<![CDATA[Bluefield Daily Telegraph: All Categories]]> (2024)

PRINCETON [ndash]Evelyn Raye Fizer, passed away August 17, 2024, at Princeton Health Care Center. Raye was born in Arista, WV, to Raymond and Lorene Fizer. Born in a coal camp beside the railroad tracks presented a host of problems to a child with lung and skin problems. Doc Clemons, the attending physician, said she probably would not last a week, but 91 years later she had the last laugh. The family moved away from the tracks up on the mountain and her health improved, but she battled asthma and allergies all her life. Raye graduated from Matoaka High School class of 1950. At 17 she rode the train to Charlottesville, VA, to enroll in the nursing program at the University of Virginia. Raye graduated as an RN after three grueling years of training She was a proud member of the Jefferson Society, women who graduated from UVA's nursing program when the university was still a predominantly male school. Having loved Zane Grey novels of the west growing up, Raye left West Virginia and made her home in Los Angeles, CA, in 1955. She worked as a nurse at UCLA's Emergency Department, St. Joseph's Hospital, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, Chubb Insurance Corp, Lawry's Food and Universal Studios. In these various work areas, she nursed the famous: Walt Disney, Bing Crosby, and Sandra Dee to name a few; and many other patients from around the world. Having been raised in the segregated south, she was delighted by all the nationalities she met and enjoyed the various foods and customs offered. Her lifelong dream of riding horses was fulfilled by riding the Hollywood Hills with many friends. One of her favorite pastimes in retirement was watching the old westerns on TV and picking out the horses she had ridden to keep them exercised for their next job. Life in LA got a little rough with the earthquakes and smog, so Raye moved to the high desert settling in Reno, NV, in 1980. In Reno she worked at Washoe Medical Center in Orthopedics until her retirement. She adored the rugged mountains, Lake Tahoe and clear mountain air. At age 69 Raye moved back to West Virginia to make her home with her niece in Princeton and help care for her older sister, Dorothy Paxton. Raye was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dorothy; and brother-in-law, Alfred Paxton. Surviving family members include her niece, Sherry Graham; grandnephews, Aaron Graham (Lura), and Allen Graham (Sabrina); grandniece, Katherine Graham (Daryl); four great-grandnephews; and three great-grandnieces.Many of Raye's wonderful friends preceded her, but she was continually making new friends. Special acknowledgment to Cassidy, Tyler and Robin, who have been wonderful new friends since her stroke eight months ago until her passing. Many, many thanks to Encompass Rehabilitation and their dedicated therapists and nurses, Mercer Health Care staff, and the loving staff at Princeton Health Care Center. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton with Captain Melissa White of the Princeton Salvation Army officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until 11:30 AM on Thursday. Those wishing to attend the graveside are asked to meet at the funeral home by 11:30 AM on Thursday. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local animal rescue or shelter; in Mercer County: Second Chance for Cats: 874 Littlesburg Rd, Bluefield, WV 24701 or Mercer County Animal Shelter: 961 Shelter Rd, Princeton, WV 24740. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice.com

Kathryn Mae Faw, 86, of Palm Harbor, FL, formerly of Bluefield, VA, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024. For full obituary information, please visit www.roselawnmontevista.com

Jeanette Cecil, 91, of Princeton, died Saturday, August 17, 2024, at her home surrounded by those who loved her. Born April 27, 1933 in McComas, she was the daughter of the late Jess Garfield Howell and Mary Lee Huffman Howell. Mrs. Cecil was a graduate of McComas High School. She and her husband, Carnes, were the owners of C and J. Grocery in Lake Bottom for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She attended Bible Baptist Church in Lashmeet. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carnes Cecil; and two brothers, Kermit Howell and Walter Howell. Survivors include four children, Timothy Cecil of Lake Bottom, Johnny Allen Cecil and wife Debi of Princeton, Sharon Lee Akers of Rock and James Merrill Cecil and wife Angela of Princeton; one sister, Janice Shrader of Roanoke, VA; eight grandchildren, Joy Lusk, Jessica Tibbs, Brandi Huffman, Valerie Meadows, Casey Belcher, Candice Mitchem, Gabrielle Shafer and Grayson Cecil; eleven great grandchildren, Trey, Skylar, Katelyn, Jarid, Addy, Karson, Cora, Shade, Jeremiah, Logan and Silas; and four great, great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor James Cecil officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Serving as pallbearers will be Justice Shafer, Mike Tibbs, Trey McCutcheon, Skylar McCutcheon, Troy Huffman and Donnie McCutcheon. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 22, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

John F. "Rick" Clark, age 82, of Speedway, formerly of Ghent, passed away at his daughter's home with family by his side Sunday, August 11, 2024. Born June 16, 1942 in Shady Spring, he was the son of the late John Brewer Clark and Hazel Clark Williams. Rick, as he was known to family and friends was a former diesel mechanic last working for and retiring from Cobra Tire. Rick was an avid model train collector and in his spare time loved fishing locally and Santee, SC. Rick was of the Baptist faith and had attended Open Door Church in Shady Spring. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jeneva, who passed away June of 2021, sister Connie Crook and an infant great-grandson, Rowdy. Those survivors left to cherish his memory include his children son Michael Clark and daughter Lori Norman and husband Mikie all of Speedway. Four grandchildren Miranda Norman (Derek), Sloan Norman (Hannah) of Speedway, Jon Clark (Tiffany) of Ghent and Brittany Cook and her husband Stephen of Charleston. Great grandsons Trenton and Pearson of Charleston and expecting in October Great granddaughter Georgia Dare. Former daughter in law Rhonda Clark of Charleston. The family would like to thank the caregivers that has helped with the care of Rick over the last few years. A special thank you to Amy Gilley and the staff at Amedysis Hospice. Funeral services were held at Rose and Quesenberry, Shady Spring on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 1:30 pm with Rev. Orville Setliff officiating. Friends visited with family one hour prior to the service. Burial followed at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Prosperity, WV. Family and friends served as pallbearers. Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.

