Glenda Cox DeHart

 

Glenda Cox DeHart, 93 of Bent Mountain, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, June 27, 2024. She was born on September 3, 1930 in Indian Valley.

She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Arnold A. DeHart; children, Arnold W. DeHart, Carolyn A. DeHart (Jim), Jeffrey N. DeHart, and Rebecca Bier (Richard); brother, Allen Cox; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 in the Greasy Creek Cemetery with Pastor Greg Fleshman officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Mt. Union Church of the Brethren with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Greg Fleshman officiating.

The family would like to extend special appreciation to Paula, Lisa, Jennifer, and Stephanie for their tender care of our Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Union Church of the Brethren or to Care Portal at Church of the Holy Spirit of Roanoke, VA.

Susan Lewis Presser

 

Susan Lewis Presser, 74 of Floyd, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Susan was a graduate of Broadmore High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Hines Junior College in Raymond, Mississippi. She had a heart for horses and lovingly called her home the “Presser Ranch”. She reverted back to her Cajun background and was a great cook, particularly of Louisiana dishes. She was a faithful and active member of Floyd United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Ken Presser; brother & sister-in-law, Paul & Lynn Lewis; mother-in-law, Jo Presser; sister-in-law, Jody Presser (Bill Roop); and nieces and nephews, Matt Lewis (Vicki), Jenny Bates (Thomas), Jillian DeWalt (Matt), James Ward (Monica), and Jeffrey Ward (Erin). 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Floyd United Methodist Church with Rev. Timothy Hale officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Susan’s memory to Floyd United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 55, Floyd, VA 24091 or to Plenty!, 192 Elephant Curve Rd NW Floyd, VA 24091.

Sharon Dalton Rose

 

Sharon Dalton Rose, 77 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024. She is preceded in death by her son, David Rose; parents, Victor & Ivory Dalton; and brother, Dempsy Dalton.

She is survived by her fiancé, Robert J. Frost; son & daughter-in-law, Terry & Tracy Martin; daughter, Rhonda Twiggs & fiancé Kevin Newcomb ; grandchildren, Amanda Michelle Stuart (James), Lanie Faith Martin, and Trent Dalton Martin; great-grandchildren, MaKenna Stuart, Teagan Stuart, and Addy Stuart; nieces, Candice Dalton and Amber Wojciechowski; and her special fur baby, Coco.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Bond officiating. Interment will follow in the Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2024 at the funeral home.

Cassandra "Sandy" Dawn Lee Johnson

Cassandra (Sandy) Dawn Lee Johnson, 74, of Floyd, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home Friday, June 14, 2024, after a heart-breaking battle with Alzheimer’s. Cassandra is preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Daisy O’Conner; her mother, Naomi Mills; and a beloved brother, Douglas Mills.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Lloyd L. Johnson; her sisters, Debby (Tom) Sibold, Tracey (Bill) Paxton, and Karen Mills; and a brother, Bill Mills. She is also survived by her children, their spouses, and grandchildren, Douglas (Melissa) Perry of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, their children Kayla and Tyler Perry, Kimberly (Timothy) Williams of Rockingham, North Carolina, their daughter Savannah Williams, Christopher (Jen) Fitting of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, their children, Christopher Jr. and Lindsey Fitting. In addition, Sandy has five great-grandchildren as well as many adored cousins, nieces and nephews not only from her side of the family, but Lloyd’s family as well, and her precious furbabies, Maddy, Luther, and Winston.

Sandy grew up in Covington, VA and moved to Ogles Creek in the summer of 1966. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, Paul and Daisy O’Conner. She grew up surrounded by family. She talked fondly of her sisters, brothers, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She loved spending time in the holler and playing in the creek. Sandy was beautiful and charming; she rarely met a stranger. Sandy worked in hospitality at the Greenbrier and The Cloister on Sea Island in her younger days. She made Floyd, Virginia her home when she married Lloyd in 2000. She enjoyed being part of the Floyd community, the small-town feel, taking long rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway with Lloyd and Maddy, and always loved it when family came to visit.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Good News Church on Main- Covington, Virginia with a meal and time of visitation to follow. 

 

The Long Goodbye

“O death, where is your sting?”

Losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s is an exceedingly painful thing.

Such a loss is a long goodbye!

