James M. Carpenter
James M. (Jim) Carpenter, 85, of Waterloo, IL, died February 14, 2021 in St. Louis, MO. He was born September 6, 1935 in Madison, WV.
The Carpenter family moved to Hurricane, where Jim, known as Jimmy in his youth, attended school and graduated from Hurricane High School. He attended and graduated from Morris Harvey College in Charleston, with a B.S. degree. While at Morris Harvey he was a member of the baseball team, a sport he loved to play in his younger years and to watch in later years. He told the story of how he and a friend traveled to Cincinnati to try for the Reds baseball team. Neither made the team, but had a grand time trying. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Phi fraternity at Morris Harvey.
Early in his career, Jim taught and coached at Hurricane Junior High School before moving on to Williamstown High School in Williamstown, WV where he was coach of the Boys Basketball team in 1962 — the team that won the Class A state championship that year, a highlight of his long career that followed. Coach Carpenter was honored at the Morgantown Touchdown Club’s annual basketball banquet for the championship win. After a brief move to Florida he settled in St. Louis, MO and the surrounding area for the balance of his career. From teaching and coaching he went on to become a principal, Monroe County (Illinois) superintendent of schools, and was subsequently elected to bi-county Regional Superintendent of Schools for Monroe and Randolph Counties where he served until retirement, the first superintendent to hold the bi-county position.
Jim retired for a number of years to Colorado but returned to Illinois to be closer to his grandchildren. Once back in Illinois he devoted much of his time to church outreach programs, one which focused on assisting and coaching former incarcerated individuals – once a coach, always a coach. He also found time to enjoy another sport he loved – golf.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Clay and Florence Carpenter, his sister Kathryn Coyner and brother-in-law Ronald Coyner.
He is survived by his wife Wanda, daughter Lisa Johnson and her husband Dan Johnson of St. Louis, grandsons Parker Johnson and Davis Johnson, stepson Aaron Runge and his wife Colleen Runge, grandchildren Avery, Aden and Piper Runge, and niece Laura Mann (nee Coyner) and her husband, Thomas Mann of West Palm Beach, Florida.
A memorial service and celebration of life was held on March 5 at Hope Christian Church in Waterloo, Illinois.
Lodema A. Dunn
Lodema A. Dunn, 89, of Kingston, OH, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Logan Elm Village in Circleville, OH. She was a member of Kingston United Methodist Church. She loved flowers, gardening and spending time outdoors.
Born March 16, 1932, in Red House, she was the daughter of the late Clay E. Hargraves and Thelma M. Hargraves. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Guy W. Dunn and brother, Clay W. Hargraves.
Survivors include her sons, Gary (Kathy) Dunn of Gallipolis Ferry, Greg (Melissa) Dunn of Chillicothe, OH and Timothy (Jo) Dunn of Pomroy, OH. Lodema is also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Mitchell Burch officiating. Burial was in Mt. Union Cemetery, Pliny.
Robert Lewis Jones Jr.
Robert Lewis Jones Jr., 68, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on April 10, 2021 after a short illness.
He was born in Belle, on February 26, 1953. Robert was a Army Veteran and a proud member of the VFW Post 9097. He Retired from FMC Chemical and was a Baptist by faith.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife Joyce and parents Robert Sr. and Anna Jones.
He is survived by his children Dorreen (Greg) Jones of Hurricane and Robert (Kimberly) Jones III of Napoleon, Ohio; sister Jamie Jones of Hurricane; and grandchildren Brittany (Adam) Schrader, Lucy, Elza and Jack Jones; brother-in-laws Jack (Linda) Pierce of Findlay Ohio, Jerry (Judy) Pierce of Napoleon Ohio, Rodney (Melissa) Pierce of Jacksonville Beach, FL and a host of family and friends.
Funeral service was Tuesday, April 13, at Allen Funeral Home with Ray Bird officiating. Burial was in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 9097.
Lillian May Means
Lillian May Means, 81, of Scott Depot, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 at home.
Born July 25, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Virginia Lambert Bird. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Means and her brother, Frank Bird.
Lil was a former secretary with JL Bowling Roofing. She left Bowling’s to raise her family. She enjoyed sewing and gardening as well as baking. She was known for her cakes, pies and rolls.
Surviving are her son, Chris Means (Susan) of Scott Depot; brother, Everett Bird (Jean) of Moundsville; grandchildren, Samantha Bishop (Jonathan) of Sod, Christen Means and Mason Means both of Scott Depot; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Remington Harris, Maisie Bishop as well as her life-long best friend, Doris Moss of Scott Depot.
Funeral service was Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in the Bird Cemetery, St. Albans.
Charles Timothy Mendenhall
Charles Timothy Mendenhall, age 65, of Poca, went to be with his Lord on April 10, 2021, as he passed suddenly at home. He was born in South Charleston on December 15, 1955, to Charles and JoAnn (Spaulding) Mendenhall. Tim graduated from Poca High School, West Virginia State University, Marshall University and Grand Canyon University. He was passionate about his work as a Mental Health Therapist.
Tim was a loving father and grandfather, and a true friend to everyone he came in contact with. He is survived by three children, Chanisha Mendenhall (Ryan Stepp and his daughter Addi) of Scott Depot, Shaylyn Hampton (Jordan) of Lexington, KY, Dylan Mendenhall at home in Poca, and two grandsons, Sawyer Mendenhall and Shiloh Hampton. Tim is also survived by his mother, Jo Ann Mendenhall, and five siblings: brothers Scott of Atlanta, GA, Joey (Melody) of Teays Valley, and three sisters, Tracie Puckett (Bruce) of Noblesville, IN, Melissa Fischer(John) of Poca, and Jill Domaschko (Dirk) of Hamilton, OH. Tim also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and best friend, Charles.
