Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of June 8

William Bailey
William Stanley “Beetle” Bailey, 84, of Red House, passed away May 29, 2023, at home.
Beetle was retired from WV Department of Highways and a Christian.
He is survived by his sister Mary Young; nieces Grenada Mangus, Darlene Perry and husband Mike, and Charlotte Noel; and nephews Ronald Brown and wife Jean, David Bailey and wife Patty, Pat Bailey, and Greg Young and wife Megan.
A tribute to the life of Beetle was held Friday, June 2, 2023 at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with Chad R. Harding officiating.

Juanita Mae Boice
Juanita Mae Boice, 87, of Eleanor, passed away from this life Monday, May 29, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, following a long illness.
Juanita entered this life November 5, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Stanley A. Willard and Macie Ellen (Plumley) Willard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Holley Boice; sister, Barbara Lovejoy; brothers, John W. Willard, and Gary Willard; sister-in-law, Sue Willard; and grandson-in-law, Phillip Cobb.
Survivors include her children, Kay (David) Fisher, Debbie (Joe) Martin, Cindy (Chris) Jeffers, and Jeff “Mick” Boice (Bathsheba Dailey); grandchildren, Cheryl (Jeremy) Tyndall, David (Shannon) Fisher, Christina Cobb, Donnie (Cassandra) Fisher, Joseph (Tracey) Martin, Holley (Mark) Bradbury, Jonathan (Kelsey) Martin, Jamie (Michael) Robinson, Kristen Lynn Dailey, Amanda Dailey, and Katie Dailey; great-grandchildren, Kaela (Harris) Sigmon, Luke Martin, Wyatt Cobb, Wesley Fisher, Josie Fisher, Breigh Martin, Sarah Bradbury, Hailey Bradbury, Macie Fisher, Raelee Fisher, Cole Fisher, Cassidy Tyndall, Boice Robinson, Grayson Alexander Guthrie, and Avyanna Mae Shinn; great-great-granddaughter, Elli Sigmon; brother, Woody (Barbara) Willard; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens with Pastor Donnie Fisher and Pastor Woody Willard officiating. Entombment was in the Memory Gardens.

Larry Allen Conard
Larry Allen Conard, 65, of Scott Depot, passed away May 31, 2023 at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness.
He was born October 7, 1957 in Kanawha County to the late Donald and Shirley Conard.
Larry was a friend to everyone he met. His smile lit up the room. He was always willing to lend a hand when needed and always came with open arms. He was definitely one of a kind, and everyone who met him was truly blessed. Larry had a true heart of gold. If he could tell us anything right now, he would say, “It’ll be Alright.”
Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Conard; son: Allen Conard of Nitro; his son’s fiancé: Robin Thomas, and Robin’s son, Devin Boggs; his sister and brother-in-law: Kathy and Robert Osborne of Hurricane; nephew: Adam Osborne; and niece: Jessica Stratton and her children: Isaiah and Greenlee Stratton; goddaughter: Alison Weatherholt; and godson: Griffin Weatherholt; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral service for Larry was Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Tim Chapman officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park Hurricane.

Phyllis Gibson
Phyllis Jean Bailey Gibson, 83, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord on May 29, 2023.
Phyllis is retired from Putnam County Schools as a bus aide and held multiple other positions in the county. She is a 1959 graduate of Poca High School and a Christian. Phyllis held many positions, but her main job was raising her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, and friends of her children. She was a loyal caregiver, caring for people since the age of 14, especially caring for her late husband Darrell for 24 ½ years. Phyllis was a lady of strength, determination, and boldness.
She is preceded in death by her husband Darrell Gibson, Sr.; son Darrell “Weiner” Gibson, Jr.; parents Andrew and Rachel Bailey; brother Allen “Pud” Bailey; sister Carol Sue Arthur and her husband Neely; father and mother-in-law Earl and Dessie Gibson; granddaughter Amanda Gibson; son-in-law Charles “Skeebo” Hill; and grandson-in-law Joshua Oldaker.
Phyllis is survived by her five children Richard Thurman and wife Barbara Gibson of St. Albans, Michael A. and wife Pam Gibson of Cross Lanes, Timothy P. and wife Kim Gibson of Poca, Debbie and husband Mike Lett of Poca, and John A. and wife Regina Gibson of Poca; sister Anna Catherine Whittaker of Beverly; sister-in-law Diana Bailey of Poca; 20 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
A tribute to the life of Phyllis Gibson was held Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Tim Gibson, Erin Daniels, and Jeremy Daniels officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

