Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, March 23, 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 Tuesday, March 23, 2004 Today's Deaths Goldie Ida Addison, age 66, Cedar Bluff Ethel Mae Anderson, Bristol, Va. Paul Rufus Ashley, 78, Bristol, Va. Jane Wampler Boothe, 65, Bluff City Thomas F. Crabtree, 75, Meadowview Evelyn Higginbotham Dale, 85, Abingdon Jim Fritz, 72, Alvarado, Va. Gladys Leonard, Bristol, Va. Rev. Everett C. Lerch James Carroll McKenzie, 70, Manassas, Va. Virgil Glen Morrell, 79, Bristol, Tenn. Jessie Ruth Kiser Nalley, 80, Benton, Ill. Bessie Ellen Roark, 73 Nila Grey Jones Routh, 71, Abingdon John Elmo Sheppard, Shelby, N.C. Walter Eugene Snodgrass Sr., 60, Bluff City Minerva Cowan Berry Thompson, 101, Abingdon Joyce Shields Untiedt, 49, Atkins Lois Jean Yates, 72, Cedar Bluff Goldie Ida Addison CEDAR BLUFF– Mrs. Goldie Ida Addison, age 66, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2004, in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. Born in Tazewell County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Thomas Wesley and Mary Lula Simmons Byrd. She was an LPN for Mattie Williams Hospital and Clinch Valley Clinic. She was a member of the Church of God at Seaboard and attended Souls Harbor Bible College. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Wayne Addison; three brothers, Otis Byrd, Bill Byrd and Homer Byrd; two sisters, Stella VanDyke and Lillie Proffitt. She is survived by her husband, Donald Lee Addison; two daughters, Anita Lassiter and husband Keith of Panama City, Fla., and Joyce Barker and husband John of Wardell, Va.; four sons, Richard Addison, John Addison and fiancée, Tammie Brown, Mark Addison and Brandon Addison, all of Richlands; special grandson, Donnie Ascue; two brothers, Arch Byrd of Richlands and Earbie Byrd of Claypool Hill, Va.; two sisters, Sue Branch of Dublin, Va., and Thelma Hampton of Wardell, Va.; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandson also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. Jackie Payne and Rev. Wesley Addison officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Addison family. Mae Anderson BRISTOL, Va.– Ethel Mae Anderson went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Bristol Hospice House. She was a lifelong resident of Scott County, Va. Mae was a faithful member of Gardner’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rhea Anderson and Elsie Robertie Baker Anderson, and one infant sister. Mae is survived by her sisters, Elsie Taylor, Kingsport, Virginia McClain, Blountville, and Mary Evelyn McConnell and husband Bill, Gate City; brothers, Robert Anderson and wife Dorothy, Blountville, Joe Anderson and wife LuAnn, Blountville, James N.K. Anderson and wife Barbara, Blountville, Wayne Anderson and wife Donna, Bristol Virginia, and Billy Jack Anderson of the home; several nieces and nephews; cousins; and a host of friends. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 23, 2004, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Friends may also call any time at the residence of her sister, Virginia McClain. Funeral services will be conducted at Gardner’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 11 a.m., with Elder Clarence Huffman, Elder Josh Johnson and Elder Bobby Carter officiating. Mae will be taken to the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the funeral service at Anderson Family Cemetery, Boozy Creek Road, Bristol Virginia. Pallbearers will be Douglas McClain, David McClain, Bradley Baxter, Jonathan Anderson, Cody Allison, Rhea McConnell and Michael McConnell. Honorary pallbearers will be Terrell Smith, Don Bays, Burl Lyons, Gary Laughlin, Bobby Baxter, Danny Salley, Rob Olinger and Don Ory. Memorials may be made to Gardner’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, 147 Holston Dr., Blountville, TN 37617, or Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences may be sent to the family via email at cartertrentfh@earthlink.net Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Mae Anderson. Paul Rufus Ashley BRISTOL, Va.– Paul Rufus Ashley, 78, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 22, 2004. He was the son of the late Tom and Tina Ashley, and also preceded in death by his brothers, Lilard Ashley, Millard Ashley and Dave Ashley. Mr. Ashley was a member of Victory Baptist Church and a U.S. Army veteran who served in The Battle of The Bulge. He was a former member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 40 of Bristol Virginia. He had worked for several years at Sears, Bristol Steel and Beecham Laboratories before retiring. Mr. Ashley is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Irene Ashley; three sons, Ben Ashley and wife Rose of Bremerton, Wash., John Ashley and wife Angie of Bristol Tennessee, and Neil Ashley and wife Vicky of Bristol Virginia; four daughters, Kay Spivey and husband Wayne of Kingsport, Anne Barry and husband Lee of Bristol Tennessee, Sandra Sullivan and husband Gary of Bristol Virginia, and Jill Matchett and her husband Del of Bristol Virginia; 11 wonderful grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 8:30 p.m. Wednesday March 24, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Austin Cook officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Del Matchett, Gary Sullivan, Chris Barry, Kevin Schurtz, Larry Ashley and Harry Ashley.The family will receive friends prior to the service 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Committal and military honors will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at MountainView Cemetery by Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jane Wampler Boothe BLUFF CITY– Jane Wampler Boothe, 65, passed away late Sunday night, March 21, 2004, at Bristol Hospice House following an extended illness. She was born in Wythe County, Va., but had spent the majority of her life in Bristol Tennessee. She was the owner/operator of Acme Paint and Supply Company. Mrs. Boothe had previously owned E K Williams Company. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Highlands Harmony Chorus Sweet Adelines. Mrs. Boothe loved to listen to Southern gospel music. She became the first female member of Tenneva Tips Club. Surviving are her husband, Don Boothe Sr.; daughter, Gayle Caldwell and husband Steve, Church Hill; stepdaughter, Jill Arnold and husband Billy, Bluff City; stepson, Don Boothe Jr., Bristol Tennessee; grandchildren, Dillon Boothe, Sierra Arnold, Kaleb Arnold and Steven Caldwell; sister, Greta Nester, South Carolina; and special friend, Marie Vernon, Danville, Va. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 23, 2004, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Akard Funeral Home, Bristol Tennessee. Friends may also call any time at the residence, 237 Beaver Road, Bluff City, TN. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at 8 p.m., with Rev. Paul Humphrey officiating. Graveside services will be Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Littreal, Kermit Thomas, Bill Boothe, Roy Boothe, Steve Quales and Chuck Pratt. Condolences may be sent to the family via email at cartertrentfh@earthlink.net. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Jack Mallin, 57 Fairway Dr., Bristol, TN 37620. Carter-Trent Funeral Home of Church Hill is serving the family of Mrs. Boothe. Lucille S. Buckles LEBANON – Lucille Sykes Buckles, age 83, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, March 21, 2004, after a short illness at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. Born in Russell County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Lona Johnson Sykes. She was a life-long member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, her husband, John A. Buckles, and a grandson, Cameron Lynn Carter, also preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter, Wanda Williams of Amelia, Va.; two sons, Duane Buckles of Lebanon and Willie Buckles and wife Donna of Richmond; one grandson, Troy Carter and wife Cathy of Amelia; three granddaughters, Susan Sutherland and husband David of Roanoke, Shannon Kiser and husband Shane and Sara Buckles, all of Lebanon; one great-granddaughter, Roxann Buckles of Roanoke; five sisters, Virginia Matney and Verda Sykes of Lebanon, Clara Buckles of Cleveland, Va., Katherine Keller of Durham, N.C., and Jean Keith of Martinsburg, W.Va.; two brothers, Jay Sykes of Lebanon and Ollie Sykes of Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Edison Matney, Steven Honaker, Beverly Sykes, David Sutherland, Larry Buckles and Perry Ferguson. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Buckles and John Osborne. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 24, at 1 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Aaron Feeser and Rev. Guy Harris officiating. Interment will follow at the Buckles Family Cemetery in Lebanon. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 23, after 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Thomas F. Crabtree MEADOWVIEW– Mr. Thomas F. Crabtree, age 75, passed away Monday, March 22, 2004, at his residence. Arrangements are incomplete. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Crabtree family. Evelyn H. Dale ABINGDON – Mrs. Evelyn Higginbotham Dale, age 85, passed away, Sunday, March 21, 2004, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was born in Newport News, Va., and had lived in Hampton, Va., before moving to Abingdon in 2000. She was of the Methodist faith and was preceded in death by her husband, Linwood Dale. She is survived by: a daughter, Judy Young and husband George of Abingdon; and two grandchildren, Marion and Blair Young of Abingdon. A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Va., with Rev. Robert F. Pittman officiating. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EFFORTS, Claycomo Plaza, 411 NE U.S. Highway 69, Claycomo, MO 64119, or the Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon is serving the family of Mrs. Dale. Marjorie Easterling COEBURN – Marjorie Cox Easterling, 76, passed away Saturday, March 20, 2004, in the Bon Secours St. Mary’s Health Care, Norton. She was a nurse and former librarian of the Coeburn Library and preceded in death by her parents, Roy David and Mabel Bowman Cox; an infant son, John Harvey Easterling; two brothers, Reginald Cox and Randall Cox; and four sisters, Betty Keaton, Freida Long, Judy Curtis and Clara Shebar. She was a member of the Mt. Olivet Church, Coeburn. Surviving are her husband, Edgar A. Easterling; two sons and wives, David and Peggy Easterling of Goodview, Va., and Paul and Vickie Easterling of Coeburn; three brothers, Douglas Cox of Bluefield, W.Va., Gale Cox of Coeburn and David Cox of Abingdon; five grandchildren, Marge Easterling, Joyce Martin, Shelley Richards, Brad Easterling and Holly Easterling; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with Pastor Leon Lawson and Rev. Kermit Evans officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 10 a.m. Wednesday in Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Coeburn. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, Virginia in charge of arrangements. Jim Fritz ALVARADO, Va.– Jim Fritz, age 72, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2004, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. He was a native of Laurel Bloomery, Tenn., and lived in Alvarado Community most of his life. He was the son of the late Bert and Mabel Greer Fritz. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, during the Korean conflict, was retired from the Washington County Service Authority in 1992 and was a member of the Beulah Baptist Church, Meadowview. In addition to his parents, Mr. Fritz was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond Fritz, Homer Fritz and Dean Fritz. He is survived by his wife, Grace Roberts Fritz; two sons, Mike Fritz and Jimmy Fritz, both of the home; one sister, Ann Phillips, of Alvarado; two brothers, Carl Fritz of Abingdon and Robert Fritz of Damascus; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004, in the Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mike Bowers and Pastor Eugene Ward officiating. The committal service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Sunset Memorial Park, with the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard conducting military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 6-7:45 p.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral service at Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Website at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mr. Fritz. Carl J. Greer Jr. BRISTOL, Va.– Carl J. "Jack" Greer Jr., age 80, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Mr. Greer was born Dec. 11, 1923, in Dante, a son of the late Carl J. Sr. and Myrtle Hicks Greer, and has made his home in Bristol for 35 years. He was a retired parts inspector at Raytheon, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, member of the Slater Senior Citizens Center and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Greer was preceded in death by a son, Ricky L. Greer, and a sister, Andree Greer Rhymer. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Gladys L. Hall Greer; three daughters, Treva Keller, Monica Miller and Rita Overbay; six grandchildren; several great- grandchildren; one sister, Virginia Greer Buskell; and one nephew, Carl Sidney Buskell. Funeral services were conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, March 22, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Tom Elam officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be conducted by Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN. 37620. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family received friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Monday at Weaver Funeral Home. Gladys Leonard BRISTOL, Va.– Gladys Leonard died Monday, March 22, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. The arrangements are incomplete. Gladys Leonard and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Everett C. Lerch Rev. Everett C. Lerch went to his heavenly home Sunday, March 21, 2004, at NHC Healthcare Center. Born Dec. 27, 1911, in Plainfield, N.J., he was the son of Clayton and Lucretia Lerch. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Myrtle A. North Lerch, and by sisters, Beatrice pettes and Eleanor Frazier. His Christian ministry began in 1935 in the state of Florida, where he pastored Baptist churches for 25 years. His ministry took him to Cuba, Barbados and the Bahamas. He also made two mission trips to India. In 1962, he began a publishing ministry located in Bristol. He was the owner of The Evangelistic Press and Faith Mission Publications. He was the author of many Christian books, Christian tracts and, in his late years, a writer of Christian poetry. For many years, he was a member of the Woodlawn Baptist Church, Bristol Tennessee. In his later years, he was a member of the Midway Baptist Church, Bristol Virginia, where he served as a deacon, taught the Mens Adult Bible Class and sang in the choir. During his long years of serving God, he had led many souls to the Lord and many men into Christian ministry. Survivors include: three daughters and sons-in-law, LaVerne Baum and husband, Al Baum, Roanoke, Lynda Fleenor and husband, Robert Hubert Fleenor, Bristol Virginia, and Lorraine Proper and husband, Rev. Clifford Proper, Elmira, N.Y.; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Everett C. Lerch Jr. and wife, Judy, Okmulgee, Okla.; sister, Ruth Flanagan, Broken Arrow, Okla.; brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Norman Lerch and wife, Doris, Tulsa; 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2004, in the Midway Baptist Church in Bristol Virginia, with Rev. Everett C. Lerch Jr. and Pastor Dexter Terry officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Men’s Bible Class of Midway Baptist Church and friend, Bill Huber. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family wishes to thank Dr. Steven Hanor for 20 years of medical care and friendship. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Ashby Browning Lynch KINGSPORT– Ashby Browning Lynch, 85, died Saturday, March 20, 2004, in the Wellmont Medical Center in Kingsport. He was a native of Russell County, Va., born June 16, 1918, in Lebanon. A son of the late Grace Gilmer Lynch and Thomas Bernard Lynch, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1940, with a B.S. in civil engineering. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War as an officer in the U.S. Army Artillery and later as captain in the Army Corps of Engineers. After World War II, he was an engineer and contractor in Lebanon, where he also served at various times as county surveyor, fire chief and mayor. Following service in the Korean War, he was as an engineer and manager in the construction and pre- stressed concrete industry in Winchester, Va., Staunton, Va., and Baltimore. He later worked as an engineer for the Tennessee Valley Authority at Phipps Bend, near Kingsport, and Watts Bar, retiring from the Tennessee Valley Authority in Kingsport. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Reynolds G. Lynch. He is survived by his wife, Rosaline Phillips Lynch; three sons, Thomas B. Lynch, Ashby B. Lynch Jr. and wife Anne and Daniel P. Lynch and wife Joan; one daughter, Jean Lynch Leonard and husband Mark; seven grandchildren, Laura Lynch, Caroline Lynch, Grace Leonard, Matthew Leonard, Sarah Lynch, Benjamin Lynch and Polly Lynch; one nephew, Reynolds G. Lynch Jr;. and one niece, Margaret Lynch Burwick. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and worshipped at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport. He belonged to the Russell County Historical Society, the American Society of Engineers and the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. The family will receive friends at Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon on Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. prior to the graveside service at West Hill Cemetery in Lebanon to be held at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Jack Edwards officiating. A memorial service will be held at the First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004, with the Rev. Jack Edwards officiating, and where family will receive friends in the church parlor following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Russell County Historical Society, P.O. Box 414, St. Paul, VA 24283 or to the First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 East Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37662. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mr. Lynch. Melvin McBride BRISTOL, Tenn. – Graveside service for Melvin Lindsay McBride will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Glenwood Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be George Erps, Robert Erps, William "Bill" Erps, Claude Erps, Jerry D. Greene, Timothy S. Greene and Mark Angle. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Anderson Street United Methodist Church, 954 Anderson St., Bristol, TN 37620, or to WHCB 91.5, 340 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. McBride, age 72, went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 20, 2004, in the Holston Valley Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. James Carroll McKenzie MANASSAS, Va. – James Carroll McKenzie, age 70, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Va. Mr. McKenzie was a member and deacon at Yorkshire Freewill Baptist Church and devoted his Christian life to the service of the church and to others. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Rosella "Rose" McKenzie; two children, Deborah Boggs and her husband Ronnie, Wise, and Douglas Carroll McKenzie, Manassas; two sisters, Jessie Mae Burgess of Louisa, Ky., and Cora Margaret Howell, Louisa; one foster brother, Roy Ratliff Jr. of Michigan. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Emily Hall and husband Chris, Lori Mullins and husband Aaron, Leslie Barnette and husband Austin and Brandon Boggs and wife Kayla; eight great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Victoria, Brice, Sydney, Noah, Callie, Morgan and Matthew; and a host of nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law. A visitation and service will be held in Manassas on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m., with Pastor Lonnie D. Salyers. Additional visitation on Thursday, March 25, 2004, from 7-9 p.m. at the Clintwood Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Phipps Memorial Cemetery. Price Funeral Home handling out of town arrangements and Clintwood Funeral Home will be in charge of the local arrangements. Virgil Glen Morrell BRISTOL, Tenn.– Virgil Glen Morrell, age 79, of 469 Morrell Town Road, passed away on March 21, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Ed and Lucille Smithson Morrell, and was a retired steel worker and farmer. Mr. Morrell was a member of Riverbend Baptist Church. Survivors include wife, Nola Bell Cawood Morrell; daughters, Melba Booher and husband Clarence and Angelia Booher, all of Bristol; sons, Donnie Wayne Morrell and wife Teresa of Bristol Tennessee, and Jeffrey Glen Morrell and wife Donna of Piney Flats; sisters, Janie Wise of Bristol Tennessee, Margie Wynes of Asheville, N.C., Doris Bullock, Bristol Tennessee, and Mary Lou Duncan of Bristol Tennessee; brothers, Edward Morrell of Bristol Tennessee, Reford Morrell of Bristol Tennessee and Gilbert Morrell of Bristol Tennessee; grandchildren, Robbie Morrell, Tony Booher and Nicky Hale; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Laws, Seth Booher, Alden Morrell and Kinsey Morrell. He was preceded in death by a brother, Marion Morrell. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Richard Shinault, Rev. E. W. Ely and Ray Wynes officiating. Committal services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Crumley Cemetery. Pallbearers include Robbie Morrell, Tony Booher, Tony Myers, Larry Smithson, Teddy Wise, Jerry F. Morrell, Roger Duncan and Terry Morrell. Honorary pallbearers are friends and family. The family will receive friends on Tuesday 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. Jessie Ruth Kiser Nalley BENTON, Ill.– Jessie Ruth Kiser Nalley, 80, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at Mount Vernon Country Side Manor, Mount Vernon, Ill. She was born in Chaney Creek, Va., the daughter of the late Jake and Sada Powers Kiser. She was preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Carter; and two brothers, Lance Kiser and Ralph Kiser. She is survived by four daughters, Twylla Gordon and husband Floyd of Joliet, Ill., Susan Diaz of Thompsonville, Ill., Teresa Zenke and husband Bill of Plainfield, Ill. and Robin Hamann and husband Mike of Belleville, Ill.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Jessie Ruth Kiser Nalley will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Leonard Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. till time of service Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Nalley family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Bessie Ellen Roark Bessie Ellen Roark, 73, died on March 19, 2004. She was the beloved mother of Beverly Andersen (husband Neil), Douglas Roark (Teresa), Charles Roark and Brian Roark (Jessica). She is also survived by five grandchildren; two brothers, Clyde Roberts and Danny Roberts; and four sisters, Ann Murray, Patsy Moore, Deborah Bradford and Eileen Bowman. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, at Gospel Baptist Church, Reedy Creek Rd., Bristol, VA 24202. Interment will be at Knollkreg Cemetery, Abingdon, Va. Nila Grey Routh ABINGDON – Mrs. Nila Grey Jones Routh, age 71, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was born in Saltville and had lived most of her life in Lick Skillet until moving to Abingdon in 1978. She was a member of the Wyndale United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ray Routh Jr., and an infant daughter, Priscilla Ann. She is survived by a daughter, Fanni Sue Routh-Marsh of Abingdon; and a grandson, Charles Ray Marsh of Abingdon. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Wyndale United Methodist Church, with Rev. John Sarver officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wyndale United Methodist Church, c/o Rev. John Sarver, 16545 Wyndale Road, Abingdon, VA 24210. Floral arrangements may be delivered to the church after noon on Wednesday. Information provided by Farris Funeral Service. John Elmo Sheppard SHELBY, N.C.– John Elmo Sheppard, formerly of Abingdon, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Betty Shoemaker Sheppard of the home; sons, John and Steven Sheppard of Shelby; daughters, Betty Shelton and Wanda Kay Sheppard of Shelby; two brothers; a sister; two grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Davidson Memorial Baptist Church. Walter Eugene Snodgrass Sr. BLUFF CITY– Walter Eugene Snodgrass Sr., age 60, passed away Saturday, March 20, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of the home; a son, Walter E. Snodgrass Jr. of Bluff City; daughters, Elizabeth Leonard of Ocala, Fla., Dottie Thurman of Bristol Tennessee, Stefanie Cumbow of Bristol Virginia, Roxanne White of Gray, Tenn., Joyce Collins, Janice Barnett and Johnny Whitehead, all of North Carolina; and by 15 grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Lime Hill Baptist Church, 20458 Hoot Owl Road, Bristol Virginia. If directions are needed please call 423-502-2363. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated. Services provided by Mountain Empire Cremation, Elizabethton, TN 423-547-0379. Stafford Sutherland LEBANON – The funeral service for Stafford Clinton Sutherland will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Leonard Ferguson and the Rev. Duane Musick officiating. Entombment will follow in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum in Ketron Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Randy Buckles, Anthony Buckles, Noalen Strouth, Larry Buckles, Jim Hill, Mike Thomas, Donald Clark and John Arrington. Honorary pallbearers will be Garnett Buckles, Giles Carter, Jack Lilly, J.C. Arrington, Fred Arrington and Dr. Ernest Henry. Military honors will be conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864 at the mausoleum. Mr. Sutherland, 86, died Saturday, March 20, 2004, in the Russell County Medical Center. Earl J. Thomas KINGSPORT – Entombment for Earl J. Thomas will follow committal services at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004, in East Lawn Mausoleum II. Full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Hammond Post 3 and Gate City Post 265. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Living Waters Free Will Baptist Church, 910 Union Hill St., Kingsport, TN 37660. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place a condolence to the Thomas family. Mr. Thomas, age 85, passed away at 6:55 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2004, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Thomas family. Minerva Thompson ABINGDON – Minerva Cowan Berry Thompson, 101, of the Cleveland Community of Washington County,Va., passed into eternity with her Lord on Monday, March 22, 2004, at the home of her son, George R. Thompson Jr. She was born Nov. 11, 1902. She was the daughter of the late John Benjamin and Nancy Lowry Berry and lived in the Cleveland community her entire life. She was a longtime member of the Cleveland Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, sang in the choir and was active in the W.O.C. She was very active in the Cleveland School PTA Home Demonstration Club and other community activities. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Green Spring Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Cleveland High School and attended Stonewall Jackson College in Abingdon. Mrs. Thompson was a homemaker, a poet, a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She had a special love for her family, friends and flowers. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Russell Thompson Sr.; half-brother, Rev. Robert Berry; half-sister, Alice Berry Thomas; brothers, John S. Berry and William G. Berry; and sister, Elizabeth Berry Keller. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, George R. and Virginia Legg Thompson, Abingdon; a brother, David A. Berry, Abingdon; three grandsons and their wives, Keith and June Thompson, Abingdon, Gale and Paige Thompson, Danville, and Bill and Joan Thompson, Abingdon; seven great-grandchildren, Adam, Clayton, Derek, Bethany, Ryan, Julianna and Emily; several nieces and nephews; and special family friend, Betty Trivette. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at 3 p.m. in the Green Spring Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Lawrence Chapin officiating. Burial will follow in the Cleveland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews. The family would like to thank Hospice of Southwest Virginia and Dr. David Thompson for their kindness and care for Mrs. Thompson. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Hospice of Southwest Virginia, Green Spring Presbyterian Church or to the Cleveland Cemetery Fund. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Thompson. Joyce Shields Untiedt ATKINS, Va. – Joyce Shields Untiedt, 49, died Monday, March 22, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Seaver-Brown Funeral Service. Lois Jean Yates CEDAR BLUFF– Mrs. Lois Jean Yates, age 72, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2004, at her home following a lengthy illness. Born in Buchanan County, Va., she was the daughter of the late William and Alta Deel Boyd. She attended the Little Martha Old Regular Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm Yates Sr.; one infant son, Billy Rayburn Yates; her stepmother, June Boyd; one brother, Starling "Pete" Boyd; and one sister, Rosa Martha Jackson. She is survived by four sons, Bobby Gene Yates and wife Sue of Berlin Center, Ohio, Ferlie Yates and wife Delphine of Newton Fall, Ohio, Johnny Yates and wife Etta of Cedar Bluff, and Malcolm Yates Jr. and wife Keitha of Cedar Bluff; four daughters, Mrs. Paul (Ann Mildred) Barnes of Midwest City, Okla., Mrs. Marvin (Shirley) Burwell of Dover, Ohio, Mrs. Ivel (Lillian) Rose of Cedar Bluff, and Mrs. Bonnie Lou Browning of Yigo, Guam; five brothers, Bradford Boyd of Grundy, Earl Robert Boyd of Birchleaf, Va., Noland Boyd of Grundy, Va, Edmond Boyd of Vansant, Va., and Kenneth Boyd of Greencove Springs, Fla.; six sisters, Edna Georgia Osborne of Meadowview, Mary Pauline Stacy and Margaret Ann Deel, both of Grundy, Grace Markcum and Sandy Adkins, both of Kings Mountain, N.C., and Altis Blankenship of Tazewell, Va.; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. Allen Viers and Rev. Bill Shook officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Grandsons and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Yates family.