Robert Lane Richards

 

Robert Lane Richards, 84 of Floyd, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Ballard & Annie Prillaman Richards; and brothers, Ammon Richards (Christine) and Irvin Richards (Elizabeth).

Robert enjoyed racing, basketball, baseball and had a love of music. He drove a milk truck before working for Whiting Oil Company, driving an oil truck for 37 years. At the age of 16 he began driving a school bus, something he was well known for doing for 40 years. He was a lifelong member and deacon of Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren where he and Shirley faithfully attended.

Robert was married to the love of his life, Shirley. You never saw one without the other and they were a true example of what a Godly marriage is.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Hylton Richards; daughter & son-in-law, Karen & Dennis Whitlock; son & daughter-in-law, Allen & Sonja Richards; grandchildren, Ezra Richards (Gabby), Moriah Wilson (Gray), Hannah Richards, Sarah Richards, Lucas Richards (Abigail), Isaiah Richards, Micah Richards, Judah Richards, Eric Whitlock (Ashley Taylor), Gabriel Whitlock (Lianna Koberoski); sister-in-law, Betty Richards; favorite niece & caregiver, Carolyn Hylton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin, Pastor Angela Carr, and Pastor Stanley Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Floyd County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 257, Floyd, VA 24091 or to Laurel Branch Cemetery, c/o Mark Sowers, 1053 Wills Ridge Rd, Floyd, VA 24091.

Larry "Wayne" Gillespie

 

Larry “Wayne” Gillespie, 67, received his new body on August 27, 2024 and is now walking streets of gold.

Wayne was predeceased by his first wife, Becky. He was blessed to continue relationships in this family. He had a special bond with this “Ma”, Ocie Thompson, who remained a mother figure in his life. He is also predeceased by his father-in-law, David Radford.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Radford; daughter, Brandy Hall (Lenny); brother, Gary Gillespie (Vicky); sisters-in-law, Pam Snead (Ross), Debbie Collins (Rodney), Sue Conner (Glenn), and Patsy Harris (Gary); brothers-in-law, Ricky Thompson and Gary Thompson (Sonya); and mother-in-law, Arlene Radford. Upon marrying Lisa, his family certainly grew. His step-children include, Sabrina Schulze (Dustin), Vicky McAlexander, and Jacob McAlexander.

Wayne loved being with his family and adored his grandchildren. He was looking forward to the birth of a new great-grandchild. His grandchildren include, Shaylee, Malachi, and Judah Hall; and step-grandchildren, Shauna, Garrett, Kylie, Wyatt, and Arick Schulze, Lilah and Emberly Hollandsworth.

Wayne loved his numerous nieces and nephews, often searching for the perfect gift for special occasions. He was especially skillful at picking greeting cards for everyone and often included unique messages.

Hunting and fishing were a major part of Wayne’s life. He started teaching the children at a very young age to fish, and they considered him an expert. Wayne also loved to garden but was unable to do so in recent days. He was loved by all who met him and would help you in any way if you asked. Even though he hurt many days, he would always say “I’m fine.”

Wayne truly loved sitting by the pond and playing with his dog, Rocky. Rocky was able to visit Wayne at the hospital, and their bond was very special. In honor of Wayne and Rocky, we would like for you to consider some gesture to enrich an animal’s life. You could donate food, adopt, or simply give a donation to the organization of your choice. Every dog deserves to have a special human like Wayne. His memory will live on in all who loved him.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Floyd Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Beaver Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until Noon prior the service at the church.

Mary Jane Brenc

 

Mary Jane Brenc, née Burigo, entered into eternal life on August 23rd, 2024, peacefully, at home, with family by her side. Mary Jane was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was born on February 14, 1935 in New Rochelle, NY to Silvio and Concelia Burigo. She was preceded in death by William V. Brenc, Jr., her husband of nearly 56 years.

Mary Jane is survived by her three children, Victoria Borin (Christopher) of Floyd, VA, Stephanie Parker of Danbury, CT (Bob Parker of Washington, NC), and Andrew Brenc (Joyce) of Springboro, PA; her sister, Carole Ann Robbins (Ralph) of Bonita Springs, FL; her 10 grandchildren, Christopher Borin, Jr. (Kelly), Matthew Borin, William Borin (Katie), Gregory Parker, Nicholas Parker, Rachel Behrens (Ryan), Tyrus Brenc, Lauren Brenc, Catherine Brenc (Robert Stoffa), and Jane Brenc; her great-grandchildren, Polly Borin and Mark Borin; her sister-in-law, Lois Jean Heilman (Lee); her brother-in-law, Gerald Brenc (Tita); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Jane and her sister Carole had a very close and loving relationship. 

Mary Jane was a graduate of New Rochelle High School where she excelled in athletics, lettering in softball, basketball, and field hockey. She desired to go to Cortland State Teachers College to become a teacher in physical education, but as Providence would have it, she instead joined the workforce at ESSO’s New England sales division, where she would meet her future husband. Mary Jane would say that the major turning point in her life was her marriage to Bill, and both demonstrated a very strong commitment to marriage and family life. 

In 1966 they moved to Danbury, CT where they raised their three children, side by side with their everlasting friends, Lou and Marilyn Carrafiello, leaving only for an international assignment from 1970-1974. Mary Jane’s athletic stamina and spirit of adventure were put to good use as she navigated the relocation and assimilation of her young family into three different non-English speaking countries in four years. 

Upon their return to the United States, Mary Jane supported her husband and family with much love and attention. She ventured back into bookkeeping and administrative roles outside of the home as her children began to leave for college. Playing bridge with friends and being avid New York Mets fans were two of Mary Jane and Bill’s favorite pastimes. Mary Jane loved to cook for people and many will miss her meals, which were always made with the most important ingredient - love. Celebrating  Christmas Day at Mary Jane and Bill’s was a time- honored tradition.

Traveling with Danbury friends and family was a highlight of Mary Jane and Bill’s golden years. Mary Jane was very grateful to have visited all, save one or two, of the National Parks in the continental United States. She has described her greatest travel adventure as her trip to Egypt and seeing the Great Pyramids. One of her favorite funny travel stories was when they were in Italy with the Carrafiellos and they were served “wine and maps” instead of “wine and peanuts” thanks to Lou’s humble Italian. Nevertheless, by far their favorite trips were those to children and grandchildren, near or far, all of whom they adored. Rarely would they let 6 months pass without a visit.

Pupa, meaning “little doll” in her family’s Italian dialect, was the nickname that Mary Jane was  anointed with by her oldest grandchild, Rachel. Somehow, against all odds, it stuck and today she is affectionately known to all as Pupa. Pupa believed her major accomplishment in life was passing on to her children a strong value system and encouraging strong relationships with family and friends. Her best advice would be to do the best you can in what you choose to do; that there are no shortcuts to success, only hard work and commitment. When she was asked what her deepest values were, she said, “Love-Truth-Honesty”. Mary Jane endeavored to live the Golden Rule with all her strength. She and her example will be dearly missed. 

Mary Jane and Bill were parishioners and volunteers of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Ridgefield, CT for decades. They delivered Meals on Wheels and helped in various soup kitchens. Since 2020 she has been a parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church in Floyd, VA. In your charity, please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mary Jane Brenc. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

 A funeral Mass will be offered at All Saints Catholic Church, 598 Needmore Lane, SE, Floyd, VA 24091, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11:00am. A luncheon reception will follow featuring Pupa’s world famous meatballs and “gravy” (aka “sauce”). 

A graveside service, including the Rite of Committal and eulogies, will be held at St. Peters Cemetery, 71 Lake Avenue Ext, Danbury, CT 06810 on Saturday, September 7th, at 11:00am. A celebration of life luncheon will follow.

Harold Anderson Brown

Harold Anderson Brown, 53 of Radford, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024. He was born on November 14, 1970 to the late Harry & Sylvia Brown. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank & Ollie Hodge, and Everett & Irene Graves; sister, Pam Eppler; fur baby girl, Maggie Mae; and cousin, Lester Cummings.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Jennifer Brown; brothers, Jerry Wallace Jr. (Lisa), Danny Newman (Lisa) and Jason Underwood (Tara); sisters, Darla Coffey, Susann Lambert (Fred) and Melissa Gilliam (Chris); nieces and nephews, Brady Underwood (Mallary), Bailey Underwood, Matt Morrow, Jamie Heinecke, Luke Duncan and Lilly Duncan; mother-in-law, Betty Cox; loyal companion, Max; and many special cousins.

Harold had a strong faith in God and never gave up on living. His passion was a prison ministry that he shared with Roy Calloway for 5 years.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at West Radford Church of God with Reverend Danny Newman officiating. Interment will follow in the Big Sand Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until Noon prior the service at the church. 

 

William Lance "Whitey" Bolt, Sr.

 

William Lance “Whitey” Bolt, Sr., 88 of Willis, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. He was born on August 3, 1936 to the late Dellas & Alma Bolt. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas Bolt, Nelson Bolt, Maynard Bolt, James Bolt, Coy Bolt, and Alton Bolt; and sisters, Iris Spangler and Carol Lou Goad.

He was a carpenter for the union in Washington, DC and on Saturdays he worked at a saw mill. Later he spent many years as a sawyer at the saw mill and timber business. He then purchased a tractor trailer and hauled freight and equipment. He also farmed and raised beef cattle.

He was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved to hunt grouse, bear, and deer, search for ginseng, and go fishing.

We lost the patriarch of our family. Everyone knew “Whitey”. He was a long-standing fixture in the Willis community and over the years he was also known as the “Willis greeter” and the unofficial mayor of Willis. Our family was lucky enough to call him Husband, Dad, Papa, and Gramps. A man of few words but great kindness, he touched the lives of all who knew him. He had a quiet strength and unwavering love for his family. He was always quick with a smile and a wave and was constantly on the lookout for “risky business” from his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will never be forgotten. We will miss you. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Doris Bolt; children, Loretta and Sam Townley, William and Shelley Bolt, and David and Patricia Bolt; grandchildren, Autumn Garofola (Craig), Janessa Schoolfield (Charles), Jaimie Bolt (Andrew Williamson), Harley Hall, and Trey Bolt (Leticia Rico); great-grandchildren, Evan Schoolfield, Ellie Hall, Reed Garofola, and Wrenna Noelle Bolt; brother and sister-in-law, Michael “Mack” and Penny Bolt; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nelda Sue Baker, Alma Faye and Geraland Dalton, and Gloria Jean and Jerry Ray Branscome; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024 in Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in the McPeak Harris Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McPeak Harris Cemetery, Pavilion Fund, c/o Sierra Duncan, 1493 Indian Creek Rd NW, Indian Valley, VA 24105.

French "Edward" Mabery

 

French "Edward" Mabery, 81 of Willis, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Carol Aldridge Mabery; parents, French and Rheba Mabery, and a granddaughter, Isabella Ryan Ramey. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Doris Lee Mabery; children, Michael Mabery (Susan), Curtis Ramey (Sarah), Michael Ramey, Amanda Hale (Andrew), and Roxanna Ramey; special son-in-law, Caleb Vipperman (Adrian); special daughter-in-law, Amy Bond; twelve grandchildren; sister, Diane Buckner; brother, Clifford Mabery (Linda); special friend, Gary Yearout (Sue); and several nieces and nephews. 

Edward was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a hard worker and was proud of all that he accomplished. Edward loved fishing, hunting, cattle farming and working with his bees. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Memorial services will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Battle officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery with Military Rites by the Army National Guard.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until Noon prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Burks Fork Church of the Brethren c/o Robin Vest, 4905 Floyd Hwy N, Copper Hill, VA 24079.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice, their church Burks Fork Church of the Brethren, and Pastor Mike and Annette Battle.

Larrene Quesenberry Bowman

 

Larrene Quesenberry Bowman, born Jan. 3, 1940, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. She is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Imogene Quesenberry; her husband, Kyle Bowman; and her sister, Janice Quesenberry.

Larrene is survived by her son, Jeffery Phillips (Norris); grandchildren, Alexa Phillips (Niko Gibson) and Cole Phillips; brothers, Bennie Quesenberry (Margie) and Danny Quesenberry (Gail); and special aunt, Reva Martin.

Larrene was a longtime resident of Willis, Virginia. She was a kind and gentle soul, beloved by her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2024 in Mitchell Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Nathan Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Indian Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior the service at the church.

Marvin Boyd Eanes

Marvin Boyd Eanes “Flash”, 81 of Roanoke, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was born on October 4, 1942 and was from Floyd. He was a truck driver for most of his life and had 35 years of service in the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed driving for Yellow Freight for many years and retired in 1998.

Marvin was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Eanes; mother & stepfather, Irene & George Spangler; and son, Junior Eanes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Eanes; daughter & son-in-law, Debbie & Richie Olmo; granddaughter, Mykayla & Zach Ingram; stepchildren, Tammy McBride, Leo & Cindy McBride, Tara & Jack Seyler; brother & sister-in-law, G.C. & Rhonda Spangler; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, David & Sheree Lemon and Danny Lemon; nieces, Ashley McCoy, Cindy Lapradd, and Misty Beason; and special friend, Becky Culbertson.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

We are most grateful for the loving care that Marvin was shown by friends, family, and Carilion Hospice.

Jonathan Andrew "Andy" Caldwell

Jonathan Andrew “Andy” Caldwell, 56 of Floyd, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2024. He is preceded in death by parents, Iven Dail and Norma Sue Caldwell; and brother, Raymond Caldwell.

He is survived by his wife, Donna G. Caldwell; sons and daughters-in-law, Brandon Caldwell, David and Nikki Caldwell, and Cody and Katelyn Caldwell; grandchildren, Dathan and Cheyenne Caldwell; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce and Teresa Caldwell, Dail Caldwell, Leon and Terry Caldwell, Lary and Bobbi Caldwell, and Jason Caldwell; granddogs, Max and Ruby; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Laurel Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Community Housing Partners for their kindness and care shown for Andy during this time.

Ralph William Hylton, Sr.

 

Ralph William Hylton, Sr., 79 of Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ferry Clinton & Elizabeth Odell Andrews Hylton; and ten siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Hylton; sons & daughters-in-law, Ralph “Bill” Hylton, Jr. & Phyllis, John Clinton Hylton & Susan, and Gregory Hylton; daughter, Rebecca Odell Hylton (Matt Monday); 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers & sisters-in-law, John Hylton & Belva, Larry Hylton & Renee, and Jerry Hylton & Karen; and sisters & brother-in-law, Lamyra Haynes & David and Linda Bobbitt & the late Leonard.

There will be no services at this time.

Maxie Mae Cox Layman

Maxie Mae Cox Layman, 79 of Willis, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Powell & Dinah Odell Cox; and brothers, John William Cox and Hiram Cox.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Randolph T. Layman; daughter & son-in-law, Lisa & Darryl Baker; step-grandson, Ryan Baker (Kelly); step-great-grandsons, Tulson and Walton Baker; brother, Harold L. Cox; sister-in-law, Nancy W. Cox; numerous nieces and nephews; and special granddog, Bella Mae.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Cox officiating. Interment will follow in the Quesenberry Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.