Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 19, 1994                   TAG: 9503230029
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

ALLEN, Michael Alexander, 4 month old infant son of Cynthia Allen, of Roanoke, died Saturday, April 16, 1994. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his father, Timothy A. Haynesworth; three brothers, Stevi Allen, Timothy Allen, John Allen; two sisters, Tiffany and Cynthia Allen; grandparents, John and Florine Allen, Geraldine Haynesworth; uncles, Aaron Allen, John Brown, Max Haynesworth; aunts, Teresa Allen and Shirley Allen; godmothers, Rosa Mae Booker and Faye Hairston. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis, Morticians.

BAILEY, Opal Lillian Caudle, 84, of Vinton, passed away Saturday, April 16, 1994, in a local hospital. She was the widow of Robert Lee Bailey. Surviving are one son, Robert T. Bailey of Vinton; two daughters, Margie B. Lyke of Big Stone Gap, Shirley B. Williams of Vinton; also eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 1994, from the Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Rick Via and the Rev. Kenneth Butterworth officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Friends may call at the Lotz Vinton Chapel.

BATTLE, William R. (Bill), 69, of Roanoke, died Saturday, April 16, 1994. Mr. Battle was born in Santa Anna, Texas, on July 10, 1924. After attending public schools in El Paso, he attended the University of Texas in El Paso from 1941-1943 and then obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947 and his Master of Science degree in 1948 from the University of Iowa. He married Jane Nichol Brown, a graduate of Vanderbilt University in 1951. The couple had two children, Rebecca (``Becky"") Brown Battle, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and William Lee Battle, a graduate of Bucknell University and Emory University. Battle was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps from 1944-1946. As a navigator and radar bombadier, he served 190 combat hours. He was part of the lead crew flying over the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay as the Allies and Japan signed the surrender agreement. Battle began his professional life with National Life and Accident Insurance Company in Nashville in 1948. He then was with Southwestern Life Insurance Company in Dallas from 1951-1959, when he joined Shenandoah Life Insurance Company. Battle moved up through the ranks of Shenandoah Life. He joined the company as an Actuary, was named Vice President and Actuary in 1962, was named Vice President-Financial Operations in 1970; Executive Vice President in 1971, and President and Chief Executive Officer in 1972. He led Shenandoah Life as President until his retirement in 1989. He served on the Board of Directors of the company from 1970-1994, and served as Chairman from 1989-1993. Since February 1993, he served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. From June 1993, through December 1993, he served a second term as President of the company. Battle served on many civic and corporate boards, among them Crestar Financial Corporation, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia, Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley, and Carilion Health System. He was involved with the College of Business Advisory Council at Virginia Tech, the U.S. Savings Bond Campaign, the Roanoke Valley Development Corporation, the Blue Ridge Regional Health Care Coalition, and the Virginia Council of Economic Education. He was also a leader and board member of the Governor's Advisory Board on Revenue Estimates for the State of Virginia, the Salvation Army Board, the National Alliance of Business, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Roanoke Symphony Society, Junior Achievement, Roanoke Fine Arts Center, and the Joint Council on Economic Education. He was also an Elder at Second Presbyterian Church, and was Father of the Year for Civic Affairs in 1977, a member of the Shenandoah Club, German Club and the Kiwanis Club. Also on the boards of many professional insurance organizations, Battle served on the American Council of Life Insurance, the Life Office Management Association, the Medical Information Bureau, and the Health Insurance Association of America. A memorial service will be conducted at Second Presbyterian Church, 11 a.m. Tuesday, with Dr. William R. Klein officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Ave., S.W., Roanoke, Va. 24016 or to the Salvation Army Community Cent er, 724 Dale Ave., S.E., P.O. Box 1631, Roanoke, Va. 24008. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel

BEIRNE, James Burke 71, of Clifton Forge, died Sunday, April 17, 1994. Funeral Thursday, 11:00 a.m. Nicely Funeral Home Chapel, Clifton Forge, VA.

BIBB, Rena Mayhew, 91, of Franklin, Tenn., and formerly of Lynch Station, Va., died Friday, April 15, 1994. Funeral 2 p.m, Wednesday, Finch & Finch Funeral Home Chapel, Altavista.

BRUBAKER, Jacob J. (``Jake""), 78, of Roanoke County, died Sunday, April 17, 1994 at his home. He was an Elder at Peters Creek Old German Baptist Church, a retired farmer, and a former employee of the Roanoke County School Board. Surviving are his wife, Mary Alma Divers Brubaker; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ralph J. and Martha D. Brubaker, Keswick, Va., David H. and Norma S. Brubaker, New Carlisle, Ohio; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Emmett N. and Florence S. Brubaker, Lapel, Ind., Cephas E. and Edith B. Brubaker, Covington, Ohio, Charles H. and Eloise C. Brubaker, North Manchester, Ind., Robert D. and Carol C. Brubaker, Eldorado, Ohio; sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances B. and Ernest E. Wolf, Lucy B. and Harold W. Reed, all of Roanoke; sisters-in-law, Naomi G. Brubaker, New Carlisle, Ohio, Myrtle D. Brubaker, Callaway. Funeral services will be conducted from Peters Creek Old German Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, 1994, with the Home Brethren officiating. Burial will be in the Brubaker Cemetery, Roanoke County. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel.

CLARK, Victoria Vaden Huffman, 68, of Salem, died Monday, April 18, 1994. Funeral 1 p.m. Thursday, John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Salem.

CRAFT, Elmer Looney, 74, of Roanoke, died Sunday April 17, 1994, at Community Hospital. He was a retired carpenter with the Civil Service for many years. He was a member of Pentecostal of the Living God Church and was a Army World War II veteran. Survivors include his wife, Ethel Marie Craft; stepson, Lester Weese, Morfield, W.Va.; a brother, Willis Craft, Vinton; sister, Norine Reynolds, Roanoke. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 20, 11 a.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel, Salem by the Rev. John T. Chambers officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedar Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

CRAWFORD, Harvey L., 87, of Troutville, passed away Sunday, April 17, 1994. He was a life time member of Cloverdale Church of the Brethren and a retired employee of the Roanoke Hollins Stock Yard. Mr. Crawford was predeceased by his daughter, Joyce Crawford Saunders. Surviving are his wife, Evelyn Parks Crawford; daughter, Jeannine Crawford Bass, Roanoke; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Virginia C. Powell, Roanoke, Ruth C. Martin, Troutville; brother, Clarence E. Crawford, Troutville. Funeral services will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Steven W. VanHouten and the Rev. Harold I. Bowman. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's North Chapel.

CREASEY, Nelle Viola, 82, of Christiansburg, died Monday, April 18, 1994, at her home. The daughter of the late Robert Elmer and Lelia Grace Creasey, she was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Creasey. Surviving are three sister, Ethel May Martin, Christiansburg, Mary Carnell Smith, Yadkinville, N.C., Bobbie Leonard Hill, Blacksburg; two nephews, John H. Martin III and wife, Rose, Christiansburg, Robert Darnell Smith Jr.; two nieces, Mary Roberta Lewis, Linda Darnell Perkins; four great-nieces, Melinda Clark, Michelle Ellis, Mrs. David McCollum and Mrs. David Bricker; one great-nephew, Lee Perkins. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at the graveside in Sunset Cemetery conducted by the Rev. Chuck McHose. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

DOWDY, John Henry, 77, of Lynch Station passed away Sunday, April 17, 1994. Funeral Wednesday, 11 a.m., Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church. Updike Funeral Home, Huddleston.

DUNN, Denton, (``Hamp''), 77, of Peterstown, W.Va. died Sunday, April 17, 1994. Funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday, Broyles Funeral Chapel.

FULLER, Foster George, 93, of Roanoke, died Sunday, April 17, 1994. He was employed by the American Viscose Company and retired from Fort Lee, Va., in 1964. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maude Horne Fuller in 1991. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Earl Foster Sr. and Anne Brogan Fuller; daughter, Norma Fuller Snead, all of Daleville; grandchildren, Steve and Linda Snead, Salem, Susan and Duaine Fitzgerald, Buena Vista, Vickie and Gary Bartley, Covington, Earl Jr. and Darlene Fuller, Roanoke, Lynda F. Overfelt, Daleville; nine great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Odell and Paul Davis, Roanoke; brother-in-law, Luster Rhodes; sister-in-law, Myrtle Fuller, Chesapeake; a number of nieces and nephews. The grandsons will serve as pall bearers. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m., Wednesday at Oakey's North C hapel by the Rev. Paris E. Bain. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's North Chapel.

GARST, William E., 83, of Salem, passed away Monday, April 18, 1994. He is survived by a son, Beverly L. Garst, Salem; daughters, Ms. Rona Garst, Roanoke, Mrs. Shelby Jean Hurley, Providence, N.C. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, 1994, at Sherwood Memorial Park. Rev. John Hurley will officiate. Arrangements are being handled by Lotz Funeral Home, Salem.

HAYES, Matthew Paul, infant son of Ralph W. Hayes, Sr. and Silverine Brown died Saturday, April 16, 1994. He is survived by two half-brothers, Ralph Hayes, Jr. and Jeffery Linkenhoker, both of Roanoke; his grandparents, aunts, uncles and a host of cousins. Graveside services will be held 2 pm Wednesday, April 20, 1994 at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Oakeys Vinton Chapel, Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm.

JOHNSON, Naomi Brown, 75, of Rt. 2, Independence, passed away Monday, April 18, 1994. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

JONES, Carrie, 83, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, April 17, 1994. She was preceded in death by two children, Percy Jones and Annette Staples. Survivors include six sisters, Sarah Woodson, Bronx, N. Y., Bessie McKenny, New York City, Madeline Woodson, Bronx, N. Y., Mary Scruggs, Washington, D. C., Ellawese J. Tompkins, and Angeline Witcher, both of Chatham; one brother, Samuel B. Jones, Elwood, N. Y.; granddaughter, Carolyn Johnson; great-granddaughter, Tracy Johnson, both of Roanoke; nieces, Clara Casey, Gladys Jones, Lizzie Jones, Leona Jones, Dorothy Ann Harris; nephew, David Jones; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, 2 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis Chapel, with burial in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

KING, Coy Herman, 78, of Fieldale, died Monday, April 18, 1994. Funeral Wednesday 11 am, Collins Funeral Chapel, Bassett.

LAMBERT, Mary Haven Rea, 94, of Waynesboro, died Monday, April 18, 1994 in a Roanoke nursing home after a long illness. She was the mother of Carroll D. Rea of Roanoke. Funeral services will be held at Etter Funeral Home Chapel, Waynesboro, Va., 11 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 1994.

LYON, James Frank, 81, of Richmond, died Tuesday, April 12, 1994. He is survived by his wife, Edna Hawthorne Lyon; one sister, Nell L. Owen, Roanoke; two nephews, Rodney Owen and Neil Wilson. Mr. Lyon was retired from Toledo Scale Company and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 39th Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Force. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. on Friday, April 15, 1994, at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Homes, Chippenham Chapel, Richmond. Interment was held in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad, 5327 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225.

OVERBY, Andrew, (``Pete''), 49, of Stuart, died Sunday, April 17, 1994. Funeral Wednesday 2 p.m., Moody Funeral Home Chapel.

