Obituary Notices Appearing in the Floyd Press 2005 and 2006 HELP I am looking for documentation of the parents of Daniel Spangler and his wife Mary who settled in Franklin County, Virginia approximately 1773. Family legend says Daniel and Mary came from Germany to the “vicinity of York County, PA” and later moved south to Virginia. Daniel was born about 1716 and died in Franklin County in 1787. Mary’s tombstone says: Mary Spangler died 1820 Age 100 yr Undocumented family legend also says Daniel father’s name was Jacob but I have never heard anyone mention his mother’s name. Other undocumented genealogies show Mary’s maiden name as Noffsinger Naufsinger, Notsinger, etc. but where is the proof? If you have or know where I can find documentation please contact me? THANKS for any help you can provide Email: [email protected] 1 Obituaries for the week of January 6, 2005 The Floyd Press Thursday, January 6, 2005 CLESTER FLINCHUM DUNCAN FLOYD-Clester Flinchum Duncan of 215 Penn Avenue departed for her heavenly home on Wednesday, December 29, 2004. She was born on February 2, 1922 to the late Hallie Mae Flinchum and the late Byrd Flinchum. She was the founder of Schoolhouse Fabrics in Floyd where she worked until her retirement. She served as the first female elder for Indian Valley Presbyterian Church. She was an influential civic and community leader and was active in establishing the local arts and crafts trade. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hallie Mae and Byrd Flinchum; husband, Esley Duncan; daughter, Nelda Darlene; brother, Elever Flinchum, and brother; Dr. Darius Flinchum. Immediate survivors include: her son, Jerry Duncan of Floyd; daughter, Dr. Rena Leith and husband Duane; granddaughter, Amy Noel Slater and husband Brad; and great-granddaughter, Nakira “Kia” Slater, all of North Carolina. Additional survivors include: sister, Lora Phillips and husband Gerald of Indian Valley; sister, Gertrude Phillips and husband Flemon of Christiansburg; sister, Nelva Shelton and husband Dallas of Floyd; sister, Rachel Toy and husband Don of Pennsylvania; sister, Veta Taylor of North Carolina; brother, James Iford Flinchum and wife Nora of Riner; brother, Erban Flinchum of Nevada; brother, Lloyd Flinchum and wife Mildred of Indian Valley, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives. Funeral service was held at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd on Sunday, January 2, at 2 p.m. Interment followed at Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery in Indian Valley. WANDA JEWELL HYLTON MEADOWS OF DAN-Wanda Jewell Hylton, 66, passed away Friday, December 31, 2004. She was a former employee of Mabry Mill Restaurant and a member of Green Mountain Baptist Church. Survivors include: her husband, Leonard “Mutt” Hylton, Meadows of Dan; daughters and sons-in-law; Sharon and James “Jolly” Webb, Ann and Harvey Alderman, Donna and Howard Nester, Meadows of Dan,mother, Edith Hubbard, Meadows of Dan; sister, Norma Jean Alderman, Greenville, TN; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Joyce Hubbard, Meadows of Dan, Hubert and Jean Hubbard, Willis, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild;special friends, Becky and Jeff Shelor, Laurel Fork. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 2, at Green Mountain Baptist Church with Reverend. Nathan Montgomery and Reverend. Jack Anderson officiating. Interment followed at Shelor Cemetery. The family would like to express thanks to Carilion Hospice for their help and kindness. Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd. ROSS LINDBERGH WILLIAMS, SR. FLOYD-Ross Lindbergh Williams, Sr. passed away on Sunday January 2, 2005 at the age of 77. During his life, he served in the U.S. Navy, graduated from National Business College in Roanoke, and worked in the areas of banking and real estate. He is survived by: his two sons and their wives, Ross and Julie Williams of Somerset and John and Susan Williams of Virginia Beach; two daughters and their husbands, Pam and Ray Adkins of Richmond and Lisa and Curtis Manchester also of Richmond. Mr. Williams had seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Jackie Williams of Floyd, sisters-in-law Jane Williams of Floyd, Gerene Williams of Mason, Ohio, and Lakie Williams of Roanoke; brothers-in-law Charlie Wood of Floyd and Wilbur Gorenflo of Marion, Ohio; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Wednesday, January 5, at Maberry Funeral Home in Floyd with Rev.Elbert Lee Naff officiating. Interment followed at Jacksonville Cemetery. *********************** Obituaries for the week of January 6, 2005 FLOYD EDMOND HUFF FLOYD-Floyd Edmond Huff, 85, died January 4, 2005. He was born in Floyd County on March 19, 1919, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huff. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Gatha Alderman, and three brothers; Oakley, Esley, and Curtis Huff. 2 Survivors include: his wife, Ruby Boyd Huff; two sons, Robert (Bobby) Huff and wife Janet of Rockville, Bernard Huff and wife Patty of Richmond; daughter, Shirley Phipps and husband Bob of Asheville, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Thurman (Jack) and Coolidge Huff; and sister, Alzora Wood. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 7, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd. Pastor Ronnie Sutphin officiated. Interment followed at Jacksonville Cemetery. CARL NELSON POFF WILLIS- Carl Nelson Poff, Sr., 67, passed away Wednesday January 5, 2005 at his home. He was preceded in death by his son, Buddy Poff. Survivors include: his wife, Lois Burks Poff, Willis;daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Jim Obert, Baltimore, MD; granddaughter, Emily Obert, Baltimore, MD; aunts, Eula Hurd. Radford, Noreen Webb, Roanoke, Willie Farris, Salem, Kate and husband Robert Keffer, New Castle, Joanne and husband Bobby Britts. Salem, Rachel Howell, Greensboro, NC; uncle, Gibson and wife Virginia Weeks, Barstow, FL Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, at the Calvary Baptist Church, Floyd. Reverend Graham Mitchell officiating. Interment followed at the Willis Cemetery with Military Honors by Floyd VFW Post # 7854 and American Legion Post # 127. Donations may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114 or the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund. ************************ Obituaries for the week of January 13, 2005 The Floyd Press Thursday, January 13, 2005 JULIA RICHARDS BARDIN MEADOWS OF DAN-Julia Richards Bardin, age 86, died Wednesday, January 5, 2005. A memorial service was conducted 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 8, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 US 264- Alt. West, Wilson. Rev. Eddie Maynard officiated. She was a past matron of Wilson, Chapter 145,Order of the Eastern Star, and also a member of Providence Baptist Church of Quincy FL. She is survived by a son, L. W. “Bill” Bardin III of Meadows of Dan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Sudan Shriner Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 490, New Bern, NC, 28563. LUCILLE W. BOWER CHRISTIANSBURG-Lucille W. Bower, 80, passed away January 5 2005 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Williams of Floyd. She was a faithful member of Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren and Women’s Fellowship Group. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oakley G. Bower; and two brothers, Ed and Oliver Williams. She is survived by: one daughter, Connie Shrewsbury of Christiansburg; three grandchildren and their spouses, Linda Halket of Atlanta, GA, Jim and Debbie Akers of Chesterfield, Tonya and Robbie Pearce of Christiansburg; six great grandchildren, Chris Halket, Jessica and Leslie Akers, Cory Shrewsbury, Hunter and Amber Pearce; one brother and sister-in-law, Willie and Estelle Williams of Roanoke; one sister, Anna Hale of Floyd and two special nieces, Naomi Creed of Locust Grove, and Willa Dean Upshaw of Salem. Funeral service was conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 9, at the Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren with Rev. Jimmy Cannady, Rev. Hebron Quesen-berry and Rev. Elbert Lee Naff officiating. Burial followed in Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, handled arrage-ments. BERT CLINTON DIAMOND FLOYD-Bert Clinton Diamond, 74, formerly of Pikeville, Kentucky passed away Sunday, January 9, 2005. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War, and was a member of Floyd V.F.W. Post #7854. He was a professional artist and craftsman for over fifty years. He retired from being a self-employed welder. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bertha Dials Diamond, Floyd; children, Linda Ray, Avon, OH, John Diamond, Floyd, George Diamond, Pikeville, KY, Addie Smith, Clayton, NC, David Diamond, Pikeville, KY, James 3 Diamond, Floyd, Ruth Collins, Crum, WV, Abraham Diamond, Floyd, Joe Diamond, Floyd; 15 grandchildren; 4 great- grandchildren; brother, George Diamond, Hatfield, KY; many nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, at Gardner Funeral Home with Mr. John Foster officiating. Interment followed at Lee Cemetery, Tuggles Gap, with military graveside rites by Floyd V.F.W. Post #7854 and American Legion #127. Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd handled the arrangements. FLOYD EDMOND HUFF FLOYD-Floyd Edmond Huff, 85, died January 4, 2005. He was born in Floyd County on March 19, 1919, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huff. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Gatha Alderman, and three brothers; Oakley, Esley, and Curtis Huff. Survivors include: his wife, Ruby Boyd Huff; two sons, Robert (Bobby) Huff and wife Janet of Rockville, Bernard Huff and wife Patty of Richmond; daughter, Shirley Phipps and husband Bob of Asheville, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Thurman (Jack) and Coolidge Huff; and sister, Alzora Wood. Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 7, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd. Pastor Ronnie Sutphin officiated. Interment followed at Jacksonville Cemetery. CARL NELSON POFF WILLIS- Carl Nelson Poff, Sr., 67, passed away Wednesday January 5, 2005 at his home. He was preceded in death by his son, Buddy Poff. Survivors include: his wife, Lois Burks Poff, Willis;daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Jim Obert, Baltimore, MD; granddaughter, Emily Obert, Baltimore, MD; aunts, Eula Hurd. Radford, Noreen Webb, Roanoke, Willie Farris, Salem, Kate and husband Robert Keffer, New Castle, Joanne and husband Bobby Britts. Salem, Rachel Howell, Greensboro, NC; uncle, Gibson and wife Virginia Weeks, Barstow, FL Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 8, at the Calvary Baptist Church, Floyd. Reverend Graham Mitchell officiating. Interment followed at the Willis Cemetery with Military Honors by Floyd VFW Post # 7854 and American Legion Post # 127. Donations may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114 or the Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund. ************ Obituaries for the week of January 20, 2005 The Floyd Press Wednesday, January 19, 2005 PAUL HENRY BLAND FLOYD-Paul Henry Bland, 58, passed away January 5, 2005 at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Laurel Fork. He is survived by: two sisters, Jessica Earls of Sandy Level and Sandra Wright of Roanoke; brother, Jesse E. Lang, Jr. of Roanoke. A memorial service was conducted at 3:00 p.m. January 7 at Zion Lutheran Church in Floyd with Pastor Philip Bouknight officiating. Arrangements were handled by Wood Funeral Home in Floyd. EULA WADE SIMPKINS CHRISTIANSBURG-Eula Wade (Nanny) Simpkins, born January 5, 1923, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, January 10, 2005 at her home in Christiansburg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Wade Simpkins. Survivors include: six children, Kenneth Simpkins of Christiansburg, Richard Simpkins of Christiansburg, Ita Bishop of Riner, Joe Simpkins of Snowville, Ruth Sutphin-Thomas of Christiansburg, Connie Moses of Radford; brother, Frank Wade of Hopewell; sisters, Helen and Ovela Wade of Radford; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor T. Michael Bond officiating. Interment followed in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, where she was laid to rest with her husband. Special thanks to loving caregivers, Rita Simpkins, Millie Warden and Christine Wood and the Good Samaritan Hospice-What 4 she gave to many, you gave back to her. The Simpkins family was served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg. On line condolences may be sent by visiting hornefuneralservice.com ************* Obituaries for the week of January 27, 2005 The Floyd Press Thursday, January 27, 2005 JOE RABY BEEGLE LAWSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA-Joe Raby Beegle, 63, of 3288 Snow Hill Church Road, passed away Sunday evening, January 16, 2005, in the care of his loved ones. He was born November 12, 1941 in Toney, Alabama to Albert "Fox" Beegle and Zela Smith Beegle. He was an US Army veteran and worked in Stokes County as a skilled craftsman. His moral compass guided his path through hills and valleys and ended as a treasure that was our eternal love for a man that made sure we enjoyed the journey. He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Frye Beegle. Survivors include: son, Jonathan Ray Beegle and wife Dana Kirley Beegle of Floyd; daughter, Darlene Kay Scott and husband Michael Walter Scott of Virginia Beach; best friend, Dorothy Hall Harris of Elkin, North Carolina; brothers, Ernie Hardin Beegle and wife Joyce, Thurman "Sonny" Beegle Williard and wife, Ilene, Rickey Beegle and wife Mitzi; sisters, Sherry Beegle Cantrell, Jane Beegle Williard and husband Jess; grandchildren, Kenneth Alan Jeffers, Olivia Lea Beegle, Forest Monroe Beegle, Ainsley Helene Bresnahan. Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 22, at Colonial Funeral Home with the Reverend Evelyn Lemons and Reverend Melvin Shelton officiating. Burial followed in Hollywood Cemetery in Elkin, North Carolina with military rites provided. Colonial Funeral Home of Madison North Carolina was in charge of arrangements. THELMA FITZGERALD BURNS ROANOKE-Thelma Fitzgerald Burns, "B", 92, a former long-time resident of Waynesboro, passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2005 at Our Lady of Valley Retirement Home, Roanoke. She was a former member of Main Street United Methodist Church. She sold Tupperware for over 30 years in the Waynesboro area as a dealer and manager. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine Fitzgerald, brothers, Richard and John Fitzgerald and her daugher, Anne Burns Vest. Survivors include: son-in-law, David R. Vest; grandchildren, Danny Vest, Kathy Walters, Tim and Kim Turman; great-grandchildren, Randy Walters, Kelli Walters, Raven Vest, Samantha Turman, and Rebecca Turman, all of Floyd. Funeral service was conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 16, at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Funeral Service with Reverend Gary Milstead officiating. Burial followed in Riverview Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory, to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Greater Blue Ridge Chapter, 3959 Electric Road #222, Roanoke, VA 24018 or the MS Society, Blue Ridge Chapter, 1 Morton Drive Suite #106, Charlottesville, VA 22903. CHARLES GORDON JONES WILLIS-Charles Gordon Jones, 72, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2005 at New River Valley Medical Center. Following a lengthy illness he went home to be with his Lord. He was born December 20, 1932 in Guilford County to the late Charlie Mack Jones and Thelma Elizabeth Gordon Jones. He was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was self-employed in the Wholesale Produce Business. He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Willis. He is survived by: his wife, Doris Marie Jones, of the home; six daughter, Cydnie Lynne Jones Bennett, Phoenix, AR, Kimberly Anne Jones Langford, Richmond, Karen Elizabeth Jones Simmons, Greensboro, NC, Linda Busick, McLeansville, NC, Teresa Rich, McLeansville, NC, Donna Bates, Summerfield, NC; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Funeral service was conducted on Tuesday, January 25 at Cox-Needham Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. JC Willard, Jr. officiated. Interment followed at Pinnacle View Baptist Cemetery. Cox-Needham Funeral Home, Pilot Mountain, NC handled arrangements. SIDNEY “SID” RAY TAYLOR 5 MINERAL-Sidney “Sid” Ray Taylor, age 65, of 4250 Hadensville Farm Road, went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 20, 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents, Berman Harvey and Mayme Sue Taylor; two sisters, Mayme Sue Whittlock and Margaret Allen; two brothers, Robert Taylor and Berman Harvey Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Lena Via Taylor, formerly of Floyd; three children, Anthony Ray Taylor of Fla., Debra R. Truslow and husband, Paul of Glen Allen and Timothy D. Taylor and his wife, Jaime of Midlothian; also six grandchildren, Adam, Kevin, Peter, Braeden, Sarah and Sydney; four brothers, Harry Taylor and wife, Mary, Kim Taylor and wife, Loraine, Frank Taylor and wife, Jo, and Addison Taylor and wife, Beverly; three brothers-in-law, Theodore Via, George Via and David Via; and one sister-in-law, Pearl Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Taylor was retired from Lucent Technology and was a member of Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church. Funeral services were held 2 PM Tuesday at Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church, followed by entombment at Westhampton Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Henrico Doctor’s Transplant Program or to Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church. Arrangements by Woody Funeral Home, Richmond. ALVIN P. VEST SALEM-Alvin P. Vest, 74, passed away peacefully at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2005 at Lewis Gale Hospital. He was a retired Tool and Die Maker and General Manager at Mechanical Development. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel P. and Alabama Lawrence Vest, and his stepmother, Madeline Nolley Vest. He is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Helen Wimmer Vest; sons, Stephen C. Vest and wife Gale, David L. Vest and wife Gail; grandchildren, Amy Vest-Arnold and husband, Chris, Eric Vest and wife Sally, Madeline Walk and husband Brandon; one-great-granddaughter, Jillian Vest; sister-in-law, Lura Vest Stone and husband, Dillard; brothers- in-law, Hubert Averette, Tommy Ballard, Ronald Wimmer and wife, Louise; sister-in-law, Betty Wimmer; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held at Oakey's South Chapel, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 23. Pastor Doug Jones officiated. Interment followed in Sherwood Memorial Park at 3:00 p.m. Monday, January 24. Memorials may be made to Green Hill Church of the Brethren, 2699 Harborwood Road, Salem, VA 24153, or the American Lung Association, 3512 Brambleton Avenue, Suite 3, Roanoke, VA 24018. Arrangements were handled by Oakey's South Chapel. ================== Obituaries for the week of February 3, 2005 The Floyd Press Wednesday, February 2, 2005 KAY KOONTZ GILLETTE, 63, a resident of Suffolk for nearly 40 years, released her physical body and was born into the spiritual world Saturday, January 15th, 2005. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all in the Tidewater community, Kay touched the lives of many with her enthusiasm for life. She was an outstanding musician and shared her gift of music with many at Suffolk Christian Church, Oakland Christian Church, and the wider community. In addition to her musical talents, she was gifted in teaching, tutoring, tennis and especially golf. A native of Harrisonburg, VA, Kay was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Janet Koontz, and her aunt, Eleanor (Giggi) Bradford. Kay is survived by her husband of 40 years, Robert E. Gillette, her three children, Jennifer Miller and husband, Brian of Greenville, NC, Jan Gillette of Witten, Germany, Greg Gillette of Ashland, Oregon, one brother, Don Koontz of Harrisonburg, VA and two grandchildren, Kate and Harrison Miller. A 1963 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Westhampton College, Kay was first employed by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration at Langley, and later taught mathematics at Henrico County Public Schools, Suffolk Public Schools and Nansemond- Suffolk Academy. She was a member of both the Driver Book Club and the Tuesday Afternoon Book Club for many years. Kay possessed a true passion for the game of golf. She was a one-time president and long-term member of Cedar Point Ladies Golf Association, a member of Suffolk Ladies Golf Association, and a member of Tidewater Ladies Golf Association. She played in the Tidewater Team matches, the Virginia State team matches and was a multiple Club Champion at Cedar Point Country Club's Ladies Golf Association. Along with golf, Kay and her family spent cherished times at their retreat on Buffalo Mountain Road in Floyd, Virginia. The family received friends both Monday, January 17th and Tuesday, January 18th at their home. A celebration of life followed on Wednesday, January 19th at 2pm at Oakland Christian Church in Suffolk, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Accelerated Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a non- profit organization dedicated to research to find a cure for brain cancer) at P.O. Box 33172, Farragut Station, 6 Washington, DC 20033; or to make a contribution towards sponsoring the Kay Gillette Golf Classic, to be held April 29, 2005 at Nansemond-River Golf Club. The net proceeds from the tournament will be donated to ABC2. Contributions can be made to the Kay Gillette Golf Classic at 4949 Exeter Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. JUDITH C. EVERSEN WILLIS-Judith C. Eversen, 66, formerly of Chicago, Illinois passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2005. She is survived by: four sons, Brian, Bryce, Randal and Jay Curry, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a sister Corrine Catton of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. There will be no services per her wishes. Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home. MARY ELSIE RADFORD FLOYD-May Elsie Radford, 89, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Radford and a son, Buddy Radford. She is survived by: her children and their spouses, Mildred Ferguson, Nancy and Larry Wade, Mary Grooms, William "Boe" and Earnestine Radford, Betty Jean and Richard Martin, David and Arlene Radford, Jimmy and Martha Radford; twenty-eight grandchildren; fifty-six great-grandchildren; seventeen great-great grandchildren; special friends, Mike Sizemore, Jimmy Mannon, Charles Grooms. Funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2005 at Gardner Funeral Home. Reverend S.G. Bolt officiated. Interment followed in Williams Cemetery. Donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association. Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangments. =================== Obituaries for the week of February 10, 2005 The Floyd Press Thursday, February 10, 2005 IRENE PRICE WEBB DAY FLOYD-Irene Price Webb Day, 88, passed away Friday, February 4, 2005. She was born Feb. 2, 1917 in Floyd, VA. She was the daughter of Mrs. Lee Price and married to John Webb who preceded her in death. She later moved to Columbus, Ohio and was married to Ralph Day. There she was an active and faithful member of the Refuge Baptist Church. She cooked at the Harris Hart School for eleven years and loved all the children, who she fondly called her “little darlings”. In moving back to Roanoke she joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church. She leaves to cherish her memory several nieces and nephews, including the Days and Huffs, and a very special friend, Jo Ann Rogers. Funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday February 8, 2005 at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Rev. Dwight Steele officiating. Interment followed at the Stuart Cemetery in Floyd. Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd. MARIE ADKINS JONES ROANOKE-Marie Adkins Jones, 74, passed away Friday, February 4, 2005. She was predeceased by her husband, William B. Jones, and a son, Kevin Jones, She is survived by: three daughters and their husbands, Rhonda and Wesley Artrip of Roanoke, Justine and Curtis Puckett of Check, Denise and Lee Farber of Vinton; one son and his wife, B.J. and Dixie Jones of Rapid City, South Dakota; six grandchildren. A private graveside service was held Sunday, February 6, at 2:30 p.m. at Wilson Cemetery. Reverend Dusty Fielder officiated. Arrangements were handled by Wood Funeral Home in Floyd. ELREE IBRA DEHART SEXTON RADFORD-Elree Ibra DeHart Sexton, 75, passed away Monday, February 7, 2005. She was a member of Carter Street United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Sexton. Survivors include her husband, James M. Sexton of Radford; a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Julie Sexton of Radford; a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Andrew Blake of Richmond; and four grandchildren, Jeremy Blake, and Zachary, Nathan and Bethany Sexton. Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carter Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Kristie Banes officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Carter Street UMC, P. O. Box 3296, Radford, VA 24143. 7 IRENE WALTERS VEST FLOYD-Irene Walters Vest, 84, passed away Monday, February 8, 2005. She is survived by: daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and James Young, Floyd, Pat and Jim Scott, Loganville, GA, Joyce Sowder, Loganville, GA, Cathy Yates, Clearwater, FL; brothers and daughters-in-law, George and Clare Walters, Salem, Buster and Mozelle Walters, Bent Mountain; sisters-in-law, Nellie Conner, Lillie Conner, Gladys Eanes, Evelyn Vest, all of Check; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Jimmy Cannaday and Reverend Elbert Lee Naff officiating. Interment to follow at the Wilson Cemetery, Check. Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, is in charge of arrangements. ****************** Obituaries for the week of February 17, 2005 The Floyd Press Thursday, February 17, 2005 EARNEST G. BISHOP BLUEFIELD, WV-Earnest G. Bishop, 79, died Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in a Princeton hospital. He was born September 7, 1925 in Floyd County. He was a son of the late Clayton and Clara Reed Bishop. He was a retired agent with the Internal Revenue Service and after retirement worked as an accountant. He was also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Past-Present and Lt. Governor of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Riley-Vest Post #9 of the American Legion. He was a veteran of WWII having served with the U.S. Army Air Corps. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Earnest G. Bishop, Jr., and a brother, James Bishop. Survivors include: his wife, Virginia Rutter Bishop of the home; daughter, Patricia B. Herzog and husband Keith of Boston, MA; a brother, Eugene Bishop of Hixon, TN; sister, Vera Sale of Radford; three grandchildren, Hogan Herzog, Lianne Herzog, and Courtney “Cookie” Herzog; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was conducted Saturday, February 12, at 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 401 College Avenue, Bluefield, WV 24701. Military graveside rites were conducted by Mercer County Veterans Council. Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory of Bluefield, WV handled arrangements. E-mail of cards and condolences may be sent to [email protected] MADELINE M. GEARHART FLOYD-Madeline M. Gearhart, 83, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 12, 2005. She was a member of Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren. Madeline was a follower of the Lord and was a very kind and caring person. She enjoyed with her husband, John Gearhart, growing her beautiful flowers, dancing at the Friday Night jamboree, traveling, and most of all spending time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rome and Mamie Memmitt, and a sister, Elizabeth Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, John C. Gearhart of 64 years; two daughters, Maxine Kelly and husband of Charleston, SC, Kathy Kidwell and husband of Cheaspeake Beach, MD; three sons, Earl Gearhart and wife of Atlanta, GA, Johnny Gearhart and wife of Dayton, OH, Gary Gearhart and wife of Dayton, OH; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters Ruth Dowdy and husband, Mary Kipps and husband both of Blacksburg, VA; brother Will Memmitt and wife of Riner, VA; and numerous family and friends. Funeral service was conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 14, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Rev. Richard Thomas and Rev. Hebron Quesenberry officiating. Interment followed at Beaver Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Madeline Gearhart may be made to the Carilion