArthur, he was the son of the late David and Laura Eden George. Mr. George was a disabled coal miner, having last worked for Beckley Coal Co. He was a member of the UMWA and attended the Church of God Family Worship Center. He was a lifetime resident of Raleigh County. He was preceded in death by a son, Johnny George; grandson, Travis Haley; brother, David George; and two sisters, Elizabeth George and Josephine Rickan. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Thompson George; two daughters, Taresa Grear and her husband, Renn, of Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Lisa Ahmed and her husband, Mark, of Daytona Beach, Fla.; a son, Jeffrey George and his wife, Tayna, of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandchildren, Dakota and Stevie Grear, Sarah Ahmed, and Chenay, Tosha and Joshua George; and three sisters, Mary Farmer of South Carolina, Angelie Black and her husband, Fred, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and Lillian Adkins and her husband, Robert, of Beckley. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Church of God Family Worship Center, 224 Pinewood Drive, Beckley, with Pastor Mark Schrade officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call two hours before service Saturday at the church. Pallbearers will be Mark George, Allen Thompson, Clyde Black, Jackson George, Mark Ahmed, Renn Grear and Don Davis. Memorial contributions may be made to Fishes and Loaves Food Ministry, c/o Church of God Family Worship Center, 224 Pinewood Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Eugene Ray Foster, 80, of Beckley died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, at his home after a short illness. He was born June 30, 1925, in Beckley, the son of the late James G. Foster and Dora Taylor Foster. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and served in the 233rd Army Air Force Base Unit during World War II. Upon his return, he received a B.S. degree in business administration from West Virginia University. He also attended the West Virginia School of Banking and the American Institute of Banking. Mr. Foster served as executive vice president of Beckley National Bank until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Foster was a member of First Baptist Church, Rotary International and was a 32nd degree Mason. Mr. Foster was a past president of the Beckley0Raleigh County YMCA, past exalted ruler of the Beckley Elks Lodge and past director of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce. He was a former board member of the following organizations: Beckley National Bank, Mountain National Bank, Southern Bank Shares, Women’s Resource Center and Appalachian Regional Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James Garfield Foster, Robert “Bob” Foster, George Edward “Ed” Foster and Joseph “Jack” Foster; and his sister Lucille Porter. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite Wyatt Perdue Foster; his son Richard Foster and wife, Mary Ann, of Beckley; his stepson John Perdue and wife, Beverley, of Kingsport, Tenn.; his stepdaughter, Paula Poe and husband, J.D., of Kingsport; grandchildren Dylan Foster, Evan Foster, Greg Perdue, Melissa Simmons and David Poe; great-grandchildren, Erica Simmons, Jack Simmons and Lily Perdue; and his sister, Mary Virginia Lawrence of Winter Park, Fla. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. Philip Smith officiating. Friends may call noon until time of service Thursday at the mortuary. The family request that donations of sympathy be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia Inc., P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Jerry Wayne Handley ('64). No obituary is available but the following information was found by Elouise Hughes, doing genealogical research. Mr. Handley was born on Nov. 2, 1946, and died on Oct. 7, 2005, according to the Social Security death index. His last benefit check was mailed to Elkins. He apparently had been receiving disability. His last known address according to a public directory was 118 Evans Dr, Elkins WV 26241, 304-636-9866. He was survived by twin, Terry Lee Handley, of 563 Canterbury Dr, Beckley.

SHADY SPRING - Shirley E. Handley, 57, of Shady Spring died May 10, 1999, at home after a long illness. She was a homemaker and a member of Sprague Freewill Baptist Church. Surviving: husband, Jerry Wayne Handley; sons, Robert of Bradley, Danny of Wilson, N.C., Randy of Old Ford, N.C.; mother, Ethel Adams Way of Sprague; brothers, Robert Way of Medina, Ohio, Bill Way of Sprague, Jimmy Way of Beckley, Johnny Way of Crab Orchard, Jerry Way of Easley, S.C.; six grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Sprague Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Fred Lovell officiating. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Blue Ridge Funeral Home and one hour prior to service at the church. [Charleston Gazette. Note that Shirley was the wife of a different Jerry Wayne Handley, whose obituary is on page 11.]

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Edward Boyd, 84, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2005. Born in Beckley, he was the son of the late Robert Alexander Boyd and Eva Marie Boucher Boyd Dutcher. He was a 1939 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley and received the Golden Eagle Award recognizing outstanding alumni in 1989. At 19, Don Boyd became the youngest member to join Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra. He was featured on jazz trombone. One year later he joined the Harry James Orchestra where he remained until he was called into the Army Air Force Special Services during World War II. He spent three years directing, arranging and playing for USO shows in the Pacific area. After discharge from the service he played with the Les Brown Orchestra for one and a half years. He remained in New York free-lancing with various artists. He accepted a position as trombonist and arranger at Lou Walters’s Latin Quarter (Barbara Walters’s dad). It was there he met his wife of 55 years, Bette (Sherry), who was a featured vocalist, dancer and assistant choreographer. Don and Bette returned to Beckley where they formed and operated the Don Boyd Orchestra along with choir directing at United Methodist Temple, while arranging and teaching for 28 years. They had two children, Norree and Donny, both music majors. The Boyds have lived in Columbia since 1977. Mr. Boyd wrote music arrangements for various colleges, universities and jazz bands locally and internationally. He performed in South Carolina with Don Boyd and Friends, the Helms-Boyd Orchestra and solo piano at many area restaurants, private clubs and functions. Don Boyd and Friends was often a favorite band at the Fort Jackson Officers’ Club. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Bette Cherry Boyd; daughter, Norree Boyd-Wicks and her husband, Philip, of Nashville, Tenn.; son, Don Boyd and his wife, Linda, of Columbia; grandson, Jason Boyd of Columbia; and nieces, Jeannie Gault of Portsmith, Ohio, and Anne Marie Decantis of Orlando, Fla. The family will receive friends 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the National Humane Society. A celebration of Mr. Boyd’s life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Spring Valley Baptist Church.

Kenneth Lee “Booney” Borders Jr., born April 17, 1961, through the union of Kenneth and Lucy Borders, departed this earthly realm on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005. His earthly journey ceased after the passing of his paternal grandparents, Foster and Mary Borders; maternal grandparents, Tom and Bessie Jones; uncles, Foster Jr., Lenzie, Sammy, Augustus, Bill, Clinton, Cornelius, Henry, Paul and Tracy; aunts, Ana, Juanita and Oralee; and cousins, Anthony, Anthony Ray and Mary. Immediate survivors include his son, Charles; his parents, Kenneth and Lucy; brother, Franklin; and sisters, Debra, Gloria, Sharon and Stephanie. Additional survivors include six nieces, Joneece, Kathy, Miranda, Moneece, Nicole and Renee; three nephews, Byron, Frank-ie and Jonathan; three great-nieces, Chesney, Karrington and Kennadi; and two great-nephews, Donovan and Josh-ua. Other survivors are uncles, Lawrence and Loraine Jones; aunt, Mattie Walters of Beckley; uncle, Henry Jones and aunt, Patricia Irvin, of Columbus, Ohio; uncle, Chico Franklin; aunts, June Franklin, Louise Outlaw and Roberta Borders in Cleveland, Ohio; uncle, Gene Borders; aunts, Melvina Borders, Marie Borders and May McClain of Cincinnati, Ohio; aunt, Katherine Penn of Canton, Ohio; uncle, Alfred Borders; aunt, Lilly Borders in Fairborn, Ohio; numerous cousins; and special friend, Mary Lomax. An avid interest in basketball from the time he was a toddler led him to become a star player with the Woodrow Wilson High School Flying Eagles. He initially began honing his skills starting at Piney Oaks Elementary School before progressing on to Park Junior High School. He also participated in football, playing for the East Beckley Wildcats as a youth. The humble, gentle, loving Kenneth Jr. was an excellent worker until his physical health prevented him from being so. Prior to that, he had worked at Beckley Newspapers, where he was supervisor of production, Cracker Barrel, where he received numerous awards, and K&W. Final rites for Kenneth Jr. will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Temple with the Rev. Walter Leach officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Tuesday at the church. Services entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Bobby J. Dickens, Jr., “B.J.,” born Nov. 2, 1986, left this world to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 9, 2005. He is survived by his mother, Vicky, and stepfather, David Sturgill, of Beckley; his father, Bobby J. Dickens, Sr., and stepmother, Ruth Dickens, of Pemberton; sister, Carla and her husband George, and their daughter, Alexandria Pierce, of Virginia Beach, Va., and her son, Brian Mann of Coal City; his sister, Cristel and her husband James Clark of Welch; his stepsister, Michelle Sturgill, and her two sons, Trey and Alex of Salisbury, N.C.; his stepsister, Alisha Hannah, and her son, Caleb, of Sophia; his stepsister, Kim Long, and her two daughters, Felicia and Jessica Smallwood of Beckley; his stepbrother, Scott Long, and his son, Tobias, of Beckley; stepgrandparents, JoAnn Sturgill of Coal City and Robert and Margaret Holmes of Coal City; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his special friend, Seth Adams. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bud Kiblinger of Daniels and Margaret Kiblinger of Crab Orchard; his paternal grandparents, Dempsey Dickens and Bernice Dickens, both of Arnett; a uncle, Kenneth Dickens of Beckley; and stepgrandfather, Lawrence Sturgill of Coal City. B.J. was a very caring and sensitive person, who never met a stranger. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his bicycle. He was due to graduate from Woodrow Wilson High School in June of 2006, where he was a member of the ROTC, and was enrolled in a Vo-Tech welding course, which he enjoyed very much. He was also a member of the Cranberry Baptist Church, and enjoyed working with the Sophia Volunteer Fire Department. Friends may gather with the family from 6 until 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Roger E. Pauley and Dennis Haga officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Bobby’s cousin, Randy Pettry, will sing a special song for B.J., and the Blankenships will also be singing. Brian Keith, Bobby’s nephew, will be releasing the doves. Jimmy Linkswiler, Seth Adams, Jeffery Perdue, Joey Murdock, Fred Bonds, and Brandon Williams will be serving as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, is serving the family.

Rita Pietrantozzi Richmond, 62, of Scott Ridge Road, Beaver, died Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, at home following a long illness. Born March 21, 1943, at Portsmouth, Va., she was the daughter of the late Dido Pietrantozzi and the late Andril Torrico Pietrantozzi. Mrs. Richmond was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1961, where she served as class president. She attended Beckley College. Mrs. Richmond was a homemaker, a former administrative assistant at BJW Printing and Office Supplies, and a former service coordinator at Raleigh General Hospital. She also served for many years as a volunteer at the hospital. Mrs. Richmond was a member of Grandview Christian Church for more than 40 years. She served as president of the Christian Women’s Fellowship and director of Vacation Bible School. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Ronald Richmond. Other survivors include her two sons, Dr. Brian Richmond and wife, Linda, of Charleston and Eric Richmond and wife, Carrie, of Racine, Wis. Three beloved grandchildren also survive her, Hailey Richmond of Charleston, and Samuel and Gabriel Richmond of Racine. Mrs. Richmond is also survived by her only brother, Gene Pietrantozzi and wife, Susan, of Glenview. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastors Oscar Schwitzerlette and Terry Newton officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the Grandview Christian Church Building Fund, c/o Grandview Christian Church, 185 Table Rock Road, Beaver, WV 25813. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, is serving the family.

Shirley Ann Simms, 68, of Mabscott, passed away Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, at her home after a long illness. Born Feb. 21, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Gertrude Gates of Crab Orchard. Mrs. Simms retired from the West Virginia Employment Service. She was a lifelong resident of Raleigh County and a member of Church of God Family Worship Center and was active in Senior Friends, Well I’ll Be, Senior Church Choir and Commission on Aging. She was preceded in death by both her parents; a sister, Linda Gates of Lexington, Ky.; and husband, James S. Simms of Beckley. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Kathy Pannell of Prosperity, Susanne Simms of Beckley and Danny Simms of Beckley; her brothers, Charles Gates and wife, Nita, of Blountsville, Tenn., and Bill Gates of Rhode Island; a stepbrother, Orvale Gates and wife, Shirley, of Appalachia, Va.; her grandchildren, Michael Pannell, Billy Pannell II, Carrie Pannell and Ashley Simms, all of Beckley; a great-grandchild, Anthony Pannell of Beckley; and many nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome. com. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Family Worship Center, Pinewood Drive, Beckley, with Pastor Mark Schrade officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Visitation will be one hour before service Sunday at the church. The family will accept flowers; however, a contribution may be made in memory of Shirley to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is serving the family.

Janet E. Bennett Grecco, 66, formerly of Bradley, died at 11:10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, after a long illness in Pinecrest Hospital nursing home, Beckley. She was born Oct. 25, 1939, at Mount Hope, the daughter of the late John Manuel “Pete” Bennett and Virgie (Suttle) Bennett of Bradley. She grew up at Skelton and lived most of her adult life in the Bradley/ Beckley area. Janet was a 1958 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Beckley College. After 10 years in Waldorf, Md., she was employed by Raleigh County National Bank in Beckley in 1973 as a secretary in the trust department where she eventually worked herself up to become the assistant trust officer. Janet was a member of Bradley Freewill Baptist Church and the American Institute of Banking. She loved the outdoors, gardening, oil painting, pencil sketches and ceramics. She was also a past member of the Beckley Art Guild. She was preceded in death by her father, John Manuel “Pete” Bennett. In addition to her mother, Virgie Suttle Bennett, she is survived by a son, Carl D. Grecco of Beckley and friend, Melissa Mullins; a daughter, Cheryl Ballard and her husband, Scott, of Beckley; six sisters, Linda and her husband, Paul Martin, of Beckley, Pat and her husband, Jim Tomczyk, of Knoxville, Tenn., Helen and her husband, Don Farley, of Sophia, Ellen and her husband, Jerry Dean, of Knoxville, Sandra and her husband, David Allen, of Shady Spring and Bobbie and her husband, Dennis Humphrey, of Beckley; a brother, Charles and his wife, Maxine Bennett, of Bradley; and two grandchildren, Ryan Ballard and Tre Ballard of Beckley. She is also survived by father of her children, Fred Grecco of Beckley; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and her many friends. Janet will be remembered as a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to those of us who knew her. In keeping with her wishes, Janet’s body was donated to WVU for medical research. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Bradley Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Daniel Legg officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charities of your choice, to Bradley Freewill Baptist Church, to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Gideons International, c/o A.K. Walker, 517 Orchard Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Submitted by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Crystal Dawn Atkinson, 24, of Beckley, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, following a sudden illness. Born July 10, 1981, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Larry V. Atkinson of Naples, Fla., and Debbie Stone of Skelton. Crystal was a 1999 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Vernon R. Atkinson. Those left to cherish her memory are her three-year-old daughter, Ciera Nicole Evans and her father, Denver R. Evans of Beckley; grandmother, Marie Atkinson of Beckley; sister, Carla Massey of Fayetteville; nieces, Chelsea D. and Haley M. Massey of Fayetteville; her mother’s companion, John Ward of Skelton. She will also be missed by several other family and friends, including a special friend, Jill Adams of Beckley. Service will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with Brother Dennis Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, Beckley.

