Obituaries

James Roy Norton, 85, of Wellston, Michigan, died on Thursday, August 27, 2026, following a short illness. He was preceded in death by his son, James Byron Norton, 46, his grandson, Cody Hull, age 33, 3 brothers, 7 sisters, his parents, Mary Anna (Wood) Norton and William Norton of West Virginia.

James is...

Steve "Wormy" Johnston, 74, of Rock, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at his residence.
Born June 3, 1952, in Welch, he was the son of the late Harry V. Johnston and Connie Sizemore Johnston.
Wormy was a coal miner for over 20 years and retired from Double Bonus in Pineville.
He was a very generous man...

Robert Lee Cooper, 95, of Rich Creek, Virginia, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Heritage Hall in Rich Creek, Virginia. Born June 5, 1931, in Princeton, he was the son of the late Josiah "J.H." Cooper and Tollie Ferrell Cooper.

Robert was a graduate of Princeton High School. After high school, he served...

It is with tremendous sadness & grief, I announce the passing of my beloved Mother, Mrs. Tommie June (Carter) Johnson.
Tommie June passed away Friday 8/14/26 (87 yrs old), early in the morning after a short illness, even though she had been in ill health since getting Covid in 2022.
Tommie June was born in the...

Earl "Cookie" Noland Jr., of Bluefield, WV, passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2026. He was born and raised in Bluefield, where he spent his life building a family, career, and legacy that will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Earl was the son of the late Earl and Edna Joyce Bailey Noland. He...

James Clayton "J.C." Barrett, age 96 and a half, of Bluefield, VA, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026. Born January 13, 1930, he was a son of the late Theodore Roosevelt Barrett, Sr. and Mary Francis Crockett Barrett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Barrett; two...

PRINCETON - After a long battle with cancer, Alice "Memaw" Lusk went to the Lord on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Born December 13, 1942, in Raliegh County, she was the eldest child of the late Charles and Helen Crews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ralph E. Lusk;...

Joetta Lou Smith, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 20, 1935, in Lashmeet, West Virginia, Joetta was the daughter of Paul and Ellen Sneed.
She graduated from Matoaka High School before attending Concord College in...

Marvin Darrell Epperson, 56, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026 with his family by his side. Born in Bluefield, WV, he was a member of the Bluefield High School class of 1989. Marvin went on to attend SouthWest Community College in Cedar Bluff, VA and earned his masters in welding, in which he excelled at...

James Cook, Jr., transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Services will be held at 12 noon July 31, 2026, at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Bluefield.
To view complete obituary visit seaverfuneralservice.com

Charlene Burks Cooper, of Hinton, WV, age 75, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at The Villages of Greystone in Beaver, WV. Charlene was born in McDowell County, WV on January 11, 1951. She graduated from Welch High School in 1968 and Concord College in 1971. She received her master's degree from the WV College of...

Donnie Grayson Goins, 81, of Bramwell, passed away on July 19, 2026.
Born on June 27, 1945, he was the fifth son of Glen and Pearl Dillon Goins of Simmons River Road.
He was a 1964 graduate of Bramwell High School and later that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth 'Betty' Harman Goins. They...

Henry D. Smith, passed away on June 24, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born on November 2, 1934, in Bluefield, Virginia, Henry was the son of Henry C. Smith and Clarice C. Smith.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Phyllias P. Smith, who passed away on April 17, 2024.
His memory and legacy...

CHRISTIANSBURG [mdash] Lieutenant Commander William Ray Aliff, United States Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully at his home in Christiansburg, VA, on July 14, 2026, at the age of 90.
He was born on March 29, 1936, in Rocky Gap, VA, to the late Oady Lafayette Aliff and Esther Concannon Aliff.
He is survived...

Jean T. "PeeDee" Vance, of Gray, TN, died Thursday, July 8, 2026, in Decatur, GA, following a short illness.
Full obituary may be viewed www.memorialfd.com
The Vance family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory on Athens Road in Princeton.

Mrs. Geneva Lois Hollandsworth Clyburn went from grace to glory on July 8, 2026. She was born at home on a cold wintery December 22, 1932 in the small railroad town of Oakvale, Mercer County, WV, the only child of Reverend Lonnie M. and Topsy K. Harry Hollandsworth.

She grew up in a loving, happy home. Her parents...

On Sunday, June 21, 2026 Norma J. Matthai (Reynolds) age 93 yrs old passed away in her home in North Port, Fl into the presence of our Lord after a short illness. Beloved wife of the late Edwin Matthai Sr, loving mother of Janie Roth-husband Steve and Eddie Matthai Jr.
In her early yrs Norma served in the U.S....

Jacqueline Mary Frances Anderson Cecil, age 101, of Springfield, OH, formerly of Tazewell, VA, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was born June 5, 1925, to the late Bennie Anderson and Cordi Gammon Anderson.
The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM, Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Peery & St. Clair...

Ronald Lee Dodson, age 75, of Bluefield, WV, peacefully passed away on June 20, 2026, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
For full obituary and service information please visit www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

Robert David Gillespie passed away at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC on Friday, June 19, 2026, after a brief illness.
David was born September 9, 1952 in Bluefield, WV and raised in Bluefield, VA to the late Douglas B. Gillespie and the late Joann M. Gillespie.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn B....

Stuart Olan Conner passed into the loving hands of his creator on June 10, 2026, joining his wife of 59 years in heaven. He was born September 18, 1939, in the old Princeton hospital in Mercer County, West Virginia to Ted and Martha Conner.

He spent a happy childhood in Matoaka, WV. He was married to the love of...

Irene Hounshell Gordon, affectionately known as"Nedde" to family and friends, of Mechanicsburg, VA (Bland County),passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 88, with her loving sonsby her bedside. Born on October 15, 1937, she was the daughter of Estle BrownHounshell, Sr. and Mary Virginia Harden...

Karen Preservati, age 81, of Princeton, WV, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at her home on Captiva Island, Florida.
Karen was born in Pinoak, WV, June 28, 1944, to the late Cyrus Leroy Nicholson and Blanche Mae Crotty Nicholson.
She was a graduate of Matoaka High School, Matoaka, WV. Post graduation,...

Jerry Ray Siner of Princeton, WV, transitioned to his final resting place on June 8, 2026. Born May 30th, 1944, in Matoaka, WV, he was the son of the late Pete and Stella Siner, whom he adored.
Jerry attended and graduated from Matoaka High School, having perfect attendance from kindergarten until graduation, he...

Elenor Caroline Poe Scott of Bluefield, WV was a caring wife, devoted
mother, grandmother, and friend. Caroline went home to a joyous homecoming
resting in the arms of God on June 3, 2026, at the age of 88 surrounded by
loved ones.

She was born to Luther Hezekiah Poe and Cleo Belle Hawley Poe on February
21, 1938....

With her eyes toward heaven and a smile on her face, Sandra (Sandy) Kay Cunningham, 69, of Seven Springs, NC, formerly of Speedway, moved to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, NC.
Full obituary & arrangements can be viewed via www.memorialfd.com.
The Family is being...

Imogene Bowman, 87, of Bluewell, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Princeton Healthcare Center.
Born July 11, 1938, in Dott, WV, she was the daughter of Luell Meadows and Macie Shrewsbury Cundiff.
Imogene was of the Pentecostal faith. She was a wonderful person who took joy in caring for others. She took...

Aden Zane King, age 19, and his beloved younger brother, Price Anthony Delida King, age 17, tragically passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, as the result of a vehicle accident. Their sudden loss has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them. Aden, born in...

Charles Thomas Richardson, 78, of Princeton, died early Monday morning, May 18, 2026, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.
Born May 23, 1947, in Princeton, he was the son of the late Clenon "Slim" Richardson & Thelma "Nannie" Jo Hedrick Richardson.

Charles was a lifelong resident of Princeton. He graduated from...

Judith Kay Hanks Heflin 80, formerly of Gary, WV, and later, Charleston, WV, and Concord, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after complications from a fall.

Judi lived a life defined by perseverance, compassion, curiosity, and joy. She was a proud Gary Coal Digger who never...

Della Sue Campbell, 66, of Lucoma, NC, passed away on May 10, 2026, in Wilson, NC.
For full obituary information and service times please visit www.roselawnmontevista.com

Billy Clyde "Bill" Wells of Athens, WV passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2026. He was born on January 14, 1938, in Bells, Tennessee to the late Franklin and Margaret Marie Wells of the Walnut Hill Community of Bells.
"Billy" graduated from Bells High School where he was president of the Class of 1956. An...

Thomas Joseph McDonough, 92, of North Tazewell VA passed away peacefully in his sleep May 9, 2026 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Tazewell in VA. 
 A native of Boston, MA he was born May 3, 1934 to John and Delia McDonough and was the youngest of their five children. He met his wife Columbia (Jones) while...

Bluefield, WV- Mildred S. Thomas, 74, of Bluefield, WV, died Monday, April 27, 2026 in Bluefield.
Born August 10, 1951 in Powhattan, WV, she was a daughter of the late David Elston and Vella Neal.
With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, Mrs. Thomas is remembered as a devoted woman...

Betty Jean Turpin, 89, of Princeton, West Virginia, passed away on April 25, 2026. Born on December 9, 1936, in McDowell County, West Virginia, she spent the greater part of her life in the Princeton area, where she became a beloved part of her community.
A committed follower of Christ from her young adult years,...

Bernice Billips Griffith, 91, of Bluefield, VA, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, April 18, 2026.
A service to celebrate Bernice's life will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Dudley Memorial Chapel at 12:00 P.M., with Minister Steve Moran officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, from...

George Thomas Smith, 97, of Bluefield, Virginia, formerly of Princeton, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Born December 16, 1928, he was the son of the late Ernest B. Smith and Viola Sparks Smith.
George retired from Overnight Transportation and Garst Truck Line of...

James Thomas "Jim" Goforth, 60, went home to be with Jesus on April 12, 2026, leaving behind
a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. After a
long journey with neuroendocrine cancer, Jim's passing came suddenly and far sooner than those
who loved him were prepared...

Richard Nicholson, 78, of Rock, died at his home on Saturday, April 11, 2026 surrounded by his family and friends. Born May 29, 1947, in Bluefield, he was the son of the late Clifton Nicholson and Windella Roberts Nicholson.

Mr. Nicholson was a former employee of the City of Matoaka Water and Sewer Treatment...

Ronald Lee Sharrock, 87, of Bluefield, WV, went to be with the Lord on
April 8, 2026, at Princeton Community Hospital surrounded by his loving
family and wife Juanita Witt Sharrock.

He was a dedicated, loving husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle,
great-uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed.

Ron was born...

George Patterson "Pat" Kade, 90, departed this world April 2, 2026 and is preceded in death by his parents, Ada Brewster and Ishmael Byron Kade, and his brother, William Byron Kade.
Pat spent the majority of his career in construction and was foreman on area projects like the Alexander Fine Arts Building at Concord...

Emery Earl Pruett, 86, of Wytheville, Virginia, died on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born on June 9, 1939 in Bishop, Virginia. Emery was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ann Mundy Pruett. His parents, Maxwell Alexander Pruett and Lelia Letrice Kirk...

Betty Jean Davis, 94, of Princeton, died peacefully Tuesday evening, March 24, 2026, at Heritage Hall in Rich Creek VA.
Born November 26, 1931, at Priemer, she was the daughter of the late Bernard Early Abbott and Rachel Kelly Williams Abbott.
Jean graduated from Welch High School and briefly attended West Virginia...

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert M. Harrison, fondly known as Bob, who departed this world peacefully at home on March 22, 2026, after complications from a stroke.
Born on October 10, 1942, Bob graced this world with his presence for 83 wonderful years, leaving...

Florence (Kitts) Carter, age 98, of Springville, Virginia, passed away on March 21, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, with funeral services immediately following at 12:00 p.m. at Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, Virginia.

Buddy Eugene Raines, 88, of Princeton died peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Princeton. Full arrangements can be viewed by www.memorialfd.com
The Raines family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.

James E. Davis of Rock, WV passed away March 19, 2026 at his home. For full obituary information please visit www.roselawnmonevista.com.

erry Lee Whitt, Sr. 77, of Princeton passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. For full obituary and service information please visit www.seaverfuneralservice.com.

James "Jim" Bradley Boyd, passed from this life to meet his Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Jim was born in Raven, Virginia, on December 4, 1932, to Den Cook Boyd and Maude Reynolds Boyd. Jim was a 1950 graduate of Richlands High School and a 1956 graduate of Virginia Tech. He later earned an MBA from Averett...

Ralph Emmett Harman, 96, of Bluefield, WV passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026 at home with family by his side. Born July 27, 1929, he was the son of the late John Marion and Virgie Victoria Harman. He was a member of the Smith's Chapel Church of the Brethren, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Youth...

Sandra Susan Puckett (72) of Bluefield, VA, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 9, 2026, after fighting a long battle with cancer.
Born July 23, 1953, in West Virginia, she was the adopted daughter of Andrew Jackson Mitchell and Virginia Elizabeth Blankenship Mitchell, with biological parents being...

Eva Ruth Hendricks, 95, of Vivian, WV, passed away March 11, 2026, at Princeton Community
Hospital. Born on October 21, 1930, at Landgraff, WV, she was the daughter of the late Charles H. and Dora Bryant Brown.
She was proceeded in death by her husband; James L. Hendricks, one grandson; Jeremy Hendricks, one great...

Frances Christine "Chrissy" White, born September 23, 1952, passed peacefully to her Heavenly home on March 4, 2026 at Heritage Hall of Rich Creek, VA. She was the daughter of William "Bill" and Bessie Stowers White of the Pleasant Hill community near Glen Lyn, VA. In addition to her parents, Christine was preceded...

Gary "Gee" Lee Carter passed peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 86.
Born April 1, 1939, in Bluefield, Virginia, Gary was the son of James and Ruby Carter and grew up on a dairy farm. He was a graduate of the Graham High School Class of 1957 and remained a lifelong loyal G-Man.
On June 10, 1958, he married...

Every now and then, a man of great honor and character is born, and that man lives his life with true heart and love, and when he passes, there is a great sorrow that affects his whole community. Such a man was Eugene Hamilton Hurst, Jr. He courageously fought his cancer with great strength and dignity and drew his...

Donald "Skip" Conner, Jr., 67, of Matoaka, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, from injuries he sustained after being struck by a car.
Born August 19, 1958, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Donald and Phyllis Mills Conner.
Skip was a 1976 graduate of Matoaka High School. He was a United States Army...

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Roy Carlous Riley on February 27, 2026. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Beaulah Riley, daughter, Amanda Riley and sister Sandy Case.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen; daughter, Laura and Bobby Chappell: grandson, Noah Riley and...