Our hearts will be long heavy, often we have sighed.

There are days when all we can do is cry.

God finally took you home.

You no longer think you are alone.

We will see you again, and you will know us,

For by God’s grace, in Christ we all trust.

Written by Emily McLaughlin

Mary Walton Janney

Mary Walton Janney, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Arnold Edward Janney; son, Curtis Edward Janney; parents, Alonzo Curtis Walton & Mamie Conner Walton; brothers, Elwin Walton, Percy Walton, and John Walton; sister, Annalee Conner; and a very special friend, Alfred Ratliff.

Mary was a faithful member of Salem Church Head of the River Primitive Baptist. She served as clerk for many years.

She was a caregiver almost all of her life. Being the middle child of 7, she helped her mom take care of her younger siblings. When she married Arnold, they moved in with his parents and she cared for them, while also caring for her own children. When her Mom received a diagnosis of cancer, she moved her in and cared for her for 8 years.

Mary was an excellent seamstress and cook. She sewed for her family as well as others in the community, including prom dresses. She was very crafty, if you ever visited her home, you would see her work displayed throughout. She stayed busy with her hands up until the end. She made the best green beans, mac-n-cheese, and coconut caramel pies. She was the most kind and patient person you would ever meet.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy and her son-in-law, Paul Haynes; two granddaughters, Amanda Boyd and Katy Haynes; two great-grandchildren, Levi Glosh and Adde Boyd; one brother, Ezra Walton (Jane); one sister, Jean Rorrer (Sebert); one sister-in-law, Joyce Walton; step-grandchildren, Amy Goodrich and Sarah Cluck; and an adopted daughter in love, Alfreda Cadd.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Salem Church – Head of the River Primitive Baptist with Elder Carl Terry and Elder Mark Terry officiating. Interment will follow in the Restvale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel.

Betty Jane Marshall Quesenberry

 

Betty Jane Marshall Quesenberry, 93 of Indian Valley, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Fenton Darrah Quesenberry; beloved grandson, Tracy Darrah Bunn parents, Hobert & Lula Marshall; sister, Jeanetta Bond; and sister-in-law,                         Vera Maude Quesenberry.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dianne Holder and Donnie; special grandson, Brandon (Amber) Bunn; beloved great grandson, Levi Austin Bunn; brother-in-law, Chester (Janet) Quesenberry; sisters-in-law, Deloris Mills, Verta Owen, Sandra (Ronnie) Holder, Dorcas (Myron) Sprinkle; special nephew, Julian Bond; special nieces, Debra Bond, Jennifer (Allen) Gardner, Brenda Nester; and extra special great-nephew, Andrew Gardner.

 Betty was a faithful member of the Mitchell Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church for 77 years. She played the piano and served her church with humbleness and grace. Betty had a special love for her “little family.”

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Mitchell Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Nathan Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Kermit Quesenberry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Gideon International. Checks may be made and sent to Mitchell Chapel P.H. Church earmarked “Gideons”, at 821 Indian Valley Road, Dugspur, VA 24325.

Tommy Ray Harmon

 

Tommy Ray Harmon, 71 of Floyd, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonita Sue Harmon; daughters and sons-in-law, Angie and Nick Duncan and Amy and Beryl Whitfield; brothers and sisters-in-law, Willard “Billy” and Annie Harman and Roger and Vaughnia Harmon; sister, Peggy Moles; grandchildren, Jacob and Whitney Duncan, Krista and Jake Thompson, Bradley and Makayla Duncan, Kazey Martin, MaCayla Duncan; great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Callen, and Coy Duncan; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Tommy was known as a jack of all trades and will be remembered as a hard working humble and kind hearted man that will be deeply missed. 

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Dillon Chapel Church on Black Ridge Road with Pastor Dale Belcher and Pastor Roy Turpin officiating.

Foster Henry Williams, Jr.

 

Foster Henry Williams, Jr., 79 of Willis, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen Smith Williams; children, David Williams (Lynn), Donnie Williams (Diana), Melanie W. Leonard (Robin), and Richard Foster Williams (Kerri); grandchildren, Michael, Crystal, Brandon, Jarrett, Hallie, Evie, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Crystal, and Jacob; seven great-grandchildren; brother, George Williams; sisters, Carol Boemhler (Brad), Sharon Glenn (Andrew), and Margaret Love (Billy); and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Mitchell Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Nathan Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Quesenberry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Mark Wayne Blankenship

Mark Wayne Blankenship, 54 of Floyd, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 25, 2024. 

