U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Sherry Rebecca May
Sherry Rebecca “Becky” May, age 3, died December 16, 2007 after a long, courageous battle with liver cancer.
Becky is the daughter of Robert and Connie May of Bristol, Virginia. She is the granddaughter of Eugene & Sherry May, Tampa FL, and the great-granddaughter of Maude Street, Abingdon, VA and Pauline May, Steger, IL. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Buck and Ann Rowe of Bristol, VA, great-grandfathers Link Street of Abingdon and Elton May of Steger, Il, great-grandparents Robert and Ila Merle Stone of Wabbaseka, AR, and Glen and Fannie Ratliff of Rowe, VA. Becky is also survived by many very special aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive friends at The Bridge (formerly Glad Tidings Assembly of God), 50 24th Street, Bristol, TN from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2007. A Life Celebration will follow with Pastor Mark Davidson and Rev. Bruce Cowart officiating. A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 1 pm at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA. Pallbearers will be cousins of Becky: Tim Rowe, Michael Rowe, Chris Rowe and Kenny Rowe.
Becky’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Children’s Hospital, Johnson City Medical Center, 400 N. State of Franklin Rd., Johnson City TN, 37604; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Caring Bridge websites at www.caringbridge.org.
Nadyne Combs
Nadyne Kendrick Combs, age 87, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.
Born July 19, 1920 in Russell County, VA, Nadyne was a daughter of the late John P. Kendrick and Edna Cook Kendrick. She was preceded in death by her husband O. C. Combs, her son Donald Ray Combs, her sisters Ruth Combs and Bennie Dooley and her grandson Robby Mitchell.
After her marriage to O. C. Combs, they made their home in Russell County until moving to Abingdon in 1965. In The Mid 1950’s, she became an ordained minister and served as pastor for many years.
Mrs. Combs is survived by her sons, Gerald Combs and David Combs both of Abingdon; her daughters, Patsy Lockwood of Winchester, VA, Peggy Mitchell and Priscilla McCall both of Abingdon, VA and her brother, Claude Kendrick of Wytheville, VA. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Combs leaves a legacy of faith and devotion to her family and to her countless friends, many memories of her warm personality and beautiful smile.
A funeral service will be conducted at 7:30 P. M. Friday, December 21, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Mike Herring officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P. M. – 7:20 P. M. Friday before the funeral service. The committal and burial service will be held at 11:00 A. M. Saturday, December 22, 2007 at Russell Memorial cemetery in Lebanon, VA. Pallbearers will be her son-in-law Wayne McCall and her grandsons, Josh Combs, Stuart McCall, Mark Mitchell, Mason Mitchell, Ronnie Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Mike Miller, Ricky Breeding and Kevin Persinger.
Robert Lee Wilson
MR. ROBERT LEE WILSON, 69, died Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was the son of the late William and Blanche Wilson. He was a good Christian man that served as deacon while a member of Trinity Baptist Church. He retired from Hapco with over 35 years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Wilson; his son, Bobby Wilson of Meadowview; his daughter, Teresa Cannon of Meadowview; 5 grandchildren, Miranda, Justin, Josh, Kristie, and Rachel; and several brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held Friday, December 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Holston Conference United Methodist cemetery with Pastor Ronnie Blevins and Pastor Floyd Nelson officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Shawn Henderson, Justin Wilson, Keith Trivett, Coy Cannon, Troy Hinchey, and Thurl Cannon.
Ruth Stiltner
Ruth Stiltner, age 70, died Thursday, December 20, 2007 in the Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, TN.
Born in Dickenson County, she was a daughter of the late Vance and Goldie Mullins. She was a homemaker and was of the Church of Christ faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Evans Stiltner; her son, Jimmy Lee Stiltner; her brothers, Herb Mullins and Frank Mullins and her sisters, Jim Phillips, Fannie Large, Sally Ratliff, Faye Newberry and Sue McClanahan.
She is survived by three sons, including one very special son who lived in the home and was her great caregiver, Jackie Stiltner of Bristol, VA, Jerry Stiltner and wife Donna of Raleigh, NC and Johnny Stiltner and wife Rhonda of Abingdon, VA; 5 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Saturday, December 22, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Mr. Mike McCoy, Evangelist, will speak on Saturday evening. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 P. M. Sunday, December 23, 2007 in the Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Mike Rife officiating. Burial will be in the Clinch Valley Memorial Gardens in Richlands, VA. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. The family wishes to send special thanks to Connie Creamer and the staff of Wellmont Hospice.
