Halifax County, VA - Obituaries: The Gazette-Virginian - December 2000 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, 2000 Obra Everett Spangler Obra Everett Spangler, age 77, of Danville, died November 29 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. Mr. Spangler was born February 16, 1923, in Monarch, W. Va., the son of William Spangler and Ollie Midkiff Spangler and was married to Shirley Jackson Spangler. He was a professor of Graphic Arts at Danville Community College until his retirement, was an active member of Grace Design United Methodist Church, served in the VFW Post 647 and was a member of the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 325. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Spangler was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in WWII and having survived the D-Day Invasion at Normandy, France. Survivors include his wife, two sons, Mark A. Spangler of Lawrenceville, Ga. and Bruce L. Spangler of Raleigh, N.C.; one daughter, Kristie Spangler of Halifax; one brother, Ray Spangler of Powellton, W.Va.; two sisters, Ruth S. Martin of Marietta, Ohio and Hazel S. Harvey of Tampa, Fla. and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ershal, Willie and Clyde Spangler. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. December 2 at Grace Design United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jeff Hale officiating. Burial ill fowllow at Danville Memorial Gardens with full military honors by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 325. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 this evening, December 1 at Grace Design United Methodist Church and other times at the residence. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Obra E. and Shirley J. Spangler Scholarship Fund, c/o Danville Community College, 1008 South Main St., Danville, 24541. Bennie Lewis Wade Bennie Lewis Wade, age 48, of Brookneal, died November 29 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Mr. Wade was born in Lynchburg on July 24, 1952, the son of Beverly M. Wade and Thelma Guthrie Wade. He attended Brookneal Baptist Church and was a Navy Veteran. Survivors include his parents of Brookneal; one brother, Randy M. Wade of Gladys; one sister and brother-in-law, Devery and Conald Fisher of Nathalie; a sister-in-law, Lee Wade of Gladys; and a special friend, Sharon McCulley of Gladys. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. today, December 1 at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Revs. Shelton Miles and Charles Ward. Burial will follow in the Roark Family Cemetery in Nathalie. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Brookneal Rescue Squad or the American Heart Association. John Everette Rickman John Everette Rickman, age 66, of Martinsville, died November 29 at his home. Mr. Rickman was born in Halifax County on November 17, 1934, the son of John Henry Rickman and Rosa Banton Rickman Walker and was married to Nancy Harmon Rickman. He was a member of Hill Memorial Baptist Church, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a truck driver for 40 years. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Sonja Rickman Stanley of Greensboro, N.C. and Michelle Rickman Compson of Ridgeway; one step-daughter, Susan Deborah Chitwood of Martinsville; four sisters, Janet R. Childrey of South Boston, Gail R. Reaves of Virgilina, Helen R. Gibbons of Wilmington, Del. and Ann R. Crawford of Charlotte, N.C.; one brother, Gilbert Rickman of Charlotte; one step-brother, Swanson Eugene Walker of Martinsville and one grandson, Caleb Compton. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Eleanor Conner, Emma Lee Cook and Elise Gershbauch, his father and mother and stepfather, Clifton Walker. Funeral services for Mr. Rickman will be held December 2 at 11 a.m. at Collins Funeral Chapel in Bassett with the Rev. J.D. Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends this evening, December 1 from 7:00 until 8:30 at Collins Funeral Chapel. December 4, 2000 Toni Fallen Saunders Toni Fallen Saunders, age 43, of 337 McKinney Street, South Boston, died November 30 at MCV, Richmond. Mrs. Saunders was born in Halifax County on April 25, 1957, the daughter of Roy Preston Fallen and Delores F. Smith and was married to Jerry Saunders. She was a member of Second Baptist Church where she served as a pianist and Sunday School teacher, and she was a seamstress at Glen-More. A funeral service was held December 3 at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church with the Revs. Jim Smith and Richard Saunders officiating. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Survivors of Mrs. Saunders include her husband; her father of Nathalie; her mother and stepfather, Delores and Franklin Smith of Halifax; one son, Zach Saunders of South Boston; one daughter, Reba Saunders of South Boston; one brother, David Fallen of Nathalie; two sisters, Donna S. Matthews of Virgilina and Robin S. Bishop of Clarksville; and her grandmother, Geraldine Moorefield of South Boston. She was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan Saunders. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Heart Association, 4504 Starkey Rd., SW, Suite 15, Roanoke, VA 24014. William Aaron Owen William Aaron Owen, age 72, of 401 Leigh Street, South Boston, died November 30 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Owen was born in Halifax County on April 17, 1928, the son of Elmer Alfred Owen and Nannie Lula Elliott Owen and was married to Helen Sadler Owen. He was retired from Keystone Mills and was a Army Veteran. A funeral service was held December 3 at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs officiating. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Survivors of Mr. Owen include his wife; two sons, William Thomas Owen of South Boston and James Owen of Julian, N.C.; one brother Ray Owen of Clarksville; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Dick, Johnnie and James Owen. Carlton Raymond West Carlton Raymond West, age 87, of Nathalie, died November 25 at his home. Mr. West was born in Halifax County on October 16, 1913. Survivors include one brother-in-law, Howard Conner of Philadelphia, Pa; a devoted niece, Mary Yorkshire of Washington, DC; and one nephew, James West of Washington. A funeral service for Mr. West was held December 2 at 2 p.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Nathalie with the Rev. Sylvester Crawley officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Dorothy Lee Cole Dorothy Lee Cole, age 51, of 1206 River Road, South Boston, died November 30 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Ms. Cole was born in Halifax County on December 19, 1948, the daughter of Fannie Hankins Cole and James Edward Cole Sr. She was a member of Berry Hill Baptist Church. Survivors include her mother of South Boston; one sister, Mary Alice Guthrie of South Boston; two brothers, James Edward Cole Jr. and Calvin Lewis Hankins, both of South Boston. A funeral service for Ms. Cole was held December 3 at 3 p.m. at Berry Hill Baptist Church with burial following in the church cemetery Lucy Coleman Gears Lucy Coleman Gears, age 75, of 1026 Gatha's Trail, Halifax, died December 1 at Danville Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Gears was born in Halifax County on September 26, 1925, the daughter of James Mitchell and Leanna Coleman Mitchell and was first married to William Ruffin Coleman and later married Carl Gears. She was a member of Spanish Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Willie Diane Coleman Blakey; four sons, Thomas William Coleman of Alexandria, Henry Coleman of South Boston, Hagood Coleman of Halifax and Leandrew Coleman of Newark, NJ; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters. Laura Coleman and Marie Womack, both of Halifax. Funeral services for Mrs. Gears will be held today, December 4 at 10 a.m. at Spanish Grove Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Bobby Lee Rogers Bobby Lee Rogers, age 66, of Stuart, died December 1 at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. Mr. Rogers was born in Stokes County, N.C. the son of Annie Hall Rogers and Ernest Rogers. He was a member of Peters Creek Baptist Church, a member of Mountain Home Lodge 263, the Kazim Shriners and VFW Post 7800. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was the co-operator of Friendly Barber Shop in Stuart. Survivors include his mother of Westfield N.C.; his wife; one son, Timmy Lee Rogers of Greensboro, N.C.; one daughter, Sherry R. Wilkins of Scottsburg; two grandchildren, Angel Dawn Wilkins and Andrew Rogers Wilkins; two sisters, Betty Ruth Shelton of Westfield and Agnes Young of Rural Hall, N.C.; three brothers, Ernest Rogers Jr. of Winston-Salem, Benny Rogers of Germanton, N.C. and Johnny Rogers of Winston-Salem; and one half-sister, Dillie Tudor of Stuart. He was preceded in death by his father, and five half-brothers, Harry, Moir, Wesley, William and Ralph Rogers and two half-sisters, Louvie Moore and Mary Simmons. Funeral services for Mr. Rogers was held December 3 at 2 p.m. at Peters Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Eugene Payne, Joe Shockley and Bill Wilkins officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Peters Creek Baptist Church, 6561 NC Hwy. 8 North, Lawsonville, NC 27022. Vera Ellen West Pucket Vera Ellen West Puckett, age 94, of 5063 Clays Mill Road, Scottsburg, died December 2 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Puckett was born in Halifax County on April 29, 1906, the daughter of John West and Lelia Jennings West and was married to Ivan Udolphus Puckett. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, John Will Puckett and Russell Ivan (Shine) Puckett, both of Scottsburg, and Hugh Brantley Puckett of Pamplico, SC; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Mrs. Puckett was held December 3 at 3 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Brooks conducting the service. Burial was in the church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Bethel Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. Florell Wade Oliver Florell Wade Oliver, age 71, of Alton, died December 1 in Alton. Mrs. Oliver was born in Halifax County on May 8, 1929, the daughter of Carlton Wade and Edna Cunningham Wade and was married to John Alvin Oliver. She was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held December 6 at 1 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Dennis White officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors of Mrs. Oliver include four daughters, Gail Hardy, Loretta Abbott, JoAnn Jones and Barbara Oliver, all of Alton; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Elizabeth Bauldwin, Luetta Scott and Veola Richardson, all of Alton; three brothers, John Wade of South Boston, James Wade of Alton and Arthur Wade of Mt. Vernon, N.Y. The family will receive friends at the home of Gail Hardy, 2019 Coleman Drive, Alton. Helen Link Buckner Helen Link Buckner, age 94, of 103 Rosehill Drive, South Boston, died December 1 at The Woodview. Mrs. Buckner was born in Halifax County on January 30, 1906, the daughter of William Fielding Link and Sarah Reaves Link and was married to John W. Buckner. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. Graveside services will be held today, December 4 at 11 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Vineyard officiating. Survivors of Mrs. Buckner include two sisters, Exie Shotwell of Richmond and Shirley Buckner of South Boston; and one brother, Lonnie Link of Alton. Rachel Bright White Rachel Bright White, age 81, of Roxboro, N.C., died December 1 at Person Memorial Hospital. Mrs. White was born in Apex, N.C. the daughter of John Harry and Zula Burt Bright and was married to Jack White. She was a former teacher having taught in the following towns, Hurdle Mills, N.C., Roxboro, Zebulon, N.C. and South Boston. She was associated with Brooks & White Funeral Home since 1951. Survivors include her husband; one son, Jack W. (Bill) White Jr. and his wife, Connee of Roxboro; two grandchildren, Katherine Teague (Katie) White of NCSU and Mary Rachel White of Roxboro; two sisters, Doris B. Seymour of Apex and Ruth B. Brown of Fort Pearce, Fla. A funeral service for Mrs. White was held December 3 at 3 p.m. at Long Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. John D. Harwood Jr. officiating. Burial was in Burchwood Cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Long Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 310, Roxboro, NC 27573. Dorothy Lacy Paylor Dorothy Lacy Paylor, age 99, of Danville, died December 2 at Danville Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Paylor was born on February 16, 1901, in Halifax County the daughter of Robert Allan Lacy and Mary Bettie Kent Lacy and was married to Earle Whitaker Paylor Sr. She was a graduate of James Madison University, was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Sorority, a member of the Virginia Retired Teachers Association and had been the treasurer for the Dist. E Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she was a past president and active member of the United Methodist Women. Survivors include one daughter, Bettie Kent Paylor of Jacksonville, Fla.; three sons, Dr. Earle W. Paylor Jr. of Richmond, John J. Paylor of Paoli, Pa., and Robert A.L. Paylor of Wilton, Conn.