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

DATE: SUNDAY, August 28, 1994                   TAG: 9505170022
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BLANKENSHIP, Kathryn Louise, (""Kitty""), 68, of Route 3, Bedford, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 1994. She was born in West Virginia on April 20, 1926, a daughter of the late Leo Davis Wilkes and Mary Elizabeth Carter Wilkes. She was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Betty Wilkes, Gay W. Cutshaw, Rubye W. Archer and Elsie W. Walker, and 2 brothers, John Wilkes and Henry Wilkes. She was a housewife and a member of Quaker Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence R. Blankenship, a daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie B. and William L. Mitchell, Bedford; a grandson William L. Mitchell, II, Bedford; and 2 sisters, Dorothy W. Goode, Dillwyn and Joyce W. Nichols, Huddleston. Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday, August 29, 1994 from Quaker Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. by the Revs. Lewis Garst, Gilbert Proffitt and Robert E. Sherrill with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon on Sunday at Updike Funeral Home, Bedford, where the family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m.

BURNETT, Clise Harold, 81, of Woodlawn, passed away Saturday, August 27, 1994. Funeral services 2 p.m. Monday at the Coulson Church of the Brethren. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

CHAPPELL, Rita Gray, 52, of Route 1, Hillsville, passed away Saturday, August 27, 1994 at her home. Born December 26, 1941 in Maine, the daughter of William Gray and Rhea St. Germaine Gray. She is survived by her husband, Marcus Chappell; one daughter, Valerie Cochran of Hillsville; two sons and daughters-in-law; Michael and Debra Chappell of Hillsville, William and Dawn Chappell of Martinsville; her mother, Rhea Gray of Hillsville; one brother, William Gray, Jr. of Webster, N.Y.; four grandsons; and one granddaughter. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, August 29, 1994 at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville with the Father Charles W. Brickner officiating. Interment will follow in the Worrell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday, at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville. Flowers would be appreciated; however, donations may be made to the Laurel Rescue Squad.

CRAIG, Crayton Louis, 77, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, August 27, 1994. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

CRAWFORD, Mary C., 72, of Covington, died Friday, August 26, 1994 in the Roanoke Memorial Rehabilitation Center. She was born Marcy, 25, 1922 in Bath County, the daughter of the late Leslie P. and Mary Kimberlin Cahoon. She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge. She was preceded in death by a brother, Calvin Lee Cahoon. Survivors include her husband, William M. Crawford, Covington; two sons, James (Jimmy) Crawford, Covington, and Steven M. Crawford, Roanoke; one brother, Leslie P. Cahoon Jr., Stuarts Draft; four granddaughters, Lisa Crawford, Covington, Cindy, Diane and Jessica Crawford, all of Roanoke; an uncle, Charles Kimberlin, Verona. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 30, 1994, at the graveside in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor. The Rev. William M. Harris Jr. will officiate. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7 to 8:30 at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.

DAVIS, Rev. Gary W. 32, of Roanoke, went to be with his beloved Lord Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith, passed away Friday, Aug ust 26, 1994 due to complications of colon cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Natalie, daughter of Robert and Shirley Wood, of Lynchburg; two beautiful daughters who were the apples of his eye, Sara Grace and Ruth Joy Davis. Rev. Davis was born in Bedford County, Pa. to the late Edgar G. and Georgia (Slick) Davis. Surviving are his brothers and their spouses, James Davis, of Shanksville, Pa., Kenneth and Cathy Davis, of Richmond, Va., and Charles and Eileen Davis, of Bedford, Pa.; dear nephews, Craig Davis, Timmothy Davis, Michael Davis, and Daniel Davis; a beloved niece, Ashley Davis; (Shorty) and Helen Creasy devoted friends and adopted grandparents. Gary was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pa. and Eastern Mennonite Seminary at Harrisonburg, Va. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. He served in a number of ministry positions, including choir director at the Lynchburg Churh of the Brethren, pastor of the Evergreen/Shiloh Church in the Shennadoah District of the Church of the Brethren, and pastor of Saunders Grove Church in the Virlina District. He was presently serving as the pastor of Bethany Church of the Brethren in Calloway, also on the Virlina District. He was also employed as a child and adolescent counselor with the Blue Ridge Community Services in Roanoke. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m., Monday at the Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, by Rev. Jerry Crouse, Rev. David Shumate and Rev. Dennis Moore, with burial in Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 - 9 p.m. Sunday at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel as well as at the home at other times.

