U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Lizzie M. Witcher, 65, Bedford
Lizzie Juanita Morgan Witcher departed this life Sunday, Feb. 4, 2001 in the Carilion Bedford Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Bedford County, Sept. 1, 1935 to the late Samuel Morgan, Sr. and the late Mrs. Laura Eggleston.
She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Guard Robert Witcher, Sr. in 1951.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Guard Robert Witcher, Jr. and Kenneth Lee Witcher.
She was educated in the Bedford County School System and was a member of the Emmanuel Tabernacle Baptist Church in Moneta.
She was a delight to her friends and a source of good will top her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Those left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Ms. Ruth Witcher of Bedford, Marilene (Tray) Hash of Bedford, Barbara (Roy) Gunn of Roanoke; two sons, Sylvester Witcher of Roanoke, Harvey (Deddy) Witcher of Bedford; one brother, Samuel (Lola) Morgan, Jr. of Salem; three uncles, Robert (Dorothy) Morgan of Bedford, Frank Eggleston of Moneta, Robert Eggleston of Columbus, OH; one aunt, Vergie Miller of Detroit, MI, 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at the Promiseland Baptist Church, Moneta.
Interment followed in the Murphy Family cemetery, Moneta, Virginia.
Wanda F. Milton, 48, Vinton
Wanda Faye Milton, 48, of Vinton, died Sunday, July 25, 2004 from injuries received from an automobile accident. She was born July 23, 1956 in Bedford Co.
Wanda was preceded in death by her father, Edward Bernard Milton.
She was employed by Saunders Dental Laboratory, Roanoke. Wanda was a devoted mother who worked hard and unselfishly sacrificed many things for the success of her daughter.
She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Crystal Faye Milton of Vinton and her special friend, Jason Lewey of Blue Ridge; special friends, Jim and Sherry Lewey of Blue Ridge; her mother and step father, Nancy Orange Milton Bryant and James G. Bryant of Bedford; two brothers, David R. Milton and his friend, Delores of Vinton and E. Dale Milton and his wife, Tina of Bedford; two sisters, Beth Milton Parrish and her husband Jimmy and Sandra Milton Reed and her husband, Jeff both of Bedford; several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was conducted Thursday, July 29, 2004 in the Carder-Tharp Funeral Chapel with Rev. Willie Ratliff officiating. Burial followed in Greenwood cemetery.
Ruth M. Wright, 91, Bedford
Ruth McGhee Wright, 91, of Bedford, died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004. She was born in Bedford County on Jan. 15, 1913 a daughter of the late Marvin Columbus McGhee and Hesba Fariss McGhee.
Ruth was a member of Bedford Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Agee Wright, a sister, Aileen M. Holland and two brothers, Earl A. McGhee and Henry P. McGhee.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie W. and Danny A. Lindsay of Lynchburg; her son and daughter-in-law, Jan David and Robyn Wright of Roanoke; two grandchildren; a great-grandson; a brother, Elton McGhee of Mt. Airy, MD; a sister, Mildred M. Sublett of Bedford and her special caregiver, Sue Henley of Roanoke.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004 at the Carder-Tharp Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. David L. Henderson officiating.
Burial will follow in Greenwood cemetery with a reception to follow at Bedford Baptist Church.
Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider the National D-Day Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523 or the Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St, Bedford, VA 24523.
Loraine Holdren McGhee, 92, Moneta
Loraine Holdren McGhee, age 92, of Moneta, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 31, 2004. She was born March 21, 1912 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late George Willie McGhee and Manie Ramsey Holdren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Henry P. McGhee and her beloved daughter, Barbara L. McGhee, three brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodney and Meada Holdren, Freddy and Irene Holdren and W. Terry Holdren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Vivian and Warren Overstreet, Frances and Fred Overstreet.
She was the owner and operator of McGhee's Grocery in Moneta for 32 years, where she was noted for her generosity and friendly nature and the love for her children. She is survived by three sons and a daughter-in-law, James H. and Betty McGhee, Vinton; Ray McGhee, William McGhee, both of Moneta; two daughters and a son-in-law, Shirley M. Smith, Doris and H. L. Morris, all of Moneta; a sister-in-law, Mamie Holdren, Lynchburg; a son-in-law, Dave Smith, Richmond (Barbara's husband); eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren.
A funeral service was conducted on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2004 from the Grace Memorial Baptist Church, by the Rev. George Law and Rev. Gregg Rogers. Interment followed in the Virginia Memorial Park.
