WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI PAGE

Obituaries, Page 17

Herbert J. Saunders, 92, died peacefully at his home in Potomac Place in Woodbridge on Friday, March 16, 2007. Mr. Saunders, the eldest of five children, was born in Nuttallburg, W.Va., July 16, 1914, to Edward and Maude Saunders. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va., Mr. Saunders received an athletic scholarship to Lynchburg College where he participated in basketball, baseball and track, earning eight athletic letters. He graduated in 1939 with a degree in history, math and physical education. It was there that he received the honor of being inducted into the Lynchburg College Sports Hall of Fame. In 1939, Mr. Saunders began his long career in Prince William County schools with a teaching and coaching position at Manassas High School. In 1943, Mr. Saunders joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was stationed in Iowa and was an instructor in the Naval Pre-Flight Program. After returning from active duty to Prince William County, Mr. Saunders was a coordinator at Manassas Vocational School. It was there that he started and coached the first football team in Prince William County. In 1949, Mr. Saunders became principal of Occoquan District High School, which was the only high school in Eastern Prince William County. In 1953, he became the first principal of Gar-Field High School and served in that role for 10 years. At Gar-Field he was affectionately known as the Gray Ghost by students and staff. The Herb Saunders Football Trophy, sponsored by The Potomac News, is still awarded to the winner of the Gar-Field vs. Woodbridge football game. Saunders became director of personnel of the Prince William County school system and later served as interim superintendent of schools. In 1973, Mr. Saunders received the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for Northern Virginia, which was presented by the Fairfax Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Mr. Saunders retired from Prince William County schools in 1975, at which time he was appointed to the Prince William County School Board. He held this position for four years. His many contributions to the Prince William County school system left their mark and touched the lives of many students and teachers who kept in touch with him throughout his lifetime. It was a great honor to Mr. Saunders to have Herbert J. Saunders Middle School named after him. He always enjoyed visiting the school and speaking with the students. Mr. Saunders was a member of many civil organizations within the county. He served 57 years with the Quantico Lions Club, where he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He also served many years on the Quantico Town Council. In addition, he was a member of the Woodbridge Kiwanis Club and a longtime active member of Dumfries United Methodist Church. [From frederiksburg.com]

John Robert Lawson, 60, of Beckley, passed away Friday, March 23, 2007, at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Va., following a short illness. Born Jan. 28, 1947, in Welch, he was the son of Helen Serge Lawson and the late John H. Lawson. John was a postal employee for the U.S. Postal Service in Beckley, retiring in 2002 as Postmaster of the East Beckley Station with 33 years of service. Mr. Lawson was a 1964 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, an avid bowler and fondly known as “Awesome Lawson” at Leisure Lanes, and a member of ACS, since 1968. His love of his children, his family and music was well known and shared with all of his close friends. Survivors include his mother, Helen S. Lawson of Beckley; children, Sean R. Lawson of Beckley and Natalie J. Lawson of Baltimore, Md.; and brothers, Michael V. Lawson and Lawrence J. Lawson, both of Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 27, at Melton Mortuary, where a Rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m., conducted by Deacon Don Wise. A Funeral Liturgy will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Fr. Samuel S. Sacus as celebrant. Mr. Lawson chose to be cremated and a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of John Robert Lawson can be sent to the University of Virginia Cancer Center, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, Va. 22908-0773. Honorary pallbearers will be: David Keeese, Dwight Smith, Jerry Stanley, Bert Sansone, Ted Almond, Mike Rizzi, Nick Jarrell and Marco Serge. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Catamus Gilbert Jr., 53, of 1617 Chatham Ave., Charlotte, formerly of Beckley, died Thursday, March 22, 2007, at home following a long illness. He was born March 21, 1954, to Annabelle Wallace Gilbert and the late Catamus Gilbert Sr. He was a former employee of Whitley and Sons Co. and was a member of PEE DEE Missionary Baptist Church in Lilesville, N.C. He was saved at an early age under the pastorate of Pastor Tanner Schofield at Allen Junction. “Cat,” as he was affectionately called, attended public schools in Beckley and attended Woodrow Wilson High School. He served in the U.S. Army with the Green Berets Special Forces Unit at Fort Bragg, N.C. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Jeanie Gilbert; two daughters, Keisha Gilbert of Charlotte and Rashanna Gilbert of Greensboro, N.C.; five stepchildren, Christopher Wilkes, Aaron Banks, Stacie Wilkes, Tierney Wilkes and Hanesah Buford, all of North Carolina; his mother, Annabelle Gilbert of Beckley; a brother, William Timothy Gilbert (Jennifer) of Beckley; four sisters, Gracie Grant (Sam) of Beckley, Oneida Rafi-Muhammad (Kalil) of Danbury, N.C., Connie McConnell of Beckley and Carol Hance (Andre) of Atlanta, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; a special granddaughter, Jenesis Tucker, whom he and his wife have raised; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Catamus Gilbert Sr.; and two brothers, John Ward (Bernice) of Beckley and Robert Gilbert of Charlotte. Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at PEE DEE Missionary Baptist Church. Smith Funeral Home, Wadesboro, N.C., is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

On Tuesday, March 20, 2007, the first day of spring, Joe Woods Beard passed away at his home on Crescent Road following a long illness. He was in his 84th year. Born April 30, 1922, in Beckley, Joe was the third of four children born to the late John George and Annie Amiss Woods Beard. A lifelong resident of Beckley, he was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Beckley College (Mountain State University). A veteran of World War II, Joe served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was a recipient of the WWII Victory Medal and the American Theatre Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. Joe retired from National Mine Service as a sales representative with over 20 years of service. He also worked many years for Anchor Sales Co. A member of the West Virginia Mining Institute, he assisted with many mine rescue operations. In his leisure time, Joe enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing and spending time at his camp on the Greenbrier River. A West Virginia history buff, he loved to read. Joe liked to write and recite humorous poetry. Several of his poems about mining life in West Virginia were published in the National Mine Service Newsletter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lisa Kathryn Daniels, on Sept. 27, 2000, and a sister, Alice Lee Whitener Massie. He was the beloved husband of Jacqueline Danese Tackett Beard for the last 57 years; the loving father of Anna Jo Alexander and her husband, Dan, of McMurray, Pa., Patty Lynn Daniels and her husband, Bob, of Fayetteville, Ga., and Joe Woods II and his wife, Theresa Beard, of Shady Spring; the dear grandfather of James D. and Scott P. Alexander, both of McMurray, and Emily Alexis Daniels of Fayetteville, Ga.; the brother of Jack Beard and his wife, Sugar, and Jim Beard and his wife, Retha Beard, all of Beckley; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Dr. Phil Smith and Earl Whitener Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today and one hour before service Friday at the funeral home. Donations of sympathy can be made to First Baptist Church, 422 Neville St., Beckley, WV 25801, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Southern West Virginia Chapter, 400 Allen Drive, Suite 20, Charleston, WV 25302. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Kyle Edward Lilly Sr., 87, of Beckley, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill. Born Jan. 12, 1920, in Glen View, he was the son of the late Everett and Linnie Perry Lilly. Mr. Lilly was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and retired from Hormel Food Corp. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church, Gideons International and the National Rifle Association. His church activities included serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and Superintendent and chairman of the Men’s Laymen’s Group. An avid hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed his vegetable garden and carpentry work. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ola, Charles, Paul and Everett Lilly Jr.; and sisters, Alma Pittman and Sarah Lilly. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Naomi Frances Pugh Lilly; daughters, Carol Elliott and husband, John, of Talcott and Joyce Lilly of Beckley; son, Kyle Edward Lilly II of Beckley; granddaughter, Tara Beth Cogar of Shady Spring; grandsons, Kyle “Trey” Edward Lilly III and wife, Lisa, of Beaver and Timothy Glenn Lilly and wife, Sherry; six great-grandchildren, Brooke Cogar, Alex Pack, Nathan Lane Lilly, Chase Cogar, Adam Lilly and Jacob Lilly; and a sister, Leona Burns of Beckley. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 23, at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Bill Jenkins and Mr. Earl Whitener officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call noon until time of service Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Kyle Lilly II, Kyle “Trey” Lilly III, Timothy Glenn Lilly, John Cogar, Clay Johnson and Fred Lovell. The family requests that donations of sympathy be made to Gideons International, Beckley Gideon Camp, c/o A. Keith Walker, 517 Orchard Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Dayton Montague Lilly, 71, of Clyde Street, Beckley, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, in Bowers Hospice House following a short illness. Born on November 25, 1935, in Mabscott, he was the son of the late Fred G. Lilly, Sr. and Nancy Irene Ingram Lilly. Mr. Lilly was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Concord College. He taught music in Baltimore, Md., public schools for over 38 years before retiring to Beckley. In Beckley he was very involved with the planning and meeting of the Alcoholics Anonymous program. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Fred G. Lilly Jr. Survivors include a brother, John W. Lilly of Powell, Tenn. Memorial services will conducted be at 11 a.m. Wednesday the St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia St., with the Rev. Roy Crist as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Stephens Columbarium. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, Patricia “Pat” Durrett of Oklahoma City, Okla., formerly of Beckley, died peacefully at her home. She was 69 years of age. Born Patricia Anne Donahue on Nov. 11, 1937, at Beckley, she was the only child of the late Earl “Speed” Donahue and Thelma Donahue Hinckley. Known affectionately as “Pat” all her life, Patricia spent her childhood on Greenbrier Court in Beckley. A 1955 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Patricia and her family worshiped at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. While in Beckley she had worked at Roland’s Piece Goods and Beckley Dance Theater. She was a longtime resident of Woodlawn Avenue. A 21-year resident of Oklahoma City, Patricia was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Oklahoma. Her family will remember her as a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Roland Hinckley. Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Sodowsky and her husband, Jess, of Shawnee, Okla., and Susan O’Neal of Oklahoma City; a granddaughter, Meagan Decher and her husband, Matt; grandsons, Phillip O’Neal and Josh Sodowsky; and a great-grandchild, Levi Decher. The Burial of the Dead, Rite One, with the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia St., Beckley, with the Rev. Roy Crist as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Stephens Columbarium. The family will receive friends noon until time of the service. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

