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

DATE: FRIDAY, April 21, 1995                   TAG: 9510040023
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BASHAM, Randolph Carl, 77, of Roanoke, died Thursday, April 20, 1995. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

CARTER, Nell Gearhart 91, of Vinton, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 1995, in Berkshire Health Care Center. She was the widow of Edgar G. Carter. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Edwin Kyle (``Bunk'') Sr., and Norma Carter, Vinton; one daughter, Bette Carter Thomas, Roanoke; one brother, John Gearhart, Vinton; six grandchildren, E. J. Thomas, Michele Carter Thomas, Edwin K. Carter Jr., Susan Carter Holmes, Lisa Carter Lane; seven great-grandchildren, Michael Thomas, Christopher Thomas, Jason Bullard, Justin Bullard, Travis Bullard, Jaclyn Lane, Jordian Lane and Jaime Lane. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 1995, at the Mountainview Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Bill Ross and the Rev. William E. Hungate officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 1995, at the Lotz Vinton Chapel.

CLINE, Shirley V., 63, of Montour, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m., Saturday, St. Mary's Catholic Church. Arrangements by Pursel-Davis Funeral Home, Marshalltown, Iowa.

COLEMAN, Melvin B. Sr., 86, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995. He was retired from American Viscose. Surviving are his daughters and son-in-law, Mary Clay Atkinson, Roanoke, Sara C. and Buck Buchanan, Blue Ridge; sons and daughter-in-law, Melvin B. ``Butch'' Jr. and Pauline Coleman, James R. ``Bob'' Coleman, both of Roanoke; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be in Evergreen Burial Park, 2 p.m. Friday, April 21, 1995. The Rev. James Millsaps will officiate. Friends may call at Oakey's South Chapel.

COOPER, Miriam Greever, 90, of Newberry, S.C., died Wednesday, April 19, 1995. Funeral 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Arrangements by Whitaker Funeral Home.

CUNNINGHAM, Marion Douglas Jr., 76, of Horseheads, N.Y., died Thursday, April 13, 1995, in Horseheads, N.Y. Born June 9, 1918, in Buena Vista, he was the son of the late Marion D. Cunningham Sr. and Fleda Rucker Cunningham. He was a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering. Later he was employed by TOSCO Corp. in Marinez, Calif. where, until his retirement in 1980, he was head of the Utility Dept. He was a member of Buena Vista #186 A.F. & A.M., in Va., and a member of Corning Consistory. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Salley) Cunningham, Horseheads, N.Y.; two daughters, Carol Thornton, Bluff Point, N.Y. and Fleda Cunningham, Long Beach, Calif.; a brother, Russell (Madge) Cunningham, Yuman, Ariz.; grandchildren, Salley (Greg) Holmes, Scott (Nickole) Thornton, Tracey and Corey Thornton; a great-granddaughter, Ashlee Marie Thornton; two nieces and four nephews. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, 1995, at Lomax Funeral Home Chapel, Buena Vista with the Rev. Dr. Chip Pendleton officiating. Masonic Graveside Rites will follow at Green Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Lomax Funeral Home.

FORSYTH, George Lawrence, 45, of Williamsburg, died of cancer at his home on Wednesday, April 19, 1995. He was born in Staunton, on March 22, 1950, a son of the late Lawrence Hamilton Forsyth and Louise Parks Forsyth, who survives. He attended Virginia Episcopal School and was graduated from Liberty High School. After attending the University of Virginia, he served in the U. S. Navy. He was a retired machinist who had worked at Simplimatic Co. He was a life-long member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Karen Anderson, Forsyth of Williamsburg; and a sister, Kate Virginia Forsyth of Arlington. a funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, April 22, 1995, at 11 a.m. from St. Thomas Episcopal Church by the Rev. Louis C. Fischer, III, with interment in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests memorials in his name to Hospice Support-Care of Williamsburg, P. O. Box 568, Williamsburg, Va. 23187. Updike Funeral Home, Bedford, is in charge of arrangements.

