Albert Lee “Bob” Asbury
Albert Lee “Bob” Asbury, 93, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at home.
Asbury was born Feb. 7, 1930, to the late Price and Mary Alice Armbrister.
He was an avid fisherman with a great passion for gardening and would challenge his family to compete over whose garden was superior year after year. He was a devoted husband to his wife and loving companion, Virginia Asbury, and together they built a large family. He was a loving father to eight children, and was a gentle giant to all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Asbury retired from the Radford Arsenal in the 80’s and had many great friends from his time spent there. He will always be remembered for his hard work ethic – you couldn’t find a more hardworking person. Even in the summer of ’23, at 93 years old, he was very active and could be found gardening, fishing and mowing his property.
In addition to his parents Asbury was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Asbury; son, Gary Asbury; sons-in-law, Jimmy Fisher and Frederick Nester; granddaughter, Michelle Hudson; grandsons, Jamie Collins and Keith Nester; granddaughter-in-law, Melissa Nester; great-grandson, Andrew Smith; brothers, William Asbury and Kenneth Armbrister; sisters, Betty Huff and Alma Hall.
He is survived by his children Linda Nester, Darlene Vaught, Kathy and Bill Martin, Shelby Fisher, Sheila Smith, Ricky Asbury and Sherry Jones; two sisters, Sylvia Archer and Carrie Huff; grandchildren, Lora and Jason Ash, Russell Martin, Robert Smith, Matthew and Elisha Asbury, Daniel Smith, Sheena Palmer, Amanda Kennedy, Joshua and Oriann Smith; great-grandchildren, Raven and Zachary Poskas, Kayla and William Dalton, Dakota Brewer, Jacob Kennedy, Zoie Hudson, Kristin Kennedy, Scarlett Smith, Walter Smith, Wyatt Smith, and Patience Taylor; great-great-grandchildren, Aleyah Nester, Peyton Poskas, Gracie Dalton and Alexander Quesenberry; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, services will be private.
To share memories of Albert L. “Bob” Asbury, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Amougine L. Barker
Amougine L. Barker, 90, of Max Meadows died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Born Dec. 6, 1933, in Ivanhoe, she was the daughter of the late Thomas “Tick” Waller and Cecil Taylor Waller.
She was always complimenting others. She loved to farm and enjoyed the Ford tractor. She loved the children she taught in school and enjoyed teaching Sunday school. Her nieces and nephews would come visit in the summer and she enjoyed having them. She liked to work word puzzles. She was always busy. She enjoyed having big meals with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Dean Barker; two sisters, Elva Barker and Edna Brown; two brothers, Andrew and Frank Waller.
Survivors include one son, Calvin Barker and wife, Phyllis, of Max Meadows; one daughter, Tresia B. Samani and husband, Jim Maher, of Max Meadows; sisters Sue Porter and husband, Hershel, of Charlottesville, Cornelia Bedwell of Rocky Mount and Lois Leonard of Rocky Mount; two grandchildren, Matthew Cole Barker of Max Meadows and Parrisa Barker Rupe and husband, Casey, of Max Meadows; two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Lane Rupe; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted Friday, Jan. 5, at Mount Hope Cemetery near Fries at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Rick Lindamood officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Reese Funeral Home of Austinville is serving the Barker family.
Nellie Marilyn Davis Burke
Nellie Marilyn Davis Burke, 87, of Wytheville died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.
Born April 4, 1936, she was the daughter of the late John Clark and Rhiney Arnold Davis.
She loved reading, cardinals and Pepsi. She enjoyed tending to her flower beds. She had a very extensive plate collection. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and Sunday lunches.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Davis Burke; son Douglas David Burke; daughter Rita Purcell; two brothers, Joe Lee Davis, John Clark Davis Jr.; and three sisters, Mary Lou Blevins, Betty Arnold and Wanda Moyer.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Davis Burke of Wytheville and Douglas Davis Burke II of Wytheville; two daughters, Patricia Billings of Wytheville and Rebecca Oester and husband, Eric, of Toledo Ohio; and 10-plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Burial will follow in The St Paul Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery at a later date.
Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Burke Family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com
Barbara Ann Burkentine
Barbara Ann Burkentine, 77, of Sugar Grove died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.
She was born in Grayson County on Dec. 31, 1945, the daughter of the late Arlie Garfield Swinney and Eula Belle Ring Swinney. Burkentine was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Clettus Burkentine; sister, Betty Rosenbaum. She was a faithful member of the Brookside Baptist Church in Sugar Grove.
Surviving are her children, Sheila Hodge (Faron) of Ivanhoe, Shirley Crigger of Fries, Mike Burkentine (Dawn) of Rural Retreat and A.J. Burkentine (Dana) of Crockett; grandchildren, Beth Tibbs, Logan Musser, Levi Burkentine, Paiten Burkentine, Aiden Burkentine and Easton Burkentine; great-grandchild, Addison Tibbs; brother Bobby Swinney; sisters Rita Goodson, Wanda Leagans and Mary Alice Shupe, all of Fries; and several nieces and nephews.
Burial was at the Mountain View Cemetery.
Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, is serving the Burkentine family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.highlandfuneralservice.com
William A. “Bill” Cregger
William A. “Bill” Cregger, 78, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at home.
Cregger was born Jan. 21, 1945, in Tazewell County to the late Edgar and Effie Cregger.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate of 46 years, Pauline Cregger; son, William Stuart “Midge” Cregger.
Cregger is survived by daughters Susie Cregger, Kathy Bishop and Etta Cregger (Michael Mitchell), all of Wytheville; sons David Cregger and wife, Pat, of Wytheville and Timmy Cregger and wife, Felicia, of Atkins; brother Joel F. Cregger of Ceres; six grandchildren, Alicia, Tiffany, Tommy, Brandon, Cody and Sabrina; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Bryan; great-great-granddaughter, Lakyn Deel; and three bonus-grandsons, William Allen, Buster Akers and Herman Bishop.
Burial was at Zion Cemetery, Ceres.
To share memories of William A. “Bill” Cregger, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Joanna Lynn Spencer Hash
Joanna Lynn Spencer Hash, 66, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at her home in Marion.
Hash was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, to the late Lloyd Spencer and Edna Musgrove Spencer, and was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Hash. She enjoyed traveling, taking pictures, camping, and horseback riding. She was a professional cosmetologist having owned and operated Joanna’s Hair and Tanning in Atkins.
Survivors include her brothers, Darrell Spencer, Lonnie “Bulldog” Spencer and wife, Patricia; sister, Katrina Spencer; two nephews, Zach Spencer and wife, Tabitha, and Tyler Spencer; and special friends, Brenda Robinette, Rhonda Clark and April Duncan.
Burial was in Rose Lawn Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the family.
Ronald Elbert “Ronnie” Houseman Sr.
Ronald Elbert “Ronnie” Houseman Sr., 87, of Wytheville died Monday, Dec. 25, 2023.
He was the son of the late Elmer Guy and Daisy Robinson Houseman. Houseman was the owner and operator of the Houseman Service Station. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Umberger Houseman; brothers, Guy Houseman Jr., and Nelson Houseman.
Houseman is survived by his by his daughter and son-in-law, Marina and Joe Marshall of Hillsville; son, Ronnie “Bubba” Houseman Jr. of Wytheville; grandchildren, Kayla and Matthew Beamer, Tanner and Emily Marshall, Lauren and Drew Hall, Trey Houseman, Josh Houseman and Megan Houseman; and 10 great-grandchildren and two new great-granddaughters.
Burial was in West End Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Michael Franklin Hubble
Michael Franklin Hubble, 66 of Christiansburg died Dec. 31, 2023, with his daughters by his side.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Hubble; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thomas Reese; and special uncle and aunt, Merlin and Opal Foltz.
Hubble is survived by his daughters Morgan Hubble and Michelle Ratcliff and son-in-law Billy Ratcliff; parents Donald ‘Buck’ and Jamie Hubble; siblings Vicki L. Hubble, Donna Hubble Pickett and Robert Paul Hubble II and wife, Heidi; best friend and cousin, Mark Alley and wif,e Sue; and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was a proud veteran of the US Army. Michael was a dedicated father, beloved brother and son, who had a soft heart for animals, and was literally prepared for anything. He will be missed.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, from noon-1 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home with memorial services to follow at 1p.m. in the Chapel. Horne Funeral Home, Christiansburg, is serving the Hubble family.
Courtesy announcement by Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville.
Georgia Nevada “Vada” Louthen Kirby
Georgia Nevada “Vada” Louthen Kirby, 97, died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023 at Mountain Laurel Rehab & Nursing, Rural Retreat after numerous stays at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon since early September.
Kirby was a long time member of Marion Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school to the “lil ones”. She enjoyed her friends at church (they had their own pew) and her bowling league ladies, but her family was everything to her. She was the most loving wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, and friend to all she met.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James V. Kirby; sisters Bobbie Mabe and Chris Baker; brothers Tony, Sherman, Deal and Nacy Louthen; and her very special friend, Otho Anderson, who brought much joy to their late golden years.
Kirby is survived by her daughter, Karen Warren (John); grandchildren John, Jenny and Jason Warren of Great Falls and Heathsville, Virginia, and Julie Warren Schilligo (Greg) of Weldon Spring, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Addison, Will, and Rachel of Weldon, Spring; sister, Katie Louthen of Chilhowie; brother, Campbell Louthen of Bluff City, Tennesseee; very special friend, Ella Roberts, her “adopted daughter” who cared for Vada and they loved each other “too much;” extended family, Otho Anderson’s family, Bev and Phillip Justice and Otho’s granddaughter, Ashley; sister-in-law, Betty Louthen and nephew, Eddie Louthen – who meant the world to Vada (both of Marion); and nieces, Patty, Mevi and Teresa.
If we could all aspire to living such a long life with so much joy and love for others, the world would be a much happier place. May God sit a little closer and His warmth comfort us.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 4, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Stret, Marion. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. with Blake Frazier and Eddie Louthen officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery, 4410 Lee Highway, Marion.
To share memories of Georgia Neveda “Vada” Louthen Kirby, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Thelma Marie “Patsy” Lambert
Thelma Marie “Patsy” Lambert, 81, of Bland died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.
She was born in Wythe County on Feb. 6, 1942, to the late J. Walter Webb and Mae Felts Webb. She was preceded in death by her brother, Delmer Webb. Lambert had many friends throughout Bland and Wythe Counties including numerous co-workers at ABB and Pascor Atlantic over the course of 45 years.
Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-law, Stanley and Rebecca Viars of Draper and Michael Lambert of Bland; daughter, Tonya Ferguson of Botetourt, Virginia; companion of over 40 years, Philip King of Bland; stepchildren, Kevin and Crystal King of Christiansburg and Kelli Chewning of Bland; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Margaret Webb of Hillsville; 10 grandchildren, Kristi Anderson, Travis Viars, Courtney King, Greg Muncy, Breyden Ledbetter, Grayson Chewning, Dustin Chewning, Brady King, Mason King and Eden King; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Burial was at the St. Paul Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery with Pastor Tom Maurer officiating. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Online Condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
The Lambert family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home.
Deborah Carol Lee McClanahan
Deborah Carol Lee McClanahan, 68, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.
McClanahan was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a Social Service worker for nearly 20 years and was one of the best counselors the Job Corps had. When she wasn’t working or spending time with family, she liked watching her Golden State Warrior basketball.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Joseph and Mary Frances Lee; brothers, Carl Anthony Lee and Phillip Stanton Lee.
McClanahan is survived by her daughter, Anica Charrise Gambill of Fairlawn; sisters, Sharon Louise Young of Dublin and Marian Lee Smiley (Michael DeLamond) of Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Joseph Keith Gambill (Rosie), Jaidan Kinzer, Janyah Gambill, and Jyseir Lewis; two great-grandchildren, Gabriella Rhys and Joseph Keith Gambill; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
Burial was in Slemp Cemetery, Sugar Grove.
To share memories of Deborah Carol Lee McClanahan, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Sandra Elaine Plummer
Sandra Elaine Plummer, 64, died Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.
She was born in Smyth County and was preceded in death by her granddaughter Toni Plummer. She was a licensed practical nurse and had worked at Francis Marion Manor. She was loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed taking pictures, fishing, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking care of her nieces and nephews.
Survivors include, her children, Joseph Lee Plummer Jr. of Marion and Gregory Scott Plummer and wife, Nellie, of Chilhowie; parents, Luther Junior Shumate and Helen Eva Shumate; grandchildren, David Plummer, Grayson Plummer, Carter Plummer, Mara Plummer and Xander Plummer; brothers Rocky Shumate and Chris Shumate and wife, Tammy; nephew, Matt Shumate; nieces, Stacey Gamble, Audra Tolbert and Justice Stamper; special brother, Charlie Plummer; and special friends, Eula Arnold and Linda Royston.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie with the Revs. Jim Lundy and Dennis Eller officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. prior to services. Private interment will be in Davis Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Plummer family.
Connie Sue Reeves
Connie Sue Reeves, 64, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon.
Reeves was one of a kind. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Her grandchildren were her world and they loved their nanny just as much. She was always busy and was a hard worker. She worked at the Bank of Marion for 10 ½ years and Cargo gas station as a cashier. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed bowling, softball, and was a huge supporter of Relay for Life. Reeves always put others needs before her own. She was a kind, loving, family oriented lady with a contagious laugh; she would speak her mind and if you were her friend, you were a friend for life and you were loved. Connie Sue could give the best advice and would stay up as late as it took when you needed her to listen. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Frances Heath; grandparents, Conley and Geneva Bridgeman, Tom and Dora Heath; father and mother-in-law, Dean and Mildred Reeves.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Curtis M. Reeves; daughter, Frances Reeves; son, Randy Reeves (Betty), all of Marion; sister, Melissa “Peanut” Burnett (Ricky) of Draper; brothers, David “Duck” Goble of Marion, Carl “Worm” Heath of Chilhowie, Tracey “Pickle” Heath of Kansas and Robert “Beattle” Heath of Hendersonville, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Autumn Kaye Reeves (Tyler), Kammi Grace Reeves, Thomas Luke Reeves, Rayven Kalli Clark and Michelle Billings; great-granddaughter, Alexis Caudell; several nieces and nephews and their families; special friends, Bessie Tilson, Sherry Smith, and Helen Hanshew all of Marion; and bonus granddaughter, Jordin Stull.
