Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, April 28, 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 Monday, April 28, 2003 Ozella Altizer VALLS CREEK, W.Va. -- Mrs. Ozella Burah Nelson Altizer, 78, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at a Richlands hospital. She was born in Valls Creek and was a daughter of the late John Thomas and Nina Sparks Nelson. She was a life long resident of the Valls Creek area, was a former employee of General Instruments and attended the Canebrake Freewill Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all who knew her. She was known for always doing for others. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Noah Altizer; one son, Connie Hugh Altizer; two sisters, Athlene Toney and Geraldine Smith; also one brother, Harold Nelson. Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Cookie Hayes and husband Amoth of Springville, Va.; one son, Mr. Vernon Altizer and wife Sheila of Bluefield, Va.; two sisters: Mrs. Lucille Toney of Berwind, W.Va.; and Mrs. Alma Smith and husband David of Advance, N.C.; two brothers: Mr. Lonnie Nelson and wife Linda of Leland, N.C.; and Mr. Ray Nelson and wife Mary of Cucumber, W.Va.; grandchildren: Connie Fox and wife Kelly of Bristol Tennessee; V.G. Altizer and wife Anissa of Bluefield, Va.; Candy Musick and husband Darian of Abingdon; and Tara Crawford and husband Eric of Nemours, W.Va.; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren; special niece, Mildred Robinette; special friends, Merle Lockhart, Eula Gay Church and Margie Quesenberry and Brenda Barton; along with a host of other friends, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Tazewell with Rev. Darrell Long, Rev. Max Linkous and Rev. J.C. Steele officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens at Bluefield, Va. Pallbearers will be Connie Fox, V.G. Altizer, Eric Crawford, Darian Musick, Roger Robinette, Gary Barton, Alfred Altizer and Clyde Tipton. Ken Toney will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Friends may call at the Hurst- Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell after 6 p.m. Monday. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Maude Lee Beverly NORTON -- Maude Lee Beverly, 80, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2003, at Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Big Stone Gap, Va. She was a retired employee of Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital as central sterile supply technician with 24 years of service and was president of the local union of the hospital. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of Big Stone Gap and member of the Relief Society of the church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Emory Beverly. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law: Ronald and Carol Beverly of Knoxville; and Carl and Ginger Beverly of Norton; four grandchildren, Heather Addison and husband Mark, Tiffany Beverly, Eric Beverly and Kara Beth Beverly; one brother, Curtis W. Ison of Wise; three sisters: Gladys E. York and Gay Nell Schram, both of Big Stone Gap; and Willene Mullins of Charlotte, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Powell Valley Ward Chapel at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Big Stone Gap, with Bishop Gary Wood officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Monday at Sturgill Funeral Home, Wise. Sturgill Funeral Home, Wise, is in charge of arrangements. Grace W. Duncan BLUEFIELD, W.Va. -- Grace Whited Duncan, 83, of 203 Mulberry St., died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. Born July 15, 1919, in Russell County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Preston F. and Eunice Elkins Whited. She married Paul Duncan in 1937 and made her home in Russell County and Richlands, then resided in Bluefield, W.Va., since 1958. She was a homemaker, an avid gardener and was of the Presbyterian faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Duncan; two brothers, Jerome Major Whited and Vernie P. Whited; and four sisters, Blanche Whited, Chorilda W. Horton, Elease W. Keen and Beatrice Whited. Survivors include two daughters: Pearl Geddens and her husband Gary of Columbia, S.C.; and Mary Lee Williams and her husband Zack of Atlanta; a sister, Vera W. Chappell of Danville, Va.; two grandsons, Tom Geddens and Robert Geddens and his wife Beth, all of Columbia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Phillip Horton and Ralph Horton officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. The family will receive friends today from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV 24701. Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Email cards and condolences to the family may be sent at mercer@mercerfuneral.com. Emma Viers Edwards NORTON -- Emma Viers Edwards, 87, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2003, at the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, Norton, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus H. and Hettie Arrington Viers; her husband, Archie Edwards; one sister, Dollie Hackney; and one grandson, Dewayne Keith Edwards. She was of the Christian faith and a loving mother and grandmother. She was a member of the Lick Creek Freewill Baptist Church. Survivors include four sons: Edmond Edwards, Clintwood; Wayne Edwards, Abingdon; Woodrow Edwards, Attalla, Ala.; and Delmond Edwards, Sterling Heights, Mich.; one daughter, Edna Thomas, Bristol Virginia; five brothers: Alex Viers and Sidney Viers, both of Hazel Park, Mich.; Ferdie Viers, Battle Creek, Mich.; and Billy Viers and Winford Viers, both of Haysi; three sisters: Bertha Edwards and Pauline Ramey, both of Haysi; and Opal Boyd, Prater, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel with Ministers Terry Price and Lynn Vanover officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Abingdon. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. The family will receive friends at the Clintwood Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Monday evening. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Margaret L. Hastings MARION -- Margaret L. Hastings, 91, widow of William Allen Hastings, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, in Smyth County Community Hospital. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Phillip Britton Hastings. She is survived by two sons, Warren Allen Hastings of Marion and William C. Hastings of Bristol Virginia; two sisters, Pauline Caldwell and Jean Nave of Augusta, S.C.; one daughter-in-law, Sue Britton of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at 8 p.m. at Seaver- Brown Chapel with Rev. Charles W. DeHart officiating. Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Hastings family. Lora Gay Helton SWORDS CREEK, Va. -- Mrs. Lora Gay Helton, 78, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2003, in a Bristol Tennessee hospital. Born July 14, 2924, in Swords Creek, she was a daughter of the late Milton and Cora Cole Dye. A lifelong resident of the Swords Creek area, she owned and operated Helton's Grocery for over 30 years. She attended the Pine Creek Pole Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Edward Helton; one infant son, Paul Edward Helton jr.; three sisters, Traney Ellis, Zylphia Francis and Freeda West; and three brothers, Alvin Dye, Havelyn Dye and Manley Dye. In her generation, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include one son, Thomas M. Helton of Annandale, Va.; special niece, Leisha Ball of Swords Creek; special nephew, Bobby Dye of Swords Creek; honorary granddaughter, Amber Dye of Swords Creek; and several additional nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Jim Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Monday. Hazel C. Jessee KINGSPORT -- Hazel Crowder Jessee, 89, of 376 Valley St., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 27, 2003, at her residence. She was a member of the Midfields Freewill Baptist Church where she enjoyed her church and Christian fellowship. She was a true prayer warrior and was everyone's "Granny." She was born in Russell County, Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Jessee; her parents, Charles E. and Ella Sexton Cowder; and her brother, Ray V. Dingus. Surviving are two sons: Troy Edward Crowder and wife Sherry of Kingsport; and Douglas Ray Crowder of Gray; two daughters, Ms. Annette Crowder and Mrs. Harold (Iris) Deskins, both of Kingsport; nine grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; as well as several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at the Carter-Trent Funeral Home of downtown Kingsport. Friends may also call any time at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at 7 p.m. with Rev. Billy Gregg and Rev. Jessie Hartgrove officiating. Graveside services will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at 11 a.m. at East Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail at cartertrentfh@chartertn. net. Carter-Trent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Celestia T. Kawha SALTVILLE -- Celestia Thamsy Kawha, 84, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, in Smyth County Community Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Kawha. She was a member of the Chilhowie Baptist Church. Survivors: two brothers: Denton and Thelma Colley, Aurora, Colo.; and Wyndham and Kaye Colley, Pasadena, Md.; two sisters: Eleanor and Lee Holmes, Saltville; and Janie Allison, Saltville; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2003, in the Mount Rose Mausoleum with the Rev. Chuck Harrel officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6 till 8 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2003, at the D.R. Henderson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chilhowie Baptist Church. The D. R. Henderson Funeral Home is serving the Kawha family. Ruth Joy Lester HICKORY, N.C. -- Mrs. Ruth Joy Lester, 58, passed away Friday, April 25, 2003, in a Hickory hospital. Born March 8, 1945, in Baltimore, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Lester and Mona Ball Gilley. She had lived in the Hickory area for the past three years, moving there from Florida, and prior to that the Lebanon, Va., area. She attended the Sandy Ridge Baptist Church in Hickory. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Lester; and two sisters, Berta Marie Gilley and Lora Gay Lester. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Chuck Cartwright of North Carolina; one son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Mary Lambert of Jordan, Minn.; four grandchildren, Nicole, Rose, Melissa and Taylor; two great- grandchildren, Alexandria and Meghan; one sister, Mary Lee Tiller McClain of Council, Va.; one brother, Lloyd Gilley of Petersburg, Va.; one stepdaughter, Sandra Lester Perkins of Honaker; and two step-granddaughters, Samantha Perkins and Brooke Perkins also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Kyle Ratliff and Rev. Tom Huntsinger officiating. Interment will follow in the Thompson Cemetery on Chestnut Ridge, Va. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Monday. Betty S. Little GRUNDY -- Betty Snead Little, 69 years of age, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Grundy Funeral Home. Elihu Looney LEBANON -- The funeral service for Elihu Looney will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Mike Ward officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Dean Bowman, Neil Farmer, Ben Farmer, Jarrett Farmer, Michael Kelly, Scott Spivey, Doug Bowman and Herman Bowman. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Owens, Donald Mosier, Dr. Michael Ulrich, Lynn Justice, Billy Kim Stinson and Steve Freeman. Mr. Looney, 93, of the Green Valley community, died Friday, April 25, 2003, at his home. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Looney. Lillian H. Love Lillian Hammett Love, 90, a former resident of Edgemont Towers, went to be with the Lord, April 27, 2003, at Sunbridge Hillside Nursing Home. She was born May 3, 1912, in Bristol Virginia, a daughter of the late Charles and Alice Potter Layell. Mrs. Love was a member of East Bristol Freewill Baptist Church, a homemaker and the widow of Milty Hammett. Survivors include three daughters: Helen Jones; Irene Holt and husband Herbert; and Betty Pierce Cook and husband John; son, Gene Hammett; brother, A.A. "Boss" Layell; sister-in-law, Danford Layell; 13 grandchildren; 30 great- grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Love was preceded in death by daughter, Dora Louise Hammett; sisters, Devon Holmes, Gladys Holmes, Elvie Holmes; brother, Gordon Layell; special sister-in-law, Margaret Layell; and great-grandson, Ramie Hillard. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, April 28, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jack Sprinkle and Rev. Donnie White. Burial will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Pierce, Steve Pierce, Justin Rouse, Shane Garrett, Ronnie Hillard and Tim Eades. E-mail condolences may be sent online at www.weave- rfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Monday at Weaver Funeral Home. William H. Marshall ST. PAUL -- Funeral services for William Harold Marshall, who died Friday, April 25, 2003, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Estes Funeral Home Chapel with Elders Gerald Hopkins and Bob Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Marshall Cemetery in St. Paul. Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home on Monday after 6 p.m. Mabel E. Martin BRISTOL TN -- Graveside services for Mabel Elliott Martin will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, Damascus, with Pastor Glen Murray officiating. Pallbearers will be Bill Keesee, Ronnie Keesee, Greg Evans, Neil Evans, Danny Shumate and James Hubbard. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Akard Funeral Home. Condolences may also be sent to the family by e-mail at akardfh@peercom.net. Mrs. Martin, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at her home. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Martin. Charlotte F. McGill KINGSPORT -- Charlotte Fleenor McGill, 64, entered her eternal rest Saturday, April 26, 2003, at Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Born in Sullivan County, she had resided her entire life here. She received an associate of arts degree from Lees-McRae and bachelor of education from ETSU, where she graduated magna cum laude. She was in the sorority Phi Beta Kappa at ETSU. She received her master's degree from Tusculum College magna cum laude and also attended the Atlanta Art Institute. She was a member of Glendale Springs Presbyterian Church in Glendale Springs, N.C. She was a hospice volunteer in Ashe, Watauga and Alleghany counties in North Carolina, where she made gift baskets for hospice patients. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Fleenor. Surviving are her father, Charles Fleenor of Glendale Springs; her husband, Marvin McGill of Kingsport; one daughter, Suzanne McGill and Greg Roush, Asheville, N.C.; one son, Mark and wife Tammy McGill of Gray, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Lauren McGill and Kendall McGill; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Phillip Pogue and the Rev. Gordon Finley officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at East Lawn Memorial Park. Nephews and cousins will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-2999. Vernon Salyers LEBANON -- The funeral service for Vernon Salyers will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Lester Sexton officiating. Burial will follow in the