W. Fred Chafin, 66, of Athens, Ala., passed away at his home Tuesday, July 1, 2003, after a short illness.
He was born in Delbarton, W. Va. February 15, 1937, the son of the late Rev. Jeff and Tilda Chafin. He was a member and ordained Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Sims Chafin at home; daughter, Lori, of Harvest, Ala.; stepdaughters, Cathy Bacon of Athens, Ala., Jan Evans of Birmingham, Ala; step son, Jimmy Sims, Jr., Winston-Salem, NC; a sister, Mary T. Smock, Costa Mesa, Calif.; two brothers, Kenneth Chafin, St. Louis, Mo. and Jerry Chafin of Rutledge, Tenn.; two grandchildren and seven step grandchildren.
Spry Funeral Home, Athens, Ala., is in charge of the services.
Claudia E. Burmeister
Claudia Burmeister, beloved mother of Sharon Lord, formerly of Charleston, and Betsy, Kerry and Joanne Burmeister of Athens, Ga., peacefully returned to God on July 3, 2003. God's heavenly choir has grown more beautiful with her lovely voice.
Claudia Elizabeth Stuart was born in Prestonsburg, Ky., March 22, 1919, the youngest daughter in a coal-mining family of 10 children.
Until the age of 12, she lived in various communities in eastern Kentucky. It was at this time that her family moved to Williamson, where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Williamson High School, where she was an outstanding student who starred in numerous school musicals and dramas, including the lead role in "Hulda of Holland." Her ambition in 1934, at the age of 15, was to "to be an excellent stenographer or a teacher." She succeeded in a lengthy professional career in legal and medical secretarial roles, including senior secretary for the Mingo County Coal Operators Association and executive secretary for a University of Tennessee-Knoxville research center.
Her role as a mother, however, was the role that defined her life. Dubbed "the Queen Mother, " by her children, she inspired, motivated and supported four children and two stepchildren, who are eternally grateful. She also served as Sunday School superintendent, youth leader and choir member at the Memorial United Methodist Church and was active in numerous community and civic groups.
She is survived not only by her daughters, but also her sister, Charlene Ryan of No. 7, Fifth Avenue, Williamson; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar P. Stuart; mother, Maude Belle Stuart; seven brothers; one sister; husband, Horace W. Burmeister; and sons Larry Burmeister and Horace (Sonny) Burmeister, Jr.
While several formal memorial services are pending in the future, the public is invited to attend a "tribute to Claudia, " an informal gathering of family and friends on the date Claudia first became a mother, July 11.
Please join us at the Sycamore Inn, 201 West Second Avenue, Williamson, on Friday, July 11, 2003, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
We request that for this occasion, your gift in her memory be your presence, along with your favorite story about Claudia or a song, a toast, a roast, or a poem.
If you cannot attend, you may request a copy of Claudia's book of poetry, From Under My Bed, by writing Sharon Lord at 1124 Lindsey Drive, Sevierville, TN, 37876, or phoning 865-429-1141 or 865-607-7616.
Ruby Gott
Ruby Gott, of Williamson, died Monday, July 7, 2003. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Weaver Mortuary of Williamson.
Shawn Bradley Hannah
Shawn Bradley Hannah, infant son of Mary Joann Hannah, passed away Monday, July 14, 2003, at Williamson Memorial Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his great grandfather George Gannon and great grandmother Hollie Hannah.
Surviving in addition to his mother are grandparents Earnest and Nellie Hannah of Williamson and Teresa May and great grandparents Phyllis Gannon of Williamson and James Hannah of Webb, W. Va.
Graveside services were held Friday, July 18, 2003, at the family cemetery in Litton Hollow, Chattaroy, W. Va. Family and friends will served as pallbearers.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hatfield Funeral Chapel of Toler, Ky.
J. Naaman Godby
Mr. J. Naaman Godby, 83, of Chapmanville, W. Va. was born May 5, 1920 at Goby Branch, W. Va., a son of the late Virgil and Ella Johnson Godby.
He departed this life on Thursday, July 17, 2003, at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington, W. Va.
Mr. Godby was a retired businessman, a veteran of World War II serving with the US Navy, a member of the Chapmanville Kiwanis Club and a member of the First Christian Church of Logan, W. Va. Mr. Godby was awarded the Citizenship Award by the Kiwanis Club in 1977.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Browning Godby; two sons, Danny (Debbie) Godby and David (Jenniffer) Godby, both of Chapmanville, W. Va.; one brother, Joe Godby of Logan, W. Va.; three grandchildrenl; and three great grandchildren.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Evans Funeral Home at Chapmanville, W. Va. with Dr. John Goff and Dr. Charles M. Wood officiating. Burial will follow inthe Highland Memory Gardens at Godby, W. Va.
Pallbearers are Ted Ellis, Clarence Elkins, Kenny Gillispie, Kenny Zigmon, Michael Godby and Danny Ellis.
Friends may call from 6 - 9 p.m. Saturday at the Evans Funeral Home at Chapmanville, W. Va.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home at Chapmanville, W. Va.
Ruby Nowlin
Ruby Nowlin, 89, of Mingo Manor Nursing Home, Williamson, W. Va., passed away Thursday, July 17, 2003, at Mingo Manor.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date by Chambers Funeral Home, Inc.
Mildred Thompson
Mildred Thompson, 74, of Williamson, died Thursday, July 17, 2003, at Mingo Manor Nursing Home, Williamson.
Born August 6, 1928, at Hardy, Ky., Mildred was a daughter of the late Earl and Bertha Smith Thompson.
She was a former clerk/cashier for the Dollar General Store and a member of the Fifth Avenue Church of Christ, Williamson.
Mildred is survived by one brother, Trimble L. (Kazuko) Thompson of West Carrollton, Ohio; one niece, Diane K. (Douglas) Hortman of Miamisburg, Ohio; one great-niece, Brittany Hortman; one great-nephew, Ryan Hortman and two special friends, Kathleen Thompson and Faye Evans.
Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 2003, at the Rogers Funeral Home Chapel, Belfry, Ky., with William Waters officiating.
Burial will follow in the Julius Scott Cemetery at Hardy.
Visitation will take place from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2003, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under direction of Rogers Funeral Home, Belfry.
Cassie W. Gill
Cassie W. Gill, 79, of Huntington, W. Va., formerly of Crum, died Friday, July 18, 2003, at St. Mary's Hospital, Huntington.
Born February 3, 1924, at Crum, Cassie was a daughter of the late Henry and Lydia Williamson.
She was a retired glass worker for Kerr Glass.
Cassie is survived by one son, Barry (Tanya) Gill of Proctorville, Ohio; eight brothers, Wallace Williamson of Logan, W. Va.; Carter Williamson and John B. Williamson, both of Crum; Ernest Williamson, of Davin, W. Va.; Lundy Williamson of New Albany, Ohio; Grason Pat Williamson of New Haven, W. Va.; Paul Williamson of Prichard, W. Va.; and Ben Williamson of Grove City, Ohio; two sisters, Jackie L. Johnson of Columbus, Ohio and Beaulah Faye Perry of Delaware, Ohio; and one granddaughter, Megan Gill.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2003, at the Warfield Chapel of Richmond-Callaham Funeral Home, Warfield, Ky., with Rev. Joey P. Justice officiating.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2003, at the Warfield Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Huntington, W. Va.
Arrangements are under the direction of Richmond-Callaham Funeral Home of Inez, Ky.
Tyler Matthew Williams
Tyler Matthew Williams, 3 hours old, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2003, at South Williamson ARH Hospital.
Born Friday, July 25, 2003, the infant son of Jason Matthew and Charlotte Newsome Williams of Newtown, W. Va. He was preceded in death by two great grandfathers, Leonard Newsome and Charles Scott.
Surviving are his twin sister, Grace Leighann Williams of the home; grandparents, Greg and Opal Stewart of Sulpher Creek, W. Va. and Betty Williamson of Varney, W. Va.; great grandparents, Juanita Newsome of Newtown, W. Va., Jack and Joan Stewart of Sulpher Creek, W. Va., Hazel Scott of Chattaroy, W. Va., Alfred and Verdie Williams of Red Jacket, W. Va.; uncles, Jack Tyler Stewart of Sulpher Creek, W. Va., Andrew Williams of North Matewan, W. Va., Solomon Williams of Belfry, Ky., and Scotty Scott of Chattaroy, W. Va.; aunt, Lisa Stewart of Hardy, Ky.; cousins, Morgan Linville of Williamson, W. Va. and Kaley Williams of Elk Creek, W. Va.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2003, 1 p.m., at Stewart Family Cemetery, Sulpher Creek, W. Va. with Rev. Enoch Newsome officiating.
Chambers Funeral Services of Matewan, W. Va. is in charge of the arrangements.
Willie Gibson
Willie Gibson, 65, of Wharncliffe, W. Va., passed away Monday, July 28, 2003, at South Williamson ARH, S. Williamson, Ky.
Born October 27, 1937, in Glen Alum, W. Va., to Freeland Gibson of Glen Alum and the late Ruth Cantrell Gibson, he was a retired coal miner. Mr. Gibson was of the Pentecostal faith and a member of the UMWA.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Addie Dotson Gibson; one daughter, Loretta Jean Gibson; one brother, William Gibson; one grandson, Bruce Gibson Jr.; and one granddaughter, Edith Delores Gibson.
Surviving are his three sons, Ricky (Angel) Gibson of Baisden, W. Va., Dwain (Janet) Gibson of Wharncliffe, W. Va. and Bruce (Terria) Gibson of Wharncliffe, W. Va.; two daughters, Patty (Columbus Jr.) Bradford of Wharncliffe, W. Va. and Billie Joe (John) Lockard of Varney, W. Va.; six brothers, Robert (Thelma) Gibson of Wharncliffe, W. Va., Layton Gibson of Glen Alum, W. Va., Alfred (Diane) Gibson of Wharncliffe, W. Va., Carl Dean (Sheena) Gibson of Wharncliffe, W. Va., Clark Gibson of Delbarton, W. Va. and John Gibson of Marietta, Ohio; two sisters, Norma Bussey of Cartersville, Ga. and Joyce (Roy) Browning of Wharncliffe, W. Va.; ten grandchildren, Tammy Sutters, Bonnie Mounts, William Bradford, April Lockard, Christi Beth Lockard, Anthony Gibson, Britnee Gibson, Addam Gibson, Bruce Johnathon Gibson, and Daniel Joseph Gibson; four great grandchildren, Dustin Sutters, Zackary Sutters, Wayne Mounts and Kimberly Mounts.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2003, 1 p.m., at Ben Creek Pentecostal Church of God with Rev. Danny May and Rev. Roy Lee Lester officiating. Burial will follow in the Dotson Cemetery, Wharncliffe, W. Va.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Friends may call the Ben Creek Pentecostal Church of God at Wharncliffe, W. Va. on Tuesday, from 6-10 p.m.
Mounts Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
Dorsel Steele
Dorsel Steele, 84, of Red Jacket, died on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2003, at his residence.
He was born on June 14, 1919, in Wayne County, W. Va., a son of the late Shayde and Recca Willis Steele. He was a coal miner for more than 40 years having worked for Red Jacket Coal, Island Creek Coal and retired as a superintendent with Kentucky Carbon Coal in Phelps, Ky. He was a member of the Red Jacket Community Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Ronald Steele; and one brother, Elmer Steele.
He is survived by his wife of 61, Daisy Simpkins Steele; one son, Jim (Amy) Steele of Ky. 292 Belfry, Ky.; two brothers, Shayde Steele Jr. of Myrtle Beach, N.C.; Gary (Loretta) Steele of Huntington, W. Va.; three sisters, Pauline (Walter) Parks of Kenova, W. Va.; Marie (Ralph) Daugherty of Ft. Royal, Va.; and Evelyn (Sherlock) Dean of Red Jacket.
Funeral services for Mr. Steele will be conducted at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at the Hatfield Funeral Chapel at Toler, Ky., with the Revs. Arnold Mollette and Bill Snodgrass officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Maher.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Men of the church will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Visitation will be at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.
Sally Varney Vincell
Sally Varney Vincell, 85, of Varney, W. Va., went to be with the Lord July 29, 2003, at the Williamson Appalachian Regional Hospital.
She was born Dec. 17, 1917, at Varney, the daughter of the late Jeff and America Varney.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Vincell; an infant daughter; three brothers; and two sisters.
She was a homemaker and a 30-year member of the Pie Church of God.
Survivors include a stepson, Edgar Vincell of Garner, N.C.; two daughters, Lucy (Roy) Chafin of Rawl, W. Va., and Dora (Chester) Davis of Varney, W. Va.; grandchildren, Madonna (Jamie) Hall, Jessica (Brian) Lilly, Jasmine Davis, John (Angie) Dillon, David (Stephanie) Dillon; great-grandchildren, John Douglas and Gavin Dillon, and Abigail Hall.
Funeral services will be held at the Pie Church of God at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, with the Rev. Paul Horton officiating. Burial will follow in the Varney Cemetery at Varney, W. Va.
Visitation will be held at Chafin Funeral Home, Delbarton, Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., with special services starting at 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Hall, Brian Lilly, John and David Dillon, Bobby Runyon and Jonathan Horton.
Chafin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Joe Gervas
Joe Gervas, 85, of Williamson, who was owner and operator of the Cinderella Shoe Repair Shop for over a half century, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at the Williamson Appalachian Regional Hospital in South Williamson.
The shoe repair business was established by Gervas' late brother, Jimmie Gervas, in 1936, and the two brothers ran the business for many years.
Joe continued to own and operate the shop after Jimmie's death in January 1986. He sold the business in 1991, retiring in September of that year.
Born Aug. 31, 1917, at Page, W. Va., he was a son of Joseph Gervas and Josephine Barbusi Gervas. In addition to his parents and brother, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Pauline Verde and Laura Pennington.
He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Calvary Baptist Church on Slater Street, Williamson.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Lillian Adair Gervas, and three nieces, Beulah Verde of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ruby Sarner of New Jersey and Mary Alice Evans of Pendleton, Ohio.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at Weaver Mortuary with the Revs. George Terlizzi and James Poe officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens at Maher. Men of the church will serve as pallbearers.
Visitations will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday night, July 31, 2003, at Weaver Mortuary.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Weaver Mortuary of West Williamson.
