Obituaries

July 4 2008  Loretta Kay Salisbury, 61, of Clay, entered into rest Thursday, July 3, 2008, at home. Born on August 27, 1946, in Clay County, she was the daughter of the late George Washington Adkins and Tressie Adkins, who resides in Clay. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Carol McClung and Gayla Adkins. She was a homemaker, and a member of Buffalo Valley Baptist Church. In addition to her mother, she is also survived by her husband, Gary G. Salisbury of Clay; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Mary Jo Salisbury of Amherst, OH and Jeffery and Cheryl Dawn Salisbury of Clay; brothers, Donvil Adkins of Clay, Delbert Adkins of Clay, and Damon Adkins of Canvas; sisters, Zella Rhodes of Buckhannon, WV, Shirley Rhodes of Clay, Erma Scott of Clay, and Kathy Scott of Widen; grandchildren, Cody, Michael Jr., Megan, Derek, Karlie, and Dalton. Funeral service will be 4 pm Sunday, July 6, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister John Pruitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Adkins Cemetery, Dog Run. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

July 4 2008 Emma Lucille Gillespie, 94, of Procious, entered into rest Thursday, July 3, 2008, at Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Ivydale. Born on March 27, 1914, in Duck, she was the daughter of the late William and Belle Nottingham. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard Roland Gillespie; son, Michael Gillespie; brothers, Ray and Herbert Nottingham, and sister, Sarah Coon. She was a retired teacher, having taught for 37 years in Clay County, was a graduate of Glenville State College, and was a member of the West Virginia Retired TeacherÂ’s Association. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Sue Gillespie of Procious; sister, Jean Eakle of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Melissa Cullipher, Brian Gillespie and Matt Gillespie.Funeral service will be l pm Sunday, July 6, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay. Burial will follow in the Duffield Cemetery, Duck.Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

July 2 2008  Dorothea M. Ward went home to be with the Lord on June 30, 2008, after a long illness. She was born April 25, 1925, in Bentree, the daughter of Robert R. and Lula M. Sizemore. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George; her parents; brothers, Evans, Elmer and Harold Sizemore; and sisters, Mattie King and Dora Jordan. Dorothea graduated from Clay County High School and received a teaching certificate from Glenville State College. She taught for several years before devoting her remaining years to being a fulltime homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her sons, James (Louise) of Spencer and Glen of Bridgeport; and grandchildren, Glen of Bridgeport, Sandi of Morgantown and Trent of Orlando, Fla. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 4, at the Pennington Funeral Home Chapel, Gauley Bridge, with the Rev. Jadie Morris officiating. Burial will follow in the Allen Morton Cemetery, Bentree. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home

July 1 2008  Merley Marie (Moore) Nichols, 87,of Lizemores, entered into rest June 29, 2008. She was born  February 22, 1921 to the late Enos and Myrtle Moore. Merley was preceded in death by her husband Herman Nichols. She attended the Lizemores Methodist Church. She is survived by daughters Pastor Anita Laughery, of Newark, OH, Robin Truman, Nancy Kay Nichols both of Lizemores, son Ricky Joe Moore and one brother Ronzo Moore of Illinois, 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 7 great-great- grandchildren. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, July 3, 2008 at the Lizemores Methodist Church, Lizemores with Minister Carl Burrows and Don Dobbins officiating. Burial will follow in Nichols Cemetery, Lizemores.Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay.   On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

July 1 2008   Orval Nicholas, 90, of Rosedale died June 29, 2008. Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg. Friends may call two hours prior to service.

July 1 2008  Erma Josephine Ramsey, 77, of Clay, WV, finished the last mile of her earthly journey on Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Ruby Memorial Hospital. She will be truly missed by all her family and friends. Erma was preceded in death by her husband Lelen D. Ramsey, also a daughter, her parents, sisters, and brothers that she will be able to join in heaven. She was a member of New Antioch Baptist Church, and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, great-grandmother, and aunt. Erma is survived by her children and their spouses Louise and Randy Rapp of Clay and Pearl and Donnie Nichols of Newton, She is survived by 5 grandchildren Tina Adkins of Clay, Brenda and Rob Whittaker of Newton, Shelley and Duane Taylor of Clay, Donna Nichols of Newton, Jimmy and Ashley Rapp of Clay, great-grandchildren, Tasha, Kelsie and Kayla Adkins of Clay, Brooklyn and Addison Taylor of Clay, Brandon Nichols of Newton, Skyler and Brogan Rapp of Clay, sisters Lucille James , Deloris Adkins, Sandra Gray, all of Clay, Brenda Kyle of Summersville, brothers Dale McKinney, Jimmy McKinney both of Clay. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Pastor James Brady officiating, Burial will follow in Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch. Family and Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. The family would like to thank all the doctors and all the staff at Ruby Memorial Hospital for all their hard work and  concerns in treating our mother and grandmother. You were very considerate in our time of loss also we appreciate everything you done. You were very helpful. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

July 1 2008   James M. “Andy” Anderson, 84, of St. Marys died, June 29, 2008, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Parkersburg. He was born January 15, 1924, in Widen, Clay County, and was a son of the late Ernest and Rose Frame Anderson. He was retired from Cytec as a pipefitter and was a member of the Pipefitters Union. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of St. Marys and was recently attending Cornerstone Gospel Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a member of American Legion Post 79. For the past two years he had resided at the Arlington Personal Care Home in Parkersburg. He liked history on World War II, collecting old money and fishing. He is survived by one son, James D. Anderson and his wife, Anne, of Parkersburg; three grandchildren, Jessica Barker of Vienna, Staff Sgt. Chad Anderson, USMC, of Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif., and Christy Rhodes of St. Marys; two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; one sister, Virginia Fletcher of Charleston; a niece, Linda Houghton of Belmont; and a nephew, John Duffy of South Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Mae Houghton Anderson, three sisters and four brothers. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at Ingram Funeral Home, St. Marys, with Pastor Rick Kapple officiating. Interment will be in the St. Marys IOOF Cemetery with military graveside rites. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and two hours prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. An online guest register is available at www.ingramfh.com.

June 29 2008  Opal Hanshaw, 92, of Dellroy, OH, formerly of Clay County, passed away Friday, June 27, 2008, in Aultman Hospital following an extended illness. Born on May 2, 1916, in Clay, she was the daughter of the late Preston and Hulda (Graham) Parker. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Leamon Hanshaw in 1979; one daughter, Helen F. Seymoure; four sisters and one brother. Opal was a Dellroy resident for the past 4 years, prior to which she had resided in Clay, WV. She was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Maysel. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Tracy and Ella Hanshaw of Seville, OH, and Robert and Dottie Hanshaw of Dellroy, OH; two daughters, Phyllis Braley of Canton and Jane Austin of Wallback; 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren.  Graveside service will be 11 am Wednesday, July 2, 2008, in Hively Cemetery, Wallback, with Minister Ralph Davis officiating  Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements.

June 26 2008   David Leonard Liddy, 68, of Duck passed away June 23, 2008, in a motor vehicle accident. He was born June 5, 1940, in Pontiac, Mich., and was a son of the late Leonard and Lucille Snyder Liddy. David was a millwright for the Carpenters Union in Los Angeles, Calif., and had also worked for GMC in Michigan. He was a Christian. He is survived by sons, Christopher Nottingham and his mother, Diane Nottingham Liddy, both of Duck, and Anthony and Timothy Liddy, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; a daughter, Kristy Maze of Portage, Mich.; brothers, Bill of Avondale, Ariz., and Andy of Waterford, Mich.; sisters, Marlene Crawford and Marge Liddy, both of Clarkston, Mich., Carolyn Best of Garland, Texas, Linda Elmy of Sachse, Texas, Dianne Liddy of Deer Park, N.Y., and Barbara Liddy of Orange, Calif.; and a granddaughter, Alisa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Liddy, and a sister, Marie Schubert. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, at the Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, with Elder Randy Cantrell officiating. Burial will be in Sirk Cemetery, Duck. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

June 26 2008 Vesta Mullins Salisbury of Ghent passed away June 21, 2008, at a local nursing home. She was 99 years old. She was born at Glen on Oct. 18, 1908. Her father was Jackson Mullins and her mother was Virginia Belle Sizemore (Woody) Mullins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Estel L. Salisbury; an infant daughter; and a son, John William Salisbury. She also was preceded in death by brothers, Clayton Mullins, Henry Mullins, Stanton Woody and Esten Mullins; and sisters, Dessie Evans, Belvie Ratliff and Mamie Smith. She is survived by daughters, Mabel (William L. Pursel), June Dudzik; son, Stephen Salisbury; and brothers, Thordon Mullins and Sidney Mullins; sister-in-law, Esther Mullins. She also is survived by nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Ms. Salisbury was affectionately known as Todie. She was a bible-toting, God-fearing pioneer type of woman. She loved to garden and to be close to nature. She was honest and fearless and she could shoot a ground hog dead from 60 yards away caught nibbling in her garden (that's a moving ground hog.) Friends will be received from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Saturday followed by funeral service at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home at Shady Spring with services to begin at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Phillip Farrington officiating. Graveside rites and interment will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens in Cross Lanes where she will be laid at rest next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice or the Ghent Fire Department. Online condolences may be sent to our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Shady Spring.

June 25 2008  Okey A. Jones, 63, of Elkview passed away Monday, June 23, at CAMC Memorial Hospital, Charleston, after a long illness. Okey was a physical therapy technician and an orthopedic technician for CAMC and member of the Gun Club at Blue Creek. Okey was preceded in death by his parents, Okey R. and Ruby Mayflower Jones; brothers, Carl Nolan, Lloyd Ray and Terry David Jones; and a sister, Mildred Elswick. Surviving are his wife, Evie M. Jones at home; daughters, Christina L. Milgram of Charleston and Rachel L. Campbell of Nitro; granddaughters, Kaitlyn Jones, Ashley Milgram, Logan Midkiff and Alyssa Johnson, all of Charleston; and a sister, Shirley O'Dell of Dixie. Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, 600 Old Fort St., Cedar Grove, with Pastor Jadie Morris officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HospiceCare, 1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064, or to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family via our Web site: www.cookefuneralhome.com. Cooke Funeral Home & Cremations Services, Cedar Grove, is in charge of arrangements.
 

June 24 2008  Missouri Marie Tanner Fitzwater, 91, of Grays Run Road in Worthington finished the last mile of her earthly journey on Saturday (June 21, 2008) at Don Fitzwater’s Gracious Living on Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont, where she made her home for the last two months.She was born in Clay County on Jan. 26, 1917, a daughter of the late Richard and Matilda Belle Boggs Tanner.She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She had worked at Fairmont General Hospital. She also operated a Care Home and worked with her son Don at his care home.She was a member of Coon’s Run Baptist Church of Adamsville and was a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.Missouri, through her kind and gentle spirit, leaves a legacy of simple elegance. Her loving kindness was expressed through her love for cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, gardening and her dog Gabby.Missouri leaves to cherish her memory her five children, one daughter, Karen Sue Pausch of Chesterland, Ohio; four sons, Richard Keith Fitzwater of Fairmont, Kenneth Lee Fitzwater of Largo, Fla., Don Fitzwater of Fairmont, and Larry Allen Fitzwater and his wife Brenda of Worthington.Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and spouses, Steven and Cathy Pausch, Jeffrey and Gena Pausch, Donald Pausch, Teddy and Fiona Pausch, Brian and Dee Fitzwater, Danny and Cris Fitzwater, Sharon and Gary Bish, Keith Michael Fitzwater, David and Eveta Fitzwater, Kevin Fitzwater, Kenny Lee Fitzwater, Timothy and Heather Fitzwater, Josh Fitzwater and his companion Heather and Justin Fitzwater; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Otmer Fitzwater who passed in 1991; one sister, Myrtle Eagle; two brothers, Spencer Tanner and Lee Dawson; and one grandson, Matthew Fitzwater his wife Andie and their daughter Lauren Ashley Fitzwater.Friends may call at the Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant St., on Tuesday from 1-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Darren Alkire officiating. Burial will follow at Shinnston Masonic Cemetery.

June 18 2008  Allie C. Eagle of 142 S. Cottage Road, Jackson Township (Mercer), died at 7:59 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Woodland Place, Coolspring Township, after a short illness. She was 60. Mrs. Eagle was born Nov. 16, 1947, in Ivydale, W.Va., to Russell G. and Orva M. Greathouse Boggs. She attended school in West Virginia. In 2003, Allie retired from Polk (Pa.) Center after 29 years of service. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren. Her husband, William W. Eagle, whom she married May 10, 1964, survives at home. Also surviving are: a daughter, Renee Nickel, Greenville; four grandchildren, Jones W. Philson, Jacob “Jake” Philson, Shayna Nickel and Adam Nickel; a sister, Patricia Meglich, Doylestown, Ohio; a brother, Larry Boggs and his wife Evelyn, Jackson Center; and a sister-in-law, Sally Boggs, Mercer.  Mrs. Eagle was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Carol Ann Eagle; a grandson, Kenneth Nickel; a sister, Linda Cunningham; two brothers, Benny and Danny Boggs; and a sister-in-law, Lucy Boggs.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Carol Ann Eagle Scholarship Fund in care of Shenango Valley Foundation, 41 Chestnut St., Sharon 16146.