On Sunday, March 11, 2007, Linda Lafon Bryan of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Tolley Drive, Beckley and Memphis Tenn., died in a Dallas medical center following a sudden illness. She was 57 years of age. Born Linda Sue Lafon on March 1, 1950, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Delilah Waddell Lafon of Tolley Drive, Beckley, and the late Garland Eugene Lafon. Linda spent her childhood on Tolley Drive. A 1968 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she attended Marshall University, where she graduated in 1972. She received a Master’s Degree from Kent State University, where she did post graduate work. Working in the field of psychology, she had been employed in Akron, Ohio, and Memphis, Tenn., where she resided for 25 years. While living in Memphis, Linda worked for Information Technology Sales. She and her husband David were members of the Hope Memorial Presbyterian Church. Linda and her sister, Phyllis, were co-owners of the Ladies’ Choice Dress Shop in Memphis for several years. In 2001, Linda made a move to Dallas, Texas, where she was currently working as a new home sales consultant. A very valued employee, she was successful in all her endeavors. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Linda touched the lives of many people. A trusting friend, she will be remembered as a loving daughter, dedicated wife and mother, and a dear sister and aunt. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Karl Lafon, on April 17, 2006; her paternal grandparents, Dorsey and Anna Mae Lafon; and her maternal grandparents, Dewey and Hallie Waddell. In addition to her mother, Linda is survived by her husband of 17 years, David Allen Bryan; daughter, Kristen of Portland, Oregon; son, Andrew of Memphis; sister, Phyllis Winnett of Beckley; a brother, Larry Lafon of Knoxville, Tenn.; nephews, Brian Hopkins and his wife, Sherry, and their sons, Holden and William; Steven K. and Joel Lafon; nieces Leslie Anne, Paige and Hallie Lafon; many lifelong friends and co-workers. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Craig Steven officiating. Entombment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum in Beckley. Friends may call 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Pallbearers will be Larry Lafon, Brian Hopkins, Andrew Bryan, Jeff Almond, Jerry and Rocky McKinney. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

VENICE, Fla. — Richard H. Davis, 66, died Friday, March 9, 2007. He was born July 7, 1940, in Lynch, Ky., and moved to Venice five years ago from Pittsburgh, Pa. He was vice president of USWA — United Steel Workers of America, retiring in 2002. Mr. Davis started with the Steel Workers Union in 1962; graduated from Concord University in West Virginia; was active in the Democratic Party; was the USWA District 7 director in Alabama; and traveled extensively as the USWA International Affairs director. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Kay Davis; two sons, Richard A. Davis of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and Robert H. Davis of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; four grandchildren, Caroline, Rocco, Madalyn and Abagail; sister, Brenda Miller of Charleston; and brother, Jim Davis of Orange Park, Fla. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Tom Davis. A gathering will be 2 to 3 p.m. Monday, March 12, at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel. Celebration of life will follow at 3 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2801 Fruitville Road, Suite 250, Sarasota, Fla. 34237. Friends may visit anytime online at www.farleyfuneralhome.com to sign guest register book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Farley Funeral Home, Venice. [WWHS '58]

Margaret Faye Sullivan of Beckley went home to an eternal life with God, her family and friends on Monday, March 5, 2007, at the young age of 103. Born Jan. 17, 1904, in Raleigh, she was preceded in death by her parents David Ross and Mamie Farley Sullivan; a brother, Sidney Sullivan; and two sisters, Loraine Dunham and Christine Souder. Her closest living relatives are a niece, Sharon Stinson of California; four nephews, James West of Maryland, Victor Sullivan of Washington, Richard “Dickie Bill” Dunham of California and David Souder of Mount Hope; and a great-niece, Mary Souder of Mount Hope. Also blessings to her long-term care giver, Donna Souder of Mount Hope. She attended the first public high school in Beckley. After graduation in 1921, she enrolled at Marshall University and later graduated from Concord College with a lifetime Normal Certificate. She began teaching at the age of 17 and taught for 48 years, 31 of them at Crab Orchard. She also taught at Mabscott and Teel. She was the first woman elected president of the Raleigh County Board of Education Association. She was a member of Mabscott Baptist Church, then became a member of First Baptist Church of Beckley. Margaret helped with many local organizations, too many to list. The ones that were most important to her were Wildwood Museum, Friends of the Library, the Historical Society, Beckley Concert Association and the Red Cross. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Ron Sears officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be David Denny, Gary Morefield, Edward Thrush, Randy McClaugherty, Aaron McCleary and Mary Souder. An online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret Sullivan’s memory to the American Red Cross, Raleigh County Chapter, P.O. Box 1598, Beckley, W.Va. 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Joan Elaine Wilkes, of Beckley, died at her home, after a long illness, Friday, March 2, 2007. Born in Beckley, she will live in our memory as a very prominent member of the Beckley Community. Joan was the daughter of the late William Wesley Wilkes and wife Grace Lilly Wilkes, who arrived from Bramwell, WV at the turn of the century. Wesley was very successful in the insurance business. From this wonderful marriage came seven children, David Philip, Wesley Jr., Grace Lilly, Lewyn, Jimmy, Joan and Betty. All died in their order of birth, leaving only Betty as the sole survivor. Joan was born in Beckley. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley College, Concord College and West Virginia University. She attended Marshall University studying special education and received her Master’s Degree plus 45 hours from West Virginia University. Her 41 years of teaching were at Crab Orchard Elementary and Lincoln Elementary. Her lifetime devotion was teaching the third grade. In 2000 Joan was inducted into Mountain State University Alumni Hall of Fame and received the YMCA Spirit Award 2003. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Friendship Class, deaconess of the First Baptist Church, member of the Laura Hinchman Circle, corresponding secretary for the Daughters of American Revolution, member of the Moose and Kiwanis Clubs, secretary to the former Rhododendron Club, advisory board member of Beckley Salvation Army, charter member of Raleigh County Historical Society and Humane Society, XI Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society and lifetime member of Raleigh County Library. Joan traveled extensively all over the world, sharing stories of her experiences and adventures with friends and students. She is survived by her sister, Betty Wilkes of Beckley; nephew, John Wilkes and wife Rosemary of Pax; niece, Nancy Powell and husband Fred of Knoxville, Tenn.; niece, Jenny Breeden of Lawton, OK; niece, Connie Wilkes of Knoxville, Tenn.; nephew, Robert Wilkes and wife Debbie of Cordova, Tenn.; nephew, Bill Wilkes, II of Tomball, Texas; niece, Jane Ann Rymer and husband Edward of Knoxville, Tenn.; as well as several great nephews and nieces. Joan loved her devoted animals, Benji, Sassy, Sally, Boo-Boo, Sue, and Phanton. She also loved her faithful and loving caregivers, Helen Kidd, Blondena Hendrick and Faye Crouch. The Hospice of Southern West Virginia was wonderful and her family appreciated their outstanding care. Pallbearers are Earl Whitener, Johnny Scott, Jim Lytton, Michael Farris, Roy Bazzare, George Wilson, Dwayne Sellards, Jim Sheatsley, Bob Maynard, Rev. Bob Matherly, Capt. Bob Cornett, Paul Hutchinson, Steve Ballard, and Charlie Houck. Friends may gather with the family from 12 p.m. noon until 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the First Baptist Church on Neville Street. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m., with Dr. Phillip Smith officiating. A eulogy will be given by former student Marjorie Hale Bair of Charleston. Burial will take place at the Wilkes Triangle in Sunset Park located on Harper Road. Donations of sympathy may be sent to Wilkes Family Foundation, c/o Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801; First Baptist Church, 422 Neville St., Beckley, WV 25801; Beckley Salvation Army, 312 South Fayette St., Beckley, WV 25801; or Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. An online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Miss Christine Clay, 72, of Beckley, died Saturday [July 2, 1977] in a Beckley hospital after a long illness. Born in Damron, Raleigh County, she taught at Beckley Junior High School for 40 years, retiring in 1967. A graduate of Marshall University, Miss Clay was a member of Marshall Alumni Assn. and NRTA. Surviving: niece, Mrs. Robert L. Smith Jr. of Charleston; five nephews. Memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in Keyser-Bryant funeral home, Beckley, with the Rev. Fritz Shilling officiating. The family suggests memorials to the Raleigh County library or the Marshall University Alumni Assn. The body has been cremated. [Charleston Daily Mail, July 4, 1977]

