U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Shirley Abell
Shirley Bushnell Fullerton Abell joined her parents in death on Monday, July 16, 2007 at her home in Abingdon, VA.
She was surrounded by her daughters, who with the thoughtful nursing care by Naomi Barrett of Southwest Virginia Hospice, had cared for her in her home through her final illness.
Shirley’s compassion for others was shown through her thirty years of dedicated service at Southwest Virginia State Hospital. She retired as Director of Social Services in 1991. Her scholarly curiosity, her wide ranging interests and knowledge, and her classic wit will be remembered with pleasure by those who knew and loved her.
Shirley was a daughter of the late T. B. Fullerton and Eula St. John Fullerton and was also preceded in death by her sister Ann Fullerton Neely.
She is survived by her daughters, Vincy Tuttle Abell, Alyson Blair Abell, Melissa Ann Abell Watson, her son-in-law Brett Matthew Watson; her grandchildren, Blair Abell Watson, Emily St. John Watson, Ian St. John Patterson, Zeke Lee Kite; her sister, Phebe Fullerton Cress and many loved nieces and nephews in a large extended family.
A service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Thursday, July 19, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Burial will follow in the Holston Conference Emory & Henry cemetery in Emory, VA. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to your local library.
William Keith Clay
Mr. William Keith Clay, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2007 at his home.
William was born on February 21, 1930 in Bonneville, Utah and was a son of the late Thomas Henry Clay and Ada Caroline Braegger Clay. He was also preceded in death by his oldest son David Keith Clay.
He was a graduate of the University of Utah and was a member of their championship football team in 1950 & 1951. William was a veteran of both the U. S. Army and Air Force and had served as a member of the Washington County School Board. He had served as business manager for several business and most recently retired as the owner and founder of CBI Insurance Agency of Abingdon.
William was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Bristol Ward. He was and active member of the church and had recently served a 2 year humanitarian mission in the Philippines. He had served as the President of the Kingsport Tennessee State of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Survivors include his wife Lillie Ida Clay; his sister Norma Anderton of Kaysville, UT; his daughters, Lillie Larson of Chicago, Il, Teresa Ann Tyhurst, Caroline Hood, Rebecca Lynn Cooper, Rachel Lea Keohane all of Abingdon, VA Mindi Deane Hawkins of Overland Park, KS, and Robin Kristine Phillipps of Downey, ID; his sons, William Dennis Clay, Jonathan Jared Clay both of Abingdon, VA and Stephen Andrew Clay of Maple Valley, WA; forty eight grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 9:00 Friday, July 20, 2007 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens at 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon). The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, July 21, 2007 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Bristol Ward, 13 Heritage Drive, Bristol, VA. The burial and committal service will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA.
John Edward Belcher
Mr. John Edward Belcher, age 70, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at Wellmont Bristol Regional after a long illness. He was born in Honaker, Virginia, a son of the late Ellis Roosevelt Belcher and Lola Sauls Belcher. He had lived most of his life in the Abingdon area and was of the Baptist faith. He had worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Clyde Belcher; Ellis Belcher, Jr.; Earl Belcher; Clarence Belcher; and Carl Belcher; and by his sisters: Bessie Ray and Clara Hinchey
Mr. Belcher is survived by his wife of 48 years, Phyllis Shew Belcher; his son, John Edward Belcher, Jr. and wife Coleen of Lovettsville, VA; three daughters: Ava Bowman and husband Rick of McCordsville, IN; Edna Bowman and husband Glen of Kingsport, TN; and Donna Ala of Damascus, VA; three brothers: Arnold Belcher of Bristol, TN; Ernest Belcher of Widener’s Valley; and Ralph Belcher of Abingdon; two sisters: Mary Jones of Bristol, TN and Hazel Hawthorne of Bristol, VA; and nine grandchildren: Richard Bowman, Justin Belcher, Cherish Bowman, Matthew Bowman, Sahra Belcher, Katie Ala, Kelli Ala, Samantha Martin and Drew Martin.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the nursing staff at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Dr. Forrest Swan, Dr. Polly Billips, and Dr. Manoj Srinath.
Funeral services for Mr. John Belcher will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2007, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, with Pastor David Gibson and Randy Davenport officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be P. J. Vandagriff, Steve Belcher, Jeff Belcher, Darrell Hawthorne, Darrell Belcher, and Robert Belcher. Honorary pallbearers will be his remaining nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2007, at the funeral home.
