Mary Magdalene Barker
Mary Magdalene Barker, 56, died June 8, 2023, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Barker was born in Grundy to Billy and Shirley Street on April 13, 1967. She enjoyed planting flowers, and being around family and friends. Mary loved her grandchildren more than anything in this world. She always made sure others were taken care of. Mary will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her father, Billy Street; brother, Ray Street; grandson, Mason Street; and granddaughter, Hayley Poston.
Survivors include, her mother, Shirley Street; sons Courtney Street and Billy Barker; daughter Brandi Poston and husband, Kevin; brothers Nathan and wife, Angie Street, and Russell and wife, Terry Street; granddaughters Amelia Street, Sarah Poston and Skye Leigh Poston; unborn grandson whom she was very excited to meet; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and some very special friends from her workplace.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Mary Barker.
Charles “Butch” Bridgeman
Charles “Butch” Bridgeman, 70, died Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia.
Bridgeman was born in Marion to the late Charles “Duner” Bridgeman and Fronie Louise Reeves. He had been employed with Sussex County Waste Management.
He is survived by his wife, Angela Bridgeman of Waverly, Virginia; sister Virginia Rhoney and husband, Terry, of Waverly; brother Willis Bridgeman and wife, Vickie, of Marion; two daughters, Angela Cassell and husband, Sam, of Sugar Grove and Susan Castameda of Marion; two stepchildren, William McVey and Crystal Daniels of Marion; two grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 15, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Rev. Steve Hutton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., on Thursday at the funeral home. Private interment will be held at Round Hill 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 Bridgeman Family.
William Lee Catron
William Lee Catron, 63, died June 7, 2023.
He was born in Galax on April 3, 1960, to the late Charles Robert Catron and Louise Graymae Fields Catron.
Catron enjoyed the outdoors, he especially loved fishing and hunting. He had a heart of gold and would lend a hand to anyone in need. William adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with his family. He was a kind man and will be missed by many.
Survivors include his son, Charles Robert Lee Catron; sister, Elizabeth Ann Arthur; stepsister, Nancy Martin; stepbrother, Johnny Thomas; cousin Johnathan Catron; nieces Heather Adkins and Billie Jo Adams; nephews Cameron A. Devins and Brandon Thomas; grandchild Cheyenne Catron; great-nieces, Adrianna Bridgeman, Ariana Love and Cieria Anderson; special friend Evette Smithson and her two daughters Nikki Jennings and Brandi Wilson; and many cousins, family and friends.
The family will have a private memorial service at his home. Family and friends are welcome to visit any time at 112 Lynn Side Drive Marion. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of William Catron.
Marie Warren Coen
Marie Warren Coen, 59, of Wytheville died June 9, 2023.
She was born on July 27, 1963, to the late Eugene F. Warren and Martha Lou Rutherford Warren of Wytheville.
Surviving are her daughter Brittany Coen Butler and husband, Marvin; grandchildren Maddox and McKenna; sister Becky Jo Warren Morehead and husband, Robert, of Stansbury Park, Utah; nephew Benjamin Warren Gomez and wife, Marnicca, both US Navy, of San Diego, California, and Angela Gomez of Houston, Texas; and her ex-husband James (Jim) Coen of Max Meadows, with whom she remained lifelong friends.
She was a lifelong resident of Wytheville and a graduate of George Wythe high School, Class of 1981. She was also Miss. George Wythe. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education in 1991 and went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2005 from Radford University.
Coen began her esteemed career in education at Sheffey Elementary and taught there for many years. She was dedicated in her career as assistant principal at Fort Chiswell Middle School from 2017-2019 and as Principal at Jackson Memorial Elementary School from 2019-2023. It was not unlike her to pay for student’s meals, offer fruit from her desk if they were hungry, or drop off necessities to their homes in times of need. Above all she was a strong and compassionate leader, teacher, and advocate for the children. She would have retired from her 32-year career in education on June 30, 2023.
