THELMA D. CARTER
Thelma D. Clark Carter, 90, of Hurricane, went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, April 29, 2022, after complications from a fall.
She was preceded in death by her husband Everette Carter Jr. whom she had work alongside at Carters Market for over 35 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Pam (Keith) Smith of Hurricane and Teresa (Karl) Fletcher of Oracle AZ. And sisters, Mildred Blake and Janice Bills of Both of Milton and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral service was Monday May 2, 2022, at Valley View Cemetery with Pastor Joseph Kenaston officiating.
BARBARALU FISCHER
Barbaralu Fischer, 90, of Charleston, went home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of April 28, 2022, after a long illness.
The daughter of Albert and Myrtle Fischer, Barbaralu was born in Charleston, West Virginia on November 11, 1931. In addition to her parents, Barbaralu was preceded in death by her sister, Janet Hoye and brother-in-law, Tom Hoye both of Arizona.
Barbaralu was a member of Perrow Church in Cross Lanes where she was a devout Christian and dedicated her life to the Lord. She served on the prayer chain until her illness prevented her from doing so. Barbaralu was quite a prayer warrior and was more than willing to organize prayer for anyone in need.
After Barbaralu graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1949, she went on to study Chemistry at Indiana University where she graduated in the top of her class.
After graduating with a degree in Chemistry, she started her career at Dupont as a Chemist where she excelled in her field. She chose to retire early in 1985 to help take care of her ailing mother.
Barbaralu is survived by her brother and her best friends, Ed Fischer and his wife Debbie. In addition, she is survived by her nieces Shelley Chipps (Bill) of Arizona, Shawn Waggoner (David) of Arizona, Wendy Smith (Jim) of Cross Lanes, Lori Sutton of Cross Lanes, and Nicki Gohlmann (Nick) of Hurricane. Her great nieces and nephews survive her as well, Ryan Chipps of Arizona, Tatum Badger (Sam) of Arizona, Trevor Waggoner of California, Brandon Chipps of Arizona, Lexi Waggoner of Arizona, Bradley Sutton of Hurricane, Wesley Sutton of Hurricane, Carter Gohlmann of Hurricane and Cael Gohlmann of Hurricane.
Service was Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Perrow Church, Cross Lanes, with Pastor Ryan Fulmer and Pastor Richard Mahan officiating.
ARNOLD RAY FERGUSON
Arnold Ray Ferguson, 72, of Pliny, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2022.
Ray was born in Pliny to the late Russell R. and Zeda M. Ferguson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Larry Ferguson.
He served his country in the US Army with the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star, among many other accolades.
Ray was a heavy equipment operator for Kenneth Dunn, Taylor and Striegel, and several other construction companies.
He is survived by his daughters, Amanda D. Ferguson Griffith (Bobby) of Pliny and Leslie Rae Ferguson Downey of Midway; sister, Lois Kay Stewart of Pliny; brothers, Johnny Ferguson of Pliny, Pete Ferguson (Sandy) of Pliny, Dick Ferguson (Betty) of Pliny, Bob Ferguson (Sue) of Pliny, Terry Ferguson (Carolyn) of Pliny, and Jimmy Ferguson (Tammi) of Pliny; grandchildren, Cody Brent Griffith, Bryce Addington Downey, Kaylie Dee Griffith and Aubrey LeDale Downey; and many other extended family and friends.
His Celebration of Life was Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
JUDITH ANN GANDEE
Judith Lusk Gandee, of Hurricane, born February 1942, passed peacefully after a long illness in Teays Valley on April 30, 2022.
Judy was born in Charleston to William and Emma Lusk and was an only child. Judy graduated from Oceana High School in 1959 and went on to attend Concord University, West Virginia State University and WV College of Graduate Studies. She held a BS and Masters degrees in Elementary Education. She married Lewis A. Gandee in September 1962 with her life long friend Claudia Burdette serving as her Maid of honor. She and Lewis made their life together in Dunbar. Where Judy raised 3 children and cared for 1000s of students educational and emotional well being.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Rev. William C and Emma Lusk of St. Albans.
Judy taught several grade levels at Roxalana Elementary in Dunbar for 35 years before retiring to Teays Valley.
Judy spent her later years surrounded by family and friends – but nothing compared to the time she spent with her grandchildren. They brought constant joy to her retirement. She always looked forward to her monthly “Golden Girls” lunches with her friends from Roxalana and in her favorite seat by her friend Billie Brammer.
Judy is survived by her husband Lewis Gandee of Hurricane, her children Son Bill Gandee and spouse Joey Kendrick of Atlanta GA, Daughter Leah Gabhart and spouse John Gabhart of Hurricane WV, Son Mark Gandee and Spouse Susan Gandee, Hurricane WV. Her six grandchildren included: Sarah Elizabeth Boggs, Rachel Brooke Gandee, Ashley Nicole Gabhart, Katherine Ann Gabhart, Johnson William Gabhart, and Matthew Wayne Gabhart, cousins and close friends.
Funeral services were Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Rev. Ron McClung officiating. Interment was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.
