Irene Powers Blevins
Irene Powers Blevins, 96, died Feb. 9, 2024, at her home in Maryville, Tennessee.
She was born Jan. 27, 1928, in Grayson County, Virginia to John Quincy and Mamie Osbome Powers. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 45 years Lawton M. Blevins. Brother, Dr. Douglas F. Powers.
Survivors include daughters Terry B. King (Jerry) and Barbara B. Foore (Harold); grandchildren Brian K. (Susan) King, Jessica K. Rosenblad (Peter), Sarah K. Hall (Steven), Amy F. Street (Matt), and Jeremy Foore (Jennifer); 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She had an overwhelming love for animals, and they loved her in return. Irene was a talented seamstress, cook, and gardener. Her selfless care and love were felt by her family and friends. She retired from Sears Catalog Store in Marion, after 25 years of service. Blevins was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Marion, and Bear Creek Lutheran Church, Atkins. Upon her move to Maryville, she became a member of Clover Hill Presbyterian Church.
There will be a private Graveside Service later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P-Paws Spay and Neuter Clinic, 6869 Morganton Road, Greenback, TN 37742. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.
This is a courtesy announcement from Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion.
Mescal Beulah Haywood Brooks
Mescal Beulah Haywood Brooks, 85, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at her home in Sugar Grove.
Brooks was born in Smyth County on May 12, 1938. She was known as a diligent and devoted woman who cherished her family dearly. With 34 years of service, she retired from the SWVA Mental Health Institute, where she oversaw the Horticulture Department. Following retirement, she spent 20 years working with the county at local convenience stations. Brooks had a passion for art, loved traveling, and even held a pilot’s license. Above all, she exemplified the qualities of a devout Godly woman to her family and remaining committed to her faith and serving faithfully at her church, Carmi Baptist.
She is preceded in death by her parents Martin and Charlotte MacWaters Haywood; her husband, Albert Brooks; three brothers, Don Haywood, Bill Haywood, and Wayne Haywood; and a grandson Clifton Patton.
Brooks is survived by her three children, Melissa Patton and husband, James, Stephen Brooks and Robert Brooks and wife, Melissa; sister Wilma Cressell; grandchildren Tonya Patton, Shane Brooks, Tomeka Brooks, Robert Brooks and McKenzie Brooks; great-grandchildren Brittany Kidd, Daniel Patton, Jace Brooks, Lily Boehm, Levi Brooks, Madelyn Brooks, Nicholas Weyant and Garrett Brooks; a great-great granddaughter Grace Keys; and several nieces, nephews, her church family, and her special pet companion Lucy.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16, , from the Bradley’s funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Rev. Kenny Price officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at Blue Springs Church Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Brooks Family.
Debra “Debbie” Moore Dailey
Debra “Debbie” Moore Dailey, 64, of Austinville died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024.
She was born June 3, 1959 in Buchanan County and was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Ayers Moore, a brother, Tony Ayers and former spouse, Jackie Goines.
Survivors include her husband, Keith Dailey; five sons, Marc and Pam White of Barren Springs, Matt and Jennifer White of Hillsville, Charlie Goines and Heath Dailey of Asheville, North Carolina, and Kendall Dailey of Canton, North Carolina; three daughters, Heather and Tim Stanfield of Weaverville, North Carolina, Haley and William Harris of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and Hope Dailey of the home; sister, Janet Hunt of Christiansburg; a brother, Billy Moore of Winston Salem, North Carolina; 64 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.
Burial was at West End Cemetery.
Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Dailey family.
Ann Marie Eberly
Ann Marie Eberly, 56, died Feb. 13, 2024, at her home in Chilhowie.
She was born on Oct.7, 1968, in Smyth County.
The family will have a private Celebration of Life Service at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie, is serving the family of Ann Marie Eberly.
Chadrick S. Fink
Chadrick S. Fink, 30, died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.
Fink was preceded in death by his father, Jerrell Fink.
He is survived by his mother, Regina Fink; brother Todd Fink and wife, Amanda and daughters Brenna Fink and Bayleigh Fink and son Ranger Fink; a sister Jerrellynn Fink and daughter Alexis Fink and son Andrew Fink; and three very special aunts, Carolyn Little, Debbie Fink and Ann Fink along with many loving cousins.
He also leaves behind too many friends to be able to list that Fink cared for dearly. He carried them, and the family was very close to his heart. As we all know Fink had a heart made of gold and cared deeply about helping others and he had a smile simply contagious. Though he left this world too soon, he will be remembered by the kaleidoscope of wonderful traits he had. His love was strong and true. To lose someone so precious brings a pain that can’t undo. To lose someone like Fink far before his time has truly been a devastating loss and he will never be forgotten.
The family will receive friends Friday, Feb. 16, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel from 4 till 6 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Ovella McGhee Ford
Hazel Ovella McGhee Ford, 96, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, surrounded by family at the home of her son Ronny.
She was known for her smiles and quick-wittedness, she gave joy and happiness for those who knew her. She was a gifted seamstress and supervisor at local sewing factories. While Ford was able to drive, she attended worship services at Chilhowie First Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Graham Ford; sons Ricky Ford and Myron Ford; one grandson, Alan Ford; her parents, Estle and Susie McGhee; and 10 siblings.
Ford is survived by her son Ronny Ford and wife, Lynnette; stepdaughter, Judy Owens; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; one sister, Mixie McAllister and husband Dallas; and several nieces and nephews.
Burial was at Kellys Chapel Cemetery. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home is serving the Ford Family.
Margaret Mae Eller Gilbert
Margaret Mae Eller Gilbert, 85, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.
Gilbert was a faithful pastor’s wife, a loving mother and a dedicated schoolteacher for 16 years. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was faithful in many areas within her local church. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, the Rev. Charles R Gilbert Sr. (Preacher Pat); her parents Jake and Flora Blevins Eller; and all of her siblings Robert Eller, Junior Eller, Peggy Reeves, and Sis Thompson.
She is survived by three children, Cheri Renee Rector, of Chilhowie, the Rev. Charles Ronald Gilbert Jr. and wife, Angie, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, and Anthony Shane Gilbert and wife, Kimberly, of Pulaski; and two grandchildren, Olivia Jane Gilbert of Pulaski and Taylor Gage Gilbert and wife, Aleah, missionaries in Ilulissat, Greenland.
Receiving of family and friends will be held Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. Celebration Service held at the Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie, with the Rev. Charles Gilbert Jr. officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Westwood Memorial Gardens in Chilhowie. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Gilbert Family.
Ronald Gene Hughes
Ronald Gene Hughes, 70, of Max Meadows died Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
Hughes was born on July 28, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of 15 he moved to Virginia with his parents and resided in Graham’s Forge where he attended Fort Chiswell High School. At the age of 18 he married his high school sweetheart and immediately “went to work” to build a life of happiness for them. He attended Wytheville Community College to receive his associates degree in business, while being manager of the Men’s Department of Belk in Wytheville and was quickly promoted to Manager of the Belk store in Princeton, West Virginia.
At the age of 22 he joined his father in the construction business, which is now known as Hughes Construction, Inc. He worked as a class A contractor, proudly designing and building 352 houses and multiple rental properties in Wythe County. During this time, he utilized his skills as a real estate investor, banker, draftsman and architect to build a successful business. He was also active in all things related to improving the community and organization of his small town. He was proud that in the last several months his son and two grandsons returned to Hughes Construction, carrying on five generations of the family business.
While Hughes was a successful carpenter and businessman, he also was a devoted Christian who attended Graham’s Forge United Methodist Church faithfully most of his life, holding multiple offices and supporting the church and United Methodist Conference as a lay speaker and supporting his church family on all levels. He recently became an active attendee of Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church. He had a strong faith in God and loved working for the Lord in any capacity he saw a need. Where there was a void, he would step up and take on the challenge, from building improvements to directing the choir. He was an avid lover of music. He was a self-taught drummer and a member of the Trailblazers Quartet, traveling every weekend to share his talent as a drummer and a singer, but most importantly to share his love of Jesus. He loved to sing and as his health declined, he devoted much of his time to practicing his music every day so he could perfect solos to sing at church.
Hughes also developed a love for cattle and dove into farming as a hobby and a way to relax. He turned this hobby into H&H Farms with his son, becoming successful in the Gelbvieh breeding business and establishing friendships within the Gelbvieh cattle organization.
Recently, he became a licensed real estate agent and was excited to start a new journey as an official real estate agent.
Hughes has much success to be proud of, more than can be listed here, but his greatest love was for his family and closest friends. He was a devoted brother and father, never missing a sporting event no matter how far away or how much he had to do. He loved his lifelong wife and was happiest when the two of them were around their children and grandchildren sharing stories about their life together.
If you knew Hughes, you knew one thing….He LOVED TO WORK! But his work was more than a job or a career and every minute of it was for his family. It was about building a legacy; being remembered as a good man that loved the Lord; a man that always took care of his family; a man that taught us that the world is tough, but you have to be tougher; a man of principal, values, morals, and belief in the idea that hard work and honesty would always pay off in the end; a man that stood firmly on the fact that no matter what, God was in control and prayer could change the world!
Hughes ended a 25-year battle with Crohn’s Disease on Feb 9, 2024 surrounded by his family. His work boots will never be filled, but his life will be honored in the many successes he left behind and the family that cherish every memory with him.
Hughes was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Trula Hughes and special nephew Joshua Hughes.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Nancy Hughes of Max Meadows; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Kevin Matthews of Max Meadows; son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Heather Hughes of Max Meadows; brother and sister in-in-law, Steve and Juanita Hughes of Elon, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Lynsey Phillippi, Reed Phillippi, Greyson and Sydney Hughes, Aubrey Hughes, Mallaury Hughes and Ella Hughes; two step-grandchildren Emma and Gray Matthews; and many special sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and cousins.
Burial was in West End Cemetery in Wytheville. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the https://www.joshuadanehughesfoundation.org/
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at
www.grubbfuneralhome.com
The Hughes family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home, Wytheville.
Charles Ernest Jackson
Charles Ernest Jackson, 88, died Feb. 8, 2024.
Born and raised in Wythe County, Jackson was the son of the late Ernest Bentley and Ethel Mabe Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Williams Jackson; sister, Velma “Tiny” Kirby, and Cleta Brown; and one brother, Thomas Bentley Jackson.
Survivors include one sister, Faye “Cub” Poole of Moneta, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Jackson loved his family. He was most proud of being a U.S. Army Veteran and a farmer.
Burial was at Mt. Pleasant Community Cemetery, Wytheville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Anchor of Hope Presbyterian Church, 197 Max Meadows Road, P.O. Box 211, Max Meadows, VA 24360 or to Mount Pleasant Community Cemetery Fund, c/o Fonda Albert, 216 Queens Knob, Wytheville, VA 24382.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
David Michael Kell
David Michael Kell, 65, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at the Mountain Laurel Rehab in Rural Retreat.
Kell was born in Smyth County on Feb. 7, 1959. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Bonnie Lea Kell, his parents and several brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his daughter Melissa Stevens and husband, Kristopher, of Saltville; grandson Tyler Stevens; sisters Dana Shuemake and Betty Thomas; brother Eddie Kegley; and several nieces and nephews.
Private graveside funeral services will be held at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Marion. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Kell Family.
Elmer “Bubby” Lane
Elmer “Bubby” Lane, 79, died Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 at home.
To know Bubby was to love Bubby. He absolutely loved being with people. He was the embodiment of what it means to be a true community and kept up with his friends and so many of them helped him. He loved his dog Roscoe, being with his friends in the PACE Program, eating hot dogs, riding around and just being Bubby. The world was a better place with him in it. Today, Heaven is sweeter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Alice Lane; four sisters, Mary Ellen Lane, Corrine Oakes, Alma Lane Guynn, and Beulah Lane Heath; and brother, George Dalton Oakes.
Lane is survived by his brother-in-law, Riley Heath of Marion; several nieces, nephews and their families; special friends, Ronnie Hall, Kenny Perkins and Eddie DeBord, all of Marion and his friends at the Mt. Rogers PACE Program.
The family will receive friends Friday, Feb. 16, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel with the rEv. Ricky Herald officiating. Burial will follow in South Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, 215 South Fork Road, Marion.
To share memories of Elmer “Bubby” Lane, please visit, www.seaverbrown.com.
Melanie Stillwell
Melanie Stillwell, 54, died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at LewisGale Medical Center, Salem, Virginia.
Stillwell was an outgoing, fun loving, dancing, mother, nana, and sister. She was family oriented and enjoyed traveling – especially when it would involve hiking, and fishing on the riverbank with her boys. She worked for American National College and Church Court Daycare in Roanoke until they closed. After their closing, her 20-30 year old “kids” were still reaching out to her and she was there for them. She was a published author who loved reading and writing; and passed that love on to her children. Her good dark sense of humor (the only kind) and love for Ozzy Osborne music will be missed by all of her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Delora Sutherland; father, Bill Doss Sr.; and sister, Donna Doss.
Stillwell is survived by her husband, Scott Stillwell; daughter, Ellen Branham; sons, Aaron Branham (Ashley) and Cody Branham (Samantha); sister, Laura Elkins (Bobby); brother, William “Billy” Doss (Linda); two grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of special friends including, Jennifer Ferguson, Amie, Jim Milner.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m. at Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Road, Roanoke.
To share memories of Melanie Stillwell, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
William Anthony Suter
William Anthony Suter, 58, died Feb. 11, 2024 at his home in Rocky Mount, Virginia.
The family will have a private memorial service at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Suter family.
John Paul Testerman
John Paul Testerman, 50, died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Testerman was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, and was preceded in death by his father, Harrison Testerman Jr. and eight brothers and sisters. Testerman worked in construction most of his life and was a member of the Smyth County Moose Lodge. He enjoyed drawing, fishing, and shooting pool. John was a loving husband, father, and his grandkids were his world.
Survivors include, his wife, Vickie Smith Testerman; mother, Sharon Ford Testerman; children, Dustin Testerman and wife, Trisha; Brandan Testerman, Jeremy Testerman; grandchildren, Elleeana Testerman, Octavia Testerman, Dante Sigworth; special nephew Derek Orr; and special family pet, Agnes.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Stuart Orr officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Testerman family.
John Watts Walke Jr.
John Watts Walke Jr., 67, of Ivanhoe died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. He was born June 15, 1956 in Ivanhoe.
Graveside services will be private.
Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Walke family.
