DARRELL LEE BLEDSOE
Darrell Lee Bledsoe, 81, of Hurricane, left his earthly home June 28, 2021, at St. Mary’s Cornerstone Hospital. He was born August 7, 1939, in Milton, to the late Basil and Minnie Bledsoe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a twin brother Jarrell Bledsoe and brothers Junior and David Bledsoe, sisters, Hazel Clay, Thelma Martin, Clara Johnson and Betty Testerman.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 60 years Violetta J. Bledsoe, 2 sons, Anthony Bledsoe, who made his home with his parents whom he adored, and Monte Bledsoe and wife Tanya, Daughter, Rosiland Edwards and husband Lee. 5 grandchildren, Cameron Edwards, Coty (Rebekah)) Bledsoe, Mara Waller, Makenna Bledsoe and Laikwan Bledsoe, 2 great-grandchildren, Rhea Bledsoe and Bohannon Waller, sisters, JoAnn Wheeler and Barbara Brooks, many special nieces and nephews and a host of special friends from area Churches of Christ.
Darrell was retired from American Electric Power, Central Machine Shop, A veteran of the U. S. Army and a minister for Marlaing Church of Christ for around 43 years conducting his final sermon this Mother’s Day
Funeral service was Friday, July 2, 2021, at Allen Funeral Home with Minister D.J. Curry officiating. Burial was in White Chapel Memorial Park.
ROD JACKSON
Rod Jackson, 65, of Hurricane, lost his battle with cancer, Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
Rod was born in Dayton, Washington, to Roderick Coles Jackson Sr. and Marcella Sue Pearson on January 6, 1956. He was an alumnus of Washington State University, where he studied journalism. His career in news took him across the country and all over the world. Rod is currently the News Director of WOWK-TV, which was his pride and joy. A job he chose to do until the day he passed. He loved his career, and the innumerable people he impacted through the years are a testament to his dedication to, and love for, others.
He is survived by his daughters, Alexandra Stewart (Ian Stewart) and Stephanie Jackson-Beeson, sisters, Janie Kainrath (Frank Kainrath) and Diane Lind, five grandchildren, two nieces and one nephew. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and deeply mourned by all he loved.
A celebration of his life will be held in the near future. Until then, you may visit his tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com to share memories and offer condolences to the family.
GERALDINE JACOBS
Geraldine L. “Gerry” Jacobs, 83, of Hurricane, went to her heavenly home on July 3, 2021, after a short illness.
She was born on March 24, 1938 in Lewisburg, WV, to the late Charles and Gladys Hedrick. Gerry was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry, and her sisters, Carol Gibson and Sandy Walkup, both of Rupert, WV, and her brother-in-law, Larry Decker of Wabash, IN.
Gerry had a strong work ethic and was employed by, and retired from, Thomas Memorial Hospital, in South Charleston, WV, having worked there for 35 years.
Throughout her life, Gerry was known to those who loved her for making the best holiday meals and “Sunday Dinners”, an art learned from her mother, but perfected over many years of spoiling her family with her delicious cooking. She will be lovingly remembered for her homemade bread, noodles, strawberry freezer jam, fudge, cookies, cakes, pies and so much more. Gerry loved spending time at their Greenbrier County family camp with all of her loved ones, she loved to fish, she loved to read a good book or watch a good movie and she enjoyed going to estate sales, but her greatest joy was her family. She was a strong, reserved lady, not especially social or talkative, but a good listener, and wasn’t one to give unwanted advice. Gerry deeply loved, and was so loved by, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While we mourn that her time on earth has ended, we take comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace and once again with her beloved Jerry, and that, together, they will continue to watch over their growing family, having left us with cherished memories and strong, family traditions.
