Obituaries

Edith Upton Bailey

Edith Upton Bailey, 94, of Hurricane passed away Dec. 31, 2002, inMorris Memorial Nursing Home, Milton.

She was a retired supervisor for New Jersey State Hospital, ownerand operator of Bailey's Truck Stop and Restaurant.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sadie and SamuelE. Ashworth of Hurricane; grandsons, Bill and Katherine Ashworth ofScott Depot, Steven and Donna Ashworth of Nashville, Tenn.; fivegreat-grandchildren.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Cunningham Memorial ParkUpper Mausoleum Chapel, St. Albans, with Pastor Paul Romineofficiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Friends may call one hour prior to service at the mausoleum.

Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, St. Albans, is in charge ofarrangements.

Wanda Lee Balser

MONTGOMERY - Wanda Lee Balser, 75, of Montgomery died Tuesday,Dec. 31, 2002, in Montgomery General Hospital following a longillness.

She was a resident of Rivermont Presbyterian Homes in Montgomery.Born April 7, 1927, in Marting, she was the daughter of the lateAugust and Sadie Goodwin Roat.

She is survived by her children, Bartley Balser of Maryland,Barbara Chapman of Kimberly, Joey Wayne Balser of Cincinnati, Ohio,Mary Kelly of South Carolina, Sadie Coon of Rand, Ida Miller fo CedarGrove, James Balser of Montgomery, and Jackie Balser of Cedar Grove;brothers, George Roat of Cannelton and Freddie Roat of Oak Hill;sisters, Libby Myers of Cannelton, Katherine Dozier of Cannelton andEvellyn Stevens of North Carolina; 27 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at O'Dell FuneralHome, Montgomery with the Rev. Donald Lanham officiating. Burial willfollow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens at Glasgow, W.Va.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Billie Sue Belcher

CONCORD, N.C. - Billie Sue Belcher, 38, of Concord, N.C., formerlyof Gordon, W.Va., died Dec. 30, 2002.

She was a housewife and was preceded inn Mont death by her father,William Miller, and stepfather, Billy Hastings Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Belcher of Concord;daughter, Holly Heavener of Euless, Texas; son, Ben Cummings ofConcord; mother, Sue Hastings of Gordon; brother, Billy Hastings ofGordon; sister, Delena Toler of Greenwood; grandson, Austin Heavenerof Euless.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Gordon Union Church,Gordon, with the Rev. Phil Rowe officiating. Burial will be inDanville Memorial Park.

Friends may call after 6 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Handley Funeral Home, Danville, is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Doris Boso

SUMMERSVILLE - Mary Doris Boso, 86, of Summersville died Dec. 29,2002, in Grant Memoiral Hospital, Petersburg, after suffering astroke Nov. 24, 2002, at her home in Summersville.

Bron Feb. 22, 1916, near Snow Hill, Nicholas County, the daughterof Mary Richardson O'Dell and Oscar H. O'Dell, she was a graduate ofNicholas County High School, received a Bachelor of Arts degree frdedinn Mom Marshall College, taught at Nicholas County High School andwas a social worker with the West Virginia Department of HumanServices.

She was optimistic, compassionate and loved learning. She was manythings to many people: Loving wife, mother, and grandmother,dedicated homemaker, a friendly and concerned neighbor, Bible scholarand member of Summersville Memorial Methodist Church, where shetaught Sunday school for several years.. She was happiest when givingof herself to improve the lives of others. She was preceded in deathby her husband of 64 years, Roy Boso, on June 11, 2002.

She is survived by a son, Roy Boso Jr., who will now makes hishome with his sister, or Moorefield; daughter, Patricia L. Williamsand her husband, Edward Williams, of Moorefield; three grandsons,Scott, Doug and Jeff Williams; four nieces; one nephew.

At her request, her body has been donated to the Human GiftRegistry of West Virginia University at Morgantown. A memorialservice will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made toSummersville Memorial Methodist Church.

White Funeral Home, Summersville, is in charge of arrangements.

Brenda F. Brewer

SANDYLEVEL, Va. - Brenda F. Brewer, 52, died Dec. 30, 2002.Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2003, at Liberty House ofPraise, Houfnagle Road, Lewisburg, W.Va. Friends may call from 6 to 9p.m. Thursday at Longanacre Funeral Home, Fairlea.

James D. Calderis

BECKLEY - James D. Calderis, 74, of Beckley died Jan. 1, 2003, inBeckley VA Medical Center.

Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, is in charge ofarrangements.

Joseph P. Cogar

Joseph P. Cogar, 64, of Glasgow, formerly of Belle, died Dec. 29,2002, in CAMC Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Joe was a truck driver for McCowen Meat Co. He was a Marine Corpsveteran and a 1957 graduate of DuPont High School, where he excelledin basketball and football.

He is survived by a brother, Steve Carpenter of Point Pleasant;sister, Peggy C. Jackson of Fayetteville, N.C.; nephews, K at a laterdate. Memorials meith A. Carpetner of Charlotte, N.C., Charles R.Carpenter of Switzerland; great-nephew, Benjamine Carpenter ofCharlotte.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at TylerMountain Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, Cross Lanes, with the Rev.Charles Melton officiating. There will be no visitation. The bodywill be cremated. Fidler & Frame Funeral Home, Belle, is in charge ofarrangements.

Wallace W. Coleman

BRADLEY - Wallace Wayne "Squats" Coleman, 48, of Bradley died Dec.31, 2002. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Rose &Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m.Friday at the funeral home.

Donald Clark Davis

ST. MARYS - Donald Clark Davis, 44, of St. Marys died Dec. 29,2002. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Stump Funeral Home,Grantsville. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at thefuneral home.

Leola Cook Edwards

PINEVILLE - Leola Cook Edwards, 92, of Pineville died Dec. 30,2002, in Cedar Ridge Nursing Home, Sphews, K at a later date.Missonville, after a long illness.

Born July 30, 1910, in Rockview, she was the daughter of the lateJames and Manerva Jane Laxton Cook.

Mrs. Edwards was a former member of the Pineville Women's Club andan active member of the Rockcastle Baptist Church. She formerlyworked for Colony Drug, Beckley, for 17 years and Holloway Drug,Pineville, for 12 years. She was a lifelong resident of Wyoming andRaleigh counties.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Edwards, in 1987.

Leola is survived by her only son, Robert Dinkler and his wife,Betty R., of Charleston; two grandchildren, Dan Dinkler ofCharleston, Barbara Price and her husband, Darren, of Acworth, Ga.;two great-grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Price of Acworth.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Calfee Funeral Home,Pineville, with the Rev. Donald "Doc" Adkins officiating. Burial willfollow in Cook Cemetery, Keyrock. Friends will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Robert E a later pperly

MOUNT HOPE - Robert Epperly, 56, of Mount Hope died Dec. 30, 2002.Service will be 2:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at High Lawn Memorial Park,Oak Hill. Friends may call one hour prior to service Friday at TyreeFuneral Home, Mount Hope.

Arty J. Franzello Sr.

RUPERT - Arty J. Franzello Sr., 88, formerly of Bradenton, Fla.,and Rupert died Dec. 31, 2002. Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan.4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rainelle. Friends may call from 6to 8 p.m. Friday at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle.

Robert W. Given

COWEN - Robert Wilson "Bob" Given, 63, of Cowen passed awayMonday, Dec. 30, 2002, at West Virginia University Ruby MemorialHospital, Morgantown, after a short illness.

He was born Dec. 25, 1939, at Upper Glade, a son of the late S.Dewey and Goldie G. Morris Given.

He was a Headstart and school bus driver in Webster County, theformer director of Camp Ceasar and a veteran of the United StatesArmy.

He was a member of American Legion Post No. 62, Knhome.

Robert E aights of Pythias Glade Lodge No. 205, Cowen VolunteerFire Department, 4-H All-stars and the American Bowling CongressBowler for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Claudia E. Greene Given; sons, SamuelE. and his wife, Teri Given of Cowen and Matthew R. Given of Oakton,Va.; sisters, Sorothy A. Dalyai of South Port, N.C., Marjorie Cirilloof Cleveland, Ohio, June Miller of Cowen and Jane McCourt ofDeerfield, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Hunter A. and Logan D. Givenof Cowen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother,Samuel E. Given; and a sister, Dorma L. Given.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Morris Funeral Home,Cowen with the Rev. Cofer "Bud" Cochran officiating. Burial withmilitary graveside rites conducted by VFW Post 3738, Webster Springs,will be in the Handschumacher Cemetery, Upper Glade.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003, at thefuneral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to theCowen Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 186, Cowen, WV 26206.

Rev. Bryce W. Griffith

PARKERSBURG - Rev. Bryce W. Griffith, 79, of Parkersburg died Dec.30, 2002, in Camden Clark Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Looneyville, son of the late George L. and BessWright Griffith.

He graduated from Toccoa Falls Bible College, Toccoa, Ga., andalso graduated from West Virginia Tech and did graduate work atMarshall University.

