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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 1, 1995                   TAG: 9510040001
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

ALGER, William Alvin, 81, of Roanoke, died Monday, February 27, 1995. Graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

ANGLE, Orpah Sadie Stone, 84, of Henry, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday at the Collins Funeral Service Chapel, Bassett.

BONDS, James Andrew, 47, of Ashbury Park, N.J., died Friday, February 24, 1995. He is survived by his mother, Slonia Bonds; two sisters, Vernie Daniels, Brenda Hayden, both of Bedford. Graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, March 3, Slade Family Cemetery, Bedford County. Bedford Funeral Home is charge of the arrangements.

BOWMAN, Douglas Clay, 82, of Roanoke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went to be with the Lord, Monday, February 27, 1995, at the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Salem. He was an Army (Calvary), Navy, and Air Corps veteran. He was a member of the Honor Guard, who served at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1932. His last tour of duty was in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a retired sheet metal specialist with Owen Plumbing and Heating Company. Mr. Bowman served his apprenticeship under Arch Pugh of Danville. He was the last of his family, being preceded by five brothers and one sister; also two daughters, Patricia Bowman Linkous, infant, Teresa Carole Bowman. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Sutphin Bowman, of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret B. and George P. Curry, Salem, Linda B. Bray and John E. Thomasson, Axton, Rita B. and Edward W. Irving, Roanoke; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 2, at 12 noon at Lotz Salem Chapel with the Rev. Ken Butterworth of Rainbow Forest Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. For those who would prefer, donations can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association. Friends may call at Lotz Salem Chapel after 12 noon on Wednesday.

BRAY, Garnet D., 70, of Meadows of Dan, died February 27, 1995. Graveside service Thursday, 2 p.m., Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Portsmouth. Arrangements by Moody Funeral Home, Stuart.

BUCHANAN, Jackson, 81, of Chilhowie, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Williams Funeral Home Chapel.

CARTER, Dorothy Rist, 85, of Victoria, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. She was a life long resident of Victoria, Va., and the widow of Curtis H. Carter. She was a member of the Victoria United Methodist Church and a life time member of the Ladies Auxiliary - VFW Post 9954. She is survived by a son, Bobby M. Carter, Victoria; a daughter-in-law, Priscilla M. Carter, Covington; a granddaughter, Elizabeth A. Carter McAlister, Roanoke; two grandsons, Bobby M. Carter II, Roanoke, Stephen V. Carter, South Hill; a sister, Bernice Rist Shean, Victoria; a brother and sister-in-law, Walter E. and Vickie Rist, Crewe. Memorial contributions may be made to the Victoria Fire and Rescue Squad or the Victoria United Methodist Church. Arrangements private - Staples Funeral Home.

COX, Middie Lou, 70, of Galax, died Sunday, February 26, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home Chapel, Galax.

DIVERS-LANCE, Melissa Lynn, 36, formerly of Rocky Mount, succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, February 28, 1995, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. For the past several years she has lived in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was an internationally recognized award winning designer and business woman. She was president of Design Productions International. She is survived by her mother and father, Pauline and Glenwood Divers, Rocky Mount; her husband, Steve Lance, Atlanta, Ga.; her brother and his wife, Mark and Marie Divers, Burnt Chimney; their daughters, Megan and Mallory; her grandmother, Livie Smith, Rocky Mount; and her many aunts, uncles and other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in Rock y Mount Christian Church with the Rev. Glenn E. Clements officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the Melissa Divers-Lance Memorial Fund, c/o Route 6, Box 202, Rocky Mount, Va. 24151. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main St., Rocky Mount.

GILLEY, Woodrow Charles, 81, of Dublin, passed away Monday, February 27, 1995, at Highland Manor Nursing Home in Dublin. Born August 13, 1913, he was the son of the late Webb and Oda Osborne Gilley. He was a member of the Dublin United Methodist Church, a member of Henry Clay Masonic Lodge #280 A.F. & A.M., a member of the Roanoke Scottish Rites Bobies and the Shrine. He was retired from Hercules, Inc. He was preceded in death by his wife, Forrest Hill Gilley, a granddaughter, Denise Gilley, two sisters, and two brothers. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Mickey Gilley Weikle and Lionel Weikle, Dublin; son and daughter-in-law, James Wade and Nanna Gilley, Huntington, W. Va.; grandson, Wade Gilley, Jr.; granddaughters, Jennifer and Sandra Weikle; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Cheryl Gilley Rice and William Rice; a special friend, Louise Workman, Dublin; and all his friends from the Fairlawn McDonald's Breakfast Club. Funeral services will he held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 1995, from the Dublin United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Patterson officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the DeVilbiss Funeral Home in Radford. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Friends may call anytime at the home of Mr. Gilley's daughter at 412 Hanks Avenue in Dublin. If you wish, contributions may be made to the Dublin United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers. DeVilbiss Funeral Home in Radford is in charge of arrangements.

GRIFFIN, Rodney Earl, 71, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995, in a local hospital. He was a member of Virginia Heights Baptist Church, a retired communications technician with AT&T, a member of Blue Hills Golf Club, and a Navy veteran of World War II. Surviving are his daughter, Rhonda L. Griffin, Roanoke; two grandsons, Patrick and Mark Robertson; his mother, Etta Hutcherson Griffin of Eden, N.C.; brothers, Norris H. Griffin of Mayodan, N.C., P. G. Griffin, F. W. (Sam) Griffin, both of Roanoke. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel, 1 p.m. Thursday, with Dr. Daniel E. Scott officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park, with full military honors. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Oakey's South Chapel

HALSEY, Howard J., 73, of Wytheville, passed away Monday, February 27, 1995. He was the son of the late Sanders C. and Ada Felty Halsey. He was employed at the Clover Creamery, C&S Sales (Toms), and after his retirement he was in Maintenance at McDonald's. He was co-owner of Laura's Salon, and was preceded in death by two brothers, Logan D. Halsey and Harold ``Flash'' Halsey. He is survived by his wife, Laura Surratt Halsey, Wytheville; two sisters, Ruth Lambert, Margaret Callahan, both of Wytheville; one brother, Edgar R. Halsey, of Herndon. Funeral services will be Thursday 2 p.m. in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church conducted by Pastor Steven Ridenhour, with the interment to follow in the West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grubb Funeral Home Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund. The Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

HAMMOND, Rena Alice, 79, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ganilla Frith, a grandson, Michael Frith, and a brother, Ernest McDaniel. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Ralph Frink of Milford, Conn.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Willie McDaniel, Wilson McDaniel, both of Montvale, Earl McDaniel of Riner; two sisters, Ruby Dooley of Montvale, and Sadie Adams, Moneta. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday from Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, with Dr. Daniel E. Scott officiating. Interment will follow in Glade Creek Cemetery. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, where the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

HATCHER, Lillian Belle, 91, of Troutville, died Monday, February 27, 1995. She was member of the Troutville Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, James Harvey Hatcher and two daughters, Mamie Hatcher and Virgie Hatcher Saunders. She is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Garland and Margaret Hatcher, Troutville, Donald Hatcher, Marietta, Ga.; one daughter, Frances Hatcher West, Fort Mill, S.C.; one sister, Claudine Rock Morrow, Buchanan; one brother, Woodrow Rocke, Troutville; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 2, 1995 at 2 p.m. at the Radar Troutville Chapel with the Rev. J. Weldon Myers and Dr. E. Ray Frazier officiating. Interment will follow in the Troutville Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

HEADEN, Ethel Grogan, 87, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, February 27, 1995. She was born to the late Robert and Mary Bagley Grogan in Airpoint, Va. She was a restaurant cook before retiring. Survivors include two sisters, Hazel Grogan, Roanoke, and Ruby Swain, N.Y.; one brother, Ed (Frances) Grogan, Buchanan; two sisters-in-law, Mary Grogan and Julia Grogan, both of Roanoke; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 1995, at Williams Memorial Park. Rev. J. R. Hughes will officiate. The family will receive friends Wednesday 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

HODGES, Emma Golden, 83, of Rocky Mount, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Arrangements by Arrington Bussey Funeral Home.

ISOM, Bertha Cox, 77, of Mt. Airy, N.C., died Monday, February 27, 1995. Graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Monta Vista Memory Gardens, Galax. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax.

