INEZ BIRD
Inez L Bird, 100, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents William E. and Elva Thornton Sloan, and 3 brothers and 1 sister and grandson Scotty Alford.
She is survived by her sons, Keith Alford (Dottie), and Roger Johnson, daughter, Vio Lawson (Ed), 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren 5 great great grandchildren.
Funeral service was Monday, October 7, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home with Elders Harold Johnson and Tony Edwards officiating. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

LINDA HODGES
“Saints live well and they die well.” And so it was with our dear daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and most importantly, a bright beacon for Jesus Christ!
Linda Hodges, age 64, of Hurricane, passed away in her sleep on October 2, 2024. She was born on May 25, 1960 and dedicated her life to spreading love and warmth to everyone around her. Linda married her best friend, Daniel Hodges in 1991 and shared 33 loving years in matrimony. Linda is survived by her two brothers, Tom and Mike Griffith, and her sister, Diane Heck. She had one son, Russell Morrison (wife, Stephanie) and was a proud grandmother of four grandchildren, Melody, Shaun, Dominick, and Cameron.
Linda graduated from Barboursville High School in 1979, and went on to become an active member of many groups and organizations. Besides her church family, Linda’s extended family was the Putnam County WV Republican Women as she served in diverse positions of Secretary and Corresponding Secretary (Outreach). She was also a member of the Hurricane Civic Chorus under the direction of Dr. Ilse Long.
Linda did not stop there. She was also very active with King’s River groups and Community Bridge. If all of this was not enough, in her free time, you might find her making Linda’s Originals Jewelry and more.
She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and County.
A Celebration to the life of Linda was held at King’s River Worship Center in St. Albans on Tuesday, October 8, with Pastor Chris Kimbro and Pastor Debbie Deweese officiating.

MISHA VIRGINIA JUNE JIVIDEN
Misha Virginia June Jividen, 80, of Cross Lanes, passed away Friday, October 4th, 2024, at CAMC Memorial following a sudden illness. She was a lifelong resident of Putnam and Kanawha counties. June attended Kanawha County and Putnam County schools and graduated from Poca High School in 1962. She grew up in the Church of God in Hometown. June worked for several organizations over the years starting with the Valley Bell Dairy Company, she was a textile and lab tech for AVTEX Fibers in Nitro and the Stone & Thomas Warehouse in Nitro. She then went on to work at several nursing agencies including Americare Putnam, Care Haven, Putnam General Hospital, CAMC Teays Valley, Thomas Health Systems and St. Francis Hospital skilled unit. She was affectionately known as “June Bug” by her coworker’s and will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her.
Born April 8, 1944, in Charleston, she was the daughter of the late Parvin O. Casto and Dorcas Argabrite Casto.
Left to cherish her memory are her children and the loves of her life, Allen Lee Withrow of Belleview FL, Terri (Bill) Bell of Belleview Fl, Kevin (Misty) Withrow of Cross Lanes, Julie (Billy) Osborne of Jacksonville NC and Larry Michael (Sarah) Jividen of Raceland KY; brother, Roger (Linda ) Casto of Buffalo; grandchildren, Chelsea (David) Wade, Christopher Bell, Devin Withrow, Robert Withrow, Jacqueline (Reece) Osborne. LTJG Billy (Olivia) Osborne III, Lauren Osborne (Brandon), Kaitlyn Jividen (Devin), Sarah Jividen, Logan Jividen and Casey Kazee; great grandchildren, Reid, Audrey, Reece, Alaric, Charlotte and Josephine. June is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday October 11, 2024, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Burial will follow in Moss Chapel Cemetery, Given. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at funeral home in Eleanor. The family encourages everyone to wear happy colors to the service to celebrate her life.

ROBERT EARL KNIGHTON
Robert Earl Knighton, 79, of Hurricane, returned to his Heavenly Home on October 2, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Bob knew the Lord at an early age. He was blessed by two loving Christian parents and extended family who loved God and taught him well. As a result, Bob testified of his faith often singing hymnals to crowds at church as he grew up. His voice became a favorite of many over the years. He was never ashamed to share his gift of song and praise Jesus.
He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1962 and joined the United States Air Force right after. He served as an Airman 1st Class and was later deployed to the Vietnam War where he guarded his post very well. When he returned from Vietnam, he asked the love of his life to marry him. He and Beverly had a quick wedding in December of 1965 while he was in WV on leave for Christmas and they moved to Homestead Air Force base in Florida thereafter. They enjoyed their honeymoon months as he served out his time devoted to our country.
They later moved back to WV and Bob went to work for the United States Postal Service at the Charleston Distribution center. He was a mail handler, then mail clerk, and later became an express/priority mail expeditor. He gave his best to his work and was a devoted employee for many years before retiring in 2004.
Bob & Beverly had 3 children from their precious union. First came Bobby in 1969, Chris next in 1972, and then baby girl Bethany in 1978 to make the family complete. Over the years, they took many family vacations to Myrtle Beach, SC, Florida, and state parks throughout WV amongst many other adventures. Bob was always ready for fun and could be found splashing in the waves with his kids and riding all the roller coasters he could find.
As parents, Bob & Beverly were dedicated to raising their children in church and ensured all were ready to go to each Sunday morning (even if late!) and other mid-week services and revivals. Bob would sing favorites “It is Well with my Soul”, “As the Storm Passes By” and “How Great Thou Art” among others on request, he faithfully served the Lord and his fellow Christian brothers & sisters with whatever was needed. He taught his children the importance of depending on God.
Bob enjoyed sports in his spare time a great deal. He played softball with the post office, bowled in local leagues, and golfed whenever he could. When he wasn’t playing sports, he was watching them on TV. He was a die-hard Cincinnati Reds baseball and WV football fan! He loved enjoying sports with his sons, and they have inherited his fan spirit.
Bob could be found at every ball game, concert, school event and special occasion his children & grandchildren had over the years until it became too hard for him to leave the house. His wonderful wife became caregiver and spent countless hours watching over him, feeding, encouraging and helping in all ways.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents: Earl V and Sylvia Knighton; sister: Sue Neal; mother and father in-law: Lloyd and Geneva Wilkerson; and many other Christian friends & family who have gone ahead.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years: Beverly Knighton of Hurricane; sons: Bobby Knighton of Malden, and Chris Knighton (Rachel) of Hickory, NC; and daughter: Bethany Chapman (Isaiah) of Scott Depot; son in-law: David Ferris of Culloden; brother, Cliff (Phyllis) of Norman, OK; brother in-law, Rick Neal of Cross Lanes; sister in-laws: Barbara (Sam) Boardwine of Beckwith, and Jenny Hamm of Montgomery; grandchildren: Miracle Knighton, Corey Knighton, Benjamin Knighton, Casey Knighton, Matthew Ferris, Emilee Knighton, and Sammy Ferris; as well as his great grandchildren: Amira, Annie, and Astella.
Funeral Service for Bob will be 1:00pm Friday October 11, 2024, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Darrel Eugene Lanham
Darrel Eugene Lanham, 88, of Poca, passed away in CAMC General Division on October 1, 2024.
Darrel is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Dorene Martin Lanham, sons Barry (Anita), Brady (Tami), daughter Lisa (Chuck) Courtney, 8 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and sister Judy Tackett.
Darrel retired from Monsanto Chemical Co in 1991.
A graveside tribute to the life of Darrel was at Lilly Cemetery in Poca on Friday, October 4, with Paul Turley officiating.

James Gary May
James Gary May, 75 of Poca, went home to be with the Lord, October 5, 2024, at home.
James was born and raised in Kimberly and was the son of the late Clyde and Garnet May. He is a graduate of Montgomery High School, retired from Hooten Equipment, and attended Bancroft Mission. James loved being outside, gardening, and especially spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara May; son Timmy May; sister Shirley Judy; and special family friend Kenny Hood.
James is survived by his children Doug May, Bobbi Jo Hatfield, Wendi and her husband Paul Kenworthy, Bruce Jones, and Jacob and his wife Samantha Hernandez; sister Sharon and her husband Mark Davis; brother Clyde May, Jr. and his wife Joanne; nine grandchildren Emily, Jayla, T.D., Justin, Max, Morgan, Molly, Micah, and Jaxon; and one great grandchild Grey.
A tribute to the life of James May was held Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home with Pastors Jim Legg and Doug May officiating. Burial was in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow.

