ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, February 17, 1996            TAG: 9602190052
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-2  EDITION: METRO 


OBIT

BAKER, Josephine Blair, 91, of Roanoke, formerly of Galax, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 1996. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Patricia D. Baker, Roanoke; daughter-in-law, Betty Baker, Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Molly Johnson, High Point, N.C.; one brother, William Blair, Columbus, Ohio; devoted granddaughter , Marie Baker, Columbus, Ohio; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Graveside funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 1996 at Old Town Cemetery, Galax, with the Rev. Raymond Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sweet Union Baptist Church Building Fund in her name. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

BURGESS, Dennis Bernard, 91, of Roanoke, died Friday, February 16, 1996. He had served with the U.S. Marine Corps in the mid-twenties, retired as Chief Dispatcher for Carolina Trailways Bus Co. in Greensboro, N.C., and was a Master Mason with the Greensboro Masonic Lodge #76 A.F. & A.M. Mr. Burgess was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Council Burgess. Survivors include his sons, Gerald Burgess, Blue Ridge, Dennis Burgess Jr., Jacksonville, N.C.; daughter, Patricia Eaheart, Rockville; and a very special daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Burgess, Fayetteville, Ga.; sisters, Pauline Richardson and Mildred Purgasson, both of South Boston, Grace Hussey, Greensboro, N.C., Lessie Thaxton and Wilda Ivey, both of South Boston; brothers, John Burgess, Wilson Burgess and W. C. Burgess, all of South Boston; and six grandchildren. Graveside funeral services will be held Monday, February 19, 1996, at 11 a.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery, with the Honorable Hal J. Bonney Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith-Williams Funeral Home, 818 Norview Avenue, Norfolk. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wesley Men, c/o Epworth United Methodist Church, Free Mason & Boush St., Norfolk, Va. 23510. Local arrangements by Rader Funeral Home, Buchanan.

CARPENTER, Imogene K., 72, of Sugar Grove, died Friday, February 16, 1996. Funeral 11 a.m. Monday, Barnett's Funeral Chapel, Marion.

CUSTER, Willie Watt, 105, of Boones Mill, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Born June 4, 1890, he was the son of the late Walter C. ``Watt'' and Mary James Custer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Essie Bowles Custer; two sons, Wilfred B. and W. Clinton Custer; and a daughter, Flora Custer Webster. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph L. and Deanne Custer, Roanoke, and Roy O. and Lorine Custer, Boones Mill; two special grandsons, Bobby C. Webster, Campbellsville, Ky., and Ralph L. and Peggy Webster, Roanoke; a special niece, Mary Custer Kuykendall, Roanoke, all reared by Mr. and Mrs. Custer; 21 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 1996, at Lynch Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Tony Emmons and J. Willard Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in the Custer Family Cemetery, Boones Mill. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 1996, at Lynch Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Bethany Church of the Brethren or the Callaway Rescue Squad. Lynch Funeral Home, Rocky Mount, is in charge of arrangements.

DALTON, Paul Francis 67, of Hurt, died Wednesday, February 14, 1996. Graveside service Saturday, 2 p.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery, Altavista. Arrangements by Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna.

EDWARDS, Ralph L., 65, of Stuart, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Sunday, Moody Funeral Home Chapel, Stuart.

ELBING, Walter 51, of Roanoke, died Friday, February 16, 1996. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

ELGIN, Lynn, 85, of Stuart, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Funeral 3 p.m. Sunday, New Hope Church of the Brethren. Arrangements by Moody Funeral Services, Stuart.

EMMONS, Martha B., 92, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, February 12, 1996. Funeral noon Saturday, Jerusalem Baptist Church. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

FERGUSON, Evelyn Hite, 62, of Bristol, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Sunday, Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, Abingdon.

FITZWATER, Beulah, 87, of Murrells Inlet, S.C., formerly of Fayetteville, W.Va., and Roanoke, died Thursday, February 15, 1996 in Grand St rand Regional Medical Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C. following a short illness. Born August 14, 1909 in Dickenson County, she was the daughter of the late Hadley and Ellen Speer. Ms. Fitzwater was of the Baptist faith, and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer E. Fitzwater in 1980. Survivors include three sons, Robert T. Vance of Waco, Texas, James E. Fitzwater of Elyria, Ohio, and Charles E. Fitzwater of Murrells Inlet, S.C.; a sister, Martha Brewbaker of St. Petersburg, Fla.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 19, 1996, at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Chapel, Fayetteville, W.Va., with the Rev. Phillip Shields of Fayetteville, officiating. Burial will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill, W.Va. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, W.Va.

FLOURNOY, Mildred Priscilla, 96, of Harrisonburg, formerly of Lexington, died Wednesday, February 14, 1996. Graveside service 11 a.m. Monday, Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home.

GOLLEHON, Ruth Hall, 90, of Seven Mile Ford, died Thursday, February 15, 1996, in Smyth County Community Hospital. She was a member of Seven Mile Ford Presbyterian Church, and was the church organist and Sunday Sc hool teacher for many years. She is survived by her husband, William H. Gollehon of Seven Mile Ford; two nephews, George F. Britton Jr. of Marion, and Robert N. Britton of Knoxville, Tenn.; one niece, Sue B. Hastings of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; several great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; and several cousins. Funeral services will be Sunday, February 18, 1996, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with the Rev. Jeffery P. Yelton officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery in Marion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Seven Mile Ford Presbyterian Church, Route 2, Box 623, Seven Mile Ford, Va. 24354. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.

GREEAR, Sallye Oyler, of Roanoke, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. She was the widow of Thomas C. Greear and a member of Waverly Place Baptist Church. Surviving are a sister, Catherine O. Morgan; nephews, Fred D. and Douglas Linkenhoker, all of Vinton; nieces, Sallye J. Brickey, Carol S. Meadows; and a number of great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 2:30 p.m. Monday, February 19, 1996 with the Rev. Charles Hoffler officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Waverly Place Baptist Church. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

HOPKINS, Mercelene Adkins, 68, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, February 15, 1996. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

JOHNSON, John Leroy, 59, of Blacksburg, died Friday, February 16, 1996 at his home. Born in Kanawha, Iowa on October 28, 1936, he was the son of the late Tommy Olaus Johnson and Louise Johnson. Mr. Johnson was also preceded in death by two brothers, Chester Johnson and Cleo Johnson. He was a professor of Biochemistry and Anaerobic Microbiology at VA Tech with twenty-eight years of service. He was a member of the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church. Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann H. Johnson; two sons, Tommy Olaus Johnson and John Healey Johnson all of Blacksburg; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Ethel and Gene Arthur, and Ruth and John Katuin all of Madera, Calif., Leone Baker, Goldfield, Iowa, Edith and Carroll Burras, Kanawha, Iowa, Frances and Dean Swanson, Williams, Iowa; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Howard and Marge Johnson, Leland, Iowa, Lawrence Johnson, Fresno, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 1996 at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gary Schroeder officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to: The VA Tech Foundation, Inc., in memory of John L. Johnson. Please mail to: The Fralin Biotechnology Center, VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0346. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home.

JOHNSTON, Glen, 30, of Midlothian, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Memorial service 2 p.m. Friday, February 23, Emory & Henry Memorial Chapel, Emory,Va. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon.

LAWING, Ruth Williams, 90, of Martinsville, died Friday, February 16, 1996. Graveside 1 p.m. Monday, Newbern Cemetery, Newbern. Arrangements by McKee Funeral Home, Martinsville.

LINKOUS, Betty Jane, 69, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, February 16, 1996. Surviving are four sisters, Elsie L. Allen, Anderson, S.C., Ruth A. Linkous, Roanoke, Helen L. Nienke, Roanoke, Iris L. Rice, Salem; also several nieces and nephews; including a special nephew, Michael J. Linkous; and a special niece, Sarah A. Rice. Funeral services will be conducted at noon Monday, February 19, 1996, at Lotz Roanoke Chapel, with the Rev. Thomas Clay officiating. Interment in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call at Lotz Roanoke Chapel after noon Sunday.

McGHEE, Douglas Lee, 36, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, February 14, 1996. He attended William Byrd High School. Surviving are his parents, Charles L. and Edna L. McGhee of Roanoke; a brother and sister-in-law, Terry L. and Debbie L. McGhee, and their son, Dustin Lee McGhee, of Roanoke; a sister and brother-in-law, Karen L. and W. Wayne Mills, and her daughters, Melanie Obenchain and husband Jeff, and their son Corey, and Felicia Thomas and nephew Tommy Lee Mills, all of Roanoke; sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca L. Manning and Steven Manning, and their daughters, Christina Nichole Manning and Erin Delora Manning, all of Vinton, and a number of aunts and uncles in Indiana and Virginia. Funeral services will be conducted from Oakey's Vinton Chapel at 1 p.m. Monday, February 19, 1996, with the Rev. Preston Naff officiating. Entombment will be in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge Chapter, 3959 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018, or the American Diabetes Association, Virginia Affiliate, 1290 Seminole Trail, Suite 2, Charlottesville, Va. 22901. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

PETZOLD, Paul G ., 85, of Hollins, died Thursday, February 15, 1996 at his residence. He wa a member of the Woodland Church where he was an Elder Emeritus, Su nday School Teacher, and was previously on the building committee. He is survived by his wife, May Hoover Petzold, Hollins; one sister, Anna Cole, Brigantine, N.Y.; one brother-in-law and his wife, Jack and Jane Hoover, Roanoke; one niece, Norma Cole, Warminster, Penn. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 18, 1996 at 3 p.m. at the Woodland Church with the Rev. Wayne Brooks and Rev. Gordon Langlie officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rader Funeral Home, Troutville. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 20, 1996 at 1 p.m. at the Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania with Dr. David Hoover officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Woodland Church, 3345 Blacksburg Rd., Troutville, Va. 24175. Arrangements by Rader Funeral Home, Troutville.

SALMON, Richard Earl Sr., 59, of Roanoke, died Friday, February 16, 1996. Arrangements by Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

SIGMON, Martha Ingram, 86, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 1996. She was preceded in death by her husband, George N. (Son) Sigmon and a son, Morris Edward Sigmon. Surviving are her sister, Lena Ingram Dixon, Salem; granddaughters, Linda and Becky Sigmon, California; several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to a favorite charity. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel at Sherwood Memorial Park by the Rev. Jim Patterson. The family will receive frien ds from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Oakey's North Chapel

SMITH, Lucy Ellis, of Salem, died Friday, February 16, 1996 at Lewis Gale Hospital. She was a life long Salem resident, and a member of the Melrose Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Smith. Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Virginia and Robert Hughson, Edith M. Leonard, all of Roanoke; two sisters, Betty Sisk, Ethel Ellis, both of Salem; grandson and wife, William E. and Barbara Leonard, Salem; granddaughters, Judy H. Parker, Hurdle Mills, N.C., Anne H. Cook and husband, David of Daleville, Mary Lynne Conner, Roanoke, Joyce Poore and husband, Jeff; great-grandson, O. Willliam Faison, III, Los Angeles, Calif.; great-granddaughters, Jill Thomas and husband, Terry of Richmond, Courtney Faison, Greenville, N.C., Brenda Wells and her husband, Edward of Warminister, Pa., Linda Leonard, Salem; great-great-granddaughters, Elexa Wells, Chyna Leonard. Funeral service will be held Monday, February 19, at 11 a.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, with the Rev. Ken Burger officiating.O Burial will follow in Cedar Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.

SONGER, Frank Marion Jr., 64, of Pembroke, died Wednesday morning, February 14, 1996 at his home following a long illness. Born in Giles County on May 17, 1931, he was a son of the late Frank M. Sr. and Amanda Sanders Songer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was employed as a truck driver with Quality Carriers. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Songer; and a sister, Mary Magdaline Sarver. Surviving are his wife, Mary Opela Songer; three sons, Frank Wayne Songer of Gatesville, Texas, Kenneth Randall Songer of Pembroke, and Stephen Ray Songer of Bear Spring Community; three daughters, Tammy Elizabeth Boyd of Newport, Carla V. Bates of Evant, Texas, and Betty L. Hafferkamp of Gatesville, Texas; two brothers, Andrew Songer and John Songer of Blacksburg; five sister, Maude Lytton, Mildred Williams, and Anna Mae King of Blacksburg, Ruth Ratcliff and Alma Conoyer of Missouri; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel in Pembroke. Burial will be in the Lucas Family Cemetery near Newport. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

