Sam Blackburn Acord

PETERSBURG, Va. — Sam Blackburn Acord, 49, of Petersburg, formerly of Glen White, W.Va., passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2011.

Born April 24, 1961, he was the son of the late Earl Acord and Ellen (Connie) Acord of Petersburg, VA.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rodger (Maria) Acord.

Sam is survived by step-daughter Ashley Young of Lewisburg, W.Va.; brother, Charles (Debbie) Acord of Argillite, Ky., and five sisters, Earleen Rink of Lincolnton, N.C., Vickie Cohron of Kings Mountain, N.C., Mary (Carlos) Garten of Beckley, Willa (Coy) Willis of Maysville, N.C., and Neta (Bill) Pressley of Leesburg, Ga.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Sam was a carpenter/painter and mechanic by trade. He enjoyed fishing, working with leather, playing his guitar and doing paralegal work.

A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Glen White Missionary Baptist Church, Glen White Rev. Kenneth Parent officiating.

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

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley is assisting the family.

Franklin S. Bailey

 MABEN — Franklin Scott Bailey, 30, of Maben died Wednesday, April 6, 2011.

Arrangements are incomplete at Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

George Lee Ballard

BOLT — George Lee Ballard, 81, died Feb. 11, 2011.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Eccles Community Church, with speakers, the Rev. Vondie Cook II, the Rev. Robert Mattox, the Rev. Jim Pridemore and Ken J. Gregory.

His body was donated to medical research at Marshall University in Huntington.

Mona Belcher

BRUNO — Mona Belcher, 81, died Monday, April 4, 2011.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 8, at the Sandlick Freewill Baptist Church at Bruno, with the Revs. James Ellis and Bill Cantrell officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pecks Mill.

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home, Gilbert.

Tacy Fay Bradford

Tacy Fay Bradford, 97, of Dry Creek, W.Va., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Raleigh General Hospital, after a long illness.

Tacy was a devoted wife and mother, always ready to be a help to those who needed her. She was a member, and the last charter member of the Dry Creek Freewill Baptist Church.

Born December 23, 1913, at Dry Creek, Tacy was a daughter of the late Oatie and Nancy Pettry Gunnoe.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Shumate Christian, her husband, Rev. Thomas Bradford, and her beloved son, Denny Christian.

She was also preceded in death by sisters, Ivory Massey, Bensie Williams and Georgia Skaggs and by a brother, Orville Gunnoe.

Those left to cherish her memory of their beloved mom are daughters and sons-in-law, Rita and David Howell of Dry Dreek and Virginia and Roger Mullins of Fairdale, W.Va.

Survivors also include her daughter-in-law Carrol Christian of Dry Creek, her loving brother, Howard Gunnoe of Dry Creek, several nieces and nephews, a host of friends and a very special little friend, Maggie Asbury.

Friends may call at the Armstrong Funeral Home, 39687 Coal River Road, Whitesville from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, April 10, 2011, in the Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville, with the Rev. David Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Pallbearers will be nephews and friends.

Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville.

Andrew Lee Brooks

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — Andrew Lee Brooks, 35, of White Sulphur Springs, went to be with the Lord on March 24, 2011 after a long illness.

Born in White Sulphur Springs, Andrew was the son of Vickie Windon and the late Lawrence Windon Jr. of White Sulphur Springs. 

Survivors other than his mother, Vickie, are his wife of eight years, April Brooks; three year old daughter, Jenna; two sisters; Crystal Sturdivant (PJ) of Ronceverte, and Sara Windon Blevins (Matthew) of White Sulphur Springs; one brother, Benjamin Windon of White Sulphur Springs, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wayne and Laverne Morris of Neola, who considered him as a son.

He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, who were all by his side.

 A memorial service for family and all his friends will be held at Neola Baptist Church, Neola, at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 with Rev. Ralph Hubbard officiating.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped to make his life more comfortable:  Pastor Ralph Hubbard, Dr. David Shifft, Dr. Boswell, Home Health Care, and Hospice.

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

Frances Kay Cecil

Frances Kay Cecil, 53, of Shady Spring, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Born July 16, 1957, she is the daughter of the late Barnie and Reba Ransom Roark.

Frances enjoyed helping everyone that needed her help. She loved spending time with her family and caring for her dogs. Frances was a homemaker and of the Holiness faith.