Yvonne D. Patterson, 52, Bedford
Yvonne "Yancy" DeCarlo Patterson, 52, of Bedford, died Wednesday, July 28, 2004 in Bedford Memorial Hospital. She was born June 6, 1952 in Bedford Co., a daughter of the late Edward Leon Patterson, Sr. and Yvonne Evans Patterson.
Yvonne was a self-employed childcare giver.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Ava D. Patterson and Marie M. Patterson and two brothers, Edward "Bona" Leon Patterson, Jr. and Xavier E. Patterson.
Yvonne is survived by a foster brother, David Barlow and wife, Kim of Bedford; and a foster sister, Cathy Barlow of Bedford; her aunt, Blanche Spinner of Bedford; devoted special friend, Randy W. "Bear" Barlow; devoted cousins, Laquesta L. Bryant and Monique L. Bryant of Bedford; Annette Drake and Janice Ataiyro of Maryland and a host of relatives, friends and co-workers including, Leanne Dudley and Athena Krantz, J.T. and Gloria Dooley and family.
A special thanks to Dr. Cohen and the staff of Bedford Memorial Hospital.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bedford Domestic Violence Services, P.O. Box 783 Bedford, VA 24523 or the Bedford Life Saving Crew, PO Box 161, Bedford, VA 24523.
A graveside service was conducted Friday, July 30, 2004 in Fairmont cemetery.
Russell L. Floyd, 66, Big Island
Russell Lee Floyd, 66, of Big Island, went to be with his heavenly Father, Wednesday, July 28, 2004. He was born Oct. 12, 1937 in Rockbridge Co., a son of Raymond Russell Floyd of Monroe and the late Janie Frances Wood Floyd.
Russell was a deacon at Chestnut Hill Free Will Baptist Church. He was a wonderful husband and dedicated father. Russell was a self-employed logger and he loved camping and the great outdoors.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife of 42 years, Bernice G. Floyd; four daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Jim Thornhill, Jr. of Madison Heights, Belinda and Dan Watson, Jr. of Lynchburg, Sheri and Kendall Phillips of Forest and Melissa and Chris Lee of Forest; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Lewis Floyd of Rustburg and Steve Floyd of Concord; six sisters, Mary F. Campbell of Monroe, Beulah F. Myers of Altavista, Dorris F. Cheatham of Monroe, JoAnn F. McCormick of Monroe, Clara F. Brooks of Bedford and Susie F. Reynolds of Monroe; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chestnut Hill Free Will Baptist Church, 13771 Lee Jackson Hwy, Big Island, VA 24526.
A funeral service was conducted Saturday, July 31, 2004 at Chestnut Hill Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor James Greene, Rev. Bob Breeden and Rev. William H. Steele officiating. Burial followed in Virginia Memorial Park.
Scott A. Canfield, 41, Moneta
Scott Andrew Canfield, 41, of Moneta, passed away at home Thursday, July 22, 2004.
He was employed for nine years with Roanoke County, and was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal Church of Roanoke. Scott was preceded in death by his father Llewellyn Norman Canfield and sister Mary Lynn Salinas.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica Lawrence England Canfield, children Lawrence Llewelyn Canfield and Margaret Fern Canfield; mother Lois Pendelberry and brothers David Lund and Eric Lund all of Calif. cousin Phyllis Lee Casey of Colorado; in-laws Thermon "Bill" England and Dana England of Blue Ridge. Scott was also survived by nine nieces and nephews and many loyal friends. His service was held July 26, 2004 but if anyone would like to make a contribution please send a donation to; GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPICE 3825-A Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA. 24018.
Edith W. Harper, 85, Lynchburg
Edith Palmer Wright Harper, 85, of Lynchburg, died Friday, July 31, 2004 in Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Harold Talmadge Harper.
Born in Bedford County, Oct. 7, 1918, she was a daughter of the late Oliver and Emma Fielder Wright. She was retired from Duti-Duds and was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by a son, Harold H. Harper, a daughter, Janice M. Harper and 17 brothers and sisters.
She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn T. King and husband, Eugene of Forest; two sons, Kerry W. Harper, Reuben L. Harper and wife, Rose all of Lynchburg; a sister, Mary Foley of Madison, NC; seven grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Monday in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service by the Rev. Charley Harbin and Rev. David Heerspink with burial following in Mt. Herman Methodist cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice.
Alma Elizabeth Langford, 94, Bedford
Alma Elizabeth Langford, 94, of Bedford, died Monday, August 2, 2004, in Bedford Memorial Hospital.
She was born July 14, 1910, in Kimball, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Roy Leighton Langford and Elizabeth Theodocia Overstreet Langford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Leighton Langford, Sr.
