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

DATE: THURSDAY, November 17, 1994                   TAG: 9508110002
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

ARTHUR, Herman C., 97, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Mr. Arthur was the widow of Gwindoleen M. Arthur. Surviving are a daughter, Gaynelle A. Marrazzo and a grandson, Allan A. Marrazzo. Funeral services will be at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 18, 1994, with the Rev. Wesley Patterson officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Burial Park. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel where the family will be from 1 to 2 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

BALLARD, Henry I., (``Bunt''), 83, of Narrows, formerly of Peterstown, W.Va., died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Funeral services 2 p.m. Friday, Broyles Funeral Home Chapel, Peterstown, W.Va.

BETHEL, Corine Harvey, 75, of Salem, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. She was a member of Salem Baptist Church and the Beacon Sunday School Class. She had worked as a certified nursing assistant at Lewis-Gale Hosptial for 12 years and is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Luther P. Harvey. Survivors include her husband, James W. ``Bill'' Bethel; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and H. E. ``Chip'' Bowling of Salem, Sharon and Stanley Andrzejewski of Salem; four grandchildren, Corrie Wingate and Cris Bowling, Michelle and Nathan Andrzejewski; two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Will Wingate; three sisters, Odelia Higginbotham, Jean Brockman both of Amherst Co., Shirley Campbell of Lynchburg. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 18, 1994, 2 p.m. in the Salem Baptist Church with the Rev. Lew Bennett officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Baptist Church or the Richfield Retirement Center. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem.

BOWERS, Rev. Auburn Franklin Sr., 76, 156 3rd St., N.W., Pulaski, died Wednesday morning, November 16, 1994, in Pulaski Community Hospital. Born June 28, 1918 in Greeneville, Tenn., he was the son of the late Martin Luther Bowers and Dorothy Neas Bowers. Rev. Bowers was the pastor of Giles Lutheran Church, Pembroke, Va. from 1943 until 1945, then served as a Military chaplain in the U.S. Army in t he Pacific theatre from 1945 until 1947. He was then pastor of Mt. Zion & St. Luke Churches in Woodstock, Va. from 1947 until 1950. He then served as a Military Chaplain in Europe from 1950 until 1955. He served as pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Tenn. from 1955 until 1969. He then served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pulaski from 1969 until 1983 when he retied as Pastor Emeritus. He is survived by his wife, Betty Swartz Bowers; two daughters, Mrs. Jim ``Lavelva'' Stevens, Pulaski, Linda B. Poore, Pulaski; three sons, Auburn Franklin Bowers Jr., Blacksburg, Martin Lee Bowers, Clearwater, Fla., Christopher Allen Bowers, Fredericksburg, Va.; one brother, Milburn (Pete) Bowers, Greeneville, Tenn.; one sister, Mrs. Herbert (Audeane) Neas, also of Greeneville; eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday at 8 p.m. from Trinity Lutheran Church, with burial to follow Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery, Greene County, Tenn. Visiting will be Friday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. service time. Arrangements being handled by Thomas M. Seagle & Sons Funeral Home.

BURMESTER, Francis H., 79, of Roanoke County, passed away at his home early Wednesday morning, November 16, 1994. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was retired from General Electric after 35 years service. He is survived by his wife, Mary M. Brumester; a son, John F. Brumester and daughter-in-law, Rita A. Brumester of Midlothian; a daughter, Mary Jo Spain of Roanoke; two grandsons, John Christopher and William Camden Brumester of Midlothian; a granddaughter, April N. Spain of Roanoke; also several nieces and nephews. A vigil service will be held 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 1994, at the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral mass will be held 12 noon Friday, November 18, 1994 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Salem with Father Gregory Kandt officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Mem orial Gardens. The family will receive friends 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cave Spring Rescue Squad or St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital.

BYBEE, Mollie B., 80, or Roanoke, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Graveside services Friday, 2:30 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Richmond, VA. Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

COBB, James, 81, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday, First Baptist Church, Hollins. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

CUNNINGHAM, Alfred Curtis, 39, of Roanoke passed away Saturday, November 12, 1994. Survivors include his wife, Terry Cunningham; one son, Gaylon Hickman; two stepsons, DeAnthony and Robert Lewis; his mother, Edith J. Calloway, all of Roanoke; eight sisters, Ruby Nall, Annie Mae Saunders, Edith Cunningham, Diane Schultz, Frances Bailey, Lena Cunningham, Michelle Cunningham, and JoAnn Calloway, all of Roanoke; three brothers, Jimmy Cunningham, Larry Cunningham and Michael Calloway, all of Roanoke; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Friday 2 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Chapel. Bishop James Gill will officiate with interment in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

DANIELS, Douglas F., 69, of New York City, N.Y., formerly of Roanoke, died Sunday, November 13, 1994. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mozelle Higginbotham Daniels; two daughters, Dr. Elaine Daniels and Dr. Shirley Daniels. Service was held in New York City on Wednesday, November 16, 1994. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 18, 1994, at 3:30 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home with burial in Williams Memorial Park.