In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her sister, Charles Kathryn Kincaid.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Auldy Cecil; daughter, Melissa Richmond and husband Jeremy of Beckley; son, Mikel Cecil and wife Teddra of Baileysville; grandchildren, Lance, Alexus, Madelyn and Caitlynn; 11 brothers and sisters also survive her.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

 Friends may gather with the family from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

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

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

Billy Burke Eans Sr.

ST. ALBANS — Billy Burke Eans Sr., 87, of St. Albans, formerly of Mount Hope, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston.

Bill was a retired bookkeeper from Clendenin Lumber and Parkway Supermarket and also a former employee of Hoylman-Huffman. He was an avid golfer and a WVU and Marshall Fan. He was a WWII veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife, June Eans; son, Bill Eans and wife Libby of Beckley; daughters, Pamela Leahey and husband Michael of Newtown, Pa., Claudia Thomas and husband Carl of St. Albans and Jane Dent and husband Dewayne “Boyd” of St. Albans; 11 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2011, at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor Cheryl Carey officiating. 

Friends may visit from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley, with Rev. Charles Pullins officiating and entombment will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to American Diabetes Association, 1221 Ohio Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

You may share memories or condolences with the family at www.bartlettchapmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans.

Janice E. Gwinn

Janice E. Gwinn, passed away suddenly Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in the Summers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Hinton.

Born October 1, 1929 at Alderson, she was the daughter of the late Summers and Lou Jane Forren Gwinn.

A retired school teacher from Fayette County Schools with 35 years of service, Janice was a 1946 graduate of Sandstone High School, earned her B.A. degree in Education from Concord University and her Master of Arts from West Virginia University.

She was a lifelong resident of Summers County and a dedicated Methodist. A member of the Lane United Methodist Church, she served as treasurer and taught Sunday school, and was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Society. Janice was also a member of the Meadow Bridge Homemakers and WVU Women.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister Macil Faye Gwinn and two brothers, Paul G. and Jimmy M. Gwinn.

Survivors include two sisters, Winnie Vandall of Meadow Bridge and Minnie Vandall of Hinton; two brothers, Jesse and George Gwinn, both of Coconut Creek, Fla., and two  sisters-in-law ,Helen Gwinn of Rainelle and Patricia Gwinn of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.  She was loved by a great number of nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and nephews and a host of great-great-nieces and nephews and many friends. A special thanks to her in home caretakers, especially Peggy Grimmett who also provided care when Janice was hospitalized.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Smathers Funeral Chapel with Pastor Steve Meadows officiating. Burial will follow in the Wickline Cemetery at Meadow Bridge.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 8, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the Wickline Cemetery Memorial Fund, Rt. 1 Box 59, Meadow Bridge, WV 25976.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle.

Charles L. Kelly

GREEN BANK — Charles L. Kelly, 66, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

There will be no services or visitation.

Please send online condolences by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Arbovale.

Paul Vincent Malone

Paul Vincent Malone, 26, of Lester, was one of the three men that lost their lives April 3, 2011, as a result of a boating accident at Meadow Creek on the New River.

He was born December 8, 1984 in Philadelphia, Pa., son of Jerry Malone of Lester and the late Judy Malone.

Other than his mother he was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Paul was a core driller, a 2003 graduate of Independence High School, letterman in track and cross country, an avid outdoorsman, gardener, horticulturalist, carpenter and drummer. Paul was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Those left he left behind include his dad, Jerry Malone of Lester; three brothers, Brian, Patrick, and Daniel Malone, all of Lester, and one sister, Karen Burns of Lawton, Pa., along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Services will be held at the Lester Baptist Church in Lester at noon on Saturday, April 9, 2011 with Pastor Wes Rigdon officiating. Burial will follow in the Lester Cemetery.

Friends may gather with the family from 10 a.m. to noon at the church on Saturday.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

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

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

Pansy Rinehart Mason

 Pansy Rinehart Mason, 89, of Beckley, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, because God needed one more special wife and mother.

She was the daughter of the late E. Hiriam and Amanda Rinehart. Mrs. Mason, formerly of Mullens and Midway, moved to Beckley in 1962. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother.

She was a former supervisor at Beckley Manufacturing.

Pansy was a member of Calloway Heights Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and for many years was a member of the quilting group. In her earlier life, she was a member of a trio featuring herself and two of her sisters.

