Potomac Valley Cremation Center

Anthony "Tony" Branson was born on January 11, 1969. He passed away on July 28, 2024. He was the son of Charles E. Branson and Shirley Stevenson Branson of Summit Point, WV. Tony graduated from Jefferson High School. He worked at Quebecor Printing and the County Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, his Uncles John Stevenson, and Rodney Branson; his aunts, Barbara "Midge" Branson, Rose Marie Branson, and Pat Tobin, his sisters, Tracey Grantham and Bridgette Grantham. His is survived by his brothers, Jacques Branson (Sheree), Charles Branson (Dawn) and Todd Grantham; partner, Robin Kovacs, and his three sons, Ethan, Mikel and Jordan; uncles Leon Branson, Leonard Dixon and Tommy...

Tracy Lynn Simmons, 57, born on March 3, 1967 at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney MD; known to many as 'Black Sheep' of Hedgesville WV, passed away peacefully at Berkeley Springs Care Center on June 27, 2024 .Raised by his grandparents Paul R. Simmons Sr. And Mary Frances; preceded in death by Paul. R Simmons Jr. his father. He leaves behind his son, Reginald Lee Lynn Simmons (26) of Hedgesville, Emmy Fitzwater-Falcon (26) of Bunker Hill WV who he considered his daughter and his girlfriend Kristy Ferguson of 11 years, of Hedgesville WV, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends he considered family. He was a hard working kind, caring and compassionate man who will be missed by...

Linda Lou Baxley, age 78, of Keedysville, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 3, 2024. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Bernard Edward Baxley. 
Linda was born in Barnesville, Ohio on November 24, 1945, to the late Freda Mary Lucas and the late Floyd B. Willis. Linda was an award-winning typist in her high school and competed and placed third in a regional typing tournament in Akron, Ohio. She was highly skilled in shorthand as well. After graduating from Barnesville High School in 1963, Linda left Ohio to work in Washington, D.C. as a secretary for the United States Information Bureau. In D.C., she met her future husband and the two of them were...

Susan Carole Miller, 72, of Big Pool, MD, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at her home. She was surrounded by her family. Susan was born on December 14, 1951 in Mooresville, MD. She was the daughter of the late George A. Hose and Carole L. Mills Hose. In addition to her parents Susan was preceded in death by her brother George A. Hose, Jr. and sister Brenda Seek. Susan is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jerald Miller, son Jason Miller, daughter Julie Cooper and husband Jay Cooper. She is also survived by her two miracle grandchildren whom she loved so much - Annie Grace Cooper and Emma Grace Cooper. She is also survived by her sister, Sally Ann...

Gabrielle Augusta Bryant-Gainer, age 34, unexpectedly and tragically passed away on Thursday, January 11th 2024 at Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. Gabrielle was born on January 13th, 1989. She was an artist who brought beauty and truth into the world through poetry and painting. She loved nature, animals, and using her incredible imagination. She was a deeply spiritual person who borrowed from Christianity, Buddhism, and Wicca in shaping her own view of the universe and beyond. She was a force of nature, with a fierce sense of independence and determination, who fought against the stigma of "mental illness," and advocated for the understanding of those who see the world...

In loving memory of Michael Scott Durant Jr., born on December 8, 1980. Scott, a devoted husband to Andrea, a cherished father to Calvin, and a loving companion to his feline friend Hobbs, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and joy. Scott found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was casting a line into the water, strategizing in the world of banking, or spending a sunny afternoon on the golf course. His love for family and friends was unparalleled, creating lasting bonds that will forever be treasured. He always treated everyone with respect, kindness and compassion and was never afraid to put himself out there. He encouraged everyone to push themselves to...

Rev. Richard Ley passed away on February 8, 2023 in Boonsboro, MD after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Sheboygan, WI on February 1, 1944 to Ralph and Ruth Ley. Richard was a retired Full Elder in the United Methodist Church. He graduated from Waukesha High School in l962 where he played trumpet in the marching band, concert band, orchestra, pop and jazz bands. He graduated with a B.A. from Lakeland College in 1966 where he had been president of the student body and college choir. Richard graduated with a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1969, where he was the recipient of the New Testament Theology Prize. He attended the School of International Service...

Danielle Lee Vasbinder, 48 years old of Hedgesville, WV, passed away on July 12, 2022. Born April 12, 1974 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, she is the daughter of Charles Robert and Donna Lee Vasbinder. Danielle's family was the most important thing in her life. She also loved traveling and being at the beach. After graduating from Forest Hills High School in Sidman, PA and attending Valley College of Technology in Martingsburg, WV she last worked at Panhandle Builders for several years. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Martinsburg, WV. Danielle is preceded in death by her grandparents, Virgil and Martha Vasbinder and Dennis and Hannah Waite. Danielle is...

Douglas Masters Pitts, age 66, of Hagerstown, MD died on July 7, 2022 at Meritus Medical Center. Doug was born September 14, 1955 in Washington, D.C., the son of Harry Bristol Pitts and Virginia Masters Pitts. He graduated from high school in 1973 and attended The Ohio State University and Prince George's Community College. As a young man, Doug hitchhiked in forty-five of the fifty states, missing only the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii. He settled in Ohio for a few years and remembered it fondly. He was passionate about music and held the copyrights to over three-hundred original songs for guitar as well as pieces for piano and mandolin. A thoughtful and compassionate man, he spent...

Nancy Jean Ohler, 81 years old of Hagerstown, MD, passed away peacefully at Meritus Medical Center and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 28, 2022. Born on August 11, 1940 in Frederick, MD she was the daughter of the late Ralph H. Huffer and Margaret Louise Bowlus, and was the step daughter of Grayson Tater Hoffman. She graduated from Frederick High School in 1958. Nancy worked in different government agencies for 37 years before retiring from the Department of Energy in 1995 where she had worked for 20 years. After her retirement, she did daycare for 5 years and watched her grandchildren. Nancy was a loving, devoted mother and grandmother and a devout...

Sherry Lyn Shergy, 66 years old of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away on Saturday May 28, 2022 at Creekside Rehab and Nursing in Hagerstown. She was born July 9, 1955 in Hagerstown, Maryland and was the daughter of the late Lawrence Wolfe and Ellen Pheabus. Sherry was employed by Flowers Bakery in Houston, Texas before she moved back to Maryland. Sherry was a loving and devoted mother to her son Nicholas Decatur Shergy, who survives her. She is also survived by her brother, Gregory Pheabus of Hagerstown, MD, her sisters, Nancy Cross of Hagerstown, Karen O'Neill and husband Jerry of Sammommish, Washington, and Patti Mahony and husband Daniel of Hagerstown, MD. She is also survived by...

James Kirk Evans, 56, a long-time former resident of Maryland and recent resident of Delaware, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. Kirk was born on October 1, 1965, in Annapolis, MD to his beloved mother, Sunny Campbell of Lewes, Delaware, and the late Joseph Evans of Cape St. Claire, Maryland. He enjoyed racing, fixing all types of cars, and being out on the water. He is survived by his three daughters, Jean Nicole, Taylor Marie, and Dakota Ann. He will also be sorely missed by his mother, Sunny; his brother and sister-in-law, Jon and Karli; and his seven nieces and nephews.

Robert Thornton Lewis , 81 Nov 12, 1940 - Mar 27, 2022 Robert (Bob) Thornton Lewis, 81, of Hagerstown, Md, passed away on March 27, 2022 at Doey's House. Bob was born on November 12, 1940 in the Village of Wayne, Michigan. Bob has been a resident of Hagerstown since 2015. Although Bob was most proud of his family, he garnered many career accomplishments through his 40 years of employment at companies such as General Dynamics and Burroughs, and then with the high-tech powerhouse Intel in Silicon Valley. It was when he became the 11th employee of Protocol Systems in Beaverton, OR, in 1987-2006 where he went on to make his most prestigious professional contribution. He was the mechanical...

Mark Donaldson , 61 Jun 23, 1960 - Mar 14, 2022 Mark Allan Donaldson, 61, of Greencastle, PA passed on to his eternal resting place on March 14, 2022 at Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with his daughters by his side. Mark was born on June 23, 1960 in Hagerstown, Maryland to (the late) Raymond Philip and Mary Alice (Guesford) Donaldson. He was a graduate of North High School in Hagerstown, MD. He worked his whole life as a machinist, some of the places he worked were Landis Tools, Castle Machine Company (Anvil), and ending his lifelong career at Mack Trucks (Volvo) due to his health. Mark loved to draw many things such as cartoon characters, animals, flowers, and farms. He was always...

Dorothy Elizabeth Louise "Betty" Sims, 82, of Martinsburg, WV passed away at her home on Thursday, March 10, 2022. She was born in Washington, DC to the late Christopher E. and Annie E. (Morris) Sorrell on November 13, 1939 and enjoyed watching cooking shows and country music. She loved Elvis Presley, Vince Gill and chef Emmerill Lagasse. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, John Wayne Ferguson. Betty is survived by her husband of 57 years, Floyd D. Sims, her children Ray Ferguson, Carolyn Russler and Michelle Hess, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Panhandle for the excellent care and compassion shown...

John Whittington , 80 Feb 11, 1942 - Mar 6, 2022 John Whittington , 80 Feb 11, 1942 - Mar 6, 2022 John Maurice Whittington, 80, of Hagerstown, MD passed away on Sunday March 6, 2022 at Doey's House in Hagerstown. He was born on February 11, 1942 in Frederick, Maryland to the late Henry A Whittington and Hazel Louise (Kershner) Whittington. John worked for the Washington County Hospital for over 30 years, servicing televisions. He was known as "Big John" to the hospital staff who always needed his assistance. John also worked as a correctional officer for over 30 years. He was a United States Veteran, having served in the Army from 1961-1964 in Germany. He was actively involved in...

Terry Dale Paquette, age 67, of Frederick, MD died suddenly at her home on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. She was born on July 29, 1954 in Charlottesville, VA to the late Bledsoe Rudolph and Dora Faye Nolen Toms. In addition to her parents Terry was preceded in death by her daughter, Erin Dora Paquette and her sister, Gloria Toms Rittenour. Terry was the loving and devoted mother of Kristine Brandi Pearl and Andrew Charles Paquette, proud grandmother of Dylan Alexander Danko, Jadis Marley Paquette, Conner Pinto, Emma Pearl, and Madilyn Rose Paquette, beloved aunt of Travis Rittenour and Jeremy Rittenour and their families, also survived by so many lives and too many to name who were...

Stephen Chapman , 76 Jun 25, 1945 - Dec 15, 2021 Stephen Allen Chapman, 76, of Clear Spring, MD passed away December 15, 2021 at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. Steve was born June 25, 1945, to the late James J. Chapman II and Elizabeth A. Chapman of Hagerstown, MD. He was a Navy veteran who served two tours, 1966-1971 and 1981-1983. He was proud to serve his country and was awarded various medals and commendations. As owner and operator of Chapman Fine Building and Restoration Ltd, Steve was a talented craftsman and builder. He is survived by Darlene Chapman of Sharpsburg, MD and his daughter, Chanda Dobrzanski and husband Paul of Hagerstown, MD and step son David...

Denny was born November 13, 1945. He was an electrical engineer who owned several businesses in Martinsburg, WV and Erie, PA. He was a lifelong learner with a passion for the outdoors, tropical fish, old country music, and women named Linda. Denny is survived by his children- Dennis Lukas, Jr. of Erie, Pa, Dee McDonald and her husband, Matthew "Axel" McDonald, of Hedgesville, WV, Dawn Lukas of Starkville, MS, and his beloved cat Boo Boo. He is also survived by his step children, Christina Thomas, Ryan Presher, and Erik Presher, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The family will hold private services.

Cathy Gipe , 66 Aug 29, 1955 - Oct 3, 2021 Cathy Jean Gipe, 66 years old, of New Oxford, PA, passed away Sunday October 3, 2021 in her home. Born August 29, 1955, in Hagerstown, MD, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas Sr. and Joyce Thomas Rankin. Cathy retired after 46 years as a phlebotomist for Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown. She was also a former phlebotomy instructor at Hagerstown Community College. She was a member of the West End Baptist Chapel. Cathy loved the outdoors and nature. Her hobbies were all nature oriented, gardening, camping, fishing, time at the beach and boating. She was a wonderful cook and loved her cats. Cathy also loved all music, except for...