SPANGLER, Clara B., 79, of Roanoke, died Friday, February 16, 1996. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis E. Spangler; a daughter-in-law, Monica Blankenship Spangler; two sisters , Alice Hamlett and Dorothy Yost. She was a member of Waverly Place Baptist Church where she served in the nursery. She was also a member of War Mothers and a former member of the Vinton Garden Club. Surviving are two sons, Ronald E. Spangler, Vinton, Jerry R. Spangler and wife, Donna of Salem; granddaughters, Nichole Griffin, Heather Cantu, and Christy Spangler all of Vinton; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Griffin and Tre' Cantu. Funeral services will be conducted at Oakey's Vinton Chapel at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 19, 1996 with the Rev. Charles Hoffler officiating. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

SUTPHIN, Edith Sirt, 81, of Elkin, N.C., formerly of Max Meadows, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Sunday, Barnett Funeral Chapel, Wytheville.

THOMAS, Evelyn Gale, 82, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, February 16, 1996. She was the widow of Carl C. Thomas. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Maryann and Francis (Doc) Shane of Roanoke; grandchildren, Dr. J. H. Hershey of Roanoke, Gwynn and Darrin Firing of Roanoke, Bryan Thomas and Lynn Shane of Columbia, S.C. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 19, 199 6 at 1 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Shane residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Evangelical Luthern Memorial Fund. Arrangements are being handled by Lotz Funeral Home, Roanoke

THURMAN, Annie Hudson (``Anne''), 86, of Rocky Mount, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 1996. Due to the inclement weather on Friday, February 16, 1996, the funeral has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 1996, at Lynch Funeral Home. Lynch Funeral Home, Rocky Mount, is in charge of arrangements.

TURNER, Helen Buckley, 84, of Salem, died Wednesday, January 3, 1996. She is survived by her sister, Constance Turner; nephew, Rev. Dr. Phillip Turner; a niece, Bland Bandwell. A memorial Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 1996. The family will meet with friends in the Parlor of the Post House immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episomal Church at 42 E. Main St., Salem, Va. 24153.

ULREY, Nell Hofawger, 87, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 1996. Funeral Saturday 12 noon at the Lotz Salem Chapel. Arrangements by Lotz Salem Chapel.

UNDERWOOD, Jackie Dean, 40, of Ferrum, Va. went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 16, 1996. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eliza Willie Underwood; and a brother, Elton Landon Underwood. Surviving are his wife, Linda H. Underwood; his daughter, Jacqueline Nichole Underwood, both of the home; his father, Elton Lawrence Underwood, Rocky Mount; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Ellen and Danny Bobbitt, Salem, Ola and Arnold Martin, Ferrum, Sylvia and Bill Hodges, Penhook, Donna and Clayton Ware, Rocky Mount; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy and Mary Underwood, Alexandria, Jimmie and Darlene Underwood, Ferrum; his father-in-law and wife, Guy J. and Dorothy Holley, Rocky Mount; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ronald and Phyllis Holley, Rocky Mount, Sam and Deborah Trail, Ferrum, Cecil Mason, Rocky Mount. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday in Flora Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jack Corn and the Rev. Bud Nichols officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Saturday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount.

WAINWRIGHT, Estelle, E., 87, of Rocky Mount, died Monday, February 12, 1996. Funeral service is rescheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Methodist Church. Interment in Franklin Memorial Park. Arrangements by Stanfield Mortuary Service, Rocky Mount.

WEISS, Nannie Saul, 99, of Blacksburg, passed away Thursday, February 15, 1996 at Radford Community Hospital. She was a lifelong member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Radford. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Myrtle and Ray Price of Blacksburg, and Lura and Jerry Braafhart of Tampa, Fla.; one son an d daughter-in-law, O'Dell and Phyllis Weiss of Hopewell; two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Morris of Pulaski, and Mrs. Martha Sutphin of Dublin; eleven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 18, 1996, at 2 p.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy in Radford with the Rev. Cecil Frazier land the Rev. Ron Bryant officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Seaver-Sanders & Mullins Funeral Home in Radford

WRIGHT, Norman Thomas, Sr., 61, of Boones Mill, died Thursday, February 15, 1996. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel.


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