Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, July 28, 2003 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Monday, July 28, 2003 Today's Deaths Jessie James Brooks, 68, Haysi Tex Lee Campbell, 80, Bristol Virginia Virgie Marie Neese Copenhaver, 89, Meadowview Kenneth D. Gannon, 61, Piney Flats Berta Brown Gibson, 80, Castlewood Edith Ketron Holmes, 89, Bristol Virginia Ollie Belle Flanary Jones, 81, Jonesville, Va. Shirley P. Knoll, 65, Abingdon Conley J. Peters, 64, Bristol Virginia Mabel Ramey, Blountville Blanche Virginia Rasnake, 83, Bandy, Va. Gladys Elizabeth Ratliff, 74, Buchanan County, Va. Helen Tester, 74, Jonesborough, Tenn. Conley H. Warren, 78, Atkins, Va. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jessie James Brooks HAYSI -- Jessie J. Brooks, age 68, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy. Born in Freeburn, Ky., he was a son of the late James David and Polly Ann Yates Brooks. He was a coal miner and a member of Pilgrims Home Old Regular Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Elvia Y. Brooks; two sons, Dana Brooks and wife Kay of Haysi and Arlie Brooks and wife Charlotte of Morristown, Tenn., twin daughters, Arlene Adkins and husband Ernest of Haysi and Norma Jean McClanahan and husband Patrick of Nashville; a brother, Buford Brooks of Clintwood; a half sister, Margaret Deel of Wise; nine grandchildren; one step-grandchild; three great-grandchildren; one-step-great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at Pilgrims Home Old Regular Baptist Church (Sunset), with Elders Arnold Bailey, Theodore Looney, Jim Blankenship and William McClanahan officiating. Burial will follow in the O'quinn-Deel Cemetery, Route 2, Haysi. Friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Monday at Pilgrims Home Church, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Tex Lee Campbell BRISTOL, Va. -- Mr. Tex Lee Campbell, age 80, died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Mountain Home, Tenn. He was a native of Unicoi, Tenn., and was preceded in death by his wife, Virgie Mae Campbell. He is survived by a stepson, Samuel Chapman of Bristol Virginia; a sister, Sarah Ann Campbell of Unicoi County; three grandchildren, Mary Jane Turner, Bonnie Ann Barnett and Christina Chapman; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Dewey Fields and Rev. Richard Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Casket bearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m., Tuesday until the time of the funeral service. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Tex Lee Campbell. Virgie Copenhaver MEADOWVIEW -- Mrs. Virgie Marie Neese Copenhaver, age 89, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2003, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va. Marie helped establish the High Point Baptist Church in 1947, where she was a dedicated member. She was an active member of the Women's Missionary Society, the Home Demonstration Club and her community until her illness prevented it. She was the daughter of the late Arthur B. and Lucille Frye Neese Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Preston Copenhaver; two sisters, Goldie Tilson Copenhaver and Ruby Graybeal; and four brothers, Everett Neese, Carl Neese, Oscar Neese and Noel Neese. She is survived by two sons, Robert Y. Copenhaver and wife, Becky, of Meadowview and Roger P. Copenhaver and wife, Betty, of Meadowview; one daughter, Mildred M. McThenia and husband, Dean, of Meadowview; two brothers, Arthur B. Neese Jr. of Meadowview and Bernard Neese of Abingdon; two sisters, Vivian Mock of Meadowview and Dorothy Cannon of Glade Spring; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and special friends and caregivers, Rosa Salyers and Melissa Ashley. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the High Point Baptist Church with Rev. David Critcher and Rev. Mahlon Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 - 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home or anytime at the homes of the children. Pallbearers will be the following nephews, Earnest Copenhaver, Stuart Copenhaver, Everett Neese Jr., Woody Neese, Bill Neese, Sam Neese, Jim Neese, Wayne Neese, Larry Neese, Danny Cannon, Gary Cannon, David Cannon, Glen Mock and Nathan Graybeal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the High Point Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 31495 Blue Springs Road, Meadowview, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 4700 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Those wishing to express memories or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Copenhaver. Inez B. Crutchfield CHILHOWIE -- Inez Bean Crutchfield, 96, died Friday, July 25, 2003, in the Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie. She was the daughter of the late Lovelace Lock and Martha Jane Taylor Bean and widow of George Allen Crutchfield. She was a member of the Chilhowie Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, George Duane and Judy P. Crutchfield, Spanish Fork, Utah, and Arlis R. and Judy W. Crutchfield, Chilhowie; one sister, Stella Vanhoy, Seven Mile Ford, Va.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in Chilhowie Baptist Church, with Revs. Chuck Herrell and Neal Johnson officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Middle Fork Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sulphur Spring Cemetery, c/o Shirley Hutton, P.O. Box 353, Chilhowie, VA 24319 or Middle Fork Cemetery, c/o Thomas W. McGhee, P.O. Box 613, Chilhowie, VA 24319. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday prior to the funeral service at the church. Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Kenneth D. Gannon PINEY FLATS -- Kenneth D. Gannon, 61, 2056 DeVault Bridge Road, No. 3, went to be with the Lord Friday, July 25, 2003, in Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol, following a lengthy illness. He was born March 19, 1942, in Pikeville, Ky., a son of the late Lawson and Ida Rife Gannon, both of Pikeville. In 2000, Mr. Gannon retired from Wayne Supply Co., Pikeville, after 24 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Janice Parsons Gannon; children, Charles D. Gannon, Hampton, Paul Gannon, Piney Flats, and Stephanie Marie Jeter, Piney Flats; two grandchildren, Christopher Paul Gannon, age 4, and Kelli Marie Jeter, age 1; brothers and sisters, McKinnley Gannon, Teddy Gannon, Ruth E. Gannon and Phyllis A. Tackett, all of Pikeville; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Gannon will be conducted 8 p.m. Monday in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Rev. L.D. Lane will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday and other hours at the home of his son, Paul Gannon, 529 Deerlick Road, Piney Flats. Burial will follow the committal service 11 a.m. Tuesday in the New Bethel Cemetery, Piney Flats. Friends are asked to meet the family at the cemetery. Tim Meade, Gene Casey, Bobby Casey, Pastor Joseph Lennox, Bill Whitlock and Steve Gannon will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Arnold Wayne Shipley and Harvey Jeter. Online condolences may be sent to the Gannon family via www.morrisbaker.com. Arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City. 423-282-1521. Berta Brown Gibson CASTLEWOOD -- Berta Brown Gibson, 80, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, 2003, at her home. She was born in Russell County, Va., daughter of the late Wilson and Mary Bell Francisco. She was preceded in death by her husband, O.D. Gibson; one sister, Jean Garrett; and three brothers, Wayne Francisco, Jack Francisco and Gaines Francisco. Mrs. Gibson was a devoted and loving mother of 10 children. She was a member of Sulphur Springs Methodist Church for 50 years. She is survived by her twin sister, Beulah Warner of Kingsport; five sons, Ronnie Gibson and wife, Sue, of Dante, Va., Oakley Gibson and wife, Patty, of Castlewood, Rudy Gibson and wife, Debbie, of Gate City, Phillip Gibson of Marion and Jackie Gibson and wife, Angie, of Castlewood; five daughters, Mary Courtney of Leesburg, Va., Debbie Varga and husband, Frank, of Bowie, Md., Sandy Chafin and husband, Doug, and Ginger Couch and husband, Zip, both of Castlewood, and Jennifer Watson and husband, Tom, of Lebanon; 23 grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Berta Brown Gibson will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Charles Killen and Rev. Brent Logan officiating. Interment will follow in Gibson Family Cemetery, Castlewood. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Gibson family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Angela D. Goodson ABINGDON -- Miss Angela Dawn Goodson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, 2003, after a long illness. Angela was born in Abingdon to Homer Lee Goodson and the late Mary Edith Goodson. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and worked as a counselor at Blue Ridge Job Corps. She was a member of the Woodland Baptist Church and was an avid fan of softball, basketball and fishing. Angela was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Goodson; twin brothers, Lonnie Mike Goodson and Roger Dale Goodson; and her mother, Mary Edith Goodson. She is survived by her father, Homer Lee Goodson; brothers, Richard Goodson and wife Gloria of Lancaster, Pa., Donald Ray Goodson of Abingdon and Freddie Lynn Goodson and wife Alisa of Piney Flats; a sister, Jane Gobble and husband Gene of Abingdon; nephews, Kevin and Robbie Gobble of Atlanta, Joshua Goodson and Curtis Goodson and wife Melinda, all of Abingdon, Roger Goodson and wife Cindy of Bristol Virginia, and Adam and Andrew Goodson of Piney Flats; nieces, Jade and Cassidy Goodson of Abingdon; a special cousin, Tammy Lester of Abingdon; her faithful companion, Jasper; and lots of loving friends. The funeral service will be conducted at 8:30 p.m. Monday in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Bob McCormick and Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 - 8:15 p.m. Monday before the funeral service. They will also be gathering at the home of her sister, Jane Gobble and husband Gene, 19191 Wyndale Road, Abingdon. A graveside committal service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Family members will gather at the home for a procession to the cemetery on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Kevin Gobble, Robbie Gobble, Curtis Goodson, Joshua Goodson, Adam Goodson, Andrew Goodson and Roger Goodson. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Lester, Johnnie Hicks, Jonathan Howard and Nathan Robinette. Flowers, will be accepted or memorial donations be made to the Gastroparesis Foundation, Care of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave., Desk A30, Cleveland, OH 44195. Those wishing to send memories and messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Miss Angela Dawn Goodson. Edith Ketron Holmes BRISTOL, Va. -- Edith Ketron Holmes, age 89, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, in National Health Care of Bristol. Mrs. Holmes was the daughter of the late W. D. and Lelia Lane Ketron. She was a lifelong resident of Bristol and a retired employee of the Virginia Highway Department with over 40 years of service. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by her husband, George Denver Holmes; and a sister, Lillian Sorah. Mrs. Holmes is survived by one sister, Virginia Cole of Bristol Virginia, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be conducted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Carl Blackburn officiating. It was Edith's special request to have no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. The family would like to express special thanks to Edith's friends on the second floor of National Health Care of Bristol and to Dr. James Schrenker. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Holmes at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Holmes. William Ray Hubble ABINGDON -- The funeral service for Mr. William Ray Hubble will be conducted at 1 p.m., Monday, July 28, 2003, in the Mt. Carmel Christian Church, with Pastor Larry Johnson officiating. Casket bearers will be John Billiter, Clifford Hawley, Louis McVey, Bill Mink, John Mitchell, Ron Musick, Jim Osborne, Ben Repass, Tom Repass, Andrew Widener, Harvey Widener, Joe Yarber and Carrol Austin. Special casket bearers will be Jacob Andis, Andy Andis, Austin Hubble and Lee Turner. Interment will follow in the Kiser-Sutherland Cemetery in Dante. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Hubble, age 65, died Friday, July 25, 2003, at his home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. William Ray Hubble. Ollie F. Jones JONESVILLE, Va. -- Ollie Belle Flanary Jones, 81, passed away at her residence on July 26, 2003. She was a secretary for the Virginia Department of Transportation and a member of the Bowling Chapel United Methodist Church of Jonesville. She was preceded in death by her parents, William H. "Will" and Willie Rebecca Flanary; two sisters, Jeanette Flanary Price and Anna Mae Flanary; and one nephew, Dr. Steve Flanary. She is survived by her husband, Claude C. Jones, Jonesville; three sons, William H. (Billy) Adkins of the home, Dennis C. and wife, Mary Jane Jones, Tazewell, Va., and Norman A. and wife, Tammy R. Jones, Blue Ridge, Va.; four grandchildren, Gregory C. and wife Amy Jones, Bluff City, Stephanie R. Jones, Blue Ridge, Alex Jones, Vinton, Va., and Jameson H. Jones, Tazewell; one great- grandchild, Alexander C. Jones, Bluff City; one brother, Dr. Woodrow Flanary, Johnson City; one sister, Edith Hopkins, Surprise, Ariz.; and three special nieces, Rothella Flenor, Noblesville, Ind., Peggy Bush, Jonesville and Linda Cheryl Suffel, Surprise, Ariz. Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Bowling Chapel United Methodist Church in Jonesville, with the Rev. Walter Waddey officiating. Committal services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Flanary Cemetery on Sandy Ridge in Jonesville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bowling Chapel United Methodist Church in Jonesville. Grandsons and Byron Bush are honorary pallbearers. Arney-Mullins Funeral Home of Jonesville is in charge of arrangements of Ollie Belle Flanary Jones. Shirley P. Knoll Shirley P. Knoll, 65, went to be with her Heavenly Father Sunday, July 27, 2003, from Select Specialty Hospital. She was born in Arlington, Va., the daughter of Thomas O. Ruppert and Ruth Ball Ruppert. Mrs. Knoll worked as an aide in Congress and later moved to Abingdon. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Abingdon and the St. Matthew's Cathedral Club. Shirley was also a member of the Daughter's of the Confederacy. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband, John Knoll, of Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, Thomas Ruppert Jr. of Clifton, Va., and George Ruppert of Arlington; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at the graveside in Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 o'clock Tuesday evening at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be sent via e-mail at www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Knoll and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Elmer Cecil Leonard BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The committal service and burial for Elmer Cecil Leonard will be conducted at 11 o'clock Monday morning at the graveside in Shipley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews, Ricky Whitson, Jeremiah Wallace, David Cooper, Emanuel Morenings, Gary Carrier and Preston Justice. Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Cambron's Sunday School Class of Mountain View Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Mountain View Baptist Church, 4005 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN 37601. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Mr. Leonard, 75, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 24, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Leonard. Conley J. Peters BRISTOL, Va. -- Conley J. Peters, age 64, of Wolf Run Road, died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at his home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Ray T. Poe BRISTOL, Va. -- Funeral services for Ray T. Poe will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Walter Statzer, Rev. Billy Denton and Chaplain Brian Jacobson officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Hiram Gardner, Dawson Townsend, Robert Collins, Eddie Necessary, Conley Shaffer and Richard Shaffer. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Poe, age 70, of 6233 Penn Road, went to be with the Lord Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Mabel Ramey BLOUNTVILLE -- Mabel Grace Denton Ramey, 900 Harr Town Road, went to be with the Lord July 27, 2003, at home. She was a member of Holly Springs Methodist Church and a housewife. She was preceded in death by parents, William J. and Mayme Carter Denton; husband, William Howard Ramey; and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include daughter, Elva Huffman and husband Bob of Blountville; sons, Clyde Ramey and wife Peggy of Kingsport and Conley Ramey and wife Barbara of Kingsport; three grandchildren, Terry Huffman of Gray, Tenn., Steve Ramey of Lexington, N.C., and Melissa Jo Stolkton of Theodore, Ala.; several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Diane Stine of Bluff City; four special nephews, Jerry Tibbs of North Carolina, Perry Tibbs of Bristol Tennessee, David Tibbs of Deford, Mich., and Douglas Denton of Lawrenceburg, Ky. Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003. Service will be 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Carter-Trent Funeral Home Chapel in downtown Kingsport. Pastors A. C. Cobble, Kevin Holmes and Kevin Collett will officiate. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to attend should meet at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. Pallbearers will be Perry Tibbs, Dolan Thomas, Terry Huffman, Steve Ramey, Kevin Collette and Roger Collette. Honorary pallbearers will be David Tibbs, Loy Faulk, Kenneth Taylor, Lloyd Moore and Charles Dingus. In lieu of flowers, make donations to Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol Tennessee, or Holly Springs Methodist Church. Friends may also call any time at the residence, 900 Harr Town Road, Blountville. Condolences may be sent to the family at cartertrentfh@chartertn.net. Carter-Trent Funeral Home of downtown Kingsport is serving the Ramey family. Blanche V. Rasnake BANDY, Va. -- Mrs. Blanche Virginia Rasnake, age 83, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2003, in a Richlands hospital following a brief illness. A life-long resident of Tazewell County, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Quesenberry Burress. In addition to her parents, seven brothers and six sisters preceded her in death. Mrs. Rasnake is survived by her husband of 60 years, Campbell Rasnake; four daughters, Mrs. Jim (Lucille) Beavers of Cedar Bluff, Mrs. Ruth Beavers of Cedar Bluff, Mrs. Joel (Connie) Lester of Cedar Bluff and Mrs. Eric (Terry) Newberry of Richlands; two sons, Roy Rasnake and wife Elizabeth of Essington, Pa., and Buddy Rasnake and wife Wanda of Centerville, Va.; one sister, Mrs. Gray Broughman of Naples, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great- great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. Gerald Stacy and Rev. David Brannock officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Cemetery at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff from 6-9 p.m. Monday. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Rasnake Family. Gladys E. Ratliff BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. -- Mrs. Gladys Elizabeth Ratliff, age 74, of the Garden Creek section, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2003, at her home following a long illness. Born in Tazewell County, she was the daughter of the late Edd and Della Asbury Jewell. She attended the Garden United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C.B. Ratliff, and four brothers, Robert Jewell, Henry Jewell, Richard Jewell and Sherman Jewell. Mrs. Ratliff is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Melinda Blankenship and husband Earnest of Pounding Mill, Va., Mrs. Constance Ratliff of Oakwood, Va., and Mrs. Patricia Keene and husband Phillip of Oakwood; four granddaughters, Melissa Mullins and husband Donnie, Jane Horton and husband Franklin, Allyson Ramsey and husband Jimmy, and Carrie Stiltner and husband Chad; two grandsons, Matthew Trivett and wife Anna and Michael Trivett; four great-grandchildren, Hannah Ramsey, Sydney and Skyler Stiltner and Elliott Horton; and two sisters, Mrs. Stella Horn of Roanoke and Mrs. Edith Horn of Grundy. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in the Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel at Keen Mountain, Va., with Rev. Maria Grimm officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Cemetery at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Matt Trivett, Mike Trivett, Mike Cole, Cleve Keene, Roger Null, Chris Ratliff, Chuck Ratliff and grandsons-in-law, Donnie Mullins, Jimmy Ramsey, Franklin Horton and Chad Stiltner. The family will receive friends at the Buchanan Funeral Service at Keen Mountain from 6-9 p.m. Monday. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the Ratliff Family. Johnny Ray Sheckler DAVENPORT, Va. -- Johnny Ray Sheckler, age 48, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, at a Bristol Tennessee hospital. Born in Buchanan County, Va., he was the son of the late William Henry Sheckler Jr. and Mary Duty Sheckler of Davenport. Mr. Sheckler was a coal miner and a U.S. Army veteran with Korean service. Survivors include one son, Joshua Sheckler of Castlewood; Mr. Sheckler's mother, Mary Duty Sheckler of Davenport; three sisters, Sue Woods and her husband Bobby Joe of St. Paul, Va., Inez Taylor of Lebanon and Ann Gobble and her husband Danny of Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, Blaine Sheckler and his wife Linda of St. Paul and Terry Sheckler of Davenport. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Faith in Christ Freewill Baptist Church, Duty, Va., with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson and Rev. Robert Tiller. Interment will follow at the Duty View Cemetery, Duty, where military graveside rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 164 Grundy. Honaker Funeral Home of Honaker is serving the family of Mr. Sheckler. Helen Tester JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. -- Mrs. Helen Tester, 74, 558 Fourth Avenue, died Friday, July 25, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center after a brief illness. She was a native of Washington County and a daughter of the late Ollie C. and Mary Louise Martin Woodruff. She was also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth "Dockie" Tester II. Mrs. Tester was a member of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren. Over 30 years ago she founded and was executive director of the Cerebral Palsy of East Tennessee, Inc. This chapter covered over 30 counties in the East Tennessee area. Over 700 clients received assists from the East Tennessee Chapter. She was recently re-elected to her 6th term as the Democratic executive committeewomen of the 3rd Senatorial District, consisting of Washington County and Carter County. She worked for the U.S. Agriculture Department of the Census Bureau. She was also a licensed beautician and instructor. She was owner and operator of the first answering service in Greeneville. Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Kenneth Wesley Tester of the home; two sons, John H. Banks, Johnson City and William "Bill" Martin Tester, Jonesborough; a daughter, Anita "LuLu" Ball, Jonesborough; five grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Tester will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2003, at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home, with Rev. Jim Hoff and Rev. Gene Head officiating. Interment will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at Roselawn Cemetery, with friends meeting at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sheriff Ed Graybeal, James T. Powell, Rick Davies, Pat Wolfe, Bill McCracken, Bill Howerton, Tom Mooney and Marion Light. Honorary pallbearers will be all her political friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2003, and other times at her home or the home of her daughter, 1188 Old State Route 34, Jonesborough. Conley H. Warren ATKINS, Va. -- Conley H. Warren, age 78, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Smyth County Community Hospital, Marion. He was born Oct. 13, 1924, at Rugby, Va., to Luther Patton and Dora Janetta Johnson Warren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Warren; brothers and sisters, Ottie Vernon, Delbert Wayne, Zenna Geneva, Edith Mae and Paula Dane. Surviving: one daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Joe Pruitt, Chilhowie; one brother, Dillon L. Warren, Independence, Va.; four sisters and two brothers-in- law, Virginia Lee Russell, Chilhowie, Bessie I. Henderson, Grant, Va., Wilma and Fay Butler, Baltimore, and Bernice and Nelson Owens, Marion; four grandchildren, Adam Pruitt, Mickey Pruitt, Tanja Pruitt and Joseph Conley Pruitt; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel, Independence. Rev. Mike Owens will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. prior to the funeral service. A graveside service will be held at Corinth Cemetery, Rugby, Va., Wednesday at 10 a.m. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Independence. Other area Obituaries Jul 28, 2003 Mrs. Marie Easterling, age 76, 612 Hazel St., Johnson City, died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, following a brief illness. Mrs. Easterling was a native of Wise County, VA, and a resident of Norton, VA until moving to Johnson City in 1959. She was a daughter of the late Arthur and Lucy Tate Shortt. Mrs. Easterling was retired from the Johnson City Medical Center after thirty eight years as a Medical Technolegist. She was a member of Boones Creek Baptist Church. Mrs. Easterling was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Easterling, Jr., in 2000; one daughter, Elizabeth Stewart, in 2001; four brothers, Creed Shortt, Edward Shortt, Curtis Shortt and Garlin Shortt; three sisters, Mildred Crisp, Reba Greer and Betty Stewart. Survivors include, two sons, Ken Easterling and wife Sarita, of Johnson City, Sam Easterling and wife Lisa, Louisville, TN; one daughter, Pat Walker and husband David, Chattanooga; one brother, Delmer Shortt, Cleveland, OH; one sister, Dollie Brickey, Cleveland, OH; five grandchildren, Todd Easterling, Bristol, David Walker, Jr. and Mark Walker, both of Chattanooga, Emily Easterling, Louisville, TN, Zachary Lovelace, Fall Branch; five great- grandchildren, Austin Easterling, Keely Easterling, Caleb Easterling and Eden Easterling, all of Bristol, and Mikayla Walker, Chattanooga; several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, July 28, 2003, at 7:00 