Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of April 29, 2021

Freida M. Arthur
Freida M. Sweeney Arthur, 83, went to her eternal home on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Dunbar Center, Dunbar. Freida was born February 2, 1938, to the late Henry and Lula Gunter Sweeney in Mt. Hope. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death, by her husband, Charles F. Arthur, and brothers, Henry Sweeney and William Doug Sweeney.
Freida graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1954, where she was a member of the high school band, FBLA, and the Rainbow Girls. She worked in Banking and Commercial Financing businesses in the Charleston and Huntington areas, as well as attending several banking training sessions. She was a member of Hurricane First Baptist Church, Ladies Bible Studies, and the American Baptist Women’s Ministry, in addition to serving on several boards, associations and committees.
Freida was a godly and incredibly strong woman. She left a legacy to her many friends and her family of God‘s amazing love and grace.
Her signature gift of joy, shown throughout her constant smiling, laughter and joking around, will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her brothers: Homer Sweeney of South Charleston, and Gary Sweeney of Charlotte, North Carolina; Grandson: Seth Derrick and wife Erica of Dunbar; great grandchildren: Mollee and Asher Derrick of Dunbar; sisters-in-law: Jesse Arthur Tolley of Charleston, Jo Ann Arthur Davis of Mt. Hope, Yvonne Arthur of Fayetteville, and Brenda Thompson Sweeney of South Charleston; and her dear friends: Karen Nicholson and Kay Miles.
Freida’s graveside service was Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, with Reverend Brian Sweeney officiating.

MARJORIE A. BONHAM
Marjorie A. Bonham, 87, of Eleanor, passed away April 21, 2021, at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
She was born August 6, 1933, to the late Major Allison Walters and Bertha T. Williams.
She had retired from Thomas Memorial Hospital and was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a faithful member of the Washington Street Church of Christ, St. Albans, WV, for more than 50 years. She enjoyed having lunch with her friends, Bible study, puzzle books, and always loved a beautiful snowfall and family time.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Cecil Bonham; and sons, Stevie Bonham, Cecil Bonham Jr., and Robert Bonham.
She is survived by son, Larry A. (Robin) Bonham of Murrells Inlet, SC; daughters, Deborah Ann Bonham of St. Albans, and Donna Jean (Sean) Nesselrotte of Eleanor; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and daughter in law Marsha Bonham.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to their church families at the Washington Street Church of Christ, St. Albans, Pine Grove Church of Christ, Scott Depot, WV, Mainstreet Church of Christ, Hurricane, WV, Winfield Church of Christ, Winfield, WV, and League City Church of Christ, Texas, for all of their love, support and prayers.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, is in chaerge of arrangements.

Hubert Lee Call
Hubert Call 83, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 26, 2021.
A son of the late Hensley and Rose (McDaniel) Call of Hurricane.
Hubert was retired from Sleepy Hollow Golf Course with over 45 years of service.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Connie Sue (Stanley) Call and three brothers, Jackie Bruce, Kenneth, and Mervin Call all of Hurricane.
He is survived by his brother, Paul (Mary) Call of Hurricane, sons, Ronnie (Pam) Call and Ronald (Melissa) Call, both of Hurricane, daughters, Robin Davis of Hurricane and Cathy (Bill) Smith of Milton.
He leaves behind his grandchildren, Jackie (Christina), Sasha (Daniel), Billy (Nikki), and Hunter (Sidney), and great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brennon, Auston, Braxton, Landyn, Jazmyn, Destiney and Isabelle.
He was a loving and caring man who will be missed by many.
Funeral service was Wednesday, April 28, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurrican. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Phillip Keith Darby
Phillip Keith Darby, 84, of Eleanor, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 17, 2021 following a short illness. Phil was third generation homesteader of Eleanor, and attended Buffalo High School, class of 1954. He served in the U.S. Navy, and then attended electronic instrument school in Oklahoma. After returning to West Virginia, he worked for and retired from Monsanto Chemical Company in Nitro.
Phil was a member of First Baptist Church of Eleanor. He was an avid fisherman at his favorite spot in Lake Murray, SC, and loved vacationing with the family on the Outer Banks, NC. He enjoyed grafting fruit trees, gardening, creating clocks and furniture with his wood working skills, and talking to people about the Lord throughout the community.
Born January 22, 1937, in Sophia, he was the son of the late Jack and Virginia Darby. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife , Betty Francis Darby.
He is survived by three children, Mark (Lynn) Darby of St. Augustine, Florida, Anita (Barry) Lanham of Midway, and David (Berna) Darby of Eleanor; five grandchildren, Brooke, Ben, Ethan, Sheridan, and Coleman; seven great-grandchildren, Alexa, Hailey, James, Everlynn, Megan, Tyler, and Aaron. Phil will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral service was Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro, Jr. officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.

DELORES JEAN FARLEY
Delores Jean Farley, 86, of Poca, quietly passed away following a long illness on April 8, 2021 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston with her son and sister Sherry at her side.
Born in Bergoo, on November 25, 1934, she was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell “Buster” Elkins and Irene Ward Elkins; husband Sheridan Farley, daughter Billie A. Yeager; sisters Carol Ball and Patricia Higginbotham, brother James “Jimmy” Elkins, half-sister Nicky Wells, and grandson Jeremy Yeager.
Throughout her life Jean enjoyed telling stories, hunting, fishing, gardening, fun shopping trips, going out to eat, margaritas, scaring the daylights out of people, and serving delicious meals. An invitation to go out to eat, a trip to play keno, and visiting with family could be highlights of her week. She was both fun loving and passionate about her beliefs. The family will miss her humor, her wild stories and her love of life.
Jean is survived by son Arnold “Lihu” Yeager (Linda Heddinger), her grandson Dustin Rose and his partner Kaitlyn LeMaster, who were her caregivers these last few months and their two children, Evelyn and Tecumseh. In addition, she leaves behind sisters Sandra Newell, Marilyn Sue Cook, Sherry (Mandy) Cabell, Judith (Jack) Lett, Betty (Don) Farro, Cheryl Dembowski, Karen (Dave) Rothan, brother Paul (Charity) Elkins; half-brothers Alva Dean (Patricia) Kolovich, Paul Kolovich and Albert (April) Kolovich; stepbrothers Jimmy Kolovich and Bobby Kolovich. She will also be missed by grandsons, Chris, Bryant, and Robert Yeager, seven other great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
At her request, her body was donated to Marshall University. Memorial donations may be made to Kanawha HospiceCare. There will be no services.

