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

DATE: TUESDAY, September 12, 1995                   TAG: 9509120082
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BLANKENSHIP, Bertie Ellen Mitchem, 74, of Wytheville, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 13, 1995 at 2:30 p.m. at Ridge Road Pentecostal Holiness Church, Wytheville. Arrangements by Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville.

BOGGS, Eugenia B., 65, of Stuart, Fla., formerly of Covington, Va., died Friday, September 8, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Wednesday, Covington Wesleyan Church. Arrangements by Loving Funeral Home.

BOWMAN, Charlie H., 67, of Fancy Gap, passed away Sunday, September 10, 1995. Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 12, 1995 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

BROOKS, James Lynford, 68, of Buchanan, died Monday, September 11, 1995. He was a truck driver for more than 30 years, owner of the Buchanan Auto Parts and a charter life-time member of the Buchanan Volunteer Rescue and Fire Departments. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Stinnett Brooks, Buchanan; one son and daughter-in-law, Pedro and Pat Brooks, Buchanan; two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Butch Schaffer, Buchanan, Pam and Bryan Chamblin, Monroe, N.C.; three brothers and sisters-in-law, C. W. and Nina Brooks of Mississippi, Monroe and Lucille Brooks of Michigan, Ray and Betty Brooks of Indianna; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Gladys Toler, Danville, Cindy and Buddy Vines, Buchanan; a sister-in-law, Josephine Flint, Buchanan; grandchildren, Kristie Shaffer, C. J. Shaffer, Tracy Brooks, Chasity and Ronnie Moore, Melissa Mundy; one great-grandchild, Ronnie Moore III; special friends, Roy and Frances Giles, Mary Shrader. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 13, 1995 at 2 p.m. at the Buchanan Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mike Woody and the Rev. Don McCaskill officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rader Funeral Home, Buchanan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buchanan Volunteer Rescue Squad or the Roanoke Memorial Hospice.

BROWN, Caroline May, 59, of Roanoke, the light of a brilliant star was extinguished Sunday, September 10, 1995. Her intelligence, beauty, generosity and humor touched everyone and everything that were fortunate enough to cross her path. She gave selflessly to family, friends and the communit y. We can not fill the void left by her passing, but maybe we can follow her example in life. She is dearly loved and will be sorely missed. She is survived by a brother, Henry B. Brown Jr. of Roanoke; a sister, Joyce Antoinette Brown of Arlington; a daughter, Christine C. Casazza of Roanoke; a son, John A. Casazza Jr. of Roanoke; a grandson, Jarrod Casazza of Roanoke; and numerous other family members and friends. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, September 16, 1995, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church. Donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke.

CABBELL, Joan Fitz, of Glasgow, departed this life Sunday at her residence. She was the wife of Franklin Cabbell. She was born in Rockbridge County to the late Charles and Irene Thompson Fitz. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Robert E. Fitz, Glasgow; four daughters, Rachel I. Jones, Buena Vista, Jacqueline Fitz, Kellie Fitz, and Corliss Brown, Glasgow; three stepchildren, Teresa, Frankie and Michael Cabbell, Lynchburg; six sisters, Isabel Turner, Carol Sledd, Barbara Peterson, Connie Rosser and Elaine Wyche, Glasgow; Loretta Perkins, Lynchburg; two brothers, Wendell Fitz of Glasgow, Charles Saulters, Canton, OH; six grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in Union Baptist Church , the Rev. Artis Appling officiating, with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Her remains may be viewed in the church for one hour prior to service. The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday, September 12, 1995, from 7 to 8 p.m. and other times at the residence. Services by Franklin Funeral Home.

COLLINS, Cecil Edward, 83, of Roanoke, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Beckner Collins and is survived by two granddaughters, Mary Whorley, Thaxton and Diane Miller, Troutville; two great-grandsons, Michael Miller and Billy McDaniel. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 13, 1995 at 11 a.m. in the Mt. Bethel Cemetery, with the Rev. Irvin W. Sloan officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rader Funeral Home, Troutville.

CRAWFORD, Robert Francis, 62, of Clinton, Ohio, formerly of Craig County, passed away Saturday, September 9, 1995, in a local hospital. He was born and raised in Craig County and resided in Ohio for many years. He is survived by two sisters, Marie Dean, Columbus, Ohio, Ruth Hutchison, New Castle; several nieces and nephews, Arrangements by Cox Funeral Service, Barberton, Ohio.

DAVIS, Evelyn Sampson, 31, of Marion, died Sunday, September 10, 1995 in the Valley Health Care Center. Surviving are her husband, Claude Davis, Marion; one daughter, Holly Noel Davis, Glade Spring; one sister, Brinda Thomas, Church Hill, Tenn.; two brothers, Gerald Sampson, Glade Spring, Mark Sampson, Marion; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday in Barnett's Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Jonathan King and the Rev. E. B. Ford officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Barnett's Funeral Chapel.

FRANKS, John Andrew, 46, of Roanoke, died Friday, September 8, 1995. Graveside service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Franklin Memorial Park. Arrangments by Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

FRIDLEY, Maxine Bess, 72, of Covington, died Monday, September 11, 1995. Arrangements by Arritt Funeral Home.

GREER, James O. Jr., 46, of Roanoke, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. He is survived by his parents, James O. Greer Sr. and Jean R. Greer; children, Chrystal Dawn Greer, James Keith Greer, Richard R. Greer; brothers and sisters, Patrick Greer, Teri Stricklen, David Greer, Susan Miller, Laura Greer, Martha and Tommy Hannah; two nieces, Angela and Jody Miller. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home Chapel, Salem. Family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Foundation.

GUENTHER, Kathryn J. Heckman , 87, of New Britain, Conn., died Tuesday, August 29, 1995. She is survived a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and William Von Appen, Roanoke. Funeral services was held September 1 at St. Francis Assisi Church and St. Mary Cemetery.

HAIRFIELD, Essie H., 95, of Roanoke, died Sunday, September 10, 1995, in Community Hospital. She was the widow of Clyde M. Hairfield Sr. Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Ruth H. Lee of Wake Forest, Louise and Harding Mattera of Roanoke, Barbara and James Moyer of Charlotte, N.C.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Clyde M. Jr. and Virginia Hairfield of Charleston, S.C., Gary L. and Ann Hairfield of Duluth, Ga.; one sister, Lala H. Jordan of Morrow, Ga.; 22 grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. D. Michael Meloy officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreeen Burial Park. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's South Chapel.

HALE, Jenevia Frances, 62, of Route 5, Galax, died Sunday, September 10, 1995, at her home. She is survived by her husband, Charlie W. Hale, Galax; one daughter and son-in-law, Pamela Hale and Frank Bradley, LaCrosse, Wis.; one son and daughter-in-law, Gregory C. and Susie Hale, Christiansburg; father, John C. Hutchens, Galax; brother, David V. Hutchens, Hurst, Texas; granddaughter, Rachel Bradley. Graveside service and burial 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Leonard Memorial Cemetery. Ray Petty and Marvin Williams will be the officiating ministers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice Support Services of the Twin Counties, P.O. Box 70, Galax, VA 24333. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax.

HOROWITZ, Florence Hurwitz, of Roanoke, died Monday, September 11, 1995. Graveside service 11 a.m. Tuesday, Temple Emanuel Cemetery. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

JACKSON, William Joseph, 101, of Austinville, died Monday, September 11, 1995 in the Birdmont Health Care Center. He was a retired salesman and farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Cox Jackson. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Clifton Moore, Austinville; one son and daughter-in-law, James W. and Lucy U. Jackson, Wytheville; one sister, Edith J. Smythers, Hillsville; four grandchildren, Margaret Barton, Sharon Trull, Hattie Duprey, Jo Carole Atkins; nine great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Bethany United Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. Jerry Long and the Rev. Earnest Chinault, with the interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grubb Funeral Home Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The remains will be placed in the church one hour before service time. The Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JUDY, Lila Rose, 98, of Clifton Forge, died Monday, September 11, 1995. Arrangements by Nicely Funeral Home

LESTER, Jacqueline Fox, (``Bish''), of Roanoke, died Sunday, September 10, 1995 after a long and courageous battle against cancer. Throughout her eleven year struggle, Bish was an inspiration to others afflicted with the disease. Bish leaves behind a legacy of years of service to the Roanoke community. She was a member of and President of the Junior League of Roanoke. She was an active member of the Second Presbyterian Church. She devoted many years of volunteer service to the Red Cross and to the United Fund. She was one of the founding members of Valley Beautiful. She was a member of and served as President of the Roanoke Valley Garden Club. Her love of flowers was a mainstay throughout her life. She was a nationally known flower arranger, and an accredited flower judge. She won many competitions on her own and was awarded the prestigious Massie Medal by the Garden Club of Virginia. She is survived by her husband, James Cary; two daughters, Suzanne Fox and Jacqueline Venable; two sons, James Cary Jr. and John Edward; daughter-in-law, Cathy; two granddaughters, Margaret Atwood and Claire Venable. She is also survived by two brothers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Carter Venable Fox and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dunsmore Fox III. A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, with Dr. William Klein officiating. Second Presbyterian Church is located at 214 Mountain Avenue, Roanoke, 24016. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs or Second Presbyterian Church in care of the Bish Lester Memorial Fund. The address of the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs is 2712 Avenham Avenue, Roanoke, 24014.

LUMPKINS, Donald Ray, 50, of Gretna, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. Graveside service 1 p.m . Wednesday at Brumfield Family Cemetery, Gretna. Arrangements by Colbert-Moran Funeral Home.

MALONEY, Madeline Atkins, 85, of Roanoke, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Nicholas. She is survived by her son, Charles Wayne Maloney, Catonsville, Md.; and her grandson; brothers, Andrew W. Atkins and wife, Beulah, Roanoke, Richard E. Atkins and wife, Helen, Elliston, and Mack B. Atkins, Roanoke; sisters, Charlsie Sgouros and husband, George, New York, Hazel Alls and husband, Kenneth, Roanoke and Minnie Sledd, Salem; many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cedar Lawn Burial Park by the Rev. Carter Sloan. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel.

MANN, Ottie V. Jr. (``Silver Fox''), 68, of Ballard, W.Va., died Sunday, September 10, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday, Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel, Peterstown, W.Va.

McGHEE, Woodrow Clinton, 69, of Indiana, Pa., died Saturday, September 9, 1995. Born August 12, 1926, he was the son of the late Roy B. and Elmo Pearl Ingram McGhee, and was a veteran of World War II. Surviving are his wife, Margaret McLean McGhee of the home; one son, Roy McGhee; one stepson, Edward McLean, Indiana, Pa.; one stepdaughter, Theresa McLean, Indiana, Pa.; one granddaughter; two stepgrandsons; three brothers, Monroe McGhee, Harold McGhee, and Wilson McGhee, all of Rocky Mount, Va.; one sister, Marie Austin, Ferrum, Va. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 13, 1995 at Franklin Memorial Park with Elder Lane Carter officiating. Lynch Funeral Home, Rocky Mount, Va. is in charge of arrangements.

ROACH, R. Lynn, 40, of Roanoke, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. He was a graduate of New River Community College, and also a 1978 graduate of the Virginia State Police Academy. Mr. Roach was a former member of the Christiansburg Police Department, and was presently a special agent with the Virginia State Police, serving as Coordinator for the Montgomery County Task Force. He was a member of Madison Heights Christian Church, and was also a member of the Virginia State Police Association. Mr. Roach was a coach with Cave Spring Pony Tails Basketball. He played men's adult baseball with the Integon Classics. Surviving is his wife, Mary S. Roach; two daughters, Michelle Roach and Meredith Lynn Roach, all of Roanoke; his parents, Danny and Yvonne Roach, Myrtle Beach, S. C.; sister and brother-in-law, Melissa and Shawn Campman, Charlotte, N. C.; his grandmother, Addie Plymale, Salem; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eldridge and Peggy Smith, Christiansburg. Services will be at Cave Spring Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 1995. The Rev. Jack Hamilton and Chaplain Stan Ogden will officiate. Friends may call at Oakey's South Chapel after 9 a.m. Wednesday, where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cave Spring Fire Department or Rescue Squad.

ROBINSON, Olan Arnold, 82, of Woodlawn, died Saturday, September 9, 1995. Funeral services 11 a.m. Tuesday, Woodlawn United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax.

ROBINSON, Rathia Conner, 90, of Clifton Forge, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. Graveside service 11 a.m. Wednesday, Central Advent Christian Cemetery. Arrangements by Nicely Funeral Home.

ROWLAND, Myrtle J., 90, of Gretna, died Monday, September 11, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Gretna. Arrangements by Colbert-Moran Funeral Home.

SAUNDERS, Gerald B., of Crofton, Md., died Sunday, September 10, 1995. He was the beloved husband of Patsy Saunders; loving father of Kathleen Saunders-Galbraith of London, England, and Stuart MacPherson Saunders of Charleston, S.C.; grandfather of Nathan Saunders. Relatives and friends may call at Evans Funeral Home, P.A., Route 450 and Race Track Rd., Bowie, Md. on Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1370 Defense Highway, Crofton, Md. on Thursday, September 14 from noon to 1 p.m., where services will begin at 1 p.m. Interment, Lowry, S.C. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Pauls Lutheran Church Elevator Fund, P.O. Box 3386, Crofton, Md. 21114.

SMITH, James, (``Minor""), of Washington, D.C., formerly of Roanoke passed away Friday, September 8, 1995. Funeral 10 a.m. Friday. Arrangements by Marshall Funeral Home, Washington, D.C.

STOCKS, Grace D., 69, of Roanoke, died Monday, September 11, 1995 in a local hospital. She was retired from the U.S. Forest Service, and a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Raymond L. Stocks Sr.; son, Lee Stocks, Richmond; and one grandson, Braden Stocks, Richmond. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Anthony C. Busic officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Memorial Fund at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m Tuesday Oakey's South Chapel.

THOMAS, Goldie A., 82, of Rt. 2, Hillsville, passed away Monday, September 11, 1995 at Laurel Meadows Home. Born May 2, 1913 in Carroll County, she was a daughter of the late Winfred Marshall and Margarete Louise Goad Marshall. She was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Thomas. She is survived by one son, Bruce Thomas, Hillsville; a special niece, Berlene Porter, Rural Hall, N.C.; also surviving are several other nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 1995, in Gladesboro Cemetery, with the Rev. Duane Steele officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

VARNEY, Robert Lawton, 69, of Salem, passed away Monday, September 11, 1995. Mr. Varney was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Taylor Masonic Lodge #23, The Scottish Rite, The Bayard Commandery, The D. C. Shanks Royal Arch Chapter, Kazim Shrine Temple, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Fleet Reserve Association, and the Disabled American Veterans. He retired from the U.S. Navy and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in 1950. Surviving are his wife, Hester Lee Varney; son, Rick Varney, Oregon; stepson and daughter-in-law, Douglas Allen and Nancy Wilbourne Graham, Salem; brother, James H. Varney, Lincoln Park, Michigan; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jessie and Allen Howell, Roanoke. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Wednesday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Billy G. White and the Rev. Charles A. Watkins. Interment with masonic grave rites will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's North Chapel.

WATKINS, John Paul Sr., 76, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, September 10, 1995. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

WATSON, Horace H., Jr. 84, of Martinsville, died Monday, September 11, 1995. Memorial service 4 p.m. Wednesday, McKee Funeral Chapel.

WEBB, Elizabeth Stiger, 81, of Pulaski, died Sunday, September 10, 1995. Funeral 2:30 p.m. Tuesday from the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, Draper, Va. Arrangements by Penn's Funer

WELCH, H. Gale, 71, of Atkins, died Monday, September 11, 1995 in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He worked for Virginia House Furniture Company for 29 years. Survivors include his wife, Clara Kimberling Welch, Atkins; two sons, Hobert Welch, Marion, Danny Welch, Atkins; three daughters, Bonnie McCathran, Groseclose, Sandra Ward, Rockville, Md., Teresa Welch, Atkins; one brother, William ``Bill"" Welch, Rural Retreat; one sister, Zelmadeen Davis, Gaithersburg, Ms.; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in the First Church of God in Atkins, Va., with the Rev. Ron Whitener officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Barnett's Funeral Chapel.

YATES, Clyde R., 42, of Martinsville, died Monday, September 11, 1995. Graveside service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Roselawn Burial Park. Arrangements by Tomlinson Funeral Home, Ridgeway.