Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin
ETHEL CAFFIE-AUSTIN OBITUARY
West Virginia's First Lady of Gospel Music
Born in Bluefield, West Virginia Ethel had the opportunity to learn her Afro-American Heritage from her parents Dave C. and Lucy Caffie. She was raised in Mount Hope, WV. Her father—a coal miner, minister, and guitarist—insisted that his child learn music. Dave C. Caffie was the son of a first-generation slave. He planted roots of the old songs, and old ways, in Alabama and indentured slave culture in Ethel as he shared the experiences of his father, and his own personal experiences as the son of a slave. The immediate family history and community experiences of the times were passed on to Ethel, Grio Style as portraits of her people were vividly painted through words, songs, and music from her father’s Gibson guitar.
Ethel was nurtured and protected by Dave C. and Lucy Caffie who waited many years for her arrival; David Caffie was born in 1893 and was 55 years old when she was born. Lucy Caffie noticed early that Ethel could play songs; she was hearing her play on the piano and immediately provided Piano lessons for her. She took lessons in Mount Hope from Eunice B. Fleming, the first Black person ever to give a master's recital (1957) and perform at a commencement (1973) at Marshall University. Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin started playing piano, publically, at the age of six, accompanying her father during his services at the Word of Truth COGIC, at the age of nine she started directing her first choir, THE SENIOR CHOIR, in her father’s church, and by the age of 14, Dr. Caffie-Austin was organizing and directing the first state choir in Southern West Virginia for the Churches Of God In Christ, bringing together singers from ten congregations of all ages.
Thomas Dorsey, the FATHER OF GOSPEL MUSIC, referred to singing Gospel Music as “singing the good news”. Since childhood, that is exactly what Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin did. Inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame in 2020, Acclaimed as West Virginia First Lady of Gospel Music, coronated as West Virginia’s Queen of Black Sacred Music on November 22, 1995, and West Virginia’s Queen of Gospel Music in 1998, Dr. Caffie-Austin has been sharing the rich and distinctive sound of Black Sacred Music through performance to thousands for decades, in USA Ethel Caffie-Austin has been called and distinguishingly awarded the title "West Virginia’s First Lady of Gospel Music".
Ethel’s, outstanding vocal talents were also noticed early beginning and began to blossom spiritually and secularly while attending Montgomery high school. There her musical talents were sharpened by being the accompanist for the Glee Club. Ethel was involved with the Thespian Club; she debuted and had leading roles in several plays during her high school years. At the urging of her aging parents, Ethel enrolled as a student at the West Virginia Institute of Technology, majoring in English. After graduating from Mount Hope High School in 1967, Ethel’s father discouraged her from pursuing a music career. Instead, she earned an English degree from the West Virginia Institute of Technology. Dr Caffie-Austin was an educator in public schools for more than 30 years. She became involved in education in 1971. As a student at the West Virginia Institute of Technology, Ethel sang and played original compositions with the school’s choral groups and organized gospel groups in four of the state’s colleges and universities, taking them on tour throughout the Eastern and Southern United States. Dr. Caffie-Austin formed The Collegiate Gospel Choir at West Virginia Tech in 1967. Dr. Caffie-Austin was confirmed as an honorary Doctor of Arts Degree in May 1997 by Davis and Elkins College.
She moved to Charleston in 1976 to take a job with Multi-CAP, an anti-poverty program. She began teaching piano to children in Charleston's public housing projects and formed yet another choir, which grew to between 70 and 80 young people. Dr. Caffie-Austin organized a community choir (AKA) Charleston Area Community Choir. Her ministry and music impacted the lives of everyone who participated and travel with the choir. Her ministry with this choir and Youth On The Move For Christ, which both consisted of a diverse congregat of young people who needed the Lord, was one of the Hallmarks of Dr Austins Evangelistic Minstry during the years of her tenur with these organizations. Many souls were saved and have gone on to become leaders and shakers in diverse ministries all over the world. She organized gospel choirs, gospel groups at different state universities, innumerable festivals, churches and civic organizations, facilitating her tours across the United States and throughout Europe. Her Caffie-Austin workshops all over America and Internationally impacted the spiritual and natural lives of the thousands of participants.