Margaret J. "Margie" Blake, 78, went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2006 after a long illness at her home. She was born in Mabscott, West Virginia and lived in Savannah for the last 38 years. She was a retired School teacher from the Chatham County Board of Education, where she touched many lives. She was a very strong willed person, a loving and devoted wife, mother and friend. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert E. "Bobby" Blake, her sister, Frances Pisegna and her brother in law, Victor Pisegna, her brother, James Brash, brother in law, John Blake and sister in law, Lois Blake. Surviving are her two daughters, Jean Wiggins and husband Ron of Savannah, Brenda B. Loven and her husband Billy of Savannah, three grandchildren, Allan Wiggins, Bobby Wiggins and Maggie Loven, her sister in law, Frances B. Hahne and husband Frank of Savannah, sister in law, Deloris Brash of Beckley, W.VA., her Aunt Sarah McDonough and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 27, 2006 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Islands Chapel. Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 28, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Islands Chapel with burial in Bonaventure Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Billy Loven, Ron Wiggins, Allan Wiggins, Ronnie Wiggins, Ryan Wiggins and Mike Pisegna. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bobby Wiggins and Blake Wiggins. Remembrances to the American Heart Association, American Lung Association and St. Jude's. Savannah Morning News, December 27, 2006. Please sign our Obituary Guest Book here. [WWHS '46]

Mary Ellen McQuade, 57, of 202 Nebraska Ave., Beckley, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2007, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a long illness. Born in Beckley on April 11, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Harold Thedford Hewitt and Beatrice Doud Hancock. Mary was a homemaker and a lifelong Beckley resident. Survivors include three sons, David C. Rexrode and wife, Barbara Ann, of Durbin, Thomas Shawn McQuade of Snowshoe and Spencer Kent McQuade of Beckley; a daughter, Erin Heather Bragg of Beckley; life partner and former husband, Kenneth Nierman of Beckley; and six grandchildren, Joshua, Seth, Tyler, Dennie, Dustin and Koryn. There will be no service or visitation. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Ernest Ronald “Ronnie” Akers, 69, of Beckley passed away Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007, following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Born Sept. 21, 1937, at Crab Orchard, he was the son of the late Claude F. Akers and Marie Cochran Akers. In addition to his parents Ronnie was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Akers. Ronnie was a member of Memorial Baptist Church, Beckley, where he taught the Bykota Sunday School Class. Ronnie was a 1950 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Ronnie was the former car sales manager of Grady Whitlock Ford, and was currently employed at Earehart Enterprises for the past 24 years. He enjoyed going to car auctions with his closest friend Mike Prunesti. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family telling them stories. Ronnie loved to study and teach the scriptures. Ronnie served his country in the United States Army. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 43 years, Freda Cox Akers; three daughters, Christy Meadows and husband, Bob, of Crab Orchard, Sherry Scott and husband, Brad, of Beaver and Julie Bragg of Beckley; a brother, Jack Akers and wife, Esther, of Daniels; sister, Joyce Akers of Beckley; three grandchildren, Ashlee and Bradley Scott and Rachel Bragg; mother-in-law, Mildred Cox; Jerry and Alice Cox, Ronnie and Kathy Acord, Jeff and Anita Spicer, Joey and Nancy Cochran; and a host of family and friends. Praise and worship service will be 2 p.m. today at Memorial Baptist Church, Beckley, with Paul Blizard officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Chapel of Peace, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Mike Prunesti, Wayne Byrge, Ted Milam, Herbie Atha, Pat Burdiss and Harry Hoskins. Honarary pallbearers will be Andy Earehart, Charlie Farmer and Keith Walker. Friends may gather with the family 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV or Gideons International. The Akers family would like to give special thanks to Hospice and Dr. Khanna and staff at Raleigh Regional Cancer Center. The family would like to encourage everyone to get a colon screening test at the appropriate age. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley is in charge of arrangements. [Ronnie was apparently actually in the class of 1955.]

Samuel “Sam” Fara, 82, passed away Monday, Feb. 26, 2007. Born March 1, 1924, he was the son of Constantino Fara and Crocetta Lancianese Fara. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and owner of Fara Tile Co., Bradley. He was of the Catholic faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Wayne Tennant, three brothers, Sidney, Dandy and Johnny Fara; and two sisters, Minnie Pauletto and Lucille Allen. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Eileen Shadrick Fara; a son, Jack Shadrick and his wife, Kellie, of Mebane, N.C.; a daughter, Jeannie Bowyer of Bradley; six grandchildren, Angelia Bragg, Misty Tennant, Phillip Bowyer, Miranda Bowyer, Harold Tennant and Kacie Shadrick; four great-children, Aaron Haley, Brandon Bott, Hunter Bowyer and Cierstin Goodson; a brother, George Fara and his wife, Betty, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn.; a sister, Edrie Crease of Indiana; a special nephew, Joe Pauletto and his wife, Kathy, of Lanark; a special niece, Dr. Ferrell Jo Pauletto of New Jersey; and several other nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 2, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastor Robert Barley officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may gather with the family 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.

C. Frank Poland, 62, of Maple Fork, passed away Feb. 23, 2007, at Raleigh General Hospital. Born July 13, 1944, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of Clyde Franklin Poland, Sr. and Opal Brooks Poland. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1962. He was a former police officer in Washington, D.C., and Beckley. He loved spending time with his card playing buddies. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps, was an Army Reservist in the 492nd Rep. D.E.T. and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 1606. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl and Ray Poland. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Frances Poland, of Maple Fork; three sons, Timothy Poland of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Frank Poland and his wife, Heather, of Fayetteville, W.Va., Jeff Honaker and his wife, Kemberly, of Bridgeport, W.Va.; three daughters, Wendy Lane and her husband, Robert, of Kitty Hawk, N.C., Shawnee Griggs and her husband, Alan, of Poplar Branch, N.C., Renee Cox and her husband, James, of Bradley, W.Va.; eleven grandchildren; three sisters, Loretta Edmonson of Roanoke, Va., Christine Oase of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., Verna Sumpter and her husband, Jerry, of Crab Orchard, W.Va.; one brother, John Poland and his wife, Gail, of Maple Fork. A memorial will be noon today at Harper Free Methodist Church, 3674 Harper Road, Eccles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Dr., Beckley.

Ray Richard Patterson, 74, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2007. He was born June 2, 1932, in Beckley. He was the son of Richard Hudson Patterson and Margaret Ann Bair Patterson. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1950 and attended classes at Beckley College. Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy (Ewing) Patterson; and brothers, Carl and Bill Cook. He is survived by his wife, Erma (Roseblock) Patterson; sister, Margaret Bostic of Pennsylvania; son, Richard A. Patterson, daughter-in-law, Suzanna (Ash) Patterson, and grandsons, Raymond L. Patterson, age 13, and Eli R. Patterson, age 3, of Sistersville; and stepdaughters, Carol Torstrom of Lebanon, Ore., Edith Deke of Rockwall, Texas, and Sherrie Phillips of Concho, Ariz. Many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cou-sins and close loving friends also survive Mr. Patterson. Mr. Patterson was employed by the West Virginia Department of Transportation for over 40 years. After retiring, Ray continued to work as a consultant for several engineering firms. Mr. Patterson was a district cooperator with the Upper Ohio Soil Conservation District. He was an avid gardener and cultivated exotic orchids. He was very active in managing and operating Red Sky Farm, where he and his son, Rick, produced beef cattle and organic fruit. Ray loved fishing with his two grandsons, Raymond and Eli, and his favorite dog, Buddy. He was an outdoorsman who respected and was fascinated with the beauty and wonder of nature. Mr. Patterson was a member of the Calloway Heights Baptist Church, where he and his wife Erma attended regularly. Ray was very supportive and active with a small group of USMC Beirut veterans who considered him a family member. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Bill Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may gather with family from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.

Dennis B. “D.B.” Meadows Sr., 79, of Beckley, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, at the Beckley VA Medical Center following a long illness. Born in Beckley on Aug. 12, 1927, he was the son of the late Milton Earl Meadows and Florence Sluss Meadows. Mr. Meadows was a retired employee of C&O Railroad where he served as a conductor and yard master. Mr. Meadows was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the United Transportation Union. He had made his home in Beckley all of his life. Mr. Meadows graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley College. His wife, Letha Meadows, and a brother, Hershel Meadows, preceded him in death. Survivors include sons, Dennis B. Meadows Jr. of Beckley and Hugh Earl Meadows and wife, Jennifer, of Saxon; daughters, Sandra Ward and husband, Gary, of Beckley and Pat Meadows and husband, John, of Beckley; sisters, Effie Wingate of Washington, D.C., and Ruth Meadows of Beckley; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

