ARLISS BLACKSHIRE
Arliss Glenn Blackshire Sr., 89, of Manilla Ridge, Leon, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022 at his home following a short illness. He attended Nitro High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country for four years in the U.S. and abroad. He retired from Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood. Arliss loved Jesus and was an ordained minister. He pastored several churches over the years and was a member of Hometown Independent Mission Church. He would teach and preach about Jesus at every opportunity he had. He would often say “get right or get left.” He was a devoted husband to Faye Blackshire for nearly 50 years. They enjoyed traveling in their younger days, but in recent years just enjoyed their time on the farm together. He loved his sons and their families and was so proud of them all. He enjoyed hunting, working around his farm, tinkering with his tractors, helping others and was really good at supervising all projects. He loved to shoot the breeze and always had some wise crack. He will be remembered for his love of Jesus, kindness, and his stiff hand when necessary. Arliss was a truly great man —one of a kind, loved by so many.
Born July 28, 1932 in Midway, he was the son of the late Howard Odell Blackshire and Geneva Estella Blackshire. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Mackie.
Survivors include his loving wife, Faye Blackshire; sons, Arliss (Tammy) Blackshire Jr. of Aiken SC and Stephen (Lea Ann) Blackshire of Buffalo; brother, Howard Odell “Bud” (Sue) Blackshire Jr. of Cross Lanes; sisters, Jean Pritt of Tuppers Creek, Delores Cobb of Dunbar and Jo Ellen (Danny) Burdette of Charleston; grandchildren, Rhonda (Tommy) Platt, Matthew (Shayla) Blackshire, Stacie (Matt) Bowen and Kristi (Billy) Holton; 9 great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

ARTHUR ‘BUTCH’ COBBS
Arthur “Butch” Leroy Cobbs, 77, of Winfield, passed away on March 26, 2022 at his home.
He was a son of the late Kenna and Louise Black Cobbs, born in Ashland, KY on March 27, 1944.
Butch proudly served his country with the United States Army. He was a truck driver and an employee of Volkswagen Stamping Plant.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Lynn Duke Cobbs; his children: Stephanie Womack (Jimmy) of Cornelius, NC, Jay Cobbs (Tina) of Brooklyn Heights, OH, Michael Duke (Melody) of Winfield and Stephan Sovine (Pam) of Wesley Chapel FL; grandchildren: Richard, Zachary, Brandon, Brittany, Nicholas, Jeffrey, Cody, Rylee and Lynzi; and great grandson: Zane.
Funeral service for Butch will be 2:00 pm Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield.
Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
A private family burial will take place at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

WANDA COLLINS
Wanda Lynn (Workman) Collins, 42, of Hurricane, passed away on March 20, 2022 at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital, Hurricane.
Wanda was the last child born to Curtis Eugene and Carolyn Lee (Taylor) Workman on November 14, 1979.
She was preceded in death by her father, Curt Workman and her sister, Patty Sue Workman.
Wanda loved her family fiercely and enjoyed spending time with them while fishing, four wheeling, or anything else outdoors. If you were a friend to Wanda, you were a friend for life.
Wanda is survived by her loving family: husband of over 20 years, Joey Collins, daughter, Breanna Collins (Matt), and son, “Little” Joey Collins (Corey); and her grandchildren: Colton, Weston and coming very soon, Carson; all of Hurricane; her mother: Carolyn Workman; her brothers: Ricky Workman (Kristi) of South Charleston, Curtis W. Workman of Hurricane, Bobby Workman (Debbie) of Hurricane, and Gary Workman (Tonya) of Hurricane; and her sisters: Tammy Sowards (Paul) of Hurricane and Peggy Armentrout (Jay) of Lincoln County, her father in-law: Joe Collins (Sue) of Hurricane, and mother in-law: Brenda Sanders (Wendell) of Hurricane, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.
Funeral Service for Wanda was Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Peach Ridge Community Cemetery, Hurricane.

ANDRE GEORGE HAIKAL
Andre George Haikal, 73, suddenly went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Andre was born in the small village of Aita Al Foukhar, Lebanon, on April 16, 1948 to George and Zakia Haikal. He grew up in a large family of 10 siblings. After his eldest brother Elias immigrated to the US, Andre followed in 1970. Andre met Karen Fagan, the love of his life, and they married in 1973. Andre opened Nitro Supermarket in 1974, and faithfully served his community for 50 years with consistent quality and customer service. His customers and all members of the community treasured his easy smile and willingness to help in any way he could by going above and beyond to fill a need that needed met. His kindness and generosity brought the community together to his store as a gathering place for all to share life together. Andre and Karen were blessed with four children, Christina, Melissa, Andre Jr. and Kimberly. His pride in his girls for entering the healthcare field and carrying on his example of service to his community was overwhelmingly evident every time he spoke of them. His home was open to all to share food, fellowship and faith with his abundant family.
Andre was a faithful, active parishioner of St. George Orthodox Cathedral and served on the board. He was also a vital member of the Aita Al Foukhar Reunion Convention. Andre gave countless hours of his time planning and executing the yearly picnics, haflis, Easter breakfasts and so much more. The St. George Orthodox family is devastated by his loss, but thankful he is rejoicing in heaven in reunion with his loved ones.
Andre was preceded in death by his parents, George and Zakia Haikal, his beloved son, Andre, Jr, and brother, Dr. Elias (Lee) Haikal. Andre is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Karen; daughters Christina (Mike) of Red House, Melissa (Aaron) of South Carolina, and Kimberly, Charleston. His grandchildren, Jaydon, Jacob, Ethan, Ella, Kaitlyn and Owen were the great joy of his life and will be forever grateful for the time they spent with their Jidi. Andre is also survived by his siblings, Hend Gharib, Houda Tarchichi, Walid Haikal, Souzan Ghareeb, Michel Haikal, Fadia Feghali, Fadi Haikal, and Sherri Haikal.
Andre was a vibrant member of the Nitro and Poca communities and will always be remembered for his open arms and open heart to all he knew, both friend and family. This great loss will be felt by many who knew and loved him.
Funeral service was Monday, March 28 at St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Charleston. Interment was in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston.

JEWELL HARRISON
Jewell Gibson Harrison, age 98, departed this life on Sunday morning, March 20, 2022. She was born on a snowy day, May 10, 1923, at the family home in the vicinity of the old Gritt farm in Putnam County. Jewell was the youngest daughter of the late George and Susie Gibson. There’s was a happy family which included Frank, Nellie, Hayward, Johnny, Jewell, Dempsey, and Bill.
Jewell’s growing-up years were spent in Dunbar and Nitro. As a young adult living in Nitro, she met the love of her life, Roy Harrison. They were wed April 5, 1947, and spent 56 wonderful years together until Roy was called home to heaven in 2003.
Jewell was an active member of Nitro Church of God for over 70 years and has been a member of Teays Valley Church of God for the past several years. She was involved in many phases of church work. Jewell and Roy seldom missed a service and were always willing to help with whatever needed to be done. She served on various boards and committees, taught a young adult Sunday School class for many years, and sang in the choir. Her love of mission work began in her local church and reached far beyond. Jewell served as finance director of the Women of the Church of God on the local and state level. She was presented with Honorary and Lifetime membership pins by the National Organization of Women of the Church of God (now Christian Women Connection).
Jewell was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, and several nieces. Left to cherish her memory are sister-in-law, Mildred, nieces and nephews Jeannie, Sue, Lynn, Tammi, Connie, Bob, Johnie Lee, Glen, Mike, and David, also several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was blessed with many close friends whose loving concern enabled her to live independently in her home until the end of her life.
Jewell will be remembered for her quick wit, love of life, and willingness to invite others to church. She never met a stranger and was never at a loss for words.
A celebration of Jewell’s life was held at Cooke Funeral Home in Nitro on Friday, March 25, 2022 with Reverend Harold Goodpaster officiating. Entombment was in Cunningham Memorial Park, Saint Albans.

LEONA HARRIS
Leona Myrtle (Tucker) Harris, 91, of Buffalo, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a short illness. Leona married “Captain Ed” Harris on September 18, 1950. They were married for 68 years until his passing in 2019. Leona was a lifelong homemaker and attended Buffalo United Methodist Church. She enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with her family. She leaves behind three sons, six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
She was born February 21, 1931 on Tucker Ridge in Putnam County, she was the daughter of the late Ira and Iva Tucker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Harris; sisters, Edith Tucker, Effie Tucker, Frances Clark, Irene DeWeese and Nathalie Butterbaugh; brother, Leslie Tucker and great grandson, Sean Wood.
Survivors include sons, Larry (Theda) Harris of Alvin, TX, Lonnie (Pam) Harris of Buffalo, and Mark (Wendy) Harris of Buffalo; grandchildren, Rebecca Baldwin, Brandi Harris Williams, Adam Harris, Jeremy Shilling, Tianna Shilling and Logan Harris; great grandchildren, Connor Baldwin, Alex Baldwin, Hailey Williams, Blake Williams, Macey Williams, Drew Clendenin, Jett Harris, Cash Harris, Christopher Shilling, Jami Duncan and Brynlee Wood; goddaughter, Mandy Cunningham.
Funeral service was Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Mike Tucker officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.

