SHERRY LYNN BIRD
Sherry Lynn Bird, 54, of Hurricane, passed from this Life into the presence of her Savior on Monday, March 25, 2024 after a hard fought battle against cancer.
Sherry was born on May 18, 1969 to the late Johnnie Ray and Diana “Lynn” (Persinger) Bird at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents: Melvin and Faye Bird and Richard and Martha “Bobbie” Miller; and her beloved younger sister: Wendy Nicole (Bird) Browning.
She is survived by her children: Michael (Miranda) Hayes of Scott Depot and Celestia (Isaac) Samples of Pueblo, CO; two precious grandchildren: Henry Michael Samples and Emily Noelle Hayes; her loving sisters: Regina (Mike) Lewis of Scott Depot and Tiffani (Kyle) O’Dell of Milton; nephew: Johnnie Browning of Milton and nieces: Sierra Bird-Hayes, Railynn Stutz, Marli Bartram, Layni Bartram and Finli O’Dell of Milton. She is also survived by a host of friends who she loved as her family and have faithfully shared with her in the joys and sorrows of life. Everyone who knew Sherry loved her and knew that they were loved by her.
She was willing to tackle any job and always willing to work hard to take care of her family and friends. Most notably, she loved using her skills as a Dental Lab Technician to express her wonderful artistic abilities and always felt rewarded in helping people to have smiles that they were confident in.
Sherry’s life was a living testimony to the words of her Lord, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”, her attitude toward her Savior was always one of great hope, sincere gratitude and simple humility. The earnest desire of her prayers in her last months of failing health were that she could share the Gospel with the ones she loved so much.
A Celebration of the Life for Sherry was held Saturday March 30, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Michael Hayes officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
AVERY LYDELL CRAIG
Avery Lydell Craig, 66, of Hurricane, passed away on March 27, 2024 at CAMC Memorial Division after a long illness.
He was born on January 3, 1958 to Eva Irene Lacey Craig and the late Charles W. Craig. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother: Clinton Craig and mother in law: Linda Taylor.
In addition to his mother, Irene Craig, Avery is also survived by his loving wife of 28 years: Pamela Craig; daughter: Melissa and Ronald Call of Hurricane; sons: Jason and Samantha Craig of Hurricane, Brian Craig of Hurricane, and Michael Keebler of FL; grandchildren: Brennon, Braxton, Ruthie, Raven and Austin; sisters: Vanessa and Rick Coleman of St. Albans, Tina and Gary Pauley of St. Albans, WV, Donna and Jamie Pauley of St. Albans, WV; brothers: Dennis Craig of St. Albans and Kevin Craig of Poca; father in law: Clyde Taylor; brother in-laws: Randy Taylor, Scotty Taylor, and Paul and Crissy Taylor; sister in laws: Donna Jean and Murl McMillion; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members.
Funeral service was Tuesday April 2, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Jarrod Price officiating. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park, Milton.
CAROLYN DUNCAN
Carolyn Sutton Duncan, 88, of Poca, died peacefully on March 24, 2024 from complications of cardiovascular disease. There will be a graveside service on April 5, 2024 in Saint Albans and a private gathering later in the month in Phoenix, Arizona.
Immediate surviving family members include sister Margaret Cogan Jarvis; children Karen Lawrence Holstein (Don Philyaw), Kimberly Lawrence Haslett (Dave), Jim Lawrence (Elena); and niece and namesake Carolyn Ann Hawley (Scott). Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who called her Nana. She was predeceased by her parents named below; brother James Carrol Sutton; sisters Carolyn Sue Sutton Johnson, Nancy Sutton Bowles, and Deborah Sutton Spruce; stepbrothers Thomas Cogan, Jr., and Robert Cogan; and great-grandson Garrett Holstein.
Carolyn Nell Sutton was born in Charleston on October 29, 1935 to Hilda Cowie Sutton (Mother) and James Alva Sutton, Jr. (Daddy). Domestic abuse and lack of income led young Hilda to ask her trusted sister-in-law to care for her 6-month-old baby. Belva Sutton Stone (Mommy Belva) generously agreed. She and her husband, Dale B. Stone (Red), raised Carolyn and became loving, active grandparents to her 3 children.
Although raised as an only child, Carolyn was fortunate to spend many good times with her blended family which included several cousins near her age. She had many happy memories of the fun and mischief she got into with the family children and her neighborhood chums. Her favorite childhood story was about her and Carolyn Sue when they hid in the dark, smelly chicken coop to smoke cigarettes and cuss out loud. She never smoked again.
Carolyn was proud to be one of the 55 students to graduate from Ansted High School in the Class of 1953. She attended reunions that were held near the June 20th West Virginia Day for many years, often traveling from Arizona. With her passing, 14 former classmates remain.
Following high school, she attended Morris Harvey College. There, she fell for the charms of a handsome athlete who attended on a basketball scholarship. They were joined in marriage by the late Reverend Elizabeth Caudill. He enlisted, and their first child was born at Travis Air Force Base in California. Together, they had two more children before divorcing in the early 1960s.
Carolyn worked at a variety of jobs in organizations large and small, profit and non-profit. The most challenging was her promotion to “Wiring Harness Inspector” at the FMC Ordinance manufacturing plant in South Charleston, West Virginia where they built Army tanks. Her favorite job was RSVP Project Director for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in Pulaski, Virginia. There, she worked with many friendly people and developed a special relationship with the Senior Center Director, Tina Faiszt.
During her 27-year marriage to Jim Duncan, she completed a correspondence course in home decorating and became interested in landscape gardening. Her favorite flowers were Daisy, Siberian Iris, and anything in shades of peach. She and Jim preserved home-grown foods, enjoyed their dogs and grandchildren, and helped care for 3 of her parents who retired and moved close to them in Dublin, Virginia. Extended family often visited during holidays, summer breaks, and other special occasions. Carolyn enjoyed being “The Hostess with the Mostest.”
CLARENCE GENE FRENCH
Clarence G. French, 83 of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Hospice House at CAMC Memorial. He retired from Columbia Gas with over 36 years of service.
He was the son of the late Jesse Woodrow French and Maurine Odell Clendenin French. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Barbara L. French and his brother, James French.
Survivors include his sons, Deron (Starr) French and Brian French (Regina Burdette); grandchildren, Josh (Brigette), Katlyn, Grace, Mason, Justin, Michael and Nick; sister, Juanita Barker of Winfield; brothers, Larry (Sharon) French of Liberty, Raymond (Carol) French of Buffalo, David (Joann) French of Buffalo; sister-in-law, Thelma French of Red House. Clarence is also survived by several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral service was Friday, March 29, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Paul Browning officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
DORIENA LEE HALL
Doriena Lee Hall, 59, of Poca, formerly of Michigan, passed away March 29, 2024, in the Hubbard Hospice House West.
Doriena is a graduate of Davison High School and loved spending time at the beach, Pigeon Forge, TN, and collecting elephants. She especially loved spending time with her family and being Mee Maw to all her grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her mother Donna Nemes and mother-in-law Linda McDade.
She is survived by her husband John Hall; four children David Nemes, Vanessa Cunningham, Emily and husband Chad Peyton, and Renee England; eight grandchildren Ayden, Chloe, Landon, Bradley Adam, Chad, Justice, Anastasia, and Aleah; and one granddaughter on the way.
PAUL FRANKLIN JOHNSTON
Paul F. Johnston, 66, of Hurricane, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Hospice House at CAMC Memorial. He retired from Alford Home Solutions with many years of service.
Born June 25, 1957 he was the son of the late Dana Johnston and Janice Pauley Johnston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Short; grandparents, Clarence Pauley and Della Pauley.
Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years, Kimberly Johnston, children, Beth Ann Riffle, Travis (Bree) Riffle, Tori Slone, Katelyn Johnston, Matthew Johnston, Kaci Johnston, Levi Johnston, Austin Johnston, John Johnston, Shaniah Johnston, Lindsey Johnston and Jayzlynn Johnston. Paul is also survived by five grandchildren, extended family and friends.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Adam Null officiating.
Richard Lee Null
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard Lee Null, 73, of Winfield, who departed from this world on Saturday, March 30, 2024, after bravely battling a long illness.
Richard was born to Richard and Dorothy Null of Hometown. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Roy, David, and Michael. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Dottie (Lett) Null. Their unwavering love and support for each other were the cornerstone of their enduring marriage, epitomizing the vow “Always and Forever, No matter what!” Richard is also survived by his brother Randy Null and sisters Charlotte Buoy and Annette Null, all of Winfield. In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He is a graduate of Poca High School, class of 1968. Following his retirement in 2013, he found joy in his favorite hobby, fishing, where he could connect with nature and reflect on life’s simple pleasures.
Richard will be remembered for his kind-hearted nature, unwavering work ethic, and steadfast Christian values. He lived by the creed, “Make each day count.”
In accordance with Richard’s wishes, there will not be a funeral or memorial service.
Cynthia Woodworth
Cynthia Kaye Roberts Woodworth, 73, of Culloden, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, after a four-year battle with cancer. Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home, surrounded by family.
Cindy was born in Hamlin on October 16, 1950. She lived a life of agape love and was a great friend to all. Her legacy is one of accepting, encouraging, and supporting people, and finding hope and joy in all circumstances.
Cindy had the heart of a servant and was a devout Christian and scholar of the Bible. As a longstanding and active member of Forrest Burdette UMC in Hurricane, she served in many capacities, including with the United Methodist Women, the quilting group, and on various committees. She also served her community as an involved member of WVCEOS.
A gifted teacher, Cindy built a career in adult education and workforce development. She helped many people earn a GED and gain skills and certifications for employment. She also cherished teaching Sunday school and Bible study.
Cindy was also an avid crafter who loved to sew and crochet; she expressed love for others through countless handmade gifts.
Cindy was preceded in death by parents Roy and Atlas Roberts, half-sister Phyllis Hazlett, and in-laws Albert and Marybelle Woodworth. She is survived by husband of 52 years Clarence Woodworth, daughters Myra (Ryan) Hobbs and Leah (Justin) Altizer, granddaughter Aspen Hobbs, siblings Mattie Salmons and Jerry Roberts, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was a great wife, mother, and friend, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, April 6, at Forrest Burdette UMC, with visitation 2 hours prior.
Janet G. Wymer
Janet Wymer, 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 25, 2024 at home after a long illness.
A lifetime Putnam County resident, Janet was active with her family and at Judson Baptist Church. She retired after 27 years of service with the State of West Virginia, most of which was at the Division of Rehab Services.
She will be remembered for her love of cooking for her family, making memories on their farm and her love of “those babies.”
She is now reunited with those who preceded her in death, her parents: Ezra and Beulah McCallister; her husband of 61 years: Paul E.; one Great-Grandbaby, Addison; as well as her brother, Frank (Joan) McCallister.
She is survived by her children: Rod (Karen) Wymer, Di (Justin) Sanders and Bill (Kim) Wymer. She is also remembered with love by 12 Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren and her loyal dog, Lexi; her siblings: Delmer (Sandy) McCallister, Mae Pendleberry, Paul (Debi) McCallister and Karren (Fred) Sparks; as well as several other family members.
Funeral Service for Janet was Friday March 29, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Doug McComas and Pastor Sam Gasaway officiating. Burial was in Judson Baptist Church Cemetery, Winfield.
