Dolores W. Morefield, age 70, died Saturday, December 06, 2008, in Holston Valley Medical Center from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on November 1, 2008.

She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va. and a member of Glade Spring Baptist Church.  She was the daughter of the late T. R. and Ina Wright.  She was a retired Purchasing Agent with the State Hospital in Marion, Va.  She enjoyed craft shows, antiques, cooking, and loved cats.  She had a great sense of humor and a great heart and was a very loving wife and mother.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, John C. Morefield; a son, Randy Morefield and wife, Alice of Chapin, SC; a daughter, Sandra M. Parker and husband, Randy of Bristol, Va. and special friends, Kenneth and Nancy Miller of Chilhowie, Va.

The funeral service will be conducted Monday, December 8, 2008, at 3:00 P.M. in the Glade Spring Baptist Church with Pastor Greg Hensley officiating.  The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church.  A private family burial will be Tuesday in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. 

The family would like to give special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff of the I.C.U. unit at Holston Valley Medical Center for their loving care over these last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Washington County Animal Defense League, P.O. Box 2099, Abingdon, Virginia 24212.

Mrs. Helen Henegar Williams, age 81, passed away on  Wednesday, December 3, 2008.

Helen was born in Meadowview, Virginia on March 5, 1927. She had made her home with her daughter and son-in-law for  several years after moving to Illinois.  She was a daughter of the late Earl  and Margaret Henegar. Helen was also preceded in death by her husband James E. Williams, her daughter Ada Darlene Thompson, her son Robert Wade Williams and her brother Sam Henegar.

Survivors include her son-in-law (who was also her caregiver), Ardon Thompson of Colona, IL; her granddaughter, Kimberly Thompson of Rock Island, IL; her grandson, Bradley Hoshour of California; her sisters, Bernice Millsap of Abingdon, VA and Ethel McCray of Orangeburg, SC and her brother William Henegar of Bamberg, SC.

The funeral service for Helen will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 10:00 A. M.  until the time of the funeral service.

A Memorial service will be conducted at  first Baptist Church in Colona, Illinois on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11:00 A. M.

In place of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to Genesis Illini Hospice, 801 Illini Drive, Silvis, IL 61282.

Arnold A. Kennedy, Jr., age 63, passed away at his home in Blountville, TN on December 8, 2008, after a lengthy illness.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Kennedy and Vergie Potter Kennedy; one sister, Rosetta Kennedy Tulloss; and one half-brother, Rufus Ayers Kennedy.

Arnold was employed by Sears Roebuck and Co. as an appliance technician for 35 years.  Arnold loved his work and his greatest joy was helping others.

He is survived by his wife and companion of 45 years, Judy Kennedy; one son, Stephen Kennedy; one granddaughter, Hannah Prater; and one great-grandson, Braxton Prater.

A graveside service for Arnold Kennedy will be conducted Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Jeremiah Sluss officiating.  The family will receive friends Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.

Pallbearers will be Jason Compton, Nathan O’Quinn, Larry Branham, Robert Swindall, Gaines Sutherland, Jr., Dustin Widener and Keith Willis. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Hudson, Buddy Fleenor and Greg Goins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Tennessee Kidney Foundation, 4450 Walker Blvd., Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37917 or to the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720.

Harley Van Thomas, Jr., 29, of Rustic Lane in Abingdon departed this life Sunday, December 7, 2008 at his home.

He was born February 11, 1979 in Abingdon and was a son of the late Harley Van Thomas, Sr. and Lakie Doss Thomas. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia. He had been a farmer all of his life and he was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors are his fiancée, Rosie Worley of Abingdon; his brother, Harvey Thomas and wife, Kelly of Glade Spring; his sisters, Lucy Headrick of Glade Spring, and Brenda Tapia and husband, Hector of Chilhowie; a special brother-in-law, Raymond Headrick; a special uncle, Eugene Thomas; three special nieces, Brandy, Hope, and Stephanie; and one special little nephew, Christian Salone. Numerous friends and other family members also survive.