The trio broadcasted over the radio in Logan County. Also, she loved to fish, crochet, cook, and travel. Her travels took her to all the states except Hawaii…her most favorite trip was a cruise to Alaska.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 65 years, Paul Mason; five brothers, Edward, Vescar, Johnny, and Edgar Rinehart and Ranzie Sizemore; and nine sisters, Cora, Pearl, and Nettie Whitt, Laura McComas, Mary Rinehart, Virgie Rinehart, Nina Martin, Amie Rinehart, and Anna Campbell.

Those left to cherish her memory include one daughter, Paulette Smith of Martinsburg, W.Va.; two grandsons, Christopher P. Smith of Beaver, W.Va., and Lieutenant Colonel Larry E. Smith II, USMC Retired of Stafford, Va.; three great grandsons, Patrick, Jack of Stafford, Va., and Cary of Beaver; and one granddaughter, Karlee of Beaver; and a sister, Minne Baker of Beckley.

The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home with Rev. William Parker and Rev. John J. Rinehart officiating. Following the services Mrs. Mason will be laid to rest beside her husband, Paul at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Pallbearers will be Larry E. Smith Sr., Christopher P. Smith, Larry E. Smith II, and Ralph Rinehart.

Friends may gather with the family from 12 noon until time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Norman McRoberts

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Marie Norman McRoberts, 83, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Carolina East Medical Center.

Marie was born in Fayette County, W.Va., on September 26, 1927, to the late Paul Norman and Elizabeth Conley Norman.    

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Harold Jackson McRoberts; and her grandson, Ryan Williams.

 Marie is survived by her son, Kevin McRoberts of Dudley; her daughters, Linda Stroud and husband, John of Daniels, W.Va., and Karen Williams of New Bern, N.C.; her grandsons, Fred Williams, Jr. and wife, Jennifer of Raleigh, N.C., Chris Williams of Greenville, N.C.; her granddaughter, Cynthia Gerau of Daniels; and her three great-grandchildren, Claire, Jillian and Ella Gerau; her step-grandchildren, Lisa Mahaffey and husband, Eric; Angela Stroud, all of Beckley; her step great grandchild, Lauren Mahaffey; her sister, Mary Burgess and husband, William of Dudley, N.C.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Pastor David Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

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

Arrangements by Seymour Funeral Home, Goldsboro, N.C.

Brittney Nicole Moody

Brittney Nicole Moody, 22, of Beckley, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2011.

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

Burley Franklin ‘Frankie’ Powers Jr.

OAK HILL — Burley Franklin "Frankie" Powers Jr., 61, of Oak Hill, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Born December 15, 1949 in Charleston W.Va., he was the son of the late Burley F. Powers and Rosa Patterson Powers.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by sister Ellen Fleshman and grandson Brandon Conley.

He was employed as a Correction Officer II at Gene Spadaro Juvenile Center and a member of the GTO Association of America. Burley had a great love for all classic cars and motorcycles.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Jackie Grabowski Powers;  daughters, Michelle Morton and her husband Jeremy, and Melodie Conley; grandchildren Brittney Conley, Brent Conley, Kelly Morton, Matthew Morton, Tommy Morton; special friend Billy Preast; brother, Preston Powers and his wife Helen of West Virginia and Texas, sister, Hazel Basisita and her husband Joe of Georgia, brother, Terry Brown, several nieces and nephews, and special pets Tyson and Peaches.

His remains rest at High Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, 1435 E. Main St., Oak Hill, where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Jackie Pittman officiating and where the family will receive friends from noon until time of the service on Saturday. Interment will be in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

A celebraton of life will follow at Rezan's with a covered dish dinner where friends and family can share wonderful memories of Burley.

Online condolences may be sent to www.highlawnfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by High Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill.

Gary Donald Rhodes Sr.

PINEVILLE — Gary Donald Rhodes Sr., 60, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in a Beckley hospital following a sudden illness.

Born February 1, 1951 at Wyco, he was the son of the late George Raymond and Marjorie Neely Rhodes.

