James Adair, Class of '83....  Taken away from us on December 25, 2001....  A devoted father to his two children and a very devoted baseball fan of his son....  He will be missed....  Pam, our prayers and thoughts are with you daily...  Love your friend...  Peggy

Hazel Marie Brown (Sutherland)  Class of 57.   Beloved wife and Mother passed on 1/11/96. Died from colon cancer, gone but not forgoten by all of her family.

Shirley Conner Corbin    1957

Joe Edward Holbrook, 62, of Caretta, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2002 at Welch Community Hospital. Born Oct. 25, 1939, in Caretta, hewas the son of the late Tom and Etta Holbrook. He was a lifelong resident of Caretta and graduated from Concord College, Athens, and received his master's degree from West Virginia University. He was a retired educator, having taught and served as dean of students at Big Creek High School in War from 1964 to 1989. He was a dedicated supporter of the Big Creek High School Owls and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. He was also active in the War Kiwanis Club and the War Public Library Board of Directors. He attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church in War. He is survived by three sisters, Selma Munsey of Caretta, Nola Curley and Aggie Koenig of Reading, Pa.; and one brother, Gregory Wayne Holbrook of Reading.  Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Spencer Oxford officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Va. The family will receive friends at the church from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Friends and nephews will serve as pallbearers.  The Douglas Funeral Home of War is in charge of arrangements.

Joe C. Alderman, class of 1958.  Homer Hickam dedicated "We Are Not Afraid" to Joe.  He was "Carettagirl's" brother-in-law who passed away in 1994 as a result of exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Viet Nam.

Robert L. Turner, 89, of War, died Thursday, June 5, 2003, at his home.  Born December 25, 1913, at Lex, near Bradshaw, he was the son of the late Robert L. and Phoebe “Tinkie” Taylor Turner.  He was the adopted son of the late Irvin Charles Turner, his Mother’s second husband.  Mr. Turner was a retired public educator in McDowell County, having been Principal of Big Creek High School from 1955 to 1985.  He formerly taught at Davy Junior High School, Bartley Junior High School, and Big Creek High School, giving 48 years of devoted service in the McDowell County School System.   He was a 1931 graduate of Welch High School.  He received a B. A. Degree from Marshall University, a M. Ed. Degree from Duke University, and completed additional graduate work at Duke and U.C.L.A.   He was a veteran of WW II, having served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, and was in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan.    Mr. Turner was an active member and volunteer of many organizations.  He held various offices in the Kiwanis Club of War, was a member for more than 50 years, was a past President, and was State Lt. Governor in 1962.  He was a 50 year member and past officer of the Iaeger Masonic Lodge 148, A.F.A.M., a 50 year member and Past Commander of American Legion Post No. 43, a Past Ninth District Adjutant, American Legion, and a 50 year member and Past Vice-Commander of VFW Post No. 9739.  He was an active officer and member in many educational organizations, including NEA, WVEA, MCEA, the McDowell County Association of Retired School Employees, and the national education organization, Kappa Delta Pi.   Mr. Turner was exceptionally proud of his 51 year membership in the War United Methodist Church, where he was past lay leader and current Chairman of the Administrative Board.  Mr. Turner, during his distinguished, educational career as Principal of Big Creek High School, became well known for his commitment to young people in Big Creek District and for his goal of maintaining Big Creek High School as an educational institution of the highest quality.  He encouraged educational excellence, and promoted, without reservations, the value of education and the commitment which the individual person should give to it.  He was always a person who “stood proudly” for ideals and for his beliefs.  He made a difference in the lives of many from Big Creek District for more than 50 years and was recognized as an outstanding leader, teacher, educator, compassionate Christian, father, family man, husband, and American.  Left to cherish his memory, are his loving wife of 51 years, Frances “Frankie” Hale Turner; his son, John Robert Turner; and a special sister-in law, Juanita Hale of Newhall.  The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 8, from 6-9 p.m. at the War United Methodist Church.  Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Gus Anderson and the Rev. Spencer Oxford at the War United Methodist Church on Monday, June 9, at 1:00 p.m., with entombment to follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield.  Pall Bearers will be: Tom Hatcher, Jim Jones, Clarence Justice, Kendrick King, Mario Poletti, and Fred Schrom.  Arrangements are being made by the Fanning Funeral Home of Welch and War.  (Dr. Tom Hatcher, '58, Mayor of the City of War, wrote Mr. Turner's obituary for the family.)

