WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI PAGE

Obituaries, Page 22

Patricia Ann Withrow, 63, of Kirbyville died Saturday, April 25, 2009 at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Adams E.E. Stringer Funeral Home in Kirbyville. A native of Beckley, West Virginia, she had lived in Kirbyville 13 years. Survivors include her sons, Shonn Withrow of Tacomah, Washington, John Withrow of Kirbyville, Clint Withrow of Richmond, Virginia, David Withrow of Louisville, Kentucky and James Withrow of Richmond, Virginia; daughter, Esther Gillenwater of Richmond, Virginia; sisters, Joan James of North Carolina and Carol Dobranski of Michigan; 18 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. [WWHS Class of 1964]

M. Deloris Sutphin, age 87, of Beckley, W.Va., died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, following a long illness. Born Oct. 6, 1921, in Beckley, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Ethel Swift Jackson. Mrs. Sutphin was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of Larew Avenue in Beckley. She was a member of the St. Mary’s United Methodist Church her entire life, and was a member of the Faye Farley Circle of the Church. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paris G. Sutphin; and brothers, Clinton and Clayton Jackson. Survivors include her son, Gary Sutphin and wife, Jane, of Beckley, W.Va.; a daughter, Linda Underwood and husband, Woody, of Beckley, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Alicia Sauls and husband, Ron, Brett and Jennifer Sutphin, and Meredith Stover and husband, Jeremy; and three great-grandchildren, Adrian Sauls, Jeremy Sauls and Jackson Stover. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with Dr. Sharon Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, W.Va. [WWHS Class of 1939]

Anna G. Bryant of Beckley and Franklin Park, N.J., died peacefully Sunday, April 26, 2009, at a wonderful place, McCarrick Care Center, Somerset, N.J. She was born in Beckley, on Oct. 11, 1918. Anna moved to New Jersey with her husband, Bernard; and children, Linda and Lou Ellen in 1953. Anna worked at Garry Manufacturing in New Brunswick. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Brunswick for many years. She and Bernard retired and moved back into the family home in Beckley in 1973. She was an active member of the national fellowship for women organization, Degree of Honor, and president of the Beckley Chapter of Degree of Honor in 1992. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Beckley, where she was a communicant. She volunteered her time to the American Red Cross and served lunches at the Senior Center in Beckley. Anna moved back to New Jersey and lived with her daughter, Lou Ellen, in 2004. She made friends quickly and became loved by her neighbors in Franklin Park. For the past four years, she participated regularly at the Quailbrook Senior Center in Somerset. She was an avid seamstress, quilter, traveler and card player. She could be a curmudgeon, but had a quick wit and loved to socialize with friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard Bryant; sister, Frances Francis; and brother, Thomas Coleman. She is survived by her sisters, Patty Richards and Peggy Mitton; and daughters, Linda Cinnamon and Lou Ellen Polcha, and sons-in-law, Walter Green and Colonel USAF (Retired) Charles Cinnamon; three grandchildren, Heather Gwaltney, Eric Cinnamon and Amy Hendershot; and three great-grandchildren, Gavin Gwaltney, Terra Cinnamon and Landry Hendershot. A viewing was held 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Gleason Funeral Home at 1360 Hamilton St., Somerset, N.J. Additional viewing will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha St., Beckley. A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2009, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Anna G. Bryant Memorial Fund at the McCarrick Care Center 15 Dellwood St., Somerset N.J. 08873, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1937]

Debra M. Cheetham, age 53, of Beckley, died Sunday, April 26, 2009, at her home following a short illness. Born on July 15, 1956, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late John G. Cheetham and Ailene Rollins Cheetham. Debra was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Marshall University. Survivors include her sons, John M. Cheetham of Beckley and Lewis Gregory Lilly II of Mount Hope; sisters, Sandra K. Sturms of Cary, N.C., and her three children, Jennifer, Jason and Robert Sturms; Nancy “Jonette” Cheetham of Huntington; Debra’s companion, Don Wisen of Beckley; a granddaughter, Callie Celeste Cheetham. A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with the Rev. Ellen L. File officiating. Friends may call 30 minutes prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Johnnie Alfred Jessup, age 56, of Beckley, died Saturday, April 25, 2009, at his home following a long illness. Born on August 1, 1952, at Stanaford, W.Va., he was the son of Patty Adkins Jessup of Beckley, and the late Carnish Alton Jessup. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Roger Jessup, and a nephew, Bobby Foster. Mr. Jessup was a Marine Corps veteran and was of the Baptist faith. He was a former delivery person in the furniture business. Surviving, other than his mother, are his brothers and sisters: Alton Jessup of Phoenix, Arizona, Alvin Jessup of Beckley, Carol Jessup of Beckley, Lucille “Lucy” Jessup Easler of Beaufort, S.C.; Aunt Lila Hopkins of Beckley; six nieces, five great-nieces; four nephews, and nine great-nephews. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Reverend Jack Easler officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1971]

Joan (Harvey) Bragg, age 72, of Brookpark, Ohio, formerly of Crab Orchard, W.Va., passed away Friday, April 24, 2009, at the West Park Health Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Born January 10, 1937, in Slab Fork, W.Va., she was the beloved daughter of the late Seff and Beulah Harvey. She was the dearest wife of Charles H. Bragg, Jr., deceased. She was also preceded in death by a son, Chris Bragg. She was the loving mother of Charles, Joanie, and Jaimie Bragg. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Rev. Fred Lovell officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may gather with the family today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, W.Va., is in charge of the arrangements. [WWHS Class of 1955]

Jackie D. Bennett, age 59, of Piney View, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Bennett was born on Oct. 10, 1949, in Beckley. He was the son of Carl Bennett and Virginia (Curtis) Bennett of Beckley. He was a retired electrician with IBEW Local 466 where he dedicated 38 years of service. He had a love for farming and also enjoyed deer hunting. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Vernon Marion, and mother-in-law, Maxine (Gialdella) Marion, and a nephew, Greg Dangerfield. Those left to cherish his wonderful memory other than his parents are his loving wife of 38 years, Sarah Bennett at home; sons, Terry Bennett and wife, Melissa, of Piney View, and Daniel Bennett of Shady Spring; sisters, Kathryn Bailey of Beckley, Dawnie Denny and husband, Roscoe, of Crab Orchard, Peggy Campbell of Beckley and Brenda Metrick and husband, Mike, of White Oak; brothers-in-law, David Marion and wife of North Carolina, and Randy Marion and wife of Georgia; grandchildren, Taylor Bennett and Emily Bennett, both of Piney View; and several nieces and nephews. A life celebration for Jackie will take place 11 a.m. Thursday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Bill Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home for visitation. Those serving as pallbearers will be Richard Milam, Sean Bailey, Keith Bailey, Cody Metrick, Sam Denny, David Marion and Randy Marion. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1967]

CALDWELL — Donald Mearl Hylton, 77, of Caldwell, formerly of Mount Lookout, passed away on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at home, surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Peggy, and his son, Greg Hylton. Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered with much love. Mr. Hylton was born at Sprague on June 2, 1931. He was retired from Bell Atlantic with 36 years of service. He was a member of Telecom Pioneers International. Don was also a Mason with Coal Valley Lodge No. 74. Don was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hylton, and his mother, Nila Hylton; his brothers, Henry Thomas Hylton and Ernest Hylton. He is survived by his wife, Peggy O. Hylton; a son, David M. Hylton of Ashland, Ky.; a son, Darrell G. Hylton and his wife, Molly, of Hurricane; a son, Gregory S. Hylton and his wife, Cara, of Caldwell; his sisters, Janet Lyons of Martinsburg, W.Va.; five grandchildren, Hannah Eichberger, Joe Hylton, Megan Huffman, Catie and Garrison Hylton; four great-grandchildren, Samuel and Sofi Eichberger, Jaden and Ava Huffman. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastor Joshua Huffman officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today, Wednesday, at the funeral home. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1949]