Gary was a gas measurement specialist at Dominion Transmission with 36 years of service and was a member of Welton Bible Chapel where he served as song leader, speaker, and elder. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert W. Thomas Sr.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 30 years, Lydia Beth Rhodes; two sons, Gary Donald Rhodes Jr. and his wife, Rebecca A. of Escondido, Calif., and Adam Christopher Rhodes of Huntington; a sister, Cheryl Bullington of Mullens; a brother, Gene R. Rhodes and his wife, Shirley, of Rittman, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Debbie Ingram of Atlanta, Ga., and Cathy Morris and her husband, Daniel K. of Aurora, Texas; a brother-in-law, Robert W. Thomas Jr. and his wife, Christine B., of Harmony, Pa.; seven nephews, Tyler Bulllington, Eric and Timothy Rhodes, Andrew M. and Christopher A. Thomas, Jarrod K. Morris, and Sean Mulzet; and four nieces, Lori Rhodes, Rachel J. Anderson, Danielle E. Morris, and Melissa Joswiak.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Welton Bible Chapel, Allen Junction, with David Pollock officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Military graveside honors will be conducted by Oak Hill VFW Post #3110.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations of sympathy be made to the Welton Bible Chapel, P.O. Box 834, Mullens, WV 25882.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tankersleyfh.com

Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

Audrey Mae Lynn Simms

Audrey Mae Lynn Simms went to be with the Lord on April 1, 2011. She was born February 7, 1931 on her Granddaddy Lynn’s farm at Fairfield, Va., the second daughter of the late John W. Lynn and Bertha Downes Lynn.

She spent the first twelve years of her life in Virginia and moved with her family to Malden, W.Va. in 1943. Audrey graduated from Dupont High School in 1949.

After graduation, she went to help out her parents at their farm on Simms Mountain in Rainelle, where she met her husband, Forest Simms. Audrey and Forest were married 56 years before his death in 2006.

Audrey was a member of the First Baptist Church and had been a devoted Sunday school teacher in various churches for over 50 years. She was past president and member of Circle Number Two. Audrey loved flower gardening, crafts, reading and sewing. The greatest joy of her life was her five grandchildren.

Audrey became interested in family history and created personalized history books for each grandchild. This interest led her to organize the Simms Family Reunion in 1999.  Along with the help of family members, Diane Crane Binelli and Michael Pavesi, they published a family history covering eight generations.

Audrey is survived by three daughters: Sarah Dorsey and husband Denzil, of Marion, Ohio; Victoria Spangler and husband, Tom, of Cary, N.C.; and LuAnn Robinson and husband, John, of Delaplane, Va. Three granddaughters: Sonja Smith and Dawn Bertrand of Delaplane, Va., and Brittany Spangler of Raleigh, N.C. Two grandsons: Stephen Dorsey of Marion, Ohio and Dr. Jonathan Dorsey of San Jose, Calif.; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Brozzetti of Canton, Ohio; two brothers, John W. Lynn, Jr. (Min) of Cusseta, Ga., and Fred Lynn (Betty) of Canton, Ohio; and one sister-in-law, Sue Simms of Crichton, W.Va. Audrey is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Wallace and Wallace funeral home at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service.

Donations of sympathy should be sent to The Food Pantry, c/o First Baptist Church, 309 7th Street, Rainelle, WV 25962.

The family would like to thank the kind folks at Heartland Nursing Home for their help in the last weeks. The family would also like to offer a very special thank you to Toby Sproles and Mike Jones for helping our Mother in so many thoughtful ways over the past years allowing her to live independently in her own home.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle.

Charlene Ann Smith

MOUNT HOPE — Charlene Ann (Smith) Smith, 63, of Mount Hope, died on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley.

Born October 26, 1947 at  Price Hill, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Hattie Webb Smith.

Mrs. Smith was a member of Baptist faith and a homemaker. She also worked in the health field.

Survivors include her husband, Otis Edward Smith; one son, Shawn Smith of Mount Hope; two daughters, Debra Watts and husband, Mark of Maple Fork and Denise McIntosh and husband, Rodney of Bradley and two brothers, Bobby Smith of Maryland and David Smith of Lewisburg.

Also surviving are five grandchildren, Amanda Evans, Melissa Higginbotham, Heather Jones, Patrick Elswick and Katherine Toney and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at  2 p.m. at Tyree Funeral Home in Mount Hope, with Pastor Roger Pauley officiating.

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

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.

Jeffery Ray Toler

LYNCO — Jeffery Ray Toler, 51, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2011 at the Long Branch Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. Tommy White and Rev. Gary Browning officiating. Burial will follow in Toler Family Cemetery, Rockhouse, W.Va. Friends may gather with the family after 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the church.

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

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

 

Theresa Webb

Theresa Webb, age 52, of Beaver, died Thursday, April 7, 2011.

Arrangements are pending completion at Rose and Quesenberry, 1901. S. Kanawha Street, Beckley.