Edna “Faye” Blevins
Edna “Faye” Blevins, 79, died July 8, 2023.
She was born April 12, 1944, in Konnarock.
Faye was a child of God and of the Baptist faith. She attended Azen Baptist Church before her health declined. She worked many years as a seamstress. She is preceded in death by her parents Ordley and Jane Blevins; sisters Katherine Pugh, Hazel Blevins, Louise Hoback, Gay Church, Peggy Absher, and infant sister Mary; and brothers Bill “Bunk” Blevins, Lee Blevins, Lawrence Blevins and Buster Blevins.
She is survived by a brother Ed Blevins of Richmond; sister-in-law Lessie Blevins of Mouth of Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, great-great-nieces and -nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 15, at Azen Baptist Church in Konnarock with the Revs. Jimmy Lundy and Robert Blevins officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Blevins Family.
Dennis Charles Boone
Dennis Charles Boone, 68, died Friday, July 7, 2023, at Valley Healthcare Center in Chilhowie.
Boone was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Sept. 22, 1955. He is preceded in death by his parents Charlie Roger Boone and Dessie Naomi Boone, and a nephew Jeremy Charles Boone. Boone was a proud longtime resident of Konnarock, and worked many years as a local painter.
He is survived by his son William Porter Boone and fiancé April Biggs; daughter Kelly Boone; granddaughters Madison Boone and Page Evans and husband, Drew; great-granddaughter Hattie Evans; brother Gary Boone and wife, Janie; and other loving family and friends.
In keeping with his wishes, the family will have all services privately. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Boone Family.
Rita Crigger Copenhaver
Rita Crigger Copenhaver, 83, of Wythe County died July 5, 2023.
Copenhaver was born Jan. 23, 1940, in Speedwell and spent most of her life as a resident of Wythe County.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara Jean Hodge; her parents, Eugene Kyle and Fannie Edmonds Crigger; two sisters, Blanche McCallister and Thelma “Sis” Ward; brothers, Doug Crigger, Fred Crigger, Coy “Cotton” Crigger and Elmer Crigger; several beloved sisters and brothers-in-law as well as numerous special nieces and nephews; and the love of her life, Gene Carlson Walters.
Copenhaver is survived by her oldest son, Neal Carlson Walters of Hillsville and her youngest son and daughter-in-law, Jason Kyle and Mona Copenhaver of Max Meadows; grandchildren, Kala and Chad Ayers of Austinville, Karla Hodge Childress of Max Meadows and Emily, Blake and Ella Copenhaver of Max Meadows; great-grandchildren; Parker Reed Kitts, Adilyn Christine Griffin and Jemma Grace Childress; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery in Wytheville. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Pamela Anne Ebert
Pamela Anne Ebert, 76, died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Valley Healthcare Center in Chilhowie.
Ebert had a love and passion for angels, and now she is with them and all those she loved. She was caring, kind and loved her family deeply. She married the love of her life, Charles Ebert, on Nov. 23, 1985. They had two precious children who were the light of Pam’s life, Christopher, and Charles “Chucky” Ebert. Chris, along with his father, preceded her in death.
Graveside funeral services will be held in Arlington, Virginia. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Ebert Family.
Howard Wayne Ford
Howard Wayne Ford, 83, died Saturday, July 8, 2023.
Ford was born in Pike County, Kentucky, on July 17, 1939, to the late Acie and Dina Ford. He worked for 30 years as a salesman for three major tool distributors. After retirement, Ford worked several years with District Three in Marion as a transit driver. He was a Godly man and attended Pugh Mountain Baptist Church and Cedar Bluff Baptist Church throughout the years. He was kind, caring and had a genuine love for people. Ford always had a smile on his face, despite the health problems he faced. He was an avid classic car fanatic. Ford was a walking encyclopedia of car knowledge. He had a passion for restoring old cars, especially Mustangs. His gentle forgiving spirit will be deeply missed and cherished by all that knew him.
Ford is survived by his wife, Patricia Ford; seven children, Tammy Ford, Timothy Ford, Tina Peters and husband, Arnold, Trisha Dalton and husband, John, Kevin Nelson, Brandi Ford and Michael Ford; brother James Ford; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; special loving family Jim, Karen and Jamelyn Gillespie, Ruby Hancock and Gary and Connie Ross; and Cedar Bluff and Pugh Mountain church families.
Burial was at Rose Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Ford Family.
Kenneth Ray Gillespie
Kenneth Ray Gillespie, 62, of Ivanhoe died Saturday, July 1, 2023.
He was the son of the late Billy Gene and Peggy Dunford Gillespie, and preceded in death by a sister, Edith Baumgardner; one brother, W.S. Gillespie. Kenneth was a huge North Carolina Tar Heels fan.
He is survived by his daughter, Kaylee Gillespie; sons Jordan Lee Gillespie of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Walter S. Gillespie of Galax; best friend Early Gregory; special friend, Hope Sullivan, his little Princess, Karaline.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bonnie Haga
Bonnie Haga, 82, died Monday, July 10, 2023, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.
Arrangements will be announced by Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie.
Teresa Ann Cooper Howett
Teresa Ann Cooper Howett, 69, of Rural Retreat died July 5, 2023, at home surrounded by family after a long battle with congestive heart failure and COPD.
Howett was born in Franklin County, Virginia, to Basil Allen and Marie (Kessler) Cooper on Sept. 28, 1953. She grew up in the Mount Pleasant area and then the family moved to South Salem where she attended Glenvar High school and graduated in 1970.
Howett loved the ocean, sitting in the sand, the sound of the waves, and watching the sun set over the water. She also loved to cook, eat and enjoyed family dinners. She got her love for cooking from her grandmother, Marjorie Cooper, whom she shared a very special bond with. Howett enjoyed fishing, sitting on the porch swing and watching nature.
In the last year, Howett was a member of Crosspointe Community Church in Rural Retreat. She believed in and confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. She often spoke of going home to be with Jesus and we rejoice that she is with Him now.
Howett is preceded in death by her husband, George R. Howett.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Nicole) Morris of Troutville, Virginia, James (Cheryl) Kincanon of Pass Christian, Mississippi, Steven (Jennifer) Kincanon of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia and Ashton (Brandon) Nichols of Grand Bay, Alabama; grandchildren Leanna Morris Ferguson, Ally and Nicholas Morris, Isaiah Moran, Lindsey Norris, Carlos Norris, Maria Chavez, Kylie Kincanon, Grace and Noah Nichols; great-grandchildren Micah Gibson and Alijha Chavez; brother Jeff (Patricia) Cooper; sister Penny (Keith) Wingfield; and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Arrangements for cremation will be handled by Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion. Per Teresa’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. The family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the many doctors and nurses who cared for Teresa, as well as Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their end of life care. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the family.
Sharon Lee Kittle
Sharon Lee Kittle, 71, of Pulaski died Thursday, July 6, 2023.
Born July 19, 1951 in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Waters Kittle.
Memorial Service will be private.
Reese Funeral Home is serving the Kittle Family.
Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com
Robert “Bobert” Charles Lawson
Robert “Bobert” Charles Lawson, 65, of Max Meadows died Friday, July 7, 2023.
Born Jan, 28, 1958, in Pulaski, he was the son of the late Kelly and Lauretta Vaughan Lawson
He loved to ride horses and go camping. He loved his grandchildren. He worked in the mines for New Jersey Zinc in Austinville and for Volvo for 32 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Tammy Lawson, of Max Meadows; daughter Michelle Lawson of Max Meadows; son Dustin Lawson; one brother, K.W. Lawson and wife, Mary Lynn, of Chilhowie; 10 grandchildren, Logan Lawson, Bailey Lawson, Dakotah Lawson, Hailey Dalton, Jace Lawson, Cailey Dalton, Brody Lawson, Shailey Dalton, Ryleigh Lawson and Mailey Lawson; special friends Robert Dawson, Judy Gordon, Keith Chrisley and Joe Ettwein; sister Joyce Holcomb; and several nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Burial was at Mount Zion Community Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com
Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Lawson Family
Mary Frances “Penny” Mercer
Mary Frances “Penny” Mercer died Thursday, July 6, 2023.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother “nan.” She loved her family and friends and enjoyed her career with Atkins Tax Service until she retired to care for her grandchildren. Mercer loved the Lord, singing, the church choir, plays, and fellowship at Grace United Methodist and Marion First Church of God until her health declined. Mercer was the life of the party and she will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Virlia Parks; sisters Myrtle Parris and Iola Minotti; brothers, Henry Parks, Robert Parks, Ted Parks and Blane “Gene” Parks making her the last surviving sibling.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years (July 15), Sherman Mercer of Marion; daughters Debbie Peake and husband, David, of Marion and Janice Moore and husband, Darrell, of Kingsport, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Angela Reynolds and husband, J.R., Laura Hernandez and husband, Lazaro, David Peake II (Meghan and Laila Sigmon), Chris Moore and wife, Megan, Matthew Moore and Mark Moore; four great-grandchildren, Jacob Reynolds, Katilyn Reynolds, Hailey Reynolds and Oakleigh Moore; and several nieces and nephews.
Burial was at Rose Lawn Mausoleum.
The family wishes to thank everyone, especially, Bill and Edith Reynolds for all of the food, prayers, cards, calls and support. Flowers are appreciated or donations to the charity of your choice.
