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.
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.