A graveside service for Harley Thomas will be conducted at 2:00pm Friday, December 12, 2008 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Glade Spring with Rev. Tim Norris and Pastor Danny Salyer officiating. Pallbearers will be Tim Steffey, David Thomas, John Hess, Danny Owens, Charlie McVey, Ray McVey, Raymond Headrick, John Nickels, Dean Whitt, and Joe Eller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bradley Robinson, Brad Robinson, Richard Jollie, Jimmy Jollie, and Michael Worley. Those who wish to go in procession to the cemetery are asked to assemble at Farris Funeral Service by 1:00pm Friday.

The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon from 6:00 until 8:00pm Thursday.

Mr. Harvey “Junior” Keene, 77, formerly of Jolo, West Virginia was called home to Heaven on Monday, December 15, 2008, after a long and courageous battle.

He was born in Frankfort, West Virginia and was a son of the late, Harvey and Pearl Jackson Keene. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was of the Pentecostal Holiness faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 57 years Nellie “Kupy” Keene, one brother, and two sisters.

Survivors include one son, Hobert Keene and wife, Joyce of Mount Holley, North Carolina; two daughters, Ernestine Smith and husband, Lennie of Damascus, and Christine Parson and husband, Rick of Bluff City, Tennessee; one sister, Edith Ballard of Alexandria, Virginia; one special sister-in-law, Wilma Deskins of Damascus; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Harvey Keene will be conducted at 1:00pm Wednesday, December 17, 2008 in the Mausoleum Chapel of Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Virginia with Pastor Mark Davidson officiating. Interment will follow the service. Those wishing to drive in procession to the cemetery are asked to assemble at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon at 11:00am.

The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 6:00pm until 9:00pm Tuesday.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Shelby Olds and her staff for their exceptional care.

Home Page     Our History     Our Staff     Current Services     Obituaries     Send Condolences     Request Information     Directions     Advanced Planning     Local Florists     Consumer Advocacy     Veterans Care     Grief Resources 

Rick (Beau) Baumgardner, 35, went to start his new life with God, in whom he had unshakeable faith, on Monday, December 15, 2008 at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.

He was a resident of Damascus, Virginia his entire life.

He was preceded in death by very special grandparents, Walker and Mary Sweet, and Everett Sr. and Eulala Baumgardner.

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Everett Jr. and Kim Baumgardner of Damascus; his mother and step-father, Nancy and Jim Mathews of Richmond, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Debra, and the joy of his life, his son, Walker; a half brother, Matthew Baumgardner of Damascus; and a step brother, Nick Woodall and wife, Kim of Bristol, Virginia. Along with cousins too numerous to mention, he is also survived by his aunts and uncles who never left his side during his brief illness; they are Roy and Ruby Baumgardner, Clarence and Phyllis Baumgardner, Don and Sue Baumgardner, Mark and Wanda Baumgardner, David and Lisa Baumgardner, Violet and Baxter Hicks, Velvet and Phillip Salyers, Karen and Darrell Kestner, Rhoda Stuart, and Georgia Adams.

Rick was a very special man, who touched the lives of everyone he met. As a friend once said, “he has a heart bigger than the world”. To have known him was truly a gift from God, and the world is a better place just to have known him.

Funeral services for Rick Baumgardner will be conducted at 8:00pm Wednesday, December 17, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Mike Stuart officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00pm until 7:45pm Wednesday.

 A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, December 18, 2008 in the Baumgardner Family Cemetery on Denton Valley Road in Abingdon, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Bob Mitchell, Brad Baumgardner, Arian Kestner, Shawn Lawson, Trampus Mitchell, and Duff Parks. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of his many cousins and friends who he loved dearly. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to assemble at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon by 1:15pm Thursday.

Home Page     Our History     Our Staff     Current Services     Obituaries     Send Condolences     Request Information     Directions     Advanced Planning     Local Florists     Consumer Advocacy     Veterans Care     Grief Resources 

Thomas C. Andrew, Jr., Col. USMC (ret.), 76, died Monday, December 15, 2008 at Valley Health Care after a lengthy illness of primary progressive aphasia and Parkinsonism.

            He was born March 5, 1932 to the late Thomas Clifford Andrew, Sr. and Rowena Phipps Andrew in Bluefield, WV.  As a student/athlete at Pulaski High School, he was captain of the basketball team and quarterback on the football team, where he lettered in both sports.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps while a freshman at Virginia Tech, feeling a strong call to serve his country.

