GARY HARLAN CHAPMAN
Gary Harlan Chapman, 76, of Hurricane, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 after an extended illness. He was a faithful and loving Son, Brother, and Uncle. He was a Milton High School Graduate and a faithful member of the One Life Church. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Irene Chapman and sister Rita Searls.
He is survived by his brother-in-law Paul Searls, Niece Kathy Anderson and Nephew David Searls.
Funeral service was Monday, August 14, 2023, at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park.
ANDY GALFORD
A. A. “Andy” Galford, of Huntersville, NC., formerly of Hurricane and Hamlin, passed away on August 8, 2023 at S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House Mooresville, NC with his family by his side.
He was born on April 12, 1932 to the late James W. and Flora A. Galford in Durbin, WV. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Ora Mae Galford of Mason, WV and his brothers: Ray and George Galford.
Andy grew up in Pocahontas County, and proudly served his country in the United States Army with combat tours in Korea and was a retired WV State Trooper with 32 years of service. Andy was a member of the Hurricane Church of Christ and Mount Olivet #3 Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. Parkersburg.
Andy is survived by his second wife: Joan Reynolds Galford of Huntersville, NC; his children: Greg Galford (John Cup) of Christiansburg, VA and Brian Galford (Elise) and grandson: Jackson, all of Cary, NC; as well as his stepchildren: Bruce Reynolds (Susan) of Huntersville, NC and Bart Reynolds (Kim) of Denver, NC; step granddaughters: Lisa, Alexandra and Madelyn; as well as step great grandchildren.
Funeral Service for Andy will be 12:00 noon Saturday August 19, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Minister Ed Covert officiating. Burial will follow in Graham Cemetery, Letart.
GERALDINE S. HODGES
Geraldine S. Hodges, 84, of Hurricane, passed away August 8, 2023 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House.
She was born January 3, 1939 to the late Elza and Ethel Barringer.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Roy Lee Hodges.
Geraldine is survived by her son, Stephen Hodges (Carol) of Hurricane; daughters: Loraina Snowden (Mark) of California, Jerri Isaac (Lawrence) of Ohio, and Beth Midkiff of Pennsylvania; sister, Judith Scisciani of Mesa, Arizona; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 5 great great-grandchildren.
Per her request there will be no services.
WILMA LOU MCCLUNG
Wilma Lou Green McClung was born December 25th, 1930 in Mt. Nebo. Born to parents Velma O’Dell Green and Orval Green, she was a gift from God and Santa. One of her favorite stories was that she was delivered by the local vet, Charlie Beam. She attended Nicholas County High School and after graduation, worked in the Nicholas County Courthouse.
She married the love of her life, Boyd McClung, when he returned from service in the Navy during WWII. They moved to Charleston to begin their life together and raise their family. The young family moved to St. Albans where they lived until the children were grown and finished college. They retired to Hurricane, WV and during those years, the couple traveled extensively, were active in their church, and absolutely reveled in the grandchildren coming their way.
As life would have it, Boyd passed before Wilma. After living independently for a decade, with the support of loving neighbors, Wilma moved to South Carolina to be with her children where she continued to have an active and happy life. She enjoyed helping her daughter-in-law paint reclaimed furniture, annual beach trips with the family, daily walks around the neighborhood, plays, concerts, camping and frequent trips to the family home place where she enjoyed the company of her brother and sister’s in-law. She especially enjoyed whipping the pants off all comers in her favorite game, Rummikub.
Wilma finished her journey through this life on August 10, 2023, at the age of 92. She is predeceased by her husband, Boyd, a sister and two brothers. She is survived by her children, son, Stephen McClung and wife Connie, daughters, Deborah Craddock and husband Larry, Carol Hogard and husband Gordon and “adopted” daughter, Karen Higginbotham. Also, by her grandchildren, Michael and Ashley McClung, Heather Richardson-Hill and husband Phil, Deanna Hogard and Tori Wiseman and husband Keith, and five great grandchildren, Ellie, Becca, Alfie, Verity and Jameson, all of whom she adored and don’t forget her grand dogs: Tankie, fTira, Ella, Kurgan, Dexter and Morgan.
A Celebration of Wilma’s Life will be 11:00am, Friday, August 18, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Teresa Markins officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park St. Albans.
Nora Christine Powers
Nora Christine “Christy” Powers, 62, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 4, 2023.
Christy was born on November 13, 1960, in South Charleston to the late Robert Lee Powers and Rebecca Woodfert Hayes Powers.
She was a Putnam County resident and a graduate of Hurricane High School as well as a member of Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene.