Thomas Gartley
Thomas Gartley, age 77, of Teays Valley, went to be with the Lord on April 18, 2021 due to a traumatic fall. Thomas was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, after graduating Morgantown High School, he attended West Virginia Tech. upon earning his degree, he became a teacher at Dupont High School. He taught mechanical arts and shop class. In addition to teaching, he coached the girls’ Tennis team. After retiring from Dupont High School he continued his love of teaching and coaching by pursuing opportunities as the volleyball and tennis coach for Andrew Jackson Middle School. Thomas concluded his 60 year coaching career as the tennis coach for St. Albans High School. He was an active member of Hampton Baptist Church and for the past 20 years a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church. Another one of Thomas’ life passions was singing in the church choir.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susie Gartley, his son, Brian Gartley, his wife, Heather, and granddaughters’ Alexa and Reka, his daughter Krissy Gartley Whiting and grandson Zach Whiting, his step-daughter Lisa Ruggieri and her husband, Rick. He is also survived by his only brother John Gartley and his wife, Lynn. Thomas is preceded in death by his Parents, John and Lucille Gartley.
Funeral service was Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Scott Depot.

Clifford R. Harper
Clifford R. Harper 72, of Hurricane, passed away on April 23, 2021.
Clifford was born on April 21, 1949, to the late Bernard and Juanita Taylor Harper in Charleston West Virginia. After graduating from Hurricane High School in 1967, he attended West Virginia Tech., and in 1969 he joined the US Army, where he rose to the rank of SGT. within eight months. He served in combat in Vietnam, with the 9th Infantry Division, 1st Calvary Division, and the 25th Infantry Division. He earned a Bronze Star and several other medals. He had worked for the United Mine Workers, Pray Construction and retired from the Carpenters Union Local #1207.
He was an avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling.
Clifford is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Harper; his son: Ashley Harper (Nikki), his son: Clayton Harper (Aime); his grandsons: Bronson and Clyde Harper; his granddaughter: Leila Harper; his brother: Larrie Harper (Rebecca) and several nieces.
The family will receive friends Thursday, April 29, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with a Memorial Service for Clifford at 7:00pm.
In accordance with Clifford’s wishes, he will be buried at the Grafton National Cemetery, with military honors, as well as joining his fallen brothers in Vietnam.

Eddie Randall Higginbotham
Eddie Randall Higginbotham, 58, of Poca, passed away April 15, 2021.
Eddie was a truck driver.
He is preceded in death by his parents Joeva Higginbotham and Robert Higginbotham and stepmother Phyllis Higginbotham.
He is survived by his wife Marcia Higginbotham; children Johnathan Shane Higginbotham and Christina Dawn Higginbotham; step-sons Tylor Douglas Miller and Camyren Sky Miller; sisters Sharon Willard Duncan, Rebecca Jane Daniels and Lorri Reed; brothers Michael Ray Higginbotham and Kenneth Allen Higginbotham and a host of grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Eddie will be Saturday, May 8, 2021, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ridenour Lake Gazebo.

Stella Louise Kersey
Stella Louise Kersey, 74, of Nitro, passed away April 20, 2021 at home.
Stella was a faithful member of Rock Branch Independent Church where she had served as a Sunday School Teacher and worked with the Rummage Sales. She also enjoyed working with the Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry. Stella was retired from Monsanto and a 1965 graduate of Poca High School.
She is preceded in death by her parents Dorsel and Martha Scarberry and three brothers Charles, Homer and Lee Scarberry.
Stella is survived by her husband of 55 years, Mr. John Kersey; three children Mike and wife Angie Kersey, Stephanie and husband Rob Coleman and David and wife Rebekah Kersey; sister Mary Harrison Reed; brother Jim Scarberry and nine grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Stella was held Friday, April 23, 2021, at Rock Branch Independent Church with Pastors Delbert Hawley and David Kersey officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Deloris (D.J.) Logue
Deloris (D.J.) Logue, 78, of Hurricane, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Hospice Hubbard House surrounded by family and friends.
D.J. was employed for 20+ years at the Mardi Gras Casino and was retired at the time of her death. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester “Dutch” and Mary Stone Knapp.
She is survived by her loving sister, Kathy Gwinn (Keith) with whom she resided. Her wonderful niece Stephanie Rose Taylor (Richard) and loving nephew Timothy Charles Merrill and a loving companion, Denver McKneely. She is also survived by many cousins and relatives.
At her request, there will be no services.

Sandra Lee Stidham
Sandra Lee Stidham, 62, of Red House, passed away April 20, 2021.
Sandra is an employee of U.S. Foods and retired from Verizon with 30 years of service.
She is preceded in death by her father Billy Lee Mullins.
She is survived by her husband Shawn Stidham; mother Shirley Mullins; step-sons Shawn Daniel Stidham and Seth Douglas Stidham; brothers William and Scott Mullins; sister Cindy Mareing and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Sandra Lee Stidham was held Friday, April 23, 2021, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Cliff Burdette officiating.

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