In 1950, he was ordained by the First Baptist Church, Spencer,then pastored churches for 25 years in Reedy, East Bank, Huntingtonand Buckhannon. From 1975 until his retirement in 1986, he served asMinister of Communications for the West Virginia Baptist Convention.He also served as secretary to the West Virginia Baptist Conventionfor many years.

He is survived by two sons, David W. Griffith of Washington,W.Va., and Richard A. Griffith of Parkersburg; brother, Brooks D.Griffith of California; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Pet VolunteeitGriffith; daughter, Rev. Saundra Heizer, and two brothers, E. Blakeand L. Dan Griffith.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Emmanuel BaptistChurch, Parkersburg, with Dr. Kurt Busiek and the Rev. DavidCarpenter officiating. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. at CloverCemetery, Roane County.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday atLeavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg.

H. Leon Hager

HAMLIN - H. Leon Hager of Hamlin died Jan. 1, 2003, in St. Mary'sHospital, Huntington.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella "Sally" HatfieldHager, parents, A.G. "Doc" and Hattie Ballard Hager, brothers, HomerK. and Opie C. Hager.

Leon was born June 27, 1917, in Danville. He was an automobiledealer in Hamlin for 40 years. When he opened his dealership, he wasthe youngest Ford dealer in the United States. Leon was a formerdirector of the West Virginia Automobile Dealer's Association,director of the Bank of Danville for 28 years, represented LincolnCounty for 10 yerly Pet Vars in the West Virginia House of Delegates,served as treasurer of the Lincoln County Demcorat ExecutiveCommittee, was a Lincoln County Chief Deputy Sheriff, Wing Commanderof the Civil Air Patrol of West Virginia in 1958 and won the covetedCol. D.H. Byrd Award for outstanding Wing Commander in the UnitedStates.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Harry and LindaHager of Barboursville, Henry and Iris Hager of Hamlin; grandson,Henry "Hank" Hager and wife, Beth, of Charleston.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Handley FuneralHome, Hamlin. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at HandleyFuneral Home, Hamlin. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery,Huntington.

Susan Cobb Harshbarger

Susan Cobb Harshbarger, 54, of Dunbar passed away Dec. 23, 2002.

Susan was born June 5, 1948, in Richmond, Va., and moved to Dunbarwith her parents, the late Dr. Ward Jr. and Edna BarthlowHarshbarger. She was also preceded in death by her sister, ElizabethAnn Broodus.

Susan graduator 10 yerlyed from Dunbar High School and MorrisHarvey College. She attended West Virginia State College and thePresbyterian School of Christian Education. She was a graduate ofGarnet Career College where she received certification as a licensedpractical nurse.

Susan was employed at Thomas Memorial Hospital, St. FrancisHospital and Loved Ones In-Home Care. She was a member of FirstPresbyterian Church, St. Albans.

Susan's hobbies included medieval history and revivals, Celtichistory and music and family genealogy.

Surviving are her sister, Lynn Williams of Birmingham, Ala.;brother, Ward Harshbarger III of Dunbar; and aunts, DorothyHarshbarger of St. Albans, Elizabeth Hurt of Roanoke, Va.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at KellerFuneral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Paul Romine officiating. Burialwill follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Friends may call one hour prior to service at Keller Funeral Home,Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kanawha Hospice Care,1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064.

John W. Hawks

BECKLEY - John W. Hawks, 53, died Dec. 31, 2002. Service will be 1p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Nealy Jones

CRAB ORCHARD - Nealy Jones, 78, of Crab Orchard died Dec. 31,2002. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Rose & QuesenberryFuneral Home, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday atthe funeral home.

Donald W. Kesselring

MOUNDSVILLE - Donald W. Kesselring, 89, died Dec. 30, 2002.Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Koontz Funeral Home,Hamlin. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Koontz FuneralHome.

Linda Mae White Kidd

Linda Mae White Kidd, 55, of Tad, Kanawha County, W.Va., died Dec.31, 2002, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident atGallagher, W.Va.

Born Jan. 3, 1947, in South Charleston, she was the daughter ofthe late Harry and Lucille Patton White. She wasations may be made toKanawha Hospice also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Savage.

She was a member and organist at First Baptist Church of Standard,was a homemaker and was previously employed in the mail department atShawnee Hills.

