Frank D. Jennings
Frank D. Jennings, age 99, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on October 1, 1925, in Williamstown, WV, Frank was the son of Richard Jennings and Pearl Dale Copen Jennings. A graduate of Coudersport High School in Coudersport, PA, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately following graduation. He proudly served his country during World War II, fighting in the pivotal Battle of Okinawa, before being honorably discharged in 1946. Frank’s dedication to service remained a cornerstone of his character throughout his life.
A devoted resident of Charleston for over 50 years, Frank spent his career in the coal industry, ultimately becoming a respected figure as Chair of the West Virginia Surface Mining Association. Known for his leadership and unwavering commitment, Frank played a pivotal role in shaping the industry he was so passionate about.
Frank's life was rich with pursuits that brought him joy and fulfillment. He was an avid tennis player, finding camaraderie and challenge on the court, and his skilled hands brought beautiful creations to life in his woodworking shop. But his greatest passion was undoubtedly his family. He poured his heart into raising his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, establishing a legacy of love, integrity, and resilience that will live on through each of them.
Preceding Frank in death were his parents; his first wife, Mary Schumacher Jennings, and his second wife, LaDonna Wilson Jennings; brothers, Richard and Burton Jennings; son, John “Jackie” Jennings; daughter, Cynthia Harrington; and grandchildren, Mary Kathleen “Katie” Harrington and Mary Kathryn Bruner.
He is survived by his children, Kathryn Bruner, Deborah Cotes (Osterman), Bruce Jennings (Nancy), and Brian Jennings (Sue). Also surviving are his stepchildren, Michael Wilson (Jane), Shelley Wilson and partner Candy Castaldi, and Laura Carpanzano (Dillon). His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Kristine Snively (Toby), Robert Cotes (Maren), Matthew Bruner (Lauren), Stephen Bruner (Bryanna), Elizabeth Bruner, Daniel Jennings (Kate), Ashley Jennings (Trevor Toth), Kayleigh Jennings; and step-grandchildren, David Wilson (Claire Nicely), Robert Wilson (Liz), Anna Wilson-Weustefeld, and Lucas Wilson-Weustefeld. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service honoring Frank’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today) or the Hubbard Hospice House (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Frank can be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are being handled by Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Shirley Ann Davis Mullens
Shirley Ann Davis Mullens, 86, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Kanawha Place Assisted Living in Charleston, WV. She was born December 1, 1937, in Fairmont, WV, the daughter of the late William and Sylvia Davis.
Shirley graduated from Fairmont Sr. High School and began working at C&P Telephone as a Switchboard and Long Distance Operator. She took several years off to stay at home and care for her two children and later returned to work at Bell Atlantic in the business office until she retired. She loved her family and friends deeply and was always willing and ready to help in any way that was needed. She was a faithful member of South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Frank Mullens, Sr., who she faithfully cared for during his 7 year battle with Alzheimer’s – a faithful example of “in sickness and in health”. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her sisters and their husbands, Betty and Alan Fox, Martha and John Cox, and Virginia and Frank Abruzzino; and her brothers, Bill Davis and his wife Annie, Jack Davis and James Davis.
She is survived by her children, Cindi Walker (Paul) of Scott Depot, WV and Frank Mullens, Jr (Sherry) of So. Charleston; five grandchildren, Emily Bryan (Steve) of Nashville, TN, Dr. Andrew Walker (Hannah) of Charleston, WV, Mackenzie (Ross) Estep of So. Charleston, WV, Frank Mullens, III (Virginia) of Charleston, WV and Kristin Arnold (Jacob) of So. Charleston, WV; four great-children, Levi Walker Bryan, Carter Davis Bryan, Grant Matthew Walker, and Lainey Belle Arnold. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Harsh (Roger) and her sisters-in-law, Juanita Davis and Fran Davis, all of Fairmont, WV.
Service to honor the life of Shirley will be Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Burial will take place in Sunset Memorial Park following the service. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 PM, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/wv or to the South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene, 4923 Kentucky St, South Charleston, WV 25309.
Memories of Shirley may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Barbara Lee Maupin
Barbara Lee Maupin, 84, of Elkview, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Barbara is survived by her children, Kathy and Robert; grandkids, Maranda, Christina, and Philip; and great-grandkids, Abigail, Malachi, Hannah, Aliana, Tinsley, and Lilleigh.
Barbara was a graduate of Charleston High School, Class of 1958.
A Service to Honor the Life of Barbara will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. David Keeney officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Barbara may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Kay Reavis
Kay Frances (Garrison) Reavis, 91, of Charleston, WV, passed away suddenly on Saturday afternoon, October 12, 2024 surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren and niece.
She was born in Winifrede, WV on October 6, 1933, daughter of the late Georgia B. Garrison Scott and the late Frye B. Garrison. Kay was a 1952 graduate of East Bank High School. She retired from NGK Spark Plug Plant in Sissonville, West Virginia.
Surviving are her daughter, Deborah K. Boyles and her husband Jerry of Bridgeport; daughter, Sandra A. Bryant Minor of Gallagher; son, Terry D. Reavis and his wife Mary Lou of Foster; daughter, Mary E. Coleman of Charleston; and daughter, Ruth Ann Reavis and companion Jerry Maxwell of Charleston. Kay had 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 2 nieces and 1 nephew.
In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Garrison and Robert Garrison and her sister, Janet Price.
A Private Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held by the family at a later date.
Burial was held in Sunset Memorial Park and all arrangements are being handled by Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Cynthia Cooper
Cynthia "Cynnie" Swope Cooper, 85, of Kimberly, West Virginia entered eternal rest October 24th at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
She was a beautiful, kind, loving mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother who dearly loved her family and friends. Cynnie was born at home in Ansted, WV in 1938 to parents Joseph and Cleo Swope. In 1960, she graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology with a degree in Home Economics and History. She was an expert seamstress who could handle any job. She worked for over thirty years at the Kimberly and Smithers Post Offices as a postal clerk and recently was very active with the Senior Citizen Center in Smithers.
Cynnie was preceded in death by her son, Tim Cooper of Prince, and her parents Joe and Cleo Swope of Kimberly.
Family left to cherish her memory are daughter, Karen (Jim) Jordan of Charleston; sisters, Gayle Panucci of Dunbar, Frances (Rasoul) Vazirabad of Milwaukee, WI, and Cheryl Kerns of Fairmont; seven grandchildren, Alicia Jordan, Bridgette Cooper, Jarrod Jordan, Adam Jordan, Alyssa Cooper, Timothy Cooper, Cayden Cooper; three great-grandchildren, Branson Pate, Brentlee Pate, and Breleigh Pate; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, at 12:00 noon, Thursday, October 31, 2024 with Rev. Dorothy Dean officiating. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park, London. Friends may visit from 11:00 am to service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity.
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Dean Louis Southworth
Dean Louis Southworth, 35 of Charleston, WV, died Saturday morning, October 19, 2024 from an accidental fall at his home. At time of his death he resided in Cross Lanes, WV.
Dean leaves behind a son, Rye; father Jim (Bev) Evans, sister, Olivia Evans and brother Vaughan Evans all of Bridgeport, WV; mother, Laura Southworth of Charleston, WV; sisters, Danielle, Amelia, and Victoria; brothers, Desmond and Donovan all of Charleston, WV; grandparents, Cephas Evans of Roanoke, VA and Louis and Sharon Southworth of Charleston, WV; aunts, Pam (Glenn) Goldfarb, Kathy (Monty) Baylor; uncles Steve (Kelly) Evans, Billy (Leslie) Evans, and Brian Southworth; nieces, Astrid and Raven; as well as many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his Mimi, Bobbie Evans, and his best fur friend, George.
Dean attended public schools in Charleston and graduated from Brandon Hall High School in Roswell, GA where he participated in different sports, excelling in soccer. He obtained a degree in business administration from WVU and two advanced degrees. Dean started his career with Encova Insurance and currently worked at Amwins. He was an avid Mountaineer fan and enjoyed playing and watching golf. He loved watching the Pirates play, all baseball really, and he loved traveling.
