Lois Faye Bales Avis

OAK HILL — Lois Faye Bales Avis, 75, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, after a brief illness.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, the late Herbert and Faye Martin, and by her brother, Dr. Herb Martin. Though recently attending First Baptist Church of Oak Hill, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Oliver Springs, Tenn.

Mrs. Avis was a devoted teacher in the Roane County, Tenn., school system before retiring in 1996 after teaching elementary education for 30 years at Oliver Springs and Dyllis Elementary schools. Mrs. Avis graduated from and earned her Master’s degree at the University of Tennessee.

Lois was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Ernest Avis of Oak Hill; daughters, Carolyn Walls and husband, Danny, of Powell, Tenn., Christina Russell and husband, Larky, of Oliver Springs, Tenn.; her son, William Bales and wife, Cheryl, also of Oliver Springs; sisters-in-law, Ethel Underwood, Edith Jarrett and husband, Donnie, all of West Virginia; stepchildren, Bob Bales of West Virginia, Lawrence Bales of Kentucky and Allen Bales of Tennessee, Deborah Prinz, Charles Avis and wife, Cherie, Theresa Duttry and husband, Leo, Linda Madden and friend, Greg Stauffer, all of Pennsylvania. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Dr. Toby Russell, Stacy Cox, Tony Walls, Jennifer Golden, Amanda and Michael Bales, Justin Davis Crowe and Donna Marine, all of Tennessee, and Karen Lewis of Oklahoma. Additionally, Lois is survived by six great-grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren, and special friends, Betty and Buddy Wills.

Lois is eternally grateful for the many close friends that have called, visited and sent notes to show their love and affection for her during her illness.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, with funeral services at 2 p.m. at High Lawn Funeral Home in Oak Hill, with the Rev. Jerry Bush officiating. Entombment will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Oak Hill.

In lieu of flowers, Lois requested donations be made to the Oliver Springs Elementary School Library, 317 Roane St., Oliver Springs, TN 37840.

Online condolences may be made at www.highlawnfuneralhomechapel.com.

Arrangements by High Lawn Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Lynette Barron

Lynette Josephine Arnold Barron, 49, of Lester died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Charleston Area Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, at the Lake Stephens Overlook at Lake Stephens.

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

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Clarence ‘Crockett’ Carey

Clarence “Crockett” Carey, a native of Fayetteville, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, after an extended illness.

Services will be 3 p.m. today, Saturday, March 13, at Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel with Evangelist Regina Carter officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral parlor.

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

Danny Collins

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Danny Collins, 48, of Columbus, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, in Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

E-mail letters of sympathy may be sent at www.staffordfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco.

Odessia Mae Cook

Odessia Mae Cook, 88, of Pine Branch Road, Glen Daniel, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, in the Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley, after a long illness.

She was born May 9, 1921, at Matheny, W.Va., a daughter of the late Henry and Nora Pyatt Cook. She was the one of 21 brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Newton Cook.

She is survived by her only son, Henry Odes Cook and wife, Peggy Lou Cook, of Glen Daniel; three granddaughters, Debbie Pope and husband, Bradley, of Conover, N.C., Sherrie Musick and husband, Rusty, of Arnett, and Karen Langford and husband, Daniel, of Catawba, N.C. She had nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. today, Saturday, March 13, at the Dameron Freewill Baptist Church, Dameron, with the Rev. Harold Langford and Jerry Cook officiating. Singers will be Shirley Langford and Ruth Lucas.

According to her wishes, her body will be cremated.

Armstrong Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Gordon Lee ‘Sarge’ Dodd

Gordon Lee “Sarge” Dodd, age 81, of Nimitz, W.Va., died Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Beckley VA Medical Center following a long illness.

Born on February 13, 1929, at Huntington, W.Va., he was the son of the late Eugene Earl Dodd and Emma Elizabeth Landers Dodd.

Mr. Dodd served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. His service included being an instructor of ROTC and participating in military marksmanship competitions. Mr. Dodd also served in the West Virginia National Guard.

Mr. Dodd was employed as a nurse in the emergency department at the Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley Hospital, and the Plateau Medical Center. After his retirement from the medical field, he and his wife Imogene owned and operated the House of Grandview Bed and Breakfast. He had made Grandview his home for 20 years.

Mr. Dodd was a past member of the Shady Spring Ruritan Club, and was an active member of Perry Memorial United Methodist Church in Shady Spring. Mr. Dodd served on the Administrative Council, sang in the Chancel Choir, participated in the Methodist Men, and was very active with the Easter Egg Ministry. Mr. Dodd played a role as one of Christ’s Disciples in the Living Last Supper Drama.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Gene Dale.

Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Imogene Mary Farmer Dodd; three daughters, Vicky Lynn Hunt of Millington, Tenn., Brenda Lee Helms of Porterville, Calif., and Kathleen Olivia Ingram of Merritt Island, Fla.; six stepchildren, Tommy Miller of Beckley, Elaine Miller of Merritt Island, Fla., Cathy Chadwell of Nimitz, Lynn Hartsog of Cross Lanes, Tim Hartsog and wife Rhonda of Daniels, and Tom Hartsog and wife Cindy of Poway, Calif.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive. And special friends Joyce Maynor of Beckley, Greg Lilly of Nimitz, Jack Harvey of Nimitz, and cousin Jane Mitchell of Kenova, W.Va.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Monday, March 15, 2010, at Perry Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Eric Milam officiating. Friends may gather with the family from 11 a.m. until service time on Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perry Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 1264, Shady Spring, W.Va., in memory of Mr. Dodd.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring.

Gary Dorsey

Gary Dorsey, 58, of Daniels, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a short illness.

Arrangements are pending completion at Rose and Quesenberry, Shady Spring.

Mary Elkins

CYCLONE — Mary Elkins, 78, departed this life Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Arrangements by Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.

Dorothy Mae Graybeal

Dorothy Mae Graybeal, 75, of Rock House Road, Lester, died Thursday, March 11, 2010, in a Charleston hospital following an extended illness.

Born on December 17, 1934, in Montcoal, she was the daughter of Generva Greiner Beard of Charleston and the late Nelson C. Beard. She was also preceded in death by a brother Charles this past January.

Dorothy was a 1952 graduate of Marsh Fork High School and also graduated from WV State College. She, along with her husband, operated Graybeal Auto Supply from 1976 to 1990. She also worked in the Purchasing Department of Massey’s Elk Run Coal Co. from 1988 until her retirement in 1997. In her leisure time she enjoyed painting and making quilts.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 57 years, Joseph Graybeal; two sons: Joseph Graybeal Jr. and wife Melody of Peytona, W.Va., and Kevin Graybeal of Houston, Texas; a daughter, Cindy Runyon and husband Archie of Grandview; six grandchildren: Matthew Graybeal and wife Nikki of Peytona, Stephanie Graybeal of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Evan Graybeal of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Erica Grippin and husband Derrick of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Grant Runyon of Hinton and Galen Runyon of Grandview; five great-grandchildren: Autumn Stout of Seth, Zack Britt of Peytona, Phoenix Paul and Kallie Lockhart, both of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and James Runyon of Hinton. She is also survived by a brother Frank Beard and wife Jean of Beckley and four sisters: Mary Armstrong and Maude Sweeney and husband Homer, all of St. Albans, Gloria Saddler of Charleston, W.Va., and Doris Withrow and husband Pete of Columbus, Ohio. Dorothy will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14th, in the Sylvester Baptist Church with Rev. David Minturn and Rev. Dewey Lowe officiating. Burial will follow in the Pineview Cemetery, Orgas. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today (Saturday) at the Melton Mortuary and one hour prior to the service time at the church.

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

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Hayes Layton Hamrick

SPRATTSVILLE — Hayes Layton Hamrick, 71, of Sprattsville, departed this life on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Logan Regional Medical Center, from complications arising from diabetes.