Coen loved the arts, including painting, acting and singing. She performed in many productions at WCC including Godspell, Nunsense, Vanities, New River Buccaneers, Chicken Count, Cotton Patch of Gospel, Talking With… and Steel Magnolias. She was also an accomplished Heraldry artist who sold her works under the name Weaver Sidhe. She loved her animals, Darby, Keelan, Riley, and Miss Peabody, and participated in a program that transported animals from shelters to homes.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Grubb Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Barry H. Cregger Sr.
Barry H. Cregger Sr., 58, of Wytheville died Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Cregger was preceded in death by his mother and father Raymond B “Jake” and Edna Louise “Zip” Cregger and three sisters-in-law, Pauline, Kathy and Debra Cregger.
He is survived by his children, Barry H. Cregger Jr. and his fiancé Joclyn Gallimore of Wytheville; daughters and sons-in-law Daniele and Travis Stanley of Wytheville and Ashley Cregger and Paul Walters of Wytheville; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Rose Cregger of Wytheville, Odell Cregger of Rural Retreat, Melvin and Sue Cregger of Wytheville, Terry Cregger of Rural Retreat and Marvin Cregger of Ivanhoe; grandchildren Paden and Kinsley Cregger, Colton and Kaydence Morris, Greyson Cregger and Bailee Walters; and extended family and beloved friends.
Cregger was an amazing father and friend. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone if he could. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant UMC and loved his church like family. He lived a full life in his 58 years and always had a smile on his face.
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow in New Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from noon until service time. His family asks that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in Barry’s name to Mt. Pleasant UMC in Wytheville in his honor. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Deborah Marie Pafford Dunford
Deborah Marie Pafford Dunford, 52, died Sunday, June 11, 2023, at her home in Chilhowie.
She was born on Dec. 7, 1970, to the late Sydney and Mildred Pafford.
Survivors include, her husband, Richard Dunford; son Ronald Litton Jr.; daughter Ashley Pafford; brothers Charles Pafford, Sherrill Pafford and David Pafford and wife, Joyce; sister Sandy Pafford; and sister-in-law, Donna Pafford.
In keeping with her wishes, all services will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Deborah Dunford.
Paul F. Farris Sr.
Paul F. Farris Sr., 87, died Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Heath Farris.
Survivors include his son, Paul F. “Butch” Farris Jr. and wife, Dianna; daughter, Patty Farris Hunt and husband, Ernie; grandchildren, David and Charlotte Farris, Serena and Chris Crosswhite, Andy and Jessica Farris, Tyler Hunt and Chelsey Arnold and Brigitte McCray; great-grandchildren, Braden Farris, Lila Crosswhite and Levi Farris.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Lebanon United Methodist Church, 40027 Widener Valley Road, Chilhowie.
Burial was at Mountain View United Methodist Church Cemetery. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home is serving the Farris Family.
Albert Rudell (A.R.) Fry
Albert Rudell (A.R.) Fry, 78, of Wytheville died Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Fry was the son of the late Andrew and Ruth Fry. He followed in the footsteps of his father and was a lifelong farmer and provider for his family. Fry was not one to travel the world but had all he ever needed, a wife, a boy and a girl. He enjoyed farming and spending time with his family of whom he was so proud and talking with all of his many friends and acquaintances. He had a special fondness for antique farm machinery and was a long-time member of the Mountain Empire Antique Tractor Club.
Fry was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Shirley, and his brother and sister-in-law Edward and Juanita Fry, and brother-in-law Rodney Steffey.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Jeffrey and Kristie Fry of Wytheville; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Richard Dugas of Georgetown, Kentucky; sister and brother-in-law Mildred and Ted Miller of Crockett; sister Claudine Steffey of Pulaski; cousin, Carson Fry of Wytheville; two step-grandchildren Brandon and Chase Dugasd; three step-great-grandchildren Adrienne, Jensen and Kaisley Dugas; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Albert to the Mt. Mitchell Church Cemetery Fund at 4918 Stony Fork Road, Wytheville, VA 24382. On condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.comm
The Fry family is the care of Grubb Funeral Home.