FAIRFAX, Va. - Agnes Baldwin Whitener, 75, formerly of Beckley, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, from a stroke at Fairfax Hospital. Born Nov. 28, 1930, to Bernice Marie Wright Baldwin and John Milton Baldwin in Matoaka, she moved to Beckley in 1930. Agnes graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley and received her B.A. in instrumental music with a minor in English with honors in 1952, and her M.A. in education from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. She married Carr C. “Jack” Whitener, who was in the Air Force, in 1952. She lived in Biloxi, Miss., Honolulu, Hawaii, Sacramento, Calif., Yokota Air Base (near Tokyo, Japan), Syracuse, N.Y., Albuquerque, N.M., and Springfield, Va. In 1970, her husband was stationed at the Pentagon, and they remained there until her death. Mrs. Whitener taught intermediate school English and high school band in Albuquerque and English at Yokota Air Base, Japan. In 1970, she became an orchestra teacher for Faixfax County public schools. Her orchestra won top honors in Fairfax County. At Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, the orchestra grew from two students to over 50 musicians. In addition, she held annual children’s concerts for hundreds of area preschool and kindergarten children whom she called “Lollipops.” Her brother, Jon Karl Baldwin of Beckley, helped with this as “Captain Lollipop.” For many years Agnes served on the board for the National School Orchestra Association. She was a violinist for the Fairfax Symphony. A member of Springfield United Methodist Church for 35 years, Agnes enjoyed singing in the church choir. She was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque and assistant scout leader in Springfield. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Carr C. Whitener (lieutenant colonel, USAF, retired); two daughters, Jill Laurie Campbell (Edward) of Glendale, Ariz., and Robin Diane Whitener Wilkins (Ken) of Atlanta, Ga.; five grandchildren, Christopher Earl Campbell, 20, and Tiffany Marie Campbell, 17, of Glendale, and Katherine Diane Wilkins, 18, Daniel John Whitener Wilkins, 12, and David Carr Choate Whilkins, 4, of Atlanta. Her loving sister, Norma Jean Baldwin Davidson, recently deceased, lived in Beckley. Memorial service will be today at Springfield United Methodist Church. Burial will be 2 p.m. Monday at Arlington National Cemetery. Fairfax Funeral Home is serving the family.

ARCHDALE - Ira Shannon Evans, 31, of 100 Linda Drive, went to be with the Lord Savior Nov. 28, 2005, at High Point Regional Hospital. He was born Aug. 6, 1974, in Beckley, W.Va., a son of Ira Wesley and Patrica Evans. A resident of High Point since 1990, he graduated from Ragsdale High School with the Class of 1992. He was a member of the High Point Christian Center. On Nov. 25, 1998, he married Tiffany Edwards, who survives of the home. Also surviving are one daughter, Hannah Lynn Evans; his parents, Ira Wesley and Patricia Evans of 213 Robin Circle; grandparents, Elsie Evans of Beckley, W.Va., and Bill and Betty Johnson of Beaver W. Va.; and three sisters, Angela Wilson and husband Roger of Jacksonville, Fla., Bobbi Glass and husband Douglas of Trinity, and Jodi Howard of Aiken, S.C. Funeral will be held at noon Thursday at Sechrest Family Funeral Care Chapel, Archdale, by the Rev. Darrell Green. Interment will be in Floral Garden Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service and other times at the home of the parents, 213 Robin Circle, Archdale. [Shannon Evans attended WWHS and BJHS. He graduated from High Point.]

In the early morning hours Friday, Nov. 4, 2005, Zina Elizabeth Morton Davis James [WWHS '83] took her flight and left these mundane shores and entered the Celestial City of Heaven in the quietness of her home beside her beloved husband, Tom, in Harper Heights. Zina was born in Beckley, at Raleigh General Hospital. Zina was baptized at an early age by her father, the Rev. R.D. Morton. She was a former member of Central Baptist Church where she sang in the Youth Choir. Zina enjoyed singing, dancing, playing pranks and laughter. Zina was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a cheerleader, a lassie, member of the Rap Club and of the NAACP Youth. After high school, she entered West Virginia State College, then Fairmont State College. Zina earned degrees in business management, real estate, accountanting and was skilled in computers. Zina was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William Melvin and Ethel Mae Morton; maternal grandparents, Rev. Alvin Kyle and Amanda Louise Pryor; two uncles, Alvin Pryor Jr. and Ezra F. Ferrell, aka “Johnny Pryor”; sister, Cheryl Denise, and cousin, Lonnie E. Pryor. Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband, Tom James Jr.; two sons, William C. Jr. of Georgia and Jack C. “Pooh” Jr. of Virginia; father and mother, the Rev. and Mrs. R.D. aka “O” and Mary Pryor Morton of Beckley; father and mother-in-law, Tom D. Sr. and Derothia James of Harper Heights; brother, Maj. Professor Robert “Oscar” and future bride, Genice Hodge, of Jackson, Miss.; sister, Cassandra and Clarence Owens of Beckley; a brother, Lawyer (Esquire) Alvin William Morton I of Springfield, Mass., and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews far and near; and friend, Vie Cabell of Beckley. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Central Baptist Church, 197 Brooks St., Beckley, with Pastors R.I. Brown and R.D. Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the church. Services entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Eva Mae Harvey Pence, 94, formerly of Greenville and Peterstown, died Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at the Grand Strand Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Born July 13, 1911, at Wikel, she was a daughter of the late William Richard and Ada Helen Copeland Harvey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Forest D. Pence; twin sons, Billy Lee and Bobby Dean; and a sister, Mary H. Worley. Mrs. Pence was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a member of the Greenville United Methodist Church where she had been active in the church choir and the United Methodist Women. She was a charter member of the Greenville Home Extension Club, was Past Worthy Matron and a member for over 50 years of Chapter #122 O.E.S., Union. She was past president of the Monroe County Council on Aging, and served several years in the Silver Haired Legislature in Charleston; she was past president of the Monroe County Federation of Democrat Women, and past Recording Secretary for the State of West Virginia. Mrs. Pence had worked for the State Road Commission in Union, and in the Senate Journal Room at the State Capital while Congress was in session. Mrs. Pence retired in 1991 at the age of 80 from the Title V Program at the Lindside Senior Center where she had been a clerk for several years. Eva was dearly loved by her family and her many friends. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by a daughter, Marshalene "Marsha" Evans and husband Don of Narrows, Va.; one son, Edwin Carrol Pence and wife Linda with whom she made her home in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; grandchildren, Vicki Blevins of Richmond, Va., Barry Evans and wife Traci of Pearisburg, Va., Eddie Pence and wife Tracey of Hollywood, Calif., and Mack Pence of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren, Brad Blevins of New York, N.Y., Matthew Blevins of Kalamazoo, Mich., Alexis and Alea Evans of Pearisburg, Va.; nephew, Bob Akers and wife Verlene of Hagerstown, Md.; honorary grandchildren, Kim, Nick, and Jack George of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Meverell Pence of Deltona, Fla., Luster Pence of Lindside, Mervin and Mildred Pence of Greenville, and Elizabeth Pence of Lundhurst, Va. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel in Peterstown, with Revs. Hughllyn Wilson and Wayne Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Hedding United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lillydale. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Greenville United Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church, Narrows, Va. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown

Butch Cassity, 31, of Beckley, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005. Born June 3, 1974, he was the son of Charlotte Cassity of Crab Orchard and Jack Cassity of Mabscott. Butch spent his childhood at Mabscott. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1992. He began his career as a correctional officer at Mount Olive Correctional Complex. He was also a longtime employee of Verizon. He was of the Baptist faith. In his leisure time he enjoyed spending time with his precious children, fishing and outdoor activities. He was an avid Mountaineers fan. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roy McDaniel of Grandview; and his grandparents, James and Daisy Cassity of Mabscott. Survivors include his children, Tyler Cassity and Alex Cassity of Crab Orchard, the loves of his life; his sister, Jackie Cassity of Glen Jean and Robin Cassity Bailey of Brooksville, Fla.; his niece, Jennifer Bailey of Florida; and his grandmother, Rita McDaniel of Grandview. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Vondie Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Doug McDaniel, Steven McDaniel, Rusty Simmons, Mike Simmons, Brian Simmons and Matt Lester. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Dr. Everett B. Wray Jr., of Beckley, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, at the Greystone Inn, an assisted living center in Beaver. A native West Virginian and longtime Beckley resident, he was born in Dunlop, W.Va., on June 13, 1910. He was the son of the late Everett D. Wray and the late Ruth Smith Wray of Glen White. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Viola Thompson Wray; two brothers, Peter Wray and Jack Wray; and a sister, Ruth Wray Gray. He is survived by a sister, Julia Wray Korman of Leesburg, Va.; two daughters, Martha Cleveland and her husband, John, of Atlanta, Ga., Mary Whitfield and her husband, Russell, of Madison, Va.; a son, Everett Wray III of Gallatin, Tenn.; four grandchildren, John Cleveland and his wife, Marni, Grey Cleveland and his wife, Julie, of Atlanta, Ga., Pamela Blackshire and her husband, Mike, of Hilton Head, S.C., and Jennifer Brewer and her husband, Sean, of Knoxville, Tenn. He had ten great- grandchildren of whom he was very proud. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, West Virginia University and New York University and Bellevue Hospital Medical College in June 1934. He began his medical practice with the Koppers Coal Company in Glen White and later moved to Stotesbury, W.Va., before moving to Beckley. He retired after practicing medicine for 50 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his free time trout fishing and bird hunting. He was an excellent golfer, winning the Black Knight club championship more than once and the Virginia-West Virginia Seniors Tournament. He was a lifetime member of The Rotary. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Beckley. A memorial service will be held 12 noon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the First Christian Church of Beckley, with the Rev. Don Snyder officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until noon preceding the memorial service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Beckley Area Foundation or Mac’s Toy Fund. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary.

Samuel Green Farley, 87, of Mullens and Lynn Haven, Fla., passed away on Nov. 19, 2005, at a Panama City, Fla., health care center, following a long illness. Born Nov. 25, 1917, at Farley Hill, he was the son of the late Oliver Owen and Ethel Mae Lilly Farley. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was a member of the Highland Avenue Baptist Church, Mullens, where he served as a deacon. A lifelong resident of Raleigh and Wyoming counties, he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1935. He spent the entirety of his working career in the railroad industry, with the Virginian Railway and its successor, the Norfolk Southern Railway, retiring as a conductor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Dr. Phillip Farley; an infant granddaughter, Susan Kate Farley; and sisters, Lenore Farley McPherson and Belva Farley McVey. Those individuals left to cherish memories of him are his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Dorothy Green Farley; a beloved daughter, Carolyn and her husband Boyd Bunting of Lynn Haven, Fla.; granddaughter, Susan and her husband Mark Dupont of Jackson, Miss.; grandsons, Mark Vowell of Woodbridge, Va., John Phillip Farley of Boston, Mass., and Keith Samuel Farley of Princewick; great-granddaughters, Abbie Dupont and Samantha Dupont of Jackson, Miss.; sister-in-law, Betty Lester and her husband Bill of Mullens; brothers-in-law, Everett Green of Mullens, Charlie Green and his wife Jackie of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Bill Green and his wife, Delores, of Owensville, Mo.; several nieces and nephews; many cousins and a host of friends. Graveside rites will be conducted at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., with the Rev. Warren L. Gilpin, pastor, officiating. The family will receive friends and family at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service at the Blue Ridge Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you make donations of sympathy to the Highland Avenue Baptist Church, Mullens, W.Va. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Charles Walker, Class of 1959, died recently. No other information is available.

Vala Viva Rose, 82, of Old Pemberton Road, Beckley, died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005, in a Sissonville care facility following a long illness. Born Feb. 11, 1923, in Mercer County, she was the daughter of the late Shelby and Martha Elizabeth Akers Rose. Miss Rose spent her childhood at Old Pemberton Road, attending school in Mabscott and graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a self-employed private duty nurse aide and was of the Christian faith. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruby Rose, Anne Gertrude Snuffer and Lucille McKinney; and brothers, Ralph, Ronald, and Percy Rose. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Regina Paisley and Charles R. Link. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Mark Schrade officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Randall Layne Snyder, 45, formerly of Maxwell Hill, Beckley, died at his home in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 2, 2005, of natural causes. Born March 25, 1960, at Beckley, he was the son of Ellen Hodges Thompson of Beckley and the late James Randall “Randy” Snyder. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlie and Hazel Hodges and Ferrell and Pauline Snyder; and a stepbrother, Kevin Thompson. Randall was a 1978 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and he attended West Virginia University. He had lived in Myrtle Beach for the past 10 years. In addition to his mother, survivors include his stepfather, Charles Thompson of Beckley; two brothers, Dr. Richard Snyder and Russell “Rusty” Snyder, both of Myrtle Beach; a stepsister, Helen Canterbury and her husband, Tom, of Salem, Va.; an aunt, Drema Bias Evans and her husband, Sam, of Beckley; and his uncle, Eddie Hodges and his wife, Debbie, of Beckley. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Mr. Ken Overdorf officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Curtis and Brad Bias, Al Jones, Chris Denny, Reed Ormandy, Dana Sheets and Casey Bias. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Nancy Ruth Francis, 70, formerly of Beckley, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at Saint Mary’s Home at Asbury Ridge, Erie, Pa. Born in Crab Orchard on Jan. 22, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Amy Gladys Davis and Edward Carman. Following graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School, she served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1953. She worked as an executive secretary at Morton Printing in Pontiac, Ill., and retired as a restaurant manager at the Country Cabin in Pontiac. She was a member of the American Legion in Pontiac. Survivors include two children, Pamela Baldwin of Erie, Pa., and Nancy Woolridge and husband, David, of Pontiac; four grandchildren, Erica Ruble and Andrew Baldwin of Erie, and Amber and Natasha Woolridge of Pontiac; two great-grandchildren, Justin and Hayden of Erie; a brother, Samuel Carman and wife, Betty, of Columbus, Ohio; and a sister-in-law, Veda Carman of Beckley. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward, Jim and Jack Carman. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church, Erie. Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Hospice, 1700 Peach St., Erie, PA 16501. Condolences at bruggerfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Brugger Home for Funerals, Erie.

