Otis Lee Bowles
Otis Lee Bowles, 69, died Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Wythe County Community Hospital in Wytheville.
He was born on Oct. 22, 1953, to the late Ralph and Evelyn Bowles. Bowles was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Bowles.
Survivors include two sons, Kevin Bowles and wife, Elizabeth, and Brian Christopher Bowles; brothers, Kenneth Bowles and Larry Bowles and wife, Karen; sisters, Shelby Taylor, Nancy French, Judy and Johnny Hull, and Kathy and Benny Deatley; grandchildren, Harlen Nelson, Ryan Nelson and wife, Lacresia, Noah Bowles and Abel Bowles; great-grandchildren, Maverick Nelson and Easton Freeman; special niece, Judy; and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held 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 family of Otis Bowles.
James William Cameron Sr.
James William Cameron Sr., 55, of Wytheville died July 14, 2023.
He was born in Frankfort, Germany, on Jan. 26, 1968, to Virginia Burkett and the late Joseph Rodney Cameron Sr. He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Joseph Rodney Cameron Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Grubb Cameron, of Wytheville; daughter, Charity Cameron of Rural Retreat; two sons and daughter-in-law, James Jr. and Courtney Cameron of Cripple Creek and Michael Cameron of Wytheville; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Theresa and Hoss Lindamood of Wytheville, Diane and Fred Kreiman of Kansas and Debbie and Carl Albert of North Carolina; two brothers and sister-in-law, Edward and Shari Cameron of Maryland; John Cameron of Wytheville; and four grandchildren, James Cameron III, Ezerial Cameron, Saverah Cameron and Lettie Cameron.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, July 29, at the Life Changers Christian Center with the Revs. Todd and Tammy Porter officiating.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at wwwgrubbfuneralhome.com. The Cameron family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home.
Betty Lee Williams Crabtree
Betty Lee Williams Crabtree, 78, of Ceres died Thursday, July 13, 2023.
She was born Oct. 14, 1944, in Wythe County, daughter of the late Lee Corbett and Laura Mabe Williams. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, William “Bill” Crabtree of the home; daughter, caregiver and special friend, Billiejo Dillow and spouse, Robert; three grandsons, Connor Dillow, Grayson and Nytara Dillow, Kyle and Lyndsy Dillow; two “Sugar Babies” Hezakiah Cole Dillow and Atlas Bren Dillow; three sisters, Barbara Shannon, Janet and Tommy Lester and Kathy Catron, all of Wytheville; three nephews, Tommy and Linda Lester, Andy and Chris Lester, Timmy and Amy Lester; three nieces, Denise and Richard Kosiba, Diane Shannon and Elizabeth Williams; special friends, Chris Goodman, Sandra Brooks and Vickie Clark; and many extended family and friends.
Burial was at Sharon Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ceres.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Crabtree family.
Charles Graham Crockett
Charles Graham Crockett, 92, of Wytheville died July 12, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander Graham Crockett and Lenna Painter Crockett, brother Alexander Crockett, and two daughters, Angela Denise Crockett and Valerie Jeanne Crockett and his wife, Betty Hammack Crockett.
He is survived by his daughters, Renee L. Crockett of Max Meadows, Michele Crockett Thompson and her husband, Ethan Tobie Thompson, of Double Oak, Texas; granddaughters, Emily Nicole Waclawczyk and husband, Aaron, of Austin, Texas, Natalie Elise Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and grandsons Michael D Bell and wife, Karyn, of Burbank, California, and Matthew D. Bell of Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Crockett was a graduate of Wytheville High School, Class of 1949. He was an Army veteran and served in Korea during the Korean War from November 1952 until February 1954 with the 984th Engineer Field Maintenance Company, 45 Engineer Group, 8th Army. He was a life member of American Legion Wythe County Post 9, VFW Post 2179, Korean War Veterans Association, Wythe County Historical Society, Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association and Past President of the Sons of American Revolution, Lt. David Cox Chapter.
Crockett was a retired Reliability Engineer having worked on the design and development of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. He was a member of the Wytheville Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Wytheville Town Council from 1996-2004. He was instrumental in forming three different organizations and was the original Board of Directors of the New River Regional Water Authority, the Wytheville Training School and Culture Center, and the Crossroads Institute in Galax. The Wytheville-Wythe Bland Chamber of Commerce named him Outstanding Citizen of the Year for 2013.
Burial was in the West End Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials to be made to the Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands, 425 Grayson Road, Wytheville, VA 24382.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
James Leon Gordon
James Leon Gordon, 75, of Rural Retreat died Tuesday July 11, 2023.