Alma was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School and attended Farmville State Teachers College (now Longwood University) and Lynchburg College. Alma taught Second Grade at New London Academy for 26 years and her fond memories of her students stayed with her all her life. Alma was a life long member of Bethany United Methodist Church where she taught the Senior Bible Class for 50 years. Alma's life revolved around her growing family and her beloved church. Among her many contributions she completed the Overstreet-Langford family genealogy, the Bethany Church history, and when she was 85, she published "Oakwood" a book recollecting life growing up on a farm in the early 20th Century. This book brought her many new friends and admirers who appreciated the value of this personal and community history. In addition to her writing, Alma enjoyed sewing, quilting, and working in her yard and garden. When she found time to rest, reading and bird watching were favorite pastimes.
Alma is survived by three nephews and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, August 4, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany United Methodist Church cemetery with the Rev. Steve Parker and the Rev. Edward Jones officiating. Following the graveside service, the family will receive friends with a reception in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Goode Rescue Squad, PO Box 178, Goode, VA 24556.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.
Paul W. Fink, 70, Columbus
Paul W. Fink, 70, of Columbus, OH died Sunday, May 23, 2004, in his residence after a period of declining health.
He was born in Roanoke, the son of the late James Henry Fink and Ethel Lugar Fink. He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. He resided in Henderson County before moving to Columbus, OH. He was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Hendersonville, OH.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Wilma S. Fink; a son, Glen Fink of Charlottesville; a stepdaughter, Cathy Miller of Hendersonville; two stepsons, Gary Gordon of Toledo, OH, and Philip Gordon of Hendersonville; three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; two great-children; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 29 at the Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 1305 Fifth Ave. W., Hendersonville, OH. Roger Hagaman officiated. The family requests no flowers or memorial contributions.
Oreta B. Wilkes, 79, Danville
Oreta Beth Wilkes, age 79, of Danville, passed away Friday, May 28, 2004 in the Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born April 15, 1925 in Campbell County, a daughter of the late Alva Thurman Wilkes and Lessie Frances Newman Wilkes.
She is survived by two sisters, Eunice V. Wilkes, Velma M. Wilkes, both of Danville.
A graveside service was conducted on Monday, May 31, 2003 from the Leftwich cemetery by the Rev. Wayne Murphy.
Elizabeth M. Butler, 87
Elizabeth Marshall Butler, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter on Tuesday, May 25, 2004.
She was born on June 22, 1917, to Thomas Marvin and Berta Burks Turpin in Bedford county, VA. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Randolph Marshall in 1963 and Thomas H. Butler in 1971, her brothers, Allen, Fred, Lawrence and Martin Turpin and a sister Hallie T. Lazenby all of Bedford, and a son, Curtis Wayne Marshall of Scottsville.
Surviving are her sons, John Russell Marshall and his wife Shelby, Marvin J. Marshall and his wife Peggy all of Earlysville, a daughter, Rachel M. Stegeman and her husband Richard of Lake Monticello, a daughter in law Jean Marshall of Scottsville, a step-son, Gary Butler and his wife Janet of Louisa, a step daughter, Gayle B. Ritchey and her husband David of Palmyra; sisters, Marvis T. Walker of Bedford and Grace D. Eckert of Ravenna, OH, a sister in law June E. Lewis of Richmond; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was a child care provider for many special little ones in the Charlottesville area, including her grandchildren. She will forever be remembered for her love and compassion of her family and friends. Her smile will forever be in our hearts and minds.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Dr. Amy Mangrum, Cary Nicholson and their fine staff at the University Nephrology Department and to Hospice of the Piedmont for their staff's loving care and support.
Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont 2200 Old Ivy Rd., Suite 2, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 28, 2004, at Mount Eagle Baptist Church with burial to follow at Riverview cemetery.
Ann H. Widrick, 67, Bedford
Ann Harper Widrick, 67, of Bedford, died Monday, May 24, 2004 in Virginia Baptist Hospital. She was born Oct. 11, 1936 in Boston, MA, a daughter of the late Robert Aylmer Harper and Charlotte Arlene Rendall Harper.
Ann was a member of Peaks Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Heidi Widrick Sutherland and her husband, Adam of Destin, FL and Deborah "Debbie" Widrick and her husband, Alex of Sante Fe, New Mexico; one son, SGT Robert "Bobby" Widrick and his wife, Teresa of Niceville, FL; two grandchildren; a beloved sister, Deborah H. Bond of Bedford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bedford Life Saving Crew, PO Box 161, Bedford, VA 24523.
A funeral service was conducted at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 30, 2004 at Peaks Presbyterian Church with Pastor Margaret Key officiating. Inurnment followed in Peaks Community cemetery.
