Obituaries ; Obit [Charleston Gazette, The (WV)]

Arrangements by Handley Funeral Home in Danville. You may express your condolences to the family at www.handleyfh.com.

James P. Estes

James P. "Dick" Estes, 84, of Scott Depot, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013, at his residence.

He was a lifelong resident of Putnam County and he was born on August 16, 1928 to the late Cleve and Clarrie Estes. He was also preceded in death by his son, Paul Estes of Nitro; brothers, Earl Estes of DeLand, Fla., John Estes of Hurricane; sisters, Gladys Short of Hurricane, Marie Casto of Dunbar and Elizabeth Beattie of Ripley.

Dick attended Hurricane schools. In 1946, he enlisted into the US Navy. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked for Union Carbide for 19 years. After leaving Union Carbide, he owned and operated several small businesses in the valley including Colonial Carpets and the Buck Stove Store. He was also a builder and land developer.

Surviving include his wife Sandy; daughters, Cindy Estes and Dan Bittinger of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Christy Estes of Scott Depot. Also, he is survived by his grandchildren, J. D. Estes and his wife, Courtney of Hurricane, Dustin Schirtzinger of Hurricane, Andi Schirtzinger of Scott Depot, Nick Schirtzinger of Hurricane; and three great- grandchildren, Bryson Murrell, Paxton Schirtzinger and Allison Estes; brother, Carl Estes of St. Albans.

Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Chapman Funeral Home, 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane with the Rev. Charles V. "Sonny" Williams officiating. Friends may visit for viewing from 6 until 7 p.m. Monday prior to the funeral service.

The family would like to give his caregiver, Terrie Smith Williams, a special thanks for all her love and care.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to your local animal shelter.

Online condolences may be made at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.

Sheena Juanita Frame

Sheena Juanita Frame, 29, of Baxton, Va., formerly of W.Va., died April 12, 2013. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Richwood Cemetery, Richwood. All arrangements were made by Simons- Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood.

Betty June Hammons

Betty June Hammons, 80 years young, of Cross Lanes, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 17, after an extended illness. She spent the last two years at home after leaving Hubbard Hospice House in 2011. Her daughter, Karen, has been her personal caregiver during this time with help from Hospice and friends and family.

Betty was born June 8, 1932, and grew up in Buffalo, W.Va. She graduated from Buffalo High School and was Miss Bison. She was a long time resident of Cross Lanes and a member of Cross Lanes United Methodist Church. Over the years she was highly active in both church and community activities. Most people remember her as a trusted partner of her husband's Nationwide Insurance business.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Atha and Lorena Tucker of Buffalo; sister, Jerry; and brother, Daymond; and her loving husband of 44 years, James "Big Jim" Hammons.

She is survived by her sister, Frances Bawner of Calif.; her son, Jimmy Hammons of Cross Lanes; daughter, Karen and son-in-law, Tim Hogan also of Cross Lanes; grandson, Travis and wife, Deanna Hogan of Poca; grandsons Issac, Eli and Logan Hammons; and great- granddaughter, Gracie Hogan; and great-grandsons, Landon Hogan and Brody Hammons.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church with Pastor George Webb and Pastor Gary Nelson officiating, burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. Family will receive visitors at 10 a.m. prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Dr.Charleston, WV 25311.

Gatens-Harding Funeral Home 147 Main Street Poca is serving the Hammons family. Online condolences may be sent to www.hardingfamilygroup.com.

Donald Keith Hays

Donald Keith Hays, 46, of Clendenin, died peacefully at home after an extended illness.

He attended Cold Springs Gospel Tabernacle Church, Clendenin.

He was the son of the late Sylvia Murl Robinson Hays.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Harry Michael Hays; sister, Brenda Joyce Ferrell.

Donald is survived by wife, Anita Yvonne Crites Hays; son, William Alexander "Alex" Hays; daughter, Emily KeeAnn Hays, both at home; stepson, Bret Michael Knight of Webster Springs; father, Clarence Ray "Red" Hays of Clendenin; brothers, Ray Hays of Gandeeville, W.Va. and David Larch of Ala.; sisters, Bonnie Goodrich of Spencer, W.Va., Bobbie Knight of Calhoun Co., W.Va. and Debbie Larch of Texas; grandchild, Brayleigh Knight.

