CARL S. KIMBERLING
Carl S. Kimberling, 90, of Red House, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home. He was a 1955 graduate of Pt. Pleasant High School and a proud U.S. Army veteran. Carl retired from Columbia Gas with many years of service. He loved to hunt and was a member of the Southern West Virginia Beagle Club. He loved to spend time on his tractor and spending time with his beagles.
Born July 21, 1935, in Leon, he was the son of the late Hoyt Kimberling and Louise Bennett Kimberling. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Sarah Alice Peck-Higginbotham, Oselene Devan, Trilba Greenlee and Ray Kimberling.
Survivors include his sons, David (Marcie) Kimberling of Scott Depot and Darren (Tammy “Peachy”) Kimberling of Winfield; his significant other of 25 years, Teresa Forbis; grandchildren, Owen Kimberling, Grant Kimberling, Miranda (Jeremy) Sexton; great grandchildren, Madilynn and Kase.
Funeral service was Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Greg Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Bennett Cemetery, Leon.
NANCY GAIL PLANTS
Nancy Gail Plants, 88, of Hurricane, passed away on April 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and friendship that will be cherished by all who knew her.
She was born on March 7, 1938, in Charleston, to the late Jennings and Virginia Gillenwater. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth Plants; and her brother Daniel Gillenwater.
Nancy had a deep appreciation for the simple beauties of life. She found joy in flowers, often admiring their colors and quiet grace. Spending time in her garden creating beauty was one of her favorite pastimes. She also had a special place in her heart for animals—especially her beloved cats, who brought her endless comfort and companionship.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Nancy was devoted to her church and her Bible study group, where she not only grew spiritually but also built meaningful, lasting friendships. She treasured her friends dearly and valued the fellowship, laughter, support, and love they shared.
Nancy’s greatest love was her family. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, taking pride in their lives and finding happiness in every moment spent with them. Whether it was a simple outing, a shared meal, or a shopping trip. Nancy made every moment count.
She is survived by her children: Dr. Cheryl A. Hickman (Dr. David) of Daniels, and Michael E. Plants of Scott Depot; grandchildren: Chelsea Zsoldos (Dr. Christopher) of Boone, NC, and Christian Vargo (Kyleigh) of Morgantown; and her great-granddaughter, Lilly Vargo of Morgantown.
A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Hurricane, with a reception to follow.
DIANNA LYNN SOWARDS-JOHNSON
Dianna Lynn Sowards-Johnson, 68, of Hurricane, passed away on April 30, 2026, at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
Dianna was born to the late Denver and Judy Sowards on May 6, 1957, in Hurricane. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her son, Paul Leroy Dial Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Brennen Johnson; step-daughters: Brittany Hussaini of Hurricane and Sierra Johnson of Cross Lanes; step-grandchildren: Alim, Brylee, Alexander, and Annabelle; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral service for Dianna was Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Keith Torman officiating. Entombment was in Valley View Memorial Park.
REBECCA ANN LILLY
On May 2, 2026, in Hurricane, Rebecca “Becky” Lilly was welcomed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father.
Born on December 31, 1946 in Morgantown, to the late William Edgar Frye of Clarksburg, and Ruth Frye of Beckley. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her grandparents: Kenley E. Smith and Grace Lilly Smith of Beckley and John Baker and Nettie Hirt Frye of Clarksburg.
Becky is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Todd Lilly; cherished daughters: Stephanie Kress and Alison Kinneer; wonderful son in laws: Larry Kress and Michael Kinneer; and Dayton Kress, her only grandchild, who was loved beyond description as was the love of his life, Grayce Slone. Becky is also survived by several nieces, a nephew and many cousins. Becky also cherished numerous furry 4 legged dogs, cats and grand dogs of which she had many throughout Becky loved life, having many passions including listening to music, traveling, playing card games with the family and relaxing on the beaches of Hilton Head Island. She will be missed and fondly remembered by all her family and friends.
Service was Thursday, May 7, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Dr. Ellis Conley officiating.
PAMELA TABOR
Pamela Sue Perry Tabor passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 29, 2026. Born in Wayne County, on September 7, 1936, Pamela lived a life defined by love, dedication, and service to those she held most dear.
Pamela was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Cole Tabor; her grandchildren, Yana Scofield and Tyler Scofield; and her nieces, Cheryl Wolfe and Dr. Patricia (Chris) Bell.
She is survived by her loving children: her sons, Greg Tabor (Midlothian, VA), Jeffrey (Leah) Tabor (Mesquite, NV), and Matthew (Melissa) Tabor (Taylorsville, NC); and her daughter, Leslie (Brian) Scofield (Wheeling, IL). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Joshua (Danielle) Tabor, Heather (Eric) Tabor, Brandon (Erica) Tabor, and Tesana Tabor; her great- grandsons, Leyton Tabor and Cole James Tabor; her nieces and nephews: Christa (Scott) Sumner (Casper, WY), Joy (Clayton) Good, Chelsey (Jackson) Lilly, Patrick C. (Rachel) Oxley, Angela (Tom) Burton, Sara (Paul) Dempsey, Jim (Debbie) Tabor, Bev Lewis, Kim Tabor, and Nathaniel Bannister; and her great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, Ella Good, Jada Good, Avelene Lilly, Ollieah Lilly, and Bennett Lilly.
A graduate of Vinson High School, Pamela began her working life as a telephone operator at C&P Telephone Company. It was there she met the love of her life, Cole Tabor, to whom she was happily married for 61 years. Following her time at C&P Telephone Company, Pamela dedicated herself to the noble and challenging calling of a homemaker. She was the heart of her home, serving her family as amother, coach, doctor, teacher, and everything in between. As her husband Cole so lovingly stated at their 60th anniversary, she did an outstanding job raising their four children. Pamela never stopped pursuing knowledge. During her time as a homemaker, she furthered her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University, along with five minors a testament to her intellect and lifelong curiosity.
She had a deep and abiding love of music, sharing her talent with the community as a member of the Bell Atlantic Choraliers and the Hurricane Civic Chorus, where she served as secretary and sang for approximately 10 years.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Pamela was a dedicated volunteer. She was an active volunteer for Literacy Volunteers of America, helping others discover the joy of reading. Furthermore, she possessed a gentle spirit and a giving heart, which she expressed by knitting countless baby hats for local hospital NICU units.
A funeral service will be held on May 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane. A reception will be held immediately after funeral services at Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane.