Dean, you will be sadly missed by your family and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Santeen officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 Noon until service time. There will also be a live streaming of Dean’s service for anyone that can’t make it. Dean’s father, Jim, will be hosting this memorial service. All friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Dean’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. To leave online condolences or join the live streaming please visit www.snodgrassfuneral.com and select Dean’s obituary.
Dean Louis Southworth
Dean Louis Southworth, 35, of Charleston, WV, died Saturday morning, October 19, 2024.
Dean leaves behind a son, Rye; mother, Laura; sisters, Danielle, Amelia, and Victoria; brothers, Desmond and Donovan; nieces, Astrid and Raven; as well as a many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Rita and John; and his beloved dog, George.
He graduated from Brandon Hall School in Atlanta, GA where he enjoyed and excelled in many sports. He then graduated from WVU with a degree in business administration. He began his career with Encova and currently worked at Amwins.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching and participating in sports, gaming, and traveling.
He will be remembered and missed by his family and friends.
A visitation to honor the life of Dean will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, with a time of sharing stories and memories from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm, which will be live streamed, Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the shelter from which Dean adopted his beloved George: Monongalia County Canine Adoption Center, 243 High Street, Second Floor, Morgantown, WV 26505. You may also visit their Facebook page and donate to their “wish list”.
To leave online condolences or join the live streaming please visit www.snodgrassfuneral.com and select Dean’s obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Carol Newman Jefferson
Carol Newman Jefferson, 85, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on October 22, 2024.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roger; son, Brad (Rebecca Stafford); daughter, Laura Jefferson Anitori of Powell, OH; granddaughters, Sara Anitori and Mary Anitori, both of Columbus; and grandson, Adam Jefferson of Huntington, WV. She is also survived by special friends: Becky Bannon of Myrtle Beach, Judy May Hayes of Huntington, Mary Townson and Vicki Pendell, both of Charleston.
Carol was born on October 5, 1939 in Huntington, WV, the only child of Pearley and Marie Clay Newman. She grew up in Wayne, WV, and was a 1957 graduate of Wayne High School. Carol and her childhood best friend, Becky Skaggs Bannon, remained lifelong friends/sisters. Becky and her sons, Dean and Brad II, are family to the Jeffersons. Carol’s father passed away in 1958 and her mother Marie remained a strong influence on Carol and her family’s lives until her passing in 1998.
Carol was a proud graduate of Marshall University, where she was a Journalism major, graduating in the first class of the newly renamed Marshall University. She married Roger Jefferson in 1961 and moved to the Charleston area in 1964. Carol sacrificed her career to raise her children, and she was a great mother. She did begin working in the late 1970’s, and managed a doctor’s office and worked with a law firm for a time, before finally retiring from Columbia Gas.
Carol very much enjoyed her time with her grandchildren; Sara, Mary and Adam. They all had a special and unique relationship with her. She also enjoyed spending time with friends and had many locally, including Mary and Moe Townson, Vicki and Butch Pendell, and Barbara Lockhart. She had a special friendship with her next-door neighbor from Fitzwater Drive, Edith Hoffman, who passed in 1998. Carol also had a special group of friends who celebrated their friendship with yearly Royal Weekend trips to the Smoky Mountains. These friends included Becky Bannon, the late Gail Perry, and the late Mary Withum.
A service to honor the life of Carol will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 4 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Reverend Jim Plyburn officiating. Visitation for family and friends will precede the service beginning at 2:30 pm.
Burial will be at 1:30 pm on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley, Faith in Action – River Cities, or to the Charleston Hospice House.
The family also wishes to thank the Charleston Hubbard House and Hospice nurse Jo Bailey, whose attention and patience with Carol was greatly appreciated. Thanks also to Shawn Walls for all her help to the family over the last few months, Joe and Debbie Armstrong, who have been such good neighbors to Carol and Roger and have helped out in many ways, and to Carol’s grandson, Adam, who spent many days with his grandparents helping in all kinds of ways.