            Following service in Korea, he became a Naval Aviation Cadet.  In U.S. Naval School Preflight, Pensacola, he was awarded the Outstanding Student Award.  His career in the Marine Corps spanned more than 33 years from 1952-1985, including service in Korea and Vietnam.  Piloting the UH-1E attack helicopters in Vietnam, he provided close air support to emergency evacuation helicopters in the mission of extracting casualties.  During his tour, he flew 389 missions.  He was a highly decorated Marine with awards that included the Legion of Merit, The Air Medal Bronze Star for Heroism, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight with Numeral “19”, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

            The awards were given on the basis of action while then-Maj. Andrew was stationed with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167.  During a mission, he deliberately drew fire to his own aircraft by turning on his lights in the night so that the medical evacuations could safely be made.  “Maj. Andrew’s courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service,” the citation read.  In service as in life he conducted himself with selfless and steadfast devotion to duty.

            Significant duty stations included MAG-12, Pyongtaek, Korea, HMR-363 Bikini Atoll, VMF-114 Cherry Point, NC, VMF-334 El Toro, CA, and Marble Mountain, Vietnam.  He was a member of the Mustang Association and Phi Beta Kappa.  He graduated with honors from Auburn University in 1972 following his Vietnam service.

            Col. Andrew was a member of the Marion First United Methodist Church and was affiliated with the Emory United Methodist Church.  He was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Una Phipps Crowell and Rufus Crowell, who were like second parents to him; his sister Jeanne Andrew Pace on November 24, 2005; and his son Thomas Clifford Andrew III on July 24, 1975.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Greer Andrew of Emory; nephews Mike Pace and wife Nancy of Salem, VA, and Jon Pace and wife Elen of Charlotte, NC, and other family members Melissa J. Brister, Edwin “Skip” Jackson, Chris Jackson, and Noel West.

A memorial service will be conducted on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Emory United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Jackson officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Col. Andrew’s final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery beside his beloved son.  Services at the Old Chapel, Ft. Meyer, Arlington, VA, will be at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be sent to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057

Mrs. Sarah Rachel Reynolds, age 94, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  She had lived in Washington County, Virginia, for most of her life.  She was a daughter of the late David Jasper Clark and Nannie Elizabeth Clark.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Reynolds was preceded in death by her husband, William R. “Bill” Reynolds; her children: Robert Reynolds, Cecil Reynolds, Carolyn Oliver and Mary Lee Abballe; her sister, Mattie Odum; and her brothers:  Roy, Roby, Cyphus, John, Henry, Riley and Jesse Clark.

She is survived by her sons: William “Junior” Reynolds, Ronald Reynolds, and David Reynolds, all of Abingdon; her daughters: Volga Anderson of Cincinnati, OH; Nannie Cox, Regina McCracken, Cecilia Rierson, and Darlene Ramsey, all of Abingdon; eighteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Mrs. Sarah Rachel Reynolds will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2008, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Bob Neace officiating.  Burial will follow at Sinking Spring Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be James Clark, James Holloway, Kevin Castle, Bill Snodgrass, Darrell Snodgrass, and David Clark. 

The family will receive friends Friday, December 19, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Lula Rose Steffey, age 90 of Mendota,VA passed away Friday, December 19, 2008 at her residence.

She was born October 15, 1918 in Mendota, VA and was a member of the Mendota Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Susie Rose, her husband, Henry Steffey and a grandson, Randy Chaffin.

Survivors include three daughters, Alma Brummitt and husband Archie, Patsy Chaffin and Josephine Williams all of Mendota, VA, four grandsons, Charlie Williams, Darrell Chaffin, David Brummitt and Jerry “Buck” Chaffin, three granddaughters, Susan Powers, JoAnn “Missy” Vanover and April Ryder.  Seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, two special friends, Ernest Holman and Bill McCracken.

The service and burial will be private conducted by Rev. Clinton Ryder.

Friends may call at the home at anytime.

Paul Gray Wiley, 73, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Johnson City Medical Center following a long illness.  Born April 11, 1935 in Henry Clay, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Russell Andrew Wiley of Elkhorn, KY and Virgie Potter Wiley Herron of St. Paul, VA.  He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Mark Wiley and a sister Lois Jean Wiley Smith.

He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force after graduating from Clinchco High School in 1954.  He worked in the aerospace industry in Huntsville, AL and Cape Kennedy, FL before retiring from IBM in Manassas, VA in 1991.

Mr. Wiley was an avid golfer, woodworker, and had completed 51 years of membership in the Masonic Fraternity.  He was a member of Clintwood, VA Lodge #66.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lois Sue Kiser Wiley; one son, Paul Gray Wiley, II and wife Beth Crouse of Sewanee, TN; one daughter, Jennifer L. Wiley Hakala and husband Brian of Katy, TX; grandchildren Katherine Daile Wiley and Jacob Kiser Wiley of Sewanee; Rachel Kennedy Hakala and John Paul (Jack) Hakala of Katy, TX.

The funeral service will be conducted Monday, December 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Michael Moore officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

The committal service will be Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, Va.  Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Hakala, Ivory Steffey, R. D. Dickenson, Mike Marshall, Gregory Marshall, Bill Artrip, Kenneth Clack, Ellis Epling, Sammy Belcher, James Ronald Kendrick, and Wiley Johnson.

Flowers will accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 2601 Willard Rd., Suite 103, Richmond, Va. 23297. 

Charles Casto Ramsey passed away on December 20, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va.  Mr. Ramsey was the son of the late Hilman Ramsey and Flora Stowers Ramsey.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier, USS Antietam during World War II.   He gained his naval air wings on the USS Antietam and was a Golden Gloves boxer.  He graduated from King College in Bristol, Tennessee and received his masters degree from the University of West Virginia in Morgantown, WV.  He was a member of the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church and the Abingdon American Legion #0012.

    Mr. Ramsey was a successful football coach at Dundee High School, Dundee, Ill., Tazewell High School, Tazewell, Va., Abingdon High School, Abingdon, Va., and East High School in Sullivan County, Tenn.  He coached football and taught at the University of Houston, Houston, Texas; Emory and Henry College, Emory, Va., Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va, and the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.

    He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca Jane Ramsey; his wife of 64 years, Jane DeVault Ramsey; his sisters-in-law, Fain DeVault, Irma DeVault and Mary DeVault Butcher; and his brothers-in-law, Edward DeVault, Nolan Butcher and Bud Zeig.

    Mr. Charles Casto Ramsey is survived by one son, Charles “Skip” Hilman Ramsey, Damascus, Va.; one daughter, Mary Fain Ramsey and her husband Lewis Purifoy, Charlottesville, Va.; one sister, Ruby Zeig, Galion, Ohio; two nieces, Karla Cline, Martha Butcher Crowe; five nephews,  Steve Zeig, Randy Zeig, James Butcher, Ed DeVault, Russell DeVault; two grandchildren, Anna Ramsey Purifoy and Layla Anne Smith; and three great grandchildren, Isabella Smith, Solana and Nyellie Valles.

    A graveside service for Mr. Charles Casto Ramsey will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol, Tenn.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Charles Casto Ramsey Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 950, %Emory & Henry College, Emory, Va.  The time and date of a memorial service will be announced at a later date. 

Preston L. “Pappy”  Wolfe, age 80, departed this life on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Willie Elizabeth Overbay Wolfe.

He was a charter member of Glade Spring Church of Christ and a retired employee of Virginia Metals in Abingdon, VA.

Survivors include his sons, Garrett L. Wolfe and wife Susan of Bristol, VA; Ronald P. Wolfe and wife Lucinda of Glade Spring, VA and Paul G. Wolfe and wife Traci of Abingdon, VA; his daughter, Millie A. Turnmire and husband Don of  Abingdon; his brothers, Lawrence A. Wolfe of Baltimore, MD; John G. Wolfe of Damascus, VA and Texas O. Wolfe of Cana, VA; his sister Juanita Goad of Hillsville, VA; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; one step grandson and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Monday, December 22, 2008  from 12 Noon until 1:45 P. M. at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens). A graveside service will follow at 2:00 P. M. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Don Turnmire officiating.

Pallbearers will be Chad Andis, Brad Andis, Ron Hearld, Steven Keller, Nathan Campbell, Don G. Turnmire, Dustin Turnmire and Romeo Mora.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe and Bee Andis. 

The family wishes to give special thanks to the nursing staff  of the second floor west wing of Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. 

Henry Dean Statzer, Jr., 49, of Abingdon passed away Monday, December 22, 2008 at his home.

He was born September 17, 1959, and is a son of Henry Dean Sr. and Doris Roark Statzer of Abingdon. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was an avid sportsman and conservationist, and was a member of the North American Hunting Club.

In addition to his parents, survivors are his wife, Darlene Whaling Statzer; his son, Derek (Laura) Johnson; daughters Adriananna Statzer, and Sasha (Jesse Ray) Smoot; step son, Jeremy McCloud; brothers, Kenneth (Cynthia) Statzer, and David (Allison) Statzer; sister, Brenda (Steve) Eades; grandchildren, Savana Johnson and Nicholas McCloud; best friend and hunting buddy, Tim Herndon; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Henry Statzer, Jr. will be conducted at 2:00pm Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon with the Rev. Bob McCormick officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Tim Herndon, Jesse Ray Smoot, Allen Hudler, Phillip Blevins, James Crusenberry, and Paul Sullins, Jr.

The family will receive friends at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 12:00pm until 1:45pm Wednesday.

Mrs. Marjorie Cozzens Roush, 82, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008 in the NHC Healthcare, Johnson City, TN.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Louis Roush, a son, Robert Roush, a brother, Marion E. Cozzens and a sister, Cheryl R. Brickner.

Survivors include two sons, Elmer Louis Roush, Jr. and wife, Lynda, Brasstown, NC, Richard Roush and wife Melissa, Columbia City, Indiana, two daughters, Linda A. Simmerly and husband, Dave, Hamptonville, NC, Kathryn R.. Spence and husband Robert, Gray, TN, a brother,  Francis R. Cozzens, Chesapeake, VA, two sisters, Jacqueline C. Tarpley, Franklin, VA and Ann C. Sonneman, St. Louis , MO, eight grandchildren, Laura, Elmer III, Joel, Kristine, Elizabeth, Christopher, Carolyn and Trey, two great grandchildren, Mariana and Ian, several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating.

A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Virginia Beach, VA.

Mrs. Beulah Poston Duncan, age 80, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2008, at NHC HealthCare of Bristol.  She was born October 3, 1928, in Washington County, Virginia, the daughter of the late Stuart and Eva Poston.  She was a life-long resident of Washington County and was a member of Mt. Carmel Christian Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Duncan, and her son, Randy Duncan. 

Survivors include her sons: Bill and wife Sue of Bristol; Ralph and wife Nancy of North Augusta, SC; Fred and wife Darlene of Glade Spring; and Bobby of Meadowview; her daughter Jean Musick and husband Ronnie of Meadowview; her daughter-in-law Carol Duncan of Roanoke; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Mrs. Beulah Poston Duncan will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2008, at Mt. Carmel Christian Church in Meadowview, Virginia, with Minister Clay Bailey officiating.  Burial will follow at Holston Conference Cemetery in Emory, Virginia.  Pallbearers will be Bill Mullins, Dan Crowe, Evan Monahan, Steven Cannon, Lance Brewer, Randy Hyde, Brandon Duncan and Adam Duncan. The family will receive friends Friday, December 26, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Christian Church.

Mrs. Duncan’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff at NHC HealthCare in Bristol. 

Roberta Sword Lawson, age 85, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.

Roberta was  born on February 26, 1923 in Washington County, VA. She was the last surviving member of her family. She  was a daughter of the late Melvin Sword and Harriett Cox Sword. She was also preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Lawson; her sister, Stella Webb and her brothers Russell Sword, Clyde Sword and Ralph Sword.

Roberta was member of the Washington Springs United Methodist Church and a member of the Eastern Star #151 of Saltville, VA.

Survivors include her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Peggy & Arnold McCready of Glade Spring, VA and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA with Rev. Stephen McCready and Rev. Larry Lusk officiating. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Those attending the service are asked to meet at the  cemetery by 1:50 P. M. Sunday. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home; however anyone wishing to sign the guest register at the there may do so at any time.

Mrs. Alma Bias Burnside, 90, of Abingdon went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 25, 2008.

She was born February 7, 1918 to the late Gordon R. and Virgie L. Bias in Boone County West Virginia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Newton J. Burnside; sisters, Mildred Barker, Helen Burgroff, Nina Stringer; brothers, William Bias, and Alex Bias; and grandson, Timothy Hardwick.

Survivors are her daughter, Sylvia Hardwick and husband, Jim of Abingdon; three sons, Rev. Joe Burnside and wife, Jeannette of Copper Hill, Virginia, John Burnside and wife, Nancy of Radford, Virginia, and Rick Burnside and wife, Andrea of Windermere, Florida; one brother, David Bias and wife, Deanna of Parkersburg, West Virginia; one brother-in-law, John Lyle Burnside of Hurricane, West Virginia; Seven Grandchildren, Alan Hardwick and wife, Lisa, David Burnside and wife, Edith, Jerry Burnside and wife, Amanda, Jo Ann Burnside, Christi Brummit and husband, Michael, Sara Myers and husband, J.R., and Angie Monhollen and husband, Chris; six step-grandchildren and nine great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Burnside will be conducted at 1:30pm Monday, December 29, 2008 at King’s River Worship Center, 777 Mallory Lane, St. Albans, West Virginia 25177 with Pastor Ron Crum, Rev. Phillip Dunn, and Rev. Michael Brummitt officiating. Interment will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 12:30pm until 1:15pm at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Salvation Army or Appalachian Teen Challenge, PO Box 980, Athens, West Virginia 24712.

Joe Wilson Mullins, 49, passed away Friday, December 26, 2008 in Johnston Memorial Hospital following an extended illness.

He was born June 16, 1959 in Abingdon and was a son of the late Woodrow Wilson and Ida Ruth Barrett Mullins. He had most recently lived in Bristol but was formerly a resident of Meadowview, Virginia where he lived with his aunt and uncle, Faye and Frank Barrett. He had worked as a diesel mechanic and as a truck driver, a job he loved. He was a new Christian and a member of Greenfield Baptist Church in Meadowview.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Benny Mullins.

Survivors are his brother, Michael Mullins of New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his sister, Elizabeth Stump and husband, Russ of New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Special aunt and uncle, Faye and Frank Barrett of Meadowview, Virginia; Special Friend, Margie Keith of Abingdon; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A graveside service for Joe Mullins will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, December 28, 2008 in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon with Pastor Thomas Capron officiating. Interment will follow. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. There will not be a visitation.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to the Crossroads Medical Staff and to the Staff of Johnston Memorial Hospital.

Pauline Wells Elswick, age 87, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2008, at her residence in Abingdon, VA.  A native of Russell County, VA, she had lived in Abingdon since 1972. 

She was a retired teacher, having taught for thirty-three years.  She was affiliated with several organizations, including lifetime membership in the Virginia PTA, membership in NEA, VEA, and Washington County Retired Teachers Association.  She was also a member of Midway Baptist Church in Bristol, Virginia.

Mrs. Elswick was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Edward Elswick, and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include daughter, Kimberly Crookshank; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Vanessa Elswick; step-daughter and husband, Shelby and John Whited; grandchildren Megan Elswick Larraburu, Maureen Elswick, and Pamela Lyons; great-grandchildren Lee Ann Kinder and Shaun Larraburu; sisters Mae Wells Ball and Ruth Wells Gibson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pastor Dexter Terry will officiate funeral services for Mrs. Elswick at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2009, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.  Entombment will follow in Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens.  Pallbearers will be friends and family.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Midway Baptist Church and the Ladies Sunday School Class that Mrs. Elswick taught for many years.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 2, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Midway Baptist Church, 21318 Old Dominion Road, Bristol, VA  24202.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Elswick’s gracious caregivers:  Charles Roberts, Alyson Abell, Suzanne Goyette, Jacquelyn Helms, and Home Nursing Company, Inc. Home Health and Hospice.