Landon "Lanny" Wesley Keesee
Landon “Lanny” Wesley Keesee, 79, of St. Albans, WV, died on October 25, 2025. He was born in South Charleston to the late Okey and Geraldine Elliott Keesee. Lanny was a graduate of South Charleston High School, class of 1964, and graduated the following year from the Charleston Barber College.
Lanny was the former owner and operator of Parkway Barber Shop originally started by his father and now taken over by his son, Luke, and called Generations Barber Shop, a fact he was very proud of.
Lanny left full-time barbering to become a business owner, contractor, and later a car dealership manager, but he always maintained his craft of being a barber.
Lanny was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Francine. She was the love of his life, and, as he always joked, his boss.
Since his wife’s passing, Lanny enjoyed hanging out with his best friend, Homer, and spending summers fishing with his nephew, Roger. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, and never missed watching or listening to a game. A gifted storyteller, Lanny often captivated his family and friends with accounts of his life and upbringing.
Lanny is survived by his daughter, Kelly Stonestreet (Randy); sons, Landon II (Karen) and Luke (Tracy); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife Francine, Lanny was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Bob Keesee; and sister, Ramona Godby.
A graveside service to honor Lanny’s life will be held at Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Memories of Lanny may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Carolyn Sue Devitt
Carolyn Sue Devitt, “Sue,” “Carol Sue,” 65, of Charleston, gained her Heavenly wings while surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer.
Sue was born on March 29. 1960, to the late Pete and Ellen McCoy. Sue was a 1978 graduate of Charleston Catholic High School, where she was a cheerleader, a member of the band, and was Head Majorette.
Many Kroger customers and employees knew her as Carol Sue. Carol Sue began her 45-year career at the Smith Street Kroger, following in her parents’ footsteps as a produce clerk. In 1988, Carol Sue transferred to the Riverwalk Plaza Kroger, where she became the Head Floral Clerk. In 1989 she moved on to the Ashton Place Kroger, opening yet another new store as Head Floral Clerk, and this is where she remained until 2022, when she began her cancer battle. Throughout her career, she was asked to travel to many newly remodeled stores for reopenings and training of new Floral Leads. Among these were Kanawha City, Delaware Ave., Cross Lanes, Elkview, Roanoke, and the new Teays Valley location. Carol Sue was the go-to person in the valley for all your floral and balloon needs.
Sue enjoyed NASCAR and Stock Car racing, car shows, and watching her granddaughters play volleyball and softball.
She is proceeded in death by her husband of 41 years, Francis “Bunny” Devitt; her loving parents, Pete and Ellen McCoy; and her fur baby, Ruddy.
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Elissia Devitt (Jeff) of Charleston; brothers, Wayne McCoy (Carla) of Charleston and Charlie McCoy (Leora) of St. Albans; sister-in-law, Donna Haynes (Roger) of Cross Lanes; nieces: Alexandria Martin (Allen), Ella McCoy (Garrett), Charlotte Jacobs, and Heather Bundrage; nephews: Jeremy McCoy (Tressie), Chaz McCoy (Meen), Zach McCoy (Trinity), and “Little” Charlie Haynes (Amanda). Most importantly to remember Sue are her grandchildren: granddaughters, Chasity, Shiana, and Addison “AJ” Jarrell; grandsons, Aaron Kinsey (Hannah) and Jax Long; great granddaughter, Madelyn “Maddie” Kinsey; along with several great nieces and nephews.
At her request, Sue will be cremated and a private Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Exceptional Possibilities WV in her honor (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=Q3EDYMQ9RBVEW&source=qr)
A special thank you to the Nurses and CNAs at Charleston Health Care Center and Kanawha Valley Hospice for all of their loving care.
Memories of Carol Sue may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
James M. Nice
James M. Nice, 77, of Charleston, WV, passed away on October 25, 2025, at the Abbyshire Place Health & Rehabilitation Center in Bidwell, OH.
Jim was born in New Martinsville, WV, on November 16, 1947, to the late Ralph C. Nice and Monoka Ater Nice, at the old Wetzel County Hospital. Upon graduation, Jim honorably served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War, being awarded the Purple Heart, among many other medals.
Jim is survived by his son, Matthew Nice (Dawn Marie); grandson, Damien Nice; brother, Ralph Nice Jr. (Nikki) of Charleston, WV; and sister, Lou Ann Virden (Donnie) of New Martinsville, WV.
