Obituaries - Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

Andrew Avancini

THAYER — Andrew Avancini, 65, passed away at his home Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Oak Hill. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the High Lawn Funeral Home, Oak Hill, where a Christian wake service will be held at 6:15 p.m.

Arrangements by High Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill.





David Ray Hearns

WESTFIELD, N.C. — David Ray Hearns, 41, of Westfield, formerly of Lynco, passed away on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

David was born April 15, 1968, in Man, W.Va.; he was the son of Dewey and Shirley Maynor Chambers of Lynco.

David was a roofing contractor for 20 years and had a small roofing business. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son and grandfather.

David was preceded in death by grandparents Rosco and Vonda Maynor; a brother-in-law, Mack Hall; a niece, Brandy Maynor; and a sister-in-law, Teresa Maynor.

Besides his parents, those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 23 years, Angela Hall Hearns; three daughters, Kassandra and Kaeleigh Hearns of Westfield, N.C., and Stephanie Dixon of Lynco; a granddaughter, Araya Dixon of Lynco; three brothers, Richard Maynor of North Carolina, Billy Hearns of Lynco and Bobby Chambers of Oceana; three sisters, “Sissy” Trish Lester of Oceana, Betty Lusk of Glen Fork and JoAnne Graham of Westfield, N.C.; his mother-in-law, Sandra Toler, and his father-in-law and best friend, Allen Toler of Westfield, N.C.; and a host of nieces, nephews and great friends who loved him with all of their hearts.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, with Pastor David Johnson officiating.

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

David will be laid to rest in Cook Cemetery, Lynco, W.Va.

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

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





Gracie June Lester

CRAIGSVILLE — Gracie June Lester, 86, of Craigsville, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, in the Summersville Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, in the Waters Funeral Chapel at Summersville. Burial will follow in the Fields Cemetery at Nettie. Friends may call at the funeral chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday.





Troy A. Lusk

ALPOCA — Troy Albert Lusk, “Chief,” 84, of Alpoca, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness.

Born May 17, 1925, at Herndon, he was the son of the late Walter and Polly (England) Lusk.

Mr. Lusk proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Lusk returned home from the South Pacific to marry his sweetheart, Lillian Snyder Lusk, in 1946. These two sweethearts would walk hand in hand through a life that would include nine children, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Mr. Lusk served as the chief electrician for Slab Fork Coal Company for more than 18 years. His wisdom and expertise in the field of electricity would make him a highly respected and much sought after authority in this field. He was a member of the Mullens Masonic Lodge #151 A.F.&A.M.;, where he was a 32nd degree Mason and had served as past Master. His abiding faith and devotion to charitable work would make his membership as a Masonic brother a pleasure for his soul. Mr. Lusk was a member of the First Baptist Church Of Bud, where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed many years of fellowship and love with his brothers and sisters in Christ.

During his retirement years, Mr. Lusk lived a full life that would include family, church, community, and friends. Whether coon hunting, fishing or just sitting around a campfire, some of his most cherished memories would come from these simple pleasures. His generosity and kindness was greatly admired in this community. His devotion and warmth made him a trusted friend. His enormous capacity to love and to lead makes him irreplaceable to his family.

His dear parents, his beloved son, Albert Lusk, and his precious granddaughter, Teresa Lusk, preceded him in death. He also had five brothers and three sisters who were waiting to greet him in Heaven when he made his journey home.

The shadow of his absence is immeasurable to his family. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Lillian Snyder Lusk; his six daughters, Judy Shumate and her husband, Vince, of Beckley, Connie Sparks of Kingsport, Tenn., Sandra Taylor of Mullens, Kathy Hylton and her husband, Mark, of Beckley, Eva Lusk of Alpoca, and Peggy Lusk of Norton, Va.; his two sons, Roger Lusk and his wife, Frieda, of Princeton and Thomas Lusk and his wife, Ethel, of Herndon Heights; a daughter-in-law, Jeanne of New Jersey; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Frank Lusk and his wife, Ethel, of Basin and Bobby Lusk and his wife, Ethel, of Princeton; two sisters, Bernice Lusk of the Lusk Settlement and Patty Sisk and her husband, Will, of John Ben; he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who are missing their loved one and look forward to seeing him again someday. Special friends, Jack and Jean Carter, Alan and Nancy Lindsey, Doug and Dean Taylor, Jay Bird Maynard, and numerous other friends and family and his caregiver Delilah Hamm.

The family wishes to offer a special thanks to the staff of Beckley VA Medical Center and the staff of Raleigh General Hospital.

Each life touches so many others. The measure of a man’s life is determined by the love and laughter he has left along the way. May you rejoice with the angels, our precious Chief.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at the First Baptist Church Of Bud with Rev. Tom Lusk and Rev. Lewis Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in the Lusk Family Cemetery at the Lusk Settlement.

Friends and loved ones may call on the family today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens, and one hour prior to services Sunday at the church.

Masonic graveside rites will be conducted by the Mullens Masonic Lodge #151 A.F.&A.M.;

Pallbearers will be Larry Presley, David Booth, Andy Hall, Matthew Stoddard, Larry Lusk, and Bill Horne.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.tankersleyfh.com.

Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.





Terri Lynne Treadway Massey

OAK HILL — Terri Lynne Treadway Massey, age 39, of Oak Hill, passed away at home on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, after a long battle with cancer.

Born Sept. 21, 1970, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Otie Olen Treadway of Oak Hill and Mary Sue May Seligman of Oak Hill. She was the stepdaughter of Paul Seligman of Oak Hill and Dana Treadway also of Oak Hill.

Terri was a 1989 graduate of Fayetteville High School and a member of the Oak Hill Gospel Tabernacle. She was a secretary at C. Adam Toney Tires in Oak Hill.

Survivors in addition to her parents, stepfather and stepmother include: her husband, Barry B. Massey of Oak Hill; her three children: Josh, Jamie and Jordan, all at home; her stepdaughter: Charleigh Newhouse of Fayetteville; her three brothers, Jimmy Treadway and wife Rachel, Anthony Treadway and his wife Miranda and Adam Treadway, all of Oak Hill; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A special thanks to Duke Medical Center, Hospice of Southern WV, employees of Toney’s Tires and the members of the community.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, from the Tyree Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill, with Rev. Allen Gallimore officiating. Burial will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009.

Pallbearers will be Vickie Gay, Brooke Stone, Claudia Kania, Lori Snyder, Melinie Lafferty, Jennifer Toney, Leigh Ann Wolfe, Julie Tincher, Mia Davis and Wendy Harrah.

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

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.





Alvin T. McKinney

Alvin T. McKinney, 60, of Coal City, passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at home following a short illness.

Born Dec. 7, 1948, at Lego, W.Va., Mr. McKinney was the son of the late Bradie and Edna Bolen McKinney.

He enjoyed walking, visiting his neighbors and family, and going to the Cales Chapel Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dale McKinney, and brothers-in-law: Eric Vacchio and Willis (Butch) Foley.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sisters: Libby Foley, with whom he made his home since the death of our mother, Layle Vacchio, Patsy McKinney, Susan Dolinger and husband George, all of Coal City, Lucy Foley and husband Jim, and Betty McKinney, both of Sophia; two brothers, Roy McKinney and wife Oma of Coal City, and Charles McKinney and wife Tina of Long Island, N.Y. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Rev. Rick Walker officiating. Burial will follow at the Dancy Cemetery, in Coal City.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Southern West Virginia and in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Southern WV, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25801.

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

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Chapel, Beckley.





Mary Eleanor Meadows

HINTON — Mary Eleanor Meadows, 94, of 1001 Temple St., Hinton, died at 6:25 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, in Summers County A.R.H. in Hinton following a long illness.

Born Jan. 6, 1915, in Hinton, she was the daughter of the late James Green and Effie Miller Meadows.

Miss Meadows was a graduate of Hinton High School and West Virginia University. While at WVU, she was very active in campus activities, including being selected Sweetheart of Sigma Chi Sorority. She spent her entire career teaching English at Hinton High School beginning in 1937 and retiring in 1973. Through the years at Hinton High, she helped many students in preparing for higher education and career choices. She was a member of the Hinton United Methodist Church, the Hinton Woman’s Club, Summers County Retired Teachers Association and the Hinton Senior Citizens. Miss Meadows was a lifelong resident of Hinton.

She was the last surviving member of her family.

Survivors include several cousins, and several close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel in Hinton with Rev. Rick Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Burial Park in Hinton.

Friends may call from 12 noon until time of services on Sunday at the funeral home.

Men of Hinton United Methodist Church will serve as pallbearers.

Arrangements by Pivont Funeral Home, Hinton.





Pansy Graham Perdue

TALCOTT — Pansy Graham Perdue, 93, of Talcott, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at her home, following a long illness.

Born Dec. 3, 1915, at Clayton, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Rosa and Thomas Graham.

Pansy was a homemaker, a member of the Clayton Baptist Church and had attended the Trinity United Methodist Church at Talcott for many years. She was a member of the Summers Co. Association of Retired School Employees, a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Alderson Chapter #119 Order of the Eastern Star and was the last living descendant of Captain Graham who built the Historic Graham House at Lowell, W.Va.

Preceded in death by her husband, George W. (Billy) Perdue (2002), her daughter, Maxine P. Andrews (1994), five brothers and two sisters.

Survived by one grandson, James W. Andrews and wife Victoria of Middleway, W.Va.; two granddaughters, Karen A. Magaha of Winchester, Va., and Mildred A. Mattox of College Station, Texas; and five great grandchildren: Brian E. Magaha, Mark A. and Kyle W. Andrews, and Gavin S. and Aaron M. Mattox; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel in Hinton with Pastors Bob Talbott and Sam Haught officiating. Burial will follow in the Talcott Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral parlors from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Saturday, and the Alderson Chapter #119 will conduct Eastern Star Services at 7:30 p.m.

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

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.