Jannavee Hurley Phipps
Mrs. Jannavee Hurley Phipps, 87, the beloved wife of Joseph T. Phipps, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Jannavee was the daughter of the late George Austin and Malonia D. Hurley. She was a retired Smyth County teacher, having taught for 41 years at Allison’s Gap, Saltville, and Rich Valley Elementary Schools. She made a tremendous impact in the life of many students, several of whom have remained in contact with her. Jannavee was a member of Abingdon United Methodist Church, of which she was an active member, in addition to her great community involvement. She was a past president several times of the Carrie Gillespie United Methodist Women’s Circle and of the Abingdon Garden Club. She was also a member of the Book Lover’s Club, and was the “first lady” of Abingdon for many years for Mayor Joe.
She and Joe, who she referred to as her “only treasure”, recently celebrated 59 years of wedded bliss. “Bliss” it was. The two of them had a wonderful life traveling, raising their much loved cocker spaniels, and participating in horse shows. Jannavee was a happy, outgoing person who never met a stranger and leaves behind a host of friends, as well as nieces and nephews who will always cherish her in their hearts.
In addition to Joe, Jannavee is survived by her special sister Ruth Howe of Dublin; one brother-in-law Edward (Polly) Phipps of Rich Valley; three nieces: Becky (Mark) Buckland and Beth Moody, both of Dublin, and Janet ( Chris “Hoppy”) Clear of Chilhowie; three nephews, Harold (Susan) Holmes of Bristol, TN, Don (Tammy) Hilt, and Ralph (Sandy) Hilt, both of Tannersville. She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews: Jared and Ben Buckland, Katie and Emilie Church, Christopher (Mandy) Clear, Ronald and Jonathan Holmes, Molly Hilt, and her two “grandsons” Granger Phipps Hilt and Clayton Hilt.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. on Saturday, July 21, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral will be conducted 2 P.M. on Sunday at the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Nicole Hill officiating. The burial and committal service will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Mark Buckland, Harold Holmes, Don Hilt, Ralph Hilt, Chris “Hop” Clear, and Eddie Gray. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Senior Center Building Fund, 300 Senior Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210
E. T. Campbell
Mr. E. T. “Tee” Campbell, age 82, of Meadowview, went to be with his beloved wife in the Bosom of Abraham on the 21st of July, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Mrs. Ruth Campbell. He was honorably discharged from the U. S. Navy in 1945 after serving for four years upon the destroyer, USS Massachusetts.
He is survived his son Mr. Bryan Campbell and his wife Linda of Charlotte, N.C.; his daughter Ms. Lisa Campbell of Meadowview. His grandson Mr. Bryan Campbell, Jr. and wife Sherry of Abingdon; his granddaughter Mrs. Penny Hodge and husband Ray of Clover, S. C. and much loved great grandson Dylan Cole Hodge. Cousins: Mr. William Robinson and wife Adele of Virginia and Mrs. Kay Duff and husband Kenny of Mississippi.
A graveside service will be conducted Monday, July 23, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with the Highlands Fellowship Church Veterans Honor Color Guard and Pastor Kenneth Widner conducting the service. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in honor of veterans with spinal injuries to The United Spinal Association at www.unitedspinal.org/giving or to a charity of your choice.
Walter Lee Looney
Walter Lee Looney, age 77, died Wednesday, July 18, 2007.
Walter was born on August 3, 1929 in Buchanan County and was a son of the late Troy Looney and Laura Prater Looney. At the time of his death, he was a resident of the Grace Health Care Center in Abingdon.
Survivors include his brother, Harry W. Looney of Wyoming; his sister Carol Gerry Looney of Tennessee and a cousin William Looney of Meadowview, VA.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 P. M. Monday in the John Preston Looney cemetery in Grundy, Virginia with Rev. Mike Riffe officiating.
Lena Mae Hughes Ruble
Lena Mae Hughes Ruble, 91, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 22, 2007.
She was the wife of the late John Bernard Ruble. Mrs. Ruble was born on Jan. 31, 1916, in Carterton, Va.
She was the daughter of the late William E. and Lucy Combs Hughes. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Hyder, Carl and Noah Hughes, and three sisters, Lillian Taylor, Paralee Addair and Ruth Addair.
She is survived by her son, John M. Ruble and his wife Connie of Wilmington, N.C.; three grandchildren, Katherine Cottle and her husband John, Elizabeth Eakins and her husband Vann and Amy Benton and her husband Scott, all of Wilmington; and five great-grandchildren, Ethan Cottle, Liza Eakins, David Eakins, James Benton and Emily Benton. Mrs. Ruble is also survived by one sister, Gladys Kiser of Bristol, and one brother Dean Hughes of Saltville.
Mrs. Ruble was blessed over the past years to have been loved and assisted by her beloved neighbors, Charles Justice, Virginia Prater, Josie Thomas, Ellen Black, Sunny and Debbie Fields, and her brothers and sisters at Rosedale Baptist Church.
The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, with Dr. Don Paxton and the Rev. John Stapelton officiating. Private burial will follow in the Maple Grove cemetery in Bluefield, Va.
Luvenia Delores Williams
Miss Luvenia Delores Williams, 24, passed away Monday, July 23, 2007. She was born in New York, NY, and had moved to Bristol, Tennessee in 1996 from Bronx, NY. She was a graduate of Tennessee High School, where she participated in track and volleyball. Luvenia attended Walter State Culinary School and Northeast State Technical Community College, and she was a member of SIFE.
Luvenia was a member of Word of God Mission Church of God in Christ in Bristol, TN, where she was the pastor’s aide, sang in the choir, and helped found the Children’s Church ministry.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Harris, Jr.; her paternal grandfather, William Harris, Sr.; and her paternal grandmother, Lula Bell Harris.
She is survived by her special guardians, her aunt and uncle, Minister Unittie Harris Peyton and Larry Peyton of Bristol, TN; her mother, Dessie Williams; her maternal grandmother, Delores Williams of Columbia, SC; her brothers: William Harris III of Bronx, NY; Zion Belcher of Bristol, VA; and Sequoan Williams of Columbia, SC; her aunts: Essie Barnes of Belleville, IL, and Mary Ann Washington of Bronx, NY; her uncles: Darren Harris of Lumberton, NC, and Keith Harris of Wilmington, NC; and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral services for Luvenia Williams will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2007, at Word of God Mission Church of God in Christ with Pastor Kelly Pete, Rev. James McDaniel, Pastor Jacqueline Oxendine and Minister Kendall Pete officiating. Music will be provided by the WOGM choir. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Active pallbearers will be Deacon Daniel Beals, Deacon William Traylor, Deacon Darren Harris, Brother Chetwyn Pete, Brother Kelly Cole, David Jones, Alex Pryor, and Ben Harrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Harris and Minister Kendall Pete.
The family will receive friends Thursday, July 26, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the church. Flowers will be welcome, and memorial contributions may be made to the church at 710 Southside Avenue, Bristol, TN 37620.
Lawrence Alton Cox
MR. LAWRENCE ALTON COX went home to be with his Lord and Savior July 24, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. at Hospice Palliative Care in Lenoir. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Lydia Virginia Mays Cox on October 21, 2005; his parents, Lilburn Cox and Mattie Elizabeth Cox; a son, Robert Spencer Cox; a great grandson, Zackery Johnson; brothers, George Cox of Marion, Va., Lilburn Cox, Jr. of Abingdon, Ernie Cox of New Jersey; sisters, Edna Hash of Marion, Va., Pauline Thomas of Charlotte, and Dixie Gobble of Abingdon.
He is survived by his children, Joyce Ann Cox of Lenoir, Judith P. Johnson and husband Billy Rae of Granite Falls, N. C., Rondy James Cox of Lenoir, Lola Gay H. Farthing and husband John of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Marty Doil Hart and wife Donna Jo, Karen H. Warren and husband Scott, Tracy H. Burchette and husband Jeff, Stacy Aarron Cox and wife Carrie, Teri Lynn Cox Pope and husband Jeff, Betsy Rae Johnson, Shawn Gregory Cox, and Jeffrey Paige Johnson and wife Carrie; great grandchildren, Dustin Scott Warren, Matthew Cox, Sidney Johnson, Brandon Paul Burchette, Peyton Johnson, Mark Cox, Rachael Elizabeth Hart, Cheyanne Johnson, Tucker Johnson; many cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and honorary family member Bill Hart.
Graveside services will be conducted Thursday at 12:00 p.m. in the Rosedale Baptist Church cemetery in Abingdon, Virginia with the Rev. Mark Mays officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Marty Hart, Stacy Cox, Dusty Warren, Matthew Cox, Scott Gobble, and Randy Gobble. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, N.C. 28645.
Chap Johnson Woodby
Mr. Chap Johnson Woodby, age 69, passed away Friday July 27, 2007 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Chap was born August 5, 1937 in Washington County, Virginia to the late James William Woodby and the late Mary Hensley Woodby. Chap served in the United States Army and worked as a cab driver. He was of the Baptist faith.
Chap is survived by his wife Phyllis Woodby, two sons, Michael Worley and wife, Diane of Meadowview, VA and Johnny Worley and wife, Amanda of Abingdon, VA. One daughter, Amanda Worley and companion, Junior Thomas of Abingdon, VA. One brother, James Worley and wife, Susan of Appalachia, VA and one sister, Laura Walden and husband, Lloyd of Bristol, VA. Three grandchildren, Jeffery Spiva, Christopher Spiva, and Brenda Spiva all of Abingdon, VA. One great-grandchild, Christian Skyler Sloan of Abingdon, VA. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The funeral service will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Monday July 30, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Johnny Kiser officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Billy Sloan, Dean Whitt, Johnny Worley, Christopher Spiva, Jeffery Spiva, Michael Worley, and Raymond Headrick.
The family will receive friends in the funeral home Sunday, July 29, 2007 from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M.
James H. Bordwine, Sr.
James H. “Jim” Bordwine, Sr., age 61, passed away Friday, July 27, 2007.
Jim was a member of the East Lebanon Freewill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles K. and Kate Henderson Bordwine, sisters; Sissy Poston and Rosemary Mills.
Survivors include his wife Phyllis Ann Bordwine, his daughter and son-in-law Angela and Kyle Gobble, Jr., his son and daughter-in-law Jim Bob and Ginger Noel Bordwine, Jr., his grandchildren Megan Bo
Bordwine, Jacob Bordwine, Hayley Bordwine, his brothers and sisters-in-law Charles H. Bordwine, John D. and Rosalee Bordwine, Edd and Anne Bordwine, his sister and brother-law Vanessa and Donnie Cannon, his special friends, “The Perkins Family.”
The funeral service will be conducted Monday July 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Larry Robinson and the Rev. Troy Harris officiating.
Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Full military honors will be conducted by the Highlands Veteran Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Hai Tran, nephews and great nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be the brothers in Christ of the East Lebanon Freewill Baptist Church and the brothers in Christ of the Guiding Light Freewill Baptist Church. Music will be provided by the Larry Robinson Singers, Neal Tiller and Eva Fuller.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Clarice D. Stovall
Clarice D. Stovall, age 102, passed away July 28, 2007 at National Health Care.
She was born March 18, 1905 in Washington County, Virginia to the late Frank Doss and the late Bell Doss. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart Stovall, daughters, Louise Holder, Dorothy Faulkner and grandson, Stewart Lewis. She was a homemaker a wonderful mother and grandmother and a member of Euclid Avenue Baptist Church.
Survivor’s daughter, Juanita George, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, two sisters, Josephine Doss of Chilhowie and Maggie Martin of Roanoke. Several nieces and nephews. A special friend Nancy Woodford of Easton, Maryland a niece Nancy Doss who was a special care giver. A very special person Roby Billings who was like a son, also a wonderful caregiver and friend for many years.
The family would like to acknowledge the love and care given to Clarice Stovall by all the staff and employees of the National Health Center also a very special thanks to Hospice of Bristol and to all the staff for the care and love given to Clarice Stovall.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 31, 2007 in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Bob Jones officiating. Entombment will in be in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends after the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, memorial program, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or to the charity of your choice.
Joshua Andrew Harris
Mr. Joshua Andrew Harris, age 19, of Abingdon, Virginia passed away June 2, 2007 in Hanover County, Virginia from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Mr. Harris was born December 31, 1987 in Washington County, Virginia. He had lived most of his life in Washington County.
Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ronnie Harris and Charlene Harris.
Mr. Harris is survived by his father, Buford Doss, Jr. and wife, Sharon of Abingdon, Virginia, his mother, Sherry Doss of Bristol, Virginia, grandparents, Buford Doss, Sr. of North Carolina and Barbara Reynolds of Georgia. Five Brothers, Chris Harris of Bristol, Virginia, Cody Doss of Staunton, Virginia, Damian Doss of Abingdon, Virginia, Austin Doss of Abingdon, Virginia, Brian Desrocher of Bristol, Virginia; one sister, Hannah Desrocher of Bristol, Virginia. One step-brother, David Fields of Abingdon, Virginia and one step-sister. Nicole Hearon of Abingdon, Virginia. Several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive.
Graveside service will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 9, 2007 in Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Harvey Helton, James Arnold, Thomas Herndez, Jonathan Reynolds, Pete Reynolds, and Danny Sherrett. The family will receive friends in The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 6-9P.M. Friday, June 8, 2007.
