Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, April 17, 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 Saturday, April 17, 2004 Today's Deaths Grady Edgar Barker, 89, Bristol Tennessee George F. Barnes, 84, Tazewell Wesley Ely Beard, 83, Piney Flats Brenda Carol Hobbs Beekman, 55, Coeburn Richard D. Chumney, 79, Virginia Beach, Va. Thelma Colley, 81, formerly of Saltville Alta Farmer, 96, Abingdon Ruby Louise Isley Ford, 80, Kingsport Phyllis Hope Isom Adams Freeman, 67, Norton Walter Wesley Harless, 96, Bristol Tennessee James Edward Hodges, 45, Cripple Creek, Va. Kenneth Hughes Marshall, 70, Roseland, Va. Emmett Buford Monk, 77, Meadowview Gertrude Smith Mumpower, 86 Lilly Belle Ratliff, 85, Bristol Virginia Agnes Beatrice Sturgill, Bristol Tennessee Margaret Lois Blaylock Whitaker, 80, Bristol Virginia Grady Edgar Barker BRISTOL, Tenn. – Grady Edgar Barker, age 89, took his heavenly journey from this world April 15, 2004, in Wellmont Hospice House. He was born in Washington County, Va., March 23, 1915, to the late Rev. William Elkanak Barker and Martha Leonard Barker. He was the last surviving member of his family and perhaps the last surviving member of his generation. He was also an eight-year cancer survivor. Grady was a member of First Baptist Church, Blountville, The Senior Adult Choir and was the oldest member of the church at the time of his passing. During World War II, he worked for the U.S. government as an electrician in the Norfork, Va., Naval Shipyard I, Portsmouth, Va. Returning to Bristol in 1945, he returned to Eastman Chemical Corp., where he had previously worked. He retired from the electric department of Eastman Chemical in 1977, after 35 years of service. Grady was a life member of Whiteside Masonic Lodge 13 F&AM of Blountville. He was also a 44-year member of Blountville Chapter 419 Order of Eastern Star. At the time of his death, he was an inactive member of Bordor City Chapter 162 Bristol Tennessee Order of Eastern Star. Grady was instrumental in helping to organize the Blountville Horse Show Association and served as president of the association until it disbanded. He was also a farmer and a livestock dealer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Elizabeth Barker, and six brothers, Carty, Jessee, Issac, Joe, Elmer and Sidney. Survivors include his wife, Edith L. Barker of the home; one daughter, Diane Castle and husband Delmer of Bristol Tennessee; one son, Dr. Donald Barker and wife June of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Kelly Barker of Chattanooga, Matthew Barker and wife Sarah of Richmond and Andrew Barker of Chattanooga; two step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family of Grady Barker would like to thank the doctors and staff of Bristol Regional Hospital, staff and nurses of NHC Healthcare and special friend, Margaret Cross, CAN. Their compassion and excellent care will always be remembered. The family appreciates the well wishes, thoughts and prayers of all his friends. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, April 18, in the First Baptist Church in Blountville at 2 p.m., with Rev. Clay Austin officiating. Music will be directed by Lewis Baumstark, minister of music, of First Baptist Church. The committal service and interment will follow in Shelby Hills Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tony Scott, Ken Maiden, Gary Winger, Tony Blackburn, Fred Wagner, Jerry Harr, Herman Harr, John Mize, David Brock, Randall Keller, Andrew Barker and Matthew Barker, Honorary pallbearers will be members of Whiteside Lodge 13 F&AM, Blountville and members of Order of Eastern Star 162, Bristol Tennessee, J. Craft Akard, Eford Barnett, Harold Barr, Mike Brock and his many friends and neighbors. Masonic rites will be conducted Sunday after the funeral at the church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Building Fund of First Baptist Church, 3358 Hwy. 126, Blountville, TN 37617, or the 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. Barker. George F. Barnes TAZEWELL – George F. Barnes, 84, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, in Roanoke. Son of the late George F. and Virginia Barns Rosenbaum, he was born in Pocahontas, Va., on May 25, 1919. Following graduation from VPI in 1941, he served his country in the Merchant Marines during World War II. A member of Tazewell Presbyterian Church, he served his church faithfully as a deacon, elder and teacher of the Women’s Bible Class for many years. In 1963, he was elected to fill the unexpired term of the late Harry Stuart in the Virginia Senate. Elected to a full term in the Senate in 1965 on the Republican ticket, he paved the way for other Republicans who followed him to electoral success from "The Fightin’ 9th" Congressional District. He served in the Senate until 1975. In 1978, Governor John Dalton appointed him chairman of the State Compensation Board, where he served until 1982. A farmer and independent coal operator, he was a member of the Virginia Farm Bureau, president of the Tazewell County Farm Bureau and a founding member and vice president of the National Independent Coal Operators Association. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Grace G. Barnes; three sons, Frank Barnes and wife Dora of Tazewell, John Barnes and wife Nolie of Midlothian, Va., and Jeff Barnes and wife Tamera of Newport News, Va.; three daughters, Jenna Byrnes and husband Robert of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Gracie Lutz and husband Hirlye of Birmingham, Ala., and Jann Clarke and husband Taylor of Midlothian; one brother, Bill Barnes of Hemet, Calif.; 14 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday April 18, 2004, at Tazewell Presbyterian Church, with the Reverend Dr. James H. Grant officiating. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell. Pallbearers will be his seven grandsons, Ryan, Austin and Carter Lutz, Jack, Colin and Graham Barnes and Ian Byrnes, and his special friend, Larry Brown. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution to Tazewell Presbyterian Church. P.O. Box 26, Tazewell, VA 24651, or The Historic Crab Orchard Museum, Route 1, Box 194, Tazewell, VA 24651. You may send e-mail condolences to psfh@netscope.net. Wesley Ely Beard PINEY FLATS – Wesley Ely Beard, 83, died Friday, April 16, 2004, at Holston Valley Medical Center. Mr. Beard was born on Sept, 3, 1920, in Franklin, Tenn., and was the son of George and Parksie Robinson Beard. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of The Church of God, 14th and Broad St., a former employee of Virginia Woodworking and a retired employee from Cortrim Corp. In addition to his parents, Wesley was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Rogers Beard. Mr. Beard is survived by his wife, Rosa Hennessee Beard; two sons, George W. Beard of Coatesville, Pa., and Dennis E. Beard and his wife Julie of Colorado; one stepdaughter, Charlotte Caiati of Fort Myers, Fla.: two stepsons, Jack Edwin Hennessee of Gray, Tenn., and Pat Hennessee and his wife Teresa of Johnson City; 10 grandchildren, George Beard of Rogersville, Tenn., Dennis Beard of Bristol Tennessee, Dennis Beard of Colorado, Michelle Beard of Colorado, Edie Beard of Sanford, N.C., Selena Berry of Newark, Del., Heidi Beard of Colorado, Angela Chinni of West Palm Beach, Fla., Rebecca Hennessee of Piney Flats and Edwin Hennessee of Johnson City; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Beard will be conducted at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Paul Peer officiating. The committal service and interment will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 19, in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home, and other times at the residence. E-mail condolences may also 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. Beard. Brenda Beekman COEBURN – Brenda Carol Hobbs Beekman, 55, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004, in the Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Norton. She was of the Baptist faith and she was preceded in death by her father and mother, Ralph and Georgia Hobbs. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Donna Elaine and Charlie Bullion of Coeburn; a son and daughter-in-law, Daniel Eugene and Trichia Beekman of Great Mills, Md.; a sister, Frankie Adams of Great Mills; four grandchildren, Robert, Santana, Heather and Anastasia; five brothers, Denny Hobbs, Larry Hobbs, Buck Hobbs and Eddie Hobbs, all of Great Mills, and Joey Hobbs of Coeburn; six sisters, Betty Goddard of Great Mills, Linda Bagwell of South Carolina, Doris Kopp of Minnesota and Connie Ramey and Bonnie Ketron of Coeburn; special friends, Pat Hobbs, Bobbie Collins, Dale Bones and Cecil Graves, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with Pastor Jimmy Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Coeburn. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Sunday at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, is in charge of arrangements. Richard D. Chumney VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Richard D. Chumney, 79, of Fleet Drive, died April 14, 2004, at a local hospital. He was an elder at Bayside Presbyterian Church and a veteran of World War II with the U.S. Army 68th Signal Battalion. Mr. Chumney was the former director of the Division of Rural Resources with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, but the Mannboro, Va., native had an active career in support of agriculture since he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in agronomy in 1948. He earned a master’s degree in agriculture from Cornell University in 1949. Career highlights include being administrative assistant to the Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture in 1956, the assistant by 1958, executive assistant to the governor of Virginia in 1962 and Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1962 to 1965. For seven years, before taking his last position in 1973, he was executive assistant to the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. He was the husband of the late Laura C. Chumney and the son of the late Willie Tom Chumney and Ardela Davis Chumney. Mr. Chumney is survived by a daughter, Karlee C. Thomson and her husband Kevin D. Thomson of Virginia Beach; two sons, Kendall J. Chumney of Virginia Beach and R. Kevin Chumney and his wife Nancy A. Chumney of Moorestown, N.J.; a brother, W. Donald Chumney and his wife Becky Chumney of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren, Kelly Thomson, Kurt Thomson, Rachel Chumney and Taylor Chumney. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2004, at Bayside Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, on Sunday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. Interment will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2004, at Lakeview Cemetery in Blackstone, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com. Thelma Colley LEANDER, Texas – Mrs. Thelma Colley, age 81, formerly of Saltville, passed away Monday, April 12, 2004, following a brief illness. She was a resident of Leander for the past several months, having moved there from Aurora, Colo. She was preceded in death by one son and one granddaughter. Survivors include her husband, Denton Colley of Leander; two daughters, Linda Justin of Texas and Karen Colley of Denver; five grandchildren; two step- grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Janie Allison and Eleanor Holmes of Saltville; one brother-in-law, Wyndham Colley of Pasadena, Md., and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mrs. Colley were held Friday, April 16, 2004, at Fairmont Mortuary, Denver. Burial was at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. This is a courtesy obituary of D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville. Mary Cox BRISTOL, Va. – Mary F.L. Wheeler Cox, 68, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House following a long illness. A native of Tupelo, Miss., she was the daughter of the late James A. Williams and Mellie Mae Graham Williams. Mrs. Cox had moved to Bristol in 1992 and was a member of East Bristol Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Puckett. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth "Ken" Cox of Bristol Virginia; three daughters, Patti Tucker and her husband Rick of Bristol Virginia, Bonnie Puckett of Beckley, W.Va., and Donnie Puckett of Kannapolis, N.C.; a son, James Puckett and his wife Gladys "Sissy" of Virginia Beach, Va.; a stepson, Kenneth Cox and his wife Patty of Abingdon; a stepdaughter, Karen Bruce and her husband Kenny of Gastonia, N.C.; four sisters, Sharon Howard of Springfield, Ill., Shirley Ramey of Ocala, Fla., Melba Broach of Callahan, Fla., and Eloween Vick of Colt, Ark.; a brother, Eugene Williams of Jacksonville, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Steven Puckett, Joe Tucker, Melissa Luedtke and her husband Louis "Lucky," Chad Tucker, Amber Meeks, Travis Meeks and Jonathan Puckett; three step-grandchildren, Danielle Cox, Adam Bruce and Sam Bruce; three great-grandchildren, Christopher Puckett, Constance Puckett and William Puckett, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1 until 2:45 at Oakley- Blevins Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at 3 o’clock. Rev. Dan Birchfield will officiate. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 2:30 Monday afternoon at the National Cemetery at Mountain Home, Tenn. Those who wish may meet at the funeral home at 1:30 Monday afternoon and travel in procession to the cemetery. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeast Tennessee Chapter, 207 North Boone St., Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mrs. Cox and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol Virginia. Marie Crusenberry PINEY FLATS – The family of Marie Crusenberry will receive friends from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock Saturday evening, April 17, 2004, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home.The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, April 18, 2004, at the graveside in Tri-Cities Memory Gardens, with Rev. David Montgomery and Rev. John Montgomery officiating. Singers will be the Montgomery Family. Pallbearers will be men from the Cherokee Independent Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Crusenberry, 75, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- cook.com. Mrs. Crusenberry and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Alta Farmer ABINGDON – Alta Farmer, 96 years of age, formerly of Grundy, passed away Friday, April 16, 2004, at her home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. Ruby Ford KINGSPORT – Ruby Louise Isley Ford, 80, of 345 Beulah Church Road, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004, at Indian Path Medical Center. She was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and a homemaker. Mrs. Ford was a member of Pactolus United Methodist Church. Preceding her in death were her husband, John Samuel Ford, and parents, James Matthew and Maggie Hunt Isley. Surviving are her daughter, Anna Ruth Ford of the home; two sisters, Betty Hood, Kingsport, and Mable Catron, Morristown, Tenn., and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport. Services will follow at 8 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Brother Buford McAmis officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Bethel Community Cemetery in Blountville. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 710 West 168th St., New York, NY 10032-9982. Phyllis Isom Freeman NORTON – Phyllis Hope Isom Adams Freeman, 67, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, in Heritage Hall Health Care, Wise, after an extended illness. She was a licensed practical nurse, having worked at St. Mary’s Hospital for 35 years in OB department and later in Norton Community Hospital. She was preceded in death by a son, Barney Adams, sister, Wilma Bolling, brother, Conley Isom, parents, Sally and Worley Isom, sister-in-law, Lydie Ison, and her first husband, Dewey Adams. She was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her husband, James E. Freeman, Norton; stepson, James E. Freeman Jr., Pound; two stepdaughters, Janet Boatright and Carol Phillips, both of Wise; six step-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Ailene and Curtis Brummitt, Norton; three brothers, Robert Isom, Bryan, Texas, Russell Cleamon Ison, Norton, and Jimmy Joe Isom, Richmond, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Friends may also visit at the home of her sister, Ailene Brummitt, Brummitt Hollow, Norton. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday in the Wilson Chapel Church, Needmore Community of Norton, with Rev. Jim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Isom Cemetery, Powell River Road, Norton. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Nellie Grant BRISTOL, Tenn. – Nellie Grace Pierce Grant, 56, 127 Grace St., went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of Viola Sluder Pierce, Elizabethton, Tenn., and the late Rev. John Pierce. She was a 1965 graduate of Unaka High School and received an associate degree from Draughns Business College. She was a former employee of Bristol Lingerie. Mrs. Grant was a beloved member of Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Grant, on March 25, 2004. Survivors, in addition to her mother, include four sisters and brothers-in-law, Wanda and Gus Johnson, Bristol, Naomi and Bill Jones, Elizabethton, Margie and Neil Burgner, Milligan College, and Johnnie Estep, Johnson City; two brothers and sisters-in-law, J.B. and Tracy Pierce, Orland, Calif., and Rev. Edgar and Joyce Pierce, Pine Bluff, Ark.; 12 nephews, Daniel Pierce, Madrid, Spain, Cody Pierce, Pine Bluff, Benjamin Jones, Elizabethton, Roger and Doug Estep, Johnson City, Larry Estep and Terry Buckles, both of Elizabethton, Hobert Estep, Easley, S.C., Gene, Harold and Paul O’Neal, Bristol, and Bud O’Neal of Pennsylvania, and four nieces, Sarah and Danielle Jones, Elizabethton, Joyce Markland, Johnson City, and Nina Jones, Blountville. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church, Bristol, with Rev. Joe Hudson and Rev. Corkey Bates officiating. Graveside service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Bethel Cemetery, Abingdon. Music will be provided by the choir of Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church. Friends may also call at the home of her mother, Viola Pierce, 112 Big Sandy Road, Elizabethton, or the home of a sister, Wanda Johnson, 303 Old Thomas Bridge Road, Bluff City. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 1:50 p.m. Sunday. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, is in charge. Walter W. Harless BRISTOL, Tenn. – Walter Wesley Harless, age 96, 338 Emmett Way, died Thursday in Cambridge House. He was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., and son of the late James Andrew Harless and Mary Hester Keaton Harless. He was a retired farmer and was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by three daughters, Shirley Louise Jones, Bristol Tennessee, Gladys Faulkner, Morganton, N.C., and Carolyn B. Cross, Bristol Tennessee, and special friend, Joe Richard, Bristol Tennessee. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be conducted 7 p.m. Saturday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Gary Rowlette officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday in Rooty Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. James Edward Hodges CRIPPLE CREEK, Va. – James Edward "Eddie" Hodges, age 45, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004. He attended Crocketts Chapel United Methodist Church and was a member of Good Times Cruisers Car Club. He was preceded in death by his father, Buddy Hodges, a brother, Phil Hodges Jr., and a sister, Rhonda Kay Hodges. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Nester of Cripple Creek; son, Tyler Hodges of Cripple Creek; mother, Dorothy Fisher Hodges of Speedwell; sister and brother- in-law, Karen H. and Paul Williams of Blountville; mother-in-law, Helen Nester Thomas of Bedford; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Danny Johnson of Bedford; nephews, Adam Williams of Blountville, Dan Johnson of Seattle and Shannon Johnson of Bedford, and several aunts and uncles also survive. Eddie will always be remembered for his love of family, friends, football and cars. He devoted many years to coaching his beloved Speedwell Tigers. From 1995 to 1998, his record was 34 games, 31 wins and 29 shutouts. Eddie had a special sparkle in his eye while restoring and driving his ‘57 Ford. We have been blessed with so many supportive friends throughout his long illness. Thanks to our church family, our State Farm family, our Social Security family, Jones, Jessie, Landon, Bill, Jeff, Ken, Barbara, Linda, D.L., Kelly, Fred, Daphne, Jock and Pam. Memorial service will be Sunday 2 p.m. in the Crocketts Chapel United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Ginny Tompkins, with the interment in the Mt. Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grubb Funeral Home Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations may be made to the Speedwell Tigers Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank of America, 210 E. Main St., Wytheville, VA 24382. Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Kenneth H. Marshall ROSELAND, Va. – Kenneth Hughes Marshall, age 70, of Beech Grove Road, died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at his residence. Born Oct. 30, 1933, in Nellysford, he was the son of the late Patrick Henry Marshall and Martha Hughes Marshall. He attended Nelson County Public Schools and was a U.S. Navy veteran making two tours during and after the Korean conflict. Kenneth retired from General Electric/Genicon after 35 years of service as a quality control engineer/vendor contact specialist. He was a member of Rockfish Valley Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and time spent with his family and friends and was an avid Braves baseball fan. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Glass Marshall; two daughters, Darlene Sheryl Neese and husband Larry Sr. of Bristol and Delores Dianne Clatterbuck of Free Union; three grandchildren, Larry Neese Jr. and wife Chandra, Michael Neese and Josh Clatterbuck; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Glass and wife Shari of Hillsborough, N.C.; sister-in-law, Jean Saunders and husband Buddy of Afton; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in Hebron Baptist Church at Afton, with Rev. Jim Ailor and Rev. John Chafee officiating, with interment in the church cemetery. VFW Post 7701 of Colleen will accord military rites at the graveside. The family will receive friends today from 7-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home and suggest that memorials take the form of donations to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1490 Pantops Mt. Pl. Charlottesville, VA 22911, The Wintergreen Fire and Rescue at Nellysford, VA 22958, or Hebron Baptist Church Future Fund, 66 Tanbark Drive, Afton, VA 22920. Pallbearers will be Jerry Comer, Larry Neese Jr. and Michael Neese, Jim Harlow, Sam Lance, Joey Falls, Kenneth Glass and Buddy Saunders. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel of Lovingston, (434) 263-4097. Emmett Buford Monk MEADOWVIEW – Mr. Emmett Buford Monk, 77, went to be with our Lord, Friday, April 16, 2004. He was born Nov. 2, 1926, in Russell County, Va., to the late John Fine and Maggie Hicks Monk. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Philippines in World War II. He attended the Gospel Tabernacle Church and was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Evelyn Martin Monk, on July 2, 1994. He is survived by three sons, Winford Monk and wife Lisa of Emory, Va., Richard Monk and wife Fiona of Emory and Jeffery Monk of Meadowview; one daughter, Vicky Holliday and husband Norman of Knightdale, N.C.; one brother, Jim Monk of Kingsport; two sisters, Blanch Adams of Bradenton, Fla., and Nancy Dingus of Sandusky, Ohio; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, April 17, 2004, at 8 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tim Norris officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until the time of service. A committal service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with military rites by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Family and friends are to meet at the funeral home for a procession to the cemetery at leaving at 1:45 p.m. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Monk. Gertrude Mumpower Gertrude (Smith) Mumpower, age 86, went to be with her Lord, Friday afternoon, April 16, 2004. She was a resident of Leisure Towers Apartments, Bristol Virginia. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louie, and her son, Randall Eugene. Survivors include a loving family of two sisters, Thelma Vencill of Lebanon and Carol McNew of Bristol Virginia; two grandchildren, Rodney Mumpower of Hansonville, Va., and Amy Grubb of Bristol Virginia; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was also survived by special friends, Bill Webb, Jean Mitola, Louise Brewer and Cecil Mumpower. Funeral services are incomplete at this time. The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Wellmont Hospice and her home health care givers. Gertrude’s warm smile will be remembered by all. 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. Mumpower. Lilly Belle Ratliff BRISTOL, Va. – Lilly Belle Ratliff, 85 years of age, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Hospital in Bristol Tennessee, following an extended illness. Born at Woodman, Ky., she was the daughter of the late John C. and Lydia Smith Robinson Sr. She was a former resident of Buchanan County, having lived in the Poplar Creek area for many years, was of the Protestant faith and was a homemaker. Mrs. Ratliff is survived by three daughters, Shirley Ann Clevinger of Grundy, Ernestine Stiltner Davis of Anchorage, Alaska, and Vickie Ratliff Bright of Anchorage; five sisters, Ida Blankenship of Columbus, Ohio, Georgia Davis of Bristol Virginia, Mary Ruth Hall of Bristol Virginia, Pauline Miller of Cleves, Ohio, and Lois Hill of Dunnellon, Fla., and four brothers, Charles Robinson of Bristol Virginia, John Robinson of Bluefield, W.Va., Bill Robinson of Westland, Mich., and Marion Robinson of Schenectady, N.Y. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ratliff was preceded in death by her first husband, Ernest Stiltner, and her second husband, Earl John Ratliff, on April 5, 1970, and two brothers, Jimmy Robinson and George Robinson. Funeral services for Lilly Belle Ratliff will be conducted Monday, April 19, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Evangelists E.W. Damron and Jerry Edwards officiating, with burial to follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park at Big Rock, Va. Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel after 4 p.m. Sunday. Active pallbearers: Doug Clevinger, Keith Clevinger, Brad Clevinger, Dennis Clevinger, Mark Clevinger and Tim Clevinger. Honorary pallbearers: Jerry Davis, Gary Davis, Josh Viers, Tony Viers, Greg Belcher and Ben Greve. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Agnes B. Sturgill BRISTOL, Tenn. – Agnes Beatrice Sturgill died Friday, April 16, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House from complications resulting from a stroke. She was born in Dungannon, Va., one of the 12 children of Lilburn and Suzann Osborne. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, King Sturgill Jr., two grandchildren, Aaron Matthew Sturgill and SuzAnn Beatrice Sturgill, one great-granddaughter, Christina Grace Evans, five sisters and five brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Sturgill were married March 29, 1936, in Clintwood, and lived in Dante, Va., for several years before moving to Bristol in 1941. She was a longtime member of the Bristol congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She took great joy in her family over the years, was an avid cook and gardener and will be sorely missed by all those whose lives she touched. Survivors include three daughters, Mary Ann Sturgill of Fairfax, Va., Judy Carol Sturgill-Morris of Bristol Tennessee and Karen Gaye Sturgill Phillippi of Bristol Tennessee; a brother, Roscoe Osborne of Kingsport; 16 loving grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Saturday evening, April 17, 2004, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon, April 18, 2004, at the graveside in Glenwood Cemetery, with Mr. Ron Yelle officiating. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Sturgill and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Deloris Ann Walls OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – Graveside service for Deloris Ann "Sweetie Harrison" Walls will be held on Saturday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at the Maxfield & Singleton Family Cemetery in Honaker, with Rev. Guy Harris officiating. Those wishing to go in the funeral procession are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Mrs. Walls, 55, formerly of Castlewood, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2004. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Margaret Whitaker BRISTOL, Va. – Margaret Lois Blaylock Whitaker, age 80, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Granville A. Whitaker, and daughter, Mary Ellen Whitaker Shaver. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Ada V. Whitaker of Bristol Tennessee and Lonnie G. and Ann Whitaker of Richmond; daughters, Carolyn Whitaker of Athens, Tenn., and Jenny Whitaker of the home; six brothers, Bill Blaylock, Lyle Blaylock, Allen Blaylock, Howard Blaylock, Dan Blaylock and Harry Blaylock, and three sisters, Betty Jane Helbert, Gladys Carter and Shirley Gray. She is also survived by four grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She claimed three "special daughters," Carol Long of Knoxville, Sue Thompson Hubble of Dublin, Va., and Sue Hicks-Caskey of Murfreesboro, Tenn. She was a member of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church. She taught children and youth Sunday School for years, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women. Funeral services will be held 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. R. Michael Hubble officiating. The burial will follow in Moore Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Ketchum, Jonathan Fleenor, Doug Fleenor, Paul Williams, Tony Shaver and Lester Calhoun. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Burt Banks, Dr. Kermit Lowry Jr., Dr. Pierre Istfan and Dr. Doug Green. The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of the ETSU Family Physicians of Bristol, with sincere appreciation to Dr. Tom Townsend for his special care and friendship. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.