Carol’s friends, Becky Bannon and Judy May Hayes, wished to express their sentiments, which follow:
“My world, and the world of many, will not be the same without Carol. Although she was a few years older (she hated for me to say that), her friendship can never be matched. She was the sister I never had.” – Becky Bannon
“I will remember you. I will remember the laughter and the tears. I will remember my freshman year at Marshall, hiding in your closet behind the shoeboxes at Laidley Hall. Because neither of us had a dollar to pay the guest fee. I remember double dating in Roger’s Merrimack and Ralph’s Mayflower. We each had our families and lived good lives. We travelled together and attended Marshall games together since 1959. I loved your family and you loved mine. We were always able to laugh, even when it really wasn’t funny. I am going to miss our good times. I love you my dear friend. I will remember you always. And I’ll see you on the other side.” – Judy May Hayes
Memories of Carol may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bobby Ray Burgess
Bobby Ray Burgess died on October 21, 2024, following a short illness.
Bob was the son of Marvin and Thelma Fisher Burgess, and was born in 1938 in Sissonville, WV.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step mother, Cora Monday Burgess; and step sisters, Sue Elkins and Barbar Ward Smith.
Bob is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mary Grinstead Burgess; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Beth Burgess; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Jeff Himrod; grandchildren: Matthew Burgess, Allison Himrod, Sam Himrod, and Tyler Himrod; his step-sister, Jackie Heywood, and his faithful dog, Molly.
Bob served in the Air Force and retired from the South Charleston Police Department. He loved bluegrass music, hunting, and football. He was inducted into the West Virginia Drag Racers Hall of Fame in 2016.
A service will be held in the Mausoleum Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 1 p.m., with H.R. Whittington officiating.
Memories of Bob may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Richard Snow Wilbur Jr.
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Richard Snow Wilbur Jr., a distinguished builder and beloved father, grandfather and mentor for many. He left this world peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 71.
Richard was a master builder in West Virginia, renowned for constructing some of the finest homes and renovating landmark commercial buildings in Charleston and throughout the Kanawha Valley. His expertise and craftsmanship earned him a legendary status during his building career, with many seeking his unparalleled skills to build their dream homes and renovate iconic downtown structures. He was his clients’ builder; their electrician; their plumber; their roofer; their everything in the building trades. He served all his clients equally and always stood by his work- a rare trait in the building trades. Through his work over 5 decades in the greater Charleston area, he provided hundreds of jobs, making a significant impact on the community and improving the lives of his employees.
He cherished spending time at Summersville Lake, WV, where he enjoyed the community he built. He devoted many hours to camping, making fires in the firepit, and boating with his family and friends.
In his later years, Richard found immense joy and purpose in caring for his two cherished granddaughters, who he lovingly referred to as his angels. Their presence in his life gave him motivation and happiness, as he watched them grow and thrive under his care.
Richard was an extraordinary individual, known for his selflessness and dedication to others. He always put others before himself, taking the time to listen and care deeply for everyone around him. His compassion and generosity touched the lives of many.
Richard's legacy will live on through the beautiful homes and commercial buildings he renovated, the people he helped, and the love he shared with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Snow Wilbur and Mary Wilbur. He is survived by his sons: Richard Snow Wilbur III (Melissa), Bradford Allen Wilbur, Benjamin Michael Wilbur, and Joseph Ryan Wilbur. Richard also leaves behind 13 grandkids and his sister, Betsy Capito (William) and family.
The family invites all who knew Richard to join them in celebrating his remarkable life at a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at South Charleston 1st Church of the Nazarene, 4923 Kentucky Street, South Charleston, WV 25303 - his house of worship in his later years. Friends and family may visit 1 hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Saint Mary’s Medical Center Foundation, https://mhnfoundations.org/our-foundations/st-marys-medical-center-foundation/, in honor of Richard's dedication to helping others.
Rest in peace, Richard. Your legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, and love will forever be remembered.
Memories of Richard may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.