Sgt. Christopher Ryan Hall, 26, formerly of Beckley, passed away Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005. Born June 8, 1979, he was the son of Rick Hall and his wife, Kathy Cernuto-Hall, of Beckley, Melanie Bodnar of Oak Hill and Debora Sue Burgess-Benton of Conway, S.C. He was the fiancé of Emily N. Law of Morgantown, formerly of Beckley. Chris and Emily were to be married at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church in Beckley on Jan. 14, 2006. Christopher attended Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1998. He was an avid skier and enjoyed skiing for recreation and also worked as an instructor and with ski patrol at various resorts. As a junior in high school, Christopher enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard. After high school he went on to enlist in the Army where he served in Germany and Bosnia with the 1st Infantry Division, as well as other overseas and stateside assignments. He became a combat veteran after deploying to Iraq and serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His current duty assignment was at Fort Knox, Ky. For his distinguished service he earned the following awards, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, NATO, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Basic Marksmanship Quality Badge. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Elbert L. “John Henry” Burgess. Other than his parents and fiancee, Chris is survived by two brothers, Austin Hall of Beckley and Cameron Hall of Oak Hill; a sister, Kevina Benton of Conway, S.C.; paternal grandparents, Richard and Betty Hall of Scott Depot; a maternal grandmother, Ersline Burgess-Riggs of Dover, Del.; three aunts, Deborah Hall Kemp and her husband, Larsa, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Beth Hall Chambers and her husband, Rex, of Scott Depot and Mary Ann Burgess Callahan of Beckley; two uncles, Scott Hall and his wife, Laura, of Atlanta, Ga., and Richard Burgess and his wife, Tammy, of Loris, S.C., Steve Bodnar and his wife, Melissa, of Cleveland, Ohio; and many cousins and many friends. Chris would like to recognize friends, Chris and Kristin Stephens and their son, Christopher Tyler, of Oak Hill; David and Kim Stephens of Fayetteville; Tori Stephens Keel and her husband, Rob; Braxon and Braedon Ballard of Fayetteville; Amanda and Laura McGraw of Fayetteville; all of his special friends at Winterplace; the West Virginia police family; Dan Poitrast of Boston, Mass.; Sgt. Richard Bushing of Fort Knox and Staff Sgt. Matt Delair stationed in Germany. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences can be sent to the family by going to www. blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is serving the family.

LIBERTY, Mo. - John William “Bill” McQueen, 72, passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2005, at his home. Bill was born Oct. 8, 1933, in Richmond, Mo. He was retired from TWA as a mechanic, was past president of the Liberty Parks Board and was active in the Liberty Jaycees. He was a scoutmaster, and a coach for Little League baseball and football teams in Liberty. He liked to farm, and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Bill was a 1952 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and was on the 1951 state champion football team. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary. Survivors include his children, Mike McQueen and wife, Beth, of Kearney, Mo., Mitch McQueen and wife, Nannette, of Kearney, Mark McQueen and wife, Lisa, of Olathe, Kan., Lisa Boling and husband, Dennis, of Warrensburg, Mo., and Carol Tuttle and husband, Dave, of Liberty; grandchildren, Jennifer, Kimberly, Travis, Daniel, Amy, Justin, Rome, Denise, Wes, Corey, Emily, Eric, Elizabeth, Alexandria, Alaina and Ava; great-grandson, Nathan and fiancée, Glenna West, of Liberty, and her children, Maj. Kevin West and wife, Alyn, and their sons, Andrew and Stephen of Fort Riley, Kan., and Greg West and wife, Erin, and their daughter, Megan, of Rockford, Ill.; sister, Carolyn Wright of Helena, Ark.; a nephew, Bobby Wright; and two nieces, Beth Boullard and Susan Golden. Service was 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, Liberty. Friends called 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the chapel. Burial followed in Glenridge Cemetery, Liberty. Contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-America Chapter, 5442 Martway, Mission, KS 66205. Arrangements by Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, Liberty, Mo.

Donna Cay Walker, 46, of Shady Spring, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005, at her home following a sudden illness. Born Aug. 13, 1959, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Billy Jack Lawrence and stepdaughter Leslie Lawrence of Athens, Ohio, and the daughter of the late Jewel “Sally” Stover Scarbro, and the stepdaughter of the late Don Scarbro. Mrs. Walker was employed by Sam’s Club in Beckley in the accounting department, and was formerly employed by Applied Card Systems and Young Chow’s. She was a 1977 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, and attended Clear Fork High School. She attended the Daniels Missionary Baptist Church, and was a volunteer for the Children’s Miracle Network and the United Way. Her sister, Teresa Helmbright, preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Jessie Walker; a son, Joe Treadway of Denver, Col.; three stepchildren, Karl and Shawn Walker of Coal City, and Shannon Norvell and husband, James, of Cool Ridge; two brothers, Bill “Dwayne” Lawrence and wife, Pam, of Stanaford, and Ryan Lawrence of Athens, Ohio; a sister, Terri Gunter and husband, Donnie, of White Oak; sisters-in-law, Debra and Donna Walker of Beaver, Linda and Earl Smith of Grandview, and Drema and Daniel McGrady of Inwood; brothers-in-law, Dale and Charlene Walker of Daniels, and Kenny Helmbright of East Bank; step grandchildren, Logan and Nash Walker; mother-in-law, Fern Walker; a host of nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Taylor Gunter, and many aunts and uncles, and her special pet, China. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel with the Revs. Roger Lafferty and Jerry Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow in the Keaton Mills Cemetery, Egeria. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Dale Walker, Donnie Gunter, Kenny Helmbright, Elbert Stover, Doff Kincaid, Chuck Golch, Hermitt Stover, Will Lawrence and B.J. Helmbright. Condolences may be e- mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home at Shady Spring.

Anita Jane Massie, 66, [WWHS '56] of 162 Matherly Drive, Daniels, passed away Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at her home following a short illness. She was born Oct. 18, 1938, at Page, Va., the daughter of the late George and Virginia Walls Rosamond. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Jack Lee Massie; a son, Robert Lee Massie of Shady Spring; a brother, Robert “Bobby” Rosamond and his wife, Diane, of Lake Worth, Fla.; a sister, Linda Canaday and her husband, Cecil, of Beckley; a grandchild, Raysha Massie; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 4 p.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Shady Spring Chapel, with visitation one hour before service. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Ralph Waddell, Tim Griffith, Jimmy Lucas, Tom Midkiff, Elwood Coleman and Dalmus Cox. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

Jack Thomas Lilly, 77, of Sunset Drive, Beckley, died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, at his home following a long illness. Born Aug. 23, 1928, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Jesse R. Lilly Sr. and Gustava Davis Lilly. Mr. Lilly spent his childhood in Beckley on Dixie Avenue and was a 1947 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He graduated from Beckley College in 1950 with a degree in business administration and from Glenville State College in 1952 with a Bachelor’s degree in business education and social studies. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. He taught and coached in McDowell County at Coalwood Junior High School. He was a wage and hour investigator with the Department of Labor and retired from the Veterans Administration in 1985, where he had served as chief of voluntary service and public information officer. He was a member of Beckley Regular Baptist Church, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Senior Friends and Well, I’ll Bee. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by two brothers, James “Jim” Lilly and Jesse R. Lilly Jr. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Ethel Hunter Lilly; a son, John Thomas Lilly of Tallahassee, Fla.; a daughter, Susan Lilly Gerock and her husband, James, of Alexandria, Va.; a sister, Ruth Bennett and her husband, Albert, of Beckley; two brothers, Bill Lily and his wife, Carol, of Beckley and Gene Lilly and his wife, Amanda, of Staunton, Va.; and two sisters-in- law, Anne Lilly of Glenville and Myrtle Lou Lilly of Oak Hill. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Jason Naff officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Beckley Regular Baptist Church, 707 Johnstown Road, Beckley, WV 25801 or to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 113 First Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Iris G. George, 94, of Beckley, died Friday, in a local health care center following a long illness. Born July 1, 1912, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Bernice Souder Griffith. Mrs. George was a homemaker and a member of the Beckley First Baptist Church. She had been a lifetime resident of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard George; and two brothers, Earl and Noel Griffith. Survivors include a sister, Rose Davis of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; a niece, Susan Coleman and her husband, Ronnie, of Shady Spring; two nephews, Robert Davis and his wife, Martha, of Altamonte Springs, Fla., and Tom Griffith and his wife, Betty, of Eugene, Oreg.; two great- nieces, Tonya and Nicole Coleman and Rosemarie Davis; and great- nephews, Perry and Charles Davis and Tom Griffith Jr. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. [Register- Herald, Oct. 4, 2005. Iris attended WWHS as an adult about 1961]

