Halifax County, VA - Obituaries: The Gazette-Virginian - October, 2002 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 *********************************************************************** October 2, 2002 Rev. Donald Edward Arthur Rev. Donald Edward Arthur, 41, of Fort Worth, Texas, died September 30. He was born in Leonardtown, MD on December 12, 1960, the son of Anderson Arthur and Pauline Tharpe Arthur and was married to Melinda Cox Arthur. Survivors include his wife; his parents of South Boston; two sisters, Vicky Arthur Lowery of South Boston and Sharon Arthur of Suffield, CT. He was preceded in death by one sister, Renee Arthur Franklin. Truett Lacy Bowen Truett Lacy Bowen, 80, of 2192 Bowen Road, Virgilina, died October 1 at his home. Mr. Bowen was born in Halifax County on December 12, 1921, the son of Oscar G. Bowen and Annie Talley Bowen and was married to Evelyn Palmer Bowen. He was a member of North Fork Baptist Church, the American Legion and the Woodmen of the World. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Dianne B. Lowery and her husband, Clem of Roxboro, NC, and Brenda B. Ellixson and husband, Ray of Southport, NC; two sons, Dural L. Bowen Sr. of Virgilina, and Dwight C. Bowen and his wife, Marilyn of Virgilina; one brother, Watson Bryant Bowen of Virgilina; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Mason Bowen and Garland Bowen. Graveside services for Mr. Bowen will be held October 3 at 11 a.m. at Virgilina Cemetery. The Rev. Bill LaWall will officiate. The family will receive friends this evening, October 2, at Brooks Funeral Home between 7:00 and 8:30, and other times at the home. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Virgilina Volunteer Fire Association, Virgilina Cemetery Committee, or North Fork Baptist Church Building Fund. Kenneth Alan Cranford Kenneth Alan Cranford, 50, of 1202 Sixth Street, South Boston, died September 30 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Cranford was born in Halifax County on September 6, 1952, the son of Clifton F. Cranford and Margaret Scott Cranford and was married to Laura Wilkins Cranford. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and was organist and choir master for First Presbyterian Church, news director of WHLF Radio and was on the South Boston City Council. He was a musician, composer, writer, accompanist and conductor of the Community Choral. Mr. Cranford was founder and leader of the Piedmont Community Band. Survivors include his wife; one son, John Carrington Cranford of South Boston; one daughter, Margaret Anne-Carlisle Cranford of South Boston; his parents of Virgilina; and one sister, Janet L. Cranford of Youngsville, NC. Services for Mr. Cranford will be held today, October 2 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. Andrew Bawtree conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. There will be a memorial celebration Saturday, October 5, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Russell Lee conducting the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kenneth Cranford Fund or the Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church, South Boston. Lorenzo Ford Lorenzo Ford, 74, of Virginia Beach, formerly of Scottsburg, died October 1 at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Mr. Ford was born in Manhattan, NY on November 13, 1927, the son of Lorenza Ford and Cora Lee Ford. He was a member of Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake. Survivors include his wife, Carrie Mitchell Ford; and three children, Adriene Slaughter, Reginald Tucker and Adam Turner. Funeral services for Mr. Ford will be held October 5 in Chesapeake. Francis Anthony Klucz Francis 'Frank' Anthony Klucz of Vernon Hill, formerly of Virginia Beach, died August 25, 2002 at his home. Mr. Klucz was born October 13, 1920. He served in the US Air Force during WWII and the Korean War, graduated from St. Mary's Academy in Norfolk, and was a member of St. Paschal's Catholic Church in South Boston. Survivors include his wife, Virginia P. Klucz of Vernon Hill; his children, Mike Klucz of Fairfield, NC, Marilyn Creech and Bonnie Klucz, both of Virginia Beach, Katherine DeGrouchy of Chesapeake, Sharon Felton of Elizabeth City, NC and Donna Buck of New Zealand; two granddaughters; also, his step children, Richard Pouliot of Kernersville, N C, Deborah Schloss of Owings, Mill, MD, Brian Pouliot of Charlotte, NC, Thomas Pouliot of Winston, Salem, NC and Ellen Anderson of Ashburn; and nine step-grandchildren. A requiem mass for Mr. Klucz was held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church by Father Philip Ghys, O.S.B., celebrant. Burial was in Rosewood Memorial Park in Virginia Beach. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on October 5 at St. Paschal's Catholic Church. Sue Norwood Long Sue Norwood Long, 77, of Virgilina, died September 29 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Long was born in Granville County, NC on May 14, 1925, the daughter of the late Marshall Lee and Lillian Turner Norwood Sr. She graduated from Oak Hill High School in Granville County, and also graduated from East Carolina Teachers College in Greenville, NC. Mrs. Long taught at Bethel Hill High School in Person County, NC, and also at Oak Hill High School. She was a member of the Virgilina Woman's Club and held many officers, including president. Mrs. Long served on the Virgilina Town Council for 18 years and was a member of Florence Avenue Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, J. Stover Long; her son, James S. Long Jr.; and one sister, Ruth N. Neal of Granville County. Funeral services for Mrs. Long will be held at Powell Funeral Home Chapel this afternoon, October 2, at 2:00, with the Rev. D. Allan Coker conducting the service. Burial will be in the Virgilina Cemetery. The family will accept flowers, or you may consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston, for memorials. Sally Coleman Tucker Sally Coleman Tucker, 75, of Newport News, formerly of Halifax, died September 29 at Riverside Hospital in Newport News. Mrs. Tucker was born in Halifax County the daughter of Harris Coleman and Ellen Coleman and was married to Lloyd Tucker. She was a member of Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News. Survivors include two sisters, Millie Carr of Halifax and Ethel Samuels of Hampton.= Funeral services for Mrs. Tucker will be held tomorrow, October 3 at 1 p.m. at Colossian Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. October 4, 2002 Crystal Rogers Ingram Crystal Rogers Ingram, 38, died October 2 in Durham Regional Hospital. She was a Rural Postal Carrier out of the South Boston Post Office, a 1982 graduate of Bluestone Senior High School, and a former Miss South Hill of 1982. Mrs. Ingram is survived by a daughter, Amanda Hope Rogers, and a son, Bradley Wayne Rogers, both of South Boston; her parents, David and Betty Waldrep of Boydton; two sisters, Wendy W. Kidd of Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany and Tammy W. Hinkle of Kenbridge; and a brother, David Waldrep Jr. of Boydton. A memorial service will be held today, October 4 at Boydton Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with visitation to follow the service. The family is receiving friends at the home, 749 Rose Hill Road, Boydton. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Boydton Baptist Church, 239 Madison St., Boydton 23917 or First Baptist Church of Millstone, 9176 L.P. Bailey Hwy., Nathalie 24577. Norma Ruth Ratliff Martin Norma Ruth Ratliff Martin, 79, of Grover, NC, died October 1 in South Boston. Mrs. Martin was born in Halifax County on October 1, 1923, the daughter of the late Glenn Ratliff and Selma Chandler Ratliff and was married to the late Willie R. Martin. Survivors include three daughters, Mary R. Childrey of South Boston, Joyce Harrelson of Shelby, NC and Barbara Diane Johnson of Grover; two sons, Glenn Martin of Walnut Cove, NC and James R. 'Jimmy' Martin of Grover; one brother, Glenn Ratliff of South Boston; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Mary F. Hightower. Graveside services will be held today, October 4 at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church Cemetery in Virgilina with the Rev. Jack Stewart officiating. Donald Edward Arthur Rev. Donald Edward Arthur, 41, of Fort Worth, Texas, died September 30 in the Medical Center of Plano, Texas. He was born in Leonardtown, MD on December 12, 1960, the son of Anderson Arthur and Pauline Tharpe Arthur and was married to Melinda Cox Arthur. Survivors include his wife; his parents of South Boston; two sisters, Vicky Arthur Lowery of South Boston and Sharon Arthur of Suffield, CT. He was preceded in death by one sister, Renee Arthur Franklin. A funeral service will be held tomorrow, October 5 at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Fritz officiating. Burial will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home this evening, October 4, between 7:00 and 8:30, and other times at the home 5160 Bill Tuck Hwy., South Boston. October 7, 2002 Lawrence Hampton Farmer Jr. Lawrence Hampton Farmer Jr., 53, of Sandy Ridge Road in Nathalie died Thursday, October 3, at his home. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, October 6, at the Clover Bottom Baptist Church. The Revs. Dr. Charles O'Roark and James Crocker conducted the services. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Mr. Farmer was born in Halifax County on May 5, 1949, to the late Lawrence H. Farmer Sr. and Rebecca G. Farmer Stanley. He was the husband of Betty Sue Moorfield Farmer for 33 years. He is survived by one son, Hampton Lee Farmer and his wife, Jaime, of Nathalie, one granddaughter, Ruth Ann Farmer of Nathalie, one sister, Iris Mitchell of Hopewell and one brother, Jeff Farmer of Halifax. Mr. Farmer was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara F. Saunders. In lieu of flowers please consider the Central Virginia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 3805 Cutshaw Avenue, #212, Richmond, Virginia, 23230, or your favorite charity. Rosie Mary Kirby Funeral services for Ms. Rosie Mary Kirby, 42, of Ball Park Loop Road in Halifax will be held Tuesday, October 8, at 2 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant C.M.E. Church. The Bishop Alan Graves will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Ms. Kirby was born in Halifax County on May 6, 1960, to Mrs. Annie Womack Kirby and the late Mr. Herman Kirby. She was a member of the Mount Pleasant C.M.E. Church. Ms. Kirby is survived by her daugher, Ratia Kirby of Halifax, three sons, Christopher Kriby and Kelcey Kirby, both of Halifax, and Marcus Kirby of Cluster Springs, her mother, Annie W. Kirby of Halifax, seven sisters, Nancy Kirby and Ida Watson, both of Halifax, Ruby Palmer and Iresten Acree, both of Nathalie, Bettie Slayton of Alton, Debra Bailey and Eurline Birch, both of South Boston, three brothers, Carter Womack of Danville, Johnnie Kirby and Donald Kirby, both of Halifax, two grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including James Williams of Vernon Hill. October 9, 2002 Richard Archie Harris Richard Archie Harris, 86, of Baltimore, MD, formerly of Charlotte County, died October 5 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore. Mr. Harris was born in Charlotte County on June 3, 1916, the son of the late Joe Harris and Betty Harris and was married to the late Margaret Grinnan Harris. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Adlissia M. Paul-Harris and Carol L. Harris, both of Baltimore; three sons, Richard A. Harris Jr., David L. Harris and Ricky Harris, all of Baltimore; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Clara Haskins of Wilmington, DE; and one sister-in-law, Shirley Grinnan of Charlotte County. Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held October 12 at 1 p.m. at Piney Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. James E. Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the Lacks Family Cemetery in Clover. The family is receiving friends at the Grinnan family home, Lackstown Road, Clover. Thomas Melvin Spencer Funeral services for Thomas Melvin Spencer, Jr., 81, of Lakeside Drive in Wilson, N.C., willbe held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunset Road in Wilson, N.C. The Revs. James McKinnon and Bea Copeland will officiate. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Boston. Mr. Spencer was born in South Boston on March 20, 1921 to the late Thomas Melvin Spencer and the late Grace Finch Spencer. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville, and worked for the Imperial Tobacco Company from 1941until his retirement in 1982. Mr. Spencer also served as Journal Clerk of the Virginia Senate from 1943 until 1964. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances Lawson Spencer. Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, with whom he lived, Thomas Melvin Spencer III, and Leslie Murray Spencer, his daughter and son-in-law, Barksdale Spencer Thompson and Philip Hines Thompson, four granddaughters and one grandson, all of Wilson, N.C. The family will receive friends at 1115 Lakeside Drive in Wilson, N.C., Wednesday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3184, Wilson, N.C., 27895. Claudine Ridgeway Weatherford Claudine Ridgeway Weatherford, 79, of 1031 Weatherford Loop, Halifax, died October 6 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Mrs. Weatherford was born in Halifax County on May 2, 1923, the daughter of John Ferris Ridgeway and Mattie Bomar Ridgeway and was married to John A. Weatherford Jr. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Susan E. Weatherford of Tulsa, OK; one son, John A. 'Jack' Weatherford of Richmond; one brother, William T. 'Billy' Ridgeway of Nathalie; three sisters, Catherine Ridgeway, Roberta R. Booker and Jean Ridgeway, all of Nathalie; and two granddaughters, Shelton R. Weatherford and Devin A. Weatherford, both of Richmond. She was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters. Services for Mrs. Weatherford will be held tomorrow, October 10 at 2 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jack Gowen Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening at Powell Funeral Home from 7:00 until 8:30. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Asbury United Methodist Church. October 11, 2002 James Felix Lipscomb James Felix Lipscomb, 69, of 4226 Union Church Road, South Boston, formerly of Stamford, CT, died October 8 at Duke University Medical Center, NC. Mr. Lipscomb was born in South Boston on April 28, 1933, the son of the late William M. Lipscomb Sr. and Gladys Pounds Lipscomb and was married to Annie Benjamin Lipscomb. He was a member of First Baptist Church of News Ferry, was a retired Captain with the Stamford Fire Department and was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Lipscomb is survived by his wife; two daughters, Julie L. Free and Terri Lipscomb, both of Stamford; one son, James David Lipscomb of Stamford; two grandchildren; three sisters, Alice L. Jernigan of Philadelphia, PA, Lillie L. Taylor of Richmond and Evelyn L. Long of Richmond, formerly of Wyndmoor, PA; and one brother, Robert B. Lipscomb of South Boston. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, October 12, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of News Ferry with the Rev. Ronnie L. Keene officiating. Remains will lie in state one hour prior to service. Additional services and burial will take place October 15 in Stamford. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider First Baptist Church of News Ferry Building Fund, Attn: Ernest Lipscomb, Trustee, 8027 River Road, South Boston. The family is receiving friends at the home. Kumiko Yamamoto Waller Kumiko Yamamoto Waller, 78, of 1111 Cluster Springs Road, South Boston, died October 8 in Halifax Regional Hospital. Born October 25, 1923, in Tokyo, Japan, she was a daughter of the late Uzuru and Fujiko Yamamoto. Mrs. Waller was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth Waller. She was a retired seamstress and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her husband, Jessie T. Waller of the home; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Thomas Waller of South Boston and George and Debbie Waller of Lynchburg; a daughter, Lorine K. Waller of South Boston; a brother, Takeo Yamamoto of Tokyo; three sisters, Kimiko Kamikawa, Sumiko Yamamoto and Miwako Fujisawa, all of Tokyo; a grandson, George Owen Waller Jr. and a granddaughter, Jody Lynn Waller. A funeral service for Mrs. Waller was held at 2 p.m. October 10 at the Colbert-Moran Funeral Home Chapel in Gretna. The Rev. R.G. Rowland officiated. Burial was in Carl O. Moran Memorial Garden in Gretna. October 14, 2002 None available October 16, 2002 Albert Lacy Crews Jr. Albert Lacy Crews Jr., 60, of 1029 Highview Road, Vernon Hill, died October 14 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Crews was born in Halifax County on March 1, 1942, the son of Albert Lacy Crews Sr. and Virginia Dixon Crews. He was a member of American Legion Post 8, the National Association of Postmasters, the National League of Postmasters, and Greens Folly Country Club. He was a retired postmaster and served in the U.S. Navy. Survivors include his mother of South Boston; one daughter, Corbin Hope Pulliam of South Boston; two brothers, Wayne I. Crews and David E. Crews, both of South Boston; one companion, Eugenia Fox of South Boston; two grandchildren, Olivia Taylor Pulliam and Casey Nicole Pulliam. He was preceded in death by one sister, Joan Frances Cole and one brother, Jimmy Ray Crews. Funeral services for Mr. Crews will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel tomorrow, October 17, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Teixeira officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening between 7:00 and 8:30 at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home of Wayne Crews, 1119 Seven Oaks Drive, South Boston. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Legion Post 8, 1710 Jeffress Blvd., South Boston. Vernon Fielder Paulette Vernon Fielder Paulette, 79, of South Boston, formerly of South hill, died October 14 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Paulette was a retired tobacconist for Universal Leaf and was a WWII and Korean War Army Veteran. He was the widower of Susan Barnes Paulette. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Vernon Saunders of Midlothian and Susanne Williams of Front Royal; and three grandchildren. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today, October 16, at Oakwood Cemetery in South Hill. Ina Dunn Gravitt Ina Dunn Gravitt, 96, of Richmond, formerly of South Boston, died October 14 at The Hermitage in Richmond. Mrs. Gravitt was born in Halifax County on May 22, 1906, the daughter of Thomas Baker Dunn and Sarah Catherine Chandler Dunn, and was married to the late Claude Lee Gravitt. Graveside services will be held tomorrow, October 17, at 11 a.m. in Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Rev. George Gravitt officiating. Mrs. Gravitt is survived by one sister, Sibyl Dunn Risby of Richmond; three nephews, Thomas B. Dunn, T. Montine Pulliam and Tom Risby; four nieces, Iris C. Gregory, Rebecca Clayton, Nannie Wilbourn and Aelise Doherty. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace D. Pulliam and Ruby D. Cumby; and two brothers, Raymond and Waverly Dunn. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider your favorite charity. Ryland Thomas Blanks Ryland Thomas Blanks, 81, of 2158 Leda-Grove Road, Nathalie, died October 14, at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Blanks was born in Halifax County on September 6, 1921, the son of Ernest Goldman Blanks and Ludie Gay Blanks and was married to Frances Arthur Blanks. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Republican Grove, a member of North Staunton Masonic Lodge, a member of North Halifax Volunteer Fire Department, and a Veteran of WWII. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Rebecca Blanks Glass of Lynchburg; one grandson, Mark Edward Glass of Fredericksburg; one granddaughter, Kristi Hope Marquart and husband, Gary of Ellicott City, MD; one great-granddaughter, Ashton Haley Marquart of Ellicott City; one great-grandson, Johnathan Scott Marquart of Ellicott City; and one brother, E.G. Blanks Jr. of Nathalie. Services for Mr. Blanks will be held tomorrow, October 17, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Republican Grove with the Rev. Shelton Miles officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home this evening from 7:00 until 8:30, and other times at the home. James Edward Adams James Edward Adams of Gladys died October 14 at Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg. Mr. Adams was the son of the late Robert Johnson Adams and Eva Taylor Adams and was married to the late Elizabeth Adams. Survivors include one daughter, Katherine West of Nathalie; four sons, James Adams Jr. of Hurt, Eddie and Elmer Adams of Gladys and Sidney Hancock of Brookneal; two sisters, Emma Adams of Gladys and Esther Hill of Baltimore, MD; three brothers, Sterling Adams of Clover, Willie Adams of Baltimore, and Samuel Adams of Gladys; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Adams will be held Friday, October 18, at 1 p.m. at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Nathalie with the Rev. L.S. Otey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home, 405 Rush Street, Brookneal, and other times at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morell West, Clarkton Rd., Nathalie. October 18, 2002 David Thornton Rice David Thornton Rice, 46, of 2513 North Main Street, South Boston, died October 14. Mr. Rice was born in Pittsylvania County on June 22, 1956, the son of Charlie Thornton Rice and Charlotte Osborne Rice. He was of the Methodist faith, and was a member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge #106, South Boston. Services were held October 17 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tommy Reynolds officiating. Burial followed in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Survivors of Mr. Rice include his parents of South Boston; his brothers, Paul Wilborn of Glen Allen, Melvin Wilborn of New Kent, Roger and James Wilborn, both of Roxboro, NC; two sisters, Bernice Shepperson of Mechanicsville and Alice Wilborn of Martinsville; one friend, Gayle Brown of South Boston. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charlie Wilborn. Theresa Coleman Ferrell Theresa Coleman Ferrell, 72, formerly of South Boston, died October 14 at Prompt Manor Care Center in Glen Allen. Mrs. Ferrell was born in Halifax County on August 3, 1930, the daughter of the late Ed Coleman and Kitty Tucker Coleman and was married to the late Robert Lee Ferrell Sr. She was a member of St. Matthew Baptist Church and was a retired employee of Clover Yarns, Inc. Survivors include three daughters, Celie Roberts and Sally Ferrell, both of Richmond and Georgia Bailey of South Boston; four sons, Robert Ferrell Jr., Joseph Ferrell, Phillip Ferrell and Steve Ferrell, all of Greensboro, NC; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Bessie Powell of Scottsburg; one brother, Edward Coleman of Greensboro. She was preceded in death by one son, Marine PFC Edward Ferrell. Funeral services for Mrs. Ferrell will be held October 19 at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Baptist Church with the Rev. Whitfield Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family is receiving friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bailey, 2491 Sutphin Road, South Boston. Polly Hite Puryear Polly Hite Puryear, 64, of 1211 E. Hyco Road, South Boston died Tuesday, October 15 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Puryear was born in Halifax County on September 16, 1938, and was married to Jerry S. Puryear. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church and was a retired correctional officer with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funeral services will be held today, October 18 at 2 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Bryant officiating. Burial will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens. Survivors of Mrs. Puryear include her husband; one daughter, Kimberly Wall Doucett and husband, James M. of Pompano Beach, FL; one sister, Melcoie Hite Callahan and husband, Meredith of South Boston; one brother, Connie Hite and wife, Nellie of Stovall, NC; and one grandson, James Stephen Doucett of Pompano Beach. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston. October 21, 2002 Joseph Daniel Crawley III Joseph Daniel Crawley III, 58, of 1041 Crawley Trail, South Boston died October 17 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Crawley was born in Halifax County on August 30, 1944, the son of Joseph Daniel Crawley Jr. and Waudieur Toomer Crawley and was married to Cheryl Thompson Crawley. He was a member of Cross Road Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Angela Crawley McFadden of Aurora, CO and Karen Crawley Ratliff of Hampton; two granddaughters, Amber Danielle McFadden and Chante' Ratliff; his parents of South Boston; one sister, Elaine Crawley Reaves of Hampton; one brother, Beckwith Crawley of South Boston; two sons-in-law; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Thompson of South Boston. Funeral services for Mr. Crawley were held October 20 at 3 p.m. at Cross Road Baptist Church with the Revs. Dennis White and Nelson Stamps officiating. Burial took place in the church cemetery. Phyllis Jean Baldwin Davis Phyllis Jean Baldwin Davis, 63, of Nathalie died in Halifax Regional Hospital on October 16. Mrs. Davis was born in McDowell County, WV, the daughter of the late John and Ada Leora Baldwin and was married to Lawrence Davis. She was a Customer Service Manager for Wal-Mart in South Boston, and a graduate of York College in York, PA with an Associate of Science Degree. Survivors include her husband of 42 years; two daughters, Cathy Jackson of Grundy and Karen Horn of Vansant; three sons, Mark Davis of Welch, WV, Darryl Davis and Randy Davis, both of Grundy; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. Funeral services for Mrs. Davis were held October 19 at 1 p.m. at Crossview Church of Christ with Evangelist Hobert Kennedy and Mike Rife officiating. Burial took place in the Davis Family Cemetery on Davis Ridge near Payneville, WV. Charlie Edward Henderson Funeral services for Charlie Edward Henderson of South Boston will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Ed Melvin and the Rev. Rudolph Jacobs will conduct the service. Mr. Henderson, 88, died Friday, October 18, 2002, at his home. He was born in Paces on April 28, 1914, a son of Charlie Henderson and Nannie Sue Shields Henderson. He was married to Evelyn Bayne and then to Addie Vaughan Henderson. Mr. Henderson was a member of Berry Hill Presbyterian Church and also attended Revelation Baptist Church. He is survived by one half-brother, L.B. Sheilds of South Boston, one sister-in-law, Elfrieda Vaughan of South Boston, one niece, Sherry Melvin and her husband, Chris, of South Boston, and children Dylan and Kaylan Melvin of South Boston, niece, Gay Merl Nichols and husband, Homer, of Lynchburg. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Baynes Henderson, and his sister, Stella Henderson, and a number of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home Monday from 7 - 8:30 p.m. and at other times at his home, 1309 Berry Hill Road. Joseph Lawrence Riley A memorial service will be held for Mr. Joseph Lawrence Riley at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cauthen Funeral Home Rock Hill Chapel, South Carolina. Dr. Shelton Sanford and Dr. Barry Lambert will officiate. Mr. Riley, 87, died Tuesday, October 15, 2002, at his home. Mr. Riley was born September 4, 1915 in Hillsborough, N.C., a son of the late Alexander Riley and Novella Watkins Riley. He was a member of Westminister Presbyterian Church. He was retired from Celanese Fibers Corp. He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille Gallman Riley, and one daughter, Jeanne Riley Tucker. Surviving are two daughters, Kay Riley Lewis of South Boston and Debra Riley Sanders of Rock Hill, three sisters, Berrel Gray of Albemarle, N.C., Dorothy Owens of Alexandria, Va. and Colean Hodge of Jacksonville, Florida, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The visitation for Mr. Riley will be Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Cauthen Funeral Home Rock Hill Chapel, and other times at the home of his daughter, Debra Riley Sanders, 263 Lydia St., Rock Hill, S.C. 29732. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminister Presbyterian Church, 1300 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, S.C. 29732 or Riverview Presbyterian Church, 124 North Sutton Road, Fort Mill, S.C. 29715. John Franklin Midkiff Mr. John Franklin "Johnnie" Midkiff Sr., 89, of L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway in Nathalie, died Friday, October 18, at the Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. Services for Mr. Midkiff were held Sunday, October 20, at the First Baptist Church of Millstone. The Rev. Bob Watts conducted the service. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mr. Midkiff was born in Halifax County on April 16, 1913 to the late James Allen Midkiff and the late Ethel Gardner Midkiff Herbin. He was married to Lanell Coates Midkiff. Mr. Midkiff was a member of the First Baptist Church of Millstone, where he was a Sunday School teacher, a deacon and served on the building and grounds committee. He was also a member of the Rodden Masonic Lodge. Mr. Midkiff is survived by one son, John Franklin Midkiff Jr., and wife Jean of Lynchburg, two grandchildren, Teri Lynn Midkiff of Richmond and John Franklin Midkiff III of Smith Mountain Lake, two sisters, Lucille M. Cox of Graham, N.C., and Pattie M. Shoffner and husband Terrell of Winston-Salem, N.C. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Brantley T. Midkiff and David S. Midkiff. Anyone wishing to offer memorials, please consider the Halifax County Rescue Squad or a favorite charity. Marguerite Gosney Palmer Graveside services will be held for Mrs. Marguerite Gosney Palmer on Monday at Crystal Hill Southern Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Lewis Hall conducting the service. Mrs. Palmer, 88, died October 18, 2002 at her home in Newport News. She was born in Halifax County on March 3, 1914, a daughter of Edward Clark Gosney and Alma Carr Gosney and was married to Hester Palmer. Mrs. Palmer was a member of Beth Carr Baptist Church. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Robin Palmer Williams of Newport News, one sister, Mrs. Louise Andrews of Nathalie, and one brother, Gervis Gosney of Crystal Hill. Those giving memorials are asked to consider the Patrick Henry Boys Home, P.O. Box 2398, Brookneal, Virginia 24528. Lula Odessa Horton Sink A graveside service for Lula Odessa Horton Sink of South Boston will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Halifax Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Harper Davis will officiate. Mrs. Sink, 70, died Saturday, October 19, 2002, at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Sink, a homemaker, attended South Boston Church of God. She was born in Halifax County on September 23, 1932, a daughter of the late Tebe Cleveland Horton Sr. and Bertha Thomas Horton. She was married to the late Leonard Kyle Sink. Mrs. Sink is survived by one daughter, Dale Snead of Halifax, and one brother, Tebe Cleveland Horton Jr. of South Boston. She was preceded in death by one sister, Margie Horton Vaughan. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home on Monday, Oct. 21, between 7-8 p.m. October 23, 2002 Dorothy Wilborne McCraw Dorothy Wilborne McCraw, 64, of Washington, DC, formerly of Halifax, died October 17 at Prince George Memorial Hospital in Landover, MD. Mrs. McCraw was born in Halifax County on January 22, 1938, the daughter of the late Deacon Anthony Wilborne and Virginia Farrar Wilborne and was married to the Rev. Roy McCraw. Survivors include her husband; one daughter; three sons; three sisters: Gladys Tucker of Saxe, Gloria Jackson of Nathalie and Melissa Davis of Hampton; and one brother, Joseph Stanley Wilborne of Saxe. Funeral services for Mrs. McCraw will be held today, October 23 at 11 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church in Washington. Burial will also take place in Washington, DC. Charlie Edward Henderson Charlie Edward Henderson, 88, of 1309 Berry Hill Road, South Boston, died October 18 at his home. Mr. Henderson was born in Paces on April 28, 1914, the son of Charlie Henderson and Nannie Sue Henderson Shields. He was married to Evelyn Baynes Henderson and then to Addie Vaughan Henderson. He was a member of Berry Hill Presbyterian Church and attended Revelation Baptist Church. Survivors include one half-brother, L.B. Shields of South Boston; one sister-in-law, Elfrieda Vaughan of South Boston; two nieces, Sherry V. Melvin and her husband, Chris of South Boston, their two children, Dylan and Kaylan Melvin, and Gay Merle Nichols and husband, Homer of Lynchburg. Mr. Henderson was preceded in death by his wives; one sister, Stella Henderson and one brother, Herbert Henderson. Funeral services were held October 22 at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Dr. Ed Melvin and Rudolph Jacobs conducting the service. Burial followed at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family apologizes for any mistakes in Mondays release of the obituary. Lonnie S. Sydnor Lonnie S. Sydnor, 68, of Winchester died October 20 at Winchester Medical Center. Mr. Sydnor was born August 8, 1934, in Halifax County the son of the late Paul Sydnor and Carrie Tucker Sydnor Venable. Surviving are his daughter, Annette J. Sydnor-Holmes of Winchester; one sister, Bessie Royster of Richmond; two brothers, Ned Sydnor of Washington, DC and Wendell Venable of Newport News; one granddaughter, Tamika Sydnor of Winchester. A son, David Sydnor, and two brothers, Paul and Clarence Sydnor preceded him in death. Services will be held at 11 a.m. October 26 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester. Pastor Gilbert M. Mack Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Charles 'Buster' Jackson Community Cemetery in White Post. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. October 25, 2002 Theodore Spencer Lawson Theodore Spencer Lawson, 27, of 1050 Bane Street, South Boston, died October 19 in Halifax County. Mr. Lawson was born in Halifax County on May 31, 1975, the son of Theodore Spencer Moorman and Dorothy Marie Lawson. He was a member of Refuge Temple Church. Survivors include one daughter, Shaquasia Denise Lawson; his parents; three sisters, Angela Lawson and Shavon Lawson, both of South Boston, and Chante' Traynham of Vernon Hill; six brothers, Dwayne Lawson and Willie Lawson, both of South Boston, Deontae Traynham, Jamal Traynham, Tarrell Traynham and Terrance Traynham, all of Vernon Hill; his maternal grandfather, Moses J. Sweeney of Landover, MD; and his maternal great-grandmother, Mary Sweeney of Landover. Funeral services for Mr. Lawson will be held today, October 25 at 11 a.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Herbert Walker Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Christ Temple Blue Rock Pentecostal Church Cemetery, Vernon Hill. Edith May Witt Williamson Edith May Witt Williamson, 73, of 3208 Mountain Road, Halifax, died October 23 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mrs. Williamson was born in Danville on January 17, 1929, the daughter of Napoleon Dave Witt and Ada Fink Witt and was married to Johnny L. Williamson. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara H. Lodge and Brenda W. Berkley, both of Danville; one sister, Joyce W. Marshall of Halifax; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Williamson will be held tomorrow, October 26, at 2 p.m. at Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel in Danville with the Rev. Richard Berkley officiating. The family will receive friends this evening from 7:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home and other times at the home of her daughter, Barbara, 430 Bryant Ave., Danville. October 28, 2002 James Bailey 'J.B.' Coghill James Bailey 'J.B.' Coghill, 52, of Virgilina, husband of Judy Phillips Coghill, died Friday, October 25 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Mr. Coghill was born in Halifax County and reared in Buffalo Springs. He was a 1968 graduate of Bluestone High School and upon completion of college, he received an Associates Degree in Drafting. He operated J.B. Coghill Construction for 20 years. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. October 27 at North Fork Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. In addition to his wife, Mr. Coghill is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Warren Cole of Virgilina; one grandson, James Thomas Cole; his mother, Betty Coghill of Victoria; three brothers, Terry Coghill and John Coghill, both of Buffalo Junction and Eddie Coghill of Roxboro, NC. He was preceded in death by his father, B.J. Coghill. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston 24592, or Virgilina Fire Department. Madelyn Gayle Morris A memorial service for Madelyn Gayle Morris, infant, will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg. The family will receive friends one-half hour prior to the service. The child died October 26 in Virginia Baptist Hospital. Morris was born on October 25, 2002, to Robert and D'Anna Morris. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her paternal grandparents, Herman and Shirley Morris of Lynchburg, maternal grandparents Sherman and Gayle Conner of Halifax, and a host of loving relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Resolve Through Sharing C/O Centra Health, 3300 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, Va., 24503. James K. Watts James K. Watts, 74, of Huell Matthews Highway., in Alton, died Friday, October 25, in Halifax Regional Hospital. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove United Methodist Church. The Revs. Don Davidson and Rudolph Jacobs conducted the service. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mr. Watts was born in Halifax County on September 14, 1928, to the late James Edward Watts and the late Nancy Ford Watts. He was married to Hazel Marie Roberts Watts, also of Alton. Mr. Watts, a retired farmer, was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Shady Grove United Methodist Church. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Vanessa Hammock of Alton and Barbara Watts Lacks of Scottsburg, one son, Kevin Watts of Alton, one brother, Lawrence Watts of South Boston, two sisters, Lottie W. Poole and Vivian Grosch, both of South Boston, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Easley Watts and Billy Watts. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to give memorials please consider the Shady Grove United Methodist Church Building Fund, 4129 East Hyco Road, South Boston, Va., 24592. October 30, 2002 Rawleigh Leonard Conner Jr. Rawleigh Leonard Conner Jr., 59, of 1040 Rawleigh Lane, Clover, died October 28 at Berry H ill Nursing Home. Mr. Conner was born in Halifax County on September 21, 1943, the son of Rawleigh Leonard Conner Sr. and Rosa Mae Compton. He was a member of Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church. Survivors include one son, Darryl Conner of Scottsburg; three brothers, Charlie Conner of Disputanta, Gilbert Conner and David Conner, both of Mt. Laurel; his stepmother, Doris Conner of Nathalie; one stepbrother, Ricky Peck of Nathalie; and two grandchildren. Graveside services for Mr. Conner will be held today, October 30 at Mt. Laurel United Methodist Church Cemetery at 2 p.m. The Rev. Don Pizzeck will officiate. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Clover Volunteer Fire Department. Louise Scott Farrar Louise Scott Farrar, 85, of 1092 Guill Town Road, Clover, died October 27 at Twin Oaks Convalescent Home. Mrs. Farrar was born in Halifax County on June 12, 1917, the daughter of the late Joseph Scott and the late Iola Clark Scott and was married to the late Willie Arthur Farrar. She was a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Alice Mosley of Clover and Dorothy Thompson of Bronx, NY; one son, Winston Sydnor of Nathalie; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Estelle Walden of Richmond; one stepdaughter, Lucy Foster of Clover; one daughter-in-law, Debra Sydnor of Nathalie; two sons-in-law, Stanley Mosley of Clover and Desha Thompson of Bronx; and one step-son-in-law, William Foster of Clover. She was preceded in death by two sons, David Acco and John Acco. Funeral services for Mrs. Farrar will be held tomorrow, October 31 at 2 p.m. at Zion Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Jefferson Goode officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Mosley, 1092 Guill Town Road. Ronald Edward Ford Ronald Edward 'Ronnie' Ford, 48, of Charleston, SC, died October 25. Mr. Ford was born in South Boston on January 14, 1954, the son of Edward Earl Ford and Ruby Wilborne Ford. Survivors include his mother of Chester; one son, Ronald Ford of Jacksonville, FL; one brother, Cary E. Ford of South Boston; two sisters, Brenda Mays of Chester and Nancy McNair of Tampa, FL. A memorial service will be held November 2 at 1 p.m. at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Alton. Sylvia W. Thomas will officiate. The family will receive friends at the home of Mrs. Thomas, 3034 Cedar Grove Road, Alton. Jessie James Hazelwood Jessie James Hazelwood, 62, of Dumphries, formerly of Halifax County, died October 27. Mr. Hazelwood was a heavy equipment operator with Martin and Gass Inc. Survivors include his brothers, Harry Hazelwood of Amherst, Joe Hazelwood of Clover, Hampton Hazelwood of Scottsburg, Bradley Hazelwood of Wylliesburg, Mack Hazelwood of Kenbridge, Jack Hazelwood of Red Oak, Victor Hazelwod of Skipwith, and Glen Hazelwood of Fort Mitchell; his sisters, Rachel Higgins, Carolyn Wright, and Hope Medley, all of Red Oak, Nellie Snead of Scottsburg, and Doris Hazelwood of Boydton; his special friends in Manassas, Johanna Ferguson, Monica and Derik Ferguson, Tanya Brown, John and Toni Ferguson, Robert Sullivan and David Dye. Funeral services for Mr. Hazelwood will be held at Wood Funeral Service in Chase City tomorrow, October 31, at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Clover Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening, October 30, from 7:00 until 8:30, at the funeral home. John Weldon Owen John Weldon Owen, 80, of 7244 Philpott Road, South Boston, died October 29 at Berry Hill Nursing Home. Mr. Owen was born in Halifax County on October 15, 1922, the son of John Wiley Owen and Victoria Walker Owen and was married to Evelyn Conner Owen. He was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church where he was a former deacon, and was a member of the American Legion Post 8. He was a past member of Turbeville Ruritan Club and Turbeville Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Owen was a WWII Army Veteran and was a retired insurance agent with United Insurance. Survivors include one daughter, Brenda Owen Newcomb and her husband, Ray Newcomb of Alton; one sister, Helen Caldwell and her husband, Joe Caldwell of Graham, NC; two granddaughters, Renae N. Lee and husband, Tommy Lee of Ringgold and Wanda N. Overby and her husband, Ronnie Overby of South Boston; also two nephews, Dean Caldwell and wife, Cathy of Winston-Salem, NC and Kevin Caldwell of Winthrop, MN. A funeral service for Mr. Owen will be held tomorrow, October 31, at 2 p.m. at Ephesus Baptist Church with the Rev. Leonard Watlington officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home this evening between 7:00 and 8:30, and other times at the home. Willie James Young Willie James Young, 90, of 1015 Alabama Street, Virgilina, died October 29 at The Woodview. Mr. Young was born in Person County, NC on January 3, 1912, the son of James Aubrey Young and Bedie Bell Dixon Young and was married to Inez Powell Young. He was a member of O live Branch Baptist Church, and was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Jerry Wayne Young of South Boston and James Harold Young of Virgilina; two sisters, Elsie Young Jones of Roxboro, NC and Bedie Y. Hill Baker of Mechanicsville; one brother, Irby Whitt Young of Norfolk; four grandsons, Tony Wade Young, Phillip Brad Young, James Craig Young and Jon Christopher Young; and two great-grandsons, Jeb and Jacob Young. Other than his parents, Mr. Young was preceded in death by three brothers, Elmus, Rull, and Merritt Young and one sister, Gladys Y. Gillis Whitt. Funeral services for Mr. Young will be held at Olive Branch Baptist Church tomorrow, October 31, at 2 p.m. with the Revs. Victor Blackwell and Leslie Puryear officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening, October 30, from 7:00 until 8:30, at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Olive Branch Baptist Church Building Fund or Virgilina Volunteer Fire Department. Frances Cook Woosley Frances Cook Woosley, 84, of Clarkton Road, Nathalie, died October 27 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Brookneal. She was the wife of the late Woodrow Wilson Woosley. Mrs. Woosley was born in Halifax County on March 31, 1918, daughter of the late John Archer Cook and Ola Gray Childress Cook. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Survivors include five daughters, Louise Bomar and husband, Bennie, Betty Bomar and husband, Ray, Faye Lloyd, Carolyn Morris and husband, Wayne, all of Nathalie, Joannie Enoch and husband, Philip of Brookneal; two sons, Larry Woosley and wife, Donny of Madison Heights and Harold Woosley and wife, Kathy of Nathalie; one brother, Leslie Cook of Berryville; one sister, Maxine Anderson of South Boston; 26 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Lennie Ray Woosley; a great-grandson, Lucas Bomar; and a son-in-law, Butch Lloyd. A funeral service for Mrs. Woosley will be held today, October 30, at 2 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel, Brookneal by the Rev. Rodney Barwick. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Cemetery in Nathalie. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider your favorite charity.