June 15 2008   Danny “Dannyboy” Workman, 55, of St. Albans, formerly of Charleston, passed away on  Thursday, June 12, 2008, after a short illness. He attended Owens School and Kennedy School for special needs in Charleston. Danny touched so many lives and he never met a stranger. He will be truly missed by all of his family and friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to all the people that watched over and cared for Danny over the years. “You have a special place in our hearts.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Danny F. and Ruth B. Workman and one brother, David C. Workman.He is survived by his sisters, JoAnn (Frank) McCoy of Charleston, Dianne (Olin) Shockey of Ravenswood, Brenda “Cookie” (Jonathan) Escue of Sod, Betty “Buzzy” (Bobby) Coleman of St. Albans, Dorothy (Kenny) Eveleth of Iowa and Janet “Lee” Kidd of Charleston; brother, James (Jennifer) Workman of Cross Lanes; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, at Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, with the Rev. Roger G. Mullins officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to American Lung Association of WV, 415 Dickinson St., Charleston, WV 25301 and/or West Virginia Special Olympics, 1206 Virginia St. East, Charleston, WV 25301. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com. Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge of arrangements

June 13 2008 Thomas J Triplett, 69, Kissimmee Florida, formerly of Clay, died June 7 2008. He was born March 21, 1939. He was the son of the late William S Triplett, Sr and Ada Boggs Triplett. Also proceeding him in death were his brother Melvin Buster, sister Maysel, and two sons Patrick and Tommy. Thomas was a 1958 graduate of Clay County High School. He served his country for 12 distinguished years, 4 years with the US Coast Guard and 8 with the Army Reserves. Thomas was a retired mechanic from the city of Lincoln Park, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Wanda of Kissimmee, sons Matthew of Clay and Steven of Michigan, daughters Tina of Michigan and Crystal of Tampa FL, sister Lois Philips of FL, brothers William Scott Jr and Russell of Ravenswood WV, Charles and Francis of Georgia, Homer "Jake" of Clay and Philip of Akron Ohio. Thomas is also survived by his 13 grandchildren. There will be a memorial service at Triplett Cemetery Tuesday June 17th at 2:30pm. Military rites will be presented by the Clay VFW

June 12 2008 Charles Otis McCumbers, 25, of Nebo, WV, entered into eternal peace at home after a long illness. He was born February 14, 1983, in Calhoun County, WV. He was a 2001 graduate of Clay County High School and was in the progress of pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management from West Virginia University and previously attended Glenville State College and West Virginia State University. Charles is survived by his mother Dorma Dawson of Nebo, and sister Rebecca McCumbers of South Bend, IN. He also leaves behind countless relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Nebo Baptist Church, Nebo with Minister Dewey Tanner officiating. Burial will follow in Sears Cemetery, Nebo, WV.  Family and friends may call 1 hour prior to the service.  Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

June 10 2008   Oscar James McLaughlin, 80, of Sutton, died June 8, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown. He was born February 29, 1928, in Clay County, a son of the late Hulbert James and Lida M. James McLaughlin. Also preceding him in death were one son, Carl R. McLaughlin; brother, Elden McLaughlin; and sister, Glendora Hill. He attended Spruce Lick United Methodist Church, was a U.S. Army Korean veteran, having served from 1952 to 1954, and was a retired self-employed truck driver. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Freda Crites McLaughlin; son, Jon E. McLaughlin and wife Alicia of Gassaway; two daughters, Carol Swiger of Flatwoods and Judy McCoy of Harrisburg, Pa.; three brothers, Thomas “Gene” McLaughlin of Fuquay Varina, N.C., Phillip Omer McLaughlin of Columbus, Ohio, and Allen McLaughlin; three sisters, Nora Ellen Byrne of Norwalk, Ohio, Delma Brown of Flatwoods, and Sarah Kitchen of Grove City, Ohio; and two grandchildren, whom he dearly loved, Brittney and Bethany Frame of Flatwoods. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, with the Rev. Bill Griffin officiating. Burial will be in Harris Cemetery, Bug Ridge near Sutton, with graveside rites by American Legion Post 33. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family suggests that donations be made to Spruce Lick United Methodist Church, Wolf Rt., Sutton. Online condolences may be sent to greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com. Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
 

June 9 2008  Shirlena “Sherry” Ellen King Rhodes died, Sunday, June 8, 2008 in Clay Co, WV. She valued God, her family, her pets, and her Clay County farm. She was a Christian and looked forward to going home. Sherry was preceded in death by her son Samuel Jay Rhodes, father Samuel King, and brother Daniel King. Sherry is survived by her husband Donnie W. Rhodes, daughter Cherry Rhodes and husband Robert Martin, daughter-in-law Kimberly Rhodes, mother Thelma Givens King and three grandson, Jesse Rhodes, Cristopher and Samuel Martin . Sherry will be cremated and there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, Inc, 1143 Dunbar Ave, Dunbar, WV 25064. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements

June 8 2008    Maysel Josephine Parsons, 90, of Newton, departed this life, Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at her home. She was born Wednesday, March 20, 1918, at Amma, a daughter of the late Pete and Ella Ledsome McCune.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Squire E. Parsons, Sr.; two brothers, Oris and John McCune; five sisters, Mable Harrah, Ruey Keaton, Maxine Taylor, Edith Runnion and Emogene Jones.  Mrs. Parsons was a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She was a lady who truly enjoyed spending time with her family and preparing meals for pastors, evangelists, missionaries, singers and friends who visited her home.  She was a member of the Newton Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir  and  the Women’s Mission Circle.   Survivors include her children, J. Carolyn and Ronald Fisher of Newton, Virgil E. and June Parsons of Elkview, Squire E. and Linda Parsons, Jr. of Leicester, NC, Thomas W. and Cynthia Parsons of Alum Creek; grandchildren, Rhonda Young, Renita Cook, Amy Parsons, Seth Parsons, Leigh Sexton, Sarah Walker, Samuel Parsons and Hannah Parsons; 13 great grandchildren; two brothers, Bobby McCune of Massillon, OH and Jackie McCune of Pigeon.  The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Newton Baptist Church, Newton, with the Rev. Darius Walker, Assoc. Pastor Seth Parsons and the Rev. Ronald W. Fisher officiating.  Burial will be in the Laurel Point Cemetery, Newton.  Friends may call at the church from 6-9 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. The family would like to extend special thanks to Cathy Wyatt for the wonderful care she gave to Mrs. Parsons.  Memorial donations are preferred to the Newton Baptist Church Building Fund, 133 Hollywood Road, Newton, WV 25266 or the Cross Country Christian Academy, P.O. Box 837, Newton, WV 25266.

June 5 2008  Carl Steven “Mo” Truman, 58, of Duck, entered into rest June 4, 2008, at the University of Kentucky Hospital. Born on December 29, 1949, in Widen, he was the son of the late Joseph Albert and Dorla Lee Truman. He was a retired coal miner, a self-employed musician, a 1967 graduate of Clay County High School, an Army veteran, and a member of Widen Baptist Church. Survivors include his son, Steven Michael Truman of Charleston; daughter, Lindsay Davison and husband, Jack, of Chugiak, Alaska; brother, Michael Truman of Valley Fork, WV; 5 grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral service will be 2 pm Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Joe Dawson and Joe Bob Truman officiating. Burial will follow in the Dawson Farm Cemetery, Duck, WV. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

June 5 2008 Maynard Paul Graham, 64, of Glen went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 2, 2008, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a long illness. He attended the Bethel Community Church and was a retired heavy equipment operator with the United Steel Workers Union. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Boone and Vesta May Belcher Graham; brother, Roy Graham; and sister, Sharron Sue Caldwell. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Ann (Darnell) Graham; daughter, Christina Kay Graham of Bomont; brothers, David Autton Graham, Denville Hardy Graham, Teddy Kermit Graham, all of Bomont; sister, Carolyn Sue Mitchell of Bomont; half-brothers, Dick Elvin Bishop of Sycamore, Daryl Bishop of Indiana; half-sisters, Mary Shaffer of Swiss, Jessie Lee Dillon of Huntington; and granddaughter, Kristiana Nicole Gibson.  The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, at Matics Funeral Home in Clendenin with Darris Barker officiating. Burial will be at Payne Cemetery in Clendenin. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed on line at www.maticsfuneralhome.com.

May 29 2008  Jessie Marie Boggs Dennison, 78, of Gassaway passed away May 26, 2008, at home. She was born Feb. 14, 1930, in Clay County, a daughter of the late Henry Clay and Gladys Marie Ball Boggs. She was a retired cook for the Braxton County Board of Education and a member of the Church of Christ, Gassaway. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by husband, Byron Dale Dennison; son, Larry Mikeal Dennison; two brothers and one sister. She is survived by children, Carolyn Dennison of Cowen, Dale and wife, Sharon, of Exchange, Ricky and wife, Sherie, of Sedro Wolley, Wash., Jeffery and wife, Kay, and Douglas and wife, Lisa, both of Clem, Donald and wife, Sarah, of Martinsburg, Bradley and wife, Mary, of Clem, Rodney of Gassaway; daughter-in-law, Kim Dennison of Gassaway; brothers, Richard Boggs of Clay and Henry Boggs of Grantsville; sisters, Geraldine Dennison and Mary Stewart, both of Ohio, Wanita Mollohan of Clay County, Annamae Dawson of Weston and Martha Deems of Clay County; 27 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, with Danny Lambey and Gene Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Jacob Shaver Memorial Cemetery, Exchange. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

May 27 2008  Willadene Hope (Nichols) Fitzwater, 74, of Clendenin, formerly of Clay entered into rest Sunday, May 25, 2008, surrounded by family Born on December 24, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Kelles and Beulah Nichols. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ceril Fitzwater, Brothers, Milford Nichols and Brisen Nichols and sister, Wilma Jean Workman. She was retired sales clerk for Dalton and Reeds Dept Store. Mrs. Fitzwater was a member and Deaconess of Fola Missionary Baptist Church. She was a wonderful wife, Sister, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. Willadene is survived by her children and their spouses, Preston and Teresa Fitzwater of Clendenin, Christopher and Elba Fitzwater of Litchfield, New Hampshire, Valerie and Keith Brown of Fola, Danita and Dwayne Mullins of Fola. She is survived by nine grandchildren Amanda and husband Mark Grayam of Clendenin, Amelia Fitzwater of Clendenin, Samuel and Caleb Brown of Fola, Fernando Hernandez Jonathan Rivera and Vanita Fitzwater all of Litchfield NH, Jeremy Mullins of Corpus Christi TX, Jessie Mullins and Jason Randolph of North Charleston. Great Grandchildren Jacob, and Nicholas Grayam of Clendenin, WV. and Jadyn and Kendall Randolph of North Charleston, WV. Brothers Chilton Nichols of Clay, Lenwood Nichols of White House, TN, Arthur Nichols of Cherry Hill, OH, Marshall Nichols of Newton, WV, Clinton Nichols of Procious, WV, and Glenwood Nichols of Clay, WV. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at Fola Missionary Baptist Church, Fola, with Minister Rodney Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Fitzwater Family Cemetery,. Fola. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. The family would like to thank the Hubbard Hospice House of Charleston for their Loving care. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 27 2008 Deloris Nicholas, 78, of Akron, Ohio, died May 20, 2008, in Akron. Born on Jan. 4, 1930, in Clay County, she was the daughter of the late Jackie and Samantha Nicholas. She was retired from First Commercial Bank, Chicago, Ill. Deloris was a great humanitarian up until her death. She was baptized Catholic on May 20, 2008. Survivors include her brother, Max Nicholas of Clay; sister, Pauline Reeves of Elk Grove Village, Ill.; nephew, Mark Tribble of Akron, Ohio; several other nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Father Elmer Nadicksbernd officiating. Burial will follow in Lilly's Fork Cemetery, Dundon. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 25 2008 Harold Ralph Fields, 77, died Thursday, May 22, 2008, following a period of declining health. Born in Adair, to the late Romie W. and Sybil Fay (Knight) Fields, he worked for the Elk River Coal and Lumber Co. in Widen, before moving to Ohio. He lived in Canal Fulton, Ohio, for 43 years and worked at Massillon Steel Castings. He loved bluegrass and gospel music and was a member of Charity Baptist Church, Copley, Ohio.  Ralph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dona May (Workman) Fields and his only daughter, Libby Wilson of Canal Fulton, Ohio. He is also survived by sisters, Ramona Andolsek of Lorain, Ohio, Greta Null of LaGrange, Ohio, Lee Etta Jones of Mount Pleasant, N.C., Evelyn Jones of Philippi, and a brother, Max Fields of Charleston. Ralph is also survived by two grandchildren, Jennifer Hamilton and Robbie Wilson; two great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Funeral service will be Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry Street (Rt.93, Canal Fulton) with Pastor Jim Davis officiating. Burial will be in Newmans Creek Cemetery, North Lawrence, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday one hour prior to the time of service. Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 330-854-2356.

