Antionetta Amato

Antionetta Amato, 96, of MacArthur, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at her residence following a long illness.

A funeral liturgy will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Monsignor Samuel Sacus officiating. A rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday where a rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. Don Wise.

Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Virginia Bragg

VICTOR — Virginia Bragg, 82, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, will be assisting the family.

Harold Van Carpenter II

Harold Van Carpenter II, beloved husband, father and son left us on Friday, March 5, 2010 at UVA Medical Center.

Born January 17, 1966, in Beckley, he was preceded in death by his father, Harold “Fats” Carpenter, grandparents Steve and Hallie Carpenter and Beecher and Maggie Garretson.

Harold is survived by his wife, Monica, two beautiful daughters; Cheyanne at home and Amanda in Spencer, Ind.; his mother, Frances Carpenter in Fort Pierce, Fla.; his in-laws, Jerry and Lorraine Henderson in Chesapeake, Va.; brother-in-law and wife, Jerry and Rie Henderson in Hampton, Va.; sister-in-law and husband, Kimberly and John Sievert in San Diego, Calif. and long time friend Randy Lively in Oak Hill, as well as a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Harold graduated from Independence High School in 1984. He was active in many clubs and activities including the Boy Scouts, in which he was an Eagle Scout, and received the Order of the Arrow and Scout of the Year honors

He was honorably discharged from the WV National Guard and was just starting his 24th year with the FBI.

Harold received many honors and acknowledgements including a special acknowledgement of services rendered during the investigation of the 911 tragedy at the Pentagon. He loved his job and enjoyed the company of his coworkers.

He always made time for his wife and daughters, enjoying trips to the Space Coast, Disney World, the Daytona Speedway and Paula Deen’s Lady and Sons Restaurant in Savannah, Ga. Harold was a lover of culture.

In his life, he amassed a library’s worth of books, music and movies. He used these resources to help connect with his daughters, family and friends. His kitchen was always open.

Harold Carpenter will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 p.m. at the Hill & Wood Funeral Home, 201 North 1st. Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that  donations be made to the UVA Medical Center.

Condolences may be sent to family at www.hillandwood.com

Arrangements by Hill & Wood Funeral Home.

Joan Gail Compton

ISABAN — Joan Gail Compton, 74, died Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Service will be 1 p.m. today at the Isaban Church of God.

Burial will follow in Four Pole Cemetery, Mohawk.

Online at www.mountsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home, Gilbert.

Mary Emeline Moye Dorsey

Mary Emeline Moye Dorsey, 82 of Ghent, passed away Monday, March 8, 2010 at Raleigh General Hospital.

Born the sixth of 12 children, on November 19th, 1927 in Ellison Ridge, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Elizabeth Wills Okes.  

She was a faithful member of Ghent Missionary Baptist Church.

Mary loved her vegetable and flower garden and enjoyed watching the birds feast on the food she so generously provided. She loved spending time with family, church and visiting with friends at the senior center.  

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband Willie Moye as well as her second spouse, James Dorsey.

During her lifetime she was also deeply affected by the passing of two grandchildren, Jeremy David Simmons and Nicholas Tyler Simmons plus that of five brothers, one sister and one step-son.

She is survived by four daughters, Willa Ellison and husband Don of Daniels, Melba Lilly and husband Ivan of Ghent, Judy Bruce of Burgaw, N.C., Nancy Simmons and husband David of Shady Spring; one son, Russell Moye and wife Victoria of Ligonier, Pa.; four step-daughters, Donna Hicks of Cabot, Ark., Patty Hootman of Delaware, Ohio, Paula Volpe of Gahana, Ohio, and Pam Smith of Beckley; one step-son, Charles Dorsey of Shady Spring; five sisters, Monnie Lilly of Cool Ridge, Kathryn Dameron of Piney View, Pansy Ellison and husband William of Hopewell, Va., Estelle Thompson and husband Bill of Nimitz, and Lula Belle Okes of Nimitz; two granddaughters, Erin Moye of Hubert, N.C. and Carrie Lilly of Charlotte, N.C.; six grandsons, Paul Ellison and wife Serena of Beckley, Jason Ellison of Daniels, James Ellison of Daniels, Philip Lilly and wife Danielle of Ghent, Michael Cummings and wife Devin of Latrobe, Pa. and Benjamin Moye of Ligonier, Pa.; six great-grandchildren, Madison, Randy, Jesse, Alanna, Rileigh and Brynn. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Katey Buckland for being an exceptional friend and caregiver during the last year of Mary’s illness.

Friends may say their goodbyes and pay their respects between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Thursday, March 11th at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Shady Spring.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at the funeral home with Pastor Doug Walls officiating. Burial will follow at the Lilly Cemetery at Flat Top.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Online thoughts, comments and condolences may be sent to our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net

Flowers are beautiful and always appreciated. In addition, we would like to do all we can to assist others with the debilitating disease which was beginning to challenge Mary’s daily routine.

“You held our hands for a while, but will hold our hearts forever…”  We will never forget you.

In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer organization at either www.alz.org/WV or The Alzheimer’s Association, WV Chapter 1111 Lee St. East Charleston, WV 25301.

The family is being served by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

Bennett Eugene Edmonds

 Bennett Eugene Edmonds, age 71, of New Richmond, died Monday March 8, 2010 at his home following a long illness.

Arrangements are pending completion at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley.

John Leland Fairlie

John Leland Fairlie, age 71, of Beckley, died Tuesday March 9, 2010 at the Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Division following a long illness.

Arrangements are pending completion at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha St. Beckley.

Caravel Goard

SCARBRO — Caravel Goard, 70, of 292 Orchard Row Road, died Monday, March

8, 2010.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

William F. Hinds

William  F.  Hinds, 96, oF Beckley, died on Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Beckley.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

David Warren Jarrell Sr. 

MOUNT HOPE — David Warren Jarrell Sr., 61, of Mt Hope, formerly of Stephenson, died Sunday, March 7, 2010 at his residence following a sudden illness.

Born September 12, 1948 at Witcher Creek, Kanawha County, he was the son of the late Addison and Virgie (Stover) Jarrell.

Mr. Jarrell was a former coal miner with 10 years of service and most recent was a retired insurance claims adjuster. He was a member of the Beckley Moose Lodge and in his leisure he enjoyed bowling, being outdoors, cars and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by two sisters, Bunny Sue Shrewsbury and his twin sister, Phyllis Jarrell.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, David W. Jarrell Jr. and his wife, Betty of Corinne, Darla DeLeon  and her husband, Michael of Millville, N.J., and Christopher Paul Jarrell of Mt Hope; grandchildren, Keisha and Billy Jarrell, Corey and Kayla Reynolds, Candice, Andrew, Brittany, Ethan and Aidan Jarrell; one great-grandson, Jonathan Matthew Shrewsbury; one step granddaughter, Jesse; three brothers, Roy Jarrell and his wife Joni of MacArthur, Danny Jarrell and his wife Helen of Crab Orchard and Donald Jarrell and his wife, Debbie of Elkton, Md.: and many nieces and nephews who referred to him as “Uncle Dude”.

 Services will be 12 noon Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, Mullens. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Friends may call one hour prior to services Thursday at the funeral home.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Flowers are a wonderful gesture but during this difficult time monetary gifts made to Tankersley Funeral Home, 102 Moran Avenue, Mullens WV 25882, to help defray the funeral expenses is greatly appreciated.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.tankersleyfh.com

Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

 

Jean Marie Lewis

FAYETTEVILLE — Jean Marie Lewis, 74, of Fayetteville, passed away at home on March 8, 2010.

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, will be assisting the family.

Wanda Richmond Mays

 On Monday, March 8th, 2010, Wanda Richmond Mays of Old Eccles Road, Beckley went to be with the Lord at the Bowers Hospice following a short illness. She was in her 84th year.

Born Wanda Irene Richmond on August 1, 1925 at Dry Hill, she was the first of five children born to the late Charles Elbert and Gersye Gladys Huffman Richmond. Her brother, Lewis Edwin Richmond preceded her in death.

Wanda was of the Christian faith. At the end of the day, when we remember Wanda Mays we recall a caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother. She was a wonderful cook. Her family will always recall her delicious meals.

In addition to her parents and brother, Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, George Wriston Mays in 1990.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Judy Terry and her husband David of Sunny Acres; she was the doting “Granny” of Stacy Painter and her husband, Adam of Clearbrook, Va.; the wonderful “Great Granny Wanda” of Sydney, Aiden who was born on Wanda’s birthday and Keagan, all of Clearbrook; the fond sister of Elmo Richmond and his wife Diana of Gilboa, Ohio, Leola Wyant and her husband Eugene of Lima, Ohio, and Joyce Marts and her husband John Marts II of Harvey, Va.; several nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Pastors Joe Schmidt and Rick Absher of the Oak Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. today, Wednesday at the mortuary and one hour prior to the services on Thursday. 

The family suggests donations of sympathy can be made to the Bowers Hospice House, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802 or the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, 8588 Potter Park Drive, Suite 500, Sarasota, FL 34238 in honor of  her special great grandson, Aiden Wayne Painter.  

Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Anna Lee Rakes Meade

Anna Lee Rakes Meade, 90 years old, of Daniels, died during the early morning of March 8, 2010 at Raleigh General Hospital.

Born April 3, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Ines Worley Rakes.  Anna was a graduate of Shady Spring High School and Concord College with a B.S. degree in Education.

She received her Master’s Degree from West Virginia University. She was a retired teacher, offering 42 years of service to the Raleigh County school system. Anna was a member of the Daniels Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Carson H. Meade II; one grandson, Carson H. Meade III and one great-grandson, Caiden Meade. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Paul (Eileen) Smith.

Anna was an organ donor and will be cremated. There will be no visitation. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Ralph Jackie Miller

Ralph Jackie Miller, 72, of Beckley, passed away Sunday March 7, 2010 at his home following a sudden illness.

Born March 23, 1937 in East Beckley, he was the son of the late Willie Franklin and Irene Redden Miller.

Mr. Miller was a construction worker, of the Baptist faith, wrestled in the 70’s at WOAY in Oak Hill, loved to hunt, fish and most of all spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Other than his parents he was preceded in death by one son Ralph Edward “Eddie” Miller, two brothers, William Franklin Miller, Harold Lee Miller and one sister Betty Jean Miller.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 41 years, Mabel L. Salazar Miller; two sons, Jackie Franklin Miller of Beckley, Darrell Allen Asbury and his wife Debbie of Lester; five daughters, Vicky Brown of Virginia Beach Va., Tina Plumley of Suffolk Va., Belinda Martin and husband Rusty, Maria Christian and husband Marcus, and Mariah Hicks, all of Beckley; three brothers, James Franklin Miller and wife Kathy of Jacksonville, Fla., Ralph Lee Miller and wife Norma, and Benny Eugene Miller and wife Rose, both of Beckley; one sister, Joyce Marie Lilly and husband Rick of Coal City; 20 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and extended family.

Services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday March 11, 2010 at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley with Cecil Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may gather with the family one hour prior to the service. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be sent to our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, 1901 S. Kanawha St., Beckley.

Clarence Alfred Newhouse

BALLARD — Clarence Alfred Newhouse, 81, passed away Monday, March 8, 2010 at Springfield Center, Peterstown following an extended illness.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with Pastor Roger Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, Oak Hill.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at the funeral home.

Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, will be assisting the family.

Vernon L. ‘Red Fox’ Richmond

MEADOW CREEK — Vernon L. “Red Fox” Richmond, 56, of Meadow Creek, went home to be with the Lord Monday, March 8, 2010 at his home following an apparent heart attack.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ronaldmeadowsfp.com                      

The family is being served by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.

David Lee Rogers

RONCEVERTE — David Lee Rogers, 72, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Graveside service and burial will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, at Riverview Cemetery, Ronceverte.

There will be no visitation.

Arrangements by Longanacre Funeral Home, Fairlea.

Selma Christine Bennett Rose

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Selma Christine Bennett Rose, 87, of New Port Richey, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at her home.

Born June 5, 1922 at Kingston, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Morris and Sina Toney Bennett.

Her husband, Wilburn Rudy Rose Sr. preceded her in death on July 23, 2009.

Survivors include two sons, Wilburn R. Rose Jr. of Falls Church, Va. and Roger Lee Rose of Ijamsville, Md.; three daughters, Barbara Jean Stackhouse of Spring Hill, Fla., Sharon Kay Vanover of New Port Richey, Fla. and Brenda Christine Blevins of Stafford, Va.; sister, Louise Blake; 21 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren

Services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010 at Tyree Funeral Home in Mount Hope with Rev. Joe Cuthbertson officiating. Entombment will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.

Brian Monroe Scarbro

Brian Monroe Scarbro, 29, of Beckley, passed away March 6, 2010.

Born February 6, 1981, at Beckley, he was the son of Terry Z. Scarbro and Linda C. Shelton Scarbro.

Brian loved playing his guitar, playing with his nieces and nephews, living life to the fullest, and putting smiles on everyone’s faces.

Brian was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Shelton and his paternal grandfather, Bradford M. Scarbro.

Those left to cherish his memory include his father, Terry Z. Scarbro of Crab Orchard; his mother, Linda C. Scarbro of Crab Orchard; a brother, Dwayne Scarbro and wife, Karen of Crab Orchard; two sisters, Lisa Hernandez and husband, Henry of Strasburg, Va. and Christina Eastridge and husband, Scott of Crab Orchard; several nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 101 1st Street, Sophia with Rev. Billy Waddell officiating. The Mt. Olive Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers. Brian will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Friends may gather with the family from 6 until 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

 Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com

Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 101 1st St., Sophia, is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Timothy Samuel Stone

DELLSLOW — Timothy Samuel Stone, 42, of Dellslow, died Sunday, March 7, 2010 at his residence.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

Ralph Herbert ‘Paw Paw’ Toney

PELHAM, N.C. — Ralph Herbert “Paw Paw” Toney, passed away at his home Sunday, March 7, 2010. 

Ralph was born in Prosperity, on October 24, 1945, son of the late Herbert Clarence Toney and Lena Tyree Toney. He proudly served in the US Army in Vietnam.

 He is preceded in death by his brothers, James Wells and Ronald Toney, and sisters, Olga Layne, Patricia Hall and Kate Burroughs.

Ralph wed his surviving wife, Phyllis Kay Toney on September 15, 1969. They enjoyed 40 years of a love filled marriage, and was a caring, supportive father to four surviving children, Susan Kay Toney, Christopher Eugene Toney, wife Kelly P. Toney, Paula Ruth Toney, and Doug Wayne Toney, wife Arie-Anne Toney. Paw Paw will be dearly remembered by his six grandchildren, Max, Alyssa, Andie May, Drew, Maddy, and Tamara Sweet. Surviving brothers are Richard Toney and wife Nancy, and Roger Toney. Surviving sisters are Billye Lowry, Phyllis Spencer, husband Lloyd, Lois Jackson, husband Bill, Gloria Deeds, husband David and sister-in law, Eleanora Toney, and brother-in-law Eugene Hall. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.  

Ralph was a giving soul who offered friendship, help and a great laugh to so many. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Wilkerson Funeral Home, 1909 Richardson Dr., Reidsville, N.C. A memorial service will take place at Lively Stones Baptist Church, 2347 Chandler Mill Rd., Pelham, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 11.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com

Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home, Reidsville.

Roy Lawrence Walthall

CORINTH, Texas — Roy Lawrence Walthall, 89, formerly of Clayton, passed away Monday, March 8, 2010 at the home of his daughter, Sandra McClendon of Corinth.

He was born Sept. 17, 1920, to the late Alexander Hamilton (Sam) and Eva Ann Harvey Walthall at home in Clayton, W.Va.

During WW II, drafted but unable to serve, he worked at the Navy Dept. munitions plant in Virginia. He retired from C&P Telephone Co. of WV in 1975 after 24 years of service and last served at Local Manager in Man, W.Va. He was a lifelong Baptist and first ordained as a deacon at Man Baptist Church and last served as deacon at Griffiths Creek Baptist Church in Alderson. He shared his love of US stamp collecting with VBS children and he also collected US coins.

In retirement he and his wife, Melva Delphia Fink, who he married on Sept. 20, 1945 in Hinton, returned to farm life in Clayton. He would be up at 5:30 a.m. with his cup of coffee walking his garden to check for overnight changes. He studied the stars as a youth and loved to invite friends and neighbors to view the heavens through his telescope. During retirement he was caretaker of Clayton Baptist Church Cemetery and Clayton Community Building for Country Life. He was a member of Telephone Pioneers and installed Lifeline Medical Alert Systems in private homes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all seven siblings, brothers, Ralph, Masil, Fred and Delford Walthall and sisters, Blanche Richardson, Wilma Harris and Ruby Lacy.

Survivors include the love of his life for 64 years, wife, Melva; daughter, Sandra McClendon and husband, Dee of Corinth, Texas; two sons, Michael Walthall and wife, Wanda of Vicksburg, Miss. and Richard Walthall and friend, Bren Ettelson of Roanoke, Va. He is survived by six grandchildren, Todd and wife, Emily McClendon, Scott and wife, Kathleen McClendon, all of Corinth, Justin and Wesley Walthall of Vicksburg, and William and wife, Natalie Walthall of Blacksburg, Va. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Jackson McClendon and Kamryn McClendon, both of Corinth. He loved God, his family and beagle Spot now 18.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Longanacre Funeral Home in Fort Spring, with the Rev. Wallace York, former pastor of Man Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Clayton Baptist Church Cemetery, Clayton.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the funeral home.

Grandsons and Ray Miller will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Country Life Cemetery Care, c/o Melvin Ryan, HC 73, Box 24A, Alderson, W.Va. 24910.

Arrangements by Longanacre Funeral Home, Ft. Spring.

Randolph Radford Webb

HANOVER — Randolph Radford Webb, 73, formerly of Gilbert, died Monday, March 8, 2010.

Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel, Gilbert. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Justice Memorial Gardens, Justice.

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home, Gilbert.

 

Shirley Ann Wells

MOUNT HOPE — Ms. Shirley Ann Wells, 75, of Cranberry Woods, Mt. Hope, died March 7, 2010, at 2:15a.m., at Hilltop Nursing Center after a long illness.

Born June 20, 1934 in Mt. Hope, she was the daughter of the late Edward Wells and Evelyn Young Wells of Mt. Hope.

Ms. Wells was a retired school teacher and a member of United Apostolic Faith Church. She was also a member since 1956 of Delta Sigma Theta.

Ms. Wells graduated from Dubois High School, Mt. Hope, and then went on to obtain a degree in education at Bluefield State College, Bluefield, W.Va., taught in Martinsville, Va., and then moved to Dover, Del., where she got her Masters in teaching special needs children and kindergarten. She taught three years or more there.

Ms. Wells loved to sing, laugh, listen to gospel music, and was talented in art and she loved the Lord!

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brothers, Tyler and James Wells, sisters, Helen, Catherine, and Judy Wells and Betty-Jo Wells Jones and sister-in-law, Ollie Wells.

Left to cherish precious memories are: brothers, William (Nancy) Wells of Beckley, Stanford Wells of New York and Carl (Ruth) Wells of North Carolina; sister, Mary Wells Riddick of Montgomery, W.Va.; sister-in-law, Song Wells of New Jersey; niece, Helen V. (Ronnie) Lewis of Oak Hill; great-nieces, Danielle R. Lewis of Oak Hill; and Dr. Catherine D. Lewis of North Carolina and a host of other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

Services will be 12 noon, Friday, March 12, 2010, at Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel, 748 S. Fayette Street, Beckley, with District Elder Timothy Schofield officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the funeral parlor.

Condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

 

Edna Mae Wills

Edna Mae Wills, 97, of Arnett, passed away Monday, March 8, 2010 at her home.

Born June 24, 1912 at Zada, W.Va., she was the daughter of  the late William Edward and Virginia Milem Wills. She was the last of the “Wills” children.

Edna graduated from Mt. View High School in 1931 and attended Concord and Morris-Harvey Colleges to obtain a teaching degree.

  Edna passed away very peacefully. She often wondered why God let her live so long, but she is with Him now. She had been very healthy and had not been feeling well for about a week. This unique lady lived a wonderful life surrounded by family and loved ones.

  She taught school for 42 years, spending the majority of her teaching career as a second grade teacher at Mt. View Elementary School. “Miss Wills” loved each and every one of her students as if they were her own and cherished their visits throughout her life.

Edna led a rather colorful life in her younger days. She was married four times, with three of the marriages being to the same man, Pauline Cook, who was the love of her life. She obtained her pilot’s license during World War II. Through the years, Edna saw many changes. She grew up near Arnett on the family farm that had been settled in 1835 by her grandparents. When she was growing up, Route 3 had not been built and electricity was not available. She walked to school as a student and later as a teacher. She was a staunch Republican and was proud to brag that she had voted in every election since she was able to vote. Edna loved flowers and gardens and always looked forward to spring when the seed catalogs started arriving in winter. Her favorite day was Groundhog Day because she knew spring was coming. She also loved to fish. Although we are very sad she has left us, we feel blessed we were allowed to keep her so long and that she remained healthy with a mind and memory surpassed by very few half her age.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Pauline Cook and Speed Mankin, five sisters, Estelle Wills, Ulla Sawyers, Nelle Snodgrass, Jess Pettry, and Sylvia Tabor, three brothers, John, Ernest, and Joseph E. “Boy” Wills.

She is survived by a special niece, Kathy Honaker, who cared for her in her final years, and Kathy’s husband, Gary, Joe Ed Wills, and his wife, Elizabeth, and a special sister-in-law, Roberta Wills Martin and her husband, Kenneth. She is recognized as a second mother by Kathy and Joe, who are the children of her brother Joe “Boy” and his wife, Roberta. Edna was a special Nana to Courtney, who is married to Matt Epling. She is also survived by many other nieces and nephews and countless friends. Edna deeply appreciated the thoughts and prayers from all her friends and family and was thankful that she had her niece, Patti Mamola to help care for her in the last year. She also got great pleasure from visits from her special friend, Sandy Dillon Simmons.

 Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Arnett Chapel, Arnett, with the Rev. Larry Kinder officiating. Singers, Arnett Chapel Choir. Burial will follow in the Wills Family Cemetery, Arnett, where she will be surrounded by her mother.

Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville.

Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home Whitesville.