One of his proudest accomplishments while here on Earth was serving in the United States Army. Gordon was the true definition of a hero, earning the prestigious Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart during his military career. Gordon never met a stranger and would offer a hand to anyone in need. His memory will live on forever in those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his wife Norma Sue Gordon and parents Earnest and Annie Gordon.
Survivors include his sons James and Wendy Gordon and Scott and Janelle Gordon of Rural Retreat; sister, Teresa Howell of Rural Retreat; granddaughters: Maggie Gordon of Roanoke and Eden Kennedy of Rural Retreat; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Graveside military memorial service will be held Friday July 21, at 1 p.m. in the beautiful Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat with the Rev. Darren Smith officiating.
Teresa Renee Gordon
Teresa Renee Gordon, 49, of Ivanhoe and formerly of Rural Retreat, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
She was born in Bluff City, Tennessee, on Sept. 5, 1973. She was preceded in death by the father of her children Ronnie Gordon and best friend of many years Chris Poe.
She is survived by her children Gabrielle Gordon of Ivanhoe and Jimi Lee Randall Gordon of Marion; parents Jimmy and Rosa Davidson of Rural Retreat; brothers James Davidson and wife, Kayla, of Glade Spring, Jimmy Davidson Jr. and wife, Nikki, Mason Davidson and wife, Kelli, all of Rural Retreat; nieces and nephews, Gatlin, Kiley, Kaydix, Lorelia, Clay and many cousins; and special friends Becky Sexton of Rural Retreat and Renae Gray of Marion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lindsey Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, is serving the Gordon family. Online condolences may be sent to the family.
Fleta Marie Oldham Hasley
Fleta Marie Oldham Hasley, 85, of Austinville died Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
She was born Feb. 19, 1938, in Sanford, North Carolina, daughter of the late Wilbur T. and Josie Wicker Oldham. She was also preceded in death by a son, Paul Mason and grandson, Eric Hasley.
Survivors include her husband, Wayne Hasley of Austinville; two daughters, Debbie Garrett and special friend, Tommy and Donna Mason, all of Sanford; three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael C. Mason and wife, Darlene, of Fort Chiswell, Scott Mason and wife, Darlene, of the Mule Hell community and Daniel Mason and wife, Barbara, of Sanford; her granddaughter, Crystal Marie Mason and special friend, Todd; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Burial was in Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the family.
Barbara “Susie” Copenhaver Haywood
Barbara “Susie” Copenhaver Haywood died Friday, July 14, 2023.
Private graveside services were held at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin.
Oakey’s South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, is serving the Haywood Family.
Connie Sue Henderson
Connie Sue Henderson, 64, of Wytheville died July 15, 2023.
She was born in Wythe County on April 18, 1959, to Alvin Lee and Elizabeth Bowman Henderson.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Kody Tench; son Jimmy Elkins; granddaughter, Lilly Tench; two sisters and brother-in-law, Debra Kirby; Tina and Earnest Hyman; brother and sister-in-law, Gary Wayne and Jama Blair; nephew, Cody Kirby; niece and spouse, Morgan and Travis Flinton; great niece and nephew, Leah Flinton and Levi Flinton; two step great nephews, Jermey Hyman and Nick Hyman; and special friends, Edna and Tim Voorhees.
Burial was at the Mt Mitchell Methodist Church Cemetery.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
The family is in the care of the Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.
David Eugene “Jady” Jones
David Eugene “Jady” Jones, 59, died Tuesday, July 18, 2023, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his father David Gilmer Jones.
Jones followed in his dad’s footsteps driving tractor-trailers. He loved to drive and was a hard worker. Jones enjoyed going to church and loved gospel music. He also loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed going to Bubba’s shop to spend time talking and visiting with his friends.
He is survived by his wife, Dena Ingo Jones; daughters and son-in-law, Jessica and Aaron Pauley and Heather Jones and fiancé Will Kilgore; mother, Sue Fisher Jones; grandchildren, Cooper and Payton Pauley; stepchildren, Kayla and Seth Carico, Tanner Mabe, Dakota and Lauryn Mabe; step-grandchildren Ava and Boone Carico and Paisley Mabe; mother-in-law, Patricia Ingo; father-in-law and wife Dwight and Linda Ingo; sister-in-law Marsha Ingo and brother-in-law Christopher and Tammy Ingo; aunts and uncle Nancy and James Scott and Geneva Stroupe; and many special family, friends and neighbor, including his beloved dogs, Lucy, Ozzy and Rosie.