Mark loved to tell stories, joke, have a good time, and make people laugh. He never met a stranger and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his parents, Clyde & Elsie Blankenship; brother, David Blankenship; nieces, Lydia Major (Jaylen) and Emma Blankenship (Mikie Allen); aunts, Annie Lester, Marie & Don Lester, and Peggy & Marvin Parker; and cousins, Angie Wright, Hannah Quesenberry, Bruce Neece, and Tony Neece.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Frankie Graham officiating. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg, VA. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Louise Shelton Quesenberry

 

Louise Shelton Quesenberry, 91 of Floyd, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Kyle E. & Jocie T. Shelton; brothers, Erbie, Charlie & Arthur Shelton; sisters, Myrtle Rotenberry, Jeanette Bishop, and Hazel Phillips; and granddaughter, Cynthia G. Holland.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Cobern R. Quesenberry; son & daughter-in-law, Larry D. & Nancy Quesenberry; daughter & son-in-law, Donna Q. & Rodney Gardner; sisters, Irene S. Dalton and Zula M. Saul; special nieces, Amy Witters, Vicky Gillespie, Shelby Quesenberry, Peggy Ann Phillips; special nephew, Dewey Rotenberry; several nieces & nephews; and special friends, L.T. & Nell Simmons and Julia Montgomery.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin and Pastor Dinah Akers officiating. Interment will follow in the Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until Noon prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Skyline Nursing & Rehabilitation and Good Samaritan Hospice.

Kirby Cecil Duncan

 

Kirby Cecil Duncan, 88 of Willis, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Irene Simpkins Duncan; and parents, James F. “Bud” & Zola P. Duncan.

He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Kent & Trish Duncan; daughters & sons-in-law, Rebecca & Roger Pauley and Audra & Doug Weddle; well-loved granddaughters, Kaitlyn & Drew Harman and Mckenzie Weddle; special brother & sister-in-law, David & Betty Duncan; in-laws, Rollie & Ruby Simpkins, Maurice & Christine Simpkins and Diane & Gene Bishop; uncle, Ted Phillips; and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Poston and Rev. Joe Cox officiating. Interment will follow in the Phillips-Kessler Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Simpkins Phillips Cemetery, c/o Diane Bishop, 194 Indian Creek Rd, Willis, VA 24380.

Melvin Leon Francisco

 

Melvin Leon Francisco, 74 of Floyd, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, James & Virginia Francisco; and siblings, Norma Jean Lipscomb, Erma Jo Huffman, Pete Francisco, Margarett Sweet, Clyde Francisco, Richard Francisco, and Franklin Francisco.

Melvin will be remembered as a giving and kind-hearted man. He was often seen giving people rides to and from food banks. He was always sharing jokes and funny stories. He was a treasured son-in-law to Emmie C. Conner and will be missed by his cat, Luna.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Francisco; daughters & son-in-law, Jo Ann & Will Mcglothlin, Peggy Francisco, and Linda Beltran; grandchildren, William Lee Statome (Trae), Amanda Statome, Cristofer Lopez, and Laci Lopez, Chelsea Francisco, Larissa Raines, Haley Raines, and Conner Raines; great-grandchildren, Brayleigh, Mariza, and Sage; brother, Marvin Francisco; and mother-in-law, Emmie C. Conner.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at Little River Baptist Church with Mr. Steven Wade officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. prior to the service at the church. A meal of fellowship will follow.

Charles William Altizer

 

Charles William Altizer, 79 of Christiansburg, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Shelor Guy, Sr. & Juanita Ester Williams Altizer; granddaughter, Jennifer Kay Sheppard; and siblings, Bobby Altizer, Linda Gilmore, and Joann Via.

He is survived by his wife, Martha A. Altizer; sons, Gary Wayne Altizer (Dreama), William “Tommy” Altizer (Marcie), Sammy Lee Altizer (Alice) and Danny Lane Altizer (Lisa);  grandchildren, Amber, Jeremy, Sierra, Daniel, Jacob, Madison, Angel, Jaelyn, Lauren, Tyler, and Paris; great-grandchildren, Noah and Rory; and brothers, Shelor Guy Altizer, Jr. “Peanut” and Eddie Altizer.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024 with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. in the Cornersview Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Frankie Graham and Pastor Jerry Shepherd officiating. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 in the Willis Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice for their care during this time.

Elizabeth Jane Haynes Gallimore Davis

 

Elizabeth Jane Haynes Gallimore Davis, 64, passed away in the comfort of her home in Edmond, Oklahoma on April 30, 2024. 

She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Davis; her children, Jason Gallimore and partner Mark Williams, Joseph Gallimore and wife Crystal Gallimore, Thornton Gallimore and wife Ana Gallimore, Steven Davis and wife Jennifer Davis, Paul Davis, James Davis, Kurt Davis and Kevin Davis. Also surviving are  her parents, Paul and Betty Haynes; and brothers, Paul Haynes, Dallas Haynes, Dwight Haynes and Luke Haynes. In addition to her surviving children, Jane was blessed with 10 grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her late husband, Alan Gallimore; and sons, Chris Davis (surviving widow Katie Davis) and TJ Davis. 

Jane graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1978 and held a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Human Services, Marriage and Family, and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. From providing a loving home to her own children and many foster care children over the years, to maintaining a large roster of counseling clients, Jane was always passionate about improving the lives of those around her, especially children. Her passions throughout life centered around being the best mother she could be, along with a love for music, gardening, cooking, genealogy, reading and so much more.  

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Randy McDaniel officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the funeral home.

A celebration of life potluck meal will be held at Floyd United Methodist Church fellowship hall immediately after the interment. 

Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made to CASA, a national organization for children's advocacy by visiting nationalcasagal.org.

Ramona Carol Thomas Turman

 

Ramona Carol Thomas Turman, 82, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024 in Salem, VA. She was born in Greenbrier, West Virginia as the daughter of Floyd Milton Thomas & Alta Pearl Thomas. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two sisters, Arlene Rosenbaum and Virgie Burleson; one brother, Rae Thomas; and her father-in-law & mother-in-law, Walter Lee & Addie Mae Turman.

Ramona graduated from Andrew Lewis High School where she then gained employment at Western Electric in downtown Roanoke. It was there that she met her loyal and loving husband Don and they celebrated 59 wonderful years in marriage together. She also worked as a stenographer and secretary. Mona was a fantastic cook, talented interior decorator, and had a passion for the music and memorabilia of Elvis Presley.

Mona was a devoted and loving wife to her surviving husband of 59 years, Donald Lee Turman; one daughter, Leigh Anne Foster; one granddaughter, Taylor Leigh-Scott Foster; and one niece, Beverly Russell.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Vest officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from Noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Sherry Haid

 

Sherry Haid, 81 of Willis, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, April 29, 2024 after a hard battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sherry was a loving and devoted mother. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

Sherry is survived by her three children, Thomas Haid, Ronald Haid and his wife Chanel, and Kellie Sousa and David Sousa whom faithfully watch over her to keep her safe during the day.  Sherry was a grandmother to six grandchildren, Tiffany Kirby and her husband Allen Lee Kirby, Aaron Haid and his wife Taylor Haid, Amber Fain, Stephanie Sousa, Devynn Haid, and Madison Haid. Sherry was also blessed to be a great grandmother, GiGi, to nine  beautiful great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Big Sand Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Dalton officiating. She always said she never wanted people wearing black at her funeral, so only colorful outfits will do!

Verna Pauline Marshall

 

 

Verna Pauline Marshall, 91, of Indian Valley, VA, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024 at Skyline Assisted Living Center in Floyd, VA.

 

She was born December 23, 1932 in Indian Valley, VA, and was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edgar Marshall; son, Kenneth Ray Marshall; daughter, Barbara Marshall Hylton; and several siblings.

 

She is survived by her son, Charles Edward Marshall of Hattiesburg, MS; her two grandsons, Brandon Elliot Marshall of Hattiesburg, MS, and Jason Edward Marshall (Cristy) of Madison, MS; two great grandsons, Noah and Logan; her sisters, Alice Snyder of Elliston, VA and Shirley Bryant and her loving friend and caregiver, Renie Gates.