William A. “Bill” Wilbur, 79, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, following a long illness. Born April 21, 1927, at Glen White, he was the son of Paul Eans and Mary Ann Bolton Wilbur. He was a 1944 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a United States Navy World War II veteran. He was a member of United Methodist Temple of Beckley. He retired in 1993 as president and executive director of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce. He was previously with the Sales Department of Bays Buick for over 26 years. Named as a Distinguished West Virginian, he was extremely active in local and state activities. He served two terms as a member of the Beckley Common Council from 1967-1975. He was a member of the Raleigh County Armory Board as well as member and president of the Planning Commission of the City of Beckley. He also served on the Beckley Housing Authority, Small Business Advisory Council for West Virginia, the West Virginia Economic Development Council and the Southern Industrial Development Council. Mr. Wilbur was named the Outstanding Jaycee in West Virginia, was awarded the Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award and was named a West Virginia Jaycee Key Man. He served as a past exalted ruler of the Beckley Elks Lodge and grand lodge deputy for the Southern District of West Virginia. He was also a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Beckley. He served on the Board of Directors of the Beckley Little League for over 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dick and Walter. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Crawford Wilbur; daughter, Barbara Tilton of Bermuda Run, N.C.; son, Paul Wilbur and wife, Kathie, of Summerville, S.C.; daughter, Sandy Sprinkle and husband, Roger, of Holly Springs, N.C.; granddaughter, Daphne Sapp and husband, Jerry, of Kernersville, N.C.; brothers, Robert A. (Eva) of Columbia, S.C., James (Faye) of Columbia and Charles (Lois) of Columbia; sister, Elizabeth Ann Daily (Furman) of Irmo, S.C.; brother Gene (Laverne) of Lexington, S.C.; sister, Jane (George) McCoy of Lexington, S.C.; sister-in-law Peggy Wilbur of Keystone; and a host of nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at United Methodist Temple, Beckley, with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating, assisted by Deacon Don Wise. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary, Beckley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Wilma Jean Winner, 77, of Beckley, died Friday, Feb. 9, 2007, at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley following a short illness. Born in Beckley on June 17, 1929, she was the daughter of the late James H. Winner and Grace Hess Winner. Miss Winner graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1947, where she became interested in journalism and was the editor in chief of “The Echo” annual publication, and a member of the staff of “The Eagle Dispatch” high school paper. After attending Beckley College, her formal career in writing began as the Beckley Post Herald’s woman’s editor. She also served as continuity writer and conducted a woman’s program on the radio station WJLS in Beckley, during the period from 1949 to 1967. She held positions in the writing field with the Star News of Wilmington, N.C., the Huntington Herald-Dispatch and the Richmond, Va., Times-Dispatch. In 1967 she had the distinction of being the first civilian to be assigned to the editorial staff of a Navy publication approach Magazine-Division of the Safety Education Department, U.S. Naval Education Center. She also wrote numerous poems, some used on Christmas cards and some used by stores in Richmond, Va., for publicity. She was a member of the Women’s Club of Beckley and the Business and Professional Women’s Club and was active in the work of the Progressive Blind Club of Beckley and the West Virginia Federation of the Blind. Miss Winner lived in Richmond for 25 years before retirement, when she returned to Beckley to live with her sister, June. Before her recent illness she was an avid shopper and was well known to all the stores in the Beckley area. In the summer months she enjoyed raising flowers. Survivors include her sister, Hilda June Winner of Beckley; a brother, Dr. Joe Winner and wife Juanita K. Winner, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a niece, Dr. Joan K. Winner of Winston-Salem; a nephew, Joe K. Winner and wife, Susan, of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; and great-niece, Christina Winner. Service will be 4 p.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. James Johnson and the Rev. Randy Smithson officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Nicholas “Nick” Hajash, 88, of Larew Avenue, Beckley, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007. He was born Jan. 21, 1919, at Elbert, McDowell County. Mr. Hajash was of the Catholic faith and enjoyed his membership at St. Francis de Sales Church in Beckley. Mr. Hajash served in the West Virginia National Guard and was later inducted into the U.S. Army on Jan. 17, 1941. He was one of seven brothers serving in military service in World War II, and attained the rank of sergeant while serving in the Panama Canal Zone. Sgt. Hajash was awarded the Good Conduct, American Theater Operations, American Defense and Victory Medals. He was an expert rifleman and expert machine gunner. In 1974 he was named an honorary mountaineer brigadier in the West Virginia Militia by Gene H. Williams, deputy commander of West Virginia Army National Guard. In 1943 Sgt. Hajash’s squad was honored and selected to eat dinner with the first lady Eleanor Roosevelt in Jungle Camp Pina in the Panama Canal Zone. Mr. Hajash was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, Class of 1938. He played football, basketball and track at Shady Spring High School before transferring to Woodrow Wilson. Mr. Hajash was well known in the bowling leagues of Beckley throughout the state. He served as president and secretary of the Men’s Major League and Bowlick Handicap League. He bowled in both leagues for a total of 57 years before retiring. Mr. Hajash was a member of Moose Lodge 1606, Beckley, for 53 years. Mr. Hajash worked 13 years for Biggs-Johnston-Withrow Printers before joining Beckley Newspapers, working on the Raleigh Register with 23 years of service. He retired as composing room foreman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Rozi Hajash; brothers, Joachim, John, Martin and Steve Jr.; and a sister, Mary. Survivors include his brothers, George and Joe of Beckley and Andy Hajash of Largo, Fla.; and sisters, Rosemary Fulford of Waycross, Ga., and Elizabeth Osborne of Beckley. Funeral Liturgy will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Beckley, with the Rev. Father Pericles P. Malacaman as celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery of Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, where a Christian prayer service will be recited at 8 p.m. by the Rev. Mr. Donald Wise. Pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus, Phil Zeto, Andy Moscarito, John E. Voloski, Leo Porreca, Robert E. Osborne and Bob E. Osborne. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Roger Dale Pinson, 49, of Harper, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born Jan. 28, 1957, in Logan, he was the son of Dorothy A. Frazier Pinson of Harper and the late Thomas Sheral Pinson. Mr. Pinson spent his early childhood in Logan before moving to Harper. He was a 1975 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He worked on heavy equipment and last worked at Fletcher Cobra Tire in Harper. An avid radio operator, he was known on the citizens band radio as "Pack Rat" and his amateur radio call sign was KC8WIL. He attended Bible Wesleyan Chapel in Crab Orchard. He was preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla Jane Cochran Pinson, and a sister, Jo Ann Pinson Craddock. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include a daughter, Jennifer L. Pinson, a brother, Danny Pinson, and a sister, Bonnie Sue Bailey and her husband, Gordon Lee, all of Harper; six nephews and three nieces. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Bible Wesleyan Chapel, Crab Orchard, with the Rev. Troy Bolen officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the church and one hour before service Friday. Pallbearers will be Timmy Barker, Steven Barker, Theo Richardson, David Richardson, Scott Rich-ardson, Jeremiah Hatfield and Jeff Davis. Online condolences may be sent to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

BARBOURSVILLE — Genevieve Gunter Reed, formerly of Crab Orchard, passed away Jan. 17, 2007, at Hospice House of Huntington after a short illness. Born Dec. 9, 1927, at Stotesbury, daughter of the late Virgel and Carrie Clay Gunter of Crab Orchard. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Reed Sr. of 55 years; a brother, Virgel Gunter Jr. of Portsmouth, Va.; a sister, Zelma Easley of Roanoke, Va. Mrs. Reed was a 1947 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she earned her degree of Hair Design at Beauty Academy of Roanoke, Va. Her hobbies included flower gardening, and spending time with her loving family. Church was an important part of her life. In 1940 while at Crab Orchard Baptist Church, she was a member of a quartet with Senator Robert C. Byrd, her sister, Geraldine Gunter Sigmund and Mason Lilly. In Barboursville she was a member of Bloomingdale-Salem Baptist Church. Survivors include a son, Archie Reed Jr. and wife, Brenda; a daughter, Kimberly and her husband, Jason Krantz; two sisters, Ferne Edmonds of Halifax, Va., Geraldine Gunter Sigmond of Beckley; four grandchildren, Melissa and Travis Reed, Alaina and Garret Krantz, all of Barboursville; nieces, Kathy Edmonds of Halifax, Va., Linda Word of Portsmouth, Va., Becky Sigmund of Roswell, Ga. and Cynthia Rogers of Waynesboro, Va.; nephews, Wayne Gunter of Winston Salem, N.C., and William Sigmund II, MD of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Services were held Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, at Bloomingdale-Salem Baptist Church in Barboursville with Pastor Jeff Sizemore presiding. Burial was in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. Pallbearers were Archie Reed Jr., son; Travis Reed, grandson; Jason Krantz, son-in- law and Wayne Gunter, nephew. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bloomingdale-Salem Baptist Church Building Fund, Box 910, Barboursville, W.Va. 25504 or Hospice House of Huntington, 3100 Staunton Rd., Huntington, W.Va. 25702.

Tamika Chenelle Callender, 33, of 128 N. Juniper Ave., Richmond, Va., died 11:43 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at VCU Medical Center. Born Nov. 23, 1973, at Beckley, she was the daughter of James Hoskins of Savanna, Ga. and Vicky Patterson Tanks of Highland Springs, Va., and the great-granddaughter of Essie Baxter of Beckley. Tamika was a member of New Hope Baptist Church of Beckley and was a 1992 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Brooklyn Callender; and great-grandfather, Francill Baxter. Other survivors include her husband, Jason Callender of Beckley; a daughter, Sariah Callender of Highland Springs, Va.; maternal grandmother, Pauline Morris of Beckley; three brothers, Michael Hoskins of Beckley, William Hoskins of Highland Springs, Va., and Deshae Williams of Tacoma, Wash.; two sister, LaShara Hoskins of Beckley, and April Hoskins of Atlanta, Ga.; special friends, Kesha Johnson of Charleston, and Nicole Jones of Beckley; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at New Hope Baptist Church, 304 Worley Rd., Beckley, with the Rev. Nathaniel Carey officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Kyle David Harper Jr., age 76, of Greystone Inn, Beaver, formerly of Pine St., Beckley, died on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, in a local hospital. Born Aug. 4, 1930, at Beckley, he was the son of the late Kyle D. and Mary E. Ward Harper. Mr. Harper was a 1948 graduate of WWHS and Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C. and was retired from the U.S. Justice Department, DEA, accounting department in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the United Methodist Temple in Beckley and a veteran having served in the Korean War from 1953 to 1954. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Eileen Gadd Fleshman, B. Jeanette Dietz, Lyda Harper and Margaret L. Harper. Survivors include a niece, Kristin Gadd of Mabscott; and a nephew, David Gadd of Los Angels, Calif. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Bruce A. Araujo, 29, of Beckley, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, in a local hospital following a short illness. He was a special son to Delores Parker and a loving brother of David Parker. Bruce was born Dec. 6, 1977, in Charleston, the son of Paul Araujo of St. Albans and the late Annise Weddington Araujo. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. He was active in Challenger T-Ball and Challenger bowling and was active in the Blue Jay Day Program at Beaver. He had been a resident of Beckley for the past 11 years. He was preceded in death by a special aunt, Emma A. Gentry. Other survivors include three brothers, Paul F. Araujo of Kentucky, Tom Araujo of Elkins and Brian Araujo of North Carolina; numerous cousins and friends. A funeral liturgy will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church with the Rev. Perry Malacaman officiating. A Rite of Committal will follow at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans. Friends may call 6 to 8:30 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, where a rosary will be recited by the Rev. Mr. Don Wise. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. An online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. The family would appreciate donations in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

PINEY VIEW — Uldine Logan, 76, of Piney View, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at 3:10 a.m., at the Charleston Area Medical Center General Division, following a long illness. Born at Lookout on Oct. 31, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James H. Flint and Rinda Adkins Flint. Mrs. Logan was of the Baptist faith, and was a 1949 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was preceded in death by her son, James Stanley Logan; an infant sister, Merle Flint; two sisters, Audrey Perotti and Gerri Webb; and a brother, J.H. Flint. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, James Ha-rold Logan at home; three daughters, Vickie Higginbotham and husband, Clark, of Piney View, Kathy Jones and husband, Pete, of Piney View, and Karen Wamsley and husband, Tim, of Lynchburg, Va.; four grandchildren, Brian Higginbotham, Eric Smith, Rinda Moss, and Logan Wamsley; and four great-grandchildren, Erica, Alexis, Trevor and Alex. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with the Rev. Gene Hall and Pastor Cecil Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Wallace Memorial Cemetery at Clintonville. Friends may call 11 a.m. until service time on Wednesday. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley.

Edward Lee Berginnis, 62, of Ashland, Ky., died Jan. 5, 2007, at his residence. Mr. Berginnis was born March 17, 1944, in Beckley, W.Va., a son of the late Edward A. and Margaret Marschner Berginnis. He also was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Natalie Renee Berginnis. He was an accounting manager, assistant treasurer and assistant secretary of Kentucky Power Co., retiring after 37 years of service. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley and earned a BS degree in accounting from Concord College, where he was on the bowling and tennis teams and a member of Phi Beta Lamba and Theta Xi social fraternity. He was a member of BPO Elks Lodge 350, a Kentucky colonel and a graduate of the AEP Executive Management Program at the University of Michigan. He was active in various civic and community activities, including director of the Brandon Webb Holiday Baseball Camp for the past three years and United Way Citizens Review Panel, where he was a former chairman, past president of Ohio Valley Accountants Association and an adviser for Junior Achievement of the Ohio Valley. He was part of the Boyd County Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Development Program, serving as chairman in 1990. Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Diane Smith Berginnis; two daughters, Rhonda Leigh Suman and her husband, Matt, and Alicia Nicole Webb and her husband, Brandon, all of Ashland; a sister, Charlotte Cole of Spokane, Wash.; and grandchildren Sydney Elizabeth Suman, Sophie Marie Suman, Reagan Lucille Webb and Brayden Cole Suman. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his special buddy, his dachshund, Otis. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2007, at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland by the Rev. Richard Suman. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, at the funeral home. Friends may make contributions to the Boyd County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1516, Ashland, KY 41101 or Hope’s Place, 1100 Greenup Ave., Ashland, KY 41101. Online condolences may be made to steenfuneralhomes.com. [WWHS '61, from the Daily Independent, Ashland]

Callyn B. Maynor, 20, of Beckley. God called him home on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2006. Born in Beckley on Dec. 30, 1986, he was the son of Joyce Flower Maynor of Beckley and the late Roger Maynor. Callyn was a 2005 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and was currently a student at West Virginia University. Callyn enjoyed spending time with all his friends and driving his Mustang. Other than his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Elmer Flower. Other than his mother, survivors include his sister, Brittany Maynor of Beckley; maternal grandparent, Lee Ann Flower of Beckley; paternal grandparents, R. Dean Maynor and Peggy Maynor of Shady Spring; aunts and uncles, Gary and Cindy Flower of Liberty, S.C., Michele and William Cook of Cool Ridge, and Tari Maynor of Cary, N.C.; cousins, Julia and Mark Holliday and daughters, Marley, Caroline, and Juliana, of Sophia, Brandon and Lisa Flower and children, Sophia and Nate of Fairmont, Greg and Shannon Blevins and daughter, Madison, of Beckley, Matthew and Kelly Flower of Gainesville, Fla., Belinda Cook of Cool Ridge, Lynn Farley of Maple Fork Road and Pebbles Farley of Maple Fork Road; and many other relatives and special friends. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with a eulogy by family members. Burial will follow at Tom Lilly Cemetery, Ghent. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Special friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

On Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, our beloved Mother, loving grandmother and dear sister, Mary Ann Gregg Taylor of Daniels, passed away in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. She was 76 years of age. Mary Ann was born June 29, 1930, in Beckley, the daughter of the late Walter S. and Violet Allen Gregg. Mary Ann spent her childhood on Quarry Street, where she was a longtime resident. She was a graduate of Wood-row Wilson High School. A homemaker, she had been a resident of Duke Street in Daniels since 1998. She was of the Christian faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley Raymond Taylor, on Aug. 18, 1997; four sons, Gary and Dwayne Mills, and Jerry and Danny Taylor; and a brother, Robert Gregg. At the end of the day, Mary Ann will be remembered for her love of family. There were no stepchildren in her eyes. She loved all her children and their families and gave from her heart. Survivors include her children, daughters Debbie Carson and her husband, Perry, of Daniels, Catherine Wyrick and Loretta Williams, both of Randleman, N.C., and Pauline Mills of Magadore, Ohio; sons Donnie Mills and his wife, Shirley, of Lexington, N.C., Ray Taylor and his wife, Neva, of Beaver, David Taylor and his wife, Angela, of Liberty, N.C., Dale Taylor and his wife, Kathy, of Amelia, Va., and Steve Taylor and his wife, Dawn, and Lee Taylor, all of Fitzpatrick; 21 grandchildren, among them Matthew and Jeremy Carson, who helped care for their grandmother; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Seelinger of Fort Pierce, Fla., and Carol Brady of Shady Spring; brothers, Tom Gregg and his wife, Wanda, of Dale-ville, Va., and Dearl Gregg and his wife, Becky, of Fort Pierce; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 3 p.m. Monday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Rodney Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Canaday Cemetery, Glen View. Friends may call 1 p.m. until the time of service. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Bethel Hungate Lilly, 73, of Prosperity, formerly of Coal City, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born Nov. 24, 1933, at Laurel Creek, she was the daughter of the late Robert L. Staton and Rose Berry Staton. After graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School, Mrs. Lilly had been employed at G.C. Murphy Co., JC Penney, and the Hill’s Department Store. She retired from Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, last working in the Emergency Room Department as a unit secretary. Her employment at Raleigh General Hospital, beginning at the old hospital, lasted for 28 years. She received the Dr. Frist Humanitarian Award in 1996 for her hard work and passion for her job. Mrs. Lilly attended Cranberry Baptist Church. She was loved by everyone, and will be remembered for her considerate, enthusiastic, selfless personality and as a good cook and for her peanut butter fudge. She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Lilly; brothers, John Lee Staton and Robert L. Staton; and sisters, Bertha Malone and Beverly Haygood. Surviving are her first husband and the father of her three children, Dexter Hungate; a son, H.D. “J.R.” Hungate and wife, Beth, of Richmond, Va.; daughters, Kathy Sanders and husband, Doug, of Beckley and Annette Phillips and husband, Gary, of Camp Creek; a stepson, Michael Lilly and wife, Linda, of Mobile, Ala.; grandchildren, Jeremy and Jennifer Sanders, Brittany and Brooklyn Attilli, Kendall and Rachael Hungate, Jason and Jennifer Lilly, and Devin, Dana and Jarred Phillips; great-grandchildren, Kaidin, Addison and Riley Phillips; brothers, Jimmy Staton and wife, “Judy,” of MacArthur and Danny Staton and wife, Peggy, of Shady Spring; sisters, Shirley Hudgins of Roanoke, Va., and Sharon Fink and husband, Ronnie, of Coal City; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Roger Pauley officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mark E. Miller, 69, died Dec. 21, 2006, in Port St. Lucie. He was born in Beckley, W.Va., and moved to Port St. Lucie in 1990 from Fort Lauderdale. He was the counder and co-owner of Miller Construction Co. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Miller, of Port St. Lucie; children, Cynthia Jones, of Orlando, Pamela Asencio, of Sunrise, Gary E. Miller, of Port St. Lucie, and Gregg Miller of Okeechobee; nine grandchildrenand one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Willia Miller, and brother, Don Miller. Memorial contributions may be made to Diabetes Insipidus Foundation Inc., c/o Mike Gandrud, President, 1232 24th Street, Ames, IA 50010. SERVICES: Visitation will befrom 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 28 at Haisley Funeral Home. A service will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. A guest book may be signed at www.haisleyfuneralhome.com. [WWHS '55. Published in the TC Palm on 12/24/2006]

