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

DATE: SUNDAY, June 4, 1995                   TAG: 9506070011
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BLESSING, Carlee Umberger, 79, of Wytheville, died Friday, June 2, 1995 in the Wythe County Community Hospital. She was the widow of William Howard Blessing Sr. and was also preceded in death by one grandson, Barry Keith Blessing. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, William Howard ``Bill"" and Betty Jo Blessing, Cleveland, Tenn.; and two grandsons, Michael and Barton Blessing. Funeral services will be Sunday, June 4, 1995, at 8 p.m. in the chapel of the Grubb Funeral Home, with Pastor Edward Schaack officiating. Interment will be held at a graveside service Monday, June 5, 1995 at 1 p.m. at the Lebanon Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grubb Funeral Home Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

BOONE, Charles William, of Miami, Fla., died Friday, June 2, 1995, after a lengthy illness. Born December 6, 1921 in Franklin County, Va. , he was a son of the late Dr. Charles W. Boone and Grace Holland Boone. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Brown Boone; one son, Charles W. Boone Jr.; daughter, Linda Sue Boone; granddaughter, Brandy Gail Boone; sister, Frances Olsen, all of Miami, Fla.; and half sister, Mozelle Cross, Roanoke. He graduated from William Fleming High School and National Business College. He was retired from Eastern Airlines with 32 years and was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. A graveside service will be conducted by the Reverend J. Landon Maddex at Sherwood Memorial Park Chapel on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

BOWER, Katherine Koutsos, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, June 3, 1995, following an extended illness. She was born in Lowell, Mass., the daughter of the late George and Mersine Koutsos. She lived much of her adult years in Clark, N. J. and in Roanoke. Ms. Bower was retired from the Prudential Insurance Company and was preceded in death by her daughter, Cassandra Jo Bower. Surviving are a daughter, Mersine Bower Alabran, Roanoke; four grandchildren; two sisters, Ms. Venus Matczak, Lowell, Mass., Ms. Joan Langert, Queens, N.Y.; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park, 2 p.m. Monday, with the Rev. Nicholas Bacalis officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

BROWN, Virginia Wilson, 87, of Roanoke, passed away, Saturday, June 3, 1995. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence C. Brown , sister, Vreda W. Crews, and a brother, James D. Wilson. She is survived by one sister, Claudia W. Akers. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and especially one nephew and niece and many friends she treasured during life. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Monday, June 5, 1995 at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, with Rev. David Tanner and Rev. Robin Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

CALDWELL, Evelyn McKenzie, 88, of Martinsville, died Saturday, June 3, 1995. Funeral 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Martinsville. Arrangements by McKee Funeral Service.

CARMICHAEL, Robert Louis, 70, of Collinsville, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Norris Funeral Home Chapel.

CATRON, James F. Sr., 71, of Marion, died Saturday, June 3, 1995. Arrangements by Seaver-Brown Funeral Home.

CLARY, Mildred King, 78, of Spencer, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 3 p.m. Monday at the Hillcrest Baptist Church. Arrangments by McKee Funeral Service, Martinsville.

COUNTS, Kilby Palmer, 98, of Pulaski, died Friday, June 2, 1995 in Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Blacksburg. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Grace Black Counts. Mr. Counts was born in Dickenson County, Va. on May 14, 1897. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War I. He graduated from the National Business College in Roanoke. He was a long-time employee of Appalachian Power Company in Roanoke and in Charleston, W.Va., rising to manager of the Charleston office. he retired from Appalachian in 1962, moving to Pulaski shortly thereafter. Mr. Counts was a Mason, a Shriner, a Kentucky Colonel and belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Rifle Association. Kilby and Grace were long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski. Surviving are a son, Doyle C. Counts, Pulaski; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 6, 1995, at 1 p.m. from the Masonic Section of the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke, Va. Visiting will be Monday evening at Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.

COVEY, George Wohford, 86, St. Cloud, Fla., formerly of Wytheville, died Thursday, June 1, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, St. Luke and St. Peter's Episcopal Church, St. Cloud, Fla.

FURROW, Mabel Lester, 88, of Radford, died Saturday, June 3, 1995 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Blacksburg. She was a life long member of Grove United Methodist Church in Radford. Mrs. Furrow was preceded in death by her husband, Truman L. Furrow. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Bonnie F. Lawton, Hopewell, and Dr. Betty F. Hines, Blacksburg; one sister, Mrs. Blanche Richards, Radford; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 5, 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. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to your favorite charity. The family will receive friends at Seaver-Sanders and Mullins Funeral Home Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

GRAY, Elizabeth Moore, 58, of Knoxville, Tenn., passed away Saturday, June 3, 1995. She was retired after teaching in the Blount Co. School System for 20 years and was a noted children's author. She is survived by her husband, Robert (""Bob"") Gray; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Joi Moore, Nashville, Tenn.; son, David Moore, Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and John Morton, Maryville, Tenn.; daughter, Rachel Moore, Knoxville, Tenn.; parents, Wilson and Rachel Francis, Roanoke; grandchildren, John Aubrey Moore and Kylie Elizabeth Morton; sister, Suzanne Sprenger; brother, Michael Francis, both of Roanoke. Funeral service 7 p.m. Monday at Church Street United Methodist Church, Knoxville, Tenn., with Rev. William F owler and Dr. Darris K. Doyal officiating. A private interment will be held in Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Wellness Community, 1540 Terrace Ave., Knoxville, Tenn., 37916 or the American Cancer Society, 871 Weisgarber Rd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37909. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel, Knoxville, Tenn.

HALE, Arcie Honaker Bolding, 89, of Richlands, went to be with her Lord on Friday, June 2, 1995. She had been a resident of Richfield Nursing Home in Salem, Va. for the past nine years. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Bolding, the father of her children, and by her second husband, Holland Hale. She was born in Buchanan County Virginia in 1906 to Ezra and Jenny Honaker. She is survived by one son, J. T. Bolding and daughter-in-law, Charlotte Ann of Bloxom, Va.; two daughters, Mrs. George Thorpe (Ruby), of Franklin, Tenn. and Mrs. William P. Talbott (Helen) of Glasgow; also surviving are six grandchildren, Kaye Henderson, Greg Neese, Jim Neese, all of Roanoke, Vernon Neese, High Point, N.C and Robert and Tammy Bolding, Bloxom, Va.; also nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, Carlos Honaker of Ozark, Ala.; and three sisters, Naomi Arnold, Watsworth, Ohio, Alafair Alexander of Greenville, S.C. and Nellie Duncan of Chesterfield. The family will receive friends at Hurst Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Va. on Sunday, June 4, 1995 after 2 p.m. Graveside services will be at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Va. on Monday, June 5, 1995 at 11 a.m. She loved God, her family and has touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jane Morgan Chapel at Richfield Nursing Home, P. O. Box 3240, Salem, Va. 24153.

KNIGHT, Helen M., 79, of Martinsville, died Saturday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m Tuesday at McKee Funeral Chapel, Martinsville.

LANKFORD, Norris Daniel, 58, of Mountain Home, Tenn., died Friday, June 2, 1995 in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center after a brief illness. He was an Arista, W. Va. native and son of the late Herbert H. and Melissa Beavers Lankford. Mr. Lankford was an Air Force Veteran and a retired construction worker. He was a 1955 graduate of Richlands, Va. High School. He was a Mason and a member of Lodge 0318 F & AM, Richlands, Va. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Survivors include two brothers, Howard H. Lankford, Roanoke, Leycester N. Lankford, Welch, W. Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Norris Daniel Lankford will be held 2:30 p.m. Monday in the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, with the Veterans Affairs Chaplain officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., with a Masonic service by member of the Johnson City Lodge No. 486 F. & a.m.. at 1:15 p.m. Woodall-Anderson Funeral Home, Johnson City, TN., is in charge of arrangements.

LINDSAY, Eva G., 76, of Whitetop, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Monday, Whitetop Baptist Church. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Independence.

LINDSAY, Eva G., 76, of Whitetop, passed away Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Monday at Whitetop Baptist Church. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Independence.

LYLE, Emmett Blake, 79, of Salem, died Saturday, June 3, 1995 in a Salem hospital. He is survived by his wife, Tressie Bell Monday Lyle; two daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and James Jones, Boones Mill, Marcia and Rush West, Greenwood Ark.; eight grandchildren, Kimberly Kajohn, Eric West, Melanie Rogers, Seattle West, Jamie Parsons, Tamara Parsons, Terri Hocott and Kerri West. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 5, 1995 at 2 p.m. at the Lotz Salem Chapel, with the Rev. Charles Briscoe officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at Lotz Salem Chapel after 12 noon Sunday.

MINER, Roy W. Sr., 68, of Danville, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nordan Church of Christ, Danville. Arrangements by Swicegood Funeral Home, Danville.

MURRELL, Julius C., of Martinsville, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday at Fayette Street Christian Church. Arrangements by Stanfield-Miller Funeral Home.

MYERS, Vola Lee, 84, of Rural Retreat, died Saturday, June 3, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Monday, Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat.

NEIGHBORS, JAMES M. (``Jim''), 76, of Vinton, died Thursday, June 1, 1995, at his residence. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred C. Neighbors. Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Eddie and Marie Neighbors, Goodview, William and Jane Neighbors, Roanoke and Frank and Donna Neighbors, Dale City, Va.; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Butch Spangler, Roanoke; seven grandchildren; brother, Dexter Neighbors, Roanoke; sister, Catherine Webb, Roanoke. Funeral services will be at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel 1:30 p.m. Monday with the Rev. John McKinney officiating. Interment will be in Fair View Cemetery. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

PERDUE, Frances Cobbler, 58, of Martinsville, died Saturday, June 3, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Tomlinson Funeral Home, Chapel.