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Mrs. Paylor will be held December 5 at 1 p.m. at Townes Memorial Chapel in Danville with the Rev. Gary Milstead conducting the service. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening, December 4 from 7:00 until 8:30 at Townes Funeral Home and other times at the home, 201 Robertson Avenue. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Main Street United Methodist Church or Danville Life Saving Crew. December 6, 2000 Larry Raymond Ward Larry Raymond Ward, age 56, of Brookneal, died December 4. Mr. Ward was born in Lynchburg, September 26, 1944, the son of Ernest Raymond Ward and Frances Elder Ward and was married to Bonnie Cunningham Ward. He was a member of Falling River Baptist Church, Old Well Hunt Club and the Brookneal Sportsmen Club. He graduated from The LSU School of Banking, and was a senior vice president of Wachovia Bank with 33 years of service. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by two daughters, Wendy Ward Milton of Brookneal and Cynthia Ward Holt and her husband, Christopher D. of Bristol, Tenn.; one stepdaughter, Angela Phillips Cindrick and her husband, David of Lynchburg; one stepson, Bryan W. Phillips of Rustburg; step-grandchildren, Daegan Phillips, Haley Cindrick; one sister, Donna W. Guthrie and her husband, Louis of Brookneal. Funeral services for Mr. Ward will be held at 2 p.m. December 7 at Falling River Baptist Church by the Revs. W.D. Mills and Gene Strickland. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening, December 6, from 7:00 until 8:30 at Henderson Funeral Home, Brookneal, and other times at the home. Sylvanious Nathaniel Thomas Sylvanious Nathaniel Thomas, age 72, of 324 Webster Street, South Boston, died December 4 at his home. Mr. Thomas was born in Halifax County on April 3, 1928, the son of Ulysses S. Thomas and Bessie Satterfield Thomas Francisco and was married to Doris Smoot Thomas. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and a 50 year member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of the home; five daughters, Bonnie Thomas Chandler and husband, Randy of Williamsburg, Teresa Thomas Harris and husband, Marshall of South Boston, Margo Thomas Stembridge and husband, Michael of Clarksville, Kathy Thomas Carter and husband, Kevin of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Sonda Thomas Ridgeway and husband, Mark of Greenville, Ohio; one son, Barry Dwight Thomas Sr. of South Boston; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Hortense Meadows, Mary T. Chandler and Sylvia Toler, all of South Boston and Joyce Francisco of Richmond. Graveside services for Mr. Thomas will be held December 7 at Oak Ridge Cemetery t 2 p.m. with Pastors Garland Day and Ed Komorowski conducting the service. The family will receive friends this evening, December 6 from 7:00 until 8:30, at Powell Funeral Home, and other times at the home. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston, 24592. Katie Jennings Crews Katie Jennings Crews, age 72, of 111 Rosehill Drive, South Boston, formerly of Nathalie, died December 3 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Crews was born in Halifax County on April 21, 1923, the daughter of Hedderly Ethel Jennings and Lelia Coates Jennings and was married to Ernest Lacy (Pete) Crews. She was a member of Catawba Baptist Church. Survivors include five daughters, Diane B. Childress, Janice C. Martin and Nancy R. Crews, all of South Boston, Deborah C. Francis and Susan C. Wright, both of Nathalie; two sons, Danny Lacy Crews of Danville and J. David Crews of Nathalie; one sister, Virginia McKinney of Halifax; one brother, Herbert Jennings of Nathalie; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Johnny Ray Crews; one daughter, Catherine Crews; two sisters, Rosa Hailey and Ethel Cook, and three brothers, Albert Jennings, Charlie Jennings and Claudie Swanson Jennings. A funeral service for Mrs. Crews will be held today, December 6 at 2 p.m. at Catawba Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Saunders conducting the service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Halifax County Rescue Squad. December 8, 2000 Mary Coleman Hodge Mary Coleman Hodge, age 99, of Newport News, formerly of Halifax