At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Dorcas June Thompson completed her journey to a better life. Her journey was made easier by the 18 years of loving care she received from the staff at Sun Bridge Pine Lodge, Appalachian Regional Hospital, the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, and, in her final hours, the wonderful staff at Genesis Healthcare in Hilltop. Much of this time June lived in a world known only to her and to God. June was born July 15, 1917, and was christened Dorcas June Lilly. The “Dorcas” was a name only a mother would give. To the rest of the world she was “June” or “June Bug” after that wonderful and unique flying insect that we all know and admire. June is the daughter of Hubert E. and Pearl S. Lilly, the sister of Wanda Thackston Wiseman and Paul R. Lilly, and the wife and life partner of James E. Thompson. She is survived by her niece, Paula Lilly Rugen of Scottsdale, Arizona, and her nephew, John Thackston of Beckley. While June’s immediate family is small in number, her extended family, those touched by her life of nearly 92 years, are far too numerous to count, but they define her legacy. Not blessed or burdened by fame or fortune, June still managed to enhance the quality of life for everyone she met through the passion she had for living. June was very much a part of the “Greatest Generation” which was featured in Tom Brokaw’s book of the same title. June was one of the first, if not the first woman in Raleigh County to hold both a private pilot’s license and an instructor’s license. She was taught to fly by her husband, James, who was a B 24 pilot in World War II and an instructor at the old Raleigh County Airport that was located on Route 19 in Skelton, a place where hundreds gathered every Sunday in good weather to watch the amateur air show put on by the locals learning to fly. When not flying, June could be found with James on the Black Knight golf course where they were competitive players. And when not flying or golfing, the two could be found on the banks of a local stream or in the woods in search of small game. June’s first love was music and, most specifically, the dance that went with it. These were the days of the musical, the days when movies portrayed the joy of living through music, laughter, dancing, and song. Fred Astair, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, and Ann Miller were nightly visitors to her home in the form of June and James dancing the night away to the music of “Top Hat,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” and more. Their talents on the dance floor were legendary at the Black Knight and at the annual “Follies” staged at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial on South Kanawha Street. But it was June’s smile, a warm embrace, a kind word, a genuine “thank you,” and the common courtesies extended to all she met that most mark her legacy. We will miss her, but our lives have been enriched by her and we will share that with those who follow. She and James are together once more in a very special place dancing with the stars, the real stars named Fred, Ginger, Ann, and Gene. And June would be the first to say, “You can’t beat that with a stick.” A memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley, W.Va. [WWHS Class of 1934]

Roy Andrew Dillon, age 39, of Beckley, W.Va., died Thursday, April 23, 2009, at his home. He was loved and will be missed by his loving wife and children. Born April 29, 1970, in Beckley, W.Va., he was the son of Roy Edgar Dillon and Betty J. Lilly Dillon of Beckley. Mr. Dillon was a Fire Fighter First Class for the Beckley Fire Department. He served on the Fire Department Honor Guard. He was a Vice President of the Fire Fighter’s Union. He had been an Assistant Training Officer for two years. Before joining the Beckley Fire Department, he was a former member of the Gwinnett County Georgia Fire Department. Mr. Dillon was a 1988 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and West Virginia Tech with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also held a degree in Electronics from Mountain State University. Mr. Dillon dearly loved his comrades at the Beckley Fire Department. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. He was a member of the church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, Sherry Lynn Goolsby Dillon; his two sons, Samuel Andrew Dillon and Joseph Ericson Dillon, both at home; a brother, Rory Douglas Dillon and wife, Karen, of Bluefield, W.Va.; sisters, Greta Oxley and husband, Tim, of Clarksburg, W.Va., and twin sister, Rita Ann Sluesky and husband, Chris, of Staunton, Va.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive; and his father and mother-in-law, Jack and Betty Goolsby of Beckley, W.Va. Funeral service with full Fireman’s Honors will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2009, at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with Chaplain Charlie Lilly officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until service time on Monday. Members of the Beckley Fire Department will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, W.Va.

On Monday, April 20th, 2009, our beloved Albert Lee Estep of Alvin St., Beckley, went to be with his Lord and Savior after an extended illness. He was 76 years of age. Born at Beckley on Oct. 9, 1932, he was the second of two sons born to the late Harry Estep and Edna Christian Estep Douglas. His brother, Robert Ivan Estep, preceded him in death along with his wife, Joyce, and their son, Robert Jr. Lee was a member of the Jordan Christian Fellowship Church of Sophia and dearly loved his church family. A 1951 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, he excelled and lettered in basketball. Lee enjoyed keeping in touch with his classmates and attending their reunions. A U.S. Army veteran with the rank of Corporal, Lee served during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in Okinawa. A fireman with the City of Beckley, he retired as a Captain in 1989, with 25 years of service. Previously, he had worked at Higgins Grocery, the WV Turnpike and Earehart Motors. Lee loved his family and life. He enjoyed working at his home, gardening and traveling. Winter snowbirds, he and his wife especially enjoyed wintering in Melbourne, Florida, where they had many friends. Lee is the loving husband of Theodosia Wood Estep the past 56 years; he dearly loved his daughter, Cynthia Lee Estep Brown and her husband, John, of Beckley; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Tim Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. The family will receive friends 1:30 p.m. until the hour of the service. The family suggests donations of sympathy be made to the Bowers Hospice House, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802 Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc, Beckley.

Linda D. Johnson departed this life on April 11, 2009, at the Plateau Medical Center. She was born Linda D. Torian on Dec. 12, 1957, in Beckley, W.Va., to the late Earl Brice and Mary Lou Torian. She was a member of First Baptist Church of North Beckley, a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and she held several jobs in West Virginia, Columbus, Ohio, and Killeen, Texas. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Valinda Lewis (Elder A.C. Lewis Sr.), of San Antonio, Texas, and three grandchildren, Aysia, Anthony Jr. and Aalijah, all of San Antonio, Texas; six siblings, Marylene Larkin of Chicago, Ill., Wilburt Torian, Alberta Johnson, Maxine Torian and Carol Torian, all of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Torian of Beckley; one niece raised as her sister, Cynthia Torian of Cleveland, Ohio; two aunts, Fannie Johnson of Beckley, and Shirley Fox of Boston, Mass.; a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2009, at First Baptist Church of North Beckley, with Pastor Rev. James Cox and Elder A.C. Lewis Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. A viewing will be one hour prior to the service at First Baptist Church, North Beckley. Condolences may be e-mailed to ajdurganfh6@verizon.net Services are provided by Durgan Funeral Services, Beckley.

On Sunday, April 5, 2009, Robert E. Daniels of Harbor Lakes Way, Fayetteville, Ga., formerly of Hull Street, Beckley, passed away. He was 57 years of age. Born Robert Ernest Daniels on September 20, 1951, in Beckley, he was the first of three children born to the late Robert and Joe Lee Quesenberry Daniels. His sister, Jo Lee Daniels II, preceded him in death in 1984. Bobby, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, grew up on Quesenberry Street. He was fortunate to have grown up in a neighborhood where his grandparents, Ernest and Gladys Quesenberry, his great-grandmothers, Wanda Quesenberry and Mary Smith, and Uncle Howard all were nearby. Bobby and his family were members of the First Christian Church, Court House Square. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1969 and Marshall University, he earned his Master’s Degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Bobby’s lifelong career was in law enforcement. He began with the City of Beckley as a police officer. At the time of his death, he was a physical security specialist with OSEP at the CDC in Atlanta. Bobby retired from the U.S. Army as Lt. Colonel. During his time of service, he was a Provost Marshal, a Commander of a Military Police Battalion, and a Professor of Military Science. He retired from FORSCOM at Ft. McPherson as a Rear Operations Officer. A resident of Fayetteville for several years, he worshiped at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville. Over the years, Bobby experienced the loss of many family members. On September 27, 2000, he endured the tragic loss of his daughter, Lisa Kathryn. Deeply affected by her death and those of his family, he was quite never the same. And so now at the end of the day, we like to think he is re-united with all of them again and his struggle is over. Married to his high school sweetheart, Patty Beard Daniels, the past 35 years, Bobby was the loving father of Emily Alexis; the fond brother of Douglas Daniels of Nashville, Tenn.; the uncle of Megan Buell, James, and Scott Alexander; Bobby is also survived by the Beard family, mother-in-law Jackie, brother-in-law Joe and his wife Theresa and sister-in-law Anna Alexander and her husband Dan; many old friends and acquaintances of his and Patty’s survive in this area. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville with the Rev. Rita Henault officiating. Committal services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Quesenberry family plot at the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley with the Rev. Don Snyder officiating. Those wishing to attend the services are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Full Military Rites will be conducted at the gravesite. The family suggests donations of sympathy can be made to the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 130 Antioch Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215. The family may be contacted on Monday at the home of Jackie Beard on Crescent Road in Beckley. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.

David “Dave” Aaron Sadler, age 36, of Crab Orchard, went to be in God’s care on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at his home. Born on June 1, 1972, in Beckley, W.Va., he was the son of Samuel and Julie Adkins Sadler of Crab Orchard. David was a disabled veteran, having served during the First Desert Storm in the U.S. Navy. He was a Woodrow Wilson High School graduate and attended Concord College. He was a professional drummer, and had been a member of various bands. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Winnie Sadler and Ed and Mary Adkins; aunts, Barbara Brady, Wilma Semsick, Ruth Gillian; uncle, Eddie Adkins; cousins, Stephanie and Jason Adkins, Phillip Adkins and Stephen “Yogi” Tackett. Survivors other than his loving parents are a son, Christian David Sadler, whom he cherished; a sister, Samantha Bradley and husband, Larry, of Crab Orchard; a brother, Asher Sadler of Crab Orchard; niece and nephew, Courtney Bradley and Austin “Coletrain” Bradley; special cousin, Anthony Adkins; aunts and uncles, Lawrence “Jimbo” Sadler and Randy Sadler, both of Beckley, Mike and Christina Sadler of Pickerington, Ohio, Linda and Robert Dickens of Sundial, Bonnie Crawford of Beckley, Rose and Joe Berry of Harper, Hager and Caroline Adkins, Roy and Shelia Adkins, Billie Joe and Lottie Adkins, John and Brenda Adkins, all of Piney View, and many cousins. He will be greatly missed. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with his Pastor Randy Sadler officiating. Music will be provided by Randy Sadler and Linda Dickens. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mary Virginia Foster Lawrence, 85, went to be with the Lord, Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009. Born in Beckley, W.Va., on Jan. 14, 1924, to Dora Taylor Foster and James Garfield Foster, she was the sixth of seven children. On Oct. 1, 1949, she married her college sweetheart, A. Kirby Lawrence. In 1957, they moved to Winter Park, Fla., for him to take a position with A. Duda and Sons. A devoted, warm and loving wife and mother, she loved her family, her church, her neighbors and friends. Active in church and community, she especially appreciated her time as president of Women of Winter Park Presbyterian Church, and as president of her special chapter BQ of PEO. She will be greatly missed by her two children, Greg Lawrence and Cheryl Hammond; her grandchildren Kate Hammond, Mark (Emily) Hammond and Trenton Lawrence, all of Winter Park; as well as the nieces and nephews she loved. A memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. today, April 8, at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her church. Online at www.baldwinfairchild.com Arrangements by Baldwin-Fairchild Cemeteries and Funeral Home. [WWHS Class of 1941]

On Wednesday, April 8, 2009, our beloved Jimmy Ray Smith passed away peacefully, but very unexpectedly, at his home here in Beckley. He was 64 years of age. Born James Raymond Smith on June 13, 1944, in Beckley, he was the only child of James and Betty Jo Carr Smith. Jimmy Ray, as he was affectionately known all his life, was a lifelong resident of Beckley. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1962, he attended Beckley College (MSU) and East Tennessee State. A well known car salesman in the Beckley area, he began his career with Grady Whitlock Ford and was presently affiliated with Lewis Automotive. He had over 30 years in the car sales industry. Jimmy Ray was a member of the United Methodist Temple and the Elks club. He was an avid golfer and liked to hunt. This past weekend, Jimmy Ray was with his son, Evan, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Autumn, and his son’s mother, “Tikki,” in anticipation of their upcoming wedding. Although they are very shocked and saddened of his untimely passing, they are very thankful to God for this past weekend. Jimmy Ray is the dear father of Evan A. Smith and his fiancé, Autumn, and the former husband and good friend of Patricia “Tikki” Smith, all of Charleston. He is also survived by his former in-laws whom he held in high regard, Helen Janney and OD Janney. Many friends also survive. Funeral service will be 3 p.m. Friday at the United Methodist Temple, 201 Templeview Drive, with the Rev. Chuck Pullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. The family will receive friends 1:30 p.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Friends of the family will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc, Beckley.

Titusville - David Dale Kingery, 69, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at Parrish Medical Center. David was born in Quinnimont, WV. He was the manager of Babcock Building Supply. He enjoyed fishing and restoring antique cars. David is survived by his wife, Patricia Kingery of Titusville; daughters, Mary Carlson of Rossville, GA, Kimberly Kingery-Earle of Honolulu, Hawaii, Krystal Kingery-Ruisi of Titusville, Kristina Kingery-Jackson of Cocoa and Tara Hart of Titusville; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jack David Kingery. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 28th, with services following at 3 p.m., at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home. [WWHS Class of 1957]

Ben McGraw, age 19, of Beckley, tragically lost his life in a car accident Wednesday, April 1, 2009. Born July 30, 1989, in Beckley, W.Va., he was the youngest son of Gregory and Lori McGraw. Ben was a 2008 graduate of Heritage Academy, and the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. He loved golf, boxing, skiing, and mostly “hanging out with his friends.” Ben was a freshman at Concord University and was considering attending The Golf Academy of America in the fall. He spent his summer teaching young golfers at the First Tee in Beckley where he decided to make a career of working with young golfers. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rachel Elaine McGraw, who was born only 11 months and 25 days before him on August 4, 1988, and passed away March 27, 1997. He was also preceded in death by maternal grandfather Lional A. Herrald in February 1999. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving mother, Lori McGraw of Beckley and fiancé Michael Houghton of Portland, Ore., his loving father, Greg McGraw and fiancée Beth Keatley of Daniels; two brothers, Jeremy McGraw of Charleston, S.C., and Chris Wilshire and his wife, Jamie, of Wilmington, N.C.; and one sister, Kristie Pariyadath and husband Manoj of Winston-Salem, N.C.; maternal grandparent, Patsy Herrald of Beckley, and paternal grandparents, Barbara and Bill Williams of Wilmington, N.C., and Delane McGraw of Oak Hill. Aunt, Lisa Carter and Jeff of Charlotte, N.C., and uncle, Lional “Chip” and Sue Herrald of Flat Top, W.Va., and aunt, LeeAnn Lively and her husband Mike of Grandview; one nephew, Aidan Wilshire or Wilmington, N.C., and niece, Asha Pariyadath of Winston-Salem, N.C. Cousins include Max, Alex, and Audrey Carter, Nick and Christian McGraw, Joshua Wallace; and extended family and vast number of friends who loved him dearly. The family will receive friends between 6 and 9 p.m. today at United Methodist Temple in Beckley. A celebration of Ben’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the United Methodist Temple, followed by graveside rites at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Beckley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to The First Tee of West Virginia, 198 George Street, Beckley, WV 25801, or to the United Methodist Temple Rachel McGraw Memorial Fund. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.

On Monday, March 23, 2009, the third day of Spring, Margaret Ann Reid Williams, of Glenn Avenue, Beckley, passed away at the Bowers Hospice House following a short illness. She was in her 85th year. Born on Feb. 15, 1924, at O’Fallon, Illinois, she was the 2nd of three children born to the late Charles Alexander and Sarah Hughes Reid. Her sister, Edna Bolton, and her brother, Robert Alexander Reid, also preceded her in death. Margaret settled in Cranberry with her family when she was 6 months old. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1942. A resident of Glenn Avenue since 1947, she was a member of Memorial Baptist Church where she was one of the Senior Singers of the church. Margaret was the curator of the Wildwood House Museum during the last years of her working career. She loved to read and arrange flowers. The past 18 years, Margaret has wintered in Arcadia, Florida, where she attended the First Baptist Church of Arcadia. Margaret is survived by her husband of 65 years, William E. Williams; her twin daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Parrish and her husband, Gary, and Barbara Nichols all of Beckley; and her grandchildren, Paige McQuillen and Kristopher Parrish. Funeral services will be Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Jim Franklin, Dr. Charles Bright and Pastor Paul Blizard officiating. Entombment will follow in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum at Prosperity. Pallbearers will be members of the church. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until the hour of the service. The family suggests donations of sympathy can be made to Bowers Hospice House, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1942]

Robert Lee Scott went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2009, following complications in association with his battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Beckley, he was the son of the Late John and Gladys Scott. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Beatrice Ann Scott. Bob was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and proudly defended his country in the United States Air Force. Bob was a Preparation Plant Superintendent for many years and the Pastor of Grace Community Church. He truly loved to preach. Mr. Scott was the beloved father to two daughters, Heather Scott and Lori Scott Bell and husband Lawrence Bell. He was “PaPa” to Hadley Olivia, Cooper Ian and Aiden Parker. He is survived by brothers, John Scott and wife Sue, Tom Scott and wife Betty; and sisters Mary Ann Scott and Barbara Crump and husband Bill. He is survived by many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Mr. Scott was the picture of a loving Christian father and husband. He was strong and caring, generous and kind. He was an active pastor and loved his church family dearly. Services will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday March 30, 2009 at the Grace Community Church located at Lanark, W.Va., with Pastor Phillip Lilly officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday March 29, 2009 at Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley and from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Grace Community Church on Monday. Nephews and cousins will serve as pallbearers, and men of the Grace Community Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family requests memorial contributions be made to: Duke University's Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, c/o Jennifer Kajcienski, 2400 Pratt Street, Ste 9000, Durham, NC 27710 Online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

GALLOWAY, Ohio — Karen Elizabeth O’Neal, 51, of Galloway, Ohio, formerly of Crab Orchard died Saturday, March 21, 2009, at her residence. Born March 16, 1958, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Russell R. O’Neal of Crab Orchard and the late Hazel Ann O’Neal. For many years, Karen attended the Crab Orchard Church of the Brethren. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and West Virginia Institute of Technology. She was employed by the State of Ohio from 1988 until 2008. Survivors include cousins, Don Priddy and wife, Vickie, of Beckley, Larry Priddy and wife, Janie, and Max Priddy and wife, Glenna, of Crab Orchard. She is also survived by an aunt, Barbara Wiseman of Crab Orchard, and other family and friends. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, with David Shumate officiating. Burial will follow at the Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service Sunday. Pallbearers will be Jim Campbell, Larry Priddy, Max Priddy, Frank Priddy, Scott Priddy and Coleman Priddy. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

RAYTOWN, Mo. — Harold Lewis Brown Sr., 76, of Raytown, passed away March 22, 2009. Harold was born April 18, 1932, in Beckley, West Virginia. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951. Harold was married to his wife, Mary Brown, for 56 years. He coached his sons at Raytown Little League and was a member of the Loma Vista Baptist Church. He served in the Army in the Korean War, stationed in Germany. Harold worked at Owens Corning Fiberglass as a Batch Operator for 36 years before retiring in 1988. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James, and a sister, Georgie. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Harold Brown Jr. and wife, Karen, David Brown and wife, Laura, Miles Brown and wife, Adrienne Brown; daughters, Rosemary and Gaye Brown; brothers, Thomas, Jerry and Howard Brown; grandchildren, William, Christopher and Jessica Brown, Oak Hollaman, J.P. Francisco Jr., Houston and Shelby Brown; and one great-grandchild, Drake Brown. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www. dwnewcomers.com. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, March 26, 2009, at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Chapel. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2009, at the chapel. Burial in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133, 816-353-1218.

David Frederick Meadows, 46, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2009, as a result of complications following surgery. David has been a resident of Greenville for the last 22 years, where he and his wife, Denise, were engaged in property real estate management operating DM properties. In addition they previously owned and operated Express Food Mart in Grimesland, Chicod Citgo and Express Café. David was still a member of his home church, Memorial Baptist Church in Beckley. A generous person by nature David was compassionate to those in need and enjoyed making provisions for others when he could. He enjoyed working with Denise and their partnership was very strong. They had a gift for real estate renovation and he enjoyed their many projects. Interacting with his customers and tenants was a favorite pastime as well as his involvement in the restoration of antique cars. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Denise Dixon Meadows; son, Bryan David, and daughter, Kristin Leigh, of Winterville; parents, Fred and Theresa Meadows of Columbia, S.C.; twin brother, Donald C. Meadows and wife, Vicki, of Columbia, S.C.; a sister, Marcia Elaine Smith and husband, Charles, of Atlanta; and a special pet “Sissie.” Service was conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Shawn Bruce and burial followed in Pinewood Memorial in Greenville, S.C. Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Chapel. [WWHS Class of 1980]

Lyda Earehart Tingler, 81, of Beaver, died Tuesday night, Oct. 28, 2008, at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley. Mrs. Tingler was born Aug. 9, 1927, in Covington, Va., a daughter of the late Charles Houston and Juanita Andrews Earehart. She was the retired owner and operator of the former H & L Jewelers in Covington. Mrs. Tingler was a member of the Martha Chapter No. 9, Order of the Eastern Star in Covington. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Tingler was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Womack Tingler in 1986; a son, Stephen Tingler in 2006; and also by three brothers, Charles Earehart Jr., Dillard Earehart and Billy Earehart. Surviving are three daughters, Susan Brown and her husband, George, and Jackie Nanney and her husband, Robert, all of Covington, Va., and Betty Moore and her husband, James, of Beaver; three sons, Henry W. “ Hank” Tingler Jr. of Covington, Robert Tingler and his wife, “Nanci,” of Satellite Beach, Fla., and William “Joe” Tingler and his wife, Cheryl, of Ormond Beach, Fla.; one daughter-in-law, Rebecca Tingler of Covington, Va.; 13 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren; four sisters, Juanita Hines and her husband, George, of Austin, Texas, Virginia Spencer and her husband Artie, of Covington, Va. and Norma Jo Dakos of Fort Myer, Fla., and Betty Daniel of Beckley; two brothers, Howard Earehart and Andy Earehart, both of Beckley, and a host of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel in Covington with the Rev. Jamie B. Pharr officiating. The interment will be made in Alleghany Memorial Park at Covington, Va. Friends may pay their respects at anytime at Arritt Funeral Home. The family will receive their friends for one hour prior to service time Saturday at Arritt Funeral Home. The online guest book is available at arrittfuneralhome.com. [WWHS Class of 1945]

Lillian Edith Martin Shumate, age 84, of Beckley, died Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Division following a short illness. Born on May 18, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Walter Martin and Maggie Sue Albert Martin Meadows. Mrs. Shumate was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Jess T. Shumate; four sisters, Dorothy Lonora Welch, Ruby Katherine Fox, Gladys Gertrude Adkins, and Lucille Eva Martin. Mrs. Shumate worked 18 years for Dr. Mays at the Old Stanaford Company Store, the J.C. Penney Store in Beckley, a mining company in Mt. Hope. Lillian helped many people in her lifetime. Mrs. Shumate was a former member of the Stanaford Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in a quartet with Raymond Hunter, Willie Smith and her sisters among other people in the church. Memorial Baptist Church was her last home church, where she admired Jim Franklin and his wife’s dedication as a minister, and his radio program “Songs in the Night.” She was vice president of the Raleigh County League of Democratic Women and a very active member of the Degree of Honor. Left to cherish her memory are Wanda Marcum, whom she reared just like her own daughter, of Beckley; nieces, Janet, Norma, Navis, Shelia, and Betty; nephew, Lacy Adkins Jr.; and three stepchildren, Greg, Jane, and Karen. Special caregivers and loving family members include Wanda and Skipper Marcum, Mavis McQuillen, Norma Lewis, Lisa and Julie Adkins. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with the Rev. Jim Franklin and Pastor Paul Blizard officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the services. Men of the church will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1936]

William Henry File Jr., 94, of Beckley, died on March 15, 2009 at the Cleveland Clinic following a short illness. Born October 13, 1914 at his parents’ home on North Kanawha Street in Beckley, he was the son of the late Judge W. H. File Sr. and Addie Lanier File. Mr. File was a 1930 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a 1934 graduate of Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia and received his law degree (L.L.B.) in 1937 from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Law Review and the Raven Society. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, serving as a junior officer in the amphibious force from 1942 to 1945. He first served aboard the USS Calvert APA 32 as a boat officer and participated in the invasion of Sicily. He was a boat officer in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, being in charge of 12 rocket-launching boats in the first wave at Omaha Red Beach. He later became a Commanding Officer of LCSL3130, a rocket-launching amphibious craft which he commissioned in Boston, took through the Panama Canal and which saw combat in the Pacific including shooting down an attacking Kamikaze plane, being one of the last U.S. ships to do so. For his service he was awarded a Silver Star and a Legion of Merit. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of Commander. Mr. File joined his father and his Uncle, Ashton File, in the Beckley law firm of File and File in 1937 and except for his service in World War II, practiced law continuously with that firm, now known as File Payne Scherer & File PLLC, for more than 65 years. He was proud to be the longest practicing member of that firm, which has served the Beckley community for more than 100 years. His law partners have included his three sons and his son-in-law, E. M. Payne III. He was still of counsel to that firm at the time of his death. He served two terms in the W.Va. House of Delegates from 1947 – 1951, one term as majority leader. He was a former City Attorney of the City of Beckley, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the West Virginia Bar Foundation. Mr. File served for many years as a director, officer and attorney for Bank of Raleigh, Raleigh Bankshares and Horizon Bancorp. He also served as a director of Beckley Federal Savings & Loan Association and Acme Limestone Company. Besides his parents, Mr. File was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie (“Tag”) Wriston File, and two sisters, Ann Louise File and Lanier File Ratcliffe. He is survived by four children, Susan File Payne and husband, E. M. “Ned” Payne III, William H. File III, Robert N. File and wife, Ellen Lilly File, and John Lanier File and wife, Lee Dalton File, eight grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Lanier Payne and husband, Dr. René Etcheberrigaray, John Tucker Payne and wife, Allison Blanchard Payne, William H. File IV, Sarah Elizabeth File, Haley Broyles File, Lindsay Catherine File, Audrey Ashton File and Laura Ellen File and four great-grandchildren, Amanda Davis Etcheberrigaray, Daniel Xavier Etcheberrigaray, Wallace Lanier Payne and John Tucker Payne Jr. He is also survived by a sister, Elizabeth File Reed. Mr. File was a life-long member of the First Christian Church, Courthouse Square, Beckley, where he taught Sunday School for many years and was a Deacon, Trustee and former Chairman of the Board. Services will be at First Christian Church on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Don Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at Calfee Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009, or one hour prior to the service at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, Post Office Box 5556, Beckley, West Virginia 25801 or the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Pallbearers will be his sons, grandsons and son-in-law. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

On Friday, March 13, 2009, our beloved Bobbie Bair Short passed away at Beaver. She was in her 92nd year. Although Bobbie had been a resident of the Inn, The Villages of Greystone, for the past year, she had also maintained her home in Beckley where she lived for nearly 60 years. Born Bobbie Marguerite Bair on November 2, 1916, in Beckley, she was the last surviving child of Robert Taylor and Mabel Kent Bair. Her sisters, Ruth Snead, Marie Lynch Campbell, Ina Bair, Nedra Diehl, and Lucille Donovan, and brothers, Adolph and James Bair, also preceded her in death. As a child, Bobbie lived at the family home on 412 South Kanawha Street. Her father was a prominent Beckley businessman, a founder of Bair Brothers Ford, and owner and builder of the Bair Building. She attended Central Grade School, Beckley Junior High, and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1935. After high school, she attended Beckley College, Greenbrier College for Women, and graduated from Morris Harvey College. After graduation, she taught elementary school at Helen, Mt. Tabor, and Crescent grade schools. A member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, Bobbie especially enjoyed the Presbyterian Super Circle and attended faithfully until her health began to fail. She was a member of the Raleigh County Retired Teachers Association, the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, the Washington-Lewis Daughters of the American Revolution, and Fredericksburg Chapter 163 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Bobbie was especially proud of being a volunteer at the Beckley Veterans Hospital for seven years with 1,074 hours of service. A patriotic woman, she faithfully flew the American flag at her home. Bobbie Bair will be remembered for her love of sports. She was a follower of the Beckley sports teams and was an AVID fan of the WVU Mountaineers football and basketball teams. In addition to the Bair family, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Short, in 1988. Bobbie is the loving mother of Cathy Akers and her husband Richard of Fredericksburg, Va., and Edward Short and his wife Jackie of Dublin, Ga.; the doting grandmother of Brandon Akers and his wife Toni of Mount Pleasant, S.C., and William Short of Atlanta, Ga.; and a great-granddaughter, Savannah Hope Akers. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Greystone, and especially to Bobbie’s dear friend, Jane Meadows. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. Adrian Pratt officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley, W.Va.

On Sunday, February 22, 2009, our beloved Gregory Stephan Botman of Salt Springs, Fla., formerly of Crab Orchard, passed away at his home. He was 56 years of age. Born on June 25th, 1952, at Mullens, Steve as he was affectionately known was the precious son of Rita Riddle Botman of Beckley and the late Paul Botman. Steve spent his childhood at Crab Orchard on Old Grove Road. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps, where he held the rank of Lance Corporal. Following his stint in service, he settled in Los Angeles, California, where he began a career with the City of Los Angeles Public Transportation System. After his retirement, he moved to Salt Springs, Florida, where he has made his home since 2002. Steve was an outdoorsman; he loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed watching sports. In addition to his mother, Rita, he is survived by his son, Gregory, of the home and a daughter, Paula Raye of Sacramento, Calif.; he is the dear brother of Paul Stewart Botman and Sylvia of Beckley and his lifelong friend from childhood, Dennis Shrewsbury of Hillsville, Va. There will be a service for Steve on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends from noon until the service hour. He will then be laid to rest beside his father at Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Long, Timmy and Stanley Sweeney, Randy Riddle, Cleve Hicks, and Jimmy Tincher. Honorary pallbearer will be his buddy, Dennis Shrewsbury. Oak Hill Post 3110, Veterans of the Foreign Wars, will conduct military rites. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.

Judy G. Thomas, of Beckley and Elkview, passed away March 1, 2009, in Charleston, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. She was born Nov. 20, 1952, at Beckley, the daughter of the late Orville F. and Chrystal Albert Thomas. Judy had been a teacher at Park Jr. High and was currently serving as Principal of Beckley/Stratton Middle School. She had 31 years of service to Raleigh County Schools. Judy attended schools in Raleigh County (1970 graduate of WWHS) and earned degrees from WVU and Marshall University. She was very active in sports while in school and was volleyball coach for WVU. Judy served in coaching positions in Gilmer County, WWHS, and Anchorage Christian School. Left to mourn her loss are sisters: Tammy (Robert) Handley of Mount Hope and Patty (Doug) Miser of Vienna, W.Va.; brothers: Larry (Loretta) Hall of Anchorage, Alaska, Roger (Karen) Thomas and Rick Thomas of Beckley and Charles Thomas of Franklin, Ohio, and good friend, Barbara Hall. She leaves 13 nieces and nephews, whom she adored, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. She also leaves her students and staff of Beckley/Stratton whom she loved and they loved her in return. A celebration of Judy’s life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Maxwell Hill Baptist Church, 301 Teel Road, Beckley, W.Va., with the Rev. Joe Ferguson officiating. Friends will be received by the family 3 to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the church and one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for a scholarship in Judy’s name through Beckley Area Foundation. This scholarship will be available to students of Beckley/Stratton who plan to attend WVU, the school Judy loved. Committal services and burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens at Cross Lanes, W.Va., at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2009, our beloved Delores Jean Bolen passed away in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. She was in her 75th year. Delores Jean was born on March 11th, 1933, at Washington, Pa., the eldest of three children born to the late Stanley and Margaret Gregor. Her brother, Sonny, preceded her in death. A Roman Catholic, she was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. A lifelong resident of the Lester and Glen White area, Delores Jean was a 1951 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. A bookkeeper, she worked at Raleigh General Hospital and retired from John W. Eye due to her declining health from kidney disease. Her husband, Arthur C. Bolen, preceded her in death in 1981. The loving mother of Pamela Pannell and her husband Mike and Arthur A. Bolen and his wife Julie all of Beckley; she is the dear grandmother of Brent Bolen, Angela and Leslie Pannell and Tara Goodin and her husband David; a sister, Jackie of Washington, Pa., also survives. The Rite of Christian Burial will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel with Fr. Chapin Engler officiating. The Rite of Committal will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service. The family suggest donations of sympathy can be made to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, WV Region, PO Box 12110, Charleston, WV 25302; or Gideons International, Beckley Gideon Camp, c/o A. Keith Walker, 517 Orchard Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1951]

A memorial service for Dewitt Kennemur, 76, of Athens will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at McConnell Funeral Home with Pat Driskell officiating. Visitation is from 2-2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home Mr. Kennemur died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Linda Calvin Kennemur of Athens; daughters, Lisa K. Halsey and husband Mike of Hermitage, Tenn., and Dena Trammell and husband Jesse of Rogersville; grandchildren, Caitlin Halsey Schober and husband Jacob, Alexandra Murphy, Logan Halsey and Savannah Trammell; great-granddaughter, Isabella Schober. Mr. Dewitt Kennemur was born Feb. 19, 1933 in Beckley, W.Va. to Dewitt Talmadge Kennemur and Helen Marie Bowers Kennemur. Mr. Kennemur was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He graduated from Athens State College in 1986 and retired in 1990 from teaching for Metro Nashville Public Schools. He volunteered for many years for the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Geezer’s in Athens. Mr. Kennemur was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. [News-Courier, Athens, Ala.; WWHS Class of 1951]

COLLINSVILLE, Va. — Rives Anderson Witt, age 70, of Collinsville, died Monday, March 9, 2009, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 23, 1938, in Beckley, son of the late Roland and Geraldine Rives Witt. He had attended VPI. He was an avid golfer and hunter. He was a member of the Collinsville Jaycees, the Old Dominion Street Rod Association, The Blue Ridge Ski and Outing Club and Beaver Hills Golf Course. He was of the Presbyterian faith and attended Jones Chapel Church of the Brethren. He retired from Stanley Furniture with over 38 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Shirley J. Witt of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly E. and Chris Evers of Atlanta, Ga.; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael A. and Amanda C. Witt of Collinsville; a sister, Jane Witt Haga of Beckley; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Roland M. and Karen Witt of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Richard T. and Susan Witt of Poplar Grove, Ill.; a granddaughter, Ansley E. Evers; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ann and Tommy Oakley of Martinsville and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009, at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Bassett, and other times at the home. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2009, at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Bassett, with the Rev. Barry Sink and the Rev. Jimmy Cannaday officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.collinsmckeestone.com Arrangements are by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Bassett. [WWHS Class of 1956]

