U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Norman W. Kohr
Mr. Norman Walter Kohr, age 95, passed away Thursday May 18, 2006 in Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Norman was born February 16, 1911 in Lickdale, Pennsylvania to the late Norman and Ursula Weaber Kohr. Norman had interesting jobs over the years, starting with his own coal business in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, followed by war time service at Olmstead Air Force Base, Middletown, Pennsylvania, and finally retiring after many years with the Army Corps of Engineers in Washington D.C. Norman enjoyed a full retirement to his home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and later to one in Abingdon, Virginia.
Norman is preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel Ditzler Kohr, one daughter, Jean Kohr Gingrich.
Norman is survived by his wife, Christine Kohr; two sons, Kenneth Kohr, and Curtis Kohr and wife Lucy, and one daughter, Fay Hollinger; step-daughter, Mary Ann Hart and husband, David, step-sons, Kyle Rose and wife Sonya, Dale Rose and wife Eleanor, and Thurston Rose and wife Mary Ann; Twenty five grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren, who will greatly miss grandpa Kohr.
The funeral service will be conducted Monday, May 22, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. in the chapel of Strauss, Kreamer, & Lum Funeral Home, 48 W. Market Street Jonestown, Pennsylvania with Rev. Linda Lindenberg officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Walmers Church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service, and in Abingdon the family will receive friends Saturday May 20, 2006 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Walmer’s U.C.C. Church Memorial Fund Rt. 3 box 7840 Jonestown, Pa. 17038 or Abingdon Baptist Church 361 West Main Street, Abingdon, Va. 24210-2633
John Gawryla
Mr. John Gawryla, 50, died Wednesday, May 17, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Survivors include his wife, Susan Gawryla and daughter Liz Gawryla, both of Abingdon; his brother, Walter Gawryla of Knoxville; his sister, Sylvia Andersen of Salt Lake City; and several nieces and nephews.
Burial will be in Salt Lake City; a memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held in Abingdon at a later date.
Hettie Viola Gobble
Hettie Viola Gobble, age 93, of the Hidden Valley Community, died Friday, May 19, 2006 at her home. Hettie was born on May 3, 1913 in Washington County and was a daughter of the late Andy Gobble and Maggie Bridgeman Gobble.
Survivors include her daughter Ruth Kestner and her friend Michael Harris of Abingdon; a son-in-law, Denton Kestner of Abingdon; a sister, Bessie Moore of the Brumley Gap Community and Amos Gobble of Meadowview, VA; her grandchildren, Joyce Alexander and husband Dale and Lisa Kestner and her fiance’ Jimmy Arms; her great grandchildren, Jessica Damron and husband Gary and Greg Alexander; her great-great grandchildren, Makayla Nunley and Nicholas Damron. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Sunday at the funeral home.
The funeral service for Hettie Viola Gobble will be conducted at 2:00 P. M., Monday, May 21, 2006 in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Paul Price and Rev. Clifton Duncan officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Ballard Miller, Jerry Reynolds, Gary Damron, Jimmy Arms, John Alexander, Larry Gobble, Michael Booker and Brian Counts. Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Alexander, Derek Dotson, Sherman Perkins, Bill Martin, Herman Miller, Sylvester Miller, Maynard Miller, George Valach and Lannie Gobble.
Marie Brannon
Mrs. Edna Marie “Polly” Bowers Brannon, age 73, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2006 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Brannon was a daughter of the late James W. and Brucy B. Bare Bowers. She was a life long Presbyterian and a member of Glade Spring Presbyterian Church at Old Glade. Mrs. Brannon was a member of the Board of Trustees of the church, Deacon and Elder of the church, Sunday school secretary, Sunday school teacher, treasurer of the Women of the Church. Mrs. Brannon retired after 35 years of service as book keeper for Bonham Oil Company. She was a very active supporter of Patrick Henry High School Athletic Programs and booster club.
Mrs. Brannon is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Howard Bowers, one grandson; Jason “Jaytee” Taylor.
Mrs. Bowers is survived by one son Lee Brannon and wife Belinda of Glade Spring; one daughter, Jo Anne Taylor and husband John of Meadowview; one sister, Betty and husband, Don Haga of Queen Creek, Arizona; one sister-law, Shirley Bowers of Glade Spring. Mrs. Brannon’s grandchildren; Mandy Crosswhite and husband, Jerry; Courtney Brannon, and Travis Brannon. Special friends; Bobbi, Margaret, Barbara, and Sylvia. Several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews also survive.
The funeral service for Mrs. Brannon will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday May 23, 2006 at Glade Spring Presbyterian Church with Rev. Timothy Bird officiating. Burial will follow in the Glade Spring Presbyterian Church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andy Puckett, Lance McGlocklin, Jim Vannoy, Brian Powers, Johnny Bare, James Crabtree. Honorary pallbearers will be, Trustees and Deacons of Glade Spring Presbyterian Church and the Women of The Church, and Rick Bowers. The family will receive friends Monday, May 22, 2006 after 6:00 P.M. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made the Glade Spring Presbyterian Church Building Fund P.O. Box 336 Glade Spring, Virginia 24340.
Sammy B. Owens
Mr. Sammy B. Owens, 59, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2006 at his residence. Sammy was a lifelong resident of Washington County and attended the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. He was a member of the Washington County Moose Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Osborne Owens, Meadowview, VA, a son, Bo Owens and wife Bonnie, Meadowview, VA, two grandchildren, Leigh Ann and Andy, three brothers, Grant D. Owens and wife Kay, Eddie Owens and wife Sharon all of Glade Spring, VA, Bill Owens, Bristol, two sisters, Nellie Heath and husband Bob and Betty Heath and husband James all of Glade Spring, VA, several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Paul Price officiating. Interment will be Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mt. Olivet cemetery. Those attending the interment, please meet at the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Price, Andy Holmes, Jimmy Holmes, Jim Heath, Bill Joe Osborne, Bill Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Coleman, Ben Osborne and Josh Stovall.
John Mack Rosenbaum
John Mack Rosenbaum, age 89 passed away Sunday, May 21, 2006 in the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County and was employed with Lasueur Dairy Farms for 35 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Virginia Rosenbaum.
Survivors include two sons and their wives, James and Peggy Rosenbaum, Troutdale, VA, Wiley A. and Pauline Rosenbaum, Duffield, VA, six daughters and their husbands, Gladys and James Cox, Bristol, VA, Katherine and J. C. Dickenson, Bristol, VA, Violet and Roger Steele, Trinity, NC, Joyce and David Vicars, Mendota, VA, Judy and Earnest Mahala, Check, VA, Barbara and Don Payne, Boone, NC, one sister, Hazel Reed, Abingdon, VA, 30 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home or anytime at the homes of Gladys, Katherine or Joyce.
The graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sunset Memorial Park, Damascus, VA. Interment will follow. Those attending are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Pallbearers will be Terry Wilson, Gary Wilson, Barry Dickenson, Darrell Dickenson, Troy Rosenbaum, Kenny Cox and Wes Hawkins.
Stella Gates Scott
Stella Gates Scott passed away in the National Healthcare Facility in Bristol, Virginia on Monday, May 22, 2006. Mrs. Scott was born April 24, 1920 in glade Spring, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Campbell Scott; her parents, John Walter and Alta Moore Gates; a brother, John Graham Gates and a sister, Evelyn Gates Johnson. She was a member of Pleasant View united Methodist Church and a teacher in the Washington County School System for 42 years. She retired from teaching in 1980 but continued to substitute until her health began to deteriorate in 1999. She was a member of the United Teaching Profession and of the Washington County Education Association.
Survivors include her daughter, Patsy Scott Shelton and husband Luther of Bristol, VA; a grandson, Jeffery Scott Shelton and wife Karen; a granddaughter, Lisa Joy Berry and husband Benny; three great grandchildren, Elizabeth Shelton, Sarah Shelton and Isaac Berry; her sisters, Eula (Vickie) Burnett of Glade Spring, Ruth Sheffield and husband John of Glade Spring, and Janie Patterson and husband Chuck of Wytheville, VA; her brothers, James F. Gates and wife Eleanor of Galax, VA and George F. Gates and wife Janice of Tazewell, VA.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P. M. – 7:45 P. M. Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.
The funeral service for Stella Gates Scott will be conducted at 8:00 P. M. Wednesday, May 24, 2006 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Scott Price and Rev. Donald Thayer officiating. The burial service will be at 10:00 A. M. Thursday, May 25, 2006 at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Those attending the burial service are asked to assemble at the funeral home Thursday for a procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Scott’s nephews.