POWERS, Vada J., 54, of Chilhowie, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral service 2 p.m. Monday at Seaver-Brown Funeral Service Chapel.

QUESENBERRY, Clyde Smith Sr., 84, of Draper, died Friday, June 2, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Monday at Draper's Valley Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.

ROSSER, D-Keishaye Taone, 1, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, May 31, 1995 at home. She is survived by her mother, Kimberly Rosser; two brothers, DeMonta Rosser and Donta Rosser; grandmother, Rachel Rosser; two aunts, Angela Rosser and Gail Rosser; two uncles, Thomas Rosser and Charles Rosser and wife, Stacy Rosser; grandfather, Lewis Hillare; a host of great-aunts,great-uncles, family and friends. Funeral services will be at the graveside at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 11 a.m. Monday, June 5, 1995, with the Rev. Winston Leonard officiating. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

SHAON, William Ray, 80, of Roanoke, died Friday, June 2, 1995. He was retired from H. C. Baker & Company and a member of Calvary Tabernacle Church. Surviving are his wife, Oneida Smith Shaon, Roanoke; daughter, Jean Shaon Fisher, Roanoke; granddaughter and husband, Deborah and Martin Davidson, Manila, Phillipines; grandson and wife, James ``Larry"" and Janice Funk, Raleigh, N. C.; three great-grandchildren, David, Daniel and Matthew; also several nieces and nephews; two brothers-in-law, Ford Smith, Glade Hill, Basil Smith, Wirtz; sister-in-law, Christine Smith Holland, Union Hall; dear friend, Coy Gilliam; and many special friends. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel 2 p.m. Monday, June 5, 1995, with the Rev. Ben Peyton and the Rev. Greg Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's South Chapel.

SONGER, Carrie Ellen, 72, of Narrows, died Saturday, June 3, 1995. Arrangements by Riffe's Funeral Service, Narrows.

SPIGEL, Eleanor M. 73, of Roanoke, died Friday, June 2, 1995 in a local nursing home. She was the widow of Charles H. ``Sonny"" Spigel. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn S. ``Marty"" and Bob Sedoff, Edina, MN; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Peggy Spigel, Vinton; grandchildren, Travis A. Spigel, John F. Riedlinger, Leah B. Spigel and James A. Sedoff. A memorial service will be conducted at Vinton Baptist Church 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 5, 1995, with Dr. William L. Ross and the Rev. Bruce Robinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Eleanor's memory to the Vinton Baptist Church Music Ministry or Housecall Hospice.

STONE, Harold, of Roanoke, died Thursday, June 1, 1995. Graveside service 2 p.m. Monday at Mill Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Henry, Va. Arrangments by McKee Funeral Service, Martinsville.

TALBERT, Roger Leigh, 72, of Vinton, died Friday, June 2, 1995 at the V. A. Medical Center. He was a World War II veteran and retired from the N & W Railroad, with over 38 years service. Surviving are his wife, Helen Painter Talbert; brothers, George E. (Eddie) Talbert, Roanoke and Douglas Talbert, Van Nuys, Calif.; and four nieces. A graveside funeral service will be held 12 noon Monday at Evergreen Burial Park by the Rev. Ken Gray. The family will receive friends Sunday or Monday before the service at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

TATUM, Robert Thomas (Tom), 76, of Rt. 1, Critz, died Saturday, June 3, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Howell Funeral Home Chapel, Stuart.

YOUNG, Myrtle Hodges, 69, of Rocky Mount, died Saturday, June 3, 1995 at her home. A daughter of the late Walker and Nannie Hodges, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Daniel Young and two brothers, Jack and Maynard Hodges. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Daniel W. and Glenda C. Young, Callaway; three daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley and Wayne Forbes, Bassett, Jacqueline and Buddy Wade, Barbara and Wayne Fralin, all of Rocky Mount; other survivors include two sisters and one brother-in-law, Ruby and Sherwood Hunt, Rocky Mount, Ella Satterfield, Wake Forest, N.C.; one brother and sister-in -law, J. D. and Mary Jean Hodges, Rocky Mount; also surviving are eight grandchildren, Regina David, Stacy Young, Chris Young, Tonya Young, G. W. Forbes, Misty Forbes, Tracy Wade, Anita Bowman; and three great-grandchildren,. Travis David, Ariel Bowman and Davina Bowman. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, June 5, 1995 from the Lynch Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Troy Mays officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Bassett Rescue Squad or Hospice of Franklin County. Lynch Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.