May 22 2008   Phyllis June Foster Rutherford, 81, of Lewisburg, formerly of Clay, County entered into rest May 21, 2008, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. Born on February 23, 1927, at Fola, she was the daughter of the late Everett and Bernice Foster. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John C. Rutherford, and her brother, Robert J. Foster. She was a retired factory worker from Kromex in Cleveland, OH, and was a member of Fola Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include her sons, Robert L. (Joyce) Legg of Titusville, FL, Ronald G. (Sharon) Holcomb of Pinch, Donald L. (Janice) Holcomb of Charleston; daughters, Joe Ann Legg of Sissonville and Sharon (Gary) Vandevander of Lewisburg; grandchildren, Lisa, Christopner, and Shari Duffey, Travis Vandevander, Tabitha, Tammy, Robin and Robbie Legg; Jason, Nicole, and Amber Holcomb, Donald II, Brandy, and Brittni Holcomb; 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 2 pm Saturday, May 24, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Teddy Legg officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore. Friends may call from 1 to 2 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

May 19 2008  Donald Brooks Hall, 87, of Cannelton, WV, entered into rest Sunday, May 18, 2008. Born on September 10, 1920, he was the son of the late Nelson and Sylvia Hall. He was a retired coal miner and attended the Carbondale Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Pauline Hall of Cannelton, sons Donald Nelson Hall of Boomer, WV., Charles William Hall of Rouge Mt. NC., 4 grandchildren and one sister Gladys Thomas of Charleston, WV. Loving you always, My darling. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Ron Eagle Officiating. Burial will be in the Wallace Cemetery, Otter Lick Road, Ivydale, WV. Family and friends may call 2 hr prior to the service. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 16 2008  Debbie (House) Burnopp, 41, of Sissonville, entered into rest May 16, 2008. She was a graduate of Clay County High School class of l984. She was employed by NGK Spark Plug of Sissonville, as a production assembly associate. Debbie was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Burnopp of Fredricksburg, VA; grand parents, Herschel and Grace Osborne and Bertice House; uncle, Bobby Osborne, and aunt, Jane Stroud. Debbie is survived by her parents, Colene and B. A. House, Jr. of Bickmore; sister, Tammy Ramsey and Todd; niece, Britni Ann Ramsey, all of Procious; Granny, Helen House of Mt. Olive, NC; aunt and uncles, Charles Osborne and Donna of Summersville, Teddy and Gloria Osborne of Procious, Kay and George Graham of Lothian, MD, Laraine and Don Payne of Bickmore, Sue Osborne of Georgetown, OH, Austin and Edna House of Mt. Olive, NC, Ann and Bill Woolard of Goldsboro, NC, and many loving cousins. She loved Nascar, Jeff Gordon, and her many friends, and especially her co-workers at NGK. The family would like to thank the nurses in CAMC General ICU (Donnie, Eric, and others). A special thanks to her Aunt Laraine for her special loving care, also, Joe Paxton, Mike DeBoard, and Brad Pauley. Debbie’s family and friends will miss her smiling eyes and her thoughtfulness for others. The funeral service will be l pm Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Bret Wiley and John Osborne officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Monday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 16 2008 Joseph Carl Fitzwater, 79, of Indore, entered into rest Friday, May 16, 2008, at his residence. Born on February 11, 1929, he was the son of the late Joseph C. and Ella Evans Fitzwater. He retired from Elkem Metals, was an Army Veteran, having servied during the Korean era and a member of the Lizemores Church of the Nazarene. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Radie Lee Young Fitzwater; children, John (Debbie) of Elkview, Joe (Charlotte) of Indore, Jim (Joy) of Indore, and Beverly (Gary) King of Maysel; 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be held 2:00 Sunday, May 18, 2008 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Wallback, with Minister Robert Thomas officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 16 2008 Kathryn Arlene Cloutier, 65, of Wallback, entered into rest May 14, 2008, at her home. Born on October 1, 1943, at Indiana, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Blair and Dorothy Smith. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her son, Danny Smith; brother, Jake Smith and sister, Thelma Smith. She was the former owner of the Family Restaurant in Clay, and a member of the Risen Lord Catholic Church in Maysel. Survivors include her husband, Camillen J. “Frenchie” Cloutier of Wallback; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Chasity Cloutier of Spencer; daughters and son-in-law, Brenda and Thomas Lyons, Jr. of Ivydale and Marieanna Bourne of South Charleston, WV; daughter-in-law, Shalma Smith of Duck; step-children, Claudette Cloutier, Linda Cloutier, Andre Cloutier, Martin Cloutier, Guylaine Cloutier and Chantal Cloutier; brothers, Blaine, Homer and John Smith; sisters, Mary Lou Mauk, Arvilla Koran, Sandy Cornman, Gloria Fairbanks, and Betty Smith; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from noon til 2 pm Monday, May 19, 2008, at the Risen Lord Catholic Church, Maysel. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 pm with Father Elmer Nadicksbernd officiating. Burial will follow at the Smith Family Cemetery, Duck. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Kathryn Arlene Cloutier Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of Gassaway, 2043 Main Street, Clay, WV. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 12 2008  Roy H. Neff, 69, of Bickmore, Clay County, died Friday, May 9, 2008, at Montgomery General Hospital, Montgomery. He was born February 4, 1939, in Clay County to the late Joe and Jelemie Bragg Neff. He was a retired bulldozer operator in the mining industry, and a member of the House of Prayer in Gauley Bridge. Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Waugh Neff; daughter, Patricia Ann Bennett and husband Douglas of Ansted; sons, Jeffrey Lee Neff and wife Rebecca, Johnny Rondo Neff, and Christopher Allen Neff, all of Bickmore; sisters, Blanche McCune of Indore, Wanda Coleman of Richwood, and Shirley of Morgantown; brothers, Troy Neff and Woodie Neff of Bickmore, Ray Neff of New York, and Orjal J. Neff of California; five grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren. The service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the Neff family cemetery, Bickmore, with the Rev. Joe Akers officiating. Interment will follow at the cemetery. Pennington Funeral Home, 331 Main St., Gauley Bridge, is in charge of arrangements for Roy H. Neff.

May 10 3008  Ollivee Camila Moore, 78, of Indore, died May 9, 2008, in CAMC-General Division. Born on August 7, 1929, in Clay County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Virgie Ghee. She was a homemaker, and a member of Sycamore Community Missionary Baptist Church.   Survivors include her husband, John O. Moore of Indore; son, Gregory Moore of Indore; daughters, Teresa White and Anissa McKinney, both of Indore; 7  grand children. Funeral service will be l pm Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Sycamore Community Missionary Baptist Church, Indore, with Minister Jerry Bodkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Sanders Cemetery, Indore. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Monday at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 10 2008   Wesley S. Brown, 66, of Wallback died May 8, 2008. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, May 11, at Maysel Community Church, Maysel. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore. Visitation will be Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Arrangements are by John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer

May 10 2008  Roscoe Boggs, 82, of Big Otter, West Virginia, passed away April 29, 2008 at Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Big Otter. Born in Clay County, he was a son of the late Earle and Eliza Smith Boggs. He was a US Navy Veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict. During the Korean Conflict he was stationed on the USS Repose.  He was a retired Clay County school teacher and was a member of the Clay County Masonic Lodge #97 for over 50 years. Surviving are his children, Jane, Brent, and Chris Boggs. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Hendee. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 1 at the Boggs Cemetery at Big Otter with Masonic Graveside Rites by Clay County Masonic Lodge #97. Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg is in charge of arrangements.

My 10 2008  Granville S. "Si" Lyons, 82, of Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at his residence. He was born in Hartland, West Virginia, on July 16, 1925 to the late Elijah Stewart Lyons and the late Mary Elizabeth Fultz Lyons. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre from 1943 to 1946, stationed in Guam. He was a coal miner in West Virginia before moving to Pennsylvania, where he was a heavy equipment operator with Bracken Construction until his retirement in 1988. He is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Wilma Ann Ritter Lyons. Also surviving are his sons and  aughters-in-law, Rodger (and Linda) Parker of Burney, CA; David (and Debra) Lyons of Ellwood City; William (and Tracy) Lyons of Boise, ID, and Gordon (and Sharon) Long of Fort Hood, TX, as well as his daughters and  sons- in-law, Carol (and Bob) Suladie of Emporium, PA; Lenny (and Gordon) Bruno of Lexington, VA; Rose (and Wayne) Kinard of Roswell, GA; Mary (and Craig) Cavanaugh and Beth (and Rob) Barry, all of Ellwood City. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Sally Guy of Wampum and Sylvia Lyons of New Castle, also survive. He was preceded in death by three brothers and fours sisters, Stavely, Stanley and Jack Lyons, and Marie Dorn, Mabel Parks, Demple Vose and Goldie Lyons. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Ritter, Ellwood City, PA. Granville enjoyed playing bluegrass music with his loving family and friends. Friends will be received Friday, May 9, 2008, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the TURNER FUNERAL HOME, Sixth Street at Park Avenue, Ellwood City, www.turnerfh.com. Services will be conducted on Saturday, May 10, 2008, in the Ellwood City Chapel at TURNERS at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Wurtemburg Cemetery, Wayne Township. Full military rites will be observed at the funeral home by the Veterans Honor Guard.

May 9 2008  Dale Reedy Brown, 82, of Lizemores, died May 7, 2008, in Roane General Hospital. Born on April 18, 1926, in Clay County, he was the son of the late Jonathan Logan Brown and Sybil Agatha Brown. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Iona Brown; son, Earl Elkins; sister, Madge Baker, and brother, Doyle Brown. He was a disabled Army veteran from World War II, a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Beckley, a lifetime member of the Clay VFW Post 4419, and a former member of the Lizemores United Methodist Church. Survivors include his sons, Danny D. Brown of Hurricane, John William Brown of Yuba City, CA, James Robert Brown of Warren, OH, Virgil Blair of Lizemores, WV, step-son, Jack Edward Robinson of Rootstown,  OH; daughters, Patricia Moore of Newport News, VA and Mary Martha Nichols of Newton, WV; brothers, Bobby Osborne of Peters Creek, WV, Jimmy Osborne and Gerald Brown, both of Indore; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 11 am Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Albert Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Holcomb Cemetery, Indore, WV, with military graveside rites conducted by Clay VFW Post 4419. Friends may call from 6 pm til 8 pm on Friday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 3 2008  Jerald Ondreal “Big Jerry” Lewis, 40, of Clay, died May 2, 2008, at CAMC-General Division. Born on October 21, 1967, in Winterhaven, FL, he was the son of the late Jerry Vernon and Sharon Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Kimberly Lewis. He was a pest controller with Lewis Pest Control, and previously worked with the WV Department of Highways. He graduated from Florida Community College with a degree in Computer Technology. He loved to play poker. Survivors include his wife, Lisa G. Lewis of Clay; daughter, Jama Schoonover Lewis of Clay; step-children, Maria Thorne of Ivydale and Ryan Schoonover of Clay; 3 grand children, Hannah, Jonathan and Jarrod; aunt, Deborah Hicks of Arbondale, FL; uncles, Gator of Twistabout; Scott and wife, Neecie Edwards of Lakeland, FL. Funeral service will be 5 pm Monday, May 5, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin- Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Don and Wilma Dobbins and Kenneth Adkins officiating. At his request, the body will be cremated. Friends may call from 3 to 5 pm on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 3 2008  Dell Edward Kincaid, 58, of Lizemores, WV found peace Friday, May 2, 2008 after a long heroic illness with cancer.Dell leaves to cherish his loving memories, his children Millie Brasseur and husband, David, Beth Coleman and husband, Bill, and Dell Kincaid II and wife, Claudia; grandchildren, Lauren & Bryce Coleman; brother, Tom Kincaid; and sisters, Kathy Simpson and Julia Walsh. He also leaves behind three nieces and six nephews, two great nephews and one great niece. Best friend and hunting companion Bob Mullins.Dell was a Lieutenant Lance Corporal for the United States Marine Corps.  He served his country in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the prestigious Purple Heart among other awards.  He was Captain of the Lizemores Volunteer Fire Department prior to his illness.  He played a major role in helping to establish this department.  Dell was a passionate outdoors man and an avid hunter & fisherman.  He was an animal lover, especially dogs and horses.  He will be missed dearly by his family & will forever live in our hearts as a fighterDell was a devoted husband of 38 years to his soul mate Mary Kincaid who preceded him just 12 days prior to his passing away.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter Lorene Adell Kincaid and his parents Ray & Mildred Kincaid.Friends may call from 3 to 5 pm on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, where a memorial service will be held at 5:00pm at the Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay. Immediately afterwards there will be a graveside service at the Wyant Family Cemetery in Lizemores, with military graveside rites conducted by Clay VFW Post 4419. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dell’s honor be made to The Lizemore Voluntary Fire Department at P.O. Box 225, Lizemores, WV 25125.A special thank you to the staff at the Beckley Veterans Hospital for their loving treatment towards our father and their gentle kindness to his family during this difficult time.

