Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 22, 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, Dec. 22, 2003 Today's Deaths Richard Arthur Beltz, 28, Abingdon Mary Elaine Carner, 88, Richlands Eura Gay Counts, 72, Birchleaf, Va. Nebretta East, 60, Marion Charles K. Fleenor, 84, Bristol Tennessee Ruth Evelyn Hogsett, 86, Paris, Tenn. Betty A. Hudson, 75, Saltville Willa Gray Merritt, 73 Clarence C. Monk, Lebanon Philip H. Morrison, 75, Bristol Tennessee James Musselwhite, 72, Bristol Tennessee Siota Page Jr. Min Rose Roop, 67 Donald William Shelton, age 59, Marion Earl Preston Wann Jr., 71, Bristol Virginia Margaret Wells Wharton, 91, Wise -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard Beltz ABINGDON – Mr. Richard Arthur (Richie) Beltz, 28, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at his home. Richie was born Feb. 14, 1975, in Ogden, Utah. He had resided in Washington County for the past 23 years. He was a 1994 graduate of John Battle High School, where he played on the football team. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder commonly known as manic depression. On Oct. 5, 2003, he was the subject of an article in the Bristol Herald Courier on life with bipolar. He became active in NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). He enjoyed helping people with mental illnesses and going to schools to speak with students about his condition. He was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of Lighthouse Clubhouse in Bristol. The family wishes to thank Lighthouse Clubhouse for the impact they have made in Richie’s life. He is survived by his parents, Dick and Kay Beltz; one sister, Kimberly Lynn Beltz of Bristol Virginia, and three uncles, James Beltz and Gary Beltz of Minnesota and Alexander Clark McKean of Florida. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. The Reverend Craig R. Wylie will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be a special friend, Tony Roman, Ryan Schealy, Alexander Clark McKean, James Beltz, Gary Beltz and Robby McCrosky. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-9 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lighthouse Clubhouse, 101 Solar St., Bristol, Va. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Beltz family. Ruby Breeding DAVENPORT, Va. – Funeral services Mrs. Ruby Iline Jackson Breeding will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Ancil Childress, Rev. Troy Harris and Rev. Clyde Lambert officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon. Pallbearers will be Gerald Fletcher, Tommy Jackson, Chris Presley, Preston Breeding, John Jackson and Fred Breeding. Honorary pallbearers will be Ricky Breeding, Clifford Breeding, Dr. Dwight Bailey, Matthew Sykes, Nell King and Rev. Ralph Dye. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Free Christian Church, Route 2, Box 311, Honaker, VA 24260. Mrs. Breeding, 84, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, in a Lebanon hospital. Mary Elaine Carner RICHLANDS – Mrs. Mary Elaine Carner, age 88, of 1417 Jewell St., widow of the late Paul Carner, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, in a Tazewell hospital following a lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Joseph McKee Colley ABINGDON – A graveside service for Mr. Joseph McKee Colley will be held Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Elizabeth Cemetery in Saltville. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Colley, 79, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Farris Funeral Service 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Colley family. Mamie Colvard DANTE – Funeral services for Mamie Delzingo Colvard will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Jim Pratt officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be Scott Wells, Mike Delzingo Jr., David Colvard, Robert Colvard, Brian Jenkins and Mikey Colvard. Online condolences may be sent to the Colvard family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mrs. Colvard, 91, went to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol Tennessee. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Eura Gay Counts BIRCHLEAF, Va. – Eura Gay Counts, age 72, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Claude and Carrie Viers Owens. Mrs. Counts was a homemaker and a member of the Primitive Baptist church for over 40 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Owens. Survivors include her husband of 49 and a half years, Maloy Counts; a son, Dexter Neal Counts of Richlands; a daughter, Andrea Gale Adams and husband Larry of Norton; five grandchildren, Aaron Adams, Wendy Cooke, Matthew Adams, Ashley Counts and Seth Counts; a sister, Connie Perkins Freeman of Vansant, Va., and two brothers, Elder Curtis Owens of Vansant and Elder Willard R. Owens of Prater, Va. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elders Ronnie Beavers, Robert Whitt and Craig Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Nathan Edwards Cemetery, Route 1, Clinchco, Va. Pallbearers will be Seth Counts, Matthew Adams, Darrell Owens, Tony Owens, James Allen Perkins and Larry Dean Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Granville Freeman, Jones O’quinn, Dr. Clint Sutherland and Gary Owens. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Guy Depew KINGSPORT – Military burial services for Guy W. Depew will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Garden of Devotion in East Lawn Memorial Park, conducted by VFW Post 3382 Color Guard. Pallbearers will be brothers and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Owens, Paul Litton and Gaines Stafford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem United Methodist Church Building Fund, 230 Boozy Creek Road, Blountville, TN 37617. Please visit our Web site at www.mem.com to place a tribute to the life of Guy Depew or a condolence to the family. Mr. Depew, age 76, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Indian Path Hospital. East Lawn Funeral Hone is serving the Depew family. Glenna K. Droke BRISTOL, Tenn. – Graveside services for Glenna K. Carrier Droke will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. in the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Connie Huffine officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church, 1127 Virginia Ave. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Droke, age 92, passed away on Dec. 20, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Nebretta East MARION – Nebretta East, age 60, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion. Charles K. Fleenor BRISTOL, Tenn. – Charles K. Fleenor, 84, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a life-long resident of the Bristol area and was the son of Charlie S. and Berta Vanhook Fleenor. Mr. Fleenor was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He and his wife, Verna M. Fleenor, were wed on Dec. 24, 1945. Mr. Fleenor was a 50-year member of Valley Lodge 93 of Benhams, Va. He was awarded his 50-year pin June 26, 1996. He was of the Presbyterian faith and retired from carpentry work in 1981. In addition to his parents, Mr. Fleenor was preceded in death by his wife, Verna Ruth Millsap Fleenor, his sister, Ruth F. Sproles, and his brother, Kenneth W. Fleenor. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, LuAnn F. and Thomas A. Johnson of Johnson City; two granddaughters, Bethann and Sarakey Johnson of Johnson City, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Burnette officiating. A Masonic service will be conducted by the Valley Lodge 93. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew "Andy" Fleenor, Charlie Joe Fleenor, Ken Fleenor, David Millsap and Allen T. Johnson. The family will receive friends from 5 until 6:45 p.m. Monday prior to the service at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Bristol Life Saving Crew, 1601 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201, or to Alzheimer’s Association, 207 N. Boone St., Johnson City, TN 37604. E-mail condolences to the family may be sent at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, phone (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Fleenor. John Marshall Grant ABINGDON – John Marshall Grant, age 58, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at his home in Rantoul, Ill., after a lengthy illness. He was born March 18, 1945, the son of the late Marshall and Eleanor Grant of Abingdon. He was raised in the Bethel Community and was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church. Survivors include one daughter, Debarah Lynn Cooper and husband Randy of Easley, S.C.; one son, Jonathan Marcus Grant of Rantoul; his loving companion and caregiver, Rosie Draves of Rantoul; four brothers, Bob Grant and wife Melinda of Whitehouse, Ohio, Bill Grant and wife Nellie of Bristol Tennessee, Jim Grant and wife Mary of Torrance, Calif., and Tim Grant and wife Gail, Abingdon; four sisters, Louise Dye and husband Homer, Eula Grant and Shirley Rhoten, all of Abingdon, and Mary Gaye Schunke and husband Neil of Marion, S.C., and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services for John Marshall Grant will be held Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, in the Farris Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon. Messages of sympathy may be sent online at www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Grant. Ruth Evelyn Hogsett PARIS, Tenn. – Ruth Evelyn Hogsett, 86, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Henry County Medical Center in Paris. She was born in Bristol Tennessee, a daughter of the late Robert P. Morton and Myrtle Booher Morton. She was the widow of Charles F. Hogsett and was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Leonard Hogsett, and her sister, Alice Katherine Phillips. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Kinkead and her husband Chuck of Paris; a grandson, Chuck Kinkead and his wife Patti; a granddaughter, Page France and her husband Jason; two great-grandchildren, Courtney and Austin Kinkead, and two nieces. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 o’clock Tuesday afternoon in the Heritage Chapel of Memories in Glenwood Cemetery, with Mr. Richard Gaminde, minister, officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Military Relief Fund of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, c/o Agnes King, 416 King Lane, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mrs. Hogsett and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Betty A. Hudson SALTVILLE – Betty A. Hudson, age 75, died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Wellmont Select Specialty Hospital in Bristol Tennessee. Survivors: three sons, Michael S. Dickerson, Saltville, Morris William Dickerson, Worthington, Ohio, and Preston Lee Dickerson, Saltville; one sister, Helen Lake, Saltville; seven grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Funeral services for Ms. Hudson will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Henderson Funeral Home, with Rev. Tim Surber officiating. Burial will follow in Cardwell Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville will be serving the Hudson family. Fred Kennedy ABINGDON – A graveside service for Mr. Fred Kenneth Kennedy will be held Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hite Cemetery, with Rev. Lester Sexton officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery before the service. Pallbearers will be Kasey Rasnake, Mike Mitchell, Mike Wise, Larry Webb, James Widener, Ronnie Duty, Jackie Webb, Bobby Wayne Patrick and William Alexander. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Leonard, Kenny Woods and Austin Atwell. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Kennedy, age 67, died Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, at his home. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Kennedy. Willa Gray Merritt Willa Gray "Gay" Merritt, age 73, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at the Wellmont Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed but fondly remembered. Born on Aug. 13, 1930, in Wayland, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Ollie and Gypsy Elkins. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Watkins. After graduating from Bowling Green Business College, she married Jack D. Merritt and spent most of her married life in Grundy before moving to Abingdon in 1995. While in Grundy, she was a bookkeeper, business manager and she was active in Girl Scouts of America for many years. She was a member of the Grundy United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Jack D. Merritt Sr.; one son, J. David Merritt Jr. and wife Shirley of Abingdon; two daughters, Lyn McCall and husband George, Richlands, and Lisa Silcox and husband Jerry, Abingdon; one sister, Phyllis Catterall and husband Logan, Springfield, Va.; two brothers, Crit Elkins and wife Shirley, Cincinnati, and Doug Elkins and wife Pat, Bronson, Mich.; grandchildren, J.D. Merritt III, Lisalyn Merritt, Haley McCall, Connor McCall, Madelyn Silcox and Sophie Silcox; along with several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service( located at 19415 Lee Highway). A private committal for the family will be held at a later date in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Lions Club, P.O. Box 251, Abingdon, VA 24212, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212. The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the family of Willa Gray Merritt. Clarence C. Monk LEBANON – Clarence C. Monk passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Maple Grove Health Center. He is survived by a sister, Lucille Monk Johnson, one niece, Nancy Durrett, and one nephew, David Monk. Born in Lebanon, the son of Amanda Howard Monk and Ogden Monk, he attended Emory & Henry College, majoring in mathematics and graduated first in his class in 1938, with both B.A. and B.S. degrees, with French and physics as minors. Upon graduating he entered the teaching profession. In 1939, he returned to Lebanon to teach mathematics and science at Lebanon High School and later became principal. He began his collegiate teaching career as assistant professor of mathematics at Southwestern Institute in Lafayette, La. Returning nearer to his roots, he taught mathematics at East Carolina University. In 1959, he was appointed associate professor of mathematics at the University of Richmond, where he taught for 29 years until his retirement. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for many years. Pallbearers will be the men of Bethel Church Adult Sunday School Class. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, Lebanon, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Rick Meade officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, Lebanon. The family will receive friends Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. Philip Morrison BRISTOL, Tenn. – Dr. Philip H. Morrison, age 75, 209 Amity Drive, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at The Cambridge House in Bristol. A native of Kittery, Maine, he was the son of the late Crane A. and Anna F. Morrison. Dr. Morrison was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was retired from medical practice. Dr. Morrison was an Army Air Corps veteran and had served in the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Deborah of the home; two sons, Crane W. Morrison of Blountville and Owen M. Morrison, Fredericksburg, Va.; daughter, Mary Turner, Elizabethton; stepdaughter, Angela Eglinger, Gainesville, Fla., and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Bristol Seventh-day Adventist Church at noon on Jan. 3, 2004. A reception will follow the service. It was Dr. Morrison’s wish that his body be donated to James H. Quillen College of Medicine at E.T.S.U. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Courtesy of Tetrick Funeral Service, 3001 Peoples St., (423) 610-7171, Johnson City, TN 37604. James Musselwhite BRISTOL, Tenn. – James Musselwhite, age 72, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 20, 2003, at the Wellmont Hospice House. He was a life-long resident of the Bristol area and was retired from the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department. He was the son of the late James and Margaret Moore Musselwhite and was a member of Living by Faith Freewill Baptist Church. Mr. Musselwhite was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. Survivors include wife, Wanda June Sharrett Musselwhite; daughters, Sheila and husband Butch Sharrett of Bristol Tennessee, Teresa Glover of Bluff City and Robin and husband Phil Wise of Bluff City; son, James "Ken" and wife Anita Musselwhite of Blountville; sisters, Maude Leonard of Bristol Tennessee, Marie Clark of Bristol Tennessee and Margaret Carroll of Charlotte, N.C.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jack Sprinkle and Rev. Brandon Canter officiating. Committal services will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn. Honorary pallbearers include Danny Hensley, Steve Sharrett, Gary Owens, Mark Sharrett, Billy Gobble and Dennis Dzuba. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-7:45 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee Inc., 4450 Walker Blvd., Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37917-1523. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Siota Page Jr. After a long illness, Siota Page Jr. went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He was the son of the late Siota Page Sr. and Etta Groves Page and had lived in the Bristol area since 1952. He was a former supervisor at Old Dominon Plywood and retired from Cortrim Hardwood Parts. He was a charter member and deacon at Gethsemane Baptist Church. Papaw Page loved his Savior Jesus Christ, his wife and family and his church. He taught his family to serve God and others. Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Helen Murray Page; daughters, Linda Ragan and husband Ralph of Bristol Tennessee, Janice Russell and husband Pastor Jerry of Bristol Tennessee and Patty Moore and husband Doug of Bristol Virginia; son, Joe Page and wife Beth of Bristol Tennessee; brothers, M.D. Page of Bristol Tennessee; sisters, Veda Thomlinson of Kingsport, Emma Wampler of Weber City, Tenn., and Rozella Kendrick of Blountville; grandchildren, Aaron Ragan and wife Gina, Brent Ragan and wife April, John Ragan, Cristin Ragan, Ralph Ragan Jr.,Tracy Easterling and husband Todd, Kristie Coleman and husband Eugene, Doug Moore and wife Pam, Rusty Moore and wife Tonia, Adam Page and wife Michelle, Dustin Page and wife Jessica and Jeremy Page, and great-grandchildren, David Ragan, Abigail Ragan, Hope Ragan, Ellis Ragan, Katie Ragan, Luke Ragan, Austin Easterling, Keely Easterling, Caleb Easterling, Eden Easterling, Dayton Coleman, Matt Moore, Josh Moore, Collin Moore, Tylar Moore and Taylor Page. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Page, a sister, Lula Page, a granddaughter, Julie Rebecca Ragan, and a great-grandson, Caleb Ryan Moore. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church, with Rev. Jerry Russell, Rev. Brent Ragan and Rev. Gary Garland officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers include Aaron Ragan, John Ragan, Ralph Ragan Jr., Todd Easterling, Eugene Coleman, Doug Moore, Rusty Moore, Adam Page, Dustin Page and Jeremy Page. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Fred Harkleroad, Dr.William M. Bell, Dr. Stanley Vermillion, Dr.Todd Cooper and the staff at Sapling Grove Family Physicians and Wellmont Hospital. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ella Mae Roark ABINGDON – Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Mae Roark will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Farris Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Jason Nunley officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday from 1 p.m. until service time at Farris Funeral Service. Pallbearers: Jimmy Hardwick, Claude Roark, Derick Kestner, Allen David Shepherd, Zackery Shepherd and Jacob Shepherd. Those who wish to send messages of sympathy online may do so at www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Roark, age 96, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Grace Health Care. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Roark. Min Rose Roop Min Rose Roop, age 67, passed away on Dec. 20, 2003, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Roop Draffin. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Mr. Vernon Roop, one son, Timmy Roop, and one son-in-law, Steve Draffin. Also surviving are three sisters, Sadie Williams of Pembroke, Va., Clara Duncan of Blacksburg, Va., and Aleto Jo of Cleveland, Ohio, and two brothers, Tommy Meredith of Radford, Va., and Charles Meredith of Elmherst, Ill. She will be missed very deeply. Funeral services for Min Rose Roop will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Dan Bailey, preacher, officiating. Burial will follow in the Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Charlotte L. Settle BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral services for Charlotte Louise Settle will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jimmy Epperson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Her children will carry her to her final resting place. Honorary pallbearers: Charlie Pratt, Alex Ketron, J.D. Davis, Tyler Edwards, Junior Williams, James Allen Leonard, Jeff Oliver, Johnny Vestal, Dr. John Fincher, Dr. Sue Prill, staffs of Two East and Two West at Bristol Regional Medical Center and staff at Kroger Pharmacy. Those desiring may make memorials to Hunt Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund. Mrs. Settle, age 54, 23285 Peyton Drive, went to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 19, 2003. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Donald W. Shelton MARION – Donald William Shelton, age 59, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at his residence in Marion. He was born in Smyth County and was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Luther Shelton, and a grandson, Billy Shelton. He was a graduate of the Marion Business College and was a member of the Lincoln Hill Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Vietnam. Survivors include wife, Barbara Jean Shelton; one son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Luther and Kathy Shelton, Strausburg, Va.; two daughters and a son-in- law, Lisa Ann and Darryl Stucko, Sterling, Va., and April Hancock, Marion; mother, Paris Shelton, Marion; three brothers, Herbert Shelton, Marion, Mitchell Shelton and wife Pam, Sugar Grove, Va., and Joe Shelton and wife Margaret, Lancaster, Ohio; three sisters, Janet Yarber and husband Frank, Glade Spring, Becky Morris and husband Dennis, Marion, and Sandra White and husband Jeff, Rhodesville, Va.; four grandchildren, Lee Martin, Sammy Shelton, Mikey Hancock Jr. and Christopher Shelton; special sister/cousin, Sherry Williams, and special aunt, Louise Billings. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 8 p.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Otis Barker and Rev. Joe Powers officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Roselawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Shelton family. W. Kenneth Sykes BRISTOL, Va. – The funeral service for William Kenneth Sykes will be conducted Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon), with Rev. Dexter Terry and Rev. Mr. Harry Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Doug Sykes, Stephen Sykes, Dave Williams, Mike Sykes, Greg Johnson and David Sykes. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Flowers will be welcomed or memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212. Mr. Sykes, age 65, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, in the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the Sykes family. Earl Wann Jr. BRISTOL, Va. – Earl Preston Wann Jr., 71, of 14083 Brynwood Dr., passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn. Mr. Wann was born on Jan. 1, 1932, to the late Earl Preston Wann Sr. and Grace Flannagan Phillips. He had lived in the Bristol area since 1972 and was a member of Wyndale Methodist Church. Mr. Wann faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army by fighting in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and also the Army Commendation Medal. Survivors include wife of 49 years, Margaret Dutton Wann, daughters and sons-in- law, Brenda and Jesse Woodby and Linda and Mike Arnold, and son and daughter-in- law, Steve and Amy Wann. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and one great- grandson. Funeral services for Mr. Earl Preston Wann Jr. will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Jeff Trotter officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Margaret Wharton WISE – Margaret Wells Wharton, 91, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at her home. Mrs. Wharton was the daughter of the late Thessa C. and Worley H. Wells and the wife of the late George C. Wharton III and was also preceded in death by a brother, Charlie F. Wells. She was a devout Christian of the Methodist faith and devoted her life to serving her family and volunteering in numerous community organizations. Since 1935, she was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Wise, served on its administrative council, taught the Ladies’ Bible Class and was a founding member of the Wesley Foundation of Clinch Valley College. She was a founding leader of the Wise Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She was known as "The Heart Lady," because she was the longest serving volunteer in the state of Virginia with 42 years of service with the American Heart Association. For more than 50 years, she was an active member of the national society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in which she held local, district and state offices. Mrs.Wharton was an avid force in education as a teacher and as a member of various boards at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Emory & Henry College, Tennessee Wesleyan College and Hiawassee College. Survivors include two daughters, Lona W. Roberts of Wise and Carole Wharton- Tsien of Washington, D.C.; three sons, George C. Wharton IV, Phillip W. Wharton and Jerry W. Wharton, all of Wise; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Thelma Wells Foster of Esserville, Va., and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Margaret Wells Wharton will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Wise, with the Rev. Chris Stanfield officiating. Burial and graveside committal will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, in the Wise Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until time of services at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Wise. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 857, Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Willie Wright White MARION – Willie Wright White, 69, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, in the Roanoke Memorial Hospital. A life-long resident of Marion, she was born on Aug. 19, 1934, the daughter of the late John Calvin Wright Sr. and Minnie Pauline Blancett Wright. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Marion, where she had served as a youth counselor and was an avid bowler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Corvin, and three brothers, John David Catron, Lee Roy Catron and John Calvin Wright Jr. Willie will be greatly missed by all her nieces and nephews who loved and respected her Christian faith and spirit. Her sense of humor, positive outlook on life and constant, unconditional love will live on through her family. Surviving are her husband of 51 years, Robert L. White of Marion, and three brothers, William Gray Wright of Marion, Walter S. "Tommy" Wright and wife Faye of Marion and George W. Wright and wife Mildred of Baltimore. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with the Rev. Buddy Miller and the Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Rose Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 till 8 p.m. at Seaver- Brown Chapel prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorials to the First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church St., Marion, VA 24354. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the White family.