Jon Dixon Faris
MR. JON DIXON FARIS, 59, died Thursday December 20, 2007. He was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church in Kingsport. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War proudly serving aboard the USS Ranger. He was a member of the Kingsport Veteran’s of Foreign Wars post. He was a retired Emergency Medical Technician with the Sullivan County EMS. He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Neal Faris. He loved to fish and also spent his time gold prospecting and was a ham radio operator.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan Faris and wife Shayna of Kingsport; his mother, Frances D. Faris of Kingsport; and several aunts and uncles.
A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Knollkreg Memorial Park, Abingdon, with Wade Byington officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any cancer research society of choice in Mr. Faris’ name.
Those wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m. Sunday.
Jay Sunshine Pendleton
Jay Sunshine Pendleton, age 85, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2007, at Johnston Memorial Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Washington County, Virginia, on February 14, 1922, son of the late Jerry Hamilton Pendleton and Gladys Cumbow Pendleton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jessica Nicole Pendleton.
Mr. Pendleton retired from the Virginia Department of Highways after more than thirty years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Ella Phelps Pendleton; his daughter, Linda Sue Pendleton of Abingdon; two sisters: Carmen Nunley of Abingdon and Elaine Gobble of Meadowview; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Mr. Jay Sunshine Pendleton will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2007, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, with Pastor Olen Cassell, Pastor Bill Reynolds and Pastor Frankie Scott officiating. Burial will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Nunley, Gary Nunley, Kent Nunley, Gale Phelps, Scott Gobble, George Jones, Clell Farmer, Terry Breedlove and Jerry Townsend.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors on the third floor at Johnston Memorial Hospital for their care.
Don Gentry
Don Gentry, age 73, of 31129 Old Stage Road, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN.
Don was born in Washington County, Virginia on August 1, 1934. He was the son of the late Thomas Clinton Gentry and Roxie Suits Gentry. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Gene Gentry, Kenneth Gentry, and Paul Gentry and his sisters, Ruth McVey, Gay Gentry, and Gladys Gentry.
Don is survived by his sister, Dorothy Ratliff of Glade Spring; his brothers, Clark Hillman Gentry, T. C. Gentry, and Sandy Gentry all of Glade Spring; a special niece, Peggy McGhee and great nieces, Christy McGhee and Melissa Doss and his dog “Buddy”.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 9:00 P. M. Friday, December 28, 2007 at the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon. The funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, December 29, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Pastors William D. Hamm, Jr., John Surber and Steve McCready officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Rose cemetery in Glade Spring. Pallbearers will be Ralph Colley, Lee Colley, Bill Caudell, Bill Hutton, Bucky Hutton and Luke Ratliff. Honorary pallbearers will be Herbert Holmes, Kenneth Ratliff, Roger McGhee, Keith Roberts, Leonard Hunter and Eugene Osborne.
Henry Stuart Mullins, Jr.
Henry Stuart Mullins, Jr., age 59, lost his four year battle with cancer on Monday December 24, 2007 at his home. Henry was born in Slate Creek, Virginia, June 16, 1948, to the late Henry Stuart and Madeline Elswick Mullins. Henry was a graduate of Grundy High School in 1966. He was a member of the first graduating class of Clinch Valley College in 1970. Henry worked 35 years in the mining industry as a field engineer. He was currently employed with Heintzmann Corporation located in Cedar Bluff, Virginia.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 37 years, Teresa Irene Witt Mullins; four children, Henry Stuart Mullins, III (Hank) of Lynchburg, Virginia, Margaux Witt Mullins Fields and husband Jason of Knoxville, Dustin Ashley Harlan Mullins and wife Marcy Faye of Fairfax, Virginia, and Morgan Leigh Mullins of Bristol, Virginia; one brother, Tommy Mullins of Readyville, Tennessee; and one sister, Jean Bolin of Franklin, Tennessee; and two grandchildren, Autumn Wittney Fields and William Parker Boone Fields.
A memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 72123-1718; and/or the Bristol Wellmont Hospice House at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
A celebration of Henry’s life will directly follow the memorial service at the Mullins’ residence.
The Mullins family would like to express their heart felt thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Bristol Wellmont Hospice House.