May 3 2008    Dora "Granny" Jordan, 92, of Adonijah, Lizemores, W.Va., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the home of her granddaughter, Norma Johnson, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Aug. 21, 1915, in Clay County, W.Va., the daughter of the late Robert and Lula Elliott Sizemore. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Herderson Ramsey, and husband, Sam Jordan; her son, Harold Sizemore; her brothers, Elmer and Evans Sizemore; her sister, Mattie King; and a special son-in-law, Graden Pritt, who gave her the name "Granny"; a great-grandson, Matthew Pritt; and a great-great-granddaughter, Maddie Ruggieri. She was a lifelong member of the Laurel Fork Missionary Baptist Church. Granny spent many summers at the Carbide Camp cooking. Granny's favorite hobby was sewing. She is survived by her daughter, Joan R. Pritt of Adonijah; a sister, Dorothea; daughter-in-law, Glenna Sizemore of Summersville; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. The service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Laurel Fork Missionary Baptist Church, Lizemores, with the Rev. Earl Elliott and the Rev. B.J. Evans officiating. Burial will follow at the Pritt Family Cemetery at Adonijah. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday evening at the Pennington Funeral Home Chapel at 331 Main St., Gauley Bridge, W.Va.

May 1 2008 Opal M. Reedy Moore, 94, of Lizemores, went home to be with the Lord April 22, 2008, following a short illness. Born on February 12, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Acenith and Luther Reedy. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Leonard P. Moore; sons, Roger Glen Moore, Philip N. Moore and Lakin L. Moore; daughter, Kathy Lynn Moore; sisters, Mabel Woods, Agnes Jeffrey, Estelle Westfall, Donnie Legg, Zelma Montgomery; brother, Herman Reedy. Survivors include her sons, Paul E. Moore (Dorma) of Lizemores and Jeffrey A. Curtis (Melissa) of Tucson, AZ; daughters, Lenore Curtis of Akron, OH, and Julia Suzanne Moore of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Kim Powell of South Charleston, Kevin Moore of Charleston, Ronnie Moore of Lizemores, John D. Curtis of Akron, OH, David Curtis of Copley, OH, Rebecca Curtis Kidd of North Canton, OH, Teresa Moore of Procious, Julie Hudson of Lizemores, Glen Sizemore of Hurricane, WV, Sherry Davis of Sutton, Felicia Cooper of Charleston, Deena Steed of Sutton, Brandon Stroud of Kansas City, KS, Chuck Hall of Texas, Tristan Rogers of Pittsburg, PA, Shane Rogers of Sutton, Lezlie Curtis, Bellevue, WA, Lissa Curtis of Tucson, AZ, Jaycee Curtis of Tucson, Jeffrey Alexander Curtis of Tucson, AZ; sister, Olive Wriston, Wellington, OH; 20 great-grandchildren,   4 great-great -grandchildren. Funeral service will be 2 pm Sunday, April 27, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Gary Walker officiating. Burial will follow in the Reedy Cemetery, Bickmore. Friends may call from 12:30 pm until service time at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

May 1 2008 Dana Carl Murphy, 65, of Mt. Hope, entered into rest April 21, 2008, at Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born on November 6, 1942, in Powellton, WV, he was the son of the late Oscar Murphy and mother, Vina Murphy of Duck. He was a retired diesel mechanic from Vecilio and Grogan with 30 years of service and an Army Veteran. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sons, Tracy Murphy of Welch and Timothy Murphy of Pineville; daughter, Melanie Murphy of Bluefield; his companion of 32 years, Lovis Owens of Mt. Hope; brothers, Charles and Robert “Bob” Murphy, both of Duck; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; step- children, Ronnie Owens of Alabama, Freda Sisic of Beckley, Phillis Gray of Oak Hill, Connie Davenport of Beaver, Patricia Neff of Bradley, and Charles Owens, Funeral service will be 2 pm Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Darius Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in the Moore Fork Cemetery, Big Otter, with Military graveside rites conducted by Clay VFW Post 4419. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm on Friday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

April 22 2008  Earl F. “Frank” Bullard 78, of Maysel, WV, passed away Monday, April 21st at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Edith Bullard, and an infant brother.Frank was a retired postmaster having served twenty years as the postmaster of Maysel, WV and was also a self employed barber for twenty years in Maysel, WV. Frank was a member of the Masonic Lodge #97 in Clay, WV, and was a lifetime member of the Clay VFW Post 4419, having served four years during the Korean War in the USAF. Frank accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior in March of this year.He is survived by two sons, Franklin (Leah) of Ormond Beach, FL and Mark of Charleston, WV. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Krista Parcell (George), Joshua, Chelsea and Jacob Bullard, all of WV. He is also survived by one great-grandchild, Brady, also of WV. Brothers: Harry Bullard of Columbus, OH, Carry Bullard of Charleston, WV, Garry Bullard of Maysel, WV and one sister, Olive Friend of Maysel, WV. Frank's most joy came from spending time and visiting with his grandchildren and great grandson. Service will be at 1:00 pm Friday, April 25th, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Clay, WV, with Pastor Ralph Davis officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Wallback. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Thursday April 24th, at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

April 21 2008  Mary Joanna Kincaid, 55, of Lizemores, WV passed away on April 20, 2008. She was surrounded by her family at home after a very courageous five year battle with cancer. Mary was a 1971 graduate of Clay County High School and was a bus driver for The Clay County School System. She was very active in her community and helped implement The Lizemores Volunteer Fire Department, where she was the Deputy Assistant Chief, Secretary and First Responder. She was an avid gardener, animal and nature lover, enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Mary was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was deeply loved by everyone she touched in life. She loved children and enjoyed life to the fullest. Mary was an inspiration to all who knew her and will continue to shine in our hearts forever. Surviving are her husband of 38 years Dell Edward Kincaid, children Millie Brasseur and husband David, Beth Coleman and husband Bill, Dell Kincaid, II and wife Claudia. Grandchildren include Lauren and Bryce Coleman, sisters Madeline Neff, Betty Kirk, Shirley Small, Carolyn Conley and Ruby Moore, brothers, James, Paul and Rocky Wyant. Mary was preceded in death by parents Albert and Wavie Wyant, daughter Lorrene Adell Kincaid, brothers Bob, Leonard and Bill Wyant. A tribute to the life of Mary will be held 11:00 Thursday, April 24, 2008 at the Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home in Clay, WV., with Minister Wayne Litton officiating. Burial will follow in the Wyant Family Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday at the Funeral Home.In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in honor of Mary to be made to The American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, 2806 Reading Road, Cinn. OH 45206. Their professional and caring services were very much appreciated and were a comfort to Mary and her family during their stay.On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

April 21 2008   Betty Lou Starcher, 68, of Procious, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 19, 2008, following a long illness.She was a homemaker, loving wife and mother and a member of Free Will Baptist Church, Procious.She was the daughter of the late Emma and Joe Taylor; and was also preceded in death by brothers, Reuben and John Taylor; and sister, Clara Williams.She is survived by her husband, Donald; daughters and their husbands, Judy and David Walls of Clay, Mary and Allen Barron of Sharpsburg, Ky., and Kim and Butch Landers of Summersville; sons and their wives, Herman and Connie Starcher of Procious, and Donald and Carolyn Starcher of Procious; sisters, Faye Mays of Weston, and Georgia Roush of Walton; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Matics  Funeral Home, Clendenin. Interment will be at Sams Cemetery, Procious. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.maticsfuneralhome.com.

John D. Moore, 78, of Indore, died Monday, April 14, 2008, at CAMC-Memorial Division following a long illness. Born on August 21, 1929, in Clay, WV, he was the son of the late Charles Irving and Viola A. Moore. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Don and Clarence Moore, and his sisters, Enid Moore and Barbara Rogers. He was a retired miner from Peabody Coal Company, a member of the Lizemores Church of the Nazarene, and a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his wife, June of Indore; sons Johnny Jr. Moore of Oak Hill and Charles (Chuck) Moore of Ivydale; daughters, Charlotte Fitzwater of Lizemores, Sandra King of Point Pleasant and Loretta Lynn Blackburn of Winfield; brother, James Moore of North Carolina; grandchildren, Gary Moore, Jason and Jared Fitzwater, Justin King, Colton and Dillon Moore and Ethan Blackburn; great-grandchildren, Jayla Moore, Jared Blankenship, Jamison Bodkins, and Kaden and Hannah Bennett. Funeral service will be 11 am Friday, April 18, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Robert Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Nichols Cemetery, Lizemores. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

April 14 2008  Courtney Elizabeth O'Dell, 2 1/2 months, of Lizemores, passed away Saturday,  April 12, 2008, at home after a sudden illness. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at Elliott Cemetery, Lizemores. Pennington Funeral Home, Gauley Bridge, is in charge of arrangements.

April 12 2008  John Edward Douglas, 87, of Ivydale, entered into rest Friday, April 11, 2008, at his home. Born on January 20, 192l, in Clay County, he was the son of the late John and Myrtle Hissom Douglas. He was retired from the Department of Natural Resources.  Survivors include his wife, Maysel Douglas of Ivydale; son, David Douglas of Ivydale; daughter, Teresa Simons of Winfield; brothers, Jim Douglas of Ivydale and Ralph Douglas of West Field Center, OH; sisters, Barbara Boggs and Ruth Salisbury, both of Ivydale; grandchildren, Robby John Douglas of Ivydale, Rachel D. Douglas of Ivydale, Rusty Vaughan of Winfield and Aaron Vaughan of Norfolk, VA; 5 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 1 pm Monday, April 14, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Darius Arnold and Rick Sams officiating. Burial will follow in the Douglas Cemetery, Ivydale. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

April 10 2008  Virginia “Jenny” Jacqualine Neal, 84, of Indore, entered into rest Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at Montgomery General Hospital. Born on March 24, 1924, in Jackson County, OH, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Eva Myrtle Chamberlin. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Carl Don Neal. She was a retired teacher’s aide from the Clay County Board of Education. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Jacqualyn A. and Clarence J. Stone of Indore; grandchildren, Clarence J. Stone, Jr., “JR” and Sarah of Schellsburg, Pennsylvania and Megan Stone of Cross Lanes; great- grandchildren, MaKayla, Olivia, and Addison Stone of Schellsburg; sisters, Aronia Jenkins of Springfield, OH, and Zona Mefford of Georgetown, IN. Graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2008, at the Holcomb Cemetery, Indore, with Minister Jerry Bodkins officiating. Friends may call from 1 to 2 pm on Sunday at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

April 8 2008  Zella M. (Carr) Brown, 78, of Greenwood, Indiana, formerly of Clay County, WV, entered into rest Tuesday, April 8, 2008, in Franklin, Indiana. Born on April 12, 1929, at Wallback, WV, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Ora Carr. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Carr. She was a cook for 15 years in nursing homes. She loved gardening, reading, and crafts. Survivors include her husband, Oliver Brown of Indiana; three sons, Fred (Lois) Brown of West Virginia, Mark (Tracy) Brown of Greenwood, IN, and David (Karen) Brown of Franklin, IN; sister, Juanita Carr; brothers, Andrew Carr, Fletcher Carr, and Cardell Carr; 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 1 pm Friday, April 11, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Darrell Mollohan officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore. Friends may call from 9 am til 1 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