Patsy Thacker Cox 75 of Bluefield WV died Monday August 12, 2024 surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Born May 4, 1949, in Mercer County WV, she was a daughter of the late Harry Carson Thacker and Juanita Davis Thacker. Patsy was also preceded in death by her husband Charles Brady Cox. Patsy worked many years at Acme Markets until they closed. She then worked at First Century Bank until she retired. Patsy attended and graduated from Bluefield High School. She was of the Protestant Faith. Patsy enjoyed reading and the beach. Nothing brought Patsy more joy than being at the beach with family or the holidays --- Especially Christmas. Patsy always made every holiday extra special with her traditions. One of her favorite was at Christmas having a white birthday cake for Jesus and having the entire family sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Charlie married Patsy Ann Thacker Cox and they had two children: a daughter, Rhonda L. Bailey (Richard) of Crouse, NC and a son, Charles Brian Cox of Bluefield WV; three grandchildren, Emilee Cox of Princeton WV, Allison Bailey and Michelle Bailey, both of Crouse NC; and one great grandson, Caiden Cox of Princeton WV. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date. Burial will be private. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com

Delores "Jerry" Henderson, of Apache Junction AZ, born in Bluefield WV, passed away on August 11, 2024. She was 101. She is survived by her son William Henderson Jr and her daughter Deborah Henderson. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband, William P. Henderson Sr, also a Bluefield native, at Holly Hill Cemetery in Middle River MD. She is predeceased by her parents Blanche Combs and Thomas Carlyle Sutherland and her two brothers, Thomas Carlyle (TC) Sutherland Jr and Harry Sutherland.

OAKVALE [ndash] Carol Fulcher, died August 15, 2024, daughter of Benford and Helen Fulcher, brothers Ronnie(Christine) and Tommy. She will be sadly missed by Claude Smith "Junior" and their 3 children Melissa(Willie) Riggs, Andrea Michelle(Mark) Clyburn, and Claude "JR"(Mary) Smith. She loved her 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Memorial is Saturday, August 24th, 2pm, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1400 Old Bluefield Rd, Princeton. Virtual Memorial, email riggsfamily731@icloud.com

of Cool Ridge, passed away Aug. 11. Celebration of Life Memorial service 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring Chapel. Visitation at 12 noon. Burial, Brown Cemetery at Ingleside, WV.

77, of Columbus, OH, passed away Aug. 3. Celebration of Life service 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the First A.M.E. Zion Church, 216 Pulaski Street in Bluefield, WV. Interment, Grand View Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA.

86, of Smithers, formerly of Montcalm, passed away Aug. 11. Service, 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Cravens-Shires Funeral home Chapel, Bluewell, WV. Burial, Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

CHARLOTTESVILLE [ndash] Jim Bowen, originally from Tazewell, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was 79 years old.Jim leaves behind his wife, Rhonda Bowen, his sons James "Jim" Bowen Jr. and Jason "Eric" Bowen, his nephew William "Ryan" Sillers, and his stepson Sean McDonald. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, as well as a loving brother to his sisters Charlene and Phyllis, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, H.S. and Maurice Bowen, and his first wife, Linda.Please visit the website of Teague Funeral Home of Charlottesville for the full obituary and other information.

79, of Welch, passed away Aug. 9. Celebration of Life service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at St. James Baptist Church, Welch, with visitation at 10 a.m.

Brenda L. Cooper Jamison, 77, of Columbus, OH, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at her residence. A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:30 AM on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the First A.M. E. Zion Church, 216 Pulaski Street in Bluefield, WV. Interment, Grand View Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA. Family will receive friends at 11:00 AM. Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home. To view complete obituary: gregory-pagefh.com

of Princeton, formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away July 24. His family will be hosting a Celebration of Life 2 to 5 p.m. at the Glenwood Park Shelter on Friday, Aug. 16.

On Sunday, August 11, 2024, Rebecca Lynn Brown, of Cool Ridge, WV, passed away at Princeton Community Hospital following a long illness. She was born in Elizabethtown, KY, to Barbara Ann Hale and the late William Grant Hale. Rebecca, also known to many as Becky or Mrs. Brown, was a retired teacher who taught for many years at both Shady Spring Junior High and Shady Spring Middle School. She retired 10 years ago this year. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her husband James Larry Brown, sister Sherri Ann Gore, daughter in law Laura Elizabeth Brown, father in law James Dayton Brown, mother in law Nancy Lee Brown, and brother in law Ritchie Hunter. The survivors left to cherish her memory include; her son Gregory Brown of Cool Ridge, WV, daughter Jessica Starcher and husband William Starcher of Cool Ridge, WV, mother Barbara Hale of Princeton, WV, sister Karen Hitt and husband Stuart Hitt of Lerona, WV, brother William G. Hale Jr of Fayetteville, NC, brother Darren Hale of Princeton, WV, brother in law Christopher Gore of Princeton, WV, sister in law Bonnie Hunter of Princeton, WV, brother in law Gary Brown and wife Monta Brown of Toledo. OH. Other survivors include her four grandchildren Thomas Allen Brown, Jacob Wayne Brown, Alexander James Starcher, and Caleb Shon Starcher who she greatly cherished. Her nieces and nephews; Josh Hitt and wife Kelly Hitt, Eric Hitt, Stefani Spence and husband Jonathan Hedrick, Sherri Hale, Austin Hale and fiancé Angela Roark, Alyssa Gore, James Brown and wife Sherry Brown, Stewart Brown, Karri Drennen and husband Jason Drennen. Several cousins, great nieces and nephews also survive. A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Rebecca Lynn Brown on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2PM at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home - Shady Spring Chapel with Pastor Morris Clyburn officiating. Family and friends may visit with the family from 12PM - 2PM at the funeral home. After the services burial will follow at the Brown Cemetery in Ingleside, WV. Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.