Special thanks to Leland Combs.
To share memories of Connie Sue Reeves, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Daniel Madison Reynolds
Daniel Madison Reynolds, 70, of Ivanhoe died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.
Born Feb. 22, 1953, in Salem, he was the son of the late Cecil Black and Ruth Muncy Reynolds
He was a hard worker, and he loved planting. He could grow anything. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for 6 ½ years and received an honorable discharge.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters Becky Reynolds and Mary Reynolds.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Reynolds of the home; two sons, Daniel Matthew Reynolds and Burt Quincy Reynolds; three stepsons, Jimmy Lee Gilmore, Shawn Thomas Gilmore and David Roy Light Jr; sisters, Martha Conner and Elizabeth Reynolds; and several grandchildren who loved him very much.
Per Daniel’s wishes, there will be no services. Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Reynolds family.
Sylvia Gentry Richardson
Sylvia Gentry Richardson, 88, of Marion died Monday, Dec. 25, 2023.
She was born on Aug. 7, 1935 in Buckingham County, Virginia, and lived for over 60 years in Marion. Richardson was a loving mother, gifted teacher, and an extremely versatile and talented artist. She dedicated her life to her family and growing the arts in the Appalachian Region. While Sylvia was best known for her colorful quilts, she also made incredibly creative woven baskets, scarves, and wearable art such as vests. Her quilts won multiple blue ribbons and have been featured in books, magazines, and newspapers. She was instrumental in the revival of the Lincoln Theatre and helped coordinate and promote the Annual Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Festival. Sylvia also traveled around Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia teaching quilting classes. She was also an avid tennis player who won the Smyth County Women’s Doubles Championship. She loved playing tennis with friends and family. She attended Fluvanna High School and later pursued higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University where she majored in elementary education.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Emmett Vynston Richardson Jr., and her parents Gordon and Roseabel Gentry.
Richardson is survived by her children, Ric, Brent, Ryan, and Anne Richardson; grandchildren, Blake, Drew, Kyle, Carter, Griffin, Ainsley, Jack Ryan, Nolan and Caylynn; great-grandson Zachary; sister Jeanne Gentry Keck; brother Gordon Gentry Jr.; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
She was a member of the Marion First United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Food Pantry at the Marion First United Methodist Church, 115 South Church Street, Marion VA 24354.
To share memories of Sylvia Gentry Richardson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com
John Raymond Stiltner Sr.
John Raymond Stiltner Sr., 70, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee.
Stiltner was born in Welch, West Virginia, on May 28, 1953. He is preceded in death by his parents Dona Lonzo Stiltner and Arizona Bishop Stiltner; three sisters, Edna Millhorn, Charlotte Smith and Myrtle Barger; and nephews Tommy and James Millhorn, and Daniel and Aaron Griffith.
He is survived by his children John Stiltner Jr. and wife, Amanda, Lonzo Stiltner and wife, Chasity, Dona Stiltner, Shayne Missildine and Brandon Stiltner and wife, Rachael; brothers Walter Stiltner and wife, Frances, and Charlie Stiltner and wife, Jackie; sisters Donna Jean Robinson, Melissa Reeves and Minnie Turner and husband, John; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Stiltner Family.
Susie Crewy Stone
Susie Crewy Stone, 95, died Dec. 28, 2023, in Maryland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Crewy and Mae Armstrong Crewy. She was the devoted wife of the late William Stone Sr.
Survivors include her children, Charles Stone and his wife, Ruthann, and James Stone; and six grandchildren.
Burial was in Hutton Cox Cemetery in Sugar Grove.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Stone family.
Emma Pauline Stallard Thomas
Emma Pauline Stallard Thomas, 91, died Dec. 30, 2023.
She was born in Meadowview to the late Montie and Trula Stallard, and was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Coalson and brother Ralph Stallard.
Thomas lived a fulfilling and meaningful life. She made a positive impact on her community in many ways. With her marriage of 73 years, where she and her husband help found the Abundant Life Christian Center, and her devotion to the Lord. She was a beautiful woman with a kind soul.
Survivors include, her husband, James Steward; sons Christopher Thomas and James Curtis; brothers RL Stallard, Tony Stallard, Carl Stallard and Glenn Stallard; sisters Eunice, Marie, Linda and Betty; four grandchildren, Stacy, Deanna, Joshua and wife, Teresa, and Miranda and husband, Michael, seven great-grandchildren, Dylan, Maddie, Devin, Jacob, Shawn, Christopher, Mikey and Ella; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 4, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Pauline Thomas.
