Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, January 18, 2004 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 Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004 Today's Deaths James E. Alexander, 62, Roanoke Marvin Charles Blevins, 89, Chilhowie Voin Clay Boggs, 60, Richmond, Ky. Michael S. Conley, 66, Bristol Tennessee Charles Roberttson Dixon, 77, Kingsport Doris W. Gray, 76, Mountain City James Harold Gross, 76, Bristol Virginia Roger Lee Hess, 62, Marion Roberta Smith Hilton, 74, Lewisburg, W.Va. Marvin Rock Leonard, 70, Bristol Tennessee Alva Hall Looney, 87, Grundy Mable Thomas Overbay, 89, Marion Everette O. Powell, 62, Marion James Clifton Roberson, 75 Burton Osborn Smith, 78, Grundy Elsie Taylor Sullivan, Chilhowie Billy Viers, 69, Haysi Nell Snapp Weaver, 78, Piney Flats Betsy Wortham, 14, Piney Flats Nancy Weaver Wortham, 42, Piney Flats James E. Alexander ROANOKE – James E. Alexander, 62, formerly of Lebanon, died Wednesday, following a short illness. Born May 4, 1941, he was the son of the late Virgie A. Cheatham and grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam Alexander. James was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. He was educated in Russell County Schools. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Stephen Jordon of Beckley, W.Va. He leaves behind to mourn his passing one sister, Barbara Pirtle and husband Roy of Augusta, Ga.; one brother, Samuel Cheatham of Jacksonville, N.C.; two devoted aunts, Lucille A Brown of Roanoke and Sadie Coleman of Norton; three devoted uncles, James L. Alexander and wife Cleo of Lebanon, Tom Alexander of Plainsfield, N.J., and Frank Alexander and wife Colteal of Oakland, Calif.; special friend, Joyce Leftwich and son Robert Leftwich of Roanoke; two nieces; one nephew and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at Combs Funeral Home, Lebanon, (276) 889-4444, with Rev. Robert White officiating. Burial will follow at Ketorn Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Final arrangements by Durgan Funeral Home, Beckley. Marvin C. Blevins CHILHOWIE – Marvin Charles Blevins, 89, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Della Mae Murray Blevins. Survivors include one son, Wayne Blevins and his wife Marietta; two daughters, Connie Haladik and her husband Frank and Cindy Stuczynski and her husband Jim; two grandchildren, Greg Taylor and Steven Stuczynski, and very dear friend, Wilma Keller. Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday in Cleghorn Baptist Church, with Rev. Charles E. Blevins and Rev. Wesley G. Eller officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Cleghorn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at the church prior to the funeral services. Williams Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Blevins. Voin Clay Boggs RICHMOND, Ky. – Voin Clay Boggs, 60, passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at his residence after a long battle with cancer. He was last employed as a licensed water plant operator for Paintsville Utilities in Paintsville. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, a past Master of Pound Lodge 59 A.F. & A.M. in Pound, Va., past High Priest of Barrett Chapter 76 in Clintwood and a member of Pound Chapter 67 O.E.S. in Pound. He is survived by his wife, Irene McGinnis Boggs of Richmond; two stepsons, Stephen Seals and Larry Hatfield, both of Richmond; his parents, Bernard and Vergia Boggs of Pound; two brothers, Gregory L. and Lynn Boggs of Florida, and Johnnie A. and Kathy Boggs of South Carolina; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, with Masonic Services beginning at 7 p.m., with Rev. Clyde Roop officiating. Graveside services 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap. Pallbearers will be Gregory L. Boggs, Johnnie A. Boggs, Stephen Seals, Larry Hatfield and friends. Baker Funeral Home, Pound, is entrusted with the care of Voin Clay Boggs. Michael S. Conley BRISTOL, Tenn. – Michael S. Conley, age 66, died of lymphoma on Friday, Jan. 16, 2004. Born in Charleston, W.Va., Michael attended the Asheville School, graduated from Charleston University and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked as an industrial engineer before spending his last 23 years as a commercial real estate broker. Michael was an avid racecar driver. An active member of Sports Car Club of America for 45 years, he served in numerous roles including regional president and national chief steward. He also served as president of Phoenix International Raceway Boosters Club. He was the son of Gerturde Laing Conley and the late James S. Conley. He was also preceded in death by a brother, James L. Conley. In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by his wife, Thea Alexander Conley. Other family members include his brothers, Dr. William G. Conley; two sons, Michael vonSchlaegel Conley and William Farrar Conley; one daughter, Carter Conley Curtice, and five grandchildren, Amanda B. Conley, Reece F. Conley, Melody Ai Alexander, Nathan Kai Alexander and William H. Conley. A celebration of his life will be held Jan. 21, 2004, in Greensboro, N.C. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Children’s Bereavement Fund in memory of Michael S. Conley, P.O. Box 3090, Bristol, TN 37625. This fund provides books to help children understand and cope with the death of a loved one. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family at 11 Wellington, Bristol, TN 37620, or e-mailed to theaalexander@earthlink.net. Mr. Conley is in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Charles R. Dixon KINGSPORT – Charles Roberttson Dixon, 77, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. Born March 25, 1926, in Washington County, Va., he had lived in Richlands, Lebanon and Abingdon. Mr. Dixon left Richlands High School during World War II to serve with the U.S. Army, where he earned a Bronze Star for re-establishing allied communications behind enemy lines and he participated in the Nuremberg Trials. After returning home to marry his third grade sweetheart, he graduated in 1950 from Emory & Henry with a B.A. Mr. Dixon worked on the construction of South Holston Dam and retired from Holston Defense Corporation after 35 years service. He loved his family, photography and aviation. Preceding him in death were his parents, Clarence M. and Carrie E. Dixon, sister, Carrie D. Mason, brother, C. Curtis Dixon, infant siblings and his wife, Helen M. Dixon. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Charleen Gray Dixon Seale and Robert James Seale II; grandchildren, Robert James Seale III, MaryAnn Helen Seale, Pamela Charleen Seale, John Charles Seale and Jackson McKinley Seale; nephews, Curtis Shelburne Dixon and wife Wendy and Christopher Charles Dixon; nieces, Patricia Wade and husband Bob, Paula Morrow and husband Scott and Virginia McGlothlin, and numerous cousins and family members. Calling hours are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport. Services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Don Nation officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Va. Memorials may be made to Emory & Henry Football Program, P.O. Box 950, Emory, VA 24327-0950, or Small World Ministries, 401 Bonnaspring Drive, Hermitage, TN 37076. John A. Gilbert WINDHAM, Ohio – Funeral services for Mr. John A. Gilbert will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with the Rev. William Fletcher officiating. Interment will follow at the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Mr. Gilbert, age 70, formerly of Jewell Ridge, Va., died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at his home following a brief 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. Doris W. Gray MOUNTAIN CITY – Mrs. Doris W. Gray, age 76, of 943 North Church St., passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at her residence following a brief Illness. A native of Belfast, Va., in Russell County, she was born April 11, 1927, to the late John Clyde and Eula Wilson White. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, John C. White Jr., and special friend, Emeline Houser. She was a former registered dietitian with the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn., a 1948 graduate of James Madison University and a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was very active in the United Methodist Women. Doris was also a member of the Johnson County Cancer Support Group and was a 46-year cancer survivor. Survivors: husband of 53 years, Nelson Gray of the home; three daughters, Nancy Gray Drake of Mountain City, Susan Gray Giles of Louisville, Tenn., and Patty Gray Smith, Charlotte, N.C.; three grandsons; five granddaughters; three great- granddaughters and one niece. Memorial services for Mrs. Doris W. Gray will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Maggie Owens Yates, Rev. Don Morris and Rev. Ron Drake to officiate. Family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. prior to services. Urn bearers will be Ron "Buddy" Drake Jr., Wesley Allen Giles and Grady Nelson Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Elizabeth Fraley, Jean Jessie Gilmer, Wilma Smith, Dick Walsh, Ruth Hawkins, Tom Reid, Jeanette Eastridge, Gene Houser, Jerry and Paula Jesse and Pierce Carson. Friends may also call at the residence, 943 North Church St., Mountain City. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 128 North Church St., Mountain City, and/or the Johnson County Cancer Support Group, c/o Ms. Bobbie Smith, 216 Anderson Drive, Mountain City. Hux-Lipford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at www.hux-lipford.com. James Harold Gross BRISTOL, Va. – James Harold Gross, 76, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Russell County, Va., a son of the late James David and Mary Gertrude Taylor Gross, and had lived most of his life in Bristol. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was retired from Dixie Coca-Cola Bottling Company. He was a member of the Open Door Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Madge M. Gross; two daughters, Patsy Leftwich of Honaker and Debra Morris of Bristol; a brother, Carl J. Gross of Bluff City; three grandchildren, Kelly Lee Smith, Alesha M. Cole and Amanda C. Musick; five great-grandchildren, Brandon Matthew Castle, Bradley Isaiah Clark, Chandler Lee Smith, Justin David Musick and Kaitlynn Myranda Cole, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, James H. "Jim" Gross Jr. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 o’clock Tuesday at Oakley- Blevins Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Rev. William E. Stitt officiating. Military graveside rites will be presented by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mr. Gross and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol Virginia. Myrtle B. Hardin ABINGDON – A memorial crypt side service for Mrs. Myrtle B. Hardin will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at 1 p.m. in the Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, Bluewell, W.Va., with Rev. John Stapleton officiating. There will no visitation in the funeral home. Those wishing to express sympathy may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058 ,or to the McDowell Public Library. Mrs. Hardin, age 83, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at her residence. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Hardin family. Mary K. Harrison BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mary Edna Kinkead Penley Harrison, age 73, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born in Bristol Tennessee and was the daughter of the late Clarence H. Kinkead and Bessie Shaffer Collier. She was a retired employee of Univac and a member of Woodmen of the World. She was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harrison was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Pauline Smallwood, and a brother, Gene Kinkead. She is survived by her husband, James "Buck" Harrison; a daughter, Susan Lawson of Bluff City; a son, Lee A. Penley and wife Jeanie of Blountville; four stepdaughters; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; 12 step-great-grandchildren and her best friend, "Buddy." The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Lester MacKinnon officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the mausoleum. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Harrison. Roger Lee Hess MARION – Roger Lee Hess, age 62, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at his home. He was born in Washington County, Va., to the late Glenn N. and Hattie Ray Hess and was retired from Brunswick. He attended the Independence Church of God. Survivors include wife, Stella Ruth Henderson Hess; three sons, Roger Wayne Hess and wife Ronda, Marion, Daniel Lee Hess, Davie, Fla., and Joseph Matthew Hess, Victoria; one daughter, Donna Lorraine Hess Fowler and husband Mike, Marion; one sister, Georgia Ann Barr and husband Donald, Perryville, Md.; greatly missed and loved by 19 grandchildren; two great- grandchildren, and special thanks to his personal little caregiver, his granddaughter, Shawna Danielle Hess. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Jerry Alley and Rev. J.T. Osborne officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family. Roberta Smith Hilton LEWISBURG, W.Va. – Mrs. Roberta Smith Hilton, age 74, passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in Lewisburg following an extended illness. Services will be held at a later date and will be announced by Singleton Funeral Service, Cedar Bluff. Sue Woody Holloway BRISTOL, Va. The funeral service for Sue Woody Holloway will be conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon at State Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. Fred Dearing and Rev. Sharon Wiley officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. Entombment will follow in the Heritage Chapel of Memories Mausoleum in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to State Street United Methodist Church, 300 West Valley Drive, Bristol, VA 24201, or to The Baptist Church of Beaufort, Challenge to Build Fund, 600 Charles St., Beaufort, SC 29901. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- blevins.com. Mrs. Holloway, 71, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Holloway and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol Virginia. Pauline Holmes ABINGDON – Funeral services for Pauline Cumbow Holmes will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in the Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Larry Linkous, Rev. Robert Layell and Rev. Bill Cahill officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Evans Scyphers Jr., Cecil Scyphers, Eddie Cumbow, James ReMine Jr., Jeffrey ReMine, James "Skeeter" Cumbow, Bradley Cumbow and Darrell Thompson. Honorary pallbearers: David Lee Scyphers, Richard Dick Cumbow, Johnny ReMine, Jay Patrick Cumbow, David Cumbow, Jack Atwell, James Hay, Ray Stacy, Alvin Sykes, the men of Greendale United Methodist Church and friends of the Greendale community. At the request of Mrs. Holmes, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greendale United Methodist Church, c/o Phyllis Litton, 19388 Mercedes Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210, or the Washington County Life Saving Crew, P.O. Box 65, Abingdon, VA 24212. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell- funeralhome.com. Mrs. Holmes, age 84, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at her residence. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. George Holzman Sr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – A memorial service for George A. Holzman Sr. will be held on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Bishop Michael Booker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Holzman Sr., age 85, of 801 5th St., passed away on Jan. 16, 2004, at his residence. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Betty Large CLINTWOOD – Funeral services for Betty Large will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Terry Price and Wayne Keith officiating. Burial will be in the Family Cemetery, Route 1, Caney Ridge section, Clintwood. Pallbearers: nephews and great-nephews. Honorary pallbearers: Avery Ratliff, Benny Vanover, Don Rose, Landon Kiser, Kermit Rakes, Bill Shepard, David Ellison and the deacons of the Lick Fork Freewill Baptist Church. Mrs. Large, age 67, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol Tennessee. Mullins Funeral Home is serving the Large family. Marvin Rock Leonard BRISTOL, Tenn. – Marvin Rock Leonard, age 70, passed away on Jan. 15, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Maurice and Corinthia Ella Leonard and was a member of Meadowview Presbyterian Church. Survivors include brother, James Landon Leonard of Bluff City, three nieces, one nephew and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers, Charles R. Leonard and Garland R. Leonard. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at 1 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Randall Shaffer officiating. Interment will follow at Rooty Branch Cemetery. Pallbearers include Leon Andre, Justin Keith, Travis Keith, Zachary Keith, Joe Traner, Billy Worley and Lawrence Jones. Honorary pallbearers include men of Meadowview Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends on Sunday 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. Alva Hall Looney GRUNDY – Alva Hall Looney, 87 years of age, of the Upper Mill Branch Section of Route 3, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at Buchanan General Hospital following a short illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Flora Cooper Hall. She was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a member of Sandlick Primitive Baptist Church. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, a loving mother, grandmother and a homemaker. Mrs. Looney was preceded in death by her husband, Theordore R. Looney, Jan. 10. 1987. Survived by four daughters, Mrs. Janice and husband Frank Boyer, Grundy, Mrs. Maxine and husband Mark Grounds, Jacksonville, Fla., Mrs. Brenda and husband Bob Folsom, Grundy, and Mrs. Sue and husband Pete Stevenson, Cedar Bluff; one son, Harold and wife Joyce Looney, North Carolina; 14 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by three special lady caregivers, Lorraine Musick, Lorraine Stacy and Mollie Rasnake. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Cecil Jr. and Edwin Hall, one grandson, Matson Wade Boyer, Oct. 8, 1990, and one half brother, Joe Justus. Funeral services for Alva Hall Looney will be conducted Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Elder Garnell Gilbert and Elder Lawrence Jackson officiating, with burial to follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens, Claypool Hill, Va. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Sunday evening at 6 p.m., with a song service at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Chance Farris, Jeremy Farris, Wayne White, Mark Stanley, Danny Looney, Travis Rife, Bob Folsom, Pete Stevenson, Frank Boyer, Brian Looney and Mike Boyer. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. J. Sutherland Jr., Dr. J.G. Patel, Truman White, Jesse Owens, Mark Grounds, Kelly Looney, Chase Looney, Mark Boyer and Colin Crowe. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. William Mullins Jr. BRISTOL, Va. – Services for Mr. William C. Mullins Jr. will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon. A food and fellowship time will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 6:30 p.m., with Pastor Jimmie Davidson officiating. The Mullins family requests no flowers please. Memorial gifts or contributions may be made to Highlands Fellowship, P.O. Box 553, Abingdon, VA 24212. Directions to Highlands Fellowship: From I-81, take exit 17, turn onto 75 south, proceed 2.5 miles and Highlands Fellowship is on the left. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Mullins Jr., age 60, went to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 16, 2004. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Mullins family. Samuel Murray BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral service for Samuel Bradley Murray will be held Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Walter Statzer and Rev. Nick White officiating. Pallbearers: Paul Coomer, Bob Smith, Harold Oaks, Bob Hurst, Lynn Armstrong, Ralph Ely and Charlie Mullins. Honorary pallbearers: men of Bristol Shrine Club and Fez Patrol. Burial will follow in the Eastern Heights Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with military honors to be rendered by Highlands Fellowship Church Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Murray, age 57, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, in the Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Erma W. Orr GLADE SPRING – Mrs. Erma Hazel Woodward Orr, age 87, passed away Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a member of the Old Glade Presbyterian Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Roby Lee Orr Sr. Survivors include her sons, Roby Lee Orr Jr. and wife Judy, Damascus, Walter A. Orr and wife Patricia A., Cumberland, Va., Joe Orr and wife Debbie, Meadowview, and Jack Orr, Glade Spring; her daughters, Ruth Ann Arington, Glade Spring, Eloise Thomas and husband Joe, Johnson City, and Linda Marie Cieri and husband Joe, Graves Mill, Va.; a brother, Ewell Woodward, Saltville; a sister, Nannie Bell Lester, Bluefield, Va.; numerous grandchildren; numerous great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be conducted Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at 2:30 p.m. in the Old Glade Presbyterian Cemetery, with Rev. Tim Bird officiating. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Pallbearers will be Keith Arington, Brian Burke, John Michael Cieri, Morris E. Orr, Roby Lee Orr III and Roby Lee Orr IV. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew, P.O. 59, Glade Spring, VA 24340. The family will receive friends Monday from 1-2:15 p.m. in the Old Glade Presbyterian Church. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Orr family. Mable Overbay MARION – Mable Thomas Overbay, age 89, widow of James H. Overbay, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, in NHC Healthcare, Bristol Virginia. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Carrie "Fredie" Overbay of Skipwith, Va., Margaret and Walter Baumgardner of Blountville and Connie and Dwight Johnson of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; one son and daughter-in-law, Johnnie and Wilma Overbay of Marion; four grandchildren, Carrie Overbay Watson, Johnnie Edward Overbay, Walter Spence Baumgardner III and Derek Johnson, and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin Baumgardner, Austin Baumgardner and Brodie Johnson. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Rev. Billy Dean and Elder Dwight Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Attoway Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Overbay family. Toy Owens LEBANON – Funeral services for Toy Owens will be conducted 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Rev. Jim Viers officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens, Lebanon. Pallbearers will be Doug Bailey, Joshua Owens, Jordan Owens, Ethan Owens, Blake Owens, Elijah Owens, Ian Fleming and Caleb Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Durey, Glenn McCowan, Donald Owens, Johnathan Murphy, Adam Bailey and Justin Branham. Mr. Owens, age 86, of Townview Drive, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at Russell County Medical Center in Lebanon. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Michelle Pendergast ABINGDON – Michelle Catherine "Chelley" Pendergast, 37, of Brandon, Miss., formerly of Abingdon and Charlotte, N.C., died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, in Brandon. Michelle was born Dec. 12, 1966, in Charlotte. She was a 1985 honor graduate of Abingdon High School. In 1989, she graduated cum laude from Belmont Abby College. Michelle had lived in Brandon for the past six months. She was a systems analyst in the insurance industry. Survivors include her parents, Joe and Cathy Pendergast of Abingdon; paternal grandparents, John and Helen Pendergast of Palm Bay, Fla.; two brothers, Joseph (Pat) Pendergast and wife Tena of Round Rock, Texas, and John F. Pendergast and wife Rebecca of Charlotte, and one sister, Jennifer (Jenny) and husband James (Jim) Mitchell of Meadowview. She had a niece and two nephews, who dearly loved their "Aunt So So," John (Jack) Pendergast, Clayton (Clay) Mitchell and Katherine Renee Pendergast. She is also survived by her former husband, Loye Pack, and special friends, Jimmy Mullinax and Allison Statzer. The family will receive friends Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, from 6-8 p.m. at Abingdon Bible Church, 16210 Elementary Drive, Abingdon. A memorial service will be held following the visitation at 8 p.m. at Abingdon Bible Church. Pastor Paul Bufford will officiate. A committal service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004, at 10 a.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery. The family requests no flowers, however, they prefer that contributions be made to Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol/Washington County, 14071 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24201. Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Pendergast family. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Drice Preston Pickel BRISTOL, Tenn. – Memorial services for Drice Preston Pickel will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at the graveside in Rooty Branch Cemetery, with Rev. Howard Campbell officiating. E-mail condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Pickel, age 69, of 2172 Carolina Ave., passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, in Tampa, Fla. Everette O. Powell MARION – Everette O. Powell, age 62, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Clark Powell, his father, Ernest Powell, and his brother, Harold Powell. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and David Reece of Butler, Tenn.; one son, Keith Powell of Marion; his mother, Alice Greer Powell of Marion, and four sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha Gullion, Janet and Bill Greer and Yvonne Powell, all of Marion, and Yolanda and Don Compton of Sarasota, Fla. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Rev. William T. Wing III, officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Powell family. James Roberson The Honorable James Clifton Roberson, 75, passed away at his home in Charlottesville on Jan. 16. He was born on March 26, 1928, in Pound, and was the son of the late Heber and Ida Roberson. He was a 1952 graduate of the University of Virginia and 1954 graduate of the University of Richmond Law School. He served as assistant commonwealth attorney for Wise County, assistant United States attorney in Roanoke, and practiced law in Norton. He was appointed to the Thirtieth Circuit Court of Virginia in 1982, where he served until his retirement in 1995. Judge Roberson was a strong advocate of community involvement, serving on the Wise County School Board, the Administrative Council of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Advisory Board for the University of Virginia at Wise. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Wise County Shriners and a former district president of the Lions Club. He is survived by his wife, Frances Cantrell Roberson; daughters, Amy Spence and Lisa Roberson of Charlottesville; son, Cliff Roberson of New York City, and grandchildren, Caroline and James Spence of Charlottesville. Other surviving family include Richard and Lois Bolling of Pound, Richard and Lakie Hart of Kettering, Ohio, Harold and Barbara Roberson of Pulaski, Lena Cantrell McNicholas of Abingdon and Mickey Cantrell of Rocky Mount. Family will receive friends in Charlottesville at First United Methodist Church, 101 East Jefferson, Charlottesville, on Sunday, Jan. 18 from 5-7 p.m. Family visitation in Wise will take place at Trinity United Methodist Church in Wise on Monday, Jan. 19, from 6-8 p.m. Services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m. at the church, with interment at Wise Cemetery, with the Rev. Chris Stanfield officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you honor James with contributions to Wise Trinity United Methodist Church, 110 Main St., Wise, VA 24293, or the James C. Roberson Scholarship Fund at the University of Virginia at Wise, One College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293. Sturgill Funeral Home of Wise is in charge of arrangements. Burton Osborn Smith GRUNDY – Burton Osborn Smith, age 78, Route 3, died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at his home. Born Aug. 1, 1925, in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Sherman and Francis Childress Smith. He was a retired coal miner. He was a member of the Church of Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lilly Thornton and Helen Smith, and one brother, Donald Smith. Survivors: wife, Opal Lester Smith, Route 3, Grundy, and one sister, Mrs. Carl (Ruth) Boyd, Grundy. The funeral will be Monday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m., at the Virginia Funeral Home Chapel, with Evangelists Sam Casebolt and Bill Neeley officiating, with burial to follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park at Big Rock, Va. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home, where a service will be held at 7 p.m. Pallbearers will be Gene Potter, Gregory Potter, Carl Boyd, Frederick Thornton, Charles Pugh, Lenvil Church, Truman White and Billy Lester. Virginia Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of arrangements. Vernell Smith Funeral services for Vernell Frances Smith will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Burnette officiating. Entombment will follow in the Glenwood Mausoleum. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Gilliam, Randy Tate, Douglas Fleenor, Jeffery Smith, Dr. David Thompson, Benjamin Strahan and Johnny Hoard. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Ms. Smith, age 73, of Greystone Healthcare, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Elsie T. Sullivan CHILHOWIE – Elsie Taylor Sullivan died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was the widow of Clarence Richard "Dick" Sullivan. Survivors include one son, C. Phillip Sullivan, Chilhowie; three daughters, Shirley Ruemmler, Chilhowie, Patricia Thomas, Bristol Tennessee, and Shelia Parrish, Roanoke; two sisters, Ada Bowman, Bristol Tennessee, and Gincy Weaver, Lansing, N.C.; one brother, Elwood Taylor, Lansing, N.C.; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday in Williams Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Buster Mullins and Rev. Chuck Herrell officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Macedonia Cemetery. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses of Bristol Regional Medical Center, ICU, 4-West and Chaplain John Davidson. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at Williams Funeral Home prior to the funeral service. Williams Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Sullivan. Junior Sullivan ST. PAUL – Junior Jennings Sullivan, 82, went to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Russell County Medical Center, Lebanon. He was born in Virginia City, Va., son of the late Eugene and Rosa Lowe Sullivan. He was a retired miner from Clinchfield Coal Company and a member of UMWA 1256. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice Sullivan and Kyle Sullivan, and two sisters, Lois Taylor and Myrtle Stanley. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mildred Long Sullivan of St. Paul; two daughters, Joanne Sullivan of Church Hill, Tenn., and Margaret Sullivan of the home; four sons, David Sullivan and wife Vickie Leah of Kingsport, Mike Sullivan and wife Dina of Kingsport, Larry Sullivan and wife Karen of Castlewood and Steve Sullivan and wife Pam of Dante, Va.; three sisters, Nina Brown of Stevens City, Va., Emogene Long of St. Paul and Helen Davis of Church Hill; one brother, Kelly "Bud" Sullivan of Church Hill; three grandchildren, Michelle Sullivan, Brittany Sullivan and Kayla Sullivan; one step-grandson, David Killebrew, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Junior Jennings Sullivan will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with the Rev. Ron Cassidy officiating. Committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, with the Rev. Mike Moore officiating. The family will meet at the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery leaving at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Pallbearers will be Danny Long, Kevin Brown, Garry Hileman, Johnny Sullivan, Pete Burton and Tim Ferrell. Honorary pallbearers will be Ernest "Shy" Kennedy, John Meade, Douglas McReynolds, John Mills and Mike Chafin. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Sullivan family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Billy Viers HAYSI – Billy Viers, age 69, of Route 2, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at Golden Age Retirement Home at Claypool Hill, Va. Born in Dickenson County, he was a son of the late Rufus H. and Hettie Arrington Viers. He was a retired miner, a member of UMWA Local 7170 and a member of Lick Creek Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Viers, two sisters, Dolly Hackney and Emma Edwards, one brother, Eugene Viers, and one grandson, Brian Scott Owens. Survivors include three daughters, Lucille (Roger) Owens of Grundy, Deborah Lynn (Evans Jr.) Lester of Bee, Va., and Linda K. (Sam) Sutherland of Haysi; a son, Billy Ray (Cynthia) Viers of Haysi; three sisters, Opal Boyd of Prater, Va., Pauline Ramey of Haysi and Bertha Edwards of Birchleaf, Va.; four brothers, Alec Viers of Hazel Park, Mich., Sidney Viers of Warren, Mich., Ferdie Viers of Battle Creek, Mich., and Winford Viers of Haysi; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Rev. Johnny Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Viers Cemetery, Haysi. Pallbearers will be Evans Lester Jr., Sam Sutherland, Roger Owens, Cory Viers, Drew Sutherland and Jacob Lester. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. H. Patel, girls at Golden Age Retirement Home, Frannie B. Minton and Pallative Hospice Care. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Jettie L. Viers VANSANT, Va. – Jettie Viers, age 69, of Route 1, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Henry L. and Dollie Stiltner Lane. She was a homemaker and a member of Coleman Chapel Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Amos Lane, Virgil Lane, Toby Lane and Estil Lane, and four sisters, Elzia May Phillips, Vannie Stanley, Nell Ratliff and Barbara Stiltner. Survivors include her husband, Harold Viers; a son, Tony Viers and wife Peggy of Vansant; two daughters, Karen Feury and husband Robert of Cloverdale, Va., and Tracie Viers of Vansant; one sister, Betty Lou Deel of Vansant; one brother, Tex Lane of Harmon, Va., and two grandchildren, Shaderick Viers and Brandon Feury. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Rev. Darrell Thacker officiating. Burial will follow in the Viers Cemetery, Rakes Ridge. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Nell Snapp Weaver PINEY FLATS – Nell Snapp Weaver, 78, of 580 Allison Road, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in Piney Flats. She was a daughter of the late John and Myrtle Houston Snapp. She was a native and lifelong Piney Flats resident. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Weaver, one granddaughter, Betsy Wortham, one daughter, Nancy Weaver Wortham, two sisters and one brother. Mrs Weaver was a member of Edgefield United Methodist Church. Survivors include one son, John Weaver and his wife Jan of Piney Flats; one daughter, Kathy Weaver Chapman and her husband Mike of Piney Flats; one sister, Louise Cross of Piney Flats; four grandchildren, Laura Weaver, Mitchell Weaver, Kelley Chapman and Brad Chapman, all of Piney Flats, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday from the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Rev. Estel Williams, Rev. Mack Houston and Rev. Virgel Booher will officiate. Burial will follow in the Edgefield United Methodist Church Cemetery in Piney Flats. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Edgefield United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Carrie Mellons, 249 Warren Road, Piney Flats, TN 37686. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 until 9 p.m. Monday. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisbaker.com. Funeral arrangements by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City. Betsy Wortham PINEY FLATS – Betsy Wortham, 14, 580 Allison Road, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at her residence. She was a native of Johnson City and a lifelong resident of Piney Flats. Betsy was the daughter of Bobby Wayne and the late Nancy Weaver Wortham. She was a freshman at Sullivan East High School. Betsy was a member of Edgefield United Methodist Church and an active member of the youth group and, while she was a student at Mary Hughes Middle School, was active with the yearbook, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and peer tutoring. She was the state winner of the Reader’s Digest Word Challenge, a Miss Mary Hughes candidate, in the Duke Talent Search, on the honor roll, the cheerleading captain and voted most likely to succeed in her eighth-grade year. Her maternal grandparents, Nell and Cecil Weaver, preceded her in death. In addition to her father, she is survived by her paternal grandparents, Ellis and Billie Wortham, Elizabethton; one half sister; aunts and uncles, John and Jan Weaver and Mike and Kathy Chapman, and cousins, Laura Weaver and Mitchell Weaver, Kelley Chapman and Brad Chapman. A funeral service for Betsy will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday from the Morris- Baker South Chapel. Reverend Estel Williams, Reverend Mack Houston and Reverend Virgel Booher will officiate. Burial will follow in Edgefield United Methodist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Andy Berry, Josh Hyder, Trey Nelson, Tyler Stitt, Adam Chapman, Adam Stitt, Brody Thomas, Jordan Blevins, Andrew Hess and Chris Hodge. The family will receive friends from 4-9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Edgefield United Methodist Church, Buffalo Mountain Camp Scholarship Fund, c/o Carrie Mellons, 249 Warren Road, Piney Flats, TN 37686. Online condolences may be sent through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, (423) 282-1521, is serving the family. Nancy Wortham PINEY FLATS – Nancy Weaver Wortham, 42, 580 Allison Road, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at her residence. Mrs. Wortham was a native of Johnson City and a lifelong resident of Piney Flats. She was a daughter of the late Cecil Weaver and Nell Snapp Weaver and was also preceded in death by her daughter, Betsy Wortham. Mrs. Wortham was an 18-year employee of Wal-Mart, of Johnson City. She was a member of Edgefield United Methodist Church. Survivors include one brother, John Weaver and his wife Jan, Piney Flats; one sister, Kathy Weaver Chapman and her husband Mike, Piney Flats; two nieces, Laura Weaver and Kelley Chapman, both of Piney Flats; two nephews, Mitchell Weaver and Brad Chapman, both of Piney Flats; special friend, Donnie Chapman, Piney Flats; special cousin and lifelong friend, Becky Smith; three aunts; one uncle and numerous cousins. A funeral service for Mrs. Wortham will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday from the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Reverend Estel Williams, Reverend Mack Houston and Rev. Virgel Booher will officiate. Burial will follow in Edgefield United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Chapman, Tom Hodge, Donnie Chapman, Mike Berry, Chris Berry, Bob Gross and Joe Stitt. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Edgefield United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Carrie Mellons, 249 Warren Road, Piney Flats, TN 37686. The family will receive friends from 4-9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, (423) 282-1521, is serving the family.