Christ Inspiration Delegation(CID), The Ethel Caffie-Austin Singers AKA was organized in 1978 for the purpose of having a small group of voices to travel and spread the cultural and spiritual messages of Black Sacred Music. Ethel hand picked the vocalist and musicians who participated in the group which made traveling a little easier. There are 6 CD Recordings attributed to this group. Music and Faith have formed the core of her life since early childhood. Dr Caffie-Austin has been asked on numerous occasions to cross-over to blues. The answer was always a resounding NO, because of the Calling on her life, an extrordinary anointed command of the gospel piano, her strong vocals, personal mastery of the music, her passionate deliverance of the message in the music, her songs of deliverance, songs of redemption and songs of praise, compel all who hear to an emotional response and life changing decisions.
Ethel’s background as an educator, for 30 plus years in Fayette and Kanawha County School crosses the public and private sectors. She taught in Fayette County Public Schools in Kanawha County Public Schools, substituted in Counties throughout West Virginia Public School System, and taught in the private sector with Charleston’s Opportunities Industries Corporation Dr. Caffie-Austin was the organizer and director of a community arts program sponsored by the City-Wide Improvement Council of Charleston, West Virginia and satellite center in Montgomery, West Virginia. She was a visiting professor in the music department of Davis and Elkins College, a Teagle Fellowship recipient for two years; and
Artist In Residence for Randolph County School and Fayette County Schools from 1994 to 1996. Dr. Caffie-Austin was requested in 1997 by Kanawha County Schools to return to work with students in Capitol Academy, an Alternative High School for “at risk” students who have one last chance to receive an education in the public school system
Dr. Caffie-Austin conducted Folk Life Cultural workshops, residencies and sabbaticals throughout West Virginia, the United States and abroad. The Ethel Caffie-Austin experience was a daylong workshop in which volunteer voices from the community were brought together in a gospel choir, from various churches and all levels of experience, from none to active choir members, culminating the days learning into a public concert. A memorable emotionally moving experience for all. Because of her versatility, Dr. Caffie-Austin had many talents and titles; she focused not only on various styles of Cultural Heritage Music, but she also incorporated historical narratives, slave songs, ring games, and cultural characters into her workshops with an ambition to expose people to various styles of Black Heritage Music. She was the founder and director of WEST VIRGINIA’S BLACK SACRED MUSIC FESTIVAL, which afforded a vast repertoire of cultural heritage wealth to its participants; the festival brought the finest cultural heritage clinicians in the nation to Charleston, West Virginia encompassing all the styles of Black Cultural and Sacred Music in existence. Dr. Caffie-Austin’s’ passion is to pass the old songs and sacred music to this generation so that the rich cultural heritage of the African American Black Heritage and Cultural Music is not lost to this generation. Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin’s’ broad repertoire enabled her to embrace every style of music from the simplest slave songs to the accompaniment and singing of the most complex symphony.
Always keeping the boundaries of her faith in God in her music in view, Dr Austin has given lifetime service and dedication to her ecumenical ministry. She had been a member of the Church Of God In Christ for her entire life. When she made her home in Charleston, there was no COGIC. Dr. Caffie-Austin prayed and fasted until Good Shepherd COGIC came into existence. The church evolved through several Bishops, Pastors and Ministry Name Changes into Brookside Ministries COGIC in Mt Carbon, WV where Dr. Bruce Hogan was her Pastor. Dr. Caffie-Austin’s dedication to God and her call to “work the works of Him who sent her” found her serving in almost every capacity of her church’s ministry including Pastoring, First COGIC in Kimberly, West Virginia and serving as Associate Pastor at Rimson Memorial Church of God In Christ. She successfully navigated all aspects of her callings and assignments, which she attributed to the Grace of God. Dr Caffie-Austin directed, wrote and arranged the music and narration for two plays relating to black heritage music. She served as Coordinator of the Community Arts Program for the City of Charleston where she developed drama, dance, visual arts, piano, voice and choir opportunities for young adults.
Dr Ethel Caffie-Austin met Rev James Austin while ministering in prison. In 1971, Dr. Caffie-Austin and her musical group performed at the Federal Prison Camp, Alderson (then named Federal Reformatory for Women). After hearing the performance, the warden of the prison, Virginia McLaughlin, soon hired Caffie-Austin as an intern to teach both gospel and secular music in the prison. While directing one of her plays in Charleston, WV. Rev. James K. Austin, who had miraculously been freed, walked into the church where she was directing the musical rehearsal and immediately stated, “Ethel is going to be my wife.” Despite Ethel’s every effort to steer him in other directions, Love won, and they were married on August 14, 1982. Their storybook romance was challenged when he became critically ill on their first wedding anniversary in 1983, they fought a good fight of faith. He died a short 3 years later on September 1, 1986, from complications of Cardiomyopathy.
Dr. Caffie-Austin had numerous appearances in concerts and workshops throughout the US and Europe, and had numerous honors awarded to her. She was guest soloist at Wolf Trap in conjunction with the reissuing of a prominent anthology of folk music for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC; guest conductor for a children's choir in concert in LA Carno, Switzerland; toured throughout Europe with the Ethel Caffie-Austin Singers numerous times. In 2001, Ethel visited Zimbabwe, Africa and sang in King Theater and Greyfriars's Kirk (Cathedral) in Edinburg, Scotland, and Brecon Cathedral in Brecon, Wales. Ethel was the first to sing Black Sacred Cultural Heritage music in the New, Poland and she took traditional music throughout Europe via Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, Estonia, France, and Spain, to mention a few countries. In 2004 The Ethel Caffie‑Austin Singers were first to sing Black Sacred Cultural Heritage in the concert halls of Estonia, a formerly Russian controlled European country and were guest once again of the Government of Estonia in 2012 and they were also the first to sing gospel music in The Vianna Austria Cathedral.
Dr. Ethel Caffie‑Austins’ honors are many. To mention a few: 2024 e-WV The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online•2020 Induction into the West Virginia Music Hall Of Fame•Woman Of Distinction In The Church Of God In Christ•2014 WVA Civil Rights Day WVA Human Rights Commission Advancing Civil Rights Through Advocacy Award•2014 10th Family circuit Court and Bench Bar Outstanding Dedication to the Arts Award•2013 Montgomery West Virginia Wall Of Fame•2013 All Black Schools Hall Of Fame•2012 Recipient of YWCA 100th Year Celebration Outstanding Women of Achievement Award•2006 Recipient of the Vandalia Award West Virginia’s Highest FOLK LIFE Honor•June 2002 RECIPIENT OF The First West Virginia African American Women of Distinction Awards From West Virginia Women’s Commission•On May 2, 2002 year at a special ceremony a documentary film of her life debuted “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”•She was confirmed an honorary Doctorate of Arts Degree in May, 1997. •She was honored as alumna of the 1998‑99 school year for the College of Business, Humanities, and Sciences at WV University Institute of Technology. •She was an educator in schools for over thirty years, •She has been a subject of documentation by APPLESHOP "His Eye Is on the Sparrow". •The Mid‑Atlantic Magazine The October SING OUT! THE FOLK SONG MAGAZINE: THE FOLK SONG MAGAZINE; the country's leading traditional music magazine. and in LIFESTYLES in the Charleston Daily Mail, October 1995. • She was the subject of documentation on two different segments of NORTH CAROLINIAS’ BROADCASTING STATIONS "Great American Music Company". •In addition, she was recipient of the esteemed JEFFERSON AWARD FOR Humanity and •Named one of the Most INFLUENTIAL BLACK WONEN IN CHARLESTON West Virginia with the BROTHERHOOD AWARD; •1984 edition of OUTSTANDING YOUNG WOMEN OF AMERICA;• A former member and pass secretary of THE WEST VIRGINIA PUBLIC RADIO ADVISORY BOARD; •Representative for the MID‑ATLANTIC ARTS COUNCILS meeting on Minorities in THE Arts IN WASHNGTON, DC charter•Member of the BOARD OF FRIENDS OF CULTURE AND HISTORY OUTSTANDING BLACK EDUCATOR IN CHARLESTON •In February 1994 and the 1995 THOMAS STAFFORD AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RADIO COVERAGE in presenting, "BLACK GOLD" on West Virginia Public Radio in documentaries and interviews: •Appointed to the WEST VIRGINIA COMMISSION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES •A TEAGLE FELLOW ARTIST in Residence at Davis & Elkins College; •Performed on WEST VIRGINIA’S MOUNTAIN STAGE with Joan Baez; Kathy Mattea; and Sweet Honey in the Rock; •Made her debut at the KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS in "Women of the Gospel" in February 1991.