Sharon Elsheikh
Sharon Elaine Williams Elsheikh, 73, of Charleston, WV passed away on January 25, 2025.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late James Carroll and Carol Lee Francina Johnston Williams on July 8, 1951. She graduated from George Washington High School and attended Morris Harvey University. She worked as a Social Worker for the Sate of West Virginia. She enjoyed jazz music.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Tackett.
Sharon is survived by her son, Pasha Elsheikh of Charleston, WV; sister, Debbie Emrick O’Donnell of Ervine, California; brother, Johnny Johnston of Clearwater, Florida; and several nieces and nephews as well as other family who will miss her dearly.
In keeping with her wishes there will be no formal services. Her family will celebrate her life together.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Michael Atkins
Michael L. Atkins,63, of Scott Depot, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at WVU Medicine Thomas Memorial Hospital.
He was born in South Charleston, West Virginia on September 3, 1961 to the late John R. and Mary Berry Atkins. He graduated from West Virginia State University with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He worked as a manager in a variety of restaurants and retail stores, where he was known for his hard work ethic and fair and honest character. Mike was kind and compassionate and was always looking for opportunities to help the less fortunate. He enjoyed music, video games and traveling. He had a vast knowledge of sports and had a great sense of humor. He loved collecting watches and has a large collection of them. He loved spending time with his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnnie and Ervin (Buddy) Atkins.
Mike is survived by his wife, Vickie L. Atkins; brother, Stephen Atkins; sisters, Frances (Susie) Coleman and Mary Ellen (Leonard) Spencer; and several nieces and nephews.
A service to Honor the Life of Michael will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Rev. Melissa Pratt officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to assist with the services by visiting https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/michael-atkins/12391/ . Donations will be sent directly to the funeral home.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Alan Richard Black
Alan Richard Black passed peacefully, surrounded by people he loved on January 18, 2025.
Born and raised in Petts Wood, UK, he was a Man of Kent – but his stomping grounds were in London. He grew up in a large, loving, and hospitable family. He gained a scholarship to Bromley Grammar School where he excelled at languages. His early years were filled with large, festive gatherings and he developed wonderful interpersonal skills at an early age, working for his father in the family electronics shop called Queensway Radio.
The world’s cultures have always captivated Alan. He started his career in the travel industry, which saw him move to Hong Kong and which allowed him to travel to scores of countries, where he developed his deep respect for the similarities connecting people around the globe. In later years he built a very successful technology business supporting the state of West Virginia.
He adored conversation and dinner parties with the people he knew and loved – as well as strangers who would become friends. Alan was a royalist, a Tory, a Republican, and a conservationist. He became a proud American citizen 15 years ago. His passions included fine dining, whisky, film, and Halloween, when he’d turn his East End home into an extravaganza for trick or treaters and porch regulars. His greatest joy came from the joy of others.
He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Iris and Arthur Black.
He is survived by his wife, Shannon and his two poodles, Winston and Thatcher, along with his brothers – Malcolm, Stephen, and Ian Black – and his cousins, Bruce Nelson and Christine Haynes, whom he considered a brother and sister. His legacy remains, as well, with several nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many close friends.
Alan’s body will be cremated and his ashes returned to the UK to be scattered in the same remembrance gardens as his parents and grandparents. A local celebration of his life will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the World Wildlife Fund www.worldwildlife.org
Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Doris Kohr Gerke
Doris Kohr Gerke, 97, of Charleston, WV, passed away on January 18, 2025, at the HospiceCare facility at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Doris was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN. She married Walter Gerke in 1948, and soon after, moved with him to Charleston, WV, where he was a chemical engineer at FMC. Doris and Walter were among the founding members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Charleston, and they remained active in all aspects of that church throughout their lives.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; and by her sisters, Delores, Kay, and Helen. She is survived by her son, Stephen, and his wife, Lisa, of Great Falls, VA; and her grandson, Stephen Adair.
Doris will be laid to rest in a private service at Linwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN.
Memories of Doris may be shard by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jerry Randolph Thornton
Jerry Randolph Thornton, 81, passed away peacefully in his Charleston, West Virginia home on January 12, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born on July 29, 1943, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, Jerry lived a life dedicated to education, faith, family, and community.
A proud graduate of Marshall University, Jerry earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics before continuing his education at West Virginia University, where he received a master’s degree in industrial engineering. For 33 years, he shared his love for learning as an assistant professor at West Virginia State University. Alongside his academic career, Jerry pursued a thriving business as a real estate appraiser, which he owned and operated for 53 years.
Jerry’s career journey also included time with the U.S. Navy as a civilian, FMC, and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. His industrious spirit, deep intellect, and commitment to hard work were a testament to his upbringing by his parents, Buford Thornton and Wealthy Thornton Nicely.
Jerry’s personal life was filled with love and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene Thornton of Charleston, West Virginia. He was a devoted father to James Thornton (Helen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Robert Thornton (Priscilla) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Joshua Thornton (Maryam) of St. Albans, West Virginia. He also cherished his stepchildren, Rebecca Lilly of Lumberton, North Carolina, Andrew Lilly (Annie) of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Adam Lilly of Charleston, West Virginia.
Jerry adored his grandchildren: Kasey Mack (Tony) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Tori Thornton of Wilmington NC, Bridget Oaks (Steve) of Supply, North Carolina, Michael Snyder (Emily) of Southport, North Carolina, Grace Thornton of Charleston West Virginia, Faith Thornton of Charleston West Virginia. He also cherished his step-grandchildren: Adam Reese, and JonLuke Reese of Lumberton North Carolina, Patrick Lilly, Charlie Lilly, Caroline Lilly, and Carter Lilly of Morgantown, West Virginia, Anahita Hekmet of Athens Ohio; his great-grandchildren: Skylar Mack and Reese Mack, Kaiser Dennis, Mason Oaks, and Ivey Oaks, Cheyanne Snyder, Cadence Snyder, Gabriel Snyder, and Elsie Snyder, who gave him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his wonderful sister, Marsha Gillenwater (Jon) of Savannah, Georgia.
Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, Buford Thornton and Wealthy Thornton Nicely; his dear brother, Steven Thornton; his first wife and mother of his children, Diane Carper Thornton.
Jerry was a man of faith and an active church member who found great joy in worship, fellowship, and teaching Adult Sunday School. He loved reading, watching sports, telling jokes and stories, and playing games with his family. A talented musician in his younger years, Jerry had a bluegrass band and shared his love of music with many.
Jerry’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to his family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A Service to Honor the Life of Jerry will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, with Rev. Bo Terrell officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Park, Barboursville, WV, on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:00 am.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Helen Payne
Helen Marie Payne, 94, of Jacksonville went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 6, 2025. She was born March 28, 1930 in Whitesville, West Virginia to the late George and Deborah (Murray) Adkins. Mrs. Payne was a longtime member of Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville. She spent many years as a military wife following her husband to places such as England, Ohio, Puerto Rico, North Dakota, and Florida before finally settling in Arkansas. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, especially bingo. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many who was always willing to lend a helping hand and truly lived the values of her Christian faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Kenneth (Sonny) Payne Sr. in 2020; grandson, Thomas Payne, daughter-in-law Elaine (Howard) Payne, along with ten brothers and sisters.
Left to continue her legacy are her children, Kenneth E. Payne Jr. and wife Jean of Jacksonville, Richard A. (Marissa) Payne of Euless, Texas; grandchildren, Angelina Strickland and April Payne; great granddaughter, Khloe Payne; and sister, Joan Howard of Green Valley, Arizona, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will begin thirty minutes prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. Mrs. Payne will be laid to rest next to her husband in South Charleston, West Virginia. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston will be assisting the family with this private interment.
Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 N. JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076, 501-982-2136. Sign Mrs. Payne’s online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com
James Allen Bradbury
James Allen Bradbury, born Dec 21, 1944, passed away in the presence of his family on January 5th 2025, after a battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Putnam County, West Virginia, Jim was born in Portsmouth, Oh to Paul E. and Ada E. Bradbury. Jim grew up with a love for working with his hands and for recognizing the value of the repair of things worthy and unworthy of restoration. After graduation from Dunbar High School in 1962, Jim studied first at West Virginia University in Mechanical Engineering before transferring to a specialized Measurement Science program at the State University of New York at Alfred, NY, graduating at the top of his class. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and worked for a scale company in Columbus, Ohio. Jim & Judy met at Alfred and when they decided to get married, he decided to move back to WV to help his father grow the family business of Kanawha Valley Scale Service, later renamed Kanawha Scales and Systems (KSS). Jim eventually led and grew this company into a worldwide enterprise. The company’s hallmark product was a high speed, accurate train loading system for bulk products which has now been consistently selling around the world for over 45 years in the US, Canada, China, Australia, South America, Africa, India, the Middle East, and more. Prior to the company’s sale in April 2022, in which Jim retained an ownership interest, the company had also grown to 19 locations throughout the eastern US. He was a member of the Kanawha Valley Business Forum and the Scale Dealer Association.
Beyond KSS, Jim owned and operated many other businesses, most notably several in the realty sector, along with his wife Judy and son, Mark, as well as other valued partners. He held interests and served in leadership roles in several other companies, including a British-based company specializing in high performance aftermarket components for the automotive industry. Since stepping away from the day-to-day operations of KSS, Jim’s greatest love was in finding, haggling, securing, and restoration of a wide variety of artifacts, from older cars and trucks to motorcycles, bicycles, clocks and just about everything in between.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Paul E Bradbury and Ada E Bradbury. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy L (Freeman) Bradbury, and his children Tracy (Mudar) Kattash of Lake Charles, LA, Mark (Holley) Bradbury of Scott Depot WV, Michael (Liz) Bradbury of Louisville KY, and sisters Pat Hatcher of Dunbar WV, Pauletta (Mike) Fisher of Durham, NC, and Debbie (David) Schwirian of Charleston WV. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Ameera, Aniese, Aliya, Layla Kattash; Sarah and Hailey Bradbury; and Lou Bradbury (with a baby brother on the way), as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and extended family.
He enjoyed a long life with his wife, working side by side for 55 years and traveling the world together. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren many of life’s lessons like how to hold a flashlight steady while he worked under the hood of a car. His energetic and passionate work ethic, as well as his generosity to others has infected many around him, friends, family, and employees alike. His willingness to help repair your broken “anything” or to lend the tool or knowledge to do so will be greatly missed by many.
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to HospiceCare of Charleston, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W, Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for January 18th 2025, from 4pm - 8pm at Embassy Suites 300 Court Street, Charleston, West Virginia, 25301. A time of sharing memories and stories will begin at 6:00 pm. A buffet of Hors d ’Oeuvres will be provided by the family.
We have a block of rooms held for anyone who needs one. Please use “Bradbury” when requesting a room. Hotel contact info: 1-304-347-8700
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Thurman Cobbs
With a smile, a little wave, with a nod and a twinkle in his eye or a big bear hug, Thurman Harvey Cobbs, Jr brought joy to everyone he met. Thurman, who was also called TH and lovingly known as Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. He was born November 28, 1938 and grew up in South Charleston, WV where he attended South Charleston High School. Despite being a graduate of the 1956 class, Thurman’s most cherished, life- long friends were from the class of 1955. They would regularly go on cruises together, go out to enjoy Mexican food, meet up for coffee and they always enjoyed reuniting at the annual South Charleston Summer Fest.
After high school, Thurman joined the Army National Guard where he served for 4 years. He then joined the South Charleston Fire Department, retiring after 30 years of service. However, you can’t keep a good man down, so he continued working for the city of South Charleston until just weeks before his death. He had various roles and positions there, but he ended his working career as the City Facilities Manager.