County, died December 2 at Regency Health Care Center in Yorktown. Mrs. Hodge was born in Halifax County on September 20, 1901. Survivors include nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held today, December 8 at 2 p.m. at Crawford, Garrett and Burton in Halifax with the Rev. James Traynham officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Sarah Inez Backer Talley Sarah Inez Baker Talley, age 80, of 2106 Cole Lane, Scottsburg, died December 5 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Talley was born in Harnett County, NC on July 16, 1920, the daughter of Columbus C. Baker and Mary Catherine Patterson Baker and was married first to Clifton Shearin and then to Marvin Talley Sr. She was a member of Carrboro Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Marvin Talley Jr. of Alberta, Canada; one daughter Judy Overby of Scottsburg; six grandchildren, Clifton Rogers Overby of Scottsburg, Connie Lorraine Rossman of Lakeland, Fla., Cynthia Ann Martin of Halifax, Wendy Scott Overby of Richmond, Michael Chad Talley and Cara Beth Talley, both of Alberta, Canada; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and two sisters, Betty Peel of Garner, NC and Ruth Jenkins of Creedmoor, NC. Graveside services for Mrs. Talley will be held today, December 8 at Westwood Memorial Park in Carrboro at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Jim Greenlee conducting the service. Alice Berkley Cole Gravitt Alice Berkley Cole Gravitt, age 85, of 1026 Carolina Street, Virgilina, died December 7 at The Woodview. Mrs. Gravitt was born in Halifax County on October 5, 1915, the daughter of John Robert Cole and Mattie Samuel Oakes Cole and was married Henry Newman Gravitt. She was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church. Survivors include one son, George Henry Gravitt of South Boston; two daughters, Florence G. Buchanan of Virgilina and Janis G. Murray of Mebane, NC; one brother, Holland Cole of South Boston; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Carolyn Faye Gravitt and one son, John Robert Gravitt. A funeral service for Mrs. Gravitt will be held December 9 at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Davidson officiating. Burial will follow in the Virgilina Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening, December 8 from 7:00 until 8:30 at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home of her daughter, Florence Buchanan, 1026 Carolina Street, Virgilina. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Virgilina Cemetery Fund. December 11, 2000 Louise Hines Payne Louise Hines Payne, 95, of 5095 Halifax Road, Halifax, died December 10 at Woodview Nursing Home. Mrs. Payne was born in Charlotte County on February 9, 1905, the daughter of Joshua and Sally Hines. She was married to Carl Evans Payne. Her survivors include a son: William H. Payne of Virgilina; two grandchildren: Diana Moran of Reidsville, NC, Molly Zimmerman of Gibsonville, NC; and three great-grandchildren: Eric Moran of Reidsville and Glenn and Will Zimmerman of Gibsonville. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. Don Davidson officiating. The family will receive friends tonight at the home of her son at 2114 Hyco Bend Farm Rd., Virgilina. In lieu of flowers please consider the Shady Grove United Methodist Church Building Fund. George Marvin Holt Jr. George Marvin Holt Jr., formerly of Burlington, NC, died December 9 at his residence in Wilmington, NC. Mr. Holt was born in Hendersonville, NC on May 17, 1927, the son of the late George Marvin and Gladys Foushee Holt. He served on the Board of Adjustments in Burlington and was a founding director of Burlington Bank and Trust Co. Mr. Holt was appointed by the governor to the board of directors of the NC School for the Deaf and served as deacon and elder of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington. He also served as an elder of Christ Church in Burlington and at the NorthGrove Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. He has served several terms on the Council Ring of Eastern Carolina Camps Fartherest Out. His survivors include his wife: Billie Bryan Holt of the home; two sons: George Marvin Holt III of Richmond and Daniel B. Holt; two daughters: Beth Lawson of Eden, NC and Bryan Gupton of Halifax; 10 grandchildren: George "Chip" Holt, Bryan Holt, David Holt, Joshua Bradshaw, Amy Bradshaw, Emily Gupton, Becky Gupton, Emily