Joyce Ann McGrady

 

Joyce Ann McGrady, 72 of Radford, was greeted in a glorious reunion with her loving parents, Lawrence & Rosie McGrady, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. She is also preceded in death by her special Pomeranian, Taylor.

Joyce never met a stranger. She could talk to anyone. She was the same authentic person no matter who she was with! You never had to change who you were around her because she just loved you for who you were.  She was beautiful, never left the house without looking fabulous in perfectly coordinating outfits and jewelry and, of course, her signature lipstick. She had the gift of gab and a smile that would light up a room.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Cromer (Michael Lytton); son, Joshua Cromer; granddaughter, Kaylee Wood; sister & special brother-in-law, Janice & Larry Weeks; nephews, Jason Weeks (Donna) and Travis Weeks (Katie); and great-nephew, Grady Weeks.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Joyce’s many special friends for all of their calls, visits, prayers and care during this difficult time, as well as the doctors and staff at Roanoke Memorial Palliative Care.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Jim Cecil Lemon

 

Jim Cecil Lemon, 57 of Floyd, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Lemon; sister, Dana Lemon Danis; grandparents, Doug & Twila Reed and Sidney & Mildred Lemon; and great-grandparents, Cecil & Claris Reed.

He is survived by his daughter, Ayla Lemon; mother, Donna Johnson; brother, John Lemon; and several nieces and nephews.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Peggy Buckner Underwood

 

Peggy Buckner Underwood gained her wings at her home in Floyd at 80 years of age on Saturday, January 20, 2024. She had a difficult battle with cancer and is finally at rest.

Born on November 18, 1943 in Floyd, she was the daughter of Ed and Opal Buckner. Peggy spent 27 hardworking years spreading joy and providing exceptional care to her patients at Skyline Nursing Home. She enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as watching birds and yard work.

Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Arthur Underwood; and her siblings, Willie Buckner, Troy Buckner and Polly Huff.

Peggy will be remembered as a loving mother by Linda Underwood Harris (Rick) and Lisa Underwood Smith (Jason); a loving grandmother to Kendall Huff (Leah), Kendra McAlexander (Josh), Tiffany Smith (Elijah) and Troy Harris; loving great-grandmother to Bentley McAlexander, Ethan Huff, Brenton McAlexander, Elliott Huff, and Haisleigh McAlexander; a loving sister to Madalene Cox (Alfred); and God daughter, Shannon Huff.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Fintel, his oncology staff and Good Samaritan Hospice for their remarkable care.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 27, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Poston officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until Noon prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Marie Agnes Simpkins

 

Marie Agnes Simpkins, 86 of Floyd, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, January 18, 2024 in her home surrounded by family.

Marie was known for her many dedicated years of service at the Radford Arsenal. Everywhere she went she was recognized by many, never knowing a stranger. She loved many things including gardening, flowers, and family gatherings. Her bubbly personality will be dearly missed by all of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, “Paul” Ritivo Simpkins of Floyd; her children, Karen Lytton of Christiansburg, Kevin (Stacy) Simpkins of Floyd, Kim (Ernie) Woods of Christiansburg, and Kelli Hill of Max Meadows; grandchildren, Timothy (Ashley) Simpkins, Brian Lytton, Justin (Laurel) Simpkins, Tyler Hill, Taylor Hill, Bryce Thompson, and Brent Thompson; many other extended family including great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rommie & Dovie Duncan; son, Kendall Simpkins; granddaughter, Brandy Acord; son-in-law, “Bubby” Phillip Lytton; siblings, Evans Duncan, Maxie (Dick) Neece, Irvin (Lois) Duncan, Carl Duncan, and Bernard (Georgia-Lee) Duncan. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024 in the Beaver Creek Church with Pastor Marvin Wade officiating. Interment will follow in the Beaver Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the church.

 Tomorrow

When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not there to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time that you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an Angel Came and Called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And that I have to leave behind
All those I dearly love

Suzanne Prideaux Roberts

 

Suzanne Prideaux Roberts, 76, passed away on January 8, 2024, in Floyd, VA. 

She is remembered by her children, Genevieve, Elizabeth, and Robert; brother, Steven; and 11 grandchildren. 