Funeral service will be held 7 p.m. on Friday, July 21, at Fort Chiswell Church of God with the Revs. Kenny Quesenberry and N.R. Taylor officiating. Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday July 22, at the West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Fort Chiswell Church of God – 1193 Fort Chiswell Road, Max Meadows, VA 24360. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com.
The Jones family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.
Donald Eugene Lowman
Donald Eugene Lowman, 70, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Lowman was a talented mechanic who could fix anything – and people brought everything to him. He was a faithful employee of Royal Mouldings (DG Mouldings) for more than 40 years. Lowman loved his Lord and was a lifetime faithful member of Valley View Baptist Church where he enjoyed playing bass for the choir. As a youth and young man, he used his bass playing talent and joined his family traveling and singing gospel music as “The Singing Martins.” Lowman’s presence will be greatly missed by his church family for many reasons. Including his help making apple butter and molasses, a tradition he took part in for many years after his parents passed. When he wasn’t at work, or repairing something, he enjoyed building motors for racecars and lawnmowers. Lowman was a humble man who never had a bad word to say, loved everyone, was always smiling and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Sadie Lowman; sisters, Linda Lowman and Lois Robinson;
Lowman is survived by his daughters Charlene Kirk (Joey) of Marion, Tammy Bell (James) of Atkins and Kate Lowman (Heather) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; grandchildren, Cameron Kirk, Austin Kirk, Kayla McCracken and Everly Lowman; great-grandchildren, Jaiden Kirk and Albanie Kirk; brother, Ronald Lowman and wife, Rita, of Tannersville; special uncle, David Lowman; several nieces and nephews and their families; and many special friends.
Burial was at at Slemp Cemetery, 234 Horne Hollow Road, Sugar Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valley View Baptist Church, 1622 Slabtown Road, Sugar Grove, VA 24375.
To share memories of Donald Eugene Lowman, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Don’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Tracy Smith McCarty
Tracy Smith McCarty, 43, died Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
McCarty was a graduate of Marion Senior High School Class of 1998. She then attended Radford University where she received her bachelor’s in reproductive biology. She then graduated from ETSU Class of 2005, receiving her Master’s Degree while working at the college as an adjunct faculty professor. McCarty returned home to Marion after college, working at Marion Baptist Church, serving as youth minister. She taught part-time at her alma mater, Marion Senior High School as a biology teacher. McCarty served in many roles proudly, always doing her very best and leaving no detail undone. She served as administrative assistant at Marion Baptist Child Development, and director of the Smyth County Adult Literacy Program. She helped plan numerous weddings and special events; she owned and operated McParty Designs where she put her very talented crafting abilities to work designing and making T-shirts and various crafts. McCarty lived life to the fullest, and always had a positive outlook even through the many struggles she faced with her health. She was so strong in her faith, and truly went through it all with courage, grace, and strength that many people wouldn’t have. Tracy always quoted Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord; plans not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Stallard Smith; and mother-in-law, Penny McCarty.
Survivors include her husband of 15 years, Jonathan Robert McCarty; son, Jackson Jeremiah McCarty; father, Garry Smith, all of Bristol, Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 29, at 2 p.m. at Marion Baptist Church, 1258 North Main Street, Marion. A reception of food and fellowship will follow in the church fellowship hall.
To share memories of Tracy Smith McCarty, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Tracy’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Thelma Jean Lesher Mitchell
Thelma Jean Lesher Mitchell, 90, died Saturday, July 15, 2023 at her home in Bluefield, Virginia.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
To share memories of Thelma Jean Lesher Mitchell, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Thelma’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Heyliette T. Myers
Heyliette T. Myers, 86, died Monday, July 17, 2023, at Francis Marion Manor in Marion.
Myers was born in Le Verdon, France, to the late Francis and Fernande Tome.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth A. Myers, Master Sergeant, USAF (retired) of Marion and brother, Joseph, and sister, Charlotte, of Le Verdon, France.
Myers and her late husband met in Bordeaux, France while Mr. Myers served in the USAF, stationed at the Bacalan Air Base. They were married in the Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours Catholic Church in Le Verdon, France on Sept. 19, 1959. After they were married, Mrs. Myers supported her husband during his various military assignments around the world, finally settling in Marion in 1976. Once settled back in the mountains, Myers was a homemaker and member of the Marion Gospel Chapel. She loved to cook and prepare food for families and friends. Myers operated a daycare at her home for years, and was very influential in many peoples’ lives, especially those of children. She was a mother figure and friend to many.
