GEORGE LEON ATKINS
George Leon Atkins, 97, of Scott Depot, passed away July 13, 2021.
George was born in Foster, WV on August 26, 1923, to the late George Lee Atkins and Sara Blanche Ballard Atkins.
He was center for the Scott Skyhawks in the 1943 WV State High School quarter finalists. He served in the U.S. Army Veteran during European Theater of WWII from 1943-1946 and a graduate of Bowling Green University School of Business. He is a former employee of Goodrich Gulf Rubber Plant and retired from Monsanto Chemical. He was Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 14 in Nitro; former Nitro Little League Football Coach and former Nitro City Councilman 3rd Ward for 12 years. George loved to bowl, hunt, fish, and golf.
George is preceded in death by his parents; wife Dorothy Allene Shrader Atkins; siblings Frank Atkins, Jess Atkins, Lydia Easter, Dorothy Atkins, Oma Chase, Betty Louden, Reva Atkins, Helen Atkins and Iris Atkins and grandson Joshua.
He is survived by his sons Daniel Shrader Atkins (Diana) and George Edward Atkins (Greta); grandchildren Sarah, Aaron, Rachel, Mark, Mary and Amber; great grandchildren Jayci, Faye, Lily, Logan, Gavin, Harper, Samantha, Claire, Haley and Lily and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Mr. George Leon Atkins was held Friday, July 16, 2021 at Gateway Christian Church, St. Albans, with Pastor Dave Stauffer officiating. Burial with military honors was in in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

SHARON BLACK
Sharon R. Black, 60, of Fraziers Bottom, surrounded by her family went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2021 after a short illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents Joann and Marshall Call. Brothers Mike, David, Scott and Londel and sisters Becky, Bambi and Debbie. Brother-in- Law Jared Taylor.
Sharon is survived by her husband Melvin, Daughter Kendra and son in law Aaron. Sisters Kimberly, Sherrie, Donetta, Teresa and brother Delbert.
She was a member of the Lawrence County Saddle club and enjoyed horseback riding, fishing and her dog Chico.
Funeral service was Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Junior Smith officiating. Burial was in Staten Chapel Cemetery.

PATRICIA SUE GORDON
Patricia Sue Gordon, 73, of Buffalo, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, July 18, 2021. She enjoyed spending time with her family and sewing. She was a Christian and loved watching Calvin Evans on television.
Born July 12, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Delsi Gordon. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sisters, Virginia Gordon, Mary Stover and Hazel Tucker; brothers, William Gordon, Bill Gordon and Jimmy Gordon.
Survivors include her sons, Elvis (Shelly) Gordon of Leon, Lee Allen (Jessica) Sayre of Buffalo; sisters, Susie (Buddy) Bailes of Leon, Helen (Bruce) Friend of Manchester PA and Sherlie Demayo of CA. Patricia is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and her longtime friend and neighbor, Eva Cochran.
Funeral service was Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Craig Cemetery, Grimms Landing.

