Obituaries - Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

Lovie Louise Adkins

WINCHESTER, Va. — Lovie Louise Adkins, 75, formerly of Rainelle, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at the home of her son in Winchester, Va.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Wallace & Wallace Chapel in Rainelle. Burial will follow at Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace of Rainelle.





Beatrice Marie Haas

RENICK — Beatrice Marie Haas, 67, of Renick died Nov. 14, 2009, in Charleston Area Medical Center-Memorial following an extended illness.

Born May 15, 1942, at Esty, she was the daughter of the late Samuel C. and Stella Ray Dixon McMillion.

She was a member of the Renick Baptist Church and for several years was an employee of Kellwood in Lewisburg and for many years was a care-giver.

Her survivors include four sisters, Ann Walker and husband Gene of Hillsboro, Minnie McMillion of Renick, Vickie Hamons and husband Ken of Locust Creek, Ruby Dheel and husband George of Lewisburg; three sons, Mike Snedegar and wife Lynne of Charlottesville, Va., Gary Snedegar and wife Lisa of Lewisburg, Bob Haas and wife Emily of Lewisburg; and one daughter, Kim Haas of Lewisburg.

Also, five grandchildren, Tony Snedegar, Michael Ray Snedegar, Justin Yates, Levi Snedegar, Maggie and Lydia Haas; two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 16, at McCraw Funeral Home, Lewisburg.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ellis Chapel Church c/o Laddie Dixon, HC 67, Box 528, Renick, WV 24966.

Arrangements by McCraw Funeral Home in Lewisburg.





Junior Ray Holliday

RONCEVERTE — Junior Ray Holliday, 69, passed away Friday evening, Nov. 13, 2009, in the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Fairlea, after a long illness.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Longanacre Funeral Home Chapel, Fairlea, with Pastor Danny Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in the Adwell Cemetery, Ronceverte. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until time of the funeral Tuesday at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Longanacre Funeral Home, Fairlea.





Eugene ‘Gene’ E. Lewis

WHITESVILLE — Eugene “Gene” E. Lewis, 81, of Whitesville, passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at CAMC Memorial after a short illness.

Gene was born March 8, 1928. He was the son of the late Ulysses and Elizabeth Lewis.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Ulysses Jr., and James Robert; a sister: Ruth Carol Jarrell; wife, Onamega; and a son, Eugene E. “Louie” Lewis Jr.

Gene was a lifelong resident of the Whitesville area. He retired in June 1990 from CSX where he was Yardmaster at the Elk Run Junction with 46 years of service. He was a four-year veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

Gene was active in the community and served the region in many positions. He was J.P. at Whitesville from 1961 to 1971. He also served on the Boone County Commission from 1971 to 1979 where he was instrumental in securing many projects to benefit the community which included: the park at Racine and Whitesville.

Gene was also active in local organizations. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 75; VFW where he was Quartermaster for Post 4387; Moose Lodge at Whitesville and the Rotary Club where he was a “Paul Harris Fellow.”

Gene was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Whitesville and a past President and Charter Member of the Presbyterian Men’s Association.

He is survived by a sister, Betty June Proctor and her husband, Howard, of Sylvester; loving companion, Mary Jane Harless of Whitesville; a daughter, Sonja Brown of Whitesville; and a son, Stephen Lewis and his wife, Marsha, of Whitesville; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Lewis of Mineral Wells; and five grandchildren.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, 2009, at Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville, with the Rev. Ricky Peters officiating. Burial will follow in the Pineview Cemetery, Orgas.

Visitation will be held today, Nov. 16, 2009, at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m.

Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville.





Harlima L. ‘Little Baby’ Mitchell

Ms. Harlima L. “Little Baby” Mitchell, 56, of Lester died peacefully, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at Bowers Hospice House, with family and friends at her side after a short, courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born Nov. 26, 1952, at Lester, she was the daughter of Mrs. Mary L. Mitchell of Lester and the late Robert Mitchell Jr.

Ms. Mitchell was a graduate of Trap Hill High School and was employed by the Lester Square McDonalds prior to becoming ill.

She never met a stranger and her sense of humor captured the hearts of many.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Marquita Sue Mitchell.

