ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 17, 1996 TAG: 9604170073
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
AKERS, Herman Lee, 81, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 16, 1996. He was a member of Virginia Heights Baptist Church. Mr. Akers began a long railroad career with the Virginian Railway, and went on to work with the Norfolk & Western Railway, retiring in 1976, with 40 years of service. He spent most of his railroad career as a locomotive engineer. Surviving are his wife, Ruby Dixon Akers; a son and daughter-in-law, David Lee and Shelly Akers, Parker, Colo.; a daughter and son-in-law, Diane A. and Robert Tibbs, War, W.Va.; five grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Calvin and Helen Akers, Roanoke, Harry T. and Marian Akers, Monroeville, Pa.; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mae and Bob Antel, Salem, Nancy Milam, Roanoke; a number of nieces and nephews including a special niece, Eloise Turnbull Garland of Roanoke. 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 Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, where the family will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
BLANKENSHIP, Aubrey R., 67, of Lake Butler, Fla., and formerly of Roanoke, passed away Monday, April 15, 1996. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Florence Lee and Willie R. Blankenship; three brothers, Lewis, David, and George Blankenship. Surviving are his sisters, Dorothy Draper, Mary St.Clair, both of Roanoke, Martha Tingler of Buchanan; his brothers, Willie R. Blankenship Jr., James Blankenship, Ralph Blankenship, Eugene Blankenship, John Blankenship, Norman Blankenship, all of Roanoke. Funeral arrangements are being handling by Archer Funeral Home in Lake Butler, Fla
BROOKE, Florence Edwards, of Richfield Nursing Center in Salem, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Born on May 13, 1904 in Washington, N.J., she was the oldest of six children born to Clyde Hine Edwards and his wife, Florence Stickles Edwards. She grew up in Washington, D.C., where she graduated from Wilson Normal School and taught in the District of Columbia school system until her marriage to The Rev. W. Carroll Brooke on June 24, 1931. She served as his devoted wife in Episcopal parishes in Montgomery and Weston, W.Va., and Staunton and Roanoke, Va. She is survived by two sons, Walter Carroll Brooke Jr. of Fort Washington, Pa., and Robert Edwards Brooke of Portsmouth, England; also one daughter, Anne Brooke Carpenter of Roanoke. She is also survived by six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorial service and committal will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton on Thursday, April 18, 1996, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to ABC Adoption Services Inc.
BROOKS, Robert Lee, Sr., 76, of Martinsville, died Sunday, April 14, 1996. Funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday, Stanfield-Miller Funeral Home.
CATRON, Lena Miller, 101, of Wytheville, formerly of Rural Retreat, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Grace Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Lindsey Funeral Home.
CETANI, Cornelia M., 79, of Roanoke, and formerly of Hawthorne, N.J., died Sunday, April 14, 1996. She was the widow of Anthony P. Cetani. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Eileen A. and Fred Way, Roanoke, Christine and James Brennan, Flanders, N.J.; granddaughter, Margaret (Meg) Way, Roanoke; three sisters; one brother. Funeral services will be held at a later date in New Jersey. Local arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel.
CLEVINGER, Coy, 74, of 407 Monroe Street, Narrows, died Monday, April 15, 1996, in the Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg. He was born at Elkhorn City, Ky. on June 1, 1921, and was the son of the late Pharoah and Elizabeth Willis Clevinger. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary S. Clevinger Sr. Mr. Clevinger was a veteran of World War II, having served with the 304th Infantry in Europe. He was a retired manufacturing specialist at the Hoechst-Celanese Fibers Company Plant in Narrows, after more than forty years of service. Prior to his retirement from Hoechst-Celanese, he held various management and supervisor positions at the plant. He was a member of the American Legion Post #68 of Narrows. He is survived by his wife, Grace Hopkins Clevinger; a son, Norman R. Clevinger, Decatur, Ala.; a daughter, Debbie Strenkowski, Cary, N.C.; a sister, Vonda Matney, Elkhorn City, Ky; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Graveside services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, with Rev. Harry Goodwin and the American Legion Post #68 of Narrows officiating. The family will gather with their friends at Riffe's Funeral Service in Narrows Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The family suggests that memorials be sent to the Heart Fund or your favorite charity.
COLE, Edward H., (""Cole""), 86, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, April 15, 1996. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel (""Mama"") N. Cole, a son, Thomas E. (""Sonny"") Cole. Mr. Cole retired from the American Viscose. He is survived by a daughter, Barbara C. Price, Charleston, S.C.; sons, Eugene H. Cole, Virginia Beach, Va., Ronald Cole, Roanoke, Andrew T. Cole (""Tony""), Pheonix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Herman Cole, Salem. A graveside s ervice will be held 10 a.m. Friday, April 19, 1996 at Fair View Cemetery, with Rev. Charles R. Doyle officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Oakey's North Chapel.