MARTIN ARTHUR PAYNE
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)
Martin Arthur Payne, 38, of Hurricane, entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 12, 2021 while enjoying his passion for swimming. Although he was an experienced swimmer, he fell victim to a phenomenon called shallow water blackout which tragically and quickly led to unintentional drowning. We encourage each of you to visit www.shallowwaterblackoutprevention.org to educate yourself and your loved ones, as this can affect even the most advanced swimmers.
Born July 11, 1983, Martin was cherished for his vivacious, funny, and cheerful personality. This spunk attracted many friends, and teachers and coaches often commented that he was a pleasure to instruct. His parents echo that same sentiment; he was a delight to raise in his early years. Additionally, Martin was a very bright student, earning accolades in county and regional Math Field Day contests and participating in the local gifted art program. As a child, he had a variety of athletic interests, notably Taekwondo, basketball, and golf. Though Martin was initially placed into karate at an early age to increase his physical strength and toughness given his small size, he also gained a strong sense of discipline that he would carry with him throughout the remainder of his life. He quickly progressed through the belt levels, ultimately attaining a brown belt status. During this period, he won the 1990 8 and Under State Championship in kumite, the trophy from which was taller than he. In elementary school, Martin was selected by Coach Greg White to participate in the basketball handling talent group known as White’s Wizards; one of the highlights of this experience was performing during half time at the annual Marshall vs WVU basketball game at the Charleston Civic Center. He spent many summers thereafter playing in AAU and YBOA basketball tournaments. In total, he was on three state championship teams, the latter of which his dad coached. On the golf course, Martin participated in the Top Flight Junior Tour series. One of his greatest golf accomplishments was winning the West Virginia Golf Association’s Junior Amateur 12 and Under State Championship at the age of 11 in a playoff at Glade Springs. What takes many golfers a lifetime to achieve, he had the remarkable feat of scoring not one but two hole-in-ones, the first of which was witnessed by his parents.
Martin was a graduate of Hurricane High School (Class of 2002), where he was remembered by his classmates and teachers as being a friend to all with a kind and gentle heart. In addition to lettering in 4 sports—basketball, golf, soccer, and cross country, Martin continued his academic legacy during secondary school. He was inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, and received a Promise Scholarship. He also participated in many extracurricular clubs, including Key Club and Teenage Republicans. All of these achievements helped to earn him nominations for the Most Valuable Redskin award as well as the Wendy’s High School Heisman award for student-athletes.
Martin’s life path that had seemed so promising was abruptly altered during his late teenage years, when he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Between the progression of the disease itself and the medicines required to control it, there was a vast change in his personality, intellect, and physical abilities. Independent living and many other life goals became unattainable, and family support became essential to his stability. As a family, we grieved the cruel tragedy that he had lost his then-life to this devastating mental illness, and much of his life thereafter was defined by the quiet suffering from its unending grip and persistent ups and downs.
But, there was light in the darkness. In his young 20s, Martin accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a member of First Baptist Church of Hurricane. There, he found joy in serving as an usher and assistant basketball coach for the Upward Basketball youth program. It was during this time that the YMCA became an essential outlet for physical fitness. He found a new passion for aquatics, and could be seen almost daily swimming laps in the pool. He shared this same sentiment for the beach. Our family holds many fond memories of annual vacations during which he would most often be seen boogie boarding, jumping waves, swimming the shoreline, building sandcastles with his nieces and nephew, and playing beach games such as skipping mega ball with his dad.
In more recent years, Martin was treasured in his role as uncle, where seldom seen glimpses of his previous personality would pierce through the devastating effects of his mental illness. He was always welcomed with much enthusiasm during visits with his nieces and nephew, because he would happily spend hours coloring, playing hide and go seek, making crafts, playing video games, and participating in a variety of sports. It was this patience and attention to their whims and wishes that gained him the title of Funcle (fun uncle) Martin.
Our family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to owner, Greg Darby, and the employees of Little General, where Martin was employed. Their dedication to providing him with meaningful employment and steadfast acceptance of his limitations provided him (and us) with a valuable sense of respect and dignity. We would also like to thank Doctors Fink, Stephen Durrenberger (who developed the medicine combination that provided him with the most stability), and John Hutton for the compassionate care, expertise, and guidance they provided, which allowed Martin the best quality of life possible.
Martin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ruth and Harold Vessey and Catherine and Raymond Payne; aunt, Joyce Vessey Swanson; and uncles, Terrance Lively, Sr. and Charles Harrison.
Those left to cherish and honor his memory include his parents, Phyllis and Harold; sister, Grace (Justin) Dixon; nieces and nephew, Mary Payne, Blythe, and Hayden; aunts and uncles, Adele (Charles Jaeger III) Vessey, Nancy Lively, Calvin Swanson, and Cathy (Stephen) Fox; cousins, Pedro (Stacie) Dejneka, Brandon (Alicia) Vessey, Terrance Lively, Jr., Charlotte (Chris) Renner, Julie (Jonathan) Hiatt, Stephanie (Michael) Page, and many extended family members.
Martin’s final act which embodied his belief in eternal life was the gift of organ and tissue donation. He will also contribute to the body of science regarding schizophrenia and other similar mental illnesses through a posthumous study with the Center for Organ Recovery & Education and the University of Pittsburgh.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 20, at First Baptist Church of Hurricane.

