Elma Zapanta Bernardo
Elma Zapanta Bernardo, MD, 88, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on December 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with a rare aggressive cancer. The daughter of Germiniano Bajamunde and Araceli Galleposo Zapanta, Elma was born in Cebu, Philippines. She was a loving mother, Lola, Tita to her family and friends. She was kind-hearted and inspirational to those whose lives she touched.
Elma received her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and did her residency at Saint Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. The family moved to Charleston in 1984. Dr. B, as she was lovingly known, practiced psychiatry in the Kanawha Valley for 32 years. She loved to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ignacio Dizon Bernardo, MD, daughter Maria Teresa Zapanta Bernardo and brother Tomas Galleposo Zapanta. She is survived by her children Maricel Bernardo, Elena Moffatt (Kevin), Jack Bernardo (Laurie), Rita Bernardo, Ray Bernardo (Cherry) and Elsa Lewis (Michael); grandchildren Connor (Kristen), Xander, Riley, Noah, Isabella, Owen, Emily (Darren) and Ryan (Darcey); great-grandchildren Caleb, Ian, Rory, Nick, Noah, Jefferson, Rosie and Reagan; sister Heidi Zapanta Ranillo, sister-in-law Helen Chiong Zapanta, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Service to Honor the Life of Elma will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston, with the Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs officiating. A reception will follow in the Msgr. Edward P. Sadie Gathering Space. The burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Visitation is 10am to 11am, prior to the service at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CAMC Foundation Cancer Research (3414 Staunton Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304; https://camcfoundation.org/ways-to-give/give-to-honor-or-remember/).
The Bernardo family extends a heartfelt thanks to family and friends, Dr. Kok Hoe Chan and the CAMC Cancer Center staff, Dr. Julian Espiritu, Fr. Don, Fr. Roy, Sr. Ida and the Sisters of the Child Jesus at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the staff of CAMC Memorial, Mountaineer HomeCare, A Special Touch In-Home Care, Charleston Hospice, and KCEAA.
Memories of Elma may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com/ and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jon Howard Beck
Jon Howard Beck, 61, of Saint Albans, WV, passed away on November 27, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his family. He lived with ALS for eight years, embracing each moment and appreciating every day while exemplifying courage and acceptance in the face of difficult circumstances.
Jon was born December 16, 1962, and raised in Denver, CO, by his parents, Howard and Eleonor Beck. Jon attended Glendale Community College on a basketball scholarship and completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University. He furthered his education by earning his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy at Emory University, and enjoyed a fulfilling career at Thomas Memorial Hospital.
He was passionate about cycling, music, and sports, especially those his children participated in. He had an extensive network of friends who were as dear as family to him.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Eleonor Beck. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Conner, Nathaniel, and Rachel; and his siblings, Pennie Nelson, Janet Lewis, Susann Ragsdale, Melanie Franey, and Chris Beck. He is also survived by many close cousins, nieces, and nephews.
His Celebration of Life will be held at Unity of Kanawha Valley on December 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. with a reception for family and friends immediately following the service. Those unable to attend may join in and watch live on Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3043450021 (password:1111)
Or call 253-215-8782 and enter Meeting ID: 3043450021.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Hospice (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) or the ALS Association of West Virginia (https://www.als.org/support/states/west-virginia).
Memories of Jon may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Gladys Arnetta Hall
Gladys Arnetta Hall, 87, of Tornado, WV, formerly of South Charleston, WV, passed away on November 30, 2024, at home with her family.
Gladys was a Christian woman who touched so many people with her kindness and love. She spent her career serving others as a cook in the Kanawha County School system.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, John and Beulah Woody; her loving husband, Harold Hall; her grandson, Dylan Hall; along with all of her siblings.
Gladys is survived by her four sons, Harold (Elaine) Hall , John (Kim) Hall, David (Darlena) Hall, and Roger (Amber) Hall; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A private service to honor Gladys’ life will be held at a later date.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to the Hospice workers, as they were so kind to Gladys during her last days.
Memories of Gladys may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Reginald "Reggie" Smith
Reginald “Reggie” Smith, 77, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, with his beloved wife of 50 years, Sarah (Sally Fish), by his side. He is survived by his two sons, Paul (Carrie) and Matthew (Abigail); and his cherished grandsons, Finn and Reid. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his lifelong work as a coach and educator.
Reggie was born and raised in Fayetteville and Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, the first-born son of Reginald and Nelgene Smith. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherri; and is survived by his brother, Mike, who lives in Michigan with his wife, Tammy.
From an early age, Reggie was a gifted athlete. He was a standout swimmer and guard for West Virginia Tech. Reggie also played drums for City Limits, using his talent to support his education. He loved music and would often point out layers of a track unnoticed by the casual listener. He knew what made a song, an effort, a person, and a team, unique.
After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, and graduating WVU Tech, he went on to earn a master’s degree in physical education and coaching from West Virginia University.
Reggie’s love for sports and coaching defined much of his life and left an indelible mark on the state of West Virginia. He was the founding coach of the University of Charleston’s women’s soccer program in 1989, and went on to coach at Charleston Catholic, George Washington High School, and WVU Tech. His commitment to developing student athletes extended beyond the field, and his athletes carry forward his lessons of character to this day.
Reggie will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory and teachings will continue to resonate in the lives of his family and the many individuals he coached and mentored.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the WVU Tech Baisi Athletic Scholarship Fund, #2S430 (WVU Foundation at One Waterfront Place – 7th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650, or online at https://give.wvu.edu/ with the designation), or, to the Chef Paul Smith Foundation for hospitality, scholarship fund, and education (Chef Paul Smith Foundation - 40 Norwood Road #7, Charleston, WV 25314).
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with Rev. Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the Mass.
Memories of Reggie may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bessie Roberta Hamilton Anderson
Bessie Roberta Hamilton Anderson, of Dunbar, West Virginia, went to be with our Lord, peacefully, on November 19, 2024 Hubbard Hospice House.
Bessie was born to Otie Hamilton and Sadie Agee Hamilton in Red Sulphur Springs, West Virginia on August 30, 1927.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Nathan Hamilton, Irma Holmes, Francis Mann, Oliver Hamilton, Charles Hamilton, Otie Hamilton Jr., Mildred Pack Guy, Florence Adams, Alma L. Sweeney and Shirley Gilmer; Mr. William Henry Anderson, who was her best friend and husband of 65 years; and beloved only child, Ms. Pamela Charlene Anderson.
Bessie leaves to mourn: Dr. Sherlon P. Brown, Toledo, Ohio; Jewell Merenivitch, Hinton, West Virginia; Charlene H. Ryan, New York; Danny Mann, Lewisburg, West Virginia; Lisa Hamilton, New York; Cathy Fountain; Ashley Benson, Los Angeles, CA; Cannie Hamilton, San Bernardino, CA; Michael Adams, Wilmington, Delaware, and Tara Thompson, Marietta, Georgia.
She leaves behind some special friends, Vicki Hairston, Janice Holland, Edith Byers, Stanley Green, Clarence Knapper, Lois Spotts, and a host of friends and relatives!
Bessie attended Windale Elementary grades 1-8. She attended Lincoln High School, 9-12, and was honored 3rd in the class and class Historian. She attended Bluefield State College for one year, and graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia State University with a degree in Home Economics, and a degree from Marshall University with a degree in Home Economics.
Bessie was a member of Samaritan Baptist Church for 30 years, until its closing, and was a member of First Baptist Church until her passing.
She loved cooking, keeping a clean and organized house, and teaching others how to sew. She was highly fashionable and loved wearing the finest jewelry and collecting only the “finest hats.” She was even featured in a magazine which highlighted how fashionable her hats were. But most importantly, she loved the Lord! She always reminded us that she felt as though she was one of His favorites. She read the Bible and took copious notes, always noting that “God is Good” and “God Will Take Care of Me.”