April 5 2008  Laura Victoria Pritt, 58, of Montgomery died April 1, 2008, in Ruby Memorial  Hospital, Morgantown.She was born March 19, 1950, in Clay County and was the daughter of the late Max and Paula Tucker Bledsoe. She was a member of Open Door Community Church, Powellton. Surviving: husband, William E. Pritt; children, Victoria A. Proctor and husband, Ricky Morton, of Montgomery, Donna Castell and husband, Charlie Patton, of Belle, William Pritt Jr. and wife, Stephanie Chrispyn, of Goshen, Indiana, and Mary Pritt and husband, Tony Duncan, of Montgomery; 15 grandchildren; sisters, Rose Cogar of Jacksonville, Fla., Emma-Lee Perry of Powellton, Edith Brown of Bickmore, Donna Stinnett of Cottle, Rochella Eyler of Powhatan, Virginia, Loretta Dickinson of Mount Carbon, Vicky Hess of Summersville and Jo Ann James of Clay; half sister, Peggy Daniel of  Surveyor; brothers, Dean Bledsoe of Syracuse, N.Y., Max Bledsoe of Powellton and Ross Bledsoe of Montgomery; and half brother, Jerry Bledsoe of Saxon. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery, with the Rev. Greg Frances and the Rev. Harlan Pritt officiating. Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

April 4 2008   Daisy E. Cadle Lane, 77, of Bomont went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday,  April 1, 2008, after a long illness. Mrs. Lane was a retired teacher from H.E. White Elementary School, a graduate of Morris Harvey College and attended West Virginia State College. She also attended Bethel Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Lane; sisters, Mary Ostrander, Audry Mullins and Betty Hoffman; and brothers, Bob, James and Delmer Cadle. She is survived by her sons and their wives, Bennie "Mike" and Robin Lane of Elkins and John "Jeff" and Teresa Lane of Procious; sisters, Irene Rogers and Judy Cadle of Bomont and Joyce Robinette of Cross Lanes; brothers, Larry Cadle of Ohio and Roland Cadle of Washington state; grandchildren, Jason Lane, Jennifer King and Valerie Lane; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 4, at Matics Funeral Home, Clendenin, with Dr. Chris King and Pastor David Walker officiating.  Interment will be in Clendenin Memorial Gardens, Clendenin. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

April 3 2008  Mardine Pierson, 86, went home to be with the Lord from Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Ivydale, on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. Born on October 24, 1921, in Spencer, she was the daughter of the late Tracy and Beatrice Short. She graduated from Clay County High School in 1939, and was a Christian. Survivors include her son, Mike Pierson of Maysel; daughter, Barbara Skaer of Lakeland, FL; brother, Emil Short of Valley Fork; sister, Bonnie Seymoure of Spencer; 6 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren. Funeral service will be 2 pm Sunday, April 6, 2008, at Wilson- Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Robbie King officiating. Burial will follow in the Pierson Cemetery, Blue Knob. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

April 2 2008   Loretta B. Patterson of Duck died March 31, 2008. Graveside service will be noon Friday, April 4, in Little Birch Community Cemetery, Little Birch. There will be no visitation. Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, is in charge of arrangements.

March 31 2008 Hazel M Tawney, 81, of Newton, died March 27 2008 at the Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston West Virginia after a long illness. She was born April 22, 1926 on Boggs Fork in Spencer, a daughter of the late Tracy J and Beatrice Hively Short. She attended Clay County High School and dedicated her life to raising her family. She enjoyed writing, flowers, carpentry work, cooking, and watching sports with her family. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dan Tawney, one daughter, Sandy Gray of Newton, two sisters, Bonnie Seymor of Spencer and Mardine Pierson of Clay, one borther, Emil Short of Valley Fork, eight grand children and six great grandchildren.  There will be a graveside service at noon on Saturday April 5th at the Tawney Cemetery with Rev Ron Fisher and J Herbert Smith officiating. There will be no visitation. Taylor Vandale Funeral Home, SPencer is handling arrangements for theTawney family.

March 28 2008   Marian Thomas Kirk, 68, of Bentree, Clay County, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, in CAMC General Hospital, Charleston, after an extended illness. Born July 2, 1939, in Leewood, she was a daughter of the late Leslie William and Esther Virginia Ray Thomas. She was also preceded in death by a son, Terry Davis; and a sister, Peggy Cogar. She was a homemaker and a member of First Church of God, Jodie. Survivors include a daughter, Regina Keenan of Sutton; sons and their wives, Kenny and Sarah Perry of Bentree and Leslie and Tammy Davis of Lizemores; sisters, Blenda Evans of Jodie and Glenna Dyson of Grottos, Va.; brothers, Lindsey Thomas of Olympia, Wash, Benjamin Thomas of Greenville and Joseph Thomas of Jodie; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the First Church of God, Jodie, with the Rev. Billy Morris officiating. Burial will be in Rich Creek Community Cemetery, Jodie. Friends may call one hour prior to service time at the church. Pennington Funeral Home, Gauley Bridge, is in charge of arrangements for Marian Thomas Kirk.

March 23  2008   Rev. Cecil Lee Butcher, 81, of Summersville, formerly of Clay, went home to be with his Lord on March 21, 2008, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown.   Born on July 31, 1926, in Widen, WV, he was the son of the late Newman Butcher and Mary Butcher. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Shelton Butcher.  A beloved pastor and preacher for over forty years, his ministry was influential in the lives of hundreds around our state. He was owner and operator of Butcher’s Printing, former owner and operator of Bible Bookstore and Office Supply, a Mason, a World War II Navy veteran, and a graduate of Perdue University. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Mullins Butcher of Summersville; children, Cecil Lee “J. B.” Butcher, Jr. and wife Darlene of Clay, Sally Ann Butcher Legg of Charleston; step-children, Eddie (Dottie) Mullins of Strasburg, VA, Lynn (Wayne) Frame of Dille; brother, Rev. Bill (Faye)  Butcher of Hot Springs, Arkansas; sisters, Grace (Al) Carney of Titusville, FL, Bernice Walker of Pittsburg, CA; half-brothers, Russell Butcher of Utah, Gerald Butcher of Texas; step-sisters, Anita Getzlaff and Barbara Gayle Dailey, both of Grants Pass, OR, grandchildren, Cecil Lee “J.B.” Butcher III, Cortney Leigh Legg, Rebecca Ruth Beasley, Brandi Crawn; step-grandchildren, Kelby Frame, Natalie Quillin, Mandy Mullins, Jenni Mullins, Patrick Frame, Hunter Hannah; great-grandchild, Aidan Hunter Crawn, Eight step-great-grandchildren  Funeral service will be 11 am Monday, March 24, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Cecil’s brother, Rev. Bill Butcher and Rev. Dana Gatewood officiating. Burial will follow in Clay Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Sunday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

March 22 2008 Elizabeth Virginia Childs "Betty" Hill, a longtime resident of Charleston and Procious, passed away early Palm Sunday morning at the age of 84 in Sacramento, Calif., after an extended illness. Betty is survived her two sons, Dale Ralph Hill of Evergreen, Colo., David Wayne Hill of Sacramento, Calif., and her daughter, Janet Lynn Hill of Frederick, Md.; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Betty was born July 25, 1923, in Glen Allen, Va.  She served in World War II as a Navy WAVE in the Hospital Corps at Bethesda, Md. In 1946, after the war, Betty married Ralph Duane Hill and moved to Charleston, W.Va., where they raised their children. They joined the City Bible Center Church in 1959 and were active in choir and youth ministries. Betty earned a Bachelor's Degree from Morris Harvey College and a Master's Degree from Marshall University. She served as a counselor to underprivileged students in "War on Poverty" programs during the 1960s and 1970s working first at WV State College and later at the WV Employment Commission. After their children were grown, Mr. and Mrs. Hill opened their home and became foster parents to numerous high school students in need of a better home environment so that they could finish high school and continue their education.  During that time Mr. and Mrs. Hill would encourage high school students to attend college and take an annual van trip with students touring colleges in West Virginia and neighboring states.  Mr. and Mrs. Hill co-founded the Camp of the Hills, a Christian camp ministry near Pigeon, W.Va., where they remained active until Ralph's death in 1991. During those years, the Hills were active members of the Clay First Baptist Church.   Betty served as guidance counselor at Clay High School then later at Clay Christian School where she remained until her retirement.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. at Bible Center Church, New Building, 1000 Bible Center Dr., Charleston, WV 25319.

March 18 2008  Jackie W. Samples, 68, of Procious, went home to be with the Lord on March 16, 2008, after a long battle with leukemia. Jackie was a loving husband, father, brother, papaw, and friend, who will be missed by all who knew him. Born on July 31, 1939, he was the son of the late Gail and Helen Samples. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Samples King. He was retired from the Department of Highways with 23 years of service. He also delivered the Charleston Daily Mail with his wife, Mary, for 25 years. Survivors include his wife, Mary Keenan Samples of Procious; children, Jackie Samples of Servia, Andy Samples and Chad Samples, both of Procious; brothers, Roger Samples of Hometown, Lonnie Samples of Bomont, Teddy Samples and David Samples, both of Procious; sisters, Bobbie Nichols of Cincinnati, OH, and Nancy Beezel of Clarksburg; grand children, Meagan, Holly, Derrick, Jeremy, Josh, Kati, Tayler, Madison, Tristan, Auston, and Isaiah. Graveside service will be 6 pm Thursday, March 20, 2008, at Long Sam Samples Cemetery, Procious, with Ministers David Walker and Clifford Samples officiating. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Wednesday at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay.  On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

March 18 2008  Sherman Ray Jones Jr. 58, of Procious, entered into rest Sunday, March 16, 2008, at his home after a long illness. There will be no services. Wilson-Shamblin- Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of arrangements.

March 18 2008  Jennings "Newt" Sebert Spencer Sr., 75, of Duck died March 16, 2008. Service  will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway. Burial will be in Jarvis Cemetery, Duck. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

March 15 2008  Frank Neal, 78, of Lyonsville went home to Heaven Thursday, March 13, 2008. Born December 9, 1929, in Twenty Mile, he was preceded in death by his parents, Arnol and Mabel Neal; brothers, Harold and Nenford; sister, Berneda Legg; and daughter, Stella Rae. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose Hanks Neal; children, Frank and Shanna Neal of St. Albans, Janet Anderson of Charleston, Joyce and Larry Kiser of Disputanta, Va., Della and Bill Legg and Sally and Harold Stover of Summersville; grandchildren, Jimmy and Sherry Preast of Dunbar, Patrick and Katrina Kiser of Disputanta, Britt and Bart Legg of Morgantown, Amanda and Jesse Stover of Summersville, Rustie, Leslie, Benjie and Angela Stover of North Carolina and Dennise and Bobby Ward of St. Albans; great-grandchildren, Jessiffa, Andrew and Kyrie Preast, Kevin Hall, Bobbi Jo Ward and Jasmine, Christian, Katelyn, Krista, and Haley Stover; brother, Lawnson of South Carolina; and sisters, Lydia Neal and Doris Kender of Tad, Clarise Shore of New York, Carol Norman of Charleston and Elloise Holcomb of Virginia. He was a born-again Christian and attended Fairview Baptist Church, Lockwood. He was a retired coalminer and a member of UMWA Local 6243. He donated his earthly temple to the WVU Human Gift Registry. A service to honor the life of Frank will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March  22, at Fairview Baptist Church, Lockwood. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.

March 13 2008  Doris Robison, 73, of Ivydale died March 1, 2008. Memorial service will be 1
p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Stockert-Gibson Funeral Home, Flatwoods.

March 11 2008   Mrs. Velma Gay Witt, 54 of Kelley's Creek, Charleston, passed away March 10,  2008, in Duke University Medical Center. Velma was a retired nurse from CAMC Women and Children's Hospital and a member of Kelley's Creek Community Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ural and Gertrude Britton, and  brother, William "Bill" Harding. She is survived by her husband, Linden Witt; daughters, Brenda Witt of  Charleston and Cora and husband, Timothy Tomblin, of Ivydale; and sisters, Rosia "Sissy" Fleck of Charleston and Laura "Tootie" Elliott of Charleston.  She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. A tribute to the life of Velma will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Cletus Price and David Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service.  Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday in Britton Cemetery, Charleston. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to CORE, 204 Sigma Drive, RIDC Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.  Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Poca, is serving the Witt family. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.gatensharding.com.

