MAXINE BAILEY
We are sad to announce that this world is missing a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. On Monday, November 11, 2024, Maxine Bailey aka (Aunt Doc), 91, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord and left behind her beautiful grandchildren Leslie Helper (Nanette), Jason Helper (Kim), and Jennifer Cook (Matt), and their father David Helper; her sister Vada Zitzelberger and her six great grandchildren Nolan, Judson, Natalie, Nathan, Joseph, and Nick that loved spending time with their Granny. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
She has been reunited with the love of her life, Juddy Bailey, her husband and friend, her beautiful daughter Linda Jo, her two sisters Emma Jean Young and Wanda Bailey along with her parents C.P. and Eulah Spears.
She was a member of Heizer Community Church and played a big role in the history of the church. She was one of the founding members and she dedicated many hours as the church continued to grow. She always wanted the doors to stay open.
Maxine loved life and enjoyed her family and friends. Maxine leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that no one could match. Family was most important to her. She cared about every member of her family, she never used the word in-law, if you married into her family, you were family.
She loved playing cards and board games, she always loved camping, going to the mountains, and any trip to anywhere!! She would always keep an overnight bag packed at the door in case someone stopped by and invited her to go anywhere.
She had many adventures in life, and she has shared those stories with people she knew and loved.
She always tried to live her life as a Christian and to be Christ like. She loved God and relied on him for everything in her life. She knew where she would be going when she took her last breath.
A tribute to the life of Maxine Bailey was held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kevin
JAMES ALAN ESTEP
James Alan Estep, 84, of Poca, passed away Monday, November 11, 2024 at Abbyshire Place, Gallipolis, Ohio, following a long illness. He was a retired truck driver, and a proud United States Army Veteran. He enjoyed working on cars in his spare time, and loved people and was always good to others.
Born March 25, 1940, in Raymond City, he was the son of the late Lee Alford Estep and Hazel Painter Estep.
Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Patricia Ann Estep; two daughters, one son; two step-sons, Wayne Herdman, and Gene Buxton; and three step-daughters, Sue Buxton, Laura Buxton, and June Tucker; as well as extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Friday, November 15, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, with Pastor Johnathan Nelson officiating.
DIANA LYNN HOWARD
Diana Lynn Howard, 70, of Hurricane, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
Diana was born to the late William James and Wanda Joyce (Workman) Harvey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, John Howard and her brothers: Terry and Jimmy Harvey.
Diana started bowling at a young age and was arguably one of the best bowlers in the state of West Virginia in the 80’s and 90’s. She held the high series and average for bowling in the state for many years, and was on TV several times for bowling back in the 80s. She was also a member of the WV Bowling Hall of Fame for her many accomplishments.
She was very proud of her children as well as her grandchildren and loved attending every concert, recital, competition and game that she could to cheer them on. She also enjoyed helping her community, especially the animal rescues in the area.
Diana is survived by her daughters: Amy Hunt (Brian) of Oak Park, IL, Terri Howard (Brent Doughty) and Jenifer Howard both of Hurricane; grandchildren: Christian Hatfield (Angel), Lexie Hatfield, Sophia Hunt and Isabel Hunt; great-grandchild: Evie Jane Lynn Hatfield; brothers: Patrick (Rebecca) Harvey of Saucier, Mississippi and Timothy (Terrea) Harvey of Hartsville, SC.
A Memorial Service for Diana and her husband John will be 1:00 pm Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Timothy Harvey officiating. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service.
Larry Ronald Jackson
Larry Ronald Jackson, 84 of Culloden, went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Larry was a salesman and a former bus driver for Putnam County Schools. He is a 1958 graduate of South Charleston High School, Member of Calvary Baptist Church in Teays Valley, and a Marine Corp Veteran as an M.P., where he also played the bugle. Larry’s greatest joy was serving the Lord and being involved with Prison Fellowship 1993-2003, Kairos 2003-Present, and prayer ministry for students at Calvary Baptist Academy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary E. Jackson of Culloden; children Ronnie Jackson (Martha) of Charleston, De Coalter (Drew) of Hurricane, and Tina McKinney (Geroge) of Stuart, VA; grandchildren Chad Coalter of Hurricane, Ben Coalter of Hurricane, and Hope Thieryung (Casey) of Brooksville, FL; great granddaughter Evelyn of Brooksville, FL; sister Judy Lake of Cypress, TX, niece Trudy Bennett (Allan) of Cypress, TX, nephews Tim Lake (Michelle) of Austin, TX, Terry Humphery of Cross Lanes, and R.J. Humphrey (Brandi) of Nitro, brother-in-law Doug Humphrey of Cross Lanes, sister-in-law Sara Anthony (Okey) of Eleanor, and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Larry Jackson was Friday, November 15, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Aaron Karr officiating. Burial was in Humphrey Cemetery, Poca.
Shirlee Frances Lively
Shirlee Frances Lively, of Hurricane, departed this world and entered the gates of Heaven on November 8, 2024.
Shirlee was born on June 13, 1948 to the late William Elmer Lively and Luella Duncan Lively. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers: Denver and Larry Lively.
After completing her GED, Shirlee worked diligently to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree, then a Master’s Degree in Social Work from West Virginia State University. She spent her career employed by West Virginia University as a Social Worker, working with children and writing policies pertaining to West Virginia children.
Shirlee’s greatest love was being “’Grandma Shirlee” to her grandchildren and “”Nana” to her great-grandchildren. Shirlee loved having tea parties, sleep overs, shopping trips, attending sporting events as well as other events with her grandchildren. She strived to make every day things into special times with each of them.