REID, Lillian Noftsinger, 97, of Roanoke, died Monday, April 18, 1994. Mrs. Reid was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Reid. She was a daughter of Abram and Catherine Noftsinger. Surviving are a sister-in-law, Daniel Noftsinger; nieces and nepews, Irma N. Bryant, Wellford Noftsinger, Lurline Brown, all of Roanoke, George Noftsinger Jr., Anita Knapp, Kitty McNulty, all of Jarrettsville, Md.; also a number of great-nieces, great- nephews, friends and relatives. The family suggests memorials may be made to Belmont Baptist Church, 825 Stewart Ave., S.E, Roanoke, Va. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the graveside Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Wayne Harrison will officiate. Friends may call from Oakey's Roanoke from 10 am Tuesday, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

ROSEBERRY, Tiffany Renee, infant daughter of Terry Gail Hodge Roseberry and Charles Jason Cromer, of Dublin, passed away Saturday, April 16, 1994. Graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Highland Memory Gardens. Arrangements by Bower Funeral Chapel.

ROWLAND, Thomas Lee, 79, of Altavista, died Monday, April 18, 1994. Funeral Wednesday, 11 a.m., Sycamore Baptist Church. Arrangements by Finch & Finch Funeral Home.

SEMONES, Isaac Robert, 87, of Dublin, passed away Monday, April 18, 1994 at Radford Community Hospital. He was a retired agent for Life Insurance Company of Virginia and was a former employee of Freds Auto Parts. He was a former member of Huntington Court United Methodist Church, in Roanoke, where he was teacher of the Crusaders Class of 20 years, former member of Carter St. United Methodist Church i Radford and a former teacher of the Mens Bible Class. He taught Sunday School for almost 40 years. He was currently a member of First Baptist Church in Radford. He was a former member and Past Master of the Williamson Road Lodge #163 A.F.&A.M. Roanoke, past District Deputy Grandmaster of District #22. He was a present member and past Master of Virginia May Lodge #38 A.F. & A.M. of Radford, where he was treasurer for four years, a former member and past High Priest of Murray Royal Arch Chapter #22 of Roanoke and was past District Deputy Grand High Priest of District #8, a present member and past High Priest of Peyton Coles Royal Arch Chapter #27 of Radford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys DeHaven Semones, and a daughter, Gladys Faye Semones, his parents, four brothers, three sisters, and one half brother. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Jack (Jeanette) Newman, Richmond; one son, Robert Carl Semones, Roanoke; sister, Mrs. V. A. (Mime) Marshall, Kinston, N. C.; two brothers, J. Heath Semones, Wytheville, and Russell H. Semones, Creedmore, N. C.; a half sister, Mrs. P. A. (Daisy) Dunford, Wytheville; half brother, William L. Semones, Roanoke; ten grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Fune ral services will be held Thursday, April 21, 1994 at 11 a.m. in the Seaver-Sanders & Mullins Funeral Home in Radford, with the Rev. Joe Burton officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Burial Park in Radford, where members of Virginia May Masonic Lodge #38 will conduct graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Seaver-Sanders & Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.

STAPLES, Melvin Andrew, of Chester, Pa., formerly of Roanoke and Troutville, Va., passed away Thursday, April 14, 1994. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Geneva Staples, Roanoke; children, Yvonne M. McClendon, Yvette and Frank Calhoun, Brian and Faith Staples, all of Chester, Pa., Brent Andrew Staples, Brooklyn, N.Y., Brad G. Staples, Crista Lea and Roy Dillard, Bruce and Theresa Staples, Amina and Hussian Al-Hindi, all of Roanoke; 24 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Clarence Staples, Roanoke, McKinley Staples and wife, Maude, Calvin Warrent Staples and wife, Elizabeth, Paul Verna Staples, all of Chester, Pa.; two aunts, Mrs. Daisy General and Mrs. Callie Swift, Roanoke; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, April 20, 1994, at Williams Memorial Park, with the Rev. J. A. Keaton, pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating. The family will meet at the home of Mrs. Geneva Staples, 2848 Florida Ave., N.W. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis, Morticians.

STIFF, William Edward, 44, of Roanoke, died Sunday April 17, 1994. He was a member of Riverdale Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Janet D. Stiff; a son, Douglas Edward Stiff, Roanoke; a sister, Joyce S. Conner, Roanoke. Funeral sersvices will be conducted at Lotz Roanoke Chapel, Noon, Wednesday, April 20, 1994, with the Rev. Robert W. Lanier officiating. Interment in Martin Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Lotz Roanoke Chapel, 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. Tuesday.