Howard "Nubbin" Garland Hubbard Sr., 86, of Smithers, WV, and formerly of Browning Lambert Mountain, Montcalm, passed Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Montgomery Nursing and Rehab Center in Montgomery, WV. Born September 7, 1937, in Bluefield, WV, he was a son of the late William Howard and Virginia Helmandollar Hubbard. Howard was a retired welder. He was a lifelong resident of Mercer County, and a member of the Montcalm Church of God. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Ruth "Pat" Hubbard, and son Howard Garland Hubbard, Jr. Those left to cherish Howard's memory are his sons, Joseph Hubbard and wife Donna of Smithers, WV, and Gregory Hubbard and wife Pam of Ponchatoula, LA; daughter, Lisa Anderson and husband Mike of Winston-Salem, NC; brother, John Hubbard and wife Cecilia of Bluewell, WV; 8 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell, WV, at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Joseph Hubbard officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV, with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of service. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Montgomery Rehab and Nursing Center for the excellent care they have given our family. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com

Phalanders F. Law, age 79, of Welch, WV, departed this life on Friday, August 9, in Bluefield, WV. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024 at St. James Baptist Church in Welch. Visitation 10:00 AM. For complete obituary, please see website: gregory-pagefh.com

80, of Glenwood, passed away Aug. 8. Service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Interment in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

of Bluefield, WV, died Monday August 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Submitted by Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield.

passed away March 18. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the overlook atop East River Mountain.

A memorial service for Pierce Daniel Bratton, innovative, charismatic bass player of Bluefield rock band Sweet Toothe, will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. at the overlook atop East River Mountain, where PD found the love of his life, Missy Brannon. In a day when people watched one of three TV channels and albums by rock bands, soul singers, and troubadours told us what was going on Sweet Toothe recorded a progressive psychedelic rock album in Nashville, Tennessee titled "Testing," described by PD as "local yokels gone vocal." Local lads chasing their dreams appeared with Iron Butterfly at the Bluefield Auditorium in June 1975 and headlined tours across the southeast, writing and rehearsing original music at a house in Glenwood. Bassist Bratton and late drummer Michael Chilco powered Sweet Toothe with rock-solid rhythms, built upon by guitarist David "Blue Eyes" Leedy and Emerson "Randall" Conley, given voice by late lead singer Michael Hopkins and manager and songwriter Don Sarver. A soulful version of Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic closed Sweet Tooth's shows, where no one could miss the resemblance of the bass player taking a bow to Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. Missy and PD's everlasting marriage and beloved brother and sister-in-law Cindy and the late Robby Brannon and accomplished nephews, music ministers Jon and Jeffrey Daniel Brannon (and wife Alandra) and echoes of a generation bonded by great bands will be celebrated Friday at 11 a.m., atop East River Mountain. There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run ... there's still time to change the road you're on.

77, of Concord, NC, formerly of Bluefield, WV, passed away Aug. 8. Service 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Burial in Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley. Arrangements by Mercer Funeral Home, Bluefield, WV.

James Bradley Gatherum, 77, of Concord, NC, formerly of Bluefield, WV, died peacefully at home surrounded by family Thursday August 8, 2024, in Concord, NC Born April 21, 1947 in Bluefield, WV, he was a son of the late Dr. Robert S. Gatherum II and Helen Bradley Gatherum. Mr. Gatherum was a 1965 graduate of Bluefield High School. He received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1969 from West Virginia University and went on to complete a program in Computer Engineering at the Honeywell Institute of Technology in 1971. Mr Gatherum had a distinguished career in banking services where he was a member of the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce and both the West Virginia and North Carolina Bankers Associations. Mr Gatherum was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Bluefield where he served as both an Elder and Deacon. He was a family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Gatherum Smith and brother, Robert S. "Bobby" Gatherum. Survivors include his wife, Diane Dudley Gatherum of Concord, NC, son Scott Gatherum and wife Alison of Durham, NC and daughter, Ann Kiefer and husband Mike and grandchildren Owen, Brinley and Layla of Lexington, NC; brother-in-law, Will Smith and wife Karen of Bastian, VA; sister-in-law Delores Bourne and husband Doug of Bluefield, WV; sister-in-law Gail Gregory of Bluefield, WV and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Elliott Gregory officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley where family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County NC or Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bluefield, WV. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of James B. Gatherum.

79, of Christiansburg, VA, native of Logan County, passed away Aug. 7. Celebration of the will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory, Athens Rd., Princeton. Burial, Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