Ethel Samantha Tate
Mrs. Ethel Samantha Tate, age 91, died Thursday, December 27, 2007 at the NHC Healthcare Center in Bristol, VA.
Born on June 6, 1916 in Grassy Creek, NC, Ethel was a daughter of the late David Black and Maggie Seagraves Black. She was one of sixteen children born to her parents and was preceded in death by 14 of her siblings. She had lived most of her life in the Wyndale Community of Abingdon and was a member of Wyndale United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughters, Jane T. Tyree and Carolyn Tate both of Abingdon; her brother, Earl Junior Black of Bristol, VA and her grandson, John David Tyree, Staff Sgt. United States Air Force, of Dover, DE.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 A. M. – 11:45 A. M. Saturday, December 29, 2007 at Farris Funeral Service, Forest Hills Chapel, 19415 Lee Highway (located on the Grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens). A graveside funeral service with Rev. David Rader officiating will follow at 12:00 Noon in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations to honor her memory be made to one’s favorite charity.
Joan "Joann" Atherton
Ms. Joan “Joann” Atherton, age 66, passed away Friday December 28, 2007 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was the daughter of the late Harry Lee Atherton and Eleanor Smith Atherton. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Bernice Virginia Pennington and Dorothy Lee Rolen. Also a nephew Doug Atherton. She was an inspector for 25 years at Buster Brown in Chilhowie.
She is survived by her only child Robin Forshee’ Storie of the home. Grandchildren, Travis Wathaw Storie and wife, Rhiannon of Richlands, North Carolina and Heather Nicole Storie of Abingdon. Great-grandchildren, Meghan Rena Storie, Colby Brice Kestner and Mary Joann (MJ) Kestner. One brother and sister-in-law, Harry Wathaw Atherton and wife, Janet of Romlus, Michigan. Several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews and a special friend, Wanda Jones.
Special thanks to the following, Kathy Sharp, FNP, of Blue Ridge Medical CTR, Jenifer Taylor, FNP, Crystal Smith, nurse and nurse Sherry, and Dr. Andrew Rhinehart at Abingdon Family Physicians. Also, Dr. Lacyoni Moraes and Hospice Care. Ms. Atherton’s Nurse Naomi Barrett, Amy Branson and Judy Gillespie of Home Nursing of Southwest Virginia.
At Ms. Atherton’s request she will be cremated. There will be a celebration of her life at her church, Gospel Tabernacle Church in Abingdon on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. Ms. Atherton’s nephew Pastor Jeff Rolen, pastor of Camp Bethel and Pastor David Robins of Gospel Tabernacle will officiate. The family will receive friends at the home at anytime (29323 Hillman Highway, Meadowview, VA). In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions in memory of Ms. Atherton be made to Gospel Tabernacle, 15292 Enterprise Road Abingdon, VA 24211.
Ora Lee Casey
MRS. ORA LEE CASEY, age 79, went to be with the Lord Monday, December 31, 2007 at her home after a 24 year courageous battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Homer and Elizabeth Martin. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. Mrs. Casey was a well respected lady whose advise was often sought by friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Audrey Boyd, Ernestine (Tennie) Stidham, Evelyn Monk, Rita Mae Wyatt, Eva Jane Camp and brothers, Earl (Jack) Martin, and Victor Martin.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years John Stuart Casey, Sr.; 1 son, John Stuart Casey, Jr. and wife Donna of Glade Spring; 1 daughter, Debbie (Casey) Venable and husband Robert of Meadowview; and a special niece, Fran Griffin and husband Mike of Claremont, N.C.; 2 sisters, Wanda Kestner of Meadowview and Elizabeth (Libby) Stanley and husband James of Baltimore, Md.; 4 grandchildren, Robin Odum, Robert Venable, Crystal Casey, and Casie Pardue; 2 great grandchildren, Courtney and Cara Odum, and great grandchild #3 to arrive in January, Baby Pardue; plus several nieces and nephews.
The Casey family would like to express their heart felt thanks and appreciation to Hospice and Palliative Care of Virginia and special friends and caregivers, Mary Ray, Kristi White, and Tracy Street.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Chad Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home or anytime at the Casey home. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to the Rosedale Baptist Church Relay for Life Team, 26396 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. 24211.