JONES, Emma Overfelt, 70, of Chester, formerly of Christiansburg, died Monday, February 27, 1995. For many years, Mrs. Jones was a member of Gogginsville United Methodist Church. She moved to Montgomery County and joined Fairview United Methodist Church in 1973. She later married James Nelson Jones after the death of her second husband, Gene R. Nolen. At the time of her death, Mrs. Jones was member of First Baptist Church, Hopewell. Mrs. Jones was also a lifetime member of the PTA, and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She held BS and MS degrees from Radford University and taught in the public schools of Virginia for 40 years. Surviving are her husband, James Nelson Jones, Chester; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Walter Sherrard Wright, Scottsdale, Ariz., James Michael and Jean R. Wright, Christiansburg; stepchildren, Judith Jones and David Jones, both of Colonial Heights, Carlton Jones, Chester, Lee Jones, Prince George; grandchildren, Walter Sherrad Wright, Mesa, Ariz., Clara, Louise Donahue, Durham, N.C., Bradley Christopher and Brian Wright, Christiansburg.; stepgrandchildren, Joshua, Danielle, Everett, Forrest, Jennifer and Holly Jones; brothers and sisters-in-law, Daniel E. and Maude Overfelt, Rocky Mount, Paul A. and Christine Overfelt, Lynchburg, George D. and Goldie Overfelt, Rocky Mount, Garland H. and Lois Overfelt, Boones Mill, W. M. and Mary Overfelt, Glen Burnie, M.D.; sisters and brother-in-law, Frances O. and Joseph Keeney, Rocky Mount, Mary Catherine McAden, Pinehurst, N.C. Funeral services will be conducted at Gogginsville United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 1995, with the Rev. Steven Creech (Pastor) and Rev. Willie S. Cromer, Jr. (Pastor, First Baptist Church, Hopewell) officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park, Christiansburg, at 1:30 p.m. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 554, Roanoke, VA 24003, or New River Valley Hospice, 111 W. Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount.

LEESON, Almenia S., (``Bobbie''), 88, of Blacksburg, died Sunday, February 26, 1995 in a Charlottesville Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at the graveside in Sunset Cemetery conducted by The Rev. Richard H. Horne. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

LUKE, Pauline Burton, 93, of Hendersonville, Tenn., formerly of Covington, died Saturday, February 25, 1995. Graveside 2 p.m. Saturday, Cedar Hill Cemetery.

LYTTON, Eula Mae Bishop, 64, of Radford, died Monday, February 27, 1995 at the Community Hospital of Roanoke. She was a member of Radford Wesleyan Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Noah Bishop, and her mother, Sue Bishop. She is survived by two brothers, Charles Bishop and Richard Bishop, both of Christiansburg; two sisters, Nellie Howard, Orlando, Fla., Frances Long, Christiansburg; one half sister, Margaret Braggs, Bassett; two daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and David Fisher, Christiansburg, Ellen Sue and Robert McGuire, Radford; a daughter, Lisa Lytton, Dublin; a son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Lytton; three sons, Ronnie Lytton, Christiansburg, Roger Bishop, Christiansburg, Larry Williams, Christiansburg; also survived by ten grandchildren. Funeral servic es will be held Thursday, March 2, 1995, at 2 p.m. from the Radford Wesleyan Church, with the Rev. Jim Cochran officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Radford Wesleyan Church. Arrangements are being handled by DeVilbiss Funeral Home in Radford.

MANLEY, Marvin M., 90, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, February 27, 1995. He was a member of Melrose Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for over 70 years and also sang in the church choir. Mr. Manley retired from Railway Express after 45 years of service. Surviving are his wife, Viriginia P. Manley; sons and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Bertha Manley, Reginald Manley, all of Roanoke; grandchildren, Debbie Manley, Fla., Tommy Manley, Douglas Manley, both of Roanoke; sister, Ruth M. Jones, Roanoke. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Melrose Baptist Church or the Salvation Army. Services will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 1995, at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Bill Greene. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Oakey's North Chapel.

MARSH, Vernie Scoggin, (``Nannie''), 89, of Rocky Mount, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church. Arrangements by Collins Funeral Services, Bassett.

OLD, Florence Jackson, 87, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, February 27, 1995. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard T. Old. Mrs. Old was a member of Air Lee Court Baptist Church. Surviving are daughters and son-in-law, Helen O. Edwards, Roanoke, Hazel O. and Charles E. Wright, Bedford; son and daughter-in-law, Carl ``Jack'' and Arletha C. Old, Roanoke; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Air Lee Court Baptist Church or a favorite charity. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Olin V. Glidden. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Oakey's North Chapel.

PENN, Letitia Moore, passed away Monday, February 27, 1995, in Plainfield, N.J.. where she had lived with her daughter for many years. She was the widow of Dr. Harry P. Penn, a prominent civic leader and dentist. Mrs. Penn attended Virginia Seminary and was graduated from Howard University. For many years, she was a private piano instructor and was the Minister of Music and organist for the First Baptist Church on North Jefferson Street. She had held memberships in numerous organizations in Roanoke. Her affilia tions included the Roanoke Chapter of the Girl Friends, Inc., the Roanoke Chapter of the Links, Inc., the Dinner-Dance Club, the Beta Chi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the YWCA, and the Womans Auxiliary to the Magic City Medical Society. ``Tish"", as she was affectionately known, was a treasured friend to all who knew her. Surviving are one daughter and grandson, Mary Ann Bruner and Anthony Bruner, Plainfield, N.J.; one son and daughter-in-law, Harry T. Jr. and Melva L. Penn, Roanoke; two granddaughters, Cynthia Penn, Memphis, Tenn., Linda Penn, Roanoke; one sister, Barbara McQueen, Neptune, N.J.; one sister-in-law, Thelma Johnson, Roanoke. The family will receive friends at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Graveside services Thursday at 11 a.m. in C. C. Williams Memorial Park. The procession will form at the funeral home. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

PERSINGER, Margaret Kathleen Gilliland, 94, of Clifton Forge, died Monday, February 27, 1995. Graveside service 2 p.m. Thursday in Crown Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Nicely Funeral Home.

RATCLIFFE, Roy D., 79, of Rt. 2, Stuart, died Sunday, February 26, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Wednesday, Moody Funeral Home, Stuart.

REDDICK, Mary L., 74, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, February 23, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday at Hill Street Baptist Church, with burial in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

ROSENBAUM, Walter B., 71, of Glade Spring, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Old Glade Spring Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon.

ROYSTER, Fannie, 84, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, February 25, 1995. Graveside service 11 a.m. Wednesday in Williams Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

SAUNDERS, Shelby Lawhorn, 57, of Roanoke, died Monday, February 27, 1995. She was a member of Blue Ridge Baptist Church and employed by Elder Care Convalescence Service. She was preceded in death by her father, Elbert W. Lawhorn. Surviving are her husband, James L. Saunders; a son, Marty Ray Saunders; a daughter and son-in-law, Veronica and Billy Amos, all of Roanoke; mother, Ila Lawhorn, Vinton; grandchildren, Angie, Joy and Kevin Amos. Funeral services will be conducted from Oakey's Vinton Chapel at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 1995, with the Rev. Tommy W. Hurt and the Rev. C. Berkley Stevens officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery. She was the best mother and grandmother in the world and will be missed by all. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

SHELOR, Ruby Altizer, 69, of Christiansburg, died Monday, February 27, 1995, in Radford Community Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel conducted by The Rev. Jerry Sloss and The Rev. Carl Ratcliffe with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

SLICER, Cynthia Penn, 99, of Hampton, and formerly of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, February 25, 1995. Mrs. Slicer was a former member of Greene Memorial United Methodist Church and was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Randolph-Macon Women's College, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was the widow of George Washington Slicer; and is survived by a grandson, Penn Schubert, Newport News; a granddaughter, Daphne Benton, Gloucester; also 3 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held in Evergreen Burial Park, Thursday, March 2, 10 a.m. with Dr. Jerry O. Campbell officiating. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Renovation Fun d, 151 Wythe Parkway, Hampton, VA 23661, in her memory. Friends may call after 3 p.m., Wednesday, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel

SMITH, George, 58, of Radford, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Arrangements by Penn's Funeral Home.

SMITH, Vickie Marlene, 45, of Sunrise, Fla., formerly of Covington, died Saturday, February 25, 1995. Graveside 3:30 p.m., Alleghany Memorial Park, Covington.

SOWERS, John Wesley Sr., 52, of Sebastian, Fla., formerly of Christiansburg, died Tuesday, February 21, 1995. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1 at The Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel, Christiansburg conducted by the Rev. Richard Kingrea and The Rev. Layne Board with burial in the Huffville Cemetery, Floyd County. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home, Christiansburg.

STALEY, Nancy Barnett, 75, of Roanoke, died Monday, February 27, 1995. She is survived by her husband, Edgar W. Staley Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, Edgar W. Jr. and Ann S. Staley, Roanoke; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Eddie Lee Johnston, Orange Park, Fla.; brother, Lewis Barnett; grandson, Eddie Lee Johnston Jr.; stepgranddaughter, Melannie Bradshaw; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel with burial at Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

STAMPER, James A., (``Dude""), 62, of Independence, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday, Chestnut Hill Baptist Church. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

STANLEY, William Brown, 62, of 200 Washington St., Galax, died Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Mr. Stanley was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Vaughan Stanley, Sr. He is survived by his sister, Sue Stanley Parsons, Galax; nieces, Susan Fackrell, Galax; Margaret Wood, Staunton; Sue Putnam, Youngsville, N.C.; nephews, Vaughan Stanley, Buena Vista, Crockett Stanley, Roanoke; several great-nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery. The Rev. Kenneth Perkins will be the officiating minister. The family will receive friends at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax, from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Galax.

VANNESS, Woodrow Stevenson, (``Woody""), 74, of Rt. 3, Lexington, died at his residence Monday, February 27, 1995. He was born on March 24, 1920 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Emmett Graham Vanness and Sarah Rettie Deacon Vanness. Also preceding him in death was a son, Stevie Vanness. Mr. Vanness served in the U. S. Army during World War II in the Campaigns of Northern France, the Rhineland and the Ardennes. He was a forest warden for many years and a farmer, and was a well known ferr ier in the Rockbridge area for many years. Surviving are his wife, Mattie Higgins Vanness, Lexington; three sons, Reid Y. Vanness, Nashville, Tenn., Gary W. Vanness, Lexington, Darrell G. Vanness, Roanoke; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra V. and Delmas Deacon, Lexington, Brenda V. and Randall Pursley, Lexington; one sister, Gladys V. McCrory, Nashville, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2 pm. Thursday, March 2, 1995 in the Williams Funeral Service Chapel, Lexington, with the Rev. Kenneth Price and the Rev. Barton L. Hellmuth officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Oxford Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 1, 1995, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Williams Funeral Service. Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, C/O 210 Franklin Road S.W., Roanoke, Va. 24011.

WALKER, Lillian Mae, 71, of Christiansburg, passed away Monday evening, February 27, 1995, in the Radford Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Cora Gearheart; a daughter, Brenda Benton; son, Michael Walker; granddaughter, Stacey Smith; and a sister, Nancy Graves. She leaves two loving daughters and a son-in-law, Betty and Coy Price of Blacksburg, Jean Cochran, Christiansburg; grandchildren, Tammy and Michael Jones, North Carolina, Jeffrey and Doe Cochran, Midlothian, Susan and Harvey Morris, Christiansburg, Gary and Kay Lawson, Ricky Lawson, all of Christiansburg, Nikki Walker, Floyd; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Jamie, Chase, Tanner, Nikki, Justin, Seth and Steven; a sist er, Glada Blue, Christiansburg; two brothers, Cotton Simmons, Christiansburg, T.G. Gearheart, Radford; a special family friend, Happy Ruben. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Thursday from the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Richard H. Horne with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Box 176, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Richardson-Horne.

WILLIS, Kristopher George, 17, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, February 25, 1995. He had Sickle Cell Anemia. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 1995, at the Holiness Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. Elder William Holland will officiate. Interment will be in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

WINGATE, Ernest C. (``Salty""), 72, of Crockett, died Monday in the Wythe Co. Community Hospital. He was a veteran of World War II, and was retired from Amsco Products. He is survived by his wife, Viola Dean Wingate, Crockett; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Barry McAllister, Wytheville, Kathy and Daryl McMillan, Crockett, Brownie and Bill McAllister, Atkins, Angela Wingate, Crockett; son and daughter-in-law, Cleve and Alma Wingate, Wythevill; one brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Mattie Wingate, Crockett; sister-in-law, Doreen Wingate, Redding, Calif.; nine grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in the Groseclose Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Gillman Funeral Chapel. Gillman Funeral Chapel, Wytheville is in charg e of the arrangements.

WORRELL, Edith Mae, 85, of Laurel Fork, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 1995. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.