Halifax County, VA - Obituaries: The Gazette-Virginian - December 1997 By permission of The Gazette-Virginian http://www.gazettevirginian.com ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** December 1, 1997 Victoria Shields Whitlow A funeral for Victoria Shields Whitlow, 83, of 178 High View Church Road, Roxboro, NC, who died Tuesday, November 25, 1997, at her home, will be held at 2 p.m. today, November 28 in High View Baptist Church by Revs. J.D. Moore and Buddy Hall. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Whitlow was a native of Halifax County, the daughter of Percy and Bessie Wheeley Shields and was married to Harvey W. Whitlow. Surviving are a daughter, Miranda Helfter of Yaupon Beach, NC; four sons, Talmadge Whitlow, Alvin Whitlow, Graley Whitlow and Jackie Whitlow, all of Roxboro; a foster daughter, Betty H. Tayler of KY; a brother, Phillip Shields of Mebane, NC; a sister, Mildred Griffin; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Elsie S. Banks Robinson Elsie S. Banks Robinson of 14751 Paradise Lane, Amelia, and formerly of Halifax County, died Saturday, November 22, 1997 at Johnston Willis Hospital in Richmond at the age of 72. Mrs. Robinson was born in Halifax County on May 14, 1925 the daughter of Deacon William J. Banks and Nannie M. Banks of Clover. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and a graduate of Halifax Training School and also attended Virginia Union University. Survivors include her husband, Deacon William H. Robinson of Amelia; two daughters, Theresa Alston and Patricia Robinson; three sons, William, James and Samuel Robinson, all of White Plains, NY; one step-son, Christopher Jefferson of Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Reginia Robinson of Amelia; four brothers, William F. Banks of Bronx, NY, Robert of Clover, Henry of TN, and John of Greenwich, CT; one brother-in-law; five sisters-in-law, including Olivia Banks of Clover, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Robinson will be held today, November 28 at 1 p.m. at Promise Land Baptist Church in Amelia. Leonidas Whitehead Leonidas Whitehead of The Bronx, NY, and formerly of Clover, died November 24, 1997 in New York at age 79. Mr. Whitehead was born in Charles City on December 2, 1917 the son of Elijah Whitehead and Martha Adkins Whitehead. He was married to Willie Mae Palmer Whitehead and was a World War II Army Veteran and a retired Longshoreman. Survivors include two daughters, Etta Frances Hill of Mt. Laurel and Yvette Whitehead of The Bronx; one son, Henry Alvin Palmer Sr. of The Bronx; one daughter-in-law, Constance Palmer; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one adopted grandson, Edwin Bega of The Bronx and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Whitehead will be held Saturday, November 29 at 11 a.m. at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home with Rev. R.H. VanHook officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Grove Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of Etta Francis Hill in Clover. December 3, 1997 Annie Palmer Gilliland Annie Palmer Gilliland, 98, of Route 2, Brookneal, died Monday, December 1, 1997 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. She was the wife of the late James Bates Gilliland. Mrs. Gilliland was born in Charlotte County, November 6, 1899, daughter of the late Luke B. Palmer and Hettie Fallen Palmer. She was a member of Staunton River Baptist Church and a retired employee of Campbell County Schools. She is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, James and Dorothy Gilliland of Nathalie, William and Edith Gilliland of Naruna, John and Mildred Gilliland of Forest, and Wilson and Margaret Gilliland of Lynchburg; five daughters and two sons-in-law, Edith G. Doss of Brookneal, Hettie G. Buckley of Lynchburg, Laura G. Carey of Lynchburg, Mabel and James Derbin of Lynchburg, and Elizabeth and Edwin Johnson of Lynchburg; 24 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence Palmer and Innis Palmer; and one sister, Willie Ethel Trent. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. today, December 3 at Staunton River Baptist Church by Rev. Clint Brooks with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Lena Mae Tarry Lena Mae Tarry, 62, of 1378 Buffalo Springs Road, Buffalo Junction died Tuesday, December 2, 1997 at her home. Mrs. Tarry was born in Iradell County, NC on November 23, 1935 the daughter of Henry and Angerone Patterson. She was a graduate of Jerry's School of Beauty Culture, and was a 31 year employee of Burlington Industries. Survivors include her husband, Larry Tarry; one son, Patrick A. Tarry; three brothers, John L. Patterson of Arlington, Claude Patterson of Clarksville and Lonnie L. Patterson of MD; one daughter-in-law; six sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Tarry will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 4 at St. Mark Baptist Church, Buffalo Junction with Rev. John H. Brown officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening, December 3 from 7 until 8:00 at C.H. Harris Funeral Home in Clarksville. Louise Stephen White Louise Stephen White of Brooklyn, NY died Saturday, November 22, 1997 at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, at the age of 81. Mrs. White was born in Halifax County. Survivors include four daughters, Earline Powell, Linda Wheless, Joanne Logan and Dollena Ealy, all of Brooklyn; five sons, William White, Hular White Jr., Benford White, Delmer White, and Edgar White, all of Brooklyn, 15 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five sisters, Maude Pope of Chatham, Mattie Womack of Richmond, Hattie Jones of Chester, PA and Faye Stephen of Washington, DC; two brothers, Charlie Stephen of New Rochelle, NY and Joe Stephen of Capital Heights, MD; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. White were held Friday, November 28 at 1 p.m. at County Line Baptist Church in Vernon Hill with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Otis Dillard officiated. Charlie Edward Edmonds Jr. Charlie Edward Edmonds Jr. of South Boston died Sunday, November 23 at Fort Washington Hospital in Fort Washington, MD, at the age of 85. Mr. Edmonds was born in Halifax County Survivors include three daughters, Lottie Patterson of Riverdale, MD, Delois Price of Silver Springs, MD, and Joyce Edmonds of Temple Hills, MD; three sons, Velton Edmonds of Temple Hills, James Edmonds of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Phillip Edmonds of Ocean Grove, NJ; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Anderson of Washington and Nettie Mayo of South Boston; one brother, James Edmonds of Largo, MD; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Edmonds were held Saturday, November 29 at noon at New Vernon Baptist Church in Vernon Hill with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Roger Ford officiated the service. Rose Stovall Reeves Rose Stovall Reeves of South Boston died November 24, 1997 at Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC. Mrs. Reeves was born April 3, 1944 to the late James and Rose Lee Stovall and was 53 years of age at the time of her death. She was married to David Reeves. Survivors include her husband of Harrisburg, PA; four daughters, Yvonne Walton of South Boston, Mary Ann Stovall, Sabrina Reeves, Conchita Reeves; one son, James Reeves, all of Harrisburg; five brothers, Raymond and William Stovall of South Boston, James Stovall of Mt. Laurel, John Lee Stovall of Brookneal and Joe Lewis Stovall of Harrisburg; four sisters, Sally Hamlett of Clover, Josephine Stovall, Lelia Stovall and Gladys Stovall, all of South Boston; one son-in-law, Calvin Walton; three grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Reeves were held Saturday, November 29 at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Kent, Ballou and Crowder Funeral Service with Rev. William Dixon officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church cemetery. Rosetta Brandon Jeffress Rosetta Brandon Jeffress of 1198 Jeffress Trail, Alton died Thursday, November 27, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 79. Mrs. Jeffress was born in Halifax County on July 18, 1918 the daughter of Charlie Ed Brandon and Sarah Brandon. She was married to Willard McDoward Jeffress and was a member of Greater Brandon Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Pearlene Powell of Alton and Arlene Beamon of Newburgh, NY; two sons, Solomon and Wylie, both of Alton; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gladys Pointer of Alton and Eva Jeffress of Baltimore, MD; three brothers, Clifton Brandon, Edward Brandon and Charlie Brandon, all of Newburgh, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Jeffress were held Sunday, November 30 at 2 p.m. at Greater Brandon Missionary Baptist Church in Alton with Rev. Darren Brandon officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. William Henry Faulkner William Henry Faulkner of 1200 East Hyco Road, South Boston died Friday, November 28 at the V.A. Hospital in Richmond at the age of 64. Mr. Faulkner was born in Halifax County on April 30, 1933 the son of William Faulkner and Janie Green Faulkner and was married to Inez Aires Faulkner. He was a member of First Baptist Church in South Boston. Survivors include five step-children; two sisters, Dollie F. Nealous of Raleigh, NC and Frances F. Houston of Newark, NJ; one brother, Charlie E. Faulkner of Suitland, MD; one brother-in-law, Willie Houston of Newark, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Faulkner will be held today, December 3 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in South Boston with Rev. Alan G. Smith officiating. Burial will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. at Virginia's Veterans Cemetery in Amelia. The family will receive friends at the home of James Faulkner, 310 Johnson Street, South Boston. December 5, 1997 Edward Paige Lowery Edward Paige Lowery, 67, of New Castle, DE, died Thursday, November 27, 1997 of an aneurysm in Christiana Hospital. Mr. Lowery was the son of the late Evie Lowery and Annie Cole Lowery of Virgilina. He served in the Aviation Unit of the Delaware National Guard for 32 years, retiring in 1981 as a first sergeant supervisor in helicopter maintenance. After that, he trained thoroughbreds at Delaware Park. He served in the Army and was a member of Armstrong Lodge 26 AF&AM. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Martha Lee Lowery; one son, Mark E. Lowery of West Chester, PA; two daughters, Alison P. Lowery of Steelville, PA and Charlene M. Healy of Ocean View, NJ; five brothers, Chester, Aubrey and Weldon, all of South Boston, and Emmett and Lindy, both of Chester; three sisters, Nell Bowen of Lakeside, Virginia Martin of South Boston and Thelma Best of Pensacola, FL; five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Private services were held. Cleo Stevens Wilmoth Cleo Stevens Wilmoth of 1207 Berry Hill Road, South Boston died December 2, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 75 years of age. Mrs. Wilmoth was born in Halifax County on April 17, 1922 the daughter of Charlie W. Womack and Nellie Hudson Womack and was married first to Henry G. Stevens and then to James E. Wilmoth. She was a member of South Boston Church of God. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Marvin H. and Eleanor Stevens of Danville; three grandchildren, Michelle Adkins of Roanoke, Cheryl Pugh of Durham, NC and Carol Stevens of Richmond. She was preceded in death by three brothers, James E., Robert H., and Lindsey H. Womack Sr.; and one half sister, Gladys Ashby Wilmoth. Funeral services for Mrs. Wilmoth will be held today, December 5 at 2 p.m. at South Boston Church of God with Rev. Bill Leonard conducting the service. Burial will take place in Halifax Memorial Gardens. Jane Ellen Barger Bennett Jane Ellen Barger Bennett, 63, died Tuesday, December 2, 1997 at the Hospice Unit of Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. Mrs. Bennett was born in Alamance County, NC the daughter of James Barger and Ethel Parker Barger and was married to Carson Lee Bennett. She was employed by Surgical Center of Greensboro as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Mrs. Bennett graduated from John Nichols High School in Oxford, NC, from Watts Hospital School of Nursing and from Watts Hospital School of Anesthesia. She had been employed by Moses H. Cone Hospital and at hospitals in South Boston. She was a member of the N.C. Association of Nurse Anesthetists and a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Funeral services will be held at Lowe Funeral Home chapel today, December 5 at 2 p.m. with burial at Alamance Memorial Park. Mrs. Bennett is survived by her husband; one son, Dr. Carson Lee Bennett II of Los Angeles, CA; one sister, Patsy Ruth Barger of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, Cecil R. Barger of Burlington, NC and Franklin L. Barger of Jacksonville, NC; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret B. Wilson and Barbara B. Cooke; four brothers, Jimmy A. Barger, Billy R. Barger, Jack K. Barger and Donald S. Barger. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Hospice of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. Herbert L. Williams Herbert L. Williams, formerly of Appomattox, died Monday, December 1, 1997 in Washington, DC at the age of 57. He was the son of Deacon Charles H. and Ellie Hurt Williams. Mr. Williams was a graduate of Carver Price High School and Hampton University and was employed as a Research Chemist for the past 32 years by Herner and Company in Arlington. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and advanced to the Rank of Captain. Survivors include his father; one sister, Bessie Williams Session of Philadelphia; one brother, Algie L. Williams of Lynchburg and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 6, 1997 at noon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Lewis Watson conducting the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. James M. Irby III James M. Irby III of Halifax died Thursday, December 4, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 75 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Irby was born in Halifax County on November 22, 1922 the son of the late Acree Dunn Irby and Wirt Jordan Hagood Irby and was married to Alice Wynn Irby. He was a star athlete at Clover High School, longtime councilman for the city of South Boston, was instrumental in helping build the Community Hospital and the Tuck Dillard Stadium, was president of Halifax County Booster Club, owner and operator of Service Oil Company, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served as senior warden and was an active outdoorsman. Mr. Irby is survived by his wife; one daughter, Hope I. Bagwell of Halifax; one son, James M. Irby IV of Halifax; one sister, Harriett Irby Chambers of Athens, GA; four grandchildren, George M. Bagwell, Elizabeth H. Bagwell, Patrick R. Irby and Morgan B. Irby. A memorial service for Mr. Irby will be held Saturday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Russell Lee conducting the service. The family will receive friends tonight, December 5 from 7 until 9:00 at the home of his daughter, Hope I. Bagwell of Halifax. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Rescue Squad or Halifax Volunteer Fire Department. James Edward Boyd Deacon James Edward Boyd of Halifax died December 1, 1997 at the Vencor Hospital in Arlington. Deacon Boyd was born April 1, 1933 to the late Hulet Boyd and Helen LaPrade Boyd was married to Alice Venable Boyd. He was a member of New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie and served on the deacon board. Survivors include his wife; seven daughters, Anne Boyd Reid of Springfield, Rachel Boyd Hill of Virgilina, Mary Helen Boyd and Deborah Boyd Forest, both of Nathalie, Barbara Boyd Majors of Stafford, Eileen Threasa Boyd of Alexandria and Gayle Boyd Sydnor of Woodbridge; two brothers, St. John Boyd of Petersburg and Allen Boyd of Nathalie; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Deacon Boyd will be held Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Williams, eulogist and Rev. Nevell Kidd, officiating. Bur will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home, 4031 Clays Mill Road, Halifax. December 8, 1997 Alice Sue Perkins Wilborn Mrs. Alice Sue Perkins Wilborn of Danville, formerly of South Boston, died Thursday, December 4 at the Woodview at the age of 72. Mrs. Wilborn was born in Halifax County on September 6, 1925, the daughter of Mr. Roskey James Perkins and Mrs. Lorine Landrum Perkins. She was married to William Earl Wilborn and was a member of McCanless Memorial United Methodist Church. Her survivors include one daughter: Jackie Gatewood of Danville; two sisters: Gladys P. Green and Margaret P. Canada of South Boston; two grandchildren: Randy Earl Gatewood of Danville and Stefanie Osborne Flack of Hampton and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Bonnie W. Osborne and granddaughter, Amy Lynn Osborne. Graveside services were held Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m. at Halifax Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Delia Earnhardt conducting the service. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the McCanless Memorial United Methodist Church. John Ferrell Mr. John Ferrell of North Carolina, formerly of Halifax County, died Tuesday, December 2 at the Lake Norman Medical Center in Mooresville, NC at the age of 53. Mr. Ferrell was born in Halifax County on June 19, 1944 and was a member of the Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Mooresville. His survivors include four brothers: Fletcher Ferrell of Alexander, Andrew Ferrell of Clover, Lawrence Ferrell of New York and Alfred Ferrell of Jacksonville, NC; three sisters: Mary Terry and Edmonia Adams of Mooresville, and Anna Dee Carden of Albany, NY. Funeral services were held Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Mooresville. Lavalette Elliott Creasy Lavalette Elliott Creasy of Westminster Canterbury, Lynchburg, formerly of Gretna, died Saturday, December 6 in Lynchburg General Hospital at the age of 87. Born September 9, 1910 in Pittsylvania County she was a daughter of Stover Henry Creasy, Sr. and Maud Elliott Creasy. Miss Creasy was a member of Anderson Memorial United Methodist Church. She attended Chatham Hall. She is survived by a sister: Marjorie "Bubbles" Lacy of South Boston. She was predeceased by three brothers: Cecil, Thomas Claiborne Sr. and Stover Henry Jr. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9 at the Creasy Family Cemetery by Dr. Edward T. Wright. Miss Creasy will be carried to her home on Main Street, Gretna Tuesday morning prior to the service. Bernard Clayton Womack Mr. Bernard Clayton Womack of 4195 Mountain Road, Halifax died December 7 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 38. Mr. Womack was born in Halifax County on November 29, 1959, the son of Bernard Mack Womack and Mary Davis Womack. His survivors include his father; two sisters: Joan A. Womack and Linda W. Haskins of South Boston; one brother: Jimmie W. Womack of Roxboro, NC. Graveside services will be held today, December 8 at 3 p.m. at Halifax Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Richard Saunders conducting the service. The family will receive friends at his home. John Benjamin Medley Mr. John Benjamin Medley of South Boston died on Thursday, December 4 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 78. Mr. Medley was born in Halifax County. His survivors include his devoted companion: Lillian Woody of South Boston, other relatives and friends. A funeral service was held Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at Crawford, Garrett & Burton Funeral Home in Halifax with interment in the Williams Temple CME Church Cemetery, News Ferry. Elder Abner McCraw officiated. Lacy Roosevelt Peade Lacy Roosevelt Peade of 15063 L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway, Nathalie died Sunday, December 7 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 64. Mr. Peade was born in Halifax County on August 22, 1933, the son of John Tennie Peade and Ida Anderson Peade. He was a member of Ellis Creek Baptist Church and attended West End Baptist Church. He was married to Shirley Francis Peade. His survivors include his wife; three sons and daughters-in-law: Kenneth and Cathy Peade, Timmy and Donna Peade, Barry and Tracy Peade of Nathalie; three grandchildren: Kelly P. Puckett of Halifax, Holly A. Peade and Leanne N. Peade of Nathalie; two step-grandchildren: Tyler Whitmore, Brittiany Whitmore of Nathalie; five brothers: Glenwood Peade of Rockwell, MD, W.T. Peade of Petersburg, Nathaniel Peade of South Boston, Cecil Peade of Prince George, Osnby Peade of Manassas; and two sisters: Audrey Vaughan of South Boston and Geraldine Broyles of Petersburg. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ellis Creek Baptist Church cemetery by the Rev. Larry Martin. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday at Henderson Funeral Home and at other times at the residence. Winston Sydnor Jr. Mr. Winston Sydnor Jr. of 1152 Crystal Hill Road, Crystal Hill died Thursday, December 4 in Crystal Hill at the age of 53. Mr. Sydnor was born in Halifax County on September 27, 1944, the son of Mr. Winston Sydnor Jr. and Mrs. Florine Jennings Sydnor. He was married to Shirley Wilkerson Sydnor and was a member of the Brown's Memorial Holiness Church. His survivors include his wife; one daughter: Latasha Sydnor of Alexandria; one son: Stacey Sydnor of Jacksonville, NC; three sisters: Mary Byrd of Nathalie, Ada Barksdale and Jean Stephens of Halifax; three brothers: Willie Sydnor of Alexandria, Carl Sydnor and Herman Sydnor of Halifax; and his mother-in-law, Amanda Wilkerson of Halifax. A funeral service was held Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Ellis Creek Baptist Church, Nathalie with Elder William Mosby Jr. officiating. Burial followed in the Brown's Memorial Holiness Church cemetery and at other times at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Stephens, 1047 Dudley Road, Halifax. December 19, 1997 Janie Glass Daniel Janie Glass Daniel of 321 Chalmers Street, South Boston, died December 8, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 76. Mrs. Daniel was born in Halifax County on June 30, 1921 the daughter of Richard Thomas Glass and Recie Ann King Glass and was married to Robert A. Daniel. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Betty Jane Conner of South Boston; one son, Jimmy Glass of South Boston; three brothers, Thomas Glass and Noel Glass, both of Halifax and Woody Glass of South Boston; three sisters, Carrie Midkiff, Louise Lester and Shirley Saunders, all of Halifax; and three grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Daniel will be held today, December 10 at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Don Bryant conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Barksdale Hubbard Barksdale 'Crook' Hubbard, 74, of 1034 Pumping Hill Road, Nathalie died Sunday, December 7, 1997 in Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Hubbard was born in Halifax County on June 11, 1923 the son of Harold Hubbard and Bessie Hubbard. He was a retired farmer, and an Army Veteran of World War II Survivors include one daughter, Lelia Hubbard of Gretna; one sister-in-law, Artensia Hubbard of Hurt; a devoted niece, Maxine Boyd of Nathalie and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one sister, Elma Pannell and five brothers, Eddie, Elie, Floyd, Garther and William Hubbard. Funeral services for Mr. Hubbard will be conducted Thursday, December 11 at 1 p.m. from Hickory Grove Baptist Church by Rev. A.L. Dean with burial in Hermosia Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of Maxine and Lorrence Boyd, 1084 Alex Lane, Nathalie. Daisy Lee Jones Mitchell Daisy Lee Jones Mitchell of 1186 White Oak Fork Road, Virgilina died Sunday, December 7, 1997 at Duke Medical Center, at the age of 72. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Granville County, NC on January 22, 1925 the daughter of Joe Jones and Mollie Chrisp Jones Brooks and was married to Octavis Mitchell. She was a member of White Oak Fork Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Dorothy Mitchell of Virgilina; two sons, Charles Mitchell of Halifax and Harold Mitchell of Virgilina; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Geneva Redding of Durham, NC; two daughters-in-law, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Mitchell will be held today, December 10 at 1 p.m. at White Oak Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home. Dr. David W. Shepherd Dr. David W. Shepherd, 92, of Wake Forest, NC died Sunday, December 7, 1997 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Shepherd was born in Alamance County, NC the son of Joel R. and Nannie Brown Shepherd and was married to Jean F. Shepherd. He served United Church of Christ Churches throughout the Southeast for over 50 years, including Virgilina. He actively attended the Wake Forest United Methodist Church upon moving to Wake Forest. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, December 10 in Wake Forest United Methodist Church with burial in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens. Dr. Shepherd is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Joan and Casey Simmons of Grimesland, Sharon and Herb Youngkin of Huntsville, AL; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Sylvia Shepherd of Wake Forest; grandchildren, Matt Youngkin, Heather Youngkin, Ben Youngkin, Sam Simmons, John Shepherd Jr., and David Shepherd. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Wake Forest United Methodist Church Building Fund, 903 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC 27587, or to Huntsville United Methodist Church General Memorial Fund, 7906 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802. Nannie May Talley Nannie May Talley of Danville died Monday, December 8, 1997 at Roman Eagle Memorial Home. She was 83 years of age. Miss Talley was born May 31, 1914 in Virgilina the daughter of John William Talley and Daisy Forlines Talley. She was a member of First Baptist Church, a retired Registered Nurse after many years with Danville Memorial Hospital and Roman Eagle Memorial Home. Survivors include two nephews, Graham Talley of Fuquay-Varina, NC and Ray W. Talley of Virgilina. She was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. Graveside services will be held today, December 10 at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Boston with Rev. David Gray officiating. December 12, 1997 Henry Tucker Henry Tucker of 205 Greenfield Road, South Boston died Tuesday, December 9 at Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC at the age of 61. Mr. Tucker was born in Halifax County on June 22, 1936 and was the son of the late Mr. Amous Tucker and Mrs. Maria Palmer Tucker. He was a member of the Five Fork Baptist Church. His survivors include two sisters: Lula Ferrell and Helena Dingle of South Boston; four brothers: Joseph and Thomas Tucker of South Boston and Junior and James Tucker of Alexandria; and an aunt: Mrs. Beatrice Bailey of Halifax. Funeral services will be held Sun., Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m. with services at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home with the Rev. Sandy Palmer officiating. Burial will follow in the Five Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will received friends at the home of the deceased. Lodema Landrum Wilkerson Lodema Landrum Wilkerson of 311 Leigh Street, South Boston died Wednesday, December 10, 1997 at The Woodview. She was 83 years of age. Mrs. Wilkerson was born in Pelham, NC on June 2, 1914 the daughter of Charlie Henry Landrum and Nannie Howard Chaney Landrum and was married to Mitchell Franklin Wilkerson. She was a member of South Boston Church of God where she was secretary of the church for many years. Survivors include two sons, Lloyd Franklin Wilkerson and Donnie Gray Wilkerson, both of South Boston; one daughter, Nell Wilkerson Talley of Alton; one sister, Eugenia Landrum Anderson of South Boston; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. Funeral services for Mrs. Wilkerson will be held today, December 12 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with Revs. Don Fox and Bill Leonard conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston, VA 24592. Ralph Hamlett Lowery Ralph Hamlett Lowery of 1090 Bold Springs Road, South Boston died Tuesday, December 9, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 75 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Lowery was born September 25, 1922 in Halifax County the son of Bennie Lowery and Dossie Ford Lowery and was married to Helen Pool Lowery. He was a member of Black Walnut Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Stackhouse. Survivors include his wife; one son, Ralph H. Lowery Jr. of South Boston; one daughter, Mona L. Sparks of Fairfax; one sister, Alice L. Hubbard of Fort Myers, FL; one grandson, Zachery Sparks of Fairfax; and one granddaughter, Lauren Sparks of Fairfax. Funeral services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home chapel today, December 12 at 2 p.m. with Revs. Grover Stevens and Ricky Whitlow officiating. Burial will take place Black Walnut Baptist Church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Black Walnut Baptist Church. December 15, 1997 Paul David Barksdale Paul David Barksdale of 2480 Crown Road, Gretna died Friday, December 12, 1997 in Veterans Hospital, Salem. He was 69 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Barksdale was born August 30, 1928 in Pittsylvania County the son of Edward Norman Barksdale and Carrie Bullington Barksdale. He was a member of Greenfield Baptist Church, a member of George's Creek Hunting Club, a retired farmer, and was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Survivors include one brother, Clarence Barksdale of Leesburg; two sisters, Mary Gunter of South Boston and Alice Stephens of Gretna; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister, Harry Barksdale, Fred Barksdale and Hazel Warden. Graveside services for Mr. Barksdale were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 14 at Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery by Revs. R.G. Rowland and David Turbyfill. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Gretna Rescue Squad, PO Box 14, Gretna, or Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 875, Gretna, VA 24557. Lowell Hopkins Fallen Sr. Lowell Hopkins Fallen, Sr. of 10032 J. D. Hagood Highway, Clover, died December 12, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was born in Halifax County, on March 21, 1929 and was 68 years old. He was the son of George Thomas Fallen and Annie Mae Newbill. He was a member of the American Legion Post #8, of South Boston and served in the Army 196 Infantry 200 Engr. CCO 147FA. Mr. Fallen is survived by two daughters, Barbara Fallen Mabe, of Alton; Patricia Fallen Cullop, of Cluster Springs; three sons, James Edward Fallen, of Clover; Lowell H. Fallen Sr., of Crystal Hill; Phillip Ray Fallen Jr., of Cluster Springs; one sister, Ilva F. Lee, of Clover; fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and also the mother of his children, Lorene East. Funeral services for Mr. Fallen were held Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. with services at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lee Roy Davis conducting the service. Burial took place in Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pearl Owen Compton Mrs. Pearl Owen Compton of 1629 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, died Sunday, December 14, 1997 at The Woodview. She was born in Halifax County, on July 1, 1919 was 78 years old. She was the daughter of Mr. Joseph Henry Owen and Mrs. Emma Jane Compton Owen and was married to Alexander (Alex) W. Compton, Sr. She was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church. Mrs. Compton is survived by one son, Alex W. Compton, Jr. of Chester; one daughter, Peggy Anne Ratliff, of South Boston; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Mrs. Compton will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Clyde DeLoach conducting the service. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Monday from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. and other times at her daughter, Peggy Ratliff's home, 1025 Hunter's Lane. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Patrick Henry Boys Home at Cluster Springs. Marguerite Johnson Brame Mrs. Marguerite Johnson Brame of Lee-Syd-Moore Road, Scottsburg, died December 13 at The Woodview Nursing Home at the age of 83. Mrs. Brame was born in Halifax County on august 24, 1994 and was the daughter of he late Clem Johnson and Mrs. Addie Howerton Johnson. She was married to the late John Brame and was a member of the St. James Baptist Church. Mrs. Brame is survived by six daughters: Mrs. Mary France, of New York; Mrs. Kiziah Carden and Ms. Clementine Brame, both of New Jersey; Mrs. Yvonne Crawley, of Hopewell; Mrs. Gracie Meadows, of South Boston; and Ms. Viola Brame, of Scottsburg; two sons: John T. Brame of Leesburg; and Bernard C. Brame, or Richmond; two foster children: Herman Sydnor, of Scottsburg; and Mrs. Virginia Staten, of Clover; one brother: Thomas Johnson, of New York; 28 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Brame will be held Wednesday, December 17 at 1:00 P. M. with services at the St. James Baptist Church with the rev. Byrd B. Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of Ms. Viola Brame, 221 Sydnor Trail, Scottsburg and at the home of Mrs. Gracie Meadows, 1030 Comer Lane, South Boston. December 17, 1997 Louis Carr Louis Carr of Newport News died Wednesday, December 3 at his home at the age of 85. Mr. Carr was born in Halifax County and was married to Gladys Carr. Survivors include his wife of the home; one daughter, Linda Carr-Richardson of Acworth, GA; three grandchildren; one sister, Susie Gage of Baltimore, MD; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Carr were held Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. at Little Zion Baptist Church in Newport News with Rev. Linwood Gatling officiating and on Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Banister Hill Baptist Church in Halifax with Rev. William Carr officiating. Burial was in Banister Hill Baptist Church cemetery. Gracie Rothel Brown Gracie Rothel Brown West of Crystal Hill died December 15, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 98 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. West was born in Halifax County on May 19, 1899 the daughter of Charlie P. Brown and Mollie Crews Brown and was married to Aubin Gilbert West. She was a member of Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Lillie Brown Lewis of Crystal Hill; one brother, Henry Archer Brown of Bayonet Point, FL; three grandsons, Dwight Holt and Matt Lewis, both of Richmond, and Ranny Holt of Mechanicsville; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. West will be held today, December 17 at 3 p.m. at Crystal Hill Southern Baptist with Revs. Anthony Wilborn and Bernard Morris conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. December 19, 1997 Rebecca Stephens Rebecca 'Kitten' Stephens, 72, of 721 Peytonsburg Road, Vernon Hill died Tuesday, December 16, 1997 in Danville Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Stephens was born November 11, 1925 in Pittsylvania County the daughter of Inman and Madella Henry, and was married to Carter Stephens. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, Sammy Stephens of Halifax and Harry Stephens of Forrestville, MD; five daughters, Juanita Johnson of Halifax, Madella Luck of Java, Gladys Stephens of Vernon Hill, Brenda Stephens of Washington, DC and Karen Stephens of Greensboro, NC; one brother, Herman Henry of Java; two sisters, Leonia Thompson of Newark, NJ and Arsia Barksdale of Chester, PA; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sons-in-law; two daughters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law. Funeral services for Mrs. Stephens will be held Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. John Clark officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home. Ronald Howard Gregory Ronald Howard Gregory of Crewe died Wednesday, December 17 at the age of 68. Mr. Gregory was retired from the Norfolk & Southern Railroad as an assistant train master and a member of Pryor Memorial Presbyterian Church. His survivors include his wife, Jerry Gregory; two sons: Michael Gregory of Bracey, Scott Gregory of Prince George; three daughters: Debbie Harvey of Crewe, Rose Wootton of Burkeville, Amy Gregory of Durham, NC; mother: Hattie Gregory of South Boston; sister: Collene Woody of Nathalie; three brothers: Jimmy Gregory of South Boston, Bobby Gregory of Atlanta, GA; David Gregory of Roxboro, NC; five grandchildren, one great-grandson. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19 at 3 p.m. at Jennings-McMillian Funeral Home with interment in Crewe Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Harry Poindexter Edmonds Harry Poindexter Edmonds of Halifax died in Baltimore, MD on December 15 at the age of 93. Mr. Edmonds was born in Halifax County on August 31, 1904, the son of Mary Owens Edmonds and Paul Carrington Edmonds. He was married to the late Anna Britice Barksdale and was a member of the Banister Hill Baptist Church. His survivors include three daughters: Justean Lee Coles and Annette Lacy of Baltimore, Eve Edmonds Goode of Sutherlin; three sons: Robert Poindexter and James Irving of Albany, NY, and Holland Mitchell of Alexandria.He was preceded in death by one son, Percy Udolph. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20 at 11 a.m. at Banister Hill Baptist Church. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Daniel Funeral Home and at other times at 1103 Brooklyn Road, Sutherlin. The family requests that food items be taken to the Banister Hill Baptist Church. Nannie Carr Nannie Carr of Nathalie died Sunday, December 14 in Newark, NJ at the age of 88. Mrs. Carr was born in Halifax County on December 3, 1909, the daughter of James Clark and Mary Emma Boxley. She was married to the late Willie Mack Carr and was a member of the Sunflower Baptist Church. Her survivors include two daughters: Nannie Atily of East Orange, NJ, Effice Nowell of Charlottesville; five sons: George of Nathalie, Willie of Newark, Joe and Robert of East Orange and Thomas of Charlottesville and a sister: Bertha Roberts of Bronx, NY. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. at Sunflower Baptist Church with the Rev. Langston Logan officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Daniel Funeral Home on Friday, December 19 and at other times at 4141 Stonyridge Road, Nathalie. Mary Loftis Talley Mary Loftis Talley of 4373 Highway 58 Buffalo Junction died Thursday, December 18, 1997 at The Woodview. She was 80 years of age. Mrs. Talley was born January 16, 1917 in Halifax County the daughter of Joseph Lee Loftis and Sarah Loftis Loftis and was married to Walter Harrell Talley. She was a member of Buffalo Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Rodney Baker officiating. Burial will take place in Gravel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Survivors of Mrs. Talley include one son, Walter Lee Talley of Buffalo Junction; one daughter, Linda T. Vaughan of Roxboro, NC; two grandsons, Nathan Lee Talley and Jason David Griffin; three granddaughters, Heather Nicole Talley, Leslie Marie Griffin and Cynthia Lynn Vaughan; and one great-grandchild, Bailee Kenton Griffin. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight, December 19 from 6:30 until 8:30 and other times at the home. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Mecklenburg County Rescue Squad, PO Box 1539, Clarksville, VA 23927. Willie Howard Johnson Willie Howard Johnson of Route 1, Nathalie died Tuesday, December 16, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 51. Mr. Johnson was born in Halifax County on October 5, 1946 the son of Jannie Johnson Boyd and was married to Mary Tucker Johnson. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home in South Boston with Rev. James E. Traynham officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Baptist Church cemetery. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife; one daughter, Linda Johnson of Halifax; two sons, Howard E. Johnson of South Boston and Cecil Lewis Johnson of Nathalie; one step-son, Willie Earl Tucker of Nathalie; three grandchildren; one step-grandson; one sister, Nettie Sydnor of Halifax; one daughter-in-law, Karen Johnson of South Boston, and other relatives and friends including the devoted Mary E. Byrd, Roosevelt Robinson and Leroy Hailey. The family will receive friends at the home of his father-in-law, Alex Tucker, Highway 643, Nathalie. December 22, 1997 Mary Newcomb Oliver Mrs. Mary Newcomb Oliver of South Boston died Sunday, December 21 at her home. She was born in Halifax County November 26, 1922 and was 75 years of age. She was married to the late Bernard James Oliver and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Buck Weatherford of South Boston; and two grandchildren, Leigh Ann and Mary Caitlin Beale Weatherford of South Boston. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Bryant conducting. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight from 7:00 until 8:00 and other times at the home of her daughter, 1026 Avondale Drive, South Boston. For memorials please consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston. Earnestinve Pointer Harris Mrs. Earnestine Pointer Harris of Alton died Saturday, December 20 at Danville Regional Medical Center at the age of 67. She was born in Halifax County April 15, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Mr. Samuel E. Pointer and Mrs. Eliza Brandon Pointer. Mrs. Harris was married to the late Mr. George E. Harris Jr. and was a member of the Greater Brandon Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter, Ms. Brenda Harris of the home; five sons, Mr. George Harris of South Boston, Mr. William Harris of Ringwood, N.J., Mr. Willie Harris of Milton, N.C., Mr. Samuel Harris of the home and Mr. Ernest Harris of Danville; one stepson, Mr. Leonard Whitlock of Astoria, N.Y.; four sisters, Mrs. Ada Wenstley of Alton, Mrs. Mary Brandon of Brown Summit, N.C., Mrs. Juanita Brewer and Mrs. Louise Sparks, both of Alton; five brothers, Mr. Mack Pointer of New York, N.Y., Mr. John Pointer of Turbeville, Mr. Lark Pointer of Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Elijah Pointer and Mr. Samuel Pointer, both of Alton; 19 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four daughters-in-law; one step daughter-in-law; ten sisters-in-law; and four brothers-in-law. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Cameron Harris. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Greater Brandon Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased, 1065 Brandon Chapel Road, Alton. Kim Elizabeth Long Kim Elizabeth Long of Halifax died Saturday, December 20 at Medical College of Virginia, Richmond. She was 23 years old. Miss Long was the daughter of J. Frankie Long and Nina S. Long. She was a member of Dan River Baptist Church. She is survived by her parents of Halifax; a sister, Cindy Long of Halifax; her maternal grandmother, Estelle Sparks of Spruce Pine, N.C.; and her fiance, Kenneth Ayers. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jamie Franklin Long; her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Long; and her maternal grandfather, Robert Sparks. The funeral will be held at Dan River Baptist Church Wednesday, December 24 at 11 a.m. with Dr. Dennis Knight officiating. Burial will take place in the First Cross Roads Baptist Church cemetery in Turbeville. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tomorrow night from 7:00 until 8:30 and at other times at her home, 1073 Holly Court, Halifax. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MCV Pediatric Pulmonary Center, c/o Dr. Greg Elliott, 401 N. 12th St., Richmond, VA 23298. Jasmine Maria Jones Jasmine Maria Jones, infant daughter of Melissa Sue Palmer and Nelson Junior Jones of Nathalie, died Friday, December 19 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Survivors include her parents; her sister, Kimberly Marie Jones of Nathalie; her maternal grandparents, John and Sue Palmer of Gretna; and her paternal grandmother, Lena Childress of Nathalie. Graveside services for the infant will be held Tuesday, December 23 at 2 p.m. at the Gretna Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Lamb conducting. Cecil Carr Saunders Mrs. Cecil Carr Saunders of Scottsburg died Thursday, December 18 at Duke Medical Center. She was born in Halifax County November 3, 1938 and was 59 years of age. Mrs. Saunders was the daughter of Mr. Lacy Carr and Mrs. Elnora Womack Carr and was married to Curtis Odean Saunders. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the Woodmen of World Camp 136. Survivors include her mother, Elnora Womack Carr of South Boston; one sister, Helen Carr Atkins of South Boston; and one brother, Carvin T. Carr of South Boston. Funeral services were held yesterday at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Brooks conducting. Burial took place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of her mother, Elnora Carr, 319 Edmonds St., South Boston. Audrey Conner Ingram Audrey Conner Ingram, 72, of Nathalie died Friday morning, December 19 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of Ellis Jones Ingram. She was born in Halifax County February 20, 1925, the daughter of the late John David Conner Sr. and Mary Lou Wilbourn Conner. She was a member of Clover Bottom Baptist Church and a retired employee of Bassett-Walker Company. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ingram is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Ellis J. Jr. and Emma Ingram of Sword's Creek, Charles and Jackie Ingram of South Boston, David and Gloria Ingram of Gladys; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Hilda and A.V. Martin of Republican Grove, Clara and Everett Fariss of Scottsburg, Mary I. Gregory of Duluth, Ga.; one brother, John David Conner Jr. of Nathalie; one sister, Agnes Anderson of Nathalie; ten grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Clover Bottom Baptist Church by the Rev. H.V. Conner with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will be at the residence. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Brookneal Rescue Squad, or Clover Bottom Baptist Church. Loid Andrew Hodnett Loid Andrew Hodnett of Dinwiddie County died December 29. He was a native of Pittsylvania County and was the son of the late Leslie Andrew and Pearl Tucker Hodnett. Mr. Hodnett was a retired civil service employee from Ft. Lee, a member of Elm St. Baptist Church and the Dinwiddie Industrial Development, and a former member of Dinwiddie Rescue Squad, Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors and Petersburg Dinwiddie Airport Authority. Survivors of Mr. Hodnett include his wife, Leetha J. Hodnett; son, Todd B. Hodnett and wife Gailyn of Dinwiddie County; daughter Vicki D. Hartman and husband, William of Hopewell; grandson J. Clay Bent of Hopewell; and sister Geneva Burton of Nathalie. Funeral services will be conducted today at 1 p.m. in the Petersburg chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son. Interment will be in Southlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elm St. Baptist Church or the Kidney Foundation. Clarice Loftis Thompson Clarice Loftis Thompson of South Boston died Saturday, December 20 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Born January 21, 1903 in Halifax County, she was the daughter of John Martin Loftis and Fannie Thomas Loftis. She was married to the late Calvin Arthur Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was a retired school teacher in the Halifax County school system and a member of black Walnut Baptist Church. She is survived by a daughter, Frances L. Thompson of Cluster Springs, three nephews and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Arthur Thompson, and one sister, one half-sister, and five half-brothers. The funeral was held at Black Walnut Baptist Church yesterday with the Revs. Grover Stevens and Mark Blair officiating. Burial took place in the Merritt Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Reaves on Cluster Springs Road, South Boston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cluster Springs Volunteer Fire Department. December 25, 1997 William Ray Thomas William Ray Thomas died Sunday, December 21, 1997 in Talbott, TN. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Hilda Reaves Talbott, formerly of Cluster Springs. Funeral services for Mr. Thomas were held Wednesday, December 24 in Lancaster, KY. Rufus Harding Francis Rufus Harding Francis of 509 Lakeside Drive, Danville died Sunday, December 21, 1997 at his home. He was 76 years of age. Mr. Francis was born July 17, 1921 in Halifax County the son of Robert Francis and Beulah Hancock Francis and was married to Elsie Black Francis. He was a member of Faith Memorial Baptist Church and a World War II, Navy veteran. Survivors include his wife; one son, Dennis Francis of Danville; three daughters, Pat Spencer of Crystal Hill, Debra Dockery of Ringgold and Donna Goolsby of Blairs; three brothers, John Francis, Claude Francis and Matthew Francis, all of Danville; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Lucy Will Rowland, and one brother, Melvin Francis. Funeral services for Mr. Francis were held Tuesday, December 23 at 11 a.m. from Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel in Danville with Rev. Daniel G. Lackey officiating. Burial was in Danville Memorial Gardens. December 29, 1997 Mary Viola Puckett Loftis Mary Viola Puckett Loftis of 2232 N. Terry's Bridge Road, Halifax died Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at Friendship Manor in Roanoke. She was 83 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Loftis was born October 3, 1914 in NC the daughter of Alfred Allen Puckett and Sue Moorefield Puckett and was married to William Henry Loftis. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at Bethel Baptist on Friday, December 26 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Tony Brooks officiating. Burial was in Halifax Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Loftis is survived by two daughters, Mary Sue Rose of Halifax and Sarah Plymale of Lynchburg; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fowler Thornton Hunt Fowler Thornton Hunt of 311 Merritt Street, South Boston died Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at The Woodview. He was 75 years of age. Mr. Hunt was born in South Boston on December 2, 1922 the son of Fowler Trall Hunt and Patsy Garner Hunt and was married to Mary Frances Gorntho Hunt. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church. Graveside services were held Friday, December 26 at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Rev. George Gravitt conducting the service. Mr. Hunt is survived by his wife; one sister, Thelma Hunt Bagwell of Danville; one brother, Rev. Marvin Dana Hunt of Danville; and six nephews. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Main Street United Methodist Church Building Fund. George Thomas Cole George Thomas Cole of 1013 Cole Trail, South Boston died Wednesday, December 24, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 70. Mr. Cole was born in Halifax County on February 5, 1927 the son of George Washington Cole and Lou Fannie Bowman Cole and was married to Rosabelle White Cole. He was a member of Berry Hill Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Deacons and was a retired employee of Crowell Motor Company. Survivors include his wife; five daughters, Frances Ragsdale, Yvonne Wood, Mary Sims, Rosa Jefferson and Wilma Edmondson, all of South Boston; one son, John D. Cole Sr. of Baltimore, MD; his step-mother, Arbella Cole of South Boston; six sisters, Gladys Hartridge, Dorothy Whitlock, Clarice Hubbard, Lena Edmunds, Bessie Cole and Ruby Pannell, all of South Boston; four brothers, Johnnie Cole of Queens, NY, William Henry Cole of Alexandria, Arthur Cole of Long Island, NY and Frank Cole of South Boston; one step-sister, Lillie Moore of South Boston; six grandchildren; one daughter-in-law; three sons-in-law; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Cole were held Sunday, December 28 at Berry Hill Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dr. Edward Leroy Bruce Rev. Dr. Edward Leroy Bruce of Temperanceville died Thursday, December 18, 1997 at Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox at the age of 53. Rev. Bruce was born in Halifax County the son of Estelle Dodson and Edward Bruce and was married to Peggy Bruce. His pastoral experiences include First Baptist Church, News Ferry, South Boston, and Jerusalem Baptist Church of Temperanceville. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Yolanda Bruce of Lynchburg; two sons, Richard and James of Temperanceville; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Rev. Bruce were held Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. James Boyd conducted the service. Opha Doris Teague Hall Opha Doris Teague Hall of 15050 Philpott Road, Alton died Saturday, December 27, 1997 at her home. She was 75 years of age. Mrs. Hall was born March 30, 1922 in Yatkin County NC the daughter of Andrew Jackson Teague and Rebecca Lewis Teague and was married to Robert William Hall. She was a member of Second Baptist Church, and a retired Nurses Aide at Twin Oaks Convalescent Home. Funeral services will be held today, December 29 at 11 a.m. at Brooks Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Horace Murray officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Hall is survived by two sons, Robert Joe Hall of Sanford, NC and Lee Roy Hall of Alton; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. John David Edmondson John David Edmondson of 1131 Rev. Coleman Road, Clover died Friday, December 26, 1997 at his home at the age of 86. Mr. Edmondson was born in Halifax County on May 9, 1911 the son of Willie B. Edmondson and Daisy Hundley Edmondson and was married to Estelle Dabbs Edmondson. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Margaret Carrington of Clover, Lola Clark of South Boston and Daisy Edmondson-Cabler of Richmond; three sons, James David Edmondson of Richmond, John David Edmondson Jr. and Clarence Howard Edmondson, both of South Boston; one brother, Charles S. Edmondson of Clover; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home this evening, December 29 from 6 until 8 o'clock and other times at the home. Funeral services for Mr. Edmondson will be held Tuesday, December 30 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Vaughan Brayboy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Peter Borders Peter Borders of South Boston died Wednesday, December 24, 1997 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 84. He was born on May 26, 1913 in Buffalo, NY the son of Henry and Elizabeth Borders and was married to Edith Pounds Borders. He was a member of the Lutheran faith. Mr. Borders is survived by his wife; one daughter, Phyllis Davis; one son-in-law, Barg Davis; two grandchildren; his stepmother, Helen Borders; one sister, Elaine Borders; one brother, Sonny Borders; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Sunday, December 28 at 4 p.m. at the chapel of Daniel Funeral Home in Halifax with Pastor John D. Poole officiating. Alexander Hugh Loftis Jr. Alexander Hugh Loftis Jr. of Route 3, Crystal Hill died Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at The Woodview. He was 84 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Loftis was born in Halifax County on June 8, 1913 the son of Alexander Hugh Loftis Sr. and Cleve Irby Loftis and was married to Alice Christine Loftis. He was a member of Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Judy Loftis Yeatts Yarbrough of Nathalie; three sons, Hugh Gray Loftis and Ronald Dean Loftis, both of Halifax and Vincent Hines Loftis of Nathalie; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Mr. Loftis were held Friday, December 26 at 1 p.m. at Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Richard Welch conducting the service. Robert Spencer Hudson Robert Spencer 'Bob' Hudson of 2131 Ramble Road, Virgilina died Wednesday, December 24, 1997 at his home. He was 83 years of age. Mr. Hudson was born November 2, 1914 in Halifax County the son of Eli F. Hudson and Susan Elizabeth Lloyd Hudson and was married to Marie Stevens Hudson. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at Grace Baptist on December 27 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jack Stewart officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Hudson is survived by his wife; two sons, Donald L. Hudson of Appomattox and R. Eric Hudson of South Boston; two daughters, Joan Reynolds of Danville and Alison Robinette of Taylorsville, NC; and seven grandchildren. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Rescue Squad or your favorite charity. December 31, 1997 Anna Lucille James Anna Lucille James of Riverside Health Care Center in Danville died Saturday, December 13, 1997. She was 85 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. James was born April 29, 1912 in Yadkin County, NC the daughter of Arthur Swain and Callie Denkins Swain and was married to Norman Guy James. She was a member of the Pentecostal Holiness faith and was a member of the Pocahontas and had worked for Dan River Mills, Inc. Survivors include one son, Earl S. 'Jack' James of Jacksonville, FL; one daughter, Mary J. Brandon of Alton; two sisters, Hattie Swain of Danville and Ruth Gayle of Copperscove, TX.; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Arthur T. James and two brothers, Curtis R. and Fred Swain. Graveside services for Mrs. James were held at Highland Burial Park in Danville on Monday, December 15 at 2 p.m. with Rev. John Meadows officiating. Lucy Leadbetter Harper Lucy Leadbetter Harper of Madisonville died Thursday, December 25, 1997 at Woodview Nursing Home. She was 97 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Harper was born in Charlotte County, the daughter of Henry C. and Addie Ramsey Leadbetter, and was the wife of the late Mebane S. Harper. She was a life long member of Salem Baptist Church of Madisonville. Survivors include three sons, Larry R. Harper of Lynchburg, Lewis Harper of Appomattox, and Carroll S. Harper of Cullen; one daughter, Mildred H. Moore of South Boston; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Eula Clark. Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, December 27 at 2 p.m. in Salem Baptist Church Cemetery conducted by Rev. Anthony Reeves. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Charlotte County Rescue Squad. Grayling Oral Terry Grayling Oral Terry of Asheboro, NC died Monday, December 29, 1997 at Randolph Hospital at the age of 42. He is survived by his mother: Delannie L. Terry of South Boston; his father, Thurman H. Terry of Chase City. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, and will be announced later by Brooks Funeral Home, South Boston.