Born at Oceana on August 15, 1938, he was the son of the late Hayes Lundy and Viola Mae Hamrick.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Curtis Hamrick.

Layton retired from International Industries where he served as a Chief Forester for many years under the employ of close friend James H. (Buck) Harless.

Those left to love and cherish his memory are: his two sisters, Patricia (Bill) Goad of Barboursville and Anita Merritt of Sprattsville; his brother, Terry (Merlene) Hamrick of Justice; a special nephew, Todd Hamrick of Sprattsville; his sister-in-law, Judy Hamrick of Williamson; a loving caregiver, Bobby Rollyson, and a host of other dear family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, March 13th, from 6 to 9 p.m., conducted by Conley Goad.

The family and Layton request that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.

Memorial and Honor Donations, American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home, Gilbert.

Betty June Johnson

Betty June Johnson, 77, loving mother and grandmother of Beaver, went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2010, at the Bowers Hospice House.

Born in Fayetteville on February 22, 1933, she was the daughter of the late March Raymond Adkins and Sally Miller.

Betty was the co-owner of Consolidated Distributing. She was a dedicated member of Clifftop Missionary Baptist Church, where she had previously served as President of the Lady’s Circle, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Bill” Johnson; grandson, Ira Shannon Evans; two sisters, Nina Shockey and Mary Pate; and infant brother, Raymond Adkins.

Those left to cherish her memory include four daughters, Linda Harmon and husband, Cletis, of Cool Ridge, Patricia Evans and husband, Ira Wesley, of Archdale, N.C., Sharon Waddell and husband, Bob, of Shady Spring, Brenda Jones and husband, Donald, of Beckley; stepdaughter, Lavedia Jones, of Bedford, Va.; nine grandchildren, Jeff Morton, of Beaver, Lisa Morton, of Cool Ridge, Angelique Wilson, of Orange Park, Fla., Bobbi Glass, of Trinity, N.C., Jodi Evans, of Trinity, N.C., Brandon Waddell, of Beaver, Ryann Waddell, of White Oak, Don Jones, of Daniels, Waymon Lewis Stanley, of Roanoke, Va.; 11 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Janet Granc, of Cleveland, Ohio, Alice Comer, of Fayetteville, W.Va., Kathy Wilson, of Ansted, W.Va., Joan Quick, of Bluefield, W.Va.; brother Russell Miller, of Chicago, Ill.; brother-in-law Robert “Red” Pate, of Senecaville, Ohio; several nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Pastor John Lilly of Clifftop Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Sons-in-law and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Betty will be laid to rest beside her husband, at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may gather with the family from 1 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the funeral home.

Special thanks to her three caregivers and the staff at the Bowers Hospice House for the compassion and care that was given during our mother’s illness.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

Sarah Josephine Cobb Kidd

MOUNT HOPE — Sarah Josephine Cobb Kidd, 90, of Mount Hope, died on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the home of her daughter, Mary, in Beckley.

Born March 8, 1920, at Flat Top, she was the daughter of the late Meredith Lawrence Cobb Sr. and Letha Green Cobb.

Mrs. Kidd was a member of the Mount Hope First Church of God and was a homemaker. She resided in Longacre for many years and then later in Pax.

Her husband, John Henry Kidd, preceded her in death.

She was much loved and will be missed by her family, Mary Terry and Johnathan Terry, Charles Tweedie, Charles Ellis, sister-in-law, Margrett Cobb, Marlin and Elaine Cobb, Billy Cobb, Marlin John Cobb, Charles Terry, Danny Terry, Jason Terry, Carl Terry, James Terry, Mr. and Mrs. Jack McCoy and sons; Betty Aurther and sons; Phyllis Nutter and daughters as well as great-nieces and nephews.

Services will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at Tyree Funeral Home in Mount Hope with Rev. Wallace York officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.

John Terry, Chuck Ellis, Charles Tweedie, Eric Boggs, Marlin Cobb and John Cobb will serve as pallbearers.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.