Thurman loved to spend his free time in his garage, chewing on a cigar and tinkering on cars. The thing he loved and talked about the most, however, was spending time and going out to eat with his son and grandsons.
Thurman was preceded in death by his parents Thurman Cobbs and Georgia (Babcock) Cobbs Hines and his wife Virginia. He leaves behind his son Randy Cobbs and three grandsons, Ian, Owen and Evan Cobbs to carry on that contagious smile and righteous dude vibe that he had every day of his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you call up a friend and spend some time talking with them and take them out to dinner. Make someone else feel as loved as Thurman made you feel.
A celebration of life service is being planned for a date in the summer when we can all enjoy getting together in the sunshine, because light is what Thurman took with him wherever he went.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Ella Maxine Bowen
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Ella Maxine Bowen, 83, on January 5, 2025, of Charleston, WV. She was born in Chesapeake, WV, on October 18, 1941. Ella was a graduate of Marshall University, with a degree in education. She taught French and Spanish in the Kanawha County School System until her retirement. She was an active member of the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church, and sang in their choir for many years. She loved, enjoyed, and was devoted to her family. She will always be loved and missed.
Ella Maxine is survived by her three loving sons, Russ Bowen, Dr. Shane Bowen, and Rhett Bowen; her sister, Betty Lashutka; sister-in-law, Sue Patterson; grandchildren, Kyra DeMoss, Teah Fields, and Aspyn Bowen; great-grandchildren, Laraya and Jai Bowen, Shi, Nola, Joa, and Dax DeMoss.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David S. Bowen; parents, Adrian and Mary Russell; brother, Jim Russell; and granddaughter, Jillian Bowen.
The family would like to thank the staff at Fresenius Medical Care of Kanawha City for their care and kindness to our beloved Ella.
A Service to Honor the Life of Ella will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor Andy Gillenwater officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now)
Memories of Ella may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Mary Belle Holstein Sharp
Mary Belle Holstein Sharp, age 90 of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025.
She was born August 28, 1934 in Foster, West Virginia to the late Marcella Elizabeth (Green) and Leonard Alton Holstein.
After graduating from Scott High School, Mary began working at Ferrell & Hill Insurance Agency in Madison, WV. Mary spent many of her years raising and caring for her four children and growing family. For over three decades, she was the Retail Manager of Computers Plus, Inc. in South Charleston. She had a love for gardening and flowers and recently join the Woodland Heights Garden Club. She was a member for over 55 years at Oakwood Baptist Church and enjoyed volunteering to help others.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Nathan Hugh Sharp and also by her brother, Harold Alton Holstein.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Vickie (Robert) Powell and Susan (Phillip) Arthur of Charleston; sons, Timothy Sharp (Barbara) and David Sharp (Natalie) of Cincinnati, Ohio.
She is survived by her 11 grandchildren and was able to see five of them marry wonderful spouses; Taylor Powell (Lindsay) of Ladson, SC; Alex Powell (Stacey) of Cincinnati, OH; Sarah (Clayton) Edens of Elkview, WV; Benjamin Arthur of Charleston; Elizabeth (James) Longaberger, Christian Sharp, Katherine Sharp of Cincinnati, OH; Caroline (Scott) Duncan of Clinton, CT; Laura Tirey of Vancouver, WA; Heidi and Nathan Sharp of Cincinnati, OH.
Mary was blessed with six great-grandchildren; Grayson, Sullivan and Virginia Powell of Ladson, SC, Liam and Adeline Powell of Cincinnati, OH, and recently born, James Longaberger III of Cincinnati, OH.
She was also survived by her sister-in-law, Yuvonne Holstein of Cool Ridge, WV as well as many nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Oakwood Baptist Church, with Reverend David Moutz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment will follow in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.
Memories of Mary may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oakwood Baptist Church, 855 Oakwood Road, Charleston, WV 25314.
Mary's kind spirit, generosity, and compassion touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed by all.