A private service with Military Honors will be held for Jim at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV.
Snodgrass Funeral Hom, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Betty L. Hurd
Betty Louise Blake Hurd, age 95, was born in Bertha Hill, WV, on April 10, 1930. She passed from this life into the arms of her Savior at 2:05pm on Friday, October 24, 2025. She remained physically active all her life until Thursday, October 23rd when an unexpected femur fracture disabled her.
Betty spent her childhood outside Morgantown, WV, at the Blake Family Farm at Laurel Point/Sugar Grove, WV. She was an honor roll student at University High School and a cheerleader. While attending WVU, she met her husband, John, and married him in 1953. They first moved to Uniontown, PA, and then to Huntington, WV, before settling in South Charleston, WV, where they made their home and raised their four children.
Betty was an accomplished bookkeeper and tax expert in the Charleston area, and after retiring from Suttle and Stalnaker CPAs, she still retained many of her beloved clients and continued bookkeeping and tax preparation from her home.
She loved gardening and being outside, and raised exquisite hybrid rose bushes, which were her pride and joy. She was an amazing cook and baker, making everything from scratch without measuring! She loved dancing, and at 95, could still do a split and put her leg over her head. She had a soft spot for children and animals, and took in every stray that crossed her path.
She and John attended First United Methodist Church of South Charleston all their lives after moving to South Charleston. She was active in Sunday School and the many Women’s events there.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, John (2016); her parents, Fred and Rella Blake; brothers, Fred Junior, Jimmy, Tom, and Bob; sisters, Gladys “Sissy”, Mary, and Nancy.
Betty is survived by her children: Jennifer Schumm of Tampa, Fl, Susan Fitzgerald (Tom) of Bluffton, SC, John Hurd of Macon, GA, and Judy Hurd of Charleston, WV.
Betty had six grandchildren: Roger (Susan), Jamie and John (Johnny) Ryan, Park and Blake Chapman, Renee Schumm (Jennifer); and four great grandchildren: Leni and Jemma Chapman (Park and Loryn Chapman), Connor Southers (Emily and Dawn Southers), and Finn Hartzog (Jamie and Luke).
There will be no service. A private family memorial tribute will be held at a later date.
We would like to thank St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington for the excellent surgical and nursing care she received there, and to the Teays Valley Center, where she enjoyed living the past 3 years. They treated her with loving kindness, respect, and encouragement, and for that we are forever grateful.
Betty would have loved you to make contributions to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today) or any organization that benefits children and animals.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Sharon Catherine Best
Sharon Catherine Best, 85, of Charleston, WV, passed away on October 19, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Sharon was born in Canton, Illinois, on November 9, 1939, to Ralph and Wilma St Clair Deushane. She graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in Fairview, IL, and attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Don Best. They moved to WV in 1969. Sharon worked as a secretary for several years before becoming a full-time mother. She was a 50-yr member of the Fort Hill Garden Club, and also a member of the South Charleston Church of God. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother. She had an undying love for all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, not to mention her beloved pets. She loved going to breakfast with her group of friends on Thursday mornings, and recently, it was the only time she was smiling and ready to go when her family would pick her up. Sharon was the sweetest person and was loved by all who knew her.
Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Don Best; son, Brent Best; grandson, Ian Morris; both of her parents; and her brother, Rod Deushane.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Norma Morris, and son in law, Steven Morris of Charleston; grandsons, Chris Morris, and wife April of Charleston, Will Best, Ryan Best of Charleston; and great grandchildren: Zoey Morris, Hannah Morris, Harrison Morris, all of Charleston. She is also survived by her brother, John Deushane of Alpharetta, GA, and sister, Vicki Pettett of Canton, IL.
A Service to Honor the Life of Sharon Catherine Best will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025 at the South Charleston Church of God, with Pastor Tom Wise officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Sharon Catherine Best may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Max Arco Mastromichalis
It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Max Arco Mastromichalis, age 16, of Charleston, West Virginia, who left this world far too soon on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Max was born on October 10, 2009, in St. Louis, Missouri to his loving parents Andrea Arco-Mastromichalis and Michael Mastromichalis. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, and teammate whose kindness and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
A sophomore at George Washington High School, Max was a proud member of the Patriots lacrosse team, where his discipline, sportsmanship, and quiet determination earned the admiration of his coaches and teammates alike; he lettered as a Freshman! He served as a Freshman Student Council Member, and was hoping to be selected for Honor Society and Beta Club in the coming months. He was also passionate about weightlifting, dedicating countless hours to self-improvement and setting goals with the same focus and heart he brought to every part of his life. He loved his friends, his family–especially his little brother Mason–the beach, skiing, a medium rare steak or burger, and a good laugh.
Max dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps in the healthcare field, a reflection of his deep compassion and desire to help others. His thoughtful nature and sincere empathy were evident in the way he cared for his friends and family, always quick with a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand.
Before moving to West Virginia, Max spent most of his life in Ballwin, Missouri, where he built lifelong friendships that he worked hard to maintain despite the miles between them. He cherished those connections deeply, often staying in touch through messages, visits, and shared laughter.
At home, Max was a devoted big brother to Mason, his constant companion and gaming partner. The two spent countless hours playing together—laughing, competing, and growing up side-by-side. Max’s patience, humor, and warmth made him not just a great brother, but a role model and best friend.
Max’s kindness radiated through every interaction. He had a good soul, a gentle heart, a quick wit, and a steady presence that brought light and calm to those around him. He will be missed beyond words by his family, friends, classmates, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
He is survived by his parents, Andrea Arco-Mastromichalis and Michael Mastromichalis, his brother Mason, and his extended family, including loving grandparents: Chris and Sam Arco and Harriet and Gary Mastromichalis. He is also survived by his Godfather and Uncle, Lee Arco, his Aunt, Elizabeth Arco, and his cousin Cecilia. He will also be missed by his Godmother and Aunt Jacqueline Munoz, his Uncle Juan Munoz, and cousins Mialana and M.J., as well as by a wide circle of friends in both Missouri and West Virginia who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Nick and Mildred Belcastro and John and Mary Arco, and Michael and Lily Mastromichalis and Harry and Rose Stakias.
A visitation will be held for the public on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m, with the service immediately following at 12: 00 Noon; the viewing and service will take place at Snodgrass Funeral Home located at 4122 MacCorkle Avenue, SW South Charleston, WV, 25309. The interment will follow across the street at Sunset Memorial Park located at 4301 MacCorkle Avenue SW. The service will be live streamed and available for viewing by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary and live stream tab.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Max Arco Mastromichalis Foundation which will provide annual scholarship opportunities to graduating George Washington High School seniors whose applications demonstrate the attributes and characteristics Max embodied during his time with us: kindness, compassion, determination, discipline, and more. Please make checks payable to The Max Arco Mastromichalis Foundation and mail to 411 Abbey Drive Charleston, WV, 25314, or donate online at www.maxmastrofoundation.com.
Though his time on Earth was far, far too short, Max’s impact will live on through the love he shared and the lives he touched. His family and friends will carry his light and spirit with them always. His parents and brother would give anything for one last Maxie hug and laugh.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Kelly Beth Pauley
Kelly Beth Pauley, 58, of Dunbar, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on November 28, 1966. Kelly was an only child, enjoying all the attention from both parents throughout her lifetime.
She graduated from Charleston High School in 1984. Among the many hobbies she enjoyed included Needle Point, Diamond Dots, and Coloring. She enjoyed spending time with her Dad, watching numerous television programs. An abundance of stuffed animals adored her bed, all of which had been given to her by family and friends. She loved and cherished each and every one of them, especially Marley & Sam. Mickey and Minnie Mouse could be seen everywhere. Kelly always remembered who had given each one of the stuffed animals to her. She was a born-again Christian and loved attending the First Baptist Church of Dunbar. Kelly loved everyone she came in contact with and always had a big, beautiful smile for you.
Kelly was preceded in death by her Grandparents, George and Nellie Pauley, and Lina M. Sothen. Also preceding her in death were Aunts, Margaret Sothen, “Meg” Sothen, and Nancy Sothen; Uncles, Wilbur Pauley, Richard Pauley, Marvin Pauley, Tommy Walker, and Richard Sothen.
She is survived by her loving parents, Clarence and Linda Pauley; Aunts, Carolyn Sue Myers (Elmer), Shirley Walker, Linda Pauley, and Charlotte Miles (Jerry); Uncles, Gerald Sothen, Jim Sothen (Lois), and Bill Sothen (Cindy Hanna). She is also survived by her Great Aunt, Blanche Jarrell; special friends, Lisa and Mandy Bowles; along with a host of special cousins and friends who loved her dearly. Kelly loved all of them in return.