•The 1997 winter edition of WV Golden Seal Magazine features an eight page biography of her life. •On May 2, 2002, at a special ceremony, a documentary film about her life debuted. •Dr Caffie-Austin is currently featured in Kanawha County School's Eighth grade West Virginia History textbook‑ •Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin and Singers have been guests of THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE TRADITIONAL ARTS, at American Folk Art Festivals throughout the United States.
Dr Caffie-Austin sung and taught in Zimbabwe; her traditional cultural teaching and choral training revolutionized the lives of many participants in England, where she was honored with being chauffeured in the Princes Bentley, resulting in an invitation to Israel. During the 2006 European Winter Tour The Ethel Caffie Austin Singers, were the first to bring Black Sacred Cultural Heritage Music to the largest church in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin would tell everyone that “Music is a Universal communicator which breaks all cultural, ethnic, gender, and age barriers, given the opportunity I can bring out the sing, in everyone, even those who thought they had no songs in them. Music and singing bring about unity, peace and understanding that spoken words cannot equate, and the generational communication continues. We all have a LIFE song, if we are just allowed to SINGOUT.!”
Today, we honor the life of a remarkable woman Dr. Ethel Caffie-Austin who walked in faith, humility, and love, embodying the teachings of the Bible. She lived not for earthly gain but for eternal treasures, and her life was a testimony to the power of God’s Word. Her faith was steadfast, like the tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1, yielding fruit in its season. She made the Word of God her foundation, living with kindness and grace, always ready to serve others. Like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, she clothed herself in strength and dignity, speaking with wisdom and instructing with faithful kindness. Her hands were never idle; they worked tirelessly to help the needy, feed the hungry, and comfort the broken-hearted. She bore the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—drawing others closer to God through her example. Though she faced trials, her faith never wavered. Like Job, she trusted God in the storm, and like Mary, she humbly submitted to His will. Her life was a living epistle, showing the world what it means to walk in the light of Christ. Her legacy lives on, inspiring us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May her memory remind us to live with purpose, faith, and a deep commitment to God’s Word. We thank God for the gift of her life and rejoice in the hope of the eternal life she now enjoys. Until we meet again in glory, we carry her example in our hearts.
Dr. Ethel Caffie Austin leaves to cherish her memory: a devoted sister Delnora Roberts (Elijah) of Reisterstown, MD, a loving godson Brian Coston (Ellisa) of Columbus, Ohio, a beloved spiritual son, Bruce Hogan (Shirl) Charleston, WV, her beloved Brookside Ministry COGIC family, her extraordinary caretakers Terri James, Marjane Webb, and Ginnie Varnado, a host of cherished friends and the countless lives she touched through every facet of her life and ministry. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will remain in our hearts forever. Though she is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace in the arms of her Savior.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on two days along with a visitation time each day, all services will be held at Brookside Ministry COGIC, 18419 Deepwater Mountain Road, Mount Carbon, WV 25139, Friday December 20, 2024 at 7:00 pm with visitation beginning at 5:00 pm until service time and on Saturday, December 21, 2014 at Noon, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am until Noon. Pastor Bruce Hogan will be officiating both services. She will be laid to rest on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 9:30 am in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston for anyone wishing to attend.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Lawrence R. Lowmiller
Lawrence R. Lowmiller, 76, of Sissonville, WV, passed away on December 7, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.
