SHERRY JACQUELYN ‘JACKIE’ ARTHUR
Our beloved Mother, Sherry Jacquelyn “Jackie” Farley Arthur, 90, of Liberty, passed away Frida,y November 22, 2024 following a long illness.
She was a 1952 graduate of Poca High School. Jackie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family. Jackie married the love of her life, Paul E. Arthur, and they were married 54 years before Paul’s passing on June 21, 2009. Their love for each other and their family was evident to everyone who knew them. Paul always said “when that first baby was born, he wasn’t number one anymore.”
Born February 15, 1934, in Bancroft, she was the daughter of the late Stonewall Jackson Farley and Tessie Marie Farley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death husband, Paul E. Arthur, and her first-born child, Teresa Michele Arthur Jividen; sisters, Martha L. “Tootsie” Painter, and Mary Jane Farley; and brothers, Sheridan, Stephen, and Stanley Farley.
Survivors include daughter, Andrea “Andi” Jayne Harrison and her husband Bernard of Liberty; sons, Timothy Paul Arthur and his wife Sherri, Joel Kevin “Kip” Arthur, and Christian “Chris” Arthur and his wife Candice, all of Mt. Etna Ridge; son-in-law, Mike Jividen of Red House; sister, Debbie (Bob) Liptrap of Eleanor; grandchildren, Lindsey (Rob) Cobb of Buffalo, and Tracey (Joseph) Martin, of Buffalo, Ryne Arthur (Amanda) of Red House, Dylan (Megan) Harrison of Buffalo, Haley (John) Hathaway of Liberty, Ara LaShae Arthur of South Charleston, Carragan (Joseph) Fugate of Eleanor, and Canaan Arthur of Mt. Etna Ridge; great-grandchildren, Luke Martin, Hanna Cobb, Breigh Martin, Jacob Cobb, Eli Arthur, Madden Harrison, Jackson Paul Fugate, Delaney Jayne Harrison, Charlotte Fugate, and Tate Hathaway.
Graveside was Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Center Point Cemetery, Liberty, with Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating.

KERMIT M. ‘SONNY’ BALL
Kermit Mathes Ball, Jr. (Sonny), 63, of Hurricane, formerly of Poca, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
Kermit was a 1979 graduate of Poca High School and a drummer for their marching band. He was the owner of Sonny’s in Poca (formerly the Twist and Twirl). He worked in the Food Industry for many years and Subways of West Virginia. After retiring his passion was singing with friends at Ocean Annies at Myrtle Beach, SC.
Kermit was preceded in death by his loving parents, Kermit and Marie Ball. Kermit is survived by his daughter, Anna Marie Clark (Taylor) of Lakeland, FL, his son, Matt Ball (Lisa) of Illinois, his three grandchildren, Brayden, Lydia, and Ezekiel Clark, his three sisters, Doreen Homan (Carl) Newfield, NJ, Patty Levi (Frank) of Mokena, IL, and Rebecca Ball of Hurricane, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A tribute to the life of Kermit was held Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, Poca, with Celebrant H. R. Whittington officiating.

RUSSELL D. BAYS
Russell D. Bays transitioned to his heavenly home, to be eternally with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on November 19, 2024.
He is survived by his cherished wife Betty “Jo” Bays, daughter Helen Ann Bays Salmons, son Russell Alan (Carol) Bays, grandchildren Aaron (Kimberly) Salmons, Rachel (Matthew) Jones, Rebecca Bays, Russell Alan (Elizabeth) Bays II, great grandchildren Logan, Thomas, Beth, Amy, Walter, Liam, Joseph, Emmaline, Julia, and Boone, and many nieces, nephews and precious family members.
He is also survived by siblings Bernard (Donna) Bays, Carolyn Boster, Sharon (Jessie) Adkins, Kathy (Allen) Messinger, sisters-in-law Becky Bays, and Bernice Bays, and a host of special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clay and Dorothy Fizer Bays, brothers Keith Bays, Carlos Bays, brother-in-law B. G. Boster, and son-in-law Michael Salmons.
Russell was a veteran, serving as a paratrooper in the United States Army, and retired from Union Carbide. He was a charter member of his beloved Open Door Bible Church. Over the years, Russell could be seen moving earth on a bulldozer as he helped build the community around him. Russell loved having fun with family, visiting friends and neighbors, and sharing the love of Christ with everyone.
Russell loved his wife, family, and friends dearly and they will all cherish memories of him, knowing they will be reunited in God’s due time.
Services were held Friday, November 22, 2024, at Open Door Bible Church, Culloden, with Rev. Ron Brewer, Rev. Robert McCallister and Rev. Thad Gifford officiating. Interment was in Valley View Cemetery, Hurricane.

Deron Michael Chapman
Deron Michael Chapman left us suddenly on Saturday, Nov 23, 2024.
He was preceded in death by his father, Michael “Mickey” Chapman and mother, Betty (Brumfield) Chapman.
Deron was a cherished member of the community and the Hurricane Church of Christ. He had a passion for all trucks and worked as Commercial Manager at Midway Ford.
He was a beacon of unwavering friendship, kindness, and has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind his wife of 22 years, April (Kirk) Chapman; daughters: Haylee and Karli Chapman, all of Milton; a brother: Jared and wife, Lindsey (Ford) Chapman; nephews: Ty, Cody, and Blake Chapman all of Hurricane; mother and father-in-law: Jay and Ida Freeman of Chapmanville; several cousins and friends who have become family are too numerous to count.
Deron’s graveside service was Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

Gary Lee Clinton
Gary Lee Clinton, born on June 9, 1954 in Liberty, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 20, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother. He fought a long, brave battle with the big C.
He was a gentleman and farmer, a truck driver, a construction worker, a general handyman and a builder of hopes and dreams. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for anyone. Gary was a family man and there were many lessons that were learned from him. When Paul Harvey told the story of God made a Farmer, this man embodied that, because he was up with the sun, mending fence, taking his girls to events like FFA and 4-H, and going to bed after the sun had gone down. His unwavering faith carried him through life’s obstacles.
He is survived by his loving wife Paula, of 38 years, 6 months and 1 day; 3 wonderful daughters: Crystal (Jason) Nichols, Eva (Roy) Godbey, and Anita (Harold Kelly, Jr.) Clinton; 1 son, Russell Clinton; 3 brothers: Terry (Connie) Clinton, Selba (Joan) Clinton and Joe (Tina) Clinton; 3 sisters: Frances Geer, Ora (Armour) Goodman and Virginia Jividen; more blessings in the form of grandkids and great-grandkids to carry his legacy forward, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Martha Clinton; brothers: Charles and Larry; sisters: Serena Elizabeth, Beverly Jean, Mary, Nancy and Juanita; and several in-laws and outlaws.
Graveside Service for Gary was Saturday, November 23, at Taylor Family Cemetery located on Peach Ridge Road, Hurricane.

Gary Lee Collins
Gary Lee Collins, 79, of Winfield, formerly of Chapmanville, passed away on November 20, 2024 at CAMC General Division.
He was born on Sept. 2, 1945 to the late Ula and Grace Morrison Collins in Mallory, WV. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Sheldon and sisters: Gail and Nina.
Gary was a coal miner and retired as a Federal Mine Inspector. He proudly served his country in the US Army.
Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly Kaye Franklin Collins; children: Barry (Amanda) Collins of Kenova, Craig (Mary) Browning of Ironton, MO and Robert (Mary) Browning of Jackson, GA; grandchildren: Makayla, Drew, Alik, Tanner and Cameron; 3 great grandchildren; sisters: Linda Hatfield, Drema Mathas, and Sandy Cabell; as well as a host of other family members.
In accordance with Gary’s wishes there will be no public services.

Donna Eloise Gwinn
Donna Eloise Gwinn, 88, of Hurricane, passed away on November 21, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born to the late Olen Fields and Lillie Smolder on August 20, 1936. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years: William Gwinn; and her sisters: Joyce Stone Nelson and Phyllis Bailey.
Donna finished her nursing career caring for the residents at Arthur B. Hodges Center.
Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of her life. She was a long-time member of Highlawn Baptist Church.
Donna is survived by sons: Mike Gwinn of St. Albans, and Jeff Gwinn (Michele) of Scott Depot; daughters: Robin Cremeans (Don) of Barboursville, and Debbie Matheny (Bob) of Scott Depot; grandchildren: Dustin Cremeans, Dr. Ronald Gwinn (fiancé Paige Gardner) and Amie Justice (Jake); great grandchildren: Ryan and Makenna Justice. Donna is also survived by her companion, Vernon Kay; her sister, Jody Brown; and her favorite grand-dog, Boone; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Donna’s Life was held Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Highlawn Baptist Church, St. Albans, with Rob Ely officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park St. Albans.

