Halifax County, VA - Obituaries: The Gazette-Virginian - January 1999 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 *********************************************************************** January 1, 1999 Margaret Brent Muir Margaret Brent Muir, 86, of Halifax, formerly of Reedville, died Thursday, December 24, 1998. Mrs. Muir was the daughter of Thomas Sargarent Brent Jr. and Nannie Mae Squires of Kilmarnock and was married to John Paul Muir. She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Chesapeake Bay Garden Club and Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club. Survivors include one sister, Helen Brent VanEllis of Encampment, WY; a niece, Susan Chambers Stanley and her husband, Dr. Dennis C. Stanley of Halifax; two great-nieces, Mary Helen Stanley and Margaret Brent Stanley; a great nephew, Edward Reed Stanley II, all of Halifax. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 31 at 1 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church in Reedville with Rev. Walter W. Westbrook officiating. Burial was in Roseland Cemetery in Reedville. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Northumberland Rescue Squad, PO Box 1, Reedville, VA 22539 or a charity of your choice. William Leon Sims William Leon Sims of Baltimore, MD, formerly of Halifax County, died Saturday, December 26, 1998 at Maryland General Hospital in Baltimore at the age of 60. Mr. Sims was born in Halifax County on October 11, 1938 the son of Pleasant Sims and Susie Boyd Sims and was married to Ulean Womack Sims. He was a member of Banister Hill Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; two sons, William Edward Bowen of Richmond and Gregory Younger of Newark, NJ; four grandchildren; two sisters, Annie Plenty of Halifax and Lizzie Crawley of Victoria; two daughters-in-law, Debbie Bowen and Connie Younger; and a devoted friend, Ronnie Folger of Baltimore. Funeral services for Mr. Sims will be held Thursday, December 31 at 11 a.m. at Banister Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. William F. Carr officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home tonight, December 30 from 7 until 8:00. Reuben Burton Pitts Jr. Reuben Burton Pitts Jr., 83, of Williamsburg died Sunday, December 27, 1998. Born in Camden, SC, he was the son of Reuben Burton Sr. and Margaret Post Pitts. A graduate of the Citadel, he was an Executive with Hermitage Mills in New York City, NY, a member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, A WWII Army Major, served in France and Trinidad in the Artillery Division. Services for Mr. Pitts were held Wednesday, December 30 at 11 a.m. in Bethesda Presbyterian Church with burial in the Quaker Cemetery. Rev. Jim Shaffer officiated. Surviving are his wife, Margaret Land Pitts; two sons, James L. Pitts of Kona, HI and J. Douglas Pitts of Annapolis, MD; two sisters, Emily Pitts and Peggy Kleiber, both of Camden; two brothers, Bill Pitts and Isaac Pittts, both of Camden; two granddaughters, Chrissy Pitts of Kona and Maggie Pitts of Annapolis; three grandsons, Jim Pitts of Kona, and John and Tommy Pitts, both of Annapolis. He was preceded in death by one son, Reuben Burton Pitts III, and a sister, Mary Calhoun. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the charity of one's choice. Harriett Emma Dunn Harriett Emma Dunn of Vernon Hill died Monday, December 28, 1998 in Richmond at the home of her daughter, Mary D. Morton. Mrs. Dunn was born in Pittsylvania County on February 24, 1908 and was 90 years of age at the time of her death. She was the daughter of John McLaughlin and Carrie Mayo McLaughlin and was married to Jesse P. Dunn Sr. Survivors include six sons, John R. Dunn, Gatha Dunn, Jesse P. Dunn Jr., all of Vernon Hill, Earl Dunn of Capital Heights, MD, William Dunn of Manassas and Harry Dunn of Clinton, MD; three daughters, Mary D. Morton of Richmond, Carrie D. Johnson of Vernon Hill and Kessye D. Cargile of Lakewood, NJ; 39 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; five daughters-in-law, Louise Dunn, Jean Dunn, Marian Dunn, Joyce Dunn and Rosita Dunn; three sons-in-law, Stewart Morton, Theodore Johnson and C.B. Cargile; three sisters, Rose Adams, Bessie Fitzgerald and Hattie Thompson; one brother-in-law, Gus Thompson; four sisters-in-law, Emma McLaughlin, Annie Dunn, Copelia Dunn and Pearl McLaughlin. She was preceded in death by two sons; one sister, Mary A. Williams; four brothers, Wesley, McKinley, Harry and John Eddie McLaughlin. Funeral services for Mrs. Dunn will be held Saturday, January 2 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Arthur Crews conducting the service. Burial will follow in the Dunn Family Cemetery in Vernon Hill. The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Johnson, 1225 Dunn Trail, Vernon Hill. Viewing will be held at Daniel Funeral Home in Halifax today, January 1. Myrtle Kent Crenshaw Myrtle Kent Crenshaw of 2123 Oak Level Road, Halifax died Tuesday, December 29, 1998 at her home. She was 76 years of age at the time of her death. Miss Crenshaw was born in Halifax County on July 19, 1922 the daughter of Walter Warren Crenshaw and Linda Ferrell Crenshaw. She was a member of Oak Level Presbyterian Church and proprietor of Crenshaw's Store. Survivors include one nephew and wife, H. Hatcher Crenshaw Jr. and Sandra Griffin Crenshaw of Oak Level; one great-nephew, H. Hatcher 'Hank' Crenshaw III of Fort Campbell, KY; one great-great-nephew, Stephen Alexander Crenshaw of Kensington, MD; one great-step-niece, Stephanie Wakefield of Richmond; one great-step-nephew, Brian Rivers of Richmond. Funeral services for Miss Crenshaw were held Thursday, December 31 at Oak Level Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bob Jackson conducting the service. Burial was in the church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Oak Level Fire Department First Responders. Brenda Perkins Kell Brenda Perkins Kell of 5201 Cole's Ferry Road, Nathalie died Thursday, December 31, 1998 at Berry Hill Nursing Home. She was 78 years of age. Mrs. Kell was born in Halifax County on March 8, 1920 the daughter of Walter T. Perkins and Daisy Whitt Perkins and was married to Robert H. Kell. She was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Kell Kendrick and Phyllis Kell Norris, both of Nathalie; one son, Robert H. Kell Jr. of Nathalie; two sisters, Grace Martin of Crystal Hill and Rachel Moisoff of Richmond; three brothers, Neil Perkins of Nathalie, Walter T. Perkins Jr. of Wallace, NC, and Merritt Perkins of Richmond; five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Kell will be held Sunday, January 3 at 2:30 p.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Saturday, January 2 from 7 until 8:00 p.m. January 4, 1999 Ludie Blanks Anderson Ludie Blanks Anderson, 83, of Leda-Grove Road, Nathalie died Thursday, December 31, 1998 at her home. She was the wife of the late Whitt Talvin Anderson. Mrs. Anderson was born in Halifax County on October 17, 1915 the daughter of Earnest Goldman Blanks and Ludie Clements Blanks. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Republican Grove and a member of the Joy Group at the First Baptist Church of Republican Grove. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Earl and Margaret Anderson of Nathalie and Bob and Linda Anderson of Nathalie; one daughter and son-in-law, Shela and John Stevens of Nathalie; two brothers, E.G. Blanks and Ryland Blanks, both of Nathalie; one sister, Grace Wilkins of Wytheville; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Luther Blanks. A funeral service for Mrs. Anderson was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 1999 at First Baptist Church of Republican Grove with Rev. Shelton Miles officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Anna Graves Ferguson Anna Graves Ferguson of 841 Kentuck Road, Danville died January 1, 1999 at Danville Regional Medical Center at the age of 68. Mrs. Ferguson was born in Danville on February 24, 1930 the daughter of Howard Graves and Sallie Beck Graves. She was married to Percy E. Ferguson. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Renee Valentine of Reidsville, NC and Cheryle D. Ferguson of South Boston, a teacher at Halifax County Senior High School. Funeral services for Mrs. Ferguson will be held Tuesday, January 5 at 11 a.m. at Camp Grove Baptist Church in Danville with Rev. W.J. Toomer officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the home. Eddie Junior Carrington Eddie Junior Carrington of 1123 Rev. Coleman Road, Clover died Wednesday, December 30, 1998 at his home at he age of 63. Mr. Carrington was born in Halifax County on May 2, 1935 the son of Eddie Oakley Carrington and Ruth Palmer Carrington and was married to Margaret Edmondson Carrington. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Shelia Carrington of Clover; two sons, Dion Edmondson and Feliciano Carrington, both of Clover; one grandchild; three sisters, Ruby Carrington and Linda Baker, both of Nathalie and Mary P. Carrington of Halifax; and one brother, Franklin M. Carrington of Nathalie. Funeral services for Mr. Carrington were held Saturday, January 2 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Claiborne officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Willie Bowman Majors Willie Bowman Majors of 119 Hedderly Street, Halifax died Friday, January 1, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 63. Mr. Majors was born in Halifax County on July 29, 1935 the son of Abner Majors and Dorothy Edmondson Majors. He was a member of St. Paul EMC Church where he served as chairman of the Steward Board and president of the Usher Board. He was employed by Barlow's Union 76. Survivors include one sister, Margaret Carter of Halifax; five brothers, Henry Majors of South Boston, Robert Majors of New York, Artie Majors of Halifax, Lawrence Majors of Nathalie and Victor Majors of South Boston; one aunt, Virgie Chaney of Nathalie; and one uncle, Frank Edmondson of Baltimore, MD. Funeral services for Mr. Majors will be held Thursday, January 7 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul CME Church with Rev. George Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home. Hampton Lee Davis Deacon Hampton Lee Davis of 1202 West Store Road, Halifax died Thursday, December 31, 1998 at Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg. He was 63 years of age. Deacon Davis was born in Halifax County on January 8, 1935. He is survived by his wife, Mary Coles Davis of Halifax; three sons, Hampton Davis Jr. and Kevin Davis, both of Halifax, and Gary Davis of Lynchburg; two grandchildren; two sisters, Eleanor Clark of Newark, NJ and Arlene Hamlett of Nathalie; and two brothers, Charles Davis and John Davis, both of Nathalie. Funeral services for Deacon Davis will be held Tuesday, January 5 at 1 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church with Min. Johnnie Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Ellis Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home. Ruby Kent Bane Ruby Kent Bane, 81, of Richmond died Friday, January 1, 1999 at St. Mary's Hospital. Mrs. Bane was born June 14, 1917 in Vernon Hill the daughter of Charles Howard and Osie Moore Bane. She was a graduate of Longwood College in Farmville, where she received a bachelor's degree in biology and general sciences. She also received advanced studies in nuclear medicine at Oak Ridge Nuclear Facility in Oak Ridge, TN. She was a science teacher at Halifax High School in Halifax; a chemist for American Tobacco Company in Richmond; a chemist in cancer research at the Medical College of Virginia; a chemist in research and diagnostic medical procedures at McGuire Veterans Hospital; and a chemist in nuclear medicine, also at McGuire Veterans Hospital. Mrs. Bane was a member of the American Chemical Society and the first woman admitted to the Virginia Academy of Science. She was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Richmond. Survivors include one brother, Sanford Bane of Greenville, SC and Vernon Hill. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Howard Bane, of Vernon Hill. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, January 4 at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Richmond with Rev. Dr. Sandra M. Levy officiating. Following the service in Richmond, she will be transported to Powell Funeral Home in South Boston for visitation from 7 until 9:00 tonight. A funeral will be held at Powell Funeral Home chapel on Tuesday, January 5. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery in Vernon Hill. Dawne Branscome Norris Dawne Branscome Norris of 1234 Old Mayfield Road, Danville died Wednesday, December 30, 1998 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was 34 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Norris was born August 15, 1964 in Williamsburg the daughter of Charlie M. Branscome Sr. and Jean Satterfield Branscome. She was married to Irvin T. Norris. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 5 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Turbeville with Rev. Clay Knick officiating. Survivors of Mrs. Norris include her husband; two daughters, Jennifer D. Emerson and Virginia Mae Norris, both of Danville; one son, John David Emerson of Danville; one sister, Nicki B. Granger of Halifax and one brother, Jason E. Branscome of Roxboro, NC. She was preceded in death by a brother, Charlie Mattison Branscome Jr. Martha Martin Smith Martha Martin Smith of Box 46, Cluster Springs, died Sunday, January 3, 1999 at Woodview Nursing Home. She was 82 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Smith was born in Halifax County on April 17, 1916 the daughter of Lucius I. Martin and Bertha Martin Martin and was married to Thomas Edward Smith. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Survivors include eight daughters, Bertha S. Terry of Oak Level, Edith S. Allen and her husband, Sonny of Mechanicsville, Martha S. Thompson and her husband, Joseph of Rocky Mount, NC, Doris S. Marable of Midlothian, Betty S. Sneed of Halifax, Deborah S. Rudder and her husband, Ernest of South Boston, Virginia S. Roberts and her husband, Roy of Cluster Springs and Nancy S. Chrisman of Apopka, FL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Henry Lee and Wanda S. Smith of Scottsburg and Kenneth and Tammy B. Smith of Halifax; one brother, Charles Martin of Richmond; 26 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband and one son, Melvin Thomas Smith. Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be held Tuesday, January 5 at 3 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home. January 6, 1999 Mary Geraldine Waller Mary Geraldine Waller, 67, of 2152 Buffalo Road, Long Island, died Saturday, January 2, 1999 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born in Halifax County on March 22, 1931 the daughter of Otis Waller and Gracie Guthrie Waller and was a member of Buffalo Baptist Church. Survivors include three brothers, Windfrey Waller of Lynchburg, Kenneth Waller of Madison Heights and Bennie Waller of Long Island; four sisters, Beatrice Jordan of Danville, Helen Miller of Richmond, Arlene Harris and Jean Waller, both of Long Island. A funeral service for Miss Waller was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 5 at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Alfred Rimmer. Burial followed at Clover Bottom Baptist Church Cemetery. George Edward Solomon George Edward Solomon of 503 Greenway Drive, South Boston died Monday, January 4, 1999 at Duke University Medical Center. He was 77 years of age. Mr. Solomon was born in Halifax County on May 10, 1921 the son of George Eddie Solomon and Lucy Oakes Solomon and was married to Mildred Snow Solomon. He was a member of Centerville Baptist Church and was retired from J.P. Stevens. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Debra S. Girotti and her husband, Tom of Williamsburg, and Betty Lou Solomon of Greenville, SC; one sister, Bernice Solomon of Richmond; four grandchildren, Micah, Hannah, Jonathan and Sarah Girotti of Williamsburg. Funeral services for Mr. Solomon will be held today, January 6 at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Saunders conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Minnie Fears Wallen Minnie Fears Wallen of 4130 Coles Ferry Road, Nathalie died Tuesday, January 5, 1999 at her home. She was 70 years of age. Mrs. Wallen was born in Halifax County on October 14, 1928 the daughter of Joe Lee Fears and Virginia Coates Fears. She was a member of Ellis Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Lois Ann Noblin of South Boston and Wanda Gale Roller of Nathalie; two sisters, Lillian Hamlett of Brookneal and Viola Carr of Nathalie; one brother, John Fears of Brookneal and two grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Wallen will be held tomorrow, January 7 at 2 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church with burial to take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, January 6 from 7 until 8:30, and other times at the home. Cathy G. Redd Irby Cathy G. Redd Irby of Moore, SC died Monday, January 4, 1999 at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC. She was 40 years of age. Mrs. Irby was born November 10, 1958 in New Bern, NC the daughter of John Clifton Redd and Iris C. Redd and was married to James W. Irby Jr. She was employed as Administrative Assistant of Human Resources for Belk and was a member of Clover United Methodist Church. The funeral will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, January 7 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ann Norton officiating. Burial will take place in the Austin Family Cemetery in Clover. Mrs. Irby is survived by her husband; her mother, Iris C. Redd of Clover; her grandmother, Doris Cavanaugh of Maysville, NC; one daughter, Dana Maria Irby of Moore; one son, Toby Alan Irby of Moore; and one half-sister, Allison Pack of Charleston, SC. She was preceded in death by her father, and one sister, Joy Redd Martin. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight, January 6 from 7 until 8:30, and other times at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willard Irby in Clover. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Lukemia Society of America or the American Cancer Society. January 8, 1999 William E. Roark Jr. William E. Roark Jr. of Zephyrhills FL, formerly of China Grove, died Tuesday, January 5, 1999 in Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL. Mr. Roark was born in Scottsburg the son of Glenna Snead Roark and William E. Roark Sr. and was married to Alice Bostian Roark. He was a graduate of Virginia Tech, retired Administrator of Jackson Memorial Hospital in Dade City, FL; former Administrator of Davie Hospital in Mocksville, NC and other hospitals in NC, GA and FL. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Zephyrhills; former member of First United Methodist Church in China Grove, and served in the US Army during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife; two sisters, Lou Roark Edwards of Fairfax Station and Sarah Roark Conner of Scottsburg; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services with Masonic Rites for Mr. Roark will be held today, January 8 at 11 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery in China Grove with Rev. Andy Langford officiating. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Shelter for the Homeless, c/o Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 North Long Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Isaac Dunn Jr. Isaac Dunn Jr. of Newport News, formerly of Alton, died Thursday, December 31, 1998 at his home at the age of 46. Mr. Dunn was born in Halifax County on December 2, 1951. Survivors include two daughters, Veronica Coleman of Alton and Tamika Reed of Newport News; one son, Isaac Reed of Roxboro, NC; four grandchildren; five sisters, Viola Dunn and Annie Dunn, both of Alton, Peggie Crews of Virgilina, and Mary Morman of Nathalie; three brothers, John Tucker of Alexandria, Sterling Tucker of Alton and Ralph Dunn of Hampton. Funeral services for Mr. Dunn were held January 6 at 1 p.m. at Dan River Bethel Baptist Church in Alton with Rev. James Thomas officiating. Burial was in the Dunn Family Cemetery. Evelyn Petty Edmonds Evelyn Petty Edmonds of South Boston died Thursday, December 31, 1998 at Danville Regional Hospital at the age of 33. Mrs. Edmonds was born in Halifax County on January 22, 1965. Survivors include her husband, Gerald Edmonds; three children, Gerald Edmonds Jr., Christopher Edmonds and Corey Edmonds, all of South Boston; her father, Willie Petty Sr. of South Boston; one sister, Robin Petty of Raleigh, NC; and one brother, Willie Petty Jr. Funeral services for Mrs. Edmonds were held Thursday, January 7 at 2 p.m. at County Line Baptist Church in Vernon Hill with Rev. Otis Dillard officiating. Burial was at Millstone Baptist Church Cemetery. Mary Doss Dawson Mary Doss Dawson, 80, of 1129 Betterton Trail, Nathalie died Wednesday, January 6, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was the wife of the late Tommie Dawson. Mrs. Dawson was born in Pittsylvania County on November 20, 1918 the daughter of Tom Doss and Florine Layne Doss. She was a member of Straightstone Baptist Church. Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, James and Jean Dawson of Gladys, Walter and Betty Jo Dawson of Republican Grove, Marvin and Bonnie Dawson of Nathalie and Michael and Virginia of Nathalie; nine daughters and five sons-in-law, Louise Miller of Lynchburg, Linda and Elbert Eanes of Nathalie, Barbara and Ron McCulloch of Roanoke, Irma and David Seamster of Nathalie, Joyce and Harrell Burton of Halifax, Connie and David Betterton of Nathalie, Rhonda Neighbors of Walker, NC, Wanda Sue Hunter of Brookneal, Mary Ann Dawson of Halifax; three brothers, Willard Doss of Hurt, Joe Doss of Altavista, and Frank Doss of Crescent City, FL; two sisters, Mamie Hudson of Hurt, Betty Lou Trent of Red House; 32 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Mrs. Dawson will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 9 at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Paul Mandell with burial to follow at Ellis Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 tonight, January 8 at Henderson Funeral Home, and will be at the residence of Marvin and Bonnie Dawson other times. Lois Bailey Glenn Lois Bailey Glenn of Safety Harbor, FL died Monday, January 4, 1999 at the age of 77. Miss Glenn was born February 7, 1920 in Rice. She was a graduate of Longwood College, former teacher at the Halifax Academy and a member of the Beth Carr Baptist Church. She was married to the late Jesse M. Glenn. Her survivors include her sons: Barry M. Glenn of Ozona, FL and James B. Glenn of Newport Richey, FL; sister: Christine Collins of Farmville; brothers: Lawrence Bailey of Hampton and Raymond Bailey of Farmville and four grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Sunday, January 10 at 3:30 p.m. at Pisgah Baptist Church, Rice. Memorial contributions may be made to the discretionary fund at Beth Carr Baptist Church or Pisgah Baptist Church. January 11, 1999 Brenda Love Lowery Gravitt Brenda Love Lowery Gravitt of 1040 Bold Springs Road, South Boston died Thursday, January 7, 1999 at her home. She was 52 years of age. Mrs. Gravitt was born September 12, 1946 in Halifax County the daughter of Herbert Lowery and Melissa Conner Lowery and was married to Randolph Lloyd Gravitt. She was a member of Black Walnut Baptist Church, and a sales rep. with International Industrial Fan. A funeral service was held at Black Walnut Baptist Church Sunday, January 10 at 3 p.m. with Rev. Grover Stevens officiating. Burial took place in Shady Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. Survivors of Mrs. Gravitt include her husband; one son, Shayne Dillard Gravitt of South Boston; one daughter, Lindsay Sydney Gravitt Ferguson of Vernon Hill; three sisters, Hazel Conner of Bay City, TX, Kathryn McDowell of South Boston and Sandra Blanks of Roxboro, NC; three brothers, Alvin Lowery and Wallace Lowery, both of Smithfield, and Danny Lowery of Bay City; and one grandson, Jacob Sneed Ferguson. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston. John Barksdale Sr. John Barksdale Sr. of South Boston died Tuesday, January 5 in Richmond at the age of 48. He was born in Halifax County on April 2, 1950. His survivors include his daughters: Phyllis Sweeney and Joann Hamlett of South Boston, Johanna Ferrell of Danville, Tonisha, Betsy and Priscilla Barksdale of Naruna; son: John Barksdale Jr. of Naruna; mother: Annie Chaney of South Boston; sisters: Rosa Walton of Halifax, Annie Edmonds and Patty Barksdale of South Boston; brothers: George Barksdale of Rustburg and David Barksdale of Staunton. A funeral service was held Saturday, January 9 at the New Vernon Baptist Church in Vernon Hill. The Rev. Roger Ford officiated. Interment was in the church cemetery in Nathalie. Mae Bane Puryear Mae Bane Puryear of 3051 Mountain Road, Halifax died Saturday, January 9, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 84. Mrs. Puryear was born in Halifax County on May 6, 1914, the daughter of Matthew William and Lula Miller Bane. She was married to Andrew Puryear and was a member of the County Line Baptist Church. Her survivors include her husband; brother: Aylor Bane of Java; nieces: Nancy Wilborn of Halifax, Jean Shapard of Nathalie and Margurite Caruso of Ayden, NC. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 12 at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joey Cantrell officiating. Burial will take place in the County Line Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight from 7-8 p.m. and at other times at the home of Nancy Wilborn, 3071 Mountain Road. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to please consider the County Line Baptist Church or your favorite charity. James Wesley Jones James Wesley Jones of 4130 Pleasant Grove Rd., Halifax died Friday, January 8, 1999 at Durham County Regional Hospital at the age of 75. Mr. Jones was born in Halifax County on July 12, 1923, the son of Obie Lee and Annie Ruth Burton Jones. He was a member of the Aarons Creek Baptist Church. His survivors include a sister: Dorothy Louise Jones of Halifax; brothers: Roy (Billy) Jones of Halifax and Charlie Henry Jones of Bachelors Hall. A funeral service was held Sunday, January 10 at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Wilder conducting the service. Burial took place in the Pleasant Grove United Church of Christ cemetery. Narvis Puryear Seate Narvis Puryear Seate died Saturday, January 9, 1999 at her residence at the age of 71. Mrs. Seate was the daughter of Thomas Stradley and Kate Lee Jones Puryear. She was a member of Nelson Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was active in the Baptist Women's Missionary Union. Her survivors include her husband: Sylvester Faye Seate; sons: Jackie Seate of Clarksville and Frederick Seate Sr. of Virgilina; daughter: Anna Hall of Nelson; grandchildren: Jackie Seate Jr. of Nelson, Chad Seate, Frederick Seate Jr. and Wendy Seate of Virgilina and Amy Seate of Gilman, IL and great-grandchildren: Jarred and Jessica Seate of Nelson, Kelly Wilson of Gilman. She was preceded in death by a great-grandson: Calvin Bowman. A funeral service will be held today, January 11 in Nelson Baptist Church with the Rev. James McAlister officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. January 13, 1999 Algie Watkins Talbott Algie Watkins Talbott, 88, of Clarksville died Sunday, January 10, 1999 at his home. Mr. Talbott was the son of William Watkins and Merry Yancey Talbott and was married to Alease Hite Talbott. He was a native of Halifax County, and was a saw miller up to and through WWII, and later began the Talbott-Marks Construction Company where he served as Chief Executive Officer until retiring. Mr. Talbott participated in the building of highways throughout Virginia and neighboring states. His company held the distinction of receiving a contract to build one of the first interstate highways within Virginia. The Chamber of Commerce presented him with the Distinguished Citizen Award for his many gifts and services to the community. He was a member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 12 in Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Chapel with Rev. H.V. Conner officiating. Burial was at Gravel Hill Cemetery. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Shelby Cutts of Oxford, NC and Merry Lou Hite of Buffalo Junction; two sons, Glennwood Watkins Talbott and John Michael Talbott, both of Clarksville; one sister, Winifred T. West of Clarksville; four brothers, Charlie Yancey Talbott of Williamsburg, Wallace Lee Talbott and Lawrence Jennings Talbott, both of Clarksville and Clyde Reynolds Talbott of Yakima, WA; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Mecklenburg County Lifesaving and Rescue Squad or Clarksville Fire Department. Nannie Lewis Slayton Nannie Lewis Slayton of 1302 Berry Hill Road, South Boston died Monday, January 11, 1999 at her home. She was 95 years of age. Mrs. Slayton was born in Pittsylvania County on July 31, 1903 the daughter of John Henry Lewis and Mary Wiles Lewis and was married to John Robert Slayton. She was a member of Second Baptist Church. Survivors include a special great- niece and her husband, Donna and Aubrey Clark of South Boston; three nephews, Melvin W. Lewis of Moneta, Curtis R. Waskey Sr. of Alberta and Phil W. Waskey of South Boston. Funeral services for Mrs. Slayton will be held today, January 13 at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Horace Murray conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Robert Lee Little Robert Lee Little of 1612 Shotwell Street, Roxboro, NC died January 11, 1999 at N.C. Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill at the age of 81. Mr. Little was born in Person County, NC on June 20, 1917 to Marvin and Emma Young Little. He was married to Martha Wilson Little and was a member of Florence Ave. Baptist Church and a charter member of the Virgilina Vol. Fire Department where he was active for 39 years. His survivors include his wife; daughters: Betty Long and Bernice Snead of Roxboro; grandson: Emmitt Long Jr.; granddaughters: Elizabeth Pulliam and Teresa Regan of Roxboro and five great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held at Florence Ave. Baptist Church Thursday, January 14 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Bill Keen and Rev. Carl Hudson officiating. Burial will take place in the Olive Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at Brooks Funeral Home Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. and at other times at the home of Danny and Elizabeth Pulliam, 225 Montpelier Ave., Roxboro. Anyone wishing to give memorials may consider the Virgilina Vol. Fire Department. Sam Pete Snead Sam Pete Snead of 2029 Coleman Road, Scottsburg died January 12, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 68. Mr. Snead was born in Halifax Co. on June 21, 1930, the son of Pete Sidney and Vivian Conner Snead. He was married to Norma Yates Snead and was a member of the Fork Baptist Church. His survivors include his wife; daughters: Cynthia (Dianne) & Buddy Conner of Alton, Patricia and Eddie Martin of Halifax; sons: Ronald Dean and Wanda Snead and Sammy and Joan Snead of Scottsburg; sisters: Ella Powell of Timberlake, NC Arie Martin and Ruth Andrews of Clover, Helen Ritt of Detaville, Geneva Andrews and Connie Perkins of Halifax; brother: John Snead of Scottsburg; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Sally Powell and Annie Hatcher. A funeral will be held Thursday, January 14 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will take place in Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight at Powell Funeral Home from 7-8 p.m. and at other times at the home. January 15, 1999 John Wesley Hall John Wesley Hall of South Boston died Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at Blue Ridge Rehab Center. He was 94 years of age at the time of his death. He was the son of Nathanial J. Hall. Survivors include one niece, Eva W. Eades of Halifax and one nephew, Harvey Wood of South Boston. Graveside services for Mr. Hall will be held today, January 15 at 4 p.m. in Union United Methodist Church with Rev. Rudolph Jacobs conducting the service. Mary Bell Carrinigton Johnson Mary Bell Carrington Johnson of New York, NY, formerly of Halifax County, died January 11, 1999 at North General Hospital in New York at the age of 63. Mrs. Johnson was born in Halifax County on June 28, 1935 the daughter of John Arthur Carrington and Mabel Barnett Carrington and was married to Roland Johnson. He