Those left to cherish her memories are her two children: Patti Keeney and James Wheeler, both of Hurricane; four granddaughters: Erin Keeney, Niccole Keeney, Makinzie Keeney and Jessica Craft; seven great-grandchildren: Kayla, Melanie, lan, Holden, Bailey, Charlee and Georgia; brother, Marvin Lively (Alphia); sister, Marcella Sowards (Delma); special friends, Wanda and Roger Bean; and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service for Shirlee was Friday, November 15, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
Melba Rae Melton
Melba Rae (Hildreth) Melton, 70, of Hurricane, entered the Gates of Glory on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 after a long-fought battle with Breast Cancer.
Melba was born on May 5, 1954 in Clarksburg, to the late Dennis and Edice Hildreth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Lee Hildreth who died when he was five hours old.
Melba was a proud graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School Class of 1972, after graduation she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Fairmont State College and a Master’s Degree in Reading from West Virginia University. Melba was a long-time educator who began her career in Harrison County and served 40+ years in Kanawha County Schools.
Melba’s love of Jesus Christ was the most important thing to her. She loved to read, paint, watch horse racing and cheer on the WVU Mountaineers. Melba also loved to support charitable causes that help animals and veterans.
She is survived by her two children: Hayley Tolley (Chris) and Raymond “R.J.” Melton, II, (Krista); grandchildren: Reagan Jasper Tolley, Mallory Jo Tolley, Kellyn Marie Tolley, Lily Mae Melton and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral Service for Melba was Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Hurricane, with Rev. Ron McClung officiating. Burial was in Shinnston Memorial Cemetery, Shinnston.
Avis Evelyne Ramey
Avis Evelyne Ramey, 93, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 14, 2024 surrounded by her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Lemon and Locie Hicks; daughter, Regina Thornton; husband, Douglas Ramey; brother, JL Hicks; sister, Gertie Blackwell; and son in law, Gregory Thornton.
Avis was a greatly loved mother and mawmaw. She leaves many loved ones behind. She is survived by her son, Randall (Diana) Ramey; grandchildren: Heather (Jacob) White, Ryan (Amanda) Ramey, and Matthew (Violet) Thornton; great-grandchildren: Caleb (Maggie) Sawyer, Lilly, Ethan, Austin, Lila, and Carson; brother, Avon (Mary) Hicks; and sister, Deloris Webb.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm, Friday, November 22, 2024 at Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene, 358 US Route 60, Culloden, with the Rev. John Hayes officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12:30 until 2:00pm service. Entombment will follow in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
Anna Belle Smith
Anna Belle Smith, 86, of Hurricane, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, November 11, 2024 at The University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.
Anna Belle was a greatly loved wife, mother and maw maw. She was born on October 24, 1938 in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late Elmer and Hallie Lockard. On September 14, 1957 she married the love of her life, Terry Smith in Diamond, West Virginia. Anna Belle worked at the Putnam County Courthouse and Hurricane High School. She loved spending time with her family, especially her sons and grandchildren. She made friends wherever she went and will be missed dearly.
Anna Belle is survived by her two sons, Greg Smith (Jennifer) and Todd Smith (Jamie) of Maryland; her sister Lulu Wilkinson of Hurricane, her brother William Lockard and three grandchildren, Tyler, Kayla and Jared Smith, whom she loved with all her heart. She was preceded in death by her son Ty Smith (2003) and her husband of 57 years, Terry Norman Smith (2015).
A celebration of life service was held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane.
Eugene Tilman Wilson Jr.
Eugene Tilman Wilson, Jr., 76, of Winfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at the Hubbard Hospice House following a long illness.
He was born April 13, 1948 in Waneta, WV to the late Eugene T. Wilson, Sr., and the late Martha Britton Wilson of Cowen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Vickie L Varney Wilson, brother Paul Phillip Wilson of Cowen, father and mother-in-law Charles and Nelma Williams Varney of Webster Springs, and brother-in-law Gary Varney of Hacker Valley.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and son in law, Andrea and Todd Combs of Winfield; son and daughter in law, Eugene T. (Willy) and Hope Wilson III of Red House; grandchildren Christian Wilson, Caroline Smith, Carli Smith, Levi Wilson, and 2 great-grandsons, Beckham and Axel. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Ann) Wilson of Webster Springs, sisters Lynn (Loye) McCourt of Cowen, and Susie (Dana) Hackworth of Summersville, and sister-in-law Sue Wilson of Cowen.
Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service.
Marsha D. (Courtright) Wisniewski
Marsha Dell (Courtright) Wisniewski, 55, of Hurricane, and formerly of Atlanta, GA, passed away on November 10, 2024 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a long battle with cancer.
She was very intelligent having won the Golden Horseshoe Award in the 8th grade, then graduated as the Valedictorian of Hurricane High School Class of 1987, later she graduated with a Bio Chemistry degree from University of Tennessee Knoxville and lastly earning her Juris Doctorate degree from WVU Law. Obviously Marsha’s intelligence and character were a big part of her. She worked for Atlanta’s two most prominent law firms, Alston & Bird and King & Spalding.
Marsha had fought 6 separate bouts of cancer over 20 years. She was a member of The Church of The Apostles in Buckhead, GA.
She is survived by her loving parents: Larry M. and Kathryn J. Dick Courtright; son, Andrew D. of Athens, GA and his father, David Wisniewski; brother, Gregg (Tracie) Courtright of Hurricane; nieces: Gracyn, Morgan and Sofia Courtright; as well as many other family members and friends from everywhere.
A memorial service for Marsha was held Friday, November 15, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