Tim was a life-long and active member of Poca United Methodist Church where he volunteered at the Five Loaves Two Fish Food Pantry whenever he could. He cherished time with his family, loved being around people, reading, and working in the yard, garden and being outdoors.
A tribute to the life of Tim was held Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Mason officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.
Rebecca “Becky” Payne
Rebecca Sue “Becky” Stanley Payne, mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and devoted daughter to our Lord in Heaven, gained her wings to fly home on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
Becky was born on October 19, 1953, the fourth of four beautiful children of the late Thomas Edward Stanley and Emma Jo Skees of St. Albans. Becky came into this world as a bright light with an energy and love of life that was contagious. That same energy continued into her school years at St. Albans High School, Class of 1971. Becky was a proud Red Dragon and enjoyed going to her class reunions to reminisce with her fellow classmates.
After graduation, Becky took a job with Union Carbide in the accounting department. She was a dedicated employee and retired from Carbide. Following her retirement, Becky was the office manager at Kanawha Valley Radiologists.
To say that Becky’s love and laughter was felt by all would be an understatement. If you could ask Becky about her biggest accomplishments today, she would name many I am sure, but her first two would be her sons John Thomas Frazer (Jennifer) of Red House, and Samuel Lee Frazier (Hattie) of Fraziers Bottom. Devoted, dedicated, heart full of love, always a phone call away and ready to make that birthday cake or meal would be just a few examples of how she showed her love to her sons. Her second reply would be her gifts of four grandchildren, Ella and Emma Frazier (Sam & Hattie), and Sophia and Sawyer (John & Jennifer). There was not a day where Becky was not sharing a photo, a story, a joy or proud moment with anyone about her grandbabies. “Granny” was the name they gave her and she was happy beyond measure to have that name. Although there are many firsts and experiences that Granny won’t see in person, her love will be felt with every step.
On October 17, 2009, Becky married her love, Rick Payne of Eleanor, West Virginia. Rick came in and swept Becky off of her feet. He was a dedicated husband and loved Becky with all of his heart. He survives her and will continue to share her memory with everyone.
Becky was a faithful member of Winfield Baptist Church and past President of the Winfield Lions Club. Both of these roles played an important part to Becky by making friends, giving back, and filling her heart.
Becky was a simple woman who didn’t ask for much. She loved to sit on the porch with an iced tea watching her since past dog, Rebel, bounce around with her sons. She loved music especially, Kenny Rogers, Patsy Cline, and The Gaithers. Along with music, Becky loved a road trip to Myrtle Beach. It was her getaway place for sure. At home, Becky was known for her great home cooking. She loved making food for everyone and helping to plan the menus for birthday parties, holidays, weddings, showers or trying new recipes while following along with Paula Deen.
Becky was taken from us suddenly and our hearts are broken. Anyone who had the blessing of knowing her knows what a beacon of light she was. She was as bright as the sun. Forever when we see a purple iris, a yellow rose, or hear the song Crazy by Patsy Cline, we will be thinking of her immediately. When we see those beams of light coming down from Heaven, you know the ones that shine down between the clouds, the ones that look like a spotlight, when you see that you can be certain that one of those beams is Becky’s Beacon. Let the sight of that beacon of light speak to you, support you, fill your heart, wrap you with a hug. Becky would want you to smile when you see it. Look for it, she will shine it brightly just when you need it.
Becky is survived by her husband, Rick Payne, sons and daughters-in-laws and grandchildren, John, Jennifer, Sophia and Sawyer Frazier; Sam, Hattie, Ella and Emma Frazier; sisters Peggy Roach of Delaware, Ohio and Judy (Michael) Tatom of Jacksonville, Florida; brother Bill (Mary) Stanley of Westminster, Maryland; nieces Lisa (Chad) Finkenbiner of York, Pennsylvania; Wendy Manning of Ostrander, Ohio; Jennifer (Pete) Guss of Jacksonville, Florida; Kerri (Dave) Tomlin of Delaware, Ohio; Brea (Scott) Nelson of Jacksonville, Florida; Sarah Stanley (John Halvorsen) of Baltimore, Maryland; along with many great nieces and great nephews.
A celebration of Becky’s life will be held at 11am Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Winfield Baptist Church. Memorial service to follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes at 3pm.
Carol Auer Wright
Carol Auer Wright, 56, of Culloden, passed away April 6, 2021, with her family by her side.
She was born to Mary Duffy and the late John S. Duffy on June 13, 1964 in Kanawha City. Carol graduated from Hurricane High School in 1982.
She married Ron D. Wright in 2002 and they lived in North Carolina before relocating to her home state of WV.
Carol is survived by three children: Adrienne (Shawn) DeAngelis of NY, Erick (Felicia) Auer of NC and Janell Auer of WV. She is survived by seven grandchildren Kara DeAngelis, Leah DeAngelis, Kendal Seranno, Kamryn Auer, Erick Auer Jr, Kory McCurdy, and Chloe Sprague. Carol is also survived by her mother Mary E. Duffy of Milton; brothers John (Jane) Duffy, Mike (Rebecca) Duffy and Tim O’Dell; and nephew Ryan Duffy. Carol is proceeded in death by her first husband the late Roger D. Auer.
Carol served as Assistant Manager and Head Waitress for fifteen years at Tony’s Seafood in Sanford, NC. Carol was an avid animal lover with a special affinity for white cats. She will be remembered for how she always put the needs of her family and loved ones ahead of her own. She was someone who always spoke her mind. She was always there to listen and help her friends. She was a loving wife, mother and friend.
Service was Saturday April 10, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
