U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Donald Ewers
Donald Ewers, 65, of Madison Heights, died Friday October 10, 2003.
His parents, Samuel Landrum Waldron, Jr. and Margaret Hughes Ewers, preceded him in death.
Surviving is his sister Beverly Jackson of Madison Heights, and brother, Kenneth Ewers of Madison Heights. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Graveside Service will be held today at 10:00 p.m. at Fort Hill Memorial Park, conducted by the Reverend Jack Hamilton. Whitten Park Avenue is handling the arrangements.
Gladys Eloise Franklin
Gladys Eloise Franklin, 78, of Lynchburg, passed away, Tuesday, January 20, 2004 at St. John’s Nursing Home.
Born in Blue Ridge on March 2, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Marshall Herbert Franklin and the late Winnie Folsom Davis Franklin. She was a member of Parkview United Methodist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Beatrice Armstrong and Evelyn Marie Franklin; and by a brother, John Herbert Franklin.
She is survived by two nephews; three nieces; and a number of great nephews and great nieces.
A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2004 at Liberty cemetery in Appomattox by Rev. W. Michael Nobles, Sr.
Family visitation will be from 10 – 11 a.m. Saturday at Whitten Park Avenue Chapel.
Ronald Keith Byerly
Ronald Keith Byerly, 48, of Forest, passed away, Thursday, August 26, 2004, after a long illness. He was the husband of Gaye Brockman Byerly.
Born September 13, 1955, in High Point, NC, he is a son of Donald Byerly and wife Louise and Joan Thacker Byerly Graverly both of North Carolina.
Mr. Byerly was a United States Army Veteran, the owner/operator of Byerly Properties and Construction Company and was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his step-father, Jim Graverly, father-in-law, L. Barnes Brockman, Sr. and brother-in-law, E. Thomas Brockman
Also surviving are three children; Crystal Brooke Menefee of Forest, John Vincent Byerly of Lynchburg and Katherine Brockman Byerly of Forest, two brothers, Don Byerly and Kenneth Byerly, two sisters; Cindy Hassan and Kimberly Byerly, three grandchildren; Jade Marie Menefee, Jack Vincent Menefee and Jasmine Nicole Menefee, mother-in-law, Mrs. L. Barnes Brockman, Sr. of Amherst, sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bertram T. Limbrick of Amherst and a brother-in-law, L. Barnes Brockman, Jr. of Charlottesville, other relatives and many friends.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. today, Saturday, August 28, 2004, at Amherst cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may consider the Hospice of the Hills in Lynchburg.
Whitten Monelison Chapel is assisting the family.
Michael Wayne Brooks, Sr.
Michael Wayne Brooks, Sr., 50, of Lynchburg, passed away Friday, October 7, 2005 after a long illness. He was the husband of Gwen Brooks.
Born September 25, 1955, in Lynchburg, he was a son of the late Hubert Allen Brooks, Sr. and Esther Scottie Cofflin Brooks. Mr. Brooks was retired from Hargis Motor Freight. He was a member of Rivermont Baptist Church and served in the United States Marine Corps.
He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Brooks.
Survivors also include his son, Michael Wayne Brooks, Jr., of Roanoke, daughter, Ashley Lynn "Elizabeth" Brooks, of Madison Heights, step-daughter, Candace Nicole Conway of Lynchburg, three brothers, Johnny Ray Brooks, Hubert "Skeeter" Allen Brooks, Jr., of Concord and Tony Edward Brooks and his wife, Desireé, all of Lynchburg, two grandchildren, Makayla "Boo-Boo" Tolliver and Thomas "Mr. T" Garrison, III, nieces and nephews, Melissa, Hubert, III, Stephanie, Tony, Jr., Thomas, Todd and Michelle, devoted friend, Terry Smith and many special friends, Frank James Wills and the Fisher family, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Monday, October 10, 2005 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Whitten Park Avenue Chapel and at other times at the residence.
A private ceremony to scatter Mr. Brooks' ashes will be held at later date.
The family would like to thank Dr. Vandyke and the staff at Cardiology Associates of Virginia, and the nursing staff at Lynchburg General Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Mr. Brooks, and a very special thanks to Tracy and Shannon at the Lynchburg DMV for their help and compassion shown at the families' time of need.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Heart Association.
Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Park Avenue Chapel is assisting the family.
Agnes McKenna Shepherd
Agnes McKenna Shepherd, 88, of Lynchburg, passed Tuesday March 11, 2003. She was the widow of Clyde W. Shepherd.
Born in Campbell County, she was a daughter of the late Ollin Bernard McKenna, Sr. and Willie Rudd McKenna.
Mrs. Shepherd retired from General Electric Company and owned Shepherd's Antiques along with her husband Clyde. She is survived by her son, Clyde W. Shepherd and his wife Carolyn P. Shepherd of Lynchburg; sister, Ann M. Alvis of Lynchburg; grandchildren, Christopher W. Shepherd of Palmyra, Va, J. Timothy Shepherd of Lynchburg, Scott C. Shepherd of Swanzey, N.H., Alexandra M. Shepherd and Meredith A. Shepherd both of Brattleboro, Vt.; five great-grandchildren and her devoted friend and care-giver Louise Bell.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday March 14, 2003 in the Presbyterian cemetery, Grace Street.
