Sarah Irene Shockley Bowling, 85, of Bluefield, VA, died Oct. 27, 2003.
Born in Spanishburg, WV, she was a daughter of the late George Flourney and Laura Ozena Nestor Shockley.
She was a graduate of Spanishburg High School, a homemaker, talented quilter and needle crafter and an avid crossword puzzle fan. She was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Bluefield, VA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Wayne Bowling; one sister, Beatrice Parnell; and one son-in-law, Dr. Francis John Peirce.
Survivors: children, Wayne Bowling and wife, Karen, Don Bowling and wife, Sarah, Laura Peirce-Bowling, Elizabeth Hayes and husband, David, and Sarah Bowling; sister, Maxine Earp; brother, George Shockley; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 32 nieces and nephews; and Princess Heidi Mae.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA, with the Rev. Hugh Kilgore and Pastor Lacy Brooks officiating.
The family requests donations be made to the Bowling cemetery Trust Fund, c/o Beverly Maxwell, P.O. Box 121, Spanishburg, WV 25922.
William (Red) Smith
William Lilburn (Red) Smith, 66, of Bluefield, WV, went to be with the Lord Oct. 22, 2003 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center.
Born in Tazewell County, he was a son of the late Walker C. Smith and Lula Mae Crabtree Smith.
He was a member of the Calvary Tabernacle Church at Glenwood Park and was a former employee at Platnick Steel and Engineer Co. in Bluefield, VA, for over 37 years.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Donna Koelpien and Daisy McFarland.
Survivors: wife, Betty Sue Holbrook Smith; son, William (Willie) Smith of the home; daughter, Peggy Sue Smith of the home; sisters, Peggy Cornwell and husband, Roy, of North Tazewell; and brothers, Walker Smith Jr. and wife, Virginia, of Bluefield, VA, James A. Smith and wife, Janice, of North Tazewell, Roy R. Smith of Lake Station, IN, and Wayne Smith and wife, Alice Lee, of Statesville, NC.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, VA, with the Rev. George Johnston officiating.
Randy Wayne Whittaker, 26, of North Tazewell, died Oct. 29, 2003 at Tazewell Community Hospital.
Born in Bluefield, WV, he was a son of Scotty Rose of Tazewell and Betty Whittaker of North Tazewell.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Fred and Helen Rose, and one aunt, Donna K. Rose.
Additional survivors: wife, Angela Hankins Whittaker; daughter, Randi Shaye Whittaker, and step-daughters, Charley Lee and Alex Lee, all of the home; twin brother, Andy Dwaine Whittaker of Tazewell; half brothers, Ricky Rose of Roanoke, Lee Rose of Houston, TX, Mark Rose of Bluefield, WV, Larry Fontaine of War, WV; sisters, Missy Rose and Cindy Rose, both of Charleston, WV; maternal grandparents, Ray and Nina Robinson Naillon of the Johnson’s Branch community of Tazewell; aunts, Connie Powers, Joyce Buchanan, Wanda Combs, Dolly Hambrick, Marilyn Morgan, Anita Webb, Goldie Bell, Margaret Broyles, and Betty Williams; and uncles, Bill Naillon, Bobby Naillon, Terry Naillon, Johnny Rose, Fred Rose, Jr., and Everett Rose.
The funeral was conducted Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with the Rev. Barry Absher officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield.
William V. Asbury
William Vernon Asbury, 52, of Squire, WV, died Oct. 24, 2003 at Squire.
Born in McDowell County, WV, he was a son of the late Elbert Lee and Leora Frances Graham Asbury.
He was a veteran of the United States Army and attended the Church of Jesus Christ at Brewsterdale, WV.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ronnie Lee Asbury and one sister, Dolly Sue Asbury.
