Richard Leon Ayers

RAINELLE — Richard Leon Ayers, 64, passed away Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2010, at Chestnut Knob Christian Church with Pastor Marvin Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Harrah Cemetery on Backus Mountain.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at Chestnut Knob Christian Church.

Please send online condolences by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle.

Carl Rufus Carter

MOCKSVILLE, N.C. — Carl Rufus Carter, 71 of Mocksville, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, February, 2, 2012, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel, Peterstown, with Rev. John Offenberger officiating. Burial will follow in the Orchard Cemetery, Ballard.

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

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

Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.

Norma Virginia Elmore

UNION — Norma Virginia Elmore, 72, of Union, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012, at the Groves Funeral Home in Union with Rev. Don Trent officiating. Burial will follow in the New Lebanon Cemetery at Pickaway.

Friends may call at the Groves Funeral Home in Union from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Groves Funeral Home in Union is in charge of arrangements.  

Virginia Elizabeth Gragg

Virginia Elizabeth Gragg, 83 of Beckley passed away Friday, January 27, 2012.

Born in Landisburg, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late John G. and Maxie Shaver Smith.

Virginia loved helping people, volunteering, and traveling. She enjoyed flowers and gardening but most of all she loved being with her family. Virginia volunteered at Beckley Appalachian Hospital for 14 years. She was a lifetime member of the Cranberry Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Virginia is preceded in death by her husband Oliver Kenny Gragg; son Randy Gragg; three brothers and four sisters.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Cheryl Gragg of Ohio, Andrea Centner and husband Mark of Ohio; son Kenny Gragg and wife Debbie of Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Brandy Gragg, Don Twohig, Tanya Zelinka, Randy Oliver Gragg, Amanda Gragg, Danielle Schneider, Matthew Schneider, Jonathan Fakess, Zac Centner, Jen Centner; eight great-grandchildren, Brianna, Joshua, Sierra, Kylie and Lexie, and Luke, Sebastian, Alayna; brothers Jack Smith of Hico and Bill Smith of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister Mae Zickafoose of Nitro, W.Va. and many relatives and numerous  friends.

Services will be held at noon on Friday, February 3, 2012, at Cranberry Baptist Church with Pastor Roger E. Pauley officiating. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens, Victor, W.Va.

Friends may gather with the family Friday from 11 a.m. to noon, at the church.

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

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.

Pauline Frances Harry

MEADOW BRIDGE — Pauline Frances Harry, 76, of Meadow Bridge, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 3, at Smathers Funeral Chapel with Pastor Mark Spence and L.J. Harry, grandson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Ennis Cemetery on Backus Mountain.

Friends may call before the service from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.smathersfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle.  

Alice Ann Henderson Higginbotham

Alice Ann Henderson Higginbotham, age 62 of Beckley, passed away at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley on Monday, January 30, 2012, following a sudden illness.

Born on April 13, 1949, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late James Henderson and Frances Whitt Henderson.

Mrs. Higginbotham was retired from the Raleigh County Board of Education, last as an English teacher at the Beckley Stratton Junior High School.

Mrs. Higginbotham was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and West Virginia University with a B.S. Degree in Education. She was a member of the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Beckley, and had been a lifelong resident of Beckley. Her special interest was reading.

Those survivors left to cherish her memory include her husband of over 30 years, Upshur “Uppy” Higginbotham; two brothers Mack Henderson and his wife Patty of Flat Top Lake,  and Rob Henderson and his wife Debby of Atlanta, Ga. Several nieces and nephews are also among her survivors.

According to Mrs. Higginbotham’s wishes, there will be no funeral services or visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV in memory of Alice Higginbotham.

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

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley.  

John Wayne ‘J.W.’ Hughes

MT. NEBO — John Wayne “J.W.” Hughes, 62, of Mt. Nebo, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, W.Va.

Born August 20, 1949, he was the son of Betty Hartley Hughes of Falls View and of the late Paul Fremont Hughes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Roger Hughes; two nieces, Courtney Hughes and Ashley Hughes; and a nephew, Dustin Hughes.

He was a Baptist by faith and was an employee of Assure America Corporation in Weirton, W.Va., was a firefighter, paramedic and first responder; active in the American Red Cross and E-911; served as Nicholas County Coroner since 2002, and loved to hunt.

Surviving besides his mother include his loving wife of 32 years, Carolyn Parsons Hughes; one son, Paul Michael (Tammie) Hughes of China Grove, N.C.; one daughter, Megan Lynn Hughes of Mt. Nebo; one brother, Larry (Natalie) Hughes of Hico; one sister, Tammy (Adam) Brown of Belva; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended fire/EMS family, and beloved granddogs.

In celebration of his life memorial services will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012, in the White Funeral Home at Summersville with Pastor Robert Peyton officiating.

In keeping with his wishes his body was donated to Science Care of California.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6 p.m. to service time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House 1001 Kennawa Drive Charleston, WV 25311-1824.

Arrangements by White Funeral Home, Summersville.

Virginia ‘Ginney’ Wheeler Jayne

OAK HILL — On Sunday, January 29, 2012, the children of Virginia “Ginney” Wheeler Jayne placed her in the Lord’s hands for all eternity.

Born February 11, 1925, at Fenwick, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Harrah Wheeler.

A resident of Oak Hill since 1971, Mrs. Jayne was a retired registered nurse from FMRS at Fayetteville and had previously worked at Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill. She volunteered at the American Red Cross for many years after her retirement. She served as chairperson of the Fayette County Red Cross.

Ginney was a graduate of Richwood High School and Kanawha Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Charleston. She was a member of the Oak Hill United Methodist Church and the Three F’s group of the church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hilltop Center for the comfort and care they provided the last three years.

Her husband, William Howard Jayne Jr., grandson, Jason M. Smith, three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.

Survivors include one son, William H. Jayne III and wife, Jane of Dove Canyon, Calif., daughter, Mary F. “Missey” Smith and husband, George Jr. of Mount Hope, grandsons, William H. Jayne IV and wife, Courtney, George F. Smith III and wife, April and Christopher P. Jayne and wife, Nicole and two great grandchildren, Owen Jayne and Leila Jayne Smith.

Funeral services will be on Friday, February 3, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Dr. Charles D. Miller and Minister Ken Overdorf officiating. Entombment will be at High Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Oak Hill.

Visitation will be held at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill on Thursday, February 2, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.

Pallbearers will be William H. Jayne IV, George F. Smith III, Christopher P. Jayne, Lee Parlier, Michael Dorado, and Thomas Smith.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross, Fayette-Nicholas Chapter, PO Box 355, Oak Hill WV 25901.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Maxine Caserta  Justice

CROWN — Maxine Caserta Justice, 85, died Jan. 30, 2012.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Sandlick Freewill Baptist Church, Bruno, with the Rev. Bill Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Godby Heights, Pecks Mill.

Friends may call 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home, Gilbert.

Carol Jean Holliday Martin

Carol Jean Holliday Martin, 74, of Bradley, died on Monday, January 30, 2012, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.

Born May 12, 1937, at Lawton, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late James and Garnet S. Burnett Holliday.

Mrs. Martin was a member of the Bradley First Baptist Church where she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and a former Sunday school teacher. She was a homemaker.

Brother, Tommy Holliday, sisters, Patricia Ballard and Irene Graham and a grandson, Robert Keith Lilly II preceded her in death.

Carol was a beloved wife, cherished mother and precious grandmother.

Those left to cherish her memory, her husband of 55 years, Herman R. Martin Jr.; one son, Michael D. Martin and wife, Paula of Troutdale, Va.; two daughters, Debra Kay Caudill of Bradley and Norma Jean Nave of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; brothers, James Holliday and wife, Sue of Bradley, Paul Holliday and wife, Jane of Greenville, Va., Bobby Holliday and wife, Ellen of Forest Hill, Richard Holliday and wife, Lois of Beckley and Joe Holliday and wife, Marybeth of Fairfax, Va., and sisters, Betty James and husband, Richard of High Point, N.C. and Teresa Windsor and husband, Jerry of Bradley.

She is also survived by a granddaughter who Mr. and Mrs. Martin raised, Christina Sadler and husband, Mike of Columbus, Ohio, and additional grandchildren, April Lee Master and husband, Mark of Irvine, Ky., Amanda Rae Caudill, Brittney Rae Crawford, Jessica Howard and Allison Martin, seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, with Rev. Junior Plumley officiating. Burial will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

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

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Robert E. ‘Red’ Pate

SENECAVILLE, Ohio — Robert Edward “Red” Pate, 82, formerly of Beckwith, W.Va.,  passed away Monday, January 30, 2012.

Arrangements are incomplete at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, WV 25840.

Earnest Elsworth ‘Ernie’ Radford

Earnest Elsworth “Ernie” Radford, age 55, of Daniels, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2012, at his home following a short illness.

Born on March 12, 1956, at Bragg, W.Va., he was the son of Violet Ann Bragg Radford of Daniels, and the late James Radford.

Mr. Radford was a carpenter by trade. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his children. He had lived at Daniels for most of his life.

Those survivors left to cherish his memory include his children; Brandi Rollins and her husband Joe of Beaver, Adam Radford and his wife Casey of Beckley, and Aaron Radford of Crab Orchard; two brothers, Daniel Radford and his wife Kay of Stanaford, and Robert Radford and his wife Norma of Daniels; a grandchild, Tyler Radford of Beckley. Numerous nieces and nephews are also among his survivors.

Funeral services to Celebrate The Life Of Earnest E. Radford will be conducted at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley on Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 1 p.m. with Bishop Wayne E. Wicker and Bishop F.D. Sexton officiating. Burial will follow at the Garten Cemetery at Bragg.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until service time on Thursday.

Pallbearers will be family members and close friends.

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

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley.

Beulah Evelyn  Nickell Tabor

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Beulah Evelyn Nickell Tabor, 91, of Fort Walton Beach, formerly of Oak Hill, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Funeral services will be on Friday, February 3, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Pastor Jerry Bush officiating. Entombment will be at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

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

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

Mazie Constance Williams

OCEANA —  Mazie Constance Williams, 77, of Oceana, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at Beckley Appalachian Hospital, Beckley.

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

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

Beulah Fay Hanshaw Woods

SUMMERSVILLE — Beulah Fay Hanshaw Woods, 83, of Summersville, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012, in the White Funeral Home at Summersville with Pastor Delbert Walker officiating. Interment will follow the Woods Family Cemetery at Enoch.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

Arrangements by White Funeral Home, Summersville.