GARRETT, Calvin Michael, 41, of Salem, died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem.

GIRTY, James Russell Sr., 78, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 1994. Funeral services will be Monday 2:00 p.m., Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Carl Tinsley officiating and burial in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to service, Monday. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

GREENWOOD, Bertha Irene Hamaker, 95, of Roanoke, widow of (Wellmon Harry Greenwood), died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

GREGORY, James Sr., (``Jed''), 69, of Goodview, passed away Saturday, August 27, 1994, at his residence. He was retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad and is survived by his wife, Helen Phelps Gregory; two sons, David Lane Gregory, Moneta, James J. Gregory Jr., Roanoke; one daughter, Dixie Lee Gregory of the home; one brother, Frank Gregory, Hollywood, Ala.; five grandchildren; one great-grandson. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, August 29, 1994, from the Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Joey Phillips officiating. Burial to follow in Goodview Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may call at Lotz Vinton Chapel.

GUNTER, Evelyn Ayers, 76, of Salem, died Thursday, August 25, 1994. She is preceded in death by her husband, Noah Gunter; son, Charles Curtis Gunter; daughters, Cindy Gunter, and Janice Crawford; brother, Hubert Ayers. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Charlie Gunter, Chance Crawford, Scott Crawford, Chris Crawford, Mark Mills, Amber Mills, Gail Owens; two great-grandchildren, Kiel Gunter, Jacob Owens. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m Tuesday, August 30, 1994 at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Salem will Rev. Leonard Southern and Rev. J. W. Hatton officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

HIGGINS, Herman J., (""Pee-Wee""), 50, of Manassas Park, died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Funeral 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Lomax Funeral Home Chapel, Buena Vista.

HOWBERT, Hugh Albert, of Roanoke, died Friday, August 19, 1994 of complications from pneumonia. He was preceded in death, in May, by his wife of 58, years, Ina May Lancaster Howbert. There are two daughters, Jessie Lucinda Howbert McCathern and her husband, William Walker McCathern Jr., of Richmond, Mary Ann Howbert Garnier and her husband, Maurice Georges Marcel Garnier of Versonnex, France; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. The four McCathern grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are William Walker McCathern III and his wife, Sharon Robin Harris McCathern and their two son s, William Walker McCathern IV and Ian Harris McCathern, Baltimore, Md., Ashley Moss McCathern Ziviello and her husband, Alfred Gerald Ziviello of Loudoun County, Hugh Howbert McCathern, Miami, Fla., and Montague Lancaster McCathern, Richmond. the two Garnier grandchildren and one great-grandchild are Albert Charles Louis Garnier and his wife, Natalie Renee Garnier and their son, Paul Maurice Pierre Garnier, and Christine Anne Michelle Garnier, all of Gex, France. Also surviving are five cousins, Mina Mae Day Baker, Reverend Philip Edward Day and his wife, Jean Bowling Day, June Day Martin and her husband, Ralph Martin, all of Roanoke, Charles Ernest Day and his wife, Toshiko Fujisawi Day of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gary Clinton Day and his wife, Evelyn Bradbury Day of DeFuniak Springs, Fla. The Day and Howbert families were among the first to arrive and settle in the Roanoke Valley in the 1700's, when the area was still a part of the original crown grant of Botetourt and extended westward to Ohio. Their vast land holdings included farms and forests. There were large salt deposits in the land in this region that attracted deer, bear and other animals. For a period of time the area was know as Big Lick. As time went on, the area became known as Roanoke County and City. During these years, large portions of the families' land holdings were sold as the area became more populated, especially with the arrival of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. The two families were joined on December 12, 1866 by the marriage of Sarah Margaret Day to James E. Howbert. To this union, on October 4, 1870, Hugh Demetrius Howbert, the father of Hugh Albert Howbert, was born. Around 1902, Hugh Demetrius Howbert married Jessie G. Albert. Hugh Albert Howbert was born, their only child, on February 29, 1908. He grew up on the land of his great-grandfather, John Howbert and his grandfather, James E. Howbert. As the years moved on, the land passed down through the generations with small portions held by the families to this day. Hugh was educated in the Roanoke Schools, attending Jefferson High and graduating from Blackstone Military Academy and Virginia Polytechnical Institute in Blacksburg, with a degree in Business Administration. His career with the Applachian Power Company spanned a period of 38 years, ending with his retirement in 1973. Hugh requested that the service for his wife, Ina, as well as himself, be private. Therefore, a small, private service was held for Hugh on Thursday, August 25, 1994, with interment in the Howbert family plot in Fairview Cemetery. All members of the family, as well as friends, are encouraged to visit the site whenever they wish. Stop by the cemetery office for directions. The family also requests that no calls, visits, flowers or food be brought to the residence. Reverend Philip Edward Day will be glad to receive your comments or answer to your questions. Please express your love and devotion for Hugh, if it is your wish, by making a contribution to the Howbert Memorial Fund for the Rescue Mission. Mail your contributions to: The Rescue Mission of Roanoke, Inc., P. O.Box 11525, Roanoke, Va. 24022-1525

JAMES, Christy Michele, 18, of Ferrum, died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Arrangements by Lynch Funeral Home, Rocky Mount, Va.

JONES, James Thomas, 70, of Rt. 2, Wytheville, died Friday, August 26, 1994, in the Wythe County Community Hospital. He was born in Wythe County, the son of the late Claude E. and Zelma Aker Jones. He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II and a retired crane operator. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Johnson Jones; two sons and daughter-in-law, James Larry Jones of Denver, Colo., Craig Thomas and Sherry Jones of Rt. 3, Max Meadows; two grandsons, Zachary and Jacob Jones; one brother, Edsel C. Jones of Wytheville. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 29, 1994, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joe Carrico officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. The body will be taken to the church one hour before service time. The family will receive friends at th e Barnett Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday or at the residence at any time. The family suggests that those who prefer, may make memorials to the Lead Mines Rescue Squad or the Wythe County Rescue Squad. Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is in charge of the arrangements.

KENNEY, Virginia Oliver, 86, of Friendship Manor, Roanoke and formerly of Stuarts Draft, died Thursday, August 25, 1994, at Friendship Health Care Center. She was born in Stuarts Draft on March 20, 1908, daughter of John and Nellie Kenney Forrer. She was a retired nurse. Survivors inlcude two sisters, Katherine Ritchie of Staunton and Regina Harris of Roanoke; one brother, Jacob William Forrer of Roanoke and several nieces and nephews. A graveside will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Vernon Church of Brethren Cemetery conducted by Rev. William Eicher. The Waynesboro Chapel of Etter Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials contributions may be made to the Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 5463, Roanoke, VA 24012-3438

LAW, William Roy, (Bink), 88, of Catawba, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 26, 1994. He was retired from Johnson Carper Furniture Factory with 34 years service. He was predeceased by a sister, Christine Adams. Surviving are one son, Roy L. Law, Route 1, Catawba; four daughters, Delores M. Dunbar, Catawba, Bonnie Ann Ratcliffe, Roanoke, Sharon Faye Shelton, Roanoke, Valerie Mae Augustine, Gilbert, S.C.;three brothers, Lloyd F. (Bro) Law, Stuart, Ralph Leon Law, Fredericksburg, John W. Law, Stuart; four sisters, Bernice Martin of Martinsville, Audrey Moss, Portsmouth, Lala Goad, Mayodan, N.C., Frances Mills, Madision, N.C.; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, August 29, 1994, from the Lotz Salem Chapel. The Rev. John D. Abbott will officiate. Burial will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call at Lotz Salem Chapel after noon Sunday.