EVA FAYE HENSLEY
Eva Faye Hensley, 64, of Poca, passed away March 25, 2022.
Eva is retired supervisor with Gino’s with 48 years of service. She enjoyed riding her side by side and fishing.
She is survived by her husband, Luther Hensley; children Angela (Larry) Herdman, Chuck “Nuggie” (Patricia) Hedrick, Elsie (Phillip) Hensley, Travis (Lexi) Hensley and Trevor Hensley; sister Terri (Jimmy) Johnson; brother Timothy (Susan) Harrison; grandchildren Priscilla Adkins, David “Bub” (Tara) Adkins, Mac Hedrick, and Zac Hedrick; great grandchildren Olivia Maxey and Carleigh Adkins and close friends John Adkins and Tammy Petry.
A tribute to the life of Eva was held Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

CHARLES RUSSELL HIRST
Charles Russell Hirst, 85, of Hurricane, peacefully passed away Friday, March 25, 2022, at Hubbard Hospice House with his wife by his side.
He was a former employee of ADT Security Systems. He was a US Army Veteran and a founding member of the East End Church of Christ, Saint Albans.
He is survived by his wife Agnes “Edie” Hirst; sons, Chuck Hirst (Melanie), of Saint Albans, and Stephen Hirst (Paul), of Marmet; grandchildren, Chris Hirst of Saint Albans, Brooke Hirst of Pinch, and Nicole Bess of Montgomery; and 2 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his mother Mildred Hirst, father Edwin Hirst, and sister Greta Greene.
In honoring his wishes, he was laid to rest at Center Point Cemetery with memorial service on Monday March 28, 2022, at Gatens Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Mark Estep officiating.

ROSALEE LETT
Rosalee Webster “Rosie” Lett, 85 of Poca, formerly of Florida, passed away March 25, 2022.
Rosie is retired from Harris Corporation in Palm Bay, Florida.
She is survived by her three children Dennis Ray Lett, Ricky Eugene Lett, and Patty Sauder; brother Gary Webster and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Private services will be held.

CARLOS A. MOORE, SR.
Carlos A. Moore, Sr., 83, of Leon, passed away March 27, 2022.
Mr. Moore is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mrs. Betty Moore; children Carlos “Punky” (Nancy) Moore, Jr., Pam (Danny) Pinkelton, Cathy Barnes, David (Ina) Moore, Debbie Moore, Timothy Moore, Kay (Scot) Fisher, Brian Moore, and Elizabeth Moore; 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Carlos was Thursday March 31, 2022 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Aaron Karr officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

LISA SAMPLES
Lisa Colleen Samples, of Scott Depot, 60, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph “Pete” Henthorn.
Lisa was born on November 2, 1961, in Ironton, OH to Katrine Henthorn and Ralph “Pete” Henthorn and was the oldest of three sisters (Annette, Amy). She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing and went on to work as an RN at St. Mary’s and then CAMC Teays Valley Hospital. Lisa married her husband, Kevin, of 35 years on November 14, 1987. She lived her life dedicated to following Jesus Christ and fiercely loved her family and treasured spending time with her mother, sisters, husband, and children. Lisa had a passion for music. She played the piano and often sang around the house and in the car. That passion for music led Lisa to serve faithfully at St. John UMC as a member of the choir for 30+ years. She also enjoyed her wildflower and vegetable gardens. The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the staff at Bellaire and Hospice for their loving care of Lisa.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Paul Kevin Samples, beloved children Megan Mikesell (Zane), Colleen Cole (Ethan), Geoffrey Samples (Katie), her grandsons, Levi and Sawyer Cole, and her mother, Katrine Henthorn.
A service to celebrate the life of Lisa was held Saturday, March 26, 2022, at St. John United Methodist Church, Scott Depot.