March 7 2008   Delanor "Del" W. Nichols Sr. of Sun City, Texas, died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, after an 8½-year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF.) He was 73 years old. Born June 2, 1934, in Clay County, Nichols led a rich and varied life. A patriotic U.S. citizen, he served his country honorably in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force in a career extending from 1953 through 1961. While stationed at Harman Air Force Base in Newfoundland, he met Mary Alexander. They married in 1959 and moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1962.  Nichols worked for many nationally known corporations during his long business life, including Braniff Airlines, Collins Radio and Redman Industries. Nichols also spent time as an entrepreneur, having owned two businesses and a small farm for many years. Nichols retired from fulltime employment in 2000 while working for Chelsea Building Products, Pittsburgh, Pa., as a consulting engineer, to enjoy life on a small hobby farm outside Greenville, Texas. He and Mary recently moved to Sun City.Surviving are his wife, Mary Alexander Nichols; son, Del Jr. of Austin, Texas; daughter, Holly of Gainesville, Ga.; brothers, Charles Nichols of Columbus, Ohio, Fred Nichols of Louisiana, Bob Nichols of Elkview and David Nichols of Virginia; a sister, Linda Sue Hunt of Charleston; five grandsons and one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 7, in the Nichols family cemetery, Clay, with the Rev. Gary Walker officiating. Burial will follow in  the cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.haferfuneralhome.net. Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview, is in charge of the arrangements

March 4 2008 Ronald Dale McGrady, 69 of Lester, West Virginia departed for his heavenly home on March 3, 2008 at Raleigh General Hospital following a short illness.  He was born July 15, 1938 to Avery and Zelma East McGrady of Lester, WV who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded by his first wife, Ina Maye Acord McGrady. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Janice Love McGrady of Lester, sons Thomas Dale and companion Faye Sanders of Pikeville, KY; Terry Lee and wife Lisa of Hamlin, WV; Timothy Ewell and wife Angelia of Hamlin, WV; daughter Tammie Grace and husband Jonathan of Jacksonville, AL; step-son Glen Dawson and wife Kim of Beckley, WV; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are brothers Roger McGrady of Shady Springs, WV; Daniel McGrady of Inwood, WV; sisters Sandra Holliday of Beckley, WV; Drema Chila of Sewell, NJ; Carolyn Richardson of Fruitland Park, FL. Dale was employed by Vecillio & Grogan, Inc. for 49 years. He began as a laborer, then heavy equipment operator, and then working his way to superintendent. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and was a faithful member of the Bolt Church of God.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 5 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 at the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randall Pugh officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

March 4 2008   Nancy Laird (Reedy) Legg, 74, of Cambridge, surrounded by her loving family, went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2008, following a courageous, but brief battle with cancer. Born on January 29, 1934, in Bickmore, WV, she was the daughter of the late Ocie O. (Osborne) and Jesse L. Reedy. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, June George, and special nephew, Jesse Shearer. She leaves her husband of 56 years, Harold L. Legg, whom she married January 26, 1952; two sisters, Hazel Shearer of Bickmore, WV, and Mae (Damon) Workman of Fayetteville, WV; two children, Tim (Kris) Legg and Joyce (Larry) Huston, both of Cambridge; four grandchildren, Timothy (Roxanne) Cramblett of Norfolk, VA, Jason (Melissa) Cramblett, Sarah (Dustin) Legg, and Tim Jr. (Brittney) Legg, all of Cambridge; four great-grandchildren, Sasha Raines, Skyllar and Tristan Cramblett and Kyana Hall of Cambridge. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins; and a very special nephew, Tony (Nick) George of Bickmore, WV. Respecting Nancy’s wishes, Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is handling the arrangements. Funeral service will be l pm Thursday, March 6, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Rocky Osborne officiating. Burial will follow in the Reedy Cemetery, Bickmore, Friends may call 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

March 3 2008   Elouise Milburn, 91, of Hampstead, Md., died Friday morning, February 29, 2008, at home. She was born September 8, 1916, in West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Alex Summers and Hattie Young Summers. She was the wife of the late Paul B. Milburn Jr. who died February 7, 1984, and mother of the late Elizabeth Ann Brooks. She was a member of the John Young Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, National Wildlife Federation. She enjoyed gardening and reading.  Survived by four children, James Miller of West Virginia, Diane Engel of Hampstead, Mary Joe Valliant of West Virginia, Paul B. Milburn III of Darlington, Md.; sisters, Mary K. Martin and JoAnn Carney, both of Florida; one brother, Eugene Summers of Texas; one aunt, Irene Haynick of Montana; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday March 4, 2008, at Fletcher Funeral Home, P.A., 254 E. Main St., Westminster. Interment in Westminster Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday 11 a.m. until the time of the service.Online condolences may be made at www.fletcherfuneralhome.net.

March 3 2008  Woodrow Earl Butcher, 84, of Glen Jean, formerly of Powellton, went to be with the Lord on February 29, 2008, after a long illness. He was born October 2, 1923, in Clay, and was the son of Flem and Stella  Naylor Butcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of  63 years, Thelma Ree Butcher; brothers, Philmer, Thomas and Owen Butcher;  sisters, Helen Angel, and Alein Green; and granddaughter, Kimberly Agent. He was a loving father and grandfather. He was a retired mine foreman of  Hawks Mining Company and contractor. He loved gardening and woodworking. Surviving are his children and their spouses, James E. Butcher of Arlington, Texas, William E. Butcher and his wife, Pat, of Ravenna, Ohio, JoEllen Rowe and her husband, Ted, of Powellton, Wanda Hardister and her husband, Mitchell, of Aberdeen, N.C., Woodrow Allen Butcher and his wife, Marilyn, of Powellton, Kathy Agent of West Columbia, and Cindy Shrewsberry of Glen Jean. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Parker of Smithers; and brother, Flem Butcher Jr., of Caldwell, Ohio; 22 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren and one on the way. The service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery, with the Rev. Claude R. Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park at London.  Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

March 3 2008 John Cooper Potasnik, 55, of Ovapa passed away at home on Feb. 28, 2008,  surrounded by family and friends, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born Dec. 13, 1952, and was the son of Marlene Cooper Potasnik and the late Ted Potasnik. John grew up in Nebo, but as a small boy enjoyed riding to work with his dad and spending the day with his grandparents, John and Mary Potasnik, in Widen. His maternal grandparents were the late Lambert and Rebecca Mollohan Cooper. John graduated from Clay County High School, attended Glenville State College and worked for many years as a heavy equipment operator.  In addition to his mother and her husband, Robert Arnold Tanner, he is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sandy White Potasnik; daughters, Amber Potasnik of Summersville, Quincy Reiter and her husband, Christopher, of Cameron, N.C., Angie Walker of Ovapa and Stephanie Ahart and her husband,  Rick, of Ovapa; sister, Becky Proctor and her husband, Jim, of Glenwood; stepsister, Judy Thayer of Reynoldsville; stepbrother, Jeff Tanner of Akron,  Ohio; and grandchildren, Ricky, Zachary and Kaylin Ahart and Jaedyn Walker. At John's request, his body was donated to the Human Gift Registry. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 3, at Unity Gospel  Tabernacle, Stinson, with the Rev. Darius Arnold officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to HospiceCare, 1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064.

Feb 28 2008  Ruby Graham Carper, 88, of Left Hand, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, in CAMC – General Hospital, Charleston.   She was born Sunday, May 4, 1919, in Bloomington, Roane County, a daughter of the late Gay and Orpha Moore Graham.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Guy P. Carper; son-in-law, Ron Sutphin; seven brothers and one sister.   Ruby was a homemaker, who took great pride in her home, children and great grandchildren.  She was a member of the Linden Chapter No. 152, Order of the Eastern Star, Linden.   Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Liz Carper of Tallmadge, OH, Cookie and Gail Carper of Mogadore, OH and Roger and Virginia Carper of Hartville, OH; daughters and sons-in-law, Frances Sutphin of Akron, OH, Margaret and Larry Hays of Ravenna, OH, Doris and Pete Drake of Left Hand, and Judy and Jamie Truman also of Left Hand; sister, Mary Via of Delaware; 19 grandchildren and 24 great grand children.    A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 p.m. in the John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, with the Rev. Michael F. “Mike” King officiating.  Burial will be in the Clover Cemetery, Clover. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home, where an Eastern Star memorial service will be held at 7 p.m.

Feb 27 2008  Joe T. Mitchell, 74, of Charleston passed away Feb. 25, 2008. Born in Clay County on Jan. 6, 1934, he was a son of the late Cute C. and Edith Cadle Mitchell. He was retired from CAMC Memorial Hospital. His loving wife, Janet Mitchell; sister, Lucille Tackett of Bridgeport;  brother, Jack C. Mitchell of Charleston; three half sisters and a half brother survive Joe.  Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Elk Funeral Home, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, with the Rev. Earl W. Cochran  officiating. Entombment will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens West  Virginia Memorial Mausoleum, Cross Lanes. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral  home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Ronald McDonald House, 302 30th St. S.E., Charleston, WV 25304. Arrangements are in the care of Elk Funeral Home, Charleston.

Feb 26 2008  James Sebert Spencer, 55, of Duck died Feb. 21, 2008. Service will be 2p.m. today, Feb. 24, at Richard M. Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service today at the funeral home

Feb 23 2008  NORMA JEAN BIRD EVANS - went home to be with the Lord February 23, 2008 at home. She was born on June 12, 1927, in Lizemore, Clay County, and she was the daughter of the late Robert Thornton Bird and Neva H. Nichols Bird. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Horace Lee Evans, and her eldest sister, Lenora Durham.  She was a wonderful cook, preparing delicious meals for her family. When summer came, there was always a bountiful garden and hundreds of jars of produce to can each year. Each jar was canned with love, to share with her family and friends.
    Jean is survived by her son, Michael Lee Evans of Duck, WV; her daughter, Loita Butcher and husband, Samuel Butcher, of Duck, WV; daughter, Clarita Fisher and husband Nelson Fisher of Ripley, WV; grandchildren Sam Butcher and wife, Cori Butcher of Port Richey, Florida; Andy Butcher of Lewisburg, WV; Alex Butcher of Duck, WV; Keith Fisher and wife Marie of Fort Benning, Georgia; Presley Fisher of Ripley; great-grandchildren Abigail, Wesley and Tiffany Butcher of Port Richey, Florida; Kaley Cook, Kristen Cook and Kaleb Fisher of Fort Benning, Georgia; and Camron Fisher of Teays Valley, WV; sisters Kat Moore and husband Ed of Lizemore; Jewel Elliott and husband George of Lizemore, WV; Carole Sizemore and husband Kenneth of Blazdell, NY; Patty Jones and husband Randy of Lizemore, WV; brothers Thurston Bird and wife Esta, of Procious, WV; Thurman Bird and wife, Macil of Lizemore, WV; Charles Bird and wife Doris of Lizemore, WV; Jerry Brid of Ivydale, WV.
    God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be. He closed His arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me." In tears we saw you sinking, we watched you fade away. Our hearts were almost broken you fought so hard to stay. But when we saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain, we could not wish you back to suffer so again. So keep Your arms around her, Lord, and give her special care make up for all she suffered and let her know we care.  Special thanks to the caregivers; Angie Fugate, Wanda Workman , Margaret Mollohan, Joyce McGlothlin and Brenda Truman, who provided so much loving care and compassion throughout the years of mom’s illness.
    A celebration of Jean’s life will take place on Sunday, February 24, at Wilson Shamblin Funeral Home in Clay. Friends may call from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home,with Minister Thurman Sizemore and Minster Nick Bird officiating. Burial will be in the O’Brion Advent Christian Cemetery at O’Brion Creek.

Feb 23 2008  Maysel Elizabeth Barnes Salisbury, 84, of Clay entered into rest Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, at Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born on June 9, 1923, in Ivydale, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Serena Barnes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Morgan Salisbury. She worked as a clerk for Sizemore's IGA and was a homemaker and a member of  Buffalo Valley Baptist Church.  Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Sharon Salisbury of Clendenin, Carlos and Patty Salisbury of Sutton, Eddie M. and Patty Salisbury of Wallback and Robert C. and Darlene Salisbury of Scioto, Ohio; stepdaughter and her husband, Rena and Kayo Mullins of Baltimore, Md.; 12 grand children and 14 great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at Buffalo Valley Baptist Church, Triplett Ridge, Clay, with Minister John Pruitt officiating. Burial will follow in Koch Cemetery, Triplett Ridge, Clay. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay.