Survivors: wife, Monika Asbury; son, Ronnie Horn and wife, Doris, of Bartley, WV; daughters, Tammy Stumbo and husband, Sherman, of Bishop, Elaine Diane Mitchell of Hanover, WV; brothers, Burley Asbury and wife, Audrey, of Brewsterdale, Ricky Asbury and wife, Teresa, of Canebrake, WV; sisters, Shirley Nunley of Springville, Virginia Marrs and husband, Arnold, of Brewsterdale, Irene Baker and husband, Earl, Carolyn Baker and husband, Larry, and Linda Ward and husband, Eugene, all of Horsepen, Peggy Deskins and husband, Jimmy, of Yadkinville, NC; six grandchildren; special friend, Herb Billings of Squire; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Church of Jesus Christ at Brewsterdale with the Rev. Arnold Marrs and the Rev. Don Cruey officiating.
Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.
Vivian C. Farmer
Vivian Compton Farmer, 85, of Whitewood, died Oct. 21, 2003 in a Russell County Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Sandy Huff, WV, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence G. "L.G." and Olivia McNeil Compton, both Buchanan County natives.
She was a lifelong resident of the Whitewood area, was a graduate of Honaker High School and attended Pikeville College where she received a Bachelors Degree in Art and Science. She was a retired Buchanan County School Teacher, teaching 28 years and was a member of the Garden Creek Church of Christ.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband, Mervin B. Farmer, and two brothers Herman and Arthur Compton. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: daughter, Sue Ward and husband, Jimmy, of Grundy; son, Danny Farmer and wife, Sue, of Pilgrims Knob; grandchildren, Brian Farmer, Sherri Rasnake and Neil Ward; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Reanna Rasnake, and John and Michael Ward.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Mike Rife and Rev. Lawrence Horn officiating.
Interment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
Geraldine S. Jessee
Geraldine Smith Jessee, 83, of Richlands, died Oct. 22, 2003 at a Richlands hospital.
Born in Bluefield, WV, she was a daughter of the late John R. and Mattie Mae Ernest Smith, both Mercer County, WV natives.
She had made her home in the Richlands area her entire life and was a life long dedicated member of the Richlands First United Methodist Church. She was a member and treasurer of the Sisterhood Circle, a member of the United Methodist Women, and for over 40 years was the nursery worker at the church. She was also a member of the G. I. A. of Bluefield, VA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Faye Bandy and Sue Harris; and two brothers, Ernest "Poss" Smith and J. T. Smith.
Survivors: husband, D. C. "Crickett" Jessee; daughters, Mrs. Russell (Nancy) Joyce of Richlands, Mrs. Larry (Margaret) Bailey of Mooresville, NC, Mrs. William (Emily) Jennings of Jackson, MS, Mrs. David (Greta) Sargent of Paintlick; son, Andy Jessee and wife, Emily, of Orlando, FL; sisters, Zelma Bandy Woody and Christine Hooker, both of Roanoke; brother, Norman Smith of Bluefield, VA; grandchildren, Pamela Oates, Mark Joyce, Karen Hale, Lori Ringstaff, Tina Wiggins, Beverly Simmons, Billy Jennings, Joseph Jennings, Jonathan Jennings, Jessica Jennings, Christopher Jessee, Kayla Sargent, and Nicholas Sargent; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Ringstaff, Kelly Simmons, Charles Hale, Reece Ringstaff, Zachary Hale, Gregory Fox, Lauren Wiggins, Caleb Jessee, and Max Jennings; and great-great-grandchild, Logan Simmons.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. David Brannock officiating.
Interment followed in the Clinch Valley Memorial cemetery in Richlands.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 402 Suffolk Ave., Richlands, VA 24641.
John T. Ross
John Thomas Ross, 72, of Tazewell, VA, died Oct. 22, 2003 at a Bluefield, WV, hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born at War, WV, he was a son of the late Toney and Bertha Johnson Ross.
He had made his home in Tazewell for the past ten years. He was a baking supervisor for Hostess-Continental Baking Co. in Cleveland, OH. He was a member of the Teamsters Union 19 of Cleveland. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was the last member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Sharon Ross, and one granddaughter, Shannon Rambo.