COMPTON, Earl Clement, 68, of Gretna, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Wednesday, Colbert-Moran Chapel, Gretna.
COX, J. Carl, 87, of Independence, passed away Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel.
DAVIDSON, Elizabeth Kendrick, 94, of Rocky Mount, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral services 2 p.m. Thursday, Rocky Mount Christian Church. Visitation 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount.
FELTS, Avelene Hawks, 71, of Fancy Gap, passed away Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday, Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.
FERRELL, Francis Allen Sr., (``Bud""), 79, of Dublin, died Monday, April 15, 1996, in a Lynchburg hospital. Surviving are five daughters, Juanita Klever, Northville, Ohio, Jannette Whittaker, Dublin, Joanne Bane, Parrott, Sereta Hylton, Belspring, Marie Albert, Dublin; one son, Bud Ferrell Jr., Dublin; one sister, Helen McCoy, Northville, Ohio; one brother, Bill Ferrell, Maryland; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Parrott Church of God with Rev. W. O. Myers and Rev. Elbert Cox officiating. Interment will follow in the Hickman Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the DeVilbiss Funeral Home.
FIELDER, Glenda Ellen, 58, of Salem, formerly of Wytheville, went to be with the Lord April16, 1996. A member of Fort Lewis Baptist Church, THE MAGIC Group, and the church choir. She was preceded in death by her husband, James (""Jim"") Edward Fielder. She is survived by her only son and daughter-in-law, Edward Early and Kathy Marie Fielder; and two devoted cats, Spike and Max. Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 18, 1996, 2 p.m. at West End Cemetery in Wytheville. Memorial service to follow 7 p.m. at Fort Lewis Baptist Church with the Rev. Leonard Southern officiating over both. The family will receive friends 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday night at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either the Salem or Fort Lewis Rescue Squads.
GRADY, Pansie P., 82, of Spencer, died Tuesday, April 16, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Stella Christian Church, Spencer. Arrangements by Moody Funeral Services, Stuart.
GUERRANT, Phillip L., 38, of Washington, D.C., died Sunday, April 14, 1996, after a long illness. He was formerly of Roanoke, Va., and was employed in hotel management. He was preceded in death by his mother, Arletha P. Guerrant. He is survived by his father, Herbert Guerrant of Manassas. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 1996, in the Williams Memorial Park, Roanoke, with Dr. Kenneth B. Wright officiating. The family will assemble at Fizer Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Fizer Funeral Home, 1427 Melros e Avenue, N.W., Roanoke, Va. 24017. Arrangements by Fizers
HEDDEN, Elizabeth Ross, 61, of Fincastle, died Tuesday, April 16, 1996. Funeral Friday, 9:30 a.m., Rader Troutville Chapel.
HILL, Earthel Stoneman, 91, of Hillsville, passed away Monday, April 15, 1996, in Twin County Regional Hospital, Galax. She was born May 24, 1904 in Carroll County, the daughter of the late Phillip and Izora Harrison Stoneman. Mrs. Hill was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Robert Hill; two sons, Deward and Jewell Lee Hill; and one grandson, Brent Sanders. She is survived by two daughters, Opaline Bunn, Fncy Gap, Maxine Sanders, Cana; five sons, Dearl Hill, Germanton, N.C., Don Hill, King, N.C., Ralph Hill, Clarksville, Tenn., Berlie Hill, Cana, Dwayne Hill, Hillsville; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 1996, at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville. Interment will be in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.
HODGES, Joseph Edward Jr., 69, of 38 Dora Highway, Pulaski, died Monday, April 15, 1996, in the VA Medical Center, Salem. He was born on March 27, 1927, and he was the son of the late Joseph Edward Hodges Sr. and Nora Williams Hodges. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Newton Hodges; and by one sister, Ollie Mae Plyler. Mr. Hodges was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during World War II in Germany. He attended the Bob White Boulevard Church of God, Pulaski, where he was a member of the Berta Viars Adult Sunday School Class 1-A. He was a retired employee of Coleman Furniture Corp., Pulaski. Surviving are two sons, Lynn Hodges, North Carolina, Richard Hodges, North Carolina; two brothers, Buford Hodges, Roanoke, Jack Hodges, Hurt; five sisters, June Crook, Moneta, Shirley Ann Law, Rocky Mount, Easter Haynes, Rocky Mount, Beatrice Duncan, Columbus, Ga., Nell Mitchell, Eufaula, Ala.; very special friends, Sally Umberger, Pulaski, Julie and Estle Hawkins, Pulaski. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Stevens Funeral Chapel, Pulaski, with Mrs. Berta Viars officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home. The family wishes that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, In., Pulaski.
HUNT, Nathaniel Lewis, Jr., (``Buddy""), 43, of Roanoke, formerly of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 1996. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.
JENKINS, Edith Mae, 73, of Roanoke, died Monday, April 15, 1996. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie W. Jenkins. She was a longtime member of the Rockingham Court United Methodist Church, and is survived by her sons, Winfred M. Jenkins Sr., Ralph W. Jenkins; daughter, Connie L. Jenkins; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Edward Stone, Nicholas Stone, Luther Stone; sister, Dorothy Thompson. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel by Rev. Anthony C. Busic with buria l in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel.
KIRKWOOD, Lawrence Radford Jr., 74, of Culpeper, died on Tuesday, April 16, 1996, at the University of Virginia Hospital. He was born May 18, 1921, in Bedford to the late Lawrence Radford Kirkwood Sr. and Ethel Almire Kirkwood. He was a native of Bedford, was a graduate of Montvale High School and attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute for 2 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Europe during World War II. He was a graduate of the Northern Virginia Police Academy in Fairfax. During his employment with the Culpeper County Sheriff's Department, he attended a number of in-service schools and retired as Lieutenant. He was Exchange Club Officer of the Year, was a life member of the Culpeper VFW Post 2524, where he was named All State Commander, and was a member of the Culpeper United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Dorothy Lee Corder Kirkwood; one sister, Ola Kirkwood Powell of Bedford; and one brother, William R. Kirkwood of Roanoke. He is also survived by two nieces, Carolyn Graham and Jane Burnette, both of Bedford; three great-nephews; and two great-nieces, all of Bedford. Friends may call on Thursday, April 18, 1996, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Found & Sons Funeral Home, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 19, 1996, at 11 a.m. in Fairview Cemetery with the Rev. Robert J. Donnelly officiating. Found & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
LECKIE, Charlotte Rucker, 79, of Salem, formerly of the Boons boro section of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, April 16, 1996. She was preceded in death by her father, William Harris Rucker of Boonsboro, and her mother, Bernice Meriweather Rucker of Boonsboro. She is survived by her husband, Cabell Thornton Leckie of Salem; a son, William R. Leckie of St. Simons, Ga.; a daughter and son-in-law, Penny L. and Steve Merricks of Daleville; a grandson, Matthew Merricks of Richmond; a granddaughter, Angela Leckie of Augusta, Ga.; a sister and brother-in-law, Emily R. and Dexter Smith of Salem, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 1996, with the Rev. Dr. Robert T. Copenhaver officiating. Committal services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery in Lynchburg, with the Rev. C. Lloyd Lipscomb officiating. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either St. Paul's or Trinity Episcopal Church.
LUCAS, Callie Estelle, 93, of Roanoke, died on April 15, 1996 at Snyder Nursing Home. She was born in Floyd County, and had been a long time Roanoke resident. Preceded in death by her husband, Ira Shelton Luca s. Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth Shelton and Ella Mae Lucas, Ira Jackson and Elinor B. Lucas, both of Roanoke; a daughter, Alice Dean Hoy, Chesapeake, Va., a sister, Lowell Fern Taylor, Roanoke; grandchildren, Stephen Jackson Lucas and wife, Donna, Krum, Texas, Dr. Mary Paige and husband Richard Tremaine, Anchorage, Alaska, Gail S. and husband Gary Gompers, Suffolk, Kenneth S. Jr., and wife Beth Lucas, Greensboro, N.C.; five great-grandchildren.; nephew, Talbott M. Taylor, Jr., Greensboro, N.C. A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 18, 1996 at 12 noon at Sherwood Memorial Park, with the Rev. Frank Feather officiating. The family will receive friends at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
McELRAFT, Margie (Hayden), 97, of Saltville, died Monday, April 15, 1996 in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Virginia. Mrs. McElraft was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McElraft and four sons. Survivors include two sons, Harry W. McElraft, Saltville, Robert J. ``Bobby Joe"" McElraft, Spartanburg, S. C.; one daughter, Ella M. Elmore, Saltville; one sister, Pearl Guinn, Saltville; special friend, Geneva Dinsmore; 18 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mrs. Margie (Hayden) McElraft will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, April 19, 1996, in the D. R. Henderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Franklin Chapman and the Rev. Perry Haagen officiating. Burial will follow in the Elizabeth Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening at the D. R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville, Va