Feb 23 2008  Jeremy Jason Cummings, 25, of Charleston, died February 20, 2008, at his home. Born on September 19, 1982, in Summersville, he was the son of Gary Lee Cummings of Procious and Sharon Hanshaw of Charleston. He was a certified nursing assistant. In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his son, Tyler Ray Cummings of Procious; daughter, Alexis Kade Cummings of Procious; brothers, Roger Grose of Charleston and Gary Hanshaw II of Belleview, NE; sisters, Angel Cummings of Charleston and Shelly Cummings of Charleston. Funeral service will be 2 pm Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin -Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Cecil Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the Cummings Cemetery, Procious. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Feb 23 a  Evelyn Goldie Hamrick, 84, of Beckley passed away on Feb. 20, 2008, in Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born on July 27, 1923, in Enoch, she was the daughter of the late Emma Helen and Emerson Nutter. She was the stepdaughter of the late Hattie Nutter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Stanley Okey Hamrick; a daughter, Sharon; a great-granddaughter, Rebekah Hope Meadows; and a grandson, Marvin E. Dodson III. Also preceding her in death were her siblings, Alonzo Nutter, Arnold Nutter, Lucille Strickland, Beulah Wilson, Freida Nottingham, Beatrice Nottingham and two infant brothers. Evelyn was a dedicated homemaker, wife and mother and was a member of Mount  Olive Baptist Church, Keeners Ridge.  Those she leaves to cherish her memory are three daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Marvin E. Dodson Jr. of Reedville, Va., Carol Jean and Richard Adams of Colonial Beach, Va., and Jo Elaine and Edward E. Adams of Beckley; one son and daughter-in-law, Jimmie Lee and Joan Hamrick of Keysville, Va.; grandchildren, Jeffrey A. Hamrick of Bluefield, Sherri Arthur and husband, Jack, of Beckley and Rachel Stafford and husband, Kevin, of Beckley; and two step grandchildren, Sean and Anna Adams. She is also survived by three  great-grand daughters, Jenna and Allyson Arthur and Brittany Stafford, all of  Beckley. She has one surviving sister, Lorena Nicholas of Medina, Ohio.Evelyn found great joy and comfort with her family. Her grandchildren and  great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Wilson-Shamblin -Smith  Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Tawney Boggs officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Keeners Ridge. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Feb 19 2008  Merle Gertrude Hensley, 90, of Hurricane, previously from Clay County, entered into rest on Sunday, February 17, 2008. Born on January 25, 1918, in Mudfork, Calhoun County, she was the daughter of the late Mamie M. Cadle and Clarence White. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by two daughters, Sandra Lou Brannon and Etta Lana Hensley and two sisters, Alta Cross Mathews and “Bid” Wilma Cross Postalwait. She was a member of Mudfork Union Church. Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Ellen and Robert E. Martin and Carol and Bernie O. Young; brothers, C. Don Cross, Dorse Cross, and Vertis White; sister, Mildred White Simmons; grandchildren, Robin Martin Kilgore and husband, Mark, Paul Martin and wife, Sandra, Todd Young and wife, Mary, Martin Young and wife, Kisscha, Lynn Young Kennedy and husband, Michael, and Sean Young and wife, Tianna; great-grand children, Nathaniel Kilgore, Jonathan Kilgore, Michaela Young, Ethan Young, Hunter Young, Hannah Young, Logan Kennedy, Tanner Kennedy, Jordyn Young and Addison Young. Graveside service will be 2 pm Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at the Hardman Cemetery, Nebo, with Ministers Darius Arnold and Donald Dawson officiating. Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

Feb 17 2008  Ida M. Adkins Hughes, 96, of Clay, entered into rest on February 15, 2008,  at Ravenswood Village, Ravenswood. She was born on March 9, 1911, in Enoch, the daughter of the late George and Florida Adkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the  Rev. Samuel G. Hughes; and daughter, Betty Shaffer. She was a lifetime member of Pleasant Dale Baptist Church on Dog Run. In their younger days, Ida and Sam were in the grocery business on Triplett Ridge. She was a homemaker, loved to garden, can and quilt. She also worked  for the board of elections. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Geraldine and Gene  Gregorich; sons and daughters-in-law, Gearl and Lois Hughes, Maxel and Mary Hughes, and Earl and Tami Hughes; sisters, Nina Gray and Lessie Jones; and  brother, Porter Adkins; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grand children; and 10  great-great-grandchildren.  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2008, at  Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Kenneth Adkins and  Gary Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Fitzwater Cemetery, Enoch.  Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.   Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

Feb 17 2008  Raymond Doss Jr., 52, of Huntington passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Friday at Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington, with Rev. Diana Clay officiating. Burial will follow at Arthur Cemetery in Ona, WV. Raymond was born April 14, 1955 in Clay County, WV a son of the late John Raymond Doss, Jr. and Rebecca Lurlene Hill Doss. In addition to his mother, he is survived by Lynn A. Doss and their son Daniel Ray Doss of Huntington, four sisters; Karen Sue Doss, Patty Mahan, Debbie Hutchinson, and Leslie Lively, three brothers; John R. Doss, Frank E. Doss, and Richard “Budd” Doss. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ferrell-chambersfuneralhome.com

Feb 12 2008  Allan Kent Taylor, 52, of Newton, died Monday, February 11, 2008, at his home, after a sudden illness. He was born Thursday, May 26, 1955, in Charleston, a son of the late Cecil C. and Cleo G. Hensley Taylor, Sr. Allan was an employee of SGS Minerals, Fola Coal Division, Bickmore.  He was the lead guitarist, vocalist and one of the founding members of the Black Mountain Band.  Also, he was a 1973 graduate of Spencer High School.  Survivors include his wife, Patricia Anne McGuire Taylor of Newton; son and daughter-in-law, Ariel and Staci Taylor of Clay; daughter, Rachel Stalnaker of Newton; brothers, Cecil C. Taylor, Jr. of Dumfries, VA and Ronald K. Taylor of Newton.  A funeral service will be conducted Thursday, February 14 in the Newton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert A. “Bob” Keen officiating.  Burial will be in the Laurel Point Cemetery, Newton.  Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Feb 10 2008  Gary D. Nicholson, 23, of Newton, died February 8, 2008, in Clay County from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born July 3, 1984, in Spencer, a son of Ed and Sarah Snyder  Nicholson. He was a 2002 graduate of Roane County High School and was  employed by Halliburton in Elkview.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by his fiancée, Kacie Smith of  Newton; a daughter, Mahailey Nicholson, at home; a sister, Jody Nicholson of  Spencer; and his grandparents, Charles and Helen Snyder and Jewell  Nicholson, all of Spencer.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harry C. Nicholson.  The service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2008, at  Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, Spencer, with the Rev. Danny Whited and the  Rev. Larry Greathouse officiating. Burial will be in the Swank Cemetery near Spencer.

Feb 10 2008  Mildred N. Thomas, 92, of Ivydale, formerly of Charleston, passed away February 7, 2008. She was born December 21, 1915, in Kanawha County, and was a daughter of the late Charles F. and Bessie M. Humphreys Hissom. Her husband, George R. Thomas; son, Charles "Chop" Thomas; son-in-law, Junior Lane; and grandchildren, Sonja Lea Simon and Billy Casdorph, also preceded her in death.Mildred was the oldest living of the Hissom family and was a member of the Hissom Tabernacle. She is survived by son, Richard P. Thomas and his wife, Rita, of Point Pleasant; daughters, Freda Mae Lane of Ivydale and Tonya Rena Lanham and her husband, Michael, of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Cathryn A. Thomas of Scott Depot; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 10, at Elk Funeral Home, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, with the Rev. Earl W. Cochran  officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore, Clay County. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  Arrangements are in the care of Elk Funeral Home, Charleston.

Feb 10 2008  Arthur Day Brady, 96 of Clay, went home to be with the Lord February 8, 2008 at Braxton Memorial Hospital. Born on February 17, 1911, in Widen, he was the son of the late John Jacob and Mary Ellen Brady, the first baby born in Widen. In addition to his parents, he was alson preceded in death by 4 brothers and 6 sisters.  He was a retired railroad worker for BC&G Railroad, and a member of Pleasant Dale Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as deacon. He also belonged to the Civilian Conservation Corp, and assisted in building Hawks Nest and Babcock State Parks. He was a World War II Navy Veteran. Arthur lived a good simple life, worked hard, and loved to garden.   Survivors include his wife, Alta Himmel Brady of Clay; sons, Curtis Workman of Concord, NC, Otto Workman of Clay, Charles Brady of Clay, Hollie Brady of Summersville; daughter, Evelyn McGlothlin of Clay; sisters, Bernice Sparks of Dixie, and Coretta Ramsey of Roanoke, WV; 18 Grandchildren, 28 Great-Grandchildren, 8 Great-Great-Grandchildren.   Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, February 10, 2008 at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Clay, with Minster Kenneth Adkins officiating, Burial will follow in the Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch.  Friends may call frm 6:00PM - 8:00PM Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the funeral home.

Feb 10 2008   Macie Katherine West, infant daughter of Robert Dennis and Frankie Jo West entered this world on February 6, 2008 and was carried out on angel wings the same day.   In addition to her parents, she is also survived by two brothers, Isaac Dennis West and Dereck West; maternal grandparents, Frankie and Faye Asbury of Procious; paternal grandparents, Robert and Billie West of Indore; and several aunts and uncles.   Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the Asbury Cemetery, Dog Run, with minister Brett Wiley officiating.

Feb 6 2008   Bessie Allen Runnion Parsons, 101, of Charleston, formerly of Spencer, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, February 5, 2008.  She was born Friday, June 22, 1906, in Clay County, the daughter of the late Walter Lee Allen and the late Martha Ann Rose Allen Channels.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Robert Runnion and Herbert F. Parsons; stepfather, Eddie Channels; children, Howard Runnion and Dorothy Whiting; brothers, Everett Channels, Roy Channels, Archie Channels and Robert Allen; sisters, Ann Allen, Edna Schreckengost and Bernice Carrico. Bessie was an active 50 year member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, Charleston and a retired sales clerk for the O.J. Morrison Dept. Store, Charleston.  Survivors include one sister, Edith “Dodie” Westfall of Reedy; special niece and nephew, Susan Cooper of St. Albans and Lyle Austin of Barberton, OH; many other nieces and nephews; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.  A funeral service will be conducted Friday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. in the Asbury United Methodist Church, Charleston, with the Rev. Dr. Eileen Dumire officiating.  A graveside service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the Eventide Cemetery, Spencer.  Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to either the Asbury United Methodist Church, 501 Elizabeth St., Charleston, WV 25311 or to the Gideons. John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, is in charge of arrangements.

Feb 6 2008  Gary W. Reedy, 55, formally of Indore, died Jan. 22, 2008, at his home in Woodford, Virginia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Garrett and  Virginia Reedy, his brothers Garrett and W. T. Reedy.  He is survived by his  sister Carole Gilbert and her husband John, his brothers, Donald and his  wife Carol and Mack and his wife Bobbie and several nieces and nephews.  A  memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Burial will be in  family cemetery at Indore, WVa.

Feb 2 2008  Billy Joe Tud Stewart, 61, of Clay, died January 30, 2008 at Montgomery General Hospital. Born on May 15, 1946, in Clay, he was the son of the late Orville Jennings Stewart and Nina Ruth Stephenson. He is survived by his brothers, Roy Stephenson of Saxon, Darrell Stephenson of Summersville, Jackie Stephenson of Maysel, Robert Stephenson of Procious, and Allen Stephenson of Clay; sisters, Bernice Workman of Cowen, Becky Shamblin of Salina, OK, and Dorothy Chapman of Clendenin. Funeral service will be 2 pm Sunday, February 3, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Danny Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Clay Memorial Gardens, Clay. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

Feb 2 2008  Roger Lee Roberts, 52, of Bomont went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 29, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 4, 1955, in Gauley Bridge, he was the son of the late Ray Roberts and Odessa Carpenter of Swiss. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his step-father, Genis Carpenter. He was a Christian and pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Bomont. He was an employee of Dave’s Heating and Air Conditioning. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Dianne Roberts; sons, Christopher and wife, Lori Roberts and grand daughter, Madison, Jeremy and wife, Jamie Roberts, and step-granddaughter, Donna Hill, all of Bomont; foster children, Rebecca Brown of Elkview and April Brown of Bomont; mother, Odessa Carpenter of Swiss; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby and Deloris of Belva, Darrell and Cathy of Hilltop; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth and James Bass of Kimberly and Tammy and Allen Mullins of Swiss; along with a host of family members and friends who will truly miss him. Funeral service will be 1 pm Friday, February 1, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Lee Swor and Ray Barker officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Bickmore. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.
 