Those left to cherish her precious memories in addition to her mother are three sons, Willie (Alisha) of Beckley, Sterling (Leita) of Oak Hill and Rocky of Mooresville, N.C.; two daughters, Barbara Echols of Mooresville, N.C., and Michelle at home; five brothers, Clarence of Bradley, Terry and Julius, both of Beckley, and Steve and Timothy, both of Lester; seven sisters, Rebecca Hills of New Bern, N.C., Bronzie (Roy) Hatcher, Yvonne, Tijuana and Rene, all of Beckley, Sherry of York, N.C., and Drema (Carlos) of Kannapolis, N.C.; companion, Stanley Goff; thirteen grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Heart of God Ministries, 1703 S. Kanawha St., with Bishop Fred T. Simms and Rev. David Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

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

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

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.





Joseph P. Phillips Jr.

FAYETTEVILLE — Joseph P. Phillips Jr., 52, of Fayetteville passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.

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

Arrangements are pending at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home at Fayetteville.





Blanche C. Shafer

CALDWELL — Blanche C. Shafer, 92, of Caldwell passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. The daughter of the late James D. and Cetta Alice Honaker, she was born May 10, 1917, on Coffman Hill.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Paul Shafer; brother, Woodrow Honaker; sisters, Glenna Morgan, Pauline Bland, Christine Morgan, and Margaret Toothman.

Since 1941, Mrs. Shafer was a member of Zion’s Light Baptist Church and loved her church family.

Survivors include a daughter, Delores Flanagan and her husband, Gene, of Lewisburg, and a son, Eddie and his wife, Joan, of Ronceverte; four grandchildren, Tammy White and husband, Terry, of Lewisburg, Mark Shafer and wife, Billie Jean, of Ronceverte, Jennifer Morgan and husband, Billy, of Ronceverte, and Karen Ewing and husband, Eric, of Pax. She was the loving great-grandmother of eight, Trent and Troy White, Hannah and Ben Morgan, Evan, Katelyn, and Natalie Shafer, and Dillon Ewing, and had several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thanks to caregivers, Wanda Giles, Frances Boggs, Jane Persinger, Aretta Butler, and Freda Deskins.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Zion’s Light Baptist Church with Pastors Gary Baker and grandson Mark Shafer officiating. Burial will follow at McLean Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons, Terry, Trent and Troy White, Billy and Ben Morgan, Evan Shafer, and Eric Ewing.

Visitation will be today, Nov. 16, at Morgan Funeral Home in Lewisburg, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the McLean Cemetery Fund, c/o Ray Shafer, HC 30 Box 66A, Caldwell, WV 24925.





Basil Rockford Summers

Basil Rockford Summers, 93, of Shady Spring passed away Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, at Heartland of Beckley following a short illness.

Born Jan. 12, 1916, at Dorothy, W.Va., he was the son of the late Joseph Eliah and Alice Adkins Summers of Odd, W.Va.

Mr. Summers was a retired coal miner, a member of the UMWA, and he was of the Baptist faith.

Other than his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Reba Stump Summers; a daughter, Trudy Summers; two brothers: Alex and Sparrel Summers; and two sisters: Roxy Bolen and Icy Meadows.

Those left to cherish his memory include three sons: Basil Summers and wife Elizabeth, Danny Summers and Roger Summers all of Beckley; two daughters: Lois Thompson of Goshen, Va., and Mary Cole of Shady Spring; two brothers: Wesley Summers of Beaver and Calvin “Cal” Summers of Odd; one sister, Cora Biddle of Daniels. He had 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Heartland of Beckley for their care and compassion.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel with Rev. Harold Taylor officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home 1 hour prior to the services on Tuesday. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www. roseandquesenberry.net.

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





Garland J. Thornton

LINDSIDE — Garland J. Thornton, 86, of Lindside, passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Montgomery Regional Hospital, Blacksburg, Va.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel in Peterstown, with Minister Henry Conley officiating. Burial will follow at the Orchard Cemetery, Ballard. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 16, at the funeral home.

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

Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.





Dorisia Lea Walker

OCEANA — Dorisia Lea Walker, 67, departed this life Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009.