MILLIRONES, George, Jr., 73, of Roanoke, died Monday, April 15, 1996 after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Bill Eldreth, Vinton; one son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Quilla Millirones, Vinton; two grandchildren, Chris and wife, Crystal Millirones, also Kim Millirones. Funeral services will be conducted from Oakey's Vinton Chapel at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 1996 with the Rev. Bobby Harris officiating. Inte rment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in Roselawn Memorial Garden, Princeton, W. Va. The family will receive friends at Oakey's Vinton Chapel 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday
MORRIS, James Howard, Better known as ""Big Foot"", 64, of Galax passed away Monday, April 15, 1996 in Twin County Regional Hospital. Mr. Morris was born in Carroll County, Va. on March 30, 1932 to James Morris and Rachel Burcham Morris. He is survived by his wife, Mable Sizemore Morris of the home; a foster daughter, Jane Sizemore Wri ght, of Salem; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty and Harold Schuyler, Winston Salem, N.C., Christine and Wade Hodge, Velma and Roger Jones, all of Galax, Mary Ruth Goodnough, San Jose, Calif.; a brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Dreama Morris, Emporia, Va.; a brother-in-law, Gary Wright, Salem; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 11 a.m. in the Vaughan Guynn Chapel with the Rev. Randy Johnson and Rev. Lacy King officiating. Burial will follow in the Monte Vista Memory Gardens
ORR, Jane Elizabeth Lanier , 73, of Montvale, passed away Sunday, April 14, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Wednesday, Glade Creek Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Lotz Vinton Chapel
PADGETT, Mattie Merriman, (``Mae""), 87, of Collinsville, died Tuesday, April 16, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Collins Funeral Services Chapel, Bassett.
PAYNE, Alonza, 65, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 1996. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.
REESE, Rachel Coon, 76, of Roanoke, passed away, Tuesday, April 16, 1996. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.
RUTHERFORD, Sallie W., 96, of Galax, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Mt. Olivet Union Baptist Church. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.
SAUNDERS, Jack L., 61, of Schaumburg, Ill., formerly of Roanoke, died Tuesday, April 16, 1996. He was born in Roanoke. Mr. Saunders was a Marine Corp Veteran. He was an ordained elder of Church of the Cross, and a member of the Kiwanis Club. Survivors include his wife, Joan A. Saunders; a son and daughter-in-law, Brett L. and Linda Saunders; daughter and son-in-law, Jo Ellen and Dallas Albers; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jerry and Dick Davis, Betty and Leon Gilbert, Sue Caywood; grandchildren, Stephanie, Sara, B. J., Dallas, Jr. Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 18, 1996 at 3 p.m. at the Lotz Salem Chapel, with the Rev. Charles R. Doyle officiating. Interment will be in the Brillhart family cemetery, Catawba. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Lotz Salem Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Church of the Cross. For information, call 847-882-5580.
SCAGGS, Marvin Ray, 64, of Chilhowie, died Friday, April 12, 1996. Graveside services 11 a.m. Thursday, Mountain Home National Cemetery, Johnson City, Tenn. Arrangements by Newberry Funeral Home, Chilhowie.
SEXTON, Edward Thomas, Sr., 73, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 16, 1996. He was the son of the late Lonnie B. and Ruth Jane Sexton of Vinton. He was a proud member of the 116th Infantry, 29th Division, and valiantly served his country during World War II. He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Edward Thomas Sexton Jr. and wife Kathy of Goodview; four daughters and sons-in-law, Kitty and Beechie Shell of Hardy, Vicki Cheryl Sexton of Roanoke, Margaret Anne and Arthur Bonds of Roanoke, and Judy Lee and Dennis Sites of Charlottesville; 8 grandchildren, Todd, Mark and Eric Shell, Angela and Kevin Sexton, LaShawne Wright, Leon Sexton and Brent Sites; six great-grandchildren; one brother, William Cicero (``Zero"") Sexton of Roanoke, and dear close friends, Jerry, Sue and Jeff Wheeler of Floyd. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 18, 1996, at 2 p.m. from the Lotz Vinton Chapel, with the Rev. Carter L. Sloan officiating. Burial in Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 1 p.m. Wednesday. He was a wonderful daddy and we will cherish his memory always.
SORRELLS, Albert Thomas, 77, of Lexington, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday at Williams Funeral Service.
WAGONER, Herbert Daniel, 51, of Martinsville, died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Amazing Grace Baptist Church. Arrangements by Roselawn Funeral Home.
YEATTS, Albert G., 73, of Carbon Cliff, Ill., died Monday, April 15, 1996. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday, Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, Abingdon, Va.
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