Holt, Leslie Hill and Kristi Martin; great-grandson: Jackson Holt Bradshaw and sister: Carolyn Browning of Charlotte, NC. A memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church by Rev. Horace Hilton, Rev. Steven Crotts and Rev. Bill Solomon. Inurnment will be at a later date in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NorthGrove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 804 Valley Forge Crt., Wilmington, NC 28411 or to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 725 Wellington Ave., Wilmington, NC 28401. John Arthur Foster John Arthur Foster, 95, of 1034 Delaware Street, Clover, died December 7 at his residence. Mr. Foster was born in Halifax County on September 29, 1905, the son of the late Arthur Foster and Katie Scott Foster. He was married to Edna Powell Foster and was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church and the Masonic West Lodge #57. His survivors include his wife; six daughters: Bernice Dixon and Agnes Strange of South Boston, Annie Clark and Nadine Staten of Clover and Bettie Delaware and Irene Faulkner of Alexandria; five sons: John Davis Foster of Newport News; George Foster and Willie Foster of Clover; Robert Foster of Woodbridge and Burrell Foster of Hampton; 44 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Allen Wooden of Clover and Willie Wooden of Ct. and a sister: Betty Carter of Maryland. A funeral service was held December 10 at the Zion Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Jefferson Goode officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. December 13, 2000 None. December 15, 2000 Frances Woody Morris Frances Woody "Fran" Morris, age 60, of 5206 Red Bank Road, Virgilina, died December 13 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Morris was born in Halifax County on January 5, 1940, the daughter of James William Woody and Annie Smith Woody and was married to Willie Osborne Morris Jr. She was a member of Black Walnut Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Mona Alease Wilson of Roxboro, N.C. and Kimberly Lynn Seate of South Boston; one son, Bill Morris of Roxboro; three sisters, Jeanette W. Wilborn of Cluster Springs, Lillian W. Cole of South Boston and Rebecca W. Yeatts of Richmond; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, a son, Kenneth Preston Morris; and a brother, James William Woody Jr. A graveside service for Mrs. Morris will be held December 16 at 2 p.m. at the Glasscock Family Cemetery in Virgilina with the Rev. Bobby Whitfield conducting the service. The family will receive friends this evening, December 15 between 7:00 and 8:30 at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home. December 18, 2000 Linda Gail Trent Ragsdale Linda Gail Trent Ragsdale of Country Green Apartments, South Boston, died Thursday, December 14, 2000 at her residence at the age of 45. She was born in Halifax County, on April 24, 1955 and was the daughter of the late Warnell Trent and Ophelia Brown Trent. She was married to Dophas Ragsdale, Jr. and was a member o the New Vernon Baptist Church. Mrs. Ragsdale is survived by her husband, Dophas Ragsdale, Jr.; one son: Dophas Ragsdale, III, of Richmond; one grandchild; four sisters: Nancy H. Womack, of South Boston; Mrs. Annie T. Jones, of Halifax; Ms. Valerie Trent, and Tammy Trent, both of Jersey City, NJ; one brother: Dock Warnell Trent, of Halifax; three brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by one son, Kevin Ragsdale. Funeral services for Mrs. Ragsdale will be held Monday, December 18 at 11:00 a.m. with services at the New Vernon Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Roger Ford officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Louise Petty Brown Louise Petty Brown of South Boston, died Thursday, December 14, 2000 at Halifax Regional Hospital, South Boston at the age of 74. She was born in Halifax County on February 12, 1926. She is survived by her two daughters, Delores Jefferson of Middletown, NY and Pat Sconiors, of East Orange, NJ; four sins, Malcomb Brown, of South Boston; Fred Brown, of Silver Spring, MD; Anthony Brown, of Halifax; and Kenny Brown, of Middletown, NY; 11 grandchildren; two brothers, Leon Petty and Steve Petty, both of South Boston. Funeral services for Mrs. Brown will be held today (Monday) at 2:00 p.m. at County Line Baptist Church in Vernon Hill with the Rev. Otis Dillard officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. December 