Funeral service will be 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Matics Funeral Home, Clendenin, with Pastor Charles Larue officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 22. Burial will be at the Hays Ferrell Cemetery, Clendenin at a later date. American Legion Post 61 will perform military graveside rites. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to Matics Funeral Home P. O. Box 549 Clendenin, WV 25045 to help on the funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be expressed at maticsfuneralhome.com.

Judy Carolyn Jenkins

Judy Carolyn Jenkins, 63, of Charleston, went to be with the Lord, April 19, 2013.

She was born November 20, 1949, in Cabell County and preceded in death by her birth mother, Anna Marie Adams Jenkins; father and mother, Corbett and Myrtle Jenkins.

Judy was a graduate of Huntington High School and retired from CASCI.

She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend.

She is survived by her loving family, daughter, Tashana Jenkins; son, Brian Jenkins; grandson, Desalle Jenkins; sister, Brenda Jenkins; lifelong friends, Donna and Robert Rose, all of Charleston.

A celebration of Judy's life will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the Elk Funeral Home, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, W.Va. Burial will follow in Bicker Cemetery, Milton. The family will receive friends from noon until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests donations to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive Charleston, WV 25311.

Arrangements are in the care of Elk Funeral Home, Charleston.

William Edward Lasure

William Edward Lasure, 82, of Charleston died April 8, 2013. Arrangements by Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home, Charleston.

Mark E. McCoy

Mark E. "Etchy" McCoy, 51, of Eleanor, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013, at VA Medical Center, following a short illness. He was a 1979 graduate of Buffalo High School and affiliated with the Buffalo Nazerene Church. Following high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and spent the majority of his military career in Anchorage, Alaska. "Etchy" was a kind hearted, compassionate, giving and loving person who will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Born September 21, 1961, he was the son of Earl R.McCoy and Mary E. DeWeese McCoy of Eleanor.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving companion, Pam Loudin of Buffalo; sister, Sheila (Thomas) Hedrick of Buffalo; brothers, Steven (Dawn) McCoy of Eleanor, Bart (Kimberly) McCoy of Rodchester, Minn., Travis (Celeste) McCoy of Jacksonville Fla.; nieces, Sadie, Rebekah and Kiera McCoy; nephews, Austin and Cooper McCoy.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Raynes Funeral Home Eleanor Chapel, Eleanor with Pastor Sherry Kinsey officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor, with military graveside honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the McCoy family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com.

Raynes Funeral Home, 303 Ash Circle, Eleanor is in charge of arrangements.

Woodrow McFann

Woodrow McFann, 88, of Kanawha City died April 20, 2013. Harding Funerals & Cremations, Kanawha City is serving the McFann family.

Reba Mae McPherson

Reba Mae Blount McPherson, 85, of Dunbar, went home to be with the Lord on April 16, 2013, after a short illness.

She was born on January 25, 1928, in Ward, daughter of the late James and Emma Blount. She was a graduate of East Bank High School and was a longtime member of the Charleston Mountain Mission, where she sang in the choir.

Reba was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar McPherson; brother, Thomas Blount; and sisters, Toby Williams and Retha Milam.

Surviving are her stepson and wife, Fred and Deborah McPherson of Dunbar; grandchildren, Matthew and Jenny McPherson of Advance, N.C., Katherine and Dr. Michael Robie of Hurricane, Andrew and Michele McPherson of South Charleston; great-grandchildren, Quinn and Grace Robie, Bryce and Ryan McPherson and numerous family members and friends.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Fairley McCormick officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar. Friends may call at Keller Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fairley McCormick Cancer Fund, c/o Charleston Mountain Mission, 1620 7th Avenue, Charleston, WV 25387.

Freda Anne Nicholson

Freda Anne Nicholson, nee Steortz, 84, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan in Brookings, Ore., on April 13, 2013. Freda was born January 11, 1929, in Charleston, W.Va., the daughter of Ruby Pearl King and Charles Marshall Steortz.

Freda was a graduate of the former Stonewall Jackson High School and later attended nursing school at Morris Harvey College (presently University of Charleston). During her spare time she enjoyed trips to the beach with her good friend and future sister- in-law, Francis "Frannie" (Nicholson) McGrew. It was through Frannie that she met a handsome young man named John Thorne Nicholson, who she would marry in 1948 and together raise four children.

Freda was a devoted wife and mother, supporting John's career that required several moves around the country. Freda's newfound roots in Winston-Salem, N.C., were always most fond to her and from there made many memorable trips to Myrtle Beach, S.C., with her family. In the late 1960s the family relocated to Chico, Calif., where Freda remained for many years after John's untimely passing in 1977. Afterwards, she became the sole caregiver for her disabled son and ailing mother. She had lived in Crescent City, Calif., for the past 12 years until her recent move to Brookings.

Freda is survived by her sister, Helen (Paul) Gannon; sons, Blake (Shao) Nicholson, John "Bo" Nicholson and Mark (Odette) Nicholson; daughter, Annie (Hugh Bremner) Nicholson; grandson, Sean Nicholson, son of Blake and Shao; and a number of relatives from the Nicholson family, including brother-in-law, Sam McGrew, a longtime resident of Charleston.

The immediate family will be holding a private memorial service in Winston-Salem, N.C., in July.

Robert "Curtis" Patterson

Robert "Curtis" Patterson, 80, of Charleston, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, April 18, at Hubbard Hospice House, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Estel Patterson; daughter, Terrie Elaine; and sister, Phyllis Murphy.

He retired from Union Carbide, Institute, where he worked as a lab supervisor. He served in Korea as a lieutenant with the US Army. He was a bible teacher for many years and served as a deacon for 22 years at Kanawha Baptist Temple.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara; son, Pastor Curtis "Eddie" Patterson and his wife, Sharon; brother, Clinton (Joan) Patterson; grandsons, Nathanael (Crystal) Patterson, Jonathan and Jason Patterson; great-grandaughter, Karis; and many nieces and nephews.

Service with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 61 will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the Kanawha Baptist Temple, #1 Baptist Mountain, Charleston, W.Va. 25311, with his son, Pastor Curtis "Eddie" Patterson officiating along with Pastor Bill Bartlett. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Family and friends will gather on Monday evening at the church from 7 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Kanawha Baptist Temple at the above address.

Curry Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfuneralhome.org.

II Corinthians 5:8 ....Absent From The Body And Present With The Lord.

Charlene Ruth Price

The earthly journey of Charlene Ruth White Price ended April 19, 2013. She was tired of the road traveled and went on to a more peaceful, restful place.

Charlene was the only daughter of the late Milton and Bessie (Stewart) White, born December 13, 1933. She was preceded in death by husband, Curtis W. Price Sr.; son, Curtis W. Price Jr.; brothers, Bertie Kendal Senter, Donnie, Robert, Charley and Beecher White.

She leaves behind daughters, Sue (Timmy) Toler of Bald Knob, Toni Price (Roger) Beavers of Merritt Island, Fla. and Ruth (Timmy) Spratt of Van; brother, Teddy R. White of Bald Knob; four grandchildren, Curtis Henry Price Beavers, Christopher Dylan Price Beavers, Jedidiah (Denise) Spratt and Josara (Richard) Bishop; three great-grandchildren, Taylor and Jaxon Spratt and Oakland Bishop; and a host of extended family and friends.

Charlene spent her life caring for others first. She loved her family and was a devoted mother.

Our mother was a private person, and due to the request by her, there will only be a one hour visitation followed by a brief memorial service at 2 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Handley Funeral Home, Danville with son-in-law, Timmy Spratt officiating. Burial will be in Danville Memorial Park.

The family would like to ask that in lieu of flowers, food or gifts, that you do it for the living in your family and community. Have a family dinner, spend time with a shut-in...better yet visit the hospital or nursing home and share a smile. There are many who are still on the journey and the days get long. Should friends desire, a contribution may be sent to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stollings and his staff, BCAA, BMH for all their compassion and care.

You may express your condolences to the family at www.handleyfh.com.

Geraldine Grace Roode

Geraldine Grace Roode, 79, of Diana died April 18, 2013. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs. Friends may join the family for visitation on Sunday, April 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home.

James Ronald Sirk

James Ronald Sirk, "Coach Sirk" 66, of Clay, entered into rest Friday, April 19.

Born August 5, 1946 in Duck, he was the son of the late Ray and Ethel Dix Sirk. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Donald and Larry Sirk; and sister, Betty Sigman.

He was a Marine Veteran, retired school teacher and coach. He was a member and trustee of the Farview Baptist Temple.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jennifer Pitzer Sirk of Clay; daughters and sons-in-law, Kelley and Cary Johnson of St. Albans, Kristen Ashley and Timothy Kerns of Lewis Center, Ohio; grandson, Jaron Wayne Johnson of St. Albans; brother, Marvin Sirk of Duck; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Lonnie Carter of Duck; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at noon, Monday, April 22, at Fairview Baptist Temple, Two Run, with Pastor J. Bret Wiley officiating. Burial will be in Clay Memorial Gardens, Clay. Friends may call two hours prior to the funeral service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sirk family.

William Arthur Smith

William Arthur "Bill" Smith, 68, of Campbells Creek, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, April 19, 2013, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, after suffering a long illness of diabetes.

Bill was born in Charleston on June 1, 1944, a son of the late Matthew Smith and Ruby Lykins Smith. He was retired from the Kanawha County Board of Education and member the Rhonda Full Gospel Tabernacle.

Bill is survived by his wife and caregiver, Frieda Cassell Smith; daughter, Patricia White of Charleston; son, Jake Hensley of Campbells Creek; sisters, Hilda (Thad) Isner of Baltimore, Md. and Eva and special brother-in-law, Paul Henderson of Malden; half- brother, Marshall (Sharon) Norman of Prince, W.Va.; special nephew, Matthew Isner of Baltimore, Md.; a host of nieces and nephews; he loved his pets, Buster, Tabby, Black Jack, Patches and Coco.

Funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Stevens and Grass Funeral Home, Malden with the Rev. Mike Paynter and Rev. Mike Long officiating. Burial will follow at Cline Hollow Cemetery, Campbells Creek.

A visitation with family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family wants to thank the staff of Hubbard Hospice House especially Heidi, Becky and Dorletta.

The online guest book can be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.

Luther Lester Thornton

Mr. Luther Lester Thornton, 70, of Charleston, went to sleep in the arms of the Lord, Thursday April 18, 2013.

He is preceded in death by his ex-wife and long time friend, Artie Thornton; several brothers; and his parents, Fleetie and Luther Thornton.

He is survived by his children Dreama, Tammy, William and Patty Thornton, Marlena "Punkin girl", Luther "Lukey" and Jessica Thornton, Adam "Woody" and Kristen Thornton, Benjamin "Benny" and Danielle Thornton, Mollie "Maude" and Richard Moss, Richard "Itty Bit" and Wendy Thornton; daughter-in-law, Danielle Thornton; three sisters, Betty Smalley, Ruby Atkins, Magaline Casto; several grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his best friends of many years, Corky Miller, Punkin Miller, Dorsal Casto, Kanky Burdette; and a host of family and friends.

A tribute to the life of Luther Lester Thornton will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Barnette Chapel Church with Pastor James Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the funeral home in his honor.

Anna Rosebud Walker

Anna Rosebud Pierson Walker, 96, of Charleston, changed her address to heaven on April 19, where she will be united with her Lord and Savior; parents; brothers; sisters; her husband, Earl S Walker; and her son, Robert (Bobby) Walker.

She was born in Clay, W.Va., on March 9, 1917, into the large family of Benjamin F. and Lydia Pierson. She moved to Charleston as a young bride. Here she raised her family and lived an extraordinary life. She will be sadly missed by those left behind including her sister, Virginia (Jack) Whitmer of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.; daughters, Nancy Walker, Kay (Tom) Dutton, Mary Lou (Nick) Munoz, all of Charleston; grandchildren and their families, Tommy (Tiffany) Dutton, Joey Dutton, Mary Ann (Nathan) Sam, Joel and Ben Nelson, Nicholas (Jessica) Oliver Munoz, Amy (Tyler) Haddie and Molly Evert; caregiver, Louise Pauley; and many other family and friends.

Ann, as she was called by her friends, was a stay-at-home mom until age 42 when she went to work for the Charleston Sanitary Board. She retired from that job as office manager after 42 years of service at the age of 84. As one might guess from her retirement age, Ann loved to be active and was "on the go" all her life. She loved to shop, but more than that, she loved to give. Ann was a wonderful cook. She loved sharing her culinary masterpieces which included her popular peanut butter fudge and pecan pies.

She was a very generous and gracious giver of her time, talents and money. She loved people and could always find some good in everyone. She was passionate about "walking the walk" for causes she believed in. This drive led her to become a Republican committeewoman, a position she held for over 50 years. It also led her to her lifelong membership and participation in Emmanuel Baptist Church and the Lydia Bible Class. She was a strong supporter of education and children.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 22, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronald L. Stoner officiating. Burial will follow in the Pierson Cemetery, Clay, W.Va.

Visitation with the family will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the church and one hour prior to service also at the church.

The family will accept Memorial online condolences at: cpjfuneralhome.com. Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the Walker Family.

Ann W. Watlington

Ann W. Watlington, a cancer survivor for almost 20 years, departed this life on April 2, 2013. She was at home, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Paul B. Watlington, Jr. ('04) and Lelia Carson Watlington ('10).

She is survived by her precious daughter, Carson S. Watlington; her sister, Judy W. Hudgins (George); and her brothers, Paul Watlington (Kazue) and Sam Watlington.

Ann attended Calvary Baptist Church, where her father was minister from 1957 until 1970. A member of the Stonewall Jackson HS Class of 1969, Ann graduated from Westhampton College, University of Richmond, to become a distinguished teacher of social studies and history, influencing the lives of many students for 30 years in Henrico County Va.Public Schools. She loved teaching and neighbors may remember rainy days where they served as "students" in a makeshift classroom where Ann was the "teacher" even before she was a first grader. Recipient of numerous awards during her career, Ann continued to share her love of history after retirement, teaching at the Valentine Richmond History Center and as a tour guide at the John Marshall House, St. John's Church and the Dooley Mansion at Maymont, in Richmond. She was also a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Ginter Park Baptist Church. Ann's keen interest in history was far surpassed by her passion for being a mother. In 1999, accompanied by her sister, she travelled to China and adopted her beloved daughter, Carson, at the age of two. Their lives revolved around a love of animals, each other and the pursuit of education. Contributions in Ann's memory may be made to Ginter Park Baptist Church, 1200 Wilmington Ave., Richmond VA 23227.

Memorial service for Ann will be 3 p.m., Sunday, April 21, at Ginter Baptist Church.

Funerals Today Bock, Reinhold G. 2 p.m., Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Bowles, Anna F. 3 p.m., Richmond Cemetery, Sandstone. Butler, Bayward 1:30 p.m., Stockert-Sizemore Funeral Home, Flatwoods. Canfield, Macil J. 2 p.m., Wallace & Wallace Chapel, Rainelle. Gillispie, Lawrence L. 2 p.m., Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Grose, Charles R. 2 p.m., Summersville Baptist Church, Summersville. Hackney, Melba L. 2 p.m., Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home, Charleston. Lovejoy, Shelley D. 11 a.m., Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin. Margolis, Stanley H. 4 p.m., Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston. Parsons, Geraldine M. 1 p.m., Casto Funeral Home, Evans. Plaugher, Julia A. 2 p.m., Durbin United Methodist Church, Durbin. Smith, William A. 3 p.m., Stevens and Grass Funeral Home, Malden. Ward, E. V. Noon, Wilson-Shamblin- Smith Funeral Home, Clay.