STURGILL, Earl 67, died Monday, April 18, 1994. Arrangements by Oakeys North Chapel.

TATE, Esther Anne Banks, 50, of Wytheville, died Sunday, April 17, 1994, in the Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Huddle Memorial United Methodist Church, Past Regent of Women of the Moose and was preceded in death by her father, Harold A. Banks. She is survived by her husband, Howard J. Tate; two sons and daughter-in-law, Harold (``Jimmy"") and Beth Tate, Dwayne Edward Tate; one granddaughter, Christie Nicole, all of Wytheville; her mother, Ruth H. Banks, Wytheville; a sister and brother-in-law, Aurelia and Charles W. Pickett, Upper Marlboro, Md.; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 19, 1994, 6 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Joe Carrico officiating. The family suggests that those who prefer may make memorials to the Lupus Foundation. Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville, Va., is in charge of the arrangements.

THOMAS, Annie Mae, 91, of Roanoke, died Friday, April 15, 1994. Funeral services 11 a.m. Wednesday at Fizer Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. E. T. Burton officiating. Burial in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

WATSON, Mrs. Elizabeth Tuck, (``Lizzie''), 88, of Rocky Mount, formerly of Gretna, died Sunday, April 17, 1994, in Community Hospital, Roanoke. She had been a resident of Franklin Health Care in Rocky Mount. She was born April 5, 1906, in Pittsylvania County and was a daughter of Daniel Edward Tuck and Mary Ann Myers Tuck. She was a member of New Bethel Church of the Brethren. She was married to the late Russell C. Watson. Survivors include two brothers, Oscar Tuck and Dennis Tuck, both of Roanoke; two sisters, Peggy Pedigo and Ethel Hudson, both of Roanoke; a niece, Launa Turner of Rocky Mount, who helped care for her; and many other nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday at New Bethel Church of the Brethren by the Rev. Alvery Parr. Interment will follow in the Liberty Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements by Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna.

WEBSTER, James Joseph, of Glasgow, died Saturday, April 16, 1994, at the Shenandoah Valley Health Care Center, Buena Vista. A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Webster, he was born in Rumney, W.Va. He was a retiree of the C & O Railway Company. Mr. Webster was a member of the Union Baptist Church, where he held membership in the Male Chorus, Deacon Board, and Senior Choir. He was also a member of the Ladies' Donation Society. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Mrs. Mattie H. Webster. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Dunn, Natural Bridge, Mrs. Doris W. Pettis, Glasgow; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Webster residence, Catawba St., Glasgow, at any time. The body will be moved to the Union Baptist Church, Gla sgow, on Wednesday 2 p.m., where friends may pay their respects until the service time. The funeral service hour is 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Union Baptist Church, with the Rev. Artis Appling minister. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Glasgow. J. B. Lewis Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.

WORRELL, Joanna, 63, of Hillsville, passed away Sunday, April 17, 1994, at Twin County Community Hospital. She was born February 21, 1931, in Carroll County, the daughter of Marvin Green Webb and Evalyn Nester Webb. She was the wife of of Tony Lee Worrell Jr. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her mother, Evalyn N. Webb, Hillsville; son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Frieda Worrell, Hillsville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gladys and Glenn Love, Hillsville, Elsie and Benton Cochran, Hillsville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Archie and Shirley Webb, Hillsville, John and Jenel Webb, Hillsville; three grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, 1994, at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville, with the Rev. Nathan Malone and the Rev. Norman Goad officiating. Interment will follow in the C. C. Webb Cemetery.

YOUNG, Dennis Lee, 27, of Washington, D.C., died Wednesday, April 13, 1994. Funeral service Tuesday, 2 p.m. at Mount Zion Holiness Church, Galax. Spencer Funeral Directors, Mt. Airy, N.C., is in charge of arrangements.