Roger Lee Maynard, age 79, died after an extended illness on August 7, 2024, at Lewis Gale Hospital in Christiansburg, Virginia. He was born on February 3, 1945, at home in Wilburn, Logan County, West Virginia, the son of Melda Adams (Spry) and John B. Maynard. Roger graduated from Lenore High School, Class of 1962. Following graduation, he proudly served in the US Navy for eight years as a Navy Corpsman. While in the Navy, he married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Maxine (Eleanor) Maynard. They celebrated 55 years of marriage last September. Roger was a loyal member of the Nazarene Church for 52 years. He was employed as a radiology technician, trained in the military, for many years until his health forced him to an early retirement. Roger continued his education and graduated from Concord University. Roger has survived numerous illnesses/obstacles in his lifetime; he was known for his resilience, and was a devoted Christian. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shavonna (Maynard) Workman. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Maxine Maynard his son, Eddie Maynard and his wife, Cassandra, of Radford, VA; daughters, Leigh Ann Henderson and fiancé, Ronnie Cochran, of Hilton Head, SC,, Ruthie Rhodes and her husband, Kevin Rhodes, of Princeton, WV. Eight grandchildren, Brittany (Stephen) Cook, Erin Maynard, Sydney Maynard, Reagan Maynard, Zachary (Jessica) Chestnut, Alec (Ariel) Henderson, Reece Rhodes and Avery Rhodes. Six great-grandchildren, Trenton Cook, Pierson Cook, Rylan Chafin, Aubrey Chafin, Brynlee Chestnut, and Maverick Chestnut; many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his siblings, Della Meade, Lucian Maynard (Sally), Patricia Jarrell, and Janet Duncan (Mark). Funeral services to celebrate the life of Roger Maynard will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory with Pastors John Branham and Steve Parker officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 A.M. until the service hour at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be Steven Cook, Adam Sarver, Zachery Chestnut, Alec Henderson, Kevin Rhodes, Reece Rhodes, James Deskins and Rusty Sarver. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com. The Maynard family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

Jean K. Martin, 87, of Lerona, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Glenwood Healthcare Center in Princeton. For full obituary and service information please visit www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

Ernest Bailey Jr., 80, of Glenwood, died from a short illness on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Princeton Community Hospital. Born August 11, 1943, in McComas, he was the son of the late Ernest Bailey Sr. and Frances Gilmore Bailey Poe."I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:17). Mr. Bailey was a graduate of Herndon High School. He was employed at Eastern Associated Coal Company for over 40 years and was a member of the UMWA. He attended the Lifeline Church of God in Princeton. He was an avid WVU Mountaineer fan and enjoyed watching games with his grandson, Beau. He enjoyed life and had a good sense of humor. He would always tell Beau, "Don't do like me, just do the best you can." In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Ramona Chriscoe; and one brother, James Bailey. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Constance (Connie) Thompson Bailey of Glenwood; two grandsons, Matthew Beau Bailey of Glenwood and Brandon Lee Chriscoe of Randleman, NC; four great grandsons, Jaiden Bailey, Adam Bailey, Easton Bailey and Blake Lee; and sister-in-law, Carlotta Bailey and her son Stacy Bailey of Peterstown. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Reverends Roger Yates and Randy Clark from the church for helping Junior in his walk with God as they answered many questions that he asked. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Randy Clark and Rev. Roger Yates officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from noon until service hour at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at HYPERLINK "http://www.bailey-kirk.com"www.bailey-kirk.com.

80, of Iaeger, MIA Jan. 6, 1945. Service and full military honors at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory, Inurnment Vance Family Cemetery at Paynesville, at a later date.

85, of Kimball, passed away Aug. 3. Friends 10:30 to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Powhatan, WV. Massof Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Burial in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

82, of Columbus, OH, a nativeo f Lashmeet, WV, passed away July 31. Service 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug.8, at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Interment at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.

Juanita "Nita" Smalls Trigg, 97, of Bland Road, Bluefield, WV, passed away on August 2, 2024, at Bluefield Regional Medical Center after a short illness. For full obituary and service information please visit www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

IAEGER [mdash]After 80 years, a West Virginia hero has returned to the beautiful mountain of WV, Pfc. Mose E. Vance, was killed in a battle in France, a battle he fought in January 1945. Born November 8, 1922, in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Mathias Scaggs Vance and Louisa Kennedy Vance. Mose entered the Army at a very, very early age, he was attached to the 180th Infantry Regiment, Company "F"., he was declared MIA on January 6, 1945, while his unit was near the Hamlet of Kohlhuette. At the time of his death, Mose was married to Thelma Hurley Vance. All of Mose family has passed away, his siblings, Liddie Margaret Vance, Charlie Chester Vance, Lady Lou Vance Cooper, Ferrell Clarence Vance, Eva Vance Jewell and Betty Jean Vance Ball, Virgie Jane Vance, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Vance Atwell, Marry Lottie Vance Taylor, Rhinda Vance Vandyke, Alexander Vance and John Woodrow Vance. Mose is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, His nephew Ferrell Vance worked diligently to bring Mose back home. On Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 1:00 P.M., in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory, a service to honor Pfc. Mose E. Vance will be held with full Military honors given under the direction of the U.S. Army along with Chester Ball speaking words of comfort to the family. Following the service, he will be cremated, inurnment will be held in the Vance Family Cemetery at Paynesville at a later date. Friends may visit with the family from Noon until the service hour at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared with the family via HYPERLINK "http://www.memorialfd.com"www.memorialfd.com. The family of Mose E. Vance is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