Born Sept. 11, 1942, in Oceana, she was the daughter of the late Garlin and Garnett Elkins Walker.

Dorisia was a machine operator and enjoyed crocheting and growing flowers. She loved spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by an infant son, Gilbert Lazada.

Those left to cherish her memory are four sisters, Shelby Vance of Oceana, Jane Chafin of Chicago, Cody Miller and Rhonda Flack both of Gap Mills; three brothers, Roger Elkins of Stollings, Charlie Ferguson and Chester Ferguson, both of Gap Mills; stepson, Roger Morgan of Mullensville; stepdaughter, Jane Blankenship of Indian Creek; a nephew, Donald Burgess of Matheny; a niece, Tina Hurley of Sun Hill; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of Dorisia’s life will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at Adam Toler Memorial Chapel with Rev. Johnny Jones officiating. Dorisia will be laid to rest in Stewart Cemetery, Matheny.

Casketbearers will be nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Nov. 16, 2009, at Adam Toler Memorial Chapel.

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

Services entrusted to Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana, W.Va.





Ora Mae Warden

Ora Mae Warden, 84, of Stanaford passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

She was born Oct. 19, 1925, to the parents of the late Ben and Esther Allen.

Ora loved her family, cooking, gardening and her church. She was a member of the Stanaford Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years where she taught the Primary Sunday School class and was currently attending the Maple Valley Baptist Church where her son pastors.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband George H. Warden, Sr.; infant daughter Carol Warden; brothers Benny Allen, Clarence Allen and Robert Allen, Virgil Allen; sisters Lucille Parsons, and Mariah Pearl Cooper.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons Rev. George Warden and wife Pam of Lexington, Va., Benny Warden and wife Darlene of Stanaford, Pastor Randall Warden and wife Carol of Beckley; grandsons Benny Warden, Jr., and wife Kristie of Pineyview, Hunter Warden of Beckley; granddaughters Lesley Warden Carter of Stanaford, Shelly Paice and husband John of Stanaford and Hannah Warden of Beckley; great-grandchildren Allie, Alexis, Reid Warden, Isabelle, Jack, Maggie and Jonah Paice; and sister Mary Worley of Cool Ridge.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Maple Valley Baptist Church with sons Rev. George H. Warden, Jr., Pastor Randall Warden and Mr. Benny Warden officiating.

Visitation at the church will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Garden, Beckley. Grandsons and church family will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may gather with the family Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

The family requests that donations of sympathy may be made to the Greater Beckley Christian School, PO Box 670, Prosperity, WV 25909.

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

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





H. Elwood Winfrey

PRINCETON — H. Elwood Winfrey, 78, of 2268 Pisgah Road in Princeton, formerly a prominent area banker, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 14, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

Elwood was born July 8, 1931, on the Willowbrook Road in Princeton. He was the son of the late Fred H. and Virginia Eggleston Winfrey.

He was a graduate of Princeton High School. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force in the Strategic Air Command where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, he graduated from Concord University.

He began his professional career at Mercer County Bank, where he advanced from Note Teller to Executive Vice President, later retiring from BB&T; following 30 years of service.

Elwood was an avid reader, enjoyed spending time in his garden, being with his family, and was sentimental about his home place on Willowbrook Road where he often visited and maintained the property. He developed a passion for flying during his Air Force years and enjoyed making trips with several pilot friends through the years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton and attended Stinson United Methodist Church when health permitted. He was a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was a member of Princeton Elks Lodge #1459.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Janet White Winfrey; two daughters, Lisa W. Hansen and husband Dr. Carl A. Hansen of Fayetteville, W.Va., and Julie W. Fuller and husband Sheldon M. Fuller of Christiansburg, Va.; a brother, Garnett and wife Alice Winfrey of Richmond, Va.; a sister, Wilma and husband Jack Reitz of Greenville, S.C.; and four grandsons, Erik and Andrew Hansen, Nicholas and Zachary Fuller; several special nieces and nephews and special friend and brother-in-law, Joe White, of Princeton.

Funeral services will be conducted 12 noon on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Scott Mayberry officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 16, 2009. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Parkinson Plaza, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305. Online condolences may be made at www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is serving the Winfrey family.