WOODROW WILSON HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI PAGE

Obituaries - WWHS and BJHS Faculty

Thanks to Doris Ann (Cook) Dransfield who transcribed some of these obituaries.

HILLTOP - Fern Margaretta Grogan Adams, 85, of Hilltop, formerly of Beckley, died July 24, 1998, in an Oak Hill hospital after a long illness. She was a graduate of Concord College, a former teacher at Mark Twain High School, Stotesbury, Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, and at Redland and South Dade high schools, Homestead, Fla. Surviving: husband, Henry Garland Adams; daughters, Susan Bouldin of Tucson, Ariz., Mary Purvines of St. Louis; brothers, Fred Grogan of Deltona, Fla., Perry Grogan of Zebulon, N.C.; sister, Virginia Logan of Coral Gables, Fla. Memorial service will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Beckley, with Bishop Earl F. Shrewsbery officiating. There will be no visitation. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Prosperity, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Concord College Foundation, Athens.

Miss Pauline M. Alderman, 86, of Beckley, died Sunday, April 8, 2007, in a local care facility of natural causes. Born April 24, 1920, in Raleigh County, she was the daughter of the late Nathaniel Burl and Josephine Sutphin Alderman. Miss Alderman was a retired school teacher, having taught for one semester at Concord College, one year at Mark Twain High School and finished her teaching career at WWHS, teaching for 36 years. She was a 1938 graduate of WWHS, received her B.S. degree form Concord College in 1942 and later received her M.S. degree for WVU in 1953. Miss Alderman was a member of First Baptist Church, Beckley, and was a lifelong resident of Raleigh County. She was preceded in death by six sisters, Bernice Alderman, Mabel Rutherford, Thelma Wills, Agnes Stemple, Wanda Griffith and Edna Haig; and a brother, Wilbur Alderman. Miss Alderman was the last surviving of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by three nephews, George Rutherford and wife, Jearldine, of Elizabeth, Thomas Haid and wife, Carol, of Spokane, Wash., and David Griffith of Indiana; four nieces, Carolyn Watson and husband, Ralph, of Bluemont, Va., Linda Newton and husband, Bobby, and Joan Thomas and husband, George, all of Fredericksburg, Va., and Karen Criss and husband, Charles, of West Chester, Ohio; good friend and caregiver, Robin Dunning of Beckley; and dear friend, Gene Hedrick of Beckley. Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, April 16, at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Monday at the funeral home. Online guest book is available at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Miss Angelene Helen Amato, of 200 S. French St., Beckley died Thursday, November 5, 1992, in a Beckley hospital, following a long illness. Born at Winding Gulf, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore “Sam” and Rosalia Contrina Amato. Miss Amato was a retired Raleigh County educator, having taught at Clear Fork, Stoco and Woodrow Wilson High Schools. She had been a librarian and teacher of social studies, Latin, English, Journalism and Physical Education. She had been continuing her career as a substitute teacher. Miss Amato was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and West Virginia University with B. S. and M. A. degrees in education. She completed graduate studies at Marshall University and Morehead State University. She was once voted Teacher of the Year at Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where she served as an usher, a member of the Ladies of St. Francis, and a past treasure and member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a former president and treasure of Xi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, was named Most Outstanding Xi member in 1992, was treasure of the Woman’s Club of Beckley and past treasurer of the Raleigh County Association of Retired School Employees. Miss Amato served as a Raleigh County delegate to the state Education Delegate Assembly, served four years as president of the state School Library Association and was a member of the governor’s Committee of the United Nations project. She was a member of the West Virginia Education Association, the National Education Association and the Raleigh County Education Association. She served as a judge of the state Social Studies Fair as well as local science and social studies fairs. Miss Amato served as class sponsor at Stoco and Woodrow Wilson High Schools and was a faculty sponsor of Stoco High School’s yearbook, newspaper and cheerleaders. The Stoco high School Quill and Scroll Chapter was named after her. She was a past Alpha Phi State corresponding secretary. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Emanuel J. and guy Amato. Survivors include four sisters, Gerlanda “Jennie” Amato, Catherine Amato, Antoinette Alaimo and Dr. Theresa Edwards, all of Beckley. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with the Rev. John McGinnity officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Calfee Funeral Home, where a scripture prayer service will be conducted at 8:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be William H. Baker, Ross Hutchens, John Seay and nephews. Donations of sympathy may be made to the Angelene H. Amato Scholarship Fund, Woodrow Wilson High School, 212 Stanaford Road, Beckley, WV. 25801

BONAIRE, Ga. — Frank Basile, 64, formerly of Beckley, died Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, Ga., following a long illness. Born at Philadelphia, Pa., on Feb. 10, 1943, he was the son of Margaret Onori Basile of Beckley, and the late Giacomo Basile. Mr. Basile was a 1961 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and a graduate of West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1966. Mr. Basile was a former teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, and a former employee of the Raleigh County Health Department. He was a former personnel director at Raleigh General Hospital, a former assistant administrator at the University Hospital in Tamarac, Fla. He was also a former administrator at the Summers County Hospital in Hinton, a former administrator of a hospital in Trenton, Mo. He was a former prison system Health Administrator in Nashville, Tenn. He retired in June 2006 as a Health Administrator for the Wilcox and Dooley, Georgia State Prisons. Mr. Basile was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warner Robbins, Ga. Survivors include his wife, Karlyn Warden Basile; a son, Frank C. Basile and wife, Joetta, of Lindside, W.Va.; daughter, Kara Tipton and husband, Randy, of Huntsville, Ala.; and three grandchildren, Patrick and Cole Basile and Kyla Tipton. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church in Beckley, with the Rev. Father Chapin Engler as the celebrant. A Rite of Committal will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. Friends may call at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley from 6 to 9 p.m. today, where a Christian prayer service will be held at 8 p.m. by the Rev. Mr. Don Wise. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Gerlanda V. "Jennie" Amato, 75, of Beckley, died Wednesday, June 21, 2000, after a sudden, short illness. Miss Amato was the devoted daughter of the late Salvatore "Sam" and Rosalia (Mrs. Sam) Amato of Pemberton, and was the cherished sister of the late Emanuel Amato, Guy Amato, Angeline Amato and Antoinette (nee Amato) Alaimo, and sister-in-law of the late James Alaimo, Kay Amato and Dr. Francis L. Edwards. She is survived by her beloved sisters, Dr. Theresa Amato Edwards and Catherine Amato of Beckley; her adoring nieces and nephews, Francis L. Edwards II and his wife, Carol, of Rockville, Md., Samuel Edwards and his wife, Charlotte, of Lutz, Fla., D.R. Edwards and her husband, Warren Browne, of Chicago, Samuel C. Amato and his wife, Patricia, of Baltimore, Joseph Amato and his wife, Diane Ferguson, of Ellicott City, Md., Mary Kathleen (nee Amato) Hall and her husband, Ken, of Winchester, Va., Harry Amato of Baltimore and Samuel T. Amato and his wife, Melanie, of Beckley; 17 great- and great-great nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. She is also survived by her many dear friends and colleagues and by her legions of students. Miss Amato was born July 20, 1924, in Pemberton. Upon graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1942, she attended West Virginia University and earned her A.B. degree in physical science/social studies in 1946 and her M.A. degree in 1949. She began her 54-year teaching career at Stoco High School (1946-1957) and later taught for many years at Beckley Junior High School (1957-1967) and Park Junior High School (1967-1986). Upon her retirement from full-time teaching in 1986, she continued to teach on a substitute basis until the onset of her illness. In addition to her lifelong devotion to teaching, Miss Amato was active in numerous professional, social, civic and religious organizations. Among those organizations were the Xi Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (in which she held many leadership positions from 1972-2000), the Raleigh County Association of Retired School Employees (for which she served as president and treasurer), the West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees, the Education Alliance (for which she served on the Raleigh County Development Committee at the time of her death), the National Science Teachers Association, the National Education Association, the Woman's Club of Beckley (for which she served as treasurer), the Friends of the Library, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (where she was a member of the Ladies of St. Francis and the choir, and served as Eucharistic minister, usher and organizer of ushers for Sunday Masses until her untimely illness). During her long and prosperous life, Miss Amato also loved to travel the country and the world, to spend time with her sisters, friends and colleagues, to lavish her nieces and nephews with love and guidance and to devote many hours each week to her church. One of her many proud achievements was helping to relocate the Pemberton Church to New River Park. The family wishes to thank all of Miss Amato's many dear friends, colleagues and extended family who called, visited, sent cards and best wishes, ran errands, did chores and prayed so hard during Miss Amato's sudden illness and upon her death. Your love and kindness will forever be remembered and appreciated. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. A prayer service will be 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. The celebrants will be the Rev. Samuel S. Sacus and the Rev. Mr. W. Donald Wise. Pallbearers will be her nephews and nephews-in-law, Samuel C. Amato, Joseph Amato, Francis Edwards II, Samuel Edwards, Harry Amato, Guy Amato, Samuel T. Amato, Ken Hall and Warren Browne. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. The family will be receiving visitors at 822 S. Kanawha St. Contributions in Miss Amato's memory may be made to St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, the church or the charity of the giver's choice, or to the Beckley Area Foundation, Woman's Club of Beckley Fund. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Lucy Hutter Ragland Bowers, born in Lynchburg, Va., on Aug. 29, 1904, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, Sept. 26, 2005 at The Greystone Inn in Daniels. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Karl Douglas Bowers Sr. and their only son, Dr. Karl Douglas Bowers Jr. She is survived by three daughters and their families, Mrs. Robert G. (Sookie) Wilson of Glade Springs, Mrs. Richard K. (Nancy) Davis of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Mrs. Robert M. (Phyllis) Workman of Bedford, Va.; a daughter-in-law, Carol Sue Truman Bowers Baker of Destin, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters-in-law, Mrs. George M. Ragland of Charleston and Mrs. Tom Ragland Jr. of St. Michael’s, Md.; and many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Beckley High School, Lucy attended Randolph- Macon Woman’s College for two years before transferring to West Virginia University. She graduated from the University in 1924 with an A.B. degree in romance languages then attended the University of Virginia to pursue graduate work. In 1926, Lucy married Karl Douglas Bowers and taught French for four years at Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority in college, past President of the Beckley Woman’s Club, Charter Member of the Raleigh County Girl Scout Council, past member of the Salvation Army Board, a Red Cross Volunteer for 25 years, a volunteer at Raleigh General Hospital for many years, member of the WVU College of Law Council, past recipient of the West Virginia University Order of Vandalia, and a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia St., Beckley, with the Rev. Eric Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the services on Thursday at the church. Pallbearers will be Douglas Davis, Tyke Wilson, Dick Davis, Taylor Callahan, Terry Worley and Robert Workman Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia University Foundation, and Hospice of Southern West Virginia. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Nancy C. Bowling, age 69, of Beckley, died Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Raleigh General Hospital following a short illness. Born on Oct. 16, 1939, at Crab Orchard, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Emory Clyde Bowling and Bertha Blevins Bowling. Nancy was an office manager for National Realty Company and was a former teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a graduate of Concord College and was a member of the Wesleyan Chapel in Beckley. She was preceded in death by sisters, Glenna Huffman and Louise Bowling; and a nephew, Rick Raines. Survivors include her sisters, Patty Leighton of Roanoke, Va., and Paulette Riley of Beckley; nieces and nephews, Vicki Raines Wills and husband, Lloyd, of Blue Ridge, Va., Barbara Huffman Dawes and husband, Mark, of Beckley, Henry James Riley and wife, Nikki, of Beckley and Robert Riley of Beckley; and a great-niece, Ashlie Dawes of Beckley. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Pastor John Hart officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at www.roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Georgiana Powell Brown, 89, of 108 Grant St., Beckley, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2004, at Raleigh General Hospital following a short illness. Born June 23, 1915, at Matoaka, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Eliza Powell. A 1936 graduate of West Virginia State College, she was a beloved high school history and government teacher at Stratton and Woodrow Wilson for 37 1/2 years. She was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The Links Inc., Maids & Matrons and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, among many other civic and social organizations. Georgiana was a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beckley where she was a longtime member of the choir and trustee board. Georgiana was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion C. Brown, in 1969; a daughter, Marion L. Harris, in 1988; and two brothers, James and Booker Powell. Survivors include her granddaughter, Shana Suzanne Harris of Washington, D.C., formerly of Dayton, Ohio; brothers-in-law, Oscar W. Brown of Dayton and Carl J. Brown and wife, Thelma, of Washington; sisters-in-law, Thelma Brown Alford of Temple Hills, Md., and Ruth V. Brown of Annapolis, Md.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 770 S. Fayette St., Beckley. Services will begin at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. David McDowell and the Rev. Robert Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Miriam Byrd Brown, age 82, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2006. She was born on Sept. 11, 1923, the daughter of the late Vaughan and Annie Wheeler Byrd. Remembered is her husband Ollie William Brown of Beckley, W.Va., who preceded her in death. Miriam was raised in Holly Springs, N.C., and was a graduate of Morris Harvey College in Charleston, WV. She was a caring and talented teacher, and taught at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, later moving to Wilmington, where she taught English, Speech, Drama and Debate at New Hanover High School for many years until her retirement. She had been a member of Beckley Presbyterian Church, where she was remembered for her beautiful soprano voice. She is survived by her son, William Brown of Chicago, IL; two sisters, Jean Kerr, and Marian Wise both of Wilmington; a special brother-in-law, Horace Pierce of Beckley, W.Va., and many nieces and nephews. A time of visitation for family and friends will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel in Wilmington, N.C. A funeral ceremony will be 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Holly Springs, NC. Burial will be in the Holly Springs Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary. com Arrangements by Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington, N.C.

SUN CITY, Calif. Eula Webb Burgess, 78, formerly of Beckley, died Saturday, Oct. 21, 2000, in a Sun City Hospital, following a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Lewis M. Webb and Daisy Wills Webb of Beckley. Mrs. Burgess attended Wilson Wilson High School for two years and graduated from Athens High School lin 1939. She received her AB degree from Concord College in 1942. She taught at Stoco High School and Beckley Junior High before moving to California in 1954 where she taught for 22 years. After retirement from the Los Angeles Unified School System in 1977, she was a realtor until her illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Burgess; a sister, Pearl Webb Reed; three brothers, Lloyd Webb, Willard Webb and Glenn Webb. Survivors include a son, Rodney; a brother, Lew Webb of Laguna Hills, Calif.; three sisters, Ruby Carter of Beckley, Ruth Deck of Sun City, Calif., and Judy Bowman of Long Beach, Calif. A private service will be held in the Chapel at Riverside National Cemetery where she will be buried beside her husband, a World War II veteran. Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Park, Los Angeles, Calif.

Elizabeth Elaine Jones Burk, 85, of Olympia, formerly of Lewisburg, W.Va., died Dec. 7, 1999, in St. Peter Hospital after a short illness. She was a former teacher at Beckley and Hinton high schools in West Virginia and retired from Alta Vista School, Bethesda, Md., with 25 years' service. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Fairlea, W.Va., Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Confederacy and Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. Surviving: daughter, Elaine Burk of Olympia; brother, Carl M. Jones of Seminole, Fla.; sisters, Lorene Houchins and Opal M. Jones, both of Hinton, Helen Costa of Newport News, Va.; several nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at McCraw Funeral Home, Lewisburg, with the Rev. Mark Billington officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington, Va. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Miss Christine Clay, 72, of Beckley, died Saturday [July 2, 1977] in a Beckley hospital after a long illness. Born in Damron, Raleigh County, she taught at Beckley Junior High School for 40 years, retiring in 1967. A graduate of Marshall University, Miss Clay was a member of Marshall Alumni Assn. and NRTA. Surviving: niece, Mrs. Robert L. Smith Jr. of Charleston; five nephews. Memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in Keyser-Bryant funeral home, Beckley, with the Rev. Fritz Shilling officiating. The family suggests memorials to the Raleigh County library or the Marshall University Alumni Assn. The body has been cremated. [Charleston Daily Mail, July 4, 1977]

Edythe P. Clay, 88, of Old Eccles Road, Beckley, died Tuesday, May 25, 2004, in a local hospital after a long illness. Born Dec. 30, 1915, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late H.J. and Hallie Smith Clay. Miss Clay was a graduate of Trap Hill High School, attended Beckley College and received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Marshall University. She worked for Fayette County Extension Service from 1941-1942, taught at Woodrow Wilson High School from 1942-1943, Marsh Fork High School, 1942-1943, and Trap Hill High School from 1943-1952. She was employed by the Raleigh County Board of Education as a secondary curriculum supervisor from 1952 until her retirement in 1986. Miss Clay was a member of the Raleigh County Education Association, West Virginia Education Association, National Education Association and the West Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. In her younger years she had attended Mount Tabor Baptist Church. Miss Clay was preceded in death by a brother, Mason Clay, in March 1995, and had lived her entire life on Old Eccles Road. Survivors include two sisters, Ethel Green and Jean Westfall, both of Huntington; three nieces, Ann Detzer of Okeechobee, Fla., Wanda Dorsey of Beckley and Joyce Johnson of Owings Mills, Md.; and two nephews, Glen Clay of Beckley and Craig Westfall of Huntington. In keeping with Miss Clay's wishes, private service will be held at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Edward Garten officiating. A eulogy will be given by her grandnephew, Heath Dorsey. Burial will follow in Mount Tabor Church Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, Miss Clay requested that memorial contributions be made to the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1815, Beckley, WV 25802. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

WESTON - Margaret Elizabeth Bailey Covey, 85, of Weston died Aug. 21, 1998, in Crestview Nursing Home, Jane Lew, after a long illness. She was a homemaker, a physical education teacher at Sophia High School and Woodrow Wilson High School, and was a substitute teacher in Lewis County for several years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Weston, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 40, Weston, Daughters of the American Revolution, and West Virginia University Emeritus Club. Surviving: husband, Thomas H. Covey; son, Thomas H. Jr. of Morgantown; daughters, Myra Jo White of Fort Ashby, Sharon Lindsey of Parkersburg; brother, Russell B. Bailey; sisters, Lottie Todd, Ethyle Jarvis, and Hallie Clarice Bailey; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Floyd Funeral Home, Weston, with Pastor Kent Lowther officiating. Burial will be in Weston Masonic Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, where an Eastern Star service will be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to West Virginia University Foundation General Scholarship Fund.

Roy J. Dawson Sr., husband to the late Martha Griggs Dawson, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and educator, departed this life on Saturday, March 3, 2001. Roy was born to the late James Albert and Cordeila Barnett Dawson on Aug. 3, 1907, in Glen Jean. He was one of 11 children in the Dawson family. He began his education in Mount Hope, and graduated from Byrd Prillerman High School in 1924. He earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in the fields of mathematics and science from West Virginia State College and West Virginia University. Throughout his teaching career, he received numerous grants from the National Science Foundation and government institutions. He did advanced study in math and science at Universities of Arkansas, Texas, Miami, and Oklahoma. He was a highly respected science and math teacher and in his classes students were also taught life skills. He was an excellent role model for the youth. Roy's career as an educator included teacher, assistant principal, and dean of Woodrow Wilson High School. He served the Raleigh County Public School system for 37 years before retiring in 1974. Education was a priority for him and he saw it as the passport to freedom and the future. He worked very hard and provided the necessary resources to enable his wife and four children to obtain advanced college degrees. Roy was the great landlord of his town. He always believed in making sure his tenants were comfortable and was quick to respond to their needs and wishes. He was a self-made man and used his building trade skills to construct several homes, including the original Dawson family home. He was an active member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and NAACP. He also served several terms on the Beckley Human Relations Board and the Beckley Business Development Corporation. He served as an advisor for several prominent government officials during the transformation period from segregation to integration in public schools and local businesses. He and Martha's marriage was blessed with four children: Roy Jr., Marconi, Scarlet, and the late William Dawson. His immediate family, relatives, and friends were the center of his life. He often talked about how proud he was of his children. Family gatherings and holidays were especially joyful and important to him. During the last several years of his life, he resided with his family in the New Jersey and Maryland areas. Well-liked by all, he will especially be remembered as a gentleman under all circumstances. He loved to engage friends and strangers in lively conversation. He leaves to mourn one loving daughter, Scarlet Dawson of Baltimore, Md.; two devoted sons, Roy Jr. of Turnersville, N.J., and Marconi of Newport News, Va.; a brother, Raymond of Akron, Ohio; three daughters-in-law, Sylvia, Brenda and Armeita; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel, Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the service Saturday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

Huntington - Mary Doris Calfee Durrance, 96, of 1901 Washington Blvd., formerly of Beckley, died Saturday in a Huntington care facility following a long illness. Born February 22, 1897 at Crab Orchard, she was the daughter of the late Henry Temple and Nancy Elizabeth Mankin Calfee. Mrs. Durrance was a retired school teacher having taught at Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, for 31 years, and was a graduate of Concord College and attended the University of Cincinnati and Columbia University in New York. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Beckley, the Fidelis Sunday School Class of the church, the American Association of University Women, the Daughters of the American Revolution and Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. Mrs. Durrance moved to Presbyterian Manor in Huntington in 1990 and had been a lifelong resident of Beckley. She was preceded in death by her husband Leland T. Durrance. Survivors include, a brother Lionel L. Calfee of Beckley; three nephews, Fred O. Helm of Huntington, Price H. Calfee, Jr. of Beckley and Donald Calfee of Southern Pines, N. C.; three nieces, Dorothy C. Davis of Richmond, Va., Gloria C. Martin of Pullman, Washington and Nancy Calfee of Augusta, Ga. Services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Calfee funeral Home with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Robert Thomson, Carroll Simpkins, Carl Callaway, Earl Whitener, and Robert Wood. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. Newspaper: 12-28-1993.

Charles Allen “Charlie” Durrett, 59, formerly of Fayetteville, passed away Monday, August 30, 2010, at Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley. Born on June 26, 1951, in Montgomery, he was the son of the late William Thomas “Bill” Durrett and Roberta Pauline Arbaugh Durrett. Mr. Durrett taught physical education at Daniels Elementary from 1977-1989. He taught drivers education and coached girls’ softball at Woodrow Wilson High School from 1989-2008 where he was instrumental in developing the girls’ softball complex. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Robin Basman Durrett of Beckley; daughters, Sarah Durrett of Beckley, and Rebecca Cottle-Makhene and husband, Moe, of Manassas, Va., and their two children, Drew and Eli; son, Paul Cottle and wife, Megan Turnock, of British Columbia, Canada; two brothers, William Thomas “Tom” Durrett and wife, Loretta, of St. Albans, and Gary Evans Durrett and wife, Van, of The Villages, Fla.; two sisters, Elizabeth Ellen “Betsy” Turner and husband, Bruce, of Dayton Beach, Fla., and Roberta Ann “Anne” Carte and husband, Andy, of Fayetteville; nieces and nephews, Stephen Durrett, Mark Durrett, Denise Matthews and Doug Turner; and a host of other family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2010, at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with Pastor Jackie Pittman officiating. Burial will follow in Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in his memory to the New River Humane Society, Box 955, Fayetteville, WV 25840, or Humane Society of Raleigh County, 325 Gray Flats Road, Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com. Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, will be assisting the family.

Mary Lois Edmundson, 93, of Beckley died June 9, 1997, in Plateau Medical Center, Oak Hill, after a long illness. She was a retired Raleigh County music teacher from Beckley Junior High School with 45 years' service, and a member of Beckley Presbyterian Church. She received a bachelor's degree from Marshall University, a master's from Duke University, and studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and at Columbia University. Surviving: niece, Carolyn Edmundson of Beckley; nephew, James K. Edmundson Jr. of Alexandria, Va. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Robin Debnam officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Beckley Presbyterian Church, Grand Piano Fund, 203 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, W.Va. 25801.

Mary Elizabeth "Lib" Forsyth, 85, of Beckley died Jan 13, 1999, in a Beckley hospital after a short illness. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and West Virginia University. She was a retired Raleigh County social studies teacher with 36 years' service, last serving at Beckley Junior High School. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Beckley, Women's Club, Beckley, and the West Virginia and Raleigh County retired teachers associations. Surviving; daughter, Dr. Frances Ann Forsyth Warsing of Beckley; grandson, Christopher S. Warsing of Jefferson Township, Mich. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Beckley, with the Rev. Fred Villinger officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Ralph Daniel Goss, Jr., of Crab Orchard, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in a Beckley hospital. Born May 11, 1936 in Stanaford W.Va., he was the son of the late Ralph Daniel and Sarah Ruby Croy Goss. Mr. Goss was a retired teacher having taught school at Clear Fork and Woodrow Wilson High School. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, George R. Goss. Those left to cherish his memory are three brothers; James David Goss and wife Patricia of Crab Orchard, Robert B. Goss and wife Terry of Venice, Fla., and Ronald Goss and wife June of Jonesborough Tenn. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Goss, a 1954 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, received three degrees, Associate of Arts from Beckley College, Bachelor of Arts from Concord College, and Master of Arts from West Virginia University. He attended the Pikeview Christian Church where he served as Choir Director and Sunday school teacher. Previously, he served as Choir Director and Sunday School Teacher at the Oak Grove Christian Church for 35 years. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct., 2, 2009 in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until time of service on Friday. A committal service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in the Oak Grove Christian Church Cemetery Nephews will serve as pallbearers, and the men of the Pikeview Christian Church will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Pikeview Christian Church, 173 Neptune Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Ruth Wray Gray, 86, formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002, after a short illness. Upon graduating from Duke University at age 19, she began a teaching career that spanned half a century. After posts at Beckley Junior High and Mount Hope, she spent 25 years at Woodrow Wilson and retired as head of math department in 1986. Mrs. Gray was a Sunday school teacher and choir member at First Christian Church in Beckley and later attended River Road Church, Baptist, in Richmond. She was the daughter of the late Everett B. Wray and Ruth Smith Wray, formerly of Glen White, and the widow of John W. Gray, also a teacher in Fayette and Raleigh counties and later head of county vocational rehabilitation. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas Peter and John Paul Wray. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, J. William Gray Jr. and Debrah Shumate Gray of Richmond; her grandchildren, John W. Gray III of Longmont, Colo., and Melanie A. Gray of Richmond; a brother, Dr. E.B. Wray of Beckley; and a sister, Julia W. Korman of Leesburg, Va. Service will be noon Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be made to the Ruth Wray Gray Scholarship Fund at the Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Janice Ward Greene, 87, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at her home in Jacksonville following a long illness. Born Oct. 26, 1920, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Judge Columbus Morgan Ward and Grace Hawley Monroe Ward. She was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Greene was educated in Beckley schools and was a 1938 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She attended Concord College for two years and was a graduate of the University of Kentucky in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at UK, she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Mrs. Greene taught at Beckley Junior High School four years. She and Charles Edward Greene were married Nov. 1, 1947, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Beckley. They lived in Fairmont and Martinsburg before moving to Seattle, Wash., where they resided on Mercer Island, Wash., for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Greene were both avid golfers and were members of Bellevue Country Club and Overlake Golf and Country Club on Mercer Island. In addition to her parents Mrs. Greene was preceded in death by her husband; brothers, John Collins Ward and Dr. Charles Monroe Ward; and a sister, Helen Virginia Ward Leeber. Survivors include a nephew, Philip Ward Leeber and his wife, Vivian, of Jacksonville; two nieces, Judith Grace Leeber Ash of High Point, N.C., and Barbara Collins Ward Gardner and her husband, Dr. Robert T. Gardner, of Beckley; great-nephews, Philip Jason Leeber of Jacksonville, Robert Tennant Gardner II of Charlotte, N.C., and Charles Morris Ash of High Point; great-nieces, Shannon Dyan Leeber of Jacksonville, Janice Leigh Ash Walsh of Hickory, N.C., Jill Diane Ash of Greensboro, N.C., and Jennifer Collins Gardner Atkinson of Charlotte; and several great-great-nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 422 Neville St., Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Carl Edward Grooms, 57, of 503 Stanley St., Beckley, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, at Charleston Area Medical Center, General Hospital, following a short illness. Born Nov. 3, 1948, at East Bank, he was the son of Mildred Grooms of Chesapeake and the late James Williams. Mr. Grooms was a music teacher (band director), having retired in June 2004. He was member and president of the Raleigh County Music Education. He was a graduate of Cedar Grove High School and West Virginia Institute of Technology. He was a member of Cedar Grove Elizabeth Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Grooms, on May 19, 2005; and a cousin, Dewayne Grooms. Besides his mother, other survivors include two children, Carl E. Grooms Jr. of Beckley and Traci L. Jones of Beckley; a brother, Donald E. "Poochie" Grooms of London, W.Va.; a special aunt, Gertrude Dabbs of Cedar Grove; a special uncle, George Grooms of Chesapeake; a special aunt, Eva Mae Jackson of Newport News, Va.; special friend, Calvin Smith of Beckley; and a host of other relatives and friends. Service will be noon Saturday at Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley, with the Rev. Phillip Copney and the Rev. Dick Kinney officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral parlor. Services entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

On December 1, 2011 Margaret Rose Gunnoe (nee Willfong), 100, passed away. She was the beloved wife of the late Sola Willis Gunnoe; devoted mother of the late Charles E. Gunnoe; dear sister of the late Ann Wilfong Carter. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Daisy Rose Willfong. Survivors include Mary Gaziano of Annandale, Va., Barbara Sullivan of Whispering Pines, N.C., and Rachael Taylor of Arlington, Va. Margaret "Mickey" was born in Beckley, a longtime educator in the Raleigh County, and Baltimore County school systems. She was a member of Towson Presbyterian Church, and attended Agnes Scott College and West Virginia University. Mrs. Gunnoe was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. at the Towson Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 17. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Rd. Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD. 21031. Arrangements by Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Towson, Md. [WWHS Class of 1928]

Eunice Claire Haddad, 82, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Beckley, passed away Sept. 23, 2006, at home. Born Jan. 23, 1924, at Charleston, she was the daughter of Joseph and Amelia Haddad of Beckley. She was a retired schoolteacher for Raleigh County Schools where she taught business education at Woodrow Wilson High School and at Sophia High School for over 30 years. She received an M.A. in business education from Marshall University. She was a member of the United Methodist Temple of Beckley and enjoyed bridge, tennis and cooking. Survivors include one sister, Loretta Castro of Las Vegas, NV; three nephews, Jim Castro of Las Vegas, NV, John Castro of New York, NY, and David Haddad of Ormond Beach, FL; and one grandniece, Melissa Haddad of Ormond Beach, FL. Services will be 2:30 p.m. today, Oct. 2, 2006, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, with Rev. Darrell McNeely officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may gather with the family from 2 p.m. until time of the service today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Beckley. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is in charge of the arrangements.

Oliver C. Harper Jr., 72, of Beckley, died Sunday, April 22, 2007, at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley. Born May 8, 1934, in the Calloway Heights community of Beckley, he was the son of the late Oliver C. Harper and Ada Glover Harper. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1952, Oliver was the right tackle on Jerome VanMeter’s football team during the era when Beckley became known as the “City of Champions.” He taught at Beckley Junior High School for 23 years and was in the nursery and landscaping business in Beckley for many years. Oliver received a B.S. degree from West Virginia Tech and an M.S. degree in education from West Virginia University. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Shirley Hawks Harper. Oliver is survived by a son, Douglas W. Harper and daughter-in-law, Shelley Harper, of Beckley; a daughter, Judy H. Thomas and son-in-law, Hayes N. Thomas Jr., of Fort Mill, S.C.; and four grandchildren, Erin Michele Harper, Douglas Oliver Harper, Allyson Elizabeth Thomas, and Hayes Napier Thomas III. Oliver is also survived by two brothers, Alfred Harper of Beckley and Joe Harper of Delaware, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. Private graveside service will be held in Monroe County at the Harper Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr., Beckley, WV 25801, in memory of Mr. Harper. Online condolences may be sent to our guest book at roseandquesenberry.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Mrs. Rachel Snyder Hatcher, 78, of 218 West Locust Drive, Beckley, died Saturday, July 23, 1994, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born April 19, 1916, at Mt. Hope. She was a retired school teacher for the Raleigh County school system having taught at Woodrow Wilson High School, Sophia High School, Mark Twain High School and Beckley College. Prior to teaching, she was employed with the new river Company in mt. Hope and was a member of the United Methodist Temple, Beckley. She was preceded in death by a sister, Gertrude Darby. Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Robert Hatcher of Beckley, and two sisters, Margaret Snyder Lynch of Beckley and Alice Adair Smith of Melbourne, Fla. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B, Beckley with Rev. Frank E. Bourner officiating. Burial will follow in SunsetMmemorial Park Beckley. There will be no visitation. Donations of sympathy may be made to the United Methodist Temple, Drawer AQ. Beckley, WV 25802. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Nancy Louise Williams Hughes, of 114 Harvey Street, died Saturday, February 27, 1993, at her home following a short illness. Born in Stotesbury, she was the daughter of the late Emmett W. and Dessie Early Williams. Mrs. Williams spent her childhood at Stotesbury, where she was a graduate of Mark Twain High School. She graduated from Marshall University with a teaching degree in English. She was a senior English teacher at Mark Twain, Stoco, Sophia and Woodrow Wilson High Schools. She was a active member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of the Supper Circle. She held memberships in the Beckley Womans Club, Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, the AARP and the Retired Teachers Association. She was treasurer of the mark Twain Alumni Association, President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4469, secretary of the VFW Auxiliary---12th District, and a member of the state Auxiliary of the VFW. She was a member of the American legion Auxiliary and the VABS at the Veterans Administration medical Center in Beckley. She was preceded in death by her husband J. Alfred Hughes. Surviving is a brother, E. W. “Pat” Hughes of 302 Minnesota Ave., Beckley and numerous cousins. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Melton Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. John McLean officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call today from 6 p.m. to 9. p.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley. Pallbearers include Hubert Wall, Col. Robert Thomson Jr., Stewart Deck, Tracy Hylton, Dr. E. B. Wray and John Shumate. Donations of sympathy may be made to the Beckley Presbyterian Church, 203 S. Kanawha St., Beckley.

DURHAM, N.C. - Sarah Louise Humphrey passed away at home with her husband and daughter at her side on Monday, Jan. 5, 2004, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Humphrey was born in Johnstown, Pa., the daughter of the late John and Hattie Corona. Mrs. Humphrey was raised and spent most of her adult life in Beckley. In 1991, she and her husband, Lloyd Humphrey retired to Durham to be near their daughter, Lloydette Humphrey Hoof. Mrs. Humphrey graduated from Concord College in Athens, in fewer than three years and embarked upon a lifelong career as a public school teacher. In February 1946, she married Lloyd Humphrey at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Beckley. As an educator, she shared her passion for history with hundreds of students at Trap Hill High School in Surveyor and later at Woodrow Wilson High School (WWHS) in Beckley. She demonstrated her leadership and creativity in countless ways at WWHS: As founder of the Junior Civitan Club, originator and choreographer of the Woodrow Wilson Lassies, a performing addition to the marching band, and as sponsor of the Class of 1965. The gentleness, caring and selflessness with which she led her life was accurately captured in that Class's tribute to her in the WWHS 1965 Annual that thanked her for "her regard for the feelings and welfare of every member of our class." In Beckley, Mrs. Humphrey was a devoted member of the First Christian Church where she served as a deacon, officer of the Women of the Church and a Sunday school teacher. After moving to Durham, she was a member of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Humphrey was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother who is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lloyd Humphrey; her daughter, Lloydette Hoof and husband, J. Bruce Hoof; her granddaughter, Mary Lloyd Preble and husband, Kurt Douglas Preble; and her great-grandson, Jackson Dexter Preble, all of Durham; by her sisters, Janet Meade of Procious, and Betty L. Atkinson of Pipestem; and by 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Allison Elizabeth Hoof of Durham and her sister, Madeline Calfee of Washington State. Throughout her life Mrs. Humphrey was devoted to, supportive of, and beloved by her family which will miss her caring, wisdom and constant love. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Friday, at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Donovan Drake officiating. A reception will follow in the Sloane Fellowship Hall of the adjacent William C. Bennett Memorial Building. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to either The Allison Elizabeth Hoof Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Triangle Community Foundation, P.O. Box 12834, RTP, NC 27709; Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church, 927 West Trinity Ave., Durham, NC 27701; or The First Christian Church, P.O. Box 1305, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 W. Main St., Durham, NC (919) 688-6387.

Emmette Jay Hurt, 67, of Rural Acres Drive, (P. O. Box 1) Beckley, a well known Raleigh County educator, was found dead Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1991, at his home according to a Raleigh County Sheriff’s detective. Born February 21, at Rural Acres, he was the son of the late James Emmette and Edna Bailey Hurt. The Hurt family were pioneer settlers in Beckley. Mr. Hurt spent his entire life at Rural Acres, where he was a lifelong member of the Callaway Heights Community Church and was a 1941 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1943, having served during World War II, was recipient of the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct medal, the Army Occupation medal (Germany), the American Theater Ribbon and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon. He furthered his education at Concord College with a A. B. Degree in education in the fields of biological, general and physical sciences and he held a Masters Degree in Administration from West Virginia University. Mr. Hurt began his teaching career in 1948 at Marsh Fork, moved to Eccles in 1949, where he stayed until 1954. That year he came to Beckley Junior High School. He served as principal at Clear Fork High School from 1962 until 1965, returning to Woodrow Wilson in 1967 where he was assistant principal until his retirement in 1985. He was well known for his tremendous rapport with the student body and he served many years as secretary of the Coalfield Conferences. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Waldo and Roland Hurt and two sisters, Anna Dean Duncan and Laverne McKinney. Survivors include a sister, Melba Hurt of Beckley, who raised him from the age of two: Five nieces and nephews. Jack McKinney of Bay City, Mich., Ed McKinney of Johnson City, Tenn. [the final part of this obituary is missing]

Millard Gillispie Jarrell, 84, of Beckley, died Wednesday, November 6, 1991, in a Beckley hospital, following a short illness. Born August 2, 1907, at Oak Hill, he was the son of the late Charles Millard and Mary Margaret Gillispie Jarrell. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry in 1932, from New River State college, now West Virginia Institute of Technology. He completed two master’s degrees in school administration and guidance, one at West Virginia Institute of Technology and the other at West Virginia University in 1948. Mr. Jarrell taught at several local schools including Oak Hill High School from 1936 to 1941, and Woodrow Wilson High School from 1947 until his retirement in 1971. While at Woodrow, he also taught chemistry and mathematics at Beckley College from 1949 to 1958. He worked two years as an industrial chemist at EMCO alloy, before being inducted into U. S. Army medical Corps in 1942. Before his discharge in 1945, he served a year in the 1st Cavalry Division and two years as a rehabilitation counselor at Walter Reed General Hospital Reconditioning Center, Forest Glen, MD. After retirement from Woodrow Wilson high School, he taught chemistry five years at the Veterans Administration Hospital medical Technician’s School. Mr. Jarrell was a member of the United Methodist Temple, the Beckley Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF and AM, Beckley American legion Post No. 32 and the West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees. He was preceded in death by five brothers. Survivors include his wife, Betty Sanders Jarrell: a son, Charles “Chuck” and his wife, Kay Jarrell of Phoenix, Arizona, two sisters, Beatrice Trump of Oak Hill and Madelon Thompson of Bradley: and three grand children. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, prosperity, with the Revs, Frank Bourner and Tim Holloran officiating. Entombment will follow in the Highlawn memorial Park Mausoleum, Oak Hill. Friends may call from 6. p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Stanley Rose, Michael Walkup, Lee Cole, James Patton, J. S. Larrick, Joseph Williams and John C. Huffman. Any donations of sympathy may be made to the United Methodist Temple, Box AQ, Beckley, WV 25801 or the Oak Hill High School alumni association, Box 462, Oak Hill, WV 25901. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Prosperity.

BECKLEY - Eighty-one-year-old Nancy Ruth Johnson, a World War II bombardier training pilot and a teacher for 45 years, died Feb. 7, 1999, at her Beckley home after a long illness. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley, and attended Beckley College. She held a private pilot license, served as a Women's Air Force Service Pilot captain during World War II, flew bombardier training missions and was a private pilot instructor. She attended Marshall University and the University of Kentucky and was a retired schoolteacher with 45 years' service. She was a member of the DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, American Legion Post 32, Beckley, the National Education Association, and United Methodist Temple, Beckley. Surviving: nieces, Eleanor Bonnie Moore of Rivesville, Peggy Thompson Chambers of Mossy, Angela Schuyler Meadows of Beckley; nephew, George Johnson Boggs of Boulder, Colo. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at United Methodist Temple, Beckley, with the Rev. Dan Johnson and the Rev. Ellen File officiating. Burial with military rites by VFW Post 4326, Sophia-Midway, will be in Kidwell Cemetery, Tablerock. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, and one hour prior to service at the temple. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to United Methodist Temple, 3871 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.

Nelle Weir Keefer, age 94, of Beckley, took the hand of an angel and left her earthly home on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Born January 12, 1915, in Beckley, she was one of three daughters of Charles and Eva Richardson of Beckley. Others who left for their heavenly homes before her were her two infant sons, her mother Eva, father Charles, sisters Wanda and Floda, and her beloved husband of 58 years John Lemuel (Bugs) Keefer. Survivors to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Charlene Keefer Kirby and Sharon Keefer Rogers, and six grandchildren: Charles Kirby, Jessica Roop, Alisse Kirby, Keefera Rakes and husband Thomas, Audrey Cadle, and Bobbie Plumley. Nelle also had ten great-grandkids and one nephew, Rick Cantabery, along with his wife Shea and their two children, John and Abby. Nelle graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concord College. She was also a graduate of Marshall University. She belonged to the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority. Nelle was a Raleigh County educator for many years and taught at Sophia, Soak Creek, Beckley Jr. High, and Park Jr. High. She taught Civics and United States History. After retiring, she continued to teach for many years as a substitute teacher. Nelle was a member of The First Baptist Church in Beckley where she served as a Sunday school teacher. Over her life, she was very active in WVEA and NTA where she held office. She was a dedicated 4-H leader where she influenced and helped develop many young lives. She volunteered many hours to Vacation Bible School and was instrumental in many church programs and functions. Nelle was a longtime member of The Beckley Woman’s Club where she held past offices, including President, and was the founder of the Ice Cream Social. God Bless you, Mother. Rest in Peace. We will miss you. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, 2009, in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call one hour prior to service on Wednesday. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

On Saturday, March 12th, 2011, our most loved Monica Craghead Long of Crescent Road, Beckley, passed away at the Bowers Hospice House after an extended illness. She was 69 years of age. Known affectionately as “Mickey” all her life, Monica was born September 7, 1940, at Speedway. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Clarica Robertson Craghead. Her brother, Harry Craghead, has preceded her in death. Monica taught for the Raleigh County Schools for 38 years, retiring from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1999. She was a graduate of Concord College in Athens where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Monica will live on in the memory of those who hold her dear, including her husband, Harold Long, and daughters, Lisa Long Holt and Shanna Long Holzapfel. Also left to cherish her memory are her sons-in-law, Joseph Holt of Charlotte, NC, and Gregory Holzapfel of Kent, OH; sister-in-law, Donna Craghead of Beckley; niece, Tracy Williams and her husband, Larry, of Beckley; nephew, Christopher Craghead and his wife, Thelma, of Hinton; nephew, Nicholas Craghead and his wife, Kim, of Princeton, and many additional relatives and friends. Monica was very devoted to her three grandchildren, Jordan Holt, Jillian Holt and Jackson Holzapfel whom she treasured dearly. Monica’s family wishes to extend their special gratitude to her caregivers at the Bowers Hospice House of Beckley for their loving care in her time of need, Pastor Dewey Lowe for his guidance and support during this difficult time, and all of her friends who provided support and assisted with her care including Corinna Ambrose and Joy Hill. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 16th, at 11 a.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Dewey Lowe officiating. Committal services will at 1 p.m. at the Resthaven Memorial Park in Princeton. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Melton Mortuary and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Copen, Christopher Craghead, Nicholas Craghead, Rick Lilly, Rick Lilly Jr. and Dennis Robertson. Condolences may be sent to the family’s guestbook at www.meltonmortuary.com. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley, WV.

Cary W. McClure, 95, of Beckley, died Sunday, March 10, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born Feb. 20, 1907, at Hinton, she was the daughter of the late Rubin and Anna Laura McDaniel Waid. Mrs. McClure was a graduate of Marshall University and taught in Raleigh County School system for 35 years. She was a musician in Raleigh County teaching both band and vocal and also helped several churches in Raleigh County with their choir and music programs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul H. McClure in 1984; four brothers and two sisters. She was the last surviving member of the Waid family. Survivors include three sons, Dan McClure and his wife, Peggy, of Flat Top Lake, Sam McClure and his wife, Barbara, of Martinsburg, and David McClure and his wife, Bonnie, of Morgantown; eight grandchildren, Carolyn McClure Turner and her husband, Chuck, Paul H. McClure II and his fiancé, Patti, Debi McClure Chag and her husband, Dr. Mark Chag, Randy McClure and his wife, Jerry Lynn, David Paul McClure and his wife, Saya, Dee Dee McClure, Dani McClure and Shelby McClure; and six great-grandchildren, Charles and Brooke Turner, Oliver and Graham Chag, Sidney and Alex McClure. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Paul Zutaut officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call one hour before the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Wayne McClure, Paul H. McClure II, Carolyn McClure Turner, Randy McClure, Debi McClure Chag, Chuck Turner, David Paul McClure and John Waid. Honorary pallbearers will be Dee Dee McClure, Dani McClure and Shelby McClure. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pikeview Christian Church, 173 Neptune Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Lou Ellen Harvey Manning, 85, of Daniels, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness. Born April 11, 1926, in Beckley, she was the oldest daughter of the late Joseph Lewis and Ruth Irene Bowers Harvey. Mrs. Manning was a 1944 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She received a Bachelor's Degree from Concord College and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She began her teaching career at Mount View Junior High. She also taught at Stoco High School and completed her teaching career at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley. Lovingly known as "Sarge" by her students, Mrs. Manning retired from teaching in 1981. Mrs. Manning loved arts and crafts. Her hobbies were many and varied. She especially enjoyed leather craft, weaving and knitting. As an avid bird-watcher, she was a member of the National Audubon Society and served as a bird counter for West Virginia. Also in her retirement, Mrs. Manning enjoyed relaxing at a fishing camp in Tennessee. In her later years she visited the Shady Spring Public Library routinely, reading volumes of books. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dix Manning, in July of 2009, a nephew, Joseph Clay, and a step-brother, Joseph Harvey. Mrs. Manning is survived by a sister, Sue Clay of Leon, a brother, Howard J. (Jack) Harvey and his wife, Betty, of Beckley and the following nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Clay Mitchell, Martin Clay, Kathy Harvey Pulz, Warren Clay and Richard Harvey. She is also survived by numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and great-greats, as well as several close friends, including Jack and Vicki Kincaid and sons Andrew, Kenneth and Robert. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at Melton Mortuary. A graveside committal service will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. For those wishing to attend the graveside service, please meet at Melton Mortuary by 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shady Spring Public Library. Online at www.meltonmortuary.com Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Albertine Harvey Meador, 83, of Beckley, died Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2000, in a local hospital following a short illness. Born Feb. 17, 1917, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Calvin and Rose Ceclia Malone Harvey. Mrs. Meador was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Marshall University and Bowling Green Commerce College in Bowling Green, Ky. She was a school teacher, having taught at Woodrow Wilson High School, Mark Twain High School and Sophia High School, and retired from Independence High School. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Beckley, where she was also a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class and Hinchman Circle. She was a member of Bethlehem Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Beckley Woman's Club and the Retired Teachers Association. She was preceded in death by a son, Gary Harvey Meador; her husband, Basil Isaac Meador; a sister, Mildred Eloise Harvey Watts; and a brother, Oliver Wendell Harvey. Mrs. Meador was a lifelong resident of Beckley. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Albertine Meador of Beckley; a son, Andrew Calvin Meador and his wife, Karen, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and two grandchildren, Noah Andrew Meador and Grace Emily Meador, also of Murfreesboro. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B, Beckley. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jason Price and the men of First Baptist Church, Beckley. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 422 Neville St., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Miss Thelma Ruth Meador, 73, of Queen St., died at a Beckley hospital on Thursday, April 20, 2000, following a 26 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born Jan. 9, 1927, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Mack M. and Thelma Dunkley Meador. Miss Meador was a Woodrow Wilson High School graduate. She graduated from Concord College and West Virginia University with a masters degree and 30 hours of post graduate work. She taught school at Mount View Junior High School, Beckley Junior High School, Mabscott Elementary and retiring from Institute Elementary in 1977 due to ill health. Miss Meador was a member of the West Virginia Education Association, the Retired Teachers Organization and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Courthouse Square, where she was a member of the CAF Sunday School class and Groups 6 & 9 and the CWF of the church. Survivors include her sister and caregiver, Frances Meador at home; a brother, Robert Meador and his wife, Jeanette, of Wheeling; five nieces and nephews and their spouses and a great niece and four great nephews. A memorial service will be noon Saturday at the First Christian Church, Courthouse Square, with the Rev. Russell Smith and Edwin Shriver officiating. Donations of sympathy may be made to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 1305, Beckley, WV 25802 or Parkinson Research, Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 394, Charlottesville, Va. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Gladys Mary Milam, 82, of Beckley died May 9, 2000, at home. She was a retired Raleigh County schoolteacher with 42 1/2 years' service. [She was a business teacher at WWHS.] She also taught at the Pentagon and served in the Civil Air Patrol. She was a member of Laurel Business and Professional Women's Club, Beckley, Delta Kappa Gamma sorority, the National Education Association, the West Virginia Education Association, and the American Association of University Women. She attended First Church of God, Beckley. Surviving: several nieces and nephews. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley, with the Rev. Vondie Cook officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the mortuary. The family suggests memorial donations to the Citizens Scholarship Foundation of Beckley Inc., 210 Granville Ave., Beckley, WV 25802.

Mrs. Beatrice Graham Munson, 79, of 102 Bluestone Road, Beckley, died of natural causes Friday, July 29, 1988, in a Beckley hospital. Born April 11, 1909, at Huntington, she was the daughter of the late James Hylton and Lelia Midkiff Graham. Mrs. Munson taught in the Raleigh County School System for 35 years at Marsh Fork, Stoco and Beckley Junior High Schools. She was a member of the United Methodist Temple at Beckley, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Beckley Womens Club and the Raleigh County Retired Teachers Association. She was a graduate of Marshall University and received two Masters Degrees from West Virginia University. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Dennis (CD) Munson Jr., on April 20, 1972, and three brothers, Jack, Harley and James Graham. Survivors include a son, Charles D. (Chick) Munson III of Beckley, and three granddaughters. Services will be today at 1 p.m. in the Melton Mortuary chapel at Beckley with the Rev. Tim Holloran officiating. Burial will be in the Heaver Cemetery at Buckhannon. Friends may call today from 11 a.m. until the service hour. Pallbearers will be Hutter, Charles and Ned H. Ragland Jr., Eddie Graham, Louie Gall and Dennis Lilly. Any donations of sympathy may be made to the United Methodist Temple Building Fund.

Carrie Lucas Parker, 90, of 306 Park Ave. Beckley, died Saturday March 27, 1993, in a Beckley hospital, following a long illness. Born July 10, 1902, in Newport, Va., Giles County, she was the daughter of the late George William and Amanda Givens Lucas. Mrs. Parker was a retired school teacher who taught for 36 years. She graduated from Lynchburg College in 1922 with a B. A. degree. She received her masters degree from WVU and did graduate work at the University of Tennessee. She was a life-member of the NEA, a member of WVEA, the Raleigh County Retired Teachers Association, a charter member of the Fayette-Raleigh Branch of the American Association of University Women and was also a current member of the Beckley Branch of the American Association of University Women. Mrs. Parker was a former member of the Fine Arts Department of the Beckley Womans Club, a member of Kappa Delta Pi Sorority, the Judea Shrine No. 13 of Beckley for 25 years. She was Secretary for Raleigh County Chapter of the American Red Cross for 20 years, a member of Friends of the Library and the Raleigh County Historical Society. She had been a resident of Raleigh County since 1926 and was member of the First Christian Church, Beckley where she was a member of the Anchor Class and Circle No. 8. She was preceded in death by an infant son: two brothers, Clinton H. and Luther Lucas and a sister, Lula Lucas Sibold. Survivors include her husband, George M. Parker, a daughter Sara Jane Parker Summers, and husband, Walker L. of Portsmouth, VA: Two nephews, William H. Lucas and wife Frances C. of Blacksburg, VA .and Doak Lucas and wife, Alva J. of Newport, VA: a niece, Nancy W. Sibold of Newport: one great niece: five great nephews: and many cousins. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Russell F. Smith Jr. officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset memorial Park Mausoleum A. Beckley. Friends may call from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be William Henkle, Eugene Hancock, Tom Prince, John Rogar, David Mullens, and Lloyd Sweeney. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the men’s Bible Class of the First Christian Church, Beckley. Donations of sympathy may be made to the First Christian Church P. O. Box 1305, Beckley, the Lynchburg College, c/o Gene Frantz, Lynchburg, VA, 24501 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. [She was a math teacher at WWHS.]

Beckley native Peelish, first-ever Woodrow wrestling coach, dies.Vic Peelish, a football letterman at West Virginia University and prep wrestling legend, passed away Sunday in his native Beckley. Peelish played four years for the Mountaineers, lettering from 1940-42 and again in 1946 for coach Bill Kerns. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1943, but instead served in the United States armed forces in World War II for three years. He was co-captain in ’46, and was a member of the ’42 team that upset Penn State 24-0 on homecoming. Peelish is on the all-time WVU team for the 1940-49 time period. After earning a bachelor’s degree in 1948, Peelish returned to Beckley and began a 23-year career as the first-ever wrestling coach at Woodrow Wilson. The Flying Eagles won state titles in 1949, ’52 and ’54 under Peelish, and three wrestlers — Mike Techak, Tom Slater and John Summers — were two-time state champions. In all, 25 individual state titles were claimed under Peelish. Peelish was instrumental in getting the state tournament started. He was a member of the inaugural class of the Raleigh County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1981 and was honored with a Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003. [Register-Herald web site, Aug. 2, 2009]

Victor Peelish, 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 2, 2009, at his home after a long illness. Born Victor Stephen “Vic” Peelish on March 6, 1921, in Raleigh, W.Va., he was the son of the late John and Pauline Jasunicka Peelish. He was a highly accomplished and decorated athlete. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1939, he received a football scholarship to West Virginia University, where he lettered three years in football. He played and served as co-captain in the Blue/Gray All-star football game at Montgomery, Alabama, in 1942. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1943, his football career was interrupted by his service in WWII. After the war, he decided to complete his education in 1946 (serving as Captain and earning his fourth letter in football) and received his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in 1948. Vic was named a member of the WVU All Time team for the 1940-1949 decade, as an offensive guard. He returned to Beckley to teach, coach, and implement Driver’s Education in Raleigh County. He was employed by the Raleigh County Board of Education from 1948-1979. Vic’s athletic ability eventually translated into his passion for coaching. “Coach,” as many knew him, avidly coached the Beckley “Flying Eagles” football, baseball, and wrestling teams between 1948 until 1971. During his tenure as the school’s first wrestling coach, he was one of the pioneer coaches to initiate the first state wrestling tournament. Vic’s teams won three state championships in 1949, 1952, and 1954. He also produced 25 individual state titlists, which ranks him in the top ten coaches of developing state champions. After retiring from coaching, he was among the first class of inductees in the Raleigh County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1981 and, in 2003, was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Before his illness, he was also an avid gardener, and loved sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Vic was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and the Elks Club. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Sarah Aline; two sisters, Mary Muha and Sophia Scarafino; and three brothers, Bill, John, and Mike Peelish. Survivors include his wife, Pasqualyn “Pat” Peelish; three daughters, Margaret Honaker and husband, Mike, of Beckley; Deborah Parsons and husband, James, of Lexington, Ky.; Victoria Giuliani and husband, Mark, of Orlando, Fla.; and a son, Michael Peelish and wife, Lisa, of Davidsonville, Md. Seven grandchildren, Drew and Bryan Honaker; Marra Smith and Shane Giuliani; Morgan Parsons; Natalie and Daniel Peelish; four sisters, Antoinette Charinarro of Raleigh, Blanche Statzer of Beckley, Josephine Pachuta and husband, Gazie, of Beckley, and Agnes Nagye and husband, Julius, of Beckley; a brother, Steve Peelish and his wife, Lois, of Beckley; his caregivers, especially Helen Hinkle, Kay Walker, and Barbara Wills. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5th, in the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Beckley, with Fr. Joshua Stevens as celebrant and Deacon Don Wise officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call two hours prior to the service time at the church. Pallbearers are Ralph Chamarro, Jimmy Chamarro, Walter Peelish, Mark Peelish, Sam Scarafino, and Racine Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Mel Hancock and Howard Hurt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis de Sales School, 622 South Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.

C. G. Peregoy. An article about Mr. Peregoy is here.

NEWPORT NEWS - Van Polyson, a native of Greece who came to the United States in 1952, died on May 26, 2011. After completing his service as an officer in the Greek Army, Mr. Polyson began his new life in America as the owner of a restaurant in Hinton, W. Va. He obtained his college degree from Concord University in West Virginia, and later earned his Master's degree in foreign languages at the University of North Carolina -- Chapel Hill. Mr. Polyson's Master's thesis explored the common roots of the Greek and Spanish languages. He began teaching French and Spanish at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. Mr. Polyson later taught at Broughton High School in Raleigh, N.C., where he also served as the head soccer coach. After receiving his graduate degree, Mr. Polyson taught at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. His other teaching positions included Christopher Newport University and Hampton Roads Academy. Mr. Polyson was noted for his excellent rapport with students and his dynamic teaching style. Mr. Polyson was a resident of Newport News since 1969. In 1972, with his brother, Gus Polyzos, he opened the first Vancostas Restaurant in Hampton. In 1976, with his youngest brother, Mel Polizos, opened a second Vancostas in Newport News. In addition, Mr. Polyson obtained his realtor's license and enjoyed renting homes. A fine athlete, Mr. Polyson loved tennis and attended numerous tennis camps to hone his skills. He eventually won a medal at the National Senior Olympics, one of his most gratifying accomplishments. Mr. Polyson also appeared on local television as an advocate for senior fitness. With seemingly limitless energy, Mr. Polyson loved to travel with his family and friends. Mr. Polyson was a member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. He participated in the Ahepa Organization. He is survived by his three sons, Dr. James A. Polyson of Richmond, Philip C. Polyson of Newport News, and Thomas M. Polyson of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his three brothers, Gus and Mel Polizos of Newport News, and Spiros Polizos of Greece. Mr. Polyson's grandchildren are John, Danny, Stephen, Christopher and Steven. Mr. Polyson believed that the souls of kind-hearted people will never perish. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Katherine. Prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at the Greek Orthodox Church. Services will continue at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the Greek Orthodox Church, followed by burial at Peninsula Memorial Park. Arrangements with Peninsula Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Thomas Buford Pugh, 86, of Beaver, died of natural causes, Tuesday, August 2, 1994 at his home. Born April 24, 1908 at Dorfee, he was the son of the late Thomas Levi Pugh and Ada Rock Pugh Wolf. Mr. Pugh was a retired school teacher having taught in Raleigh County for 25 years at Shady Spring Junior High and Beckley Junior High. He worked as an agent in the U. S. Border Patrol in Texas for four years. He was a lifelong resident of Raleigh County, was of the Methodist faith and was a U. S. Marine Corps and Navy veteran of World War II where he retired as Lieutenant Commander. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca Pugh. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Eva Parks Pugh; two sons, Thomas Pugh and his wife, Donna of Beaver and Patrick Pugh and his wife, Jo Ann of Follansbee; a daughter, Mrs. Phillip (Virginia) Owens of Irvine, KY; a half brother, Adrian Wolf of Mabscott; two step brothers, Edwin Wolf of Rockledge, Florida, and Howard Wolf of Shipman, Va.; and seven grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chalmer Abrams officiating. There will be no visitation. The body has been cremated. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Beaver United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Beaver, WV 25813. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

COLUMBIA, Md. - On May 21, 2004, Lanier File Ratcliffe died in Columbia, Md., at Somerford Place Assisted Living following a short illness. The daughter of William H. and Addie Lanier File, Mrs. Ratcliffe was born June 19, 1913, in Beckley. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1929 and from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1934 with a degree in chemistry. Following her graduation, she returned to Beckley and began her career teaching math in the Raleigh County school system, mostly at Woodrow Wilson High School. In 1961 and 1965, she received grants from the National Science Foundation for advanced math studies at Purdue and Drew universities. She not only taught the new math to her own classes, but she also taught the new approaches to other teachers in the county in county-sponsored classes. In the early 1970s, she taught the first computer programming courses in the county, instructing students in Basic and Fortran. At that time the students' programs were put on punch tapes. She taught a total of 25 years, and at her retirement in 1976, was chairperson of the Math Department at Woodrow Wilson. Mrs. Ratcliffe was also active in civic groups and in her church. She had been a member of the Beckley Junior Woman's Club and president of the Highland Garden Club. She was a member of First Christian Church for more than 50 years, and served as teacher, elder and church librarian. After she and her husband moved to Matthews County, Va., in 1978, she was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Gloucester, Va. She was married to Edwin Ratcliffe for 54 years until his death in 1997. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Ann Louise File. Survivors include three children, Ann Ratcliffe of Greeley, Colo., Mary Ratcliffe of Columbia, Md., and Edwin Navarro of Mill Valley, Calif.; a grandson, Alex Navarro of Petaluma, Calif.; a sister, Elizabeth File Reed of Norfolk, Va.; a brother, William H. File Jr. of Beckley; and many nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at First Christian Church, Beckley, with the Revs. Donald Snyder and Ellen L. File presiding. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 10 a.m. Private internment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Ratcliffe's family requests that donations be sent in her memory to Mountain State University, Box 9003, Beckley, WV 25802-9003, for their Scholarship Circle Fund.

Fred Clifford Roberts, 85, of Beckley died Sunday, October 23, 1994 in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born December 1, 1908, at Hambleton, he was the son of the late Charles A. and Lucille Haggerty Roberts. Mr. Roberts was a retired school teacher having worked for 38 years in Greenbrier and Raleigh counties. He was a member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church for 43 years and was a Sunday School Teacher and Deacon for many years. He was also a U. S. Navy veteran who served in the Pacific theater during World War II from 1943-1945. He was preceded in death by four brothers and a sister. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jane Curry Roberts: two sons, Bruce E. Roberts of Memphis, Tenn., Fredrick A. Roberts of Sanford, Fla; two daughters, Jane Ann Aronson of Denver, Colo. And Bessie R. Gilmer of Flat Top: two brothers, William L. Roberts of Hazard, Ky. And David L. Roberts of Hambleton: a sister, Alice R. Raese of Davis: nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. today at Beckley Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robin Debnam officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to the services today at the church. Donations of sympathy may be made to the Beckley Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Beckley.

Virgil A. Sarrett, 82, of Beckley died March 20, 1998, in a Beckley hospital after a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Raleigh County and a schoolteacher at Whitesville Junior High School and Stoco High School. He was principal of Stoco Junior High School and later of Beckley Junior High. He was assistant superintendent of the Raleigh County school system and was retired vice president and academic dean of Beckley College. He was a member of Beckley Presbyterian Church and Coal City Masonic Lodge, and was a 50-year member of Beni Kedem Shrine Temple, Charleston. He was a 32nd-degree Mason and member of Beckley Elks Lodge 1452. Surviving: wife, Kathryn White Sarrett. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Beckley Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert W. Debnam officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Mary Cohn Schellhaus, 94, died Thursday, July 22, 2010. She had been a resident of Greystone Inn in Beaver, WV, for the past two years. She was well-known in the Education field in Raleigh County where she had taught at Beckley Jr. High and at the original Beckley college. After her retirement from teaching, she lived in Largo, Florida, for many years. Survivors include her daughter, Regina Mullins of Beckley; son, Sam Cohn (Jill) of Dallas, TX; her grandchildren, Jimmy Mullins (Leslie) of Huntersville, NC, Michael Mullins (Tara) of Beckley, WV, Carey Kint and (Brian) of Mechanicsburg, PA, Eric Cohn of Dallas, TX, Erin Cohn of Dallas, TX; and her eight great-grandchildren, Matthew, Colby, Connor, Hope, Tanner, McKinley, Shaina and Ariel. The family requests that she be remembered with a personal moment of thought and prayer.

Mary Pribich Slipkovich, 83, of Westwood Drive, Beckley, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at the home of her son in Nashville, Tenn., following a short illness. Born April 1, 1919, in Silvis, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Sam and Dora Sadak Pribich. Mrs. Slipkovich was a graduate of Beckley College and Concord College with a degree in teaching. She taught in the Raleigh County School system for 25 years, retiring from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1982. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and active in both local and state politics. She was a faithful member of the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church. Her husband, George S. Slipkovich, preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 1977. Survivors include a son, Dan Slipkovich and his wife, Lisa, of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Daniel Slipkovich of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Sam and Jacob Slipkovich of Nashville; nieces, Dora Scarfino of Troy, Mich., and Paulette Hess of Springhill, Fla., and nephew, David Pribich and family of Dallas, Texas. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox CHurch with the Rev. Father Samuel Haddad officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary, wherre Trisagion Prayers will be said at 8 p.m. The famly requests memorials be made to the St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 211 South Heber Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

FAYETTEVILLE - Louise "Lou" Runnion Johnson Smith, 96, died Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2001, at Hidden Valley Health Care Center, Oak Hill, following a brief illness. Mrs. Smith was born July 22, 1904, in Tyler City, Tyler County. She was the daughter of the late Ernest and Lillian Ankrom Runnion. Mrs. Smith was a member of the Fayetteville Presbyterian Church, the Vandalia Garden Club, the Fayetteville Woman's Club, the Arrowhead WVU Extension Club, the Fayette County Retired Teachers' Association, the Southern Cross Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Borderland Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Smith was a retired teacher, having begun her career at Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley. For several years she taught English and French at Fayetteville High School. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from West Virginia University, and did graduate work at the University of Cincinnati, and at L'Universite de Montreal in Canada. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy H. "Jack" Johnson, with whom she was associated in publishing The Fayette Tribune for many years; she was the widow of Gilbert Smith of Fayetteville; and her sister, Mrs. Lenore Bussey Bookman of Clarksburg, also preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Roy Hamlin Johnson Jr. of College Park, Md.; two grandsons, Roy H. Johnson III of Laurel, Md., and Nathan Johnson of Bowie, Md.; two great-grandchildren; and a niece, Mrs. Martha Lou Bussey Martin of Clarksburg. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, with the Rev. Adrian Pratt officiating. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions made to the Fayetteville Presbyterian Church, 401 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville. Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville.

He was of that Greatest Generation, a son, a brother, a soldier, a devoted husband, a beloved father, a doting grandfather and most of all a child of God. This past Monday, July 11th, 2011, after a long and active life, our most cherished Herman P. Sparks of the McLean Addition, Beckley passed away in his 90th year after a three week illness. His devoted daughters, Nancy and Susan were at his side. The oldest of three children, Herman Porter Sparks was born on Aug. 28th, 1920, at Herndon. His parents were the late Hershal and Leola Bradbury Sparks. His sister, Cletius Carpenter has preceded him in death. Herman spent his childhood at Slab Fork. He was a 1938 graduate of Mark Twain High School. When he was 19 years of age, Herman's father was killed in a mining accident. He entered the same mines to support his family. With the war looming on the horizon, Herman enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served on an ammunition depot. On November 11, 1942, Herman married the love of his life, a pretty girl born at Herndon, Hazel Wood. With the war ending, Herman returned home where he enrolled at WV Tech in Montgomery. He received his undergraduate degree in industrial arts and mechanical drawing. Herman would further his studies at West Virginia University where he received a Masters's degree. Herman began his teaching career at Woodrow Wilson High School where he taught for 17 years. He retired from WVU as an instructor of mine safety education with 11 years of service. A very active man, Herman was a member of the Beckley Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF & AM and the Beckley Civitan where he was the past governor. He loved to hunt and fish. One of the original members of the Beckley Hunting and Fishing Club, Herman holds the state record for the largest deer killed with a bow. He was a great gardener. On the day of his sudden illness, June 20th, Herman at the age of 90 years, 10 months and 22 days, had worked in his yard and garden. He always enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends. Herman and Hazel were blessed with 67 years of marriage. To this union was born two daughters, Susan who is married to Larry Burdette of Beckley and Nancy Sparks Stewart of Cumming, Ga. He was the proud and doting Granddad of Rob Leeber and his wife, Kim and Beth Buursema and her husband Tim. Life has been good, the family carries on with the gift of five great grandchildren, Desiree, Ryan and Marissa Roseberry and Bret and Porter Buursema. A great-great grandson, Tristian Wade Lykins has been born. Herman is the fond brother of Jean Reed of Lafayette, Ind. His in-laws, the Wood family, Emerson Wood and his wife, “BJ,” Charles Wood and his wife, Barbara, Gerald Wood and his wife, Lana, Irene Wood Maxey and Alma Wood Jenning s also survive. There is a large extended family of nieces and nephews. Herman and Hazel Sparks lived their lives for the Lord. They were faithful members of the United Methodist Temple where they both were members of a Sunday school class named in Hazel's honor. On January 7, 2009, Hazel passed away following an extended illness, but Herman stayed strong in his faith. He came to church faithfully and attended the Fred Hill Sunday School Class. And now, “Oh Glad Reunion.” On Friday, July 15th, at 1 p.m. we will celebrate life of Herman Porter Sparks with a Service of Thanksgiving at the United Methodist Temple. Pastors Chuck Pullins and Dan Johnson will be officiating. Herman will then be laid to rest beside his dear Hazel at the Sunset Memorial Park. Post 3110 of the Oak Hill VFW will fold the flag. Beckley Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF & AM will conduct the graveside rites. Pallbearers at the church will be Joe Zankowitz, Tom Weeks, Bill Turner, Paul Roop, Larry Frail, and Bill Straub Jr. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the service hour at the church. The family suggests that donations of sympathy can be made to the United Methodist Temple, 201 Templeview Drive, Beckley, WV 25801 Well done thy good and faithful servant. Condolences may be sent to the family's guestbook at www.meltonmortuary.com Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Carlton Revere Spicer Jr., 65, died September 2, 2010, at his home in Fredericksburg, Va., following an extended illness. He worked as an educator for 40 years. According to his wishes, his body will be donated for research and organ recovery to the University of Maryland Anatomical Registry. Mr. Spicer was born October 23, 1944, in Gauley Bridge, WV. He graduated from Gauley Bridge High School, Glenville State College, and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from West Virginia University. He taught business, coached high school basketball, and was employed as a school principal in Fayette County, West Virginia. He also worked as a school administrator at Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, West Virginia. Carlton served as a facilitator with the North Central Accreditation Commission for the West Virginia State Board of Education. After moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 2000, Mr. Spicer served as a high school administrator at Chancellor High School and Riverbend High School in Spotsylvania County. He retired in 2007. During his retirement years he enjoyed working at Macy’s. Carlton was a Christian, who loved God and considered his family his greatest blessing. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Fredericksburg. Carlton was an avid sports fan. He excelled in track and basketball, having played in high school and college. His ability to run and score earned him multiple awards. He was also an accomplished drummer, earning all-state recognition in high school. Mr. Spicer was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Grace Spicer, his sisters Betty Kania and Doris Waldeck, his brother James Spicer, and his niece Jennifer Vincent. He is survived by his loving wife Rebekah, children Johna Rutledge, Grace Synan and her husband Clay, and Carlton Revere “Chip” Spicer III. He has four grandchildren, Jordyn, Judson, Jaren, and Brooks. In addition, he is survived by siblings JoAnn Vincent, Marita Reed and her husband Tom, and Steve Spicer and his wife Carole. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Joe Kania, Bill Waldeck, and many beloved nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at their home on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service in his honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 W. Evergreen Avenue Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60642.

Alan Staton, 75, of Beckley died Oct. 24, 1999, in a Beckley hospital after a long illness. He was a band director with 35 years' service, having directed the Shady Spring High School band for 10 years and the Woodrow Wilson High School band in Beckley for 16 years. He gave private music lessons for over 40 years and was church choir director for over 30 years. He served as vice president of the West Virginia Band Masters Association and founded and conducted the New River Area Concert Band. He attended Memorial Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon and a member of Beckley Gideon Camp. Surviving: wife, Mary Alkire Staton; son, Curtis Staton of Beckley; daughters, Janet Keith of Greensville, S.C., Cheryl Boblett of Daniels, Rhonda Blevins of Hueytown, Ala., Debbie Markt of Aiken, S.C.; brother, Douglas H. Staton of Aiken; sisters, Molly Noyes of Tustin, Calif., Dora Cunningham of Pittsburgh, Marjorie Staton of Grafton; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Prosperity, with the Rev. David Carrico officiating. Entombment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Prosperity. Military graveside rites will be conducted by VFW Post 3110, Oak Hill. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

SARASOTA, Fla. - Virginia Reardon Stemple, 74, died in Sarasotsa on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003. She was born in Hinton on March 9, 1929, the daughter of Robert L. Reardon and Carrie Graham Reardon. She was educated in Beckley public schools, received her B.A. degree at West Virginia Wesleyan College and her master's in education at West Virginia University. She taught speech, English and drama at Woodrow Wilson High School and was a member of the DAR, president of the Beckley Junior Woman's Club and a life time member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She later taught in Arlington, Va., and then became a social worker in Garrett County, Md. She was an Episcopalian by faith. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, William; daughters, Jenilee Leininger of Castle Rock, Colo., and Carrinelle Humm of Mount Juliet, Tenn., and three granddaughters. No visitation is scheduled. Her body was donated to the University of Florida School of Medicine. Memorial service was Tuesday at the Church of the Nativity, Sarasota. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL or to Church of the Nativity, 5900 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. Arrangements by Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Sarasota.

PINEVILLE - Sandy Thacker Stewart, 39, died Monday, July 29, 2002, in a Morgantown hospital following a short illness. Born May 9, 1963, in Mullens, she was the daughter of Arretta M. Leedy Thacker of Pineville and the late Grover C. Thacker Sr. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Larry Stewart; and a brother-in-law, Shannon Stewart. Mrs. Stewart was a graduate of Concord College and Marshall University. She was a 1981 Pineville High School graduate where she served as class valedictorian. Mrs. Stewart coached Junior League Softball and was the ADA of Little League Softball. She taught at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Saulsville, and had taught at Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley-Stratton Junior High. She attended Pineville Presbyterian Church. In addition to her mother, survivors include her husband, Kevin Stewart; her 15-year-old daughter, Amanda "Mandi" Stewart at home; her 5-year-old son, Jacob Stewart at home; eight brothers and sisters, Gladys Sue Cox of Pineville, Judy Elswick and her husband, Jim, of Denton, N.C., Gloria Lester and her husband, Jim, of Pineville, Grover Thacker Jr. and his wife, Becky, of Oceana, Perry Thacker of Pineville, Teresa Thacker of Beckley, Richard Thacker of Oak Hill and Brian Thacker and his wife, Carol, of Pineville; her mother-in-law, Carol Stewart of Pineville; two sisters-in-law, Melinda Lupardus and her husband, Tim, of Pineville and Sunni Stewart of Pineville; a special friend, Peggy Epling of Shady Spring; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Calfee Funeral Service, Pineville, with the Rev. Gerald Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Service, Pineville.

Mrs. Margaret Booth Thomson, 85, of Maxwell Hill Road, died Saturday, January 12, 1990, at 12:30 a.m., at her residence, following a short illness. Born February 19, 1905, at Sparta, N. C. she was the daughter of the late Harvey George Booth, editor of the local newspaper and the late Margaret Elizabeth “Lizzie” Boothe. In 1919 the family moved to Beckley, where her father worked on the Raleigh Register newspaper and later ran a dairy. The family became active in the First Baptist Church of Beckley. Mrs. Thomson graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1921 and began teaching with the Standard Normal Certificate in the elementary school at Raleigh. Here she met her future husband, Robert Thomson Jr., and was married on may 29, 1931. She attended Emery and Henry College in Emery, Va. For one year, and in 1928 graduated from Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. Mrs. Thomson taught 43 years in the Raleigh County School System at the Mabscott Elementary School, the Beckley Junior High School, and the Woodrow Wilson High School. In high school, she taught mathematics, business math and plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. She received her Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling from West Virginia University in 1961, and was Dean of Girls and College Counselor at Woodrow Wilson High School from 1960 to 1971. After the school term, she would join her husband where he was stationed, especially enjoying their stay in Germany, from which they explored Europe together in 1957. Her husband, Robert, retired from the U. S. Army in 1960 as a Colonel. Mrs. Thomson was active in the Beckley area civic affairs, where she was a member of the Womans Club of Beckley, serving as a past president, and was a past Chairman of the fire Arts Department, and was a member of the board of Trustee’s, helped start and keep the impetus for ‘Honey in the Rock’ going, was Co-Chairman of the West Virginia Historical Drama Association, helped start the United Fund drives for the Beckley area, helped start the American Red Cross Blood Mobile in Raleigh County, served on the Steering Committee for the Mountain State Folk Festival, worked to bring the Y. M. C. A. to Beckley, serving on the Board of Directors, and was selected at the outstanding Woman of the Year by the Junior Woman’s Club of Beckley in 1972. She also was a past President of the Chaminade Music club, was a state chairman of the Junior Festivals for the West Virginia Federation of Music Clubs which recognizes artistic talents, was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Honorary Society, was a past President of XI Chapter, was a member of the board of Directors of Citizens Scholarship Foundation, was elected member of the Golden Eagle of Woodrow Wilson High School for the school’s outstanding graduates, was a member of the Raleigh County School Employees Association, the American Association of the Retired persons, the Friends of the Library, and the Shephard Center where she served on the Board of Directors. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Beckley, where she was a member, a past president, and a Sunday School teacher for the Fidelis Class, was a circle leader, was a past president of the American Baptist Women of the Church, was a past president of the Raleigh County Association of the American Baptist Women, and was a past president of the church Women United of Raleigh County. Mrs. Thomson enjoyed playing bridge, swimming, and raising flowers, especially roses. With all these activities, she always had time for her family and her numerous friends. Survivors include her husband, Colonel Robert Thomson Jr. of Beckley; a nephew, Dr. Lawrence Thorne of Houston Texas; a niece, Mrs. Kenneth (Margaret Louise) Dilley of Beckley; two great nieces, Kennette Gail Dilley of Beckley; and Janel Thorne of Houston, Tex., and four great nephews, Frank Thorne, Scott Thorne, and Adam Thorne, all of Houston, Tex., and Robert Samuel Dilley of Beckley. Services will be Monday at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Beckley with the Rev. Doctor David Carrico officiating. Entombment will be in the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens mausoleum No. 3 at Prosperity. Friends may call today from 6. p.m. to 9. p. m. at the Calfee Funeral Home in Beckley and at the church one hour prior to services. Pallbearers will be Ross Hutchens, Vance Miller, Alec Easton, Earl Whitner, Robert Thomson and George Tice.

Catherine "Kay" Allen Thompson of Beckley died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, in Beckley. She was born Aug. 21, 1929, in Morgantown, the daughter of the late Dr. Howard Bushnell Allen and Charlotte Schermerhorn Allen. Kay attended Morgantown public schools, graduated from West Virginia University and the College of Graduate Studies with an M.A. in Education Administration. She was dedicated to her students as she taught biology at Woodrow Wilson High School for 20 years and at Beckley College. She was an active member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Our mother had a passion for her family, her friends, her community and her church. One of her greatest joys was raising awareness of the need and generating support for an auditorium at Woodrow Wilson High School. She was an avid Flying Eagle and WVU Mountaineer fan. Her optimistic outlook extended to volunteering time for helping people prepare their tax returns as well as being secretary and treasurer for the Landmark Home Owners Association. Survivors include two daughters, Stephanie Cooksey and her husband, John, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Catharine "Kitzy" Cotogno and her husband, Ken, of Daniels; two sons, Ed Thompson and his wife, Cindy, of Jamestown, N.C., and Tim "Ox" Thompson and his wife, Robin, of Daniels; two grandchildren, Cassandra "Cassie" Cooksey and John Nicholas "J.N." Cooksey; two brothers, Dan Allen and wife, Audrey, of Chestertown, Md., and George Allen and wife, Gladys, of Waynesboro, Va.; four sisters, Nancy Outten of St. Cloud, Fla., Louise Whittlesey and husband, Robert, of Acton, Mass., Priscilla Allen of London, England, and Barbara White of Charles Town; and several nieces and nephews. A vigil was held Wednesday evening at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. Service will be 1 p.m. today at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church with Father Jack Weise officiating. Private interment for cremains will take place in the Columbarium at St. Stephen's on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Memorial Fund at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 200 Virginia Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Condolences to the family may be e-mailed to calfeedrc@charter.net. The family extends special thanks to the staff and residents of Greystone, the staff of Raleigh General Hospital, the employees of Kroger on Harper Road and her neighbors on her beloved Carriage Drive. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Beatrice Jarrell Trump, 105, of Beckley, died Aug. 25, 1999, in a local care facility. She was a retired teacher/principal from Raleigh and Fayette counties, last teaching at Beckley Junior High School. She was a member of United Methodist Temple. Surviving: several nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be at a later date. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, with the Rev. Dan Johnson and the Rev. Ellen L. File officiating. Friends may call from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to United Methodist Temple, 3871 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.

Agnes B. Tucker, of 108 Riley St., Beckley, died 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 1998, in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born Aug. 10, 1912, in Adams County, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James F. and Cora Hafer Barnes. Mrs. Tucker taught 42 years in the Raleigh County school system retiring from Beckley Junior High School. She was a graduate of Marshall University and received her Masters degree from West Virginia University. She was a member of the First Christian Church and had been a resident of Raleigh County since 1932. Survivors include her husband, A.R. "Sam" Tucker; a sister, Bessie Barnes of Clearwater, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews, including: John Barnes of Peterstown, and Steven Pitman of Charleston. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Russell F. Smith Jr. and Dr. David Carrico officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home in Beckley. Pallbearers will be Doug Shumate, Felix Shumate, Lloyd Sweeney, Jerome Van Meter, Wayne Tucker, Steven Pitman, John Barnes, and David Goode. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Ruth Hedrick Tully of Beckley died peacefully in the hands of the Lord on January 5, 2011. She was a gracious, compassionate, and talented lady. The daughter of the late Grover C. and Ethel M. Hedrick, she was born, raised, and educated in Beckley. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley College, and West Virginia University. Ruth taught Biology at WWHS for many years. After her teaching career, she happily pursued her love of genealogy, and she brought our family’s history of Tully’s, Shank’s, Campbell’s and Hedrick’s to spirited life. She was a devout member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church, a member of the Beckley Woman’s Club, and many state and national genealogical societies. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence T. Tully and brothers, Oppie L. Hedrick, Grover C. Hedrick, Jr., Thomas A. Hedrick, John A. Hedrick, Harold A. Hedrick, and sisters, Macie E. Shank and Anna Lee Campbell. The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2011, at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, with Beckley Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Janice Tiedeck officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum A. The family suggests donations of sympathy can be made to the Beckley Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Kenneth Henry Wheeler, 82, of Beckley, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away March 8, 2010, at his residence. Born August 5, 1927, in Ansonia, Conn., he was the son of the late Alfred and Alice Lewis Wheeler. Ken attended Colgate and Wake Forest universities and graduated from Marshall College now Marshall University. He received his master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University. He played football at Colgate, Wake Forest and Marshall. He was inducted into the Ansonia High School football hall of fame. Ken was a teacher and football coach at Clear Fork, Stoco and Woodrow Wilson High School, where he also served as Athletic Director. He retired as Vice Principal from Woodrow Wilson in 1988. Ken proudly served with the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a nature and animal lover. He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Dube and her husband Jim. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Betty Tonelli Wheeler; daughters, Kathy Wheeler of Greensboro, N.C., Joannie Slawinski of Wake Forest, N.C., sons, Paul Wheeler and wife Becky of Williamsburg, Va., John Wheeler and wife Kelly of Radford, Va.; grandchildren: Beth Childers and husband Jason, Maria Slawinski and fiancé Todd Lechner, Jennie Slawinski, Katy, Caroline, Luke and Michael Wheeler, Thad Wheeler and wife Kat, Emmy and Allie Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Cali and Ella Childers; brother, Ernest Wheeler and wife Joan, and sisters, Marion Swan and Evelyn Kuzma, all of Connecticut; niece, Elizabeth Thewes, and sister-in-law, Helen Thewes, both of Beckley. A funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010, at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Father Joshua Stevens officiating. Friends may gather with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Calfee Funeral Home where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. Don Wise. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Raleigh Co., P.O. Box 115, Beckley, WV 25802. Online condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Jerome Van Meter. Articles about Coach Van Meter are here, here, here, here, and here.

Paul J. Vennari. An article about Paul Vennari is here.

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Sue Ann Webb Wilhoit, age 60, of Sevierville, formerly of Beckley, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2009. She was born on Aug. 18, 1948, at Beckley, W.Va., a daughter of the late Homer A. Webb and Stella Jarrell Webb. Sue Ann was a Christian. She was a graduate of Marsh Fork High School, WV State College and WV College of Graduate Studies. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Eastern Star and an American Red Cross Volunteer. Sue Ann taught for 34 years in Raleigh County Schools that include Woodrow Wilson High School and Special Education on South Kanawha St., Beckley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Stella Jarrell Webb. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, James Michael Wilhoit; a sister and her husband, Judy Kay Webb Fortner and James A. Fortner of Milton, W.Va.; a brother-in-law, David Wilhoit and his wife, Helen Wilhoit, of Peytona, W.Va. Service will be noon Saturday at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley, with Clergy David Pettry, CLP officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Beckley Area Foundation Attn: Woodrow Wilson High School Faculty Scholarship Fund at 129 Main Street, Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements made by Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville.

BECKLEY - Mary Margaret Williams, 63, of 109 Locust St., Beckley, died at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 1999, at her home following a long illness. Born April 5, 1936, at Raleigh, she was the daughter of Leona Fitzpatrick Williams of Beckley and the late Ernest R. Williams. Miss Williams was a retired educator in Raleigh County, having been a teacher for over 42 years. She taught at various locations, including schools in Baltimore, Md., and Homestead and Hialeah, Fla. She taught English at Woodrow Wilson High School. Her last employment was as a home-bound teacher for the Raleigh County School System. Miss Williams was a 1954 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High and received her bachelor's in education from Concord College, where she was a 4.0 student. She received her master's degree from Appalachian State and was working on her doctorate in sciences. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Beckley, the Retired Teachers Association and the AARP. She was an officer in the Yufon Group, where she served as the representative of Raleigh County, while traveling to various parts of the United States and England. Surviving are her sister, Marian W. Canaday, of Beckley; a brother, Ralph Emerson Williams and his wife, Crissie, of Sterling Heights, Mich.; a niece, Marie Williams; and a nephew, Ralph Ernest Williams. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with the Rev. Father Pericles Malacaman officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home, where a Christian prayer service will be conducted at 8 p.m. by the Rev. Mr. Don Wise. Pallbearers will be Dwight and Jason Dials, Larry Rogar, Jackie Mays, Doug Stacker and Louis Gall. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

C. Lawrence Wiseman. An article about Coach Wiseman is here.

Wanda T. Wiseman. It is with thanks and thanksgiving to a merciful Father that we share with you the news of the death and the life everlasting of Wanda T. Wiseman on Tuesday, August 15, 1995. Wanda was the oldest child of the late Hubert E. and Pearl S. Lilly, born March 10, 1914, in Beckley, where she resided and worked for most of her life. She is survived by her brother, Paul R. Lilly and his wife Hazel of Phoenix, Arizona; her sister, Jule L. Thompson, a resident of Pine Lodge Nursing Home in Beckley; her son, John B. Thackston and his wife Dr. Cheryl D. Thackston of Boston; and Jennifer Anne Thackston of Charleston, South Carolina; three sisters-in-laws, Elizabeth “Peg” Egar of Phoenix, Nancy Wiseman of Fayetteville, and Francis Herring of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; her former daughter in-law, Judith Diane McKay of Atlanta; Cannibal, a loving and devoted whippet who was her faithful companion these last two years; and several thousand men and women who learned and shared her love of the written and spoken word as they passed through her English classroom for nearly forty years. Wanda graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1931 and Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia, four years later. She met and married her first husband, Tom Thackston while both were doing graduate work at Duke University in 1936 and both taught together at Stoco High School until Tom’s death in 1946. That fall, she began a thirty year teaching career at Woodrow Wilson, where she also taught with and married the late C. Lawrence “Preach” Wiseman who died October 15, 1993. She was a life long member of the First Christian Church in Beckley and devoted much of her retirement time working with the church library when not spending time with her grandchildren. During the past two years of failing health she lived with John and Susan in Atlanta where she attended the Kirk of the Corners First Christian Church and continued to pursue her love of books, plays, music and dining out. She also managed to include the first of several commercial airline flights and a return to the Outer Banks with her grandchildren after a forty year absence. She suffered her last and fatal heart attack while attending her 60th class reunion at Lynchburg College in April of this year where she renewed many college day friendships that had remained dormant but not forgotten for more than half a century. Final arrangements are not yet complete but there will be a memorial service in Beckley at the First Christian Church mid-September followed by a committal service for family members. Those wishing to remember Wanda should make donations to the Beckley Area Foundation for the Woodrow Wilson High School Scholarship Fund, 1050 Overlook Drive, Beckley, 25801. We will mourn our loss, we will miss her but she will not soon be forgotten and her passing through this life will be felt for generations to come.

Alma Ruth Woods, 88, of Beckley, died Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at her home following a long illness. Born Jan. 16, 1914, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Isaac E. McKinney and Bertha Lilly McKinney. Mrs. Woods was a retired employee of the Raleigh County Board of Education, having taught English at Woodrow Wilson High School. She received her master's degree from West Virginia University with special training at Duke University. She was a member of Memorial Baptist Church, Beckley. She was a former church organist at First Baptist Church, Beckley, and Beckley Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Woods; an infant brother; and a sister, Edith Heaberlin. Survivors include a son, the Rev. James Duke Burdette and wife, Glenna, of Parkersburg; a brother, Robert E. McKinney of Madisonville, Ky.; a sister, Dorothy Young of Beckley; seven grandsons, James D. Burdette Jr. and wife, Terah, Jeffrey A. Burdette and wife, Patty, Richard K. Burdette and wife, Terri, Steven C. Burdette and wife, Martha, John M. Burdette and wife, Marianne, Joshua D. Burdette and Greg Turley and wife, Andrea; four granddaughters, Patricia L. Stainback and husband, Gary, Susan D. McPhail and husband, George, Mary Beth Jordan and husband, Richard, and Jessica L. Burdette; and 12 great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Susan Rector officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 1405 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801, or your local Gideons International. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Audessa M. Wright, 78, of Beckley, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, in a Roanoke, Va., hospital. Born Oct. 4, 1925, at Athens, she was the daughter of the late N.L. and Mary Lou Belle Griffith White. Mrs. Wright was a retired school teacher, having taught home economics for 35 1/2 years, teaching at Stoco High School and Woodrow Wilson High School. She was an accomplished artist, was a member of the Beckley Art Group and the Appalachian Art Group in Princeton. Mrs. Wright was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Beckley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Omer James "O.J." Wright, in May of 1996; by three sisters, Agnes Skeenes, Florence Mandevillle and an infant sister; and by four brothers, Andrew, Willie, Grover and Garland White. Mrs. Wright had been a lifelong resident of Beckley. Survivors include a step son, Donald Hugh Wright of Orange, Va.; step daughter, Barbara Lee Roehling of Sterling, Va.; a sister, Helen Harvey and her husband, Bill, of Princeton; a special sister, Edith Wood of Athens, with whom she made her home, alternating between Beckley and Athens; five grandchildren, Dwayne Wright, Keith Wright, Charles Roehling, Theresa Erlanger and Denise Johnson; two step grandchildren, Dennis Day and J.J. Day; five great grandhcildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 12 noon Tuesday at the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. Bob Stoddard officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to service on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Mike Harvey, Mitchell Harvey, Randy Wood, Stephen Miller, Dale Tuggle and Don Wright. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.