Harold Lloyd Duff
Harold Lloyd Duff, 70, of Lynchburg, died Sunday June 15, 2003, at his residence. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn Mason Duff.
Born October 1, 1932 in Lynchburg, he was a son of the late Robert Lee Duff and Lillian
Patterson Duff, in addition, he was preceded in death by sisters, Margaret Francisco, Kitty Tyree, and brothers, Robert and James Duff.
Mr. Duff was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, a thirty five year employee of General Electric and later Ericsson and a member of Timberlake United Methodist Church, and the American Legion Post # 16.
In addition to his wife Marilyn, he is survived by his children, Sherri D. Wingfield, Dwayne Duff and his wife Renee', Camilla D. Stanley and her husband Phil, Christine Salome and her husband Michael, and Anthony Harold Duff; a brother, Charles C. Duff, and his grandchildren, Leslie Camden, Lauren Cooper, Micheal Cooper, Megan Duff, Mallory Duff, Edward Duff, Jr., Brooke Mays, Matthew Salome, and Brittany Duff.
A Memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday June 18, 2003 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, by the Rev. Larry Davies, pastor of Timberlake United Methodist Church.
The American Legion Post 16 will provide a Honor Guard, with military honors to follow the services.
The family will receive friends following services Wednesday at the chapel, and at other times at the residence.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Virginia, P.O. Box 7065, Richmond, VA 23221
Elmer George Knight
Elmer George Knight, 85, of Forest, passed away at his home, Monday October 6, 2003.
Born September 12, 1918 in Lynchburg, he was a son of the late Nora and Angus Knight and preceded in death by a sister Ruby, step-brother Russell, and two sons, Carroll and Charles.
Mr. Knight retired from Kaiser Aluminum and also worked for Randolph-Macon Woman's College in maintenance. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of W.W.II., honorably discharged in 1945.
Surviving are Elmer’s wife of 63 years, Mary Witt Knight, brother, Kelly; daughters, Eleanor Ruth Pauley and husband Floyd, and Debra Hicks; sons, James and wife Betty, David and wife Phoebe, Jeffrey and wife Renee, Manus and wife Faye, and Barry and wife Heidi; 36 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday October 10, 2003 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, by the Rev. Lenn E. Lloyd. Burial will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park, with military honors by the American Legion Post 16.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.Thursday at the funeral home, 7404 Timberlake Road, and at other times at the residence.
Carlton R. “Chip - Epp” Epperson
Carlton R. “Chip - Epp” Epperson, 83, of Heritage Green, Lynchburg, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the husband of the late Thalia Bass Epperson who passed away March 18, 1987.
He was born January 21, 1921 in Gladys, the son of the late John L. Epperson and the late Janie Poindexter Epperson. He served during WWII with the US Navy and then in the US Navy Reserve for several years. Mr. Epperson was a charter member of Sandusky Baptist Church and had served as a trustee and a deacon. He had retired from General Electric as foreman of the model shop after 28 years of employment.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Epperson was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters, Lewis W. Epperson, Ethel May Epperson Hawks, Martha Lee Epperson Carter, Anna Ruth Epperson, John D. Epperson and James W. Epperson.
He is survived by a sister, Mary Elizabeth Epperson Pryor Hall of Lynchburg; a niece, Jane Epperson Roark and husband, John E.; a nephew, Dan Epperson, Sr. and wife, Judith F.; a special niece, Donna M. Wilson and husband, Mike; special great nephews, David, Scott and Jason Wilson; two special sisters-in-law, Thelma Maddox and Louise H. Epperson; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2004 at Sandusky Baptist Church by Rev. Bobby Wood and Rev. Ralph Jackson. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park.
Family visitation will be Thursday from 7 - 9 p.m. at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and at other times at the home of his niece Donna at 123 Yellowstone Dr., Lynchburg.
Any one wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider Sandusky Baptist Church Building Fund.
Lillian E. Campbell Christian
Lillian E. Campbell Christian, 79, of Lynchburg, passed away, Monday, August 23, 2004 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Richard Theodore Christian.
Born April 18, 1925, in Clifford, VA, she was a daughter of the late Henry Harrison Campbell and Doris Wood Campbell.
Mrs. Christian was a member of Clifford Baptist Church and was retired from Belk Department Store after 30 years of service.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Rena Dale Christian and two brothers; Hillsman Campbell and Henry Campbell, Jr.