20, 2000 None. December 22, 2000 None. December 27, 2000 Alvin Quinton Cunningham Alvin Quinton Cunningham, age 77, of 3146 Piney Grove Road, Alton, died December 22 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Cunningham was born in Halifax County on March 5, 1923, the son of Arthur Jackson Cunningham and Lewella Medley Cunningham and was married to Catherine Fergus Cunningham. He was a member of Cross Road Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; one sister, Hattie C. Spencer of New York; a devoted nephew, Kenneth Jamison of Detroit, Mi.; and a devoted great niece, Kimberly Jamison of Detroit. Funeral services for Mr. Cunningham will be held today, December 27 at 2 p.m. at Cross Road Baptist Church with the Rev. Nathaniel Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Savachee Antwain Thaxton Savachee Antwain Thaxton, age 16, of Nathalie, died December 20 at his home. He was born in Halifax County on January 26, 1984, the son of Miranda Thaxton. Survivors include his mother of Nathalie; and his grandparents, William and Mamie Thaxton of Nathalie. Funeral services were held December 23 at Crawford, Garrett and Burton Funeral Services Chapel in Halifax with the Rev. Robert Tucker officiating. Burial was in Sunflower Baptist Church Cemetery. Annie Lavie Pugh Crews Annie Lavie Pugh Crews, age 97, of The Woodview, formerly of Nathalie, died December 21 at the Woodview Nursing Home. Mrs. Crews was born in Charlotte County on June 15, 1903, the daughter of Wheeler Woodson Pugh and Annie Lelia Pugh and was married to Daniel Judson Crews. She was a member of Ellis Creek Baptist Church and a graduate of Longwood College. Survivors include one daughter, Rosa Lee Viar of Lynchburg; one son, Elmer J. Crews of Lynchburg; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and a devoted friend, Janet Cofer of Lynchburg. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Annie Gilliam and Thelma Clark and one brother, Hermus Pugh. A funeral service for Mrs. Crews was held December 24 at 2 p.m. at Ellis Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Mandel officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Elizabeth Young Sippley Elizabeth Young Sippley, age 89, of McLean, died December 21 at The Woodview Nursing Home. Mrs. Sippley was born in Halifax County on October 6, 1911, the daughter of Henry P. Young Sr. and Hallie Jackson Cole Young and was married to Frank Sippley. She as a member of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church of McLean. Survivors include one sister, Baker Young Torian of Virgilina and one brother, Preston Young Jr. of South Boston. Graveside services for Mrs. Sippley were held December 23 at the Young Family Cemetery at Vernon Hill at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Charles Russell Lee conducting the service. Lucille Hughes Ferrell Lucille Hughes Ferrell, age 70, of 1114 Union Church Road, Halifax, died December 25 at her home. Mrs. Ferrell was born in Halifax County on April 13, 1930, the daughter of Earl W. Hughes and Annie Richie Hughes and was married to Larnie R. Ferrell Sr. Survivors include one daughter, Diane Ferrell Blackstock of Danville; one son, Ray Ferrell of Danville; four grandchildren, Angela B. Garcia of Lenoir, N.C., Greg Blackstock, Ryan Ferrell and Betsey Ferrell of Danville; one great-grandchild, Cynthia Garcia of Lenoir; six sisters, Mary H. Hawker of Danville, Ocie H. Gammon of Ruffin, N.C., Doris H. Ford and Janice H. Setney, both of Fla., Ruth H. Smith of Halifax and Ellen H. Booth of Sutherlin; and one brother, J.E. Hughes of Danville. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ella H. Hanks. A funeral service for Mrs. Ferrell will be held December 28 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Isaac Mooneyham conducting the service. Burial will take place in Pleasant Grove United Church of Christ Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening, December 27, from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at 149 Brantley Place or 1718 Buckhorn Drive, Danville. Elizabeth Priest Newbill Elizabeth Priest Newbill, age 89, of 2060 Old Cluster Springs Road, South Boston, died December 25 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Newbill was born in San Clemente, Ca. on May 14, 1911, the daughter of Edward Norvel Priest and Florence Loomis Priest Harris and was married to Eugene Earl