Margie Hess Roberts.  Passed away 9/29/03.  Will always be remembered by her friends and family.  She was awonderful person.

 Naomi Proffit Morris, 66, of Lockwood went home to be with Jesus Jan. 20, 2004, at home under the care of Kanawha Hospice Care. Born Feb. 19, 1937, at Yukon, she was the daughter of Virginia Romans Proffit of Greer, S.C., and the late Charley Proffit. She was also preceded in death by a brother, James Proffit. Highlights of her 30-year career included: working as a public health and visiting nurse for the Kanawha County Health Department and as a surgical nurse at CAMC Memorial Hospital. During her life, Naomi was a member of several church communities including First Baptist Church, Benton, Ark., Columbia Street Baptist Church, Bangor, Maine, and Edgewood Baptist Church, Wheeling. Most recently, Naomi was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, Lockwood, and the Nicholas-Webster Camp of the Gideons Auxiliary. Naomi had many talents and interests, including: needlepoint, sewing, cooking, antiques and, most importantly, caring for her family. She owned and operated an antique business, Cottage Antiques and Collectibles, Lockwood, and authored a book, Proffit Discoveries, which outlined the Proffit family genealogy. Naomi had a strong appreciation for the value of education and helped to establish a scholarship program for members of the Proffit family. She was a 1955 graduate of Big Creek High School.  In addition to her mother, she is survived by the love of her life, Alfred R. Morris of Lockwood, her husband of 45 years; two daughters and their husband, Pamela Morris Struble and Oliver of Flemington, N.J., Katrina Morris Sesler and Jason of Baltimore, Md.; three brothers and their wives, Howard Proffit of Tazewell, Va., Eugene and Mary Lou Proffit of Pennsburg, Pa., Rodney and Doris Proffit of Greer, S.C.; and two grandchildren, Scott Austin Struble and Amy Catherine Struble. Graveside service and burial were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, in Walker Memorial Park, Summersville, with the Rev. L. Glenn Morris officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations in Naomi's memory be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1143 Dunbar Ave, Dunbar, WV 25065, or Gideon Memorial Bible Program, P.O. Box 131, Summersville, WV 26651.

Glen Compton, class of 1954, formally of Newhall, WV, passed away on April 3. 2004, after a long battle with cancer. Welcome Home Glen.

Imogene (Jean) Williamson Flager - passed away May 5, 2004 at home in Elkhart, IN ---  BCHS Class of '59

 

I will always remember Imogene as we were growing up as neighbors and classmates in Bishop WV.  She was funny and always laughing (giggling, actually).  She loved life!  She is really missed by her sister and best friend, Margie (also Class of '59) brothers and two sons and all who were lucky enough to have known her!

Juanita Brewster Pruitt -- class of 54, formally from Newhall, WV.  Juanita attended our last two class reunions.   We will miss her.

Mary Anne Whitt Montgomery,  61, of Fullerton,CA,  previously of the Canebrake area crossed over to the other side tobe with the Lord on April 7, 2004 with her husband and two daughters at her bedside. Mary Ann lived life to it's fullest and she fought a brave 7-year battle with cancer.  Mary Anne was the daughter of the late Charlie and Louise Brinkley Hankins Whitt, both Canebrake natives. Mary Ann grew up in the Canebrake, Berwind and Hartwell Communities. Her education was obtained at Hartwell, Amonate, Berwind and Big Creek; she graduated from Big Creek High School in 1961.

In addition to her parents, four brothers, Claude Jr., Douglas, Bobby Joe and 1st Sergeant Jimmy Hankins; three sisters, Margaret Ruth, Maxine and Brenda Sue Hankins preceded her in death.  Survivors include her loving and caring family which are: Her husband of 40 years, Eddie Montgomery; two daughters: Edie Poole and husband Scott, Marla Gerger and husband Rob; stepchildren: Mike Montgomery, Melissa Auensen and Sue Graham; brothers: Ted Hankins and Eddie Whitt; granddaughter: Little Miss Kylie Gerger and step-granddaughter, Ashley Poole; and her childhood friend: Mrs. Velma Barron Gibson; and many, many cousins and friends also survive her.  As per Mary Anne's request she was cremated and a Memorial Service will be held April 18, 2004 at 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, Calif. Another Memorial service will be held at the 2005 Berwind Reunion and her ashes will be divided and buried at her parents grave in Hartwell Cemetery and on Ratcliffe Mountain in Pearisburg, Va.

Howard Callebs, 68, of Ashland passed away Saturday, January 8, 2005, in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2005, at Beard Mortuary, Huntington, with the Rev. Greg Lucas and Rev. Chris Callebs officiating. Burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. He was born January 1, 1937, in McDowell County, West Virginia, a son of the late Estil and Golda Mae Barnette Callebs. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John S. Callebs; his granddaughter, Holly Erin Hinchman; and a nephew, Christopher D. Tatum. He graduated from Big Creek High School in 1954. He was a United States Air Force veteran who served from 1956-1960. He graduated from Marshall University in 1964. Mr. Callebs was a member of the Big Green Foundation; Big Green Alumni Association; Past President of M.U.T.S. Athletic Boosters; and was a Kentucky Colonel. He was retired from Ashland Oil in 1992 as Manager of Bank Accounts and Systems. He is survived by his wife, Sue Huff Callebs; two daughters, Lisa and Jeff Riley of Huntington and B.J. and Sid Hinchman of Barboursville; one son, Rick and Ann Callebs of Wellston, Ohio; one sister, Mary C. "Jackie" McCord of Clarksville, Md.; two brothers, Jerry Callebs of English, W.Va., and Pat Callebs of Bristol, Va.; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David and Alicia Huff of Chesapeake, Ohio and David and Judy Tatum of Ona, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Meg Riley, Natalie Riley, Zane Fleming and Bryan Callebs; and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Kerri Bailey of Tornado, W.Va.. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society.

Tanya Renee Kennedy was killed in Ohio on New Years day '05.  Tonya was a great person and she will be missed by everyone who knew her.   She had 2 children Devon and Morgan. She was a wonderful person who could make anyone laugh.  She had a great personality and was a wonderful mother.  Please pray for her children and her family!

There have been so many people who were Owls and have passed that need to be remembered!   All these men should have lived a lot longer lives.  They were taken before their time and we will all miss them greatly,  Their families will always be in our prayers.

 

Lewis Griffith. 

 

Missed Greatly By Alexis (Rautenkranz) Blaylock, Diana (Rautenkranz) Mitchem and Jennifer (Meadows) Woodall

Ronald "Bud" Tickle passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2005, in Delaware.  "Bud" was the son of the late Gladys Tickle Pelphrey, and grew up in English.  He left BCHS in the fall of 1951 to join the Air Force.  "Bud" is survived by his sister, Phyllis Tickle White, of Wytheville, VA, his brother, Jack Tickle of Thorpe, WV, and half-sister, Linda Pelphrey Samuels, of Lexington, SC, all graduates of BCHS.  "Bud" was laid to rest beside his deceased son.  "Bud" was pre-deceased by a younger brother, Allen Tickle, BCHS '56. 

 

Dear BCHS  Friends:
I want you to know that my sister, Callie died this morning, 12/31/05, in Cumberland, Maryland, after a long illness and a bout with cancer.  Callie was 80 in June. She was a BCHS graduate of the Class of 1944.  