 

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Verna was devoted to her fellow Christians at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and enjoyed gardening, soap operas, baking, traveling, puzzles, long talks filled with humor and just a bit of gossip, and the occasional strawberry daiquiri on special occasions. Known for her generosity, warmth, sincerity, smile and love of life, she touched every soul she encountered and brightened every room she entered. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and adored her.

 

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Ricky Atkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Willis Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Hilda "Peggy" Harris

 

Hilda “Peggy” Harris, 94 of Floyd, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, April 26, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, Posey Harris; parents, Charles & Arizona Peters; five brothers and five sisters. 

She is survived by her sons & daughters-in-law, Kirby & Janet Harris, Benny & Pam Harris; daughter & son-in-law, Gail & George Phillips; grandchildren, Diana & Brian Davis, Chad & Meagan Harris, Michael & Lynnsey Harris, Ryan Phillips & Rebecca Wiseman, Evan & Morgan Phillips, Haley & Alex Gates and Adam & Caitlyn Scaggs; great-grandchildren, Reagan & Grayson Harris, Avri, Brylee & Camden Phillips, Jaxon & Callie Gates and Harper & Peyton Scaggs; special nephew, Randall Nolen and special friends Virginia Williams and Carolyn Shockley.

Peggy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the Floyd United Methodist Church for 70 years.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Timothy Hale officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

 The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Carilion Clinic Hospice, especially Heather, Sarah, Rebekah & Sue and to her caregiver, Lois Hubbard.

Benjamin "Ray" Spangler, Sr.

 

Benjamin “Ray” Spangler, Sr., 95 of Shawsville, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024. He is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Smith Spangler; son, Russell Samuel Spangler; six brothers and five sisters.

Ray was a WWII Navy Veteran. He was a 60 year member of the Stuart Lodge #224, of Lebanon, VA, a member of the Shriners of Roanoke, and a 73 year member of Operating Engineers Local 147, Norfolk, VA. Ray is remembered locally for his ability to repair and restore heavy equipment and farm machinery and he is especially remembered for his generosity to others.

He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Benjamin Ray Jr. & Thelma Spangler; granddaughter, Anne Marie Graham (John); sister, Shirley Spangler Barlow and his pets, Henry and Kitty Cat.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Warren Bumgarner officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or to the Humane Society of your choice.

Al Lee Bolt

 

Our beloved father and husband passed away on March 18, 2024, while visiting Charleston, South Carolina, from complications due to a stroke he suffered eleven days before.

 He was born and raised in Willis, Virginia, in Floyd County, and was a southern gentleman through and through. His curiosity about the world around him led him to study world languages at Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia. Upon graduation, he was hired by Fairfax County Public Schools as a World Language Teacher at W.T. Woodson High School. After two years he took a sabbatical from teaching to serve as a volunteer for the United States Peace Corps. In 1965, he was sent to Valle Bajo, Bolivia, a small, rural farming town, with the mission of teaching agricultural practices to the local farmers. However, he saw a more urgent need for this town. He initiated, and carried out, a clean water project that brought cleaner, safer water to a central location for the residents of this town. From that point on he was known as “the man who brought us water”. During this time, he also met and married Sonia, who lived in Samaipata, a nearby town. After two years in Bolivia, in 1967, he and his new bride returned to the United States to resume his teaching career and to start a family.

 He was a respected and admired teacher at W.T. Woodson High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School for 31 years where he taught Spanish, French, and German. As a teacher, and as a father, his integrity never wavered. He was happiest traveling to any place in the world, camping at the beach, socializing with friends, and spending time with his family.

 He and Sonia raised three children, María, Jon, and Mark. Our memories are filled with Volkswagen vans full of camping gear, meals around picnic tables, summer birthday parties, laughter, Thanksgivings in Willis, and mass every Sunday.

 In addition to his wife and three children, he leaves behind his grandchildren, Alex, Ben, Marek, Jesse, Addison, and Scout, his daughters- and son-in-law Karen, Mary Anne, and Edo, and his sister Helen. We will all do our best to live up to the example he set for us.

 Sonia and family ask for donations to St. Jude’s children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers. You can share in honor of Al at the Al Lee Bolt St. Jude Memorial Fund.