Donald Clark ‘Donnie’ Pace
Donald Clark Pace, a remarkable man known for his wit, warmth, and unwavering spirit, was born on October 24, 1988, in Huntington, West Virginia. He left us far too soon on November 24, 2024, at the age of 36, while residing in Bancroft.
Donnie, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, possessed a heart as immense as his humor. His laughter was infectious, always filling the room with a joyful lightness that only he could bring.
Donnie spent his early years in Marietta, Ohio, where he graduated from Marietta High School. After high school, he pursued his passion for welding and turned it into a career, becoming certified and working with the West Virginia Steel Corporation, until a disability in 2022 paused his professional journey.
Donnie’s life was more than his work. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and celebrated his baptism at Grace Life Church in Culloden, West Virginia. He welcomed everyone with open arms, and loving without judgment.
Family meant everything to Donnie. He leaves behind a loving circle mourning his absence, but celebrating his memory. He is survived by his longtime girlfriend and mother of his child, Elizabeth Combs and her son Jordan Matthew Campbell. Also, his devoted mother, Erika Leitch Edgar and stepfather Brad Edgar; his stepmother Jenny Chapman and his father Fred Pace; his beloved daughter, Brooklyn Marie Pace, who was his pride and joy and an echo of his good heart; his sister, Navetta Marie Callison; and his brother, Austin Wayne Davis and step-brothers Jayson Edgar and Cameron Edgar, who he shared countless unforgettable moments with. He is also survived by his grandmother Navetta Sue Humphreys and grandfather Clark Pace. Also, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather and namesake Donald Richard Leitch and grandmother Joyce Jacobson Leitch.
Everyone knew Donnie as the go-to guy for a laugh, a helping hand, or simply someone to listen without a hint of judgment. He made everyone feel special and loved.
To celebrate the full life Donnie lived, funeral services will be held Friday, November 29, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home in Poca, commencing at 2 p.m., presided over by Pastor Jamie Wright. For those wishing to pay their respects, a viewing will occur an hour prior to the service starting at 1 p.m.

Captain Mark Smith (Ret.), WVSP
Captain (Retired) Mark Smith, WVSP, 73, of Winfield, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 23, 2024, after a battle with cancer. Mark retired from the WV State Police with 25 years of service and then went on to be Putnam County Sheriff for 8 years. He graduated from Hurricane High School class of 1969 and Glenville State University Class of 1973 and received his master’s from Marshall University. He also coached football in his younger days at Winfield High School.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marybeth Cooke Smith; Brothers, Michael Scott Smith and his wife Phyllis of Milton, Doug Smith and his wife Patsy of Hurricane; Sister, Becky Kelley of Anderson, SC; Nephews, Joshua Allen, Michael Scott Smith Jr; Niece, Jodi Ray Whitson and a host of family and friends.
A Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Hurricane. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.

Ann Marie White
Ann Marie White, 84, of Poca, passed away November 22, 2024.
Ann is a graduate of Poca High School and retired from Rite Aide Warehouse and Pro Careers Home Health Care in Dec. 2023. She enjoyed watching football, especially the West Virginia Mountaineers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
She is preceded in death by her parents Hershel and Vivian Johnson and brother Frank Shamblin.
Ann is survived by her three children Kelly Ann White, Mike and wife Monica White, and Michele and husband Stephen Biscoe; brother Gary Shamblin; and four grandchildren Brandon Higginbotham, Delany Jade Smith, Joshua Allen Dickerson, and April Marie White.
At her request there will be no services.

Charles Oliver Whittington, Jr.
Charles Oliver “Chuck” Whittington, 57, of Buffalo, passed away November 19, 2024.
Chuck was employed by Capital City Auto Auction and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.
He was born February 14, 1967, in South Charleston to the late Charles and Mona Whittington.
He is survived by his daughter Tiffany Adkins; brothers Roy and Mike Whittington; and grandson Jake.
A tribute to the life of Chuck was held Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens with Pastor Bob Jett officiating.