Hershel Robert "Bobby" Calfee, Jr., 68, of Beckley, died Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005, in a Beckley care center, following a long illness. Born on April 24, 1937, in Raleigh County, he was the son of the late Hershel R. Calfee and Ruth Waddell Calfee Ketchum. Bobby spent his childhood in Raleigh County and was a 1955 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was an Air Force veteran and while serving in the military he received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a member of the Beckley Hunting and Fishing Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Ann McDaniel, on May 29, 1996. Survivors include his stepmother, Maxine Calfee Lilly of Beckley; three sisters, Janet Warden and her husband, Homer, and JoAnn Stanton and her husband, David, all of Beckley, and Julia Robinson of Lebanon, Tenn.; an aunt, Lorena Stanley of Stanaford; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Melton Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. Randy Smithson officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call Tuesday one hour prior to service. Members of the Hunting and Fishing Club will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Tonya L. "Sweet Lo" Gunther-Jennings, 36, of Maple Fork, died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005. Born April 20, 1969, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Hazel Wray Gunther of Beckley and late John Gunther. Mrs. Jennings attended the Church of God Family Worship Center. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Mountain State University. She was employed by Professional Medical Transcription. She was a lifelong Beckley area resident. Other survivors, besides her mother, include her husband, Emit Jennings III; stepson, Michael Jennings at home; brothers, John Dwayne Gunther and wife, Maria "Coco," of Germany and Mark Gunther and wife, Lisa, of Beckley; two sisters, Elaine Lilly and husband, Leon, of Cool Ridge and Lydia Keeton and husband, Tommy, of Beckley; and 12 nieces and nephews. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Mark Schrade officiating. Burial will follow in Kidwell Cemetery, Table Rock. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mary G. "Gee Gee" Wood, [WWHS '57] 66, of Beckley, died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005, in a local hospital following a long illness. Born April 7, 1939, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Catherine Dunn Harvey. From nine years of age, she was raised by her stepmother, Irene B. Harvey, whom she loved with all her heart. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Johnson "Cotton" Wood; a son, Jonathan Jay Wood of Raleigh, N.C.; grandson, Ian C. Wood; and three brothers, Eugene Harvey Jr. and his wife, Terry, of Beckley, Harry Harvey and his wife, Clara, of Manchester, Tenn., and Bill Rose of South Carolina. Gee Gee and her husband, Cotton, owned and operated Big Johns Packette for more than 30 years. She also worked with her father and mother in their accounting firm. She was a licensed beautician, having last worked for the late Helen Keaton. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Elder Tommy Pack officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to info@calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Omer C. Fleshman Jr., age 79, of Birmingham, Ala., died October 3, 2005. He was born November 8, 1925, in Glen White, W.Va., the son of the late Omer C. and Ethel Kendall Fleshman. Mr. Fleshman graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, W.Va., in 1943. He served in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre from 1943-1946; graduated from Marshall College, Huntington, W.Va., in 1950. Mr. Fleshman began his career in 1950 with Connor's Steel, Huntington, W.Va., and transferred to Connor's Steel, Birmingham, as Vice President of Finance. Mr. Fleshman retired in 1984. Since retiring, Mr. Fleshman has enjoyed golfing, reading, watching sports and being active in his church. He was a Charter Member of the Romeo Breakfast Club; "Retired Old Men Eating Out." Mr. Fleshman married Anna Jo Chapman on February 20, 1948, and spent his life loving his wife and family, which includes three children: Michael (Susan) Fleshman of Ona, W.Va., Paula Fleshman, Weston, Fla., and Paul (Dottie) Fleshman, Gardendale, Ala. He was "Papaw" to grandchildren Leanna Levy, New York City, and Nathan and Evan Fleshman, Ona, W.Va. He was loved by his sister, Betty Griffiths, Danville, Ill.; several nieces, nephews and many dear friends. The family offers a special thank you to Persona Health Care Hospice for coming in and giving us love and care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Asbury United Methodist Church Prayer Gardens, 1 Asbury Way, Birmingham, Ala., 35242. [Huntington Herald Dispatch]

Robert "Bob" Wood, 77, went to be with his Lord forever on Friday morning, Sept. 30, 2005. He passed away in his home while his wife was faithfully caring for him after recent surgery. He was a lifelong resident of Raleigh County, born Jan. 19, 1928, in MacArthur, the son of Larkin and Daisy Wood. Born the ninth of 10 children, he was preceded in death by his parents; all seven brothers, Hobert, Bill, Johnson, Charlie, Pete, Paul and "Tink"; and two sisters, Anna and Maxine. He is survived by four sisters-in-law, Genivee, Melba, Deloras and Janice. After serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict, he married his wife Bonnie Hutchinson in 1954. They enjoyed 38 years of building a life and family together until she passed away in 1992. They had one son, Robert "Reggie," and daughter-in-law, Cathy, and three grandchildren, Jonathan, Sarah and Robert "David" Wood. He was later referred to as "Gramps." In 1993, he was married to Nora Jean Broyles, a high school "sweetheart" who had been widowed several years previously. Along with Norma, he developed a very close relationship with her family: Don and Michelle Broyles, with her children, Ryan and Justin; and David and Nancy Broyles, with their children, Mark and Beau. The Broyles families are residents in the Charleston area. Bob was a 1946 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and was a member of a state championship high school basketball team. He was later a graduate of Beckley College, where he also played basketball. A carpenter by trade, as was his family, he and his brothers built many homes and other structures in the area and enjoyed a long construction career. He was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Beckley and served many years working with youth in children’s church, bus ministry and as the coach of the church league basketball team. He also served as deacon and trustee. He loved his family, friends, work and Lord. He proved this with the life he lived by being a "servant of all." Gramps, you will greatly be missed after having made a difference for so many for so long. Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Beckley, with Earl Whitener officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, and one hour before service Monday at the church. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Emily Jane Cremens Mahood, 49, of Fayetteville, died Aug. 24, 2005, at home, following a long illness. Born March 8, 1956, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Jack Cremens and Hildreth Bruce Cremens. Also preceding her in death: a brother, Anthony Cremens; and a sister, Suzann Cremens. Emily was a 1974 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated from Marshall University. She was a counselor for FMRS Mental Health Council, Beckley, with 23 years’ service. She enjoyed crafting fine jewelry and working on stained glass. She was the founder of SMD. Suriviving: husband, Charles M. Mahood. A memorial service, with arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, was held Aug. 28 at the Fayetteville Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Joan Shirey Stewart officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Emily Mahood Memorial Fund, c/o Fayette County National Bank, PO Box 209, Fayetteville WV 25840. Online condolences may be made and information is available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.