VAUGHNA KITTS
Vaughna Summers Kitts, 93, of Scott Depot, departed this world for her heavenly home April 22, 2022 at Celebration Villa, Hurricane, West Virginia.
She was a member of Kings Way Christian Church in Nitro, West Virginia. She loved her church and all the members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Watson and Bertie Summers and seven siblings. Her husband, Larry whom she lovingly cared for during his seven year illness and daughter Debbie.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Vickee Kitts of Winfield; grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Dickerson of Huntington and Jeffrey Kitts of Scott Depot; great-grandchildren Isabella and Gracie Dickerson of Huntington and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held in Vaughna’s honor at a later a later date.
Warren Edwin Pauley
Warren Edwin Pauley, 84, of Hamlin, went home to The Lord on April 29, 2022. He passed away peacefully, with his wife and children by his side at home. Anne Gibson, a cherished and beloved friend, was present also.
He was under the care of Hospice of Huntington, Phyllis Brown was the wonderful angel and beloved friend who was his care giver. Laura Henderson was his caring nurse. Many thanks for all that they have done.
He was a son of the late Bradie and Kathleen Pauley. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Pauley; and two sisters, Elaine Pauley and Deborah Vannatter.
He loved the outdoors, deer hunting, fishing, and camping. His passion was cutting wood. He loved singing and had a beautiful bass voice. He was a Deacon at The Hamlin Church of Christ for years and an avid teacher of God’s Word. He currently attended Main Avenue Church of Christ, Hurricane.
Teresa and Steven want it to be known that he was a wonderful father, always having time to spend with us as children. Linda- he was a loving and caring husband for 63 years.
He retired from Union Carbide with 35 years’ service. He served in the US Navy from 1955-1959 as a machinist mate. He loved his time in the Navy and was very proud of his service.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Linda Mae Pauley of Culloden; daughter, Teresa Anne Pauley of Hamlin; son, Steven Wayne Pauley(Vickie)of Troutman, NC; granddaughter, Marquita Ireland (David); great-grandsons, Bentley and Maverick Ireland of Statesville, NC; two grand-sugar gliders, Lizzie and Elmo; sisters, Betty Cottrell of Scott Depot and Joan Bartlett of Teays Valley; brother, Dwain Pauley of Hurricane; several nephews; and many other extended family and friends.
Service will be held at a later date.
EDDIE ‘BUZZY’ THOMAS
Eddie Lanche “Buzzy” Thomas, 88, of Poca, passed away May 1, 2022.
Buzzy is retired owner/operator of the Thomas Store and Post Office in Lanham and former owner/operator of Thomas Water Well Drilling. He is a graduate of Poca High School and attended Morris Harvey College. He is an Army Veteran and a lifetime member of Harmons Creek Church of the Nazarene.
He is preceded in death by his parents H.S. B. and Ruth Thomas and six siblings.
He is survived by his son Herschel Lee and his wife Joyce Thomas and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Buzzy was held Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Thomas Cemetery, Poca River Road South, Poca, with Pastor Ed Damron officiating.
SHARON JEAN WARD
Sharon Jean Ward, 74, of Scott Depot, went to be with the Lord on April 27th, 2022. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a short illness. She bravely fought the illness that plagued her. Sadly though, her poor body was too weak to keep up with her will to live.
Sharon was born on October 17, 1947, in Charleston and graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1965. On August 19, 1968, she married her husband, Samuel Ward. They were married for 38 years until her husband passed in 2007. They raised two daughters together, Debra and Nicole. She proudly served over 35 years working for the State of West Virginia, as an Administrative Assistant-predominantly for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner’s Office. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, caretaker (to both her mother and mother-in law), and a loving dog mom to many sweet and cherished dogs over the years. After the passing of her mother and husband, she found great joy in adopting and caring for many dogs and enjoyed absolutely every minute of it. She enjoyed reading romance novels and had accumulated quite the inventory of books and kept very meticulous records of each one. She also loved passing time watching old western movies and tv shows and listening to music. Her favorite types of music were golden oldies, classical country, and Elvis. She was blessed with an extremely kind and generous spirit and would do absolutely anything to help those that she loved.
Sharon was preceded in death by her father Delbert Hammack, mother Emma Ruth Hammack, sister Judith Rich, and husband Samuel.
She is survived by daughters Debra Ward (partner Craig Keefer) of Raleigh, NC, and Nicole Russell (Matt) of Charleston, WV, brother Larry Hammack (Beverly), loving cousin Rhonda McClanahan (who was like a sister & best friend to her), nephew Joel Rich (Cheryl), nephew Chris Hammack (Sandy), niece Cynthia Parsons (Jonathon) and their two children. In addition, Sharon was also survived by much loved nieces and nephew (from her husband’s side) Robbie Goolsby (John), Randi Bridges and Sean Dalton (Vicky) of Hendersonville, NC.
A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Mike Harper, will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home in Cross Lanes at 3 pm. Friends and family may gather at 2:00 pm for a time of visitation.