GRIFFITH, William Dean, 48, of Riner, died Tuesday, November 15, 1994 in Lewis-Gale hospital in Salem following a six month battle with cancer. Dean was an Arm veteran of the Vietnam War and is survived by his wife, Barbara Thompson Griffity; two sons, Eric Dean Griffith and Brian Curtis Griffith; his mother Esther Duncan Griffith, Christiansburg; a sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Lee Cole of Pilot; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Selena Griffith of Mattoon, Il l.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ward G. and Madeline S. Thompson of Riner; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Daniel G. and Nancy W. Thompson of Roanoke; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma S. and William P. Mitchell; and a special friend, William (Bill) Palmer of Christiansburg; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William A. Griffith of Decatur, Ill., and a brother, Donald C. Griffith of Christiansburg. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday, November 18, 1994 from the Christiansburg Church of the Brethren conducted by Pastor Donald B. Peters with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be appreciated, however, those preferring may make a memorial contribution to the charity of one's choice. Friends may call anytime Thursday at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg and the family will receive friends there Thursday from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.

HALL, Chaffin, 79, of Pulaski, died Tuesday, November 15, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday, Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski.

HARLESS, Lula Florence, 79, of Fancy Gap, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Funeral 11 a.m., Friday, Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

INGRAM, Ruby Louise Webber, 66, of Vinton, passed away suddenly Wednesday, November 16, 1994. She was retired from Nations Bank after 32 years service, and was predeceased by her parents, Clyde M. and Elsie B. Webber. Surviving are her husband, Richard W. Ingram; four aunts, Reva Neighbors, Bernice Wheeler and husband, Hubert, Dolly Spradlin, Josephine Mullins and husband, Lawrence; one uncle, Clayton Covington and wife, Mildred; also several cousins. Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, November 18, from the Lotz Vinton Chapel. The Rev. H. Fleet Powell will officiate. Burial to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Lotz Vinton Chapel.

JENNINGS, Maurice F., 71, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994, at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Paige Alley Jennings; a daughter, Cathy Jennings, Roanoke; a sister, Barbara Price, Newbern, N.C.; and two nieces. Graveside services will be in Fair View Cemetery at 11 a.m. Friday, November 18, 1994. Dr. Paul Matheny and the Rev. Walter L. Bingham Jr. will officiate. Friends may call at Oakey's South Chapel after 3 p.m. Thursday where the family will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice.

JONES, Dorothy Jean, 68, of Rocky Mount, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Funeral services 11 a.m. Saturday, Lynch Funeral Home Chapel, Rocky Mount.

LAYMAN, Dorothy Johnson 70, of Troutville passed away, Wednesday, November 16, 1994. She was preceded in death by husband Robert E. Layman Sr., she is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert E. (Jr.,) and Joyce W. Layman, Troutville, Michael J. and Janie L. Layman, Troutville; her mother, Lillie P. Johnson, Roanoke; grandchildren, Robert E. (III.,) and wife Lori Layman, Eric K. Layman, Chris Moore, Melissa and husband Randy Barnard. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at The Daleville Church of The Brethren, with the Rev. Dan Barnum-Steggerda officiating, with the burial to follow in the Daleville cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Rader Troutville Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Fincastle Rescue Squad.

LIPES, Marvin Leslie 52, of Covington, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home, Covington.

MARTIN, William Guilford, (Jim), of Radford, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 1994, at Radford Community Ho spital. He was a retired employee of Long Airdox. He was a veteran of World War II. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Pam Epperly of Christiansburg, Mrs. Jackie Haley of Riner, and Mrs. Julie Simpkins of Radford; three stepsons, Kyle Keith of Barren Springs, Jerry Keith of Snowville, Freddie Keith of Dublin; three stepdaughters, Mrs. Judy McPeak, Mrs. Deborah Ratcliffe and Mrs. Gretchen Davis, all of Dublin; two brothers, Richard Martin of Pulaski, and Everette Y. Martin of Walker Town, N.C.; three sisters, Roxie M. Hood of Dublin, Billie Martin Graham of Blacksburg, and Colleen (Pooney) Martin of Radford; six grandchildren; special friend, Linda Stover. Graveside services will be held Friday, November 18, 1994 at 11 a.m. at Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin with the Rev. Demps Overcash officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the Seaver-Sanders & Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.

MITCHELL, Thomas Edward,(``Eddie""), 91, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 1994. He was a dedicated member of Huntington Court United Methodist Church and retired after 47 years of service with the N & W Railway. Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Ruby A. Mitchell; brothers, Wade Mitchell, Staunton, Simpson Mitchell, Ridgeway; sisters, Leo Baker, Martinsville, Gladys Mitchell, Altha Harris, both of Ridgeway; a number of nieces and nephews. For those preferring to make memorial contributions, the family suggests, Huntington Court United Methodist Church, 3333 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, Va. 24012. A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday in Sherwood Memorial Park by Dr. Alton M. Washington. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m Thursday at Oakey's North Chapel.

PHILLIPS, Mamie Louise Miller, 87, of Clifton Forge, Va. died Tuesday, November 15, 1994. Graveside service 1 p.m. Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor, Va. Arrangements by Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Va.

PROFFITT, Irene Estelle Wymer, 94, of Buchanan, died Tuesday, November 15, 1994. Mrs. Proffitt was preceded in death by her husbands, William H. Wymer and Wilbur B. Proffitt and daughters, Lois Shanks, Frances Robinson, and Vera Smith. She is survived by her children, Bessie and Hugh Kingery, C. Cecil Wymer, Margaret Wymer, W. H. and Barbara Jean Wymer, Carl M. and Betty Wymer, and Shelby and Ben Thrasher, all of Buchanan, half sister, Claudie Dunbar, Ronceverte, W.Va.; seven stepchildren; 28 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 18, 1994, at 11 a.m. in Mt. Joy Church of the Brethren with Rev. Bobby A. Riley officiating. Interment will follow in Rapps Mill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buchanan Rescue Squad. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Rader Funeral Home, Buchanan.

PRUNTY, Pearl Miller, 77, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 1994. She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Prunty Sr. and one daughter, Ruth D. Penn. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, James R. and Patricia Prunty Jr., Cleveland, Ohio; one daughter and son-in-law, Frances P. and Alfonso Williams, Philadelphia, Pa.; one brother, Jack Miller, Roanoke; eight grandchildren, Tony Penn, Deborah Robinson, Traci Penn, all of Norwalk, Conn., Renea Taylor, Steven and Jamie Penn, all of Roanoke, Keith and Kelly Prunty, Cleveland, Ohio; six great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Rev. Dr. Alfred Prunty and John E. Prunty, both of Salem; five sisters-in-law, Mrs. Dorothy Brown, Midlothian, Laverne H. and Eleanor Prunty, both of Salem, Edna and Lavern C. Prunty, both of Roa noke; other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday 11 a.m. at the Ebenezer A. M. E. Church. Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott will officiate with interment in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

SAWYERS, Geraldine J., 76, or Fries, died Tuesday, November 15, 1994, in the Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax. She was born in Ivanhoe, the daughter of the late Harry T. and Maude Wright Sawyers. She was a retired beautician, a member of the Forest United Methodist Church, and the Ladies Aide Society. She is survived by two sisters, Geneva Waller, Ivanhoe, Juanita Rector, Fries; one aunt, Leona Rudy, Austinville; several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 18, 1994, at 2 p.m. at the Reese Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ernest Chinault and Rev. Glenn Wright officiating. Interment will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ivanhoe. The family will receive friends at the Reese Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, or at the residence of her sister, Geneva Waller at any time. Reese Funeral Home in Austinville is in charge of the arrangements.

SPINNER, Georgia Mae, 69, of Route 5, Bedford, departed this life on Wednesday, November 16, 1994, at the Bedford Co. Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Monroe Spinner Sr. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. John and Georgia Spinner; Joseph and Geraldine Spinner all of Bedford; one daughter and son-in-law, Sherrie and Nathaniel Brown of Bedford; seven grandchildren; four sisters, Rosa Spinner of Bedford, Laura Everett of Washington, D.C., Lucille Cheatwood and Bernice Haynes of Palmer Park, Md.; two brothers, Earl Cheatwood of Forest, Va. John W. Cheatwood of Bedford. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 19, 1994, at 3 p.m. at the Otterville Baptist Church in Bedford Co. with the Rev. M. D. Mays officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, November 18, 1994, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Gospel Fellowship Temple in Bedford, VA. Bedford Fu neral Home in charge of arrangements.

SPURLIN, Rachel Givens, 102, of Wytheville, and formerly of Rural Retreat, Va., died Wednesday, November 16, 1994. Funeral services Friday, November 18, 1994, 1 p.m. Rural Retreat United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat.

SPURLIN, Rachel Givens, 102, of Wytheville, Va. and formerly of Rural Retreat, Va. died Wednesday. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday, Rural Retreat United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat.

STONE, Lottie Dobbs Walton, 81, of Clifton Forge, died Tuesday, November 15, 1994. Funeral 3 p.m. Friday, Nicely Funeral Home Chapel.