Curtis Elbert Mills, 88, of MacArthur, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006, at his home following a short illness. Born in Raleigh County on May 19, 1918, he was the son of the late Baxter and Onvia Lemon Mills. Mr. Mills was a retired coal miner, and was a former barber and welder. He was a member of the UMWA, was a member of Woodrow Wilson High School Football Hall of Fame, and had received an Ivory Eagle mounted on a lump of coal for his athletic ability from Woodrow Wilson High School. Mr. Mills was a life member of the Beckley Moose Lodge No. 1606. He was preceded in death by a son, Alvin Baxter Mills; and a brother, Arless Mills. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Ada Mae Spangler Mills; two daughters, Miranda Maliborski and husband, Henry, of Longwood, Fla., and Carla Ball and husband, William, of Piedmont, S.C.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special care givers, Genny Wood, Betty Poe, Jean and Gary Cooper, Mary and Frank Baird, and Fred Yancey. Service will be 1 p.m. today at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Phil Shields officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service today. Online condolences may be sent to our guestbook at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Margaret Jean England lived a full and happy life and went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. Born Jan. 24, 1925, at Flat Top, she was the daughter of the late Omega Lilly Richmond and Hobert Richmond. Mrs. England graduated from Richmond High School in 1941. She did one year of post-graduate studies at Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Beckley College. Ms. England work-ed at Koppers Coal Co. Mine Office at Stanaford, and in her later years retired from the JC Penney Co. after 15 years of service. Mrs. England was a member of Crab Orchard Baptist Church and a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. Ms. England was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas L. England Jr.; a sister, Betty Sayer; and four brothers, Robert “Bobby” Richmond, Howard “Scottie” Richmond, Lawrence “Doug” Richmond and Frederick “Jerry” Richmond. Survivors include two sons, Dallas England and his wife, Barbara, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Clyde England and his wife, Teresa, of Bristol, Va.; four daughters, Jeanne Osborne and her husband, Mike, of Pleasant Valley, Patricia Shumate and her husband, George, of Lexington, Va., Frances Gilkerson and her husband, Dewaun, of Crab Orchard and Jane Ann Calvert and her husband, Joseph, of Crab Orchard; four brothers, Elmer Richmond of Pensacola, Fla., Harold Richmond, of Roswell, Ga., Joe Richmond of Crab Orchard and Edwin Richmond of Richmond, Ky.; a sister, Carol Brillon of Woonsocket, R.I.; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Phil Shields and Deacon Ray Yates officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family request that donations of sympathy be made to the National Alliance for Autism Research, 99 Wall St., Research Park, Princeton, NJ 08540. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, Debra Jarrell Williams of Palm Harbor, Fla., formerly of Beckley, became one of God’s special angels at her home in Palm Harbor. She was 54 years of age. Born Sept. 20, 1952, Debra was the youngest of three children born to J.T. and Rosebelle Tabor Jarrell Jr. of New Port Richey, Fla., formerly of Beckley. Known affectionately as “Debbie,” Debra spent her childhood on Harper Road. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1970, she attended Marshall University where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and graduated with a B.S. degree. When growing up, she and her family were members of First Christian Church, Courthouse Square. She was a lifetime member of the Single Action Shooting Society. A resident of Palm Harbor since 1992, Debra was a former resident of Louisville, Ky. She was a division manager for Mabelline Cosmetics and a broker for Crystallite for the state of Florida. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, J.T. and Gladys Jarrell Sr. of Beckley; her maternal grandparents, Charles and Arizona Tabor of Naoma; and her uncle Jacob “Jake” Jarrell of Beckley. In addition to being the beloved daughter of J.T. and Rosebelle, Debra was the loving wife of Paul Williams; special Mother to Lauren Christine Williams of Amelia Island, Fla.; and dear sister to James “Tom” Jarrell III and his wife, Susan, of New Port Richey and Phillip Jarrell and his wife, Judy, of Beckley. Other survivors include nephews and nieces, Todd Cornett and his wife, Rach-el, of Beckley, Phillip Tabor “Tab” Jarrell of Cary, N.C., Kerri Beth Jarrell, a student at WVU, and Kim Keziah and her husband, Larry, of Monroe, N.C.; grandniece and nephews, Kristin Booth, Ethan Keziah, Tristan and Todd Cornett II. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Dewey Lowe officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour before service Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Tab Jarrell, Todd Cornett, Rick Jarrell, Gary Dale Tabor, Dr. Robert Short and Chip Tabor. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley

Gloria Mullens Huffman, of 379 Mankin Ave., Beckley, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at her home. Born in Cabell County, she was the daughter of the late George W. McClellan and Goldie Mae Cline McClellan. Mrs. Huffman was a resident of Raleigh County from an early age. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated from nurses training at McMillan Hospital in Charleston. She was a retired nurse of 33 years, having last worked at Pinecrest Hospital. Gloria was a member of First Christian Church for 50 years and presently a member of Cranberry Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harry Mullens; second husband, Robert Huffman; a brother, Ray McClellan; and a son, Thomas R. Mullens. Survivors include a sister, Rose Ruby of Grass Valley, Calif.; granddaughter, Tavijva Perez of Fort Myers, Fla.; grandson, Thomas Mullens II of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; grandson, Thomas Lafferty; her little dog, Teddy (a gift from her son); and white cat, Snow. Service will be 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Roger Pauley officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cranberry Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, Beckley.

MOUNT HOPE — Martha Elizabeth Mills, 25, passed away Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006. Born May 13, 1981, she is the daughter of Fred and Linda Stover Mills. Martha loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a 1999 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended WV Tech. Martha was employed as a supervisor in the women’s apparel department at J.C. Penny. Martha is preceded in death by her father, Fred Ernest Mills; and fiancé, Zach Worthington. Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Linda Stover Mills, of Beckley; sister Lynda Scarbro and husband, Harold Dwane, of Beckley; brother Fredric Burke Mills of Beckley; nieces; Miranda Scarbro; Emily Scarbro; Katelyn Mills; Kelly Mills; nephew Michael Scarbro; and best friend Valerie Hannah. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Pastor Forest Gray officiating. Friends may gather with the family 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Painter Cemetery at Maynor. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Dr. Beckley.

Donald Lee Thompson, 73, of the 100 block of Bob White St., passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2006. Born Sept. 17, 1933, in Winding Gulf, W.Va., he was the son of the late Herbert and Ruth Hale Thompson, and was also predeceased by a brother, Bob Thompson. Mr. Thompson was a retired operations supervisor for Lucent Technology and served his country proudly as a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was an avid golfer and after retirement was a golf instructor. Survivors include his wife, Mary E. Thompson; two sons, Gary and Steven Thompson; one grandson, Jeffrey; four sisters, Joan Martin, Annette Markham (Walter), Janet Dail (Barry) and Katy Bernier (Joe); two brothers, Ivan Thompson (Barbara) and Randy Thompson (Gail); a sister-in-law, Launa Thompson; and a host of nieces and nephews. A funeral will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Richard L. Martin. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Fairview Heights Baptist Church, 4704 Deep Creek Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23702 [WWHS '51, obituary from the Virginian-Pilot]

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, Louis A. Tipane of Roberts Street (McLean Addition), Beckley, passed away at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after a sudden illness. He was 81 years of age. Christened Louis Angelo Tipane, Louis was born Sept. 20, 1925, at Mabscott, the fourth of seven children born to the late Agatino and Josephine Sparacino Tipane. Louis spent his childhood at Mabscott. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, attended Beckley College and Marshall University. A veteran of WWII, he served in the U.S. Army with the rank of sergeant. In his early years, Louis worked at Beckley Newspapers and Service Shoe Shop. He then began a career with the Beckley Post Office. He was a well-known mail carrier throughout the Beckley community for many years, retiring with over 40 years of service. Louis will be remembered for his devotion to St. Francis de Sales Church. A very pious man, he attended Mass on a daily basis. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, where he held the office of president for two terms. He sang in the Men’s, Adult and Resurrection Choirs, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father John Halpin Council 5657, the Legion of Mary, served as a Eucharistic Minister and was always willing to help in any way at St. Francis de Sales. In his leisure time he enjoyed spending time with his family, walking, gardening and singing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Nicholas, in 1952. He was the beloved husband of Rose Rizzi Tipane for the past 58 years; the loving father of Joseph Tipane and his wife, Lori, of Ramona, Calif., Fred Tipane of Beckley, Greg Tipane and his wife, Laura, of Post Falls, Idaho, Robert Tipane and his fiancée, Paige Eisenman, of Beckley and Tina Thompson and her husband, Dennis, and Donna Friley and her husband, David, all of Beckley; and dear grandfather of D.J. Thompson and his fiancée, Jill Tilson, Jeremy Thompson, Kimberly Thompson Matkins and her husband, Christopher, Justin, Jacob and Louis Tipane and Joseph Snyder. He is also survived by a great-grandchild, Joey Tipane; a brother, Tony Tipane of Beckley; five sisters, Teenia Trimboli and her husband, Mike, of Beavercreek, Ohio, Sister Josephine Tipane of St. Anne’s Convent, the Sisters of the Order of Divine Providence, Melbourne, Ky., Santa Elkins and her husband, William Gene, of Beckley, Grace Puglis of Frederick, Md., and Nellie Cooper of Huntington; a large extended family and many friends. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Church with Fathers Samuel Sacus and Perry Malacaman as celebrants, assisted by Deacon Donald Wise. Rite of Committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley, with burial to follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley. The Rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. by Deacon Donald Wise. Pallbearers will be D.J. and Jeremy Thompson, Chris Matkins, Jacob Tipane, Tim Trimboli, Jerry and Mike Buccacio, and Nick Rizzi. Donations of sympathy can be made to St. Francis de Sales School or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 626 S. Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Patti Elizabeth Hatcher, 49, of Grandview, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. She passed away peacefully after a very courageous, never complaining battle with cancer that lasted nearly six years. She spent the past weeks continuously in the company of family and friends and received much comfort from them. She was born Nov. 8, 1957, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Alta McKinney Thompson of Beckley and the late C.A. “Slim” Thompson Jr. Patti was a 1976 graduate of WWHS and 1980 graduate of Concord University with a degree in Physical Education and Library Science K-12. She later obtained a degree in Math K-12 and a masters degree from West Virginia University. She has been employed by the Raleigh County Board of Education for the past 24 years, teaching at Marsh Fork Middle School, Trap Hill Middle School, Shady Spring Jr. High and Shady Spring High School. She loved football, softball, cheering, practical jokes and spending her summers at Flat Top Lake. Patti was a member of the First Christ Church in Beckley and attended Daniels Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Andrew Thompson of Gretna, Va.; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. McKinney of Beckley. She will be forever be remembered and cherished by her loving family, besides her mother, her husband of 26 years, Eddy Hatcher; a son, Christopher and daughter, Amanda, both at home; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and special in laws and hundreds of students that she taught and gave guidance to over the years. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Shady Spring Chapel with the Rev. Larry Lilly officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, Shady Spring. [WWHS '76]

Sam Amato, 67, of MacArthur, died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at Bowers Hospice House following a long illness. Born in Beckley on Jan. 15, 1939, he was the son of Antonietta Amato of MacArthur and the late Joe Amato. Sam was a 1956 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a 1960 graduate of Concord College. He was a retired educator, serving in some capacity with the Mercer, Summers and Raleigh counties boards of education. After his retirement, Sam devoted much of his time in trying to assist the animal shelters in Fayette, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming counties. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Madeline Ledahawsky and Zena Sansom. In addition to his mother, Antonietta Amato, he is survived by two brothers, Emanuel Amato of Beckley and Patsy Amato and his wife, Dorothy McKenna Amato, of Taylor, Mich.; and four sisters, Gerlanda “Jewel” Dheel and her husband, Hugh Frank Dheel, of Sophia, Rosemary Chase and her husband, Ralph Thomas Chase, of Lake Milton, Ohio, Teresa Chase Bujak and her husband, Chuck Bujak, of Westland, Mich., and Carol Aaron and her husband, Thomas Bertram Aaron, of Sutton. Mr. Amato is survived by many nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles and a special aunt, Nellie Amato of Beckley. At Mr. Amato’s request, his body will be cremated and there will be no visitation or memorial service. An online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, W.Va. 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mary Margaret Whitehair Way, 64, of Beckley, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006. Born Feb. 17, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lucy Lovette Brown. Mary loved the husband, children, grandchildren and traveling. She enjoyed collecting angels and dolls. Mary was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was of Baptist faith and attended Little Valley Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by first husband, Charles “Pete” Whitehair Sr.; brothers Robert C. Brown, Virgil K. Brown, Roy L. Brown, Fred M. Brown and Charles W. Brown; sister, Patricia Ann Brown; and niece, Susie Quesenberry. Those left to cherish her memory include husband, Bill F. Way; daughter, Patricia Ann Whitehair Cole and husband, John Albert, of Walterboro, S.C.; sons, Michael Eugene Whitehair and wife, Trish, of Sweenysburg and Timothy Mark Whitehair and wife, Barbie, of Mount Hope; granddaughters, Tiffany Dawn Whitehair of Walterboro, Bonnie June Cole of Walterboro, Brittany M. Whitehair of Sweenysburg, Torie N. Whitehair of Sweenysburg and Jennifer Whitehair of Mount Hope; grandsons, Jimmy Whitehair of Mount Hope and Brandon Whitehair of Mount Hope; sisters, Janet Louise Quesenberry of Bunker Hill and Linda Kay Hurd Meadows of Coal City; brother, Clayton Allen Brown and wife, Dorene, of Sand Branch; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Brown of Prosperity, Helen Brown Odenton, Md., and Jenny Brown of Albuquerque, N.M.; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastor Fred Lovell officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Grant Scott, Tim Whitehair, Michael VonKampen, Henry Hutterman, Ken Meadows and Allen Bragg. Friends may gather with the family 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

Ruby Webb Anderson Carter passed away on November 19, 2006 (her dear Mother, Daisy Webb’s birthday). Dr. Carter was born in Dunham, KY, on July 30, 1914, the daughter of Lewis M. and Daisy Wills Webb. She came with her parents to WV as a baby and spent the remainder of her life in the Beckley area. Dr. Carter graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1932 and received a Standard Normal Certificate from Marshall College and an AB Degree from Concord College. While teaching during the school year and attending classes during the summer, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from West Virginia University. In 2003, Dr. Carter was especially honored to receive the State Educational Alliance Award as a “Graduate of Distinction.” A highlight of Ruby Carter’s educational career was receiving her Honorary Doctorate Degree in Education from Concord University during the May 2006 Commencement. Dr. Carter has long understood the significance of education. At a very early age, her parents instilled in her the importance of education and the difference that a lifetime of learning and teaching could make, not only in her life, but also in the lives of others. Dr. Carter began her teaching career at Eccles Elementary School where she taught for eight years before transferring to Institute Elementary School in Beckley. She taught at Institute for 33 years and retired from teaching after a total of 41 years. Dr. Carter was a member of the First Baptist Church in Beckley for over 70 years where she was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, member of the American Baptist Women and as a volunteer Librarian for 15 years after retiring from the school system. Most recently, Dr. Carter was a Deaconess at the church. As a strong supporter of education opportunities for young people, Dr. Carter was an Honorary Alumnus of the Appalachian Bible College in recognition of her dedication and support to the College. Dr. Carter was an Emeritus member of the Board of Trustees at Mountain State University, member of the Irvin Stewart Society at West Virginia University, member of the Tower Society at Mountain State University and also a member of the Hall of Fame (1998) at Mountain Statement University. She was also a member of the local and state Teacher’s Organizations. In addition to participating in educational organizations, Dr. Carter loved community activities. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Beckley Concert Association, member of the Historical Society and a Trustee of the Beckley Woman’s Club. Dr. Carter received the Leonard Jarrett Award from the Beckley Lions Club in 1999. In 1997, Dr. Carter received the Distinguished West Virginian Award from Governor Cecil Underwood. It has always been Dr. Carter's privilege to accept numerous honors bestowed on the Carter Family to include the naming of “Carter Hall” at Mountain Statement University, the “Ruby Webb and Leslie R. Carter Center” at Concord University, the “Carter Dining Room” at the Baptist Facility at Parchment Valley and the “Carter Room” at Appalachian Bible College. Besides her devotion to young people, church and community, Dr. Carter always enjoyed playing a game of bridge, reading a variety of books and traveling with friends and family throughout the United States and Overseas. Dr. Carter was preceded in death by her first husband Basil D. Anderson and her second husband Leslie R. Carter, three brothers Lloyd Webb, Willard Webb, Glenn Webb and two sisters, Pearl Webb Moore and Eula Webb Burgess. She is survived by her only child, Beth Anderson DeHaemers and her husband, Truman of Centreville, VA, two sisters Ruth Webb Deck of Sun City, CA and Judy Webb Bowman of Julian, CA and one brother Lewis M. Webb, Jr. of Laguna Hills, CA, one sister-in-law, Lois Anderson Link of Beaver, WV, cousins, Laurel Roles and Jay Roles of Beckley, WV; and a number of nieces and nephews. The service will be at 3 p.m., with visitation from 1 until 3 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006, at the First Baptist Church, 422 Neville Street in Beckley, with Dr. J. Phillip Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Mike White, Mike Cavendish, Mel Hancock, Jim Gilchrist, Mark Anderson, Charlie Houck, Earl Whitener and Doug Ernst. Honorary pallbearers include the American Baptist Women’s Circle and Deaconesses, Walt Noyes, Stewart Deck, Dr. Jerry Beasley, Ms. Loretta young, Ms. Pamela Scaggs and General Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong (Ret.). Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 422 Neville Street, Beckley, W 25801 or the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences may be sent to the Carter family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Denny Ray Redden, 57, of Bragg, passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2006. Born April 28, 1949, he was the son of the late Joe and Myrtle Redden. Denny was a 1967 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was employed by HNTB Corp. of Teays Valley and Morgantown for 37 years. Starting his love of horses at Blue Circle Ranch at Bradley, he was an avid horseman and was prominent in the horse show community for 39 years. He rode, trained, raised and had shown horses and was also a popular open horse show judge for many years. He was always admired for his fairness to all exhibitors. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and extended horse show family, whom he always held close to his heart. In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by daughter Sarah L. Redden; sisters Joann “Sally” Lilly and Sandra Kay Griffith; brothers, Thomas W., Aaron Gene “Dickie” Redden and Guy Rollyson; and brothers-in-law, Victor M. Casamento and Dennis Lilly. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 34 years, Vicki; daughters, Joanne “Jodi” Miller and husband, Jeff, of Stokesdale, N.C., and Cassie Redden of Lucketts, Va.; daughter in spirit, Terri (Scarbro) Gunter of White Oak; brother, Lewis Gale Redden and wife, Joan, of Booneville, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. today at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Melvin Jamison officiating. Friends may gather with the family one hour before service. Private burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. blueridgefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.