She was known for her love of reading, genealogy, and history. 

A private family memorial will be held. Suzanne's journey has come to a close, leaving behind memories and moments that will be remembered.

Lynda Faye Bowman

 

Lynda Faye Bowman, 71 of Meadows of Dan, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 in the Light Cemetery with Pastor Nathan Montgomery officiating.

Brenda Kay Higgs

 

Brenda Kay Higgs, 78 of Christiansburg, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. Her final moments were spent surrounded by her loving family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harless and Kate Harris; brother, Roger Harris; and sister, Katherine Zehner.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Douglas Higgs; daughters, Debra Higgs French, Rebecca Higgs-Campbell, and Lisa Higgs O’Connor; grandchildren, Weston Allen, Emily O’Connor, and Mark O’Connor; brother, Philip Harris. Her grandson Weston was her whole heart and best friend.

Known for her kindness and loving spirit, Brenda will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Brenda’s family asks that she be remembered for the unconditional love and joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the Indian Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jarrette "Pinky" Lawrence Jinnett

Jarrette "Pinky" Lawrence Jinnett, age 87, passed from this world peacefully on December 13th, 2023 at Sacred Ground Hospice House of Knoxville, TN. “Pinky” was born on February 10, 1936 in Check, VA. She was a graduate of the Executive Secretarial Course at the National Business College in Roanoke, VA. While in Roanoke, she married the late John G. Jinnett on April 16, 1965, and they moved to Knoxville in 1974. She is survived by one sister, Dianna Wimmer from Check, VA , numerous nieces and nephews, her four step-children, eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

“Pinky” enjoyed a successful career as a legal secretary with the Eggleston and Holton law offices, the US Attorney's office in Virginia and later with TVA in Knoxville. She was a faithful member of Concord United Methodist Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class. 

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the church, 11020 Roane Drive, Knoxville, TN on Thursday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m. There will also be a time for family visitation 30 minutes before the service to allow for those coming in from out of state. She will be laid to rest at a graveside service which will be held on January 12th at 2:00 p.m. at Wilson Cemetery 941 Wilson Cemetery Road, Check, VA 24072.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Shriners Children's, Attn: Shriners Children's, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or to Sacred Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918.

John Mildridge Weeks

 

John Mildridge Weeks, age 81 of Floyd, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 5, 2024. He was born on October 11, 1942 to the late Julian and Minnie Hylton Weeks. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Charlotte “Sue” Weeks.

In 1956 at the age of 14, he started his first job at Floyd Tire Shop recapping tires. Later he became co-owner which later led to him becoming the owner of Floyd Tire Center. Being the owner, he built a lot of trust with his customers over the years; they knew they could depend on him to pump their gas, clean their windshield, fix a flat tire, and change their oil. He was often called “The Tire Man.”

He is survived by two loving and devoted daughters, Wanda McAlexander (Steve) and Lorie Miracle (Mark); five grandchildren, Ashlee Stevens (Anthony), Kayla Burleson (CJ), Joshua McAlexander (Kendra), Adam Miracle, and Jamison Miracle; nine great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Albert Weeks (Janet); sisters, Alberta Weeks, Pauline Repass, and Peggy Howell; several nieces and nephews; neighbors he considered family; and special friend, Dennis Sowers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Floyd County Rescue Squad, PO Box 257, Floyd, VA 24091 or to the Floyd County Fire Department, PO Box 33, Floyd, VA 24091.

Alivene Alley

Alivene Alley, 80 of Indian Valley, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.  She is preceded in death by her husband, James Arthur Alley; son, Jesse Alley; parents, Hubert and Virgie Hall; and grandson, Jamie Lafon Alley. 

She is survived by her sons & daughters-in-law, Rocky & Wanda Alley and Jeff & Carol Alley; daughter & son-in-law, Melissa & Elwood Nester; grandchildren, Heather & Michael Greer, Misty & Elliott Johnson, Grace & Christopher Duncan, Faith & Isaac Harris, Danielle Alley and Jesse James Alley; great-grandchildren, Trinity Alley, Jaydon Jones, Rowan Alley, Madison, Madelyn, Margo, Nehemiah & Elias Greer, Nalani & Miles Johnson, Tinley & Ariella Duncan and Hazel Harris.  

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024 in the Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Poston officiating.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Dalton

Jacqueline “Jackie” Dalton, 87 of Willis, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Artimesa Tyrell, Joe Hughes, William “Bill” Hughes, and Ted Hughes.

Jackie enjoyed her career as a cosmetologist and cosmetology instructor at four different schools. She also owned several shops.

She is survived by her husband, Arlie E. Dalton; children & their spouses, Richard & Kathy Stewart, Jeffrey & Sheila Stewart, Tonya & Harry Cuthrell, Chantay Arney, and Jacqueline Hinton; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Nevin Hughes and John Hughes; step-children, Cara & Richard Perdue and Jeff & Michelle Dalton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeff Dalton and Minister Jeff Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in the Goad Cemetery, Meadows of Dan. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ASPCA.

Jerry Lee Willis

 

Jerry Lee Willis was born on October 23, 1948 to Wilford Archie and Lake Evelyn Willis on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on Goose Creek in Check, VA, Floyd County.

Jerry joined the Army during the Vietnam War. After service, he moved to the state of Michigan where he found employment with General Motors for 30 years until his disability retirement in 2005. At that time, he returned to his home state of Virginia in Riner where he found solace in his log home on the mountain until his death on December 29, 2023.

Jerry is survived by one daughter, Katelyn Marie Thomas, who is now serving in the United States Navy, stationed in Japan. Jerry Lee is also has three living siblings out of seven, two living sisters, Ruth Madeline Price of Pulaski, Lillian Carol Conner and husband James of Christiansburg; and one brother, Michael Raye Willis and wife Wanda of Georgia.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, January 5, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the Restvale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until Noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

Patricia Ann Merchant

Patricia Ann Robbins Merchant, 61 of Woolwine, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Merchant; and brothers, Ronnie Robbins, Buddy Robbins, and Wayne Robbins.

She is survived by her son, Dustin Moore (Shakayla); daughter, Jessica Payne; sisters, Carol Galvan, Betty Peters (J.P.), Brenda Martin (Jimmy); brothers, Donald Robbins and Jimmy Robbins; two granddaughters; two grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 in the Topeco Cemetery with Pastor Wes Conner officiating.

Lloyd Wendell Akers, Sr.

 

Lloyd Wendell Akers, Sr., of Floyd, died suddenly on December 29.

Born on December 10, 1937 in Copper Valley, Lloyd died as he lived, hard at work with a hammer in his hand, making the world a more beautiful place. Lloyd loved to garden and to share his bounty with family, neighbors and strangers.  He was a wicked card player and he loved to win. Lloyd enjoyed fishing, creating beautiful ponds to enjoy with family. His loved ones were blessed to have shared many recent visits. Lloyd was a proud member of Willis High School Class of ‘56, and the Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 669 member for 66 years.  Lloyd lived much of his life in Scranton, PA. He retired in 1995 and moved back to his beloved home place to spend time with his mother and help care for her.

He leaves to mourn his beloved children, Gary Akers and wife Denise of Scranton, PA, Janice Akers Kohler and husband Tom of North Myrtle Beach, SC, and Mark Akers and wife Mina of Lehighton, PA. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Lois Akers Tatum. They spoke or saw each other daily. Also his dearest friend Odetta Bond Terry, with whom he joyfully spent every Sunday cooking and watching sports together; his uncle and aunt, Vance and Lena Duncan; eight grandchildren, Jillanne Akers Salazar, Matthew Joseph Duffy, Tyler Akers, Louis Borrini, Stephanie Kohler, Joshua Kohler, Avery Akers and Eva Akers; four devoted nieces, Susan Woodhouse, Katherine Williams, Barbara Farmer, Lisa Gentry and their husbands; his dear friend Foster Bond and great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lelia Duncan Akers, his brother William Akers, his son Lloyd Akers Jr., grandson John Verkitus and his former wife, Jean Berstecher Akers. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024 at White Rock Church of the Brethren with Rev. Michael Pugh officiating. Interment will follow in the White Rock Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to White Rock Church of the Brethren, 1863 White Rock Rd. NW, Floyd, VA 24091.