Aubrey Ray Kinzel

Aubrey Ray Kinzel, 62, of Lester, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born June 28, 1947, at Letart, W.Va., he was the son of the late Chester and Bertha Devault Kinzel.

Aubrey was a retired heavy equipment operator for United Steel Workers of America, Local 14614. He was a member of Midway VFW and the American Legion Post 140 in New Haven, W.Va. He attended Stepping Stone Community Church. Aubrey served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly Russell Kinzel; daughter, Tamie League and husband John of Lester; son, Aubrey Shane Kinzel and wife Tonya of Fairdale; grandchildren, Joshua, Mikayla, Shana, Michael and Elisha; sisters, Vera Shoaf and husband Robert of Pickerington, Ohio, and Audrey Clarke of Letart, W.Va.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Shane Kinzel officiating. Burial will follow in the Kinzel Mountain Cemetery at Fairdale. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 1 p.m. until time of service.

Pallbearers will be Brady McCormick, William Hensley, Ronnie Meadows, Joshua Woodrum, Bill Russell and Steve Frye. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Tate and Dennis Cella.

Oak Hill VFW Post 3110 will conduct graveside honors.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802.

Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Cleo Petrie Lilly

Cleo Petrie Lilly, age 73, of Crow, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, following a short illness.

Born on February 6, 1937, at Ellison Ridge, she was the daughter of the late Kennet Lilly and Thelma Farley Lilly, and the stepdaughter of the late Stella Lilly.

Mrs. Lilly was a homemaker and was a member of the Ellison Ridge Freewill Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Virgil “Pappy” Lilly; a stepson, Virgil “Buzzy” Lilly; brothers, Freddie, Eddie, Lester, and Clifford, and her sister Anna Lilly.

Those left to cherish her memory are a son, Kenneth Lilly of Crow; her stepchildren, William “Bill” Lilly of Crow; Carolyn and her husband Carlos Lucas of Crow; Cordie and her husband Stanley Ellison of Shady Spring, and a dear and special daughter-in-law, Brenda Lilly of Beckley.

Mrs. Lilly’s sisters include Mabel Wills of Raleigh, W.Va., Hettie and Bonnie Lilly of Ellison Ridge, W.Va.; Mary Barker of Virginia; her brothers include Oley Lilly and his wife Diane, Edward Lilly, and Aldie Lilly and his wife Barbara of Ellison Ridge; Boone Lilly of Josephine and Donald Lilly of Beaver.

Her “grandkids,” Corletta Lilly of Glen Morgan, Amanda Yanouko, Shawn Lilly, and Jeffery Lucas and his wife, Michelle, all of Beckley; Linda and her husband Roger Furrow of Crow; Melody Ellison of Shady Spring; and lots of great-grandkids. The family extends a special thank you to the nursing staff of the Bowers Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel with Pastor John Lilly officiating. Burial will follow at the Redden Cemetery at Crow.

Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Lilly, David Wills, Roger, Roy, Ronnie, and Ray Adkins.

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

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring.

Helen I. Craig Miller

PETERSTOWN — Helen I. Craig Miller, age 82, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at home.

Born February 28, 1928, at Cashmere, W.Va., she was the daughter of Other R. and Lessie Mae Owens Craig.

Ms. Miller was a member of the Spruce Run Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Lindside, W.Va. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Denny Miller, three brothers, Jess, Lewis and Gene Craig, two sisters, Betty Weller and infant sister Margaret Craig, and grandson Timothy Dale Miller.