FRANKLIN, Mary Helen Geraldine DeLancy, 80, of Montvale, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 1995, at her residence. She was born October 7, 1914, in Botetourt County, a daughter of the late Murry Hale Barton of Vinton and Mamie Frances Moore Barton of Salem. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Cline Franklin Sr.; and two sons, Eugene L. Franklin, and an infant in 1941. She was a member of the Women of the Moose #157, Norfolk, and also of the Montvale Presbyterian Church. She is survived by six sons, Lynwood Franklin, St. Peters, Mo., Alton Franklin Jr., Palmer Franklin, Clifton Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, all of Montvale, Douglas Franklin, Carthage, N.Y.; four daughters, Evelyn F. McNabb, Portsmouth, Florence F. Swain, Newport News, Geraldine F. Rawling, Roanoke, Marilyn F. Mason , Montvale; 35 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, April 22, 1995, at 1 p.m. from the Montvale Presbyterian Church Cemetery by Rev. Dewey Page. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home, Bedford.

FURROW, Truman Lewis, 89, of Radford, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 1995, at Radford Community Hospital. He was a life long member of Grove United Methodist Church. He was a member of Virginia May Masonic Lodge #38 A.F. and A.M. Truman served an apprenticeship with the N & W Railroad. He spent two years in Washington, D. C. at the Naval Gun Factory before returning to Radford where in 1930 he went to work for the city at their diesel plant. He for the City at their diesel plant. He took over the operation of the water filteration plant and retired after many years of service with the City of Radford. For the past four years Truman and his wife Mabel have resided at Wheatland Hills Retirement Center. Survivors include his wife, Mabel Lester Furrow; two daughters, Mrs. Bonnie F. Lawton, Hopewell, and Mrs. Betty F. Hines, Blacksburg; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 22, 1995, at 11 a.m. at the Seaver-Sanders and Mullins Funeral Home in Radford, with the Rev. Clarence Dishman officiating. Interment will follow in West View Cemetery in Radford, where members of Virginia Masonic Lodge will conduct Masonic Last Rites. Members of Virginia May Lodge #38 A. F. and A. M. will meet at the Masonic Temple at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Van Fund at Grove United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seaver-Sanders and Mullins Funeral Home, Radford.

HARPER, Rufus William, 69, of Troutville, died Thursday, April 20, 1995. He is survived by his wife, Zelpha Harper; four sons and one daughter-in-law, James and Jackie Patsel, Jack Harper, Joe Harper, John Morris; two sisters, Suesie Basham, Viola Hambrick; one granddaughter, Jennifer Patsel; two step grandchildren, Jason and Johnny Morris; all of Troutville. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 22, 1995, 11 a.m. at the Rader Troutville Chapel with interment following in the Troutville Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

HARRIS, Mary Katherine Ross, 70 of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, April 20, 1995. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

HAYNES, Edna Allene, 87, of Floyd, died Thursday, April 20, 1995 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband Murray C. Haynes. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, James C. and June Haynes, Roanoke, Don L. and Claudine Haynes, Floyd; one sister, Neola Thomas, Roanoke; two brothers, Hugh Moran, Woolwine, Troy Moran, Collinsville; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with Rev. Riley Ware officiating. Burial will follow in Woolwine United Methodist Cemetery, Woolwine. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, at the Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd.

JOHNSON, Virginia Osborne, 85, of Fredericksburg, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995, in the Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie. She was a native of Chilhowie and widow of Paul Martin Johnson Sr. Survivors include one son, Paul M. Johnson Jr, Fredericksburg; three grandchildren, Paula Marie Forcier, Julia Jean Margulies, and Karen Johnson Sandri; six great-grandchildren, Jason Forcier, Brandie Forcier, Shelly Forcier, Melissa Marguiles, Benjamin Marguiles and Jonathan Marguiles. A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday in Williams Funeral Home Chapel, Chilhowie, with Rev. Frank Branson officiating. Interment will be in Sulphur Spring Cemetery, Chilhowie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fredericksburg Christian School, 2221 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Arrangements by Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie.

LAMBERT, David Sparks, 44, of Rt. 1, Callaway, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995. Surviving are his wife, Susan Peters Lambert; his mother, Opal Sparks Lambert, Roanoke; his stepdaughters, Sherry Spradlin and Jackie Peters, both of Callaway; his brothers, Jerry Lambert, Clarksville, Tenn., Danny Lambert, Roanoke; his sisters, Yvonne Armentrout, Roanoke, Linda Sink, Hardy. Funeral services will be conducted at Lotz Roanoke Chapel, 2 p.m. Friday, April 21, 1995. Entombment to follow at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

MARSHALL, Cordle Lewis, 54, of Hillsville, died Thursday, April 29, 1995. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

McCULLOCH, David Scott, 38, of Blue Ridge, died Tuesday, April 18, 1995. Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

PERDUE, John R., 95, of Fieldale, died Thursday, April 20, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Saturday, Pleasant Grove Christian Church. Arrangements by Collins Funeral Services, Bassett.

PLASTERS, John C., 92, of Meadows of Dan, went to be with our Lord, Wednesday, April 19, 1995. He was born April 16, 1903 to the late John B. Plasters and Mintoria Cockram Plasters. He is preceded in death by two daughters, Bessie Mae Plasters and Artie P. Milton; one son, James Plasters; and two brothers, George W. Plasters and Oakley H. Plasters. Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Rosa Hundley Pasters, of the home; four daughters, Mrs. Lucille Bowman and Mrs. Jane Clifton, both of Floyd and Mrs. Steve (Shirley) Meade, San Angela, Texas; one son, Billy Wayne Plasters and daughter-in-law, Sherry, of Vesta; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren also survives. Mr. Plasters was a retired demolition expert and a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge Blue Ridge Chapter #54 IOOF. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m . at Moody's Chapel conducted by Elder Carlene Vass and Elder J.M. Vipperman. Burial will be in the Plasters Memorial Cemetery at Vesta. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart and other times at the home in Meadows of Dan. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Thomas Milton, Jimmy Gilbert, Galen Gilbert, Darrell Moran, Richard Thomas, Johnny Plasters, Dale Plasters, and Dwayne Clifton.

RAMSEY, Ethel C., 80, of Roanoke County, passed away Thursday, April 20, 1995. Preceded in death by one son, Joseph Cecil Ramsey. Mrs. Ramsey is survived by her husband, Joseph D. Ramsey, of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Marshall David and Myrtle Ramsey, Bassett; one daughter, Marie R. Hopkins, Salem; one brother and sister-in-law, Rufus R. and Mary Lou Craig, Patrick Springs; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Geneva and Otis Cassell, Dolly Manning, Birtha Channey, all of Bassett; also surviving are five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 1995, from the Arrington Bussey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ronald Rigney officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Arrington Bussey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ROBERTSON, Walter A., 83, of Salem, died Thursday, April 20, 1995. He was previously employed by Hart Motor Co. Mr. Robertson was a World War II Army veteran, a member of Roanoke Moose Lodge #284, and attended Belmont Presbyterian Church, Roanoke. Survivors include his children and their spouses, James A. and Lynn Robertson, M. Spence and Kathy Robertson, Kathy and Danny Harris, all of Salem; sister, Josephine Kimsey, Gloucester Point; brothers, T. Greer Robertson, P. L. Robertson Jr., both of Salem, Frank Robertson, Roanoke; grandchildren, Lisa McClusky, Robin and Michael Robertson, Jennifer and Amy Harris, Jamie Robertson; and great-grandchildren, Blake and Cage Robertson. A memorial graveside service will be conducted 10 a.m. Monday, April 24, 1995, in Sherwood Memorial Park by Dr. Robert T. Copenhaver. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 23, 1995, from 2-4 p.m. at T HE INN AT BURWELL PLACE, 601 W. Main Street, Salem. John M. Oakey & Son, Salem Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ROPER, Lewis Murphree, of Long Beach, California, died February 18, 1995. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Sechler Roper, formerly of Chilhowie, Va. He was a graduate of V.P.I., Blacksburg, Va. and was a former resident of Radford, Va. He retired from Hercules Incorporated, Sunflower Kansas, in 1971, where he served as plant manager from 1960 thru 1965. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Susan Roper and James Frady, Long Beach, Calif.; two grandchildren, Amanda Frady and Sean Frady, both of Long Beach, Calif. A memorial service and interment will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 1995, in the Beatie Section of Westwood Memorial Gardens, Chilhowie, Va., with Venerable L. Roper Hamhart officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 346 Termino Ave., Long Beach, California, 90814. Arrangements by Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie, Va.

