KATHRYN GAIL BRISCOE
Kathryn G. Briscoe, 76, of Winfield, went Home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 16, 2025 after a long battle with lung disease.
She was born on November 1, 1948 to the late Norma and Leroy Collins. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughters: Dorlinda and Kimberly; granddaughter, Bethany Parsons; brothers: Wilson, Franklin, Jessie and Bernie Collins; sisters: Linda Michaels and Sharon Sowards.
Kathryn is survived by her husband of 60 years, Darrell Briscoe; son, Darin Briscoe of Winfield; grandchildren: Brandi Trail of Cross Lanes, Jessica Coleman of Culloden, and Chauna Lanham of Buffalo; great-grandchildren: Kamren Meadows, Jaelynn Meadows, Chaz Jones and Elaina Trail all of Cross Lanes; Lane, Hunter, Paislee, Paige, and Carter Coleman all of Culloden; Abagail and Thomas Lanham III both of Buffalo; brothers: William Collins of Center Junction, IA and Joseph Collins of Charleston; half-brother, Randall Collins of Maine; as well as a host of friends and extended family.
Funeral service for Kathryn was Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Burial was in Winfield Cemetery, Winfield.
ROBERT ‘ED’ COBB
Robert “Ed” Cobb, 75, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, May 12, 2025.
Ed is a 1967 graduate of Nitro High School and an Air Force Veteran. He is retired electrician from IBEW Local # 466 and a former Rock Branch Little Legue Softball Coach and Asst. Poca High School Softball Coach. He is a member of Charleston HOG group, Dunbar Masonic Lodge and a former member of Beni Kedem Shriners and the Oriental Band. Ed was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father James Robert Cobb and brother Chuck Cobb.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vicki Hamrick Cobb; daughters Retta Cobb and Cosby Dale and her husband Adam; mother Georgia Persinger; brother Scott Cobb; and three grandchildren Willow Spencer, Maverick Dale, and Levi Thomas.
A tribute to the life of Ed Cobb was held Friday, May 16, 2025 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bron Walker officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
KENNETH RAY HIGGINBOTHAM
Kenneth R. Higginbotham passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025. He is the son of the late George Luther and Hannah Bell Barnett Higginbotham of Red House. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his siblings: Clarence O. “Lefty”, James L “Preacher”, Carl W., and E. Carrolene Rollins.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janice L. Woodrum Higginbotham; children: Jennifer Fleming and Kevin Higginbotham (Teresa) of Culloden; siblings: Robert L. (Deak) of Eleanor, Marvin E. (Betty) of Red House, Clayton E. (Pete) of Cross Lanes, and Naomi R. Lanier (Chuck) of Pt. Pleasant. Kenneth was blessed to have 3 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Kenneth was born one of nine children at home on June 27, 1937, in Red House. He graduated from Poca High School in 1955 and attended Morris Harvey College on a four-year football scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. Kenneth earned a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling at the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in School Administration and Supervision at Stetson University in Florida.
Spanning 26 years in Florida and West Virginia, Ken ended his work in education as the Superintendent of Putnam County Schools in West Virginia in 1985. For his final 34 years Ken was involved in various businesses in the Kanawha Valley. He was most proud of forming Aluminum Metalworks where he worked for over 30 years as an Owner and Operator.
Growing up on a farm, Ken enjoyed the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing with family and friends. He cheered on all West Virginia sports his favorite love, football.
Family was always very important, it came first. Ken loved meeting people and was a wonderful storyteller. In all aspects of his life he was a true leader, firm but compassionate, always willing to listen. Ken’s characteristics and moral beliefs were greatly influenced by becoming a 32 Degree Mason and 56-year member of the Scottish Rite Orient. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Funeral Service for Ken was Monday, May 19, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
STEPHEN ALLEN MATSON
Stephen Allen Matson, 70, of Hurricane, passed away May 14, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 2, 1954 to the late George and Aretha Matson in Charleston. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Virgil Matson.
Steve was a graduate from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston and was employed with Bayer Crop Science, Institute Plant where he retired after 34 years. He loved spending time with his family, the outdoors and camping at Watoga State Park.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Pamela; daughter, Summer Matson; step-daughter, Heather Lambert; grandchildren: Brody, Brooklyn, and Braelyn; brothers: Joe and Don Matson; sister-in-law, Lynn Matson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved little dog, Boo-Boo, who never left his side.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
JERRY W. MCGREW
Jerry Wayne McGrew, 78, of Winfield, moved to his Heavenly home, May 13, 2025, at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV after a long battle with cancer. He is now healed and with his Savior and loved ones.
Jerry was born August 31, 1946, in Charleston. He was a graduate of Nitro High School and a lifelong resident of West Virginia.
Jerry was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved reading and studying The Bible, gardening, going for long drives and talking with anyone willing to listen. He loved Little Debbie’s, donuts and all things sweet. He worked most of his life in industrial and mining equipment sales. He retired from Industrial Supply Solutions. He was a previous long time member of Rock Branch Independent Church and was a current member of Teays Valley Baptist as he lived with his daughter. Throughout his life he served 30 some years as a Deacon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Myrtle McGrew, his brothers Fred Jr. and Michael and sister Joan. He was also preceded in death by his precious wife of 54 years, Linda Lou.
Jerry is survived by his two daughters, Susan (Lewis) Winter of Hometown and Melissa (Chris) Zuspan of Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia. He also had several grandchildren he loved. They were Philip, Kenzie, Anna and Andrew Winter and Timothy (Hannah) and Brooke Zuspan. He was blessed with two wonderful sisters Linda Akers and Diane Smith. He also had a host of nieces and nephews he loved.
Home going service for Jerry was Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home in Poca with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Burial was at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens in Red House.
JOYCE IRENE SUNYOG
Joyce Irene Sunyog, 72, of Winfield, passed away on May 16, 2025.
Joyce was born to the late Ellwood Melvin and Estella Martha Weber Colledge on May 8, 1953 in Akron, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Dick Rausher and Danny Fisher.
She spent her life taking care of her family and loved them unconditionally, especially her grandchildren.
Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 52 years, Alex Sunyog; children: Scott Sunyog (Elizabeth) of Fraziers Bottom, and Brian Sunyog (Ashley Blair) of Pritchard; and grandchildren: Madeline, Gage, Claire, and Kinsley Sunyog.
A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held at a later date.
ANGEL CHRISTINA WHEELER
Angel Christina Wheeler, 52, of Culloden passed away May 12th, 2025 at home.
She is survived by her loving husband Herbert Wheeler Jr.; her sister Susan Morris (Chris); and her father James Bird; mother Janet Sovine Fulton (Mike); three children, Whitney Harrison, Katie Dryer and Derrick Harrison and nephews.
She was loved by everyone and will be missed. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this time .
SOPHIA PHLOE WHITTINGTON
Sophia Phloe Grimes Whittington, 89, of Buffalo, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2025. She was a 1953 graduate of Buffalo High School, and worked as a store clerk for G.L. Hulbert and Stokes Grocery. Sophia was a Christian and attended the Buffalo Church of God. She spent most of her years as a homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoyed playing softball, watching sports, and reading her Bible. She was a wonderful cook and best known for her delicious macaroni and cheese.
Born August 3, 1935, in Robertsburg, she was the daughter of the late John Vance Grimes and Edna Smith Shuck. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death in March 2021 by her husband of 66 years, Bill Whittington.
Survivors include her daughter, Melody (Bill) Matthews, and son, Billy (Brenda) Whittington, all of Buffalo; grandson, Anthony Whittington; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Kelsey, and Braylea; two great-great-grandchildren, Wrenleigh and Daxton; also, a bonus granddaughter, Bailey Deweese; nephews, James Otis Whittington, Phillip Whittington, and Nyle Whittington. She will be missed by her family, her church family, and many special friends with which she kept in contact.
Funeral service was Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Buffalo Church of God with Pastor Mitchell Burch officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park.
