James G. Berger
James Garfield Berger, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospice Care. Born on April 7, 1957, in Charleston, West Virginia to Alice Berger and the late Eugene Berger, James lived a life filled with love for his family and an unwavering faith that guided him through every challenge.
Growing up in Charleston alongside his siblings—Eugenia of Cross Lanes and brothers David and Steve—James was known for his infectious smile that could light up any room. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1975 before embarking on a career that would see him work both in the coal mines and later in hospitality. His dedication to hard work was matched only by his passion for music. James sang in the choir at Canaan United Methodist Church when he was well enough to attend. There wasn’t a day that went by that if you were in contact with him, he didn’t sing. "Tomorrow" he’d often sing with a huge smile before exiting your presence. James could also play any instrument put in front of him and worked daily of his craft.
A Godly man at heart, James found solace not just in song but also within the embrace of his family. He cherished every moment spent with them—his three children: Theon Smith (Jessica) of Charleston; Jocelyn Martin (Jheremy) of Houston; Geneva Smith (Fabian) of Huntington—and seven grandchildren: Thalia and Myla Smith from Charleston; Sloane and Xola Martin from Houston; Kingston Smith from Charleston; Aerosyn and Knox Martin also hailing from Houston. Each grandchild held a special place in James's heart as he reveled in their laughter and accomplishments.
James is preceded in death by his father Eugene Berger; sister Renata G. Berger; grandparents Steve & Alice Isaac and Garfield & Hattie Brown along with Wilma Brown—all who have left indelible marks upon those they loved.
His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time here—a testament to kindness woven into each interaction he had. As we remember James today—not just as our dear father or brother—but as an extraordinary soul whose spirit resonated deeply within us all—we find comfort knowing that he now rests peacefully among those who went before him.
A Service to Honor the Life of James will be held at Noon, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with pastor Bo Terrell officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
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.
Victor S. Burkhammer
Victor Stephen Burkhammer, retired news editor of The Charleston Gazette, died on December, 31, 2024, at age 74.
He graduated from St. Marys High School in 1968 and earned an A.B. and M.A. in English from WVU. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church Charleston, where he was a deacon. He served a three-year term on the Manna Meal board. He was a 42-year friend of Bill W and served on the board of the world-famous Serenity Club in Dunbar, WV. He was employed by The Charleston Gazette for 35 years including 25 years as news editor. He was a member of the editorial board for several years.
Survivors include wife of 38 years, Nancy; two brothers, Andy and Luke; sister, Jill Hornish; and three nieces and three nephews. He was a cat dad to Walter, Arthur, Rocky, Frank, Frank II, Kalley Kat, K.T. Kitty, Felicia, and probably his favorite Al E. Cat.
He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Peggy Burkhammer, brother Dana, sister Jan Howell, and many friends.
He wrote a poetry blog called “Mountain Word” and published a chapbook of 15 haiku on Issuu. His broadsides, lyrics, prose poems and empathetic works appeared in a few small press magazines and some self-published. He produced some videos including “Monkey’s Raincoat” after Basho, an introduction to haiku on YouTube. He was proud of his small role helping Mike Youngren with Volunteer Video projects including “Elk River Blues,” a water crisis documentary, and “Laotong Yoga,” about Sue Julian and Barbara Steinke taking a yoga program to men and women in prison.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, with the Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating. Visitation will begin an hour before the service.
Donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston; or the Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home, 1121 Virginia St. E., Charleston.
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.
Judith Bean "Judie" Price
Judith Bean “Judie” Price, age 83, passed away at her home in South Charleston, West Virginia, on December 30, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
Judie was born on April 10, 1941, in Charleston, WV, to Leona and William Claude Ellison. She was a graduate of the Charleston School of Nursing and West Virginia State University. She proudly worked at Charleston Area Medical Center for over 25 years, where she cared for others and made a difference in the lives of her patients and colleagues.
She dedicated her life to her family and friends. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, always putting others before herself. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her many visits to the South Charleston Public Library.
Judie is survived by her husband, Randy Price; her daughters, Dee Stewart of Columbus, Ohio, and Elaine Michael (Fred) of Houston, TX; her granddaughters, Danielle and Katie Stewart, and Emily Givens; her great-grandchildren, Aubree and Jet Thompson; her brother, Thomas Ellison (Doe); her sisters-in-law, Jewel Bean Reed and Regina Veltri; her brothers-in-law, Steve Price (Jenny) and Jeff Price (Amy); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Daniel Bean; her parents; her brother, William Claude Ellison Jr.; her sisters, Rosalie (Rosie) Smithers and Jimmie Barnett; and brothers-in-law, Mark Reed and Bill Price. The family would like to thank special friends: Joyce Gwinn, who helped and cared for Judie and the family for many years, and Jamie Clute, for the loving attention shown to Judie at the end of her days.
A service to Honor the Life of Judie will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, January 6, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with H.R. Whittington officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to Pollen8 (Café Appalachia) at Pollen8 WV, 206 D. Street, South Charleston, WV 25303 or to the South Charleston Public Library at 312 4th Ave., South Charleston, WV 25303 (or PayPal to reference @ scplwv.org).
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Brenda Wilson
| BRENDA WILSON (ROUSH) Brenda Kay Roush Wilson, 73, of South Charleston, WV passed away on December 20, 2024. "What a wonderful life the Lord has given me and one can only say that I have truly been blessed." Brenda's words. She was born on October 19, 1951, the only daughter, to the late Delbert and Annalee Roush. Brenda worked in the medical profession for over 43 years, retiring in Norfolk, Virginia. She was associated with Hospice of Virginia. However, what gave her great pleasure was that of helping senior citizens and this truly was the best job she ever had. She is survived by her sons, Greg Brooks (Stephanie) of Charleston, WV and Rob Wilson (Ruby) of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Dylan Brooks, Karina Wilson, Kaylen Wilson, Kaylee Brooks and Jacob Brooks. A private family graveside service was held in Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will have a celebration of Brenda's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to the Kanawha Charleston Animal Shelter. 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. |
Patricia Brown
Patricia Brown passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 26, 2024 after being there in spirit for a last Christmas with her family. Patricia was 94 years old. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Thomas Brown, beloved daughter Louann Brown, parents Cecil and Hazel Ross, and siblings Mary Garcia, Pauline Quickle an Robert “Jack” Ross. She is survived by her son Stephen Brown, grandchildren Adam Brown and Ashley Rebrook (Ian), great grandchildren Carson and Livia Rebrook, and niece Sheila Martin.
Patricia, known to friends and family as “Patty” or “Pat”, was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She raised her family in Charleston, West Virginia and moved to Tampa, Florida in 1980, where she resided for over 40 years. Patty was a committed homemaker. She enjoyed cooking for her family, baking, visiting with her friends and neighbors, drinking Diet Coke, and traveling with her husband. She was very proud of being a girl from a coal mining town who got to see so many places. In her younger years she worked as a volunteer in hospitals. Patty loved a good sitcom and Elvis Presley music, as well as watching sports- especially the WVU Mountaineers. She enjoyed making birthdays and Christmas mornings special for her children and grandchildren, and there wasn’t ever a toy requested that she could not track down. Patty was a self described “firecracker”, and if you met her, you likely didn’t forget it.
Patty will be honored by her family with a private memorial in Tampa, Florida.
John W. "Johnny" Moore III
John W. Moore III, “Johnny,” longtime resident of South Charleston, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 79.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Kathy Austin Moore; his sons, Jason Moore (Kim) and Eric Moore; grandsons, Damon and Mason Moore; his sister, Polly Kidd (James); and nephews, Josh Kidd and Grant Moore (Tabby). He was preceded in death by his parents, John William “Bill” Moore, Jr. and Frances “Brownie” Moore; and his brother, Greg Moore (Betsey).
Johnny was born on November 9, 1945, in Charleston, WV, and graduated from South Charleston High School, Class of 1963. He also served his country in the US Army, and was a Vietnam War Veteran.
Johnny was the proud owner of South Charleston Electric Company, having worked in the family-run business for over five decades. He was actively involved in the National Electrical Contractors Association and other small business associations in South Charleston. In his spare time, Johnny loved traveling with friends and family, attending WVU sporting events, scuba diving, working outdoors, and spending time with his family. Johnny had a great sense of humor and was loved by all who met him. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and business associates.
A Service to Honor the Life of Johnny will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Wes Runyan officiating. Burial will follow at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV. Family and friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until the Noon service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the WVU Cancer Institute at Thomas Hospitals. To make a donation, please visit http://thomasfoundationwv.org/donate, or call 304-766-4340.
Memories of Johnny may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Kim Galloway
Kim Jocelyn Galloway, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, West Virginia.
Born on October 25, 1955, in Charleston to the late Ralph Steven Galloway Sr. and Edna Elizabeth (Latta) Galloway—who survives her—Kim was a beacon of love and strength throughout her life.
A Stonewall Jackson High School graduate, Kim dedicated herself to serving others as an administrative assistant for the City of Charleston before retiring to focus on what she cherished most: family. Her life was marked by selflessness as she lovingly cared for her parents and brother during their times of need.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Jocelyn Nicole Martin; her son-in-law, Jheremy Martin; and her cherished grandchildren: Aerosyn, Knox, Sloane, and Xola. Kim’s family was the center of her world, and she found immense joy in traveling to visit her grandchildren whenever possible; spoiling them with love and gifts was one of her greatest pleasures. She also leaves to cherish her memory, a brother, Ralph S. Galloway, Jr., four sisters, Stephanie Clay, Linda Bridges, Marcia Galloway, and Melanie Walton, a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was a faithful member of Glorious Liberty Apostolic Church and found happiness in cooking, reading, shopping, and Sunday fellowship dinners with her church family. Kim lived her life with an unwavering spirit of generosity and love that extended beyond her immediate family. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand or offer support when needed. Known for her candid nature, Kim left a lasting impression on all who knew her. It is this legacy that will forever remain etched into our hearts.
A graveside burial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, located at 4301 MacCorkle Avenue SW in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selection the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Sharon Davis
Sharon Louise Davis, 85, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on December 22, 2024 at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Hospital in Charleston, WV.
She was born on November 6, 1939 in Independence, Iowa to the late Harold E. and LaVon Crawford Fisher. November 13, 1957 Sharon married the love of her life, Albert E. Davis. She worked as a Nurse for 17 years until her family moved to Charleston, West Virginia in 1977. It was then that she joined St. Timothy Lutheran Church. Her servants heart led her to faithfully serve in the Kitchen (her favorite place), VBS, Altar Guild, and attend Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study. Sharon enjoyed the class and loved the ladies dearly. Sharon adored her family and was proud to be a grandmother of her five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Along with her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her husband Albert as well as her sister, Doris Diane LaBahn.
Sharon is survived by son, Mark D. (Carol) Davis; daughter, Michelle D. (Wallace) Fowler; grandchildren, Matthew R. Davis, Anna M. Davis, Rachelle R. Fowler, Emily K. (Troy) Addison and Megan N. Fowler; great grandchildren, Madison Davis, Amelia Davis, Riley Nelson and Lincoln Addison.
A Memorial Service to Honor the Life of Sharon will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 26, 2024 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church with Elder, Jeff Northcutt officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
In Lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 900 Lawndale Lane, Charleston, WV 25314 or Kanawha HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W, Charleston, WV 25387-2536
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.
Judy Carrel Carey
Judy Carrel Carey was taken from us unexpectedly on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Judy was born in Huntington, West Virginia, in the late winter of 1943, and she lived her entire life in the state she loved. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Carey; her parents, Albert and Myrtle Grass; her sisters, Mae (Joe) Martin, Martha Mosier, and Elaine (Jack) Carey; her brother, Tommy Grass; and her sons, Jeffrey Hammack and Chris Carey.
Judy leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory, including her sister, Paulie; her daughters, Dreama (Jeff) Hammack and Reagan (Clayton) Thompson; grandsons, Mike Hammack, Shane (Cynthia) Hammack, Brandon McClanahan, and Michael Thompson; and granddaughters, Krissy (Scott) Stevenson and Nikki (Anthony) Atkins. She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Michael, Simarah, Chelsea, Kayleigh, Elijah, Lincoln, Lily, and Chloe; as well as one great-great-grandson, Hayes. Judy also leaves behind her life-long friend, Kathy Helton, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, and her pride and joy, Buttons.
Judy spent much of her career in the car rental industry, where she thrived as a Regional Manager for National Car Rental. Her professionalism and warmth earned her lifelong friendships. Judy was known for her integrity, kindness, sass, and disciplined nature—a remarkable balance that endeared her to everyone she met.
Above all, Judy's greatest joy and priority in life was her family. She adored her children and grandchildren, and she found immense pride in their accomplishments. Her love for her son, Jeff, who passed away in 2006, was a testament to her fierce devotion. She fought for her family with a tenacity unmatched, embracing every member with a love that grew bigger and deeper with each hug.
Judy had a passion for traveling to sunny places, flower gardening, and creating joyful moments with her grandchildren. Her hugs were warm and comforting, her wisdom was profound, and her contagious laugh brought joy to every room she entered.
Though Judy’s passing leaves a profound void, her family finds solace in their faith, believing they will reunite one day on the streets of gold. Judy’s legacy of love, resilience, and laughter will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home, located at 4122 MacCorkle Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25309, on January 3, 2025, at 12 noon. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Judy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Gary Wayne Grady
Gary Wayne Grady, 78, of Charleston, WV, passed away on December 17, 2024.
Gary was born on July 4, 1946, to Dorn and Georgia Grady in Cottageville, WV, where he grew up along with his brother, Jerry Grady. After graduating from Ravenswood High School, Gary earned his college degree from the WVU School of Journalism, and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He also served his country in the US Army. On August 10, 1968, Gary married Christine Basham, and they later were blessed with the birth of their two children: Michael and Sara.
After making their home in Charleston, WV, Gary joined the West Virginia Tractor Company, later co-owning and serving as President of the company.
Gary is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Michael Grady (Jennifer); daughter, Sara Grady; granddaughter, Caroline Grady; grandsons, Alex Grady, Ben Grady, and Chris Grady; an honorary granddaughter, Amanda Donahoe; and three great-grandchildren.
A Service to Honor the Life of Gary will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with H.R. Whittington officiating. Entombment will be in Graceland Memorial Park. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Gary may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.