 

Love to all,
Les Fite, ('41)

Sammy Michael Fragile, 63, of Bailey Street, Princeton, formerly of Coalwood, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006 at his residence. Born in Raysal on June 22, 1942, he was the son of Athena Samoras Fragile Justice of Caretta and the late James Carl “Bus” Fragile.  He was a graduate of Big Creek High School. Mr. Fragile was formerly employed by the Olga Coal Company and was retired as an elected executive board member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was a 40-year member of the UMWA and was a member of the UMWA COMPAC for 30 years. At the time of his death he was serving as Chairman of the Collective Bargaining Committee and was the financial secretary for the Local Union No. 5977. He was also an elected delegate with the UMWA International Convention for many years.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Elizabeth Marie Fragile.  He was a loving and caring father and grandfather and was an avid WVU Football fan.  Survivors in addition to his mother include his two daughters, Christy Lockhart and husband Dwayne and Amanda Farmer and husband Earl all of Princeton; three grandchildren, Timothy Pinter, Tanner and Taylor Lockhart; brother, Danny Ray Fragile and wife Peggy of Bristol, Tenn.; nieces, Yvette and Tina Fragile.  A service to celebrate the life of Sammy Fragile will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 11, 2006 from the Burns Wornal Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Pastor Derek Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Pallbearers will be Brothers of the United Mine Workers.  Family and friends may share online condolences via www.memorialfd.

James Albert Bright, 76, of Huntington, passed away Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005 in St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington.  He was born Jan. 23, 1929 in Seaman, Ohio, a son of the late James Edwin (Ed) Bright and Eva Baker Bright. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Bright Delph Palmer and Bonnie Bright Payne.  He attended Big Creek High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was retired from Gates Engineering, Wilmington, Del. He had been residing in Huntington for the past year.  Survivors include: His wife, Linda Wellman Bright; a stepdaughter, Lisa Ross of Newark, Del.; two sisters and brothers-in-law and their families, Joyce and Raymond Payne and Joann and Bob Russnak; and the family of Bonnie Payne.  Interment -- Crane Ridge, McDowell County.

 

My Uncle Jack was well loved by family and friends, and will be sorely missed.  ~Sheila

Polly Ruth Barnett Barrick (class of 1970) 

Obit:  Our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Polly Ruth Barnett Barrick, departed this earthly life at 11:40 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2002. Polly was born to Lee and Elsie Barnett on June 18, 1952 in Warriormines. After graduating from Big Creek High School in 1970, she continued her education and received a diploma from Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Professional Nursing in 1975. She then worked at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va. until moving to North Carolina where she worked at UNC Hospital for over 22 years. On July 28, 1984, Polly Barnett married Jim Barrick. They moved to Hillsborough and became members of Union Grove United Methodist Church. After the birth of her second child, Polly received her BSN. She was a devoted nurse, specializing in critical care nursing. Her commitment to nursing extended into teaching, mentoring and modeling the best in patient advocacy. While working on her master's degree, Polly's focus shifted from her own educational and professional pursuits to those of her children. She was instrumental in the development and subsequent success of Orange Charter School. Polly pursued all her endeavors with a unique passion for living. The loss of this extraordinary individual is evidenced by her many friends who mourn her death. Those left to mourn this great loss include her devoted husband, Jim and their children Emily (16), Jacob (13), Jessica (10) and Lucas (8). Polly's immediate living family includes her mother, Elsie Barnett, and her brothers and sisters. Polly's brothers and their wives are: Henry and Darlene of Tazewell, Va., Billy and Barbara of Warriormines, and Carl and Beverly of Warriormines. Her sisters and their husbands are: Becky and Charles Richard of Roanoke, Mary and Daryl Spradlin of Mebane, N.C., and Sarah and Bill Ritter of Henry, Va. They are blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Marie (Rose) (Payne) Keaton (Born- Feb 10 1946) ( Died-July 19-2005).  Bartley # 3 Hollow.  Wife, Mother, Granmother and Friend to Everyone.  Mommy passed away July 19 2005 from Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 59,  She is sadly missed by her children Vickie, Tiny, Michael and Molly and her Husband Roscoe Keaton. She had 17 Grankids and 5 Great grankids. We all love and miss her so much. She was so brave and we know in our hearts she is in heaven now. Words can never express the love she gave everyone. She ran a food pantry at English and was always taking others in and had a heart so big she could love the world.She never turned anyone away. She was in so much pain towards the end and all she said was she wanted us to be happy. She was so sweet and loving. I wish everyone had the kind of mother I had.  Mommy, rest in peace now and be painfree at last.  I love and miss u more than any words can express, You are always in my heart and will NEVER be forgotten, Love always (ur babygirl)                 

 

 

6/23/04, posted by Kay Reaser '56
Wayne Brooks, of Tallmadge, OH, passed away on June 20, 2004.  Wayne was a member of the BCHS Class of 1956, and was a faithful attendee at all our reunions.  He will be missed.  Rest in Peace, Wayne.

