Raleigh County Obits

Page 20

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  • ITMANN - Violet Marie Mitchem, 76, went to her heavenly home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 15, 2002. Born March 2, 1926, in Wise, Va., she was the daughter of the late George Conley and Chloe Edna Presley of Roderfield. Mrs. Mitchem was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister in the Lord. She was a member of Mullens Family Worship Center and a dedicated worker for the Pentecostal Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, James Abe Mitchem; their son, James Edward Mitchem; three sisters; and three brothers. Survivors include four daughters, Dutchess Cook and Jean Crook of Itmann, Lynn Kelly of Mullens and Gail Fernatt and her husband, Artie, of Gallagher; a sister, Nancy Mitchem of Cool Ridge; a brother, Paul Franklin Presley of Hopewell, Va.; 13 grandchildren, Robyn Lynn Mitchem of Beckley, Kennith Crook of Cedar Grove, Alfon Cook of Bud, Keith and Shane Ratliff of Charleston, Sandy Dove of Oceana, Kim Smith of Winifrede, Earlena Titta of Charleston, Blaine Cook of Lost Creek, Tracy Damron of Milton, Jim Crook of Kannapolis, N.C., A.J. Fernatt of Gallagher and Danyelle Kelly of Itmann; and six great-grandchildren, Heather and Samantha Dove, Haley Pauley, Kailyn Ratliff, Zack Crook and Jordyn Smith. She will be sadly missed by her family, her church family and her many friends. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Mullens Family Worship Center with the Revs. Chalmar "Chuck" Morgan and Brice Utt officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the worship center. Pallbearers will be all grandsons, nephew Michael Alan Presley of Hopewell and Randy Salters of Mullens. Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

  • MOUNT HOPE - Tessie Reed, 94, of 904 Delaware St., died Friday, March 15, 2002, at Plateau Medical Center, Oak Hill, following a five-year illness. Born May 29, 1907, in Mount Hope, she was the daughter of the late Robert Parks and Mildred Robertson Parks. Mrs. Reed was a homemaker and a member of National Church of God, Oxen Hill, Md., where she reigned as Mother of the Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William T. Reed, on May 24, 1972; a son, Leonard Weathers; a daughter, Kathleen Cuff; and two brothers, Clifford Parks and Sherman Parks. Survivors include a granddaughter, Loretta Allen Russell of Mount Hope; three great-grandsons, the Rev. Kenneth Russell of Temple Hills, Md., Deacon Ronald Russell and his wife, Wendy, of Forestville, Md., and the the Rev. William "Bill" and his wife, the Rev. Gloria Russell, of Charlotte, N.C.; 11 great-great-grandchildren; two great-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Service will be noon Tuesday at United Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Hope, with the Rev. Phillip Copney officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Tuesday at the church. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

  • EXMORE, Va. - Phyllis Fullen Smith, 66, passed away Friday, March 15, 2002, in Shore Memorial Hospital, Nassawadox, Va., following a short illness. Born Sept. 4, 1935, in Fairlea, she was the daughter of Clyde Bell and Amy Powell Fullen of Fairlea. Mrs. Smith was a resident of Exmore for many years, a member of Cheriton, Va., Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Other survivors include two sons, Thomas D. Wilson and wife, Gayle, of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Clyde Lewis Wilson and wife, Mary, of Lewisburg; two stepdaughters, Kathy S. Mason and husband, Allen, of Onancock, Va., and Lisa S. Sexauer of Cedarview Beach, Va.; two brothers, Floyd D. Fullen and wife, Mary, of Fort Spring and Douglas B. Fullen and wife, Martha, of Fairlea; and 10 grandchildren. Service will be 3 p.m. Monday at Fairlea Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church with the Revs. William Harris and Timothy Dibble officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Ronceverte. Friends may call 2 p.m. until time of service Monday at the church. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Fullen, Cecil Fullen, Joe Loudermilk, Bill Ott, Allen Mason and Sam Rodgers. Arrangements by Longanacre Funeral Home, Fairlea.

  • GALLIPOLIS, Ohio - Josephine A. Stewart, 86, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Cabell-Huntington Hospital, Huntington. Born Feb. 18, 1916, in Cranberry, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Edith Dyke Foley. Mrs. Stewart retired in 1968 from Beckley Hospital, having worked mostly in the maternity ward. She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Stewart, in 1976. Mrs. Stewart was previously married to Vernal H. Lusk, who preceded her in death in 1989. From this marriage four children were born, Ruth Wiley and Jane Ellison and her husband, Elwood, all of Columbus, Ohio, John D. Lusk of Beckley and Mary E. Holmes of Gallipolis; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Leslie, Steve, John, Jim, Kristy and Stephanie; and four great-grandchildren, Steven, Mackenzie, Madison and Jenna Rae. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis. Entombment will follow in Chapel of Hope Mausoleum at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis.

  • TEAYS VALLEY - Lela E. Worley, 89, formerly of Beckley and Beaver, died Friday, March 15, 2002, at Putnam General Hospital following a long illness. Born Sept. 29, 1912, in Pineville, she was the daughter of the late George and Loumega Morgan. Mrs. Worley was a homemaker and a member of the Church of the Nazarene. She had made her home at Teays Valley for the last three years. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie R. Worley. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Rodgers and her husband, Oscar, of Bellevue, Ohio; three sons, Howard Mullens and his wife, Emily, of Port Clinton, Ohio, James Mullens and his wife, Barbara, of Cape Coral, Fla., and William Worley and his wife, Mary, of Scott Depot; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Peter Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in Redden Cemetery, Crow. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • Angela Marie Dunn, 31, of Beaver, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at her home of an apparent heart attack. Born April 8, 1970, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Melvin and Sara Richmond Cox of Beaver. Angela was a homemaker and a lifelong Beaver resident. Other survivors include her husband, Tom Dunn at home; a brother, Frankie Cox and wife, Tammy, of Daniels; a sister, Charlotte McClure and husband, Robert, of Parkersburg; 21 nieces and nephews. Graveside rites and burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Blue Jay Cemetery at Beaver with the Rev. Dennis Burks officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • ALDERSON - Georgia E. Thomas Harrah, 94, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Fairlea, following a long illness. Born April 23, 1907, at Alderson, she was the daughter of the late David Silas and Effie Della Flint Thomas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Harrah; a daughter, Helen Holz; three sisters, Bernice Clark, Icie Schmeiser, and Jewell Pierce; four brothers, Lee Thomas, Kenneth Thomas, David Thomas and Fred Thomas; and two grandsons, Leo Richard Harrah II and Billy Holz. Mrs. Harrah was a retired laundry worker having retired from the Greenbrier Hotel, White Sulphur Springs, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Griffith Creek Baptist Church, Alderson, and a member of the Maintenance Workers Local Union 1182, White Sulphur Springs. Survivors include a son, Leo Richard "Pete" Harrah and wife, Della of Cross Lanes; three daughters, Marie Babic of White Sulphur Springs, Alice "Kitty" Cook of White Sulphur Springs, and Lota Skaggs of Alderson; two sisters, Joan Buckholz of Kissimmee, Fla., and Violet Snyder of Lorain, Ohio; a special friend, Rev. Joe Boland of Nimitz; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; a great-grandchild expected in April 2002; and many nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lobban Funeral Home Chapel, Alderson, with the Rev. Emory "Tommy" Mounts officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Greenbrier Memorial Cemetery, Alderson. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson.

