Deaths

• Catherine L. Foust, 47, of Hurricane, formerly of Bluefield, died Saturday, July 21, 2007 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell.

• George Washington Keatley, 71, of Brushcreek Falls Road, Speedway, died Saturday, July 21, 2007 at Princeton Community Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

• Carolyn Watkins Taylor, of P.O. Box 272, Pocahontas, Va., died Friday, July 20, 2007 at Tazewell Community Hospital. Arrangements will be announced by Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell.



Obituaries

James Owen Catron

“Pops”

PRINCETON — Mr. James Owen "Jim" Catron, 78, of 42 Hillcrest Drive, Princeton, finished his race on July 20, 2007 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born September 16, 1928 at Glen Lyn, Va., he was the son of the late Frazier Catron and Dollie Wade Catron Brown. Jim spent most of his life working in construction and in the later years he worked in farming. He was a founding member and Deacon of the Cornerstone Family Church in Princeton. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in which he received the Purple Heart. James along with his wife Mildred were recognized by Governor Arch Moore as West Virginia Foster Parents of the Year for their work as Foster Parents.

Survivors: Wife of 53 years, Mildred Gilbert Catron of Princeton; children, Dottie Spartz and husband Robert of Lawrence, Mass., Gilbert Catron and wife Kim of Athens, Rev. Scott Catron and wife Suzie with whom he made his home, Robbie Catron and wife Kim of Athens; special friends who were like a son and a daughter, Jackie and Joyce Barker of Princeton; 10 grandchildren 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Ann Edwards and husband Jerry of DeKalb, Ill., Joyce Harmon and husband Henry of Norfolk, Va.; brother, John Catron of Dublin, Va.

A service to celebrate the life of Jim Catron will be held Sunday (today), July 22, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. from the Cornerstone Family Church on Brick Street in Princeton with the Reverend Scott Catron officiating. Friends may call Sunday (today) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Graveside services and burial with full military honors will be held Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. from the Roselawn Memorial Gardens on the Courthouse Road in Princeton. Those wishing to attend the graveside services are asked to meet at the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton by 10:30 a.m. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.memorialfd.com.

Serving as pallbearers will be grandsons: Jim Spartz, Sgt. Matthew Owen Catron, Michael Catron, Ryan Long, Paul Catron and James Hart.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim’s honor to the Cornerstone Family Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1532, Princeton, WV 24740.

The Catron family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

Rev. Herman Cordle Jr.

LASHMEET — Rev. Herman Cordle Jr., 61, of P.O. Box 504, Lashmeet, died on Friday, July 20, 2007 at his residence.

Born on August 6, 1945, in Beartown, he was a son of the late Herman J. Cordle Sr. and Dorothy Mitchem Cordle. He had lived in Lashmeet for the past eight years and served as a minister. He attended the Ridgeview Church of God. He was a coal miner with 27 years of service. He was a UMWA member.

Survivors: Wife of 44 years, Brenda Sue Reed Cordle of the home; sons: Randy Cordle and wife Sharon of Rock, Anthony Cordle and wife Jodie of Princeton; brothers: Alex Cordle and wife Margie of Princeton, Timothy Cordle of Beckley; sister: Dreama K. Cordle Dowell of Green Valley; grandchildren: Devin Cordle, Joshua Cordle, and Cailin Cordle.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with the Rev. L.A. Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Pallbearers will be Jerry Shinault, Dave Worley, Mosie Rocchetti, Clarence Underwood, Michael Howerton, and John Duncan.

Friends may call on Sunday (today) from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Esley Couch

LEX — Esley Couch, 88, of Lex, died early Friday, July 20, 2007, at Appalachian Regional Hospital in Beckley.

Esley was born May 8, 1919 in Bradshaw, a daughter of the late Ben H. and Angeline Coleman Addair. She was a life long Christian and a homemaker. She enjoyed taking care of her home, gardening, and flowers, and loved spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Farley Couch in 1977; one brother, James Mont Addair; and four sisters, Lula Cosner, Earmal Jones, Nora Matney and Donna Auville.

Survivors include four children, Henry Couch and wife Darlene of Glen Allan, Va., Evelyn Couch Harris and husband Wally of Coral Springs, Fla., Arnold Couch and wife Anna of Fairfax, Va., and Mrs. Shirley Watts of Meadville, Pa.; one brother, Elza Addair of Fairfax, Va.; 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and special friends, Carl and Hazel Deskins of Bartley.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 23, 2007 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger with the Reverend Johnnie Stanley officiating. Burial will follow in the Short Ridge Cemetery on Garland Mountain near Garland. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Sunday (today), July 22, 2007 at the Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley from 6 to 8 p.m. Mrs. Couch will then be brought to Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger where friends may call Monday morning from 11 a.m. until time of services.

Arrangements by Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger.

Clifford Lyle Dunigan

PEARISBURG, Va. — Clifford Lyle Dunigan, 82, of Church Avenue in Pearisburg, departed this life Saturday morning, July 21, 2007 at Pulaski Community Hospital in Pulaski, Va. Born above Narrows, Va. on Wolf Creek on October 15, 1924, he was a son of the late William R. and Ethel Wall Dunigan.

After high school “Cliff” joined the CCC Camp at Rocky Gap, Va. and later worked a short while at Celanese Celco Plant at Narrows, Va. During World War II he served his country in the U.S. Navy as Electricians Mate on the USS Colorado. After the war he was employed for over 43 years with Appalachian Power Company and retired as Giles County Superintendent. He was a member of Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bertha Stowers Dunigan; his daughter, Betty Jean Snider; his three sisters, Margaret Dunigan, Evelyn Haymore, and Reda Mae Burris.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a son, William C. Dunigan (Butch) of Pearisburg; a daughter, Linda Sue Rhodes of Pearisburg; a brother, Freddie Dunigan of Oakboro, N.C.; three grandchildren, Regina Harless, Blake Hammons, Donnie Rhodes; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn Harless and Ethan Harless; a special niece, Kim Weatherly and her husband Danny and their children Alicia, Samantha, and Megan; a faithful friend in Pearisburg, Roger Riddle, and a devoted buddy from this Navy days, Richard Fox of Ohio.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead, Va. with Pastor Shahn Wilburn, Pastor Terry Easter, and Pastor Phillip Moran officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg with graveside military rites by American Legion Post 68 in Narrows, 311 in Pembroke and VFW Post 6000 in Narrows.

The family will receive friends at The Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Cliff’s memory to The Pearisburg Volunteer Fire Department Building Fund.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.

F. Mason Graves

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — F. Mason Graves, of Port Charlotte, Fla. (formerly of Montcalm), died Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care Home in Venice, Fla.

Born August 9, 1920 in Montcalm, Mason, a U.S. Army World War II combat engineer and veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, returned after the war and worked many years for the former Bethlehem Steel Company in Baltimore, Md. He was an electrician by trade and opened and operated his own electrician business until retiring to Florida from Baltimore in 1983. He was a 60-year member of American Legion Post 38 in Dundalk, Md. and charter member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge 2710 Rotonda, Fla. Mason was loved by his family and many friends and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Shirley A. Graves of Port Charlotte; a son, Edward M. Graves and his wife Jane K. Graves and one grandson, Scott E. Graves and his wife Annette Graves all of Richardson, Texas; two nieces, Sandra Taylor and Ann Flora.

Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield with the Rev. D. Homer Stewart officiating. Burial will follow.

The West Virginia Honor Guard will conduct Military graveside rites.

Memorials: Memorial contributions are suggested to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the Graves family.

Mary Maggie Harless

BLUEFIELD — Mary Maggie Harless, 85, of Route 2, Box 83, Bluefield, died Friday, July 20, 2007 in a Bluefield hospital.

Born June 14, 1922 in Bramwell, she was a daughter of the late Dave and Beulah Corell Shrader. She was a graduate of Bramwell High School and was previously employed by the Griffin Pie Company, was retired from the Mercer County Board of Education as a custodian, and worked as a custodian at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harless was preceded in death by her husband, Thurmond Harless and a granddaughter, Tammy Harless.

Survivors include three children: A daughter, Jackie Nunn and husband Bobby, two sons: Ronnie Harless and wife Carolyn, and Thomas Harless and wife Judy, all of Bluefield; a sister: Ruth Raper and husband Hoyt of Ohio; two brothers: Walter Shrader and wife Minnie of Princeton, and Rex Shrader of Martinsburg; six grandchildren: Jerry Nunn and wife Alice of Rock, Michael Nunn and wife Carole of Charlotte, N.C., Kimberly Caldwell and husband Noell of Clearwater, Fla., Pamela and husband Angel Villamil of Clearwater, Fla., Heather and husband Ronnie Goodman of Peterstown, and Tracie and Matt Williby of Bluewell; 12 great-grandchildren; and a very special caregiver, Margaret Pigg.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment will follow at the Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery located in Princeton. Serving the family as pallbearers will be the grandsons.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday (today), July 22, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

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

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

Sandra F. Jenkins

MORGANTON, N.C. — Sandra Kay Finney Jenkins, 54, of Morganton, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2007 at Valdese General Hospital following a period of declining health.

Mrs. Jenkins was born on August 13, 1952 in Bluefield. She was a homemaker and was a member of Lighthouse Ministries in Valdese.

Survivors include her husband, Ricckie E. Jenkins of the home; two children, Ricckie Scott Jenkins and Kelly Nicole Barrier, both of the home; two grandchildren, Kasi Lashelle Jenkins and Keanu Scott Jenkins; her mother and father, Troy Finney and Violet Louise Finney of Bluefield, Va.; six brothers, Ricky Finney and wife Lisa of Valdese, N.C., David Finney and wife Genette of Valdese, Darrell Finney of Valdese, Mark Finney of Valdese, Edward Finney and wife Brandy of Raleigh, N.C., and Matthew Finney of Valdese; a special sister in law, Bernice Elliott and husband Dwaine of Valdese; a special cousin, Allen Dills of Huntington; and a special friend, Diane Barrier of Valdese.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, July 23, 2007 at Lighthouse Ministries in Valdese. Officiating will be the Rev. Donna O’Neal. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Sunday (today) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, N.C., where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the funeral hour.

Memorial gifts may be made to Lighthouse Ministries, 1728 Enon Rd. Valdese, NC 28690.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese is serving the family.

Rosie Mae Price

CEDAR BLUFF, Va. — Rosie Mae Price, 79, of Cedar Bluff, Va., passed away Saturday, July 21, 2007 in a Richlands, Va. hospital.

She was born in Smith County, Va., and was the daughter of the late George Miller and Amanda Fowler Hagy. She was a lifelong resident of the area having worked 16 years at Swans Cleaners in Richlands, Va. and as a housekeeper in the area. She was of the Holiness faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul J. Price.

Survivors are: Daughter, Ruby Lee Sweet of Richlands, Va.; stepdaughters, Debra J. Griffith and companion, Roy Osborne of Richlands, Va., Barbara Alicie of Cedar Bluff, Va.; stepsons, Paul Price Jr. of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Darrell Price of Bland, Va.; sister, Minnie Belle Lester of Baptist Valley, Va.; brother, George Bill Hagy of Richlands, Va.; special grandsons, James Pilkins and Robert Asbury; four great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; 10 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Price will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 23, 2007 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Va. with the Rev. Dannie Short officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons.

The family will receive friends at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Va. on Sunday (today) from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

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

William “Bill” Hagy Richardson

BLUEFIELD — William “Bill” Hagy Richardson, 85, of Maple View Road in Bluefield, died Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the Bland County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born November 20, 1921 in Kimball, he was the son of the late Walter James and Madge Richardson. He was a retired electrician and a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II and the Korean War. He attended the Greenview United Methodist Church in Green Valley and had been a resident of Bluefield since 1999 moving here from Seminole, Fla.

In addition to his parents, his wife, Eileen Godsey Richardson; and one sister, Dorothy Woods preceded him in death.

Survivors include one son, William Ronald “Ron” Richardson and wife Joan of Jacksonville, Fla.; two grandchildren, Brandon Richardson and Heath Richardson and wife Cara all of Jacksonville, Fla.; two great grandchildren, Jason Tyler Richardson and Jessica Renee Richardson; and one sister, Nell Daugherty of Illinois.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 23, 2007 at the Greenview United Methodist Church in Green Valley with the Rev. Brent Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may call at the church from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. today at the Greenview United Methodist Church in Green Valley.

Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.

Arville G. Snow

GROVELAND, Fla. — Arville G. Snow, 81, of Groveland, Fla., passed away on Friday, July 20, 2007.

He was a member of Praise Temple Church of God in Groveland, the Masonic Lodge No. 112 Welch, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32nd degree Orlando, Fla. and Shriner Beni Kedem Temple Charleston. He was also an Air Force veteran of World War II. He retired from United States Steel Corporation as Maintenance Foreman and Electrician in the coal mines.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Snow; son, Roger Snow of Pineville; daughter, Belinda Kosmos of Leesburg, Fla.; brothers, Lee Snow of Bluefield, Charles Snow of Cleveland, Ohio; sister, Girlandean Craft of Mount Airy, N.C.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 23, 2007 with a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. located at Brewer & Sons Funeral Home/Groveland Chapel.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at the Praise Temple Church of God in Groveland, Fla. Burial will follow to Lakeside Memorial Garden in Eustis, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hospice Foundation of Lake & Sumter, Inc., 12300 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778-9972.

Funeral services were entrusted to the Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 132 E. Magnolia Street, Groveland, Florida 34736. 352-429-3500

www.brewerfuneral.com

Helen “Jean” Sylvester

BLUEWELL — Helen “Jean” Sylvester, 85, of Lorton Lick Road, Bluewell, formerly of McComas, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, July 20, 2007. After a long illness she has gone home to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Sylvester. She was born on September 26, 1921 in Duhring to the late Oscar and Hilda Hurst. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Paulene Holloman and Tillie Nicewander and her daughter, Patricia “Patty” Isaac.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and wife. She spent her life caring for her family and friends. She was a devout Christian of the Methodist faith. She was a wonderful, caring, giving person who was loved by everyone.

A special Baptism was held by the family with the Reverend Connie Black at her home on Sunday, July 1, 2007.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, six children: Daughter, Carole Hanson and Richard Day of Roanoke, Va.; son, Johnny Sylvester and wife Ava of Princeton; daughter, Anita Belcher and husband John “Jr.” of Rock; daughter, Rita Ratliff and husband Glenn Ratliff of Princeton; son, Mitchell Sylvester and wife Patsy of Roanoke, Va.; and son, Michael Sylvester and wife Sabine of Oregon. Also her 17 grandchildren: Sherry Hanson of Princeton, Rodney Hanson of Princeton, Scott Hanson of Roanoke, Dana Steele of Princeton, Chris Sylvester of Princeton, Jill Sylvester of Princeton, Shane Belcher of Chesterfield, Va., Shellie Ingraham of Rock, Stephanie Bailey of Rock, Sarah Belcher of Rock, Heather Stock of Princeton, Krista Ratliff of Charlotte, N.C., Jennifer Arnbrister of Washington, Sandy Sylvester of Oregon, Ricky Isaac of Princeton, and two step-grandchildren, Sasha Patterson of Roanoke and Shawn Prillamon of Roanoke. Along with 20 great grandchildren and her neighbor and best friend, Elizabeth Woody; the caregivers who took care of mom over the last few years during her illness. Greta Wilhelm, Shellie Ingraham, Geraldine Smith, Teresa Morgan and Marcena Mullins and the staff of Mountaineer Home Health.

Pallbearers will be Jr. Belcher, Rodney Hanson, Shane Belcher, Chris Sylvester, Ricky Isaac and Scott Hanson.

The family will receive friends at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell on Sunday (today), July 22 from 6-8 p.m. The Reverend Connie Black, a long time family friend, will hold funeral services Monday, July 23, 2007 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton.

The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Emyle Elizabeth Green Wells

RAVEN, Va. — Mrs. Emyle Elizabeth Green Wells, 84, of Raven, passed away Friday, July 20, 2007 following a lengthy illness.

She was the daughter of the late Charles Preston and Mary Frances Horton Green. She was a lifelong resident of the Raven area and a charter member of Raven Assembly of God.

Her life was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These were the joys of her life. Her heart, home, and kitchen were always open and set for all the neighborhood children that may be near at mealtimes. She was employed by Russell County School System for 35 years, serving in the school cafeteria at Givens Elementary and Swords Creek Elementary.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Claude Wells; one grandson, Jonathan Enoch Wells; one sister, Velma Green Lawson; and six brothers, Raleigh, Herman, Hershel, Willard, Donald, and Andrew Green.

Survivors are: Daughters, Pat Vernon and husband, Rick of Raven, Va., Lisa Cruey and husband, Les of Grottoes, Va.; sons, Jim Wells and wife, Shirley of Grove, Okla., John Wells of Bristol, Tenn., Doug Wells and wife, Lola of Abingdon, Va.; eight grandchildren, Tammy Walls, Randy Vernon, Brandon Vernon, Susan Addison, Beth Wells, Rebecca Wells, Sara Emyle Cruey, and Madison Cruey; seven great-grandchildren, Bryce Addison, Grace Addison, Baleigh Vernon, Zack Slone, Justin Slone, Emily Walls, and Ethan Walls; special sister, Pauline Plaster; special caregivers, Total Home Care Hospice, and the staff of Golden Age Retirement Home. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wells will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 23, 2007 at Raven Assembly of God in Raven, Va. with the Rev. Joe Copolo, the Rev. Leslie Ritchie, and the Rev. Barry Absher officiating. Entombment will follow at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum in Richlands, Va. Pallbearers will be Randy Vernon, Brandon Vernon, Terry Addison, Zack Slone, Justin Slone, Bobby Elkins, Kevin Farley, and Carl Lawson.

The family will receive friends at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Va. Sunday (today) from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Raven Assembly of God, c/o McKeel Family Life Center, P.O. Box 340, Raven, Virginia 24639.

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



Funerals

Funerals scheduled today include:

• Leo Hurley: 3 p.m., Burns Wornal Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton. Burial will follow in Trail Family Cemetery, Princeton.

• Mr. Thomas A. Lowe: 4 p.m., Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Va. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Claypool Hill, Va.

• Jackie Ray “Pee Wee” Thomas: 2 p.m., Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluewell.

• George Louis Woods: 2 p.m., Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home in Asheville, N.C. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Asheville.

• Ellen Lorraine Sorah Yost: 2 p.m., Tazewell Presbyterian Church in Tazewell, Va. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Tazewell.