Carl Edward Allison
Carl Edward Allison, 87, of Poca, born on June 20, 1937, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with the love of his life Marietta while holding his daughter Cheri’s hand on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Carl graduated in 1955 from Poca High School with the highest honor of scoring the highest in the nation on the ACT/SAT score in 1955. Carl joined the United States Army that year and upon entering they made him retake the ACT/SAT test two more times because they could not believe the high scores. Carl took the test and scored even higher each time.
While in the United States Army he was appointed to go to West Point, however, he chose not to do so and to marry his beautiful wife, Marietta. Carl later worked at Good Rich Gulf, Dupont, FMC and retired from Olin Corporation.
Carl and Marietta had three children, Timothy Joseph Allison, Cheri Lynne Allison Sowards and an infant son who died shortly after birth. Carl was very active with his son Tim when it came to sports. In fact, Carl was one of two men who started Poca Midget Football in 1967. Carl went door to door asking for donations and asking his wife to head up bake sales to get Poca Midget Football started. Carl coached many teams in football, baseball and basketball. Carl was also a lover of the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. In fact, he was a caddy at the old golf course in Rock Branch as a young boy and saved every quarter he made to purchase his first rifle. With that being said the caddying on the golf course sparked the interest of what he loved doing the most. Carl fell in love with the game of golf. Upon his retirement at the age of 55 his wife bought him a set of golf clubs, and it all began. He was hooked on the game of golf. Every minute of every day he lived and breathed golf. It didn’t matter who was playing or where they were going, he was ready to play. This sparked another interest, looking for golf balls. He found golf balls by the thousands and would clean them up and trade them for rounds of golf.
Carl loved his family, and he loved golfing with his sons Tim and grandson Justin. Carl also especially loved his great grandsons that always called him “Old Papaw”. He was always wanting them to learn something from him that they would never forget. Whether it be how to stand to play golf, throwing a baseball, shooting a rifle or twiddling with a case knife.
Carl was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Marietta, infant son, father Denzil Allison, mother Dora Keefer Allison, brother Kenny Allison (age 11) and sister Wanda Allison Cook.
Carl is survived by his son Timothy Joseph Allison (Laura), daughter Cheri Allison Sowards (Scott), sister Diana Allison Joseph (John), grandchildren Nikki Sowards Brewer (Jason), Ashlie Sowards Jones (Derek), Justin Allison (Ashley), and Tiffany Allison Yeager (Harold), and seven great grandsons Kaden Linville, Parker Allison, Logan Ryder, Hunter Brewer, Chase Brewer, Carter Jones, and Hudson Jones.
A tribute to the life of Carl Edward Allison was held Friday, May 23, 2025 at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel.

Marilyn Sue Chapman
Marilyn Sue Chapman, lovingly known as “Mimi,” left this earthly world peacefully at 5:00 a.m. on May 21, 2025, surrounded by love and memories that spanned generations.
Born on November 16, 1939, Marilyn was a beautiful, spirited, and unforgettable woman. At just sixteen, she married the love of her life, Larry Joe Chapman — a bond that defined her life and anchored her family. Marilyn’s talents were boundless; she could have been an opera singer, gymnast, supermodel, or actress. Instead, she poured her gifts into her family, devoting her life to caring for Larry and those she loved most.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Larry; her cherished daughter, Beth Turley (Chris); granddaughters: Lori Jo Turley Neubert (Jason) and Kimberly Allison Turley; parents: Pauline and Morrison Hinkle; sisters: Claudette Lane (Glen) and Carol Tinsley (Jay); and her dear brother, Earl Lee Hinkle.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Leslie Anne Southern (Cody); great-grandchildren: Ian Wade and Devon Roselle, who brought her endless joy; her devoted sister, Jonnie Downing; her namesake and niece, Elizabeth Marilyn Downing; niece, Paulette Robson (George); nephew, Glen Lane; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She also leaves behind her special cousin and lifelong friend, David Rader (Anne).
Marilyn was truly one of a kind — vibrant, tender, and unforgettable. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Graveside Service for Marilyn was Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane, with Pastor Jerry Losh officiating.

Shirley ‘Chuck’ Cobb Jr.
Shirley Lee “Chuck” Cobb Jr., 73, of Liberty, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2025 at his home.
Chuck was born on October 4, 1951 to the late Shirley L. “Shud” Sr. and Roselee Spradling Cobb. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son and daughter in-law: Berkley S. and Abigail Cobb.
He was a farmer, an avid hunter and fisherman, who also enjoyed camping with his family. He was retired from Bert Wolfe Toyota and had previously worked for the Local Teamsters #175.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Coffman Cobb; son: Shannon (Tracy) Cobb of Fredericksburg, VA; grandsons: Joshua Cobb of Fredericksburg, VA, Nicholas Cobb of 29 Palms, CA and Hank Cobb of Liberty; great granddaughters: Braylinn and Berklea Cobb of Madison; sisters: Charlotte Hilton of Liberty, and Diana (Robert) Withrow of Cross Lanes; brothers: David Cobb (TK) of Columbus, OH and Jimmy (Reba) Cobb of Millwood; his faithful companions: his dog, Remmie and 9 feathered doves who ran his life; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members.
Graveside service for Chuck was Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Cobb Family Cemetery in Liberty.

Marilyn S. Hendricks
Marilyn S. Hendricks, 88, of Buffalo, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at the Emogene Donlin Hospice House in Huntington. She was self employed beautician and owned her own beauty shop for 52 years. She was a longtime member of Teays Valley Baptist Church.
Born April 6, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Hubert Cecil and Leona Clark Cecil. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Randall Linville, Robin Linville, Paris Linville, Alexis Linville and Glenn Dean Cecil.
Survivors include her son, Scott Linville; brothers, Hubert (Ardena) Cecil and Lyle (Rosemary) Cecil; sister in law, Eleanor Cecil; grandchildren, Phillip Linville, Michelle Cole, Jerri (Bub) Gatewood, Randall Shane Linville, Breana (Michael) Summers, Miranda Linville, Dana (Joe) Casto, Haley Linville (Nick Adkins), Taylor (Daniel) Ziesemer and Ronny Linville. Marilyn is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Friday May 23, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor John Smith officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

Margaret Ann Johnson
Margaret A. Johnson, 90, of Wildwood, Florida, formerly of Hurricane, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025.
She was born to the late Hazel and Owen Henley on October 16, 1934 in Nellis. In addition to her parents, Margaret was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob. The family takes comfort in imagining a joyous reunion in heaven – Bob greeting her with loving arms, together once again.
Margaret’s proudest accomplishments were not measured in awards or accolades, but in the love and legacy she leaves behind. She was the devoted mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother to five—each a reflection of her strength, kindness, and unwavering support.
She is survived by her beloved children: Rob (Sheri) Johnson of Wildwood, FL, Karen (Jim) Yurasek of Canal Winchester, OH and Vicki Ganim of Hurricane; grandchildren: Ryan Dew of Hurricane, Kelly Dew of Huntington, Kevin Yurasek of Leesburg, FL, Kenny Yurasek of Columbus OH, Justin Johnson of San Antonio, FL, Travis Johnson of Apopka, FL and Rebekah (Cam) King of Wesley Chapel FL. Her family meant the world to her and she cherished every moment spent with them.
A private graveside service will be at a later date at Johnson Cemetery on Keeners Ridge in Braxton County.

Jerry Lilly
Jerry Arthur Lilly, of Hurricane, was called home by his Creator on May 20th, 2025 to be reunited with his beloved Karen Sue “Susie” and family. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Karen Sue Jarvis Lilly, his parents Darius Mitchell Lilly and Beulah Virginia Daugherty Lilly, two sons, Jerry Alan Lilly and Timothy Mitchell Lilly, brothers Darius Wayne Lilly, Kenneth Mitchell Lilly, sisters Susan Diane Lilly died at birth, Brenda Kay Lilly Carter and granddaughter Amanda Jesse Lilly. Jerry is survived by his daughter Kristin Kimberly Lilly, grandsons Jacob Lilly, Seth Bowers, Caleb Bowers and daughter-in-law Sherry Lilly. Jerry was born in Bluefield, West Virginia in the poverty of coal mining country and vowed that he would not retire that way. After attending Pineville High School, where he played football for the Pineville Minutemen, he went on to West Virginia Tech to obtain his degree in chemical engineering. He began his career with FMC/ Monsanto and later took a position with Union Carbide as a purchasing agent where he stayed until he retired at 62. He said that was where his hardest job started which was keeping Karen happy. Jerry enjoyed a variety of life. He enjoyed college football, airplanes, science, math, traveling, gardening, golfing and lunching with friends he loved to tease and mowing with his John Deere tractor. He was active in many community and church activities at Forest Burdette United Methodist Church where he was a member for over 50 years. He was a Past Recorder for the City of Hurricane from 1970 to 1972, a proud and loyal Past Grandmaster of the Putnam Lodge, served on the Putnam County Board of Parks and Recreation, member of the committee and instrumental in installing the Harrah Pipe Sounds Organ at Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church and a long time member of the Stewards of Fellowship Sunday school class and much, much more. He often spoke of how meaningful his church family was to him. The friendships he cultivated were priceless to him. He truly loved and appreciated you. After two rough falls, he had a brief stay in the hospital when God called him home to be with his Heavenly family. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. The rest wouldn’t matter.
Visiting and fellowship of friends and family will be May 30th from 11:00 to 12:00 with memorial service from 12:00 to 1:00 at Forest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church.

Shirley Renee Rowe
Mrs. Shirley Renee Rowe, 63, of Hurricane, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, in the Hubbard Hospice House West.
Shirley was born October 20, 1961 in Charleston to the late Shirley and Sandra Campbell.
She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Charles “Butch” Rowe; two children Candice (Steve) Walden and Sam (Kristi) Rowe; and five grandchildren Alex, Aaron, Arabelle, Sebastian, and Lincoln.
At her request there will be no services.

Sandra Elaine Sigmon
Sandra Elaine Sigmon, 77, of Hurricane, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, in CAMC General Division.
Sandra was born and raised in Roane County and is a member of Valley View Freewill Baptist Church. She is a former employee of Thomas Hospital, Highland Hospital, and Foodland and formerly owned a cleaning service. She enjoyed gardening, shopping, reading, and especially spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Thelma Short and daughter Amanda Drake.
Left to cherish her memories are her son Donald Drake, Jr. and four grandchildren Tristin Drake, Ashley Drake, Justin Drake, and Sara Drake. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
At this time there will be no services.

Gay Smith
Gay Smith, age 97, passed away peacefully on May 17th, in Charlotte, NC. She was born January 5, 1928, in Hurricane, West Virginia to the late Emory and Hazel Leadmon.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Charles “Smitty” Smith; her brother, Wayne Leadmon; three sisters, Helen Duke, Edna Ross, and June Hedrick; her granddaughter, Sherry King; and her daughter-in-law, Connie Smith.
Gay is survived by her beloved son, Kenneth Smith of Charlotte, NC; brothers Joe Leadmon and Allen Leadmon of Hurricane; sister Linda Hull of Culloden; and her great-grandchildren, Jordyn King and Shiloh King, also of Charlotte, NC.
Throughout her career, Gay made significant contributions to the workplace, having worked in the business office at CNO Railroad and later serving as the office manager for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance office in Charleston, West Virginia.
In her personal life, Gay enjoyed many hobbies, traveling with her husband and other couples, playing golf and bridge. These experiences brought her immense joy and allowed her to create memories that she spoke of throughout her life.
Gay leaves behind a legacy of love, and a spirit that will forever be remembered by those who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but her impact will continue to inspire and encourage all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.
Funeral service was Tuesday, May 27th at Stephenson & Gaskin Funeral Services in Matthews, NC. Burial was on Thursday, May 29th at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Donald Taylor
Donald Wayne Taylor, 77, of Culloden, went home to be with the Lord on May 23, 2025.
Don was born in Kanawha County on October 7, 1947 to the late George Washington and Grace Wood Taylor. He was a graduate of Dupont High School and West Virginia Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. Don retired from Joe Holland Chevrolet with 30 years of service. He attended Community Church of Teays Valley where he served on the Board of Trustees.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Imogene Young and Betty Wingo; brothers, Harold, Kenny and Jerry Taylor.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Perry Taylor, son, John Wesley Taylor and wife Kimberly; sister-in-law Inge Taylor, and brother-in-law Clarence Wingo; nieces Pamela Ash and Sharon Snyder; nephews, Doug Young and Jeffrey Taylor; and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastors David Bess and Cameron Temple Officiating. Friends of the family may gather 1 hour prior to the service at Allen Funeral Home.