  • OAK HILL - Isabel Frances Rose, 86, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a short illness. Born Sept. 22, 1915, at Gatewood, she was the daughter of the late Charlie "C.J." Jones and Gay Conner Jones. Mrs. Rose was a homemaker. She attended the Central Avenue Church of God in Oak Hill. She was part-owner of the Rose Jewerly Store in Oak Hill. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Harry Rose Jr.; two sons, Harry Alvin and Robert Lee Rose; one grandchild; two sisters, Esther Jones and Edna McNulty and a brother, Merlin Jones. Survivors include a daughter, Carol Ward and husband, Jim, of Oak Hill; a son, Donald E. Rose and wife, Shirley, of Gordonsville, Va.; three sisters, Velma Peters of Lawrenceville, Ga., Mary Alice Farmer of Richmond, Va., and Evelyn Jones of Mt. Vernon, Ill.; three brothers, Charles Jones of California, James "Jack" Jones of Franklin, Ohio and Curtis Jones of Hillsboro, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Tyree Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill, with the Rev. Rudell Bloomfield officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

  • Melody Lynn Williams, 34, of Fairdale, died Thursday, March 14, 2002, at her home following a sudden illness. Born Jan. 12, 1968, in Longmont, Colo., she was the daughter of Margaret Burgess of Surveyor and the late James Eichholz. Melody spent her childhood in Colorado and Kentucky. She and her family settled in the lower end of Raleigh County in 1979. Melody was a graduate of Clear Fork High School Class of 1986. She was a graduate of the Bluefield State College School of Nursing as a registered nurse. She began her nursing career at Princeton Community Hospital and more recently was employed at Raleigh General Hospital on Four South. She was of the Christian faith and an avid outdoorswoman. She was preceded in death by a brother, Shawn Parker. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a son, Jeremy Brent Williams at home; her fiance, Jesse Conley of Clendenin; a sister, Tracy Farmer and her husband, Al, of Bolt; a brother, Eric Williams of Princeton, N.C.; her extended family includes her stepmother, Gwen Erickson of Burlington, Colo. and three additional brothers, Russell Parker of Berthod, Colo., Dennis Parker of Fairbanks, Alaska and Troy Parker, stationed with the U.S. Air Force in England. Melody is also survived by her grandparents, Nina Eichholz of Meridan, Idaho and Russell and Mabel McArthur of Burlington, Colo., and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Paul Zutaut officiating. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary. Donations of sympathy may be made to Jeremy's college fund, c/o P.O. Box 2, Surveyor, WV 25932. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

  • Jewell Alexander, 75, of Beckley, died Saturday, March 16, 2002 at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital, following a long illness. Born Feb. 17, 1927, she was the daughter of the late James and Ruth Calloway Tyree. Mrs. Alexander was the owner of Greenwood Memorial Park in Beckley. She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, also former member of First Baptist Church of Harper Heights. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Alexander. Survivors include a son, Ronald and wife, Patricia Pharms of Beckley; a daughter, Linda Monroe of Charleston; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lois Rhinehart of Beckley, Margaret Booker and husband, Kenneth of Rand, and Marjorie Dillard of Harper Heights; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Harper Heights, Harper with the Rev. Thomas V. Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the church. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor.

  • James Cade Bare, born March 13, 2002, son of James E. and Judy Bolon Bare of Beckley, went to be an angel in heaven on March 14, 2002. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Estes Bolon. In addition to his parents, survivors include three half-sisters, Hannah, Haley and Hillary Bare of Bradley; paternal grandparents, Roger and Judy Stover of Conway, S.C., and James D. Bare of Florida; maternal grandmother, Lucille Bolon of Beckley; his uncles, Eddie Bolon and wife, Lisa of Beckley, and Gene Stover of Beckley; his aunts, Sandra Davis and husband Charlie of Beckley, Kelly Azzarella and husband, Tom of Conway, S.C., Kim Glacz and husband Al of Michigan, Marsha Wood and husband, Robert, of Georgia, and Robin Swake of Georgia. He will be sadly missed by cousins, Chase and Jordyn Davis, Aaron Clemens and Zachary Bolon, Brandon and Christopher Richards and Amanda Azzarella, Bradley and Kayla Wood, Noah and Cody Glacz and Erica Swaka. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Angels in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home. "He fought so hard to give so much joy to his Mommy and Daddy." Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • KODAK, Tenn. - Lula Mae Cole, 60, formerly of Beckley, died Sunday, March 17, 2002. She was born and attended school in Grundy, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, Si-gel and Dora Gibson; a brother, Stevie Gibson and a sister, Thelma Gibson. Mrs. Cole married her husband, Franklin, Feb. 14, 1963. She lived in Beckley for 25 years and was a member of Kodak United Methodist Church in Kodak, Tenn. Survivors include her husband: Franklin D. Cole; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Mark Serge of Beckley; a grandson, Anthony Serge; brothers, James C., Bert, Delma Gene, Raymond, Stuart and Ronnie Gibson; and sisters, Pearl Fuller and Barbara Ann Gibson Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Kodak United Methodist Church with Pastor Ty Harrison officiating. Interment will follow in Henry's Crossroad Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, Tenn. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, 118 E. Main St., Sevierville, Tenn.

  • RAINELLE - Leonard Theodore Tincher, 86, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2002, at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Fairlea, following a long illness. Born March 7, 1916 at Craig, he was the son of the late Malcolm Grose and Mary Susan Burns Tincher. Mr. Tincher was a retired coal miner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha Hickman Tincher; three brothers, Joe, Harry and Roy; a sister, Eva; and a grandson, Christopher. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Boggs and husband, Paul of Rainelle; two brothers, Curtis Tincher of Rainelle and Travis Tincher of Collinsville, Va.; a sister, Faye Osborne of Rainelle; two grandchildren, Teresa Beirne and husband, Mike of Charlotte, N.C., and Heather Taylor and husband, Josh of Rainelle; and five great-grandchildren, Reece and Isaac Beirne of Charlotte, N.C., Hunter, Zach and Hannah Taylor, all of Rainelle. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smathers Funeral Chapel in Rainelle, with the Pastor Robert Hodges and Jim Yearego officiating. Burial will follow in the Wallace Memorial Cemetery in Clintonville. Service will conclude with the release of the White Flights. Their will be no visitation. Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Home.

  • CARLISLE - G. Desota Evans, 95, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at The Summit at Hidden Valley, Oak Hill, following a long illness. Born July 5, 1906, in Westerly, he was the son of the late Jack and Rosa Scott Burnside Evans. Mr. Evans was a retired coal miner for Milburn Colliery and a member of Fairview Methodist Church and the United Mine Workers of America. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Evans; and three daughters, Gloria Parker, Jewel Jarvis of Welch and Alice Dembercky of Chicago. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors include his wife, Verna Delphia Coleman Evans; five daughters, Margaret Newbanks of Marietta, Ohio, Mary Blake of Springfield, Mo., Shirley Gamble and Verna Clark, both of Ridgedale, Mo., and Brenda Mrozek of Conyers, Ga.; 28 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Service will be 3:30 p.m. today at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, with the Rev. Betty Lusk officiating. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, Oak Hill. Friends may call 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

  • SANDSTONE - Eleanor Barber Davis Mize, 47, of Ramp Road, died Tuesday evening, March 19, 2002, at her home following a long illness. Born Feb. 3, 1955, in Warrenton, N.C., she was the daughter of the late John Boyd Davis Jr. and Eleanor Barber Davis. Mrs. Mize will be sadly missed by all (especially by Muppet and Jax). She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Wayne Mize; and an infant daughter, Brittany Barber Mize. Suvivors include her son, Nathan Andrew Mize of Sandstone; her companion and loving caregiver, Kevin Nicastre of Sandstone; two brothers, John Boyd Davis III, his wife, Caroline, and their children, Caroline, Elizabeth and Boyd, of Raleigh, N.C., Kearny Davis, his wife, Diane, and their children, Eleanor, Hannah and Katherine, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and a sister, Laura Bennie Davis, her husband, Allfie Phillips, and their children, Mariah and Davis of Warrenton. Eleanor's body was cremated. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. today at her home on Ramp Road, Sandstone. Candlelight vigil will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lick Creek Church, Green Sulphur Sp-rings. Arrangements by Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors, Hinton.

  • OAK HILL - Andrew F. Ward Jr., 64, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at his home following a sudden illness. Born Dec. 30, 1937, in Elverton, he was the son of the late Andrew F. Ward and Erma C. Foster Cales. Mr. Ward was a retired drywall mechanic with Local 674, Detroit, and a Korean Navy veteran. He was preceded in death by a brother, James W. Ward. Survivors include his four sons, Thomas Frederick Ward of Charleston, Christopher Mark Ward of Kingsland, Ga., John A. Ward of Gautier, Miss., and Daniel Foster Ward of Monroe, Mich.; two daughters, Jeanette M. Bentley of Pikeville, Ky., and Caroline J. Kirk of Fayetteville; his former wife, Alexandra Menentoski Ward of Fayetteville; a brother, Jerry Ward of Hinton; a sister, Mary Ann Kelly of Parkersburg; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home Chapel, Fayetteville, with the Rev. Eddie Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Cooper Family Cemetery, Sandstone. Military rites will be conducted by Oak Hill VFW Post 3110. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville.

  • RAINELLE - Marion Kay Pendleton Allen, 52, formerly of Marmet, died suddenly Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at her home. Born Oct. 4, 1949, in Charles-ton, she was the daughter of the late William B. and Ger-trude Arthur Pendleton. Mrs. Allen had a B.S. in mathematics from West Virginia Institute of Technology, an M.A. in elementary education from Marshall University and a Bachelor of Theology from the Christian Life School of Theology. She was an educator for 28 years in Greenbrier County schools, including Greenbrier West, Rupert Junior High and Rainelle Elementary. She was co-owner of Subway of Rainelle and a member of the West Virginia Education Association, the Greenbrier County Education Association and was co-pastor of Freedom Christian Center, Rainelle. Survivors include her husband, Pastor William R. "Rick" Allen; a son, William R. "Rick" Allen II and his wife, Julie Ann, of Clendenin; a brother, William E. Pendleton of Mar-met; and a grandson, Caleb Morgan Allen. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Freedom Christian Center, Rainelle, with Apostle Dean Melton of Freedom Christian Center in Charlotte, N.C., and Bishop Harley Cline of Freedom Christian Center of Teays Valley officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at Freedom Christian Center, Rainelle. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle.

