The Herald-Dispatch

Benjamin Poole was a little boy with a sweet voice, kind heart and precious demeanor. He died on Tuesday after a long battle with medulloblastoma. He was 3 years old. He had a soft, sweet nature and an angelic voice but he fought like a warrior. His parents, his grandparents and his Uncle Clark were with him when he passed and his mother and father say he looked at peace. He was an adorable little boy who lived his life for the precious moments that make each day special. He didn't seem to know he was sick. Whether singing "High Hopes" during his chemotherapy, swimming in his red shirt with daddy between treatments or coloring with mommy, he radiated joy every day. He was a fan of...

Nancy Clarkson Thacker, 73, started her "next great adventure" (Sept. 22, 2021) after a battle with Alzheimer's. Nancy is married to her childhood sweetheart of 51 yrs who she met on a band trip to the New York World's Fair in 1964. Nancy is a graduate of Marshall University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Nancy taught elem school in Ceredo, WV in the classroom next to her mother, Juanita. Nancy moved to the Tampa, FL (Brandon) when her husband was stationed at McDill AFB. She taught in VM Ybor Elem, Questa Ray Elem, McFarland Park Elem & Progress Village. Nancy was a Girl Scout leader for many years. Nancy & family moved to the Dallas, TX, where she taught at Oak Lawn...

Helena Jane Lane, 77, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021. The Huntington, WV native was the daughter of the late Betty Jane Chedester and Robert Chedester. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Robert Chedester. Helena worked for CSX Railroad for 36 years. Inurnment will take place at Ridgelawn Memorial Park in Huntington, WV. Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home is Entrusted with the arrangements.

Terri Lynne Panetta, 64, of Ocala, passed away September 2, 2021. Terri Joined her soul mate Vincent Earl Panetta who passed away August 24, 2021. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan to Archie Earl Jacobs and Virginia Lee (Gilson) Jacobs. She is survived by her children, Heather Atkinson, Stephen Earl Atkinson III, Alfonzo Panetta and Holly Panetta, grandchildren, Victoria Atkinson, Alex Wiget and Sophie Headley, and great grandchild, Harley Lynne Spicer.

Mary Jane Anderson, 88, lovingly known as "Mrs. A" by generations of Winfield High School graduates, passed away August 28, 2021 at her home. Born September 25, 1932 in Huntington, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Leroy and Erma Lake Mynes. She was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Edward and Irene Mynes. She was a 1950 graduate of Huntington East High School where she was a member of the Highlanders Majorette team and the band. She received her college education through Marshall and Ohio State Universities attaining the degree of Masters +15. She taught Home Economics and was the cheerleading coach for 60 years at Winfield High School, and one year as...

Frances Ellen (Frame) Mathews, 79, of Barboursville, WV went to her Heavenly home on August 2, 2021. Fran was born July 15, 1942 in Spring Hill, WV to the late Grafton and Hazel Frame. She was preceded in death by her brothers, James, Elwood and Glenwood Frame. Fran is survived by her sister, Deloris Pride of Anderson, IN. She graduated from Kent State High School, in Kent, OH. Fran was an employee of McDonald's in Brimfield, OH for twenty years. Fran was married to the love of her life, Rev. CT Mathews for fifty-five years. They met at church in Barberton, OH and continued their life together in ministry. They served as Associate Pastors at Brimfield Community Church, and Lead...

Edna Kay (Shdeed) Hart, 80, of Hurricane West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2021. She was born in Montgomery, West Virginia on December 9, 1940, to Henry Ferris Shdeed and Kamille (Mettry) Shdeed. She was raised in Cedar Grove, West Virginia where she was a 1958 graduate of Cedar Grove High school. Edna Kay was a passionate and dedicated public servant. Working for various state and local government agencies, Edna Kay devoted over 32 years to her former employers including the West Virginia Department of Welfare, the West Virginia Workers' Compensation Fund, and the Putnam County Circuit Clerk's Office. Edna's enthusiasm for service also saw her volunteer with CAMC's...

