U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
John Paul Norris
John Paul Norris of Meadowview, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 2, 2008. He was born on December 8, 1920 in Yukon, WV, to the late Lewis Frank and Sallie Christian Norris.
He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a coal miner/foreman, an inspector of coal mines and industrial plants for an insurance company, and served for many years as a Town of Grundy police officer as well as Chief Deputy for the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. He was a member of the Buchanan County Men’s Club. He loved his family with all of his heart and was happiest when spending time with them.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Betty R. Norris; his brothers Orville, Fred and Frank Norris; and a sister, Lucille Fuller.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Victoria Burleson Norris; his daughters: Betty (Irvin) Craft, Patricia (Richard) Viers, Paulette (Jim) Mays, and Sallie (Ron) Phillips; his sons: John Paul Norris, II, and Joel (Edwina) Norris; his grandchildren: Cindy (Don) Lester, Tammy (Jerome) Salyer, DeAnna (Rick) Johnson, Suzanne (Bob) Puckett, Julie Golden, Hope Beard, Joy (Randy) Dixon, Johnathan (Jessica) Owens, Jason (Vickie) Norris, Whitney Phillips, Adam (Claire) Samuel, Drew (Janie) Samuel, John Paul (Jennifer) Norris, III, Jayma Mays (Adam) Jones, and Lindsey Norris; 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters: Ruth Yates, Nadine Stevenson, and Peggy Phillips; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for John Paul Norris will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, with the Rev. Alan Moor officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with military graveside rites performed by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Andrew Samuel, Adam Samuel, Trey Norris, Johnathan Owens, Jason Norris, Randy Dixon, Bobby Puckett, and Jerome Salyer.
The family will receive friends Monday, February 4, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel. Friends may also visit at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Ron and Sallie Phillips, 33307 Graceland Lane, Glade Spring, VA. Flowers will be accepted, and memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Mildred Gordon Garrett
Mrs. Mildred Gordon Garrett, 77, died Friday February 1, 2008 at her residence. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a member of Gospel Tabernacle. She was the daughter of the late Gordon and Mae Bailey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry “Peanut” Lewis Garrett; 2 sons Melvin “Tom” Garrett and Larry Lee Garrett; her brother Johnny Bailey; and her sister Hazel Saltz; . She retired from K-Mart.
She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Ann Garrett of Abingdon; her sister, Peggy Diana Harley and husband Eddie of Bristol, Virginia; 2 grandchildren, Jason Thomas Garrett and wife Melissa and Nicki Johnson; 2 adopted grandchildren, Chad Garrett and Shannon Garrett; 3 great grandchildren, Taylor Sylvia Garrett, Kylie Madison Garrett, and Daisy McCall; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Darrell Henley, Pastor David Robbins, and Pastor C. J. Tate officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be J. L. Bailey, Tim Broyles, Eddie Smith, Jerry Garrett, Jamie Clark, Steve Graham, and Eddie Harley.
The family would like to give thanks to God for giving them the opportunity to be with Mrs. Garrett and the ability to take care of her the past few years. Also, thanks to: Home Health, especially Jeff, Darlene, Denise, and Kristen; Preferred Home Health-Karen Harrison; Under His Shadow Motorcycle Ministry; Thelma Snodgrass, Joan Tate, Juanita Thomas, Kathy Bailey, Tina Hurd, Peggy Harley, Willie Hammons; Meds-Peds Internal Medicine-Dr. Baker, Belinda and Rhonda; and special thanks to Jane Martin and Diane Johnson.
Clark Hillman Gentry
Mr. Clark Hillman “Hill” Gentry, age 76 of 31129 Old Stage Road, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, VA.
Hill was born in Washington County, VA on December 23, 1931. He was the son of the late Thomas Clinton Gentry and Roxie Suits Gentry. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Don Gentry, Gene Gentry, Kenneth Gentry and Paul Gentry and his sisters, Ruth McVey, Gay Gentry and Gladys Gentry.
He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Ratliff, Glade Spring, VA, his brothers, T. C. Gentry and Sandy Gentry all of Glade Spring, VA, a special niece, Peggy McGhee and great nieces, Christy McGhee and Melissa Doss and his dog, Buddy.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Pastor William D. Hamm, Jr., Pastor Steve McCready officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Rose cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ralph Colley, Bill Caudell, Bill Hutton, Bucky Hutton, Lee Colley and Luke Ratliff. Honorary pallbearers will be Herbert Holmes, Kenneth Ratliff, Roger McGhee, Keith Roberts, Leonard Hunter, Eugene Osborne and Lynn Reynolds.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. in the funeral home.