  • Elizabeth Ann Holstein, 55, of Colcord, died Monday, March 18, 2002, at Charleston Area Medical Center, General Division, following a long illness. Born Dec. 2, 1946, in Charles-ton, she was the daughter of the late John Fannin and Goldie Gladys Dean Fannin. Mrs. Holstein was a member of Colcord Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband, Larry Allen Holstein Sr.; three sons, Larry Allen Holstein Jr., Gregory John Holstein and Jerrard Dewayne Holstein, all of Colcord; and five grandchildren. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Blue Ridge Me-morial Gardens, Beckley, with the Revs. Jerry Pauley, Gary Maynor and Cecil McClellan officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements by Valley Funeral Home, Whitesville.

  • OLD HAWKS NEST ROAD - Ruby Audrey Rhodes, 99, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a short illness. Born Nov. 27, 1902, in Beckwith, she was the daughter of the late Fred Everette Arthur and Elizabeth Ann Cook Ar-thur. Mrs. Rhodes was a member of Cotton Hill Baptist Church, Beckwith, and a housewife and seamstress. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Rhodes; three brothers, Bernard Ar-thur, Hobert Arthur and Pershing Arthur; and four sisters, Violet Nutter, Opal Heslap, Ethel Chase and Mildred Pickleseimer. Survivors include nieces and nephews, Norma Dalporto of Charlton Heights, Gloria J. Cameron, Neal L. Arthur and Patricia K. Miller of Old Hawks Nest Road, Tommy Nutter of Ohio, Billy Nutter of Florida, T. Paige Dalporto of Charlton Heights, David Ar-thur of Canton, Ohio, Arnold Arthur of Florida, Carol McCulough of Ohio, Frances Arthur of Ohio, Greg Pickleseimer of South Carolina, Eddie Pickleseimer of North Carolina, and Sandy and Boyd Chase of Kentucky; great-nieces and great-nephews, David Stanley, Diana Suchoski, Sandra Demita-Lujan, Barbara Lancaster, Bobby Arthur, David L. Arthur and Michael A. Arthur; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Brandy Williams, Courtney Stanley, Danielle Stanley, Justin Plummer, Jason Plummer, Megan Plummer and Jade Lancaster, and several other nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home Chapel, Fayette-ville, with Pastor Kenny Hayes officiating. Burial will follow in Huse Memorial Park, Fayette-ville. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Ruby will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Ruby was a jewel. Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville.

  • Otis Edward Vines, 83, of Odd Road, Odd, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Dec. 9, 1918, in Pickshin, he was the son of the late Harvey Olin and Pearl Mae Taylor Vines. Otis was a very special man; he loved to make people laugh. He retired from Riffes Branch Westmoreland Coal Co. with 38 years of service. He was a member of UMWA Local 6105 and was a lifetime member of Moose Lodge 750. Otis was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Conwell and Jack Vines; a sister, Betty Mills; and a great-granddaughter, Leslea Sweeney. Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Atholene "Blondie" Lilly Vines; two daughters, Patricia Vines Herrin of Valparaiso, Fla., and Loretta Vines Sweeney and her husband, Jack W., of Daniels; two sons, Otis E. Vines Jr. of Waldorf, Md., and Donald E. Vines and his wife, Arizona, of Means, Ky.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, James W. Vines and his wife, Matoaka, of Tennes-see; and four sisters, Marie Dawson of Baltimore, Glenna Mills and her husband, Lewis, of Ellicott City, Md., Ennis Lilly of Beckley and Ruby Hunt of Timmonsville, S.C. He will also be missed by several nieces, nephews and many friends. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Mark Secrist officiating. Burial will follow in Paris-Shrewsberry Cemetery, Odd-Ghent Road, Odd. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jack, John, Jeffrey and Brandon Sweeney, and his special friend, Basil Shrewsberry. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

  • Victoria W. Wheeler, 95, of 1219 S. Fayette St., Beckley, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital following a short illness. Born Feb. 18, 1907, in Warrior, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Rob-ert Johnson and Charlotte Johnson. Mrs. Wheeler was a beautician. She was a member of St. Matthew AME Church, the Sarah Allen Missionary Society and attended Parker School for Beauty Culture in Fairmont. She was preceded in death by her husband, Newton Wheeler, in 1978; six brothers; three sisters; a daughter, Dorothy R. Smith; and Harold Thomas, whom she raised. Survivors include a granddaughter, Patsy Jefferson and her husband, Thomas, of Columbus, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Wendy Marsh of Columbus; three great-great-grandchildren, Dominique, Damien and Meliqua, all of Columbus; stepchildren, Georgia Gilchrist of Chicago, Wilma Stukes of Jamaica, N.Y., Betty Green of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Herman Wheeler of Chicago; a nephew, Jim Johnson and his wife, Denise, of North Carolina; a niece, Beverly Lanier and her husband, Ernest, of Beckley; three great-nieces; a devoted friend, Keith Wooten of Beckley; and many other relatives and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Abner Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the funeral parlor. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

  • RUPERT - Opal O. Smith, 83, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at Mary Washington Hospital, Stafford, Va., following a long illness. Born March 10, 1919, in Edmond, she was the daughter of the late W.C. and Stella Duncan Holliday. Mrs. Smith attended Amwell Baptist Church, Rupert, and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett E. Smith, in 1985; and three brothers, Clyde, Eugene and Randolph Holliday. Survivors include three sons, Randolph Z. Smith of Stafford, Roger V. Smith of Roanoke, Va., and Basil Eugene Smith of Rupert; a sister, Edith Kessler of Canal Fulton, Ohio; a brother, Harold Holliday of Ravens-wood; seven grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home Chapel, Rainelle, with the Rev. Youel Altizer officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rain-elle.

  • HAMPTON, Va. - Robert Clarence "Bob" Thompson, 66, passed away Monday, March 18, 2002, at home. A native of Terry, he had been a Peninsula resident for the past 42 years. Bob was an Army veteran of Korea. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding as a crane operator in 1995 with 33 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Wheeler Thompson; two sons, Robert Wayne Thompson of Cary, N.C., and Michael Rader Johnston of Washington, D.C.; three stepdaughters, Sara Bonham of Hampton, Marilyn Costello of Williamsburg, Va., and Jo Ellen White of Newport News, Va.; three stepsons, Fred Bonham and Greg Bonham of Wil-liamsburg and Frank "Buddy" Bonham of York, S.C.; three sisters, Carol Rudisill of Forest Hill, Margaret Anne Angel of Hinton and Oma Jean Thompson of Bluefield; four brothers, Benny Thompson and Ronald Thompson of Alderson, David Thompson of Hinton and Gary Thompson of Fairlea; nine stepgrandchildren; and a stepgreat-grandchild. Service was 1 p.m. Thursday at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, Hampton, with the Rev. Richard R. Helveston officiating. Burial followed in Parklawn Memorial Park. Friends called 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, Hampton.

  • CRICHTON - Retha Elizabeth Belcher, 85, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Fairlea, following a long illness. Born Jan. 21, 1917, in Thayer, she was the daughter of the late James Lular and Doshie Harless Johnson. Mrs. Belcher was a homemaker and of the Methodist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hulan Abner Belcher, in 1995. Survivors include a daughter, Cathy Miller of Crichton; and a son, C.H. Belcher of Crichton. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home Chapel, Rainelle, with the Rev. Houston Boothe officiating. Burial will follow in End of the Trail Cemetery, Clintonville. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle.

  • WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS - Our dear wife and sister and loving, precious mother and grandmother, Juanita G. Dolin, 70, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, March 21, 2002, at her residence following an extended illness. Born May 6, 1931, in Eagle Rock, Va., she was the daughter of the late Lee and Emma Young Dalton. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Estel and Myles Dalton. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Harold Lee Dolin; five sons, Bruce, Keith, Larry and his wife, Susie, Kenny and his wife, Cindy, and Cody and his wife, Becky, all of White Sulphur Springs; a daughter, Judy Duke and her husband, Al, of Louisa, Va.; a brother, Marshall Dalton and his wife, Geraldine, of Ronceverte; two sisters, Adeline Hamrick of Lexington, Va., and Princess Tyler and her husband, Bill, of Winter Springs, Fla.; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Dalton of White Sulphur Springs and Helen Dalton of Rocky Mount, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Alvon United Methodist Church with the Revs. Lowell O'Dell, Bobby McClintic and Rosemary Church officiating. Burial will follow in Little Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, White Sulphur Springs. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Anthony Creek Rescue Squad or Little Creek Presbyterian Cemetery Fund. Arrangements by Shanklin Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs.