James Edward Gravely
James Edward Gravely, 58, died Monday, June 12, 2023, at his daughter’s home in Marion.
Gravely was born on July 12, 1964, to the late Cecil and Frances Hall Gravely. He is also preceded in death by a daughter Mary Jessica Gravely; brother Cecil Gravely; and a sister Jewel Griffey.
He is survived by his daughter Jamie Snavely; siblings Julius Gravely and wife, Rita, David Gravely and wife, DeeDee, Becky Shirley and husband, Mike, Billy Gravely, Mark Gravely, Mike Gravely and wife, Denisia; grandchildren Anthony, Angel, Aven, Arianna, Atticus, Abigail, and Alex; special caretakers Martha Ann Billings and Ronnie Duty; and several other loving family and friends.
The family will have a private celebration 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 Gravely Family.
Robert William Harrison Jr.
Robert William Harrison Jr., 63, of Wytheville died Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
He was born March 14, 1960, in Wythe County, the son of the late Robert William Harrison Sr. and Annie Ruth Tate Harrison. He was also preceded in death by father-in-law, Randolph King and mother-in-law, Imogene B. King; brother-in-law, Michael L. Anders and sister-in-law, Teresa King Camper.
Survivors include his wife, Betty King Harrison; children, Kelli R. Hylton and Matthew of Oakwood, Ohio, Nathalie Rae Harrison and Brandon M. Harrison of Wytheville; grandchildren Brett G. Harrison, Zachary L. Hylton and Zoey L. Hylton; sisters-in-law, Melva Jo Anders of Fries, Margaret and Phil Kozminsky of Ivanhoe and Janet K. Warden of Ivanhoe; brothers-in-law, Clarence and Anne King of Wytheville, Jeff L. Camper of Austinville; and nieces and nephews Marcie Anders King, Marla Lamb, Scott King, Steve King and John Warden.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Thursday, June 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Barnett Funeral Home.
Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville is serving the Harrison family.
Ella Mae “Shannon” Heath
Ella Mae “Shannon” Heath, 76, died Tuesday, June 6, 2023.
Heath was a fiery, feisty little red head who would tell you like it was. Still yet, she had a soft spot for her granddaughter and Siamese cats. In her younger years, she was an aid at Skyline Manor in Floyd County. She had several hobbies which included painting landscapes, plants, unicorns and whatever else her mind could imagine. She also enjoyed crochet, taking photos of her family for everyone to see and anything to do with Egyptian history. Just like the Egyptians, she loved flashy jewelry and wore it all the time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Heath and Beatrice West; brother, Michael Heath; and best friend, Karen Blankenship.
Heath is survived by her two sons, Jamie Heath (Lindsey) and Marshall Peters; many brothers and sisters; grandchild, Sydney Heath; and several nieces and nephews.
All services will be private.
Care for Ella Mae’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory.
Frances Georgia Holbrook
Frances Georgia Holbrook, 98, died Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion.
Holbrook was born on Nov. 18, 1924, to the late Kyle Noe Sr., and Ella Eliza Noe. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Maynard Carson Holbrook Sr.; son Timothy Kyle Holbrook; an infant son; sister Lucille Byington; two brothers Kyle Noe, Jr., and Leyburn Noe; and a niece Trish Noe.
Shortly after arriving in Marion from Richmond in 1953, she became member of First United Methodist Church and enjoyed participating in women’s circle group until the late 2010’s when her health started to decline.
Holbrook enjoyed multiple hobbies which included reading, needlepoint, crocheting, quilting, ceramics, and landscape painting. She also enjoyed bowling in her forties and golf in her mid-fifties until her late seventies. It is uncertain how many hands of bridge she played during her time in Marion. She served as bookkeeper for several years at Holbrook Drug.