Hospice Services New River Valley, 707 Randolph Street, Suite 251, Radford, VA 24141. OCIE ELLAR PHILLIPS HOLLANDSWORTH WILLIS-Ocie Ellar Phillips Hollandsworth, age 100, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 10, 2005 at Heritage Hall. She was born December 11, 1904 in Indian Valley, daughter of the late Elkana C. and Ruth Jane Phillips. She was preceded in death by her husband; Burman T. Hollandsworth; three sons; Alpha, Theodore and Vernon Hollands-worth; and one daughter; Belva Hollandsworth. Survivors include: daughters and sons-in-law, Lena and Vance Duncan, Lora and Sonny Gunter, Helen and David Haynes, Eloise Funkhouser, all of Christiansburg, Phyllis and Glen Boyd, Nakomis, FL; grandchildren, Patricia 8 Duncan, Kathy Duncan, Cindy Linkous, Debbie Hamilton, Jeff Funkhouser, Suzanne Barnett, April Williams, Shannon Boyd; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jarred Linkous, Gabrielle and Sean Dunham, Kaitlyn Funkhouser, Logan Barnett, Ashton and Libby Williams; sister, Delilah Phillips, Pilot; sister-in-law and husband, Blanche and Fred Semones, Floyd; and several nieces and nephews. She had been a member of the Primitive Baptist Church for 75 years. Funeral service was held Sunday February 13, at 2:00 p.m.at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd with Elder Hale Terry and Elder Larry Hollandsworth officiating. Interment followed at Hollandsworth Cemetery, Willis. ORA TURNER NICHOLS ROANOKE-Ora Turner Nichols, 95, passed away Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at her home. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Lonzie William Nichols. She is survived by: two daughters and their husbands, Venda and Bob Boothe, Audrey and Laurence Eugene Cahill, all of Roanoke; three grandchildren, Blaine Cahill and wife Vanessa, Timothy Cahill and wife Kim, Vickie Smith and husband Richard, five great-grandchildren, Pam Smith, Heather Cahill, Jennifer Smith, Brad Cahill and Brooke Cahill; two step great-grandchildren, Darrell Cox and Pam Burns; one brother, Sparrell Turner of Floyd; one sister, Venice Barton of Bassett; and three sisters-in-law, Arlene Turner of Floyd, Nola Fulcher, and Janice Fulp. Funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 11, at Wood Funeral Home with Elder Hale Terry and Elder Allen Terry officiating. Burial was in the Jacksonville Cemetery in Floyd. Wood Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements. Many thanks to Good Samariatan Hospice. WADE HAMPTON SHANK JR. FLOYD-Wade Hampton Shank, Jr. , 84, passed away Monday February 14, 2005. He was a member of Harvestwood Covenant Presbyterian Church, Floyd, American Legion Post # 127, and Floyd Lodge #202 I.O.O.F. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Lucy Shank, sister, Freeda Smith, and brothers, Perry, Rupert , Wayne ,Thurman , and Oliver Shank. Survivors include: his wife of 51 years, Ruby T. Shank, Floyd: son and daughter-in-law, Blaine and Brenda Shank, Roanoke; daughter and son-in-law, Ouida and Albert Poff, Pulaski; step-son and wife, Martin and Simone Gardner, Powell, TN; grandchildren, Leslie Shank, Stephanie Shank, Derek Poff; step-grandchildren, Ronnie Poff, Tonya Clark, Marie Murray; and four step-great-grandchildren. “Many happy memories remain forever.” Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Riley Ware officiating. Interment to follow at Jacksonville Cemetery with Military Presentation by Floyd American Legion Post #127 and Floyd V.F.W. Post #7854. Services by Floyd Lodge #202 I.O.O.F. were held at Maberry Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Floyd Lodge #202 I.O.O.F. c/o Robert L. Allen, Sec., 4261 Franklin Pike, Floyd, VA 24091. MARY MAGDELENE INGRAM WILLIAMS COPPER HILL - Mary Magdelene Ingram Williams, age 78, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2005 at her home. Survivors include: daughter, Lisa Williams, Copper Hill; sons, Timothy Williams, Floyd, Curtis Williams, Jr., Corona, CA; sisters, Mildred Alexander, Maryland, Yvone Ingram, Columbus, OH, Joan Jackson, Maryland; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; special people in her life, Tammy Anderson, Charles Allen, Irma Jean Hanson. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 19, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Rev. Clinton Crump officiating. Interment will follow at Stuart Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. ERCELL ALDRIDGE WILLIS ROANOKE-Ercell Aldridge Willis, 81, went home to be with her Lord Thursday morning, February 10, 2005. Mrs. Willis was born April 12, 1923 in Floyd County and was a daughter to the late William G. and Artie Florence Hale Aldridge. She married Robert E. Willis. He preceded her in death. She was a member of Melrose Baptist church. She leaves to cherish her memory: seven loving children, Edward Lee Willis of Salem, Eloise Green of Roanoke, Pauline Willis Stover of Roanoke, Kathleen Conner of Salem, Jack Willis and wife Dottie of Stanley, North Carolina, Gerald Willis of Roanoke, Richard Willis and wife Dana of Roanoke; 19 grandchildren, Marlene, Jonathan and Joann Willis, Carolyn Haga, Lois Edmonds, Regina Green, Robin Starnes, Calvin and Darrell Willis, Eric and Vernon Stover, Donna Stover, Robert and Angela Conner, Tonya and Lucas Willis, Tenita and Theresa Buchanan, Cheree 9 Shaffer; 19 great-grandchildren; and two loving sisters and two loving brothers, Gladys Perdue and Willis Aldridge of Raonoke, and Bure Aldridge of Salem and Versie Hall of Roanoke. A service celebrating her life was held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 12, at Melrose Baptist Church officiated by Reverend Larry Sprouse. Interment followed in Old Dominion Memorial Park at Clover Hill. Memorial donations may be made to the Melrose Baptist Church Building Fund, 3520 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA. Lotz Roanoke Chapel handled arrangements. ************************ Obituaries for the week of February 24, 2005 The Floyd Press Thursday, February 24, 2005 LUCILE "CRICKET" AKERS FLOYD-Lucile “Cricket” Akers, age 90, formerly of New Market, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2005. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Elbert J. “Pap” Akers, her parents, Rufus and Bertie Akers, and three siblings, brothers, Ray and Fred Akers and sister, BeBe Showalter. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Ada Lee and Harmon Williams of Floyd; three grandchildren and spouses: Sandra and Donny Thompson, of Roanoke, Larry and Cathy Williams, of Boones Mill, and Carol Ann and Tony Bowman, of Pembroke; five great-grandchildren and spouses: Donna and Charles Laurens, of Virginia Beach, Dwayne and Carol Thompson, of Floyd, Jason and Kim Hall, of Radford, Sebastian Brooks, of Blacksburg, and Lorne Bowman, of Pembroke; three great-great grandchildren, Chelsea, Charlie and Chandler Laurens, of Virginia Beach; three sisters-in-law, Janice May, of Shenandoah, Jeanette Akers, of Christiansburg; and Irene Vest, of Floyd; special friends, Sandy and Sandra Lucas, of Roanoke; and Willie and Janet Bowles, of Callaway; many nephews, nieces and friends. Funeral service was held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Junior Conner officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements. JOSEPH FRANCIS BOLDIN FLOYD-Joseph Francis Boldin, 69, departed this life on February 17, 2005, at the McGuire Veteran’s Hospital in Richmond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy Plozner Boldin and Evon Joseph Boldin; brother, Vincent Boldin, and his son, Devin O’Donnell. He is survived by : his devoted and loving wife, Lois Boldin; daughter, Kim O’Donnell, Richmond, and her partner Carol Ogburn and their daughter, Meghan Sanders; two brothers, Evon Boldin, of Bellefonte, PA, Rudy Boldin, Fairborn, Ohio; four sisters, Lucy Gearhart, of Lock Haven, PA, Katherine Grubb, of Bellefonte, PA, Rose “Til” Leacock, of Boalsburg, PA and Nancy Muthersbaugh, of Harrisburg, PA. He is also survived by his devoted goddaughter and niece, Mary Jo Boldin of Bellefonte, PA as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews of whom he was extremely fond. He was born on September 17, 1935 in Bellefonte, Pa. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Two years later, he suffered a spinal cord injury in a stateside accident during the Korea War. Despite projections of a short life as a paraplegic, Joe spent the next 49 years inspiring all who knew him by demonstrating that a disability is only as limiting as you allow it to be. As a young man, his hobbies included bowling, swimming, fishing, wheelchair basketball and playing quarterback in his daughter’s backyard football games. Subsequent to careers in both watch and air conditioner repair, in 1973 Joe and his wife, Lois, moved from their home to Pompano Beach, Florida to Floyd County where they raised tobacco and livestock for a number of years before opening The Country Christmas House in 1984 in the old Possum Hollow School House. In his “retirement” years, Joe loved watching the coming and goings of the many birds, rabbits, squirrels, deer and turkey around his house; talking NASCAR with his great friend, Garry Sowers, and learning how to navigate the laptop computer he got for his 68 birthday. In spite of enduring significant health challenges in the later years of his life, he continued to live every day with optimism, humor and a strength of spirit that gave life and hope to all who knew him. A memorial service was held on Monday, February 21, at Wetzler’s Funeral Home in Bellefonte, PA at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers or donations, his family requests that others honor his memory and his life by caring for the natural world around them. RUFUS ARMOR (BROWN) CONNER 10