Oreta Snyder Webb of 106 Booth Ave., Beckley, departed this life on Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, after an extended illness. She was born July 6, 1908, and lived her full life in Beckley. She was the daughter of the late Oscar M. Snyder and Nannie Goodson Snyder. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband, James. R. Webb; two sisters, Eva Belle Snyder and Cora Snyder Evans; and a brother, Boyd Edward Snyder. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School with honors and was editor in chief of the yearbook. She attended New River State, which is now West Virginia University Institute of Technology. She attended the Teachers College in Nashville, Tenn. She graduated from Concord College with the class of 1938. She did additional studies at Columbia University and also at Duke University. She taught in Raleigh County schools for 14 years. She and her sister, the late Eva Belle Snyder, opened The Curtain Shop on South Kanawha Street, later moving to Neville Street where they operated for 23 years. Mrs. Webb was a charter member of the Quota Club of Beckley and was a member of the Beckley Women’s Club. She was a member of First Christian Church of Beckley since she was a child; she was also a member of the Anchor Class and Group No. 4. Survivors include her nephew, William D. Snyder, several nieces and nephews, and lots and lots of friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Jim Lowe officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 11 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tim Snyder, Steve Snyder, Dennis Akers, Tony Marino, Bill O’Brien, Henry Peraldo and Robert Holder. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church, P.O. Box 5556, Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences may be e-mailed to roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Lucy Hutter Ragland Bowers, born in Lynchburg, Va., on Aug. 29, 1904, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, Sept. 26, 2005 at The Greystone Inn in Daniels. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Karl Douglas Bowers Sr. and their only son, Dr. Karl Douglas Bowers Jr. She is survived by three daughters and their families, Mrs. Robert G. (Sookie) Wilson of Glade Springs, Mrs. Richard K. (Nancy) Davis of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Mrs. Robert M. (Phyllis) Workman of Bedford, Va.; a daughter-in-law, Carol Sue Truman Bowers Baker of Destin, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters-in-law, Mrs. George M. Ragland of Charleston and Mrs. Tom Ragland Jr. of St. Michael’s, Md.; and many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Beckley High School, Lucy attended Randolph- Macon Woman’s College for two years before transferring to West Virginia University. She graduated from the University in 1924 with an A.B. degree in romance languages then attended the University of Virginia to pursue graduate work. In 1926, Lucy married Karl Douglas Bowers and taught French for four years at Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority in college, past President of the Beckley Woman’s Club, Charter Member of the Raleigh County Girl Scout Council, past member of the Salvation Army Board, a Red Cross Volunteer for 25 years, a volunteer at Raleigh General Hospital for many years, member of the WVU College of Law Council, past recipient of the West Virginia University Order of Vandalia, and a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia St., Beckley, with the Rev. Eric Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the services on Thursday at the church. Pallbearers will be Douglas Davis, Tyke Wilson, Dick Davis, Taylor Callahan, Terry Worley and Robert Workman Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia University Foundation, and Hospice of Southern West Virginia. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Sharon Jeanette Goodman Cassity, 64, of Beckley, departed this life on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005. She was born Dec. 13, 1940, and was the daughter of the late Stuart Edward Goodman and Erma Sue Mills Goodman. Sharon was of the Baptist faith and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1958. Survivors include her husband, Charles Edward Cassity; a daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Sue Cassity Allison of Beckley; a stepdaughter, Laura Tocado Zank of Ohio; a granddaughter, Amanda Yvonne Allison of Beckley; a sister, Carol Goodman Scott of Lynchburg, Va.; mother-in-law, Ruth Stump Cassity of Oak Hill; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Cassity Shirkey and husband, Ken, of Ohio and Marceline Cassity Lilly and husband, Michael, of Beckley; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, in memory of Sharon Cassity, Web address bushclintonkatrinafund.org. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, is serving the family.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Lou Ann Driscoll, 78, homemaker and mother, a 40-year resident of Alexandria, passed away at the family’s home on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005. She had lymphoma. Ann was born April 9, 1927, in Beckley to Walt and Minnie Canterbury. After graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School, she came to Washington, D.C., to work for the FBI as a file clerk. She was a phys. ed. major at Marshall University in Huntington, where she met and married her husband, James E. Driscoll. During her husband’s Air Force career, Jim and Ann were stationed in Bitburg, Germany, and they took every opportunity to travel extensively through Europe. Ann’s first passion was her family. Her second passion was politics and civil rights. She was proud to have marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in 1963 when he gave the famous "I have a dream" speech in Washington, D.C. She continued to participate in local campaigns and other political activities in support of the Democratic Party in Alexandria till last year. Ann was an accomplished tennis player and was a member of Mansion House Club in Alexandria for many years. In 1986 Ann became a kidney transplant recipient. Through many health challenges over the last 20 years she saw her daughters grow up and welcomed each new grandchild with grace and love. Ann is survived by her husband, James E. Driscoll; a sister, Rosemary Craft of Springfield, Va.; a brother, Edward Canterbury of Beckley; and five daughters, Jennifer, Jamie and Susan of Alexandria, Angela of Marysville, Wash., and Martha of Savannah, Ga. Ann has seven beautiful grandchildren and many devoted friends. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. today at Good Shephard Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Hwy,, Alexandria. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Arlington National Cemetery. Friends called 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 5335 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20015. Arrangements by Demaines Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Luther Randolph "Randy" Taylor, 58, of Whitestick Street, Mabscott, died Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, in a Charleston hospital following a short illness. Born July 25, 1947, at Mabscott, he was the son of the late Luther Jeff and Margaret Hurt Taylor. Randy spent his childhood and was a lifelong resident of Mabscott. He was a 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam era. While he was in the service, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans of America, Chapter 18, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 583. He was a retired letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Porterfield Vandergriff. Survivors include his wife, Joan Brewer Taylor; four daughters, Melissa Taylor of Columbia, S.C., Tonya Stover of Charlotte, N.C., Tracy Johnson of Beckley and Lori Taylor of Mabscott; two stepdaughters, Becky Lilly and her husband, Dan, and Michelle Jordan and her husband, Dave, all of Beckley; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Nora Hollingshead and her husband, Roger, of Ballard. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Revs. E.G. "Buzz" Keller and John Jordan officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Frank Bruce Taylor, 68, [WWHS '56] of Daniels, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at the Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Division following an apparent heart attack. Born at Alpoca, on Aug. 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Ernest and Thelma Mae Lawson Taylor, and was the stepson of Nina Blair of Crab Orchard. Mr. Taylor was the co-owner and operator, with his son, Greg, of Taylor’s Produce in Crab Orchard, which began in 1967. Mr. Taylor was reared at Crab Orchard, and had made Daniels his home for 41 years. He attended the Blue Jay United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Garnet Canterbury. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Ruth Canterbury Taylor; sons, Greg Taylor and wife, Leah, of Daniels, and Terry Taylor and wife, Carole, of Orange Park, Fla.; three grandchildren, Nicholas, Korbin and Kaden; a sister, Ernestine Eakers and husband, Doug, of Ashboro, N.C.; a stepbrother, Donald Blair of Crab Orchard; an aunt, Beulah Miller of Ballard; father-in-law, Woodrow Canterbury of Daniels; and several cousins. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Blue Jay United Methodist Church with the Rev. Betty Lusk officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the church. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@ charterinternet.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Jay United Methodist Church in memory of Mr. Taylor. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, Beckley.