Emily Dickenson once wrote,"I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine." So was the philosophy of Jean Battlo. We now have lost one of West Virginia's most prized authors. Teresa Jean Battlo of Kimball, WV passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the age of 85. She was an avant-garde artist whose life touched our world with an abounding and endless love of God, family, peace, the arts, and life itself. Jean was a great author, an educator, a playwright, a cat lover, a fabulous gardener, a staunch Catholic, a sensitive soul, a voice of reason and encouragement, and also a lover of a good martini. Her sense of humor and her wit will truly be missed by family, friends, and her beloved West Virginians.Emily Dickinson QuoteI know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it ... Jean Battlo was playwright and local historian who grew up in her beloved West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fortunato (Battaglia) Battlo and Concetta Maria Roschelli, immigrants from Calabria, Italy, and her siblings, Frank, Dominick, Angeline, Melly, Kat, Tony, and Mary. Jean is survived a plethora of nieces and nephews who live across the world which greatly displeased Jean. Her dream was a family compound where no one ever left her reach. Jean was adamant about looking a person in the eyes, introducing her self, and conversing cordially, often on a level few could emulate. "That is just how you treat people," she would say. Every soul had purpose in her eyes. Jean's intellect was beyond reproach. A true lover of learning, Jean graduated from Welch High School. She earned a B.A. and an M.A. at Marshall University. There she studied history, drama, literature, philosophy, and of course education. This was all good, but not enough for this consummate learner. She spent summers studying at William and Mary honing her knowledge of the humanities. Jean began her teaching career in McDowell County where she taught at Iaeger High School and Mount View High School. Being awarded the McDowell Teacher of the Year title was impressive, but Jean's love was her students, not the accolades she accumulated. Jean's most treasured classes were drama and the humanities. She related to students on their level and gave them her undivided attention. The community came to know Jean's reach through the plays her students performed. Her community reach went far beyond the classroom. Friends and family encouraged Jean to write for a local the at regroup. Thus, her play A Highly Successful West Virginia Business was born. Centered on the loss of jobs in the coal industry, a family takes up a mortuary business to make ends meet. The play had the audience in stitches. With nearly a dozen plays under her belt, Jean was often contacted by theatre groups who wanted to perform the plays. Her play, #8, was selected as a finalist by Camel-Sea in 1990, and was optioned by Off-Broadway Stage Arts in New York City. The play centered around a Jewish family living just before the Holocaust. It was a finalist in the Eugene O'Neill National Playwright's Competition. She wrote plays about Pearl S. Buck and Lizzie Borden. Her most well-known work is Terror on the Tug, a play centered around the Sid Hatfield murders and performed at the Globe Theater in Keystone. The theatre was built just for Jean as a place to bring live dramas to her beloved county. It was a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theater in London. Often performances were in McDowell County, others across the state and country, and one was even performed in Germany. In later years, Jean Battlo, with great support from Senators Keith Wagner and John P. Fanning, found funding to build the McArts Ampitheater. Jean frequently sought funding for her goals with the West Virginia Division of Arts, Culture, and History. She was just this year awarded a grant to continue her work with McArts. McArts was founded in 1980 by Jean Battlo, Irene Ernest, Moe Seay, and Lisa Colombo. McArts is one of Jean's proudest accomplishments which, to this day, brings the arts to McDowell County. McArts was formed as a non profit organization to bring the arts to McDowell County and to nurture local artists and performers. Her mission was to rid our world of the hillbilly stereo type and teach others that her county, her home, her state, was rich in history and culture with deep roots held in the hearts of its people. Jean also co-founded Coal Camp Creations. The business, located in the building her father built, made coal figurines from McDowell County coal that were sold at Tamarac and local artisan events. Jean Battlo was instrumental in directing the $1.5 million restoration project in Kimball of the Houston Coal Company Store, perhaps the best preserved of more than 100 company stores that once operated in the coal camps of McDowell County during the first half of the 20th century. Jean's talent was not just as a playwright. She wrote poetry, short stories, historical fiction, and is most well known for her book, Pictorial History of McDowell County. Her work is published by McClain Printing Company of Parsons, West Virginia. Numerous accolades were bestowed on Jean Battlo. She was a Writer-in-Residence with the Beckley-based Theater West Virginia, Italian Woman of the Year and Business Woman of the Year for West Virginia. To Jean's delight, she even served as the Grand Groundhog Watcher at the Groundhog Day Breakfast at Concord University just to name a few. Jean was interviewed on-camera for the 2016 documentary The Mine Wars seen on PBS and was often called for interviews entailing local history. On the History Channel, Jean was interviewed for "Hillbilly: The Real Story." This was a documentary narrated by Billy Ray Cyrus. Jean Battlo was not a person that one article can describe. Her creativity, passions, and love of God, life, and family were endless. She touched many lives through her teaching, writing, and community service. Her mark is made. Her legacy is sealed. Her journey on earth is done. She now lives with the loved ones she has longingly mourned, and watches over the loving family that was her earthly treasure. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, "We are ever dying to one world and being born into another. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 1PM, Friday, Aug. 9, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Powhatan, WV. A mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 PM with Very Rev. Sebastian E. Devasya, V.E. officiating. Burial will follow directly after mass at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean Battlo's memory can be made to Sacred Heart Church, 35508 Coal Heritage Road, Northfork, WV 24868 or the Sacred Heart Food Pantry at the same address. Memorial donations can also be sent to the McDowell Commission on Aging, 725 Stewart St., Welch, WV 24801.

78, of Princeton, passed away Aug. 2. Service 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory, Athens Road, Princeton. Inurnment will be in the Walters Family Cemetery in Princeton.

Joyce Claudine Coldiron, a long-time resident of Columbus, OH, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024 at Riverside Hospital in Columbus. She was 82 years old. She was born January 10, 1942, in Lashmeet, WV, to the late Riley Spurgeon Grogan and Oma Claudine Hurst Grogan. Joyce was a graduate of Matoaka High School and took courses at Concord College. Although she worked briefly as a secretary, her true calling and greatest joy were found in her roles as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Joyce's unwavering love and dedication to her family were the cornerstones of her life. In addition to her loving parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard Bruce Coldiron; her cherished first-born son, Bruce Coldiron, II; her two dear brothers, Jerry Grogan, and Ronald Grogan; and her treasured dog, LuLu. Those left to cherish her memory include two sons, Blane Coldiron and husband Scot Hafler and Shawn Coldiron; beloved granddaughter, whom she and Bruce lovingly raised, Jordan Hill and husband Cory; daughter-in-law, Ellen Coldiron; grandsons, Hunter Coldiron, George Coldiron and Brystin Coldiron; her adored great-grandchildren, Oliver Bruce Hill and Rowan James Hill; sisters-in-law, Rosenell Grogan and Marsha Grogan; nieces, Terri Walker, Jerri Murphy and Donna Hastings; nephew, Donald Grogan; and her dedicated caregiver and friend, Belinda Ziegler. Joyce's life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, family, and unwavering devotion. Her warmth, kindness, and nurturing spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but her legacy of love and family will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral Service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton, with the Rev. Dan Jividen officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. until service hour at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at HYPERLINK "http://www.bailey-kirk.com/" o "Click to open in a new window or tab" t "_blank"www.bailey-kirk.com.

Archie Lee Lawson, 82, of Bluefield, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 21, 2024, in Bluefield. Born February 19, 1942, in Bluefield, he was the son of the late Lee Lawson & Bessie Mae Harris Lawson. Archie was educated in Mercer County and was a lifelong resident of West Virginia. He wrote seven books, over two hundred songs, and over 500 articles on various subjects. Archie was a former employee of Bluefield Daily Telegraph; and at one time had a TV repair service in Bluefield. He was survived by three children, Deborah, Connie & Brenda. A private graveside service was held Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Oakwood Cemetery in Princeton. The Lawson family was served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

Mary Elizabeth Belcher, 78, of Princeton, died peacefully Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley. Born November 28, 1945, in Princeton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Walters and Mandy Saunders Walters. Mary was educated in Princeton and was a lifelong resident. She was devoted to her family, enjoyed farming and sewing. She was a member of Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church in Princeton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings: James Walters and Martha Swimm. Those left to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 62 years, J.R. Belcher; Her son, Tim Belcher and wife Linda; Granddaughter, Rachel Jo Belcher and husband Cody Weese,; Two step-grandchildren, Mika Lambert and husband Jon, and Moleigh Bargo and companion Robert; Brother, Billy Walters and wife Barbara; Three very special nieces, Barbara Ingram, Janet King and Jennifer Daniely;Her four-legged friend Spike. Funeral services will be held 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Beverly Baker officiating. Friends may visit with the family Tuesday (today) from 5:00 P.M. until the service hour at the funeral home. The family will honor her wishes, she will be cremated following her services and inurnment will be in the Walters Family Cemetery in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family via HYPERLINK "http://www.memorialfd.com"www.memorialfd.com. The Belcher family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

79, of Austin, TX, a native of Princeton, WV, passed away June 16. Celebration of Life service 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, TX, with a luncheon following.

of Glen Allen, VA, a native of Elbert, WV, passed away July 30. Service on Sunday, Aug. 4, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluefield, visitation noon to 1 p.m., services and burial to follow, Woodlawn Memorial Park.

97, of Myrtle Beach, SC, formerly of Princeton, passed away July 31. Homegoing celebration will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory, Athens Rd., Princeton. Burial in Elgood Cemetery, Elgood.

95, of Princeton passed away July 27. Service to celebrate her homegoing will be 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5, at the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory, Athens Rd., Princeton. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

Evelyn Gay Bauguess, 97, of Myrtle Beach SC, formerly of Princeton, went to be with Jesus early Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024. Born April 30, 1927, in Elgood, she was the daughter of the late Nathan and Beatrice Easter Akers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband Buck Bauguess, along with several siblings: Faye Blankenship, Ruby Mann, Ralph Akers, Harry Akers and Ona Mae Cox. Evelyn was a member of the Grand Strand Community Church in Myrtle Beach, SC and a former member of Landmark Church of God and First Church of God in Princeton. Evelyn was a faithful witness, she loved reading her Bible, and was a devoted prayer warrior. While her health permitted, she enjoyed working in her garden, and doing Search-A-Word puzzles. Those left to cherish her memory, her two devoted and loving children, Cathi Campion and Bucky Bauguess; four grandchildren who loved her dearly, Bob Campion, D J Campion (Summer), Amber Ware and Megan Bauguess; three great-grandchildren, Sierra Bauguess, Sydney Ware and Jet Ware; sisters, Edna Roberts and Alma Sizemore; several nieces and nephews also survive. A home going celebration will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 6, 2024, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton, with Pastors Jeff Valentine and Scott Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in the Elgood Cemetery at Elgood. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 1:00 P.M. until the service hour at the funeral home. Her family will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences can be shared with the family via HYPERLINK "http://www.memorialfd.com"www.memorialfd.com. The Bauguess family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

PRINCETON [ndash]Glenna Jane Hill Clark was born October 13, 1928, in Princeton, to the late Charles Lee and Jessie R. Turner Hill. She passed away peacefully Saturday, July 27, 2024, after a sudden decline in her health. She was only 95 years of age. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jackson D. "JD" Clark of 70 years, great-grandson Carson Clark, four brothers, Kyle Lee Hill, Houston Hill, Max Hill and Lewis Hill along with two sisters, Alleen French and Elizabeth Broyles. Glenna graduated from Princeton High School in 1946 and attended WV Business College. She was a former employee of Celanese Corporation and retired from Mercer County Board of Education with 21 years of service. She was currently a member of Carr Memorial Global Methodist Church and Mercer County Association of Retired School Employees. Glenna is survived by her son Jeffrey Clark and wife Cathy; grandchildren Corey Clark and Courtney Clark Hill; three great grandsons, Jackson Clark, Remy Hill and Rhoen Hill all of Princeton. Glenna is leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and strength. Services to celebrate her homegoing will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 5, 2024, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton, with Pastor Gerald Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from Noon until the service hour. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com. The Clark Family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton.