A service to Honor the Life of Bessie will be held at 12:00 Noon, December 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church, with Entombment following in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. Friends may visit from 11:00 am till service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, it is Bessie’s wish that monetary donations in her memory go to Hubbard Hospice House Hospicecarewv.org Kanawha Hospice Care 1606 Kanawha Blvd West Charleston, WV 25387 and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital Stjude.org .
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Ken Kennedy
Ken Kennedy was born on March 9, 1943. He died quite suddenly on November 19, 2024, at home.
Between those dates, he went to school, attended church, played football, and played varsity college basketball at West Virginia Tech. He became a teacher, basketball coach, and later an administrator for the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center. But his favorite job was being a father and a grandfather.
He was married to his wife, Donna, for 56 years and had one son, Chris. He is also survived by his daughter- in-law, Karri; and 2 glorious grandsons, Nicholas and Landon.
He had a love of sports his whole life, including basketball, running, fishing, skiing, and more. He really loved the West Virginia Mountaineers!
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Ken will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/) at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Memories of Ken may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Niva Carolyn Williamson
Niva Carolyn Williamson, of South Charleston, went to join Jesus and her beloved late husband, Ron, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. She was born on January 30, 1940, to the late George Latimer Noble and Dessie Opal Noble (Warner).
Niva married Ronald Lewis Williamson on October 21, 1959, in Gauley Bridge, West Viginia. Her career included working as an Administrative Assistant at The Chemical Banking and Trust Company in South Charleston, WV, and as a bookkeeper at Jordon Chiropractic Clinic. She was also the owner-operator of the South Charleston Dairy Queen and Spring Hill Dairy Bar, where she was renowned for her delicious hot dogs, all while raising four boys and countless neighborhood children. After retiring, she dedicated 25 years to raising, caring for, racing, and adopting out greyhounds.
Niva is survived by her four sons: Ronald Lexford Williamson (Darla), George Vincent Williamson (Julie), Jeffery Wayne Williamson, and Phillip Kevin Williamson (Angela). She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Michael, Scott, Aimee, Kylie, Nate, Zach; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Noble; her mother, Opal Noble; her sister, Norma Seested; her brother, Darwin Noble; her beloved husband, Ron Williamson; and grandchildren, Dustin Williamson and Amber Williamson.
Niva embodied hard work and compassion, always caring for those in need and inspiring others with her selflessness. Her bright spirit and unwavering love will leave a void in the lives of her family, friends, and community.
The family would like to extend special thanks to her caregivers: Kathy Crow, Myrande, Tabitha, and all of the staff of Amada Senior Care and HospiceCare of Charleston.
A Service to Honor the Life of Niva C. Williamson will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Rev. Cindy Briggs-Biondi officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, at 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV, 25311. (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today)
Memories of Niva may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
John Philip Hylbert
John Philip Hylbert, 65, of Charleston, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, from a recent illness. He passed suddenly and without suffering, after a courageous battle.
John is survived by his devoted son, Justin Philip, adoring daughter, Brooke, admiring son-in-law, Jack Field, and precious grandson, Hayden Philip. John loved his family unconditionally and with great ferocity. Although their time together was painfully short, Hayden will always know his granddad by way of the family instilling John’s brand of love. John was preceded in death by his parents, who considered him their “miracle baby,” Philip Eugene Hylbert and Jo Ann Casey. Although an only child, John is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews from his extended family; former spouse, Pam Hylbert-Eder (Scott); and best friend from childhood, Tom Capito.
John was a graduate of Charleston High School (’77) where he played basketball. His children learned the value of hard work and dedication through his tenure as a chemical operator with DuPont/Chemours (Belle and Parkersburg) for nearly 40 years.
While impossible to summarize a life of love, his children would like to share a poem they wrote and gifted him for Christmas in 2005 – mimicking a poem they discovered, written by his parents and gifted to him on his birthday in 1987:
Where to start? Where to begin? This was the problem, again and again, It is simply impossible to convey everything we feel, But through this poem we hope to reveal, Our birthdays were undoubtedly blessed days for you, We want you to know they were blessed days for us too, After nine long months we could finally see, While only the beginning, what a wonderful father you’d be, Although tall, a mighty giant to us – we know this to be true, We felt safe and secure, as we do to this day, just because you were you, You taught us to listen, you taught us to mind, You taught us to be patient, gentle, loving, and kind, Know the secret to your success in teaching us two? We do not only as you say, but also as you do, We have so much fun, sometimes it’s almost a crime, Always giggling while asking, “Do you remember that time …?”, Fishing, camping, tubing, racing – all while we laugh out of control, From Disney to Clearwater, and let us not forget the famed, the legendary, Mystery Hole, We know we are special, you make us feel so, We know we are loved, you always tell us before we go, You have nurtured our wings, we are not afraid to fly, What an amazing gift, one we keep with us as time goes by, We look forward to the time that our family will grow, So that others may experience the love only you can bestow, Dad, one thing is certain, knowing the man you are, Grandma and Granddad could not be more proud of their son, their shining star, You are all a daughter and son could ask for, You are the light of our lives and more.
During their father’s battle, Justin and Brooke relied on the hospitality of the Rosenbaum House in Morgantown. In lieu of flowers or other gifts of sympathy, the family asks that you consider a donation in John’s name to any local hospitality/family house that supports families while their loved ones receive medical care. The family would like to thank their network of family and friends for their continuous support, especially Linsday Hope and Aunt Cathy for their caregiving. The family plans a small celebration of life after the holidays.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Joan Platz
After an extended illness and with family at her side, Joan Platz passed away on November 9, 2024, at Edgewood Summit. The daughter of George and Catherine Van Valkenburg, she was born in Bronxville, New York, and grew up in Larchmont, New York.
She is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Topp, and her husband Charles, of Charleston; by three sons: Kevin Platz of Cologne, Germany, Ted Platz, III of Newport R.I., and Stephen Platz and his wife, Melissa Doty, of Charleston; and by four grandchildren: Graham, Mary Catherine, and Elizabeth Platz, and Ronald Topp, all of Charleston.
Joan received her B.A. degree from Marymount College (Manhattan) in 1954. She and her husband, Ted, came to Charleston with their family in 1977. Within a few years, she joined the University of Charleston staff, serving as Budget Director, Director of Admissions, and Assistant to the President, before retiring. She subsequently joined the staff at Sunrise Museum, serving as Director of Development. She was a member of the Kanawha Garden Club and the Belmont Garden Club.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore A. Platz, Jr., and her siblings: George Van Valkenburg, Anne Fletcher, Arlene Van Valkenburg, and John Van Valkenburg.
A Service to Honor the Life of Joan will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Father Rayappa Kurakula officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
The Platz family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Edgewood Summit and Hospice of Charleston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sacred Heart Needy Student Fund. (https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/shccwv)
Memories of Joan may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Sarah Elizabeth Spradling McGuire
Sarah Elizabeth Spradling McGuire, 76, of Cross Lanes, WV, passed away on November 09, 2024, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Sarah was a dedicated friend, sister, daughter, mother, wife, and educator. An alum of Ohio University, she was an avid learner and chose a career as a Homebound and Special Education teacher, supporting the children and families of Appalachia. A lover of music and culture, Sarah could be found listening to James Taylor, watching musicals, or off on one of her many adventures, which took her all over the United States and to Europe. Her compassion led her to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and foster community and friendships wherever she went. She found peace in meditation, loved travel, swimming, volunteering, photography, and spending time with friends and family.
Sarah is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Hope Clay Spradling; her father, Julius Emmett Spradling Jr.; and her brother, Marshall Clay Spradling.
She is survived by her loving husband, Richard McGuire (Charleston, WV); her brother, Tim Spradling (Greensboro, NC); her daughter, Emily McGuire Casto (Charleston, WV), and son, Matthew McGuire (Chicago, IL).
A service to Honor the Life of Sarah will be held at 1pm on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, WV, with Reverend Ravi Isaiah officiating. Family and friends may visit from 12pm to 1pm prior to the service. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the “Live Stream” button under the obituary photo.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/support/honor-memorial-gifts).
Memories of Sarah may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.