Shirley Ann Hylton Richards

 

Shirley Ann Hylton Richards, 85 of Floyd, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert Lane Richards; parents, John B. & Lissie Hylton; brothers, Frederick Hylton, Curtis Hylton, Ralph Hylton, G.W. Hylton; and sister, Elizabeth Bolt. 

Shirley enjoyed basketball, square dancing, gospel and bluegrass music, and her family. She especially loved her grandchildren and attending their sporting and musical events. She worked at State Farm Insurance Company as a secretary for many years. Shirley was a lifelong member of the Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren and served as the song leader for 40 years. 

Shirley was married to the love of her life, Robert Lane Richards. Together they served the Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren as Deacon and Deaconess for many years. 

She is survived by her 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); favorite niece, Carolyn Hylton; and numerous nieces & nephews. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Roy Turpin, Pastor Angela Carr, and Pastor Jessica Slusher officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Branch 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, P.O. Box 257, Floyd, VA 24091 or to Laurel Branch Cemetery, c/o Mark Sowers, 1053 Wills Ridge Rd, Floyd, VA 24091.

David Jackson Via, Sr.

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, David Jackson Via, Sr., 85, slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God and live in the glory of Heaven.

David was born in Floyd County on January 10, 1940, in his parents' home, and died in Floyd County on November 1, 2025 in the home that he shared with his wife of 60 years.  

David was an incredible man. He bravely served his country in the United States Army in the early 1960’s and was stationed in Korea. Following his time in the service, he met the love of his life, Lois Gibbs Via, and they married on June 19, 1965. David and Lois lived in Roanoke for a brief while, and started their family, before returning to their family farm in Floyd. David was a hardworking man and provided well for his family. After working for several years at Johnson-Carper, he worked for over 30 years at Yokohama Tire Company in Salem, VA. The work was long and hard, but he did his job with integrity, dedication, and without complaint, to provide to the needs of his family; making sure they had everything they needed and never went without. His hard work and dedication instilled the strong work ethic carried on by his family. 

David was a man of deep, quiet faith. He knew his God and carried His teachings with him; living God’s love, by example, in everything he did. A kind, loving and giving man, he was always there for his family, friends and neighbors; giving freely and asking nothing in return. 

Greeting him with open arms in Heaven are those who went before him. David was predeceased by his parents, Theodore, Sr. and Susie Via; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Lois Gibbs; brother and sister-in-law, Theodore, Jr. and Louise Via; sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and James Johnson; brother-in-law, Sid Taylor; brother-in-law, William Gibbs; and nephew, Gerald Via. But David surely was most warmly greeted by his son and namesake, David Jackson “Jack” Via, Jr., who left this world in 2013. 

Left to remember David, and carry on his legacy, are his devoted wife of 60 years, Lois Via; daughter Lisa Via; beloved granddaughter, Gracie King; and beloved grandson, Lucas King. He is also survived by his sister, Lena Taylor; and brother and sister-in-law George and Thelma Via; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many neighbors and friends. 

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, with Hebron Quesenberry officiating. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery with Military Rites by the Army National Guard, VFW Post #7854, and American Legion Post #127.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to their wonderful friends and neighbors, especially Roseanna and Donnie Peters and Adam Light and family, and to the kind staff of Gentiva Hospice. Your love and kindness mean more to us than words could ever express. Flowers are welcome, as well as donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 and to Gentiva Hospice, 5221 Valley Park Drive Suite 1B, Roanoke, VA 24019, in David’s memory. Together, hopefully, we can find a cure. 

Emmie May Conner

Emmie May Conner left this world on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Emmie was born on September 18, 1927 along with a twin brother, Lemmie. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Della Conner; husband, Ruben Conner; son, Harless Conner; grandson, Tony Cox; brothers, Lemmie and Arthur; and sister, Minnie.

Emmie enjoyed spending time with family, working jig saw puzzles, listening to music, and reading. Her greatest passion was making quilts. She spent many years making quilts and donating them to friends and family. She found joy in the simple things in life. Emmie had a great sense of humor and had the sweetest smile.

Emmie is survived by her daughters, Linda Francisco, Mary Noble (Joe), and Kathy McKay (Steve); grandchildren, Lynn Beltran, JoAnn McGlothlin, Peggy Francisco, Brenda Parker, Michael Noble, Bobby McKay, and Steven McKay; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; special niece, April Wade (Steven); and many special family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Steven Wade officiating. Interment will follow at Head of the River (Old Salem) Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. A meal of fellowship will follow the interment in the church basement.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her daughter, Linda and her late husband, Melvin, for making it possible for Emmie to spend her last years at home. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to her caregivers, Linda Francisco, Lynn Beltran, JoAnn McGlothlin, Crystal Black, April Wade, and her very favorite, Kiana Black. She loved you all very much!