TICKLE, Mollie Marie Ball, 67, of Belspring, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 1994 at her home. She attended the Fairlawn Church of God and was a retired cook with Service America. Survivors include her husband, Frank E. Tickle of Belspring; three daughters, Mrs. Joann Mellott and Mrs. Betty Vance, both of Baltimore, Md., and Mrs. Sue Parrish of Pasadena, Md.; one son, Paul Tickle of Belspring; four brothers, Carl Ball of Troy, N.C., Danny Ball of Kingsport, Tenn., Bob Ball of Greenville, Tenn., Paul Ball of New Jersey; four sisters, Mrs. Margie Slaughter of Statesville, N.C., Mrs. Irene Farmer of Baltimore, Md., Mrs. Nadine Ball of Phoenix, Ariz., and mrs. Trula Starbyrd of Brighton, Mich.; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19, 1994 at 11 a.m. at the Seaver-Sanders & Mullins Funeral Home with Pastor Tony Brescia and Jimmy Sasser officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the Seaver-Sanders & Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.

VEST, Thomas Lee, 60 of Salem, died Wednesday, November 16, 1994, in his home. He is survived by one daughter, Lydia H. Vest of Richmond; two sons, R. Stuart Vest of Roanoke and Cameron L. Vest of Virginia Beach; his father, Robert M. Vest of Salem. Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 18, 1994, 11 a.m. in Sherwood Memorial Park with the Rev. Dean Lindsey officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Volunteer Rescue Squad. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem.

VEST, Zelma Olivia, 100, of Roanoke, Va. a former resident of Glenwood Park in Princeton, died Tuesday, November 15, 1994, in a Salem VA nursing home. Born in Pike County, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth Cutlip Bennett. She was a member of the Oakland Baptist Church in Roanoke. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Roanoke Valley Women's Club. She had been a resident of Roanoke since 1955 moving there from Princeton. She was preceded in death by three sons, Howard Vest, Elwood Vest and Irvin F. Vest, Jr.; three sisters and six brothers. Survivors include one son, Harry ``Dick'' Vest of Princeton; four daughters, Dare Boone of Salem, Va, Evelyn Steele of Roanoke, Va., Ruby Wiggins of Fredericksburg, Va. and Marie Tallman of Pen sacola, Fla.; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; special friend, Virginia Metzler of Salem, Va. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Friday at the George W. Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Kelley Dampeer and Rev. Larry Wrenn officiating. Burial will follow in Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

WILLIAMS, William Hatton Richard, 60, of Blacksburg, Va. passed away at his home Tuesday, November 15, 1994. Mr. Williams was born in Washington, D.C., son of the late Herbert Thurston and Rose Scheuren Williams. He was a retired Professor of Philosophy & Humanities at Virginia Tech, a past Chairman of the Virginia American Civil Liberties Union, a past Secretary and Vice President of Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Virginia Tech and served on the Faculty Senate of the Universi ty. His family, friends, associates, and students knew him as a man with a limitless capacity to love, to share, and to provide guidance and help to others. He is survived by his wife, Betty Cattell Williams; his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Williams and Charles B. Holtman, Washington, D.C.; his son and daughter-in-law, William Llewellyn Williams and Eleanor Cecelia Kelly, Silver Spring, M.D.; his son, Stephen Cattell Williams, Washington, D.C.; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew David and Jodi C. Williams, Richmond, Va.; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert A. and Brenda K. Cattell, Fairfax, Va. The family invites friends to a Memorial gathering at their home at 607 Progress Street, Blacksburg, VA, on December 3, 1994, from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the New River Valley Hospice, 111 West Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073, who were of immeasurable help, or a charity of choice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.

WOODS, Garfield L., 73, of Columbus, Ohio, died Monday, November 14, 1994, at his home after a lengthy illness. Born in Vinton, Va. and later moved with his family to Roanoke where he attended public schools. Moved to Alliance, Ohio in the late 60's and in 1964 met his present wife, Mary C. (Wallace) Smith and was married in 1966. He was employed with the American Steel Foundries as a chipper ``A.'' On his retirement in 1983 he and his wife mo ved to her home in Columbus. An associate member of Asbury North U. M.C., Richard A. Dunbar, Pastor. Preceded in death by parents Robert and Beulah Davis Woods; brother, Jonathan Woods and sister, Camplean Baxter. Garfield leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Mary C. Woods; daughter, Patricia A. (Alvin) Edwards of Mitchellville, Md; son, James L. Woods of Minneapolis, Minn.; stepdaughter, Barbara G. (Ronald) Ballen of Danbury, Conn.; stepson, Darryl (Joy) Smith of Washington, D.C; brother-in-law,. Lawrence Baxter of Roanoke, Va.; nine grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, devoted friends and neighbors. Garfield's wishes are to be cremated with no memorial service, ashes to be scattered over the river he fished in as a young boy. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory are requested to Columbus Cancer Clinic, 55 Ceramic Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43214. Arrangements by Cook & Son-Pallay Funeral Home.