SHARITZ, RANDALL B., 67, of Hattiesburg, Miss., formerly of Roanoke County, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 1995. Randall was charter president of Sugar Loaf Lions Club, and was a retired engineer with Simplex Time Recorder Company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Walters Sharitz, and is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Robert E. Jr. and Nancy W. Grubb, Hattiesburg, Miss.; a grandson, Randall E. Grubb; a sister, Martha S. Hamil, Seminole, Fla. Graveside services will be held in Sherwood Memorial Park Saturday, April 22, 1 p.m. The family will receive friends Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

THOMAS, Alvah McChesney, (``Tobe''), 90, of Roanoke, died Thursday, April 20, 1995 at his residence. He was the retired owner of Villa Heights Grocery and also from Cunningham Brokerage Co. Surviving are his wife of sixty-five years, Elva Graham Thomas; son and wife, H. Roger Thomas and Anne, Forest; daughter and husband, Ann and Don Hawley, Roanoke; granddaughters, Beth Burtner, Harrisonburg, and Sara Hawley, Roanoke; grandson, Ken Thomas, Piedmont, S.C.; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lottis Poff, Shawsville, Wilma Howell, Huddleston, Doris Trump, Roanoke. Funeral service will be at Oakey's North Chapel 10 a.m. Saturday with Rev. James Milner and Rev. Ottis Burgher officiating with interment in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Good Samaritan Hospice or American Cancer Society. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel, where the family will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.

THOMAS, Hugh Edward, (``H. Ed""), 73, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, April 18, 1995. Funeral Friday, 2 p.m., Walnut Grove Church, Montvale. Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

TYREE, Homer McKinley, 60, of Buena Vista, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995. Born in Rockbridge County on May 2, 1934, he was the son of Lena Ramsey Tyree of Buena Vista and the late Edward Baxter Tyree. He was a self-employed Timber Cutter. He attended the Lexington Church of God. In addition to his mother, he is survived by eight children, Shelia Kress, Wytheville, Vickie T. Fox, Luray, Elizabeth Conner and Rebecca Tyree, both of Buena Vista, Tonya Tyree, Lexington, Rhonda Tyree and Amanda Tyree, both of Connecticut and Shelly Tyree, W. Va.; three sisters, Odie Sale, Buena Vista, Dorothy Southers and Gladys HIggins, both of Lexington; two brothers, Edward ``Ed"", Tyree and Robert L. ``Lee"" Tyree, both of Buena Vista; 10 grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 1995 at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Ballard Sh epherd officiating. The family will receive friends at his mother's home, Rt. 1, Box 227, Buena Vista from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 21. Arrangements by Lomax Funeral Home.

UMBERGER, Jewell Prillaman, 68, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995, in a local nursing home. Mrs. Umberger was born in Callaway and was a member of Highland United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Susan Diane Bowles and husband, Ronald, Salem; two brothers, Grover Price Prillaman and Thomas E. and his wife, Merle Prillaman, all of Roanoke. Funeral services will be at Oakey's North Chapel at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 1995, with the Rev. A. Dave Snead officiating. Interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday.

WALKER, Phebea Lundy, 95, of Independence, passed away Thursday, April 20, 1995. Funeral Saturday, 2 p.m., Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

WHITE, James Kenneth, 69, of Draper, died Thursday, April, 20 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday, Stevens Funeral Chapel.

WILLIAMS, Marion Albert, (""M. A.""), 86, of Route 1, Callaway, died Wednesday, April 19, 1995, at his residence. He was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tenn., did graduate studies at Virginia Tech, and taught Agriculture and Chemistry in the public school system for 41 years. Mr. Williams was a member of Boones Mill Christian Church. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Annie Webster Williams; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Stafford and Alma Williams, Moore Haven, Fla., Clarence C. and Mozell Williams, Richmond, Jewel Williams, Washington Co.; one sister, Mrs. Chris Cruise, Vesta; two sisters-in-law, Amy Williams, Palm Bay, Fla., Margaret Blanche Webster, of the home; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from Boones Mill Christian Church, 11 a.m., Saturday with Rev . Coretha Morra and Rev. John Wallace officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Friday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount.