Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, April 5, 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 Monday, April 5, 2004 Today's Deaths Hagan A. Burnette, 85, Bristol Tennessee Charles Milton Dickerson, 78, Salem, Va. Charles Chester Kosciewicz, 87, Bristol Tennessee Edward M. Mabe, 61, Piney Flats Claudia Nadine McMahan, 58, Seven Mile Ford, Va. Donald Eugene O’Neal, 72, Bristol Tennessee Elva Morene Carr Plank, 76, Bluff City Jason Sexton, 29, Bristol Tennessee Herbert F. Sturgill, 92, Marion Garvie Wright, 74, Bristol Tennessee Hagan A. Burnette BRISTOL, Tenn. – Hagan A. Burnette, age 85, of 908 Vance Dr., passed away, Saturday, April 3, 2004, at his home. Mr. Burnette was born Oct. 31, 1918, in Bristol, a son of the late Charles D. and Mary Lee Ballard Burnette. He was a member of the VFW Patton-Crosswhite Post 6975, attended the Slater Center, U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a retired employee of United Coal Co. Mr. Burnette was preceded in death by his wife, Etta Morelock Burnette. Survivors include one daughter, Claudette Almond of Johnson City; one son, Gary W. Burnette, Bristol; three stepdaughters, Charlotte Harkleroad, Jean Leonard and Janice Almaroad, all of Bristol; one sister, Madeline Harkleroad, Bristol; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m.Tuesday April 6, 2004, at the graveside in Shelby Hills Cemetery, with Rev. Gary Rowlette officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Weaver Funeral Home. Charles M. Dickerson SALEM, Va. – Charles Milton Dickerson, 78, formerly of Bedford, went home on Saturday, April 3, 2004, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born Feb. 7, 1926, in Damascus, a son of the late Morris M. Dickerson and Mable Ratcliffe Dickerson. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Morrison Dickerson Jr. He is survived by a sister, Earnestine Wingler; his children, Jim, Brenda, David, Lynn, Kenneth and Jerry and their families; his former wife, Pauline and her family; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Helen Lake, the mother of his children. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Salem Rescue Squad. Special thanks to the ones who loved and cared for our father while he was at Friendship Manor. A funeral service will be conducted in the Old Glade Presbyterian Church, Glade Spring, on Monday, April 5, 2004, at 2 p.m. followed by his burial in the Old Glade Cemetery. He will rest in peace beside his mother. Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, is serving the family of Mr. Dickerson. Anna Marie Kinder ABINGDON – Funeral services for Mrs. Anna Marie Lowe Kinder will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Rev. Monte Elswick officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Greg Wheeler, Jimmy Wheeler, Harold David Kinder II, Jeffrey Kinder, Leo Duty II and Darrell Keene. Mrs. Kinder, age 76, of 19194 Woodland Hills Rd., formerly of Cedar Bluff, died Friday, April 2, 2004, at her home following a brief illness. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Arlene J. King RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. – The funeral service for Arlene J. King will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2004, in the Dennison United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Paul Hite and the Rev. Ricky Ray officiating. The committal service and burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004, in the Jackson Family Cemetery. Those attending should meet at the church by 10:30 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brian Spicer, Kelly Miltier, David Miltier, Arkie Dye, Dana Love and G.K. King. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Mrs. King, 81, formerly of the Belfast community, died Saturday, April 3, 2004 in Riverside Convalescent Center in Smithfield, Va. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mrs. King. Charles Kosciewicz BRISTOL, Tenn. – Charles Chester Kosciewicz, 87, died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Mr. Kosciewicz was born in Dickson City, Pa., a son of the late Peter and Magdalena Adamovitz Kosciewicz. Charlie was also preceded in death by two sisters, Peggy and Sophie, and four brothers, Pete, Joe, Barney and Gus. He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps and retired from Kings Mountain and Bristol Memorial Hospitals after 36 years of service in the finance department. He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Blanche Kosciewicz; son, Michael Kosciewicz of Knoxville; a sister-in-law, Mary Kosciewicz; 11 nieces; four nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews and his grand dog "T." The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, April 7, 2004, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, with a celebration of life to follow. The Rev. Dr. Paul Hamilton Fuller IV will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 700 Cumberland St., Bristol, VA 24201, the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620, or a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Kosciewicz and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Elizabeth Laster CLEVELAND, Va. – A graveside service for Elizabeth Nannie Kiser Laster will be held on Monday, April 5, at 2 p.m. at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon. Those wishing to follow in the funeral procession are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:45 p.m. Mrs. Laster, 93, passed away on April 2, 2004. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Edward M. Mabe PINEY FLATS – Edward M. Mabe, 61, died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn. He was born in Tazewell County, Va., a son of the late Mary Lou Jeter Mabe and Clarence William Mabe. Mr. Mabe was a veteran of the Army and worked for Piston Coal Company for 20 years. He was preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Mabe. Survivors include his wife, Roberta Mabe of the home; a daughter, Lisa Harman and her husband Michael of Blountville; three sons, Edward M. Mabe Jr. and his wife Susan and David W.J. Mabe and his wife Donna, all of Blountville, and Steve E. Byrd and his wife Shirley of Bristol Tennessee; sisters, Alice McCoy, Elizabeth Baldwin, Brenda Culbertson and Evelyn Baldwin, all of Richlands; two brothers, Larry Mabe and Gary Mabe, both of High Point, N.C.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The graveside service and inurnment will be conducted in the National Cemetery at Mountain Home at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Sgt. Michael Harman, stationed in Baghdad, Iraq, and Sgt. Adam Garmon, stationed in South Korea. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Mabe and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Mary S. Mance A memorial service for Mary Patsy Smalling Mance will be held at Central Christian Church on April 8, at 2:30 p.m. Ms. Mance, age 74, died peacefully on March 20, 2004, at Cabrini Hospice Unit in New York City after a courageous battle with cancer. Claudia N. McMahan SEVEN MILE FORD, Va. – Claudia Nadine McMahan, age 58, died Sunday, April 4, 2004, at her residence. She was born in Smyth County to the late Wint and Nannie Hunt, and was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. She had worked at Dana Corporation and attended the Church of God of Prophecy in Marion. Survivors include husband of 41 years, Kenneth McMahan; three children, Leon McMahan, Marion, Marie Reedy and husband Chuck, Marion, and Ralph E. McMahan and wife Ginger, Chilhowie; two brothers, Curtis Hunt Sr., Saltville, and Dewey Hunt, Saltville; one sister, Katie Smith, Saltville; six grandchildren, Michelle McMahan, Nicole Reedy, Cody McMahan, Ashleigh McMahan, Hunter Reedy and Lindsay McMahan, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie, with Pastor Paul Horton and Pastor J.L. Debord officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel, Chilhowie, is serving the McMahan family. Donald E. O’Neal BRISTOL, Tenn. – Donald Eugene O’Neal, age 72, went to be with the Lord Sunday, April 4, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Weaver Funeral Home. Nancy Pendergrass BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal for Nancy Marie Pendergrass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Eastern Heights Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Weaver Funeral Home for Mrs. Pendergrass’ funeral expenses. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Pendergrass, age 62, of 943 Hill St., where she lived with her loving family, George and Barbara Page, went to be with Jesus Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Elva Plank BLUFF CITY – Elva Morene Carr Plank, age 76, of 1226 Hillcrest Road, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the home of her daughter. She was born Jan. 25, 1928, in Piney Flats, a daughter of the late James Elbert and Annie Cretsinger Carr and lifelong resident of the Bluff City area. She was a homemaker, a charter member of the Hillcrest Independent Freewill Baptist Church and the widow of G.L. Plank. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Wilma Hamaker and husband Robert Hamaker, and a son-in-law, Herman Malone. Survivors include two daughters, Kathie Malone and Carolyn Hunt and husband Frank; one son, Rickey Plank and wife Lisa; grandchildren, Stephen Hunt and wife Carol, Todd Malone and wife Sarah, Derrick Plank and Parthena Miller; great- grandson, Tanner Plank; two step-great-grandchildren, Eddie and Fletcher Lale, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004, from the Sunrise Cemetery, with Rev. Robert Crusenberry officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday from the Weaver Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jason Sexton BRISTOL, Tenn. – Jason "Jay" Sexton, 29, died Friday, April 2, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol and was a 1993 graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed flea markets, movies and video games. Survivors include his mother, Goldie Sexton of Bristol; a sister, Kathy Cox of Bristol; a nephew, Tyler Cox of Bristol, and a special cat, Coots. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Tuesday evening at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. Michael Halsey and Chaplain Danny Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Peterson, Steve Price, Mark Dollar, Rick Dollar, Terry Mathes and Jeff Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will be David Helton and Tyler Cox. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Sexton and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Herbert F. Sturgill MARION – Herbert F. Sturgill, age 92, died Sunday, April 4, 2004, in the Francis Marion Manor. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion. Shirley S. Wilcox Shirley "Fern" Shankle Wilcox, formerly of Bristol, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Abingdon Manor. She was the daughter of the late Zeb and Georgia "Peggy" Shankle. She lived most of her life in the Bristol area. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby "Robert" Wilcox. Survivors include nieces and nephews, Karen Martin, Vickie Wilson, Keith Cross and Wallace "Dee" Cross, and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Memorial services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Danny Felty officiating. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Garvie Wright BRISTOL, Tenn. – Garvie Wright, 74, died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bristol Virginia, a son of Odie Wright. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a son, Howard Wright, one sister and two brothers. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Mr. Wright retired as a laborer in the construction industry and moved back to Bristol four years ago. He was a member of the Local Laborer’s Union Post 292. Garvie was an avid card player and NASCAR and game show fan. He is survived by his wife Pauline; three daughters, Clarie, Adele and Melody; three sons, David and his wife Jeanie, Steve Simpson and Ben Evans and his wife Theresa; a daughter-in-law, Ruth; a sister, Meda Scalf; 27 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. There will be no formal visitation or funeral service. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Garvie Wright Fund, c/o Louisa Belding, P.O. Box 3090, Bristol, TN 37625. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Arrangements especially for Mr. Wright have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee.