Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Deaths

•Harry Johnson, 69, of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Pearisburg, Va., died Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home of Peterstown.

• Johnny A. Johnson, 68, of North Tazewell, Va., died Monday, April 2, 2007 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, Va.

• Lindsey Leon Johnson, 49, of Lenoir, N.C., formerly of Bluefield, died Monday, April 2, 2007 in a Lenoir hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Richardson Funeral Home of Bluefield.



Obituaries

James Edward Bales

FILBERT — James Edward Bales, 85, of Filbert, died Sunday, April 1, 2007, at McDowell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gary. Born Dec. 9, 1921 in Richlands, Va., he was the son of the late Henry Bales and Mary Belle Odell Bales.

He was a resident of Filbert the greater part of his life. A member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Gary and the Knights of Columbus. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1940 to 1946. He was a graduate of Gary High School in 1940.

Preceded in death by parents; two sisters, Louise Bare, Lenny Martin; and one brother, Joe Bales.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rose Mary Colombo Bales of the home; two sons, Coney Bales and wife Alice, Kenneth Bales and wife Theresa all of Welch; two nieces, Debbie Parks and husband Danny of Princeton, Tammy Herron and husband Curt of Beckley; grandchildren, Senior Trooper, Roger Flippen and wife Jennifer of Pecks Mill, Samantha Blackburn and husband Sgt. Todd Blackburn of Phenix City, Ala., Lisa Miller and husband Lee of Nashville, Tenn., Nicole Rohrig and husband Adam of Abingdon, Va., Deana Bales of Bluewell; great grandchildren, Malachi, Nolan, Brayden and Grayson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 11 a.m. from the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Gary with Father Tan Nguyen, S.V.D., celebrant assisted by Brother Rogers Hannan. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Bluewell.

Friends may call Tuesday (today) at the Fanning Funeral Home in Welch, from 6 to 8 p.m. where a Vigil Prayer Service will be conducted at 7 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Robert Cure, Lee Miller, Roger Flippen Jr., Adam Rohrig, Cecil Patterson and Sid Cure.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund of the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Gary, WV 24836 or St. Peter Catholic Church, Welch, WV 24801.

Fanning Funeral Home of Welch is serving the Bales family.

Thetys Marie (Martin) Birdsong

BLUEFIELD — Thetys Marie (Martin) Birdsong, 88, of 1000 College Ave., Bluefield, died March 30, 2007 peacefully at her home.

Born Oct. 25, 1918 in Winston-Salem, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Carl V. Martin Sr. and Eva Mallory Martin. Mrs. Birdsong was a retired teacher's aide in the Mercer County School system and was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Bluefield.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tully Birdsong; an infant son; two brothers, Van W. Martin and Carl V. Martin Jr. both of Bluefield.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Suzanne Birdsong of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a daughter and son-in-law, Terri and David Zuskin of Poquoson, Va.; three grandchildren, Annie and Grant Birdsong of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Gabriel Hoback of Poquoson, Va.; a great-grandchild, Brogan Hoback of Poquoson, Va.; a sister, Virginia Wygal of Winston-Salem, N.C.; two nephews, Carl Martin III of Bluefield and Neil Martin of Moore, S.C.; and two nieces, Suzanne Bovenizer of Bluefield and Diana Wygal of Potomac, Md.

Graveside services for Mrs. Birdsong will be conducted Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Monte Vista Park Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel located in Green Valley with Dr. Don Scott officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Monte Vista Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Mrs. Birdsong's name to: Bluefield WV Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 311, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com.

Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield is serving the Birdsong family.

Curtiss Edward Cecil

LASHMEET — Curtiss Edward Cecil, 85, of Lashmeet, died Sunday, April 1, 2007 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born March 23, 1922 at McComas, he was the son of the late Charlie Cecil and Cora Harmon Cecil.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Gertrude E. Farmer Cecil; three sisters, Etta Carden, Arlie Shatley and Leatha Walsh; two brothers, Enoch Cecil and Willis Cecil; two grandchildren, Kimberly Denise Gillespie and Neil Edward Crotty; and two sons-in-law, Kermit Gillespie Sr. and Jeff Jennings.

Mr. Cecil was a disabled coal miner from Crane Creek Mines and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be loved and missed very, very much. No family has ever been more blessed.

He is survived by four daughters, Sondra G. Gillespie of Lashmeet, Patricia Knapp and husband, Art of Streetsboro, Ohio, Vanessa Lovern and husband, Arnold of Davison, Mich. and Penny Spencer and husband, Franklin of Richmond, Va.; two sisters, Trulia Babington and husband, Wayne and Lillian Richardson all of Swedesboro, N.J.; two brothers, Alfred Cecil and wife, Freda of Matoaka and Harrison Cecil and wife, Sue of Finksburg, Md.; seven grandchildren, Kermit Gillespie Jr. and fiancée Trena Smith of Montcalm, Sondra M. Gillespie of Dublin, Ohio, Karena Knapp of Streetsboro, Ohio, Melissa Crotty of Davison, Mich., Adam Lovern and wife, Leasha of Lapeer, Mich., Jessica Milburne and husband, Clay of Richmond, Va. and Franklin Spencer of Richmond, Va.; four great grandchildren, Kimberly Gillespie and Curtis James Gillespie of Lashmeet, Cole Lovern of Lapeer, Mich. and William Preston Milburne of Richmond, Va.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. today at the Rowland H. Bailey Funeral Chapel of the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with the Rev. Paul Hall, officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until the service hour.

Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where military graveside rites will be conducted by the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Kermit Gillespie Jr., Adam Lovern, Curtis James Gillespie, Dewey Woolwine, Lloyd Woodring and Kenny Crotty. Friends attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

To send online condolences and view a video tribute to Mr. Cecil please visit www.bailey-kirk.com.

Mr. Danny Lee Dye

RAVEN, Va. — Mr. Danny Lee Dye, 62, of Raven, passed away Monday, April 2, 2007 in a Richlands, Va. hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Richlands, Va., and was the son of the late Roby Glen and Margie Alice Keen Dye, both of Raven, Va. He was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area and had worked for Koch-Raven Company as a Tipple Operator. He was of the Holiness faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Flossie Hurt and Ivory Jean Horn; and two brothers, James and Willard Dye.

He is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Lynn Dunn of Bristol, Tenn. and Heather Lynn Dye of Claypool Hill, Va.; son, Danny Glen Dye of Claypool Hill; sisters, Velline Dye of Raven and Judy Compton of Cleveland, Ohio; brothers, Frank Dye of Myrtle Beach, Va. and Junior “Mop” Dye of Raven; grandson, Christopher Glen Dye.

Funeral services for Danny Dye will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Bibleway Church in Raven, Va. with the Rev. Dannie Short officiating. Interment will follow in Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, Va. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Bibleway Church in Raven after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday (today).

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Mae Bernice Fulcher

LYNDHURST, Va. — Mrs. Mae Bernice Fulcher, 82, of 2795 Lyndhurst Rd., Lyndhurst, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at Augusta Medical Center, Fishersville, Va.

Born April 18, 1924, in McComas, she was a daughter of the late William and Bessie (Dudley) Robertson. Mae was united in marriage with Robert Fulcher until his death on Sept. 19, 1986.

Mrs. Fulcher was employed at the Southern Department Store in Waynesboro, Va. for many years, prior to her retirement. She attended Lyndhurst United Methodist Church, since 1991, and had also been involved in the Order of the Eastern Star since the mid 1960s.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Carol Short, four brothers and three sisters.

Surviving are her sister and best friend, Mamie Scott of York, Pa.; three daughters, Carolyn Young of Bluefield, Connie Fulcher of Stuarts Draft, Va. and Frankie Fulcher Cubbage of Waynesboro, Va., as well as six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday (today), April 3, 2007 at Lyndhurst United Methodist Church with the Rev. Allen Follett, the Rev. Jim Simmons and the Rev. Lee Price, officiating. Mae’s grandchildren and great grandchildren will serve as her pallbearers. Committal services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

Friends will be received at the church, prior to the service, on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to the Carol Short Memorial Fund, c/o Lyndhurst United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 317, Lyndhurst, VA 22952.

Those wishing to express their condolences or share a remembrance with the family are invited to visit www.reynoldsfuneralservices.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Funeral Service.

Donald Chester Osborne

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Donald Chester Osborne, 76, of Kannapolis, a former resident of Princeton, went to sleep peacefully on earth and awoke in Heaven to a glorious celebration on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at his residence.

Born in Epperly, Sept. 20, 1930, he was the son of the late Terry Thomas and Minnie Grace Williams Osborne. Don made his home in Kannapolis, N.C. for the past several years. Prior to moving Don was employed by the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. in Princeton for 25 years. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Don was a member of the First Christian Church in Princeton and a former member of Princeton Masonic Lodge No. 134 AF & AM and Princeton Chapter No. 53, Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to his parents, one sister, Drema Mastin; two brothers, Luther Osborne and Paul Osborne; and his former father and mother-in-law, John H. and Audrey Mae Whittaker preceded him in death.

Survivors include four loving children, Terri Kierstead of Mooresville, N.C., Sherri Shields and husband Monty of Bluefield, John Osborne and wife Donna of Statesville, N.C., and David Osborne of Charlotte, N.C.; former wife and mother of his children, Sarah Whittaker Osborne of Princeton; grandchildren, Chad Osborne, Samantha Goode, Jared Kierstead, April Kazmierczak; great-grandchildren, Alauna, Ethan and Gavan Goode; two sisters, Billie Belcher and Carolyn Isner both of Elkins; special nephew, Eddie Osborne and wife Anna and their daughter, April Barrett all of Princeton and several additional nieces and nephews.

Don was a loving father whose happiest times were spent with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman instilling in his children a love of nature and appreciation for the beauty of the world God created for us. Don was very talented, creative and artistic creating beautiful flower gardens and unique holiday decorations. Don will be deeply missed by his family who will be comforted with the knowledge he will always live in their hearts and minds.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. today, April 3, 2007, at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with the Rev. Gary Lyons officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. to the service hour today. In keeping with his wishes the body will then be cremated.

Graveside services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Those attending the graveside services are asked to be at Seaver Funeral Home by 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The family may be reached at 121 Stinson Rd. in Princeton or seaverfh@citlink.net.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Shriner's Crippled Children Hospitals and Burn Centers, C/O Bluefield Shrine Club, P.O. Box 1598, Princeton, WV 24740.

Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is serving the Osborne family.

Hubert Haskell Picklesimer

SWORDS CREEK, Va. — Hubert Haskell Picklesimer of Swords Creek, died Thursday, March 29, 2007. Mr. Picklesimer was 86 years old.

He was born in Paintsville, Ky. and moved to Baltimore, Md. in 1941 where he worked for Martin Marietta Corporation (now Lockheed-Martin) for three years. He met Della Elkins during this time, who became his wife immediately before he went into the U.S. Army. Mr. Picklesimer and Miss Elkins married on May 2, 1944 in Tazewell, Va. After basic training in Fort Sill, Okla., he served as a Field Artillery Sergeant in Europe in World War II and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and the Army Occupational Medal (Germany). After being discharged in 1946 they moved to Tazewell, Va. where he built a home and hauled coal. Mr. and Mrs. Picklesimer moved back to Baltimore in 1950 where he worked as a machinist at Lockheed-Martin for over 32 years, retiring in 1983. He and his wife moved back to Virginia in 2000 and built a home in Swords Creek on the property where Mrs. Picklesimer grew up.

Mr. Picklesimer accepted Christ and was baptized in 1964. He served as a Deacon at the Church of Christ in Baltimore. Mr. Picklesimer has been an active member at both the Cliffield Church of Christ and Lebanon Church of Christ since moving to Swords Creek.

Mr. Picklesimer was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Daulton Picklesimer and Ethel Conley and his brothers Walter, Francis, and Hansel Picklesimer.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Della Elkins Picklesimer of Swords Creek, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, David and Peggy Picklesimer of West Caldwell, N.J.; a grandson, Kevin Picklesimer of Rochester, N.Y., a granddaughter, Karen Picklesimer of West Caldwell, N.J.; brothers, Estill Picklesimer of Ft. Pierce, Fla., Evertte Picklesimer of Carey, Ohio and Homer Picklesimer of Volga, Ky.; sisters, Juanita Bell of Wheeling, Ann Monroe of Simpsonville, S.C. and Betty Garey of Volga, Ky.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Lebanon Church of Christ at Lebanon, Va. with Brother Keith Matney - Cliffield Church of Christ, Brother Everette Morefield - Abingdon Church of Christ and Brother Adam Horn - Lebanon Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in the Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon, Va. Pallbearers will be Kevin Picklesimer, Bobby Elkins, Carl White, Harry White, Keith Elkins and Eugene Elkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Jonathan Picklesimer, Carlis Elkins, Donald Elkins, Harold Elkins and Harley White. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Lebanon VFW Post 9864.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (today) at Singleton Funeral Service at Cedar Bluff, Va.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Picklesimer to: Office of Advancement, General Scholarship Fund, Lipscomb University, 3901 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.SingletonFuneralService.com.

Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Picklesimer family.

Juanita I. Shelton

PETERSTOWN — Juanita I. Shelton, 74, of Peterstown, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2007 at her home. Born Sept. 10, 1932 in Erwin, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Rex and Loretta Watts Lewis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Steven Shelton; four sisters, Blanch Hamilton, Callie Dotson, Thelma Arwood, and Minnie Singley; three brothers, Merle, Harold, and Wayne Lewis. Mrs. Shelton was a member of the Glen Lyn Church of Christ, Glen Lyn, Va., and was a retired nurse having last worked at Riverview Nursing Home, Rich Creek, Va.

She is survived by her husband, Rex Shelton; one son, Jeff Shelton and wife Sharon of Rock Camp; one daughter, Janie Asbury and husband Stanley of Peterstown; seven grandchildren, Jeff Cox, Steven, Ryan, and Tyler Shelton, BJ Wilson, Coy Wimmer, and Lisa Hamblin; two great granddaughters, Crissy Erwin and Marissa Cox.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel in Peterstown, with the Rev. Jim Mullins and Danny Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at the Swope Cemetery, Lindside.

Friends may call from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (today), April 3, 2007 at the funeral home.

Online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the Shelton family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com.

Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.

Shirley J. Skeens

PRINCETON — Shirley J. Skeens, 57, of P.O. Box 5881, Princeton, died on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at Princeton Community Hospital.

Born on May 3, 1949 in Princeton, she was a daughter of the late Otis Vernon and Eula Jean Thomas Skeens. She had lived in Princeton for the past 20 years and was a member of the Princeton Fundamental Christian Church/R.A. West Ministries. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, her son, Brian Skeens preceded her in death.

Survivors: Son: Terry Skeens and wife Betty of Princeton; brothers: James Skeens and wife Sharon of Bluefield, Daniel Skeens and wife May of Bluewell, Billy Skeens of Princeton, Hobert Skeens of Green Valley, Kenneth Skeens and wife Tuesday of Princeton; sisters: Victoria Skeens of Harmoning, N.C., Linda McKinney and husband Denver of Lashmeet; granddaughters: Amanda Skeens and Rebecca Skeens; step-grandchildren: Samantha Rathburn, Sahyla King, and Travis Phillips.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with the Rev. Jay West officiating. Burial will follow at the Brown Cemetery in Hardy. Her nephews will serve as her pallbearers.

Friends may call on Tuesday (today) from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Skeens family.

Helen Ruth Sturdivant

“Don’t you dare cry as I have traveled home, two angels came and carried me to God’s Son.”

BLUEFIELD, Va. — Helen Ruth Sturdivant, 82, of Bluefield, Va., passed away on Sunday, April 1, 2007.

She was born May 14, 1924 and was the daughter of the late Charlie Woods Crigger and Mattie Cora Crigger. She was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Maude Kathleen Wilson and Marie Earls Slade and by brothers, Fred, Henry, Woodrow, Raleigh and Ray Crigger. She was also preceded in death by her husband, George Albert Sturdivant Sr.

Survivors include: Daughter, Barbara J. wife of James E. Proffitt of Fortson, Ga.; son, George Albert Sturdivant Jr. of Concord, N.C.; grandson, Timothy Proffitt of Manheim, Pa.; great grandchildren, Jenna and Cole Proffitt; brother-in-law, John Henry Sturdivant of Bluefield, Va.; special nieces, Jo Ann Mabe, Tammy Brilley, Crystal Sadler and Ruby Earls.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, Va. with the Rev. Lacy Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Va.

Pallbearers will be John Earls, Joe Earls, Shannon Akers, Chris Brilley and John Slade.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Friends may call today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, Va.

George William Thompson

GALAX, Va. — George William Thompson, 74, of Galax, died Monday, April 2, 2007 in Galax.

He was born in Belfast Mills, Va., and was the son of the late William Smith Thompson and Mary White Thompson.

He is survived by a brother, Earl Thompson and wife Martha of Bassett, Va.; sisters, Ann Harrison and husband Gene of Wytheville, Va., Freda Lovelace and husband Tom of Wytheville, Kay Macomber of Bluefield, Va.; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, Va. with the Rev. Terry Goodman officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Va.

Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Harrison and Tom Lovelace.

Friends may call Wednesday one hour prior to services at the Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, Va.



Funerals

Funerals scheduled today include:

• Helen M. Adams: 11 a.m., Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, Va. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens, Claypool Hill, Va.

• Mrs. Kelsie Clevinger: 2 p.m., Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, Va. Burial will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens Cemetery, Claypool Hill, Va.

• Elgene Cook: 1 p.m., Coal Mountain Freewill Baptist Church, Coal Mountain. Burial will follow in Hatfield Cemetery, Coal Mountain.

• Gary Wayne Greene: 11 a.m., Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, Va. Burial will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Va.

• Sterling Grogan: 1 p.m., Burns Wornal Chapel of Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.

• Margaret Mae Mabe: 11 a.m., George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton.