Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, January 6, 2005 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ==================================================================== Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Altizer, Carrie JEWELL RIDGE, Va. – Funeral services for Mrs. Carrie M. Altizer will be conducted Thursday at noon at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. Monte Elswick and Rev. Ival Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Steven LaVoy Fletcher, Kevin Christopher Fletcher, Sam Fletcher, Craig White, Brent White and Adam Nichols. Mrs. Carrie M. Altizer, of 6723 Stinson Ridge Road, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at her home, following a lengthy illness. 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. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/5/2005 - 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Armbrister, Beth COEBURN – Beth Parris Armbrister, 55, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in the Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City. She was a graduate of Graham High School, a 1971 graduate of Radford College, and a kindergarten teacher for the Norton City School System, where she touched over 400 students lives in her 21 years at the Norton Elementary School. Beth was voted "Norton City Schools Teacher of the Year 1990-91," and was a member of the Coeburn United Methodist Church. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Tracey Armbrister of Marion; a daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Matthew Carver of Asheville, N.C.; her parents, Harold E. (Jack) and Helen Parris of Bluefield, Va.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and Robin Kidd of Roanoke and Jenny and Brooks Akers of Griffin, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with Gwen Owens officiating. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Graveside services will be conducted 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, in the Grand View Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Va. The family request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357; or to one's charity of choice. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barlow, Ruby DAMASCUS – Ruby Mae Barlow, 79, passed away Dec. 31, 2004, after a short illness. She was originally from West Virginia and had moved to Damascus in 2001, to be with her daughter, Patricia Clement. Funeral services were held Jan. 3, 2005, at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, W.Va. Interment followed in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Jonathan Swank and his nurse, Diane Wise, to the nursing staff of Side One and therapists, Candy and Robin at Grace Health Care. Also, a special thanks to Margaret Vest, Mrs. Barlow's caregiver. The family requests that memorial donations be made to American Cancer Society, 230 Charwood Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210. This information provided by Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/2/2005 - 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blevins, Anthony BRISTOL, Va. – Anthony Lee Blevins, age 53, of 325 Edmond St., Apartment 214, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Blevins was born Sept. 15, 1951, a son of the late William S. and Margaret Milhorn Blevins, and has made his home in Bristol all of his life. He attended First Christian Church and was preceded in death by his wife, Mable Honeycutt Blevins. Survivors include a cousin, Bobby Blevins; his beloved cat, Ginger; special friends, Rachel Crouse, Beverly Strouth and Paul Johnson; and residences of Stant Hall. Funeral services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charlie Baker officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Ordway Cemetery. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bowman, Geneva H. BLUEFIELD, Va. – Geneva H. Bowman, age 90, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at the home of her son, Clarence Bowman. Born Jan. 19, 1914, in Mudfork, Va., she was a daughter of the late James and Nancy Pruett Hayes. She was a member of the Mudfork Church of Christ. She retired from Tazewell County Public Schools, where she had worked as a cook in the Tazewell High School cafeteria. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Bowman, one son, Walter Bowman, two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include one son, Clarence Bowman and wife Dora of Bluefield, Va.; one daughter, Nancy James and husband Bill of Canton, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Nora Bowman of Marion; one brother, Frank Hayes of Bluefield, Va.; one sister, Edna Dean of Timberville, Va.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, with Johnny Elmore officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005. The family requests memorial contributions be directed to "What Does the Bible Plainly Say," P.O. Box 554, Vansant, VA 24656-0554. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/5/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Childers, Kathleen ABINGDON – Interment and committal service for Mrs. Kathleen Fields Childers will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Casket bearers will be Ben Bumgarner, Larry Miller, David Leedy, Allen Musick and Chris Leedy. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 1:40 p.m., Thursday to go to the cemetery. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Kathleen Fields Childers, age 77, went to be with her Savior and friend, the Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mrs. Kathleen Fields Childers. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clark, Florence RICH VALLEY, Va. – Florence Buchanan Clark, age 90, widow of Benjamin "Ben" Clark, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie. She was a long-time member of the Rich Valley Presbyterian Church and was active in the women's group at the church. She was a graduate of Virginia Intermont College and was a teacher in the Smyth County School System for many years. Mrs. Clark was also active in the Rich Valley Fair Association. She is survived by one sister, Sue B. Clark of Abingdon; one brother, George W. Buchanan of Chilhowie; seven nieces and nephews, Donna Silber, Charles P. Hope III, Ruth Case, James Hope, Phillip B. Lee, Evelyn Cates and Julia Appel; and several great-nieces and great-nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at 3 p.m. at Rich Valley Presbyterian Church with Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The body will be taken to the church one hour before the service. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Rich Valley Presbyterian Church, 3783 Valley Road, Saltville, VA 24370. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Clark family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Counts, Bayless CEDAR BLUFF – Bayless Navarro Counts, age 73, passed away at his home Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in Cedar Bluff, after a lingering illness. He was born in Dickenson County on Dec. 8, 1931, to the late David and Celia Counts. He had served in the U.S. Army in France ,where he became an expert rifleman. He was a true example of Christianity and a great, shining light has left our midst, Heaven has gained from his passing. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by daughters, Wanda, Sarah and Layquita Counts, sisters, Sadie Counts, Ollie Lewis and Ozema Evans, and brothers, George W. Counts and Roy Counts. He is survived by his wife, Janice L. Counts of Cedar Bluff; daughters, Sherry L. Hayton of Saltville, Mitzi M. Evans of Rural Retreat and Linda M. Rasnake of Belfast; grandchildren; brothers, Jack Counts, Walter Kay Counts and Sidney A. Counts, all of Clintwood; and sisters, Ella Sutherland and Alice Hogan, both of Baltimore. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel with Clergyman Monroe Greeley officiating. Burial will be in the Kay Counts Cemetery, Rose Ridge Section, Clintwood. Military graveside services will be conducted by Clintwood DAV Chapter 35, VFW Post 8979 and American Legion Post 227. Grandsons and sons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers: sons-in-law, Rick Rasnake, Jeff Evans and Bobby Hayton and brothers, Jack, Kay and Sidney Counts. The family will receive friends at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 6, in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, with services beginning at this time. Mullins Funeral Home and staff are serving the Counts family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fleenor, J.C. BRISTOL, Va. – Committal services for J.C. Fleenor will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at Hughes Cemetery on Short Route 700, (Rich Valley Road), in Bristol Virginia. Pallbearers include: Creed Dye, Benny Castle, Jack Armstrong, Tim Moore, Harold Spencer, Rick Rasnake, Mike Gill and Leon Barnett. Honorary pallbearers include: Harold Armstrong, Harold Rutherford, Fred Eldreth, Raymond Hicks, Paul Denton and Jamie McGlothlin. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. J.C. Fleenor, age 80, passed away on Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at his residence. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fleenor, Velma BLUFF CITY – Velma Neal Fleenor, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at the NHC Healthcare in Bristol Virginia. Velma was born Aug. 30, 1910, in Blountville, to the late Rhea and Lannie Stewart Neal. She lived in Bluff City all her life and retired from the Sullivan County Board of Education. She was also an active member of the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star. Mrs. Fleenor was preceded in death by her husband, Carl W. Fleenor. Survivors include: her sons, Rhea Fleenor and wife Johnnie of Kodak, Tenn., Charles Fleenor and wife Patsy of Bristol Tennessee, Jack Fleenor and wife Peggy of Bluff City, Howard Fleenor and wife Christine of Kingsport, and Larry Fleenor and wife Margie of Bluff City. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service for Mrs. Fleenor will be held at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Walt Simmerman and Rev. John Cowell officiating. The visitation will be from 6 to 7:45 p.m. The committal service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday in the Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church for the Mexico Mission Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/5/2005 - 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hoge, J.M. BURKES GARDEN, Va. – J.M. Hoge, age 89, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at his home. Born April 19, 1915, in Burkes Garden, he was a son of the late William Jefferson Hoge and Margaret Moss Hoge. He was an elder in the former Burkes Garden Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday School for over 20 years. He attended Washington & Lee University. Mr. Hoge was a long-time farmer and, during earlier years, had worked at the former Farm Credit Association and as an agronomy supervisor for Southern States Cooperative. He was a member of the Wool Producers Association and a former member of the Board of Directors at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum. He and his wife, Louise, were active in the Tazewell County Historical Society and worked hard to bring about the creation of a Virginia Byway in Burkes Garden. "Mayor of Burkes Garden," a term Mr. Hoge humorously and humbly used to describe himself, worked hard to help preserve and maintain the beauty and serenity of the place he loved most-Burkes Garden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Barbara Hoge McCallum; two sisters, Janie Holmes and Mallie Barnes Davis; one brother, Francis Hoge; and a half-sister, Margaret Hurst. Survivors include his wife, Louise Greever Hoge; two sons, Kent Hoge and wife Betty Crabtree Hoge of Burkes Garden and Mickey Hoge and wife Coretta Poskas Hoge of Lebanon; two grandsons, Monte Hoge and wife Kelly Melvin Hoge and Scott Hoge; special niece, Betty Jane Craft; several other nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Carol Leffel, Daisy Stiltner, Ann Short, and Judy Ward. A memorial service will be conducted on the lawn at the Hoge home place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005. The family will receive friends at the home of Kent and Betty Hoge following the service. Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, is serving the Hoge family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Holbrook, Robert Franklin Robert Franklin Holbrook, 84, 216 Avonlea Place, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at his residence, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Holbrook was a native of Bull Run, Va., and had lived most of his life in Johnson City. He was a son of the late Robert L Holbrook and Vicie Jane Burton Holbrook, and was also preceded in death by his former wife, Mozelle Wolfe Holbrook, and three brothers, Curtis Holbrook, Leslie Holbrook and James Holbrook. Mr. Holbrook was a World War II U.S. Army veteran. He was retired from Clinchfield Railroad as an assistant to the trainmaster. Mr. Holbrook attended Oakland Avenue Baptist Church. He loved to dance, tell a funny story, loved people, loved to attend family entertainment shows, travel and he played the fiddle in his younger days. Mr. Holbrook is survived by his wife, Joyce Byrd Holbrook, Johnson City; his former wife, Margaret Holbrook, Johnson City: one daughter, Judy Johnson and her husband Romulus R. Johnson, Limestone; one son, Robin V. Holbrook and his wife Linda Holbrook, Johnson City; three sisters, Norma Franklin, Wilma Babb and Betty Brandon; three brothers, Maynard Holbrook, Noah Holbrook and Freddie Holbrook; and two grandchildren, Tekii Boren, Johnson City and Kerree Wheelock, Colorado City, Colo. A funeral service for Mr. Holbrook will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday from the Morris-Baker Funeral Home South Chapel. Reverend Terry Prater will officiate. Military graveside honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Washington County Memory Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Johnson City, TN 37601. Online condolences may be made via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, (423-282-1521), is serving the family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Johnson, Douglas G. BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral service for Douglas G. Johnson will be held Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Haynes and Rev. Dewey Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, in Abingdon, where military honors will be rendered by the Highlands Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Douglas G. Johnson, age 61, passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, in the James H. Quillen DVAMC. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lawson, George "Short" ABINGDON – George Edward (Short) Lawson, 82, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005. He was of the Baptist faith and had served in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded the American Theatre Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Mr. Lawson was preceded in death by his parents, George Arnold and Mary Branch Wright Lawson; one sister, Cora Johnson; and two brothers, Henry A. and Robert L. Lawson. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Snead Lawson; six children, Michael Lawson of Abingdon, Melody Bowers of Abingdon, Edward Lawson and wife Gayle, of Abingdon, Marvin Lawson and wife Thelma of Meadowview, Mary Bradley of Abingdon and Barbara Bradley of Marion; one brother, William Lawson of Abingdon; one sister, Mary Ann Hinkle of Versailles, Ky.; seven grandchildren, Travis and Misty Bowers, Brian and Nicole Lawson, Samara Lawson, Tonya Sherfey and James Bradley; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A graveside service will be held Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Brother Tom Hinkle officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. Pallbearers include Travis Bowers, Larry Johnson, Brian Lawson, Lewis Johnson, James Bradley, Mike Warren and Travis Sherfey. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the Lawson family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/5/2005 - 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lusk, Dusty KEYMAR, Md. – Mr. Dusty Ray Lusk, 20, died on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Born on April 27, 1984, in Wytheville, Va., he was the son of Danny A. and Karen V. Haga Lusk of Keymar. Mr. Lusk was a student at Frederick Community College and also worked at Wal-Mart. He enjoyed fishing, working on his car and was a Dallas Cowboys fan. Dusty was very friendly, caring, and outgoing. He helped take care of his grandparents but, most of all, he was proud of his sisters, who he loved dearly. Survivors in addition to his parents, two sisters, Brittany R. Lusk and Kaitlyn M. Lusk, both of Keymar; grandparents, James D. Sawyers and Rose F. Sawyers of Frederick and William Harry Haga Jr. and wife Martha of Marion; and numerous special aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, with Rev Tom Fralin officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Cemetery, Lovettsville, Va. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD. This is a courtesy announcement by Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Malone, Hubert BLUFF CITY – Hubert Lee Malone, age 84, of 641 Ryder Church Road, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at his residence. Hubert was born Oct. 11, 1920, in Blountville, to the late Bill and Sarah White Malone. He lived in the greater Bristol area all his life, where he worked as a mechanic for Pope's Construction. Mr. Malone was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in World War II in the Philippines. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include: his wife, Margie Lunsford Malone of Bluff City; four daughters, Mary Edna Wright of Bluff City, Patricia Smalling and husband Ronnie of Newton, N.C., Janice Taylor and husband Dave of Bristol Tennessee and Tammy Wright of Bluff City; and two sons, Clyde Malone of Bristol Tennessee, and Jimmy Malone and wife Jean on Bristol Tennessee. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The graveside service for Mr. Malone will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, in the Shipley Cemetery with Rev. Billy Watson officiating. The visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday. There will be a funeral procession leaving the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. going to Shipley Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Garnett Baker, David Malone, Richard Leonard and Johnny Leonard. Military honors will be conducted by the Highland Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard at the graveside. In honor of Mr. Malone, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Tennessee Affiliate, 4205 Hillsboro Road, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37215. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mason, Thelma BLUFF CITY – Thelma Mason, age 88, of 221 Oak Lane, and a former Leesville, Ohio, resident, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 2, 2005, in her residence. She was born June 16, 1916, in Columbus, Ohio, and was the daughter of the late George Allen and Ruth Eleanor Gordon Linley. She was a wife, mother and homemaker for most of her life and a member of the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Bristol Tennessee. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Odgar L. Mason, who died Sept. 24, 1984, a son, Larry Mason, and two brothers, Gordon Allen Linley and Kenneth Eugene Linley. She is survived by two daughters and three sons, Mrs. Duane (Sharon Kay) Williams of Kingsport, Mrs. Jonnie (Lynn Ellen) Darnell of Bluff City, with whom she resided, Jack Lee (Dianne) Mason of Meadowview, Donald Lysle Mason of Phoenix, Ariz., and Henry Hudson (Connie) Mason of Dover, Ohio; two sisters, Katherine Lucille Skinner of Spokane Valley, Wash., and Mrs. Delbert (Delores Marie) Bush of Clarksburg, Ohio; 24 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and four great- great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with Pastors Jonnie L. and Lynn Darnell officiating. Interment followed in the Leesville Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, in the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Bristol. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Harvest Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 2014, Bristol TN 37621; or the Leesville United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Pat Tripp, 7193 Cumberland Road, SW, Bowerston, OH 44659. Baxter-Gardner, (740) 269-9225. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/4/2005 - 1/8/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- McClelland, Golda Thomas BLUFF CITY – Golda Thomas McClelland, 90, died at 10:05 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. The daughter of the late Walter Clyde Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Humphreys Thomas, she was born Jan. 28, 1914, in the Emmett community of Sullivan County, Tenn. Mrs. McClelland was a long-time member of Bluff City United Methodist Church and active in the Women's Society of Christian Service. She was a life member and past president of Bluff City Elementary School PTA. Preceding her in death were her husband, James Reuben McClelland, a brother, E. Claude Thomas, and sisters, Anna Miller, Verna Kessler, Edna Thomas, Ruby Poore, Glynden Thomas and Blanche O'Dell. Survivors include her daughters, June Childress and husband John E. Childress Jr., Kingsport, and Velma Rutherford, Bluff City; granddaughter, Leah Rutherford Morrell and husband Mike, Lynchburg, Va.; grandson, David Rutherford and wife Clarinda Mills Rutherford, Bluff City; one great-granddaughter, Lauren Denise Rutherford; brother, Walter Clyde Thomas Jr. and wife Gerry, Atlanta; two sisters, Grace Crumley, Bristol Tennessee, and Leila Fine, Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Akard Funeral Home, Bristol Tennessee. Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday at Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John W. Mullen and Rev. Jack Edwards officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Morning View Cemetery in Bluff City. Pallbearers will be W. Clyde Thomas III, Claude Crumley, Don Crumley, Robert "Bob" Thomas, Tyler McClelland, Gene Morrell, Mike Miller and Sam Baird. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Funke, M.D., Tom Brock, M.D., Mike McClelland, Lee Johnson, W.L. Jones, Charles Hurley and Charles Hicks. Memorial contributions may be made to Bluff City United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 190, Bluff City, TN 37618. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Golda McClelland. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- McConnell, M.J. WEBER CITY, Va. – M.J. McConnell, 90, departed this life Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. He was born Feb. 26, 1914, in Scott County, Va. Mr. McConnell was retired from Tennessee Eastman Company after 41 1/2 years of service. He was a member of Gate City Catlett Lodge 35 for more than 50 years and served on the town council of Weber City for 20 years. Mr. McConnell was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gate City for 50 years. He was loved by everyone who knew him and was a great asset to the community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Grace Hughes McConnell. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nell Mann McConnell, Weber City; two sisters, Ann Williams, Weber City, and Jane Kinkead, Kingsport; aunt, MaryAnn Hughes, Richmond; several nieces and nephews; special caregivers, Betty and Everett Garland, Weber City; and special friends, Jo Retta Smith, Weber City, Ed Catron, Weber City, Scott Woods, Weber City and Sam and Phyllis Williams, Clinchport, Va. Calling hours are 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at Colonial Funeral Home in Weber City, and any time at the residence. Masonic service will be conducted by Gate City Catlett Lodge 35 at 6:45 p.m., with funeral services following in the funeral home chapel, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m., with Ed Clevinger, minister, and Rev. J. Miller Liston officiating. Pallbearers will be Everett Garland, Ed Catron, Fred Head, Mack Edwards, G.W. Dougherty, Lawrence Carter and Brian Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Williams, Dr. Wesley Eastridge, Tommy Johnson, Nick Nickels, Emory Prillhart and Scott Woods. Graveside services will be Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at 1 p.m. at Holston View Cemetery. In memory of M.J. McConnell, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at cfhwc@earthlink.net. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- McElyea, Mymie Jo BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mymie Jo McElyea, age 59, of 809 5th St., passed away Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, in the Johnson City Medical Center. Mrs. McElyea was born on July 12, 1945, in Hartford, Tenn., to the late William D. and Lannie Jane Smith Henderson. She had lived most of her life in the Bristol area and attended Bradley Street Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church. Mrs. McElyea was a very loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Mrs. McElyea is survived by: her husband, Charlie B. McElyea Jr.; two sons, John Houston Raines, serving in Iraq, and Joseph Patrick Raines, of Bristol Tennessee; one stepdaughter, Shannon Brooks, of Bristol Virginia; six grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; one brother, Rondy Ray Henderson Sr., of Bridgeton, N.J.; three sisters, Mary Gaddy, of Bridgeton, Lucille Langley, of Vinland, N.J., and Geraldean Frazier, of Marietta, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Burnette officiating. Graveside service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Eastern Heights Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Gentry, David Phipps, Harry Langley Jr., Joey McElyea, Kenny Tilson and Ronnie Trivette Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Pope and Rex Gentry. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/4/2005 - 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Owens, Lonnie VANSANT, Va. – Funeral services for Lonnie Buford Owens will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at Haysi Funeral Home with Elders Bobby Arrington and Garnell Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow in the Family Cemetery, Route 1, Vansant. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. American Legion Post 164 of Grundy will conduct military graveside rites. Lonnie Buford Owens, age 83, of Route 1, passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pennington, Jimmy CLINTWOOD – Jimmy David Pennington, 16, died at his home, Route 1, on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005. He was an 11th grade student at Clintwood High School and was preceded in death by his mother, Sherry Denise Pennington. He is survived by his brother, John Pennington, Clintwood; his grandmother, Edit M. Dotson, and grandfather, Bobby Dotson Sr., both of Clintwood; uncles, Bobby Dotson Jr., Clintwood, and David Willsey, Unionville, Va.; aunt, Crystal Vanvoer, Amosville, Va.; and cousins, Bret and Chelsea Dotson. Funeral services for Jimmy David Pennington will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday from the Clintwood Funeral Home with Ministers Greg Cyphers and Keith Dotson officiating. Burial will follow in the Kennedy Cemetery, Caney Ridge. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Pallbearers will be Rob Fleming, Doug Willis, Robbie Shatley, Mike Shatley, George Mullins and Andrew Rose. Honorary pallbearers will be classmates. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/5/2005 - 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pickel, Harold BLUFF CITY –Funeral services for Harold J. Pickel will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, in the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn., with Rev. Jimmy Sproles officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Patton-Crosswhite Post 6975. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Harold J. Pickel, age 80, of 628 Sharps Hollow Road, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in the James H. Quillen DVAMC, Mountain Home, Tenn. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Puckett, Lillie Belle GLADE SPRING – The graveside service for Mrs. Lillie Belle Mumpower Puckett will be held Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Rush Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with song and prayer by Elder Larry Blevins. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Lillie Belle Mumpower Puckett, age 85, passed from this life Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital, following a long illness. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Puckett family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stump Sr., Robert MARION – Robert Lewis Stump Sr., age 77, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Mr. Stump was born in Grassy Creek, N.C., to the late Laura Mae and Walter Franklin Stump, and was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter Eugene Stump, John Wesley Stump and Walter Worth Stump. He was employed at Evans Distributing for over 20 years and had worked at Holston Motor Company. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II and was a member of the American Legion Post 18 in Marion. Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. Stump Jr. and wife Donna, Abingdon; one daughter and son-in-law, Janice Irish and husband Keith, Norway, Mich.; one brother, Frank Allen Stump and wife Moonene, Winston- Salem, N.C.; one sister, Helen Waddell, Atkins; grandchildren, Rebecca Stump, Rochelle Wymer and Darren Scot Irish; great-grandchildren, Jonathon Charles Wymer and Sarah Elizabeth Wymer; special friends and care givers, Pam and Marshall McGrady, Marion, Barry and Mae, Marion, Eddie Wayne Thompson, Crystal West Cole and Aalahia Cole; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, from the Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Rev. Mike Sage officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday morning at Roselawn Cemetery, with military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 18, 107 Laurel Springs Road. Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. The family will friends Friday at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Stump family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warren Sr., Joseph MARION – Joseph Walton Warren Sr., 84, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. He was born May 22, 1920, the son of the late Dr. Robert Gleve Warren and Rosa Jordan Warren, and was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Walton Warren Jr., his former wife, Edna Hill Warren, and his brother, Robert Gleve Warren. He graduated from Liberty High School in Williamson, W.Va., and after serving with the U.S. Army in Guam during World War II, he attended West Virginia State College at Institute, W.Va., and Morris Brown College in Atlanta. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi social fraternity. He was employed at Lockheed Aircraft Company in Atlanta and also worked in the U.S. Postal Service. He became a Marion resident in the 1960s and was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, until its closing, and later Grace United Methodist Church. Mr. Warren had been a resident of Valley Health Care for the past two years. He was a self-made artist and had showings at Wachovia Banks, Marion Primary School, the Art Place in Chilhowie and the McGraw Military Base in Munich, Germany. He donated all of his art that he had on his walls at Valley Heath Care Center to the Mt. Pleasant Black Heritage Museum. He loved to travel and visited in Canada and in most of the western European countries. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Rose Michelle Warren Foster and husband Rev. Dwight Foster, Atlanta, Phyllis Warren Axam and husband Andre Axam, Atlanta; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rosalie Warren Smith, Atlanta and Coletta Warren Pilz and husband Hans Pilz, Munich, Germany; one brother, Hoyt Jordan Warren, Atlanta; two nieces; four nephews; a very dear friend, Evelyn Lawrence, of Marion; sister, Ruby Peoples and sons, Gordon and Norman; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Bradley's Funeral Chapel, Marion, with Rev. Mike Teague, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, with full military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. The family of Mr. Warren would like to extend a special thank you to Valley Health Care in Chilhowie for their love and care of Mr. Warren. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations can be made to the Mt. Pleasant African American Museum, c/o Evelyn Lawrence, 312 Broad St., Marion, VA 24354. The family will receive friends Friday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Warren family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- White, Robert Louis "Sir Rabbit" BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral service for Robert Louis (Sir Rabbit) White will be noon, Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, in Harris Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 218 Oakview St., Bristol, Va., with Rev. Jeanette Clark officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the church. Condolences may be sent at robinsonmortuary@earthlink.net. Robert Louis (Sir Rabbit) White, age 62, son of the late Samuel and Lelia White, went home to be with the Lord Sunday evening at his residence. Robinson Mortuary, 333 Spencer St., Bristol, VA 24201, Telephone 276-669-5155. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Widener, Nettie SEVEN MILE FORD, Va. – Nettie Virginia Helton Widener, age 66, went to be with the Lord and her husband on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. She was born Dec. 5, 1938, to the late Marvin and Freelove Helton, and was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Widener, five brothers, James William Helton, David Wilford Helton, Ellis Randall Helton, Charles Vincent Helton and Marvin Douglas Helton. She was a member of the Chilhowie Baptist Church and had worked Natalie Knitting for over 20 years and at Marley Moldings for over 15 years. She was a very special mother to all. Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Melanie Widener, Seven Mile Ford; four sisters, Alda Carrico and husband Charles, Seven Mile Ford, Janice Haga, Seven Mile Ford, Carolyn Hackney and husband Fred, Pearisburg, Va., and Sue McKinnon and husband Jimmy, Marion; two grandchildren, Keelee Widener and Derrike Widener; and several very close family members and friends also survive. The family would like to thank the staff at Smyth County Community Hospital for all their care of Mrs. Widener. Funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Chilhowie with Rev. Chuck Herrell officiating. Interment will follow in the Middle Fork Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home in Chilhowie. Bradley's Funeral Chapel is serving the Widener family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Winesett, Charles Edmond FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY, Va. – Mr. Charles Edmond Winesett, age 79, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. He was born on June 8, 1925, in Grayson County, Va., to the late John Edmond Winesett and Hallie Carson Winesett. Edmond was preceded in death by his wife, Gae Crowe Winesett, a brother, Whit Winesett, and a sister, Hallie Gwyn. He had lived in Mt. Airy, N.C. as a young man and had made his home in Washington County, Va., since 1947. Edmond was a retired carpenter, brick mason and farmer. He had served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and was a member of the Marion VFW Post 4667. He was a long-time member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he had also served as deacon of the church. Survivors include four daughters, Barbara Jo Davis and husband Howard, Andrea W. Newman and husband Fred and Sandra W. Heath and husband Glenn, all of the Friendship Community, and Tracy W. Coggins and husband Berry of Gray, Tenn.; a sister, Louise Adkins of Low Gap, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Eddie Davis and wife Jennifer, Anna Newman Campbell and husband Justin, Jeremy Weaver, Cathy Newman Reid and husband Emery, Jeremiah Weaver, Charlie Coggins and Kasey Coggins; three great- grandchildren, Sydney, Christopher and Seth; and special friends, Hazel and Roosevelt Blankenship. A graveside memorial service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with Rev. David Sizemore and Rev. Paul Jones officiating. Interment will follow the service. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday at Friendship Baptist Church or any time at the home of his daughter, Andrea Newman on Love's Mill Road in the Friendship Community. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Residents Special Needs Fund, Attention: Pat Williams, c/o Valley Health Care Center, P.O. Box 748, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Charles Edmond "C.E." Winesett. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/6/2005 - 1/7/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yelton, Viola ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Viola Tiller Yelton, age 70, of 4347 Taney Ave., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at her home. Born July 3, 1934, in Council, Va., she was a daughter of the late Woodrow and Emma Presley Tiller. She had spent her early life in the Council area and had resided in Alexandria since 1965. She was a member of the Greenbrier Baptist Church in Arlington, Va. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Arlene Tiller and Dimple Watson. Survivors include one son, Michael Yelton of Haymarket, Va.; one daughter, Sharon Hushour of Alexandria; one brother, Lehman Tiller of Vansant, Va.; one sister, Norma Sue Farmer of Union City, Calif.; three grandchildren, Jesse Yelton, Christina Heddings and Philip Pigg; three great-grandchildren, Spencer Pigg, Alyssa Heddings and Russell Pigg also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Ancil Childress officiating. Interment will follow in the Presley Cemetery at Council. Pallbearers will be Dwight Lester, Stafford Tiller, Darrell Street, Philip Pigg, Mark Heddings and Jesse Yelton. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Friday. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/6/2005.