Gerry is survived by her daughters, Kathy Means of Hurricane and Vicki Lyons of Huntington, her sons, Richard Jacobs and his wife, Jackie, of Hurricane, Randy Jacobs and his wife, Natalie, of Ashland, KY, and Ronnie Jacobs and his wife, Amy, of Hurricane; grandchildren, Debra (Morrello) Durham, Dennis Morrello and his wife Melinda, Lindsey Jacobs and her husband Brennan Williams, Megan (Jacobs) Hill and her husband Trevor, Katelyn (Jacobs) Coiner, Jonathan and Cody Means, Morgan Jacobs, and Brooklyn and Lacey Jacobs; and, great-grandchildren, RJ and Victoria Durham, Dennis and Daniel Morrello, Kaleigh Mayo, Aubrey and Jacob Coiner, and Harper and Charlotte Hill, and her loving dog, Dixie, who never left her side. In addition, Gerry is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy (Jacobs) Decker of Wabash, IN, her brother, Buddy Hedrick and his wife Teresa of Rupert, her sister, Ruth Hanson and her husband, Dwight, of Crawley, her sister Debbie Deitz of Rupert, and her special nieces, Leigh Ann “Annie” (Hanson) Hudson and her spouse, Jason, and their children, Logan and Emily, of Alderson, WV, and her niece Kim Gangstad, of Indianapolis, IN, along with many other nieces, nephews and extended families.
A family service was held at at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane, on Thursday, July 8, 2021.
MARY MYNES
Mary J. Sigmon Mynes, 76, flew up to heaven on the wings of angels on July 2, 2021. Mary was a lifelong resident of Hurricane and a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. She retired from CAMC Hospital Teays Valley where she was a cook. She is preceded in death by her husband Finley Hayes Mynes, her father and mother John and Orda Sigmon, brothers: John Sigmon, Paul Sigmon and David Sigmon. Surviving are her daughters Rebecca (Holland) Wilks of Ceredo WV, Martha Stanley, Sarah Grant and Melissa Mynes all of Hurricane. 10 grandchildren: Billy, David, Jacob, Jamie, Derek, Joseph, Matthew, Ashley (Eric Adkins), Emily, Isabella. 8 great grandchildren: Briana, William, Weston, Finley, Bowen, Cassidy, Caitlyn and Caleb. Brother Wendell Sigmon and sister Betty Neil both of Hurricane as well as nieces and nephews. Mary devoted her life to her family. The family would like to thank the staff on the Home Stead Unit at Heritage Center for all their care these past 4 years.
Funeral service was Wednesday July 7, 2021 at Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Hesson officiating. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
ROSALIE “SUE” RANSON
Rosalie E. “Sue” Arthur Ranson, 89, of Liberty, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 29, 2021. She was a Christian and member of Elizabeth Baptist Church of Bancroft. She attended the Liberty Community Church for many years, serving as song-leader and Sunday School teacher. Sue loved singing Gospel music and was a member of the group “The Liberty Christianettes”. She had read through the New Testament at least 828 times, and the Old Testament at least 276 times in her life. Sue was also the owner and proprietor of the Ranson General Store in Liberty for many years.
Born May 31, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Clinnie E. Arthur and Margie Harrison Arthur. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby L. Ranson, Sr.; a granddaughter, Anna Christine Ranson; and 5 brothers and 4 sisters, including twin-brother Roosevelt Arthur.
Survivors include her children, Bobby Lee (Valori) Ranson, Jr. of LaPorte, Texas, Theodore C. “Ted” (Lisa) Ranson of Dunbar, and Melissa Ann (Gary) Ballard of Liberty; grandchildren, Joshua M. (Amy) Ranson, Mason A. (Holly) Ballard, Molly E. Ballard, Brittany Winford, and Krista Shepherd; great-grandchilren, Brant, Brody, and Emma; sisters, Mary Lou (Larry) Cottrill of Poca, and Martha Lee Ranson-Fisher of South Charleston; as well as many friends and extended family.
Funeral service was Friday, July 2nd, 2021 at Elizabeth Baptist Church, Bancroft, with Pastor Jeff Arthur officiating. Burial was in Emma Chapel Church Cemetery, Liberty.
GLADYS MARIE RIFFLE
Gladys Marie Riffle, 83 of Poca passed away June 29, 2021, in CAMC Hospice House.
Mrs. Riffle is preceded in death by her husband, Mr. William Riffle.
She is survived by her children Linda Bailey, Charles Riffle and Ivy Riffle; sisters Lola Cochran and Rose James; four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
At her request there will be no services.
MYRTLE ROBERTS
Myrtle Lucille (Shirley) Roberts, 99, of Culloden went home to be with the lord on July 3, 2021 after a short illness. She was a Christian and a member of Harveys Creek Baptist Church.
Shirley was the oldest of 12 siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, sons Jimmy, Jerry, Johnny and 3 grandchildren.
She is survived by her Children Ray Roberts, Jean Vickers, Roger Roberts, Kathie Vanbenschoten and Larry Roberts, 15 grandchildren and a host of other family, friends and loved ones.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2021 at Allen Funeral Home with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will follow in Lawson cemetery on Big Creek.
CHARLES TRACY SURFACE
Charles Tracy Surface, 88, of Cross Lanes, went home to be with the Lord on Monday June 28, 2021.
Born December 9, 1932 in Bluefield, Charles was the last surviving child of the late Frank Edward Surface and Jeanette Carter Surface. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings; William Surface, George Surface, Donald Surface, John Surface, Kelly Surface and Evelyn Sizemore.
Charles loved the Lord, his family and being a truck driver, in that order. At an early age, Charles began driving trucks for his family business, Surface Banana Company. Charles helped expand the family business as a route salesman/manager and he started new operations in Charleston, Huntington and Abington, Va. He then worked for 20 years with Union Carbide Trucking Operations before starting his own trucking company, which he still operated and drove for until he was 80 years old. His family would often marvel at his work ethic, but Charles always remained a humble man of God and a man of prayer. He credited all his achievements to the Lord.
Charles was awarded numerous safe driving awards during his career, including 2 million miles without an accident. During his life he had several encounters with death, when God protected him. He was one truck away from losing his life in the Silver Bridge collapse, was stung by a deadly scorpion while unloading bananas and blinded by hazardous chemicals while changing hoses from his tanker truck. Charles travelled many miles during his lifetime and his truck was his sanctuary for prayer and time with Jesus.
Charles was a sweet man that modeled the life of Christ and followed the great commandment/commission of loving God and loving his neighbor. He was a faithful member of Teays Valley Church of God. He loved worshipping God at church services and fellowshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ. In his younger years he enjoyed Men’s group, attending church conferences and teaching Sunday School. One of his spiritual highlights was travelling to Israel with Kay and being baptized in the Jordan River. He also enjoyed riding the trails with his sons and family beach vacations with Kay, Duana and the boys. Charles loved being Papa to his 4 grandchildren and he taught them all to love God and family and to work hard.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Kay; children, Duana Barnett (Bill) of Hillsboro, Tracy Surface (Linda) of Hurricane and Rusty Surface (Joyce) of Hurricane; grandchildren, Ryanne, Kaylen, Trent and Maria and baby Surface on the way.
Funeral service was Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane with Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt and Rev. Larry Hammett officiating. Burial was in Montgomery Memorial Park, London.
DELLA MAY VIA
Della May Via, 82 of Hurricane, formerly of New Jersey and McDowell County, passed away June 29, 2021.
Mrs. Via is survived by her son Beryl Ponder; sisters Lavell Moses and Yvonne Powell and a host of other family and friends.
At her request there will be no services.
PAULINE WHITE
How do you say goodbye to someone who meant so much to so many? On Tuesday, June 29, 2021 the world lost a kind and loving soul, Pauline Gibson White. Pauline was born November 1, 1934 to Houston and Clara Gibson. She was the second of four daughters affectionately known as “The Gibson Girls.” She grew up in Hurricane then moved to Culloden when she married her love, Ray White in January of 1952. Pauline and Ray had three children, Roger, Margaret and Lisa. She was a homemaker, gardener, and mentor to many. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and volunteering at her church. Pauline was the matriarch of her family and without hesitation stepped into the maternal role to her nieces and nephews when her sisters, their mothers, passed. Her family appointed her “Queen Pauline” and all who know her will miss her humor, grace, and guidance.
Along with her parents she was met at heaven’s gates by her husband, Ray, her children, Roger & Lisa, her three sisters, Doris Vance, Judy Kennedy and Betty Bennett. Those left to cherish all of the wonderful memories are her daughter, Margaret Lucas, grandchildren: Logan White (Laura), Amber Lucas, Heather Nowalk (Ben) and Charlie Lucas(Stephanie) and great grandchildren: Sarah & Victoria White, Gabriel Davison & Journey Lucas, Audrey & Garrett Westphal and Thomas & Tripp Lucas-all of whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and their children who absolutely adored her & loved her more than words can say.
Funeral service was Monday, July 5, 2021 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Brent Beckett officiating, Burial was in Valley View Cemetery.