  • "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord." Eva Amuriel Perry Helton, 81, of Sun, went to be with the Lord at the home of her niece, Judy Dix of Oak Hill, on Wednesday, March 20, 2002. Born Feb. 26, 1921, in Sun, she was the daughter of the late Cyrus Edward and Lottie Gertrude Meadows Perry. Mrs. Helton was a homemaker and a member of Sun Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jennings V. Helton Sr.; a daughter, Jeannie Helton; three brothers, Orville, Charles and Verner Perry; a sister, Wanda Holly; and a great-grandson, "Little Victor" Helton. Survivors include a son, Jennings Victor Helton Jr. of Bradley; a brother, the Rev. Cecil Perry of Oak Hill; a sister, Cylene Fleshman of Columbia, S.C.; four grandchildren, Donna Lynnette Maynor, Alan Victor Helton, Brian Jennings Helton and Suzanne Helton Emerson; six great-grandchildren, Matthew and Angela Helton, Jared and Jonathan Maynor, Ryan Caleb and Joshua Chandler Emerson; and many loving and faithful caregivers, family and friends. Service will be 2 p.m. today at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, with the Revs. Bob Burnette, Raymond Thorne and Ron Persinger officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends called 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations of love may be made to Sun Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 229, Glen Jean, WV 25846. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.

  • TRUE - Michael Richard Jones Sr., 52, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:50 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Charleston Area Medical Center, Memorial Division. Born Sept. 26, 1949, in Pembroke, Va., he was the son of the late Richard Henry Jones. Mike lived most of his life in Norton, Ohio, where he graduated from Norton schools. After becoming disabled, he received his degree in computer science from ITT in Louisiana. He was a member of Cook's Chapel Baptist Church, Pipestem. He was a loving husband who adored his children and grandchildren, coaching ball and living life to the fullest. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Belinda McDavid Jones, and his loving mother, Alice Edwards Jones Boring of True; his precious daughter, Allyson Nichole "Nikki" Jones at home; three sons, Matthew Elliott McDavid Jones at home, Matthew Sean Jones with the U.S. Air Force, Tampa, Fla., and Michael Richard Jones Jr. of Many, La.; three grandchildren, Bradley Jones of Tampa, Lacey Smith Jones of Germantown, Tenn., Jance Jones of Many; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bud and Myrtle McDavid of Zachary, La.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Service will be 7:30 p.m. today at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel, Hinton, with Pastor Dallas Peyton officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Louisiana. Friends may call 5 p.m. until time of service today at the funeral parlors. Arrangements by Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors, Hinton.

  • ROCK CREEK - Lloyd Calvin Burnside, 48, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2002, at his home after suffering a seizure. He was born May 5, 1953, at Beckley; he was the son of Arley L. and Louise E. Farley Burnside of Rock Creek. Mr. Burnside was a member of the Rebecca Chapel United Methodist Church at Rock Creek. He was a graduate and an avid supporter of Marsh Fork High School. Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Lonnie and Eddie Burnside, both of Rock Creek; several aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Rebecca Chapel United Methodist Church, Rock Creek, with the Rev. Mike Kissinger and the Rev. Roger Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Miller Cemetery, Rock Creek. The singers will be the Turner Family. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the church. Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville.

  • Ralph Gene Cox, 69, of Jefferson Drive, Beaver, died Saturday, March 23, 2002, at the Appalachian Regional Hospital in Beckley. Born April 6, 1932, at Dunn, he was the son of the late Kepple Cox and Opal Akers Cox Thompson. Mr. Cox was educated in Mercer County; he was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving with the U.S. Air Force. He was a retired assemblymen for General Motor Corporation in Flint, Mich., with more than 30 years of service. He was a member of the U.A.W. in Flint. Mr. Cox retired to West Virginia in 1991 from Fenton, Mich. Survivors include his loving and caring wife of more than 38 years, Ada Ellen Harvey Cox of Beaver; and a loving daughter, Lisa Dawn Cox of the home. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Burns-Wornal Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with the Revs. Orville Harvey and Rob Buchanan officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery on Harper Road in Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Donald Harvey, Junior Dickerson, Chris Barr, David Moye, Chad Harvey and Calvin Barr. Arrangements by Memorial Funeral Directory, Princeton.

  • ITMANN - Clinton Cla-rence Hawkins Sr., 71, died Saturday, March 23, 2002, at his residence following a long illness. Born March 4, 1931, at Iae-ger, he was the son of the late Walter and Ida Mullins Hawk-ins. Mr. Hawkins was a retired coal miner, retiring from Consolidated Coal Company at Itmann, a member of UMWA and Local 9690 at Itmann. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Hawkins; a brother, Estil Plummer; and a sister, Irene Fields. Survivors include three daughters, Eunice Chester and her husband, the Rev. Richard Chester, of Oceana, Della Blankenship and her husband, Dewayne, of Mullens, and Rhonda Martin and her husband, Danny L. Martin Jr. of Maryville, Tenn.; three sons, Harold Hawkins of Mounds-ville, Clinton Hawkins Jr. of St. Marys, and Scott Hawkins and his wife, Christy, of Mullens; three brothers, Douglas Plummer of Napoleon, Ohio, John Plummer of Pikeville, Ky., and Ed Plummer of Bluewell; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. William O. Tolliver officiating. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Richard Chester, Danny Martin, Dewayne Blankenship, Kenny Blankenship, Michael Goode, and Jimmy Thompson. Arrangements by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.

  • Magdaline "Granny" Miller, 85, of Coal City, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2002, following a short illness. Born Jan. 4, 1917, at Hia-watha, she was the daughter of the late George Allen and Mary Elizabeth Surface Holt. She was a homemaker and for 60 years was a member of the Coal City Freewill Baptist Church. Granny enjoyed gardening, her flowers, quilting and sewing. She loved spending time reading her Bible and enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Omra Miller; a son, Harold Lee Miller; five sisters, Ottie Cecil, Arlene Cable, Grace Gillespie, Leoma Cecil, Bernice Bolen; five brothers, Major, Bill, Henry, Ross and Francis Holt; three grandchildren, Rebecca Mills, Dale and Damon Miller; a great-granddaughter, Brooke Sims; and a son-in-law, David Paul Bradley. Survivors include three daughters, Elizabeth Arnold and husband, Ed, of Westover, Md., Phyllis Bradley of Coal City, Loretta Wallace and husband, Benny, of Baltimore, Md.; a son, Charles Miller and wife, Carol, of Pasadena, Md.; three sisters, Wilma Cecil of Matoaka, Joyce Bolen and Eva Tingler, both of Coal City; two brothers, Jack Holt of Sophia and Howard Holt of Sullivan. Other survivors include 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel in Prosperity with Pastor Jeff Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • John W. Petrosky, 64, of Lanark, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at the Beckley Appala-chian Regional Hospital following an apparent heart attack. Born March 9, 1938, at Lanark, he was the son of the late John and Edith Smith Petrosky. Mr. Petrosky was a retired factory worker having been employed by the Continental Can Company in New Jersey. Mr. Petrosky had served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his wife, June Richardson Petrosky; and his daughter, Teresa Petrosky; and two brothers, Robert and Michael Petrosky. Surviving are his two sisters, Drema Picherria of Slatington, Pa., and Scarlett Petrosky Thomas and her husband, George, of Pompton Lakes, N.J. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with the Rev. Troy W. Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • CALDWELL - Doris Kay Toothman Shafer, 58, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2002, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Born April 10, 1943, at Ronceverte, she was the daughter of the late Wheeler Curry Toothman and Margaret Lea Honaker Toothman. Mrs. Shafer had been a resident of Caldwell for 12 years and was formerly of Baltimore, Md. She was a 1961 graduate of Greenbrier High School. She was a faithful member of Zion's Light Baptist Church, member of the Ladies Circle and the Church Choir. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Faith Shafer; and father-in-law, Earl Shafer. Survivors include her husband of 35 years, William E. Shafer; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian E. and Yvonne Sha-fer of Baltimore; a son, James Russell Shafer at home; a grandson, Brian E. Shafer Jr. of Baltimore; mother-in-law, Faye Shafer of Caldwell; a sister, Patti Toothman Ingram and her husband, Basil, of Clifton Forge, Va.; two brothers, Dennis Lee Toothman and his wife, Lou, of Lynchburg, Va., and Robert Curry Toothman and his wife, Susie, of Ronceverte; several special cousins and a number of nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Zion's Light Baptist Church with Pastor Gary Baker officiating, assisted by Leroy Crane and John Phillips. Burial will follow in McLean Ce-metery near Ronceverte. The family visitation will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideons International. Arrangements by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg.