KIM STANLEY-STOVER
Kim “MiMi” Stanley-Stover, 55, of Poca, went home to be with her Lord on July 12, 2021.
She is preceded in death by her mother Connie Lou Chandler; father Robert Chandler and brother Greg Chandler.
Kim is survived by her children Keegan Stanley, Keira (Josh) Clark, Bobby (Amanda) Stover and Mandy (Tim) Matheny; sisters Robin (Kenny) Smith and Denise (Dayton) Russell; grandchildren Hailey Clark, Brayden Clark, Aubrey “Bob” Clark, Cash Stover and Abby Matheny; nephews Josh Smith and Jared Russell and her cat Monkey. Kim is also survived by a host of other family and friends.
A celebration of her life was held Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Harley Cline officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

PATRICIA LYNN SUMMERS
Patricia Lynn “Sissy” Summers, 51, of Scott Depot, passed away July 13, 2021.
Sissy is preceded in death by her father William Earl Summers.
She is survived by her mother Florence Summers; brothers James and wife Eileen Summers, William, Jr. and wife Denise Summers and Gary Summers and his friend Sissy Hayes; sisters Linda and husband James Owens, Brenda White and Cindy and husband Jeff Trout and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Sissy was held Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Hurlbert officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

GLENDA YOUNGER
In memory of Glenda C. Younger, 81, of Hurricane, West Virginia. This memorial obituary is written in honor of our mother by her children who loved her dearly. Mom moved to Heaven on July 13, 2021.
Mom was born on February 7, 1940 to Carl Scott Coffman and Dorothy Bowen in Lenore, West Virginia.
Mom was a school bus driver for Putnam County Schools for 30+ years. She retired in 2014. Before she moved back to West Virginia, she was a school bus driver for Anne Arundel County schools in Maryland.
Mom had a natural tendency for acts of service. She was a helper at her church, many times baking cookies for others. She was a caregiver for two friends and her own mother for the last ten years of her mother’s life.
Mom loved to do holidays big. She had decorations and place settings for every holiday and season. She greatly enjoyed decking out her house and the table for her family. We could always count on a joyous time together as a family. She made the holidays special. We can just see her now, in Heaven, having beautiful place settings at her table every week.
Mom also enjoyed photography, gardening, sewing, quilting and ceramics. The flowers in her yard were always beautiful. We will have many wonderful memories of her by looking at her photographs and ceramics that will now be cherished in our houses.
Mom was a born-again Christian and loved Jesus. We are certain to have one wonderful joyful reunion when we all get to Heaven.
Mom was a great mother and godly influence for all her children. She molded us into who we are today. Family came first and Mom loved her kids and grandkids.
During the last few years of Mom’s life, there were people who made a difference by being there for her when her mobility prevented her from living alone. Her daughter, Sherry, lived with her for the last 2 ½ years. Debbie Welch became a trusted caregiver and companion to Mom. Reverend Stephanie Pack came to minister to Mom many times.
Mom is survived by daughter Sherry and her husband Ken Wilkins. Son Gregory and his wife Karen, their children Casey (Albert), Andrew, Abigail, and Jarod. Son Ronald P. Younger, II and his wife Renee, their children Kristin (Jared), Sophia and Zachary. Great grandchildren are Tyler Ireland, Jordan Ireland, Jared C. Reedy, and Jacie Reedy.
Mom was predeceased by her father Carl Coffman, her mother Dorothy Coffman, brothers Damon Coffman and Scotty Coffman. We know they are all in Heaven having a big ‘ole time.
A memorial service was held at the Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane, on July 17, 2021. Burial was in the Gill Cemetery in Salt Rock.