Willie Ray Bird, 84, of Lizemores, Clay County, died at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, with his family by his side. He was the son of the late Willie Bird and Agnes Ramsey Bird Nichols. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Wesley Bird; and sisters, Marie Spaulding, Emil Walker and Mabel Bird. Willie retired from Elkem Metals Company, Alloy. He was a member of Laurel Fork Missionary Baptist Church and was a World War II Army veteran.  Willie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Camille Hypes Bird, after 61 years of marriage. He was deeply loved and will be missed by his children: sons, Billy Bird and wife, Sharon, of Gauley Bridge  and Steve Bird and his wife, Cindy, of Left Hand; and daughters, Elaine Newland and husband, Robert, of Lizemores, Diana Legg and husband, John, of Fola, Linda Bird Sizemore of Dixie, Vicki Bird Wilson and husband, Donnie, of Lewisburg, Tenn., Julie Blankenship and husband, Tim, of Lizemores and Jacqueline Bird Anderson and husband, Randy, of Louisa, Ky. He is also survived by 17 grand children and 17 great- grandchildren; sisters,  Dorthalee Perdue and husband, Tommy, of Dixie, Pauline Dawson and husband, Elmer, of Bentree and Bonnie Wilkinson of Dixie; and stepsister, Freda Cogar of Dixie.Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at the Pennington Funeral Home Chapel, Gauley Bridge, with the Rev. Naaman H. Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow, with military graveside rites conducted by Gauley Bridge VFW Post 8366.  Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Jan 29 2008   Wanda Nellene (King) Hanna, 58, of Duck, entered into rest Sunday, January 27, 2008. She was born August 22, 1949 to the late Doyle and Madeline Holcomb King in addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son Jeffrey McKinney and brother John King.  Wanda is survived by her Life Partner Joseph Moore of Duck, daughter Crystal McKinney and fiancé Charles Hayes of Procious, son Jason McKinney of Procious, Grandchildren Thomas Geiger, Jeremy Geiger and Caleb Hayes all of Procious, sister Naomi Metheney of Duck and several nieces and nephews.  A memorial service will be held 6 to 8 pm Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with minister William Boggs officiating.   On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Jan 26 2008    Barbara J. Foster, 61, of Bickmore, Clay County, died Friday, January 25, 2008, at Montgomery General Hospital, Montgomery, following an extended illness. She was born August 12, 1946, at Bickmore to the late Sibert and Vesta Ramsey Osborne. She was a homemaker and a member of Laurel Fork Missionary Baptist Church, Lizemores.Survivors include her husband, Johnny Foster; sons, Danny Foster and wife Teresa of Lizemores, and Joey Foster and wife Wilma of Bickmore; grandson, D. J. Foster; special aunt, Frances Jordan of Charleston; half sisters, Linda Stewart and husband Harold of Montgomery Heights, Emogene Pritt and husband Stanley of Victor, Maryetta Foster and husband Timmy of Kanawha Falls, and Eva Stover and husband Steve of Kincaid; brother, Sibert Osborne and wife Arbutus of Bickmore; and half brother, Glen Ramsey and wife Sharon  of Bickmore. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 28, 2008, at Pennington Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Naaman H. Moore and the Rev. Bill Adkins officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Fola. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at the funeral home.

Jan 26 2008 George William Morris Jr., also known as "Dick", "Junior", and occasionally "Mike", was born October 12, 1934, to the late George William and Bessie Laverne Martin Morris in Dille, W.Va. Dad departed this life on January 17, 2008, after a brief illness in Columbia, S.C. He graduated from Widen High School in 1952. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ann Holcomb in February 1953, and they had five children together. He served in the U.S. Army for 23 years, where he served two tours of duty in Korea, two tours of duty in Vietnam, and one tour of duty in Indochina. He also served in Germany and Alaska. He retired while stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and resided in Columbia, S.C., until the time of his passing.  He was preceded in death by his sisters, Maxine "Peg" Benton of Dille, W.Va., and Etta Jean Flint of Garrettsville, Ohio; half brother, Johnie Morris of Virginia; and grandson, Jeremy Morris of West Virginia. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mamye E. Cribbe Morris of Columbia, S.C.; his children, Milford "Mike" and Paula Morris of Levittown, Pa., Morgan and Georgia Morris, Marguerite "Linda" and Dale Dowell, Melissa "Liza" Rauhecker, all of Pasadena, Texas, and Malcolm Morris of Missouri, mourn the loss of their father. They have always been proud of their father's service to our country, and loved him, even though he could not spend time with them. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, Joshua Morris of Pennsylvania, Amy, Meagan, Carole, Chelsea, Emmett, Beulah, Michael, Amber, and Arron Morris, and George Smith of Texas; and six great-grandchildren. Deeply saddened are his sister, Auline White of Dille, W.Va.; brothers, Garnie and Erma Morris of Summersville, and Esker and Madeline Morris of  Sutton, W.Va.; also his half siblings, James "Danny" Morris of Pennsylvania and Etta Jean Davis of Virginia; his stepchildren, Olin and Yong Cribbe of  Olympia, Wash., Terrel and Beth Cribbe of Anderson, S.C., Anne and Jake Briggs of Sugar Hill, Ga., and Patricia and Frank Cruz of Blythewood, S.C.  Dad made no distinction between his siblings and half siblings, or his children and stepchildren. He loved us all. He was loved by many, and leaves a host of nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; and cousins to remember his gift for telling of personal adventures and his infectious smile. He never met a stranger and always had a story. He loved to hunt and fish. Dad would return frequently to his roots, his home in West Virginia. He would come home to West Virginia to visit, and hunt and fish, frequently bringing an extended family member or a friend with him to show them his beloved mountains. The invention of the cell phone made it easier to stay connected with his children, and brothers and sisters, while he was in South Carolina. He was buried January 21, 2008, at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Columbia, S.C., with full military honors.

Jan 26 2008   SFC George W. “Mike” Morris, Jr., US Army (Ret)   Service with military rites for SFC George W. “Mike” Morris, Jr., US Army (Ret), 73, will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Morris died Thursday, January 17, 2008. Born in Dille, W. Va., he was a son of the late George William and Bessie L. Martin Morris. Retired from the U.S. Army, he served two tours of duty in Korea, served in Germany, served two tours of duty in Vietnam and also served in Indochina. After retirement from the military, he later retired from Spring Valley Air Conditioning. Mr. Morris loved hunting and fishing. He cherished time with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of forty years, Mamye Morris; sons and daughters- in-law, Olin and Yong Cribbe of Olympia, Wash. and Terrel and Beth Cribbe of Anderson; daughters and sons- in-law, Anne and Jake Briggs of Sugar Hill, Ga. and Patricia and Frank Cruz of Blythewood; brothers and sisters- in-law, Garnie and Erma Morris of Summerville, W.Va. and Esker and Madelyn Morris of Sutton, W.Va.; sister, Auline White of Dille, W.Va.; and grandchildren, Terri Wiley, Olin Cribbe, Jr., Kim Shipley, Justin Cruz, C.J. Briggs and Nicky Briggs.

Jan 19 2008     Christopher James Dwier, 29, of Clay, died January 18, 2008, as the result of an automobile accident.. Born on October 21, 1978, in Arlington, VA, he was the son of Guy E. Dwier of Huntingtown, MD, and Tammy Brown of Clay. He was a grounds man for Jeff Morris Tree Company. Survivors in addition to his parents, include his wife, Alexandreia “Allie” Dwier of Clay; brothers, Guy E. Dwier, Jr. of Clay, Jessie L. Dwier of Clay, Brandon M. Dwier of Huntingtown, MD, and Kenneth L. Sanford of Procious; sister, Jennifer Dwier of Clay; nieces and nephews, Anthony M. Dwier of Procious, Hannah J. Stone of Clay, Emma R. Dwier of Elkview, Kayley Dwier of Elkhurst, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Cassy and Oliver Ligeralde, and children, Michael, Austin, and Sarah, Billie Jarvis and daughter, Kylei Neal, and Cpl John and Elizabeth Jarvis. Funeral service will be 2 pm Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Ann Huddleston officiating. Burial will follow in Clay Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Monday at the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

Jan 19 2008  Joshua Kyle Hilbert Jr., 5-day-old son of Josh Hilbert and Jennifer Postalwait, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, in CAMC Women and Children's Hospital.Also surviving are maternal grandparents, Allen and Pam Postalwait of  Elkview; and paternal grandparents, Kyle Hilbert of Clay County and Kim Hilbert of Cross Lanes. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Hafer Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tim Young officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be sent at haferfuneralhome.net. Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview, is in charge of the arrangements.

Jan 15 2008  Olinee M. Rader, 93, of Canvas, Nicholas County, went home to be with the Lord January 12, 2008. She was born to the late Andrew and Lillie Chapman Amick at Carl on December 14, 1915.In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Alva G. Rader; son, Romea Rader; daughter, Retha (Wavie) Brahs; grandson, Michael Ussery; granddaughter, Susan Ussery; brothers, Louie and Arliss Amick; and sisters, Faye Hines and Vesta Amick. She had a great passion for needlework, quilting, knitting, crocheting and flower gardening, yet her greatest passion was serving the Lord. For more than fifteen years, she regularly attended elderly care centers to visit and sing gospel songs for the patients.  She is survived by daughters, Phyliss (Benny) Ussery of Pineville, La., and Bess (Floyd) Ussery of Denham Springs, La.; sons, Ross (Tracy) Rader of  Grove City, Ohio, Kyle (Bonnie) Rader of Summersville, Carl (Phyliss) Rader of Lizemores; daughter-in-law, June (Romea) Rader of Summersville; sisters, Opal Orlandi of Tampa, Fla., Ressie Munday of South Charleston, Goldie Shahanan of Oakton, Va., and Marie Amick of Summersville; brothers, Vernon Amick of Summersville and Johnney Amick of Mexia, Texas; 27 grand children; 40 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at White Funeral Home at Summersville with the Rev. Thurman Sizemore officiating. Interment will follow in Groves Cemetery on the Groves-Ford Road at Canvas. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Jan 13 2008    Herman Ray Murphy, 72, of Dille died Jan. 11, 2008, at his home after a long illness. Stockert-Gibson Funeral Home, Flatwoods, is in charge of  arrangements.

Jan 13 2008  Abner Jackson Canter, 71, of Widen, died January 11, 2007, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley. Born on Feb. 1, 1936, in Nicholas County, he was the son of the late William Ira and Virginia Grace Canter. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy, and a son, Johnny. He was a retired coal miner, and an Army Veteran.   Survivors include his wife, Shirley Ann Canter of Widen; sons, William Canter of Burnsville, James Canter of Harrison, and Edward Canter of Widen; daughters, Margaret Thomas of Widen, Audrey Canter of Harrison, and Peggy Duffield of Widen; step-daughter, Carolyn Keith of Elkhurst; brothers, Johnny Canter of Sissonville and David Canter of Montana; sisters, Stella Willard of Walkersville, WV, Nancy of Denver, CO, and Jennie Martinez of Littleton, CO; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.   Funeral service will be 1 pm Tuesday, January 15, 2007, at Walnut Grove Church with Minister Ronnie Tinney officiating. Burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Clay VFW Post 4419.  Friends may call from 6 to 9 pm on Monday at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay.   On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.

Jan 4 2008   Larry Wayne Bird, 42, of Dixie, Fayette County, died Jan. 2, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, of injuries received in a mining accident on Nov. 4, 2007. Born July 3, 1965, at Summersville, he was a son of Larry and Judy King Bird  of Dixie. He was a coalminer with Remington Coal Company. He was a member of the  National Rifle Association and Bell Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Dixie, and a member and coach of the Upper Kanawha Valley Little League Association. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his children, Christopher Bird of Chesapeake, Ethan Bird of Montgomery and Jordan Bird, Logan "Pen" Bird, Mollie Bird and Austin Bird, all of Charlton Heights; sister and her husband, Tammy and Thomas Morris of Ovapa; brother and his wife, Eric and  Suzy Bird of Charlton Heights; and two nieces, Allison Morris and Kelsey Bird. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Bell Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Dixie, with the Rev. Shane A. Wynn and the Rev. Norman B. Niemeyer officiating. Burial will be in Rich Creek Cemetery, Jodie.  Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Pennington Funeral Home, 331 Main St., Gauley Bridge.

Jan 4 2008  Monroe James "Jim" Holcomb, 97, of Indore departed this life and went home to Heaven on Jan. 1, 2008.  Born on Jan. 29, 1910, in Warfield (Adonijah,) he was the son of the late William Smith Holcomb and Blanche Barnette Holcomb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 77 years, Georgia Lee Neal Holcomb; one infant son, Moses; brothers, Wilford, Francis, Sam and Richmond; and sisters, Laura, Grace, Lula, Bessie, Ethel and Millie. He was retired from Alloy Plant and Union Carbide mines. He was a member of Lizemores United Methodist Church and the UMWA and was a born-again Christian. He preached, witnessed and spread the gospel through scripture to let everyone know about Jesus everywhere he went. He was a loving husband, father,grand father and friend. Survivors include his children, Earl Robert (Letha) Holcomb of Springfield, Ohio, and Jewel Allen (Beulah) Holcomb Sr. of Indore; a great-grandson whom  they raised, Allen (Alicia) Holcomb of Indore; grandchildren, Jewel Jr. "Tinker" (Lora) Holcomb of Indore, Robin (Della) Holcomb of Indore, Randy (Anita) Holcomb of Bickmore, Sherry (Dwayne) Walker of Lizemores, Wendy (Arden) Skidmore of Weston, Bobby (Mary Ann) Holcomb of St. Paris, Ohio, Marla (Jeff) Wood of South Vienna, Ohio, and Jimmy  Holcomb of Cable, Ohio; 15 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Ministers Carl Burrows and Don Dobbins officiating. Burial will follow in the Holcomb Cemetery, Holcomb Ridge, Glen.Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.Online