Elmer J. Farris, of Beckley, died at Raleigh General Hospital on Nov. 11, 2006, after a long illness. Born April 15, 1916, at Beckley, he was one of 10 children born to Gus and Jamile Salem Farris. He was a 1934 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where he was a member of the school band and orchestra. He attended Bowling Green Business College in Bowling Green, Ky., and was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mr. Farris was a charter member of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division where he served as a glider man. He spent 41 months in the military, 29 of those over seas, participated in six major campaigns, and was discharged as a master sergeant. After military service, he returned to Beckley where he was co-owner of Gus Farris Department Store working until the closing of the store in 1991. At that time, the store was the oldest continually operating business in Beckley. He was a lifetime member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where he was one-time director of the men’s choir. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Alice M. Lynch and Isabel M. Farris; three brothers, Felix P. Farris, Farris Joseph Farris, and Dr. Frederick P. Farris. He is survived by a brother, Dr. James T. Farris of Beckley, and three sisters, Helen C. Hayes and Evelyn A. Farris, both of Beckley, and Florence M. Boisse of Manchester, N.H., and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley with Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. by Father Samuel Sacus. Funeral Liturgy will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. Rite of Committal will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Condolences of sympathy may be made to the charity of your choice. Online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Jerry Lee Scott, 53, of Crab Orchard, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born Nov. 22, 1952, in Beckley, he was the son of Norma Dixon Scott of Crab Orchard and the late Leroy Scott. Mr. Scott was a disabled employee of Sophia Electric as a general manager. He was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church. He was a Crab Orchard resident all of his life. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jeff Scott. Survivors besides his mother include his wife, Patricia Crouch Scott; a son, Jerry Lee Scott II and wife, Mary, of Flat Top Lake; stepchildren, James Redden Jr. and wife, Vicky, of Prince and Kevin Redden of Piney View; brothers, Gary Wayne Scott of Glenville and Ronald Eugene Scott and wife, Rhonda, of Beckley; special grandchild, Trinity Skye Redden; and two other stepgrandchildren, Olivia and Shane Redden. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Pastor Lyle Zickafoose and the Rev. Harold Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Family will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006, Beatrice Neubert Kinsler went to be with the Lord and her family that had preceded her in death at Raleigh General Hospital. She was 51 years of age. Born Beatrice Lee Neubert on Feb. 26, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Austin “Dutch” and Maggie Neubert. Bea spent her childhood at Mabscott. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1973. A homemaker, she was of the Christian faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Kinsler, and a brother, Millard Basham. Bea was the beloved mother of Krystal Burgess of Mabscott, Christopher Burgess and his wife, Anita, of Victor and Nick Burgess and his wife, Priscilla, of Crab Orchard; loving grandmother of five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and the dear sister of Charles Neubert and his wife Zona. She is also survived by her aunt, Jackie Withrow; and four nephews, Shane Neubert, James, Bill and Irvin Basham; and her fiance, John P. Martin. Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley. Burial will follow in Davis Cemetery, Mount Tabor. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the mortuary and one hour before service Tuesday. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Todd Aaron Smith, 18, of Beckley, died instantly on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2006, in a car accident in Morgantown. He was born Jan. 28, 1988, in Beaufort, S.C., to David Michael Smith and Jamye Elkins. Todd was employed at the Beckley YMCA as a lifeguard and was a 2006 honor graduate of WWHS prior to going to WVU this fall. His passions were WVU, Superman and Smallville. Todd was loved and adored by his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Rosemary Smith, and paternal great-grandparents, Moody and Violet Rice; and maternal great-grandparents, Maggie and Blaine McClung and Nell Ambrose Phillips and husband, Bill. In addition to his parents Todd is survived by stepfather, James Elkins III; stepmother, Lisa Smith; his sister, Nikki, and his brother, Josh; stepsister, Megan Burks; half sister, Jamie Smith; grandparents, Rodney and Debbie Smith and Jack and Corenna Ambrose; great-grandmother, Eileen Mann; uncle, Steven Smith and his wife, Beth; aunts, Debbie Pauley and her husband, Jim, and Jackie Meckstroth and her husband, Rick; cousins, Kristin, Trey and Colin Pauley and Rikki Meckstroth; best friend and roommate, Chris Yambrick; good friends, Kristen Norris, Jared Kaplan, Mark Sewell, Patrick Wright and Audrey File; his guardian angel and good friend, Daniel Vass; and many other friends. A celebration of Todd’s life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, 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 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Church of God Family Worship Center and one hour before service Sunday. Pallbearers will be Chris Yambrick, Daniel Vass, Jared Kaplan and Jim, Trey and Colin Pauley. Online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Joan M. "Joni" Kershner, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2006, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. Joan was born on Tuesday, December 8, 1936, in Mabscott, West Virginia to Harry and Eleanor Bennett. Joan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, camping, reading and traveling. She is preceded in death by her father and stepfather, Bill Hatcher. Surviving are her loving husband of 52 years, William M. Kershner; sons, Matt (Terry) Kershner and Mark (Susan) Kershner; grandchildren, Stephanie, Sara, Ashley, Timmy, Megan, and Taylor; mother, Eleanor Hatcher; brother, Gene Bennett; sister, June Breder.Friends may call the H.H. Birkenkamp Funeral Home, 3219 Tremainsville Road (at Alexis Rd.) on Thursday, November 2, 2006, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Friday, November 3, 2006, at 1:00 pm. Entombment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society NW Ohio Chapter 415 Tomahawk Drive, Maumee, OH 43537. [WWHS '54]

Edith Hunter Tindilia, 84, of Stanaford, passed away Monday, Oct. 23, 2006, at Hidden Valley Health Care Center at Oak Hill following a long illness. Born Feb. 3, 1922, at Princewick, she was the daughter of the late Les Hunter Sr. and Dora Lilly Hunter. She was a 19- year employee of Beckley Manufacturing and was a homemaker. She was a member of Stanaford Missionary Baptist Church and was a 1940 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Mrs. Tindilia was preceded in death by her husband, George Tindilia; daughter, Ethel Kay Tindilia; and sisters, Frances McKinney and Mary Bachelor. Survivors include her daughter, Sarah Broyles and husband, Frank, of Spring, Texas; grandsons, Mike Broyles and wife, Kym, of Spring and Mark Broyles of Rosharon, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Candice, Ceslie and Cristi Broyles; brother, Les Hunter and wife, Leora, of Stanaford; sister, Ethel Lilly of Beckley; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Athol Atkins and Sharron Sigmond. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. George Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Visitation will be 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Nephews and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 840, Beckley, WV 25802. Special thanks to the Summit and Hidden Valley Health Care Center. Online condolences may be sent to the guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

God parted the clouds, reached down his hand and said, "It’s time to come home to the promised land." On Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006, Martha Ann Stump began her journey after a short illness. Born Jan. 15, 1947, Martha Ann Canaday was born to the late Steven and Francis Worley Canaday of Glen View. She attended Glen White Grade School and Woodrow Wilson High School. Mrs. Stump was a homemaker, a resident of MacArthur for the past 40 years, and a member of the Glen White Church of God. Mrs. Stump was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. A brother, Bobby Canaday, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, William (Bud) Stump Sr.; her children, David Canaday and companion, Lois Legg of Sophia, Frances Alberty and husband, Darrell of Crab Orchard, and William Stump Jr. and companion, Lovena Stover of Beckley; grandchildren, Amanda, David (D.J.) and Angela Canaday, Carrie and Kayla Alberty and Alicia Houck Stump. She is also survived by two sisters, Hazel Wood and Evelyn Gray and husband, Bill and a brother, Bill Canaday, all of Crab Orchard, along with several nieces and nephews. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley, with the Rev. Jesse Farley and the Rev. Ronald Adkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Canaday Cemetery at Glen View. Pallbearers will be Billy Stump, Ernie Stump, Darrell Alberty, Scottie Stevens, Chuck Wolf, Paul Lacek. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your church or favorite charity. Online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.