Her survivors include her husband, Harold "Bubby" Kidd; daughters,Joyce Paxton of Grafton, Cheryl Brown of St. Albans and BrendaMarmino of Bethhalto, Ill.; stepson, Darrell Kees of Chelyan; sister,Gerldine Norman of Indianapolis, Ind.; sister and brother-in-law,Louise and Bobby Snodgrass of Charleston; and brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Ernest and Freda White of Charleston; fourgrandchildren; several cousins, nieces, nephews and a host offriends.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at O'DellFuneral Home, Montgomery with the Rev. Clarence Hutton officiating.Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens at Glasgow.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Frances G. Lavinder

Frances G. Lavinder of Kanawha City passed away Dec. 31, 2002, aoKanawhat her residence of a sudden illness.

She was born at Eight Mile on Campbells Creek to the late Hermonand Atha Brown Belcher. She was a former employee for SS Kresge Co.,and the Charleston Town Center. She was also a U.S. Marine veteran.

Her husband, Billy Green Lavinder; two brothers, William V. andCharles F. Belcher, preceded her in death.

She is survived by sons, Charles Lavinder of Kanawha City, WilliamG. "Billy" Lavinder of St. Albans; stepson, Greg Lavinder of Marmet;sisters, Eleanor Hissom and Dora Wallis Belcher, both of Charleston,Freda Wentz of Kanawha City; one grandchild; sister-in-law, HelenBelcher; and one nephew, Michael Belcher.

Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Stevens & GrassFuneral Home, Malden with the Rev. Byron Hissom officiating. Burialwill follow at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Sissonville.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Stevens & GrassFuneral Home, 4203 Salines Drive, Malden, WV 25306.

Ethel McCallister

Ethel Chandler McCalliste 2002, ao Kr, 91, a beloved mother,grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother,peacefully went to be with the Lord on Dec. 30, 2002, in SunbridgeNursing Home, Dunbar, with family by her side.

She was a true pioneer woman who knew how to live off the land.Although she endured hard times in her life, she managed to overcomeit all. There will never be another like her.

Mrs. McCallister was preceded in death by her sons, Darrell andPhillip McCallister, daughter, Violet Deel, and granddaughters, KathyWalker and Kathy Jean McCallister.

She is survived by daughters, Rosie Fields, and husband John, ofTornado, Rebecca Sue and Dorothy McCallister, both of Dunbar; son,Mike McCallister and wife, Linda, of South Charleston; grandchildren,Doris Tabor of Sumner, Wash., Gail Dye and husband, Charles, ofRavenna, Ohio, Edward Fields and wife, Charlotte, of Clayton, Del.,Diana Sowards of St. Albans, Barry Fields of South Charleston, DennisFields and wife, Nika, of Farmington, Denise Davis and husband,Da00vid, of Tornado, Michael McCallister and wife, Cindy, of SouthCharleston, Leslie Ferrell and husband, John, of Barboursville,Clifford Deel of Clendenin, Sandra Holt of Walton, Clarence, Ronaldand Gary Adkins, all of Cleveland, Shirley, Sharon and DarellMcCallister Jr., also of Cleveland; grandson-in-law, Jim Walker ofSt. Albans; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Graceland Memorial Park,South Charleston, with the Rev. Juanita Eads officiating.

Friends may call from noon until 1:30 p.m. Friday at Good ShepherdMortuary, South Charleston.

Bernice Godbey Miller

Bernice Godbey Miller, 90, of Ravenswood, formerly of Salineville,Ohio, died Dec. 31, 2002, at home following a lengthy illness.

Bernice was a retired waitress from Charleston area restaurantsand a Methodist. For years, she lived in the Pine Grove area ofSalineville, Ohio, where she was an avid gardener and caretaker ofmany animals.

She was born May 10, 1910, i husband, Dn Sugar Creek, JacksonCounty. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orval Miller, whodied June 8, 1978, father, Everette Godbey, stepfather, Bert H.Marion, mother, Etta Shamblin Godbey Marion; brothers, Oley "Jiggs"Godbey and Orville J. Godbey; half sister, Alice Marion Brinkley;half brother, Thomas Franklin Marion.

Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. until time offuneral services at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2003, at Pleasant ViewMethodist Church, Fishers Ridge, Kenna, with the Rev. Forest Kinderofficiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Gatens Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Poca, and Everhart FuneralService, Richmond, Ohio, is in charge of arrangements. Condolencesmay be e-mailed to the family at www.gatensfuneralhome.com.

Cleava M. Moles

GOSHEN, Ind. - Cleava M. Moles, 82, of Goshen, Ind., formerly ofMiami, W.Va., died Dec. 30, 2002, in Lakeland Rehabilitation Center,Milford, Ind., after a long illness.

Born Nov. 20, 1920, in Izard, Ark., daughter of the lat0, i husbeSamuel and Bertha Blevins Box, she was a homemaker and member ofLeewoo Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Moles, and son,Charles.

She is survived by three daughters, Sharron Lehman and husband,William, of Middlebury, Ind., Kathy Fraker and husband, Michael, ofLeewood, Pam Stanley and husband, Kevin, of Poca; son, Bobby Molesand wife, Judith, of Miami; brother, Cecil Box and wife, Lorene, ofWichita, Kan.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Pryor Funeral Home, EastBank, with the Rev. Herman Freeman officiating. Burial will be inKanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow.

Friends may call two hours prior to service at the funeral home.

Pryor Funeral Home, East Bank, is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis Jean Monk

PARKERSBURG - Phyllis Jean Monk, 80, of Parkersburg died Dec. 30,2002, in St. Joseph Hospital.

She was born in Kanawha County, a daughter of the late Albert andPribble Rollins Clark. She was a ge lat0, iraduate of SouthCharleston High School. She was retired from The Bureau Public Debtand attended New Hope Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Dale S. Monk of Huntington andWilliam H. Monk Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla.; four grandchildren, BethAnne Zoller of Jacksonville, Racher Herrod of Parkersburg, JacobPlate and Sarah Monk, both of Huntington; four great-grandchildren,Katelyn and Andrew Herrod of Parkersburg, Samuel Plate of Huntington,and Nicholas Zoller of Jacksonville; one brother, Charles Edwards ofSt. Albans; and three sisters, Virginia Nester of South Charleston,Ruth Bloss of Huntington and Mary Thompson of Detroit, Mich.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by herhusband, William H. Monk; three brothers, Thomas, Robert, and WilliamEdwards; two sisters, Thelma Williams and Mildred Edwards.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Lambert-TatmanFuneral Home, Green Street, Parkersburg, with the Rev. William Thomasofficiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park at St.Albans, W.Va.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at thefuneral home.

Joseph Lee Nelon Jr.

Baby boy, Joseph Lee Nelon Jr., died at Women and Children'sHospital on Dec. 30, 2002.

He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Kimberly Dawn Nelon ofWinfield; sisters, Amanda Dawn and Allison Nichole; also surviving,maternal grandparents, Paul and Judy Stewart of Dunbar; paternalgrandparents, Claude and Lillian Nelon of Hurricane; James and LindaSmith of South Charleston.

Private graveside service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003,at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington.

Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge ofarrangements.

Vesta D. Tyree O'Dell

CRAIGSVILLE - Vesta D. Tyree O'Dell, 89, of Craigsville died Dec.31, 2002, in Richwood Community Hospital.

Born March 17, 1913, on Phillip's Run, Nicholas County, she was adaughter of the late Edward and Sarah Martha McClung Tyree.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Craigsvill be inCunninghalle, and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by herfirst husband, Floyd "Skinny" Rock and by her second husband, HarryO'Dell, six brothers, and three sisters.

She is survived by one sister, Georgia Woods of Summersville;several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at White Funeral Home,Craigsville, with the Rev. David Sommerville officiating. Burial willfollow in Craigsville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Curtis O'Neal Patterson

Curtis O'Neal Patterson, 85, of Chelyan died Dec. 31, 2002, athome of a sudden illness.

He was retired from Appalachian Power Co., and was a member ofSlaughters Creek Memorial Freewill Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Icie Ilene Patterson; andone infant son.

He is surivived by three daughters, Barbara Allen and Betty Allen,both of Nicut and Ilene Allen of Canvas; one sister, Pauline Richardsof Sturgis, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren.

Service will bill be ine 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at SlaughtersCreek Memorial Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. John Hudsonofficiating. Burial will be in Massey Cemetery, Winifrede.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Pryor Funeral Home,East Bank.

Pryor Funeral Home, East Bank, is in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Pedro

Virgil Pedro, 89, of Boomer died Jan. 1, 2003, in MontgomeryGeneral Hospital after a long illness.

He was born April 7, 1913, in Boomer, and was the son of the lateJohn and Orandi Casteena Petrella.

He was a member of St. Anthony's Shrine Catholic Church, Boomer.He was also a retired miner from Cannelton Coal Co. and was a memberof UMW.

He is survived by his wife, Edith Perkins Pedro; children,Patricia Halsey of Woodbridge, Va., Charles Pedro of Woodbridge,Karen Sue Carnes of Elkview; brother, John Petrella of SouthCharleston; sisters, Mary Leonard of Detroit, Nell Petrella of Rand;nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jace will bn. 3,at St. Anthony's Shrine Catholic Church, Boomer, with Father PaulWharton as celebrant. Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley MemorialGardens, Glasgow.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at O'Dell Funeral Home,Montgomery, where a Christian Wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to ImmaculateConception/St. Anthony Shrine Endowment Fund, c/o West VirginiaCatholic Foundation, Box 209, Wheeling, WV 26003.

Matilda Phillips

MALLORY - Matilda Phillips, 87, of Mallory died Dec. 30, 2002.Service was 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home,Man. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior tothe service Friday at the funeral home.

Christopher R. Ramsey

GASSAWAY - Christopher Ramsey Ramsey, 23, died Dec. 29, 2002.Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Richard M. Roach FuneralHome, Gassaway. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at thefuneral home.

Elizabeth O. Richard

ROSEDwill be 11 a.m. Friday, JacALE - Elizabeth O'Connor Richard,77, of Rosedale died Dec. 30, 2002. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday,Jan. 4, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Glenville. Friends may callfrom 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg.

Georgia Frances Sanson

Georgia Frances Sanson, 88, of Charleston went home to be with theLord Dec. 31, 2002, in Cedar Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Centerafter an extended illness.

She was a homemaker and attended North Charleston ApostolicChurch.

Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, Deward Sanson, andgrandson, David Fields.

She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Roy Earl andMildred Shamblin of Sissonville; daughter and son-in-law, Opal andBob Fields of Sissonville; brothers, Gruder Tanner of Clendenin, RoyTanner of Duck; grandchildren, Larry, Danny and Kevin Shamblin, SandyStroup, Becky Nelson, Mark Fields, Beth McClanahan, Leah Ballard,Jonathan, Adam and Rachel Fields; nine great-grandchildren.

Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Jan.11 a.m. Fri 3, at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home, Charleston, with the Rev. Travis Bradleyand the Rev. Bob Fields officiating. Burial will be in Nebo BaptistChurch Cemetery, Nebo.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

James Eslie Sharp

CASS - James Eslie Sharp, 62, of Cass died Dec. 31, 2002. Servicewill be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home,Arbovale. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeralhome.

Edward L. Sherwood

Edward Leighton Sherwood, a longtime Charleston resident and lastchief executive of The Diamond Department Store, died Monday at hishome, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Sherwood, who was eighty-five years old, died following a longillness, according to family members.

Mr. Sherwood was raised in St. Louis, born on September 26, 1917,the youngest of three sons of Arthur Sherwood, a manager of MortonSalt Company, and Laura Sherwood. After completing high school, Mr.Sherwood attended Washington Universm. Friday, Jan.11 a.ity,graduating in 1940. He was a business major and a member ofthe SigmaChi fraternity.

Mr. Sherwood married Dolores Pitts (Dolly) Sherwood, also ofSt.Louis, in May 1941.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps.After the war, he began his career in the retail business, workingwith J.C. Penny Company. He moved into executive positions at FredandClark Haas, & Co. in Omaha, Nebraska, B. Siegel & Co. in Detroit and,in 1957, The Diamond, a May Company store. He retired as actingpresident of The Diamond in 1984, when he supervised the populardepartment store's closing. He later was named a federal trustee inthe bankruptcies of other Charleston retailers.

His career included orchestrating an Italian fashion exposition inCharleston, for which he received a Legion of Merit award from theItaliangovernment. He was also an active and respected board memberfor several organizations, including Highland Hospital and SunriseMuseum. An avid golfer, he once scored a hole-in-one on the thirdgreen at Edgewood Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood returned to St.Louis in 1997, residing in the Gatesworth Retirement Community. Theywere active members of the First Presbyterian Church, in Charleston,and of Ladue Chapel, in St. Louis.

Mr. Sherwood is survived by his wife, Dolly, five children andtheir spouses-Sally and Allen P. McDaniel, of Atlanta; Susan andWesley D.Wedemeyer, of St. Louis; Leslie and John Carothers, ofChicago; Robert E. and Alice Sherwood, of St. Louis; and Topper andKatja Sherwood, of Martinsburg -and 12 grandchildren.

A memorial Service will be held at Ladue Chapel PresbyterianChurch on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Memorial donations be made totheSherwood Family Fund of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.

Rosa M. Shoffner

Rosa M. Shoffner, 83, of Charleston died Dec. 30, 2002. Servicewill be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at J.E. Scott Memorial FuneralHome, Charleston. Friends may call one hour prior to service at thefuneral home.

Treva M. Smith

Tred a hole-in-one oeva M. Smith, 91, of Charleston passed awayDecember 31, 2002 in St. Francis Hospital after a short illness.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and retiredfrom the State of West Virginia.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, K.C. Jr. and LindaSmith of Elkview; and a daughter and son-in-law, Connie Jean andMichael Schubert of West Seneca, N.Y.; seven grandchildren and sevengreat-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2003 at Tyler MountainFuneral Home, Cross Lanes, with Rev. Geraald Dotson officiating.Entombment will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Trinity UnitedMethodist Church at 2626 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, WV 25302.

Tyler Mountain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Robert I. Thomas

Robert Irvin "Shorty Bob" Thomas, 76, of Scott Depot died Jan. 1,2003, at home after a battle with a long illness. He was surroundahole-ined by his loving wife and family as he moved from this earthto his heavenly mansion.

Bob was a member of the Good Shepherd Southern Baptist Church,Scott Depot, where he was thrilled to be a choir member. Bob hadattended Apollo Beach Baptist Church, Apollo Beach, Fla., while helived in Ruskin, Fla., for 12 years. Bob surrendered his heart andlife to God after he retired from FMC Corp., South Charleston Plant,with 23 years' service. Before beginning employment at FMC, he workedat Owens-Illinois for 18 years.

Bob and his family and friends enjoyed many years of camping andfun at Westvaco Sportsman's Club. As a youth, Bob attained the rankof Eagle Scout. He later served as scoutmaster in St. Albans. Bob andhis two sons were active scout members in St. Albans, where he wasscoutmaster for several years. He was an active member of the OwnizdClub. Bob was born Aug. 25, 1926, in Thacker, son of the late RobertFloyd and Dora Lee Harris Thomas. He was also preceded in death byhis sisters, Ruth McClaidan, Dreama Hartwell and Rosa Lee Edwards,and brother, Kenneth Thomas.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Edwards Thomas;daughters, Karen Thomas Hodges of Scott Depot, Donetta Thomas ofCharleston; sons, Robert Randall Thomas of Logan, Roger Allan Thomasof Huntington; 12 grandchildren, including his beloved buddy, JacobMason Thomas, and eight great-grandchildren.

Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Good Shepherd SouthernBaptist Church, Scott Depot, with Pastor Ken Stidham officiating.Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Chapman FuneralHome, Hurricane. You may e-mail condolences to the family atchapmanfuneralhome@charter.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to KanawhaHospice Care, 1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064. The family wouldlike to extend a special thank you to Kanawha Hospice Care for alltheir help and support.

Larry Alan Tilley

CHARLTON HEIGHTS - Larry Alan Tilley, 56, of Chath McClairltonHeights died Dec. 28, 2002.

He was a master electrician for UMWA and a Vietnam veteran.

Surviving are his wife, Teresa Munro Tilley; his parents, DanielTilley, and mother, Martha Akers Tilley of Charlton Heights;daughters, Camellia Snover of Charlton Heights and Lee AnnPoniatowski of Falls View; sister, Susan Sult of Columbus, Ohio;grandchildren, Cassandra Tilley and Zachary Tilley of CharltonHeights; and Mollie Lemasters of Falls View.

Memorial service will be Friday, Jan. 3, 2003, at Kanawha ValleyGardens, Glasgow, W.Va., at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Albert Fanninofficiating.

Bessie G. Waggoner

Bessie Gay Tunning Waggoner, 92, of Massillon, Ohio, died Dec. 31,2002. Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Parsons-WaybrightFuneral Home, Ripley. Friends may call two hours prior to the serviceat the funeral home.

Iva P. Cochran Wilkinson

Iva P. Cochran Wilkinson, 96, of Charleston died Dec. 30, 2002, inWebster County Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.

Born illey, 56, of Chath in Webster Springs, she was the retiredowner/operator of Iva's Beauty Shop for 23 years and was a Postmasterat Curtin. Iva attended Charleston Mountain Mission and was a memberof the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Pete Thurmon Cochranand Robert "Hank" Wilkinson; children, Ardeth Cochran, Pete ThurmondCochran Jr., Hillard V. Cochran.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Harold C. and KayCochran of Webster Springs; daughters and son-in-law, Eleanor andShirley P. Ramsey and Louise B. Wellborn, all of Charleston;stepdaughter, Joyce Kelly of South Charleston; daughter-in-law,Muriel Cochran of Charleston; brothers, Alva Brooks of Rupert, VanceSalisbury of Tennessee; sister, Virginia Badzek of Morgantown; 19grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home, Charleston, with Bishop Chester McCutcheonofficiating. Burial will be in Cogar Cemetery, Guardian.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Naomi L. Williams

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Naomi Lytton Williams Williams, 91, ofLouisville, Ky., formerly of Charleston, W.Va., died Dec. 28, 2002,in the Rose Ann Hughes Home after a short illness.

She was retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Herhusband, Henry, preceded her in death.

She is survived by one sister-in-law, Virginia Lytton ofCharleston; nephews, Norris Nolan Lytton of Charleston, KennethKermit Lytton of South Charleston, Gregory Kent Walker and JeffreyScott Walker of Louisville, David Cleon Groff of Scott Depot, DanielFloyd Groff and Richard Clayton Groff of Hurricane, Keith Owen Groffof Poca; nieces, Sandra Louise Kurtz of Chattanooga, Tenn., Rose AnnAffolter and Bonnie L. Penn, both of Charleston, Sharon Rebecca Whiteand Judith Naomi Romano of Hurricane.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Cooke Funeral Home,Nitro.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Cunningha in Cogar CmMemorial Park, St. Albans, with Minister Harold White officiating.

Garold O. "Jerry" Wilmoth

Mr. Garold O. "Jerry" Wilmoth, 78, of Charleston died Dec. 31,2002, in CAMC Memorial Hospital after a long illness due tocomplications of an automobile accident.

He was born Jan. 10, 1924, in Phillipi, W.Va., son of the lateAlbert and Orpha Wilmoth Sticklin.

He was a former automobile mechanic for 40 years who worked forGene Byrd Chevrolet, Tag Galyon Chevrolet, Team Chevrolet and retiredwith Bert Wolfe Ford.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kenneth Lovejoy; sister,Kathleen Turley; brothers, Chester, Jackie, Ronald, and Donald; andcompanion, Lorna Stalnaker.

He is survived by his wife, Oreda L. Casdorph Wilmoth; fourdaughters, Yvonne Russell, Bonnie E. Lovejoy, Trena L. Kinison andDiana Bays, all of Charleston; one son, Craig A. Wilmoth ofBradenton, Fla.; nine grandchildren and six-greatgrandchildren.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, nningha in Jan. 3, at Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home, Charleston with the Rev. Mike Longofficiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories,Pocatalico.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at thefuneral home.

Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge ofthe arrangements.

Florence M. Wilson

GRANTSVILLE - Florence May Riddle Wilson, 93, of Grantsville diedDec. 30, 2002, at her residence.

She was the daughter of the late Charlie and Maud Gay MerrittRichards. She was a member of the Pennsboro Church of Christ.

She is survived by four sons, Junior Riddle of Grafton, Ohio, HoyRiddle and Harold Riddle, both of Elyria, Ohio, and Eugene Riddle ofPennsboro, W.Va.; one daughter, Bernice Talhamer of Grantsville; sixgrandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, William A. Riddle;and her second husband, Russell K. Wilson; two brothers; and threesisters.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Sriday, nntumpFuneral Home, Grantsville with th eRev. Randy Wilson officiating.Interment will be in Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Lillian Opal Yoh

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Lillian Opal Yoh, 93, of Charlotte, N.C., diedDec. 30, 2002, in the Wesley Care Center.

Born Feb. 4, 1909, in Elliott County, Ky., Opal was the daughterof the late William Everett Robinson and Molly Pennington Robinson. Alongtime resident of Hurricane, W.Va., she owned and operated arestaurant and later owned the Mom & Pop's Hotel. She was anaccomplished cook and pastry chef, and had worked as a chef on alocal river barge line.

In 1981, Mrs. Yoh relocated to Charlotte, N.C., where she becamean active member at Bible Baptist Church and the Super Saints SeniorGroup. She was preceded in death by her three husbands, GeorgeFannin, Wallace Davis and Clarence Yoh.

Mrs. Yoh is survived by her daughter, Roberta Fannin Bostic ofHarrisburg, N.C.; grandchildren, Jim P. Bostic and wi 3, at Srfe,Kathryn, of Gallup, N.M., Natalie Bostic Bellamy and husband, Revel,of Weddington, N.C., Todd C. Bostic of Midland, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Brooke C. Bostic, Sarah E. Bostic, J. Tyler Bostic andDillion J. Bostic; sisters, Lora Rose and husband Russell of Ashland,Ky., Alice Holbrook and husband, the Rev. Frank Holbrook ofLouisville, Ky., Laura McCoy and husband, Harry, of Spring Hill,Fla.; brother, George L. Robinson of Ashland, Ky.; several nieces andnephews.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Forest Lawn EastCemetery, Matthews, with the Rev. Dr. James Phillips officiating.

Memorials may be made to Fruitland Baptist Bible College, 1455Gilliam Rd., Hendersonville, N.C. 28792.

Carolina Funeral & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.eSuper