RODNEY COBB
Rodney Cobb, 62, of Hurricane, formally of St.Albans, went home on June 11, 2024, surrounded by his family after a battle with Cancer. Rodney is proceeded in death by his Lifelong companion Bonnie Forsback, his parents Juanita & Lewis Cobb, sisters Joyce, Darlene and brothers Red, Gary, & Nick Cobb.
He is survived by his 3 sons and bonus daughter. Mark Cobb, Roger (Darian) Cobb, Rodney Cobb, Tiffany (Charley) McCallister; grandkids Molly Mae and Bentley Joe, sisters Linda Jenkins, Marilyn Sowers, Melvin (Marlene) Cobb, along with several nieces, nephews cousins and friends. Rodney was a labor & always working on something, big fisher. Rodney Loved dallas Cowboys.
A memorial service will be at a later date.
HERBERT R. COSSIN
Herbert R. Cossin, 90, of Red House, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, June 8, 2024 following a short illness. In 1952 the family moved to Columbus Ohio where Herb worked at Owens Illinois for 20 years. While living in Columbus the family attended the First Baptist Church of Groveport where he was a teacher, deacon, bus driver and janitor. In 1971 he moved back to West Virginia and became the owner of Cossin’s Exxon for over 40 years. The family attended Grandview Baptist Church where Herb served as a deacon and teacher. He was also a member of the Grandview Quartet for over 20 years. Herb was known by some as the “Grand Gentleman” of West Virginia.
He was the son of the late Vinton Cossin and Barbara Sayre Cossin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Mae Null Cossin; son, David Cossin; siblings, Orville Cossin, Elizabeth Stutler, Ruth Kimberling, Ray Cossin, Eugene Cossin, Ruby Craig, Curtis Cossin, Donald Cossin and Lee Cossin.
He is survived by his children, Judy Cossin (Teddy) of Liberty, Sharon Powell of Orange CA and Danny Cossin of Red House; daughter in law, Sherry Cossin; grandchildren, Paul Babbitt (Amanda) Tonya Pignota, J.R. Cossin, Sheila Cornell (Alex), Kelli Epling, Kajun Cossin and Jesse Cossin. Herb is also survived by 29 great grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Grandview Baptist Church, Red House, with Pastor Woody Willard officiating. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, Red House.
DAVID MICHAEL CRAIG
David Michael Craig, 70, of Poca, formerly of Charleston, SC, passed away June 12, 2024.
He was born September 9, 1953, in Jasper, Alabama, to the late Vernon and Mildred Holloway Craig. He is also preceded in death by his life partner Anna “Sissy” Shafer.
He is survived by his sons Phillip Michael Shafer of Poca and Clint Eugene Hollandsworth of Poca; grandkids Abagail and Noah (Krystin Little) Hollandsworth both of Scott Depot; great grandson Xavier Smith of St. Paul, VA; sisters Rosalie Hackler of Hammond, IN, Betty Sargent of Jasper, Alabama, and Brenda Bohnam of Jasper, Alabama; brother Michael Craig of Charleston, SC; son like figures James “Jimmy” Kane and his late wife Shanda “Nikki” Kane and their daughters Dakota and London Kane, Christopher Troy Holstein of Dunbar, and Cody Picken of Poca; nieces Michele Elizabeth Kline of Charleston, SC, Renea Antoinette Engermann of Charleston, SC, Jennifer Trotter of Cordova, Alabama, Dana McGuff of Jasper, Alabama, and Courtney Craig of Cordova, Alabama; nephews Benny Sargent of Jasper, Alabama, Marvin Carl Charvis, II of Charleston, SC, and Caleb Craig of Cordova, Alabama; and longtime family friends and neighbors William “Bill” Emswiller and wife Leslie and daughter Jeri Emswiller, fiancé Chance and son JJ all of Poca, Jonnette Brantley and son Garrett James Brantley both of Poca. David also leaves behind his beloved dog Tippy.
A tribute to the life of David Michael Craig will be 11:00 AM Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Celebrant H. R. Whittington officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Sanford Bryant Cunningham
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Sanford “Sam” Bryant Cunningham of Winfield who left us on June 14, 2024, at the age of 63. After courageously battling a chronic illness, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
Sam was born to the late Sanford Otmer and Charlotte Louise Cunningham (nèe Songer), formerly of Dunbar.
Sam was a 1979 graduate of Dunbar High School and went on to attend Marshall University on a wrestling scholarship. His love for the outdoors led him to a career in surveying, working in both West Virginia and Florida. Sam founded and operated Cunningham Surveying providing land surveying services to the Kanawha Valley and surrounding regions. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he dedicated over 29 years as a coal equipment operator at the John E. Amos Power Plant.
He was most known for his humor and practical jokes. When he was not harassing his family, friends, and co-workers for a good laugh, he enjoyed being an avid outdoorsman and scuba diver. His favorite place to relax was on the white beaches of Florida listening to a WVU game on the radio.
Sam was a devoted husband to Kimberlee Cunningham (née Cochran) for 41 wonderful years and a loving father to their three children: Cody Cunningham, Laney (Dylan) Johnson, and Tanner Cunningham. He adored his grandchildren, Olive Johnson and Rennick Johnson, whose lives he enriched with immense love and pride.
He is survived by his wife, his children, grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends who cherished his presence in their lives. Sam’s legacy of good humor, love, dedication, and hard work will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him
A private family service will be held to celebrate Sam’s life at a later time.
Marlene M. Greene
Marlene M. Greene, 91, of Scott Depot, passed away June 12, 2024, in CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
She is survived by her two children Deborah and her husband Ruel Armentrout and Dana and his wife Rose Southall; and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
At her request there will be no services.
Herbert Eugene Harrison
Herbert “Herb” “Donut” Eugene Harrison, 87, passed away on June 10, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington after suffering a heart attack.
Herb was born at home in Liberty on August 17, 1936 to the late Emerson and Glenna Harrison. He was the oldest of six children: Phyllis (Bill) Booth, Eunice (Jerry) Ranson, Juanita Gay (Donnie) Higginbotham, Shirley “Lee” Harrison (Linda), and Pat (Jerry) Cartwright.
Herb enlisted in the United States Navy and then returned home to WV where he wooed Wanda Robertson Nee Sheets. They welcomed three children together: Robert “Bob” Harrison (Cathy), Kathryn Givens (Greg), and Barbara Hoyman (Tim). Herb and Wanda later divorced and Herb lived in Hometown with Doris King and her children: Timmy King (Susie), Jimmy King, and Cindy Cawley (David). Herb and Doris were together until she passed in 2012.
Herb collected treasures of junk that he tinkered with in the back yard. Nothing was to be thrown away because it could be given to a friend or family member. If it was broken, Herb still would not throw it away because he was sure it could be fixed. He also enjoyed gardening, making tomato juice with David and Cindy, and terrorizing the Blue Jays that ate his apples in the backyard. He spent time at his camp in Pocahontas County and fished at Buffalo Lake with friends and family.
Herb was a wild card. You never knew what he might say or do, but it was always with good intentions. He was big and strong, tough and mean, and had a heart that could love unconditionally. He wore bib overalls and carried money in a tube sock. He always had butterscotch candy and a cold pop or PBR to offer anyone who sat at his table. He was definitely a character whose personality was larger than life. Hometown and the Harrison family will never be the same without him.
No services at this time.
David Marshall Jennings
David Marshall Jennings, 75, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord on June 11, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.
David was born in Charleston and graduated from Nitro High School in 1966. Later he went on to graduate from WV State College with a degree in Business. David was in the Navy during the Vietnam Era and was in the reserves for eight additional years. David was in a band in high school called Blue Angels and played the Dulcimer with his parents. He enjoyed cars, fishing, and playing music.
David met and married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Smith in 1969. He was a Christian and attended Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was an Elder and sang in the choir. David was in the insurance business for most of his life. He is preceded in death by his son, Daniel David Jennings and his parents Jim and Genevia Jennings.
David is survived by his wife Sandy; son Jeff and wife Crystal Jennings; brother Wayne and wife Sharon Williams; 2 grandchildren Bodie David and Bryson Daniel; 1 great grandson Rowan Tate along with many nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of David was held Saturday, June 15, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Don Biram officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Tommy Lee Johnson, Jr.
Tommy Lee Johnson, Jr., 39, of Leon, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at St. Mary’s Medical Center following a long illness. He was a former employee of Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Buffalo. Tommy enjoyed spending time with his family and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Born May 31, 1985 in Houston, Texas, he was the son of Tommy H. Johnson, Sr. and Wendy Dray.
He was preceded in death by grandfather, John Dray; great-grandmother, Janie Powell; and niece, Alexis Johnson.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Paula Johnson; children, Brandon Clinton, Brooke Clinton, and David Harmon; grandchildren, Layla Johnson, Maverick Eads, Skylar Slate, and Adren Petrie; brothers, Brandon Johnson and Cody New, both of Texas; sisters, Christina Clark of Gallipolis, Ohio, and Brittany Johnson of Texas; and brother-in-law, Lee Blankenship of Leon.
Funeral service was Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Randy Parsons officiating.
Nancy Sue Lanham
At 1:26 a.m. on June 11, 2024, Nancy Sue Skidmore Lanham sashayed through the Pearly Gates and over the streets of gold, as Saint Peter stood by, shaking his head and grinning, as he called out “She’s here, Lord! Let the fun begin!”
Born October 4, 1939, in Poca to Harry Ross and Ruth Lanham Skidmore, the youngest of nine children, Nancy married her one and only love, Noble Wayne Lanham, on July 21,1955, at Baber Agee Methodist Church, where they first met. They built their home on part of the old Skidmore farm on Poca River and spent the rest of their marriage there until health issues took them away to Celebration Villa in Teays Valley last year. They were blessed with four much loved children. The first was a baby boy who was lost at birth, followed by Sherry, Terry and Kerry, who were raised in that house filled with love.
A graduate of Poca High School, Class of 1956, Nancy had a very special place in her heart for her classmates, who continue to gather for lunch every month. She so enjoyed spending time with some of her oldest friends.
She began her college education, majoring in Criminal Justice, at the age of 34, alongside her daughter.
The grandchildren were blessed to share their beloved NaNa’s wonderful stories, which included each of them. Nancy was well known for her amazing cooking and entertaining.
She was also often seen on the dance floor throughout much of her life. Her natural flair for fashion was yet another trait that set her apart from others. She was always dressed impeccably, with matching jewelry, shoes and purse, and her hair, makeup and nails done to perfection. Nancy would cause a sensation when she walked into any room, especially when she added that dazzling smile, sparkling eyes and joyful laughter to the mix.
She was a “second mom” to her 32 nieces and nephews and “Great GREAT Aunt Nancy” to their children and grandchildren as well. Although the youngest of the family, she was most often seen as the true Skidmore Matriarch and adored by all.
Nancy was also instrumental in getting public water service for the families on Poca River, once even threatening the County Commission with seceding from Putnam County else safe water is not provided soon. Setting up the local Neighborhood Watch was next on her list, earning her the title of Mayor of Poca River.
Nancy is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 69 years, Noble Wayne Lanham, daughter Sherry Lynn Claus (Eric), son Kerry (Beth); grandchildren Travis Claus (Ngoc), Bryanna Moccia (Nate), Terra Lanham, David Edwards, Halley Young (Dalton), Shane Ludwick (Rebekah) and Ashley Ludwick; great grandchildren Brooklyn Lanham, Evalynn Young, Bodhi Moccia, Easton Ludwick and Cooper Ludwick; her two best friends, Catherine Burford and Jackie Linville and special friend, Jim Dodson.
She was preceded in death by her son, Terry Wayne Lanham, great granddaughter Memphis Lanham and her siblings Eva Hissom, Ann Moore, Carl Skidmore, Emogene Tomlin, Hazel Skidmore, George Skidmore, Maxine Woodall and Betty Kilgore.
A tribute to the life of Nancy Sue Skidmore Lanham was held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Paul Turley officiating.
Donald ‘Choc’ Meadows
Donald “Choc” Meadows, 83, of Eleanor, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024 at home from a short illness. Choc was a graduate of Buffalo High School, Class of 1958. Choc taught auto mechanics/auto body at Putnam Career and Technical Center in Eleanor for 26 years and was the owner of Meadows Body Shop in Eleanor for 45 years. He was a 50 year member of Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 A.F &.A.M. in Buffalo. During his retirement years, he enjoyed working on his farm and raising cattle and spending time with his loyal companion Boy, who never left his side. Choc was always willing to lend a helping to those in need, especially his family, friends and neighbors.
He was the son of the late Basil and Sally Meadows. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Reva Jean Smith Meadows; brothers, Dale Meadows and Fred Meadows.
He is survived by his sons, Don (Michelle) Meadows of Eleanor and Shawn (Lorie) Meadows of Red House; his granddaughters, Jordan (Mike) Hager, of Belton, Texas, and Abeigh Meadows of Eleanor, as well as two great grandchildren, Greyson and Finley Hager; brothers, Leroy of Oregonia, OH, Ron (Gabby) of Johnstown, OH, David, of Red House, Bruce (Rosemary) of Mooresville, NC; sister, Karen (Andy) Kovalchick of Grove City, OH. Choc is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service was Friday June 14, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro Jr. officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.
Barbara Wilson
Barbara Jean Wilson, 85, of Hurricane, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 at Celebration Villa of Hurricane, after a long illness.
She was born February 22, 1939 in Richwood, to the late Claude Gaston and Ruby Davis Marsh. She was also preceded in death by her husband Dr. Asbury I “Bud” Wilson.
Barbara was a graduate of Saint Albans High School where she won awards as a majorette. She received a Bachelor’s of Science at Bob Jones University, and went on to receive a Master’s of Art Education from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. She taught and guest lectured university courses and loved to share her own artwork with others.
Barbara often spoke about her art saying the subject of her work was usually whatever she was experiencing at that time. She exhibited at the Greenbrier, Tamarack, Marshall University and the Huntington Museum of Art among other facilities in WV and also in out-of-state museums and colleges. She was especially fond of the Art Store in Charleston where she displayed many pieces over the years, most of which featured animals. Barbara was a long-time animal rights advocate, having an extraordinary fondness for cats.
Graveside service was Friday, June 14, 2024 at Cunningham Memorial Park, St Albans.