Chirsty loved track and field, working hard to achieve the state shot-put record with Hurricane High School in 1977. She spent more than a decade playing softball for the Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene. Chirsty loved to be outdoors, especially on the Greenbrier River fishing. She had a passion for reading, 60’s music, playing games with her family, crafting, and being very active with the Red House Rascals 4H club.
She is survived by her sister, Darnitta Elswick; Nieces, Tonya (Robert) Slate, Cathy (Jeff) Barr, Ron (Donna) Elswick, ReNay (Vince) Elswick, several great nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, as well as many extended family members that she treasured.
Memorial service for Christy was Friday, August 11,2023 at Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene, Culloden, with pastor Patrick McGue officiating.
Frances Quintrell
Frances Lorraine Beane Quintrell has won her victory. She walked through the pearly gates of heaven on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House, West, South Charleston.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Quintrell and great-grandson, Maverick Armstrong. She will leave behind a legacy of love and devotion, exemplified through her roles as a wife, mother and friend. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all she touched by her presence.
Frances Lorraine Beane Quintrell is survived by her children, Angie (Dale) Ball of Charlotte, NC, Lori (Scott) Witt of Scott Depot, and Jason (Erin) Quintrell of Poca; grandchildren, Sophia (Logan) Armstrong of South Charleston, Hanna Lockhart (Taylor) of Scott Depot,Caitlin Quintrell of Poca, Mckinzie Quintrell of Poca, Jason Quintrell, Jr. of Poca and Judson Witt of Scott Depot; 3 great-grandsons, Waylon Lane Armstrong and Ronin Everett Armstrong both of South Charleston and Paxton Jud Lockhart.
Funeral service was Monday, August 14, 2023 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor Dave McCormick and Pastor Steve Hewitt officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
KATHERN ANN SANDY
Kathern Ann Sandy was born on August 18, 1948. Kathy graduated from this world into Heaven on August 13, 2023.
She did not attend public school nor obtain a degree from any university, she did however graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Childlike Faith. Her favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me”. Each time she saw a commercial on TV with children suffering from cancer she would immediately begin singing “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so”. No matter what might be going on at the time, even if she was right in the middle of a sentence, she would just begin singing her song. This was her way of praying for children in need. Before graduating, Kathy was asked only one question, who do you say that Jesus is? Her answer was clear and honest, so much so that even a child could understand. With that truth in her heart Kathy entered with honors into the presence of God, entering a perfect place with a perfect body. She now possesses all knowledge and understanding, far greater than the combined intelligence of this world. Kathy, we are so proud of you and look forward to the day when each of us who remain will join you in that place of full rest and knowledge. Until then we will sing your song to all those in need. See you soon! Love forever, your family.
Kathy is preceded in death by her mother Virginia Ann Sandy and father Wilbur Tyler Sandy.
She is survived by her sister Constance Sophia Corner; brother John Tyler and his wife Cynthia Sandy; niece Michelle Morgan Sandy; nephew Jonathan Tyler Sandy; half brother Mark Sandy; half sisters Becky Hicks and Debbie Sandy; and good friends Charlotte West and Brenda Barton.
A tribute to the life of Kathy was Thursday August 17, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dr. James Wright, Jr. officiating. Entombment was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.
Darlene Michelle Sowards
Darlene Michelle Sowards, 65, Winfield and St. Albans, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at her residence.
The daughter of Otto Scipio and Helen Pritt Scipio, Darlene was also preceded in death by Charlie Dixon and her sister, Teresa Gator.
Darlene was retired from Value City Department Store. She received her Associates Degree from Bridge Valley.
Surviving are her husband, Donald Sowards; daughters, Valerie Meadows (Todd) and Careasa Nichols (Billy); step-daughter, Shirl Lanham; step-son, Dewayne Dixon; sister, Maria Methany (Ted); brothers, Donald Scipio and Michael Scipio (Terry). Also surviving are her grandchildren, Autumn Meadows, Summer Meadows, Jasmine Nichols, Gavin Cobb, Connor Cobb, Logan Cobb, Bruce Lanham, Brandon Lanham, Bridgette Lanham, Briar Dixon, Aleiah Dixon and several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.
Stephen Michael Stone
Stephen Michael Stone, 48, of Hurricane, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, after battling a long illness. He was born May 12, 1975.
He is preceded in death by his father Russell Stone, Maternal grandparents John and Barbara Knuckles, paternal grandparents Eugene and Jo Blount, brother Rusty Stone, sister Barbie Kennedy, Niece Britney Kennedy, and several cousins.
Surviving is his Mother, Carolyn Osborne; Daughter, Kelsey Stone; Son, Brandon Stone; Sisters, Deanna (Gary) Young and Karen Wilson. He will be greatly missed.
Graveside services were Monday, August 14, 2023, at Forest Memorial Park in Milton with Pastor Chad Estep officiating.