Clara Ferne Phillips, 100, of Sophia, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 7, 2005, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Clara Ferne Phillips was born July 8, 1905, in Summers County, the daughter of John Henry Massie and Macie Fraser Massie. Her father was a railroad engineer for Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, stationed at Hinton. The family moved to Raleigh County where her father was stationed at the town of Raleigh. He later acquired a large tract of land in Beaver and built a home there. Ferne, as she was always called, received her high school diploma from Beckley High School and she earned her teaching certificate after attending Concord College in Athens for four years. In 1923, she married Orell A. Phillips Sr., and for many years she and her husband taught in various schools in Raleigh County. They had two children, Orell A. Jr. and Gene Montague. In 1934, the family moved to Sophia, where Ferne taught first grade at Sophia Elementary School for many years until she resigned to become business manager and bookkeeper of Phillips Motor Company, a Dodge-Plymouth dealership which her husband had founded in Sophia in 1935. She continued in that capacity until the business was sold in 1969. Mrs. Phillips was a charter member of Sophia Methodist Church and was active in church affairs from its inception as a member, Sunday school teacher, organist and in the Methodist Women’s Society for Christian Service. She rose to the position of vice president in the West Virginia Chapter of the Women’s Society. She was also a principal financial backer of Sophia Methodist Church throughout the years. She stated in an interview a few years ago, "The church is my life." Ferne Phillips was beloved and admired by all who knew her, especially young people. Not long ago a young girl was asked, "What woman of the world would you most want to be like when you grow up?" She answered, without hesitation, "Mrs. Phillips." She was preceded in death by her husband, Orell A. Phillips Sr. Ferne Phillips is survived by her son, Gene Montague of St. Augustine, Fla.; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Thelma Cope of Oak Ridge, Tenn. Other survivors include Mary Moore, loyal caregiver for six years, of Oak Grove and Mack Halsey of Beaver, nephew and P.O.A. for 10 years. Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Michael Luddle officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Don Farmer Lilly, 70, [WWHS '52] passed away Thursday evening, Aug. 25, 2005, at his home in Columbia, S.C. He had been in failing health for several months. He is survived by his wife, Orpha Loretta Lilly; a son, Phillip Duane, presently residing in Iraq; and a daughter, Peggy Diane and her husband, Bruce Bales, of Columbia. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Tashina Bales of Narrows, Va., Kristin Bales of Columbia and Charles Walton "Walt" Lilly of Columbia; a sister, Judith Lilly Deal of Houston, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lola Farmer Lilly and Orice Lilly; a sister, Betty Lilly McLean; and a brother, Jack Lilly. Mr. Lilly was a longtime resident of Beckley. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School of Beckley and Concord College of Athens. Mr. Lilly was a member of Northeast Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Elks for over 40 years. He was employed by Continental Insurance Co. until his retirement in 1998. Service for Mr. Lilly is scheduled for Sunday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley. Visitation is 1 to 3 p.m. and funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Melton Mortuary, Beckley, is in charge of arrangements.

Bette L. Evans Patterson, 70, of Beckley, died Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a short illness. Born April 15, 1935, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Martha Dixon Evans and Daniel E. Evans and her beloved stepfather, Richard Morgan. Mrs. Patterson was formerly employed by Thompson Coal Leasing in Mount Hope and as officer manager of Beckley Institute of Hair Design. She was a 1954 honor graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Concord and Beckley College. She was an Episcopalian and since 1956 a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She shared her life with her sorority sisters. Mrs. Patterson was an avid dog lover of Cardigan Welsh Corgi breed of dogs. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Patterson, whom she married Feb. 6, 1970. Survivors include her sisters-in-law, Wanda Lickliter of Beckley and Frances W. Jones of Beckley. Private service will be held by the Beta Sigma Phi sorority at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. There will be no visitation. Beta Sigma Phi sorority will meet at the funeral home at 10:45 a.m. It is asked that no food be brought to the house. Instead, please donate nonperishable food to local food pantries such as Helping Hands. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Red Cross would be appreciated. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Linda Carroll Lawson Riffe-Clark. Linda Lawson Clark, 65, [WWHS '58] Director of Animal Care and Control for Rockdale County, passed away after a brief illness Sunday, August 28, 2005 morning at the Rockdale Medical Center. A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Linda received her Bachelor's Degree from Concord College in Athens, WV, and her Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After moving to Rockdale County 31 years ago with her husband, Robert R. Clark and their two daughters, Linda left her career as a distinguished educator and began a mission to assist and promote responsible pet ownership in her community. Beginning with her work on the county's original animal shelter, which opened in March 1978, she helped to develop what would eventually become the current Rockdale Animal Care and Control Center. Mrs. Clark's accomplishments include numerous state leadeship roles in the Georgia Animal Control Association and the Southeastern Animal Control Association, as well as serving as the Chairman of the Animal Advisory Committee for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. She was the architect of landmark animal welfare programs such as curriculum packages for elementary schools, the Senior Citizens' Friends, and a seasonal program of spay/nutering of dogs and cats for county residents. Her efforts also contributed to the devolpment of a state license plate to be sold for supporting county spay/neutering programs across the State of Georgia. In her free time she loved to read, talk about world affairs, and sit in her and her husband's garden. In her life and in her work, she always sought to uphold her conviction that life is precious. She loved and took great pride in her family and was never happier than when she was giving of herself. She was both a friend and a mentor to many, and is much beloved by her family. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Robert; her daughters; Ingrid Clark Zavadoski, of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Nicole McGowan of Social Circle, and a grandson, Alek Clark Zavadoski. She is also survived by a brother, Andrew Lawson of Conyers; two sisters, Donna Ramsey of Beckley, WV, and Sherry Lawson of Easton, PA.; nieces and nephews, and many pets. Friends and family are invited to gather Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm st the Horis Ward Funeral Home, (770-918-8851) on Hwy. 138 in Conyers, with services on Friday, September 2, 2005, at 11:00 am at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 2200 Lake Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30319. Published in the Atlanta Journal- Constitution on 8/31/2005.

Michelle Lee Anderson McKinney, 31, of 311 Myers Ave., Beckley, went to her eternal home on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital after a 3-year illness. Born July 8, 1974, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Bruce and Nancy Kessinger Anderson of Beckley. Michelle was a registered nurse at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in 1992 and WVU School of Nursing. She was very passionate in her nursing career and the physicians valued her opinions and knowledge. She was a member of Grandview Christian Church. She was very creative and was a member of a re-enactment group (SEA). She taught belly dancing and was an avid hunter. She was a devoted mother and her children were her life. Survivors include her daughters, Tearson McKinney and Shea Tacchia, both at home; and her former husband, Danny McKinney. Private committal service will be Friday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley, with the Rev. Paul Blizard officiating. Entombment will follow. There will be no visitation. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at roseandquesenberry@charterinternet.com. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mildred M. Anderson, 94, of Sophia, passed away Thursday, Aug. 25, 2005. Born June 22, 1911, at Export, she was the daughter of the late Samuel S. Anderson and the late Marietta Harrah Anderson. Mildred loved cats, gardening, knitting, quilting and sewing. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley College. Mildred was a member of Missionary Baptist Church. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Mae Anderson Vaught, Evelyn McVey and Marietta Bergen. Those left to cherish her memory are her nephew, Ross Bergen and wife, Barbara, of Beecher, Ill.; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 147 Virginia St., Sophia, with the Rev. Jim Mundy officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Sophia.

Harlene Bailey [WWHS '56]. Loving wife and mother - quintessential businesswoman. Harlene Burton Bailey, 67, a 45 year resident of Las Vegas, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005. She fought a determined sometimes brutal battle with cancer and surrendered of her own free choice, at the proper time, with a clear head and with joyfulness, in the midst of her children and husband. She was born in Beckley, W.Va., and moved to Las Vegas with Gary, her husband, in 1960. She was the human resource director at the Las Vegas Club in the 60's then became a realtor in 1971. She opened a successful real estate office in 1980 with Gary and ran it until her death. She loved her profession and volunteered countless hours to further the realtor cause, ultimately inducted into the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors "Hall of Fame". She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Molsberry and Earl Burton Sr. She is survived by her husband, of 47 years, Gary; her daughter, Sheryl Creswell; son, Greg Bailey; grandchildren, Dallas Creswell, Bailey Creswell and Madison Bailey, all of Las Vegas. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne (Cheyenne/Buffalo). The family asks that all gifts and memorials are in the form of donations made to a no-kill animal shelter, the Nevada SPCA, 4800 W. Dewey Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Please make checks payable to Nevada SPCA. Las Vegas Review-Journal, Aug. 18, 2005.