ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 5, 1997 TAG: 9701070132
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
Akers-Murray
The marriage of Paula Ann Murray to Gary Eugene Akers took place at 3 p.m. January 4, 1997 at the Wedding Chapel with Sherwood Spence officiating.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marty Loyd of Salem, and Mr. and Mrs. F.P. Murray, Jr. of Roanoke. She is the granddaughter of Thelma Janney and the late Richard Janney and the late Mr. and Mrs. F.P. Murray Sr. of Roanoke.
The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Akers of Roanoke. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Songer of Blacksburg, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Don Akers of Christiansburg.
The bride was given in marriage by Marty Loyd.
Elizabeth Keith of Winston-Salem, niece of the bride, was flower girl and Olivia Fuller of Roanoke, niece of the bridegroom, was flower girl. Zach Fuller, nephew of the bridegroom, attended the guestbook.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Roanoker Restaurant
The bride is a graduate of Lord Botetourt High School. She is employed by Vista Eye Center of Roanoke.
The bridegroom is a graduate of William Fleming High S chool. He is employed by Virginia Prosthetics.
The newlyweds will live in Moneta, Virginia, after the wedding trip to the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Harris-Grist
Miss Susan Roberta Grist of Roanoke, Va. and Mr. Timothy Alan Harris of Roanoke, Va., were united in Christ on December 31, 1996 at 8:00 p.m. at Manly Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, Va.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Grist of Lexington, Va. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman J. Harris of Saginaw, Mich. Dr. Thomas Harvey of Lexington, Va., pe rformed the double-ring ceremony. During an Affirmation Ceremony, Daniel, Amy and Benjamin Harris, all children of the groom, were each given gold rings by the bride. Providing wedding music was Ms. Debbie Young of Alpharetta, Ga., Mr. Reg Stover and Mr. Mike Deyerle, both of Roanoke. The organist was Mrs. Janice Buckner of Round Rock, Texas.
The bride was given in marriage by her father, Mr. Joseph Grist. She wore a formal length gown of majestic satin designed by Victoria. The gown was fashioned with a fitted bodice and long sleeves pointed at the wrist. The sweetheart scalloped neckline and bodice were covered with beaded alencon lace. Her chapel length train featured heavily beaded lace along the hemline. Her veil was of illusion cascading from a lace headpiece to her chapel length train. She carried a cascading bouquet of white roses, lilies, tulips, freesia, stephanotis, euphorpia and wax flowers.
Matron of honor was Mrs. Debra Collins of Salisbury, N.C., sister of the bride. She wore a black velvet formal skirt, matching tuxedo style jacket and satin vest. Her flowers were a clutch bouquet of lilies, roses and tulips.
Bridesmaids were sisters-in-law of the bride, Mrs. Frances Grist of Lexington, and Mrs. Sherry Grist of Warner Robins, Ga.; friends of the bride, Mrs. Kathy Benefield of Roanoke, Mrs. Denise Clabeaux of Liverpool, N.Y., Mrs. Connie Duvall of Clayton, Ga., Mrs. Cindy Hermann of Midlothian,Va., Mrs. LaRue Jacobsen of Missoula, Mont., and Mrs. Kimie Ranken of Havre de Grace, Md. Their dresses and flowers were similar to the matron of honor.
Best man was Mr. Steve Stilwell of Roanoke. Junior Best Man was Mr. Daniel Harris. Ushers were brothers of the bride, Mr. David Grist of Lexington, Va., Mr. Steve Grist of Lexington, Va. and Mr. Jeff Grist of Warner Robins, Ga.; brother-in-law of the bride, Mr. Rip Collins of Salisbury, N.C.; and friends from Roanoke, Mr. Mike Deyerle, Mr. Roy Lower, Mr. Tom Nau, and Mr. Barry Osborne.
Flower girls were Ms. Amy Harris, and Ms. Casey Collins, the bride's niece. Ring bearers were Mr. Ben Harris and Mr. Will Collins of Salisbury, N.C., the bride's nephew.
Her candlelighters for the ``Building Of Our Live's'' ceremony, were her grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy Pruett, Sylva, N.C., her parents, the wedding party, Linda Huffman and Sharon Spalding of Stuarts Draft, Va. His candlelighters were his parents, his children, his sister, Mrs. Evelyn Grinnell of Lansing, Mich., the wedding party, Dr. David Gushee of Jackson, Tenn., Mr. Tim Peters and Mr. John Robertson, both of Roanoke. Scripture readers were Dr. David Gushee and Mr. Tim Peters.
