FRANKLIN BAILEY
Franklin Bailey, 91, of Liberty, passed away April 5, 2024 at CAMC Teays Valley.
There will be a private family service held at a later date.
SHARON BASHAM
Sharon Lee Cottrell Basham, 86, of Hurricane, died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Hubbard Hospice House West in South Charleston. Sharon was born March 26, 1938 in Hurricane, a daughter of the late Carson and Ivel Cottrell. Also preceding her in death was a sister Joann Cottrell Wackenheim, and a son, John Andrew Basham.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harold Ray “Hoot” Basham and 2 grandsons Ryan and Ben. 3 Nieces, Marybeth Proctor, Sheri Germane, Susan Hinshaw and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.
She attended Hurricane Elementary, Middle and High School, graduating in 1956. She graduated from Marshall University majoring in elementary education.
She married her high school sweetheart October 18, 1958. Her husband was in the U. S. Army, and Sharon was able to teach wherever they were stationed in places like Killeen, Texas; Indianapolis, IN; Northern Virgina, and Atlanta, Georgia. Her last position was teaching 3rd grade at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida, a school she loved and taught the 3rd grade for over 20 years. Today, many young men and women are better because they were some of “Miss B’s” former students. In retirement, she was able to enjoy her life with the love of her life, Harold “Hoot” Basham.
A celebration of her life was held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Hurricane with Pastor Jeff Davenport and Pastor Ron Stoner officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
REBA L. BEAVER
Reba L. Beaver, 74, of Fraziers Bottom, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Hubbard Hospice House. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of 5&20 Mile Creek Church. She retired from CAMC Teays Valley with several years of service.
Born April 29, 1949 she was the daughter of the late Ed Kisamore and Byrdie Ullman Brunton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Edwin “Butch” Kisamore, Richard White and Jerry White; grandchild, Stevi Priest.
Survivors include her husband of 30 years, Kermit Beaver Sr.; children, Jason (Versie) Moore of Carthage TN, Shane (Pam) Moore of Carolina Beach NC, Jodi (Larry) Horn of Columbus OH, Keith (BJ) Priest of Quantico VA, Christina Priest of Columbus OH, Pamela Priest of Columbus OH, Dustin (Missy) Beaver of WV, Kermit (Lucia) Beaver of WV, Cindy Beaver of Chillicothe OH and Cody Beaver of WV; brothers, Roger Kisamore, Randy Kisamore, Eddie Kisamore and Evert Kisamore. Reba is also survived by 34 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Leon Cemetery, Leon.
Wanda Gunter
Our dear mother, Wanda Jean Ellis Edwards Gunter, sadly passed away on April 3, 2024, at the age of 97-years old. She lived a full life and was a beloved member of the Putnam County community. She is the last member of C.O. (Otie) and Eunice Ellis of Hurricane. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Paul (Ruth); Mervin (Helen), and Clyde and Eleanor (Ray). She was married to James R. Edwards, 1946-1979, and Houston Gunter from 1984 until his death in 1999. She was born at home on November 17, 1926, in Hurricane, the youngest of five. She attended Hurricane High School. Wanda worked with her father as a Deputy Assessor for many years during his time in office as Putnam County’s Assessor and several years after his death. Her ability to strike up and keep a conversation going was a natural asset. She worked as a receptionist/manager for Dr. Prince Mingo, legal secretary for the late Judge James Holliday and Ross & Juba-Plumley in the Hurricane office. Following retirement, she volunteered and worked tirelessly at Mount Vernon Baptist Church where she was a life-long member. She was the church secretary for a number of years and served as chairperson of the Board of Trustees, a Deaconess, a member of the Mt. Vernon choir, and organized the Ona Eggleston Circle class craft shows and kitchen activities. Wanda was a member of Rainbow Quartet since high school. She was a member of gospel quartet, The Sonlight Unlimited, in the 1990s traveling throughout the region and recording a cassette.
Wanda never met a stranger. When you entered her home, one of the first things you noticed were the words on her wall which describe how she lived. Live, Laugh, and Love and the last word was Welcome. She lived her life to the fullest, laughed often and hard, and the most important was love. She loved her family and friends unconditionally.
Wanda was an avid flower gardener. From the time she could venture out in the spring until the first frost, you could find her tending her gardens. She designed and built unique birdhouses and yard art. She enjoyed nothing more than sitting in her swing watching the squirrels, chipmucks, and birds.
Wanda leaves behind three children, Bob (Debbie) Edwards of Hurricane; Gaytha (Aubrey) Harris of Eatonton, GA, and Brenda (Ed) Turley of Hurricane. Three granddaughters: Anissa (Jeff) Rose of Ashland, KY; Karen Turley of Hurricane, and Kara (Chris) Miltsch of York, PA; Ten great-grandchildren: Trey McGranahan and Luke Rose of Ashland, KY; Alex and Miranda Lewis of Hurricane; and Karleigh, Chandler, Campbell, Crieghton, and Coltin Miltsch of York, PA; and Three great-great grandchildren, Xander and Journi Turley and Niomi Burks. Sister-in-law Faye Ellis
The funeral was Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane. Burial was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
Roxanna Lynn Hawkins
Roxanna Hawkins, 54, of Red House, passed away on April 3, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.
Roxanna was born on January 29, 1970, in South Charleston. She was the daughter of Sharon and Bill Gillispie. Roxanna graduated from Winfield High School, class of 1988. She was a cosmetologist, a heavy equipment operator for the IUOE Local 132, and a realtor. Roxanna enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her loves included going to the beach, spending time with her grandson, singing and listening to music, and talking by the fire. She will be remembered for her witty personality, kind heartedness, strength, confidence, and a beautiful smile that could light up a room.
Roxanna was preceded in death by her son, Zachary Searls; father, William (Bill) Gillispie; and godfather, Charles Ranson.
She is survived by her daughters, Briauna Hailey and Nichole Wysong; grandson, Aiden Wysong; mother, Sharon Gillispie; fiancé, Tom Pinson; brother, Shawn Gillispie; sister-in-law, Danielle Gillispie; nephew, Peyton Gillispie; and niece, Adyson Gillispie.
Memorial service to Honor the Life of Roxanna was held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Belle Church of the Nazarene, Belle, with Pastor David Clark and Dr. Scott Morris officiating.
