Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, May 11, 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, May 11, 2004 Today's Deaths Althleen Allen, 79, Wise Cecile Maude Pullon Blair, 80, Blountville Millard Eugene Blankenship, 56, Grundy Hubert Cox, 77, Hampton, Tenn. Jack O. DeBord, 70, Abingdon Cecil Raymond Gibson, 64, Pounding Mill, Va. Ona Mae Harper, 82, Hiltons, Va. Nancy Elizabeth Hess, 83, Jewell Ridge Larry Miller Hunt, 58, Bristol Tennessee Evelyn Geraldine Large, 75, Haysi Joann Maxfield, 56, Lebanon Raymond E. Nidiffer, 46, Gray, Tenn. Ruby Jane Sutherland Purcell, 82, Bristol Virginia Martha Pearl Roller, 94, Blountville John Asher Starr, infant, Manchester, Tenn. Robert L. Webb, 50, Bristol Tennessee Joseph Noah Worley, 90, Bristol Virginia James Robert Yates, 36, Taylor Valley, Va. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Althleen Allen WISE – Althleen Allen, 79, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2004, at her home. She was a former cook at Copper Kettle, Brass Lantern and Glenn’s Drive-In. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Chalk and Medie Hatcher Allen, four brothers, Cecil Buddy Allen, J.R. Allen, Floyd Allen and Donald Allen, and two sisters, Juanita Keith and Gladys Mounts. Surviving are three brothers, Kenneth and wife Louise Allen and Ernest Wayne and wife Jonell Allen, all of Wise, and Homer Lee and wife Mary Beth Allen of Indiana; two special nieces and care givers, Lisa Adkins of Coeburn and Linda Allen of Wise, and several other nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Althleen Allen will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, with Rev. Bobby Stanley and Rev. Robin Sturgill officiating. Burial will follow in the Wise Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise is in charge of arrangements. Janie Street Baldwin HONAKER – Funeral services for Janie Street Baldwin will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Arvil Arwood and Pastor Larry Brooks officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Janie Street Baldwin, age 42, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2004, at her home. Cecile M. Blair BLOUNTVILLE – Cecile Maude Pullon Blair, age 80, went home to be with her Lord. She entered into rest surrounded by her family at 10:55 a.m. Monday, May 10, 2004. Cecile was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. She was born May 19, 1924, and was a daughter of the late Joseph and Sally Kate (Cross) Pullon. She was married to the late Jasper Blair. Cecile was a mother and grandmother of love, and adored her family and they adored her. She was a hard worker, was kind, generous, sincere and an easy person to talk with. She would always say, "If you can’t speak good about someone, then don’t say anything." She not only believed this, but she lived it. Everyone that knew her knows she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was a member of the Clay Hill Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Daisy Blair. Cecile is survived by her two sons, Scotty Blair and his wife Sharon of Kingsport and Stanley Blair and his wife Cheryl of Blountville; two grandsons, Jeffrey Scott Blair of Kingsport and Shannon Todd Blair of Blountville; two great- grandchildren, Matthew Scott Blair and Sidney Re’nea Blair, both of Kingsport; one sister, Mary McMurray of Kingsport, and two brothers, Hugh Pullon and Archie Pullon, both of Bristol. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the East Lawn Funeral Home and any time at the home of her sons, Scotty, 157 Kingsley Ave, Kingsport, or Stanley, 4880 Hwy 126, Blountville. Funeral service will be 8 p.m. Wednesday at the East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor J.W. Depew and Pastor Bob Ferguson officiating. Music will be under the direction of J.W. Depew and Mary Barker. Family and friends will meet for a graveside service 10 a.m. Thursday at the East Lawn Memorial Park in the garden of the mausoleum. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeffrey Scott Blair, Shannon Blair, Sidney Re’nea Blair, Matthew Blair, Terry Blair and J. Fred Walters. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place a tribute to the family. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Blair family. Millard Blankenship GRUNDY – Millard Eugene Blankenship, 56 years of age, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy. Born in Buchanan County, July 21, 1947, he was the son of the late Edd Blankenship and Bessie Tudor Blankenship. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a graduate of Old Dominion University, a lifetime member of the American Legion John Ratliff Post 164 of Grundy, where he served as Honor Guard and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Grundy Lodge 17, where he served as past DDNG, Noble Grande, District Deputy and former chaplain. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 217 AF&AM of Richlands, and was a retired employee of Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Among his vast interests, he loved traveling, golfing, was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed playing bluegrass music with his many friends. He was an active supporter of many charitable organizations. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Linda Thompson Blankenship of Grundy; one daughter, Jessica Lynn Moore of Madison, Ala.; one special goddaughter, Leslie Love Lloyd of Glade Springs; two sisters, Laura Belle Stacy and Linnie Pearl Hurd, both of Hurley, Va.; three brothers, James Blankenship and Charles Eddie Blankenship, both of Hurley, and James Cowan of Harman, Va. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cherish Bailey Lloyd, Ashley Nicole Moore and Christopher Andrew Moore, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Millard Eugene Blankenship will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Evangelists Frank Crumb, Jerry Edwards and Hobert Kennedy and Reverend Jeff Sloan officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Active pallbearers will be members of the John Ratliff Post 164. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Odd Fellows Grundy Lodge 17 and Dr. Clint Sutherland. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Monday evening. Masonic rites will be conducted Monday at 7 p.m., followed by a song service. Odd Fellow rites will be conducted Tuesday at 7 p.m., followed by services. Full military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by the John Ratliff Post 164. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. The family of Millard Eugene Blankenship is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Hubert Cox HAMPTON, Tenn. – Rev. Hubert "H.B." Cox, age 77, 238 Dogwood Acres, died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at his residence following an extended illness. A native of Harlan County, Ky., he had lived in Carter County since 1963. He was a son of the late Daniel M. and Ella Jane Lee Cox. Rev. Cox was a member of Rittertown Baptist Church. He was a former pastor of Butler Baptist Church, Butler, Tenn., and Penelope Baptist Church, Mart, Texas, having also held pastorates in churches in Kentucky and Virginia. He was a U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He was a former member of the Disabled American Veterans. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, three brothers and one granddaughter. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jean Meade Cox of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Jim Busby, Axtell, Texas; four sons and daughters-in- law, Ron and Mary Faye Slagle Cox of Radcliff, Ky., Bob and Kathy Klein Cox of Hamlin, Texas, David and Sue Ray Cox of Kingsport and John and Nancy Johnson Cox of Bowie, Md.; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral service for Rev. Hubert "H.B." Cox will be conducted Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace, Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, Tenn., with Rev. Wayne Cox, grandson, Rev. David Ashford, Rev. Mike Hyder, Rev. Haskel Ingram and Mr. Ron Cox officiating. Music will be under the direction of Amy Anderson, granddaughter, and Doug Blair. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 12, from 6-7 p.m., prior to the funeral service in the chapel, and at other times at the residence, 238 Dogwood Acres, Hampton. The graveside service and interment will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 13, at Butler Memorial Cemetery, Butler. Everybody will meet at the cemetery at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday for the graveside service. Active pallbearers will be Aaron Cox, Mitch Cox, David Cox Jr., Jim Busby, Brad Cox and Andrew Tapp. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Anderson, John Ku, Kenneth Chapin, Buddy Watson, Michael Tomlinson and Harold Thacker. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1951, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is in charge of the arrangements, (423) 542- 2232. Peggy L. Cunningham BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal service and entombment for Peggy Louise Cunningham will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The River of Life Church, 819 Austin Springs Rd., Piney Flats, TN 37686, or Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Rd, Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Peggy Louise Cunningham, 71, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 8, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Cunningham. Jack O. DeBord ABINGDON – Mr. Jack O. DeBord, 70, passed away, Sunday May 9, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Mr. DeBord was a native of Saltville and had lived most of his life in Washington County, Va. He was the son of the late Tom E. and Rosie Crutchfield DeBord. He was a graduate of Saltville High School and a U.S. Army veteran. He had worked for the Olin Chemical Corporation for 15 years and then worked at Westinghouse until his retirement. He was a former member of the Plasterco United Methodist Church, where he was teacher and had held many offices for several years and was a member of the Rich Valley United Methodist Church. He was preceded by two sisters, Beulah DeBord and Hazel Surber, a brother, John DeBord, and brother in law, Richard Nutter. Survivors include his wife, Janet Nutter DeBord; one son, Dennis DeBord and wife Glenda of Raleigh, N.C.; two brothers, Rev. James L. DeBord and wife Sue of Glade Spring and Eugene DeBord and wife Bertha of Saltville; three sisters, Lois Harris and husband James of Gate City, Dorothy Harris and husband Paul of Antioch, Ill., and Mildred Greer and husband Dickie of Mendota, Va.; two brothers-in-law, Harold Nutter and wife Mildred of Woodlawn, Va., and Malcolm Nutter and wife Lois of Cleveland, Tenn.; two sisters-in-law, Zelda Nutter of Saltville and Mary N. McFarlane and husband David of Meadowview, and several nieces and nephews. A funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 6 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel, with Reverend Darrell Ray officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Mount Rose Cemetery Mausoleum in Glade Spring, with military rites by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be his nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Hospice & Palliative Care of Virginia, P.O. Box 349, Norton, VA 24273, or the Rich Valley United Methodist Church, c/o Phillip Lowe, 11240 Sparrow Road, Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the DeBord family. Patsy Dye Evans SALTVILLE – Mrs. Patsy Dye Evans, age 68, died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at her home. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Allison Gap. She was the wife of Thomas Evans Jr., and a beloved mother. Other survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Eddie Clapp of Norton; two sisters, Lois Frye of Saltville and Norma Rombow of Abingdon; two nieces, Cathy Robbins and Peggy Frye of Abingdon, and one granddaughter, Autumn Clapp of Blacksburg, Va. Funeral services for Mrs. Evans will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at Henderson Funeral Home, with Rev. Jerry Williams officiating. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mount Rose Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Laney Harner, Dick Kestner, Clarence Collins, Jeff Smith, Andy Kestner and Carl Rickman. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home, prior to the funeral service. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those that have helped, encouraged and been a part of Mrs. Evans’ life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Allison Gap or to the Saltville Rescue Squad. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Evans family. Bertha T. Galliher NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. – Mrs. Bertha Turner Galliher, age 99, widow of Mack M. Galliher, of Cartpath Rd., died Friday, May 7, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Galliher was born Feb. 27, 1905, in Ashe County, to Hamilton Thomas and Lula Toliver Turner. Surviving are three sons, Frank R. Galliher of Junction City, Kan., the Rev. Charles E. Galliher of Johnson City and Mack M. Galliher of Bassett, Va.; two daughters, Madeline G. Taylor of North Wilkesboro and Nancy Higgins of Millers Creek; two sisters, Ruby Lynn of North Wilkesboro and Genevieve Turner of Millers Creek; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and nine great-great- grandchildren. Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at Mountain View Cemetery in Abingdon. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Hilltop Baptist Church, 161 Fairplains Rd., North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Miller Funeral Service, North Wilkesboro, is in charge of the arrangements. Cecil R. Gibson POUNDING MILL, Va. – Cecil Raymond Gibson, 64 years of age, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2004, at his home. Born in Greenup, Ky., Dec. 2, 1939, he was the son of the late Britton Martin Gibson and Eva Gilliam Gibson. He was a U.S. Army veteran staff sergeant, having served during the Korean conflict, was a member of the American Legion, a member of the Mountain View Old Regular Baptist Church, where he served as assistant clerk, and was a disabled construction worker of heavy equipment. Mr. Gibson was an avid outdoorsman, loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Janice Yates Gibson of Pounding Mill; one daughter, Tama Deel and husband Arnold of Doran, Va.; three sons, Raymond Gibson and wife Betty of Fort Campbell, Ky., Martin Gibson and wife Reazhonda of Cedar Bluff and Vernon Gibson and wife Melissa of Fort Campbell; three sisters, Francy Gibson and Susie Leemaster, both of Greenup, and Judy Miller of Milford, Ohio, and four brothers, Scovel Gibson of Booneville, Ky., Leo Gibson of Arqillite, Ky., Bill Gibson of Greenup and Donnie Gibson of Morehead, Ky. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Madison Gibson, two step-granddaughters, Morgan and Tammy, and one step-great-granddaughter, Jordan. Funeral services for Cecil Raymond Gibson will be conducted Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the Mountain View Old Regular Baptist Church, Rakes Ridge, Birchleaf, Va., with Elders Andy Deel, A.B. Thacker and Mark Justus officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Old Regular Baptist Church Cemetery, Rakes Ridge, Birchleaf. Active pallbearers will be Cledith Hackney, Andy Floyd Yates, Casby Coleman, Danny Yates, Dwayne Fouch, Bill Aldridge, Randall Deel and Scott Yates. Honorary pallbearers will be Winfred Hess, Steve May, Lloyd Jessee, Jerry Deel and Emmit Deel. The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday evening after 6 p.m. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Full military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 of Richlands. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. The family of Cecil Raymond Gibson is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Curtis I. Gillespie RICH VALLEY, Va. – Mr. Curtis I. Gillespie, age 65, passed away Friday, May 7, 2004, at his home. Mr. Gillespie was a retired employee of American Furniture of Chilhowie. He is survived by his wife, Sue Holmes Gillespie, Rich Valley; two daughters, Donna and Wayne Benny of Jonesborough, Tenn., and Robin and Greg Smith of Rich Valley; one brother, Tom Gillespie of Rich Valley; two sisters, Charolette Cline of Marion and Elizabeth Eastridge of Marion; one granddaughter, Shayleen Smith, and one grandson, Layne Smith. Because of Curtis’ love of animals, memorial contributions can be made to the Smyth (783-7204) or Washington (676-6277) County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Units for Bullet Proof Vests for Dogs. Donations may also be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1-800-272-3900. Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday, May 11, at 2 p.m. in the Mount Rose Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Darrell Holmes, Joe Buchanan, Chuck Harrell, John Jones, Jackie Gillespie, Darrel Cline, Brian Hall and Tom Burkett. Honorary pallbearers will be George Gillespie and Roger Crigger. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is serving the Gillespie family. Ona Mae Harper HILTONS, Va. – Ona Mae Harper, 82, of Route 1, entered into rest Saturday, May 8, 2004, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She was born in Washington County, Va., on Aug. 13, 1921, and was the daughter of the late Jessie and Martha Mae Sorah. She was a homemaker and of the Methodist faith. She was known by "Mamaw" by many people who loved her very much. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Earl Harper in 1997, son, Bill Harper, sisters, Eva Necessary, Bessie Brewer and Eula Faye Harper, and brother, Charles "Cotton" Sorah. Surviving are her daughters, Margie Gardner and husband Dwight and Sharon Bellamy and husband John, all of Hiltons; sons, Wade Harper and wife Ginni, Jim Harper and wife Liz and Lester Harper, all of Hiltons, and Stanley "Bean" Harper and wife Libby, Wilmington, N.C.; grandchildren, Sherry Hobbs and husband Tony, Susan Hughes and husband John, Adam Gardner and wife Misty, Michelle McMurray, Riley Bellamy and Kim Vineyard and husband Roger, all of Hiltons, Scott Harper and wife Shawna of Bristol Tennessee and Leslie Davis and Tracy Murray and husband Anthony, all of Wilmington; great-grandchildren, Marjorie Murray, Wesley Hughes, Samantha Hobbs, Nicole Hobbs, Tyler Gardner, Hannah Gardner and Jared Vineyard; sister, Stella Leonard, Bristol Virginia; brothers, Stewart Sorah, Hiltons, and Munsey Sorah, Oliver Sorah and Junior Sorah, all of Indiana, and special friend, Maggie Salyer. Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at Colonial Funeral Home, Weber City, and any time at the residence of Margie and Dwight Gardner, with whom she had lived for the past 16 years. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home chapel at 8 p.m., with Larry McMurray officiating. Music will be provided by Dale Jett and The Mendota Band and Larry and Sharon McMurray. Graveside services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church Cemetery in Hiltons. Serving as pallbearers will be Dale Jett, Daryl Gardner, Tony Hobbs, John Hughes, Roger Vineyard and Scott Harper. The family will meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the Harper family at cfhwc@earthlink.net. Nancy Elizabeth Hess JEWELL RIDGE – Mrs. Nancy Elizabeth Hess, age 83, passed away Monday, May 10, 2004, in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. She was born in Buchanan County and was the daughter of the late William Terry and Martha Jane Davis Short, both Buchanan County natives. She had made her home in Jewell Ridge most of her life and was a member of the Gloryland Tabernacle at Shortts Gap, Va. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Edward Hess, one daughter, one granddaughter, one great- granddaughter, four sisters and five brothers. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Shelby Griffith and husband Michael of Jewell Ridge and Mrs. Geraldine Addair and husband James Stanley of North Tazewell, Va.; four sons, Paul Edward Hess and wife Geneva of Martinsville, Va., Robert Leon Hess of Richlands, Charles Ronald Hess of Gratton, Va., and Joseph Wayne Hess and wife Jeanna of Jewell Ridge; one sister, Mrs. Edna Mae Rasnake of Lebanon; three brothers, Noah Andrew Short of Pounding Mill, Va., Herbert Wesley Short of Powhatan, Va., and Paul E. Lee Short of Raven, Va.; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Nancy Elizabeth Hess will be conducted Thursday, May 13, 2004, at 12 p.m. at the Gloryland Tabernacle at Shortts Gap, with the Rev. Don Smith and Rev. Terry Keen officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Va. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands and at the Gloryland Tabernacle one hour prior to the service on Thursday. 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. Larry Miller Hunt BRISTOL, Tenn. – Larry Miller Hunt, age 58, of 408 Belmont Drive, went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 9, 2004, in the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Hunt was born on Aug. 2, 1945, in Bristol Tennessee, to the late Loy and Mary Ella Hunt. He lived in the Bristol area all of his life, where he had worked in the grocery industry since 1960. He was a long-term employee of Food Lion. Mr. Hunt was also a gifted singer, who for years shared his faith through his music. Mr. Hunt is survived by his wife of 34 years, Teresa Buchanan Hunt; one daughter, Crystal Powers and husband Josh; one son, Ben Hunt; two grandchildren, Addison and Oakley Powers, and one sister, Betty Mason Phillips, all of Bristol Tennessee. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Chapel, with the Rev. Scott Price officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Scott Price and Rev. Steve Playl officiating. Pallbearers will be John Wolford, Josh Powers, Ron Shadden, Pete Post, Tom Long, Tommy Franklin and Jim Arnold. Honorary pallbearers will be the Tennessee High School Class of 1963 and Food Lion employees and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Weaver Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in honor of Mr. Hunt to the Bristol Cancer Association of 1255 West State St., Bristol, VA 24201. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mabel C. Jackson BRISTOL, Tenn. – Interment for Mrs. Mabel C. Jackson will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be T.T. Woosley, Charles (Dick) Wheeler, Larry Utsman, Randy Hicks, Chris Carrier and Tim Baker. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of the Wexford House Skilled Nursing Unit, Dr. Joel Gonce and Dr. Andrew Brockmyre. Mrs. Mabel C. Jackson, age 78, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 8, 2004, in The Wexford House, Kingsport. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Jackson. Evelyn G. Large HAYSI – Evelyn Geraldine Large, age 75, went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Born in Dickenson County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and June Mullins Sykes. She was a homemaker and of the Freewill Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sons, Ricky, Steve and Darrell, and a sister, Anna Lee Burnette. Survivors include her loving companion, Raymond Large of Abingdon; two sons, Charlie Denton (Betty) Wells of Dalton, Ga., and Donnie Jackson Large and fiancée, Patricia Ann Cline of Haysi; a daughter, Ida Lee Large Susie Green (Gallie Jr.) of Haysi, one half brother, Tolley Colley Jr. of Kentucky; a half sister, Anita Eades of Kentucky; nine grandchildren, Johnny Mitchell Green, Joseph Aaron Green, Laura Lynn Large Deel, Amy Lynn Large, R.L. Large, Shane Branham Large, Sherry Lynn Henderson, Charlie Denton Wells Jr. and Cody Seth Cline; eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Leon Sykes and Johnny Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the J.S. Willis Cemetery, Haysi. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made for burial expenses. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Lillian G. Leonard BRISTOL, Tenn. – Committal services for Lillian Geneva Hickman Leonard will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol Tennessee. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Lillian Geneva Hickman Leonard, age 75, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Joann Maxfield LEBANON – Joann Maxfield, 56, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 10, 2004, surrounded by her loving family at home, after a strong battle with cancer. Joann was born May 13, 1947, in Russell County, was a resident of Lebanon and a former resident of Lancaster, Pa. She was of the Baptist faith and attended the Finney Baptist Church. Joann was a former employee of Bonanza Restaurant in Lebanon and Y&S Candies in Lancaster. She was greeted in Heaven by her beloved parents, George Turner and Lois (Ban) Turner, her father-in-law, Roy Maxfield, and brother-in-law, Richard Maxfield. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Roy R. Maxfield; four daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Sandy Finn and Lisa and Brian Brenaman, all of Mount Joy, Pa., and Angela and Keith Barrett and Nicole and Ashley Young, all of Lebanon; eight well-loved grandchildren, Melissa Finn, Leila Finn, Chad Brenaman, Jessica Brenaman, Derek Brenaman, Skylar Barrett, Austin Young and Brianna Young; three sisters, Lois Maxfield and Brownie Compton, both of Honaker, and Georgia Faye Maxfield, Roanoke; two brothers, Dewey Turner, Lebanon, and Carlos Turner, Cleveland; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Maxfield, Nickelsville; also several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of the health care professionals, family, friends and pastoral services that supported Joann and her family throughout her illness. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Stephen Musick and the Rev. Ray Garland officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Gary Farmer, Ricky Maxfield, Darrell Compton, David Compton, Richie Lell, and Mike Maxfield. Kirby Barrett will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Maxfield. Dorothy H. Mullins BRISTOL, Tenn. – The funeral service for Dorothy Hawkins Mullins will be conducted at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning, May 11, 2004, in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. William H. Martin and Rev. Orlando Salazar officiating. The committal service and burial will follow at the National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn. Pallbearers will be Ralph Bond, Vernon Gross, Lynn Roberts, Bob Sharp, Alex Smith and Ernest Arnold. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Trinity United Methodist Church Men’s Club. Memorial contributions may be sent to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620, and the University of Virginia-Wise Athletic Department, Athletic Scholarship Fund, Attn.: Shirley Wolfe, One College Ave., Wise, VA 24293. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Dorothy Hawkins Mullins, 75, passed away Thursday, May 6, 2004, at her residence. Mrs. Mullins and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Raymond E. Nidiffer GRAY, Tenn. – Raymond E. Nidiffer, 46, 208 Dean Street, No. 2, died Saturday, May 8, 2004, in the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, following a brief and unexpected illness. A native of Elizabethton, Tenn., Mr. Nidiffer had lived his adult life in Johnson City and was preceded in death by his father, Rex Nidiffer, and a sister, Jennifer Nidiffer. He was a self-employed contractor and, together with his wife, collected antique Mack trucks. Mr. Nidiffer was of the Baptist faith. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, who will be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Lisa Patterson Nidiffer; one son, Aaron Ross Nidiffer, Kingsport; his mother and stepfather, Dee and Owen Grindstaff, Elizabethton; two sisters, Lynne Lampkin and her husband Charlie, Bristol, and Carol Lyons and her husband Randy, Elizabethton; two brothers, Jimmy Nidiffer and his wife Cheryl, Reidsville, N.C., and Gary Nidiffer, Elizabethton; maternal grandmother, Alma Davis, Elizabethton; several nieces and nephews; one great-niece; three great-nephews and many special friends. The funeral service for Mr. Nidiffer will be conducted 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Pastor Ron Lowe will officiate. Music for the service will be by the Spivey Mountain Boys. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday and other hours at the residence. The Elizabethton friends may visit at the residence of his sister, Carol Lyons, 412 Monument Place, Elizabethton, at any time. The committal service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, in the Washington County Memory Gardens, with everyone meeting at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. to go in procession. Serving as active pallbearers will be Andy Ramey, Mark Ramey, Dennis Carr, Dannie Pate, Fred Sells, Charlie Lampkins and Randy Lyons. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Rodeback, Jim Rodeback, Phil Williams, Jason Nidiffer, Andrew Pate, Michael Nidiffer, Nicholas Lyons, David Nidiffer and Earl Nidiffer. For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the King College Scholarship Fund, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisbaker.com. Arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, (423) 282-1521. Ruby Purcell BRISTOL, Va. – Ruby Jane Sutherland Purcell, 82, formerly of Lebanon, Va., went to be with the Lord and His angels on Monday, May 10, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, following a short illness. Born on June 6, 1921, in Cleveland, Va., Ruby was the daughter of the late Jesse and Belle Hicks Sutherland. She worked during the 1940s at the Army Ammunitions Plant in Bristol Virginia and retired from Russell Manufacturing in Lebanon, Va. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and mother-in-law. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Stafford, Frank, Clyde, Wood and Clovis "Tobe" Sutherland, and her sisters, Laurie May Sutherland and Gladys Sword. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Wayne Purcell; daughters, Cathy Purcell Nickels and husband Doug of Bluff City, Tenn., and Judy Purcell Doyle and husband John of Blountville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Jennifer Jo Doyle Kiser and Ricky Kiser of Bristol, Jodi Lee Doyle of Bristol Tennessee, Jimmy Wayne Doyle of Blountville, Tenn., Scott Shepherd of Bluff City, Tenn., and Alyson Shepherd of Bristol; great-granddaughter, Payton Brooke Shepherd of Bristol; sister, Virginia Ruth Himes of Nashville, Tenn.; brothers, Al Sutherland of Franklin, Tenn., Paul Sutherland of Dayton, Ohio, and Dallas Sutherland of Lebanon, Ohio, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 8 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Jim Lyttle and Rev. Allen Jessee officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home, prior to the funeral services. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at the Russell Memorial Cemetery. Those wishing to go in the funeral procession are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:45 a.m. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, Va., is in charge of arrangements. Martha Pearl Roller BLOUNTVILLE – Martha Pearl Roller, age 94, died Monday, May 10, 2004, in Wellmont Hospice House. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Roller at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Roller. Mildred Rutherford BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral services for Mildred M. "Mitzi" Rutherford will be conducted 3 p.m. Tuesday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Malcolm Wansley officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m., prior to time of service Tuesday. Memorials donations may be sent to Reynolds Memorial United Methodist Church, The Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice. Mildred M. "Mitzi" Rutherford went to be with her Lord at NHC Healthcare, Bristol Virginia, on Sunday May 9, 2004. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Marie Foster Smelser BRISTOL, Tenn. – The funeral service for Louise Marie Foster Smelser will be conducted at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning in the Heritage Chapel of Memories at Glenwood Cemetery, with Dr. Charles Ledger officiating. Entombment will follow. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley- cook.com. Louise Marie Foster Smelser, 73, died Saturday, May 8, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Smelser and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. John Asher Starr MANCHESTER, Tenn. – John Asher Starr, infant son of Veronica Bandy Starr of Manchester and Bart Starr of Manchester, died Monday, May 3, 2004, in Erlanger Medical Center. He was born in Chattanooga on May 3, 2004. He was preceded in death by great- grandparents, George and Willie Starr, John and Annie Patterson and Ralph and Esther Whiteside. In addition to his parents, he is survived by grandparents, C.L. and Carol Bandy of Glade Spring and George and Joyce Starr of Cleveland, Tenn.; aunts and uncles, Bill and Vicki Cullop of Roanoke, Charles Bandy of Saporro, Japan, Joe and Tera Starr of Cleveland and Scott and Jennifer Starr of Rome, Ga., and cousins, Ashlyn, Haley and Owen Start of Rome and Sidney Starr of Cleveland. Private services will be held in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens, Coffee County, Tenn., with Dr. Branton Cox officiating. The family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church. Robert L. Webb BRISTOL, Tenn. – Robert L. Webb, age 50, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, May 6, 2004, in the Wellmont Hospice House. He was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area, a son of the late Johnny and Annie Otey Webb and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include brothers, Joseph Webb and wife Rhonda, Frank Webb, John Wayne Webb, Charles James Webb, Frances Bradley Keeling Jr. and wife Diane and Marvin Lee Keeling and wife Dorie; sisters, Roseann Brown and husband Charlie, Blanche Virginia Webb, Delphia Eldridge and husband Billy and Wendy Marie Hankins and husband Gene; nephew, Junior Webb; niece, Marcella Denise McGraw, and several nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Howard Campbell officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the Weaver Funeral Home. Joseph Noah Worley BRISTOL, Va. – Mr. Joseph Noah Worley, age 90, died Monday, May 10, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Farris Funeral Service. James Robert Yates TAYLOR VALLEY, Va. – James Robert "Bobby" Yates, age 36, passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2004, at his residence. He was a native of Tazewell and was the son of Bob and Glenda Tabor Yates of Taylor Valley. He had lived in Taylor Valley for the past two years and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Everett and Stella Yates, and his maternal grandparents, George and Juanita Tabor. In addition to his parents, he is also survived by one son, Alex Yates of Hampton, Tenn.; one sister, Tammy Yates Curd of Taylor Valley; one brother, Michael Yates of Mountain City, Tenn.; three nephews, Robby Berryhill, Austin Curd and Nathaniel Yates. The funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2004, in the Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mike Bowers officiating. Pallbearers will be Brian Tabor, Paul Billips, Greg Yates, Billy Stout, Doug Osborne, Aaron Stout, Tim Gentry and Tim Yates. Honorary pallbearers will be James Yates, Mark Johnson, Mack Stout, John Yates, Ed Ball and Russell Ball. The committal service and interment will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 13, 2004, in the Jackson-Lewis Cemetery in Taylor Valley. The family will receive friends from 6-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the funeral service at Garrett Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of James Robert "Bobby" Yates.