The wedding celebration was held at Moody Hall, VMI, Lexington, where the couple were pronounced Man and Wife at the stroke of midnight.
The bride is a graduate of Lexington High School, Radford University-Bachelor of Science Degree and James Madison University- Master of Science Degree. She is employed by Carilion Occupational Health Services.
The bridegroom is a graduate of Carrollton High School, Spring Arbor College-Bachelor of Arts, VA Polytechnic Institute & State University-Master of Accountancy, and Southeastern Baptist Theology Seminary-Master of Divinity. He is employed by Robertson Marketing Group, Inc., Salem, Va.
The director of the wedding was Mrs. Priscilla Jamison of Lexington, Va. Assistant directors were Mrs. Linda Huffman and Mrs. Alicia Nikens, both of Roanoke. The guest book attendant was Mrs. Debbie Barnes of Roanoke. The punch servers were Ms. Jeannie Barnes and Mrs. Alicia Nikens. The cake servers were Mrs. Diane Hylton and Mrs. Edie Naughton, both of Roanoke. The servers were Ms. Miley Duvall of Clayton, Ga. and Mr. Jason Spalding of Stuarts Draft, Va.
Special thanks to God, our parents, families and friends for making our wedding day . . . PERFECT!
The newlyweds will live in Roanoke, following their wedding trip to Aspen, Colorado.
Mitcham-Allen
Rhonda Lynn Allen and Robert Lewis Mitcham were united in marriage at 6 p.m. on October 19, 1996 at Level Green Christian Church in Newport, VA. The Rev. Mike Whitaker officiated the double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Allen of Newport. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Mitcham of Blacksburg.
The bride was escorted and given in marriage by her parents. Immediately following the ceremony, a dinner reception was held at the Newport Community Center.
Wedding music was provided by Tim Huffman and Debbie Woods. Sue Huffman served as wedding director.
Matron of honor was Tony Frango, friend. Maid of honor was Loretta Allen, sister. Bridesmaids were Kaye Bradley, Faye Smith, Deborah Bale and Amy McGuire, all sisters. Emily Mitcham, niece, served as junior bridesmaid. Jennifer Bradley, niece, served as flowergirl.
The groom's father, Clyde Mitcham Jr., served as best man. Groomsmen were David Mitcham, brother; James Mitcham, brother; Danny Joe McGuire, brother; Greg Henderson, friend; and Barry Keith, friend. Jim Journell and Mike Slusser served as ushers. Jason Mitcham, brother, served as junior groomsman. Dustin Mitcham, nephew, served as ringbearer.
Book attendant was Shannon Bale. Program attendants were Linda Bale and Crystal Smith, all nieces.
The bride holds a bachelor of Business Administration from Radford University and is employed by the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. The groom is a graduate of Blacksburg High School and is employed by Blacksburg Plumbing, Heating and Electrical.
The couple honeymooned in Hawaii and reside in Newport.
We thank all our family and friends for their support and love on our wedding day.
Snow-Garren
Kristine Lynn Garren and Richard Michael Snow were married on Saturday, December 28, 1996 at twelve o'clock noon in the Antrim Chapel of Roanoke College in Salem, Va. The Rev. Alan Thorne officiated the ceremony. A luncheon followed the ceremony at the Patrick Henry Hotel.
The bride was escorted by her father, Dr. Kenneth Garren. The maid of honor was Miss Stephanie Snow, sister of the groom from Bluefield, Va. The best man was Mr. Scott Mulkey of Bluefield, Va. The ushers were Dr. David Garren, brother of the bride from Dallas, Tx; Dr. Steven Garren, brother of the bride from Charlottesville, Va; and Mr. Chad Kouser of Arlington, Va.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Garren of Salem, Va. She is a graduate of Salem High School and Roanoke College. She holds a master's degree from VPI & SU where she is currently a Ph.D. student. She is employed by Carilion Health Systems. The groom is the son of Mrs. Viola Snow of Bluefield, Va. and the late Mr. Richard H. Snow. He is a graduate of Graham High School and VPI & SU. He is employed by Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Following a wedding trip to Disney World, the couple will make their home in Salem, Va.
Sparrer-Link
Holly Renae Link and Michael Wayne Sparrer were united in marriage Saturday, November 16, 1996 at Blacksburg United Methodist Church during a candlelight ceremony officiated by the Rev. L. Glenn Tyndall. The bride was given by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Link of Pilot, VA. The bride is the granddaughter of Mr. Bernard Link and the late Mrs. Eva Link and the late Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hawley.
The gr oom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Sparrer of Seaford, VA. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John Teague and Mrs. Gertrude Sparrer and the late Mr. Thomas Sparrer.