Laura LaFave
Mrs. Laura Bailey LaFave, age 80, died Thursday February 1, 2007, with her family by her side, at the home of her daughter in Cuba, Missouri. She was born June 28, 1926 in Iaeger, West Virginia. She was the 21st child of 23 fathered by Adam Bailey. Her mother was Sallie Shrader Bailey. She had lived in Washington County since 1978. She retired from Westinghouse Corporation. Mrs. LaFave was a caretaker to all she knew, both family and friends. She enjoyed reading and embroidery work. She was a member of the Mahanaim Methodist Women’s Circle. She was preceded in death her husband Thomas Edward LaFave.
She is survived by her children; Bonnie (Richard) Joy of Cuba, Missouri; Joseph LaFave of Center Point, Texas; Ed LaFave of Del Valle, Texas; and Sally (Jon) Ballard of Saucier, Mississippi. She is also survived by one brother Fred Bailey of Mentor, Ohio, 24 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and 4 great great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday February 4, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in the Mahanaim United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Spence officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Committal services will take place after the service in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe LaFave, Ed LaFave, Richard Joy, Jon Ballard, Archie Bailey, B. T. Rector, Raymond Cross, Ronald Ballard, and James Prater.
Samuel Snyder
Mr. Samuel Ray Snyder, age 79, passed away Friday, February 2, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.
Born on November 23, 1927 in the Pearisburg Community of Giles County, Virginia, Sam was the oldest son of the late Samuel Ray Snyder, Sr. and Nina Ruth Rowe Snyder. He was also preceded in death by his sister Mary Nell Snyder Anderson. He was affectionately known as “Ossie” by his family members and also as “Sam Sam The Bird Man” by the Browns. One of Sam’s true loves was his farm on the Middle Fork of the Holston River
Sam was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict; a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and had retired as a supervisor with American Electric Power Company after 43 1/2 years of service.
The family wishes to acknowledge and give special thanks to his caregiver Juanita Thompson, their friend Patty McCall and their friend and neighbor Joan Cuskey.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Martha Ann Broyles Snyder; his daughter Jaynea Lynn Petty and husband Donald of Bel Air, MD; grandchildren, Samantha Rae Petty and Matthew Scott Petty also of Bel Air, MD; brothers, Daniel B. Snyder and wife Mary of Myrtle Beach, SC; Carl Edward Snyder and wife Susan of Princeton, WV; sisters, Billy Snyder Sutton of Ridgeley, MD and Sandra Snyder Young of Chestertown, MD; his adopted nephew Dennis Hoffman and wife Elaine and their daughter Jessica of Georgia as well as several other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:00 P. M. Sunday, February 4, 2007 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Monday, February 5, 2007 in the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter Weikle officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Petty, Brent Petty, Kent Petty, David McCall, Allen McCall, Harry McCuskey, Rick Casey and Wayne________ and Wayne _______________. At Sam’s request, cremation will follow the funeral service. A committal and entombment service will be held at 12 Noon, Thursday, February 8th, 2007 at the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Knollkreg Memorial Park. In place of flowers the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Abingdon United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 101 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Charles L. Evans
Mr. Charles L. Evans, 66, passed away Thursday February 8, 2007 at his residence.
He was born in Hope, Arkansas and was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel Evans and Wilma Combs Evans, and a brother, Tommy Evans.
Charles was a truck driver since the age of 17 and was a heavy equipment operator having served in the U. S. Army.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Hobbs Evans, two sons, Mark Pesto Hobbs, Abingdon, VA and Carlyle Hobbs, Bristol, VA, seven daughters, Darlene Young, Charlene Fisher and husband Denny, Lori Goff, Pam Kizer and Jan Fogle all of South Carolina, Treva Rutherford, Abingdon, VA and Ada Cox, Bristol, VA, sister-in-law, Eva Evans, South Carolina, a special half-sister in Arkansas, numerous grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Pastor Jerry Arnold officiating.
The committal graveside service will be conducted Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Knollkreg Memorial Park with full military honors to be presented by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard.
Those attending are invited to assemble at the funeral home by 1:40 p.m. for the procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be John Hobbs, Luke Hobbs, Derek Fogle, Jeremy McCarty,
Matthew Hobbs, Mark Pesto Hobbs, Carlyle Hobbs.
Honorary pallbearers will be Duane Fogle, Gerald Rutherford, Gilbert Cox and Kevin Carter.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