Larry was born in Shelby, OH, on June 18, 1948. His family moved to Charleston when he was six. He was a graduate of George Washington High School, class of 1966. Larry worked several different types of jobs until he found his calling in Men’s Retail. He worked at Latimers, Frankenbergers, and Kelley’s Men’s Shop, from which he retired. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the WVU Mountaineers. After dressing to the “nines” all those years, his favorite retirement attire was either a Cowboys or WVU sweatshirt or T-shirt!
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Derrow Lowmiller; father, William Lowmiller; stepmother, Margaret Thaxton Lowmiller; sister-in-law, Velma Lowmiller; nephew, James Lowmiller; and father-in-law, RC Blankinship.
Larry is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tami Blankinship Lowmiller; brother, Jerry Todd Lowmiller; nephews, JT Lowmiller, Lawrence Lowmiller (his namesake), and William A. Pauley; sisters-in-law, Amy Blankinship and Kelly Dulin; and mother-in-law, Phyllis H. Blankinship.
A Service to Honor the Life of Lawrence R. Lowmiller will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Canaan United Methodist Church in Charleston, with Pastor Bo Terrell officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Canaan United Methodist Church.
Memories of Lawrence R. Lowmiller may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Maysel J. Osborne
Maysel J. Osborne, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. She was born August 26, 1932, in East Rainelle, WV. Maysel was a graduate of both Rainelle High School and the Clifton Forge, VA School of Nursing.
After her education, Maysel worked 35 years at Thomas Memorial Hospital, and then worked short term at Union Carbide and the WV State Health Department. Upon her retirement, Maysel then became both the owner and operator of her floral shop in Nitro, WV.
Maysel is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Ola Osborne; brothers, Dennis, Paul, and Clyde; her sisters, Glenna Faulkner, Reeda Brown, and Shelby Osborne.
She is survived by her sister, Joanna Osborne, and many nieces and nephews.
Maysel’s funeral was held on December 12, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, and she was interred at the End of the Trail Cemetery in Crawley, WV.
Memories of Maysel may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Darrell Vivian McGraw, Jr.
Darrell Vivian McGraw, Jr. died on December 7, 2024. He left an indelible mark on West Virginia, using the rule of law to forge a better life for citizens of his beloved state.
He was born in McGraws-Tipple, Wyoming County, West Virginia on November 8, 1936, the eldest son of Darrell Vivian McGraw, Sr. and Julia Zekany McGraw. Darrell Sr. and Julia both graduated from Kentucky’s Berea College and took the college’s motto as their own creed: God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth. [Acts 17-26] The McGraws instilled this same belief in Darrell Jr., who went on to devote his life to the service of West Virginians.
McGraw served in the United States Army for three years before enrolling at West Virginia University, where he was elected Student Body President in 1960. In that capacity, he led the student effort to salvage the mast of the USS West Virginia from scrap and bring the mast to WVU, where it still stands today. McGraw went on to graduate from WVU College of Law, after which he served as counsel to Governor Hulett Smith and later the West Virginia Legislature.
He served twelve years on the West Virginia Supreme Court, beginning in 1977. During his time on the Court, McGraw authored the majority opinion in Mandolidis v. Elkins Industries, Inc., which expanded injured workers’ rights to recover against employers who deliberately place employees in harm’s way. He joined the majority in Pauley v. Kelly, which he considered the Court’s most important decision, in holding that West Virginia’s Constitution required the legislature to establish standards to ensure that that all the state’s children have access to a “thorough and efficient system of education.”
