VIRGINIA BAILEY
Virginia Bailey, 95, of Hurricane, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Cabell HealthCare Center, Culloden, after a long illness. She was born to parents of Henry and (Vanie Cremeans) Bias. Preceding her in death were her brothers, Charles, John and Don Bias; daughter-n-law, Connie Bailey, son-n-laws, Marcel Dionne, Jerry Hutchinson, Frank McCormick and Randy Warner; grandsons, Rickey Dionne, Timmy Knight, Brandon Warner and great-grandson Jamie Dionne.
Virginia (Jenny) is survived by her sisters, Daisy Grouleau of Culloden and Linda Burchfield of SC, and seven children, Eugene (Pat Bailey) Frances McCormick, Rosie (Dee Elswick) Kathy Hutchinson, Vickie (John Chapman) Libby Warner, Joe (Lori Bailey).
She was lovingly called Mama Jenny to 13 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family leaving behind wonderful memories and lots of her favorite pictures. The Pallbearers will be her Grandsons.
Funeral service was Friday, May 3, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor John Chapman (son-n-law) officiating. Burial was in Forest Memorial in Milton.

ALBERT LEE BLANKENSHIP
Albert Lee Blankenship, 73, of Buffalo, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024 at his home following a short illness. He was a Christian and member of Manilla Chapel Church. He worked in construction and was a member of Laborer’s Union Local #1353, Charleston. Albert loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Born December 19, 1950 in Leon, he was the son of the late Chester V. and Clara Blankenship. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Melissa Blankenship, Gail Stutler, George Blankenship, Cora Mae Clinton, and Chester Junior Blankenship.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debbie Blankenship; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated. A Memorial Gathering of family and friends was held Wednesday, May 8, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo.

JOHN ROSCOE EDWARDS
John Roscoe Edwards, 85, of Fraziers Bottom, passed away on May 3, 2024 at home.
He was born on February 28, 1939 to the late John H. and Surilda N. Duncan Edwards in Winfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Marlene H. Danver Edwards; son: John R. Edwards; and brother: Robert B. Edwards.
John was retired from Ironworkers Union Local #301, was a member of the Moose Lodge, Putnam Lodge #139 Hurricane A.F. & A. M., Beni Kedem Temple Shrine and Valley of Charleston Scottish Rite Bodies. John was a hardworking, God fearing and loving family man.
He is survived by his children: Rick L. Edwards, Lori J. Edwards-Mercer, Lynn J. Edwards and Larry J. Edwards; step daughters: Kathleen S. Imer-Neal, Barbara L. Imer, Judith K. Sexton; sisters: Kathryn Jaynes and Helen Loretta Rayburn; 10 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral Service for John will be 12:00 noon Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Rex Nance officiating. Burial will follow in Bowcott Cemetery, Pliny.

VICKI LYNN JOHNSON
Vicki Lynn Johnson, 56, of Hurricane, passed suddenly from this life to a “pain free” home with her Lord on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her home.
Vicki was born on August 22, 1967, in Charleston, and was the daughter of John and Dinah Johnson. Also surviving are her sister, Kelly Tinsley and husband Mike of Hurricane, and her nephew, Mitchell Tinsley of Morgantown.
Vicki was loved beyond measure by her family and was preceded in death by her brother, Jay Johnson, who she has missed terribly since he passed away in July of 2022. Vicki and Jay were always together and now they are together again. Also preceding her in death were her grandparents, Virginia Williams Ferguson, Clyde Williams, John & Marjorie Johnson.
Vicki was a caring daughter, sister, and aunt. She loved time with her family, especially birthday parties and Christmas. She enjoyed church activities and attended Highlawn Baptist Church all her life when her health would allow. She liked anything with Mickey Mouse on it, the color pink, having her nails done, wearing jewelry, and loved a good game of UNO.
Vicki’s parents devoted their life to caring for her and her brother Jay and they take comfort knowing that they will be with them again one day in Heaven.
A celebration of Vicki’s life was held Friday, May 3, 2024, at Highlawn Baptist Church, St. Albans, with Pastor Jason Robbins officiating. Entombment was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Jewel Elizabeth Jones
Jewel Elizabeth Jones, 102, of Scott Depot, went home to be with the Lord on May 3, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice West.
She was born July 23, 1921, in Charleston, to the late Jacob Kenna Gandee and Nellie Mae Cox Gandee. She was raised on Cresent Road and graduated from Charleston High School, class of 1939.
In addition to her parents, Jewel was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, James Cornell Jones, brothers Hershel and Norville Gandee and their wives, sisters, Loye Hunt, Lucy Brown, and Janace Rogers and their husbands, as well as nieces and nephews.
In 1955, Jewel and her family moved to Scott Depot and started her career with the United States Postal Service, first as a carrier then retiring as a mail clerk. She had formerly worked at the A.W. Cox Department Store and the Diamond Department Store in her earlier years.
Jewel was a long-time member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she faithfully served for many years as Sunday School Secretary, active member of the Philathea Sunday School Class, member of the Ona Eggleton Circle, and Live Embers. She enjoyed her church activities and had a love and passion for missions.
Jewel is survived by her son and daughter in law Gary and Lois Jones of Scott Depot, grandson and his wife, Adam and Courtney Jones of Winchester, KY, grandson Andrew Jones of Scott Depot, great-grandson Matthew Paul Jones of Winchester, KY, and many nieces and nephews that she dearly loved.
Memorial service will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, at 1:00pm at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Hurricane. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