She is survived by her son Carson Holbrook Jr. of Marion; two grandchildren, Andrew Holbrook and wife, Jaida, of Atlanta and Katie Buckley and husband, Steven, of Columbus, Georgia; great-grandchildren Alexander, Patrick, Theodore and Madeleine Holbrook; nieces Judy Ashbrook, Diana Johnson and husband, Jim, and Gloria Sue Casteele; nephew Clarence Noe and Ann; and former daughter-in-law Kenli Ward Holbrook.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Rev. James Bennington officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 -7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday at Temple Hill Cemetery in Castlewood. 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 Holbrook Family.
Ronald “Ron” Dee Howell
Ronald “Ron” Dee Howell, 73, died Thursday, June 8, 2023 at home.
Howell was born in 1949, one of five children of the late Ward and Katherine Howell. He was proud Army veteran, having served his country in the Vietnam War. If you ever went bowling in Marion, you probably met Howell working at Hurricane Bowl. He retired as Maintenance Supervisor from Utility Trailer in Atkins after many years of dedicated employment. When Howell wasn’t working you might find him spending time at “the cabin” hunting, fishing and being outdoors. If you had to keep Howell inside, you could keep him entertained with NASCAR (in the Dale Earnhardt days), VT Hokie football and his beloved Raiders (no matter what city they were in.) His quick wit, and twinkle in his eyes when he smiled will be missed by those who knew and loved Howell.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine Louise.
Howell is survived by his son, Jason Dee Howell of Marion; sisters Linda Meadows (Danny) and Janie McCready; brothers Scotty Howell (Harriet) and David Howell (Pam), all of Marion; several grandchildren, including Austin and Dylan; several nieces and nephews; special friend and caregiver, Tabatha King of Marion; and furbaby dog, Emily.
To share memories of Ronald “Ron” Dee Howell, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Samuel Brooks Kingsley
Samuel Brooks Kingsley, 39, died at home June 10, 2023.
Born Jan. 22, 1984, he lived most of his life in Abingdon and was a 2002 graduate of Abingdon High School and studied business at Virginia Highlands Community College. He was a former customer service representative at AT&T. He could take apart and repair most anything and has helped so many people doing so. He always had some sort of project.
He loved his family and his “girls” Onyx, Gypsy and Zelda.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Lela and Arthur Brooks of Shady Valley Tennessee; his grandfather Samuel R. Burke of Abingdon; aunts Brenda Eskridge of Shady Valley and Mary Thomas Shortt of Dublin.
Kingsley is survived by his husband, Trent Kingsley, his father and stepmother, Rocky and Beth Brooks; mother Marie B Slagle; grandmother Jewell Burke; brothers Michael Brooks (Savannah) and Ethan Brooks; sisters Amanda Harmon (Brian) and Brianna Brooks; stepsisters Ashley and Olivia Jenkins; uncle Jesse Burke; nieces Rachel Harmon, Emily and Audrey Brooks; and nephews Jacob and Lucas Harmon and Cole and Charlie Brooks, all of Abingdon.
Kingsley will be buried in Knollkreg Memorial Park following a private family service.
The family is being cared for by Williams Funeral Home of Chilhowie.
Joyce Gardner Layne
Joyce Gardner Layne, 77, of Wytheville died Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Layne was the daughter of the late Lewis and Beth Gardner. She was a hairdresser for more than 30 years and a longtime member of Mt. Mitchell Church. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family, of whom she was very proud of, and she really enjoyed the outdoors, beach and farming. Layne was one of the most caring and selfless people anyone has ever met.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Darrell.