was a member of Denniston Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, William J. Johnson of Alton; one sister, Barbara Claiborne of New York; one brother, Earl Carrington of Cleveland, OH; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Bernard Johnson. Funeral services for Mrs. Johnson will be held Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m. at Denniston Grove Baptist Church with Rev. John Hubbard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church two hours before the service. Arthur Donald Tharpe Arthur Donald Tharpe of SunnyVale, CA died Saturday, January 9, 1999 in San Jose, CA at the home of his son. He was 60 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Tharpe was born June 30, 1938 in Red Oak the son of Emmitt Tharpe and Mittie Council Tharpe and was married to Audrie B. Tharpe. He was employed for 40 years at Lockheed Aircraft in SynnyVale and was of the Christian faith. Survivors include one daughter, Tammi Cunningham of San Jose, CA; one son, Kevin Tharpe of San Jose; five grandchildren of San Jose; four sisters, Lottie Scearce of Danville, Josephine Lloyd and Catherine Tharpe, both of Halifax and Pauline Arthur of South Boston; five brothers, William Tharpe of Richmond, Gilbert Tharpe of Halifax, Vern Tharpe of Madera, CA, Euggie Tharpe of Victoria, and Royal Tharpe of South Hill; one special friend of SunnyVale. He was preceded in death by one brother George 'Buck' Tharpe. A memorial service will be held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose today, January 15 at 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held locally at a later date. Irene Harmon Allison Stines Irene Harmon Allison Stines of South Boston, a native of Saltville, died Tuesday, January 12, 1999 at her home. She was 70 years of age at the time of her death. Survivors include her husband, Jethro Stines; three sons, Brad Allison of Morganton, NC, Jim Allison of Austinville and Ralph Allison of VA Beach; four daughters, Carol Powers of Tannersville, Frances Newcomb of Stoneville, NC, Glenda Bryant of Waveland, MS and Polly Puryear of Mocksville, NC; one sister, Ortha Turner of Akron, OH; 20 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; five step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Candy Allison and an infant daughter. Funeral services for Mrs. Stines will be held at 11 a.m. today, January 15 at D.R. Henderson Funeral Home Chapel in Saltville with Rev. Benny Frye officiating. Burial will follow in Elizabeth Cemetery. Douglas Rea Clark Douglas Rea Clark of 3323 Old Halifax Road, South Boston died Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at his home. He was 53 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Clark was born in Martinsville on February 2, 1945 the son of Elmer Tune Clark and Frances Rea Clark. He was pastor of Seven Oaks Baptist Church for many years and was owner of Doug's Antiques and Reproduction Furniture. Survivors include three daughters, Wendy Michelle Clark and Karen Renee Clark, both of South Boston and Amy Elizabeth Auld of Virgilina; one son, Kenneth Rea Clark of South Boston; one grandchild, Alexis Victoria Clark of South Boston. Funeral services for Mr. Clark will be held today, January 15 at 2 p.m. at Centerville Baptist Church with Revs. Richard Saunders and Rudolph Jacobs 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. Alice Spencer Wilbourne Alice Spencer Wilbourne of 3110 Cherry Hill Church Road, South Boston died Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at her home. She was 95 years of age. Mrs. Wilbourne was born in Halifax County on December 19, 1903 the daughter of James William Spencer and Lucy Oakes Spencer and was married to Cornelius Ernest Wilbourne. She was a member of Cherry Hill United Methodist Church where she was a long-time member of the United Methodist Women. Survivors include a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mrs. Wilbourne will be held Saturday, January 16 at 11 a.m. at Cherry Hill United Methodist Church with Revs. Don Davidson and Robert Lewis conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, January 15 from 7 until 8:30, and other times at her home. Myrtis Ann Puryear Myrtis Ann Puryear, 63, of Virgilina died Thursday, January 14, 1999 in Durham Regional Hospital. Miss Puryear was born in Halifax County the daughter of John Robert and Mary Alice O'Geary Puryear. She lived all of her life in Virgilina and was a member of Union United Church of Christ. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 16 at Union United Church of Christ with Rev. Bobby Whitfield officiating. Burial will be in Virgilina Cemetery. Survivors include one sister, Sally Morgan Talley; one niece, Judy Wiles and one nephew, Morgan Fontaine Talley, all of Virgilina. The family will receive friends tonight, January 15 from 7 until 9:00 at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home in Clarksville. January 18, 1999 Betty Chambers Lovelace Betty Chambers Lovelace of South Boston died January 8, 1999. Mrs. Lovelace was born in Halifax County on August 29, 1911 and was 87 years of age at the time of her death. She was the daughter of Lillie Womack and was married to Major Lovelace. She was a member of Millstone Baptist Church. Survivors include a devoted cousin, Shirley Younger Miles of South Boston; and a number of cousins, other relatives and friends. Memorial services were held Friday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the chapel of Daniel Funeral Home in Halifax with Rev. Mr. Spruill conducting the service.. Burial was in the church cemetery. Evelyn Conner Owen Evelyn Conner Owen of 7244 Philpott Road, South Boston died January 17, 1999 at Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC. She was born May 20, 1922 in Halifax County and was the daughter of Lemmie T. Conner and Elizabeth Ruby Wilborn Conner. She was the wife of J. Weldon Owen. Mrs. Owen was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church and a was retired employee of JPS Converter. She is survived by her husband, J. Weldon Owen, of South Boston; one daughter, Brenda O. Newcomb, and son-in-law, Ray Newcomb, of Alton; three sisters, Marion Gordon, of Alton; Artie Schweihert, of Richmond; Jean Poole, of Princeton, NC; two brothers, Glenn Conner, of Richmond; and Carl Conner, of Amherst; two granddaughters, Renae N. Lee and her husband, Tommy V. Lee, of Ringgold; and Wanda N. Overby, and her husband, Ronnie L. Overby, of Turbeville. Funeral services for Mrs. Owen will be held at Ephesus Baptist Church Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Leonard Watlington and Rev. Kenneth Williams officiating. Burial will take place in the Ephesus Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home and other times at the home, 7244 Philpott Road, South Boston. Jannie Juliet Waller LONG ISLAND - Jannie Juliet Waller, 70, of 4004 Buffalo Road, passed away Saturday, January 16, 1999 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. She was the wife of the late Herman (Shorty) Waller. She was born in Halifax County July 1, 1928, daughter of the late General Beaurguard Waller and Derotha Jennings Waller. She was a member of Buffalo Baptist Church and a retired employee of Burlington Industries after 40 years of service. She is survived by one son, Kenneth Dean Waller of Nathalie ; three daughters and a son-in-law, Janet and Kenneth Ford of South Boston; Ann Youngblood of Lynchburg; Marie Compton of Nathalie; six grandchildren, Tanya Powell and her husband, Floyd of Nathalie; Jody Waller and Melanie Waller of Nathalie; Angie Compton of Nathalie; Donna Ford and Kimberly Ford of South Boston. She was preceded in death by a twin brother, Jessie Waller. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 19, at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Alfred Rimmer with burial to follow at Clover Bottom Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at Henderson Funeral Home and will be at her home other times. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Buffalo Baptist Church, or the American Diabetes Society. Elma Talbott Solomon Elma Talbott Solomon of 2132 Old Cluster Springs Road, South Boston, died January 17, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital, South Boston. She was born September 15, 1919 in Halifax County. She was the daughter of the late Boss Henry Talbott and Esther Richardson Talbott and was married to the late William Lonnie Solomon. Mrs. Solomon was a member of Ash Avenue Baptist Church and a retired employee of J. P. Stevens. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Lonnie Solomon and a brother, Crafton Talbott. Funeral services for Mrs. Solomon will be held January 19 at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. John Fariss officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tonight from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at other times at Ruth Puryear's, 2083 Old Cluster Springs Road. The family requests that anyone wishing to give memorials please consider the charity of your choice. January 20, 1999 Deacon William Eubanks Jr. Deacon William Eubanks Jr. of Shiloh Church Road, Nathalie died Saturday, January 16, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Eubanks was born on February 1, 1919 and was the son of William Henry Eubanks Sr. and Sarah Eubanks and was married to Alice 'Noby' Eubanks. He was a member of St. Michael Baptist Church and a World War II Army Veteran. Survivors include his wife of the home; one step-daughter, Almarie Jones of Somerdale, NJ; two step-sons, Robert Jennings of Atglen, PA and Alphonso Jennings of Richmond, CA; his step-mother, Sarah Eubanks of Keysville; one step-sister, Elizabeth Jones of Keysville; and nine step-grandchildren. Funeral services for Deacon Eubanks will be held Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie with Rev. David Fitzgerald conducting the service. Burial will follow in St. Michael Baptist Church Cemetery in Drakes Branch. The family will receive friends Friday, January 22 from 7 until 9:00 at New Shiloh Baptist Church and other times at the home. Joseph Reed Wood Joseph Reed Wood of Newport News died Saturday, January 16, 1999 in Newport News at the age of 40. Mr. Wood was born in Baltimore, MD on March 19, 1958 the son of Jessie and Lillie Reed. Survivors include one son, Deon Wood of Newport News; his parents of Baltimore; four sisters, Edith Easley of Halifax, Carolyn Thigpen, Jessie Long and Rosa Randolph, all of Baltimore; five brothers, Harvey, Louis, Lee, Allen and Jimmie Wood, all of Baltimore. Funeral services for Mr. Wood will be held today, January 20 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul CME Church in Halifax with Rev. George Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of his sister, 2103 Meadville Road, Nathalie. Irene Hupp Fink Irene Hupp Fink, 87, of Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC died Saturday, January 16, 1999 at her home. Mrs. Fink was born October 25, 1911 in Halifax County the daughter of Rosa Shepard Hupp and Phillip Thomas Hupp and was married to James Adam Fink. She was retired as a public school teacher having taught in Cleveland and Hurley Schools. Earlier she taught in Virginia. She was a member of Milford Hills United Methodist Church, the Friendly Neighborhood Group and the Women's Circle. Survivors include one son, George H. Fink of Salisbury; two stepsons, James Milo Fink of Fairview, NC and Richard L. Fink of Salisbury; one sister, Annie Hupp of Salisbury; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Fink were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 19 at Milford Hills United Methodist Church with Revs. Mike Kurtz and Ernest Mullins officiating. Burial was in the Woodleaf United Methodist Church Cemetery in Woodleaf, NC. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the church or Rowan Regional Home Health & Hospice, 825-A West Henderson St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Luther James Powell Luther James Powell of 3057 North Terry's Bridge Road, Halifax died Sunday, January 17, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 88 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Powell was born in Halifax County on May 29, 1910 the son of George Cleveland Powell and Eva Bliss Powell and was married to Martha Hackney Powell. He was a member of Dan River Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and usher. Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Peggy L. Powell and Patsy P. Weaver, both of Rockville, MD; four sons, Glenn Powell, Mark Powell and Donnie Powell, all of Halifax and James Powell of Fordland; eight sisters, Vena Watts of Richmond, Pauline Hancock and Dorothy Lacks of Halifax, Lanier Canada, Elsie Owen, and Margaret Canada, all of South Boston, Lillian Smith and Mary Lee Smith, both of Scottsburg; one brother, Calvin 'Runt' Powell of South Boston; five grandchildren, Steve Powell, Tracey Eanes, Scott Weaver, Chris Weaver and Lisa Powell; one great-grandson, Blake Powell; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Hallie P. Hackney, and three brothers, Wilson Powell, Joe Powell and Alton Powell. Funeral services for Mr. Powell will be held today, January 20 at 2 p.m. at Dan River Baptist Church With Revs. Joe Brewer, Jack Stewart and Dr. Dennis Knight conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Sallie McKinney Miller Sallie McKinney Miller of Scottsburg died Monday, January 18, 1999 at The Woodview. She was 100 years of age. Mrs. Miller was born in Halifax County on September 26, 1898 the daughter of William McKinney and Lucy Ann Cumbie McKinney and was married to Clarence Cable Miller. She was a member of Fork Baptist Church. Survivors include three daughters, Mary Miller Richmond and Nell Miller Meyers, both of Richmond and Annie Miller Bowers of Baskerville; two sons, John Randolph Miller of Chester and Billy Wesley Miller of South Boston; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, Berkley, Lonnie and Willie Lee Miller, and one daughter, Martha Miller. Graveside services for Mrs. Miller will be held today, January 20 at 1 p.m. at Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Michael Phillips conducting the service. The family will receive friends today, January 20 at Powell Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to noon. Augusta Riley Williams Augusta Riley Williams, 87, of the Dobyns community of Stuart, died Sunday, January 10, 1999, at Patrick Community Hospital in Stuart. He was born December 26, 1911, in Patrick County, and was a son of the late James Sparrell and Ellen Jones Williams. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Jane Slate Williams. Surviving are six children, Riley Williams of Bassett, Vera Wood of South Boston, Violet Hubbard, Joan Smith, Essie Holt and Gail Flippin, all of Stuart; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 12 at Howell Funeral Home chapel in Stuart. Burial was in the Dobyns Community Primitive Baptist Church cemetery. David Rogers David Rogers of South Boston died Sunday, January 17, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 63 years of age. Mr. Rogers was born June 8, 1935 in South Boston the son of Silas Bates and Mamie Ratliff and was married to Rebecca Tindal Rogers. Survivors include his wife; one son, David Rogers of New York; one sister, Roslyn Fields of Queens, NY; one brother-in-law, Abe Fields; three uncles, Lazarus Bates of South Boston, Terry Rogers of Portsmouth and George Rogers of Virginia Beach; one aunt, Pearl Rogers of New York; one great-aunt, Fannie Brooks of South Boston; devoted cousins and other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Rogers will be held Thursday, January 21 at 2 p.m. at Dan River View Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. V.W. Brayboy Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the family cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight, January 20 from 7 until 8:00 at the chapel of Kent, Ballou and Crowder Funeral Service. January 22, 1999 William Alexander Abbott Sr. William Alexander Abbott Sr. of 3070 Howard P. Anderson Road, Halifax died Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. He was 77 years of age. Mr. Abbott was born in Halifax County on October 21, 1921 the son of John Robertson Abbott and Reba Walker Abbott and was married to Odell Tune Abbott. He was a member of Winns Creek Baptist Church where he was a choir member, Sunday School teacher and a deacon. He was a member of Bethel Ruritan Club and Halifax Sportsman's Club. He was a retired tobacconist with Liggett-Myers Tobacco Company. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Sara Abbott Bradshaw of Richmond and Rebecca Abbott Wagner of Danville; one son, William 'Bill' Alexander Abbott Jr. of Halifax; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two half sisters, Bessie Abbott Crafton and Edith Abbott Guthrie. Funeral services for Mr. Abbott will be held today, January 22 at 2 p.m. at Winns Creek Baptist Church with Revs. Tim Madison and Richard Welch conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association or a charity of your choice. Ethel Mae Jennings Cook Ethel Mae Jennings Cook of 1054 Cook Lane, Nathalie died Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 81 years of age. Mrs. Cook was born in Halifax County on June 20, 1917 the daughter of H.E. Jennings and Lelia Coates Jennings and was married to Lawrence Cook. She was a member of Ellis Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Mary Cook Saunders and S.R. Saunders of Nathalie; one son and daughter-in-law, Henry B. Cook and Brenda H. Cook of Nathalie; two sisters, Virginia McKinney of Halifax and Katie Crews of South Boston; two brothers, Herbert Jennings and Charlie Jennings, both of Nathalie; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister, Rosa Hailey, and two brothers, Claudie Jennings and Albert Jennings. Funeral services for Mrs. Cook will be held today, January 22 at 11 a.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church with Revs. Robert Breckenridge and Paul Mandel conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home. Wilbert Odell 'Jim' Carrington Wilbert Odell 'Jim' Carrington of 284 Witcher Road, Ringgold, died Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at Danville Memorial Hospital at the age of 57. Mr. Carrington was born in Halifax County on December 12, 1941 the son of William Carrington and Priscella Hamlett Carrington. He was a member of Mason Chapel Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Sharay Carrington of Brooklyn, NY; one sister, Clariece Berry of Tampa, FL; and one brother, Cornelius Carrington of Ringgold. Funeral services for Mr. Carrington will be held Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m. at Mason Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Claiborne officiating. The family will receive friends this evening, January 22 from 6:00 until 8:00. January 25, 1999 Berkley Thomas Bruce Berkley Thomas Bruce of South Boston died Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 58. Mr. Bruce was born in Halifax County on October 6, 1940. Survivors include three daughters, Sygnid Bruce of Fort Washington, MD, Mary Bruce of Silver Springs, MD and Bertina Bruce of Andrews Air Force Base, MD; two sons, Fernandez Bruce of Halifax and Ricardo Bruce of Durham, NC; two brothers, Lacy Bruce and Rev. Paul Bruce, both of South Boston. Funeral services for Mr. Bruce were held Saturday, January 23 at 11 a.m. at Crawford, Garrett and Burton Funeral Chapel in Halifax with Revs. Samuel Mitchell and Paul Bruce officiating. Burial was in the Bruce Family Cemetery. Wilford Murriell Hughes Wilford Murriell Hughes, 72, formerly of Hitesburg and son of the late John Stanley and Allie Hite Hughes, dies Saturday, January 23 in the St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond. Mr. Hughes was a retired Federal Reserve Bank employee and a veteran of the U.S. Army WWII. He was a member of Ridge Baptist Church in Richmond. He graduated from Virgilina High School in the class of 1943. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. in the Hitesburg Baptist Church in Hitesburg. Officiating will be the Rev. Tim Brendle. Burial will follow in the Hitesburg Baptist Church cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Grace Fuller Hughes; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Bob Lane; grandsons Fletcher and Bryan Lane, all of Richmond; sisters Nancy Fox, Joyce Gillespie, Mary Forlines, Jean Daniel and Betty Chaddock; a brother, Bobby Hughes. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Dale Hughes. The family will receive friends immediately following the committal service in the church fellowship hall. Contributions may be made to the Ridge Baptist Church Catch the Vision Fund, Richmond, Va. Frances Faye McDowell Osborne Frances Faye McDowell Osborne of 1071 Cedar Lake Road, South Boston died Friday, January 22, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 66 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Osborne was born in Halifax County on September 12, 1932 the daughter of Frank Thomas McDowell Sr. and Mary Will Dodson McDowell and was married to Samuel S. Osborne Jr. and was married to Samuel S. Osborne Jr. She was a member of Beth Car Baptist Church and was retired from the Halifax County Health Department. Survivors include her husband; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Lynn and Tommy Howerton of South Boston and Elizabeth and Ronnie Couch of Halifax; two sons and daughters-in-law, Chip and Jodi Osborne of Hollywood, FL and Charles and Rita Osborne of South Boston; one sister, Nancy Blane of Alton; two brothers, Watt McDowell and Tommy McDowell, both of South Boston; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Osborne were held Sunday, January 24 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove United Church of Christ with Rev. Charles Stewart officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association. Willie Gordon Ragsdale Willie Gordon Ragsdale of South Boston died Tuesday, January 19, 1999 at his home. He was 80 years of age at the time of his death. Mr. Ragsdale was born in Halifax County on September 7, 1918. Survivors include six daughters, Mildred Ragsdale of Wilmington, DE, Carolyn Ragsdale and Jacqueline Ragsdale, both of South Boston, Vanessa Ragsdale of St. Louis, MO, Tracy Ragsdale of Danville, and Katina Ragsdale of Alexandria; two sons, William Ragsdale of South Boston and Kenneth Kirby of Washington, DC; and five grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Ragsdale were held Saturday, January 23 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in South Boston with Rev. Harold Roberts Sr. officiating. Burial was in Halifax Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Cornelius Richardson Royster Mrs. Cornelius Richardson Royster of 1098 West Hitesburg Rd., Virgilina died Friday, January 22 at the Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 83. She was born in Halifax County August 5, 1915 and was the daughter of the late George B. Richardson and Christianna Robertson Richardson. She was married to the late Amos Lee Royster and was a member of the White Oak Fork Baptist Church. Mrs. Royster is survived by two daughters, Christine Sydnor and Rosa Lester, both of Virgilina; one son, Earl R. Royster of Halifax; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eva Oliver of Buffalo Junction, Annie O. Richardson and Zader R. Morgan, both of Virgilina; one brother, Eddie C. Richardson of Virgilina; two sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. at the White Oak Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Glenn Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased. Alice Shine Mrs. Alice Shine of Halifax passed away Wednesday, January 20 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 85. She was born in Denton, Md. on October 30, 1913. Mrs. Shine is survived by her sister, Mildred Hill of Philadelphia, Pa.; and cousins Eddie and Bettie Womack of Halifax. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. at Crawford, Garrett & Burton Funeral Chapel in Halifax with the Rev. James Traynham officiating. Interment will take place in Shockoe Baptist Church cemetery in Chatham. Family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Womack, 2039 Leighwood Tr., Halifax. January 27, 1999 Frances Beatrice Hilliard Frances Beatrice Hilliard of New York, formerly of Clarksville, died Sunday, January 24, 1999 in New York. Ms. Hilliard was born in Mecklenburg County the daughter of Viola and Leonard Miller. She was a member of St. John Baptist Church, Buffalo Junction. Survivors include her mother of Clarksville; two brothers, Leonard Hilliard Jr. of Corona, NY and Jerry Hilliard of South Boston; eight sisters, Mary Harris of Littleton, NC, Sarah Hilliard of Brooklyn, NY, Rosa Newton, Nannie Smith, Blanche Hilliard, all of Clarksville, Dorothy Hilliard of New Jersey, Mattie Hilliard of South Boston and Lillie Terry of Buffalo Junction. Funeral services for Ms. Hilliard will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 30 at St. John Baptist Church with Rev. Melvin Paylor officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Willie Thomas Stovall Willie Thomas Stovall of Fairmont Apartments, South Boston died Sunday, January 24, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 45. Mr. Stovall was born in Halifax County June 25, 1953 the son of Willie Lee Stovall and Arlene Johnson stovall and was married to Marlene Stovall. He was a member of White Oak Fork Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held today, January 27 at 2 p.m. at White Oak Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Faulkner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors of Mr. Stovall include his wife; one daughter, Joanne King of South Boston; one son, Marcus Stovall of South Boston; four grandchildren; four step-children; one step-grandchild; his father; five sisters, Dianna Boxley, Brenda Walton and Peggy Merritte, all of South Boston, Wendy Stovall and Wanda Stovall, both of Virgilina; one brother, Giles Stovall of South Boston; and his maternal grandmother, Mary Johnson of Virgilina. Frances Dodson Sisco Frances Dodson Sisco of Richmond died Monday, January 25, 1999 at her home. She was 63 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Sisco was born in Halifax County on September 30, 1935 the daughter of Lewis Moore Dodson and Alice D. Dodson She was a member of First Baptist Church in Richmond. Her only survivor is her mother of Turbeville. She was preceded in death by her father. Graveside services for Mrs. Sisco will be held today, January 27 at 2 p.m. at First Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ken Williams conducting the service. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider your favorite charity. Mary Elizabeth Seamster Wilborn Mary Elizabeth Seamster Wilborn of 1166 Paul Jones Road, Halifax died Saturday, January 23, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 80 years of age. Mrs. Wilborn was born in Halifax County on August 20, 1918 the daughter of Jack Seamster and Molly Comer Seamster and was married to John Thomas Wilborn. She was a member of Winns Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, William L. Wilborn and Robert Lee Wilborn, both of Nathalie and Clyde Douglas Wilborn of Halifax; four daughters, Nancy Wilborn Walker of Brookneal, Annie Wilborn Switzer, Mary Wilborn Hancock and Frances Wilborn King, all of Nathalie; 28 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Ruby Moore Seamster of Halifax. Funeral services for Mrs. Wilborn were held Tuesday, January 26 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Richard Welch and Bob Watts conducting the service. Burial was in McKendree United Methodist Church Cemetery. Ineatha Renae Wyatt Ineatha Renae Wyatt of South Boston died Friday, January 22, 1999 at Duke Regional Medical Center at the age of 19. She was born in Hampton on February 6, 1979 the daughter of John Samuel Wyatt Jr. and Joanne Williams Wyatt. Ms. Wyatt is survived by one son, Dayjon Latte of South Boston; her mother, Joanne Wyatt of South Boston; her father and stepmother, John Wyatt Jr. and Beverly Wyatt of Danville; three sisters, Pamela Wyatt of Delran, NY, Wanda Wyatt of Vincentown, NJ and Jennika Wyatt of South Boston; three stepsisters, Faith Coates of Pensicola, FL, Kim Williams of Killeen TX and Andrea Gillis of Dover, DE; one stepbrother, Steven Contee of Smyrna, GA; maternal grandmother, Ineather Williams of South Boston; and her paternal grandmother, Jennie Wyatt of South Boston. Funeral services for Ms. Wyatt will be held Thursday, January 28 at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Rev. William Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home tonight, January 27 from 7 until 8:00, and other times at the home of Jennie Wyatt, 4197 East Hyco Road, South Boston. Mary Arlene Hill Bane Mary Arlene Hill Bane of Vernon Hill died Monday, January 25, 1999 at her home. She was 83 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Bane was born in Halifax County on December 9, 1915 the daughter of John William Hill and Gillie Wyatt Hill and was married to Lacy W. Bane. She was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, was Postmistress of Vernon Hill Post Office for 31 years, and was a teacher in the Halifax County Public School System. Survivors include her husband; one daughter and her husband, Mary Thomas Bane and Mason Ligon of Rocky Mount; one sister, Alice Pruitt of Brookneal; two brothers, Samuel T. Hill of Volens and Roy Edward Hill of Republican Grove. She was preceded in death by a son, John Jenkins Bane. Funeral services for Mrs. Bane will be held today, January 27 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Wilkins officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Mary Adams Newbill McDowell Mary Adams Newbill McDowell of 1407 Peach Avenue, South Boston died Tuesday, January 26, 1999 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 91 years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. McDowell was born in Halifax County on February 8, 1907 the daughter of James Samuel Newbill and Ella Hudson Newbill and was married to Carter Glass McDowell. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include one niece, Mary Ann Newbill Carlton of Farmville; three nephews, LA. Newbill and C.C. Newbill, both of Guatemala City, Central America and H.H. 'Skip' Newbill Jr. of Suffolk; 11 great nieces and nephews and three great-great-nephews. Graveside services for Mrs. McDowell will be held Thursday, January 28 at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Revs. Bob Fox and Tony Brooks conducting the service. The family will receive friends at her home. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Elevator Fund at First Baptist Church. January 29, 1999 Thomas E. Brank Thomas E. Brank of Nathalie died Tuesday, January 26, 1999 at his home. He was 44 years of age. Mr. Brank retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer, serving in the U.S. Navy. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Bank of Chesapeake; one daughter, Robyn; one sister, Eilien Bergman, and one brother, Brian Brank, both of Texas. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Altmeyer Funeral Home in VA Beach with Rev. Wayne Cook officiating. Grayzelle Downey Hudson Giles Grayzelle Downey Hudson Giles of Richmond, formerly of Virgilina, died Tuesday, January 26, 1999 at University Park Nursing Home in Richmond. She was 84 years of age. Mrs. Giles was born June 22, 1914 in Granville County, NC the daughter of Thomas Calvin Downey and Beatrice Willard Downey and was first married to Charlie J. Hudson and later to Edwin C. Giles. She was a member of Parham Road Baptist Church in Richmond and a long time member of Grace Baptist Church at Omega. The funeral will be held at Grace Baptist Church today, January 29 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Jack Stewart officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Survivors of Mrs. Giles include one daughter, Faye H. Elliott of Richmond; one son, C. Jordan Hudson Jr. of Richmond; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Gertrude Stevens Gertrude Stevens, 87, of Keene, TX, formerly of Republican Grove, died on Tuesday, January 26, 1999. She was married to the late Thomas A. Stevens. Survivors include one son, Charles; one grandson, Thomas G.; one step-great-grandson, Benjamin Bates; and one sister, Marjorie Harrop. Services will be held Sunday, January 31 at 2 p.m. at Republican Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church. Visitation will be at the church from noon until the service.