Ralph Eugene Meade
Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ralph E. Meade, 84, of Hurricane, passed away on October 2, 2024 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, Huntington.
He was born to the late Ralph and Rosa Meade on January 12, 1940 in Hamlin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Eloise Hutchison.
Ralph was a graduate of Dunbar High School Class of 1958. After high school he attended WV State College for two years, then on to Morris Harvey College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and later he attended West Virginia University where he obtained his MBA.
He loved to fish, hunt, play basketball and travel, especially to Colorado. He was a Deacon of Main Street Church of Christ, Hurricane, a member of the WV National Guard Association and the National Rifle Association.
Ralph proudly served his country for four years in the US Air Force having served one year in Thailand. In addition, he served twenty three years in the WV National Guard retiring as an Executive Support Staff Officer.
He is survived by his loving wife of sixty one and a half years: Shelby Jean Meade; children: Sherry Lynn Murphy (Mike) of Hurricane, and Jerry Eugene Meade (Amber) of Huntington; grandchildren: Stacy Sprague (Allen), August Meade, Elsa Meade, Ansel Meade and Oskar Meade.
Ralph was a great son, husband, father and grandfather.
Funeral service for Ralph was Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Main Street Church of Christ, Hurricane, with Minister Daniel Hager officiating.

Tammy Jean Moore
Tammy Jean Moore, 60, of Buffalo, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Thomas Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was a 1982 graduate of Buffalo High School and retired from Putnam County Schools. Tammy was a member of Hometown Independent Church.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Willard; step father, James Saunders and niece, Leandra Blake.
Survivors include her mother, Sheila Willard Saunders; husband, Darrell Moore; children, Jeremy (Megan) Cobb of Eleanor, Tim (Stephanie) Moore of Richmond VA and Mikki Moore of Eleanor; sisters, Tracy (James) Blake and Shelly (Ken) Nelson; grandchildren, Jordan (Ally) Fletcher, Owen Cobb, Ava Cobb, Adam (Stephanie) Masters, Jillian (Steven) Perez, Samantha Masters (Nick Heimerich) and Madison Moore; great grandchildren, Autumn Heimerich, Lucian Masters, Ayla Masters, Leo Perez, Henery Heimerich, Hallie Heimerich, Nyjah Fletcher and Lylah Fletcher. Tammy is also survived by several Nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Darren Persinger, Elder Frank Allen and Pastor Mark Toole officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Peggy Ann Reed
Peggy Ann Reed, 82, of Eleanor, passed away on October 2, 2024 at CAMC Memorial Hospice in Charleston, surrounded by her family.
Peggy was born to the late Burt and Bonnie Stanley on September 25, 1942 in Charleston. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters: Linda Williams and Janet Whittington.
She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, James Reed; children: Cynthia Reed (Kelly Karnes) and Bonnie Evans (G.J.); grandchildren: Brandi Bayless, James Bayless, and Kacie Gryder; five great grandchildren; sister, Frances Miller (Carroll); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Preacher David Roach officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

MAJ David M. Taylor USN Ret.
MAJ. David Michael Taylor (USN Ret.), 75, of Scott Depot, passed away on October 6, 2024 at St. Mary’s Medical Center from an extended illness.
David was born on March 8, 1949 to the late Billy J. Taylor and Juanita Taylor Heiner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Donnie and Mark Taylor.
He proudly served his country in the US Navy as a Corpsman in Vietnam. He later joined the US Air Force as a flight nurse, with active combat missions in Operation Desert Shield/Storm with the 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
David is survived by his loving wife of 35 years: Miriam A. Taylor; children: Amy Kimball of Charlotte, NC, Eric Taylor of TX, Heather Caldwell-Tamboli (Dave) of Jeaneau, WI and Ernie Caldwell (Analiza) of Chesapeake, VA; grandchildren: Nikki L. Kimball, Maxie and Mason Caldwell, and Brianna Colyer; sister: Diana Stewart (Dick) of Barboursville, WV; as well as, many dear friends, family and military buddies.
Funeral service for David was Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with RaShaun Brown and JP Stephenson officiating. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

