The News Leader

Chris Edwards, formerly of Waynesboro and Staunton, died Wednesday, July 13th 2022. Born Christabell Graham on February 4, 1928 in the Deerfield valley on a large farm, her childhood was a blended mix of chores and the loving guidance of parents, Edward and Mabel Armstrong Graham, who stressed education, music, religion and independence for her as well as her 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Upon completion of public school in Augusta County at age of 16, she taught grade school in Churchville. She then worked at The Staunton News Leader as a reporter, honing her illustrious writing and verbal skills, as well as beginning her college education. During WWII, Chris moved to Baltimore with her...

Jill R. Dudley, 86 of King George, formerly of Greenville, VA passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at her daughter's home. Born in Tennessee, she was preceded in death by her parents, James and Louise Rhea, her husband, Sherman "Doc" Dudley and her son, John Dudley. Survivors include her son, Thomas P. Tague of Hawaii, and her daughters, Jacqueline D. Devore (Stephen) of King George, VA and Elizabeth L. Dudley of Stuarts Draft, VA; a sister, Jackie McLean of Gallatin, TN and her special "daughter-in-law", Nancy Nash of Israel. Her wishes were to be cremated and her ashes will be scattered in a favorite spot. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alley Cat Allies (...

July 5, 1944 - March 4, 2022 Leona Rebecca (Becky) Harris Guynn passed away March 4, 2022 surrounded by her family and into the loving arms of Jesus after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Known for her one-liners, she wanted this to lead with "Becky died." She was born at home on July 5, 1944, and raised on a family farm in the loving care of her parents. She was the daughter of Claude and Gladys Harris ("Momma and Daddy") of Greenville, Virginia and was the youngest sibling of Louale Harris Almarode, Judy Harris, and Larry Harris all who preceded her in death. Becky attended college in Virginia then dedicated her life to raising her three children....

Carlisle Boyd Redifer, 87, born and raised in Churchville, VA passed on Feb. 8, 2022 in Salisbury, MD with his family by his side on the day of his passing. He was born on Jan. 12, 1935 to his late parents, Austin Boyd Redifer and Edna Gaines Redifer. He was the husband of the late Lorraine Redifer. Always a social and caring person, Carlisle deeply appreciated the blessings of visiting with family and friends and engaging in meaningful conversations. His interests and experiences were many and varied so he always had plenty to talk about. Carlisle's companionship will be fondly missed by all those who loved him. In his early years, Carlisle served honorably in the US Army from 1957-1959....

Carlisle Boyd Redifer, 87, born and raised in Churchville, VA passed on Feb. 8, 2022 in Salisbury, MD with his family by his side on the day of his passing. He was born on Jan. 12, 1935 to his late parents, Austin Boyd Redifer and Edna Gaines Redifer. He was the husband of the late Lorraine Redifer. Carlisle is survived by his daughter, Becky Dalfonso and her husband, John; grandchildren, Austin Dalfonso and Megan Dalfonso; siblings, Alma Humphries and her late husband, Calvin, Jerry Redifer and his wife, Fonda; sister-in-law Nancy Redifer; and many other loving family and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Carlisle is preceded in death by his brother, Stanley "Pooter" Redifer....

Mr. Brinson Keith Early, 67, entered into rest on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA. Mr. Early was a veteran of the US Marine Corps. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. He was an avid reader who had varied interests including Economics, Finance, History, and Government among others. He was also an outdoors and sports enthusiast who loved fishing, shooting, and baseball. He particularly loved the Shenandoah Valley of VA, which he made his home for more than 30 years and the Outer Banks of NC where he spent many days shore fishing along Oregon...

William "Wayne" Serrett May 13, 1944 -December 4, 2021 CHARLOTTE- Wayne Serrett, 77, died early Saturday morning at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC following an extended illness. Mr. Serrett was born Saturday, May 13, 1944, in Durham, NC to the late George William and Dana (Quillen) Serrett. As a child he grew up in Staunton, VA where he called home before moving to Charlotte, NC in 1960. "Wayne the Train" was a 1962 graduate of East Mecklenburg High School where he was recognized as an outstanding athlete in both football and track and held the state track title in the 100 & 220-yard dash. He had been recruited by many colleges for both sports but...

Donald Lee Bosserman, 85, died on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia. Don was a former resident of Staunton, Virginia, where he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) as a member of the Corps of Cadets graduating with the degree of Master of Science in Architecture and received a reserve officer commission in the Army of the United States. He attended the U.S. Army Engineer School and served in the Army Reserve for eight years. Don practiced architecture for 48 years in the Washington, DC area with the federal government, several mid-Atlantic architectural firms and as a private practitioner. He...

James "Jim" Edward Bush, 78, of Sevierville, TN and formerly of Stuarts Draft, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Sevierville. He volunteered with Helping Hands Ministry and was a Chaplain for Tennessee Disaster Relief. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Roy Bush and Mary Williams Bush. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Doris McLeod Bush; daughter, Cynthia Lynn Bush and significant other, Steve Phelps, of Jacksonville, FL; son, James Preston Bush and wife, Kimberleigh; grandchildren, Shelby Claire Bush and Elliott Cole Bush, of Dallas, GA; sister, Ann Bush Coffey; brother, Jon Allan Bush and wife, Donna; several nieces...

Tae Wamsley Glasson, 82, passed away peacefully in comfort at Seasons at Southpoint, Durham, a memory care community on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Tae was a devoted and loving wife for 60 years, incredible mother of two, gracious and kind grandmother, faithful sister and a loyal and supportive friend to many. She was born in Staunton, Virginia on June 9, 1939, to the parents of Richard and LaMira Quick Wamsley. Tae graduated from Longwood College (now University) with a degree in mathematics. While working at NASA on the Saturn Rocket capsule reentry path, she met her future husband, Joe, then and now, forever in love. The next sixty years would take them to all parts of the...

Tommie Sue (Reed) Jacobs, 73 of Fayetteville, passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at home with her beloved family by her side. Tommie Sue, was born December 29, 1947, in Augusta County, VA to the late Thomas L. Reed and Mary F. (Bridges) Reed. She graduated from Elizabeth Brant School of Business in 1965 and worked as a Secretary at the University of Virginia. Tommie Sue married Don E Jacobs on October 12, 1968. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She had a strong Christian faith and was very generous with her time and talents. Her faith led her to begin her teaching career at Cornerstone Christian Academy where both her children...

Dunlap, Tamyzan G., 70 of Sebring, Florida passed away peacefully at the Good Shepherd Hospice on August 24, 2021. Tami was born in Charlottesville, VA. She attended Augusta County Public Schools and graduated from Wilson Memorial High School, Fishersville, VA. Tami attended Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA before moving to Scotland to attend Saint Andrews University, Fife, Scotland where she matriculated with a master's degree. She was a retired sales representative with Kraft Foods. Tami was always kind to people and to her dogs. She was particularly fond of the smooth-coated fox terriers she and her partner Connie owned over the years. Tami loved many genres of music...

J H Cline, Sr., husband of the late Elizabeth Atkins Cline, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the age of 94. Born in Augusta County, VA on November 4, 1926, he was the son of the late Glenn Elbert Cline and Bernice Ruth Suter Cline. J H was a United States Navy veteran who served in WWII. He worked for Dominion Power for over 45 years until his retirement in 1992. Over the years, J H was involved in many aspects at the South Boston Church of Christ and served as church treasurer for many years. His main interest was in seeing the church grow. His favorite hymn was "Give Me the Bible". J H also was an avid golfer, Boston Red Sox fan and a member of the South Boston Lions...

Ernest M. East, Jr. died in Kill Devil Hills, NC after a long illness Saturday July 17, 2021. "Pete" as he was best known, was born September 19,1928 in Waynesboro, VA. He was the son of Ernest M. East, Sr. and Mary Beulah Obaugh East - both deceased and the brother of the late Nancy East Etter of Waynesboro. Pete was educated in Waynesboro and attended National Business College in Roanoke, VA. While serving active duty with the US Navy, he married Betty Joe Murray, September 8, 1951 of Covington, VA. After 70 years of marriage, Betty "BJ" East survives him. Pete spent a number of years in the automobile business in Waynesboro and retired from the sales staff of Baugher Chevrolet-Buick,...

Mr. Larry Haskell Robertson,86, of Fayetteville, NC passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born November 19, 1934 in Craigsville, VA to the late Mary Doyle Robertson and Haskell Cleveland Robertson. Larry was preceded in death by two sisters, Beatrice Welcher and Stella Glover; and two brothers, Burnett Robertson, Kenneth Robertson, and brothers-in-law, Leslie Ramsey and William Dodd. Larry served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He would go on to pursue a career as an insurance agent. Larry was a dedicated and faithful member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce Dodd...

Dr. James Blair Spillman was born on February 15, 1927 in Staunton, Va. On January 14, 2021, he passed away peacefully at his home in Radford, Va. Blair graduated from Robert E Lee high school in 1946. He then went on to college at the University of Virginia followed by medical school at UVA and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honorary Fraternity. After medical school, he enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged as a Major in the Medical Corp. He then decided to lay roots in Radford, a community he loved while practicing as a pediatrician for 30 years. Blair had a strong passion for the outdoors including gardening, birds, stargazing and canoeing. He also was involved in...

David McGuire Trayer, age 88, of Hixson, TN, passed away on Sunday, 10 January 2021 of natural causes. David was born on 23 August 1932 in Bluefield, Mercer, WV, the son of Raymond Andrew Trayer and Myrtle Jane Hoops Trayer. He spent his childhood in the green hills and vales in Bluefield, VA, where he made many fond memories and had spectacular childhood adventures. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myralin Anne "Nickie" Gillenwater Trayer, his sister, Katherine Ray Trayer Starling, his parents, and a grandson, Caleb Shafer. He is survived by his daughters, Carol Allison Orwin (Jim), Catherine Jane Shafer (Melvin), and Cheryl Dianne Norris (Kieth), 14 grandchildren, and 24...

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina - Kitty Carlton Byrne Farrier, 96, widow of Richard Ashby Farrier, Sr., died after a brief illness on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at her home in Sandpiper Village. Her loving family was by her side. Daughter of the late Kathleen Carlton Owen Byrne and William Hale Byrne, she was born in Appomattox, Virginia on December 18, 1923. Kitty grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia and graduated from Shorter College in 1945. After working for three years as Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia, she started married life in Staunton, Virginia, where she resided forty-seven years. Twenty-five years ago, she moved to Mount Pleasant...

Frank Johnson Bell, Jr., 74, of Queen Anne, MD transitioned peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2020 surrounded by family. Condolences may be sent to Henryfh.com.

Dateline: Laurinburg Mr. Arthur F. Deffenbaugh of Wagram passed away in Scotland Memorial Hospital on Monday, May 25, 2020, at the age of 90. Mr. Deffenbaugh was born on February 20, 1930, to the late Arthur B. Deffenbaugh and Susan Rimel Deffenbaugh in Augusta County, Virginia. Arthur proudly served in the US Air Force at the end of WWII and became an instrumentation specialist on heavy aircraft including B-17 and B-36. During his Military service, while in Texas, he met and married his beloved wife, Doris. They started their family with the birth of their first son, Rex in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their son Forrest was born later, after he left the military, in Charlottesville, VA. He...

Rebecca Farmer Moran Loftin, 80 of Columbus, GA passed away May 1, 2020. She was the widow of James Ellies Moran. Private services will be held in Manchester, GA. Cox Funeral Home, www.coxfh.com.