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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 8, 1995                   TAG: 9510040005
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

AKERS, Eliza Lynch, 85, of 930 Pell Avenue, Rocky Mount, died Monday, March 6, 1995, in the local hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, P. D. Akers Jr. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Randy Handy, Danville; son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Norma Jean Akers, Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Tyler Handy, Donald Edward Akers Jr., Dillard Akers and Rhonda Akers; sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Ned McNeil, Rocky Mount. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday in Flora Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. Those desiring to may make memorials to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Disease Association. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at the home of Donnie and Norma Jean Akers, Rocky Mount. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service 342 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.

AKERS, Evia Sutphin, 88, of Roanoke, died Monday, March 6, 1995. She is preceded in death by her husband, C. T. Akers. She is survived by a daughter, Carol Akers Kennedy of Roanoke, sister and brother-in-law, Ruby S. and Fred Altizer of Christiansburg; beloved nephew and nieces, Fred C. Altizer Jr., Claudine Waldron, both of Roanoke, Crystal Creasey of Goodview, Dorothy Cox of Dublin, Audrey Hale of Collinsville, Trenda Hylton of Martinsville; a brother-in-law, Dorsey Akers of Goodview. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sherwood Memorial Park with Pastor Ben Peyton officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 320 Hershberger Road, NW, Roanoke. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem.

BOOTH, Lucille H., 76, of Roanoke, died Monday, March 6, 1995. She was born August 18, 1918, in Pulaski County, and was a member of Virginia Heights Baptist Church. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Lewis R. Jr. and Brenda Booth, Blue Ridge, David L. and Anita Booth, Roanoke; three grandchildren, Dawn Maendele, Stephen Booth, Russell Booth; one great-grandchildren, Talea; one sister, Ethel Rumley, Chesterfield. A private graveside service will be held. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to Virginia Heights Baptist Church, 2014 Memorial Ave. S.W., Roanoke, VA 24015. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

BRAMLETT, Callie Stevens, 78, of Montvale, died Tuesday, March 7, 1995, at Lewis-Gale Hospital. She was born in Bedford County August 9, 1916, a daughter of the late Callie Stevens and Vaughnie Ashwell Stevens. She was the widow of Horace Daniel Bramlett and was a member of Faith Life Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Melinda Bramlett Meador. She is survived by two sons, Oakey D. Bramlett of Thaxton and Billy J. Bramlett of Christiansburg; two daugthers, Margaret E. Crouch and Eloise S. Crouch both of Montvale; two brothers, Jessie Stevens of Thaxton and Griffin Stevens of Lynchburg; four sisters, Lizzie Hodges of Roanoke, Mary Bond of Bedford, Lila Elkins of Thaxton and Minnie Hudenwitz of Lynchburg; also 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grancdhildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday , at Faith Life Baptist Church with the Revs. Johnny Basham and Patrick Wheeling officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Carder-Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.

BUCKLAND, Sherman B. ""Pete"", 85, of Rich Creek, died Tuesday, March 7, 1995, at a Rich Creek care center. He was born April 9, 1909, and was the son of the late James R. and Elizabeth Ferguson Buckland. Mr. Buckland was a retired farmer and construction worker, having belonged to the Millwright Local 2070, Roanoke, Va. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church at Rich Creek, Va. He was a 58 year member of the John Dove Lodge #78 A.F. & A.M., Peterstown, W.Va., having been at the time of passing the oldest member of said lodge, and a member of the Rich Creek Lions Club. He was preceded in death by six brothers, Ray, Henry O., Darrell H., Midge, Port and Neal Buckland; two sisters, Edna B. Dunn and Gr ace B. Jones; and a son-in-law, Russell Allen Ratcliffe. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Mary Morrison Buckland, of Rich Creek; three sons, Sherman M. ""Sonny"" Buckland and his wife, Linda, David W. Buckland and his wife, Ann, and James B. Buckland and his wife, Barbara, all of Rich Creek, Va.; two daughters, Shirley B. and her husband, William Cook of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Scarlet B. Ratcliffe of Pearisburg, Va.; three sisters, Phyllis B. Easley and Lorraine B. Wilkenson, both of Roanoke, Va. and Blance B. Harvey, of Pearisburg, Va.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 1995, at the Broyles Funeral Home in Peterstown, with the Rev. Alan Wilder officiating. Burial with Masonic graveside rites will follow in the Peterstown Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Broyles Funeral Home in Peterstown, and the family will receive friends at the home of Sherman ""Sonny"" and Linda Buckland in Midway, near the home of the decedent.

COX, Curtis Williams 75, of Christiansburg, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995. Arrangements by Claytor-Dean Funeral Home, Radford.

DONAHUE, Ann S., 66, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995, in a local hospital. She was the widow of Freeman Lee Donahue. Surviving are her sons, Larry Edward Donahue, Danny Lee Donahue, both of Roanoke; two grandchildren, Danny Lee Donahue II, Salem, Patricia Lynn Donahue, Roanoke; great-grandson, Jonathan Lee Donahue; sisters, Hazel Lukach, Advance, N.C., Marie Burrell, Bluefield, W.Va.; brother, Conway Shrewsberry, Richmond, Calif. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 1995, at Oakey's North Chapel with the Rev. Mark Washington officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel.

FERGUSON, Howard Thomas, 67, of Bassett, died Monday, March 6, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Thursday, Bassett Memorial United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Collins Funeral Services.

FISHER, Hazel Dixon, 85, of 25, Almetta Avenue, Christiansburg, died Monday night, March 6, 1995 at her home. She was a special person whose live and kindness will be sadly missed. She was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas R. Fisher. She is loved and survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Pat Ooms, Odenton, Md., Julie Edwards, DiDonato, Severna Park, Md., Billy Edwards, Richmond, Va.; two great-grandchildren, Robbie DiDonato and Ashleigh Hopson; several nieces, nephews and special friends. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 1995, at the graveside in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Bill St Clair. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad. The family will receive friends from 7 to p.m. Wednesday evening at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

GRAHAM, Bonnie C., 46, of Salem, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995, in a local hospital. She was former employee of Greenvale School and a member of Calvary Tabernacle. Surviving are her husband, Terry D. Graham, Salem; daughters and son-in-law, Rita G. Mills, Goodview, Jody M. and Denny Clarke, Salem; mother, Lillie Mae Cox, Roanoke; two brothers, William Cox, Blue Ridge, Danny Cox, Roanoke; six sisters, Barbara St.Clair, Roanoke, Eula Thomas, Salem, Eloise Young, Roanoke, Peggy Miller, Salem, Brenda Hayes, Vinton, Mary Jo Laprade, Roanoke. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel, 11 a.m., Thursday, with the Rev. Ben Peyton officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Oakey's South Chapel.

GRANT, Ronald R. (``Ron""), 49, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, March 2, 1995. Surviving are his wife, Adria (``Sherry"") Grant; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Timothy Avis, Roanoke; two stepchildren, Elaine and Timothy Heldreth, Roanoke; father, M. Ray Grant, Roanoke; mother and stepfather, Louise A. and Matthew Jennings, Roanoke; sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Rickie Patterson Sr., Vinton; two nephews, Rickie Patterson Jr., Roanoke, Christopher Patterson, Vinton. Funeral services will be at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 10:30 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. Wayne Harrison officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

HALE, Charles Edward, ""Shine"", 80, of Floyd, died Monday, March 6, 1995. Funeral Friday, March 10, 1995, 2 p.m., Wood Funeral Home

HALL, John E., (``Budge"") 84, of Evington, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home, Huddleston.

HARBOUR, Nellie Jean Pilson, 85, of Route 2, Stuart, died Tuesday, March 7, 1995, in the Skilled Care Unit of the RJR-Patrick Memorial Hospital in Stuart after a long illness. A native of Patrick County, she was born January 3, 1910, daughter of the late Samuel J. Pilson and the late Pencie Smith Pilson. A graduate of Radford College, she was a retired school teacher having taught for 43 years. She was a member of the Fairystone Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for 35 years. She is survived by her husband, Coy Harbour of the home; two brothers, Murray Pilson of Hampton and Julian Pilson of Bassett; two sisters, Helen Presley of High Point, N.C., and Frances Underwood of Stuart. Funeral services wil be held on 2 p.m. Thursday at the Howell Funer al Home Chapel in Stuart with burial in the Ross-Harbour United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday and other times at the home, just off of Highway 57. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ross-Harbour Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Roy B. Foley, Route 2, Box 1360, Stuart, Va. 24171. Arrangements are by Howell Funeral Home, Stuart.

HARRELL, Martha Elizabeth, 96, of Princeton, W. Va., died Monday, March 6, 1995. Funeral Thursday at 11 a.m. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate

HAWKINS, Nora Emma Oakes Sawyers, 86, of Pulaski Village, Apt. #2, and formerly of 602 Short Street, Pulaski, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995 in the Pulaski Community Hospital. Born March 21, 1908 in Cranberry, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late L. J. Oakes and Betty McKinney Oakes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Homer Hawkins, also, two daughters, Ruby Sawyers and Ruth Sawyers, and a son, Vivian Sawyers Jr. Surviving are one stepdaughte r, Mrs. Ennis Blevins, Winston-Salem, N.C.; three grandchildren, Evelyn S. Dishon, Pulaski, VA., Elbert Sawyers, Pulaski, Va., Donna Lyons, Dublin, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Fred Sawyers, Indianapolis, Indiana, Cheryl Sawyers, Pulaski, Va., Erik Sawyers, Pulaski, Va.; a number of nieces and nephews; two sisters, Macie Knea, Pulaski, Va., Edith Covey, Pulaski, Va. Funeral services will be held Thursday , 2 p.m., at the Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski, with the Rev. L. J. Rippey officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Family Cemetery, Draper, Virginia. Visiting will be anytime Wednesday after 3 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Bower Funeral Chapel, 1631 Bob White Blvd., Pulaski, Va. or anytime at the home of her sister, Macie Knea, 1910 Warden Spring Road, Pulaski, or at the home of her granddaughter, Evelyn Dishon, 4491 Newbern Heights Drive, Pulaski. Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski, is handling arrangements.

HOUSEMAN, Elmer Guy, 86, of Wytheville, died Monday, March 6, 1995, in the Wythe County Community Hospital. He was the owner and operator of Houseman's Citgo Service Station in Wytheville for 43 years. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Daisy Robinson Houseman, of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Doris Houseman, Wytheville; two grandchildren, Ronnie Jr and Patty Houseman, Marina H. and Rick Bass, both of Wytheville; five great-grandchildren, Kayla Bass, Lauren Houseman, Joshua Houseman, Trey Houseman, Megan Houseman, all of Wytheville. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 9, 1995 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Grubb Funeral Home, conducted by The Rev. Robert Smith, The Rev. Donnie Keller, and The Rev. Donald Drake, with the interment to follow in the Mt. Ephraim United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grubb Funeral Home Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

HUFF, Luther Roy, (``Red""), 75, of Salem, died Monday, March 6, 1995. He was an Army veteran of World War II and recipient of the Bronze Star. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Owens, Roanoke, Bonnie Brugh, Salem, Patricia Simms, Lexington, N.C.; a son, William B. Huff, Salem; two sisters, Ann Painter, Roanoke, Beulah Helms, Salem; five grandchildren, James Franklin Owens, Eva Gay Dickerson, Danyel Brugh, Paige Brugh and Michelle Nichole Simms; four great-grandchildren, Brandy Lee Owens, Taylor Glenn Owens, Shay Alissa Dickerson, Roland Dean Dickerson. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 1995, by the Rev. Jimmy Jennings, in John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home Chapel, Salem. Interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

JONES, Carrie Belle, 75, of Roanoke passed away Monday, March 6, 1995. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. Jones Sr. Survivors include one son, Frank Jones; two daughters, Lula (Ellison) Curtis and Earnestine (James) Murphy, all of Roanoke; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, 2 p.m. at the Shiloh Baptist Church, Salem. Rev. Adrian Dowell will officiate with the interment in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

LANGHORNE, Althea Smiley, of Bedford, died Tuesday, March 7, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Friday, Carder-Tharp Funeral Chapel.

MACY, Mahlon Davis, 90, of Pulaski, died Monday, March 6, 1995. Funeral services 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 1995, Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski.

MIDKIFF, John Keith, 34, of Radford, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995. Arrangements by Seaver, Sanders & Mullins.

MORGAN, William, 81, of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995 in the Campbell Rest Home. He was born June 30, 1913 in Bedford County, a son of the late Charles Morgan and Lalla Mosley Morgan. He was a retired employee of C & P Telephone, having worked as a central office repairman, he was life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, the Moose Lodge #1897, the Woodman of the World, the Knights of Columbus, and was Communicant of the Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. He is survived by a daughter, Billie Sue Morgan, Bedford; sisters, Helen Everette, Bedford, Anne Morgan Montgomery, Pulaski. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 3 to 4 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home, Bedford, and from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. A Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 7 p.m. at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 9, 1995, at 11 a.m. from the church, with Father Jim Begley officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home, Bedford.

OLIVER, Frederick Feth, 90, of Casper, Wyo., died Sunday, March 5, 1995. Memorial services 2 p.m. Friday, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory, Casper, Wyo.

PAXTON, Ila Burd, 79, of Roanoke County, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995, after a brief illness. She was the widow of Charles Richard (Curly) Paxton. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Anne Paxton and Clarence C. Kerr, Roanoke, Debbie Paxton and J. D. Abshire Jr., Boones Mill; five granddaughters, Jennifer Kerr, Kristen Kerr, Beth Anne Abshire, Naomi Abshire, Jessica Abshire; sister, Mabel Burd, Roanoke. Graveside services will be held in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 11 a.m., Thursday, with the Rev. Robert D. Smith officiating. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Oakey's South Chapel.

RINK, Thomas H., 66, of Penhook, died Tuesday, March 7, 1995. Arrangements by Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna.

THOMAS, Eddie Lee, 39, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, March 5, 1995. He is survived by his wife, Glenda K. Thomas; two step-daughters, Shannon and Donna Hall; his mother, Ida Thomas, all of Roanoke; three brothers, Willie L. (Stella) Thomas, James C. Thomas, and Bobby L. Thomas, all of Roanoke; three sisters, Fannie L. Dillon, Daisy T. (Milton) Jones, of Roanoke, and Rosetta (Arthur) Lewis, of Richmond; a God-daughter, Caroline Mays, of Roanoke; a special cousin, Howard Reeves, of Roanoke; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, 2 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Chapel. Rev. U.N. Broady will officiate with the interment in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday throughout the day, and 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

TINSLEY, Lindsey K., 77, of Florida, and formerly of Roanoke, died Sunday, March 5, 1995. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

VAUGHAN, Isabelle Vernie Gray, 81, of Route 1, Montvale, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995, in a local hospital. She was the widow of Charlie B. Vaughan Sr. and was retired from Halmode Apparel. Surviving are one stepson, Charlie B. Vaughan Jr., Edgewater, Md.; two daughters, Mrs. John M. (Dorothy) Fitzgerald, Augusta, W.Va., Mrs. William (Buck) (Edna) Dooley, Montvale; one sister, Gladys Lantz, Montvale; eight grandchildren, Jerry M. and wife, Joyce Fitzgerald, Tracy L. and wife, Donna Fitzgerald, Kelly Jo Fitzgerald, Dawn M. Fitzgerald, Keith E. and wife, Chong Boley, Angela F. Boley, Donny S. Fields and Johnny (Jay) Fields; three great-grandchildren, Jesse M. Fitzgerald, Justin M. Wolford, Leigh M. Fitzgerald. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Friday, March 10, 1995, at the Montvale Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dewey V. Page officiating. Interment church cemetery. The family will receive f riends from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at the Lotz Vinton Chapel.

WALTERS, Annie R., 72, of Roanoke, died Monday, March 6, 1995. She was the widow of Jasper W. Walters and a member of Harvest Baptist Church. Surviving are a son, Carl W. Walters Sr., Roanoke; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah T. and John A. Scherer, N.C.; four grandchildren, C.W. Walters Jr., Roanoke, Shannon Walters, Lafayette, Ashley Walters, Cloverdale, Jim Thurman, N.C.; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Walters and Forrest Walters; sisters, Mamie Link, Check, Effie Poff, Roanoke, Velvie Walters, Roanoke, Hazel Huff, Chamblissburg. Funeral services will be conducted from Oakey's Vinton Chapel at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, with the Rev. Preston Naff officiating. Burial will be in the Wilson Cemetery, Floyd County. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

WEBB, Lelia Alderman, 94, of Hillsville, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995, at Twin County Regional Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Early Webb; daughter and son-in-law, Nina Belle and Arvin Quesinberry, Hillsville; son and daughter-in-law, Allen Coe and Bethel Webb, Hillsville; daughter-in-law, Pauline Webb; Hillsville; a sister, Eva O'Quinn, Hillsville; a brother, Drura Alderman, Hillsville; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 1995, at the Freemont Church of the Brethren. Interment will follow in the Webb Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 - 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

WOLFE, Robert Kermit, (``Snip""), 81, of Clifton Forge, died Monday, March 6, 1995, at his residence. He was born in Alleghany St., Clifton Forge died Monday at his residence, He was born in Alleghany County, son of the late Stephen Caldwell and Sadie Child Wolfe. He was a retired salesman for Alleghany Motors, member of Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church and served in U.S. Navy during WW II. He is survived by his wife, Frances Wright Wolfe, Clifton Forge; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sally and Michael ""Chas"" Sumser, Ashburn and Anne and Steve Cogar, Clifton Forge; a grandson, Grant Cogar; one sister, Mrs. Dwight (Elizabeth) Causey, Roanoke. Funeral services will be held Thursday, 2 p.m. Nicely Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. William O. Moore and The Rev. Donald Morri s officiating. Interment to follow in the Alleghany Memorial Park. Memorials gifts may be made in his name to the Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church or Clifton Forge Rescue Squad. Friends may call anytime Wednesday afternoon at Nicely Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home or anytime at the residence.

WYATT, Dolly Haskett, 96, of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 1995. Graveside 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jessop United Methodist Church, Sparks, Md., Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home, Bedford.