4/26/06, posted by Kay Reaser
Clifton Queen, a teacher at BCHS in the late 40's - early 50's, passed away in early April. He had made his home in Canton, OH, for many years. Mr. Queen was a good friend of Will R. "Bill" Hauck, BCHS '54, who asked that this info be made available to all OWLS. Here is the obit for Mr. Queen, from The Canton Repository newspaper:
Clifton L. Queen. A memorial service was held 11 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2006, in the Karlo & Sons Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Road NW, Canton with the Rev. Eli O. Klingensmith officiating. Friends were received at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the WVU Alumni Association; P.O. Box 4269, Morgantown, WV 26504. "Montani Semper Liberi"- (Mountaineers Are Always Free)

Sarah Audrey Rowe - June 19, 1941 - May 10, 2006 - posted by her daughter

I am posting this for my mother, Sarah Audrey Rowe, class of 1960 (known as Audrey).  It is with great sadness that I write this, shedding some tears with every keystroke.  May 10th, God decided He needed her more in Heaven than on Earth.  Audrey would have been 65 years old June 24th.  She graduated the top 10 of her class in 1960, was supposed to give a speech during the graduation, but left for Ohio without giving it.  She wanted me to say she was sorry she didn't give it, but she wanted to get to Ohio so badly that she just left.  She has written many books and poems, still waiting to be published... we were trying so hard to get them out.  She loved West Virginia and said it was the prettiest place that God had made.  She went on to have one child, Angelisa, taught children and started a Junior Church Program for over 44 years, grandmother to two children (Kristina and Saraissa named for her), worked over 10 years at Montgomery County Children Services and was a full time caretaker for her mother, Kathryn V. Rowe, who is still living at 84 years.  Audrey was a good Christian woman who was devoted to doing God's will.  Audrey was on her way to pick up her granddaughters when a truck went left of center, hitting her head on.  I had just seen her not more than an hour before the accident.  She was conscious and coherent at the scene, wanting to make sure someone called me so her mother would be alright and so the kids would be picked up.  I was told she just had a head injury... it was so much worse than that.  I never got to speak to her at the hospital, but I know she knew I loved her.  I just wish I could have said it one last time. Audrey spoke fondly of Mildred Ayers, a missionary who taught children one evening a week and visited grade schools Thursdays and Fridays, teaching the children about God.  My mother loved Miss Ayers, and told me how she had no money most of the time, very little food, and her poor car ran on faith just as she did.  My mother learned a lot from her. The mountains were a friend to my mother.  She has poems dating back to school days.  She would lose herself in her poems and short stories.  She was fashionably late to most events with the exception of church.  ~Mrs. Rowe was a member of this website, and this message was posted by her daughter.  

10/15/05, posted by Kay Reaser
The class of 1956 has lost another classmate.  William S. "Bill" Wampler passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2005.  He had lived and worked in the Tazewell, VA, area for many years.  He is survived by his wife, Catheryn Moore Wampler, 2 daughters, one son, three grandchildren, and his brother, Allen Wampler, BCHS '61.  Memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4330 Bland Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609.  Our sympathy and prayers are with Bill's family.