Survivors include son, Kenny Myers and wife, Lisa, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Nathaniel Myers of Albuquerque, Michael Myers, wife, Brittany; great-granddaughter Adalyn Myers of Albuquerque; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to friends, family, and the staff at Francis Marion Manor for all the special love and care given during Mrs. Myers’ time at the Manor.
Funeral services will be held graveside at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, at the Rose Lawn Cemetery, with the Rev. Wesley Eller officiating.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Mrs. Myers. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Myers’ family.
Albert “Benny” Robinson
Albert “Benny” Robinson, 87, died Monday, July 17, 2023, at Francis Marion Manor.
Robinson was the epitome of the American dream. He loved God first and foremost, as well as his family and his country; and was a faithful member of Marion Baptist Church. He met the love of his life, Drema, at a very young age and built a beautiful life with her. Robinson was most proud of his six daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved the homestead he built for his family and worked hard to provide for their every need. Robinson enjoyed working hard and being outdoors. He loved working on cars, lawn mowers, and weed eaters. He could fix anything with an engine. His grandson commented that Robinson was now seeing lawn mowers and weed eaters as far as the eye could see up in Heaven. Robinson loved working on his land, whether it be weed eating his hillsides or cutting wood. As a young man his favorite past-times were coon hunting and fishing. He cherished all the time he spent outdoors with his grandkids, taking them squirrel hunting, mountain climbing and shooting guns. Robinson was employed at American Furniture as a foreman in the spray department and Virginia House Furniture as lead finish and repairman. Because of his keen eye for furniture, he had the honor of setting up showrooms at High Point Furniture market on several occasions.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Drema Osborne Robinson; daughter, Debby Robinson; parents, James and Dora Robinson; and several siblings.
Robinson is survived by five daughters, Sherry Hester (Gary), Diane McThenia, all of Marion, Sonja Smith (Randy) of Saltville, Lisa Taylor (David) of Bluefield, Virginia, and Christie Turner (Kevin) of Ridgeway; eight grandchildren, Brent Hester (Sarah), Kayla Winebarger (Julius), J.D. Taylor (Casey), Jacob Smith (Kellie), Ben Taylor (Dakota), Corey Turner, Rachel Puckett, and Vannah Shouse; step-grandchild, Landon Smith (Carol); eight great-grandchildren, Payton Hester, Dalton Hester, Ross Winebarger, Lillian Taylor, Hadley Taylor, Bexley Smith, Ashley Puckett and River Taylor; step-great-grandchildren, Kate Smith and Emmi Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday, July 22, from 11 a.m. until noon at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion. Funeral services will begin at noon with the Revs. David Taylor and Dr. Charles Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Zion UMC Cemetery, Old Ebenezer Road, Marion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Marion Baptist Church, Food & Fellowship Program, 1258 North Main Street, Marion VA 24354, assisting the indigent in our community.
To share memories of Albert “Benny” Robinson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Benny’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Sylvia Jean Smith
Sylvia Jean Smith, 81, died Sunday, July 16, 2023.
She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Della Louise Thomas; son, Anthony Wayne Smith; sisters, Sara Brooks Miller, Helen Louise Gregory, and Mattie Cuddy Isbell.
She is survived by her son, Jeff Smith; brother, James R. Thomas and wife, June; sister, Betty Thomas Lewis; special friends, Coy Woody, Bob Ashley, Clint Waddell, Steve Shortridge and John Adams; and several nieces and nephews.
Smith was a very loving woman with many values. She had faith in Christ and valued her family and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Chilhowie Home Health, Johnston Memorial Hospital and her caregiver, Mary Trivett for taking great care of Sylvia.
Memorial services will be private at Sulphur Springs Cemetery with the Rev. Mary Trivett officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Barns at Blue Mountain 17507 Lee Hwy Abingdon, VA 24210 or at www.barnsatbluemountain.org. Condolences can be made online to the family at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home is serving the Smith Family.
Tim Thompson
Tim Thompson died July 12, 2023, in Johnson City, Tennessee.
From an early age, Thompson was known for his adventurous spirit. He always sought out new experiences and cherished the opportunity to travel. One of his favorite destinations was the beautiful beaches of Florida. Thompson had a deep appreciation for different cuisines. He loved exploring new restaurants and trying out various types of foods.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Beulah Thompson.
Thompson is survived by his sister Frances Helton and husband, Jimmy; and beloved dogs, Smokey and Bella.
All services will be private.
To share memories of Tim Thompson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Tim’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