William Ray Gillespie
William Ray Gillespie, 71, of Scott Depot, passed away on May 29, 2023 at University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY while waiting for a liver and kidney transplant.
He was born on December 22, 1951 in Charleston to the late Michael and Lola Gillespie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Michael (Big G), James, Gary, Timothy and sister Mary Ann Gillespie.
William was a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church Scott Depot and a former member of Chelyan Baptist Church. He graduated from East Bank High School in 1970. He retired from John Amos Power Plant.
He never retired from being an amazing husband, dad, and papaw. His favorite things to do were going on beach trips with his wife, children and grandchildren where he would fish and have fun with everyone. When he was home he would spend a lot of time in his woodshop making and fixing things for others.
William is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patty Gillespie (Ballingall); daughters: Heather Kinder (Dan), Johna Huffman (Tony); sons: Andrew Gillespie and Adam Gillespie (Morgan); brothers: Larry Gillespie (Gail) and David Lee Gillespie (Tonya); grandchildren: Caitlin Kinder, Ashley Kinder, Olivia Huffman, Luke Huffman, Easton Huffman, Kinsley Gillespie and Adriana Tuell.
Funeral service for William was Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Travis Rucker officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park Hurricane.

Evelyn Lorene Grant
Evelyn Lorene Grant, 74, of Hurricane, passed away Monday, May 29, 2023 in CAMC Teays Valley after a long illness. Retired from Lowes and Putnam General Hospital and a member of Scary Creek Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her husband James Darrell Grant and parents William and Alta Waller and brother Chucky Waller.
She is survived by her Sons James Grant and Kevin (Diana) Grant, 8 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren, Sisters Lucy (Glenn) Beckett and Vivian (Stephen) Titsworth and Brother Jerry (Jeanette) Waller
Funeral service was Friday, June 2, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Peggy Larck officiating. Burial was in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Kermit Higginbotham, Sr.
Kermit Higginbotham, Sr., 88, of Leon, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023 following a long illness. He was a member of the Buffalo Church of God, and Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 A.F. & A.M. Buffalo. Kermit retired from Conrail Railroad where he worked for many years.
Born January 18, 1935, he was the son of the late Arthur S. Higginbotham and Macil Legg Higginbotham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dianne E. Higginbotham; a grandson, “Sam” Newman; a son-in-law, Payton L. Newman IV; and a daughter-in-law, Ladonna Higginbotham.
Survivors include his son, Kermit E. Higginbotham of Buffalo; his daughters, Donyia (Terry) Garrison of Eleanor, and Tischa Newman of Buffalo; grandchildren, Terryn (Chris) Grant, Jacob Higginbotham, and Madison Higginbotham; great-grandchildren, Bentley Garrison, and Emory “Little Britches” Grant; special friend, Debbie Hazelwood; as well as extended family and many friends.
Funeral service was Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Mitchell Burch and Pastor Jake Eldridge officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.

Cynthia Hodges
Cynthia F. “Cindy” Hodges, 72, of Buffalo, passed away May 31, 2023.
Cindy is a graduate of Streetsboro High School and a homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and reading.
She is preceded in death by her husband Benford Hodges; parents Carrie and Joe Javorsky; and one great grandchild.
Cindy is survived by her five children Renee Lane, Joe (Sandy) Hodges, Donnie Hodges, Ronnie (Tammy) Hodges, and Tifany (Gregory) White; brother Jamie (Kathy) Javorsky; nephew Kyle Javorsky; niece DeAnna Greene; cousin Ron Klink; 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
At her request there will be no services.

Lessie Lawson
Lessie “Tot” Lawson, 94, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 29, 2023. She was born on November 8, 1928 in Hurricane. She was a graduate of Hurricane High School. She retired from the Charleston Gazette after 35 years and was a member of Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church. She leaves behind her faithful companion Colby.
She is survived by her sister Zelma Aufderhaar (99 years old) from Clinton, WI.
She was preceded in death by her Father, Ezra Lewis Lawson; Mother, Arnie J Montgomery; Brothers, Kenneth Lawson, Clifford Lawson and Harry Lawson and sister, Glennith Lawson Hall
A celebration of Life was held Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Kenaston officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.

Virginia Irene Lucas
Virginia Irene Lucas, 89, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2023.
She was born March 20, 1934 to the late Audra Board Evans Harris and Ralph Evans. In addition she was preceded in death by her stepfather James Harris; sisters: Ruby Atkinson, Francis Davis, and Rosalie Fletcher; brothers: Robert Evans and James Evans; husband, Jack Edward Lutz; and son, Jack Edward Lutz Jr.
Virginia is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Allen Lucas of Hurricane, originally from Pottersdale, PA; daughter, Susan Denise Lutz Cooper of Hurricane; granddaughters: Stevie Mattison McKinsey Cooper and Carly Tatum Cooper, both of Fort Myers, FL; and brother, Roger Evans of Elyria, OH.
Funeral Service for Virginia was Tuesday June 6, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Paul Tuembler officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park Hurricane.