GEORGE SKIDMORE
George Vincen Skidmore, 94, of Poca, departed from this life on March 26, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. George was born in Poca on October 22, 1927. His parents were Harry Ross Skidmore and Ruth Lanham Skidmore. George was a direct descendant of Andrew Skidmore, a frontiersman who fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant on October 10, 1774. The battle is also known as the first battle of the American Revolution.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Viola Louise Skidmore, plus his siblings; brother Carl Skidmore, sisters Eva Hissom, Hazel Skidmore, Ann Moore, Maxine Woodall, and Betty Kilgore. He is survived by his sisters Emogene Tomlin and Nancy Lanham (Wayne). George is also survived by sisters-in-law Juanita Hanna, Ethel Hanna, and brother-in-law Jack Woodall.
His surviving children are George R. Skidmore (Linda) of Poca, West Virginia; Alice R. Skidmore Bice (David) of Poca, West Virginia; and James C. Skidmore (Pamela) of Poca, West Virginia. George took great joy in all of his 27 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
George R.’s family includes: daughter Harlena Ruth Akers.; Donna Jane “Dia” Akers and her son Dustin Whitman; and grandchildren Sydnie Skidmore, her son, Alexander, and Sydnie’s brother, Hunter Skidmore.
Alice’s children include Penny, Cheryl, Daniel (Jessica Hodgson), Jeffrey (Roberta), and Richard (Sandra Sim). Penny has daughter, Elaine McCune (P.J.) and grandson Jordan Wyatt. Daniel has three children, Zachary (Alex Olsen), Sophie and Raney. Jeffrey has two children, Josiah and Caleb. Josiah’s sons are Julian and Riley.
James and Pamela have one son, Benjamin Skidmore (Nashena). Their children are Landon Malaki Coleman, Benjamin Wyatt Skidmore, and Kiahna Rose Skidmore.
George graduated from Poca High School in 1946 and lived his entire life on Poca River, except when he and Louise were first married and they lived in Dunbar while he worked at Fletcher Enamel. He was employed at Monsanto where he was known as “Poca River” for 35 years before retiring at age 55.
For many years George led the Boy Scout Troop 162 in Poca taking them camping and teaching them about nature and other skills. George never met a stranger and had many friends no matter wherever he was. When the family house burned down on Good Friday, April 7, 1967, the whole community jumped in to help rebuild the home where he and Louise lived until their deaths.
While his children were in school, George was involved with their extra-curricular activities, including carrying the equipment for the football teams to the away games.
George attended Baber-Agee Church in Rocky Fork and more recently attended Community Chapel Church in Cross Lanes. He had been a member of the Good Samaritan Sunday School Class there. He read his Bible daily and always gave thanks for his food. His Christianity showed through his actions outside the church where he helped friends, neighbors, and those in need. An example of the latter was one time when George and Louise were on vacation they had a telephone call telling them someone from church was ill. They cancelled the rest of their vacation and returned home to attend their sick friend.
George loved to show people Louise’s “travel books”. These were books that Louise put together about trips she and George were able to take later in life. While traveling, she meticulously wrote down the time and places of everything that happened every day. When they returned home, they would take a four-inch, three-holed binder and match her notes to her photographs and postcards. George never hesitated to pull out her binders replete with Amtrak travels, airplane, and automobile trips.
He and Louise loved to go to the gospel sings at Mt. Nebo, West Virginia where they had many friends and even attended the National Quartet Convention when it was in Louisville, KY.
George and Louise never had a honeymoon after their marriage on February 24, 1947. On one trip with Alice and David to San Francisco, David had reserved a suite. It happened to be on their anniversary. When the door was opened, George picked up Louise and carried a giggling Louise over the threshold and told her it was for their delayed honeymoon.
Services for George was at the Harding-Gatens Funeral Home in Poca, on Tuesday, March the 29th with Pastor William Kilgore of Keene, Texas, officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens in Red House.

LINDA SPURLOCK
Linda Sue Spurlock, 70, of Poca, passed away March 23, 2022, at home.
Linda worked as a nursing assistant for various nursing homes.
She is survived by her children Terry Haynes, James Slater, Tammy Rapport and Leeann Lovejoy; siblings Ruby Bryant, Thomas Lewis, Mickey Lewis, Jewell Fowler and Brenda Withrow and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Burial was in Shamblin Cemetery, Red House.