John M. Kersey
Mr. John Melvin Kersey, 80 of Nitro, passed away on May 2, 2024, at Celebration Villa in Teays Valley.
John was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He was a long-time member of the Rock Branch Independent Church. He served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, helped with the Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food
Pantry, church camp, Youth for Truth, and the Rock Branch Rummage Sale. He retired from Great Lakes Chemical Corporation in Nitro. He was a long-time manager and coach for the Rock Branch Little League baseball and softball teams. He also coached the North Putnam Softball teams and umpired for the District Three softball tournaments. He loved to go camping, fishing, supporting his children and grandchildren in their various events.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Stella, of 55 years, his parents Robert and Lessie Kersey. brothers: Frank Beckner (Norita), Darnell Beckner (Marie), and Bill Kersey (Kathy).
John is survived by his three children: Mike Kersey (Angie) of Hurricane, Stephanie (Rob) Coleman of Winfield, and David (Rebekah) Kersey of Clendenin, nine grandchildren, one great granddaughter, two great-grandsons on the way, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A tribute to John’s life was celebrated Monday, May 6, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home in Poca with Pastors Delbert Hawley and David Kersey officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Brenda Mullins
Brenda K. Mullins, 77, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on May 3, 2024 after a short illness. She was very loving, caring and kind to all those who knew her.
Left to cherish her memories are her Daughter, Julie Myers, Son, Michael Holestin (Kim), Granddaughter Sara Kessler, Grandsons, Dakota, Larry and Michael Adam Holestin, Great Granddaughters Maci Kessler, and Kenna Newsome. Brother Michael Miller (Gloria), Sisters Barbara Jewett (Ray) and Cindy Anthony (Joe).
Following her wishes there will not be any services.

Robert Steven Reed, Sr.
Robert Steven Reed, Sr., 69, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2024. He was a 1972 graduate of Buffalo High School, and a retiree of Parkline, Inc. with 37 years of service. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, fishing and metal detecting. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Born December 5, 1954, he was the son of the late Samuel E. and Dorothy V. Reed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Noretta Kay Reed; a daughter, Vanessa Davis; and two brothers, Mark Edward Reed and Tom Reed.
Survivors include his sons, Justin Adam (Ashley) Reed, and Robert (Shannon) Reed, both of Buffalo; grandchildren, Kali Reed, Nikki (Kenny) Carrino, and Jason (Myah) Winters; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Conner and Kaiden; brothers, Raymond Reed, and Jimmy Reed; sisters, Linda McDaniels, and Patricia Cogar; as well as extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Monday, May 6, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.

Harold Lewis Rulen
Harold Lewis Rulen, 93, of Hurricane, peacefully passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, Huntington, following a short illness.
He was born on February 22, 1931 to the late Charles and Alice Canterbury Rulen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Jessie, his wife of 69 years; brothers: Charles W. “Pete” Rulen and Dale S. “Sanders” Rulen; sister: Linda Raike; and granddaughter: Heather Wood.
Harold was a member of First Baptist Church of Hurricane and a graduate of Point Pleasant High School Class of 1948. His employment started with AEP at the Kyger Creek Plant and ended with his retirement as the founding manager of Central Machine Shop in 1992.
He is survived by children: Robert (Cristi) Rulen of Point Pleasant, Kay (Jerry) Tucker of Hurricane, Donna (Bruce) Belfield of Greenville, SC and Linda Cargill of Hurricane; eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and sister, Carolyn “Buckles” Hinson of Gallipolis Ferry.
Funeral service for Harold will be 2:00 pm Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Jerry Losh officiating. Burial will follow in Beale Chapel Cemetery, Apple Grove.