The family wishes to express appreciation to her wonderful caregivers, Peggy Odell and Ann Jackson.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant View United Methodist Church Building Fund, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 or the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.
Charlotte Isabelle Arnold
Mrs. Charlotte Isabelle “Nanny” Odum Arnold, age 73, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at the Wellmont Hospice. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia. She was a member of the High Point Baptist Church where she was a choir member, helped with Bible School and was church camp cook of over 30 years. She had worked at Abingdon Harwood Mfg. and retired from the Marion Harwood Mfg. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Arnold, a son, Johnny Wayne Arnold and a daughter, Deborah Jane “Little Debbie” Arnold. Isabelle loved sitting on her front porch visiting with family, friends and neighbors. She is survived by:
A son, Tim Arnold and wife, Becky of Abingdon
Two daughters, Chris Clark and husband, Jimmy of Meadowview
Dianah Kelly of Lexington, Va.
Four brothers, Jim Odum and wife, Irene of Abingdon
Calvin “Cowboy” Odum and wife, Barbara of Abingdon
Sylvester “Hank” Odum and wife Eunice of Roanoke
Lloyd Odum of Meadowview
Four sisters, Sue Roe and husband, Roland of Abingdon
Virginia “Jenny” Clifton and husband, Mike of Abingdon
Marie “Sis” Campbell of Bristol, Va.
Elizabeth “Topsy” Dixon and husband, Arvin of Raleigh, NC
Three step brothers, Buddy Clark of Bristol, Va.
Paul Clark of Abingdon
James “Crow” Clark of Abingdon
Two step sisters, Joyce Helbert of Lebanon
Bessie Lee Kestner of Abingdon
Five grandchildren, Jonathan Kelly and wife, Andrea of Lexington, Va.
Brooke Higgins and husband, Barry of Lexington, Va.
Rodney Arnold, Knoxville, Tenn.
Brittany and Jay Clark of Meadowview
Several nieces and nephews
The family will receive friends from 6 – 9 PM Friday night at the funeral home.
A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, May 27, 2006, at 1:00 PM in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. David Critcher, Rev. Bob Steele, Rev. David Hill and Pastor Bob Neace officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenfield Baptist cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Cole, Steve Nerren, Darrell Ritchie, Dennis Arnold, Tony Bebber, Tim Widener, Allen Doss, Keith Bazyk and Paul Douglas Odum. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Sue Prill, Dr. Charles Hess of UVA, Barry Higgins, Jonathan Kelly, Rodney Arnold, Jay Clark, nephews and the Members of High Point Baptist Church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Hight Point Baptist Church Building Fund, 29198 Blue Springs Road, Meadowview, VA 24361.
Glenn Eric Casey
Mr. Glenn Eric Casey, age 39, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2006 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Moving from Maryland, Glenn had been a resident of Glade Spring since 1992. He attended Brookside Baptist Church, Sugar Grove, VA and was preceded in death by a sister, Erma Casey.
Survivors include his wife, Patty Casey, his parents, Harrison and Nellie Casey, all of Glade Spring, VA, his brothers, Steve Casey, Baltimore, MD, Roger Casey, Malone, New York, special cousin and his wife, Johnny and Donna Casey, Glade Spring, VA, special friends, Susan Testerman and Buck Testerman.
The family will receive friends Saturday after 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday May 28, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Donald Medley officiating. Interment will follow in the Rosedale Baptist Church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Lester Testerman, Jeff Casey, John B. Casey, Bill, Williams, Matthew Ratcliffe and Jeff Monk
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010 Rockville, MD 20852.
Michael David Viers
Michael David Viers, age 35, died Thursday, May 25, 2006. He worked as a brick mason and was employed by WASCO Company. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Marvin Ray Roe and his paternal grandmother, Josephine Troxell.
From Kimberly “I will love you a million years plus some.”
Survivors include his wife, Kimberly Viers; his children, Brandon Michael Viers, Trevor McClain and Heather Jones; his parents, Herbert and Jo Ann Viers of Bristol, VA; his sister, Tiffany Viers Drake and husband Brian of Charleston, SC; his niece, Molly-Kate Drake; his maternal grandmother, Ethel Taylor Roe of Chilhowie, VA and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Karen & Jerry Neal of Piney Flats, TN.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Saturday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service or any time at the home of Billie Price, 594 Highway 75, Blountville, TN.
The funeral service for Michael David Viers will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Sunday, May 28, 2006 in the Victory Baptist Church with Dr. Austin Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens in Blountville, TN.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Ferguson, Randy Roe, Conley Doran, Timothy Edwards, Brian Drake and Tom Shutters. Honorary pallbearer will be Benny Neal.
Bess Webb Robinson
Mrs. Bess Webb Robinson, age 100, died Thursday, May 25, 2006. She was born in Holston, VA on February 17, 1906 and was a daughter of the late John Webb and Gertrude Little Webb. She graduated from the Johnston Memorial Hospital Nursing School and was married
to the late William Frank Robinson for 38 years. Mrs. Robinson moved around the state of Virginia while her husband worked as a civil engineer for the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation.
Survivors include her only child, Betty Robinson Burlas and husband Joseph of Marietta, GA; grandsons, Joseph Burlas, III and wife Erika of Columbia, MD; William Burlas and wife Anne of Marietta, GA.; granddaughter, Becki Shannon and husband Patrick of Marrietta, GA; sister, Maiden Webb of Glade Spring, VA; sister-in-law, Nila Webb of Chilhowie; nine great-grandchildren: Joseph, IV; Jimmie, Veronika, Rachel, Billy, Katie, and Michael Burlas, and Kasey and Holt Shannon. Mrs. Robinson was close with her nieces, Mary Jane Webb Rush and Jean Craig Keister; and nephews, Eddie and David Sheffield and Edwin Craig and several great nieces and great nephews.
Mrs. Robinson was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, United Methodist Women, Home Demonstration Club, and a volunteer at the Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, VA, prior to moving back to Southwestern VA.
The family expresses grateful appreciation to caregivers Mary Thomas, Zola Nelson, Katie Blevins, Deena Barrow and for the care provided by Hospice of Southwestern Virginia workers.
The funeral service will be held at Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church in Glade Spring at 2:00 P.M. Monday, May 29, 2006 with Pastor Bob Neace officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Joseph Burlas, III, William (Robbie) Burlas, Patrick Shannon, Edwin Sheffield, Sr. David Sheffield, Charles (Woody) Rush, Edwin Craig, and Jimmy Sisk. Honorary pallbearers include Edwin Sheffield, Jr. Chuck Rush, Jr., Butch Shields, Joe Burlas, IV, Jimmie Burlas, Michael Sheffield, and Matthew Sheffield. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 P.M. until time of service, Monday, May 29, 2006.
John Charles Brown, Sr.
Mr. John Charles Brown, Sr., age 59, died Friday, May 26, 2006 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a former resident of Toledo, Ohio, where he had been employed at the Toledo Ohio Horse Race Track. After moving to Abingdon, he was employed by Reynolds Metals and Washington County. Mr. Brown was a member of the Abingdon Moose Lodge and was a longtime carpenter and furniture maker. He was a U. S. Army veteran, having served in Germany. Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his father, Clarence P. Brown; one sister, Stella Mae Uselton; and one brother, Steve Allison Brown.
Survivors include his mother, Verna Mae Brown of Abingdon; two sons: John C. Brown, Jr. and Jason L. Brown, both of Toledo, OH; three daughters: Amy J. Vogal, Janet R. Brown and Mary A. Brown, all of Toledo, OH; three brothers: Donald T. Brown of Abingdon; Albert P. Brown and wife Betty of Abingdon; and Clifton Ray “Rabbit” Brown and wife Karen of Abingdon; one sister, Georgia A. Lewis and husband Jim of Abingdon; ten grandchildren: Megan, Jordan, Julia, Tyler, Jeremy, Ryan, Allison, Amber, Zach and Drew; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful dog Hobo.
Funeral services for Mr. John Charles Brown, Sr., will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Les Ketron officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View United Methodist Church cemetery, with military graveside rites by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Active pallbearers will be Gayle Kennedy, Richard Necessary, Dwayne South, Don Brown, Larry Hall and Marshall Lewis. Honorary bearers will be Jim Lewis, his nephews, and his flea market buddies. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday night at the funeral home or anytime at the home of his mother.