Elizabeth Ann Thorn
Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Ann Thorn, 98, of Scott Depot, racefully passed away in her sleep at 10:23 p.m. on October 1, 2024, joining the Lord, her family, and her friends. She was born to Essie Marvin Thorn and Lillie Beckner Thorn on April 17, 1926, in Princeton, WV.
From an early age Betty challenged herself because at the age of 9 life itself challenged her with the tragic death of her mother, Lillie. After her mother’s death, she went to live with her maternal aunt and uncle, John and Willie Bays Beckner where she learned to live a godly life and excelled academically while attending school. Betty was valedictorian of her 8th grade class and then graduated salutatorian of Princeton High School’s Class of 1943. Upon graduation, Betty went to work as a private secretary at Celanese in Narrows, VA during World War II. She continued to work there for 20 years until she went to work as a secretary for the West Virginia State Police in Princeton until 1973.
It was in 1973 when she met Reverend and Mrs. J. Carl Rouintree who were dedicated prayer warriors and who anointed her a prayer warrior as well. Reverend Rouintree, along with other men of God, prayerfully witnessed that Betty should quit her job and move to Indiana. She believed the report, obeyed the revelation, and became well-known as a prayer warrior. Her ministry of prayer moved from Indiana to Scott Depot in 1989 until the day of her death.
Betty was instrumental in teaching many others about the importance of intercession for the men and women of God as well as the great need of prayer for the Body of Christ. Her ministry included counseling with many individuals, such as a young women’s group in the 1990’s where she listened, prayed, and adapted scripture to the needs of the women and the challenges they encountered in their daily lives.
Betty was always physically active, enjoyed traveling, and absolutely loved to sit down to a good meal, especially with those she cared about.
Her best friend since 1943, Barbara Morgan, will truly miss her. Others left to cherish her memory: her loving, caring, and giving companions for the last 30 years, Tim and Jeanne Taylor; her nephew A.H. ‘Herb’ McClaugherty of Princeton, WV; her grandnieces Alicia Hypes of Princeton, and Heather Cisco of High Point, NC; her great-nieces Elizabeth Hypes of Princeton, and Lauren Cisco of High Point, NC; her great nephew Jakob Cisco of High
Point, NC; and her great-great-niece Taryn Ross. Those who knew and loved her as Grandma Betty are James Bryan Taylor (Stephanie); Timothy Michael Isaiah Taylor (Melissa); and Peter Jonathan David Taylor (Katie); and their children who thought of Betty as Great-Grandma, Madison Elizabeth, Hannah Marie, Nathanael Lee, and Jon David. Also, Mary Sizemore, Betty’s caregiver and nurse for the past 3 years.
In addition to her parents, her aunt and uncle, and many, many friends, Betty is preceded in death by her brother, Robert Essie Thorn (2005); her close friend Robert Morgan (2009), her sister-in-law Alice Porterfield Thorn (2020); and her niece Carol Thorn McClaugherty (2024).
Funeral Service for Betty was Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.

Larry Alfred Whittington, Sr.
Larry Alfred Whittington, Sr., 80, of Eleanor, passed away Friday, September 27, 2024 at his home. He was a graduate of Buffalo High School and a member of Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 A.F & A.M. in Buffalo. Larry retired from West Virginia American Water.
Born May 8, 1944, he was the son of the late Alfred S. Whittington and Iva L. Young Whittington. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Elizabeth Whittington; sister, Ellen Osborne; brothers, Thomas Whittington and Michael Whittington.
Survivors include his daughter, Elizabeth Dawn Whittington Brown and her husband Johnie of Pounding Mill, VA; son, Larry A. Whittington Jr. of Morgantown; grandchildren, Haley Hamrick, Gabriel Whittington and Sebastian Whittington; brothers, Gary (Debbie) Whittington of Winfield and Roger Whittington of Clearville PA; sister, Marilyn Evers (Darrell Cox) of Teays Valley; nephews, Alex Whittington and Cameron Whittington of Eleanor.
There are no formal services planned at this time.

Randall L. Wilson
Randall L. Wilson, 61, of Nitro, passed away October 6, 2024, in the Hubbard Hospice House.
Randall is the former owner/operator of Wilson’s Flooring, former longtime employee of Carpet Craft, and graduate of Winfield High School. He is an avid Mountaineer fan and loved spending time with his family.
Randall lived a life rich in love, family and cherished memories. His love for his family was profound and all encompassing. He taught his children the value of hard work, the joy of simple pleasures and the importance of integrity. His home was always open, with a welcoming warmth that drew family close, no matter the distance or time apart. He leaves behind a legacy of love, a reminder that family is not just about shared blood but shared moments, shared laughter and shed tears. His departure left a void, but his spirit lives on in the stories told and love passed down through generations.
He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Anna Wilson, son Nathaniel Wilson, and brothers Russell, Douglas, Allen, Pat, and Kenneth.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Mrs. Pamela Wilson of 43 years, children Jessica Wright, Justin Wilson, Ashley (Brent) Rickert, Jereme White, and Ashley Wright, four grandchildren Endeya Hook, Niyarah Wilson, Davien Wright, and Kai Rickert, nieces and nephew Teresa Russell, Amanda Wilson, Daniel White, and Annalee White and a host of other family and friends.
Private services will be held at a later date.