P.M., from the Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home, with the Rev. Arnold “Bud” Pate, officiating. Special music will be provided by Tracy Easterling. The graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 11:00 A.M., in the Monte Vista Burial Park. Those planning to attend are to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 A.M. Tuesday to proceed to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:30- 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Condolences for the family may be e- mailed to www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 East Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Easterling family. Dennis Greene, age 65, 516 Magnolia Ave., Johnson City, died Friday, July 25, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, following a brief illness. Mr. Greene was a native of Bakersville, NC, and a resident of Johnson City for most of his life. Dennis was the son of the late Charlie and Bessie Greene. Mr. Greene was retired from the City of Johnson City. Dennis is survived by his wife, Shirley Greene, of the home; one son, Keith Greene, Johnson City; one daughter, Kathy Brillhart, Abingdon, VA; one sister, Dorothy Morrell, Unicoi; three granddaughters, Tayler Greene, Johnson City, Maggie Brillhart and Sallie Brillhart, both of Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, July 28, 2003, at 8:00 P.M., from the Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home, with the Rev. Richard Blankenship, officiating. The graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 10:00 A.M., in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Those planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery by 9:50 A.M. Tuesday. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00- 8:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Condolences for the family may be e-mailed to www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is serving the Greene family. Robert Andrew “Bob” Jackson, 75, 1209 N. Barton St., Johnson City, died Friday, July 25, 2003 in the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Jackson was a native and lifelong resident of Johnson City. Bob was a son of the late William and Sarah Head Jackson. Mr. Jackson retired in 1996 as a weaver from Burlington Industries after 45 years of service. Bob served in the navy during World War II as a signalman on several naval ships in the Philippines. Mr. Jackson was preceded in death by one son, William “Willie” Jackson in 1996; and one brother, Jim Jackson in 2002. Bob is survived by his wife, Bettie Joe Johnson Jackson, of the home; four daughters, Elizabeth “Shasta” Ferguson, and husband, Sheridan, Jonesborough, Darlene White, and husband, Kirk, Knoxville, Mary Lou Radford, and husband, Larry, Johnson City, Lynda Lane, and husband, Larry, Knoxville; one son, Robert “Andy” Jackson, II, and wife, Linda, Moore, OK; four grandsons, David Ferguson, and wife Sarah, Jonesborough, John “Chip” Jenkins, and friend Laura, Knoxville, Wade Jenkins, and friend Tracy, Knoxville, Terry Clay, and friend Ashley; Johnson City; three granddaughters, Alyson Booker, and husband, Brooks, Johnson City, Rene Lambert, and husband, Daniel, Salisbury, NC, Melinda Britton, and husband, Jeff, Moore, OK; four great-grandchildren, Levi Booker, Cameryn Booker, Caleab Jackson and Madison Ferguson; six brothers, William Jackson, and wife, Lucille, Earnest Jackson, Donald Jackson, and friend, Maxine, David Jackson, Jack Jackson, all of Johnson City, and Kyle Jackson, Burnsville, NC; one sister, Mary Kate Byrd, and husband, Frank, Johnson City; several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; special friends, Zack and Cody Miles, Josh Shepherd, “Little” Rilie Faye Bailey, and “walking buddy” Debbie Walls, his “two boys”, Kelso and Ralph, and so many friends who are all special. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, July 27, 2003, at 4:00 PM from the East Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home with Kirk White, Minister, officiating. Graveside committal services will be held Monday, July 28, 2003, at 10:00 AM in Mountain Home National Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Kingsport VFW Post #3382. Those planning to attend the committal service are to meet at the funeral home by 9:30 AM Monday to proceed to the cemetery. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Condolences may be made online at www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E Watauga Ave., is serving the Jackson family.