Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 4, 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, Sept. 4, 2004 Today's Deaths Donna G. Ball, 75, Richmond, Ind. Jack Walter Britts, 80, Richlands Cassie Varden Butler, 84, Fair Haven, Mich. Juanita Cross, 82, Blountville Vealah Ruth Richardson Ferguson, 74, Blountville Virgie Elizabeth Hershaw Graves, 95, Bristol Virginia Madeline Hylton Jennings, 76, Castlewood Mavis Ramey Lockhart, 86, Grundy Harrington Lowe Jr., 78, Chilhowie Nannie E. Stevens McComas, 80, Lebanon Elsie Carter Miller, 100, Hiltons, Va. Mickey Dean Mullins, 46, Clintwood Elsie Louise Payne, 91, Doran, Va. Patricia Ann Fisher Rife, 64, Grundy Richmond Roscoe Roberts, 91, Wise Buford L. Sluss, 73, Nickelsville, Va. Jerry Bert Wolfe, 55, Bristol Virginia Johney B. Anderson MARION – Johney B. Anderson, age 71, passed away Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at his home in Cleghorn Valley. He was born in Smyth County to the late John and Callie Eller Anderson, and was preceded in death by one sister, Catherine Melvin, and one brother, Charles Everett Anderson. Survivors include two daughters and son-in-law, Michelle and Terry Call, Chilhowie, and Melinda Anderson of Marion and special friend, Dean Murdock, and his son, Kasey, Chilhowie; two sons and daughter-in-law, Mike and Lisa Anderson, Biloxi, Miss., and Mark Anderson of the home; one brother and sister-in-law, Herman and Virginia Anderson, Marion; one sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Earl Hamm, Marion; three loving grandchildren, Christopher Stamper, McKinley Barr and Chance Anderson; and special friends, Brenda Ashly, Karen Baines, Beverly Hensley and Brenda Hudson. Funeral services will be held Saturday evening, Sept. 4, 2004, 8 p.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel, Chilhowie, with Rev. Wesley Eller and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Graveside services will be held Sunday afternoon, Sept. 5, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Old Cleghorn Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 6- 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel, Chilhowie, is serving the family of Mr. Anderson. Donna G. Ball RICHMOND, Ind. – Donna G. Ball, 75, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Reid Hospital. She was born Nov. 15, 1928, in Fountain City, Ind., to Walter Russell Atwell Sr. and Lena Nicholson Atwell, and was a lifelong resident of Wayne County. Survivors include her husband, Harold Ball, to whom she was married Dec. 29, 1983; daughter, Debra K. Lahman (David), Richmond, Ind.; son, Jack Troth, Indianapolis; stepson, Tony Ball (Barbara), Centerville, Ind.; stepdaughters, Terri Lynne Steele (Bobby) and Sheila Roman, all of Richmond, Ind.; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Gene Atwell, California, and Walter Russell Atwell Jr., Richmond, Ind.; two sisters, Frances Hughes, Tennessee, and Libbie Mathews, Richmond, Ind.; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. (Indiana time) Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Ind. Burial will be in Goshen Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. (Indiana time) Saturday at the funeral home. Jack Walter Britts RICHLANDS – Mr. Jack Walter Britts, age 80, died Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, at a Richlands hospital, following a long, courageous battle with Parkinson Disease. He was born in North Tazewell, Va., and was a son of the late Paul P. and Etta M. Law Britts. During his childhood in the Tazewell County area, he was a Boy Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and, later in his teenage years, was an outstanding athlete and graduate of Tazewell High School Class of 1942. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 567 AA Battalion in Europe, and was a member of the Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 of Richlands and Disabled American Veterans Tazewell County Chapter 31. He was a retired, well-respected businessman in the Richlands and Raven area, was a co-founder and original board member of the Clinch Valley Bank and Trust and a partner in the Raven Drug and Construction Company. He was a successful, civic-minded businessman; a founding member of the Raven Volunteer Fire Department; a member of the Tazewell County Water and Sewer Authority, leading efforts for public water and sewer in Raven and Doran, Va.; a member of the Richlands Rotary Club, with 38 years perfect attendance, was bestowed the Paul Harris Fellow Award during his time of service; and was an Honorable Kentucky Colonel. He was a philanthropist supporting many charities, was a former elder of the Richlands First Christian Church and, at the time of his death, was a member of the Richlands Presbyterian Church. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered fondly by his family and many friends in the surrounding area. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mrs. Lorine B. Soles and Miss Pauline Britts; also, two brothers, Charles L. Britts and William L. Britts. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Juanita Meade Britts; one daughter, Mrs. Catherine B. Harris and husband, Dan, of Richlands; one son, Mr. Jack W. Britts Jr. and wife, Nancy, of Sudbury, Mass.; three sisters, Mrs. Janice B. Evans of Pocahontas, Va., Mrs. Martha Blanton of Pocahontas and Mrs. Mary B. Ferrell of Pocahontas; one brother, Mr. Roger N. Britts of Leesburg, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Laura Danielle Harris and Jack Weston Britts. Funeral services for Mr. Jack Walter Britts will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Rev. Eddie Nash officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Nephews and men of the Richlands Presbyterian Church will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Short, June Horton, Gratton Webb, fourth floor staff of Clinch Valley Medical Center, Eugene Dye and Fred Sayers. Members of Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 of Richlands and Disabled American Veterans Tazewell County Chapter 31 will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands from 6 till 8 p.m. Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richlands Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 446 Richlands, VA 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Cassie Varden Butler FAIR HAVEN, Mich. – Cassie Butler, age 84, began a new journey from her home on Monday, Aug. 30, 2004. Cassie was born on Jan. 2, 1920, in Ramsey Ridge, Va. She was a high-school teacher and then worked as a secretary, receptionist and switchboard operator, retiring after 30 years from Douglas and Lomason Co. Cassie was the lover of all pets and animals, the neighborhood green thumb and the best cook around, always sharing the true meaning of Southern hospitality. Cassie married Robert Lewis Butler on March 6, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio. They had two children, Cassandra Sharyn and Robert "Bobby" Dale. Cassie has four grandsons, Jason, Logan, Chaz and Paul; and two great-grandchildren, Johnathon Michael and Jillian Rose; stepgrandchildren, Donna and Matthew; stepgreat- grandchild, Ryan; and daughter-in-law, Nancy and son-in-law, Ted. Cassie is survived by her loving brothers and sister, Alfred, Clyde, James and June. Cassie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be missed so much by all. Graveside services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at the Colley Cemetery, Breaks, Va., with Alfred Fields officiating. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. James L. Crawford Jr. BLUFF CITY – Funeral service for James "Jimmy" Luke Crawford Jr. will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Roger Reynolds and Rev. Darrell Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in the Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Brett Greene, Richard Crawford, Jason Fitzgerald, Bobby Joe Carty, Terry McCurry and Stuart Harmon. Honorary pallbearers will be David Doss, Rick Johnson, Terry Leonard and Scott McCurry. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. James "Jimmy" Luke Crawford Jr., age 25, of 380 Old Mountain View Road, Lot 8, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at his residence. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Juanita Cross BLOUNTVILLE – Juanita Cross, age 82, passed away Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, in St. Mary’s Hospice, Knoxville. She was a lifelong resident of East Tennessee and a daughter of the late William M. and Margaret Mae Tallman Hicks. Juanita was a dress designer for Nickels Manufacturing. She was a former member of The Altrusa Club and a member of The World Wide Church of God. Mrs. Cross is survived by her son, Martin Wayne Cross and his wife, Kelly, of Sevierville, Tenn: two sisters, Aileen Rhea Smith of Blountville and Mellagay Walters of Kingsport; two brothers, Ernest Powell Hicks of Piney Flats and Wayne L. Hicks of Blountville; two grandchildren, Spencer Wayne Cross and Emily Blayne Cross; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Dwight Shaffer, minister, officiating. The committal service will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, September 4, at Akard Funeral Home. Those who wish may make contributions to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, P.O. Box 161150, Austin, TX 78716-1150. E-mail condolences for the family may be sent at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Cross. Thelma Crown CASTLEWOOD – Funeral services for Thelma Lois Phillips Crown will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. D.J. Couch officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Online condolences may be sent to the Crown family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Thelma Lois Phillips Crown, 72, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at her home. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Vealah R. Ferguson BLOUNTVILLE – Vealah Ruth Richardson Ferguson, beloved mother, age 74, went to be with the Lord Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Ferguson was born on March 4, 1930, in Volney, Va., to the late Dewey and Minnie Osborne Richardson. Mrs. Ferguson had lived in the Blountville area since 1957, was a homemaker and a member of the Cross United Methodist Church. Mrs. Ferguson was preceded in death by her husband, William "Red" Marion Ferguson Jr., and by one sister, Mildred McGrady. Mrs. Ferguson is survived by children, Greg Ferguson and wife, Deborah, of Blountville, Mark Ferguson and wife, Deanie, of Blountville, Cheryl Ferguson Ennis of Sarasota, Fla., Doug Ferguson of Bristol Tennessee, Beverly Ferguson Landes of Blountville, Libby Ferguson Brown of Blountville, Jeff Ferguson and wife, Donna, of Kingsport, Kim Ferguson Odom and husband, Mike, of Harvest, Ala., Tim Ferguson of Bristol Tennessee and Kevin Ferguson of Blountville; 13 grandchildren, April Nicole Ennis, Stephen Ferguson, Shannon Carson, Brian "Bubba" Ferguson, Jennifer Ramsey, Jeri Fleenor, Jarod Rhoton, Joe Brown, Mickey Brown, Roy Brown, Eric Ferguson, Caleb Odom and Jill Odom; four great- grandchildren, Scout Fleenor, Leslie Rhoton, Austin Rhoton and Jacey Ferguson; one stepgrandson, Andy Warrick; three brothers, Bill Richardson of Mouth of Wilson, Va., John Richardson of Rural Retreat, Va., and Jim Richardson of Mouth of Wilson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. David Foster officiating. Graveside service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:30 until 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 57 Fairway Drive, Bristol, TN 37620-3009. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mitchell Fields DANTE, Va. – Memorial services for Mitchell Fields will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Ted Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to time of service Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Fields family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mitchell Fields, 41, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at Russell County Medical Center, Lebanon. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Virgie H. Graves BRISTOL, Va. – Virgie Elizabeth (Hershaw) Graves, 95, widow of Raymond A. Graves, formerly of Greenville, died at 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in the Bristol Nursing Home, Bristol Virginia. She was born on Oct. 19, 1908, in Augusta County, a daughter of the late Fred and Elizabeth Jean (Harris) Hershaw. Mrs. Graves was a member of Raphine Christian Church and the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Steeles Tavern VFW. Her husband preceded her in death on March 24, 1977. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Clayburn P. Graves on April 5, 2004, and Robert A. Graves on Sept. 19, 1947, and a sister, Helen M. Hershaw on Feb. 7, 2004. Family includes three daughters, Mary Lou Houser Jett of Bristol Virginia and Barbara Jean Fitzgerald and Wilma Joyce Grant and her husband, Jimmy, all of Greenville; a daughter-in-law, Winnie (Lotts) Graves of Greenville; her caregiver, Bessie Tinsley of Bristol; nine grandchildren; a number of great- grandchildren; a number of great-great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel, by the Rev. John Ward. Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons. The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. today, Sept. 4, 2004, in the funeral home, and at other times at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Jimmy Grant, 4776 Lee Jackson Highway, Greenville. Memorial may be made to the Raphine Christian Church, P.O. Box 10, Greenville, VA 24440; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Virginia Chapter, P.O. Box 310, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Jasper H. Hilliard BLUFF CITY – Jasper Hartley Hilliard, age 69, 523 Ryder Church Road, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Bristol Virginia, son of the late Samuel and Elvie Wells Hilliard. He was a retired employee of Ross Prestretch. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Jerry Patterson, Judy and Bo Wix, Brenda and David Malone, Shirley and Greg Mueller and Mary Anne Watkins; sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny Watkins, Ronnie Watkins, David and Stella Watkins and Jackie Watkins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Doug and Louis Hilliard and Paul and Shirley Hilliard; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Kate Shelton, Bonnie Blackwell, Judy and Darly Cook, Inez and Lee Howington and Barbara and Cliff Widener. Also surviving are three granddaughters; seven grandsons; three great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter and special friends, Hubert and Margie Malone. He was preceded in death by Tom and Pearl Hilliard, Frank Hilliard, Shirley Hilliard and Alice Hilliard. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Donnie Humphrey officiating. Burial will follow in Shipley Cemetery. Pallbearers: Robby Hockett, Larry Davis, Robby Watkins, Fred Brewer, Jimmy Malone and Wayne Malone. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Weaver Funeral Home. The family offers a special thanks to Dr. Tom Greene and staff and to good friend, Jenny Houser. E-mail condolences may be made at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been made through Weaver Funeral Home. Ida M. Hodge BLOUNTVILLE – The committal service and interment for Sabra Ida Main Hodge will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at the graveside in Mountain View Cemetery. Sabra Ida Main Hodge, of 237 Old Stagecoach Road, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Hodge. Madeline H. Jennings CASTLEWOOD – Madeline Hylton Jennings, 76, passed away on Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, at Indian Path Medical Center, Kingsport. She was born in West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy M. Jennings, her parents, Harry and Cora Hylton, one sister, Pauline Tabor, and one brother, Donald Hylton. She is survived by two sons, Ed Jennings and wife, Jan, of St. Paul, Va., and David Jennings and wife, Janie, of Lebanon; two grandsons, Seth Jennings and wife, Sandy, of Bristol Tennessee and Brent Jennings of Lebanon; two granddaughters, Paige Bush and husband, Jason, of Castlewood and Bethany Jennings of Lebanon; one great-granddaughter, Layne Bush of Castlewood; one brother, Bill Hylton of Pocahontas, Va.; three sisters, Hazel Richards and husband, Frank, of Hurricane, W.Va., Ethel Thurston and husband, Robert, of Bluefield, Va., and Joyce Cole and husband, Bobby, of Pocahontas; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Madeline Hylton Jennings will be conducted Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at 3 p.m. in Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon, with Rev. Mike Moore officiating. The family will meet at the cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 546, St. Paul, VA 24283; or the Bethel Baptist Church, Lebanon, VA 24266. Online condolences may be sent to the Jennings family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Mildred Leonard The funeral service for Mildred "Mickey" Leonard will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at the graveside in Gum Hill Cemetery, with the Rev. Dennis Burnette officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at Akard Funeral Home or any time at the home of Mickey’s sister-in-law, Carol Wingate, 1501 Kentucky Ave., Bristol, Tenn. E-mail condolences for the family may be sent at akardfh@peercom.net. Mildred "Mickey" Leonard, age 74, formerly of Bristol, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004, in Milwaukee, Wis. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving Mrs. Leonard’s family. Mavis R. Lockhart GRUNDY – Mavis Ramey Lockhart, 86 years of age, passed away Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy. Born in Kentucky, May 23, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Jackson Ramey and Victoria Carraway Ramey Jackson. She was a member of the Grundy Baptist Church and retired cook from Grundy High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Clyde Lockhart, Jan. 7, 2004; one son, Thomas Delano Lockhart; one grandson, Kenneth Lockhart; two sisters, Jeanette Harman and Clairel Price; and two brothers, Claude Ramey and Clayton Ramey. She is survived by one daughter, Anita Stacy of Wolford, Va.; one daughter-in- law, Patsy W. Lockhart of Amherst, Ohio; two brothers, Paul Ramey of Grundy and Robert Ramey of Maryland; and one niece, Rosa Lee Graham. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Lisa Shoureas, Nathan Stacy and Holly Stacy; and one great-granddaughter, Emily Shoureas. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, where services will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services for Mavis Ramey Lockhart will be held Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at 3 p.m. at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Reverend Howell Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park at Big Rock, Va. Active pallbearers will be men of the Grundy Baptist Church and the Greenbrier Baptist Church. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. The family of Mavis Ramey Lockhart is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Harrington Lowe Jr. CHILHOWIE – Harrington Lowe Jr., age 78, passed away Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, at his home. He was born in Smyth County, Va., and was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harrington and Josie Lowe, one son, David Lee Lowe, and two brothers, Garland Lowe and Earnest Lowe. He was a prominent builder and the operator of the Iron Mountain Trading Post in Chilhowie. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the LST288, in the European campaign and in the Pacific region, and was wounded in Okinawa. He was a member of the DAV, VFW and the NRA. Survivors include loving wife of 58 years, Betty Bumgarner Lowe, Chilhowie; one son and daughter-in-law, Attorney Danny Lowe and Glenda, Chilhowie; three daughters and son-in-law, Gilda Richardson and Dale, West Palm Beach, Fla., Karen Russell and Johnny, Chilhowie, and Sharon Eure and Brad, Chilhowie; seven grandchildren, Scottie and Reggie Richardson, Tonya Woosley, Tony Russell and Matthew, Michelle and Michael Lowe; four great-grandchildren, David Lowe, Alex Woosley, Tanna Russell and Nina Abdelmessih; six sisters, Virginia Atwell, Clyde Finley, Lucille Teaster, Jean Chaney, Maxine Hamm and Margaret Gilley; five brothers, Ira Lee Lowe, Earl Lowe, Archie Lowe, Marshall Lowe and Fred Balthzar; many nieces and nephews and longtime friend and business partner, Jim King, Chilhowie. A special thanks to many friends and special appreciation to his son-in-law caretaker, Johnny Russell. Funeral services will be held on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 5, 2004, at 2 p.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion, with Rev. Lloyd Sheets and Rev. Bob McCormick officiating. Interment will follow at the McClure Cemetery, with full military honors being rendered by Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, Sept. 4, 2004, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Marion. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations may be made to the McClure Cemetery Fund, 613 St. Clairs Creek Road, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family of Mr. Lowe. Nannie McComas LEBANON – Nannie E. Stevens McComas, 80, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004. She was a native of Lebanon, the daughter of George W. and Kate Mays Stevens. Mrs. McComas was a registered nurse and worked in Baltimore for 30 years before moving to Lebanon in 1972. She retired from Russell County Medical Center in 1990 and was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph P. McComas, in 1992. Survivors include one stepson, Joseph T. McComas of Hustontown, Pa.; four nieces, Connie Owen of Devon, Pa., Elizabeth Baxter of Oreland, Pa., Rebecca Cox of Suffolk, Va., and Jeanette Gainer of Kingsville, Ohio; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 8 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Tom Edwards officiating. Entombment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lebanon Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. before the funeral service. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Elsie Carter Miller HILTONS, Va. – Elsie Carter Miller, 100, of Route 1, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Holston Valley Medical Center. She was born in Scott County, Va., on May 21, 1904, and was the daughter of the late Dulaney E. and Martha Dowell Carter. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Miller was an avid gardener and lived life to the fullest. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rhea L. Miller, Jan. 4, 1983; son, Jerry Edward Miller; son-in-law, James Edward Mason; sisters, Eva Richards and Jessie Prillheart; and brothers, Bert, Worley, Bill and Ed Carter. Surviving are her daughters, Willirae Gardner and husband Raymond, Hiltons, and Patsy Elizabeth Mason, Hiltons; grandchildren, Valerie Malone and husband Larry, Kingsport, Anthony Mason and wife Tammy, Hiltons; great-grandchildren, Garth and Chandra Malone and Makayla Mason. Calling hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at Colonial Funeral Home, Weber City, Va., and any time at her residence. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home chapel at 7 p.m., with Rev. Layton Bentley, Rev. Roc Collins, Rev. Randy Cleek and Larry Thompson officiating. Music will be provided by Bowlin Quartet and Karen Thompson, pianist. Graveside services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at Holston View Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Miller, Quinton Pullon, Carl Bendeck, Frankie Fletcher, Ralph Derting and Jack Hamilton. The family will meet at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the Miller family at cfhwc@earthlink.net. James Ray Millhorn BLUFF CITY – The memorial service for Mr. James Ray Millhorn will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. J.D. Neeley officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be special friends, Jess Johnson, Ben Richards, Art Wilks, Francis Worley, Mark Worley, Mary Lou Harvey and Kerry Johnson. There will be a gathering of family and friends after the service at 364 Sinking Springs Road, Bristol, Tenn. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. James Ray Millhorn, age 63, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mickey Dean Mullins CLINTWOOD – Mickey Dean Mullins, age 46, died at Dickenson Community Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, after a lingering illness. Born in Clintwood, he was the son of George Buford and Doris Moore Mullins. A 1976 graduate of Clintwood High School and former chief of police for the Town of Clintwood. He worked as a deputy sheriff for Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office and had been a coal miner. He attended Valley View Freewill Baptist Church. His father, George Buford Mullins, brother, Mike Mullins, and grandparents, Creed and Grace Mullins and Elbert and Kate Moore, preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Doris Mullins, Clintwood; brother and sister-in- law, Ricky and Tammy Mullins, Clintwood; nephews, Seth, Mason and Brycen Mullins; niece, Beth Mooney; great-niece, Kendra Mooney; uncles, Lloyd Mullins and Willard Moore; and aunts, Judy Mullins and Doralina Browning. Funeral services for Mickey D. Mullins will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday from the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Lynn Vanover, Manie Strouth and Verdel Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Creed Mullins Family Cemetery on George’s Fork. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, with song service to follow at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers are Seth Mullins, Wayne Moore, Wayne Browning, Rodney Mullins, Donnie Stanley and David Phipps. Honorary pallbearers are Walter Browning, Lloyd Mullins, Willard Moore, Ronnie Mooney, Donald Baker, Larry Rose, Larry Browning, John Mullins, Leon Meade, Bobby Hammons, Earl Steele and Danny Colley. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Elsie Louise Payne DORAN, Va. – Mrs. Elsie Louise Payne, age 91, passed away Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, in a Richlands hospital. Born May 21, 1913, at Whitewood, Va., she was the daughter of the late Matthew and Laura Ward Wimmer. She was a member of the Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Maggie Jones, Leola Glick and Oma Rife; and one brother, Jack Wimmer. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Thomas Milton Payne; three sons, Charles A. Payne of Spotsylvania, Va., Jack (Jackie) L. Payne of Great Falls, Va., Billy E. Payne of Martinsville, Va.; one daughter, Hester Sue Hanley of Bedford, Va.; nine grandchildren, Charles Dean Payne, Richard Dean Hanley, Anthony Eugene Payne, Kimberly McKinney, Mildred Louise Mullins, David Laurance Payne, Michael Thomas Payne, Jacquie Louise Payne and Allyson Michelle Payne; 11 great-grandchildren, Travis Payne, Kacey Payne, Caleb Hanley, Erin Hanley, Stephen Hanley, Austin Payne, Noah Payne, Andrew Payne, Brandon Mullins, Ashlyn Mullins and Nicholas McKinney; two sisters, Lola Herron of Rosedale, Va., and Emily Underwood of Cedar Bluff. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Ministers Clarence Herron, Charlie Cooper and Richard Hanley officiating. Burial will follow in the Blankenship-Wimmer Cemetery at Compton Mountain, Va. Nephews and grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Special thanks to caregivers, Yvonne Mullins, Evelyn Short, Ortha Mullins and the services of Home Nursing Care, Preferred Health Care, nurses and staff of Clinch Valley Medical Center and her physician, Dr. Peralta. Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Payne family. James E. Pennington LEBANON – The funeral service for Rev. James Earl Pennington will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Robert Lawson officiating. Entombment will follow in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum in Ketron Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864. Pallbearers will be members of the Lebanon VFW Post 9864. The family will receive friends 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, prior to the service at the funeral home. Rev. James Earl Pennington, 86, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, in Greystone Health Care in Blountville. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Pennington. Patricia Rife GRUNDY – Patricia Ann Fisher Rife, 64 years of age, of the Slate Creek area, passed away Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Buchanan General Hospital, following a short illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of Mrs. Eva Ramsey Fisher of Grundy and the late Leslie B. Fisher. She was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a member of Vansant Presbyterian Church. She was a graduate of Hurley High School and attended Radford College. She was a retired employee of Department of Social Services for Buchanan County. Ms. Rife is survived by three sons, Terry and wife Lori Rife, Grundy, A.D. and wife Vickie Rife, Grundy, and Greg Rife, Grundy; and two brothers, Leslie Edward and wife Darlene Fisher, Louisiana, and Kirby P. Fisher, Bristol Tennessee. Also, she is survived by four grandchildren, Cody Rife, T.J. Rife, Jeremy Blankenship and Kaitlyn Rife. She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie B. Fisher, May 2, 1990. Funeral services for Patricia Ann Fisher Rife will be conducted Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Phyllis Canter, Rex Spencer, Evangelist Mike Rife and Evangelist Michael Trent officiating, with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Friends may call Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Saturday evening at 6 p.m., with services Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Mike Taba, Eugene Rife, Terry Rife Jr., Matthew Keen, Jerry Hodge and Cody Rife. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. J.P. Sutherland Jr. and staff and men of Vansant Presbyterian Church. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Richmond R. Roberts WISE – Richmond Roscoe Roberts, 91, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2004, in the Phoenixville Hospital, Phoenixville, Pa. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Prescott Roberts; one son, Dr. R. Craig Roberts of Phoenixville; a brother, W.H. (Tony) Roberts of Knoxville; a sister, Mary Jane Turley of Sarasota, Fla.; five grandchildren, Maria Miller of Wilmette, Ill., Kari Newman of Royersford, Pa., Tony Roberts of Spring City, Pa., Rachel Roberts of Philadelphia and Joshua Roberts of Phoenixville; as well as eight great-grandchildren. A graduate of Emory & Henry College, he taught high-school English in his home of Wise, where he met his wife. Mr. Roberts became an auditor for General Electric in 1937, and worked his way up as a financial executive, a job that, over 20 years, took him to live in several cities in the Northeast and Midwest. In 1957, Mr. Roberts became the comptroller for Fieldcrest Mills in Leaksville, N.C., and in 1977, he retired as vice president for Hanes Corporation in Winston Salem, N.C., after which he and Mrs. Roberts purchased a farm in northern Chester County, Pa., on which he raised cattle and boarded horses. A member of Financial Executives Institute and Rotary International for many decades, in many cities, Mr. Roberts gave generously of his time and resources. He was also the first executive director of Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation (PAEDCO). Throughout his life, Mr. Roberts enjoyed working with his hands. In each locality to which his career brought him, Mr. Roberts would purchase a home or rustic property that he restored and improved with meticulous care and skill, leaving behind a more beautiful and functional place than he found. He also leaves behind myriad heirlooms of handsome cherry wood furniture that he hand crafted for his homes and his family. The oldest of nine children, and at times that family’s sole support, Mr. Roberts was always known and admired among friends, family and business partners for his strong sense of fairness and highest standards of integrity. Mr. Roberts lived on his farm in northern Chester County for 26 years, where he had been helping care for his wife, Dorothy, who has Alzheimer’s Disease. He often recited poetry, among which are these lines, which his wife would recite with him, from "Thanatopsis": "So live, that when thy summons comes to join/ The innumerable caravan which moves/ To that mysterious realm where each shall take/ His chamber in the silent halls of death,/ Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,/ Scourged by his dungeon; but, sustain’d and soothed/ By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave,/ Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch/ About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 110 Main St., Wise, VA 24293. Obituary information by Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise. Buford L. Sluss NICKELSVILLE, Va. – Buford L. Sluss, 73, passed away Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Brian Center in Weber City, Va. He was born in Scott County, Va., on May 11, 1931, and was the son of the late Cyrus and Virgie Hartsock Sluss. He was retired from Virginia State Correctional System, with 25 years of service. Buford loved his family, farming and his dog, Blackie. Mr. Sluss was a member of First Baptist Church of Nickelsville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Salyer. Surviving are his wife, Joann Collier Sluss of the home; son, Wayne Eugene Sluss, Nickelsville; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Jack (Gaynell) Hartsock and Mrs. Ballard (Edith) Meade, all of Nickelsville; brothers, Bruce Sluss and Bobby Sluss, both of Nickelsville; uncle, Lonnie Hartsock, Dungannon, Va.; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at Colonial Funeral Home, Weber City, and any time at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home chapel at 8 p.m., with Rev. Steve Collins officiating. Music will be provided by Jack Troutman. Graveside services will be Monday at noon at American Legion Cemetery, Big Stone Gap. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Brian Center and Indian Path Hospital for their loving care. Online condolences may be sent to the Sluss family at cfhwc@earthlink.net. In memory of Mr. Sluss, contributions may be made to Nickelsville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 237, Nickelsville, VA 24271; or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 192, Nickelsville, VA 24271. Patrick H. Smith Jr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – Patrick Henry Smith Jr., age 76, passed away Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Patrick Henry Smith Sr. and Hilma Warholm Smith. He was formerly of Russell County, Va. He was a retired employee of Sperry/Univac, where he worked for over 30 years. He was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and an elementary-school principal. Mr. Smith was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church, a member of the VFW and the Sperry/Univac Credit Union. Survivors include two sisters, June S. Eaton of New Baltimore, Va., and Anne S. Smith of Perry, Ga.; two nieces, Susan S. Ellis of Centreville, Va., and Patrica S. O’Neal of Atlanta; and two nephews, William J. Smith III of Perry and James P. Eaton of Fairfax, Va. Also surviving are several great-nieces and great- nephews. The funeral service and interment will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until noon Sept. 4 at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, 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. Smith. Brenda Widener ABINGDON – The funeral service for Brenda Widener will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Tommy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Tim Widener, Sherman Moore, Wayne Cullop, Michael Garrett, Robert Garrett and Leroy Howell. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Brenda Widener, age 52, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at her home. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Widener family. Jerry Bert Wolfe BRISTOL, Va. – Jerry Bert Wolfe, age 55, was carried home by the angels to be with Jesus, Sept. 2, 2004, at the home of his sister, with his loving family by his side. He was born on Jan. 23, 1949, in Welch, W.Va., to the late Roy Wolfe and Ailey Christian Wolfe. He was in the U.S. Army and volunteered for a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart for the wounds he received "in country." He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Jon and Laura Wolfe and Robert and Callie Christian. He is survived by his wife, Joan Wolfe; two sons, Jerry Allen Wolfe of Martinsville, Va., and Jon Wolfe of the home; one daughter, Dana Wolfe of Bristol Virginia; two sisters, Bobbi Ray and husband, Jimmy, of Annapolis, Md., and Sharon Frisbee and husband, Bill, of Bristol Virginia; four grandchildren; four nieces, Tammy Wolfe of Bristol Virginia, Delina Kiser of Abingdon, Wendy Sulfin of Deltona, Fla., and Bobbi Archibald of Denver; two nephews, Chris Kiser of Abingdon and Mancil Kiser Jr. of Charlotte, N.C.; two aunts, Juanita Weaver of Bristol Tennessee and Cornelia Wolfe of Alexis, N.C.; several great-nieces and great-nephews and several cousins. Graveside services for Jerry Bert Wolfe will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Abingdon, with Rev. Paul Price officiating. The family will meet at the cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard, Abingdon. Pallbearers will Justin Neece, Leon Salyer, Junior Wise, Charles Dollar, Darius Salyer and Jackie Christian. The family will receive friends from 6 until 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. The family wishes to thank Dr. Fred Greear and staff, Mary Barry, his hospice nurse, and Charles and Deena Dollar. Online condolences may be sent to the Wolfe family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.