
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, July 22, 1994                   TAG: 9504250068
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

ATKINS, Joan M., 61, of Sissonville, W.Va., died Wednesday, July 20, 1994, following an 18 month illness. Her husband, Rev. John O. Atkins, served as minister of Belmont Christian Church, Roanoke, Va., from November, 1965 to January, 1977. She was the daughter of the former Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Morris, 1518 Langhorne St. S.E., Roanoke, Va. She was retired from the Kanawha County, W.Va. Schools, having taught 16 years at Flinn Elementary School, Pocatalico, W.Va. Previous to this, she taught seven years at East Vinton Elementary School, Vinton, Va., and two years at First Presbyterian Church Nursery School, Roanoke, Va. She was a native of Roanoke, Va. and a graduate of Jefferson High School, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, Va. Following graduation, she was Minister of Christian Education for First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Independence, Mo. Post graduate studies included 23 hours at UVA and VPISU Extensions, Roanoke College, and Hollins College. She was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Charleston, W.Va., of which her husband, John O. Atkins is minister. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. Surviving are her husband, Rev. John O. Atkins; daughters, Jan E. Mock, Mt. Pleasant, N.C., Joy L. Vander Heyden, Beavercreek, Ohio, Jena R. Ray, Barneveld, N.Y.; son, John W. Atkins, Rockvale, Tenn.; sister, Mrs. A. D. Hudson, Hardy, Va.; five grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jonathan Mock, Jolianne, Jonathan and Kristina Ray. Her body has been donated to the Human Gift Registry of West Virginia University. A memorial service will be conducted at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 309 Beauregard St., Charleston, W.Va., on Saturday, July 23, 1994, at 2:30 p.m. with Dr. William Allen, Regional Minister of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia, Parkersburg, W.Va., and Dr . Jerry G. Whitt, Minister of Southpark Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Charlotte, N.C. officiating. The organist for the service will be Mr. Dan Martin, organist of the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Huntington, W.Va. A reception will be held in the Friendship Hall of First Christian Church, Charleston, following the service. Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Pipe Organ Fund of First Christian Church, 309 Beauregard St., Charleston, WV 25301.

BERGER, William W. (``Bo""), 63, of Rocky Mount, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994. Funeral 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount. Arrangements by Stanfield Mortuary Service.

BOWMAN, James Walker, 76, of Riner, died early Wednesday, July 20, 1994, at his home. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday from the graveside in Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Box 176, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. Arrangements by Richardson-Horne.

BROOKS, Ertha Hester, 81, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, July 15, 1994. Funeral services will be held Saturday 11 a.m. at the Williams Memorial Park with Rev. Antonio Thomas officiating, the fmaily will receive friends Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

BUSH, Leslie Wright, 84, of New Castle, died Tuesday, July 19, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday, Craig Valley Baptist Church. Arrangements by Boitnott Funeral Home.

BYRD, Edith W., 73, of Martinsville, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday in the Stone Funeral Home Chapel.

CAFFEE, Margaret Taylor, 83, of 300 block of Hersberger Rd., Roanoke, Va. and formerly of Portsmouth, Va. died Thursday, July 21, 1994. She was the wife of the late, Bernard L. Caffee. She was a member of Western Branch Baptist Church, Portsmouth. Survivors include one daughter, Margaret C. Jeffery, Frederick, Md.; son, Arthur B. Caffee, Roanoke, Va; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. A funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 23, 1994, at 11 a.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by Rev. Bob Fones. Burial in Oliver Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

CHITWOOD, Elwood T., 66, of Martinsville, died Thursday, July 21, 1994. Services 2 p.m. Saturday, McKee Funeral Chapel.

COOK, Gloria V. Hogan., 27, of Pulaski, Virginia, died Thursday, July 21, 1994. Funeral arrangements by Penn's Funeral Home, Pulaski.