Care for Penny’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Ronald Michael Musser
Ronald Michael Musser, 80, died Monday, July 10, 2023, at his home in Rural Retreat.
Musser was a loving husband, dad, grandad, brother and friend. He founded Musser Lumber Company in 1968 and his contribution to the community has extended many decades. He enjoyed farming and spending time with his family. Musser was a faithful member of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church where he taught an adult Sunday school class and was a trustee for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Musser; daughter, Robin Musser; and grandson, Thomas Musser.
He is survived by his sons Mick Musser and wife, Melissa, and Ed Musser and wife, Lisa, all of Rural Retreat; sister, Peggy Rule of Waynesboro, Virginia; five grandchildren, Garrett, Matthew, Andrew, Abby and Ben; several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers; Deyni, Mona, Beth and Katy.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 12, from noon until 2 p.m. at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, 132 Churchland Drive, Atkins. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Justin Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery, 4410 Lee Highway, Marion.
To share memories of Ronald Michael Musser, please visit www.seaverbrown.com Care for Mike’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Joyce Doss Smith
Joyce Doss Smith, 84, died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at home.
She was born March 18, 1939, to the late Luther Blaine and Josephine Doss. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Dean Smith; son, Robert Keith Smith; brother, Carl Joe Doss; sisters, Shirley Doss Hutton and Betty Ruth Doss Lamb.
She attended Chilhowie United Methodist Church.
The loves of “Nane Smith’s” life were her grand, great- and great-great-grandchildren. She loved teaching them how to play games. She loved playing golf with the older ones and dancing with the little ones. She treated the “littles” in her neighborhood on holidays.
Survivors include one daughter, Cindy Surface and husband, Dan, of Marion; two sons, Greg Smith of Chilhowie and Tim Smith and wife, Rachel, of Glen Allen, Virginia; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Smith of Fredericksburg, Virginia; grandchildren Shannon Donnelly and wife, Katie, Joel Donnelly, Kristi Mason and husband, Keith, Haley Smith fiancé Brian, Cody Smith and wife, Ashley, Paige Hall and husband, Keith, Dustin Smith, Griffin Smith and fiancé Emily, Walker Smith and wife, Barden, Isabella Smith, Beth Barco, Daniel Surface III and Seth Ratliff and wife, Caiti; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Lindsey, Caitlin, Summer-Ann and husband, Timmy, Harper, Delaney, Brenner, Aspen, Liam, Amelia, Adrianna, Addalyn, Abigail, Keely, Zach, and one on the way; great-great-grandchildren, Brycen, Alex, Tatum and Paxton; brothers, Doug Doss and wife, Velma, and Ronnie Doss and wife, Jennifer, of Chilhowie; sister, Agnes Odham of Bristol, Tennessee; one special sister-in-law, Mary Lane Doss of Chilhowie; one brother-in-law, Dale Smith and wife, Margaret, of Richlands; and numerous loving nieces and nephews on both the Doss and Smith sides.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at Williams Funeral Home with Jerry Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be sent to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, PO Box 376 Chilhowie, VA 24319. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home is serving the Smith Family.
Charles Clayton Spraker
Charles Clayton Spraker, 71, of Max Meadows died Monday, July 10, 2023.
He was born Nov. 19, 1951, in Carroll County, the son of the late Henry Clayton Spraker and Violet White Spraker. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Payne Spraker, and a brother, J.D. Spraker.
Survivors include his children, Kimberly and John Caudle, Mico Roach and Dylan Spraker; grandchildren, Amber and C.C. Coffey and Courtnie Caudle; a sister, Jewell Surratt; and brothers, Ray and Clara Spraker and Wayne and Judy Spraker.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at Fort Chiswell Church of God with the Rev. Kenneth Quesenberry officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the funeral service.
Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Charity Cemetery.
Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Spraker family.
Clarence Cecil Sturgill
Clarence Cecil Sturgill, 83, died Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at his home in Chilhowie.
Sturgill was born in McDowell County, West Virginia, to the late William and Oda Pennington Sturgill. Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by a son Joe Sturgill; brothers Bradley Sturgill and Harlan Sturgill; and a sister Doris Hayes.
Sturgill was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from Liberty Hall High School and attended VA Highlands Community College. He retired after many years of service from Bristol Compressors.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Patsy Martin Sturgill; son William Sturgill of Chilhowie; daughter Deanna Sturgill of Bristol; special granddaughter McKayla Sturgill of Summerville, South Carolina; daughter-in-law Kim Sturgill of Summerville; sister Maxine Shupe; brother Archie Sturgill; and several nieces and nephews.
Burial was in Grosses Creek Church Cemetery in Chilhowie. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Sturgill Family.
