Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 26, 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 Friday, September 26, 2003 Today's Deaths James H. Austin, 76, Kingsport Rebecca Hammond Ball, Weber City Eva Lee Lewis Buchanan, 97, Grundy Helen E. St. John Counts, 82, Meadowview Clarence Elswick, 84, Pounding Mill, Va. Lacy Henry "Bill" Hickok Jr., 81, Flatwoods, W.Va. Hope Keller Hobbs, 79, Bristol Tennessee. Betty McKnight, 69, Saltville Ruth Edna Brooks Miller, 84, Bristol Tennessee Ruth Frances Osborne, 88, Abingdon Eliza Ovella Robinson, 94, Rosedale, Va. Anna M. Smith, 86, Chilhowie Blanche C. Stafford, 70, Bristol Tennessee William G. Welch, 75, Wytheville, Va. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James H. Austin KINGSPORT -- James H. Austin, 76, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at Bristol Re-gional Medical Center. Jim was born on Christmas Day, 1926, in Dry Creek but lived the past 43 years in Kingsport. He was the son of the late Hardin and Amie Austin of Johnson City. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He worked for many years as a plumber for Smith Mechanical Contractors before becoming a pipefitter for TVA. Survivors include his wife, Helen Austin; his children: Joan Ellen Anderson and husband Ken of Centennial, Colo.; Clyde Alan Austin and wife Gail of Jonesborough; Timothy Edward Austin of King George, Va.; Richard Anthony Austin of Kingsport; and Joseph Michael Austin and wife Mary Jane of Lawrenceville, Ga.; grandchildren, Chase Austin Anderson, Kellie Michelle Austin and Michaela Shawn Austin. Calling hours will be 7-9 p. m. Friday at the East Lawn Funeral Home. Entombment service will be 2 p. m. Saturday at the Mausoleum III in the East Lawn Memorial Park, with Pastor Kenn Hecht officiating. Following the service full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post 3/Gate City Post 265. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Heritage Baptist Church Hospital Ministry, 1512 John Exum Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37604. Please visit us on line at www.mem.com to place a tribute to the family. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Austin Family. Rebecca H. Ball WEBER CITY -- Rebecca Hammond Ball passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She was born Feb. 12, 1913. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Rebecca Rhoton Gibson; her first husband, Dewey Hammond in 1978; and her second husband, Vestal Ball in 1992; her brothers, Arlin Gibson, Burley Gibson, Ezra Gibson, Walker Gibson and Jimmy Gibson; sisters, Stella Pearson, Pearlie Cookenour, Bertie Gibson and her twin, Rosa; and one grandson, Michael Bishop. She is survived by daughter, Betty and husband, Robert Ellis of Wellington, N.C.; sons and daughters-in-law: Rev. Kenny and wife Janice Hammond, Gate City; and Evangelist Pat and wife Rachel Hammond, Surgoinsville, Tenn.; sister, Verna Manring of Duffield, Va.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Mary Sowards. The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Scott County Funeral Home and at the home of Pat and Rachel Hammond, 1979 Carters Valley Road, Surgoinsville, and Kenny and Janice Hammond, Hilton Highway, Gate City, Va. Funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Wrightly Salling and her sons, Kenny Hammond and Pat Hammond. Music by New Grace Singers. Graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Holston View Cemetery. Scott County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Dorothy M. Belcher ABINGDON -- The family of Mrs. Dorothy M. Belcher will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Farris Funeral Chapel. Rev. Allen Umbarger will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring, Va. Pallbearers will be Darrell Belcher, Darrell Hawthorne, Skip Hinchey, Ralph Belcher, Bill Jones and Matthew Tucciarella. Honorary pallbearers: Chris Hawthorne, Ricky Belcher, Terry Hinchey and James Hintze. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Belcher, age 77, of Wildwood, Fla., died Monday Sept. 22, 2003, at her home. Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Belcher family. Eva Lee Buchanan GRUNDY -- Eva Lee Lewis Buchanan, 97 years of age, of the Little Prater Community, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy, following a short illness. Born in McDowell County, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late John Franklin and Amanda Jane Collins Lewis. She had lived most of her life in Matewan, W.Va., moving to Grundy in 1997, where she made her home with her niece, Delores Riffe Childress, and was a member of Ratliff Chapel Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Mrs. Buchanan was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Buchanan. She is survived by one son, Millard and wife, Jean Buchanan, Sharpsburg, Ga.; one sister, Ethel Dye, Clothier, W.Va.; two granddaughters: Karen and husband, Guy Provencal, Cosby, Tenn.; and Katie and husband, Blaine Savage, Sharpsburg; and one grandson, Sonny and wife, Ann Buchanan, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Also, she is survived by six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends to mourn her passing. She was preceded in death by two sons, Hillard and Frank Buchanan; six sisters; and three brothers. Funeral services for Eva Lee Lewis Buchanan will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Rich Ellis and Minister Jason Ratliff officiating, with burial to follow in Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Richlands. A song service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday evening in the funeral home chapel. Active pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Floyd W. Castle CASTLEWOOD -- Committal services for Floyd W. Castle will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. The family will meet at the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Friday. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Online condolences may be sent to the Castle family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mr. Castle, 85, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at Russell County Medical Center, Lebanon. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Dolly Colley BRISTOL, Tenn. -- A graveside committal service for Mrs. Dolly Colley will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 12:50 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wexford House Activity Fund or to the Gideon Foundation. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Colley, age 80, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport. Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Colley family. Helen Counts MEADOWVIEW, Va. -- Mrs. Helen E. St. John Counts, age 82, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. Helen was born May 27, 1921, a daughter of the late P.W. and Pearl St. John. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and had lived much of her life in the Hayter's Gap Community but had resided in the Smyth Chapel Community for the past 30 years. Helen retired from Abingdon Hardwood Manufacturing and was a member of the Greenfield Baptist Church. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Nannie) and a friend to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Douglas Counts; her parents; one sister, Margie Caudill; and brothers, Preston, Thurman and David St. John. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by: her daughter, Judy Kay Counts Brown and husband, G.C. Brown of Meadowview; one granddaughter, Cindy Brown Fields and husband, Mark Fields of Meadowview; two great-granddaughters who were the light of her life, Alyssa Lindsey Fields and Leanna Faith Fields, both of Meadowview; three sisters-in- law, Ruth Taylor and Nell Counts of Abingdon, and Laura Slemp of Easley, S.C.; several nieces and nephews; and special caregiver and friends Mildred and Jack Campbell, Roy and Betty Barrett and Sharon Kestner. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at the branch facility of Farris Funeral Service located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. Rev. Tom Caprin and Rev. John Stapleton will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 - 9 p.m. Friday at the Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Brown, Micky Catron, Jack Campbell, Leon Caudill, Charlie Jessee, Dick Taylor and Mike Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will Roy Barrett, Johnny Delp, Don Rutherford, George Owens, Barry Love and Tom Taylor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Chapter of the American Cancer Society/Rosedale Team, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the family and friends who showed concern and kindness during Helen's illness. Those wishing to express sympathy or a memory may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Clarence Elswick POUNDING MILL, Va. -- Mr. Clarence Elswick, age 84, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at his daughter's residence. Born in Tazewell County, Va., he was the son of the late Layaffett and Bertha Elswick. He was a World War II Army veteran. He was a retired steel worker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers and four sisters. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family in his generation. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Marie Cox Elswick; one daughter, Patsy Elkins of Claypool Hill, Va.; four grandchildren: Keith Elkins and wife Dee Dee of Richlands: David Elkins and wife Sheila of Claypool Hill, Va.; Todd Elkins and wife Letisha of Richlands; and Scott Elkins and Kim of Richlands; one special sister-in-law, Judy Lambert of Cedar Bluff, Va.; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel, in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. R.B. Lambert and Rev. Ancil Childress officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Casey- Shortt VFW Post 9640 and Tazewell County Chapter 31 DAV. Pallbearers will be Roger Childress, Ralph Childress, Arland Childress, Jack Childress, Cecil Childress, David Elkins, Todd Elkins, Keith Elkins, Jim Ed Lambert and John Lambert. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Elswick family. Roy Lee Ford BLOUNTVILLE -- Funeral services for Roy Lee Ford will be conducted on Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Jimmy W. Gross officiating. Burial will follow in the Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jacky Harr, Andy Gross, Travis Ford, Brian Stewart, Randy Puckett and Joey Moody. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Salley, Ricky Taylor, Hugh Mallett, Marshall Hicks, J.D. Wilson, Scottie Harr and all of his fox hunting buddies. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Ford, age 69, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at the Holston Valley Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Lacy H. Hickok Jr. FLATWOODS, W.Va. -- Lacy Henry "Bill" Hickok Jr., age 81, passed away in a West Virginia hospital on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2003. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Hickok of Wise, Va. Survivors include: his wife, Betty of Flatwoods; one brother, Dan H. of Abingdon; and several grandchildren. Funeral services and burial were held on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, in Sutton, W.Va. Obituary information is by courtesy of Campbell Funeral Home of Abingdon. Hope Keller Hobbs BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Hope Keller Hobbs, 79, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. The daughter of the late Clarence Peter Keller and Katherine Crumley Keller, she was born in Detroit, but had lived in Bristol since the age of four. Mrs. Hobbs attended King College and was a fourth-generation member of State Street United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William J. "Bill" Hobbs. Survivors include two daughters: Anne McClain and her husband Robert of Fayetteville, Ga.; and Kitty Young and her husband Philip of Versailles, Ky.; and three grandchildren. She also leaves behind Virginia Taylor, who has been her friend since they were in the first grade. She and Virginia enjoyed many evenings with friends playing bridge and socializing. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 o'clock Saturday morning at the graveside in Shelby Hills Cemetery, with Rev. Sharon Wiley officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Friday evening at Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Hardwick, Hugh White, Philip Young and Robert McClain. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to State Street United Methodist Church, 300 West Valley Drive, Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- blevins.com. Mrs. Hobbs and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. James F. McKearney II BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The committal for James Francis McKearney II will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Anne's Catholic Church Columbarium. Honorary pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Mr. McKearney, age 77, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. James F. McKearney. Betty McKnight SALTVILLE, Va. -- Betty McKnight, age 69, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003. She was at her home in Saltville. She was a member of Midway Memorial Chapel. She was the daughter of the late Millie and Mae Wilson and was also preceded in death by one brother, Jessie Wilson; and two sisters, Diania and Mattie Wilson. Survivors: two daughters: Sandy Armstrong and husband Glenn of Saltville; and Ann Myers and husband Pete of Saltville; three granddaughters, Kristin and Katlyn Armstrong and Victoria Lamie; one grandson, Benjamin Lamie; two brothers: Robert Wilson of Marion, Va.; and Johnny Wilson of Saltville; five sisters: Hattie Stuart of Marion; Judy Doane of Chilhowie; Jenny Adams of Glade Spring; Patsy Frye of Saltville and Dorothy Ratcliff; special friend and companion, Arvell "Rack" Roark; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Ms. McKnight will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at Midway Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Bill Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Elizabeth Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Frye, Bobby Frye, Stanley Frye, Joe Doane, Steve Doane, Tim Doane, Albert Doane and Junior Hall. The family will receive friends Friday evening at Midway Memorial Chapel from 7-9 p.m. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the family. Ruth Miller BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Ruth Edna Brooks Miller, age 84, of 2628 Broad St., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at the Pine Ridge Health Care and Rehab in Elizabethton. She was born Aug. 29, 1919, in Mountain City, Tenn., a daughter of the late Eck and Blanch Watson Brooks and had lived in the Bristol area for the past 45 years. She was an employee at the J.C. Penney Co., a member of the Rosemont Presbyterian Church and was in women's activities in the church, Circle 1. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley A. Miller; a sister, May Brooks; and a brother, Ralph Brooks. Survivors include: daughter, Carol Mahala, Bristol Tennessee; son, Jerry Miller, Blountville; sister, Mary Hensley, Mountain City; two brothers, Ernest Brooks, Bristol Tennessee, and Charles Brooks, Bristol Virginia; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, in the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Allen Chapman officiating. Entombment will be in the Glenwood Mausoleum. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel or anytime at the home of a daughter, Carol Mahala, 900 Weaver Pike, Bristol, Tenn. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ruth F. Osborne ABINGDON -- Mrs. Ruth Frances Osborne, age 88, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol. She was a native of North Carolina and had lived in Washington County many years. Mrs. Osborne attended Woodland Hills Church of Christ and was the widow of Bradley Osborne. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Hattie Hoover and Goldie Pennington; three brothers, Carl Price, Clive Price and Ervel Price; one daughter-in-law, Mona Osborne; two sons-in-law, C.D. Calloway and Larry Parsons. She is survived by three sons: Wilmer Osborne and wife Betty and David Osborne, both of Abingdon; and Robert Osborne and wife Marlissa of Bristol Tennessee; two daughters: Mary Calloway, Abingdon; and Jean Parsons, Kingsport; two brothers: Elmer Price of West Jefferson, N.C.; and Burl Price of Lenoir, N.C.; two sisters: Edna Osborne, Wapato, Wash.; and Hettie Osborne of Warrensville, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a special future son-in-law, Tom Hudson. Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Frances Osborne will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at Farris Funeral Chapel, with Paul Viers, minister, officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. View Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers: Dennis Arnold, Jonathan Calloway, Cody Calloway, Danny Calloway, David Calloway, Freddie Herndon, Ricky Watson and Jackie Scyphers. Honorary bearers: Douglas Carrier, Bruce Olivo, Colin Lavigne, David Osborne Jr., Johnny Nunley, Michael Morrison, Corey Anderson, Rodney Woodward and Jordan Calloway. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va., and suggest memorial contributions to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Those who wish to send a message of sympathy online may do so at www.farrisfuneralservice. com. Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the family of Mrs. Osborne. Ovella Robinson ROSEDALE, Va. -- Eliza Ovella Robinson, 94, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003, in the Maple Grove Health Care Center in Lebanon. Born May 2, 1909, in Russell County, a daughter of the late Henry Robinson and Josephine Hubbard Robinson, she was a retired employee of the Russell County School Board with 33 years of service as a cook at Elk Garden and Belfast Elementary Schools. She was a member of the East Lebanon Freewill Baptist Church. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Ella Fogleman Dyson and Gussie Mae Robins; and seven brothers, Harrison, Robert, Jerry, Martin (Bill), Ernest and Stafford Robinson; and an infant brother. Survivors include nieces: Grace Bell, Coeburn; and Margie Casteel, Idaho; several great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends, Larry and Sandy Robinson and Dorothy Perkins; also a host of friends. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Larry Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens. Men of the East Lebanon Freewill Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2003, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Miss Robinson. Anna M. Smith CHILHOWIE -- Ms. Anna M. Smith, age 86, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, in Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is in charge of arrangements. Lillie V. Smith JOHNSON CITY -- Miss Lillie V. Smith, age 104, 2018 Sherwood Drive, Apt. 219, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at North Side Hospital following a brief illness. A native of Sullivan County, having been born on Jan. 31, 1899, she lived in three centuries. She was the daughter of the late J. W. and Minnie G. Smith. She was a member of First Christian Church. Miss Smith was a graduate of Milligan College and finished her nursing training in Louisville, Ky. She worked much of her life as a nurse. During World War II, she was awarded special recognition from the attorney general for being an instructor in a school of nursing that prepared the largest class of student nurses in history for military and essential civilian nursing. She retired as Supervisor of Nurses from the Centinella Hospital in Inglewood, Calif. after more than 40 years of nursing. After retiring she moved to Lemon Grove, California to live with her sister. From there she moved to Greeneville, Tenn., and then to the Christian Village Tower in Johnson City. She had lived at the Christian Village for the past 25 years. She loved the Christian Village and her many friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, James E. Smith, Mitchell I. Smith, Carl S. Smith, and Walter C. Smith; and by nine sisters, Mary A. Smith Brown, Maggie G. Smith Ruth, Lelia P. Smith Jones, Myrtle M. Smith Glover, Dora T. Smith Jones, Nannie R. Smith, Viola M. A. Smith McCord, Lenora P. Smith Trivette, and Wahneta Smith Chase. Survivors include a large number of nieces and nephews and their children. Even in death she is still giving as she donated her body to the Quillen Medical College for medical research. The memorial service for Miss Lillie V. Smith will be conducted at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Appalachian Christian Village Chapel with Mr. Frank Smith, minister and Rev. James Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Appalachian Christian Village; 309 Princeton Road; Johnson City, TN 37601. A headstone has been placed in The Poplar Ridge Cemetery. Courtesy of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 610-7171) Blanche C. Stafford BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Blanche C. Stafford, age 70, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2003. She was born in Shady Valley, Tenn., the daughter of the late Stacy and Ethel Sluder Crosswhite. Ms. Stafford had moved to Bristol more than 50 years ago and was a charter member of Vance Bible Church, where she worked as a Sunday School teacher for many years and also served in the OMC Group. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Stafford; two brothers, Elmer Crosswhite and Preston Crosswhite; and a sister, Essie Blevins. Survivors include: son, Bill Stafford and wife Debbie of Bristol Tennessee; grandsons: Shawn Stafford and wife Jessica; and Kevin Stafford and fiancee' Kristie Hughes, all of Bristol Tennessee; sisters: Nola Wright and husband Charles of Bristol Tennessee; and Ruby Miller of Shady Valley; brother, Glenn Crosswhite and wife Bobby of Frankfort, Ky.; sister-in-law, Nell Crosswhite; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Shane, Kara and Andrew Stafford; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Burnette officiating, assisted by Rev. Greg Kain. Interment will follow at Weaver Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Larry Mullins, Audy Wright, Brandon Davis, Ronnie Trivette Jr., Donnie Hicks and James Owens. The family would like to say a special thanks to a special doctor, Dr. Linda Griggs; special niece, Linda Rodefer; and a special friend, Diane Artrip. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. William G. Welch WYTHEVILLE, Va. -- William G. Welch, age 75, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, in Wythe County Community Hospital in Wytheville, Va. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service.