Kathleen S. Gross, Esq., a retired attorney, former teacher, and avid quilter, died Sunday July 18 in Charleston after an 18-year battle with endometrial cancer. She was 75. Kathy was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey to William Alexander and Katherine Comerford Strange, and grew up in Philadelphia, Pa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elizabeth "Susie" Strange, and her husband of 50 years, Bert Gross. After graduating from St. Hubert's Catholic High School, Kathy went to Temple University. There, she joined the debate team, where she met her husband Bert. Kathy received a bachelor's degree in education from Temple, then went on to complete a master's degree in...

Marion Joan McCray, 90, entered her heavenly home on June 24, 2021 at Wellstar Tranquility in Marietta, Georgia. She was born January 18, 1931, in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Walter and Nellie Freeman. Marion grew up in Mahan, West Virginia, where her father worked in her family's coal mine. On May 21, 1965 she married H. Thomas McCray and they spent 48 loving years together before his passing. Marion grew up in faith and held her relationship with the Lord very close to her heart. This was evident in all aspects of her life. She was a faithful member of the Highlawn Presbyterian Church since 1973. In addition, she served as Secretary of the Church for a period of time. She was...

Harvey Joe Adkins, of Akron, Ohio passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. He was the last of 9 children born to Joseph and Polly Adkins in Wayne, West Virginia on January 28, 1937. Harvey fought a valiant battle with MS and diabetes, but they didn't win, he did! He's now with his family and friends in Heaven with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved Bluegrass music. Harvey played the banjo with various bands around the area. His proudest moment was playing a show with Bill Monroe in Cleveland. He also thoroughly enjoyed playing with his old friend and pastor, Glenn Rogers, Sr. Harvey retired from Akron City School Board and was a member of Temple Baptist...

Herman Lee Moore, age 90, of Knoxville, TN formerly of Huntington, WV passed into the arms of Jesus, June 17, 2021 surrounded by his family. Herman loved the Lord and served Him well. Preceded in death by grandson, Joshua Moore; son, Tom Moore and daughter-in-law, Lynn Moore. Survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ann; son, David Moore (Mary) of Virginia Beach, VA; daughters, Lee Ann Eaves of Knoxville, TN and Carol Hosmer (Terry) of Kingston, TN; grandchildren whom he loved and poured Jesus into are, Jeremy Moore, Michelle Griffin, Michael Eaves, Andrew T. Moore, Andrew J. Moore, Ryan Moore; great-grandchildren, Brandon Moore, Mya Moore, Trey Griffin, Kylee Griffin, Harlee Griffin, Maeson...

David Hall, age 59 of McDonough, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021. He was of the Pentecostal faith. David was a native of Detroit, MI before residing in Huntington, WV. He moved to Georgia where he retired as a truck driver for Nabisco / Kraft Foods. David was a veteran of the US Army serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. David loved his family, woodworking and was that guy that could fix anything. He was preceded in death by his parents, Butler and Jean Halbert Hall. David is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sharon McCoy Hall of McDonough; three daughters, Renae Nelson (Matt) of Auburn, Felicia Ruiz of McDonough and Adrean Terrell (Matt) of Locust Grove; four brothers, Larry...

Michael Thornton passed away after a valiant struggle with cancer at his home in Marietta, GA on June 7, 2021. He was surrounded by his family and friends from the Holy Innocents' community. Michael Timothy Thornton was born in Riverside, CA on July 11, 1948 to Arthur Lee and Ruth Flowers Thornton. His early life was nomadic due to his father's position as a warrant officer with the US Air Force. His childhood included stops in Bedford, MA; Baghdad, Iraq; and Topeka, KS. At the age of ten, he settled with his family in Huntington, WV. He attended Gallaher Elementary, Lincoln Junior High School, and Huntington East High School from which he graduated in 1966. He was co-captain of the...

Dr. Garry W. Burkholder, 53, passed away on June 2, 2021 at Hubbard Hospice at CAMC, Charleston, WV after a battle with prostate cancer. Garry was born on June 9, 1967 in Parkersburg WV to Mary Ann and the late Blaine Burkholder. He was a 1986 graduate of Parkersburg High School and spent 6 years in the United States Marine Corps as a member of the 1/6th2nd Marine Division. While serving he earned 2 Bronze Stars during his combat tours. He attended Marshall University and graduated from Marshall University School of Medicine. Following residency, he worked as a Hospitalist at Cabell Huntington Hospital. He had a passion for medicine and a love for helping those in his care. In...

DALTON - Shirley L. Foffa, 80, of Dalton passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Shady Lawn Nursing Home. She was born December 26, 1940 in Wayne, West Virginia the daughter of Shirley E. and Fannie L. Grizzell Damron. She married Daniel Foffa in December of 2011. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2021. Shirley retired from the Cleveland Clinic. She enjoyed scrapbooking, crocheting and cats. Surviving is her daughter Chris (Tim) Keck Rettig of Wooster; grandchildren Heather (Dean) Cropp of Tennessee, Erica (Scott) Schonauer of Holmesville, Leslie (Doug Higby) Long of West Salem, Jeff (Lindsay) Rettig of Orrville and Heidi (Michael) Gallion of Orrville; 12 great-grandchildren...

Colleen Johnson Taylor, wife of Paul David Taylor, born July 8, 1962 to Jerry Johnson and Christine Watson, joined our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on May 14, 2021. She was a true lady of character, compassion, and a devout Christian that loved Christ. She was a member of Gateway Christian Church. She held several jobs during her career which included working for; Columbia Gas Transmission, NiSource, Owens Corning, and CAMC Hospital. She is preceded in death by her mother Christine Watson, her father Jerry Johnson, and her step father Tony Watson. She is survived by her husband of 29 years Paul David Taylor of Teays Valley, WV, two daughters Cassie R. Gregg (Clark) of St....

Lawrence Joseph Haas, 59 of Gallipolis, OH passed away at home on April 13, 2021. He was born on December 21, 1961 in Ironton, OH. He was the son of Donald C. and Rose Mary Schweickart Haas who preceded him in death. Larry graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Ironton, OH, in 1980, then attended Marshall University, Huntington, WV; Ohio University, Athens, OH; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Medical Professions Respiratory Therapy in 1985, working there until 1989. He then attended and graduated from The Christ Hospital School of Perfusion Science, Cincinnati, OH in 1992. He returned to Ironton to help...

Larry Gene McDowell, age 83, formerly of Huntington, WV, entered Heaven on Sunday, April 11, 2021. He was born November 28, 1937, in Huntington, to the late Jay and Anna Merle McDowell, and was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Gibson, and a brother, Donald McDowell. Larry graduated from Huntington High School in 1955 and from Marshall University in 1960. He was a member of the Marshall Men's Golf team and enjoyed playing golf all his life. Larry was a schoolteacher, an insurance agent, a teamster, and retired from Kentucky Power in 1999. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Indian Land, SC, and a former member of Locust Grove Baptist Church in Huntington, WV, and...

Judy Margaret (Garrett) Hester, 76, of Knoxville, TN, went home to Jesus on March 31, 2021. Judy is preceded in death by her son, Alan Matthew Hester; parents William and Helen Garrett; sister Sally Garrett Shelton and brother David Garrett. Judy was born in Landville, West Virginia on August 31, 1944. Judy graduated from Point Pleasant High School (WV) in May of 1962. She went on to follow her sister Sally and graduate from Saint Mary's School of Nursing (WV) in September of 1966. Judy worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Saint Mary's Hospital after graduation, before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 1967 to work at the University of Virginia Hospital. It was there that she met Gary...

Xavier Quentrill 27, of Culloden, passed away on March 21, 2021. He is survived by his children: Karma and Zane Peyton; and their mother Kayce Peyton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations can be made to help the family. Friends may visit the family from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Monday at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane WV. Chapman Funeral Home, 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane WV 25526.

Ms. Sue Ellen Compton, 78, of Frederick, passed-away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Edenton Retirement Community. She was born November 21, 1942 in Charleston, WV, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Margaret McElhinny. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Martha Hunt. Growing up on a farm in Elkview, WV on Frame Road, Sue Ellen was a tomboy who played with the cows, went fishing, climbed trees, was considered a great shot while hunting on the farm and at sixteen competed on a diving team. According to her cousin who grew up with her: "There was nothing she couldn't do, she was fearless". Sue Ellen graduated from...