Survivors: daughters, Deborah Asbury of Bishop, Tammy Dale and husband, Curtis, of Mudfork, Bridget Quesenberry and husband, Frank, of Stoney Ridge; sons, Stephen Ross and wife Libby, of Tazewell, John Ross and wife, Michelle, of Claypool Hill; 12 grandchildren; and special great-granddaughters, Kaitlin Asbury, Kayla Anderson and Kristen Anderson.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Tazewell with Rev. Kathy Lawson officiating.
Interment followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.
Mildred K. Whitt
Mildred Keen Whitt, 73, of Richlands, VA, died Oct. 23, 2003 in a Tazewell hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Eckhart, WV, she was the daughter of Glen Keen of Rochester, WA, and the late Ruby Pearl Cook Keen.
She was of the Presbyterian faith.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by one brother, Glen Junior Keen; two infant brothers, Carlows Eugene Keen and Willard Keen; and one infant sister, Ruth Keen.
Additional survivors: husband of 57 1/2 years, John R. Whitt; daughters, Linda Pendry and husband, Charles, of Winston Salem, NC, Brenda Lamie and husband, Buster, and Ruby Dye and husband, Carl (Cork), all of Richlands; sisters, Lula Bell Keen of Portland, OR, Mary Ball and husband, Douglas, of Bumpass; brothers, James Keen and wife, Ruth, and Richard Keen and wife, Linda, all of Washington state; six grandchildren, three step grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Shane Breeding officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.
The Rev. Howard "Pete" Wilson
The Rev. Howard "Pete" Wilson, 65, of North Tazewell, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 24, 2003 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond.
Born in Vallscreek, WV, he was the eldest of thirteen children of Willie and Geraldine Swafford Wilson of Vallscreek.
He was a 1956 graduate of Excelsior High School in War, WV, and graduated from the Abundant Life Bible Institute with a Bachelors Degree in Religious Education in 1985. He was a Born Again Believer in 1980 and was baptized in the Holy Ghost October 20, 1981 at 12:20 a.m. with the evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue. He was ordained July 1997 as Assistant Pastor to Pastor Samuel T. Cannady at Little Zion Baptist Church in Bishop.
He was called as the Pastor of Mill Creek Baptist Church in Bramwell, WV, in 1998 and was former pastor of Mercy Seat Baptist Church in Kyle, WV, in 2001, pastoring both churches on alternate Sundays. He strived to be a stronger Christian and more dedicated man of God with a vision to lead God’s people into a stronger Spiritual life and to prepare them to get ready to go home with the Lord when he returns.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Hubert Wilson and one sister, Peggy Jean Harlowe Wilson.
In addition to his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory: brothers, James Wilson and wife, Aretta, of Detroit, MI, Clarence Tim Wilson of Vallscreek, Jerry Wilson of Frederick, MD, William Wilson and wife, Jeanette of Tazewell, Jerry Gerome Wilson and wife, Jennifer, of North Carolina; sisters, Shirley Wilson of New Jersey, Dorothy James and husband, Calvin, of Petersburg, Gladys Barren of Vallscreek, Shelia Tarter of Tazewell, Willie Ann Culbertson and husband, Ralph, and Gloria Wilson, all of Huntington, WV; special niece, Peggy Wilson of Tazewell; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
The funeral will be conducted at 12 noon, Nov. 1 at the Greater Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church in Bluefield, WV, with the Revs. Samuel Cannady, Curtis Spencer, James Green, F. Winston Polly and Michael Bratton officiating.
Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Rt. 20, Bluewell, WV.
Friends may call at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell Oct. 31 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Samuel H. Moats
Samuel Henry Moats, 54, of Clarksville, TN, died Aug. 14, 2004 in a Clarksville hospital.
Born in Sugar Grove, WV, he was a son of the late William and Nellie Moats.
He spent his early life in Harrisonburg. He served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retiring in 1997. He was an employee of the Gateway Medical Center in Clarksville, prior to his illness.
Survivors: wife, Anna Hess Moats; daughter, Isabelle Boose of Germany; sisters, Brenda Moats and Treva Moats, both of Harrisonburg; brothers, Charles Arnold Losh and Richard Losh, both of Harrisonburg; and two grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Honaker Funeral Home in Honaker with Rev. Ancil Childress officiating.
