Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 8, 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, December 8, 2004 Robert Henry Baker CASTLEWOOD – Robert Henry Baker, age 68, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004. He was born Nov. 21, 1936, to Ruby Hale Baker. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Earnestine Hurd Baker of Castlewood; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sherri and Michael Holbrook and Cindy and Jay McConnell, all of Castlewood; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Tommy P. Baker of Piney Flats and Robbie and Lisa Baker of Castlewood; four grandchildren, Tyler Holbrook, Kaylan Baker, Kane Baker and Matthew McConnell; a heart-adopted son, Kenneth Lee of Piney Flats; and a very special friend, Danny "D.J." Jessee. A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at 8 p.m. at Rings Chapel Baptist Church, where Robert was a member with Rev. Charles Jones and Rev. Mike Moore officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 6 until 7:30 p.m., before the service. Also, friends are welcome any time in the home. Johnia Hope Berry Johnia Hope Berry, 21, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in Knoxville, Tenn. She was a graduate of Bristol Tennessee High School, where she was a cheerleader, and East Tennessee State University, from which she was to receive her diploma on Dec. 18, 2004. While studying for her master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, she was employed by Peninsula Hospital and Zales Jewelers in West Town Mall. Johnia is survived by her parents, Michael and Joan Trivett Berry of Lawrenceville, Ga.; her fiancé, Jason White of Blountville; two brothers, Tim Burke of Bristol Tennessee, and Kelly Burke of Knoxville; a half-sister, Emily Tiller of Lebanon; a half-brother, Christopher Tiller of Lebanon; her maternal grandmother, Shirley Trivett of Bristol Tennessee; her maternal grandfather, Warren Trivett, of Bristol Tennessee; her paternal grandfather, B.R. Berry and his wife Nancy of Abingdon; an aunt, Patty Baker and her husband, Jerry, of Bluff City, and their children, Jessica Hodge, Jeremy Baker and Josey Baker; and three nieces, Camryn, Cassidy and Cadyn Burke, and their mother, Kristie, of Lebanon. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Wednesday evening at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. Johnia’s life will be celebrated at 11 o’clock Thursday morning, Dec. 9, 2004, in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. John Graham officiating. The committal service and interment will follow in the Baker Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Young, Collin Jones, James Rudolph, Jeremy Baker, Josey Baker and Robbie Hodge. Flowers will be appreciated, and donations may be sent to the Tri-State Baptist Children’s Home, 1528 Vance Tank Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Miss Berry and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Helen V. Clevinger GRUNDY – Helen Virginia Hackney Clevinger, 84 years of age, of Route 2, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at her home, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Frankie Hackney. She was a life-long resident of Buchanan County, a member of Bull Creek Old Regular Baptist Church and a loving mother and grandmother. Mrs. Clevinger was preceded in death by her husband, Tanzy Clevinger, Feb. 27, 2004. She is survived by three sons, Randall and wife Wanda Clevinger, Maxie, Va., Melvin and wife Margaret Bishop, Mouthcard, Ky., and Bobby and wife Mary Bishop, Maynardsville, Tenn.; two sisters, Alice Bishop, Mouthcard and Bernice Robinson, Chicago; one grandson; and five granddaughters. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Wilma Jean Clevinger, infant twins, and eight sisters. Funeral services for Helen Virginia Hackney Clevinger will be conducted Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, 11 a.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Elders Howard Daniels, Jackie Yates, Toy Looney and Roger Coleman officiating, with burial to follow in the Clevinger Family Cemetery on Belcher’s Fork, near Harman, Va. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Wednesday evening at 6 p.m., with services Wednesday at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Jerry Lamar Craft WISE –Funeral services for Jerry Lamar Craft will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Kenneth Sturgill officiating. Burial will be in the Wise Cemetery. Jerry Lamar Craft, 57, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at his home on Kemper Road. Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton is serving the Craft family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com Thelma L. Mays Felty BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral services for Thelma L. Mays Felty will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at the graveside in Mountain View Cemetery, with Randall Shaffer and Donnie Shaffer officiating. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Thelma L. Mays Felty, age 82, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, in the Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ronald L. Garrick Ronald L. Garrick, 48, died Dec. 4, 2004, at the Oasis of Hope Cancer Treatment Center in Mexico. He was born in Marion, the son of the late William Garrick and Sadie Long Garrick of Sugar Grove, Va., and was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Garrick. He had been employed by Bosley Construction, where he worked as a operating engineer and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: mother, Sadie Garrick, Sugar Grove; wife, June Dianne Moore Garrick; sons, Ronald A. Garrick and his wife Jennifer of Columbus, Ohio, and H. David W. Garrick , Columbus; brothers, John Garrick, Sugar Grove and Mark Garrick, Sugar Grove; granddaughters, Megan Garrick and Zoe Garrick; father-in- law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Peggy Moore; his brothers-in-law, Russell, Robert and James Moore; and nieces and nephews, Bryant Garrick, Jamie Garrick, Matthew "Bubba" Garrick, Kayla Garrick, Haley Garrick, Jimmy Moore, Ashley Moore, Brandy Moore, Bobby Moore and Billy Joe Moore. Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at the Summit Baptist Church in Sugar Grove. Interment will follow in Slemp Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Garrick family. Martha Lee Goodson GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Martha Lee Hawkins Goodson, age 76, of Fairfield Drive, passed away early Tuesday morning, Dec. 7, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center. Lee was a member of Central Baptist Church. She is survived by her son, Jerry Lee Goodson; daughter and special son-in-law, Beverley and Archie Moncier, all of Greeneville; four granddaughters and one grandson-in-law, Adrienne Rebekah Moncier-Hensley and husband Roanld Hensley, Jessica Danielle Goodson, Chelsea Leigh-Ann Goodson and Jerrica Tennielle Goodson, all of Greeneville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pauline and Virgil Noonkester, Florence Scott, Dorothy and Eugene Scyphers and Brenda Hawkins, all of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Wyndom Gilmer (W.G.) Goodson, who died on Sept. 12, 2004, and her daughter, Veda Ann Goodson, who died on Sept. 12, 1993. She was the daughter of the late Stephen J.B. and Clara Anna McIntyre Hawkins, and was also preceded in death by sisters, Leah (Elsie) Gentry, and two infants, and a brother. Private graveside services will be held at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon. There will be no formal visitation. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Greeneville- Greene County Rescue Squad or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Rose Hill Funeral Home, Greeneville, is in charge of arrangements. Billie Frances Hale The committal service and interment for Billie Frances Faulkner Hale will be conducted at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning, Dec. 8, 2004, at East Lawn Memorial Park in Kingsport. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Northeast Tennessee Chapter Alzheimer’s Association, 207 North Boone St., Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Billie Frances Faulkner Hale, 80, formerly of Kingsport, died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004. Mrs. Hale and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Lois F. Miller CHILHOWIE – Lois Franklin Miller, 79, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, in Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie. She was a native of Big Stone Gap and had been a resident of this area for 59 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ira Newton Miller, her parents, Will Arch Franklin and Ethel Reedy Franklin, and one brother, Arch Vernon Franklin. She is survived by one son, Newton Doulgas Miller, Troutman, N.C.; three granddaughters, Tina Nelson, Marion, Constance Miller, Chilhowie and Candace Miller, Adwolfe, Va.; three great-grandsons, Kaden Newton Miller, Matthew Richard Nelson and Cory Nelson; two brothers, Bruce Franklin and Douglas Franklin, both of Crossville, Tenn; also several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday in the Williams Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her nephews. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the Chilhowie Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 502, Chilhowie, VA 24319. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Williams Funeral Home. Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie, is serving the family of Lois Franklin Miller. Patricia Louise Nixon HICKORY, N.C. – Patricia Louise Nixon, 39, died Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004, at her residence. A native of Avery County, she was a daughter of Dorothy Owens Arnett of Bristol Tennessee, and the late Claude Arnett. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Gene Junior Nixon of the home; brothers, Bob Arnett, Stevie Arnett and Tim Arnett, all of Bristol Tennessee; sisters, Rose Mary McCracken of Bristol Virginia, Brenda Lail of Hickory and Loretta Black of Union, S.C. Interment and graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Tanglewood Cemetery in Linville. A service to celebrate her life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the House of Prayer, with the Rev. Roy Arnett officiating. Condolences may be sent at www.reinssturdivantfuneralhome.com Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Nixon family. (828) 733- 2121. William Pendergrass William Clayton Pendergrass, age 62, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol Tennessee, and retired after a 30-year truck driving career. Survivors include: wife of 44 years, Nola Johnson Pendergrass; sons, Danny Pendergrass and Clay Pendergrass Jr. and his wife Teresa; mother, Annie Pendergrass; sisters and brothers, Betty Spurlock, Peggy Oliver, Mary Sue Nash, Bobbie Rutledge, Fred Pendergrass and Jackie Pendergrass, all of Sullivan County, and Wanda Hatcher of Galax; grandchildren, Wil Pendergrass and wife Holly, Joshua Pendergrass, Adam Pendergrass and Amber Moore and husband Justin; and special great-grandson, Matthew. He was preceded in death by his father, Jess Pendergrass, a brother, Bill Pendergrass, and a daughter-in-law, Traci Pendergrass. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Gary Rowlette and Rev. Billy Denton officiating. Pallbearers include: Chris Rutledge, Mark Byington, Jim Miller, John Johnson, Doug Cullop, Justin Moore, Jamie Johnson, Neil Stout, Mike Pendergrass and Donnie Foster. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to help offset funeral expenses. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Alberta L. Kelly Rice Alberta Louise Kelly Rice, age 85, passed away on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Zella Kelly, and had been in the Bristol area for almost 40 years. Ms. Rice had retired from the Washington County School Board and was of the Methodist faith. Survivors include: son, John Rice and wife Brenda of Bristol Tennessee; sisters, Margie Amos, Dorothy Patania and Ruth Fowler, all of the Knoxville area; granddaughter, Michelle Fleenor; great-grandchildren, Terri Leigh, J.C., and Hannah; several nieces and nephews; and many others who entered her life and were touched by her. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Baumgardner, a sister, Mary Daggy and a brother, Billy Kelly. According to Ms. Rice’s request, she will be cremated and there will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Gertrude L. Sexton Gertrude Legg Sexton, age 85, a resident of NHC of Bristol Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004. She was a daughter to the late Melvin and Laura Adams Legg, and had made her home in Bristol Virginia most of her life. She was a retired employee of Sprint and a member of North Bristol Baptist Church. Survivors include: daughter, Freda Odum and husband Robert; grandchildren, Kim Mays and husband Robert, Toni Faullkner and husband Steve, Karla Odum, and Matt Odum; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Virginia Brown and Helen Dickenson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. John Markel officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Weaver Funeral Home. Myrtle F. Shearin BRISTOL, Va. – Myrtle Shearin, age 78, went to be with the Lord, on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, Tenn. She was born in Dante, Va., daughter to the late Samuel and Martha Williams Freeman. She was a former store clerk for Loving Grocery and Giants Grocery. Ms. Shearin attended Fellowship Chapel. Survivors include: daughters, Ann Blaylock and husband David of Maryville and Janice Wallace and husband Harry of Gray, Tenn.; sons, Larry Shearin of Jonesboro, Ga., Roy Shearin and wife Georgi of Knoxville, Tenn., and Chris Shearin and wife Beth of Bristol Virginia; 10 grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Shearin, one sister, and three brothers. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 7 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Lester MacKinnon officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-7 p.m., prior to the service, and other times at the home of Chris Shearin, 50 Crescent Circle, Bristol, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to American Heart Association, 830 Sullins St., Suite 3, Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is charge of arrangements. Leah G. Shepard THOMPSON VALLEY, Va. – Leah Gertrude Shepard, age 82, died Tuesday, Dec. 7. 2004, at Valley Health Care in Chilhowie. Born Oct. 12, 1922, in Thompson Valley, she was a daughter of the late Rowland W. Kiser and Sadie Rasnake Kiser. She was an active member of the Thompson Valley Church of God for over 60 years, where she served as secretary and treasurer of the Ladies Ministries. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Leafy Meredith and Lucy Buchanan, and three brothers, Raymond R. Kiser, Howard G. Kiser and Brady E. Kiser. Survivors include her loving husband of 53 years, Carl L. Shepard; four daughters, Sharon Poskas and husband Larry, and Crystal Patterson and husband Denny, all of Thompson Valley, Sandy Hilt and husband Ralph of Tannersville, Va., and Jennifer Cooper and husband Ray of Richlands; one sister, Pauline Stevens of Tazewell, Va.; six grandchildren, Saprena Noel and husband Dennis, Carla Richardson and husband Carlos, Robert Lowe Jr., Leah Patterson, Molly Hilt, Rachel Patterson and Victoria Patterson; and one great-grandson, Carson Noel. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, with the Rev. Kelvin Seabolt and the Rev. Larry Brooks officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Pallbearers will be Larry Poskas, Denny Patterson, Ralph Hilt, Ray Cooper, Robert Lowe Jr. Dennis Noel and Carlos Richardson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004. Flowers are welcome, however, for those who chose contributions, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Thompson Valley Church of God Ladies Ministries, Route 1, Box 449, Tazewell, VA 24651. The family may be reached at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Larry Poskas, in Thompson Valley. Edwin E. Strickland MARION – Edwin E. Strickland, age 80, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in Richfield Nursing Home, Salem, Va. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory. Mary Wright Sweet MEADOWVIEW – The committal graveside service for Mary Wright Sweet will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the Zion Cemetery. Those attending are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 9:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be George Stuart, Mike Stuart, Brent Stuart, Bradly Stuart, Rick Baumgardner and Brian Mutter. Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Virginia, 450 Orby Cantrell Highway, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219; or to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Memorial Program, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Mary Wright Sweet, age 87, passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at her residence. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Sweet family. Janie Yarber Widner GLADE SPRING – The funeral service for Janie Yarber Widner will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at 1 p.m. in the Rosedale Baptist Church, with Dr. Don Paxton officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Janie Yarber Widner, age 59, passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Widner family. David W. Willis NORTON – The family of David Woodrow Willis will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Graveside committal services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday in Laurel Grove Cemetery. Family and friends may meet at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com David Woodrow Willis, 46, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, after a six-month battle with cancer.