Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, June 2, 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 Wednesday, June 2, 2004 Carol C. Baxter DELNORTE, Colo. – Carol Cresong Baxter, age 48, of Creede, Colo., passed away Friday, May 28, 2004, in Delnorte. Mrs. Baxter was born on May 14, 1956, in Philadelphia to Homer and June Collin Cresong. Mrs. Baxter was a registered nurse and was a member of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Dickson, Tenn. Mrs. Baxter was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves. Mrs. Baxter was preceded in death by one brother, Ronnie Cresong. Mrs. Baxter is survived by: her husband of 21 years, Steven Baxter; one daughter, Amy Baxter; her parents, Homer and June Cresong; one sister, Betty "Beth" Clark; and two brothers, Homer Cresong and Chris Cresong. Graveside service will be held Friday, June 4, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Pine Hill Cemetery, with Dr. Neil Spence and Dr. Stan Anderson officiating. Military honors will be rendered by Highlands Fellowship Church Color Guard. Funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Pallbearers will be Kenny Collin, Ernest Stout Jr., William Baxter, Kenny Shumate, Brent Clifton and Derick Clifton. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Baxter, Jim Chegney, Bill Freeman and Bill Stacey. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Marie V. Bebber TAYLORS VALLEY, Va. – Marie V. Bebber, age 75, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and was the daughter of the late Roby and Ruby Chambers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Bebber; five brothers, Edgar, Warren, Douglas, Charles and Maurice Chambers; one sister, Wanda Sain; and one granddaughter, Melissa Phipps. Mrs. Bebber was a lifelong member Taylors Valley Church of Christ and a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She is survived by one son, Richard Bebber, of Hickory, N.C.; three daughters, Sherry Balogh and her husband, Bob, Debbie Greer and her husband, Larry, and Donna Thompson and her fiancι, Ronnie Blevins, all of Damascus; one brother, Willis Wade Chambers, of Florida; six grandchildren, Jacob Pentecost, of Bristol Tennessee, Chris Phipps, of Abingdon, Jason Bebber, of Hickory, Amber Phipps, of Damascus and Jessica and Nicholas Thompson, of Mountain City, Tenn.; three great- grandchildren, Kailey Phipps, Wyatt Phipps and Brady Waugh; and a special friend, Jackie Shupe. The funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, at Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Maurice Widener, minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the New Lutheran Cemetery, Meadowview. Pallbearers will be Jacob Pentecost, Jason Bebber, Chris Phipps, Brian Waugh, Larry Greer and Joe Morefield. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Taylors Valley Church of Christ and John Yates. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at Garrett Funeral Home. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Abingdon Radiology Department, Fifth Floor nurses at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Wade, Dr. DeSalvo, Dr. Swan, Dr. Robinette, also Karen and Debbie at Hospice of Southwest Virginia. Condolences may be sent to our website at www.garrettfuneralhome.com Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Bebber. Emogean G. Begley BRISTOL, Tenn. – Emogean Grey Begley, age 73, 1701 Windsor Ave., died Monday, May 31, 2004, in Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a retired inspecter with Westbury Fashions and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include a son, Ron Begley II, Bristol Tennessee; and grandsons, Will Begley III and Christopher Smith, both of Bristol Tennessee. Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday in Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Johnny Dillard officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments. Craig Alan Booker ST. PEDRO, Calif. – Craig Alan Booker, age 44, went to be with the Lord, Friday, May 28, 2004, in St. Pedro Hospital. He was a native of Bristol. Craig was preceded in death by his father, James D. Booker; brother, Michael Garnette; sister, Gaye B. Woods; and grandparents, Arthur and Pearl Beidleman and Samuel and Lettie Booker. Survivors are: mother, Mrs. Louise B. Booker of Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, James Samuel Booker of Los Angeles and R. Kent Booker of Oakland, Calif.; special nephew, Moishe Booker of Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at robinsonmortuary@earthlink.net Robinson Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Craig Alan Booker. Derek Allen Carter LEBANON – Derek Allen Carter, 16, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2004, from injuries received in an automobile accident. Born April 1, 1988, a son of Allen and Diane Cross Carter, he was a sophomore at Lebanon High School, where he was a member of the tennis and golf teams. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing. He attended Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mildred Puckett Carter, and his great-grandparents, Floyd and Bessie Cross. Survivors include his parents, Allen and Diane Carter; a sister, Kayla Carter; a brother, Wesley Carter, all of Lebanon; his grandparents, Bill B. Cross, Giles Carter and Clara R. Caudill, all of Lebanon; an uncle, Billy G. Cross, Lebanon; two aunts, Vickie Adkins, Abingdon and Becky Carter, Lebanon; and a special friend, Brett Jones, Lebanon. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with Greg Coe, youth pastor of Highlands Fellowship, Rev. Tom Edwards, pastor of Lebanon Baptist Church, and Travis Cross, his cousin, officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon. Pallbearers will be: Billy G. Cross, Travis Cross, Tony Adkins, Seth Padgett, Brian Shaver, Brandon Gent and Ethan Cline. Honorary pallbearers will be: Brett Jones, Tyler Howe, David Petrick, Jed Campbell, Richard Cook and Caleb Robinette. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his memory to "The Gathering", c/o David Jenks, Route 4, Box 230, Lebanon, VA 24266. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Derek Allen Carter. Earnest C. Cooper BRISTOL, Va. – The interment and committal service for Earnest Conley Cooper will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Mountain View Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975. Pallbearers will be Jason Moles, Gary Widner, Kenneth Bailey, Jack Necessary, Dave Powers, Lowell Baxter and Alan Cross. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Greear, Dr. Hanor, Dr. Istfan, Dr. Fincher, Dr. Griffith and Mr. Cooper’s Sunday School class members. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Empire Baptist School, 1317 Weaver Pike, Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net Earnest Conley Cooper, age 69, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2004, at the Wellmont Hospice House. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Cooper. Patricia Ann Elkins MARION – Patricia Ann Elkins, age 60, died Saturday, May 29, 2004, in Winston- Salem Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, N.C. Born Dec. 2, 1943, in Pulaski, Va., to the late Frank Elkins and Ruby West Elkins of Marion, she was a member of First United Methodist Church, a graduate of Marion Senior High School and National Business College, Roanoke and she worked for 25 years for the Blue Ridge Job Corps. In addition to her mother, she is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Patricia Elkins of Boston; one aunt, Hallie Griffen of Cary, N.C.; and several cousins and many special friends also survive. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Rev. Buddy Miller, Rev. John H. Graham and Pastor Rick Shuler officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon from 1 until 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food and Fellowship Program at First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church St., Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Elkins Family. Daren Scott Greer FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Daren Scott Greer, age 33, died Saturday, May 29, 2004, in Fort Lauderdale. He was born Oct. 26, 1970, to the late Charles and Lola Graybeal Greer, and he had lived most of his life in the Bristol area. He was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Elizabeth Greer. Survivors include: sons, Michael Greer, David Greer and Joseph Greer; sister, Deborah S. Green; brothers, Dwayne A. Greer and Charles D. Greer; grandmother, Martha Moore; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, at the graveside in the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Dr. Bill Goforth officiating. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Weaver Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge. Frances A. Groat PACE, Fla. – Frances Anderson Groat, 68, formerly of Wise County, Va., passed away at her home in Pace on May 25, 2004. She was a native of Inman, but has resided in Pace for the past 30 years. She was a very active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Milton, Fla. She is survived by her husband, Kermit Groat of Pace; one son, Brian and Brenda Groat of Pace; three daughters, Michelle and Richard Hohn of Pace, Sherry and Howard Parnell of Arlington, Texas, and Jana and Byron Ellis of Milton; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Don Anderson and Jimmy Anderson, both of Big Stone Gap, Va.; three sisters, Jeanette Anderson of Big Stone Gap and Nell Baylous and Janice Green, both of Plant City, Fla.; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Funeral services were held Friday, May 28, 2004, in Florida, with Dr. W.R. Bodie and David Lewis officiating. Burial was in Memory Gardens, Pace. Donnie Sowell Funeral Home, Milton, was in charge of arrangements. Courtesy of Holding Funeral Home, Inc., Big Stone Gap. Louise V. Harrison BRISTOL, Tenn. – Graveside service for Louise Virginia Harrison will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the East Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Louise Virginia Harrison, age 83, of 908 Virginia Ave., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 30, 2004, at her residence. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Michael E. Hollaway ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Michael E. Hollaway, age 50, of 109 Maple Court, passed away on Friday, May 28, 2004, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. A native of Banner Elk, N.C., he was born July 26, 1953, to Eleanor Hollaway- Carrier-Vannoy and the late William Ernest Hollaway. In addition to his father, Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Hollaway; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn C. Snyder and Mr. and Mrs. France Hollaway; and stepfather, Dr. E.E. Carrier. Michael was a 1971 graduate of Johnson County High School and a 1976 graduate of East Tennessee State University. He was an active member of the Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia. Michael is survived by his wife, Shirlene Hollaway of the home; three daughters, Megan Hardgrave and husband Steven of Fayetteville, Ark., and Hilary Hollaway and Annie Hollaway, also of the home; two grandchildren, Christopher and AnaLiese Hardgrave, both of Fayetteville; mother and stepfather, Eleanor Hollaway-Carrier-Vannoy and Fred Vannoy of Bristol Tennessee; three stepbrothers, Charles and Freddy Vannoy and Jeffrey Carrier; uncle, Mack Hollaway; aunts, Frances Kitchell, Vida Bunting, Wilma Bunting and Norma Ransom; and several cousins also survive. Memorial services for Michael will be conducted in Arkadelphia Tuesday, June 1, 2004. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2004, from the Sugar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Butler, Tenn., with Rev. Brooks Peters to officiate and Brian Hollaway with eulogy. Pallbearers will be family and friends. At other times, friends may call at the home of Eleanor and Fred Vannoy on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship Church of Arkadelphia or to the family, 109 Maple Court, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through our Website at www.hux- lipford.com Hux-Lipford Funeral Home is serving the Hollaway Family. Lee William Horton RAVEN, Va. – Mr. Lee William Horton, age 77, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 1, 2004, in a Buchanan County, Virginia hospital, following a long illness. Born in Russell County, Va., he was the son of the late Bill William and Molly Elizabeth Horton. He was a retired coal miner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Horton; one brother, Paul Horton; and one granddaughter, Renee Alice Horton. He is survived by five sons, Bobby Joe Horton and wife Barbara and Darrell Eugene Horton, all of Richlands, Jackie Wayne Horton of Bland, Va., Roger Lee Horton of Jarratt, Va., and Larry Dean Horton of Salem, N.C.; one daughter, Nancy Carol Saunders and husband David of Richlands; two sisters, Dorothy Ann Horton of Swords Creek, Va., and Pauline Little and husband Kenny of Columbus, Ohio; four brothers, James Calvin Horton of Columbus, Bentley Horton, Roy Horton and Troy Horton, all of Swords Creek, Va.; seven grandchildren; and 11 great- grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Horton family. Harry Jones BLUFF CITY – Harry Jones, 60, 437 Weaver Branch Road, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at his residence. Mr. Jones was a native of Norton and had lived in Bluff City the past 20 years. He was a son of Paul E. Jones, Vinton, Va., and the late Helen Mullins Jones. Mr. Jones was a retired employee of Blue Ridge Sportswear and was a member of Oakland Avenue Baptist Church, Johnson City. Survivors, in addition to his father, include his wife of 43 years, Jolene W. Jones; two sons, Brian E. Jones, Dayton, Tenn., and Jon D. Jones, Bluff City; two daughters, Danica Jones and Jamie Tolbert, both of Bluff City; one brother, Gary Wayne Jones, Gilbert, La.; two sisters, Kay Schuler, Crab Orchard, Ky., and Paulette Neely, Vinton; nine grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, June 3, with the funeral service following at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Rev. Jay Prater will officiate. The committal service will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, in the Powell Valley Memorial Park, Big Stone Gap, where everyone is asked to meet for the service. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the Jones family via www.morrisbaker.com Arrangements are by Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, 423-282-1521. Penny McMillan CASTLEWOOD – Funeral services for Penny Helynn Ann McMillan will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with the Rev. Mike Patrick and the Rev. Joe Bailey officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Love Mausoleum at Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be R.J. Bailey, Ryan Bailey, Junior Austin, Danny Powers, Glenn Kiser, Joe Kiser, Fred Patrick and David Patrick. Online condolences may be sent to the McMillan family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com Penny Helynn Ann McMillan, 52, died Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Roma Jean Morris ELIZABETHTON – Roma Jean Morris, 66, 1614 Hillview Drive, died Monday, May 31, 2004, in the Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Carter County, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd Roosevelt and Betty Jane Morris Burchette. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Morris attended the Harvest Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Morris, Dec. 9, 1991, and by two brothers, Charles and Kenneth Burchette. Survivors include a sister, Lou Ellen Gill, Bristol Tennessee; three nieces, Teresa McCormack, Tamara Childress and Susan Danielsen; two nephews, Ronald and Jeffrey Gill, and their families; and several cousins. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday in Memorial Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. John A. Thrasher and Rev. Herbert Peak Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will recieve friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at mfc@chartertn.net Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, is in charge. Leonard Mullins Sr. WISE – Leonard (Ermine) Mullins Sr., 78, passed away Monday, May 31, 2004 ,at the Norton Community Hospital, Norton. He was a retired coal miner, a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy, and was of the Freewill Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie Mae Salyers Mullins, and stepson, Kevin Burns. Surviving are one son, Milton Mullins Jr. and wife Autumn of Wise; stepson, Jackie Wayne Burns of Big Stone Gap, Va.; stepdaughter, Francine Smith and husband Kendall of Henry, Va.; one brother, Wayne Mullins of Detroit; three sisters, Betty Rheinbolt of Mt. Carmel, Tenn., Thedda Dingus of Zanesville, Ohio, and Inez Crain of Chesapeake, Va.; and nine grandchildren. Funeral services for Leonard Ermine Mullins Sr. will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, with Rev. Gene Strouth and Rev. Edgle Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the Salyers Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, with an evening song service being held at 7 p.m. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Mary Elie Nelson RICHLANDS – Mrs. Mary Elie Nelson, age 79, passed away Monday, May 31, 2004, in a Richlands hospital, following a long illness. Born in Buchanan County, Va., she was the daughter of the late William Harvey nd Stella Louise Cole Pruitt. She was a member of the Mt. Zion Tabernacle Church. She was a retired cook. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Jackson Nelson; two sons, Ronnie and Donnie Nelson; one sister, Cecilia DiRienzo; three brothers, Lewis Pruitt, Harlon Pruitt and Holbert Pruitt; five half-sisters, Anna Stevenson, Zinna Gitters, Mitty Hardy, Leslie Pruitt and Rodie Pruitt; one half-brother, Russell Edward Pruitt; and three grandchildren. She is survived by seven daughters, Mrs. James (Carmie) Dominiak of Buffalo, N.Y., Mrs. Delano (Carrie) Kassay of Long Island, N.Y., Mrs. Virgil (Linda) Varrone of Mario, N.C., Mrs. Robert (Thelma) Sullivan of Long Island, Mrs. Bobby (Ellen) Meadows of Bandy, Va., Mrs. Tom (Brenda) Lawson of Pounding Mill, Va., and Mrs. William (Barbara) White of Richlands; three sons, Clyde Andrew Nelson and wife Carol, and Jonny Herman Nelson and wife Joyce, all of Jewell Ridge, Va., and Danny Nelson and wife Rhonda of Cedar Bluff; one sister, Rosie Christian of Buffalo, N.Y.; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Pastor Walter Franklin and Rev. Ralph Horton officiating. Burial will follow in the Nelson Family Cemetery at Bearwallow, Va. Pallbearers will be Terry McGlothlin, Kenny Mitchell, Jonathan Whited, Kevin White, Michael Nelson, Bobby Joe Meadows and Peter Jeffrey Tybeck. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Meadows and Andrew Nelson. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Nelson Family. John R. Oliver PINEY FLATS – John R. Oliver, 91, 556 Tankhill Road, died Monday, May 31, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center, following an extended illness. A native of Carter County, he was the son of the late William Joseph and Rhoda Oliver. He was of the Baptist faith and a World War II Army veteran. He attended many of the Piney Flats Ruritan softball games and was also a New York Yankees fan. Mr. Oliver was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Lynch Oliver; a son, Bob Oliver; a granddaughter, Melonie Oliver; and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include six children and spouses, Bill Oliver, Ashland City, Tenn., Will Oliver, Cleveland, Ohio, Madeline and Ray Smith, Piney Flats, John David Oliver, Piney Flats, Wayne and Becky Oliver, Piney Flats and Patsy and Bobby Smith, Watauga, Tenn.; two sisters, Joey Bowers, Elizabethton and Lou Bouton, Illinois; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel, with Rev. Larry Barr officiating. Active pallbearers will be selected from grandsons and family. Graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday at the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. Military honors will be accorded by the Tennessee Army National Guard. Those who plan to attend the graveside service are requested to meet at the cemetery at 12:55 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service in the chapel, or at the home of a granddaughter, Robin Denny, Cripple Creek Loop, Watauga, at any time. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel is in charge of the service. (423)538- 7131. Everett M. Puckett GLADE SPRING – Mr. Everett Matthew Puckett passed from this life after a lengthly illness, May 30, 2004, at the home of his son, Edward A. Puckett and wife Scarlett. He was born July 2, 1910, to William and Mary Jane Puckett, making his life here 93 years, 10 months and 28 days. One son, Bobby Lee, preceded him in death, Oct. 29, 2003. Everett loved and attended the Old Primitive Baptist Church. He appreciated those who came to sing to him the old hymns in the last two months. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Lillie Belle Mumpower Puckett; and a sister, Bertha Rose Louthian, Marion. Everett and Lillie Belle have three surviving children, Edward Alvin Puckett and wife Scarlett, Glade Spring, Doris Ann Cuddy and husband, Jimmy and Frances Jean Malcolm and husband Gene, all of Bristol Virginia. In this union are nine grandchildren, David (Janice) Malcolm, Matt Puckett, Eric (Mandy) Puckett, Sandra (Eric) Joines, Lancer (Crissy) Cuddy, Christopher (Judy) Puckett, Michael Puckett, Amy Malcolm and Bradley Malcolm. There are eight great-grandchildren, Jared Malcolm, Kimberly Puckett, Dakota Puckett, Eric Puckett II, Tyler Puckett, Ethan Puckett, Lancer Cuddy Jr. and Levi Joines. Numerous loving nieces and nephews and friends, along with the family, will miss him. The graveside service will be conducted Thursday, June 3, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Rush Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, with Elder Larry Blevins. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Those attending the service Thursday are asked to assemble at the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com A special thanks to Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their loving care of Dad. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Puckett family. Wilfred S. Reed BRISTOL, Tenn. – God called one of His soldiers home. "Woody" Wilfred S. Reed, 79, of 2459 Volunteer Parkway, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 31, 2004, from Wellmont Hospice House. He was a life-long resident of Bristol Tennessee, and was a son of the late Jonah and Catherine Reed. Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Georgia Livingston Reed; a daughter, Barbara Crigger; his beloved grandson, Brandon Reed; two sisters, Mrs. Lewis (Viola) Harkleroad and Tessie Harper; one brother, Leslie Reed; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 7:30 Thursday evening at Oakley- Cook Funeral Home, with the funeral service to be conducted at 7:45. Rev. Phil Kestner will officiate. The committal and burial will at 11 o’clock Friday morning in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bobby Barr, Tony Bebber, Larry Jones Jr., Robert Jones, Jim Potter, Raymond Potter, Bob Roark and J.D. Weaver. Honorary pallbearers will be his beloved nephews, Curtis Reed, Bobby Reed, Edward Reed, Randy Harper and Jonathan Crain and the men of the Full Gospel Fellowship Church. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- cook.com Mr. Reed and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Charles Shoemaker LEBANON – The funeral services for Charles Rae (Charlie) Shoemaker will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. James Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Luther Fields Jr., Jack Breeding Jr., Mark Grizzle, Jerry Musick, T.J. Duty, Robert Duty, Michael Shoemaker and Buford Patrick. Honorary pallbearers will be Rufus Lasley, Herbert Meade, Kyle Gobble and Joe Young. Charles Rae (Charlie) Shoemaker, 59, died Sunday, May 30, 2004, at his home. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mr. Shoemaker. Thelma W. Taylor BRISTOL, Tenn. – Thelma W. "Granny" Taylor, age 77, went to be with the Lord, Monday, May 31, 2004, at her residence. She was born Jan. 25, 1927, in Washington County, Va., and was a daughter of the late John and Elsie Blevins Widener and she lived most of her life in the Bristol area. She was a retired employee from Quality Printers and was an active member of the Woodland Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Taylor Jr. Survivors include: two sons, Larry G. Taylor and wife, Linda, Manchester, Md., and Jeff A. Taylor and wife, Tammy, Bristol Virginia; daughter, Sandy Hutton and husband, David, Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, Herman Widener, Glade Spring and Bobby Dean Widener, Damascus; three sisters, Francis Blevins, Bristol Tennessee, Grey Miller, Bristol Virginia, and Eva Cunningham, Leesburg, Va.; four grandchildren, David Hutton Jr. and wife Kristi, Aaron Hutton, Jessica Taylor and Ashley Taylor; and great-grandson, Marshall Hutton. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Stephen L. Playl officiating. The committal will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Woodlawn Baptist Church, 1400 Southside Ave., Bristol, TN 37620. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net There will be a private viewing for the family from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family will then receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Joshua M. Tester BIG ROCK, Va. – Joshua McKinnley Tester, 15 years of age, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2004, from a swimming accident at South Holston Lake, Bristol Tennessee. Born in Tazewell County, he was a son of Ralph Tester Jr., Hurley, Va., and Rebecca Lynn Matney, Big Rock. He had been a resident of Buchanan County most of his life and was a student. Other than his parents, he is survived by one sister, Teresa Lynn Blankenship, Big Rock; two brothers, Andrew Edward Allison, Big Rock and Donald Christopher McClanahan, Big Rock; paternal grandfather, Ralph Tester Sr. Grundy; maternal grandmother, Artha Otto, Hurley; and one nephew, William Russell Blankenship, Big Rock. He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Donald Edward Otto; and paternal grandmother, Cretia Tester. Funeral services for Joshua McKinnley Tester will be conducted Friday, June 4, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Revs. Roscoe Rife, Wilburn Dotson, James Chapman and Pim Griffey officiating, with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Wednesday enening at 6 p.m., with services Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers: P.J. King, Raymond Perry, Cody Archer, Rodney Jones II, Adam Matney, Wesley Taylor, Mikey Matney, George Prater and Buddy Ray Lester. Honorary pallbearer: Pfc. Kenneth E. Matney. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Finley P. Vance MAVISDALE, Va. – Mr. Finley Patterson Vance, age 78, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at Buchanan General Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Buchanan County, Va., he was the son of the late Miles and Victoria Cook Vance. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Harp Vance, one infant son, Pat Vance, seven brothers and one sister. He is survived by one son, Gerald Vance and wife Rita of Statesville, N.C.; four daughters, Velma Harmon and husband Doug of Bluefield, W.Va., Jean Rowe of Rowe, Va., Shirley Spain of Mavisdale and Colleen Ratliff and husband James of Oakwood, Va.; one sister, Laura Horne; nine grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel in Keen Mountain, Va., with Rev. Ancil Childress officiating. Burial will follow at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands. Military graveside rites will be conducted by John Ratliff Post 164. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Rev. Ancil Childress, Dr. H. Patel, Dr. Vish, Palliative Hospice staff and Third Floor nursing staff of Buchanan General Hospital. A very special thanks to Harold and Diane Creed for the food, love, prayer and visits to family. He loved and appreciated you more than words can say. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Buchanan Funeral Service in Keen Mountain. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the Vance family. Elder Delford Ward POUNDING MILL, Va. – Elder Delford Ward, age 64, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2004, at his home. Born in Buchanan County, Va., he was the son of the late Cecil and Lillie Irene Smith Ward. He was a Primitive Baptist minister and was serving the Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church at Raven, Va., the Miller View Primitive Baptist Church at Lebanon and the New Garden Primitive Baptist Church at Honaker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Rudolph Ward. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elsa Madeline (Mattie) Cantrell Ward; one daughter, Nancy Irene Barton of Baltimore; a son-in-law, Ronald Barton of Pounding Mill; two sisters, Geneva White of Grundy and Logene Barnette of Front Royal, Va.; three brothers, Ron Keith Ward of Melinta, Ohio, Kemp Ward of Luray, Va., and Cecil (J.C.) Ward of Grundy. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, June 4, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Elders Garnell Gilbert, Roger Fuller and Jim Duty officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff from 6 until 9 p.m. Thursday. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Ward family. Irene Watson ARDEN, N.C. – Irene J. Watson, 87, died Sunday, May 30, 2004, in The Oaks of Sweeten Creek. She was a former resident of 1 Battle Square, Asheville, N.C., and a recent resident of the Asheville Manor. She was a native of Hart County, Ga., and was a daughter of the late Ausie and Selma Nixon McGee. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, William Franklin Justus in 1956; her second husband, Frank D. Watson Jr. in 1994; and a sister, Drucilla McGee Bridges. Mrs. Watson had lived in Washington, D.C., and Bristol Tennessee, before returning to Asheville in 1996. She was a retired accountant and a member of Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden. Survivors include two sisters, Sara Rigby, of Hendersonville, N.C., and Phyllis Brown, of Asheville; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great- nephews. A memorial service for Mrs. Watson will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004, in the Terrace Hall at Biltmore Baptist Church, Arden, with the Rev. Noel Hendrix officiating. Music will be provided by Mary Brookshire. The committal service will be conducted in Mountain View Cemetery, Bristol Virginia, at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704. E-mail condolences to the family may be e-mailed at akardfh@peercom.net Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, phone (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Watson. Nell G. Routh White BRISTOL, Tenn. – Nell Gertrude Routh White, age 97, went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Maggie Smith Routh and was a member of East Bristol Church of Christ. Ms. White was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Jackson; three sons, Ted Kenneth White and wife Louise Ricks White, Frank Jackson "Jack" White and George Dean "Buddy" White; two brothers, Walter Routh and Charles Routh; and by six sisters, Elizabeth Routh, Rosalee Balthis, Oneta Pittman, Thelma Gunning, Betty Grant and Margaret Cantrell. Survivors include: daughter, Martha Shelley and husband Larry, of Bristol Virginia; son, Joe Douglas "Doug" White and wife Jean, of Bristol Tennessee; sister, Jeanette Noonkester of Bluff City; 14 grandchildren; 19 great- grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Betty Jo White and Peggy White; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Gray Miller and Ruth McVey. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at 2 p.m,. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Clifford Newell and Rev. Bill Denton officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.