In 1992, he was elected Attorney General, an office he held for twenty years. With the help of his protégé Fran Hughes—among many other gifted staff—he created a nationally recognized consumer protection division. His leadership role in the tobacco litigation and resulting settlement in 1998 brought two billion dollars to West Virginia. In 2001, McGraw was the first attorney general in the nation to bring suit against Purdue Pharma, makers of Oxycontin, for their illegal marketing practices. The lawsuit served as the model for other states and governmental entities, and in November 2004, Purdue Pharma agreed to a ten million dollar settlement with West Virginia. In 2012, McGraw filed suit against various drug distributors for oversupplying rural pharmacies with prescription opioids, which later led to settlements with Cardinal Health, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Company, among others, totaling nearly $40 million.
Known as “Darrell V.” to kin and as “the Judge” to those he worked with, his success in politics can be attributed only to his integrity and unwavering commitment to service. He never took a decision for popularity or personal gain, sometimes seeming to act in direct defiance of the established political order, even within his own party. While he was well-known as a stalwart Democrat, he preferred to describe himself as a progressive, which he defined as “those who believe the world can be improved.”
Beyond his vocational dedication to bettering the lives of all, he took an individual interest in promoting those around him. He frequently went out of his way to create educational and job opportunities for anyone who sought his aid. He was defined by his loyalty and commitment to his family. For all his professional success, he took greatest pride in the accomplishments of his wife, former WV State Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple, his four children, and every member of the extended McGraw clan. He was instrumental in shaping the political career of his late brother Warren McGraw, who also served on the WV Supreme Court, and as WV Senate President.
He delighted in children and animals, and—as he frequently pointed out—they liked him, too. In his later years as Attorney General, he was frequently recognized around the State Capitol grounds walking his beloved dog Malcolm, whom he eagerly professed was the “most outstanding” of all dogs. He was a connoisseur of used cars, aided and abetted by his good friend David Saul.
He had an exhaustive knowledge of his own family history, on both the McGraw and Zekany sides. He would frequently astound new friends with his knowledge of their family history, and—often—how it overlapped with his own. He was fascinated by the personal story of everyone he met.
He was a prodigious intellect and a teacher to everyone around him. In retirement, he spent his days reading and he continued learning until his very last day. He loved nothing more than to discuss history, economics, politics or law with his close friends and family, in particular, his nephew Randolph McGraw and his longtime friend and colleague Justice Thomas McHugh. Although the wisdom that died with him is irreplaceable, the knowledge he imparted to those who knew him is among his most impactful legacies.
He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Jorea Marple; four children, Julia Elizabeth McGraw (Randy Austin) of Baltimore, Maryland, Sarah Ruth Plaster (Bruce) of Cornelius, Oregon, Darrell Vivian McGraw III (Marianna) of Manama, Bahrain, and Elliott Catherine Zekany McGraw of Washington, D.C; and four grandchildren, Lillie Austin, Darrell Vivian McGraw IV, Benjamin David McGraw, Daniel Alexander McGraw; brothers Timothy McGraw of Mullens, WV and Mark McGraw of Beckley, WV; and countless other nieces, nephews and cousins, including his nephew and live-in physician Dr. Jameson Fleming, and his adored great-niece Arleigh Hunter. There are many more who carry forth his legacy and not all can be named, he was a consummate patriarch.
The family is deeply grateful to Dr. William Harris for fifty years of unparalleled care, and physical therapist Dr. Leslie Johnson, for her role in ensuring an undiminished quality of life in his final year.
All those mentioned and all others who knew him will dearly miss the power of Darrell’s gentle presence, his invaluable counsel, and his inimitable laugh.
We will celebrate his life on December 17, 2024, at 2pm at the West Virginia State Museum (formerly Cultural Center), State Capitol Complex. Darrell V. McGraw Jr. will lie in state beginning at noon. Following the service, he will receive full military rites. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations on his behalf to Common Grounds Food Pantry, 6600 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV, or your local VFW branch.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
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.