Kim Link of Pilot served as her sister-in-law's matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Tracy Huff of Pilot, cousin of the bride; Trish Akers of Christiansburg; Jennifer Bower of Radford; Vicky Graham of Riner; Jeannie Lafon of Blacksburg; and Deidre Pratt of Christiansburg, all friends of the bride.
Raymond Sparrer served as his son's best man. Groomsmen were Mark Link of Pilot, brother of the bride; Jeff Collie of Pittsburgh, PA; Kevin Kinkead of Springfield, VA; and Brad Tyndall of Blacksburg, VA, all friends of the groom.
Jordan Link, niece of the bride, served as flower girl. The groom's cousins, Katie DeChristopher, Matthew Burgett and Sarah Burgett served as Bible bearer, ring bearer and program attendant respectively. John Hawley, cousin of the bride, served as guest book attendant. Edna DeChristopher, aunt of the groom, was mistress of ceremonies.
The Wedding Reception was held at The Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center.
The bride is a graduate of Auburn High School and attended New River Community College and is employed by National Bank of Blacksburg.
The groom is a graduate of York High School and Virginia Tech. He is employed by Sears and Townside INC. Realtors.
After a honeymoon trip to the Cayman Islands, the couple will reside in Christiansburg, VA.
Womack-Atkins
Jacqueline Leigh Atkins and Captain David Bryant Womack were married December 27, 1996 in Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, Vinton. The Reverend, Dr. William Ross officiated. The reception was held at the Patrick Henry Hotel.
The maid of honor was Christy Atkins, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Anne Lefler, sister of the groom; Mary Kay Womack, sister of the groom; Mary Virginia Pharr, cousin of the bride; Teresa Austin, Stacey Edmunds, Valerie Moore, Julie Plunk, and Kirsten Ryan, friends of the bride. The junior bridesmaid was Rebecca Wood, niece of the bride. The flowergirl was Ellison Sharp, friend of the couple. Emily Wood and Blair Atkins were ringbearers.
The best man was Patrick Womack, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Stuart Lefler, brother-in-law of the groom, Tom Stribling, cousin of the bride, Guy Baratteri, Patton Lowe, Bill Sharp, Jason Troxell, and Danny Vaught, friends of the groom.
The guest book was attended by Donna Atkins, aunt of the bride, and Jennifer Heflin, cousin of the bride. Jennifer Dorsey, niece of the bride, and Christopher Dorsey, nephew of the bride, were program attendants. Music for the wedding was provided by Susan Womack, soloist, Dee Rivers, pianist, and Frank Akers, organist.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Barbara J. Kagey of Fincastle, VA and Mr. Roger Atkins of Roanoke, VA. She graduated from William Byrd High School and will receive a master's degree in Middle School Education from James Madison University in August, 1997.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Patrick Womack of Vinton, VA. He graduated from William Byrd High School and the Virginia Military Institute. He is a Captain in the United States Army Infantry and will complete the Infantry Officer Advanced School at Ft. Benning, Georgia in February, 1997. At that time, the newlyweds will make Ft. Campbell, Kentucky their new home.
Womack-Weed
Miss Susan Summerlin Weed and Captain Patrick Andrew Womack were united in the covenant of Christian marriage on Friday, May 24, 1996 at the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ in Austin, Texas. The marriage ceremony was performed by Dr. James W. Thompson of Abilene and Mr. Roger L. McCown of Austin. The reception was held in the church courtyard following the double-ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael R. Weed of Austin. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Patrick Womack of Vinton, Virginia.
Honor attendants were Michelle Briegel of New York City and CPT David Womack of Baumholder, Germany. Bridesmaids were Kate Bailey of Bedford, Texas, Erin Crawford of Portla nd, Oregon, Kristin Martin of Forth Worth, Texas, Eleanor Thompson of Austin, Texas, and Mary Kay Womack of Salem, Virginia. Anne Womack Lefler of Salem, Virginia attended the guest book. Groomsmen were ILT Tom Karinshak of Ft. Hood, Texas, Stewart Lefler of Salem, Virginia, Robert Mansfield of Roanoke, Virginia, CPT Philip Secrist of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Jonathan Weed of Austin, Texas. Flower girl and ring bearer were Laura and Ben Peterson of Austin.
The bride is a graduate of Abilene Christian University and has been employed as a teacher in the Austin, Texas public schools. The groom is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and is attending the Advanced Engineer Course at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. The couple will make their home in Missouri while the groom completes this course. After that, the couple will reside at Ft. Stewart, near Savannah, Georgia.
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