  • WHITESVILLE - Mary Marie Vickers, 85, the loving wife of Feaster M. Vickers of Whitesville, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, March 23, 2002. Mary and Feaster were married more than 54 years. Other survivors, besides her husband, include her loving and devoted neighbors, Rosie, Roy Lee and their daughter, Andrea Smith of Whitesville. (The family is particularly touched by Andrea in her time of loss. She and Mary held a special loving bond that will never be broken.) Neighbor, Steve Phelps of Whitesville, beloved nemesis-neighbor Tilford Middleton of Whitesville, daughter, Dolly Estep of Indialantic, Fla., grandson, Robert Estep of Nashville, Tenn., niece, Patsy Stone of Ripley, nephew, Clarence "Sonny" Griffith of New Castle, Del., nephew, Carl and his wife, Ann Egnor of Sumerco, niece, Ruth and her husband, Johnny Egnor of Griffithsville, niece, Anna-Jean Barker of Nitro and her niece, Tootsie, and her husband, Jerrell Holbrook of Sod. Mary's wonderful sense of humor and joyous enjoyment of life will be deeply missed. She was loved by many. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Handley Funeral Home, Danville. Burial will follow in the Harless Cemetery at Woodville. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Handley Funeral Home, Danville.

  • LYNCO - Virgie Marie Toler, 83, departed for Heaven to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 23, 2002. Born April 16, 1918, at Simon, she was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Mary Mexico Goodman Cline. Mrs. Toler was a homemaker who enjoyed raising seven children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Acie Holden Toler Sr., in 1975. They were reunited in Heaven on their 67th wedding anniversary. She was also greeted in Heaven by a loving daughter, Joyce Ann White; a beloved great-granddaughter, Megan Elizabeth Goodman; two infant grandchildren, Jerry and Wanda White; five brothers, Ora, Woodrow, Don, Tex and Virgil Cline and two sisters, Corbie Chryczyk and Nellie Massey. Survivors include two sons, Roger Toler and his wife, Sue of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Acie Toler Jr. and his wife, Toneta of Beckley; four daughters, Wilma Cline and her husband, Harold, of Lynco, Retha Stewart and her husband, Charles, of Lynco, and Susan Toler and Teresa Toler, both of Lynco; four brothers, Onnie Cline and his wife, Linda, of Clear Fork, Acie Cline and his wife, Wilma, of Lynco, Bob Cline and his wife, Patty, of Florida and Frank Cline of East Lynn; 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Cline-Goodman, Donna Pack Altizer and her husband, Larry, Pam Pack Nelson and her husband, Tim, and Johnny Toler, all of Lynco, Becky Cline-Cassell and her husband, J.W., of Amelia, Ohio, Holden Toler of Beckley, Doris Toler of Clinton, Tenn., Roger Toler Jr. and his wife, Melanie, Kimberly Toler-Hooks and her husband, Bryan, all of Knoxville, Tenn., and Pete White of Chicago, Ill.; and nine great-grandchildren: Ashley Goodman, Brittney and Victoria Altizer, and Bryce Nelson, all of Lynco, Allyson Cassell of Amelia, Ohio, Reese Hooks and Eva and Nelson Toler, all of Knoxville, Tenn., and Tonya White of California. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Evans Memorial Chapel, Oceana, with the Rev. Harvey Thomas Milam officiating. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Evans Funeral Home, Oceana. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Oceana.

  • LONGWOOD, Fla. - Donald Eugene Bennett, 83, of Islander Court, died Sunday, March 24, 2002. Mr. Bennett was a retired production inspector with Mack Trucking. He was born in Hagerstown, Md., and was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church, Apopka, Fla. Mr. Bennett had worked for Fairchild Aircraft Corp. in Hagerstown during World War II and retired from Mack Trucking Industry in Hagerstown after 20 years of service. He also worked in the furniture and upholstery repair business in Hagerstown and moved to central Florida in 1995 from Hagerstown. Survivors include a son, Gene D. Bennett of Apopka; a daughter, Melody J. Speaker of Hagerstown; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Resthaven. Arrangements by Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Apopka Chapel, Apopka.

  • ZEBULON, N.C. - Tori Danielle Bowles, 8, of 2621 Mobile Park Drive, died Sunday, March 24, 2002, at Wake Medical Center. Born in Wake County, she was the daughter of Jack and Cheryl Allman Bowles. Other survivors include her grandparents, Loretta and Jimmy Garner of Daniels; a grandmother, Anna Bowles of Danese; her great-grandparents, Arnold and Nancy Harrah of Shady Spring; her great-grandmother, Margaret Garner of Florida; and a host of loving aunts and uncles. Service will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Union Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Queen officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call one hour before service Thursday at the church fellowship building. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tammy Lynn Center, 739 Chappell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606. Arrangements by Bright Funeral Home & Cremation, Wake Forest, N.C.

  • Richard K. Childress, 63, formerly of Oceana, passed away Friday, March 22, 2002, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Glenna Sue Blankenship; his son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Kaycee of Ashburn, Va.; two grandsons, Calaway and Cameron; his mother, Nan; his brother, Paul and his wife, Sandy, of Lynchburg, Va.; his sister, Betty Sue and her husband, Edsel Davidson, of Deland, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Born June 24, 1938, he was the middle child of Leon and Nan Childress. He graduated from Oceana High School in 1956. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, serving in Morocco and various bases within the United States as a squadron radio operator and administrator from 1956 to 1960. Following his military service, Mr. Childress enrolled at Marshall University and graduated in 1963 after only three years with a Master's Degree in history and political science. With his marriage to Glenna Sue, they fulfilled their family with a son, Derek. In 1963, Mr. Childress began a long and distinguished career in the Washington area with the federal government. He first worked with the Office of Personnel Management and ended his career in 1996 as the vice president for management services with the Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC). During his career he received many special achievement awards, including OPIC's second highest award, Superior Honor Award, on several occasions. Following his retirement, Mr. Childress and his wife moved from Fairfax County, Va., to Spotsylvania County, Va., and built their home on the water at Fawn Lake. Memorial service will be 3 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Reston Bible Church, 11979 North Shore Drive, Reston, Va. The Childress family has requested that in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Reston Bible Church Building Fund. Arrangements by Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg, Va.

  • MATHENY - Raleigh N. Cook, 88, went to be with his Lord on Monday, March 25, 2002, at his home following a short illness. Born June 13, 1913, at Turkey Creek, he was the son of the late Raleigh Whitt and Ruey Tautee Shields Cook. Mr. Cook attended Oceana First Church of God. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lessie Mae Cook; a son, Roger Nolan Cook; six brothers, Charlie, Edgar, Fred, Wendell, Wade and Goff Cook; and three sisters, Leola Allen, Ella Widner and Illa Allen. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Morgan Cook; seven sons, Jim Cook of Beckley, Ronald Cook and his wife, Carolyn, of Oceana, Lloyd Cook of Matheny, Eudell Morgan and his wife, Francis, of Hope, Ky., Leo Morgan and his wife, Jill, of Philadelphia, David Morgan and his wife, Tamara, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Terry Morgan and his wife, Marty, of Cincinnati; three daughters, Judy Van Buskirk and her husband, Ken, of Virginia Beach, Va., Diane Meadows and her husband, Charlie, of Oceana and Lorraine Hawk and her husband, Danny, of Morgantown; 28 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Oceana First Church of God with the Rev. William Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at Evans Funeral Home, Oceana, and one hour before service Thursday at the church. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Oceana.