FITE, Barbara A., 60, of Blacksburg, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech, died Thursday, July 21, 1994, at Lewis Gale Hospital, Salem. A native of Calhoun County, Alabama, Barbara earned a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Montevallo, Alabama, in 1955, a Masters Degree at the University of Alabama, in 1966 and a Doctorate Degree at the University of Alabama, in 1973. She began her career in 1956, by teaching Home Economics at West Point High School, Cullman, Alabama, an Extension Agent in Birmingham, Alabama, where she served for 10 years. In 1966, she became Auburn University Human Development Specialist, serving for eight years. In 1973, she was named Associate Professor at Virginia Tech for the Extension Division, where she served as Director of Family Resources, as Associate Dean of the College of Human Resources, as well as in other posts, until retirement. Miss Fite was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, American Home Economics Association, American Association of University Women, member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators, member of Presidents Associates Panel for the University of Montevallo and served as an officer in several other associations. She wrote numerous publications in the area of human development. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Wester Fite and Edith Lucile Williamson Fite. Survivors include her stepmother, Mary Allen Fite, Ann iston, Alabama; two sisters, Winona McKenna, Oakdale, N. Y., Melba Keown, Anniston, Ala.; one brother, Leamon Fite, Anniston, Ala; three nephews, Vince McKenna, Long Island, N.Y., Doug Lipsey and Leamon Fite Jr., both of Anniston, Ala.; one niece, Dawn Dehlinger, Anniston, Ala.; a special friend, patricia ``Pat"" Wright, Blacksburg. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 1994, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Blacksburg, with Father Paul V. Gallaghter officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Graveside services will be Monday, July 25, 1994 in Edgemont Cemetery at Anniston, Alabama. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Virginia and Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Anniston, Alabama

HURT, William Reed, 83, of Route 1, Box 836, Big Island, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994. He was the husband of the late Ludie Spinner Hurt. He is survived by two sons, Charles Hurt of Washington, D.C., George R. Hurt Sr., Big Island; four daughters, Margaret Rixey of Bedford, Eleanore Jackson of Forest, Geneva Payne of Roanoke, Sarah Hurt of Big Island; two brothers, James and Harry Hurt Sr. both of Big Island; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 23, 1994, 1 p.m. at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Bedford Co. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Rev . James Carrington officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Bedford Funeral Home Chapel. The family is at the residence of his daughter, Sarah Hurt of Route 1, Box 836, Big Island. Arrangements by Bedford Funeral Home.

JONES, Elinor Berry, 72, of 712 Harrison Avenue, Salem, passed away early Thursday morning, July 21, 1994 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of Washington B. Jones. She was born in Amherst County to the late Merchant Berry and Hattie Jones Berry. In addition to her husband, she is survived by five daughters, Rebecca J. Smith, Salem, Ida L. Brown, Washington, D.C., Mary A. Wade and Jean M. Cooley, both of Roanoke, Eleanor M. English, Baltimore, Md.; a godson, Carlos Terry, Salem; a goddaughter, Mary Ann Berry, Richmond; four brothers, Clarence, Ernest and Merchant Berry, all of Lynchburg, Arthur Berry, New Jersey; five sisters, Estelle Livingston, Norton, Hattie Gentry, Maggie Donigan, Odell Berry, Susan Berry, all of Monroe; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four sons-in -law; six brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; and a host of other loving relatives and friends. The family will receive their friends at the residence and at the home of Lewis and Hattie Gentry of Monroe. The funeral notice will appear later. Services are entrusted to the care of Carl B. Hutcherson Funeral Home.

KELLEY, Bertha Jane Stewart, 93, of Big Spring Drive, Elliston, died Thursday morning, July 21, 1994 at her home. She was the daughter of the late John Henry and Catherine Jane Duncan Stewart and was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Ashler Kelley and two sons, George and Richard. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Samuel M. ""Sonny"" Akers of Elliston; sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Raymond and Joyce Kelley of Elliston, William ""Bill"" and Effie Kelley of Salem, and Ronald Kelley of Bristol, Va.; a sister, Dorothy Witt of Elliston; grandchildren, Samuel Ray and Christine Akers, Darrell Akers, Michael and Joanne Kelley, Shirley and Paul McDonald, Wan da Kelley, Cynthia Kelley, Kathy Kelley, Alison Kelley, Chrissie Kelley, Vickie Kelley, Jackie Kelley; a great-grandchild, Brittany Ann Kelley; numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday from the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel in Christiansburg, conducted by the Rev. Steven Sholar with burial in the Congregational Holiness Cemetery in Shawsville. Friends may call anytime Friday at the funeral home and the family will receive friends there from 6 to 9 Friday evening. Arrangements by Richardson-Horne in Christiansburg.

KIRBY, Phil, 72, of Dublin, passed away Thursday, July 21, 1994. Funeral Sunday 2 p.m., Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski.

LUCAS, Ralph C., 85, of Riner, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994, at his home. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday from the Richardson-Horne Funeral Chapel, conducted by Elder Raymond Goad with burial in Sunset. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Valley View Primitive Baptist Church. Arrangements by Richardson-Horne in Christiansburg.

LUCAS, Ralph Clinton, 85, of Riner, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994 at his home. He was a prominent Riner farmer and a long time member of the Valley View Primitive Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Fannie Sue Lucas; a brother and sisters-in-law, Raymond J. and Mary Lillian Lucas, Riner, Evia Lucas, Christiansburg; sisters and brothers-in-law, Irene Thompson, Imogene and Colen Teel, Jackie and Bob Shelton all of Christiansburg, Virginia and Don Altizer, Ida Mae and Kyle Bishop all of Riner; special friend, Kathleen Sheppard; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel conducted by Elder Raymond Goad with burial in Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Valley View Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Linda Quesenberry, 2915 Riner Road, Christiansburg , Va. 24073. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

McCOLLUM, Frank S., 83, of Marion, died Thursday, July 21, 1994, in Smyth County Community Hospital. He was a member of the American Legion, the Marion V.F. W. Post no. 4667, and a member of the Antioch Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Daphna Kiser, Rural Retreat; one sister, Rose Brown, Cleveland, Ohio; one grandson, Matthieu McCollum Kiser, Rural Retreat; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. in Barnett's Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Leonard Cox officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Barnett's Funeral Chapel. Barnett's Marion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

MORGAN, Ada Mae McNeil, 66, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, July 21, 1994 in a local hospital. She was a former clerk/typist with the Roanoke City Social Services Department. Mrs. Morgan was a member of Calvary Tabernacle. Surviving are her husband, William R. (""Bill"") Morgan; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis R. and Gloria H. Morgan, Roanoke; sisters, Aliene M. Sowers, Pilot, Pauline M. Pitsinger, Christiansburg, Margie M. Allman, Radford, Clover M. Ratcliffe, Pilot, Lois M. Sedlacek, Cinncinnati, Ohio; brothers, Carl McNeil, Radford, Alvin McNeil, Pilot, Everette J. McNeil, Concord, N.C., Raymond McNeil, Pilot, Aaron McNeil, Christiansburg; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Ben Peyton and the Rev. Oscar Pugh. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Fr iday at Oakey's North Chapel.

NIENKE, Naomi Lois, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Elmer Nienke and was employed at American Viscose for 49 years. She was a member of Emmanuel Wesleyan Church. Surviving is a daughter, Christine Iris Vaughan, Roanoke, three sisters, Frances Worley, Vinton, Louise Doran and Rebecca Collins, both of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews. Services will be at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 1:30 p.m. Friday. The Rev. Aaron Rummage will officiate. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

PARKER, Ronnie, 41, of Los Angeles, Calif., passed away Sunday, July 10, 1994 after 41 years of life. Although he was born March 12, 1953, in New York City, he became a Roanoker after coming to live with his grandparents, the late Jesse and Grace Parker, in 1955. He grew up and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church. After graduating from Jefferson High School, he joined the Air Force. He married Marla while stationed in Tucson, Arizona and adopted her daughter, Luwana. Hasina was born to Ronnie and Marla in 1976. He ended his Air Force career in Los Angeles and went to work for Northrop Corp. He is survived by his mother, Marian Parker Jordan; and two daughters, Luwana and Hasina Parker. He leaves six sisters and three brothers, Roslyn Dudley, Carolyn Gail Dudley, Vanessa Jordan, Brenda Jordan, Audrey Jordan, Kirkland Jordan, Darryl Jordan and Anthony Jordan. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, Ju ly 23, 1994, at Jerusalem Baptist Church. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

POHL, Ernest William, 94, of Bedford, died Monday, July 18, 1994. Arrangements by Carder-Tharp Funeral Home.

SANDIDGE, Elizabeth King, 86, of Pittsfield, Mass., formerly of Lexington, died Wednesday, July 20, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Randolph Street Methodist Church. Arrangements by Lomax Funeral Home, Lexington.

WOODS, Hiawatha James, 68, of Roanoke, passed away, Thursday, July 21, 1994. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

WRIGHT, Chester Lorenzo, 89, of Randallstown, Md., formerly of Lexington, died Saturday, July 16, 1994. Memorial service 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, Lexington. Arrangements by J. B. Lewis Funeral Service, Lexington.

by CNB