U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Sheila Coleman
Sheila Ann Coleman, 48, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 28, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Bradley D. Owens, Sr. and had been employed by Bristol Compressors and the Food City Deli.
She will always be remembered in our hearts as she was a loving wife, mother, nana, daughter and sister.
Survivors include her husband, Craig B. Coleman, Abingdon, VA; her son, Donnie Melvin, Abingdon, VA; her daughters, Cora Lee Melvin, Abingdon, VA and Heather Lynn Coleman of the home; her mother, Dorothy King, Abingdon, VA; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Brad and Wendy Owens, St. Petersburg, Florida; Johnny and Doris Owens, Newport News, VA; and Roger and Nancy Owens, Abingdon, VA; her grandchildren, Hunter Melvin and Belle Melvin; several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. Jerry Eggers and Brother Ronnie Matney officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Donnie Melvin, Hunter Melvin, Stacy Bowers, Dennis Farmer, Greg Owens, Bryan Coleman, Barry Coleman, Tony Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Owens, Johnny Owens, Roger Owens, Albert Owens.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home or anytime at the home of her mother, 16427 Southwood Drive, Abingdon, VA. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.
The family extends a special thanks to the 5th floor Nursing Staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital and to cousin Dennis Farmer and his wife Delores.
Claude Henry Sword
Claude Henry “Pokey” Sword, age 89, went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 29, 2007 while he was surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 15, 1917 in the Cedar Bluff Community of Tazewell County, VA, he was a son of the late Marion Sword and Cora Kinder Sword. Claude had lived in Russell County before moving to Washington County.
Claude was a faithful husband to his wife of over 50 years, Ruth Taylor Sword, who preceded him in death. He was a wonderful father and Papa, a true and faithful friend, and Christian gentleman.
He served his country by serving in the U. S. Army during WW II and then retired from the U. S. Naval Service, Civil Service Division, as an aircraft mechanic.
He is survived by his family members: a son, Randy Sword and wife Sharon of Meadowview, VA; his daughters Judy Varnes and husband Jeff of Las Vegas, NV and Cheryl Harrison and Morris Yoder of Chesapeake, VA; his sisters, Hazel Cox of Richlands, VA and Irene Barnette of Leroy, MI; his grandchildren, Heather Zecher, Brian Sword and Amber Sword; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to give a special thank you and recognition to the following for all their kindness, help and care shown to Claude during his illness over the past several months: Margaret Taylor, Margaret Helms, Chris Tester, Patti Wright and Morris Yoder; Intrepid Home Health Care especially Louise and Carl; Pastor Bob Neace; the staff of Michael’s Pharmacy; Naomi and Lisa and the staff of Hospice of Southwest Virginia; Damascus Volunteer Rescue Squad and everyone who kept him in their prayers.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, January 31, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Bob Neace officiating. The graveside committal and burial service will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Military Graveside Honors provided by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In place of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to honor Claude’s memory make memorial donations to the Fundamental Missions, Inc. P. O. Box 6247, Norfolk, VA 23508.
William Arlee Phillips
William Arlee Phillips passed away Saturday June 30, 2007 at his home in Bristol, TN, after a short illness.
Arlee, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on Hazel Mountain, in Dickenson County, Virginia on November 1, 1924. He was the oldest of the seven children born of Robert Mont Phillips, deceased, and Minnie Lambert Phillips. He graduated from Ervinton High School and Lincoln Memorial College with a degree in business. Before competing his degree at LMU, he served two years in the Army. Arlee worked for the Social Security Administration in Townson MD, serving as a manager of the claims representative department. He later lived in Savannah, GA, Richmond, VA and Decatur AL, before moving to Bristol, where he could be closer to his mother.
Arlee’s life-long passion was bluegrass music. A highlight of his teenage years was playing on stage with Bill Monroe. Throughout his life, he stayed in contact with Carter and Ralph Stanley, sometimes traveling with their band and often attending their performances. He shared his interest in music by playing his fiddle, guitar, banjo, and mandolin to the delight of numerous admiring young children in his family.
His other avid interests included current events and science. He would quickly and aggressively argue the position of the Democrat Party on any issue, and supported his opinion with quotes from his reading or by referring to comments made by his father or uncles.
Arlee remained interested in the activities of his family throughout his life and took great pride in their accomplishments. He was a significant, nurturing influence to the young people he encouraged and he enjoyed correspondence with out-of-town family members. He was a committed son who cared for his ailing father and was always devoted to his mother.
Surviving family members are his mother, Minnie Phillips, Abingdon; brothers, Robert Phillips, Greer, SC; Darrel and his wife Sandra, Decatur, AL; Larry Phillips and his wife Linda, Atlanta, GA; his sisters Reba Griffith and her husband, Roger, Tuscumbia, AL; Mildred Artrip, and her husband Delbert, Huber Heights, OH; Charlotte L. Parsons and her husband Duncan, Abingdon. Arlee is also survived by 11 loving nieces and nephews. The large extended family of his parents provided Arlee with many cousins who have been his close friends over the years.
Funeral services for William Arlee Phillips will be conducted on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens with the Rev. Leonard Smith officiating. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will follow at the Lambert Family cemetery in Nora, VA.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 from 6-8 pm in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.
Flowers are welcome, and those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Lambert Family cemetery Fund, PO Box 490, Nora, VA 24272.
Johnnie Moses Carnell
Mr. Johnnie Moses Carnell, age 71, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at his home. What a celebration!
Mr. Carnell was born in Marfrance, WV, son of the late Robert Neal Carnell and Ethel Virginia Widner Carnell. He had lived in Grundy, Virginia prior to moving to Sullivan County, Tennessee in 1978. He was a disabled miner, having worked for Burn Right Coal Company as a shovel operator. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack Carnell and Jimmie Carnell, and by two half-brothers, James Shrewsberry and Jess Shrewsberry.
Mr. Carnell had served as Clerk of the Grundy Church of God and as a Council Member at Trigg Street Church of God. He was a member of Higher Ground Fellowship and loved to attend local camp meetings. His devotion to the Lord was a great inspiration to many people. Although he was a man of few words, the Lord spoke through Mr. Carnell as he spent time in the community, handing out Christian literature and sharing his smile. He often was heard saying, “Meet me at God’s house!” One of his favorite things to do was to spend time in his tin building, listening to gospel music and praying. He was truly a dedicated prayer warrior.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.
He is survived by his wife, whom he married
in 1954, Frances; by his sons: Johnny Wayne Carnell and wife Louetta of Meadowview, VA; Randy L. Carnell and wife Debra of Florence, SC; and Daniel R. Carnell and wife Libby of Abingdon; his brothers: Clarence Carnell and wife Linda of Cleveland, OH, and Charlie Carnell and wife Annabelle of Marfrance, WV; his grandchildren: Johnetta Farmer, Ashleigh Carnell, Justin Carnell, Jason Carnell and Johnny Wayne (J.W.) Carnell II; his great-grandson, Raleigh K. Farmer; and his sisters-in-law, Jean Carnell and Mae Carnell.
The family would like to thank his special caregivers: Rita Wall; Gwen Mathers, CNA; Sapling Grove Healthcare Center and special nurse Jennifer Hughes.
The family of Mr. Johnnie Carnell will visit with friends on Friday, July 6, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel. A song service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Friday, led by Rev. Leonard Bellamy and Rev. James Beaver. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2007, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, with Rev. Stephen Snead officiating. Entombment will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum. Active pallbearers will be Jason Carnell, Bobby Inscore, Barry Compton, Rick Compton, Kevin Farmer, Tim Farmer, James Jarvis and Robert Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Wayne Carnell II, Justin Lee Carnell, Dr. Shannon Finch, Clell Farmer, Joe Johnson, Paul Osborne and the Men of Higher Ground Fellowship and Trigg Street Church of God.
Mae Watson Heath
Mrs. Mae Watson Heath, age 86, passed away Friday, July 6, 2007, at her home. She was born in Washington County, daughter of the late Love Watson and Caloney Maines Watson. She had lived in the Lodi community for most of her life and was a member of Hopkins View Primitive Baptist Church. She was a homemaker who loved flowers and gardening.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Delmar Lee Heath.
Mrs. Heath is survived by three sons: Delmar “Bill” Heath and wife Carol of Marion, VA; Lee Jackson “Jack” Heath and wife Margaret of Glade Spring, VA; and Ronald W. “Ronnie” Heath and wife Nina of Glade Spring; one daughter, Clarice Heath Thomas of Chilhowie; two brothers: Reelia Watson of Emory, VA, and James Watson of Abingdon; one sister: Margaret Rucker of Columbus, GA; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mae Watson Heath will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Hopkins View Primitive Baptist Church in the Thomas Bridge Community of Smyth County with Elder Larry Blevins and Elder Danny Smith officiating. Grandsons and family friends will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in Rush Creek cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, July 7, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel.
Martha Minnick McFall
MRS. MARTHA MINNICK McFALL, 82, died Thursday July 5, 2007 at her residence. Mrs. McFall was born in Clinchco, Virginia, one of 17 children of the late George and Nannie Minnick. She graduated from high school in Clintwood where she was a cheerleader and first met her future husband. After high school, she worked in Portsmouth at the Navy shipyard during World War II. After the war, she married
her late husband William “Red” McFall and moved to Abingdon where “Red” would work and retire with Appalachian Power Company. Mrs. McFall was an active and loyal member of Abingdon Bible Church where she was proud of the fact that she was the first person saved after the formation of the church. She would often help fellow church members with their day-to-day routines such as going to the grocery store for them. Mrs. McFall was a devoted wife and mother who loved to cook and was known to fix the best biscuits anywhere.
She is survived by:3 Sons: Larry and companion Kitty Dennis – Avery, California, Ed and wife Bonnie McFall – Cape Coral, Florida, Michael McFall – Agoura, California; 1 Sister: Flora Large – Ohio; 1 Granddaughter: Kristi and husband David Phillips – Raleigh, North Carolina; 3 Great Grandchildren: Rachel, Abby, and Megan
Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Minnick McFall will be conducted Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills branch of Farris Funeral Service, on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Pastor Paul Bufford officiating. Interment will follow immediately after the service. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Sunday at the Forest Hills chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Bible Church Memorial Fund, P. O. Box 843, Abingdon, Va. 24212.
Benjamin Blaine Eldreth
Benjamin Blaine Eldreth, age 33, died Friday, July 6, 2007 in a motorcycle accident in Clarksville, VA on his way home from vacationing with his family at Oceanana Resort in Atlantic Beach, NC.
He was a proud member of Rosedale Baptist Church in Abingdon and a member of Under His Shadow Motorcycle Ministries. Ben was employed by Virginia Metals, Inc. of Abingdon.
He is survived by his wife Temple Cullip Eldreth; he was the devoted daddy of Zachary, age 11; Isaac, age 6; and Landon, age 1; his loving parents, Melvin R. Eldreth and Virginia Eldreth of Abingdon; special in-laws, Dick and Kathy Hollars and Duane Cullip and Kay Hurt; his brother and sister-in-law, Lorne and Becky Eldreth of Glade Spring; his brother-in-law, Roger Cullip all of Glade Spring, VA; his sister Sherri Eldreth of Bristol, VA; two nieces, Lauren Eldreth and Ashton French; special niece and nephew, Shelby and Joseph Crane; special brother Wesley Stringer and many dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Monday, July 9, 2007 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, July 10, 2007 in the Rosedale Baptist Church with Dr. Don Paxton officiating. The burial and committal service will follow in the Montgomery cemetery in the Denton’s Valley Community. Pallbearers will be Wesley Stringer, Lorne Graybeal, Richard Herndon, Daniel McThenia, Darius Bowman and Eric Hinchey. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Allison, the Men of the Bridge Builders Sunday School Class and the members of Under His Shadow Motorcycle Ministries.
Cynthia M. McCall
Cynthia M. McCall, 55 died on Friday July 6th in the Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg. She was born in Abingdon, VA and grew up in New Brunswick, NJ and lived in North Plainfield and Somerset before moving to Phillipsburg one year ago. Cynthia was the recycling supervisor in Somerset County. In her free time she enjoyed watching movies, shopping and most of all spending time with her grandsons.
Surviving are her daughter Crystal and her husband Russ Wilde, her brothers, Charles McCall and wife Jane, Apple Valley CA, James McCall and wife Irene, Abingdon, VA and Lewis McCall, Jr. and wife, Jenny, Monmouth Junction, NJ, her sister, Debbie White, Abingdon, VA grandsons, Nathan and Matthew and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel. Entombment will follow on Friday, July 13, 2007 in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at 10:00 a.m.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.
Michael Williams
Michael Ray Williams, age 47, born September 7, 1959 in Millington, TN went “home” on Sunday, July 8, 2007 in Hickory, NC.
He was a native of Abingdon living here most of his life and was a resident of Hickory, NC at the time of his death. He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Abingdon, VA and worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning field for over 25 years. Michael was a graduate of Abingdon High School and Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN.
He was preceded indeath by a brother, Robert Franklin Williams, paternal grandparents, Daniel Franklin Williams and Mary Williams, maternal grandparents, Robert Hargett and Grace Hargett.