  • Earl Deward Jennings, 77, of MacArthur, died Monday, March 25, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Oct. 9, 1924, at Dry Hill, he was the son of the late Malcolm H. and Cara L. Osborne Jennings. Mr. Jennings had been a 40-year resident of MacArthur. He served in the U.S. Army in North Africa and at Anzio Beach in Italy during World War II. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence and Cecil Edward Jennings. Survivors include two sisters, Helen Jackson of Daniels and Nellie Stevens of Virginia Beach, Va.; four brothers, Lowery B. Jennings and his wife, Elizabeth, Raymond L. Jennings and William J. "Bill" Jennings, all of MacArthur, and Jerry D. Jennings of Apple Valley, Calif.; a niece, Jewel Rhodes of Monroe, N.C.; and a host of nieces and nephews and many friends. Service will be 2 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Kenneth Overdorf officiating. Burial will follow in Calfee Cemetery, Mount Tabor. Friends may call one hour before service today at the funeral home. Military Honor Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4326, Sophia, will conduct graveside rites. Pallbearers will be Ronald H. Jennings, Wayne Jennings, Dennis Jennings and Forrest Lavinder. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • RONCEVERTE - Violet Jane Lucas, 67, passed away Monday, March 25, 2002, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Fairlea, following a long illness. Born Aug. 28, 1934, at Second Creek, she was the daughter of the late George W. Reed and Ruby Vance, and stepson of Richard J. Vance of Ronceverte. Mrs. Lucas was a member of Shuck Memorial Baptist Church, Lewisburg, a homemaker and an avid antique glass collector. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Floyd R. Reed. Other survivors include her husband, Arthur L. "Joe" Lucas Sr.; a daughter, Janet L. Henson and her husband, Ray, of Lewisburg; a son, Arthur L. Lucas Jr. of Lewisburg; two grandchildren, Arthur L. "Skipper" Lucas III of Barboursville and Jeremy P. "J.D." Lucas of Lewisburg; three brothers, George E. Reed of Ashtabula, Ohio, Wilbur F. Reed of Pierpoint, Ohio, and John W. Reed of Caldwell; two sisters, Marietta Richmond and husband, Homer, of Belle and Betty Wickline of Wisconsin; two half sisters, Dottie Hamrick and her husband, Robert, of Ronceverte and Dale Perkins and her husband, Bruce, of Lewisburg; an aunt, Frances Reed of Ronceverte; and many nieces and nephews and several dear friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Lewisburg. Burial will follow in Rosewood Cemetery, Lewisburg. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Lewisburg.

  • Margaret Nile Holiday Plumley, 77, of Abraham, died Sunday, March 24, 2002. Born Feb. 28, 1925, at Calloway Heights, she was the daughter of the late John George and Kathleen Mahood Holiday. Mrs. Plumley was a homemaker and a printer for Beckley Newspapers for 23 years. She was church clerk at First Southern Baptist Church for eight years and a former Cub Scout leader and Red Cross volunteer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Mitchell H. Plumley; a brother, Howard Holiday; and two sisters, Patty Bays and Mildred Dixon. She was followed in death by a son, Larry Plumley. Survivors include a son, Ronald Plumley of Beckley; two grandchildren, Lynette Bledsoe of Florida and Mitchell L. Plumley of Beckley; and three great-grandchildren, Colton Plumley, Austin Nicholas and Autumn Webb, all of Pensacola, Fla. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • ADVANCE, N.C. - Eugene Scott "Dusty" Rhodes Sr., 80, died Monday, March 25, 2002, at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C. Born Dec. 31, 1921, in Rainelle, he was the son of the late E.Y. and Bertha Gilbert Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes was of the Methodist faith. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a civil engineer before retiring in 1973 with 29 years of service as senior master sergeant. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam in Operation Red Horse. He received two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants' Association. He was elected to his high school's Athletic Hall of Fame and was selected to the All-Navy baseball team. He was an avid sports fan and a loving grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Dreama Alderson Rhodes; two daughters, Cathy Rhodes Andrews of Advance and Karen Prescott of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a son, Scott Rhodes and his wife, Laurie, of Clemmons, N.C.; five grandchildren, Denise Horn, Chrystie Weeks, Matthew Rhodes, Taylor Rhodes and Kelly Larimore; four great-grandchildren, Katie Horn, Kristopher Horn, Brandon Weeks and Brittany Weeks; a sister, Woodsie Scime of Spokane, Wash.; and two brothers, Emmett Rhodes of Livermore, Calif., and Richard Rhodes of Spokane. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Vogler & Sons Clemmons Chapel with the Rev. J. Mark Weekley officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Gardens of Memory with military rites conducted by District II Memorial Honor Guard. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 1100 C S. Stratford Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Arrangements by Vogler & Sons Funeral Home, Clemmons.

  • Emery Stapleton, 86, of Minor Lane, Cabell Heights, Beckley, died Sunday, March 24, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born June 24, 1915, in Phelps, Ky., he was the son of the late Ed and Matilda Griffith Stapleton. Mr. Stapleton spent his childhood at War Eagle. He was a 16-year resident of Logan County where he resided at Lundale on Buffalo Creek. After the Buffalo Creek disaster in 1972, he moved to Princeton, wher he and his late wife lived until 1997, moving to the Cabell Heights community. He was a retired coal miner with 43 years in the mining industry, having last worked at Island Creek Coal Co. He was of the Christian faith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mable Buchanan Stapleton, on June 11, 2000; and two sisters, Nora Bell Vinson and Minnie McPeak. Survivors include a daughter, Bobbie Wilson and her husband, Dennis, of Cabell Heights; five sons, Charles Stapleton and his wife, Josephine, of Taylor, Mich., Camel Stapleton of Isban, Carl Stapleton of Matheny, Colen Stapleton and his wife, Anita, of Cabell Heights and Kent Stapleton and his wife, Audrey, of Woodlawn, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Charlie Stapleton and his wife, Hazel, of Matheny; four nephews; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Revs. Darrell Stapleton and Jim Lawson officiating. Committal service and entombment will follow at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Wildwood Mausoleum at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Bluefield-Princeton Road, Princeton. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary and one hour before service Thursday at the funeral home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

  • OCEANA - Elna Susan Walker, 89, died Monday, March 25, 2002, at a Beckley hospital. Born June 15, 1912, at Toney Fork, she was the daughter of the late Roscoe and Essie May Cook. Mrs. Walker was a member of Craney Missionary Baptist Church and a lifetime resident of Wyoming County. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Ellery Brown; a son, James Brown; her second husband, Tom Walker; a stepson, Billy Walker; two brothers, J. Bowen Cook and Norman Cook; and three sisters, Mellie Lamb, Pauline Lusk and Maye Fern Walker. Survivors include a son, Roger D. Walker and his wife, Dianna, of Oceana; a daughter, Genevia Mullens and her husband, Poza, of Oceana; a brother, Herndon Cook of Oceana; two grandsons, Tommy Mullens of Hinton and Ronnie Mullens of Welch; a granddaughter, Stephanie Walker Mullins of Harrisburg, N.C.; and two great-granddaughters, Brooklyn P. Mullins of Harrisburg and Tracy Lynn Mullens of Orlando, Fla. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Adam Toler Memorial Chapel, Oceana, with the Rev. James Walker officiating. Burial will follow in Kopperston Community Cemetery. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Arrangements by Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.

  • TUG CREEK - Charles E. Ward, 52, died Sunday, March 24, 2002, at his home following a long illness. Born Oct. 1, 1949, in Summers County, he was the son of the late Paul and Geneva Bennett Ward. Mr. Ward was a lifelong resident of Tug Creek. He was employed as a construction worker and timber man throughout his life. Survivors include his wife, Lois Jean Adkins Ward of Dover, Ind.; two sons, Ronald E. "Tub" Ward of Hinton and Nicholas W. Ward of Dover; two daughters, Regina K. Ward of Hinton and Sarina D. Ward of Dover; two granddaughters, Brittanie Sawyer and Tearsia Fischer; five sisters, Donnie Brookman of Hilldale, Tammy Richmond of Wayside, Emma McCommas of Big Creek, Wanda Blagg of South Carolina and Nadine Teabo of Hilldale; and a brother, Richard Ward of Kingsman, Ohio. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel, Hinton, with Pastor Travis Hocum officiating. Burial will follow in Smith Cemetery, Tug Creek. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral parlors. Pallbearers will be Alonza Brown, Pete Smith, Howard Cales, Jerimia McAlpine, David Chewning and Basil Teabo. Arrangements by Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors, Hinton.

  • Gladys Juanita Whittenburg, 73, of 227 Klaus St., Beckley, died at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a two-week illness. Born March 2, 1929, in Gaffney, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Walter W. Whittenburg and Delilah Johnson Whittenburg. Ms. Whittenburg was retired from Ramada Inn in the housekeeping department and was a member of Second Baptist Church, Beckley. She was preceded in death by a sister, Vinnie Coles; and two brothers, James and Joe Dean Whittenburg. Survivors include her children, Francis Whittenburg and his wife, Peggy, of Gaffney, Dwight Ricks of Atlanta, Samuel Whittenburg of Beckley, Leondus Whittenburg and his wife, Regina, of Beckley, Roy P. Whittenburg of Beckley, Brenda W. Halsey and her husband, Bernay, of Gaffney, Christine V. Gallman and her husband, Luke, of Chester, S.C., Diane Johnson and her husband, Joseph, of Beckley, Gloria J. Ricks of Beckley, Judy K. Patterson and her husband, Larry, of Beckley and Lisa A. Whittenburg of Charleston; two brothers, Douglas Whittenburg and his wife, Janis, and Lucious Whittenburg and his wife, Ruth, all of Gaffney; 21 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and innumerable dear family friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Second Baptist Church, 700 F St., Beckley, with the Revs. Ronald Dyer and Abner Wright officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Thursday at the church. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

  • MATHENY - Raleigh N. Cook, 88, went to be with his Lord on Monday, March 25, 2002, at his home following a short illness. Born June 13, 1913, at Turkey Creek, he was the son of the late Raleigh Whitt and Ruey Tautee Shields Cook. Mr. Cook attended Oceana First Church of God. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma Cook Sutphin; his second wife, Lessie Mae Cook; a son, Roger Nolan Cook; six brothers, Charlie, Edgar, Fred, Wendell, Wade and Goff Cook; and three sisters, Leola Allen, Ella Widner and Illa Allen. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Morgan Cook; seven sons, Jim Cook of Beckley, Ronald Cook and his wife, Carolyn, of Oceana, Lloyd Cook of Matheny, Eudell Morgan and his wife, Francis, of Hope, Ky., Leo Morgan and his wife, Jill, of Philadelphia, David Morgan and his wife, Tamara, of Knox-ville, Tenn., and Terry Morgan and his wife, Marty, of Cincinnati; three daughters, Judy Van Buskirk and her husband, Ken, of Virginia Beach, Va., Diane Meadows and her husband, Charlie, of Oceana, and Lorraine Hawk and her husband, Danny, of Morgantown; 28 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. today at Oceana First Church of God with the Rev. William Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Friends called 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the church, and may call one hour before service today at the church. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Oceana.

  • Raymond Earl Godbey, 65, of 158 Lamar Circle, Shady Spring, died at 8:35 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2002, at the Beckley VA Medical Center following a long illness. Born Feb. 22, 1937, in Harper, he was the son of Anthia Kiser Godbey of Wayside and the late Denver Godbey. Mr. Godbey was a retired auto mechanic and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Korean Conflict. He lived in Shady Spring for the past three years, having lived most of his adult life in Beaver. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ansel and Lonnie Dale. Survivors include his wife, Teresa Scavonne Godbey; three sons, Raymond Godbey Jr. and Glen Godbey, both of Shady Spring, and Robert Godbey of Beckley; four daughters, Linda Dougherty of New York, Ca-therine Hicks and her husband, Luther Jr., and Carolynn Smith, all of Shady Spring, and Jacqueline Gillenwater of Lester; two brothers, Virgil Godbey of Wayside and Robert Godbey of Bluefield; a sister, Jean Mitchell of Mabscott; 20 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Sha-dy Spring Chapel with Elder Lewis Lester officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Me-morial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Thomas Smith, Robert D. Godbey, Ro-bert K. Godbey, Glen A. Godbey, Mike Gillenwater, Mike Godbey, Harold Stiltner and Grant Mitchem. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

  • RAINELLE - Everett Hugh "Bud" Groves, 74, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at Heartland of Rainelle following a long illness. Born Aug. 15, 1927, in Albright, Preston County, he was the son of the late Cloyd D. and Nettie F. Martin Groves. Bud served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from Westmoreland Coal Co. in 1985. He was a former member of Quinwood Baptist Church and the Quinwood Fire Department. Bud was a member of First Baptist Church, Rainelle, where he served as custodian and on the Board of Ushers. Survivors include his wife, Doris C. Shafer Groves; two daughters, Barbara Bruce of Farmington, Va., and Sue Ann Adkins of Huntington; a son, Rusty Groves of Virginia Beach, Va.; two sisters, Betty Sutton of Elkins and Sibby Boothe of Elkhart, Ind.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a stepdaughter, Marsha Mead of Bluefield, Va.; two stepsons, Eddie Adkins of Washington, D.C., and Mark Adkins of Fayetteville; five stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Rain-elle, with Pastor Dana Gatewood and the Rev. Houston Boothe officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. Friends may call one hour before service Friday at the church. Church members will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rain-elle.

  • Phyllis Jean Anderson Hanshew, 78, of Beckley, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a short illness. Born March 4, 1924, in Kingston, she was the daughter of the late Watson R. and Allie I. Coleman Anderson. Mrs. Hanshew attended Me-morial Baptist Church and United Methodist Temple, both of Beckley. She was a homemaker. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Percy Anderson. Survivors include her husband, Harold E. Hanshew; three daughters, Shirley Hinegardner of Moundsville, Diane Vandale of Charleston and Susan Nicol of Beckley; a son, Harold E. Hanshew Jr. of Orange City, Fla.; two half sisters, Wilma Anderson and Janice Eads, both of Charleston; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home Chapel, Rainelle, with the Rev. Daniel Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow in Wallace Memorial Mausoleum, Clintonville. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rain-elle.

  • Hobart A. Hazelwood, 74, of Crab Orchard, died Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at his home. Born May 4, 1927, in Rhodell, he was the son of the late John Floyd and Macie Lucas Hazelwood. Mr. Hazelwood was a retired coal miner. He was a member of the UMWA. He enjoyed fishing and woodworking. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in Guam, receiving the African Theater Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Victory Medal. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou Hollins Hazelwood; and a brother, Raymond Marshall Hazelwood. Survivors include three sons, Floyd Allen Hazelwood and his wife, Nila, of Stanaford, Dennis Hazelwood and his wife, Joyce, of Backus Mountain and Gary Lee Hazelwood of Chester, Va.; a daughter, Sheila Elaine Per-kins and her husband, Tom, of Angier, N.C.; two sisters, Oberita Wade of Princeton and Lena Mae Clemons of Glen Lyn, Va.; four grandsons, Thomas Hazelwood, Dennis Hazelwood II, James Allen Hazelwood and Steven Lee Hazelwood; four granddaughters, Melissa Elaine Carpenter, Barbara Ann Parrish, Lisa Marie Perkins and Laura Lynn Perkins; and six great-grandchildren, Alicia Cherie King, Kristopher Lee King, Brandon James Parrish, Andrew Rage Parrish, Ashley Christine Parrish and Chloe Raquell Carpenter. Service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Cecil Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Grandsons and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • BRENTON - Lavonia Toler, 75, died Thursday, March 27, 2002, at Princeton Community Hospital following a short illness. Born April 23, 1926, in Emmett, she was the daughter of the late Dottie and Stella West Walls. Mrs. Toler was a member of Baileysville Baptist Church and a homemaker. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Randall Toler. Survivors include three sons, Owen R. Toler and his wife, Joane, of Richmond, Va., Steve Toler and his wife, Vickie, of Rocky Gap, Va., Jeffrey Toler and his wife, Sheila, of Brenton; a daughter, Cynthia Rust and her husband, Paul, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; four sisters, Lorraine Wickline of Pearisburg, Va., Elizabeth Til-ley of Oceana and Anna Belcher and Margaret Terry, both of Matheny; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Randy and Brett Toler, Marty Maxwell, Sheila Huber, April Honaker, Amanda and Ashlie Rust; three great-grandchildren, Colby and Tra-vis Huber and Abby Maxwell; and a host of friends. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Adam Toler Memorial Cha-pel, Oceana, with the Rev. Mike Cook and Ron Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Randall Morgan, Randy and Brett Toler, April Honaker, Sheila Huber and Marty Maxwell. Arrangements by Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.

  • John E. Cox Jr., 47, died Thursday, March 28, 2002, at his home following a long illness. Born Dec. 5, 1954, in Beckley, he was the son of John E. and Peggy E. Pruitt Cox of Slab Fork. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jewell E. Mi-lam Cox; a brother, Donald Cox; and a sister, Brenda Cox. Other survivors include a son, John Harvey Cox of Jonben; a daughter, Joanie G. Cox of Sophia; a brother, Gary Cox of Slab Fork; three sisters, Lessie Perdue and her husband, Marvin, of Midway, Peggy Clark and her husband, Larry, of Jumping Branch and Sally Cox of Meadow Bridge; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Sophia, with the Rev. Jeffery Perdue officiating. Burial will follow in Mills Family Cemetery, Soak Creek. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Sophia.