Alice Jean McClure
Alice Jean McClure, age 88 ,of Poca, born on October 2, 1934, went to be with our Lord on May 30, 2023.
Jean was a lifelong nurse who cared for people for over 60 years. She owned a personal health care home where she was the caretaker of many patients throughout the years. She retired at age 80 to enjoy the rest of her life cooking and caring for her family. She adored finding new recipes to try out at her next family dinner. We all know that she could tell the best stories. A favorite of her’s was telling you how she could shoot the stem of the apple to get it to fall from the tree. And she never did hit the apple!
Jean was the daughter of the late Ovie and Ellen McClanahan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Perry McClure. She was also proceeded in death by one brother: Ovie {Buddy} McClanahan, Sr. four sisters: Clela {Picky} Womack, Laura {Curly} Womack, Norma {Sally} McClanahan, and Christine Honaker, and one great great grandson: Kayce.
Surviving are three sons: Steven McClure of Scott Depot, Denver McClure (Sandra) of Culloden, Boyd McClure (Cheryl) of Winfield, four daughters: Terri Pardo (Marc) of Punta Gorda, FL, Deborah Dixon of Bridgeport, OH, Patricia Sullivan of Woodbridge, VA, and Brenda Myers (Hobert) of Scherr, WV. Also surviving is Jean’s legacy of 25 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, & 5 great great grandchildren. She was always very proud of the large family that she had help create.
Celebration of life was held Friday, June 2, 2023, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, Poca. Grave site service was conducted at Heavens Gateway Memorial Gardens, Winfield.

Carroll Andrew Miller
Carroll Andrew Miller, 88, of Buffalo, formerly of Fairmont, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023 following a long illness. He was a retiree of Westinghouse which later became Phillips Lighting in Fairmont. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for 60 years, serving as an Elder for the Pleasant Valley Congregation while in Fairmont. He was also a United States Navy Veteran and served aboard the U.S.S. Stoddard during the Korean Conflict.
Born February 24, 1935 in Fairmont, he was the son of the late Harland W. Miller and Carrie Ellen Reese Miller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 1 sister.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley L. (Kirby) Miller; his sons, Harland “Andy” (Stephanie) Miller of Fairmont, and William C. “Bill” Miller of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his daughter, Trisha (David) Rich of Buffalo, WV; 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.
Memorial service will be held at 4:00 P.M., Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Barrackville Church of Christ, Barrackville, with Evangelist Darrell Toothman officiating.

Rose Marie Popham
Rose Marie Popham, 79, of Culloden, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 28, 2023, after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Popham; parents, Chester and Marth Lucas; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby and Clara Lucas; brother-in-law, Larry Bias Sr.; great nephew, Elijah Shride; great niece, Hanna Wiley.
She is survived by her son Chester Popham of Culloden; granddaughter, Hailey (Zane) Bush of Warner Robins GA; grandson Tyler Popham of Culloden; great granddaughter Malina Rose Bush; brothers, Golden (Nancy) Lucas of Portland TN and Sammy (Teressa) Lucas of Culloden; sister, Shirley Bias of Culloden; one cousin she considered a sister, Linda McCallister of Hamlin; 10 Nieces and Nephews, 4 Great Nephews, 1 Great Niece and her longtime boyfriend, Joe McCallister of Culloden.
Funeral service was Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Peaceful Valley Cemetery, Culloden.

Jerry Richmond
Jerry Richmond, 67, of Lucasville, Ohio, formerly of Midway, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023 following a long illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Richmond and Rita Hudson Richmond.
Survivors include his brothers, Doug Richmond and Timothy Richmond.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated. There are no services planned.

Jeffery Alan Roberts
Jeffery Alan Roberts, age 50, passed away in Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort, SC and went to meet his LORD on April 22, 2023, He was the beloved son of Vivian Grant Roberts and deceased Rev. Dean Roberts of Beaufort, SC.
Surviving are his dear daughter Megan Roberts of Nashville TN, his loving brother Daniel and sister-in-law (Stephanie) Roberts of Beaufort and Rapid City, SD, special sister Christie (Marc) Cauley of Aiken SC.
Also surviving Jim, Deana and Tina Roberts of Champaign, IL, aunts, uncles, cousins of the Mansel Grant family of the Hurricane area and the Maxey family of Beaufort, SC.
He attended Hurricane Elementary School and graduated Monticello High School, Monticello, IL. Attended Parkland College with an emphasis in art. He was an accomplished artist. He was affiliated with the CBC in Beaufort, SC and employed by Caterpillar in Champaign IL until becoming ill.
A memorial service will follow at a later date.

David Keith Sowards Jr.
David Keith Sowards, Jr., 63, of Scott Depot, went home to be with Jesus on May 29, 2023 at the Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born on September 14, 1959 to Sara Lee Engle Sowards and the late David Keith Sowards, Sr.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father in-law, McKinley Monroe Mullins.
Dave had the ability to make everyone feel like they were the only person in the room. Dave and Debbie were pillars of their community in every way, including their beloved church family at River Ridge Church in Hurricane. He started his career in nursing which led to a career in medical sales. The last 15 years he worked in financial management ending his career as a Wealth Advisor at Vandalia Wealth Management. His capacity to love everyone as his own, his fun loving humor, his love of Tudor’s Biscuits, his love of sports, the outdoors, his enduring faith, and steadfast care and dedication to his loving wife and family are a testament of the legacy that we will all cherish.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years: Debra Sowards; his son: Joshua David Sowards (Bethany) and their children Jase & McKinley Sowards; his daughter: Brittany Jo Sowards (Samuel Richman) of Queens, NY; mother: Sara Sowards of Scott Depot; brother: Dwayne Sowards (Tammy) of Scott Depot and their children, Jessica, Casey, Taylor, Tyler, Brandon and Payton; and his mother in-law: Norma Mullins of Winfield, among many other loving family members.
Celebration of Dave’s Life was held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at River Ridge Church, Hurricane, with Pastors Chad Cobb and Andy Tuel officiating.

Susie Swift
Susie Loraine Swift (Ervin), 64, of Red House, formerly of Pawleys Island South Carolina, passed away peacefully with loving lifelong friends by her side on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
She was Self Employed as a dog sitter and enjoyed her time loving on all the furry friends.
Susie was a member of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church.
Susie is preceded in death by her Parents Bobby Ervin Sr and Shirley Ervin, and sister Margie Blankenship.
Leaving behind to always remember the memories and laughter are her brother Bobby Ervin Jr and wife Sharla, nephew Tim Ervin and wife Marissa, Brian Blankenship, nieces Leann Blankenship, Cassie Blankenship. great nephews Hunter and Houston, and great niece Hensley. Lifelong friends Mary Parsons, Linda & George Arthur, & Bobbie Jordan.
Susie was always the life of the party no matter where she was. Her contagious laugh and smile will always be remembered. Her last request was that she wanted to be in the beautiful state of West Virginia, the place she called HOME to take her last breath. A special thank you to Mary Parsons and Bobbie Jordan for opening their home & heart to fulfill her last wish.
Per her wishes there will not be a service.

Ronda Triplett
Ronda Triplett, 60, of Branchland, went to be home to be with the Lord on May 31, 2023, after a long-term illness.
Funeral services were conducted at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, on June 5, 2023, by Pastor Eugene Bird. And Burial was in Cyrus Cemetery near Hurricane.
She was born December, 4, 1962 in Boyd County, Kentucky. She is the daughter of the late Billy Joe Suttles, Betty Setgull and Step-Father Lonnie “Gene” Hall.
She was preceded in death by one sister Wanda Finley and two brothers Bill Suttles and Lonnie Hall Jr. She is survived by her husband, John R. Triplett; one sister Tonia (Faith) Suttles. One son, Joshua (Amy) Cyrus, two daughters Jessica (Anthony) Wiley, Tausha (Michael) Vance. Seven grandchildren, Sharonda (DeAngelo) Trammell, Anthony Wiley Jr., James Wiley, Christjan Wiley, Kellena Dolin, DeMarcus Vance and Destini Vance. Two great grandchildren, Emma and Journee Trammell and several nieces and nephews. She was loved by her family.

Roger Dwayne Wilmoth
Roger Dwayne Wilmoth Jr., 58, of Winfield, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
He was born September 20, 1964 in Clarksburg, son of Roger Dwayne Wilmoth, Sr. (Debbie) and Barbara Jean Messenger of Nutter Fort. Roger graduated from RW High School, Class of 1982. Roger and his wife, Kelly, moved to Charlotte, NC, in 1989 where they made their home for thirty-three years.
Roger, an avid hunter and fisherman, cherished spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandson, Waylon. Roger had the privilege to move back to his beloved home state of WV in 2022, where he enjoyed sitting on the porch, watching and feeding all the wildlife. Anyone who knew Roger knew his love for West Virginia and the great outdoors.
In addition to his wife of thirty-four years, Kelly Jo (Moran), he is survived by his son Justin Creed and his wife Katie; grandson, Waylon Creed; father, Roger Sr. (Big Roger) and wife Debbie; and mother, Barbara Messenger. He is also survived by his brothers, Dusty Lane and Jeremy Levi and his wife Shelby; Mother-n-law, Linda Moran and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Roger is preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, Creed and Wanda Wilmoth, and maternal grandparents, Howard and Dessie Walker.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Village Square Event Center, Clarksburg.

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