Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, April 15, 2003 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ==================================================================== Bristol Herald Courier Tuesday, April 15, 2003 Joan Ferguson Atkins MARION -- Joan Ferguson Atkins, 68, died Monday, April 14, 2003, in Inova Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, Va. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service. Eddie Baker KONNAROCK, Va. -- Eddie Baker, 90, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. He was born Sept. 3, 1912, in Wise County to the late Gilbert and Nancy Baker and was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Baker, and a granddaughter, Sarah Ann Baker. He had worked as a coal miner in Wise County and lived in Colorado for several years before moving to northern Virginia and retiring from the state highway department. Survivors include three children: Billy Baker, Norton; Nancy Baker Blevins, Konnarock; and Arthur Baker, Falls Church, Va.; four grandchildren: R.C. Blevins Jr., Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Eddie Blevins, Myrtle Beach; Philip Blevins, Myrtle Beach; and Brian Baker, Manassas; and four great-grandchildren, Eric Blevins, Katie Blevins and Brittany Blevins and Hunter Nicole Crawford. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Bethel Baptist Church of Konnarock with Rev. Jerry Fritz officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church. Bradley-Finney Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the family of Mr. Baker. Justin Blankenship JOHNSON CITY -- Mr. Justin Charles Blankenship, 20, 1814 Brookhollow Road, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at Johnson City Medical Center Hospital from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was a Washington County native and a son of Larry D. and Myra Davis Blankenship of the home. He was employed as a warehouse distribution clerk with Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport. He was a 2000 graduate of David Crockett High School and attended Northeast State Technical Community College. He was a member of the Worth/Chili's softball team and volunteered as a coach in the Johnson City Major Little League. He was a member of Union Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Roy Blankenship, and by a cousin, Kristi Rice. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include one brother, Matt Blankenship of the home; a twin sister, Larae Blankenship, Athens, Tenn.; paternal grandmother, Marie Blankenship, Jonesborough; maternal grandparents, Jay and Jewell Brummett Davis, Harriman, Tenn.; several aunts and uncles, including Ruth Rice, Jonesborough, and Sheryl and Mike McGraw, Memphis; several cousins, including Jeff Rice, Athens, and Daniel and Peter McGraw, Memphis; and a special friend, sister Larae's fiancÈ, Phil Graves, Athens. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2003, at Union Church of Christ with Mr. Lamar Garrison, Bishop Matthew Barber and Rev. Richard Blankenship officiating. The body will be at the church a half-hour prior to services. Interment will follow in Vincent United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Houston Bacon, Scott Britton, Tyler Baker, J.D. Kilbourne, Ronnie Baines, Scott Hagy, Todd Ganger and J.P. Depatis. Honorary pallbearers will be coaches of the Johnson City Major Little League, Kenny Arrowood, Dave Britton, C.B. Kinch, John Mashburn, Warren "Sonny" Miller and L.G. Smith. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m.Wednesday at the funeral home. For those who wish to send memorials, contributions may be made to the Johnson City Major Little League, P.O. Box 5011, Johnson City, TN 37601, to the Union Church of Christ Building Fund, 3639 Cherokee Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659, or to Vincent United Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Ruby Blankenship, 686 Taylor Bridge Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659. Condolences may be e-mailed to the Blankenship family at www.dillow-taylor.com. The family offers special thanks to the Johnson City Police Department and the Wellmont Health System for their support. The family also offers special condolences to the family of Rachel Kimbler for their loss, and to Drew, her son, who was a survivor of the accident. Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (423) 753-0514. Lillie Mae Boyd DAVENPORT, Va. -- Mrs. Lillie Mae Boyd, 93, of the Back Hurricane creek section, passed away Sunday morning, April 13, 2003, at the home of her daughter. Born June 13, 1909, in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Wilburn and Sarah Hess Lockhart. A lifelong resident of the area, she was a member of the Boyd Ratliff Chapel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Elijah Boyd; three sisters; and six brothers. In her generation, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include four daughters: Garnie Elswick of Vansant; Faye Nuckles of Davenport; Ruth Johnson of Cullden, W.Va.; and Geraldine Rowe of Abingdon; six sons: Kenneth Boyd of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; Elbert Boyd of Killen, Texas; Harlen Boyd and Quillion Boyd, both of Davenport; Cyrus Boyd of Abingdon; and Ronnie Boyd of Bridgewater, Va.; 27 grandchildren; 14 step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Ken Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in the Boyd Cemetery near the home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Clint Sutherland, William Jackson, C. Henry Harman Jr., Arthur Nuckles and Grundy Hospice nurses and aides. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Wednesday. Nicholas Dana Campbell Funeral services for Nicholas Dana Campbell will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Noah Stout will officiate. Committal services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Rooty Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-7:45 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Campbell, 85, of Bristol Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2003, at his residence. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Thomas Edgar Casey SEVEN MILE FORD -- Thomas Edgar Casey, 58, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Tom was the son of the late Theodore E. and Cleo Parris Casey. He was a member of Laurel Springs United Methodist Church. Tom is survived by daughter, Jill Casey Sledd and son-in-law, Bob Sledd, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; son, Thomas Edgar (Jay) Casey II of San Francisco; 22-month- old triplet grandsons, Jay Thomas Sledd, Samuel Casey Sledd and Robert Walker Sledd Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, T. Douglas and Ruth Ann Casey of Suffolk, Va.; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Joan Casey Stamper and Bob Stamper, and Sandy Casey Goodman and Charlie Goodman of Seven Mile Ford. He is also survived by an uncle, John I. Parris, Boothwyn, Pa.; and nephews and nieces who will serve as pallbearers, Doug Casey, Mark Casey, Chris Stamper, Miranda Stamper and husband Kevin Miller, Eric Goodman and Chad Goodman. Funeral services will be held Friday at 8 p.m. from the Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Rev. Neville Mozingo and Rev. Catherine Deese officiating. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Laurel Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home or any time at the residence of his sister, Joan Stamper, 377 Grubmore Road, Marion, VA 24354. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Laurel Springs United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank Smyth County Community Hospital as Tom's employer and as caregiver for giving Tom so much. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Casey family. Martha Ellen Davis CLINTWOOD -- Martha Ellen Davis, 77, died at Bon Secour's-St. Mary's Hospital, Norton, on Monday, April 14, 2003. She was the daughter of Garland B. and Mary Owens Davis who along with a brother, Virgil Davis, preceded her in death. Surviving are a brother, Lacy E. Davis, Clintwood; sisters, Julia Swindall and Faye Hill, both of Gallipolis, Ohio; and numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, from the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Helen Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a song service to follow at 7 p.m. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Virginia Icenhour Eller MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. -- Virginia Icenhour Eller, 73, of 611 Wilcox Road, went to be with the Lord Sunday, April 13, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center after an extended illness. She was a native of Johnson County, Tenn., born on Nov. 2, 1929, to the late Millard and Bessie Noland Icenhour. She was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers. Mrs. Eller was a homemaker, a wife and mother and a lifelong member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Mountain City. Survivors: husband, Roy T. Eller of the home; three daughters: Shirley Icenhour and husband Stuart of Bristol Tennessee; Carolyn Eller of Elkton, Md.; and Nancy Proffitt of Mountain City; six grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003, from the Chapel of Henson Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Norris to officiate. Graveside services and burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Reece Memorial Cemetery in Mountain City. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of the Calvary Baptist Church. Donations may be made to the Johnson County Rescue Squad, 203 Vandilla St., Mountain City, Tenn. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral service. Friends may also call at the residence at any time. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at henson@funeral-plans.com. Henson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Everette H. Hagy ABINGDON -- Funeral services for Everette Hale Hagy will be conducted at the Carvosso United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003, with the Rev. Leonard Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Nephews will serve as active pallbearers and the men of the Carvosso United Methodist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be on Monday, April 14, 2003, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Campbell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carvosso United Methodist Church, 19429 Rustic Lane, Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbellfuneralhome.com. Mr. Hagy passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2003, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Campbell Funeral Home of Abingdon is in charge of arrangements. Jeanette R. Hunter MARION -- Jeanette Reasor Hunter, 80, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Hunter; and her parents, Emma Chandler and Daniel Sheffey Reasor. Mrs. Hunter was a member of Royal Oak Presbyterian Church in Marion where she served as an elder and president of the Women of the Church. She was a charter member of the Wilderness Road Garden Club and the Royal Oak Chapter of the DAR. She was a graduate of James Madison University, taught at Marion College and was a substitute teacher in the Smyth County school system. Mrs. Hunter also served as a member of the Smyth County Community Hospital Board. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Bucky Edmondson of Abingdon; one son, Robert A. Hunter Jr. of Appomattox, Va.; one brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Margaret Reasor of Abingdon; one sister, Jean Horton of New London, N.C.; one brother-in-law, Bill Hunter and wife Francis Ann of Appomattox; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hamilton of Florida; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a caregiver, Betty Church of Saltville. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Royal Oak Presbyterian Church with Rev. Alan Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Children's Home of the Highlands, P.O. Box 545, Wytheville, VA 24382. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Hunter Family. Rachel C. Kimbler Rachel Christine Kimbler, 31, went to be with the Lord as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident April 11, 2003. She was a 1989 graduate of THS and a graduate of Northeast State College. She was employed as a medical staff assistant in the medical staff office at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. She was a member of Scenic Park Church of the Nazarene, 103 New York St., Bristol, Va. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Steve Jay Kimbler. She is survived by son, Christopher Drew Kimbler; parents, Larry and Wanda Kimbler; sister, Michele Silvernail; brother-in-law, David Silvernail; nephews, Jonathan and Daniel Silvernail; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was the granddaughter of Clingman and Anna Walker of Louisville, Ky., and Helen Pauline Kimbler of Bristol Tennessee. Funeral services will be held 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Barbara Folsom officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2003, in the Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the Weaver Funeral Home or any time at the home of Larry and Wanda Kimbler, 305 Mt. View Drive, Bristol, TN. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward Drew Kimbler's education fund or other needs c/o Larry Kimbler, 305 Mt. View Drive, Bristol, TN 37620. Email condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Eunice Lasala FREDERICKSBURG. Va. -- Miss Eunice Lasala, 47, formerly of Richlands, passed away Friday, April 11, 2003, in Key Largo, Fla., following a scuba diving accident. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff, Va. Virgil Lawson HARRISON, Tenn. -- Virgil Elizabeth "Liz" Lawson, 60, lost her battle to colon cancer Thursday, April 10, 2003. Liz was born Aug. 20, 1942, in Dryden, Va., and had been a four-year Harrison resident, coming from Mount Airy, Md. She graduated from Dryden High School and the University of Indiana with a bachelor's degree in business management. Following high school, Liz entered the U.S. Navy and went through boot camp at USNTC, Bainbridge, Md., after which she held duties at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., and COMSERPAC, Hawaii, where she ended her active-duty career. She then was affiliated with the Naval Reserve and worked as a civil servant in the general counsel's office of the Veterans Administration in Baltimore. After a number of years, she transferred to the Social Security Administration in Woodlawn, Md., starting as an accounting specialist and later moving up to writing the SSA annual reports. She ended her