Alice Woodall Shafer
Alice Ruth McClanahan Woodall Shafer, of Nitro, passed away at the age of 89 at Valley Center, after a long illness.
Alice was born December 6, 1934, at McMillian Hospital to the late Estil and Carrie McClanahan. She was raised in WV; specifically, Poca, Witcher Creek, and Nitro.
Alice earned her GED in the mid 1950’s and over the next half century would take up office work from time to time, with various businesses and churches. The rest of her time was spent being a loving wife and mother, not just to her family, but to friends and strangers who became friends, who needed her help and advice.
Alice was also civic minded and worked as a poll worker in elections for many years. She had an active church life, serving God in many capacities. She was also an active member of Forest Rose Rebekah Lodge # 143 Poca. She also enjoyed hobbies, such as knitting, quilting, and watching baseball. She was an avid New York Yankees fan.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Estil and Carrie McClanahan, brothers Roy, Attison, Woodrow, Arnold, and Denver, and husbands Gordon Woodall (1958-1996) and Rev. Charles Shafer (1998-2020).
Alice is survived by her son, James Gordon Woodall; stepdaughters Cynthia Howerton and Jennifer Martin, as well as a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Alice will be entombed beside her husbands at Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Joseph Steven Thomas
Mr. Joseph Steven Thomas, 56, of Poca, passed away May 2, 2024.
Joe was a diesel mechanic and a former employee of WV Truck and Trailer and Piggly Wiggly. He was a member of New Testament Community Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Mattie Thomas and brother Turk Thomas.
He is survived by his companion Arawana Skeens; brother Brian and wife Sarah Thomas; sister Janie and husband Dale Priddy; nephew Darrell, David, and Daniel; niece Katelynn; great nieces Stevie and Ellie; dog Radar; and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Joe will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at New Testament Community Church with Pastor John Henderson officiating.

George Thomas Vickers
George Thomas Vickers, 54, of Hurricane, passed away at home on Thursday, May 2, after a long, valiant fight against cancer. George, aka George Tommy, Daddy, Big G., George T., Baby George, Pumpkin Pie, Uncle George, Buddy, or Kaizen Man, was well-loved by many close friends and family.
George spent his growing up years in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.
After receiving his degree from Virginia Tech, George went to work as a microbiologist at the WV Department of Health and Human Resources. It was while working there that he made some of his best lifelong friends (the Fun Team), discovered mountain biking, played a lot of volleyball, met and married his wife Jennifer, and committed his life to Christ.
In 1999, George was hired at the new Toyota plant in Buffalo. During his time at Toyota, George received a patent and recently was awarded the Toyota Environmental Legacy Award. His Toyota co-workers and friends were some of his biggest encouragers during his cancer battle.
George loved his family well, and one of his biggest concerns was making sure they would be taken care of. He was the best husband Jennifer (Midkiff) Vickers could have asked for and the proud father of two children, Greyson Scott and Ian Vickers.
George was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Ruth Ann Cavender and Tommy Wayne Vickers, as well as his big brother Joe. His loving sister Carole Keil (Steven) is his surviving sibling, and he leaves behind his wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, 6:00 pm at River Ridge Church, 1 Saturn Way, Hurricane.

Dorothy Ann Witt
Dotti passed away May 1 at the Hubbard Hospice House fighting a long hard battle against cancer
She is preceded in death by her parents Otis and Gladys Cobb, sister Debbie Witt, brother James Cobb and a special heavenly companion Brigadier General Hal Mooney Jr.
She is survived by her son Timothy and wife Krystal of Barboursville, daughter Jennifer and her wife Susan of Poca. 4 grandchildren that she adored Ashleigh and her husband Josh Taylor, Tyler, Kendyl & Tanner Witt, 1 great grand child she loved to spoil, Lance Taylor and another great grandson on the way.
Also survived by her is her brother Braxton Cobb and wife Cathy of Buffalo, sister Sharon and husband Eddie Keen of Ripley, her special niece Chastity and husband Greg of Bancroft and lots of other family and friends.
Dotti was a 1974 graduate from Poca High School, spent most of her younger years as a stay at home mom, when she began her working career. Later in life she worked a few years with her best friend Paula doing odd jobs and then she became a Sales rep for Kroger and also traveled all over the East Coast while working for Ralph Lauren. Later in life after retirement Dotti became a caretaker and enjoyed helping others.
If you knew Dotti, she always had a smile on her face, she was always kind to anyone she would come in contact with, always wanted to help others, and was always laughing. She loved and cherished her family more than anything. She loved crocheting and making blankets for all the family, she loved baking family recipes and working in her flower bed, she also loved having family get togethers and loved getting together with all of her step sisters.
There will be a celebration of life for family and friends at a later date.