JAMES GARRISON
James Austin Garrison, affectionately known to family and friends as “Pungun,” passed away peacefully at home on June 19, 2026.
James was born in October 27, 1939, to his loving parents, Austin and Opal Garrison, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Poca High School in 1957 and soon afterward joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years.
Following his military service, James married the love of his life, Sharon Legg Garrison. They had been married for 62 years and had one daughter, Sherri McGrew who is married to their son-in-law, Troy McGrew of Beaufort SC. James and Sharon were blessed with 4 grandchildren Isaiah McGrew of Raleigh NC, Hannah McGrew of Nashville TN, Micah McGrew (Kaden) Meeks of Red House WV, and Selah McGrew of Beaufort, SC.
James was an instructor of Heating and Air Conditioning at the Putnam County Technical Vocational Center in Eleanor, West Virginia for more than 20 years.
A lifelong supporter of the Poca Dots, James was a fixture at Poca High School football games, serving as the down-marker operator for more than 40 years and operating the clock at basketball games.
He enjoyed rabbit hunting, raising beagles, and being outdoors in his spare time.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Barbara Bittle; and members of his extended family, including his parents-in-law James and Sibyl Legg, sister-in-law Sue Legg, brother-in-law Chick Noffsinger, brother-in-law Garry Legg, and sister-in-law Rhonda Legg.
In addition to his wife, Sharon, and daughter Sherri and son-in-law Troy, he is survived by his sisters, Melva Fisher, Velma Christy and her husband, Jamie, his sister-in-law, Kay Noffsinger; brothers-in-law Butch Legg, Rick Legg (Martha), Rev. Jim Legg (Pam), Barry Legg, and Mike Bittle; sister-in-law Pixie Legg; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
James attended Bancroft Church of God Mission and Coosawhatchie Baptist Church in Beaufort SC.
A celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, June 27, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with former students and Pastors Larry Cooper and Brian Haber officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House.
LEONARD F. JAMES
Leonard F. James, 99, of Liberty, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home. He was a proud U.S Army and U.S Air Force Veteran. He was a member of Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 A.F &. A.M. in Buffalo and a member of Paradise Bible Church. Leonard was a founding member of the Rt. 34 Fire Department and retired from the FMC corporation with many years of service.
Born June 5, 1927 he was the son of the late Edward and Mintie James. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Mildred M. James; son, Lyle James; grandson, Travis James; brothers, Fred and Preston; sister, Edna.
Survivors include his son, Kerry (Mona) James of Liberty; daughter in law, Kathy James of Liberty; grandchildren, Trevor James and Leah James; great-grandchildren, Ashleigh James, Bryson Thomas and Cameron James. Leonard is also survived by the loving family dog, Mattie, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Doug McComas and Pastor Paul Browning officiating. Burial with military honors was in Wade Chapel Cemetery, Red House.
LINDA GAYE PAULEY
Linda Gaye (Dent) Pauley, 85, of Winfield, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Linda was a loving wife, mother, and mamaw to her precious grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Lonnie Pauley; son Ted Pauley; brother Sydney Dent; and sister Nancy Call.
Left to cherish her memories are her children Jerry Pauley, Cathy (Bruce) Hill, Michael (Laurel) Pauley, Steven Pauley, and Dianna Pauley; sister Becky Snyder; brothers Ted, John, Larry, and Wayne Dent; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.
At her request there will be no services.
CHRISTI WALKER
Christi Anita Luikart-Walker, 53, of Poca, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
Born and raised in Putnam County, Christi was a 1991 graduate of Poca High School and was formerly employed by Casci. She treasured the time she spent with her family and found great joy in being with those she loved most. Christi will be remembered for her hard work ethic, caring heart, devotion to her family, and the many friendships she shared throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Mae Tillis Luikart; her maternal grandparents, Hobart and Beulah Tillis; and her paternal grandparents, Hazel and William Luikart.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Alexesis Walker and Dakota Walker; her father, Carlos Luikart; her aunts, Evelyn Hill and Zeda Fultz; her uncles, Alfred Luikart, Denver Luikart, and Ronald Luikart; her beloved dogs, Beasley and Suzie; and a host of other family members and friends who will deeply miss her.
A tribute to the life of Christi was held Monday, June 29, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Mike Shamblin officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
AMANDA WHITTINGTON
Amanda “Caroline” Whittington, 64, of Winfield, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 21, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Bessie Hall.
Caroline was a 1979 graduate of Ripley High School and grew up in the Goldtown community on Dog Fork Road. Her favorite place was at home, where she devoted her life to being a loving wife, mother, and Mimi. She never met a stranger and was known for her kind spirit, warm smile, and unwavering positivity. Her light and bubbly personality was accentuated by her sparkling and glittery attire.
She loved to travel, especially to the beach or anywhere there was sunshine. Caroline was gifted artistically and was an exceptional cook. She could make a full-course meal out of nothing in minutes. A faithful Christian, she attended Goldtown Community Church, Bancroft Mission, and Fisher Chapel, and her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. Above all, her greatest joy and accomplishment was being Mimi to her grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 45 years, John Whittington; her daughter, Jennifer (Luke) Nunley; her son, Anthony (Calina) Whittington; her sister, Deborah (Roger) Mullins; her brother, Randy Hall; and her seven cherished grandchildren, Bryar, Ginny, Branson, Johnny, Berkley, Jude, and Joey. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.
A tribute to the life of Amanda “Caroline” Whittington was held Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastors Jimmy Casdorph and Jim Legg officiating.
CHARLOTTE YOUNG
Charlotte M. Henson Burns Young, 89, of Culloden, went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2026.
Charlotte was a graduate of Hurricane High School class of 1955 and retired from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. She was a member of Hurricane First Baptist Church where she loved singing in the choir.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Henson; her husband, Jackie Burns; and her sisters, Bonnie Henson and Beulah Morgan.
Charlotte is survived by her husband, Gene Young; daughters, Robin Woodyard and Jeannie Davidson; son, Andy (Kelli) Burns; sister, Susie (Roy) Conway; eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepson, Rev. Mark (Priscilla) Young, three step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren, one sister in law Sue Jackson and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Allen Funeral Home, with Rev. Mark Young and Rev. Jerry Losh officiating. Burial was in Jackson Burns Cemetery.