Iris Sykes Rich
Iris Sykes Rich, age 75, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, February 3, 2008 with family at her side. She was born April 10, 1932 in Bluefield, West Virginia to the late E. Clyde and Lillie H. Sykes. Mrs. Rich grew up in Bluefield, and attended Bluefield College and Radford University. She lived in Emory 38 years where she was active in the College Community Club and the Emory United Methodist Church, singing in the choir for many years.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, N. Neel Rich; her daughters, Ann R. Ledgerwood and husband David of Emory, Catherine R. Denham and husband Scott of Davidson, N. C., and Carol R. Raedy and husband Pat of Abingdon; her brother, Robert C. Sykes and wife Betsy of Fair Play, S. C.; her grandchildren, Marine Cpl. Mark A. Vaught, serving in Iraq, John A. Vaught of Abingdon, Evelyn C. Denham and Beatrice G. Denham of Davidson, N. C.; her great granddaughter Riley Hart of Honaker; and special caregivers, Dale Seiders of Cedar Bluff, and Kathy Eskridge of Glade Spring.
There will be a family graveside service Saturday. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel at Emory & Henry College with Rev. Beverly Robinette officiating. A visitation will follow in Mason Fellowship Hall.
Pallbearers will be David Ledgerwood, Scott Denham, Patrick Raedy, Mark Vaught, John Vaught, Bill Rich, Macon Rich, and Chris Scott.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of Emory United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 985, Emory, Va. 24327.
Elmer Lee Creasy
Mr. Elmer Lee Creasy, age 60, passed away Monday, February 4, 2008, at his home. A lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia, he had been employed by and recently retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation after 35 years of service. He was lifelong member of Little Rock Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, General Lee Creasy and Blanch Elizabeth Thomas Creasy; by one brother, Paul Creasy; and by a grandson, “Little Willie” Browning.
Mr. Creasy is survived by his wife, Christine Creasy; one son, Lee Creasy and wife Bridget of Chilhowie, VA; two daughters, Reva Neese and husband Rev. Richie Neese of Greeneville, TN, and Mary Browning and husband Willie of Hayters Gap, VA; two brothers and eight sisters; and four grandchildren: Dustin and Ben Creasy, and Kolton and Katelyn Neese.
The funeral service for Mr. Elmer Lee Creasy will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at Little Rock Baptist Church, 36242 Loves Mill Road, Glade Spring, with Brother Buster Mullins officiating. Pallbearers will be the men of the church. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the church, prior to the funeral service.
The burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2008, at Mount Olivet cemetery on Loves Mill Road, Glade Spring. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery Thursday morning by 10:45 a.m.
Paula Dunn Hoskins
Paula Dunn Hoskins, age 53, passed away at her home on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Paula was born in Abingdon on July 16, 1954, the only child of Rose Dunn and the late Paul S. Dunn. She had devoted her entire professional life to the betterment of children, having been the Director of the Office on Youth in Bristol, Virginia and a Senior Social Worker for Foster Care and Elderly at the Washington County Department of Social Services. Her final position was as a Supervisor at the City of Bristol, Virginia Department of Social Services.
Paula’s friends and family were a constant joy in her life and she returned that joy to all she touched. Many of her fondest memories were of her cousins, aunts and uncles.
Survivors, in addition to her mother, Rose Dunn of Abingdon, are her husband, Michael Hoskins, who will greatly miss his best friend who made him a better person; the joys of her life, her sons, Lucas Gibson and Andrew Hoskins, both of Abingdon; her mother-in-law, Mary Hoskins of Abingdon; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathryn & Adam Koslosky of Omaha, Nebraska.
A funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 P. M. Thursday, February 7, 2008, in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Evangelist William L. Neeley officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service at the funeral home. The committal and burial service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Friday, February 8, 2008 at Knollkreg Memorial Park. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 12:40 P. M. Friday.
Pallbearers will be Jake McAmis, Randy Carmack, Mark Farris, Bob Gose, Chip Smith, Dan Smith, Matt Smith and Tim Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be all of her cousins who were such a special part of her life; her special friends and caregivers: Becky Lunsford, whose gentle touch will not be forgotten; Sandy Arrington, Carole Carmack, Shirley Campbell, Debbie Harvey, Mary Hoskins, Kathy Koslosky, Kim Matney, Linda Mitchell, Susan, Sophie and Sarah Molzan, Cassie Pochyla, Amy Smith, Jennie Spurlock, Mary Thompson, Teresa and Terry Trivett, Ava Warren, Sandy Williams and the many others who made a difference.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to Dr. Forrest Swan and Hospice of Chilhowie, as well as heartfelt thanks and blessings to the many friends who were there for them, especially Luke and Andrew’s lifelong friends.