Newbill. She was a member of Scottsburg Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Doris Affal Newbill Jones of Halifax and Patsy Newbill Cole of South Boston; 16 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and 23 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Thomas Edward Newbill; her mother and father; and five brothers, Bob, Bud, Dilly, Ed and Virgil Priest. A funeral service for Mrs. Newbill will be held today, December 27 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Grover Stevens conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery, Scottsburg. Meredith Burks Burton Meredith Burks Burton, infant daughter of Joseph Brian and Judith Burks Burton, born December 23, died December 25 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. Meredith is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Burton of South Boston; her paternal grandparents, John E. and Kay Burton of South Boston and Meredith and Doug Bowman of South Boston; her great-grandparents, Betty Burton of Richmond and Helen Howerton of Clarksville. She was preceded in death on December 24 by a twin sister, Virginia Eve Burton. She was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Virginia Burks of Amherst. Funeral services for Meredith will be private. The family will receive friends this afternoon, December 27 from 1:00 until 2:30 at 3200 Gann Avenue, in the Merritt Hills subdivision, home of Meredith and Doug Bowman. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Newborn Nursery of Halifax Regional Hospital, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston 24592, or the Duke McGovern Childrens Hospital, c/o Duke Childrens Hospital Development, Attn: Ron Wood, Box 2975 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710. Virginia Eve Burton Virginia Eve Burton, infant daughter of Joseph Brian and Judith Burks Burton, born December 23, died December 24 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. Virginia is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Burton of South Boston; her paternal grandparents, John E. and Kay Burton of South Boston and Meredith and Doug Bowman of South Boston; her great-grandparents, Betty Burton of Richmond and Helen Howerton of Clarksville. She was survived by a twin sister, Meredith Burks Burton, who survived her by a day. She was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Virginia Burks of Amherst. Funeral services for Virginia will be private. The family will receive friends this afternoon, December 27 from 1:00 until 2:30 at 3200 Gann Avenue, in the Merritt Hills subdivision, home of Meredith and Doug Bowman. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Newborn Nursery of Halifax Regional Hospital, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston 24592, or the Duke McGovern Childrens Hospital, c/o Duke Childrens Hospital Development, Attn: Ron Wood, Box 2975 DUMC, Durham, NC 27710. December 29, 2000 Ida Carter Apple Ida Carter Apple, age 90, of Chase City, died December 27. She was the widow of Richard Louis Apple, and was a long time member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Julia Harris of Chase City; two grandchildren, Richard Moorefield Sr. and Beth Martin, both of Scottsburg; three great-grandchildren, Eugene Martin and Tabitha Burton, both of South Boston and Richard Moorefield Jr. of Halifax; one great-great granddaughter, Gina Martin of Ringgold. Funeral services for Mrs. Apple will be held today, December 29 at 2 p.m. at Wood Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Gene Burris officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Chase City Rescue Squad or First Baptist Church. Beulah Powell Burton Beulah Powell Burton, age 85, of 3056 Howard P. Anderson Road, Halifax, died December 27 at Berry Hill Nursing Home. Mrs. Burton was born in Halifax County on August 4, 1915, the daughter of Robert Wyley Powell and Toy Lee Ingram Powell and was married to John Burton. She was a member of Winns Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include one son, Michael Burton of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Kerry Ann Burton and Timothy Michael Burton, both of Winston-Salem. A funeral service for Mrs. Burton will be held today, December 29 at 2 p.m. at Winns Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Welch officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Winns Creek Baptist Church.