LOWEN, David Andrew, 27, of Covington, died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Funeral services 2 p.m. Monday, Arritt Funeral Home Chapel.

McLAIN, Sadie Lilly, 89, of Covington, died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Funeral 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Loving Funeral Home.

NESTER, Lloyd A., 81, of Collinsville, died Friday, August 26, 1994. Funeral Monday 2:00 p.m., McKee Funeral Chapel, Martinsville.

PFAUTZ, Virginia Bryarly, 73, passed away Sunday, June 5, 1994, in Stockbridge, Ga. She was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late Marshall M. and Ruth N. Bryarly. Her father was a former engineering officer for the V.A. Hospital in Salem. During the years Virginia lived in the Roanoke-Salem area, She was a noted professional dog handler, trainer and groomer, also an active member of the Roanoke Kennel Club. As a resident of Stockbridge, she owned a school for tutoring children ""Fun In Learning'' and also served as a substitute teacher for area schools, retiring in 1988. Virginia's interest in art led to painting landscapes, flowers, etc., in watercolors during the last several years. Surviving are her brothers, Col. George C. Duehring, Silver Spring, Md., Marshall E. Bryarly, Ormond Beach, Fla.; sister, Mrs. Pat Bryarly Baird, Lynchburg; three nieces; one nephew; best friend, Mrs. Jeannette Barron, Douglasville, Ga.; and many other friends and acquaintances.

PIERCE, Robert, (``Bob''), 76, of Paso Robles, Calif. formerly of Atkins, died Friday, August 26, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Buchheim Funeral Home, Paso Robles, California.

PRIEST, Dr. James A., (``Son""), of Baltimore, Md., formerly of Roanoke, died Friday, August 26, 1994.

RAMSEY, Anne Massie, 67, of Roanoke, died Saturday, August 27, 1994 in a local hospital. Mrs. Ramsey was the widow of Jesse M. Ramsey and is survived by her mother, Ethel Arrington Massie; four children, Linda, Jeb, Jon and Jill; three grandchildren, Katie, Erin and Logan; a brother, Walter Massie. Funeral services will be from Oakey's North Chapel 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 30, 1994 with Dr. Donald H. Roberts and Dr. M. Douglas Newman officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your local rescue squad. The family will receive friends at Oakey's North Chapel 7 to 9 p.m Monday.

RIDGEWAY, Roy Arthur, 86, of Roanoke, died Friday, August 26, 1994. Arrangements by Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

SHEARS, Helen Amelia Sprouse, 77, of Covington, died Friday, August 26, 1994. Funeral 3 p.m. Sunday at Parrish Court United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Loving Funeral Home.

SHOEMAKER, Wanda H., 55, of Martinsville, died Saturday, August 27, 1994. Funeral Tuesday 11:00 a.m., Chatmoss Baptist Church, Martinsville. Arrangements by McKee Funeral Chapel.

SWEENEY, Mildred Eloise, 81, of New York, N.Y., formerly of Pulaski, died Thursday, August 25, 1994. Funeral Tuesday 2:00 p.m., Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski.

WILLARD, Lelia R., 89, of Salem, died Friday, August 26, 1994. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence L. Willard, Sr.. She was retired from Roanoke Mills. She was also a member of Bethel Baptist Church for 42 years and was in Shirley Horne's sunday school class. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Yvonne Willard, Lawrence and Melva Willard, all of Salem, Perry and Jean Willard, of Macon, Ga.; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandchild. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 11 a.m., Monday, August 29, 1994 with Rev. R. Stuart Carlton officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem after 12 noon Sunday.

WILLIAMS, Mildred Morefield, 65, of Pulaski, died Friday, August 26, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday at Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski.