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, 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, 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, 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.
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, 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, 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 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.
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., 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.
Judy Harris Duesberry, 82, of Portsmouth, VA, passed away on Wednesday,
December 13, 2023 in Lake Mary, Florida, at the home of her daughter.
She was born November 4, 1941 in Roanoke, Virginia to Cornelia and Vernon Harris. Judy graduated from Floyd County High School and received a degree in fashion design from Richmond Professional Institute (RPI).
After beginning her career as a department store model and elementary school teacher, Judy taught for 20 years in the special education department of Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, VA. She was a talented artist, loved by her students, and enjoyed shopping, reading, traveling and arts and crafts. After retirement, she enjoyed several years back in her hometown, and later resided in Florida.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her former spouse, Harry Edward Duesberry; and her great-niece Annalia Meredith Wills. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Regina and Michael Christian; her sister and brother-in-law, Constance and John Mitchell; her niece, Christie Wills; and her great-nephew and niece, Jackson Thomas and Augusta Claire Wills.
She is being buried at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Cemetery.
Jacob Wendell Harris, 88, of Meadows of Dan, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 in Galax. He was born on February 3, 1935 in Floyd County, the seventh child of Clarence Cornelius & Lura Alderman Harris. He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and three brothers.
Mr. Harris was a brick mason in the Northern Virginia area until his retirement. He moved to Meadows of Dan in 1998, where he married his high school sweetheart. He became an active member of the church that he and his family attended in his childhood, Burks Fork Church of the Brethren. He worked tirelessly for the church as deacon, trustee, and treasurer during his years of service. His proudest accomplishment was the building of the fellowship hall next to the main church building. He loved bluegrass music and he and his wife spent many happy hours at concerts and shows throughout the area.
Left to cherish and honor his memory are his wife of 25 years, LaNita Howell Harris; two daughters, Rada Nicody (Fred) of Culpeper, VA and Leanna Baker (Melvin) of Leesburg, VA; two step-children, Leslie Shelor of Meadows of Dan and Sammy Shelor (Jordyn) of Floyd; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private graveside service will be held in the Topeco Cemetery with Rev. Mike Battle officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Burks Fork Church of the Brethren, c/o Robin Vest, 4905 Floyd Hwy N, Copper Hill, VA 24079.
Cooper Allen Reed, age 3 days, of Floyd, passed away in his parent’s arms on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital NICU. He is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
Cooper is the son of Michael Reed & Kasey Fox of Floyd. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Richard & Kim Fox of Floyd; paternal grandparents, Robert & Judy Reed of Floyd; sister, April Bourne; and brother, Bentley Bourne; uncle, Thomas Fox; and aunt, Heather Ball (Phillip).
Graveside services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, December 27, 2023
in the Eastview Slusher Cemetery (corner of Route 8 and Fairview Church Rd SW)
with Pastor Marvin Wade officiating.
Linda Maxey Maxwell wasn’t your typical Southern woman. She avoided the kitchen at all costs, entering only to grab a diet Dr. Pepper, she hated shopping and liked to wear cheetah print and plaid at the same time. Though she didn’t teach us how to bake a loaf of bread or pumpkin pie (preferring to buy directly from Country Kitchen), she taught us to be true to ourselves, never let anyone hold us back and to hold on tight to the people we love.
Tasked with describing her legacy in her own words, she wrote, “Everyone who knows me can tell you that family has always been the thing that gives me the greatest joys of my life.”
She passed away at her home in Christiansburg on December 17, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 46 wonderful years, David Maxwell; her sister, Anne Swain; her three children, Sean Whittemore (Amy Hunter), Tammy Reed (Jeff), and Lacy Bush (Kevin); and her seven grandchildren, Caleb, Tanner, Erika, Seth, Micah, Karly and Max. She was 73.
Thomas
“Harlan” Wade, 83, of Roanoke County, VA, passed away peacefully at home,
surrounded by his family on December 21, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cline and Alma Wade; in-laws, Berman and Ila Cox; and brothers-in-law, Jabe Hollandsworth and Wilkie Cox.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years and caregiver, Bonnie Cox Wade of Roanoke County, VA; sons, Michael Kevin Wade and Alan Jeffery Wade, of Roanoke, VA; sister, Norma Foutz (Bob), of Roanoke, VA; sisters-in-law, Wanda Hollandsworth and Bonnie Bradley Cox, of Christiansburg, VA; nephew, Corvin Weddle, II (Heidi), of Nantucket, MA; nieces, Michele Rice (Gary), of Roanoke, VA, Jennifer Bodine (Tim), of Salem, VA, Kathy Beale (Craig), of Roanoke, VA, Anita Ferguson, of Christiansburg, VA, Jessica Marquart (Ryan), of Christiansburg, VA, and Lisa Rutherford (Todd), of Christiansburg, VA.
Harlan owned and operated a successful business, Quality Office Machines, in Roanoke for many years until his retirement.
He and his wife Bonnie were adventurous travelers, and upon retirement they visited all fifty states and several times traveled the spectacular Alaskan Highway through Western Canada into Alaska, their favorite trip.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father and son and he will be missed by all those who knew him. Harlan accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and we look forward to the day when we rejoin him in Heaven.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Kenny Wurzberger officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Our deepest gratitude is extended to Addy and Lee, RNs with Carilion Hospice for their meaningful care and support of the family during this difficult time.
David Thomas Harris, Sr., 77 of Galax, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023.
Services will be private.
Evelyn Harman Janney, 85 of Floyd, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Chester Elwood Janney.
She is survived by her sons & daughters-in-law, Steve & Grace Janney and Robert & Sherrie Janney; daughter & son-in-law, Anita & Butch Goad; grandchildren, Darin & Ashleigh Goad, Stephanie & George Hairston, Lindsey & Alex Poff, Logan Janney, Austin & Grace Janney, and Ava Janney; brothers & sisters-in-law, Austin & Gaye Harman and Harry & Hazel Harman; sister, Elnora Markle & the late Robert Markle; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the Stonewall Church United Methodist Brethren with Pastor Jerry Hylton, Pastor Darren Landon, and Pastor Rodney Collins officiating. Interment will follow in the Vest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stonewall Church United Methodist Brethren Building Fund, c/o Marie Thomas, 536 Poor Farm Road SE, Floyd, VA 24091, or to Virginia Ag in the Classroom, P O Box 27552, Richmond VA 23261.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lois Hubbard, Brenda Hale, Tammy Rutrough, and Sherrie Janney who made it possible for Evelyn to remain comfortably at home.
Brenda Mae Duncan Bond Robertson, 73 of Roanoke, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Brenda was born on February 18, 1950 in Floyd County. She is preceded in death by her sister, Lois Elaine Duncan; and her mother, Ima Mae Duncan.
She is survived by her sons, Scott Bond and Mark Bond; sisters, Vona D. Weddle (Tony) of Willis and Cathy Hunley of Hillsville; and brothers, Wayne Duncan (Peggy) of Willis and Dale Duncan of California.
There will be no services at this time.
Beatrice Ann Phillips, 75 of Indian Valley, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Becky Seay; parents, Vernon & Mollie Seagraves; and siblings, June Seagraves, Johnny Seagraves, and Sandy Seagraves.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Clarence D. Phillips; sons, Robert D. Phillips and Jerry L. Phillips; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Harley Seagraves and Billy Seagraves; sisters, Brenda Buckner, Georgia & Hubert Montgomery, and Peggy Camp; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 at Graysontown New Life Ministries, 5270 Graysontown Rd, Radford, VA 24141 with Pastor Justin Quesenberry officiating. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Graysontown New Life Ministries, 5270 Graysontown Rd, Radford, VA 24141 in memory of Beatrice.