Survivors include three daughters; Elizabeth C. Carter and husband Donald R. Carter of Monroe, Darnell C. Capps and husband Jessie A. Capps of Lynchburg and Doris M. Simmons and husband Robert F. Simmons of Madison Heights, a sister, Evelyn Christian and husband Elbert of Clifford and a brother, William Thell Campbell and wife Ann of Lynchburg, a special grandson, Richard Cheatwood and his wife Tonya, whom she considered her son, seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 26, 2004 at Whitten Monelison Chapel by the Reverend Jack Brooks.
The family will receive friends following the services at Whitten Monelison Chapel and at other times at the residence of Darnell Capps.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216 Glen Allen, VA 23058.
Shelby Bivens Sarver
Shelby Bivens Sarver, 61, of Forest, VA., formerly of Colonial Heights, passed away Tuesday March 11, 2003 at her residence. She was the beloved wife of Lawrence P. Sarver.
Born in Carroll County, March 14, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Bejamin B. Bivens and Carrel Duerson Bivens. Mrs. Sarver was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband Lawrence, she is survived by her children, Mark D. Sarver of Lexington, NC, Deidri L. Sarver of Boones Mill, Benjamin L. Sarver of Lynchburg, Jennifer C. Kirkley of Irmo, SC., and Palmer Scott Sarver of Colonial Heights; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday March 15, 2003, at Appomattox Pentecostal Holiness Church, 412 North Church St., Appomattox, VA., with the Rev. Brian A. Beagle officiating.
The family will receive friends following services Saturday at the church, and at other times at the residence, 408 William Penn Drive, Forest.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Road, is assisting the family with services. (239-0331)
James Ernest Franklin
James Ernest Franklin, 51, affectionately known as Jimmy, died peacefully Wednesday, June 18th, 2003, at his home (86 Acres Court) and the home of his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Davis E. Franklin of Lynchburg, after a courageous five year battle with throat cancer.
Jimmy, a native of Lynchburg was a highly skilled Broadway Professional in numerous areas of Stage, Theater and Television Production, most notably as a Master Electrician and Lighting Technician/Designer. As a teenager Jimmy worked Summers as a television cameraman and stagehand. He also learned the trade as an assistant projectionist under the mentorship of Dale Rumsmoke, who at the time was President of IASTSE Local 390. Jimmy’s dedication and patience paid off in 1970 when he joined the union as a Theater Projectionist. The Old Warner Theater was among the many theaters where Jimmy worked in the Lynchburg and Richmond areas.
Three years later he was picked up by the touring company of “Pippen”, starring Ben Vareen and Stubby Kaye, followed by “Promises Promises” and “The Act” with Liza Minnelli, which took him to Broadway in New York City. There he met his first wife Gail Pearson, an actress from Clifton Forge, VA.
Other Shows in New York included two more with Minnelli; “Liza at Radio City” and “The Liza Minnelli Show”. He also worked on “Chicago” with Chita Rivera; Michael Bennett’s Productions of “Ballroom” and “Chorus Line”, “Dreamgirls”, as well as with Gregory Hines in “Sophisticated Ladies”, “I’m not Rappaport” with Judd Hirsch, with Jackie Mason in “World According to Me”, “My Fair Lady” with Rex Harrison and “Guys and Dolls” with Jerry Stiller.
Interspersed with Broadway were International tours such as “My One and Only” with Tommy Tune, Twiggy, and later, Sandy Duncan. Jimmy stayed with “Camelot”s runs with Richard Burton and later Richard Harris. National Tours included “Sugar Babies” with Mickey Rooney and Anne Miller, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and Bob Fosse’s “Caberet” with Joel Grey. He also toured with the concerts of the Rolling Stones and Bobby McFerrin.
As the chief road electrician it was not uncommon for Jimmy to be in charge of as many as 10 big rig company trucks filled with extensive electrical, lighting and rigging equipment, as well as sets, property and carpentry that were so necessary for musical productions. In the late 80's through the mid-90's Jimmy worked in Television as a gaffer and electrician on such shows as “Jim Henson’s Children’s Workshop”, “The Boston Pops” (chief electrician), with John Williams, various Emmy and Tony Award shows, “Late Nite” with Conan O’Brian and “A Christmas Carol” with Patrick Stewart. He returned to Broadway with Petula Clark in “Blood Brothers” and “Grease-Rockin’ Roof” until his illness.
Jimmy is survived by two sons from a second marriage, James Davis (Jake) Franklin and John Griffith (Griff) Franklin, both students from Monroe, NY. Other survivors include his father Davis and his Mother Dorothy (Dot) Franklin of Lynchburg, a sister, Judith Black of Palm Springs, CA and a Brother Davis Earl Franklin, Jr. of San Diego, CA; two nieces, Jennifer Zito of Rochester, NY and Kathryn Rivers of Lynchburg; one nephew, Danny Franklin, of San Diego; one grand-nephew, Stephen Tyler McCraw of Rochester, NY and one grand-niece, Savannah Raine Rivers of Lynchburg.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Spring Hill cemetery with the Rev. Corey D. Ingold, pastor of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church officiating.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 4005 Electric Road, Suite 202, Roanoke, VA 24014 or Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church.
