Helen Payne
Helen Marie Payne, 94, of Jacksonville went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 6, 2025. She was born March 28, 1930 in Whitesville, West Virginia to the late George and Deborah (Murray) Adkins. Mrs. Payne was a longtime member of Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville. She spent many years as a military wife following her husband to places such as England, Ohio, Puerto Rico, North Dakota, and Florida before finally settling in Arkansas. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, especially bingo. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many who was always willing to lend a helping hand and truly lived the values of her Christian faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Kenneth (Sonny) Payne Sr. in 2020; grandson, Thomas Payne, daughter-in-law Elaine (Howard) Payne, along with ten brothers and sisters.
Left to continue her legacy are her children, Kenneth E. Payne Jr. and wife Jean of Jacksonville, Richard A. (Marissa) Payne of Euless, Texas; grandchildren, Angelina Strickland and April Payne; great granddaughter, Khloe Payne; and sister, Joan Howard of Green Valley, Arizona, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will begin thirty minutes prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. Mrs. Payne will be laid to rest next to her husband in South Charleston, West Virginia. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston will be assisting the family with this private interment.
Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 N. JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076, 501-982-2136. Sign Mrs. Payne’s online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com
James Allen Bradbury
James Allen Bradbury, born Dec 21, 1944, passed away in the presence of his family on January 5th 2025, after a battle with cancer. A longtime resident of Putnam County, West Virginia, Jim was born in Portsmouth, Oh to Paul E. and Ada E. Bradbury. Jim grew up with a love for working with his hands and for recognizing the value of the repair of things worthy and unworthy of restoration. After graduation from Dunbar High School in 1962, Jim studied first at West Virginia University in Mechanical Engineering before transferring to a specialized Measurement Science program at the State University of New York at Alfred, NY, graduating at the top of his class. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and worked for a scale company in Columbus, Ohio. Jim & Judy met at Alfred and when they decided to get married, he decided to move back to WV to help his father grow the family business of Kanawha Valley Scale Service, later renamed Kanawha Scales and Systems (KSS). Jim eventually led and grew this company into a worldwide enterprise. The company’s hallmark product was a high speed, accurate train loading system for bulk products which has now been consistently selling around the world for over 45 years in the US, Canada, China, Australia, South America, Africa, India, the Middle East, and more. Prior to the company’s sale in April 2022, in which Jim retained an ownership interest, the company had also grown to 19 locations throughout the eastern US. He was a member of the Kanawha Valley Business Forum and the Scale Dealer Association.
Beyond KSS, Jim owned and operated many other businesses, most notably several in the realty sector, along with his wife Judy and son, Mark, as well as other valued partners. He held interests and served in leadership roles in several other companies, including a British-based company specializing in high performance aftermarket components for the automotive industry. Since stepping away from the day-to-day operations of KSS, Jim’s greatest love was in finding, haggling, securing, and restoration of a wide variety of artifacts, from older cars and trucks to motorcycles, bicycles, clocks and just about everything in between.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Paul E Bradbury and Ada E Bradbury. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy L (Freeman) Bradbury, and his children Tracy (Mudar) Kattash of Lake Charles, LA, Mark (Holley) Bradbury of Scott Depot WV, Michael (Liz) Bradbury of Louisville KY, and sisters Pat Hatcher of Dunbar WV, Pauletta (Mike) Fisher of Durham, NC, and Debbie (David) Schwirian of Charleston WV. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Ameera, Aniese, Aliya, Layla Kattash; Sarah and Hailey Bradbury; and Lou Bradbury (with a baby brother on the way), as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and extended family.
He enjoyed a long life with his wife, working side by side for 55 years and traveling the world together. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren many of life’s lessons like how to hold a flashlight steady while he worked under the hood of a car. His energetic and passionate work ethic, as well as his generosity to others has infected many around him, friends, family, and employees alike. His willingness to help repair your broken “anything” or to lend the tool or knowledge to do so will be greatly missed by many.
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to HospiceCare of Charleston, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W, Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for January 18th 2025, from 4pm - 8pm at Embassy Suites 300 Court Street, Charleston, West Virginia, 25301. A time of sharing memories and stories will begin at 6:00 pm. A buffet of Hors d ’Oeuvres will be provided by the family.
We have a block of rooms held for anyone who needs one. Please use “Bradbury” when requesting a room. Hotel contact info: 1-304-347-8700
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Thurman Cobbs
With a smile, a little wave, with a nod and a twinkle in his eye or a big bear hug, Thurman Harvey Cobbs, Jr brought joy to everyone he met. Thurman, who was also called TH and lovingly known as Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. He was born November 28, 1938 and grew up in South Charleston, WV where he attended South Charleston High School. Despite being a graduate of the 1956 class, Thurman’s most cherished, life- long friends were from the class of 1955. They would regularly go on cruises together, go out to enjoy Mexican food, meet up for coffee and they always enjoyed reuniting at the annual South Charleston Summer Fest.
After high school, Thurman joined the Army National Guard where he served for 4 years. He then joined the South Charleston Fire Department, retiring after 30 years of service. However, you can’t keep a good man down, so he continued working for the city of South Charleston until just weeks before his death. He had various roles and positions there, but he ended his working career as the City Facilities Manager.
Thurman loved to spend his free time in his garage, chewing on a cigar and tinkering on cars. The thing he loved and talked about the most, however, was spending time and going out to eat with his son and grandsons.
Thurman was preceded in death by his parents Thurman Cobbs and Georgia (Babcock) Cobbs Hines and his wife Virginia. He leaves behind his son Randy Cobbs and three grandsons, Ian, Owen and Evan Cobbs to carry on that contagious smile and righteous dude vibe that he had every day of his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you call up a friend and spend some time talking with them and take them out to dinner. Make someone else feel as loved as Thurman made you feel.
A celebration of life service is being planned for a date in the summer when we can all enjoy getting together in the sunshine, because light is what Thurman took with him wherever he went.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Ella Maxine Bowen
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Ella Maxine Bowen, 83, on January 5, 2025, of Charleston, WV. She was born in Chesapeake, WV, on October 18, 1941. Ella was a graduate of Marshall University, with a degree in education. She taught French and Spanish in the Kanawha County School System until her retirement. She was an active member of the Morris Memorial United Methodist Church, and sang in their choir for many years. She loved, enjoyed, and was devoted to her family. She will always be loved and missed.
Ella Maxine is survived by her three loving sons, Russ Bowen, Dr. Shane Bowen, and Rhett Bowen; her sister, Betty Lashutka; sister-in-law, Sue Patterson; grandchildren, Kyra DeMoss, Teah Fields, and Aspyn Bowen; great-grandchildren, Laraya and Jai Bowen, Shi, Nola, Joa, and Dax DeMoss.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David S. Bowen; parents, Adrian and Mary Russell; brother, Jim Russell; and granddaughter, Jillian Bowen.
The family would like to thank the staff at Fresenius Medical Care of Kanawha City for their care and kindness to our beloved Ella.
A Service to Honor the Life of Ella will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor Andy Gillenwater officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now)
Memories of Ella may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Mary Belle Holstein Sharp
Mary Belle Holstein Sharp, age 90 of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025.
She was born August 28, 1934 in Foster, West Virginia to the late Marcella Elizabeth (Green) and Leonard Alton Holstein.
After graduating from Scott High School, Mary began working at Ferrell & Hill Insurance Agency in Madison, WV. Mary spent many of her years raising and caring for her four children and growing family. For over three decades, she was the Retail Manager of Computers Plus, Inc. in South Charleston. She had a love for gardening and flowers and recently join the Woodland Heights Garden Club. She was a member for over 55 years at Oakwood Baptist Church and enjoyed volunteering to help others.
In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Nathan Hugh Sharp and also by her brother, Harold Alton Holstein.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Vickie (Robert) Powell and Susan (Phillip) Arthur of Charleston; sons, Timothy Sharp (Barbara) and David Sharp (Natalie) of Cincinnati, Ohio.
She is survived by her 11 grandchildren and was able to see five of them marry wonderful spouses; Taylor Powell (Lindsay) of Ladson, SC; Alex Powell (Stacey) of Cincinnati, OH; Sarah (Clayton) Edens of Elkview, WV; Benjamin Arthur of Charleston; Elizabeth (James) Longaberger, Christian Sharp, Katherine Sharp of Cincinnati, OH; Caroline (Scott) Duncan of Clinton, CT; Laura Tirey of Vancouver, WA; Heidi and Nathan Sharp of Cincinnati, OH.
Mary was blessed with six great-grandchildren; Grayson, Sullivan and Virginia Powell of Ladson, SC, Liam and Adeline Powell of Cincinnati, OH, and recently born, James Longaberger III of Cincinnati, OH.
She was also survived by her sister-in-law, Yuvonne Holstein of Cool Ridge, WV as well as many nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Oakwood Baptist Church, with Reverend David Moutz officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment will follow in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.
Memories of Mary may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oakwood Baptist Church, 855 Oakwood Road, Charleston, WV 25314.
Mary's kind spirit, generosity, and compassion touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed by all.
James G. Berger
James Garfield Berger, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospice Care. Born on April 7, 1957, in Charleston, West Virginia to Alice Berger and the late Eugene Berger, James lived a life filled with love for his family and an unwavering faith that guided him through every challenge.
Growing up in Charleston alongside his siblings—Eugenia of Cross Lanes and brothers David and Steve—James was known for his infectious smile that could light up any room. He graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1975 before embarking on a career that would see him work both in the coal mines and later in hospitality. His dedication to hard work was matched only by his passion for music. James sang in the choir at Canaan United Methodist Church when he was well enough to attend. There wasn’t a day that went by that if you were in contact with him, he didn’t sing. "Tomorrow" he’d often sing with a huge smile before exiting your presence. James could also play any instrument put in front of him and worked daily of his craft.
A Godly man at heart, James found solace not just in song but also within the embrace of his family. He cherished every moment spent with them—his three children: Theon Smith (Jessica) of Charleston; Jocelyn Martin (Jheremy) of Houston; Geneva Smith (Fabian) of Huntington—and seven grandchildren: Thalia and Myla Smith from Charleston; Sloane and Xola Martin from Houston; Kingston Smith from Charleston; Aerosyn and Knox Martin also hailing from Houston. Each grandchild held a special place in James's heart as he reveled in their laughter and accomplishments.
James is preceded in death by his father Eugene Berger; sister Renata G. Berger; grandparents Steve & Alice Isaac and Garfield & Hattie Brown along with Wilma Brown—all who have left indelible marks upon those they loved.
His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time here—a testament to kindness woven into each interaction he had. As we remember James today—not just as our dear father or brother—but as an extraordinary soul whose spirit resonated deeply within us all—we find comfort knowing that he now rests peacefully among those who went before him.
A Service to Honor the Life of James will be held at Noon, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with pastor Bo Terrell officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Victor S. Burkhammer
Victor Stephen Burkhammer, retired news editor of The Charleston Gazette, died on December, 31, 2024, at age 74.
He graduated from St. Marys High School in 1968 and earned an A.B. and M.A. in English from WVU. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church Charleston, where he was a deacon. He served a three-year term on the Manna Meal board. He was a 42-year friend of Bill W and served on the board of the world-famous Serenity Club in Dunbar, WV. He was employed by The Charleston Gazette for 35 years including 25 years as news editor. He was a member of the editorial board for several years.
Survivors include wife of 38 years, Nancy; two brothers, Andy and Luke; sister, Jill Hornish; and three nieces and three nephews. He was a cat dad to Walter, Arthur, Rocky, Frank, Frank II, Kalley Kat, K.T. Kitty, Felicia, and probably his favorite Al E. Cat.
He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Peggy Burkhammer, brother Dana, sister Jan Howell, and many friends.
He wrote a poetry blog called “Mountain Word” and published a chapbook of 15 haiku on Issuu. His broadsides, lyrics, prose poems and empathetic works appeared in a few small press magazines and some self-published. He produced some videos including “Monkey’s Raincoat” after Basho, an introduction to haiku on YouTube. He was proud of his small role helping Mike Youngren with Volunteer Video projects including “Elk River Blues,” a water crisis documentary, and “Laotong Yoga,” about Sue Julian and Barbara Steinke taking a yoga program to men and women in prison.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, with the Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating. Visitation will begin an hour before the service.
Donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston; or the Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home, 1121 Virginia St. E., Charleston.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Judith Bean "Judie" Price
Judith Bean “Judie” Price, age 83, passed away at her home in South Charleston, West Virginia, on December 30, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
Judie was born on April 10, 1941, in Charleston, WV, to Leona and William Claude Ellison. She was a graduate of the Charleston School of Nursing and West Virginia State University. She proudly worked at Charleston Area Medical Center for over 25 years, where she cared for others and made a difference in the lives of her patients and colleagues.
She dedicated her life to her family and friends. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, always putting others before herself. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her many visits to the South Charleston Public Library.
Judie is survived by her husband, Randy Price; her daughters, Dee Stewart of Columbus, Ohio, and Elaine Michael (Fred) of Houston, TX; her granddaughters, Danielle and Katie Stewart, and Emily Givens; her great-grandchildren, Aubree and Jet Thompson; her brother, Thomas Ellison (Doe); her sisters-in-law, Jewel Bean Reed and Regina Veltri; her brothers-in-law, Steve Price (Jenny) and Jeff Price (Amy); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Daniel Bean; her parents; her brother, William Claude Ellison Jr.; her sisters, Rosalie (Rosie) Smithers and Jimmie Barnett; and brothers-in-law, Mark Reed and Bill Price. The family would like to thank special friends: Joyce Gwinn, who helped and cared for Judie and the family for many years, and Jamie Clute, for the loving attention shown to Judie at the end of her days.
A service to Honor the Life of Judie will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, January 6, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with H.R. Whittington officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to Pollen8 (Café Appalachia) at Pollen8 WV, 206 D. Street, South Charleston, WV 25303 or to the South Charleston Public Library at 312 4th Ave., South Charleston, WV 25303 (or PayPal to reference @ scplwv.org).
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Brenda Wilson
| BRENDA WILSON (ROUSH) Brenda Kay Roush Wilson, 73, of South Charleston, WV passed away on December 20, 2024. "What a wonderful life the Lord has given me and one can only say that I have truly been blessed." Brenda's words. She was born on October 19, 1951, the only daughter, to the late Delbert and Annalee Roush. Brenda worked in the medical profession for over 43 years, retiring in Norfolk, Virginia. She was associated with Hospice of Virginia. However, what gave her great pleasure was that of helping senior citizens and this truly was the best job she ever had. She is survived by her sons, Greg Brooks (Stephanie) of Charleston, WV and Rob Wilson (Ruby) of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Dylan Brooks, Karina Wilson, Kaylen Wilson, Kaylee Brooks and Jacob Brooks. A private family graveside service was held in Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will have a celebration of Brenda's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to the Kanawha Charleston Animal Shelter. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. |
Patricia Brown
Patricia Brown passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 26, 2024 after being there in spirit for a last Christmas with her family. Patricia was 94 years old. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Thomas Brown, beloved daughter Louann Brown, parents Cecil and Hazel Ross, and siblings Mary Garcia, Pauline Quickle an Robert “Jack” Ross. She is survived by her son Stephen Brown, grandchildren Adam Brown and Ashley Rebrook (Ian), great grandchildren Carson and Livia Rebrook, and niece Sheila Martin.
Patricia, known to friends and family as “Patty” or “Pat”, was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She raised her family in Charleston, West Virginia and moved to Tampa, Florida in 1980, where she resided for over 40 years. Patty was a committed homemaker. She enjoyed cooking for her family, baking, visiting with her friends and neighbors, drinking Diet Coke, and traveling with her husband. She was very proud of being a girl from a coal mining town who got to see so many places. In her younger years she worked as a volunteer in hospitals. Patty loved a good sitcom and Elvis Presley music, as well as watching sports- especially the WVU Mountaineers. She enjoyed making birthdays and Christmas mornings special for her children and grandchildren, and there wasn’t ever a toy requested that she could not track down. Patty was a self described “firecracker”, and if you met her, you likely didn’t forget it.
Patty will be honored by her family with a private memorial in Tampa, Florida.