Kevin Alexander Bowling,  1979-July 14, 2007  --  Kevin died suddenly Saturday, July 14, 2007.  He graduated from BCHS in 1997. He was preceded in death by his mother Vickie Elaine Patterson Stinson Bowling.  He lived with his grandparents, Harless and Ruth Patterson and nephew, Jordan Bowling of Warriormines, WV.  Many of you will remember Mrs. Patterson from her years teaching at War Jr. High, War Annex, and most recently Berwind schools. We miss Kevin  Teri Horn

We were saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Jim Cardwell, class of 1962.  He was known to many of us by his website nickname "OldJim."  We enjoyed reminiscing with him in the Owls chatroom on "Hootenanny" evenings.  Of the many things he shared with us, we learned that he had served in Vietnam, loved Ebay, and had suffered a heart attack in 2003.  Jim posted a photo album on this website in March of 2004, and if you'd like to see it, here's the link:
http://groups.msn.com/bigcreekowls/oldjim44.msnw?albumlist=2

---

James Irving Cardwell, age 63, of Douglasville passed away September 13, 2007 at his residence.  He was born May 2, 1944 in War, WV., the son of the late Orville L. and Ruby Mae McNew Cardwell.  Jim was a member of The King’s Way Baptist Church and a retired truck driver.  Surviving are his wife, Debbie Cardwell of Douglasville, GA; children Kelli & Shafter Hicks of Douglasville, GA, Michelle & Steve Green of Douglasville, GA and Russell Cardwell of Key West, FL; four grandchildren, Amber Hicks, Tyler Hicks, Paul Green and Zachary Green.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, September 14th from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, September 15th at 3:00 PM at The King’s Way Baptist Church. Dr. William Wininger will officiate. Interment will follow at Rosehaven Memorial Park.  Those who wish to express condolences or share a special memory may do so online at http://www.whitleygarner.com/

Helen (Theodorides) Barrett, 84, widow of Wilmer “Happy” Barrett, of 5 Baldwin Drive, Staunton, VA, formerly of Meadowbrook Road, died Monday, Sept. 24, 2007 at the Augusta Medical Center, Fishersville, VA.  She was born March 27, 1923 in Caretta, a daughter of the late Harris and Mary (Lariou) Theodorides, who were both natives of Samos, Greece.  Mrs. Barrett was a 1941 graduate of Big Creek High School. She was the former owner of Foreign Domestic Auto Parts in Staunton.  Mr. and Mrs. Barrett lived for a long time in War, where they were also business owners. She was a charter member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary No. 9737 in War. The Barrett’s moved to Staunton in 1962.  She was a loving, devoted Mother and Grandmother and was a devoted member of Memorial Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, who died Jan. 25, 1997, and her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, George Townsend and Theodore Theodorides; and two sisters, Venecia Cooke and Athena Theodorides.  Family members include two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Barbara Barrett of Fairfax Station and Theodore H. and Mildred Barrett of Dunkirk, Md.; a sister, Thetis Langlet of Sarasota, Fla.; four grandchildren, Theresa Remington, Alan Barrett, Michael Barrett, and Kristi B. DeSilva; and six great grandchildren, Ryan Remington, Reece Remington, Kelsey Cross, Abigail Barrett, Nicholas DeSilva and Cara DeSilva.  A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28, 2007 in Memorial Baptist Church in Staunton by the Rev. Temple D. Meyers. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens, Staunton.  Active pallbearers will be Wilford Kirby, Joe Hemp, Paul Brown, Fred Schrom, John Sheaves, and John Whitfield.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Rebecca Sunday school class of Memorial Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 in the Henry Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 224 Taylor Street, Staunton, VA 24401 or to the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad, Memorial Trust Fund, P.O. Box 2566, Staunton, VA 24401.

Martha June (Hylton) Skeens (July 31, 1950 - September 24, 2007),  57, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Monday, September 24, 2007, at St. Mary's Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Hylton and Ethel Mae Baker Hylton; two brothers, Donald Hylton and Charles Hylton; and one sister, Shell Gallassi. She is survived by one son, Paul Matthew Skeens of Huntington and his fiancée Ryan Clarkson; one sister, Sadie Fink of Upper Marlboro, Md.; and one special friend, Glenn Ward of Huntington. She was a 1969 graduate of Big Creek High School.  Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 28, 2007, at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Ceredo, W.Va., with Pastor Rodney Hale presiding. The procession will leave the funeral home at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ceredo-Kenova Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ceredo-kenovafuneralhome.com