In place of flowers, the family has asked that those wishing to honor Paula’s memory may consider memorial donations to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211, or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Hattie Mae Mays
Miss Hattie Mae Mays passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Hattie was a life long resident of Washington County, VA and a member of Abingdon Church of Christ. She worked for over 40 years at Burlington Mills in Bristol. Hattie loved to work outside in her yard and garden. She was a great cook - no one could cook biscuits or chicken and dumplings like Hattie.
Hattie was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mattie Mays; brothers, Charlie Mays, Homer Mays, and Dan Mays; sisters, Lydia Cox and Martha Alexander; one nephew, Mike Mays; and one great-nephew Dr. Greg M. Eades.
Hattie is survived by one brother, Arthur Franklin Mays, Jr. and wife Gertie, of Staunton, VA; two sisters Mary McCracken of Abingdon and Faye M. Gray of Bristol, VA; surviving sister-in-laws Sadie Mays and Cleo Mays and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held for Miss Hattie Mae Mays on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park with Joe Scroggin officiating. Nephews and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. prior to the graveside in the Knollkreg Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum.
Doris Dellavene Jackson
Doris (Dellavene) Jackson passed away February 6, 2008 at Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie, VA surrounded by her family.
Born December 4, 1927, the daughter of the late Worley and Ethel Thomas. Dellavene lived most of her life in Glade Spring, VA. A faithful servant of her Lord and dedicated member of Grace Presbyterian Church where she served as Trustee of the Church, choir member and chairman of women’s circle.
She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, John B. Jackson, three brothers, Gordon, C. G. (Simon) and Lawrence Thomas. Four sisters, Hazel and Laverne Thomas; Helen Norris and Gladys Thomas.
She will be deeply missed by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Maggie of Meadowview, and Mark and Debbie of Glade Spring, four grandsons, Eric, Brandon, Creig and T. J. Jackson; two great grandsons, Tyler and Kolby Jackson; six great granddaughters, Tateland, Isabelle, Cassidie, Ella, Ally and Cara Jackson; one brother, Kenny Thomas and wife, Frances; one sister, Joy Hurd and husband, Ernest all of Glade Spring, VA.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Grace Presbyterian Church, Glade Spring, VA with Dr. Darlene Litton and Rev. Scott Spence officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Eric, Brandon, Creig and T. J. Jackson, Tim Hurd, Aaron Thomas, Gerald Norris and Brian Holmes.
The family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Valley Health Care Center for all the care, love and kindness given to their mother during her stay at Valley Health Care.
Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the building fund at Grace Presbyterian Church, Glade Spring, VA.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 8, 2008 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the funeral home or anytime at the homes of Mark and Mike Jackson.
Harry Thompson
Mr. Harry Newton“Newt” Thompson, age 77, died at home on Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
He was a native of Bluefield, Virginia and had lived in Abingdon for the past 33 years.
Newt began his career as an electrical salesman over sixty years ago and loved nothing more than helping his customers and deeply appreciated all of them. He was at his happiest when working and had an amazing knowledge of the business and was recognized as a General Electric Master Salesman several times.
Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soul-mate, Wanda Richardson Thompson, his parents Jay V. and Maude Thompson and one brother, Donald Thompson. He is survived by two daughters, Susan Nease and husband Ken of Abingdon, and Tamera Thompson of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by two brothers, Ray Thompson of Port Townsend, WA and Tommy Thompson of Culloden, WV and one sister, Dada Dye and husband Don of Bluefield, WV.
Newt also leaves behind his six cats; Momma, Foote, Fuzz, Snowball, Little Girl and his favorite son Twisty. They provided him many hours of companionship and entertainment.
There are many special friends Newt leaves behind whose time and help will always be remembered and is greatly appreciated by his family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kent Peterson officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 8, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens), 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the Margaret B. Mitchell Spay and Neuter Clinic, 16222 Lee Highway, Bristol VA, 24202 or to the Animal Defense League of Washington County, PO Box 2099, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Pauline C. Henley
Pauline C. Henley, age 83, went to sleep to be with Jesus on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a life-long resident of Washington County and was Pastor of Outreach for Christ Chapel. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Kyle Holmes, Ford Holmes and Gale Holmes; one sister, Leota Brinkley; and one grandson, Allen Henley.
Survivors include her loving husband of 65 years, Kerry C. Henley, Sr.; two sons: Kerry C. Henley, Jr. and wife Carma, and Michael Henley and wife Helen, all of Abingdon; three daughters: Janice Price and husband Paul V.; Elisa Hartsock and husband Jeff; and Rita Henley Anderson, all of Abingdon; one sister: Audrey Black of Abingdon; twelve grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Ernest Henry, Dr. Warren Chang, Johnston Memorial Hospital ICU, and Fresinus Dialysis Center.
Funeral services for Pauline C. Henley will be held at 4:30 PM Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Rev. Rick Wyatt and Rev. Richard Gunn officiating. Entombment will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be her grandsons Curtis Henley, Vernon Price, Harlow Price, Nathaniel Henley, Alex Anderson, and Chris Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Abingdon Ambulance Service.
The family will receive friends 6 to 8 PM Friday, February 8, 2008 at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, Abingdon. Flowers will be welcome, and those wishing to honor Mrs. Henley’s memory may consider memorial donations to Outreach for Christ Chapel, 15531 Branch St., Abingdon, VA 24210.
Cynthia C. Lowe
Cynthia C. Lowe, age 92, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2008 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Cynthia was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great- grandmother and sister. She will be greatly missed by everyone.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Garfield and Rachel Watson; her husband, James A. Lowe; a son, James W. Lowe; a son-in-law, Arthur Fields; sisters, Winnie Lowe, Mary Griffith, Watie Vestal, and Pauline Wilson; and a brother, Bill Watson.
Survivors include a son, Elijah Lowe, Abingdon, VA; two daughters, Rachel Fields, Abingdon, VA and Marie Gobble, Laurel Bloomery, TN; a brother, Nathan Watson, Abingdon, VA; two sisters, Maude Garland, Abingdon, VA, and Martha Lowe, Damascus, VA; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Mrs. Cynthia Lowe will be conducted on Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Rev. Clark Powers and Rev. Johnny Spencer officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain View United Methodist Church cemetery on Route 75 in Abingdon. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Dorothy E. Norris
Mrs. Dorothy E. Norris, age 88, died at Johnston Memorial Hospital on Thursday, February 8, 2008.
She was born in Washington County, Virginia on December 7, 1919, to the late William H. and Willie D. Neeves. Mrs. Norris was the last survivor of twelve brothers and sisters. She was a member of Old Glade Presbyterian Church.
“Dot” was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas E. “Tom” Norris; a son William E. “Billy Gene” Norris; a granddaughter, Dierdre “DeeDee” Norris; and a son-in-law, Charles Sailor.
She is survived by three daughters: Anne Hearl and husband Carl of Bristol, Virginia; Eleanor Testerman and husband Carl of Abingdon, Virginia; and Linda Sailor of Glade Spring, Virginia. Also nine grandchildren: Dr. Carla Morton and husband, Steven of Chicago, Illinois; Jeffrey Hearl and wife Kelly of Bristol, Virginia; Darrell Testerman and wife, Susan of Meadowview, Virginia; Tammy Ingle and husband, Eddie of Abingdon, Virginia; Kevin Testerman and wife Cindy of Blountville, Tennessee; Duane Norris of Bristol, Tennessee; Tina Klotz and husband, Vinnie of Hope Mills, North Carolina; Cindy Lee and friend, Johnny Leonard of Bristol, Virginia; and Belinda Griffith of Glade Spring, Virginia. Twelve great-grandchildren (Morton baby due in May); one great-greatgrandson, Tristan Good; two step-great-granddaughters; a special former daughter-in-law, Lorene Ogle of Bristol, Tennessee; and special neighbors at Abingdon Green: Lorene Fogleman and Mildred Caywood; three sisters-in-law: Verna Neeves of Bristol, Virginia; Roberta Neeves of South Carolina; and Beatrice Neeves of North Carolina; several cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.
The graveside service for Mrs. Norris will be conducted at 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, February 10, 2008 in Old Glade Presbyterian cemetery with Rev. Tim Norris officiating. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:15 P.M. The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. on Saturday, February 9, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.
The family would like to thank all the 3rd floor nurses of Johnston Memorial Hospital and Dr. David Zhu and Dr. Joseph Rupe for all their loving care and the Washington County Life Saving Crew for all their help. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Washington County Life Saving Crew 237 Park Street Abingdon, Virginia 24210.