Survivors include four sons, Jackie Miller and wife Florence of Rocky Mount, Va., Thomas Miller and wife Carol, Bill Miller and wife Vickie and Bob Miller and wife Tammy, all of Peterstown; five daughters, Mary Sue Jamison and husband Walter of Troutville, Va., Linda Thornton and husband Scott of Ballard, W.Va., Frances Parker of Lindside, Betty Treadway and husband Fred of Peterstown, and Connie Berry and husband Travis of Waynesboro, Va.; one sister, Berta Mae Kirby and husband Jack of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Craig of Ballard, and Ella Mae Craig of Lindside; 22 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, several stepchildren, family and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the Spruce Run Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Lindside, with Home Brethren officiating. Burial will follow at the Karnes Cemetery, Peterstown, with grandsons and great-grandsons serving as pallbearers. Friends may call 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.

Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the Miller Family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com.

Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.

Emma Kay Griffith Mills

OCEANA — Emma Kay Griffith Mills, 28, departed this life Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Born March 5, 1982, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Gary Griffith and Nancy Hambrick.

Emma was a 2000 graduate of Oceana High School; she was full of life, kind, giving and was a good listener. She enjoyed making her nephews laugh, and playing catch football with them; she loved photography, music and her kittens that kept her company.

Emma was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dana Ray and Freda L. Griffith; her maternal grandmother, Rose Marie Gibson.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 13 years and the love of her life, Brandon Kyle Mills of Mullens; her father, Gary Griffith, and stepmother, Sonja Griffith, of Oceana; her mother, Nancy Gibson Hambrick, and stepfather, Larry, of Fincastle, Va.; a sister, Freda Kathleen Edwards and husband, Stephen, of Mullens; maternal grandfather, Phillip R. Gibson of Craig County; two stepsisters, Tiffany Toler and Candice Grimmett; stepbrothers, Jeremey Queen, Ian Hambrick, Joshua Hambrick and Seth Hambrick; two nephews, Jacob Summe and Levi Summe; and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of Emma’s life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at Adam Toler Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. William O. Tolliver officiating. Emma will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley.

Casketbearers will be family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the funeral home.

A video tribute, guestbook and condolences at www.adamtolermemorialfuneralhome.com.

Services entrusted to Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.

Benny Lewis Morgan Sr.

FRANKFORD — Benny Lewis Morgan Sr., 75, passed away at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Fairlea, on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Born May 30, 1934, in Ronceverte, he was the son of the late Ben and Maggie Holliday Morgan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Connie Lawhorn, Ida (Bootie) Hoke and Faye Vass, and brothers, John Young, David Holliday and Paul Holliday.

Benny was a Mason and was a member of Frankford United Methodist Church, an avid gun historian. Benny was a longtime member of the S.A.S.S. Club. During Benny’s 75 years, he served in the National Guard, was a police officer for the City of Lewisburg and was retired from the W.Va. Dept. of Highways. He and his wife, Gaye, were longtime members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club and enjoyed many years riding motorcycles with their many friends, until his health forced him to stop riding. Benny fought a long and brave battle with cancer.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Gaye O’Brien Morgan of Frankford; daughter, Jeanne Williams and husband, Ernie, of Beckley; sons, Benny Jr. of Floyd, Va., Henry and wife, Suzy, of Lewisburg and J.P. of Fairlea; granddaughters, Laura Hosey and husband, Bruce, of Lewisburg, Tara Morgan of Lewisburg and Danielle Whitt of Frankford; grandsons, Kevin Morgan of Princeton, Corey Williams of Lewisburg and Casey Williams of Morgantown; three great-grandchildren, Stevie Loudermilk, Logan and Greyson Hosey, all of Lewisburg; a brother, Sidney Morgan of Ronceverte, as well as many, many nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the Longanacre Funeral Home Chapel, Fairlea, with the Rev. Phil Hickman officiating. Burial will follow in the Morgan Cemetery, near Ronceverte.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Longanacre Funeral Home, Fairlea.

Arrangements by Longanacre Funeral Home, Fairlea.

Blanche Louise Neely

HINTON — Blanche Louise Neely, 86, 108 Main Street, Hinton, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a long illness.

Born August 20, 1923, at Pipestem, she was the daughter of O.H. and Carrie Farley Keaton.

Mrs. Neely was a homemaker and was of the Protestant faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two infant daughters; two sisters Margaret Helen Keaton and Bernice Phillips and also two brothers Harold and Billy Keaton preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Lilly of Pipestem and Deborah Martin of Marie, W.Va.; one son, Gary Neely of Beckley; and two sisters, Patty Cochran of Princeton, and Peggy Neal of Norfolk, Va.; one brother, Bobby Keaton of Bluefield, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel in Hinton with the Pastor Robbie Merritt officiating. Burial will follow in the Farley Cemetery at Pipestem.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. until time of the service on Sunday.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.

Jeffery Owen Osborne

RAINELLE — Jeffery Owen Osborne, 65, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010, in the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Fairlea.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle.

Karl William Parrish Jr.

FAYETTEVILLE — Karl William Parrish Jr., 64, of Fayetteville, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston.

Born on June 11, 1945, at Montgomery, he was the son of the late Karl William Parrish and Martha Brinsdon Parrish.

Mr. Parrish was a retired heavy equipment operator for Arch Coal.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Eric Neal.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jan Whanger Neal of Fayetteville; four daughters, Robin Haynes of De Funiak Springs, Dale Parrish of Florida, Hilary Brown of Charleston, S.C., and Cindy Neal White of Beckley; one son, Jason Parrish of Florida; five grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home Chapel, Fayetteville.

Graveside services will follow calling hours at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity, in his memory, or if you would like to help someone in need.

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.

Virginia Stickler

On Thursday, March 11, 2010, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, animal lover, and friend to many people, Virginia Stickler of Mt. Nebo, passed away at the West Virginia University Medical Center. She was in her 83rd year.

Born Virginia Marie Norman on March 19, 1926, “Ginny,” as she was affectionately known, was the youngest of nine children born to the late Roy and Lucy Pearl Norman. Her sisters, Lucille Kerner and Olga Poling, and brothers, Lynn, Lee, Lester, Letcher, Lawrence, and Lewis Norman, all preceded her in death.

A homemaker, Virginia attended the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church at Poole. In recent years, she has been active in the Mt. Nebo Song Convention. In addition to her family, Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hylbert Allen Stickler.

Ginny was the precious mother of eight children; she along with her family endured the tragic loss of Robert Lee. Left to cherish her memory are Thomas Stickler and his wife Connie of Kopperston, Allen Stickler and his wife Teri of Kenai, Alaska, Jim Stickler and his wife Sue of Mt. Lookout, Karen Kirby and her husband Richard of Mt. Zion, Jenny Griffith and her husband Mark of Mt. Lookout, Judy McCauley and her husband Matt of Fairmont, and Mary Smith and her husband Scott of Mannington, the doting grandmother of 16 grandchildren, the proud great-grandmother of 12 living great-grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, Maria Beth Stover, also preceded her in death; a large extended family of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, her church family, and especially her friend and companion, Lugene Groves, also survive.

Virginia donated her body to WVU Medical Research in 1993. A Memorial Service in her memory will be held today, Saturday, March 13th, at 2 p.m. at the Mt. Gilead Church with the Rev. Douglas Beam officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of the services. Virginia would appreciate donations of sympathy to the Nicholas County Humane Society.

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

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Hugh H. ‘Smokey’ Stover

Hugh H. “Smokey” Stover, 90, of Shady Spring, died Friday, March 12, 2010, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Prosperity.

Lucy Evelyn Duncan Thomas

“To wait is hard, and bitter too, but that is all that I can do.” — Lucy E. Duncan

In very loving memory of Lucy Evelyn Duncan Thomas, 83, a precious, precious saint of our Lord Jesus Christ who went to be with Him on March 11, 2010.

Born May 28, 1926, at Oak Hill, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late John Henry and Mildred M. Elick Duncan.

Mrs. Thomas was a member of the Oak Hill Apostolic Holiness Church.

She was the retired Area Director for the Save The Children Federation. A very, very sweet lady, she spent her life helping others.