Survivors include his parents, Tom and Kathleen Williams, Bristol, VA, his brother, Thomas A. Williams, Jr. and wife Ann, West Lafayette, Indiana, his sister, Sharon Denise Roat and husband Daniel, Purcellville, VA, nieces and nephews, Robert and Landon Williams, Florida, Sam and Rebecca Williams, West Lafayette, Indiana and Justin and Sahra Belcher, Purcellville, VA, a special friend Suzan Widener.
The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Emmanuel Baptist Church with Brother Bryan Treadway and Brother Bobby Leonard officiating.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the church.
The committal graveside service will be conducted Friday, July 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:50 p.m.
Pallbearers will Danny Roe, Donald Roe, Ronnie Roe, Roger Roe, Rick Widener, Richie Poston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church, P. O. Box 721, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Jo Ann Brown Booth
Jo Ann Brown Booth, age 70, died Wednesday, July 11, 2007.
Jo Ann was born on November 30, 1936 in Tazewell County, Virginia and was a daughter of the late Ernest Brown and Pearl Thompson Brown. She was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Booth, Jr.; her daughters, Rebecca Williams of St. Petersburg, Fl and Martha Booth of Richmond, VA; her brothers, G. C. Brown of Meadowview, VA and Jimmy Brown of Kingsport, TN and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to give recognition and special thanks to the The Court of Roanoke and their staff and to the Good Samaritan Hospice.
The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 Noon. Saturday, July 14, 2007 in the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter Weikle and Rev. Nicole Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 A. M. Saturday until the time of the funeral. Pallbearers will be Chris Walters, Mark Fields, Robbie Brown, Bill Ferguson, John Dulles and Jim Fleenor. In place of flowers, those wishing to honor Jo Ann’s memory have been asked to consider memorial donations to the Jump On Board Campaign of the Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210; the American Alzheimers Association, Western Virginia Chapter, 674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or the Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, 3825-A Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 2401.
Monroe Jamison Jr.
Monroe Jamison Jr., age 52, passed away at his home in Abingdon on July 12, 2007.
Beloved husband, father, brother and son, Monroe was born to Betty and Monroe Jamison, Sr. on March 23, 1955, in Owensboro, KY and graduated from Ohio County High School in Hartford, KY. He received a B.A. in English from the University of Kentucky in 1984 and a law degree from the UK College of Law in 1987. He was an editor of the Journal of Mineral Law & Policy and was the recipient of a fellowship from the Institute of Mines and Minerals Resources Research Institute.
With his wife, Daveena Sexton, he moved to Washington County, VA in 1987, where he was employed by the Penn Stuart law firm prior to opening a private practice in Abingdon. At his death he was employed as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Virginia.
An accomplished bluegrass musician himself, Monroe also originated both The Bluegrass Sampler radio show, for which he served as host for many years, and the Virginia Highlands Festival’s old-time and bluegrass music weekend.
A former president of the Virginia Highlands Festival and the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon, he was also the immediate past president of the Washington County Bar Association.
Monroe leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Daveena Sexton, and their daughter, Hannah Rebecca Jamison, both of Abingdon; his mother and her husband, Betty and Bernard Maupin, of Beaver Dam, KY; his sister and her husband, Becky and Phil Wilder, his niece Jessie Wilder and nephew Zach Wilder, all of Versailles, KY; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Wanda and David M. Sexton of Whitesburg, KY; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Stephanie and Michael Williams of Sharps Chapel, TN; and a grieving community of musicians, colleagues and close friends who cherished his intelligence, warmth, generosity, quick wit and abundant talents.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2007, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon. They will also receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2007, and from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, KY. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Danks Funeral Home with burial following at Sunnyside cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211, or to the American Cancer Society earmarked for research.
Mamie Gay Mann
Mamie Gay Mann, 73, passed away Friday, July 13, 2007 in the Wellmont Hospice House.
She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, VA and was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church.
Survivors include her sons, Curtis Mann and Johnny Mann both of Abingdon, Rich Mann and special friend, Vada Flannagan, Bristol, TN, her daughters, Carolyn Marlow, Abingdon, VA, Gracie Hensley and husband, David, Bristol, VA, Jane Mann and special friend, Craig Harper, Saltville, VA, her brothers, Richard Mann and Gilmer Mann both of Abingdon, VA, her sisters, Eva Wolf, Abingdon, VA and Grace Mahala, Pennsylvania, ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Pastor Bobby King officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
The committal graveside service will be conducted Monday, July 16, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mountain View cemetery, Route 75, Abingdon, VA with Pastor John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Those attending the service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Rich Mann, Curtis Mann, Dave Hensley, Craig Harper, Ben Collins and Joey Wells.