James John Honosky, Sr., of Glen Allen, VA, peacefully left this world to join his beloved Betty on July 30, 2024. Jim was born to Tony and Lilly Honosky on December 23, 1935, in Elbert, WV. Jim, known as Fess to his friends, spent his childhood in the coal mine hollers where he became an accomplished football player for Gary High School. He continued to play football while serving his country in the Navy. After his honorable discharge, he met and married the love of his life, Betty. They were married until her death in 2004. Jim loved his family, friends, football, ESPN, westerns and swimming. Jim sadly leaves behind their 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2great-grandsons: Susan (Warren & Hayleigh) Sneed, James, Jr. (Christina, Daniel, Raphael & Felix, and Roxanne), Nick (Jamie, Lindsay & John), and Jennie (Rich) Reynolds, and his brother Donald. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, 2 brothers and his sister. Services will be held on Sunday, August 4 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluefield, WV. Jim's family will receive visitors from 12:00 to 1:00 PM with services and burial to follow directly after at Woodlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. Doug Hyndrich officiating. Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct graveside rites. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his honor to Miracle Mountain Wilderness Park, No. 9 Mountain, Gary, WV. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Honosky family.

89, of Parma Heights, formerly of McComas, WV, passed away July 7. A Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Divinity Lutheran Church, 11877 Blossom Ave., Parma Heights.

95, of Johnson City, formerly of Jenkinjones, WV, passed July 15. Celebration of Life 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Ave., Columbus, OH, visitation 10 a.m. Interment, Glen Rest Memorial Estate.

Lillie Mary Williams-Neal, age 95. Sunrise August 8, 1928, in Johnson City, AL and Sunset July 15, 2024 in Irvine, CA, formerly of Jenkinjones, WV. Visitation will be 10am, Celebration of Life 11am Friday, August 2, 2024, at Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Avenue, Columbus, OH. Services can be streamed at https://trinity-baptist.com/watch/ in addition to YouTube or Facebook. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home, The Chapel of Peace North, 2500 Cleveland Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view videotribute and offer condolences to the Williams Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com

103, of Princeton, passed away July 26. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Princeton. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

Angelina "Angie" Constantino Grbac, 103, of Princeton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Friday, July 26, 2024. Born December 19, 1920, in McDowell County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Constantino and Franchesca "Fannie" Falcomato Constantino. Angie was a 1938 graduate of Northfork High School. She had worked for Clark Drug Store, G.C. Murphy's, and promoted products for Kroger in Northfork until moving to Princeton in 1975. At that time, she became a dispatcher for the Princeton City Police Department. She was a former member of the National Association of Federal Retirees and served on the WV Silver Haired Legislature. She was also past president of Mercer County Commission on Aging. Angie was a devoted and active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Princeton where she served on numerous parish committees, organizations and ministries including the Altar Society, the Eucharist Ministry, and the Hospitality Ministry. Above all, Angie devoted her life to taking care of her family. Her feisty and loving spirit will be missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael D. "Mike" Grbac; sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Charles (Bernard), Mary A. "Little Mary" Constantino, and Anna Peter (Eugene "Pete"); brothers, Frank Constantino (Patsy), and Willie Constantino; and brother-in-law, Charley Manley. Left to cherish her memories, her son, Anthony M. "Tony" Grbac and wife Linda of Cross Lanes; sister, Virginia Constantino Manley of Princeton; granddaughter, Crystal Grbac and fiancé Jared Hsu of Cross Lanes; great-grandchildren, Alexis Brook Grbac and Ryan Grbac; step grandsons, Christopher Shane Smith and wife Brandi and Eric Allen Smith and wife Danielle, all of Hurricane; step-grandchildren, Rucker, Lucy, Auggie, and Eva Smith; her caregiver, Donna Sloane and husband Danny of Rock; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Princeton, with Father Sebastian Devasya as celebrant. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2024, with a Christian Wake Service to be held at 7:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1310, Princeton, WV 24740 or www.sacredheartprinceton.org. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

Joan Delores Semonco, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, of Red Oak Ridge Rod, Bluefield, WV, joined her latehusband Andy Semonco, in Heaven on July 26, 2024 at 8:56PM. Per her wishes, she died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. Her full obituary can be viewed at www.cravens-shires.com

86, of Abbs Valley< VA, passed away July 24. Service 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Cravens Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell, WV, with visitation from noon to 2 p.m.

89, of Princeton, passed away July 24. Service 2 p.m. Monday, July 29, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Bluewell. Interment at Resthaven Memorial Park, Princeton.

89, of Princeton, passed away July 24. A celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory, Athens Rd., Princeton. Burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

James Franklin Shrader 'Jim', 89, of Princeton, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Ridge Care Assisted Living in Princeton. Jim was born March 21, 1935, at home on Shrader Hollow Road near Bramwell. He was the youngest of ten and last surviving child of the late Isaiah Welch and Flora Belle Shrader. He graduated from Bramwell High School in 1954 and was the only member of his family to attend college. He worked at A&P in Bluefield to pay for his education, first at Bluefield University and then Concord University, where he graduated in 1958 with an education degree. He later earned a master's degree in school administration from Radford University. He spent his career with Mercer County Schools, first at Princeton Junior High School and then at Bramwell High School, where he taught English, science, and math courses. He left teaching in 1970 tobecome math, science, and computers supervisor for Mercer County Schoolsuntil his retirement in 1989. Following retirement, he taught psychologycourses for the West Virginia Graduate College for several years. He owned his own ceramics business for several years and earned a national ceramics certification. He distinguished his business by ensuring that no two of his pieces were alike. Jim was a member of Bramwell United Methodist Church for 70 years, where he served as Treasurer for 30 years. He led by example: everyone knew his faith, but he was respectful of others and differing viewpoints. His wife of 59 years, Mary Bowman Shrader and his son and son-in-law,Russell Bowman Shrader and Joseph Lewis Comer, III, of Roanoke, VA, cherish his memory. Jim also leaves behind five nieces: Debbie Scurlock and Vickie Lickliter of Beckley; Joan Ullery of Mercersburg, PA; Denise Meletakos of Silver Spring, MD; Cathy Yost of Peterstown. A special first cousin, Bruce Shrader of Arlington, VA, also survives. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 29, at 2pm at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, with Rev. Jay VanReenen officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Princeton. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1pm-2pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Bramwell United Methodist Church, PO Box 306, Bramwell, WV 24715. Online condolences may be shared at cravens-shires.com.

It is with great sadness that the family of Janie Elizabeth "Dorothy" Black, affectionately known as MawMaw, peacefully left this life on July 24, 2024, just short of her 90th birthday. A devout woman, who loved her family dearly, Janie will be missed by the family that she has nurtured and cared for all her life. On August 23, 1934, she was born on Hurricane Ridge, to her parents Oakey Bowes and Ruby Hypes Bowes Cole, who predeceased her. She grew up along with her six siblings in an impoverished home, but her family made sure that she was surrounded with the riches of faith, love and family as she grew into a young woman. This experience made her strong, sometimes fierce and determined to give her family a better life. She eventually met and married Howard Lee "Pop" Black, and had four children, Eddie Black, who died as a child, Rhonda Reed (Wayne), Rose Dally (Joe), and Penny Prudich (Greg). Even while working as a nurse's aide, she was devoted to her children and extended family, keeping a warm, open home, cooking great meals, and making it a welcome place for all. She was strong, determined, and devoted to her family, and taught them the values of love, care and grace. After 51 years of marriage, she lost Howard, but was determined to continue her life of faith, family and care for her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her grandchildren are Thomas Lee Stanger, who predeceased her, Patrick Stanger, Shannon Christian (Clinton), Justin Prudich (Vanessa), Joshua Prudich (Rachel), Janie Dinnis (Richard), and Jenna Prudich. Her great grandchildren are Jayda Stanger, Brianna Stanger, Gray Prudich, Ruby Dinnis, Hazel Dinnis, Lila Prudich and little boy Prudich on the way. MawMaw loved her family deeply, dearly and cherished every moment she shared with them. She carried each of them always in her heart. The family wants to thank niece, special friend and caregiver Dana Bowes for her devotion and friendship to MawMaw, especially in her time of need. Janie was a Christian who believed devoutly, and she shared it with others through both words and deeds, embodying the teachings of Christ in her life. Her family is deeply grateful for the wisdom, love, and faith she shared. Her life was a testament to the enduring power of faith, family and love and her memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. A celebration of Janie's life will be held on July 31, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at in the Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton, with Kenny Jarvis officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Friends may visit with the family from Noon until the service hour at the funeral home. Please note: For those unable to attend the service, please go to the website of memorialfd.com and click on Janie's obituary to read more and scroll down to view her service. Carrying Janie to her final resting place will be Patrick Stanger, Greg Prudich, Justin Prudich, Joshua Prudich, Aaron Bowes, and Richard Dinnis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Angels Foundation at HospiceAngels.org in Janie's honor. We take solace in knowing that MawMaw is now in the presence of the Lord, embraced by eternal peace. Though absent from us, her memory will forever live on in our hearts, and her faith will continue to guide us in the days ahead. MawMaw's journey was a blessing, and she will be dearly missed as she slips the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com. The Black family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

61, of Vienna, passed away July 10. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Vienna, friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Herbert P. Asbury Sr., 86, of Abbs Valley, Virginia, passed away July 24, 2024, at his home with family by his side. Born in Boissevain, he was the son of Nan and Richard Asbury. He was a Pocahontas High School graduate.Herbert had many jobs but was a coal miner at heart. His hobby was working. He went to work at age eleven. Those left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife, Wanda; daughter Tammy Shraderl son Herb Asbury Jr. and Vickie; granddaughter Amy; granddaughter Ashley; grandson Chad (Monica); grandson Chase (Ashton); six great-grandsons: Avery, Finn, Preston, Jax, Boand J; sister Elsie Allison (Bob); brother Billy Asbury (Marlene); brother Frazier Asbury (Patty). Left in his extended family are sisters Shirley,Elsie (Wayne); brothers Larry (Diane), Rodney (Faye), Marshall (Debbie); a special niece, Kayla, who after her grandparents died adopted him as herUncle Poppaw Herbert. And many other nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Marie Flummer. He was also preceded in death by extended family: son-in-law Joe Shrader, sisters Flora Blizzard and Helen Winters and brothers Edward, Daniel, Winfred, Kenneth, Mike and Jay. Herbert was loved by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Services will be held at Cravens Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV. on Sunday July 28, 2024. Friends may visit from 12pm-2pm with Funeral at 2pm. Officiating by Reverend Todd Asbury. Eulogy by wife Wanda. Herb Asbury, Jr., Chad Asbury, Chase Asbury, Avery Stevenson, Finn Stevenson and Marshall McCroskey will serve as pallbearers with Preston Binkley as an honorary pallbearer.

Edith Parker Miller, 87, of 2705 Clovis St., Bluefield, WV, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Princeton Hospital. Obituary and funeral arrangements will be available at wwww.cravens-shires.com.

On July 17, 2024, Arthur Brown, Jr., age 74, transitioned peacefully from this life, surrounded by his loved ones at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV. To read the complete obituary, please visit www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Arthur Brown, Jr.

of Kellysville, passed away July 20. Service 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Kellysville Church of God. Burial in the New Zion Cemetery. Arrangements by Fredeking Funeral Service.