Jack L. Utt

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Jack L. Utt, of Cleveland, formerly of Lester, W.Va., passed away peacefully Oct. 29, 2009, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Jack graduated from Trap Hill High School in 1958 and then served our nation honorably in the United States Army.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Shorter Utt; devoted daughters, Joan Garven (Patrick) of Brook Park, Ohio, Kathryn Maher (Christopher) of Brooklyn, Ohio, and Michelle Ryals (W. Scott) of North Ridgeville, Ohio; cherished grandfather of Michael Garven and Nicolas Santana and treasured great-grandfather of Dylan Garven; dear sisters, Carol Sue Daniel of Lester, W.Va., Phyllis Jackson and Linda Williams of Tallahassee, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Opal Utt, and his brother, Jerry Utt.

Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070, where his funeral will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Chuck Behrens officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Online at www.dostalservices.com.

Arrangements by Dostal Funeral Services, North Olmsted, Ohio, 440-779-0450.





Greta Jean Vines

Greta Jean Vines, age 79, of Beckley, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, following a long illness.

Born on May 16, 1930, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late John Beaver and Edith Martin Beaver.

Mrs. Vines was a homemaker, and years ago was an employee of Beaver’s Grocery, and was a part-time employee of the East Beckley Post Office. She enjoyed planting a floral garden at the post office for several years.

Mrs. Vines was a member of the St. Mary’s United Methodist Church in Beckley for many years, where she was a member of the Women’s Circle at the church. She was also a member of the Senior Friends in Beckley. She had made her home in Beckley all of her life.

Mrs. Vines was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Vines; two sisters, Carolyn O’dell and Sarah Vealey.

Surviving are her children, Debbie Gunnoe and husband Bernard of Prosperity, Terry Shutko and wife Sandra Fox of Pittsburgh, Pa., Phillip Williams and wife Cindy of Navarre, Fla.; a sister, Becky Mills and husband Doug of Beckley; a brother, John Beaver and wife Jane of Shady Spring; six grandchildren, Scott Gunnoe of Prosperity, Terry Gunnoe and his wife Christina of Bragg, Emma Shutko of Pittsburgh, Brandi Meadows of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Sommer Daniels and her husband Chris of San Antonio, Texas, and Tyler Williams of Navarre, Fla.; five great-grandchildren, Brooke Miller, Trey Gunnoe, Seth Gunnoe, Aeriana Gunnoe, Cole Daniels; and a special friend who was like a daughter, Donna McCray of Prosperity.

Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. today, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at the St. Mary’s United Methodist Church, 2012 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, with Rev. Sharon Miller officiating. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley.

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

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

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

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





Sankie Wright Jr.

Sankie Wright Jr., 78, of Bolt, passed away Oct. 28, 2009, at Bowers Hospice House.

Born April 13, 1931, he is the son the late Sanders and Lina Wright.

Sankie was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending his time at the Bolt Station. He retired from Eastern Associated Coal Company and was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, Sankie is preceded in death by his son Sankie Wright III and several brothers and sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Barbara Smith Wright of Bolt; sons, Larry Wright and wife Lucille of Bolt, Jackie Wright and wife Darlene of Bolt; daughter, Kathy Toney and husband Andrew of Beckley; brother, Willard Wright and wife Loretta of Beckley; grandchildren, Larry Wright Jr. and wife Jill, Robyn Miller and husband James, Heath Wright and wife Kelly, Melissa Prichard and husband Caleb, Adam Wright, Jason Tolliver, Jessica Dunbar and husband Charles, Alicia Trump and husband Wesley, Michelle Radford, Brandon Boucher and wife Sarah, Justin Boucher and wife Myra; great-grandchildren Austin, Luke, Hunter, Shailyn, Cruize, Ian, Karsey, Natalee, Mylee, Ashlin, Kaeli, Haley, Sebastian, Audree Issabella and Alexis.

Services will be 11 a.m. today, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastor Elwood Brooks and the Rev. Abner Wright. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Friends gathered with the family from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday 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.





Ashley Marie Wyatt

Ashley Marie Wyatt, age 12, of Harper Heights, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Charleston.

Ashley was born in Beckley, West Virginia, on June 3, 1997, and was the loving daughter of David Lee Wyatt and Angela Lynn Davis Wyatt of Harper Heights.

Ashley was a student at Park Middle School in Beckley.

She was a spirited and energetic child who enjoyed life to the fullest.

She was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Wilton and Oretha Gillenwalters, John Cole, and Eva Davis.

Surviving other than her parents include a brother, David Wyatt, and three sisters, Tiffany, Alicia, and Michelle Wyatt, all at home; paternal grandparents, Larry and Janice Wyatt of Lester, and maternal grandparents, Charles and Peggy Davis of Harper Heights; and a great-grandmother, Maxine Cole of Harper. Several aunts and uncles also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at the Harper Free Methodist Church, at Harper, with Rev. Greg Lanham, Rev. Tim Barton, and Rev. Carl Sellards officiating. Burial will follow at the Lester Cemetery at Lester.

Friends may call at the church from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, and also one hour prior to services on Monday.

Pallbearers will be Dwayne Bailey, Jeff Bowles, Kevin Williams Jr., Jesse Acord, David Wyatt, William Davis, Adam Doss, and Jay Honaker.

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

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley.