Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, November 15, 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 Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003 Today's Deaths Frances Steelman Batten, age 79, Abingdon Craig Robert Beyer, 49, Bristol Tennessee Joe K. Christian, 64, Blountville Brandon Meredith Burk Fogleman, 25, Kingsport Odessa Brown Harrison, age 80, Abingdon Donald Stull King, Johnson City Albert Bly Ladd, 90, Bristol Virginia Carl Edward Leonard, age 81, Bristol Tennessee Henry Lee Miller, age 93, Bristol Tennessee Estelle Varner, 91, Wise Frances Anderson Wrenn Vereen, age 81, Marion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frances S. Batten ABINGDON – Mrs. Frances Steelman Batten, age 79, went to rejoice with her Lord on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003. She was a native of Russell County but lived most of her life in Abingdon. She was the daughter of the late J.R. and Elizabeth Vance Adkins. She and her late husband, Howard Steelman, and late sister-in-law, Geneva Fulton, co-owned and operated several restaurants for many years, some of which were City Café, Wall St. Café, Bus Station Restaurant and Fulton’s Grill. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenny Bowman, second husband, Howard Steelman, third husband, Dewaine Batten, five brothers and five sisters. Survivors include two sons, Roger Bowman and wife Dorothy of Saltville and Dallas Bowman and wife Cookie of Newport News, Va.; one daughter: Geneva Reynolds of Abingdon; two sisters, Roma Ball of Centerbury, Ohio, and Margie Stanley of Cleveland, Ohio; a special niece, Eva Fuller of Drill, Va.; 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also, she is survived by her special loving church family and Pastor Billy Owens and wife Sarah of the Little Storehouse Baptist Church in Abingdon, also several nieces, nephews and in-laws too numerous to mention. We would like to give a special thank you to Virginia’s Hospice of Rural Retreat, Naomi Barrett, Penny Bise, nurse Beverly Henley and caregiver, Donna Abel. Also a special thank you to Dr. Jolanda Cook and nurse Cindy at Abingdon Family Practice and Dr. Ann Hays and nurses at Mountain Gastroenterology. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Pastor Billy Owens will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Debbie Sullins, Dave Cannon, Roger Bowman Jr., Richard Bowman, Keith Bowman, David Reynolds, Eugene Bowman and Michael Puckett. Honorary pallbearers are Kenny Bowman, Roger Bowman Sr., Dallas Bowman Jr. and men of the Little Storehouse Baptist Church. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Batten family. Craig Robert Beyer BRISTOL, Tenn. – Craig Robert Beyer, 49, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2003, at his home. He was a native of Falls Church, Va., a graduate of George Mason University and had lived in Bristol for the past 27 years. He had served with the Bristol Tennessee Police Department for 26 years, most recently as a lieutenant prior to assuming the position of interim chief upon the recent retirement of Chief Eddie Wampler. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, served as the physical fitness officer at the police department and attended Woodlawn Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Denise Nelson Beyer of the home; two daughters, Leann Beyer Scott and her husband Matthew of Clarksville, Tenn., and Alecia Beyer of the home; his mother, Jean S. Beyer of Bristol Tennessee; a sister, Cathy Simons-Sproles and her husband Chris of Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, Gerald Beyer and his wife Barbara of Woodbridge, Va., and David Beyer of Manassas, Va.; five nieces and five nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Beyer, and a brother, Gary Beyer. Respects may be paid from 1 until 5 Saturday afternoon at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Saturday evening. Members of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department and Bristol Tennessee Fire Department will stand guard at the casket. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. Stephen Playl officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, with full police memorial rites presented by the Honor Guards from the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, Bristol Virginia Police Department, Bristol Virginia Sheriff’s Department and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department. Pallbearers will be members of the Bristol Tennessee Police Department. Members of the Johnson City, Kingsport and Elizabethton Police Departments will serve as honorary pallbearers and assist the Bristol Tennessee Police Department in patrolling the city during the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Fraternal Order of Police, Sullivan County Chapter 15, 108 Ball Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.@oakley- cook.com. Mr. Beyer and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Wilma Castle NEWARK, Ohio – Funeral services for Wilma G. Rasnick Castle will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Bud Milgrim officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Online condolences may be sent to the Castle family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mrs. Castle, 82, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at Mount Carmel East Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Joe K. Christian BLOUNTVILLE – Joe K. Christian, 64, formerly of Cooks Valley, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003. He was a life-long resident of Sullivan County and retired from J.A. McCurry Auto Parts due to poor health. Mr. Christian attended various Baptist churches. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Rebecca Housewright Christian, two brothers, Cecil Edward Christian and Guy Christian Jr., sister, Margaret Christian Harris, brother-in-law, Dean Harris, and sister-in-law, Kaye Mathews. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Mathews Christian of the home; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mildred and Oscar Mathews, Blountville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and Larry Stacy, Blountville; brother-in-law, Nathaniel Mathews, Kingsport; several nieces, nephews and cousins; special great-nephew, Aaron Ray Stacy, and his dog, “Little Bitt.” Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport. Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Johnny Gibson officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Vermont United Methodist Church Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Maxine Culbertson NORTON – Graveside funeral services for Margaret Maxine Culbertson will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Ms. Culbertson, 74, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, in Emory East Side Hospital, Snellville, Ga. Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home, Norton, is in charge of arrangements. Ruby Arlene Fleenor BRISTOL, Va. – Ruby Arlene Fleenor, age 78, passed away, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at her home. She was a native of Castlewood and a daughter of the late George and Caroline Lasley. She had lived in the Bristol area since 1966. She was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by two brothers, John Lasley and Charles Lasley, four sisters, Lena Peterno, Jackie Belcher, Lucille Hensley and Beulah Light, and a granddaughter, Michelle Partin. Survivors include husband of 38 years, Charlie Lee Fleenor; daughter, Diana Deutsch; three sons and daughters-in-law, James and Janet Falin, Donnie and Clella Falin and Ronnie Falin; brother, Taylor Lasley; sister, Georgia Austin; three grandchildren, Arley Partin Jr., Rebecca Scales and Leslie Falin; six great-grandchildren, Haley, Michael, Helen, Charlie, Sydney and Preston, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Warren Scales officiating. The committal will be at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Susong Cemetery. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Saturday at the Weaver Funeral Home.Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Brandon Fogleman KINGSPORT – Brandon Meredith Burk Fogleman, 25, died Friday, Nov. 14, 2003, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. Arrangements are incom-plete at this time and will be announced later by Oak Hill Funeral Home. Jerry Thomas Hager KEEN MOUNTAIN, Va. – Jerry Thomas Hager, 52 years of age, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at Clinch Valley Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Martin, Ky., he was a son of Stella Dodd Hager, Oakwood, Va., and the late Kerman Odell Hager. He had been a resident of Buchanan County for several years, was of the Pentecostal faith and a retired employee of Island Creek Coal Corporation Beatrice Mines. He was a graduate of Grundy High School and attended Southwest Virginia Community College. He served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant. He served in Germany in the military police, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Expert M-16 Rifeman. He was a member of John Ratliff Post 164 of the American Legion and DAV Chapter 59. Mr. Hager is survived by his wife of 24 years, Deborah Boyd Hager, Keen Mountain; one daughter, Traci Eskridge, Manassas, Va.; one son, Jerry Wayne, Oakwood; two sisters, Carol Matthews, Eastion, Ga., and Sandra Riggsby of Keen Mountain, and three brothers, Kerman Hager Jr., Oakwood, Terry Hager, Springfield, Va., and Ricky Hager, Oakwood. Also, he is survived by two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service for Jerry Thomas Hager will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Jody Breeding and Randy Webb officiating, with burial to follow in Esau Rife Cemetery on Keen Mountain. Active pallbearers will be James Boyd, Scott Riggsby, Tommy Grindstaff, Jon Sanders, Derek Vandyke and Steve Hamro III. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Riggsby, Steve Riggsby. Greg Boyd, Clifford Keen, Dean Stiltner and members of Chapter 59 of the Disabled American Veterans. Full military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by members of John Ratliff Post 164 of the American Legion. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Odessa B. Harrison ABINGDON – Mrs. Odessa Brown Harrison, age 80, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Arrangements will be announced by Farris Funeral Service. Hattie P. Herndon CHILHOWIE – Hattie Mae Price Herndon, 89, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, in Raleigh Court Health Care, Roanoke. She was born in Russell County, the daughter of the late Hezekiah K. and Linda Jane Snead Price. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Herbert “Pee Wee” Herndon, one son, Charles Price Herndon, one brother, Bradley Price, one grandson, Robert E. Deaton II, and one son-in-law, Robert Elliott Deaton. She had taught for 39 years before her retirement with the Smyth County Schools. She was an active member of the Chilhowie United Methodist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Anne Bradley Herndon Deaton, Roanoke; three granddaughters, Erica Herndon, Raleigh, Laura Reed, Joplin, Mo., and Marshall Harrell, Roanoke; two great-grandchildren, Weda Anne Reed and Kayla Haynes, both of Missouri, and one sister-in-law, Mary Helen Price, Bristol Virginia. Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday in Williams Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. David E. St.Clair and Rev. Bill Adams officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the St. James Cemetery. Flowers will be appreciated or contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund, Chilhowie United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 367, Chilhowie, VA 24319, or the Good Samaritan Hospice, Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Williams Funeral Home prior to the service. Donald Stull King JOHNSON CITY – Mr. Donald Stull King, 2020 Sherwood Drive, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, at the Appalachian Christian Village. He was born in Bristol Tennessee on Aug. 20, 1910, a son of the late Carl Herman King and Lucie Stull King. Mr. King was a graduate of Fishburne Military Academy and Davidson College. He was vice-president of H.P. King Co., Bristol and Dosser’s Department Store, Johnson City. In Bristol, he was president of the Sales and Marketing Executive Club, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, the Bristol Memorial Hospital Board and the Kiwanis Club. In Johnson City, Mr. King was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served as senior warden and was chairman of the building fund. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Mr. King was a member of the Johnson City Country Club and the Hurstleigh Club. Mr. King was preceded in death by his wives, Lucy Toncray King and Rosalie Jennings King. Survivors include his daughters, Travis King Johnson of Gainesville, Ga., Carol King Warfford of Homosassa, Fla., and Stull King McNay of Charlotte, N.C.; one brother, Col. Nat Delaney King, retired, of Johnson City; two stepsons, Frederic H. Brandt of Johnson City and George F. Brand, Jr. of Nashville; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The funeral service for Mr. King will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The Rev. Frank Cooper and the Rev. Margaret Zeller will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. Saturday. The committal service and interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol. Serving as pallbearers will be Anthony King McNay, Donald Miller McNay, Stephen D. Brandt, David L. Lawrence, Charles Lawrence, William Earl Parrish and Christopher Thomas Ecke. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Charles Wofford, Dr. Lewis Cosby, Mr. Richard Jennings and Dr. Ken Scholl. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Building Fund of St. John’s Church, 500 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601. Online condolences may be sent to the King family via www.morrisbaker.com. Arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City. Albert Bly Ladd BRISTOL, Va. – Albert Bly Ladd, 90, passed away Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, at Bristol Nursing Home. He was born in Oliver Springs, Tenn., a son of the late Franklin Louis and Martha Elizabeth Ladd. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Duggins Ladd. Mr. Ladd was a former TVA employee, served as the first city judge for the Town of Norris, Tenn., operated Norris Boat Dock and held the position of purchasing agent for Anderson County, Tenn., until his retirement in 1978. He is survived by his son, Judge Richard E. Ladd and his wife Isabelle of Bristol Tennessee; two grandsons, Richard E. Ladd Jr. and his wife Lisa of Abingdon and Michael R. Ladd of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; his great-grandson, Evan Ladd; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Duggins; another sister-in-law, Mrs. Robert L. Duggins, and several nieces and nephews. A private service will be conducted at Norris Memorial Gardens in Norris. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Norris Tree Commission, c/o City Manager, Norris, TN 37828. Mr. Ladd and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Carl Edward Leonard BRISTOL, Tenn. – Carl Edward Leonard, age 81, of 1780 Hwy. 126, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2003, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 6, 1922, in Sullivan County, Tenn., and was the son of the late Edward and Bertha Mae Leonard. He was of the Baptist faith and was a printer for Tri-State Novelty Company. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Marie Leonard, daughter, Linda Cunningham of Piney Flats, and granddaughter, Tracy Lynn Ball of Bristol Tennessee. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Gail Leonard. Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, in the Glenwood Cemetery, with Buddy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 Sunday evening. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ray M. McCroskey Jr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal for Ray M. McCroskey Jr. will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Shelby Hills Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Michael Baron, Dr. Tom Byers Jr., Dr. Phil Morrison and Ellis Crews. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. McCroskey, age 78, of 300 Fieldcrest Rd., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Henry Lee Miller BRISTOL, Tenn. – Henry Lee Miller, age 93, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, at the Wellmont Hospice House. He was born on March 30, 1910, to James Calvin and Nancy Ann Miller and was a resident of Sullivan County and the Bristol area most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II and a retired service station owner and operator. He was a member of Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Thomas Miller, and a sister, Isabel Galliher. Survivors include stepdaughter, Mary Dove Nidiffer and husband Fred Nidiffer; three grandchildren, Fred Nidiffer Jr. and wife Karen, Leanna Nidiffer Hollars and Rebecca Nidiffer Bounds; six great-grandchildren, Jeff Hollars, David Hollars, Stacy Bounds Turner and husband Josh, Aaron Bounds Turner, Matt Nidiffer and Heather Nidiffer White and husband Bradley, and two great-great- grandchildren, Henry Thomas White and Elizabeth Anna White. He is also survived by special friend, David Morris, and special brother-in-law, Clyde Thomas. The funeral service will be held 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Joe Hudson and Phil Whitaker officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. The burial will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, in the Glenwood Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Gerry Boccarossa, Bill Clever, Sam Wilkerson, Bill Ward, Ralph Harr, Trenton Leonard, Dr. Kermit Lowry, Edison Whitlock, Herman Johnson, Allen Johnson, Raymond Morrell and Randy Bowers. The family would like to wish special thanks to his devoted doctors, Gerry Boccarossa and Bill Clever and the caregivers at the Wellmont Hospice House for their tender loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bristol Humane Society, P.O. Box 1586, Bristol, VA 24203. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Willard D. Sharrett BRISTOL, Va. – Mr. Willard D. “Billy” Sharrett, age 62, died Wednesday Nov. 12, 2003, at his residence. Billy was a native of Bristol Virginia and had been a member of the Central Baptist Church for 19 years, where he served as Sunday School superintendent and deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Sharrett and Annie Gaynelle Arnold, and a grandson, Joshua Sharrett. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Joan Reynold Sharrett; a son, Steven Sharrett and wife Kristi; a daughter, Stephanie Jenkins and husband Kerry, all of Bristol Virginia; five grandchildren, Adam Sharrett, Kayela Sharrett, Keri- Ann Jenkins, James Legg and Chris Doss; stepfather, Morris J. Arnold, Bristol Virginia; two stepsisters, Betty Wampler, Bristol Virginia, and Mary Durand, Maryville, Tenn., and a stepbrother, Morris Arnold Jr., Kingsport. The funeral service will be conducted Friday, Nov. 14, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Les Ketron officiating. The committal graveside service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, at 11 a.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The procession will leave the funeral home Saturday at 10:40 a.m. Pallbearers will be Irvin Stringer, Don Lowe, Dwayne Dillard, Will Dillard, Lee Reynolds, Bob Sharrett, Jerry Sams and Ricky Tester. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting farrisfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Billy Sharrett. Thelma Celina Smith RAVEN, Va. – Funeral services for Mrs. Thelma Celina Smith will be conducted Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Elder Ronnie Beavers and Elder Robert Whitt officiating. Interment will follow in the Simmons Family Cemetery on Red Root Ridge near Raven. Grandsons and sons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul M. Smith, Daniel L. Smith and Wendell R. Smith. Mrs. Smith, age 78, of the Red Root Ridge section, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at her home following a lengthy illness. 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. Addie Naomi Vance BRISTOL, Tenn. – Addie Naomi Vance, age 65, passed away on Nov. 12, 2003, at her residence. She was the daughter of the late Frazier and Hazel Neal Leslie and was a life- long resident of the Bristol area. Mrs. Vance had formerly worked as a floral designer and a cook at Pardner’s Bar-B-Que. She was a member of Beaverview Missionary Baptist Church and was past president of the Ladies Auxiliary in California. She was the widow of James A. Vance. Survivors include sons, Richard Vance and wife Julie, Dexter Vance and wife Teresa and Edward Vance and wife Vilma; grandchildren, Katie, Joshua, Lucas, Christine, Nichole, Megan and Chloe; two sisters; four brothers and several nieces and nephews Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Scott Watson officiating. Committal services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Crumley Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6-7:45 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Estelle Varner WISE – Estelle Varner, 91, passed away Friday morning, Nov. 14, 2003, at the Heritage Hall Health Care in Wise. She was a life-long resident of Wise, a member of the Hurricane Independent Missionary Baptist Church, a member of the Hurricane Rebekah Lodge 7 I00F in Wise and was a retired clerk from Piggly-Wiggly. She was the daughter of the late Richard and Mabel Johnson. Also preceding her in death were her husband, James (Key) Varner, one son, Robert L. Varner, infant granddaughter, Tara Beth Varner, one sister, Willie Pike, four brothers, Malcolm Johnson, Richard Johnson Jr., Jack Johnson and Joe Johnson, and a special friend, Loma Purkey. Surviving are one son, James H. Varner and wife Nadine of Wise; a granddaughter; two grandsons, Russell Varner and Christopher Varner; four sisters, Julia Damron of Coeburn, Minnie Archer of Wise, Clautte Hayes of New Hope, Va., and Glenda Sluss of Coeburn, and a daughter-in-law, Maudella Varner of Jacksonville, Fla. Funeral services for Estelle Varner will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Wise, with the Rev. Charles Estep officiating. Burial will follow in the Wise Cemetery, Wise. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise is in charge of arrangements. Frances Vereen MARION – Frances Anderson Wrenn Vereen, age 81, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, in the Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C. She was born in Black Mountain, Ky., to the late Henry Coleman Anderson and Mary Ellen Clark Anderson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Chester Kenneth Wrenn, and her second husband, Walter Vereen. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Captola Coyle, and a brother, George Anderson. She was a longtime residence of Greensboro, N.C., where she worked as a nurse’s aide at the Wesley Long Hospital. She retired in Marion in 1986 and relocated to Charlotte to be with her daughter, Marjorie. Survivors include four children, Ronald Bruce Wrenn, Rocky Mount, N.C., Marjorie Wrenn, Charlotte, Virginia Dale Wrenn Owens, Greensboro, N.C., and Robert Coleman Wrenn, Gulfport, Miss.; seven grandchildren, Tangie Wren, Canton, Ohio, Nikki Wren, Canton, Angie Wren, Minerva, Ohio, Sonja Maiden, Marion, Constance Owens, Marion, Samantha Owens, Marion and Leona Wrenn, Gulf Port; four great- grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the East End Baptist Church, with Rev. Paul Jones officiating. Graveside services will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at the Blue Grass Memorial Gardens in Lexington, Ky. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the East End Baptist Church 414 Groseclose St., Marion, VA 24354. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family of Mrs Vereen. Voyd Watts BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal for Voyd “Curley” Watts will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. Honorary pallbearers will be David Hammitt, Phillip Roller, Clarence Oliver, Billy Adams and Stacy Daugherty. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends following the chapel service at the Weaver Funeral Home.Mr. Watts went to be with the Lord following a brief illness on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at the Holston Valley Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Landon F. Wright DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. – Landon F. Wright, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at Emory University Hospital following an extended illness. He was born May 13, 1931, in Bristol Virginia, the son of the late Ernest G. Wright and the late Mrs. Eddie Burnett Wright. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean War. He married Beulah “Bea” Johnson May 22, 1992. He was a member of Pembrooke Christian Church in Pembrooke, Ga., and retired as maintenance engineer from Hershey Foods Corporation. Mr. Wright enjoyed hunting, fishing and collecting antiques, especially tractors and old trucks. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing gold. Mr. Wright enjoyed watching Christian TV. He is survived by wife, Beulah “Bea” Johnson Wright of Douglasville; daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Royce Greene of Inman, S.C., Gail and Jessie Render of Columbus, Ga., Karen Wright of Register, Ga., and Teresa and Chris Vainrib of Kennesaw, Ga.; sons, Tommy Wright of Douglasville, Steve Wright of Winder, Ga., and Randy Garrett of Atlanta; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sally and Jay Melvin of Bristol Virginia and Nancy and Ralph Cairns of Bristol Virginia; brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Frances Wright of Bristol Virginia; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2003, at 2 p.m. High Point Cemetery, with Minister Alan Baldwin officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 792 Houston Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, GA 30329. The family will receive friends on Saturday 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.