Layne is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dorinda and David Harding; three grandchildren, Grayce, Hadley and Houston; three step grandchildren, Trenton, Becca and Rae; brother and sister-in-law Maynard and Iris Gardner (and their extended family); sisters-in-law Arlene Haymaker and Geraldine Stone (and their extended families); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Grubb Funeral Home conducted by the Rev. Aubrey Whitlow. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until service time. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at Mt. Mitchell Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Brittney Lynn Marshall
Brittney Lynn Marshall, 38, died June 8, 2023.
Marshall was born April 25, 1985 on Fort Campbell Kentucky Army Base. She resided in Rural Retreat from the age of 3 until her death at 38 years old.
She was a loving daughter, sister and mother of two beautiful children.
Marshall is survived by her two children, Chasity Marshall and Ryan Marshall both of Rural Retreat; parents Chris and Nancy Marshall of Rural Retreat; brother Troy Evans and Tracey Leonard; sister Jessica Smith and Jamie of Rural Retreat; nephews Marshall Taylor, Zachary and Isaak Smith; nieces Canzas and Krisi Evans and Santana Smith, all of Rural Retreat; several aunts, multiple cousins and friends to include a special friend J. Rupe; and two dogs, Bella and Zeus.
Funeral services will be private at the Lindsey Memorial Chapel and a private burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery, Rural Retreat.
Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, is serving the Marshall family. Online condolences may be sent to the family.
Doris Brannon Rosson
Doris Brannon Rosson, 90, died Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie.
Born in Washington County in 1933 to the late William and Mary Brannon, Rosson was one of six children. She graduated high school and worked as a telephone operator for several years before opening a phone answering service from her home.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Army Capt. Julion C. Rosson Jr.; and siblings Hazel Widener (Roy), Wilburn R. Brannon, Ruby Rogers, and Charles Brannon.
Rosson is survived by a sister, Katie Ball (Harold) of Blountville, Tennessee; and special friends, Don and Betty Musser.
Family and friends will fellowship Wednesday, June 14, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 7 p.m. with Blake Frazier officiating. Private graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
To share memories of Doris Brannon Rosson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Charles Cecil Thomas
Charles Cecil Thomas, 82, of Chilhowie died Monday, June 12, 2023.
Thomas was a faithful member of Little Rock Baptist Church for 70 plus years and served as superintendent for 36 plus years. He was a veteran of the US Army and spent time in Korea.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Thomas; brother Bobby Thomas; and sisters Jane Thomas, Eva Ward and Pat Davis.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Thomas; daughters Debbie Dix and husband, RK, and Kim Rucker and husband, Clint; son Howard Thomas; grandchildren Matthew Thompson, Morgan Epp and husband, Alan, Kala Rucker, Maya Rucker, Ava Rucker, Layken Thomas, Hannah Thomas and Zac Thomas; and his special four-legged fur baby, Stella.
Funeral services will be conducted 7 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at Little Rock Baptist Church with Rev. Buster Mullins officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, June 16, in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Glade Spring. The family will receive friends 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home is serving the Thomas Family.
Kaye Lindamood Vollmer
Kaye Lindamood Vollmer, 83, of Wytheville died Tuesday, June 6, 2023, five days before her 84th birthday.
She was born June 11, 1939, in Wythe County.
Vollmer’s parents were the late Milton French and Nonnye Gentry Lindamood. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John “Red” Vollmer; her sons David Pope and John Pope; her sister, Carolyn Cox and her niece, Jeannie Snavely.
She is survived by her son, Keith Vollmer and wife, Teresa; daughter, Mary Lou Stewart and husband, Jessie “Jr.”; grandchildren Darius Sawyers and Destiny Davis; great-grandson Mateo Sawyers; and sister Barbara Umberger and husband, Jerry.
She was a proud member of the George Wythe High School Class of 1956 and an original member of the Wytheville Community College Band under the direction of Dr. Jack White. She worked many jobs in Wytheville, but most of all she loved preparing the paper for the press at The Enterprise. Vollmer loved her family, her classmates, music and all animals.
Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the Vollmer family.