LEWISVILLE, TEXAS — Roderick “Rod” Gallimore, 75, Lewisville, passed from this earth into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on March 8 after a courageous battle with cancer. Rod was born in Crab Orchard, W.Va., to the late Paul and Ruby Gallimore. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School Beckley, W.Va., in 1952 and attended Beckley College and West Virginia University. He was a proud member of the 11th Airborne Division, 503rd AIR, Easy Company. He is a member of the Brethren Church. Rod married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Haynes, on April 10, 1954. He was a photoengraver with Florida Times Union for 10 years. He began his career in health care support services with Service Master Hospital Corp. in 1968. He retired from Hospital Corp. of America in April 2007 after a 39-year career in health care. He was a Laundry/Linen, EVA Coordinator for the HCA North Texas Division. His career took him all over the country and he became a mentor to a number of young men who are still like sons to him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Rocky of Lewisville, and son, Daniel and daughter-in-law, Allison, of Lewisville, both employed at the Medical Center Of Lewisville. He is also survived by the Apple of His Eye, his precious granddaughter, Amy Thissell, who could bring a smile to her Paw Paw’s face by just walking into the room. He is also survived by brother Richard and sister-in-law Madeline of Pearland, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. For several years Rod loved sailing Grapevine Lake in “Amy G” and “Karen Reid.” Rod’s passion was golf and he loved spending time at his retirement home at Falconhead Resort and Country Club in Burneyville, Okla. He loved to say he “started to feel better when he crossed the Red River, headed north.” He was also a member of a West Virginia hunting club and enjoyed spending time in the beautiful West Virginia mountains with his buddies. Rod was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother, and our hearts are broken. His kind and quiet demeanor had a calming effect on all who came in contact with him. He was a true gentleman who earned the respect of all who had the honor of knowing him. Rod was the anchor of our family and was everything good. He will be sorely missed. The family received friends at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 S. Edmonds Lane, Lewisville, Texas, between 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2009. A graveside service with military honors will be at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, with Rod’s brother-in-law, the Rev. Bud Israel officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Obituary and guestbook at mulkeymason.com (Lewisville).

Cathy Sue “Susie” Stump Pack, 57, of Piney View, passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at CAMC following a short illness. Born Dec. 11, 1951, at Fitzpatrick, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Luther and Iva Smith Stump of Fitzpatrick, W.Va. She was of the Baptist faith. Preceding her in death besides her parents are two brothers, Larry and Bobby Stump; two sisters, Dorothy Shirkey and Drema Stump. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 29 years, Clayton E. Pack Sr. of Piney View; a son, Clayton E. Pack Jr. and wife, Sara, of Piney View; a daughter, Pam Cash and husband, Ronnie, of Mabscott; two stepchildren, Donnie Walker and wife, Crystal, and April Bunting and husband, Marvin, all of Beckley; three grandchildren, who were the love of her life, Kayla, Jayson and Alyssa Pack, all of Piney View; and a granddaughter, Sue Ellen Cash due in May; nine stepgrandchildren, Ronnie Jr., Billy, and Corey, all of Mabscott, Trey, Cora, Kirsten, Tyler, Jade and Kaitlynn, all of Beckley. She is also survived by two sisters, Jean Sears (also her best friend) and husband, Curtis, of Crab Orchard, Audrey Kasler and husband, Terry, of Canton, Ohio; two brothers, Billy Stump and wife, Rowena, of MacArthur and Michael Stump and wife, Carol, of Canton, Ohio; several nieces and nephews, including three special ones: Sherry, Curt and Tina Sears, all of Crab Orchard. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley with Pastor Jessie Farley and Pastor Bill Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Curtis Sears Jr., Bobby Sears, Cody Sears, Harold Pack and Donnie Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Cash and Jim Richmond Jr. She will be greatly missed by a host of family and friends.

Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

PRINCETON — William E. “Bill” Painter Jr., 75, of 17 Rolling Hills, Princeton, died Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at Princeton Community Hospital. Born June 3, 1933, at Pemberton, he was the son of the late William E. Painter and Lucy Johnson Painter. Mr. Painter attended Immanuel Baptist Church in Princeton and was a veteran of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. He was retired from Firestone having been store manager in Bluefield. He was a member of Princeton Masonic Lodge 134 AF & AM where he was Past Master. He loved to hunt, fish and play billiards. He loved and cherished his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Di Re. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Myrna Ball Painter of the home; one son, Mark Edward Painter of Florence, S.C.; one daughter, Cheryl Lynn Painter of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; two sisters, Betty Bonham and husband, Fred, of Bradley and Patricia Cherry of Orlando, Fla.; and by a favorite niece, Kara Riffe and family. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2009, at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Jonathan Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Princeton where a Masonic graveside service will be conducted by Princeton Masonic Lodge No. 134 AF & AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Friday, February 6, at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bailey-kirk.com. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home, Princeton. [WWHS Class of 1951]

In Loving Memory of Gary Schiffer who died on Sunday, February 8, 2009, at age 68 at the Bowers Hospice House. Gary was born in Beckley, W.Va., on January 1, 1941, to his late mother Anne Cook Schiffer. He grew up and eventually returned to spend his life in Beckley with short stints in N.Y. as a “runner” on Wall Street and in the Army stationed in West Germany where he served as an Army Tank Commander from 1959 to 1963. While in the Army he was a Scoutmaster to an American scout unit in West Germany, and managed a local baseball team while stationed in Crailsheim. When he returned from service he continued his love of baseball, for the next 30 years, by being active in his local little league. In addition, he earned many awards throughout his lifetime as a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout and as an adult he earned the highest honor of the Silver Beaver Award. His greatest love and privilege was educating children for 30 years at Mark Twain Elementary School and Piney View Elementary School, both in Beckley, and earned the American Legion Teacher Award. Gary or “Bubby” as he is known to his family will be sadly missed. He is survived by his sister Helen and her husband Dr. Abul Mohiuddin, his nephews Abu and Khaled and their families, cousins Howard Yeager and his wife Carol, Barbara Delp, Mary Elizabeth Cantwell and her husband Danny, Lory Cook, Linda Ann Cook, Michael Cook, and Linda Marie Cook the widow of J.C. He also left behind many loving friends and colleagues who will miss him. Following Gary’s wishes a private burial was held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Beckley Little League, P.O. Box 812, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1958]

Mildred Christian Maynard, age 85, of Daniels, formerly of Beckley, died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, at the home of her daughter, Ada Carpenter, following a long illness. Born on Oct. 21, 1923, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Cecil F. Christian and Ada Jane Stanley Christian. Mrs. Maynard was a 1941 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She spent most of her life at Mt. Tabor, except for the past nine years residing in Daniels with her daughter. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1974, Tobias W. Maynard; a brother, Cecil F. Christian; two sisters, Marie Huffman and Mary Daniel. Survivors include three children, Clifford David Christian and wife, Sue, of Beckley, Douglas Maynard and his wife, Sandi, of Old Eccles Road, Beckley, and Ada Carpenter of Daniels; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Kestner of Mt. Tabor; a stepdaughter, Wilma Murphy of Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel with Brother Daymond Snuffer officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call two hours prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home. Friends and family members will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. The family wishes to give special thanks to the wonderful staff at Gentiva Health Services for all the love and support. Special caregivers Brenda Adkins and Marie King, we are so thankful for all the care provided. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

Jesse Michael Cline of Beckley passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at the age of 36. He was born in Charleston, W.Va., on May 13, 1972. Those remaining to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are: his mother, Patrikina Cline, and her husband Steve Costelli of Surfside Beach, S.C., his father John Cline, and his wife, Tammy Campbell-Cline, of Piney View; two brothers, Matthew Cline, his wife, Casey Cline, and daughter, Zoe Cline, of Charleston, S.C., and Brooks Cline of Piney View, W.Va.; his maternal grandmother, Elfriede Richards, and uncle, Meikl Richards, of Castroville, Calif.; two paternal aunts, Ann Cline, and her husband, George Atkins, of Chicago, Ill., and Cathi Cline of Schenectady, N.Y., and one paternal uncle, Andy Cline, and his wife, Jennie Cline, of Andover, Mass. His special friend, Cindy White, and her daughter, Ava, of Fayetteville, W.Va.; his cousins, Martin Bryant, Elizabeth Bryant, Sara Atkins, Heidi Wall, and Kevin Cline. In addition, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ovide Richards, of Castroville, Calif.; and his paternal grandparents, Crawford and Catharine Cline, of Beckley, formerly of East Aurora, N.Y. Jesse loved his family, his friends, the outdoors, and being on a river. He was an avid reader, a raft guide, a lawyer, and had started to study nursing. Jesse graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1990, West Virginia University, and WVU College of Law in 2002. He clerked for Judge John Hrko in Wyoming County for three years and currently was employed by the W.Va. Insurance Commission, Office of Consumer Advocacy. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Jesse’s life on Saturday, February 7th, at Class VI (Smokey’s), Ames Heights Road, Lansing, W.Va., at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Appalachian Center for the Economy and Environment (www.appalachian-center.org) or Mountain Justice (www.mountainjusticesummer.org) or West Virginia Rivers Coalition (http://www.wvrivers.org). Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Floda Mae Cantabery, age 89, of Beckley, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley. Born December 7, 1919, in Beckley, she was one of three daughters of Charles and Eva Richardson of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Wanda Dunkley. Floda was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and afterward attended Bowling Green University where she earned her teaching degree in business. She later went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Marshall University. Floda had a long and rewarding life as a high school teacher and counselor at Clear Fork and Shady Spring High Schools where she tutored and shaped many young lives. Her mentoring was remembered throughout her students’ lives as she was asked through the years to attend their class reunions from even fifty years past. Floda had many, many friends and always had a smile and a welcome hello. Her friends knew her as someone that cared and loved those around her. She was always involved in charitable work in the community and lent a hand in organizing, directing, or doing any work that made whatever she did a success. She was active in 4H, the Women’s Club of Beckley and the WVEA and attended the First Baptist Church of Beckley. She dedicated her life to her family with unconditional love and sacrifice. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and neighbor and will be sadly missed by all. She will be forever loved and missed by her sister Nelle Keefer, her one son Rick and his wife Shea of Conway, Arkansas; two grandchildren, John Cantabery and his wife Lori of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Abby King and her husband Stuart of Conway, Arkansas. Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 1, at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B with Dr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA, or online www.diabetes.org. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Deborah Denise Matney, 50, of Fries died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at her home. Funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. at the Bluefield Church of God in Bluefield, W.Va., with the Rev. Danny Scott officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Memory Gardens at Bluefield. She was a retired registered nurse having graduated with an associate degree from Elizabethtown Community College in Kentucky. She was an avid reader and enjoyed photography, crafts, the Internet and shopping. She leaves behind a void that cannot be filled in the lives of all she touched and knew. She was preceded in death by her father, the Rev. Ray Franklin Jackson; and her grandmother, Irene Jeffrey. Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Maj. (Retired) Randel Matney of the home; two daughters, Cassandra Gullion and husband, Jason, of Chilhowie, Amber Ritchey and husband, Michael, of Chesterfield; a son, Steven Matney and wife, Brandy, of Galax; her mother, Shirley Jackson of Bluefield; a brother, Steve Jackson of Tuckerton, N.J.; a sister, Tammy Rutherford and husband, Darnell, of Riner; 15 grandchildren, Sierra, Scott, Alyssa, Franklin, Tyler, Hailey, Vanessa, Jalynn, Michelle, Jacob, Rachel, Haley, Jordan, Darren and Aleigha; and several nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much. Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 2224 Jefferson St. S.E., Roanoke, VA 24014. Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements. [WWHS Class of 1977] A guestbook is here.

HARVEY — Charles Edward Minor, 59, of Harvey, W.Va., formerly of Beckley, died Saturday, January 24, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, W.Va., following a long illness. Born May 29, 1949, in Beckley, he was the son of the late William and Thelma Herring Minor. Charles was in the first graduating class of Woodrow Wilson High School in 1968. He worked in the shipyards in Norfolk, Va. He came back to Beckley, where he worked as an electrician in the coal mines. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William Minor Jr. and Kenneth R. Minor. Left to cherish precious memories are his devoted wife of 33 years, Stephanie Brown Minor; one sister, Alice (William) Richardson of Beckley; three brothers, Roy (Dreama) Minor, Ronald (Pandora) Minor and Donald (Lorraine) Minor, all of Beckley; stepson, Rocco Brown of Charleston; stepmother-in-law, Yvette Brown of Beckley; brothers-in-law, Prophet Dennis Booker of Charleston and Billy Brown of Columbus, Ohio; uncles, George Booker and Rev. Perkins Johnson; aunt, Catherine Bradford and Jo Ann Booker; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

On Wednesday, January 28th, 2009, Loretta Brezack Hancock of Hartwell, Ga., formerly of Beckley, passed away in Hartwell. She was in her 88th year. Born Loretta Anna Brezack on July 4th, 1920, in Raleigh County, she was one of two daughters born to the late John and Liddie Wills Brezack. Her sister, Francis Keith of Crescent Road, preceded her in death. Loretta grew up in Raleigh; she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High, Class of 1938. A homemaker, she dedicated her life to her family. Baptized on October 29, 1941, she was of the Baptist faith and a former member of the Memorial Baptist Church. Loretta enjoyed life and her time on earth, but was looking forward to joining God and a heavenly reunion with her parents, sister and all those that went before her. In addition to the Brezack family, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kimberly Hancock, and a great-grandson, Brian Scott Hancock. Loretta loved and was loved by her three sons and their wives, Bob and Debbie Hancock of Fairview, Tenn.; Jim and Elaine Hancock of Lowndesboro, Ala.; and Ron and Heather Hancock of Hartwell. She was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. David Trump officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evening and one hour prior to the services on Sunday. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Thelma Jean Taylor, age 76, of Beckley, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at the Heartland of Beckley Nursing Home. Born on Dec. 5, 1932, at Stanaford, she was the daughter of the late George A. Mays Sr. and Elsie L. Bowling Mays. She had made her home at Raleigh most of her life. Mr. Taylor was a retired secretary, having worked at Beckley Loan, Appalachian Tire Products and Fairchild Equipment. She was last employed at the Mine Academy. She was a member of the West Raleigh Baptist Church, where she served as a pianist. She was a loving mother who cherished her family dearly and all her friends at Wildwood House. She also played the piano there for services. Ms. Taylor was preceded in death by a brother, George A. Mays Jr. and a sister, Myra Shumate. Survivors include her children, Judy Lilly and husband, Robert of Beckley, Peggy Loan of Radford, Va., Patricia Voloski and husband, John of Beckley, Claude Taylor and wife, Cheryl of Richmond, Va.; three brothers, Harold Mays and wife, Betty of Beckley, Jackie Mays and wife, Margaret of Raleigh, and Robert Mays and wife, Jeanette of Beaver; three sisters, Vivian Yost and husband, Arnold of Raleigh, Dorothy Calfee of Raleigh, and Mary Treadway and husband, Tommy of Raleigh; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with the Rev. Cleve Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons and sons-in-law. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1951]

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Mrs. Mary Kathryn Carter, wonderful friend, beloved Mom and respected teacher, of Orange Park, Fla., passed away on January 21, 2009. Mrs. Carter was born on June 8, 1941, in Beckley, W.Va., the daughter of the late Royal Frank and Verna Evelyn Baker. She graduated Class of 1959 from Woodrow Wilson High School, in Beckley. She then attended West Virginia University and was active in many University activities, including President of her Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and Sweetheart of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Mrs. Carter received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, along with minors in English and social studies, from West Virginia University in 1963. Mrs. Carter was a widely traveled and highly accomplished teacher of 27 years. Her teaching career began in Quitman, Ga., in 1963, where she taught for two years. From there, she traveled extensively, teaching in Shalimar, Florida, Bitburg, Germany, Alamogordo, New Mexico, and Green Cove Springs, Florida. Mrs. Carter then began her highly successful 17-year career as a fourth-grade teacher at Lakeside Elementary School in Orange Park, where she retired in 1996. During her time at Lakeside, Mrs. Carter positively enriched the lives of hundreds of children, as well as her fellow teaching staff. Mrs. Carter is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Colonel Samuel Carter of Orange Park, and her loving son, Chris, of Atlanta, Ga. She is also survived by her sisters Libby Wood of Livermore, Calif., and June Jackson of Clendenin, W.Va. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Baker, of Aberdeen, Md. Services for Mrs. Carter will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park, with visitation at 3 p.m. A gathering of friends will be held at the Orange Park Country Club following the services. The family has asked that interested friends make a donation to Sav-A-Child, of Jacksonville, in lieu of flowers or other gifts. For more information, please see Sav-A-Child’s Web site at http://www.sav-a-child.com/Donations-.htm, or contact them by phone at 1-866-656-2720. Donations can also be mailed to Sav-A-Child at P.O. Box 15197, Jacksonville, FL 32239. Mrs. Mary Carter is deeply loved and will be dearly missed by everyone having the pleasure of making her acquaintance. Arrangements by Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073, 904-272-2435.

Palmer Hill Walker, 59, of Beckley, died January 21, 2009, at his residence. A memorial service will be conducted 12 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2009, at the Beckley Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Adrian Pratt officiating. The family will gather with friends at the church following the service. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Eugene Austin Bryner (G.B.), age 68, of 309 East Prince St., Beckley, W.Va., died Tuesday, January 20, 2009, following a short illness. Born November 1, 1939, at Beckley, W.Va., he was the son of the late Clyde A. Bryner and Edna E. Jones Bryner. Gene was a retired real estate broker and owner of Mountaineer Realty. He was a foreman with Slabfork Coal Co., district manager at RGIS Inventory, and at the time of his death, he was an employee of the Register-Herald Newspaper. Gene was a member of the Beckley Moose Lodge No. 1606, Eagles Club, and VFW. Gene served in the U.S. Arms Services under the Air Force. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margret Soltes Bryner; a sister, Ada Louise Stanley; and father-in-law, Joe Soltes. Survivors include his children, Rodney Gene Bryner and his wife Cathy of Tampa, Fla., and Ricky Lee Bryner and his wife Nancy of Richmond, Va.; two grandsons, Mick and Drew Bryner of Richmond, Va.; a granddaughter, Lauren Bryner of Tampa, Fla.; three brothers-in-law, Warner Stanley II of Prosperity, W.Va., George Soltes and wife Vicky of Beckley, W.Va., and Joseph Soltes and wife Linda of Greenfield, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with Rev. Mr. Don Wise officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. today. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley. [WWHS Class of 1958]

BENA - Harriett Vaught Baines, 74, died peacefully with family at her side on Jan. 21, 2009. Harriett graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, W.Va., entered nursing school, thus beginning a long career as a Registered Nurse. She started working in the Newport News Shipyard Clinic and retired many years later from Riverside Walter Reed Hospital. She had the ability to make any patient feel better just by her presence and she took very good care of her patients. Harriett was a very active member of Union Baptist Church, working with Children's Church, keeping prayer lists and organizing the nursery. She was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Harriett's real passion was the love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren. Her parents, O. T. and Ruth Vaught, five siblings and a daughter preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, John L. Baines Jr.; daughter, Joan Evans; son, John L. Baines III and fiancEe, Kathy; three grandchildren, Brandy Evans and fiancE, Brian, Jason Evans and wife, Ashley, Zachary Evans; sister, Marion Sowers and husband, Ernie; brother, Pete Vaught and friend, Jackie. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Richard Whiteheart, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, at Union Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. In Harriett's memory, the family asks for memorial contributions be given to the Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Bena, VA 23018. View and post condolences on our online guestbook here. Published in the Daily Press from 1/23/2009 - 1/24/2009.

Amerigo S. Cappellari died Saturday, January 17, 2009. Born in New York City, N.Y., he was a son of the late Severino and Margaret Bosia Cappellari. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, W.Va., and West Virginia University with a B.S. in Education (1939) and a B.S. in Civil Engineering (1943). He was a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Society and W.Va. University Emeritus Society. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 62nd Engineering Battalion of the 44th Division during World War II in the European Theater. He was engaged in coal surface mining in southern West Virginia for 40 years and spent 45 years as a resident of Beckley, W.Va., prior to his moving to Hartsville in 2001. He was a charter member and past president of the State Chapter of W.Va. Society of Professional Engineers, past state president of W.Va. Society of Civil Engineers, president of the Civitan Club and PTA Central School, and was a Scoutmaster. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Sons of Italy. He supported many charities and the Cappellari Foundation. He did volunteer work at Carolina Pines Hospital pushing his “goody cart.” He also called bingo at assisted living homes in West Virginia and Hartsville. He was fondly known as “Mr. C” to all that knew and loved him. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Rose Mary Benvenuto Cappellari of Hartsville, S.C.; sons, David (Cindy) Cappellari of Smith Mt. Lake, Va., Charlie (Frankie) Cappellari of Beckley, W.Va., and Richard (Alana) Cappellari of Beckley, W.Va.; daughters, Aurelia (Richard) Smith of Hartsville, S.C., Mary Margaret Spica of Wilder, Ky., and Anita (Fred) Deen of Roanoke, Va.; a sister, Silea Luchini of Beckley, W.Va.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial for Amerigo S. Cappellari, 92, will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Karl Roesch as Celebrant. Final commendation and farewell prayers will be in Westview Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the residence, 1219 Crooked Creek Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Cappellari to Volunteer Services, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, 1304 West BoBo Newsome Highway, Hartsville, SC 29550. Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home is serving the family. [WWHS Class of 1935]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jesse “Tex” E. Houston Jr., 71, died on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, at his home following a short illness. Jesse was born at Bearwallow, Va., on Jan. 7, 1937. He was the son of Bessie Pruitt Houston of Camp Verde, Ariz., and the late Jesse E. Houston. Jesse was raised in MacArthur, W.Va., and attended Hollywood Elementary and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School with the class of 1954. He enlisted into the Air Force on May 10, 1955. Jesse was a Retired Air Force Master Sgt. having served in such major commands as the NORAD, ADC, PACAF, SAC and USAFE. he also worked in the computer technology field after his retirement and was a Hot Air Balloon Enthusiast and piloted “The Yellow Rose of Tex’s.” Jesse was preceded in death by his father, Jesse E. Houston. He is survived by his mother, Bessie Pruitt Houston of Camp Verde, Ariz.; his sister, Bobbie Tennant (Duane) of Camp Verde, Ariz.; his brother, Jim Houston (Arlene) of MacArthur; and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Memorial services will be conducted in Camp Verde, Ariz., on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2009. Burial will follow in the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz. A life celebration will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at the Colorado Springs Solo’s Restaurant. Memorial donations may be made to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, 1443 E. Washington Blvd. No. 650, Pasadena, CA 91104-2650. Donation No. S-55981. Submitted by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Wilburn Keith Waddell, age 48, of Beckley, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at the St. Francis Hospital in Charleston following a short illness. Born on July 9, 1960, at Beckley, he was the son of the late Fred Waddell and Barbara Ann Thornton Waddell. Keith was a former employee of Stone and Thomas, Wal-Mart of Beckley and Charlie Earehart Dodge Inc. as a maintenance employee. Keith was a member of the Crab Orchard Gospel Tabernacle. He was preceded in death by his brother, Cecil Waddell. Surviving are his daughter, Ariel Waddell of Bradley; stepdaughters, Crystal Whittaker of Piney View; brothers, Dean Waddell and wife, Brenda, of Raleigh, Ralph Tracy Waddell and wife, Terri, of Prosperity and Freddie Waddell and wife, Millie, of Beckley; sisters, Anna Bailey and husband, Billy, of Bradley and Tammy Jarrell and husband, James, of Dunbar; stepbrother, Terry Thornton of Shady Spring; two grandchildren, Logan and Austin Whittaker; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home Shady Spring Chapel with Pastor Larry Cochran officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Shady Spring Chapel. Pallbearers will be Tommy Earehart, Reed Epperly, David Hunter, Charles Redden, Ted Stump, Jr. and Michael Dean Redden. Honorary pallbearers will be Lewis, Matthew, and Michael Bailey, Jimmy Jarrell and Nathan Waddell. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring. [WWHS Class of 1979]

Wilton H. “Buck” Buchanan Jr., 78, of Washington, W.Va., died Jan. 14, 2009, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born in Amigo, W.Va., on Jan. 19, 1930, to the late Wilton H. and Mary Alice Peters Buchanan. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va., and was also a graduate of the University of Maryland. He lived in Beckley, W.Va., until enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951. He served in the U.S. A.F. for 22 years. He was Maintenance Chief for the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds from 1963 to 1965. He was employed by the U.S. government at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif., for 10 years. Buck was a member of the U.S.A.F. Thunderbird Alumni, member of the Masonic Lodge, F&AM of Okinawa, Japan. He was an active member of North Parkersburg Baptist Church, serving Wednesday night suppers, working with the Heavenly Helpers and the First Impressions Team. He was also active in the Tool Timers where he, along with dear friend Neil Bee (deceased), built props for many years for the Singing Christmas Tree. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Marge Burford; two daughters and their husbands, Vickie and Lynn Wilson of Surprise, Ariz., and Cathy and Mike Scarbrough of Forest Hill, Calif.; three granddaughters, Kristen Zipp and husband, Garrett, of Roseville, Calif., Jennifer Scarbrough of Lincoln, Calif., and Ashley Troy of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his sister and her husband and sons, Betty and Jim Stone and Chris Stone, all of Lowell, Ohio, and Kelly Stone and wife, Tonje, of Norway; four brothers and sisters-in-laws and their families, Zach Burford of Hubbard, Ohio, Barbara and Ben Bane of Crab Orchard, W.Va., Ann and David Neal of Crossville, Tenn., and Lewis and Arlea Burford of Newbury, Ohio. His close friends, Fred and Joyce Cross of Mineral Wells, W.Va., David and Lydia White of Parkersburg, and his church family of North Parkersburg Baptist Church. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Roger Anderson, Dr. Tony Byler and the nurses and staff of Division G at Marietta Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care and concern in his final days. At his request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. His body will be cremated. Memorials may be made to North Parkersburg Baptist Friendship Kitchen, 3109 Emerson Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26104. Arrangements are by Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home in south Parkersburg.