A Service to Honor the Life of Kelly will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor David Kenney officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Pauley Family Cemetery, located in Sissonville, West Virginia.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, 4122 Mac Corkle Ave., SW, South Charleston, is serving the Pauley family.
William Jason Jean
William Jason Jean, age 47, of Charleston passed away Sunday October 12, 2025 at his residence.
He was a graduate of Capital High School class 1997 and earned his BA from University of Charleston. He excelled as a business manager for various businesses around the state. His greatest accomplishment was loving his daughters and wife unconditionally.
Jason is survived by his wife, Andrea; three daughters, Trinity, Kennedy and Sofia at home; mother Sandy Jean of Charleston; sisters, Heather Smith (Jeff), nieces Keira & Isabella of South Charleston & Jodi Barnes (Brian) of Cleveland, OH, and mother-in-law, Linda Hall of Sutton, WV. He was beloved by aunts and uncles.
A Service to honor the life of Jason will be Thursday October 16, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Pastor Ollie Parsons officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at the funeral home prior to the service.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
James E. "Herman" Kidd, Jr.
James Edward “Herman” Kidd Jr., 70 of South Charleston, WV, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in High Point, NC, after courageously battling a long-term illness.
Born in South Charleston on February 26, 1955, Herman was the beloved son of James E. “John” Kidd and Geraldine Kidd. He was a 1973 graduate of South Charleston High School and attended WV Tech and WV State College. He later began a long and dedicated career with Union Carbide, where he proudly worked for 43 years before retiring.
Herman was preceded in death by parents, John and Geraldine Kidd and his uncle and aunt, Don and Madeline Miller. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Polly Jane Moore Kidd, son, Josh Kidd (Olivia), his pride and joy grandson, Abram James “Abe Abe” Kidd, sister, Patricia Morris (Al), sister-in-law, Kathy Moore, as well as cousins, nephews and nieces.
Herman found peace and joy near the water, whether it was the ocean, boating and skiing on a lake or river, or sitting by a quiet riverbank. From childhood, he enjoyed family vacations at Myrtle Beach, a tradition he carried on throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and treasured golf trips with his buddies and vacations with family. After retirement, Herman and Polly purchased a second home in North Myrtle Beach, where they built special friendships and made lasting memories. He will be remembered for his fierce strength, words of wisdom and the love he had for his family and friends, especially, his little buddy, Abe.
The family wants to thank Mark and Allison Mosley from the bottom of their hearts for coming to Polly’s rescue. Your kindness and support in that moment meant the world and will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the West Fairfield Baptist Church 622 W. Fairfield Road, High Point, NC 27263 or to PulmonaryFibrosis.org or MaddoxPotter.org in memory of James E. Kidd Jr.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston. Graveside service will be held at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens at 2 p.m., 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313. A reception to celebrate Herman's life will be held immediately afterwards at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home.
Memories of James Edward “Herman” Kidd may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Donna Lurena Turner
Donna Lurena Turner, 81, of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, ten days before her 82nd birthday. She was born on October 16, 1943, in Charleston, WV, the daughter of the late John H. Reed, Jr. and Lottie L. Reed. She was a resident of South Charleston most of her life.
A 1961 graduate of South Charleston High School, Donna was also a 1965 graduate of Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) with a degree in music education, and also completed several hours of post-graduate studies at Marshall University.
She taught music and was a band director at several Kanawha County Schools for many years until her retirement and enjoyed helping and positively influencing her students. She also taught privately at Gorby's for many years.
Donna enjoyed being a member of the Charleston Metro Band and the Kanawha Valley Community Band, in which she sat First Chair clarinet. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.
Donna was a member of the St. John United Methodist Church in South Charleston most of her life, where she served in many capacities, including singing in the choir, and also for a time as Choir Director. She was later a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church in South Charleston.
Donna was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Turner, and is survived by her son, David Turner; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Turner and James Turner; and brothers, John H. Reed, III, of Hurricane, WV and Ellis M. Reed of New Smyrna Beach, FL.; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A service to Honor the Life of Donna will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, 4122 Mc Corkle Ave. SW, South Charleston, WV, with the Rev. Paul Mateer officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.