Salyers Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Glovier, Bernie West, Ralph Salyers Jr., Daniel Fields, Samantha Glovier and Irene Salyers. Mr. Salyers, 76, died Friday, April 25, 2003, in the Russell County Medical Center. Combs Funeral Service is serving the Salyers family. Ida P. Sanders BRISTOL VA -- Ida Pauline Sanders, 79, of 1266 Island Road, was carried to heaven by God's chosen angels on Saturday, April 26, 2003. Born in Bristol Virginia on May 24, 1923, to the late James and Anna Hudson Fee Vernon, she worked at Gordon Garment and was a foster mother for Bristol Virginia Social Services for many years. She was a member of the Full Gospel Fellowship Church for many years and had attended Gethsemane Baptist Church. Besides her parents, she was preceded in rest by her stepfather, Worth Fee; stepmother, Juanita Vernon; two brothers; one sister; two special grandsons, Chris (Brush) Booher and Jeffery Jones; a son-in-law, Bobby J. Gibson; one stepbrother; four stepsisters; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many special friends who all are waiting with Jesus to welcome her to heaven. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, David Sanders Jr.; one son, James D. (Red) Sanders; two daughters, Barbara Gibson and Rita Witt and husband Billy, all of Bristol Virginia; one granddaughter, Paula Kilby Carver; five grandsons, Mark Booher, Allen Witt, Michael Witt and wife Jessica, Steven Witt, and Jimmy Sanders and wife Ellen; 10 great-grandchildren, Atlanta, Constance, Nicole, Trinity Grace, Dustin, Dalton, Harley, Brandon, Bryson and McKinnley; one stepbrother, Jules Fee; and her little dog, Tootsie. Mama was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was loved by everyone that knew her. She loved all her family and friends and they were all special to her. But most of all Mama loved her Lord. She loved going to church and singing his praises and that is what she did most all of her life. Mama was and will always be the most precious person in this world to all of us and we will miss her always. The family would like to thank Dr. Fred Greear and his staff, Amedisys Home Health, Wellmont Hospice, staff of 3 West at Wellmont, Bristol Life saving Crew, Bristol Ambulance for all the care they gave our Mama. Also we went to thank Rev. Jerry Russell and Janet, special friends, Ruby Fleenor, Peggy Blevins and Missy Helbert; and sister-in-law, Louise Worley. The family will receive friends from 6 till 7:45 p.m. Monday, April 28, at Castle Funeral home. Funeral service will be held Monday, April 28, at 8 p.m. in the Castle Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Russell and Dr. Howard Robinson officiating. Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, in Glenwood Cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Castle Funeral Home, 14298 Lee Highway ( across from John Battle High School) is serving the Sanders family. L. Bonita Sanders COEBURN -- L. Bonita Sanders, 83, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2003, in the Norton Community Hospital, Norton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy L. Sanders; an infant daughter, Nannie Kate Sanders; a daughter, Debra Carol Funk; and a son, Jackie Sanders. Mrs. Sanders attended the Banner Assembly Church of God. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Judy Sanders of Kingsport and Kenneth and Judy Sanders of Coeburn; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Roger Hale of Coeburn; six grandchildren; and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Monday evening in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with Rev. Charlie Couch and Kevin Couch officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Baker Cemetery, Coeburn. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Monday until time of service at Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, in charge of arrangements. Michael K. Sargent DORAN, Va. -- Funeral services for Mr. Michael Kevin "Digger" Sargent will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. Carl Ball officiating. Entombment will follow in the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum in Richlands. Pallbearers will be Sammy Tuggle, Carlos Vance, Bob Fitzgerald, Doug Hess, Steven Hartford and Bill Green. Mr. Sargent, 30, died Thursday, April 24, 2003, in Wyoming County, W.Va. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Claude Wayne Taylor WISE -- Funeral services for Claude Wayne "Nobody" Taylor will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home Chapel in Norton with Rev. Jack Blanton officiating. Burial will follow in the Carter-Hall-Taylor Cemetery in Jasper, Va. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Mr. Taylor, 54, died Friday evening in Norton Community Hospital. Dorothy Jean Vance ROSEDALE, Va. -- Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Jean Vance will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Eugene Elkins and Rev. Clyde Rose officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Lonnie Blackwell, Lonnie Ball, Jerry Marshall, Chester Elkins, Dennis White, Ronnie O'Quinn, Charles Brewer and Donald Ray. Mrs. Vance, 70, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2003, in a Lebanon hospital.