Her former husband, Garland Thomas; three sisters, Nancy Geffs, Mary Grady and Clara Erdene Tackett; and two brothers, Clyde Duncan and Justus Duncan, preceded her in death.

Left to cherish memories are her two sons and their families, David Duncan Thomas and his wife, Lucy, of Parkersburg and their children, Wanda Hickman, Robert Tichnell, Jackie Tichnell and Cheryl Goosman, along with their children and grandchildren; John S.P. Thomas and his wife, Jo Ann, and their children, Jonathan, Jeffrey and Jessica, and great-grandchild, Macy, all of Vale, N.C., and one daughter, Mildred James, and her family who reside near Richmond, Va.

She is also survived by her niece, Beverly Richmond, as well as her son, Troy, and daughters, Robin and Kelli, and their families.

Services will be on Sunday, March 14, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Oak Hill Apostolic Holiness in Oak Hill with Rev. Carlos Lewis, Rev. Phillip Fuller and Rev. Eric Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, where she will be laid to rest beside her mother in the Duncan family plot.

Friends will gather at the Oak Hill Apostolic Holiness Church 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, Saturday, March 13, 2010, or one hour prior to the service on Sunday.

In loving memory — we’ll see you later, Mom.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Mabel J. Howard Washington

Mabel J. Howard Washington, 75, of Beckley, died March 9, 2010, at home.

Born April 21, 1934, in Keystone, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Ernest F. Howard and Lovelta J. Morris Howard.

Mrs. Washington was a church care-taker and homemaker and was a member of St. Paul Baptist Temple.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Clinton R. Washington, son, Marvin Jerome Howard, brothers, Ernest Howard Jr. and Jean Howard, sister, Ardelia Howard, and stepmother, Kate Howard.

Left to cherish precious memories are sons, Clinton R. (Cortia Simms and children) Washington II of Beckley, Nicholas J. Washington of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; daughter, Jeannette (Charles) Thomas of Beckley; granddaughter, Monishia Howard of Greensboro, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Tyra and Tre Jon of Greensboro, N.C.; extended family: Ceretha (Erie) Cline and children of Beckley; Michael Thomas and children of Burlington, N.C.; Carlos (Donna) Thomas and children of Greensboro, N.C.; special friends: Pauline Staples, Jo Ann Robinson, Barbara Larkin, Mark Larkin, George King II, Lonella Leach, Pauline Brown, Dorothy Collins, Florence Smith and The Pannell and Copney families, all of Beckley.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010, at St. Paul Baptist Temple, Beckley, with Rev. Walter M. Leach and Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Shelby Jean Weikle

ROANOKE, Va. — Shelby Jean Weikle, 66, of Roanoke, formerly of White Sulphur Springs, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Friendship Manor in Roanoke.

To honor her requests, there will be no visitation or services.

Shanklin Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs, is serving the family.

Beatrice ‘Bea’ Whanger

FAYETTEVILLE — Beatrice Elizabeth “Bea” Whanger, 101, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Fayette Nursing and Rehab Center, Fayetteville.

Born on May 27, 1908, at Schenectady, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Walter Foster and Bernice Andrews Foster.

Mrs. Whanger attended Fayetteville Presbyterian Church and served in the Women’s Circle. She graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Mrs. Whanger retired as a Fayette County WVU Extension Agent, receiving national recognition. She was a longtime advocate for Women’s Rights.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, A.E. Whanger; one brother, Harold Foster; and a grandson, Eric F. Neal.

Left to cherish her memory include her two sons, Richard E. Whanger and Thomas F. Whanger, both of Newport News, Va.; two daughters, Jan Neal of Fayetteville, W.Va., and Sara Capodilupo of Boston, Mass.; one sister, Ruth Northup of Lancaster, Pa.; one brother, Richard Foster; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; caregiver, Judy Horrocks of Oak Hill; and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home Chapel, Fayetteville.

Graveside services will follow calling hours at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity, in her memory, or if you would like to help someone in need.

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.