  • TROY, Mich. - Ruby Ger-trude Davis, 86, formerly of Bolt, died Wednesday, March 27, 2002, in a Michigan family care home following a long illness. Born May 19, 1915, in Ra-leigh County, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Myrtle Darlington Allen. Ruby spent her childhood in Bolt, then moved to Troy in 1942. Ruby was a beautician, last working for Crowleys Milner in Michigan. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Michigan and St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Beckley. In Ruby's leisure time she enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud Davis; and a sister, Irene Shumate. Survivors include her son, Lowell Davis and his wife, Joanne, of Troy; a daughter, Jacqueline Smalley and her husband, Thomas, of New Baltimore, Mich.; and three grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley, with the Rev. William Bozeman officiating. Entombment will follow. There will be no visitation. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

  • Raymond Earl Godbey, 65, of 158 Lamar Circle, Shady Spring, died at 8:35 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2002, at the Beckley VA Medical Center following a long illness. Born Feb. 22, 1937, in Harper, he was the son of Anthia Kiser Godbey of Wayside and the late Denver Godbey. Mr. Godbey was a retired auto mechanic and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Korean Conflict. He lived in Shady Spring for the past three years, having lived most of his adult life in Beaver. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ansel and Lonnie Dale. Survivors include his wife, Teresa Scavonne Godbey; three sons, Raymond Godbey Jr. and Glen Godbey, both of Shady Spring, and Robert Godbey of Beckley; four daughters, Linda Dougherty of New York, Cathe-rine Hicks and her husband, Luther Jr., and Carolynn Smith, all of Shady Spring, and Jacqueline Gillenwater of Les-ter; two brothers, Virgil Godbey of Wayside and Robert Godbey of Bluefield; a sister, Jean Mitchem of Crab Orchard; 20 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. today at Rose and Quesenberry Shady Spring Chapel with Elder Lewis Lester officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends called 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Thomas Smith, Robert D. Godbey, Ro-bert K. Godbey, Glen A. Godbey, Mike Gillenwater, Mike Godbey, Harold Stiltner and Grant Mitchem. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

  • RAINELLE - Everett Hugh "Bud" Groves, 74, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 26, 2002, at Heartland of Rainelle following a long illness. Born Aug. 15, 1927, in Albright, Preston County, he was the son of the late Cloyd D. and Nettie F. Martin Groves. Bud served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from Westmoreland Coal Co. in 1985. He was a former member of Quinwood Baptist Church and the Quinwood Fire Department. Bud was a member of First Baptist Church, Rainelle, where he served as custodian and on the Board of Ushers. Survivors include his wife, Doris C. Shafer Groves; two daughters, Barbara Bruce of Meherrin, Va., and Sue Ann Adkins of Huntington; a son, Rusty Groves of Virginia Beach, Va.; two sisters, Betty Sutton of Elkins and Sibby Boothe of Elkhart, Ind.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a stepdaughter, Marsha Mead of Bluefield, Va.; two stepsons, Eddie Adkins of Washington, D.C., and Mark Adkins of Fayetteville; five stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church, Rain-elle, with Pastor Dana Gatewood and the Rev. Houston Boothe officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville. The family will receive friends one hour before service today at the church. Church members will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rain-elle.

  • James A. Huffman Jr., 60, of MacArthur, died Thursday, March 28, 2002, at Ruby Me-morial Hospital, Morgantown, following a short illness. Born Nov. 10, 1941, in Beckley, he was the son of the late James A. and Georgia A. Edwards Huffman. Mr. Huffman was a truck driver for Black Gold Trucking Co. He was with the U.S. National Guard and a member of Memorial Baptist Church, Beckley. He had lived in MacArthur most of his adult life. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Loretta Akers Huffman; a son, Brian Huffman and his wife, Kathy, of Beckley; a sister, Margaret Pierce of Beckley; and two grandchildren, Beth and Brad Huffman. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastor Robert Barley officiating. Burial will follow in Dunns Cemetery. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • Edna Ramsey, 86, of Pemberton, died Thursday, March 28, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a short illness. Born Feb. 18, 1916, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Lela Pettry Beckelhimer. Mrs. Ramsey was a homemaker. She was a member of Coal City Freewill Baptist Church. She lived most of her life in Pemberton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ramsey; and a brother, Woodrow W. Beckelhimer. Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis Ramsey Sorrells and her husband, Robert, of Clinton, Md.; three brothers, Basil C. Beckelhimer and his wife, Joann, of Clarksville, Tenn., Jack Beckelhimer of Sophia, N.C., and Paul Beckelhimer and his wife, Frances, of Chapmansboro, Tenn.; six sisters, Mildred Lenhoff and her husband, James, of Bear, Del., Laura "Lou" Smith of Ansted, Dora Keith and her husband, Joe, of Northport, Ala., Joann Swingle and her husband, Hubert, of Springfield, Mo., Pauline Mentz and her husband, Jack, of Mount Dora, Fla., and Juanita Jackson and her husband, Donald, of Odd; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Norman Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith." Denver Ray Collins, 68, of Naoma, died early Saturday morning, March 30, 2002, at Heartland of Beckley nursing home following a short illness. Born Sept. 12, 1933, in Edwhite, he was the son of the late Emory and Orphie Marie Clay Collins. Mr. Collins was a retired buildings construction worker, with 25 years of service. He was also of the Baptist faith and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita; and two brothers, Junior Collins and Robert Collins. Survivors include his wife, Pauline Pettry Collins; his daughter, Mary Ann and her husband Russell of Montcoal; and his stepmother, Betty Lou Bonds Collins of Rock Creek. Memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • Harold Delano Evans, 89, of Beckley, died Friday, March 29, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a long illness. Born July 12, 1912, inCirtsville, he was the son of the late John A. and Cecelia Davis Evans. Mr. Evans was a retired Penn Central Railway engineer, a member of Calloway Heights Baptist Church, Beckley Lodge 95 A.F. and A.M., the Scottish Rite Bodies and the Beni Kedem Shrine. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Patsy E. Stephens. He was also the last surviving member of his immediate family, having been preceded by 10 brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Gustava Sweeney Evans of Beckley; a son, Roger Dale Mitchem of Beckley; two daughters, Betty J. Pierson of Greensboro, N.C., and Shelba Nickoson of Beckley; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calloway Heights Baptist Church, Beckley, with Pastor William Parker and the Rev. Tim Mitchem officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to Calloway Heights Baptist Church Building Fund, 132 Rural Acres Drive, Beckley, WV 25880. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.

  • MACARTHUR - James A. Huffman Jr., 60, died Thursday, March 28, 2002, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, following a short illness. Born Nov. 10, 1941, in Beckley, he was the son of the late James A. and Georgia A. Edwards Huffman. Mr. Huffman was a truck driver for Black Gold Trucking Co. He was with the U.S. National Guard and a member of Memorial Baptist Church, Beckley. He had lived in MacArthur most of his adult life. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Loretta Akers Huffman; a son, Brian Huffman and wife, Kathy, of Beckley; a sister, Margaret Pierce of Beckley; and two grandchildren, Beth and Brad Huffman. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Clayton Lilly officiating. Burial will follow in Dunns Cemetery at Dunns. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

  • NEW CASTLE, Del. - Gloria D. McGhee Pack, 65, died Thursday, March 28, 2002, at her home following a long illness. Born Feb. 16, 1937, in Chatham, Va., she was the daughter of the late Levi and Ocie Atkins McGhee. Mrs. Pack was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Edsel William Pack; two sons, Michael Wayne Marshall of Middletown, Del., and Shawn Kevin Pack of Philadelphia, Pa.; two daughters, Vickie M. Baker of Danville, Va., and Lisa Michelle deBrabander of New Castle, Del.; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; two brothers, Charlie Edsel McGhee of Axton, Va., and Brantley Wayne McGhee of Danville, Va.; and a sister, Hazel Fisher of Danville, Va. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlor Chapels with Pastor Don Hannah officiating. Burial will follow in Lilly-Crews Cemetery, Nimitz. Friends may call noon until time of service at the funeral parlor. Arrangements by Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlor, Hinton.

  • Edna Ramsey, 86, of Pemberton, died Thursday, March 28, 2002, at Raleigh General Hospital, following a short illness. Born Feb. 18, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Wil-liam J. and Lela Pettry Beckelhimer. Mrs. Ramsey was a homemaker. She was a member of the Coal City Freewill Baptist Church. She lived most of her life at Pemberton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ramsey; and a brother, Woodrow W. Beckelhimer. Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis Ramsey Sorrells and husband, Robert, of Clinton, Md.; three brothers, Basil C. Beckelhimer and wife, Joann, of Clarksville, Tenn., Jack Beckelhimer of Sophia, N.C., and Paul Beckelhimer and wife, Frances, of Chapmansboro, Tenn.; six sisters, Mildred Lenhoff and husband, James, of Bear, Del., Laura "Lou" Smith of Ansted, Dora Keith and husband, Joe, of Northport, Ala., Joann Swingle and husband, Hubert, of Springfield, Mo., Pauline Mentz and husband, Jack, of Mount Dora, Fla., and Juanita Jackson and husband, Donald, of Odd; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, with Pastor Norman Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.