Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, April 6, 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, April 6, 2004 Joseph Allen Addison, 20, Cedar Bluff Giles W. Bland, 71, Glade Spring Elder Stanford Branham, 85, Palatka, Fla. Hazel Mullins Christian, 81, Beartown, W.Va. Ollie Gilliam, 79, Big Stone Gap Anne L. Giraitis, 90, Fort Pierce, Fla. Aaron Nelson Griffith, 5, Glade Spring Daniel James Griffith, 12, Glade Spring Norma L. Hodges, 84, Maxie, Va. Regina Horne Hovis, 46, Claypool Hill S. George LaTragna, 73, Bristol Virginia Clarence Junior Moore, 59, Bristol Virginia Troy Hester Pounders Sr., 77, Abingdon Donald Eugene O’Neal, 72, Bristol Tennessee Jane A. Ring, 65, Vincent, Ohio Armina Sexton, 77, Coeburn Margaret Osborne Shaffer, 95 Herbert Franklin Sturgill, 92 Nancy Lowery Tolbert, 53, Saltville Mildred L. Vernon-Ward, 88, Bristol Tennessee Eileen M. Williams, 73, Gate City Joseph Allen Addison CEDAR BLUFF – Mr. Joseph Allen Addison, age 20, of 122 Parkway St. died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Va., following a brief illness. He was born in Richlands and was a son of Jerry K. and Shirley Brown Addison of Cedar Bluff. He was a lifelong resident of the Cedar Bluff area and was a 2001 graduate of Richlands High School. He was a 2003 graduate of Southwest Virginia Community College, where he was awarded 1st place in computer network and 2nd place in state competition. He was attending Bluefield State College in his junior year, was on the Dean’s List and was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in 2004. Joseph, always polite and considerate, with a friendly personality, and was an outstanding young man who will always be remembered. He was preceded in death by a paternal grandfather, Mr. B. M. "Ken" Addison. Survivors, in addition to his parents, are one sister, Mrs. Jerri-Kaye Mabe and husband, Brian of Nashville; two half-brothers, Mr. Kenneth DeWayne Addison of Evansville, Ind., Mr. Roy Lee Addison of Evansville; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Catherine P. Addison of Richlands; maternal grandparents, Bert E. and Clara Brown of Cedar Bluff; and nieces and nephews, Ginger Addison, Jessica Addison, Laci Nicole Addison, McKinley Jace Addison, Zachary Addison, Brandy Addison and Brittney Mabe. Funeral services for Joseph Allen Addison will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Rev. Norman Desrosiers officiating. Burial will be private. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Barnette, Craig Compton, Cullen Compton, Bradley Sparkman, John Blankenship, Tommy Addison, Larry Addison, D. W. Ray, Jamie Hess, Steven Ray, Stephen Vance, James Carpenter, Patrick Jackson, Shawn McReynolds, Gary Hess and Marcus Sizemore. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6 p.m. Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph Allen Addison Scholarship Fund, Southwest Virginia Community College, P. O. Box SVCC, Richlands, VA 24641. 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. Giles W. Bland GLADE SPRING – Giles W. "Jake" Bland, age 71, died Sunday, April 4, 2004, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Washington County, Va., and was of the Presbyterian faith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Waunita Bland, a granddaughter, Melissa, and grandson, Michael. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Testerman and Sherry Mitchell, both of Glade Spring, and Parry Freeman of Saltville; one sister, Francis Shortt of Abingdon; several grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Giles W. "Jake" Bland will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Green Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with Pastor Tim Norris officiating. Friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell- funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Stanford Branham PALATKA, Fla. – Elder Stanford "Zeke" Branham, 85, was called home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 4, 2004, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. He was born Dec. 26, 1918, near Twin Branch in Dickenson County, Va. Zeke was the son of the late Willie T. Branham and Lena Ramey. Zeke worked as a shoe cobbler and coal miner before relocating to Florida from Virginia in October 1951. He was employed as an ordinance mechanic at the Green Cove Springs, Fla., and Jacksonville, Fla., shipyards, ultimately retiring from the Gum Tape Department at Georgia-Pacific Corporation in Palatka. He was a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church-Union Association since 1961. He helped build the Little Ruth Church in Green Cove Springs during the late 1950s. Zeke has been Moderator of Naomi Old Regular Baptist Church in Hollister, Fla., for the past 30 years and had been assistant moderator for other churches in the Union Association. An avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed working with his hands, some of Zeke’s hobbies included gardening and woodworking. But, his favorite pastime was salt-water fishing in the Gulf of Mexico with what he considered his best catch, his wife Carrie. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, 11 months and 15 days, Carrie Brahnam of Palatka; three daughters and sons-in-law, Imogene Coon of Green Cove Springs, Laverne and Jay Campbell of Ashford, Ala., and Loretha and Dane Anderson of Elizabethton, Tenn.; two sons and daughter-in-law, Willard Branham of Green Cove Springs and Harold and Betty Brahnam of Chipley, Fla.; two sisters, Nora Fletcher of Grundy and Frances Helfritz of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be from 5 until 7 p.m., with a service starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at the Naomi Old Regular Baptist Church in Hollister. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2004, at the church, with Elder Garland Deel, Elder Ted O’Quinn and Elder James Barney officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements. Hagan A. Burnette BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Hagan A. Burnette will be conducted at 1 p.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. Mr. Burnette, age 85, of 908 Vance Dr., passed away, Saturday, April 3, 2004, at his home. Hazel M. Christian BEARTOWN, W.Va. – Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, for Hazel Mullins Christian, 81, who died late Saturday evening, April 3, 2004, in Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol Tennessee. The Reverend Charley Kennedy will officiate at the chapel of Fanning Funeral Home, Iaeger, W.Va. Entombment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Bluewell, W.Va. She was born Feb. 18, 1923, in Elkhorn City, Ky. She was the daughter of the late B.H. and Mary M. Hylton Mullins. She was homemaker and a member of the Church of the Living God at Garland, WV. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee E. Christian; three sisters, Ethel Crochran, Dellia Belcher and Rushie Mullins; three brothers, Julius and Glenn Hylton and Ira Mullins. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Mike (Glenda) Turner, Beartown, Mrs. James (Fayetta) McIntyre, Abingdon, Mrs. Ronnie (Loretta) "Reddy" Lester, Dublin, Va., and Paula Lynn Reed, Beartown; two sons, Raydean Christian of the home and Andy Christian and wife Dreama Christian, Beartown; one sister, Stella Sanders, Safety Harbor, Fla.; 13 grandchildren, Jamie Buchanan, James Jr., and B.J. McIntyre, Freddy Lee Collins, Valerie Woosley, J.D. Hughes, Diana Riffe; Greg Christian, John Anthony and Andy Lee Christian Jr., Jimmy Lee Reed, Joe Ray Christian and Jeffery A. Lester seven great- grandchildren, Shalee Woosley; Candy Jo and James Dewey McIntyre, John Sutherland, Megan Buchanan and Aaron and Daron Christian. Friends may call Tuesday 6-9 p.m. April 6, 2004, at the chapel of the Fanning Funeral Home, Iaeger. Pallbearers will be Andy and Raydean Christian, Greg Christian, Eddie Riffe, James D. Jr. and B.J. McIntyre and John Sutherland. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Lee Reed and Jeffrey A. Lester. Fanning Funeral Home, Iaeger, in charge of the arrangements. Ollie Gilliam BIG STONE GAP – Ollie Gilliam, age 79, passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol Tennessee. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Holding Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap. Anne L. Giraitis FORT PIERCE, Fla. – Anne L. Giraitis, 90, died April 4, 2004, at home. Mrs. Giraitis was born in Hartford, Conn., and moved to Fort Pierce in 1977, coming from the Pembroke Pines area. She was a homemaker. She graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Hartford, Conn., and worked as a comptometer operator for Underwood Corporation in Connecticut. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, George Giraitis of Fort Pierce; two daughters, Gayle Durocher of Palm Bay, Fla., and daughter, Karen Spear of Bristol Tennessee; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Catherine Langhans. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Treasure Coast, 805 Virginia Ave, Suite 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 or to St. Lucie Catholic Church, 425 SW Irving Street, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. A Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Lucie Catholic Church on April 7. Haisley-Hobbs Funeral Home of Fort Pierce is in charge of arrangements. Daniel J. Griffith Aaron N. Griffith GLADE SPRING – Daniel James "D.J." Griffith, age 12, Aaron Nelson "Peanut" Griffith, age 5, and their dog Lucky, joined their grandparents in heaven Saturday, April 3, 2004, from injuries sustained in a house fire. They are survived by their mother, Minnie Griffith, and a brother, Raven Griffith, both of Glade Spring; their father, Daniel Griffith of Bristol Tennessee; their friend, Scott Keller of Glade Spring; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Griffith Family. Norma L. Hodges MAXIE, Va. – Norma Hodges, 84 years old, passed away Friday, April 2, 2004, at the Buchanan General Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late Noah and Mary Jane Stiltner. She was a member of the Harman Memorial Baptist Church, formerly worked for the Family Shop, the Ben Franklin Store and for the Navy Shipyard. She had been a volunteer for the senior citizens for over 20 years. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Jean and her husband Bob Black of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; one sister, Louise Branham of Clintwood; and one granddaughter, Lisa Black of Dallas. She was preceded in death by one brother, Laudie Stiltner; and one sister, Eunice Layne. Funeral services for Norma L. Hodges will be conducted Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Willard Owens officiating, with burial to follow in the Mud Lick Cemetery, near Maxie. Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home after 5 p.m. Tuesday and there will be services Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Regina Horne Hovis CLAYPOOL HILL, Va. – Mrs. Regina Horne Hovis, age 46, passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. Born in Richlands, she was the daughter of Andrew Horne of Cedar Bluff and the late Virginia Justus Horne. She was a 1975 graduate of Abingdon High School and a 1979 graduate of Freed Hardeman University of Henderson, Tenn. She taught school for 24 years. She was chairperson of the Science Department at Richlands High School, where she taught biology. She was a member of Oakwood Church of Christ. In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, Keith Hovis; one daughter, Jenna Hovis of the home; her stepmother, Gaylene Horne of Cedar Bluff; her mother-in-law and step-father-in-law, Faye and Ed Freeman of Decatur, Ala.; one sister-in-law, Krista Givens and husband Ricky of Decatur; one niece, Tara Givens; one nephew, Trevor Givens; one stepbrother, Jerry D. Horne of Raven, Va.; one stepsister, Kathy Boggs of Summersville, S.C.; special friends and loved ones, Jason Shortridge of Pounding Mill, Va., and Karen Webb of Claypool Hill. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Everett Conn, minister, and Larry Arnold, minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park Cemetery at Big Rock, Va. Pallbearers will be Tim Graham, George Brown, Donald Dawson, Adam Horn, Elmer Abel and Nathan Putman. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Donations may be made to Richlands High School for the Regina Hovis Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1 Tornado Alley, Richlands, VA 24641. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Hovis family. Arlene J. King RUSSELL COUNTY, Va. – The committal service and burial for Arlene J. King 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. 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. – The family of Charles Chester Kosciewicz 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, 87, died Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Mr. Kosciewicz and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. S. George LaTragna BRISTOL, Va. – S. George LaTragna, 73, went to be with the Lord Sunday, April 4, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. He was a native of New York and had been a resident of Bristol since 1961, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a former employee of Raytheon Corporation and Life of Virginia Insurance Company and, in later years, was self-employed. He was a former member and deacon of Central Presbyterian Church and current member of Victory Baptist Church. Survivors include his loving and faithful wife of 50 years, Tora Ratliff LaTragna; one son, Mike LaTragna and wife, Sue, of Lynchburg, Va.; one daughter, Susan Baker and husband, David, of Cumming, Ga.; four special loving grandchildren, Cindy Baker, Amanda Millard, Sherree Duadkhuntod and Gary Hamilton; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; also, special pets, Abby and Brambles. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at Victory Baptist Church, with Dr. Austin Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Bob Guffey, Clinton Ratliff, Frank Ratliff, Donald Ratliff, Ricky Millard and James Baker. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Ratliff, Curtis Ratliff, Ray Ratliff, Claude Ratliff, Ken Jantzen, Tom Albert, Stewart Wood, Paul Venable, Frank Rash and Bob Rock. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Wednesday at Victory Baptist Church, prior to the service. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the following physicians, who gave their loving care, time and special touch to our loved one, Dr. Bennett Y. Cowan Jr., Dr. Sue Prill, Dr. Lyle Whitman and Dr. Darlene Litton, and special thanks to the nurses, the aides and staff of Wellmont Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Rd., Bristol, TN 37620. 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 Mr. LaTragna. Clarence J. Moore BRISTOL, Va. – Clarence Junior Moore, 59, died Sunday, April 5, 2004, at Bristol Nursing Home. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and was the son of the late George and Irene Shaffer Moore. He was a member of Charity Pentecostal Tabernacle. Survivors include two sisters, Dorothy Jones and husband, Henry, of Bristol Tennessee, and Edith Hensley and husband, Ishmael, of Morristown, Tenn.; one brother, William Moore, of Kingsport; four aunts; two uncles; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jimmy Epperson officiating. Burial will follow in Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, Va. Pallbearers will be selected from friends. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. Tuesday at Akard Funeral Home. 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 Mr. Moore. Donald E. O’Neal BRISTOL, Tenn. – Donald Eugene O’Neal, age 72, was promoted to heaven Sunday, April 4, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. O’Neal was born on April 28, 1931, in Sullivan County, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Eliza Rhymer O’Neal. He was a devoted and loving husband of 55 years. Mr. O’Neal was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area and a retired employee of the former SE Massengill Company for 36 and one half years. He was a member of the South Bristol United Methodist Church for about 50 years. During most of this time, he taught Sunday School. He was a devoted member of the South Bristol UMC Men’s Club, served as lay leader, president of Men’s Club, and lay delegate to the Holston Conference. Mr. O’Neal was a member and past president of the Bristol VA/TN Industrial Management Club. Mr. O’Neal is survived by: his wife of 55 years, Anna Lee Rogers O’Neal; two sons, Jerry Wayne O’Neal and wife Lana and Dennis Ray O’Neal and wife Lynn; three grandchildren, Jeremy O’Neal and wife Christy, Rev. Jason O’Neal and Sherri O’Neal; one sister, Blanche Shores; two brothers, Willie O’Neal and Howard O’Neal; several nieces and nephews; and beloved pet: Missy. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Dr. Charles Ledger, Dr. R.J. Branson, Rev. Jason O’Neal and Rev. Ken Kehrer officiating. Entombment will follow in the Glenwood Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Herman Foster, Gary Rogers, Jason O’Neal, Jeremy O’Neal, Wayne Burnett, Billy Stephenson, Joe Garrett, Jack Skalley and Howard Webb. Honorary pallbearers will be men of South Bristol UMC. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Building Fund of South Bristol United Methodist Church, 1809 Southside Ave., Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Elva M. Carr Plank BLUFF CITY – Elva Morene Carr Plank, age 76, of 126 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. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www. weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Troy H. Pounders Sr. ABINGDON – Mr. Troy Hester Pounders Sr., age 77, died Monday April 5, 2004, in Grace Healthcare of Abingdon. Troy attended High Point Baptist Church, Meadowview, and was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He is survived by a son, Troy Pounders Jr., Warren, Mich.; a grandson, Chad Pounders; and two brothers, Major Pounders, Abingdon and Paul Pounders, Troy. The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at 8 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. David Critcher and Rev. Mahlon Wyatt officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 until 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home. A service will be Friday, April 9, 2004, at 9 a.m. in Troy. Interment will follow in White Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to High Point Baptist Church, 18255 Limestone Dr., Meadowview, VA 24361. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Pounders family. Jane A. Ring VINCENT, Ohio – Jane A. Ring, 65, died Friday, April 2, 2004, at her home. She was born Aug. 17, 1938, in Dante, Va., daughter of the late Carlos Ring. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Amos; and one brother, Dike Ring. She attended the Fellowship Chapel Church in Little Hocking, Ohio. She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Hill of Russellville, Ind., Esther Proulx of Kokomo, Ind., and Robin Lewis of Front Royal, Va.; her mother, Esther Ring of Castlewood; one sister, Betty Rogers of Burlington, W.Va.; two brothers, Charles Ring of Castlewood and Jess Ring of Richmond; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Jane A. Ring will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Pastor Janice Kuhn officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Ring family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Armina Sexton COEBURN – Armina Sexton, 77, passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, in the Johnson City Medical Center Johnson City, Tenn. She was a member of the Wise County Church of Christ and the widow of the late Charles Rutherford Sexton. Surviving are three sons, James (Jim) Sexton of Greeneville, Tenn., Delmar Sexton of Wise and Danny Sexton of Coeburn; a daughter, Cleta Fay Hill of Coeburn; three sisters, Dorothy Sexton of Coeburn and Juanita Knott and Geraldine Cullison, both of Lexington Park, Md.; four grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Coeburn. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, 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. Margaret O. Shaffer Margaret Osborne Shaffer, age 95, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, April 4, 2004, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 16, 1908, in Castlewood, a daughter of the late Earl and Nannie Porter Osborne. She had moved to Bristol as a young teenager. She was a long-time member of the Three Springs Baptist Church. She was a retired employee with Big Jack Manufacturing Company, with 50 years of service. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Albert Shaffer; three sisters, Hassie Osborne Shankel, Grace Osborne Rutherford and Thelma Lee Osborne Shankel; five brothers, Cecil Osborne, Criss Osborne, Charlie Osborne, John Osborne and Robert Osborne. Survivors include: son, Robert "R.H." Shaffer and wife, Virginia "Kitty", Bristol Virginia; daughter, Louise Shaffer Blankenbeckler and husband, Earl, Bristol Virginia; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Geneva Clifton. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. George Henderson officiating. The committal will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Sammy Shaffer, Gary Shaffer, Jimmy Shaffer, Steve Blankenbeckler, Kevin Blankenbeckler and Robert Gilmer. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Three Springs Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Margaret. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Herbert F. Sturgill Herbert Franklin Sturgill, age 92, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2004, at Francis Marion Manor. He was born in Ashe County, N.C., on Dec. 21, 1911, to the late Isom and Lanty Ingram Sturgill. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Quillen Sturgill; four sisters, Grace Farmer, Rugby, Va., Zella Eller, Sturgill’s, N.C., Idella Duvall, Lansing, N.C., and Aleane (Jean) Kamither, Elkton, Md.; and three brothers, Rev. Joel Sturgill, Elkton, Lundy Sturgill, Marion and Cleve Sturgill, Chilhowie. He is survived by four daughters, Glenna Blevins, Hillsville, Va., Lois Smith, Saltville, daughters and sons-in-law, Dottie and Albert McCallister, Chilhowie and Elda and Ray Muncy, Marion; and one son, Herbert Dewey Sturgill, Crumpler, N.C. He is survived by three sisters, Luella Hubble, Marion, Laura Kelly, Sparta, N.C., and Vada Jackson, Elkton; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren also survive. The family will receive friends and family at Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, on Tuesday from 1 until 2 p.m., followed with a service to celebrate his life at 2 p.m. The Reverends Sharon Wiley and Janet Richardson will conduct the service, with comments and prayers by Hospice Chaplin, Rick Beam, and Rev. Neville Mozingo. Burial will follow at South Fork Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the home of Albert and Dottie McCallister, 607 Sunset Drive, Chilhowie, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Fork Cemetery Fund, 406 Mosswood Lane, Marion, VA. 24354, Tate’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 108 Plum Creek Road, Chilhowie, VA 24319, or Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 600 Walden Road, Abingdon, VA 24210. Pallbearers will be Scott Blevins, Edward Sturgill, Jason Carney, Chris Carney, Robert Carney and Mike McCawley. Honorary pallbearers: Jeff Muncy, Tony Muncy, Richard Edmondson and Michael Smith. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Mr. Sturgill. Nancy L. Tolbert SALTVILLE – Nancy Lowery Tolbert, age 53, died Monday, April 5, 2004, in Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home will be serving the family. Arrangements are incomplete. Mildred Vernon-Ward BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mildred L. Vernon-Ward, age 88, passed away Monday, April 5, 2004, following several years of declining health. She was a resident of the Cambridge House the last three years, and had lived elsewhere in Bristol and in District Heights, Md., previously. She was born Oct. 6, 1916, in Bristol Tennessee to the late C.J. (Bootie) and Vannie E. Scott Vernon, and was one of nine children. She was a beloved homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, sister- in-law and an aunt to a large loving family. She was widowed by Oscar L. Ward, who preceded her in death in 1982. She was also preceded in death by a son, John L. (Jakie) Ward; two brothers, John L. and Ben Vernon; six sisters, Louise, Eleanor, Arlene, Irene, Elizabeth (Snook) and Dora. She is survived by: children and spouses, Sharon D. Ward of Piney Flats, Vannie E. Ward-Booher and husband Carl II (Junior), Lillian I. (Shirley) Ward-Trinkle and husband Herbert of Bristol Tennessee, Robert L. Ward of Bristol Tennessee, William F. (Bill) Ward and wife Donna, Roy E. Ward of Bristol Tennessee, and James H. (Jim) Ward of Bristol Tennessee; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Charles M. Simmons, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Shelby, N.C., Rev. Dennis Burnette and Rev. Paul Brown officiating. The burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. Music for the service will be provided by Mrs. Ward’s nephew, Rex E. Ward of Kingsport and great-nephew, Eric Cuddy of Bristol Tennessee. Pallbearers will be grandsons, nephews and special friends, Wayne Stapleton and Jeff Cadle. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Don Johnson, Frank Johnson and Wayne Johnson, and great-nephew, J.L. II (Johnny) Vernon, and all her beloved nephews and great-nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Weaver Funeral Home or any other times at the home of daughter, Shirley Ward-Trinkle and husband Herbert, 1623 Carolina Ave., Bristol, TN 968-2388. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The Ward family expresses their appreciation for the many acts of kindness and the sympathy shown them, especially to all her caregivers and staff of the Cambridge House and Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Arrangements especially for Mildred L. Ward have been made by the family through Weaver Funeral Home, 630 Locust St., Bristol, TN. Shirley S. Wilcox Memorial services for Shirley "Fern" Shankle Wilcox 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. Mrs. Wilcox, formerly of Bristol, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2004, at Abingdon Manor. Eileen M. Williams GATE CITY – Eileen M. Williams, 73, entered into rest Sunday, April 4, 2004, at her residence with her family. She was born in Scott County, Va., January 16, 1931, to the late Carl B. Mann and Sudie Blair Mann. Including her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, John M. and Ora P. Blair; son, Johnny Williams; sister, Betty Adkins; and two brothers, Carson E. and William Fred Mann. She was a member of Blair’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Harry Williams, Gate City; daughter and son-in-law, Hope and Dennis Reynolds, Wytheville; sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Eddie Talbert, Kingsport; sisters-in-law, Georgia Davidson, Gate City, Alma Bear Mann, Kingsport and Sue Vineyard, Kingsport; brothers and sisters-in-law, James H. and Ella Sue Mann, Kingsport and Jerry H. and Barbara Mann, Hiltons, Va.; brother-in-law and wife, Charles and Joy Williams, Mt. Carmel, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Patricia Williams Lightfoot, Kingsport; grandchildren, Rebecca J. and husband, Jason Phipps, Sarah R. and husband, Steven Leonard, Leigha A. Williams, Miranda L. Reynolds, Jonathan E. and wife, Marlana Williams and Justin L. Williams; step-great-grandchildren, Mathew, Rachel and Sean Phipps; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2004, at Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be at 8 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home, with Rev. Carl Gibson officiating. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, Va. Family and friends will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Hilton, Jimmy Osborne, Jimmy McConnell, Danny Meade, Roger Grizzle and Wendell Burke. Honorary pallbearers will be the Sawmill Gang. Online condolences may be sent at gcfh@earthlink.net In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale St., Memphis, TN 38105