civil-service career as a decision writer at the Office of Hearings and Appeals in Chattanooga. After retirement she decided to stay in the Harrison Bay area. She was an avid reader and television fanatic and especially loved the mystery genre. Liz loved working in her yard and enjoyed the many birds and hummingbirds that daily visited her garden. She also had a passion for fishing, golf and team sports, favoring the Women's NCAA March Madness, and attended all the Final Fours she was able. Another favorite pastime was traveling and seeing parts of the country and keeping up with friends and shipmates. Her mother, Emma Kemper Fletcher; her father, Eudell Lawson; and her sister, Clora Ramey Bays, preceded Liz in death. She is survived by her brother, Frank M. Lawson and family of Gate City; nephews: Art J. Ramey and family of Abingdon; and Dennis W. Ramey, Greensboro, N.C.; niece, Patricia Ramey Tipton and family of Gate City; and great-niece, Tarah Tipton Combs and husband Jason of Demotte, Ind. At Liz's request, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, in St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 7555 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road, Ooltewah, Tenn., with the Rev. Buckley Robbins officiating. A reception will be held at the church following the service. As an expression of love and sympathy, Liz may be remembered by donations to St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church or to the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 123, Washington, D.C. 20004-2608. Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tenn., is in charge of the arrangements. Information courtesy of Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon. Ernest Oakie Lockhart VANSANT -- Oakie Lockhart, 50, of Route 1 (Hurricane Creek), passed away Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy. Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of Dorothy Lockhart and the late Ira Lockhart. He was last employed at Jewell Smokeless as a miner and attended the Swamp Church. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Ruth Lockhart. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, Kenneth Paul Lockhart of Honaker; a daughter, Wanda Miranda Lockhart of Honaker; two sisters: Adeline Duty of Vansant; and Snoda Compton of Fairborn, Ohio; and seven brothers: Brady Lockhart of Fairborn, Ohio; Raymond Lockhart of Lorton, Va.; Caney Lockhart of Woodbridge, Va.; Mason Lockart of Alexandria, Va.; and Palmer Lockhart, Howell Lockhart and Randal Lockhart, all of Vansant. Funeral services will be conducted noon Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at the Swamp Church, Route 1, Vansant, with Rev. Luther Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in the Lockhart Cemetery, Route 1, Vansant. Friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at the Swamp Church, where a service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Laura Mae McKinnon ROANOKE -- Laura Mae (Pat) McKinnon, 74, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 14, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond McKinnon. She was born on April 8, 1929, and raised in Kansas by her parents, Roy and Edith McCall . She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Bill and Dottie McKinnon of Christiansburg; Cheryl and Craig Dobson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Diane and Gerald Atkins of Roanoke; and Steve and Tammy McKinnon of Abingdon. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, Lori and Kelly McKinnon, Amy Dobson Lawler and Chad Dobson, Jennifer and Jonathan Atkins and Meghann and Matthew McKinnon; and one great-granddaughter, Kayla Dobson. Still surviving of her six brothers and one sister are two brothers and their wives: Wayne and Thelma McCall of Moran, Kan.; and Eldon and Winnie McCall of McPherson, Kan.; one sister-in-law, Alice McCall of Salina, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews. Laura Mae had been known by most as simply "Pat" since the age of two when someone asked her name and she replied, "Pat" instead of Laura. The brothers and sister loved their little sister's answer and the name stuck. Her mother was not so easily won over and continued always to call her Laura Mae. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her life truly reflected the love of God and her desire was always to do His will and to be used to honor Him. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Oakey's North Chapel. A graveside service will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Roselawn Cemetery in Smyth County. The family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's North Chapel (362-1237). The family would like to thank Dr. Suzan Merten, Dr. Hugh Scruggs, Dr. Robert Heath and all the staff at the Cancer Center of Southwest Virginia for their care. They wish to express a very special thanks to the Good Samaritan Hospice and to Pat's incredible circle of friends who have been so loving and supportive to her and her family. Nannie L. Orr MARION -- Nannie L. Orr, 87, died Monday, April 14, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion. Gracie B. Powers MARION -- Gracie Mae Bateman Powers, 86, died Saturday, April 12, 2003, in University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. Mrs. Powers is survived by her husband, Rev. Glenn Powers of Marion; one daughter and sons-in-law, Priscilla and Ken Cook of Herndon, Va., and Marvin Shephard of Roanoke; four grandchildren, Monica Cook, Deanna Morris, Danny Shephard and David Shephard; one great-grandchild, Shawn Morris; three sisters: Elsie Ferraro of Marion; and Charmie Couch and Faye Boyd, both of Florida; two brothers; Don Roop of Chilhowie; and William N. Roop of Florida; numerous step- grandchildren; five stepsons: Edward Powers and Willard Powers, both of Marion; Wade Powers of Sugar Grove, Va.; Neal Powers of Seven Mile Ford, Va.; and Dale Powers of Roanoke; four stepdaughters: Wilma Mabe of White Top, Va.; Bertha Wright of Seven Mile Ford; and Glenna Hurley and Betty Blevins, both of Marion. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Avery Sheets, Rev. Otis Barker and Rev. Dennis Eller officiating. Graveside services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at McClure Cemetery, Chilhowie. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Powers Family. Jason Roy Rasnake BEE, Va. -- Jason Roy Rasnake, 16, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2003, at his home. Born May 25, 1986, in Lebanon, he was a son of Johnny Roy Rasnake of Davenport, Va., and Rebecca Tiller Musick of Richlands. A lifelong resident of the area, he was an 11th grade student at Council High School where he played on the basketball team. He attended the Faith in Christ Free Will Baptist Church at Bee. In addition to his parents, survivors include his half-brother, Zachary Ryan Musick of Richlands; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Carol Tiller of Bee; his paternal grandparents, Curtis Rasnake and Fayrene Rasnake of Davenport, Va.; special friends, Jayme Presley, Susan Tiller, Sheena McGlothlin, Justin Runyon, Jean Rasnake and Ivan Rasnake; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many friends also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon. Pallbearers will be Justin Runyon, Shawn Deel, Barry Sutherland, Lannie Hart, Dougie Meadows, Marty Rasnake, Shawn Sullivan and D.J. Barton. Honorary pallbearers will be David Blanton, Jerry Stinson, Ivan Rasnake, Leon Rasnake and cousins. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Tuesday where an evening service will be conducted at 7 p.m. with Rev. Johnny Tiller and Rev. Larry Tiller officiating. Louise Settle Louise Douglas Smyth Settle, known for a sense of purpose and a sense of humor, died Saturday evening, April 12, 2003, in the Pulaski Community Hospital. She lived in Pulaski at 2221 Pleasant Hill Drive and was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Robert Settle. Louise was born in Russell County, Va., on Sept. 13, 1915, to Mary Douglas Howard Smyth and Blythe Deems Smyth. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Blythe Robert Smyth and James Myron Smyth; and one sister, Mary Sue Royall. Louise was a lifelong Democrat who knew presidents and many state officials. She was honored for her service at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Richmond in 1998. She was active in the Red Cross during World War II when her husband was in European and Pacific operations. Mrs. Settle was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pulaski as well as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Always interested in civic affairs, she served on the New River Planning District Commission for 20 years. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Trigg Smyth of Johnson City; her nieces: Susan Whittaker and husband Randall Whittaker of Tazewell; Patricia Smyth and husband Bruce Arrowood of Atlanta; Deborah Smyth of Johnson City; and Jamie Smyth of Abingdon; great-nieces and great-nephews include: Mary Blythe McPherson and husband Graham and children, Andrew and Luke of Chattanooga; Matthew Whittaker, wife Chelsa and daughter, Abigail of Abingdon; Patrick Smyth- Arrowood of Atlanta; Lily Marysa Smyth Gibson and Michael Smyth Gibson of Johnson City; and Lindsay Smyth Kirschner of Abingdon. Louise is also survived by her goddaughter, Laura Martin of Alexandria, Va.; and very special friend, Linda Eanes of Pulaski. A memorial graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon, with the Rev. Dr. Randy Frye officiating. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be made to the First Methodist Church, 135 4th St., N.W., Pulaski, VA 24301 or to your favorite charity. Friends may contact family at the homes of the nieces, Susan Whittaker, Route 1, Box 662, Tazewell, VA 24651 and/or Patricia Smyth, 301 Mariner Circle, Woodstock, GA 30189. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Pulaski. LeRoy Skeen WISE -- LeRoy Skeen, 72, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 13, 2003, at the Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol Tennessee. He was born at Oceana, W.Va., and lived most of his life at Wise. He was retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was the owner and operator of Lee's Quick Lube, Wise. Mr. Skeen was a U.S. Navy veteran having served in the Korean War. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was of the Protestant faith. He was a son of the late Andrew and Bessie Litton Skeen, and was also preceded in death by a sister, Loretta Lenhart; and by a brother, Kenneth Skeen. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law: Natalie and Ray Laster, Abingdon; and Leigh Ann Skeen, Falls Church ,Va.; two sons: Ashlee Skeen, New Port Richey, Fla.; and Andy Skeen, Wise; three grandchildren, Parker Laster, Lincoln Laster and Bailey Sachs; one brother, Kyle Skeen, Abingdon; some nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Carty Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. Committal services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap. Family and friends will leave the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Thursday and travel in procession to the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Funeral arrangements cared for by Carty Funeral Home, Norton-Wise, Va. Catherine Lee Smith Funeral services for Catherine Lee Smith will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James Oxendine officiating. Interment will follow at the VA Cemetery. Pallbearers will be sons and friends of the family. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Catherine Lee Smith, 78, of 109 St. Louis St., Bristol, Tenn., died Saturday, April 12, 2003, at the Cambridge House after an illness of 12 years. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Nancy Smith DAMASCUS -- Nancy Smith, 66, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2003, at her residence. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and was the daughter of the late Tom and Beatrice Stanley. She was a member of the Alvarado Bible Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Smith. She is survived by one daughter, Ruth Surber and her husband Charlie of Abingdon; one grandson, Dale Surber and his wife Michelle of Glade Spring; one granddaughter, Connie Surber of Radford, Va.; four sisters: Ella Mae Whitaker of Damascus; Connie Lane of Virginia Beach, Va.; and Dorothy Rhodes and Carol Gusinger, both of Ohio; three brothers, Bob Stanley of Maryland and Ted Stanley and Tom Stanley, both of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003, in the Greenwood Cemetery in Alvarado, Va., with Rev. Billy Hawkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Damascus Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 458, Damascus, VA 24236 or to the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 426, Damascus, VA 24236. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Smith. Marjorie Stevens Clara Marjorie Stevens, 75, 49 Duff Lane, Bristol, Va., went to be with her Lord Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Wytheville and daughter of the late Joseph W. and Anna Felty Hackler. She was a mother and housewife. Mrs. Stevens was a retired employee of Kmart and a member of North Bristol Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James William Stevens Sr.; a son, James W. Stevens Jr.; brother and sister-in-law, James and Helen Hackler; sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Dick Patton. Survivors include daughters: Ann Clarke and husband Jerry, Bristol Virginia; Debbie Cunningham, Bristol Virginia; and Rita E. Stevens, Abingdon; sister, Alice Hackler; sister and brother-in-law, Cora and Greer Smith; brother, O'Dell Hackler; brother and sister-in-law, David and Juanita Hackler; and special friend, Candy. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jack Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers, Kevin Clarke, Neil Cunningham, Jeff Clarke, Steven Clarke, Jeremy Humphreys and Todd Humphreys. Honorary pallbearer, Dr. Adam Steinburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Weaver Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be made at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mattie A. Stilwell CEDAR BLUFF -- Mrs. Mattie Mae Absher Stilwell, 90, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2003, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Md., following a brief illness. She was born in Tazewell County, Va., and was the daughter of the late Charles Allen and Rena Chambers Absher, both Tazewell County natives. She had made her home in the Raven and Steelesburg area all of her life and was a member of the Fork Ridge Pentecostal Holiness Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charlie W. Stilwell; one daughter, Mrs. Anne Robinson; two sons-in-law, Mr. Jack Smith and Mr. Ralph Robinson; one sister, Mrs. Artie Alifair Absher Keen; and three brothers, Mr. Dewey Absher, Mr. Lloyd Absher and Mr. Roy Absher. Survivors are two daughters: Mrs. Lovell Smith of Clarksburg, Md.; and Mrs. Ruth Brewster and her husband James of Tazewell; three sisters: Mrs. Rosa Messick of Pounding Mill, Va.; Mrs. Nell Buckles and her husband Joe of Midland, Va.; and Mrs. Maxie Williamson and her husband Bernard of Stafford, Va.; one brother, Mr. James Absher of Raven, Va.; seven grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Jim Nelson and Rev. Phillip Horton officiating. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6 p.m. Tuesday. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscott funeralhomes.com. Wayne K. Wagner BLOUNTVILLE -- Military graveside honors for Wayne K. "Flat" Wagner will be conducted by Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975 at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Bobby Roller, Dan Taylor, Richard Jones, David Helton, William Helton and Nathan Bledsoe. Honorary pallbearers: David Vaughn, Fred Bailey, Arthur Stratton, Ray Taylor, Junior Stratton, Don Morrell, John Stufflestreet, Harley Taylor, Larry Wagner and Norman Baker. Those desiring may make memorials to Bethel View Baptist Church, 156 Mapleview Drive, Bristol, TN 37620. Mr. Wagner, 74, 407 Central Heights Road, went to be with the Lord Friday, April 11, 2003, in Holston Valley Medical Center after a short illness. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Rhaldia Whiteman BLOUNTVILLE -- Graveside services for Rhaldia "Susan" Whiteman will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Garden of Devotions of the East Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund, 230 Boozy Creek Road, Blountville, TN 37617. Please visit us online at www.mem.com for those desiring to place a condolence. Mrs. Whiteman, 91, passed away Saturday morning, April 12, 2003. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Whiteman family. C. Arthur Wood VANSANT, Va. -- C. Arthur Wood, 101 years of age, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tenn., following a brief illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of the late Charlie C. and Angeline Stiltner Wood. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County, was the oldest member and served as deacon emeritus of Vansant Baptist Church. In his early years he farmed, logged, did surveying work for Ritter Lumber Company and operated a country store on Poplar Creek, where he hauled merchandise by horse and wagon. He then worked as deputy commissioner of revenue for 12 years assessing personal property, many times on horseback. He served as commissioner of revenue of Buchanan County for 18 years and treasurer of Buchanan County for two years before retiring on Dec. 31, 1967. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Wood was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Mae Owens Wood, Jan. 10, 1992. He is survived by one daughter, Alma Ruth and husband Lonzo Rife, Grundy; two sons: Philip A. Wood, Grundy; and Ernest L. and wife Lorene Wood of Vansant; six grandchildren: Jerry and wife Janice Wood, Hawthorne, Fla.; Charles and wife Rosemary Wood, Grundy; Danny and wife Phyllis Wood, Wise; Jeffrey and wife Janie Wood, Troutville, Va.; Sharon Beverly, Wise; and Lisa Wood, Grundy; nine great- grandchildren: Timmy, Allen, Derick, Jeffrey, Dera Leigh and Heather Wood, Sabrina Shortridge, Kerri Baker and Justin Beverly; and three great-great- grandchildren: Amanda, Tiffany and Kristin Wood. He was preceded in death by a foster son, J.H. "Jim" Childress, Oct. 17, 1998; two daughters-in-law, Carol Childress and Delphia Wood; five sisters, Pricy Childress, Nancy Ratliff, Hulda Ratliff, Cansada Clevinger and Lou Childress; and three brothers, Henry, William C. and Johnny Wood. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Vansant Baptist Church, Vansant, with Rev. Stan Parris and Evangelist Michael Trent officiating with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Tuesday afternoon at 5 p.m. with a song service at 7 p.m. The body of Mr. Wood will be moved to Vansant Baptist Church Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. to await the funeral hour at 1 p.m. Active pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Vansant Baptist Church, Lonzo Rife, Rev. Ancil Childress, Russell Presley, Victor Breeding, Jim Bevins, Paul Crouse, Storia Rife, Billy J. Keene, Pat B. Hale, H.A. Street, Honorable N.E. Persin, Arnold Deel, Junior Sexton, Dr. Clint Sutherland and Dr. Jeff Larsen. The family suggests that expression of sympathy be in the form of donations to Vansant Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 649, Vansant, VA 24656. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements.