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.
Kenneth Atkins
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Kenneth Earl Atkins, of Charleston on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the age of 85 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Virginia E. Atkins in 2020; son Brian K. Atkins in 1988; son Glenn A. Atkins in 2010. He is survived by sisters-in-law Judith Smith and Ethel Williams; brother-in-law Sam Williams and wife Kathy; cousin Sue Layne; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Ken was born on February 20, 1939, to Murl and Mildred Atkins in Fayette County, WV. He graduated from Montgomery High School and went on to get a B.S. in chemistry from WV Institute of Technology. He joined Union Carbide's Research and Development in 1960 and later completed his M.S. degree at WVU. His work with synthetics, composites, and other materials has been applied in both North America and Europe in the automotive industry over the last 40+ years. Ken received the Union Carbide Technical Achievement Award in 1986, was appointed Corporate Fellow in 1989, and retired after 38 years of company service with Carbide. He has 25 U.S. Patents, 46 publications, and chapters in 3 books on composites.
Beyond his remarkable career, Ken was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother-in-law, cousin, and uncle. His gentle manner and easygoing nature provided a calm presence to those close to him. Ken's keen intellect was paired with warmth and kindness for which he will always be remembered.
By request, there will be no services. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Michael Wayne Rankin
Michael Wayne Rankin, 71, of Dunbar, passed away October 15, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.
Mike was born on October 12, 1953, to the late J.B. and Ruby Rankin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherri Hinkle Rankin; sisters, Sue Kinney, Brenda White, and Betsy Phillips.
Mike is survived by his daughters, Susan (Jim) Cowie, Melissa (Chris) Furby, Kara (Doug) Curry, and Amber (Derek) Rankin; granddaughters, Kimberly, Haley, Brogan, Skylar, Riley, and Addison; grandson, Max; great grandsons, Josiah, Jayden, Jullian, and Theo. His grandkids were the world to him! He also leaves behind his brother-in-law and best buddy, Joe Hinkle, who helped look out for him and take care of him.
Mike loved softball and helped coach many girls in pitching over the years. His other love was fishing. The following poem speaks to Mike’s life: “If someone would ask for me, tell ’em heaven is where I’ll be. I’ve finished all my life’s chores, and now I fish on heaven’s shores.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Dr. Marty Diane Henley
A reception to celebrate the remarkable life of Dr. Marty Diane Henley will be held from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 PM, Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Edgewood Country Club, 1600 Edgewood Drive, Charleston, WV 25302. The family welcomes you to join them in this celebration.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to a scholarship fund to be established in her name at the CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304.
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.
Please see the full obituary below.
Dr. Marty Diane Henley, whose life was defined by compassion, dedication, and resilience, passed away on September 14, 2024, after a courageous journey with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and boundless love that inspired not only her family but also countless individuals whose lives she touched.
Born on May 28, 1955, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to the late Robert "Bob” and Marty Johnson, Marty grew up with a passion for helping others. After graduating from East Liverpool High School in 1973, she pursued a career in nursing, earning her RN from the Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing. In 1976, she began her medical career at WVU Hospitals, and by 1980, she had graduated from the School of Nurse Anesthesia at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). In 1998 she assumed the role of Chief CRNA and held that position until her retirement in 2020. She earned her Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice Management from Marshall University in 2001.
Marty’s professional life was marked by more than 40 years of service at CAMC. She was known as a tenacious advocate for patient care and her fellow colleagues, constantly seeking improvements for CRNAs, students, MDs, and patients alike. Her contributions were many, from implementing electronic anesthesia records to leading the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Council at CAMC. Marty’s passion for excellence in anesthesia practices was legendary, and she mentored and inspired a generation of students and peers. Her tireless work ethic and pursuit of fairness left a lasting impact on the hospital community.
In 2002, Marty received the Lifetime Recognition Award of Excellence in Professional Nursing at CAMC. In 2001, she received the WV Nurse Excellence Award for Advanced Practice. She served as a member on the West Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists Board of Directors from 2009-2013 and served twice as its secretary. She also served on the Cancer Advisory Board of CAMC and the CAMC Executive Committee, as well as several other leadership positions.
Marty’s heart for service extended beyond her profession. She participated in 14 medical trips to Haiti, where her work reflected her deeply held belief in the importance of giving back. She said these trips to Haiti allowed her to live with the attitude of gratitude. A colleague remarked that even in Haiti, “everyone knew Marty” and wanted to be around her.
Marty and her husband, John Rudolph “Rudy” Henley, were married on June 9, 1984, celebrating 40 years of marriage this year. She cherished her family above all else, and nothing meant more to her than her children: her son Grant (Melissa) of Aspen, Colorado, and her daughters Julia (Charlie) of Charleston and Sarah. She was excitingly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild in October. Marty is also survived by her brothers, David Johnson (Dawn) of Amherst, Ohio, and Brandon Johnson (Melanie) of Lewisburg, West Virginia, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her family and friends remember her as a loving mother, a compassionate friend, and a fierce advocate for those she cared about.
In 2020, Marty received a diagnosis of Stage IV inoperable lung cancer, but true to her character, she faced it with unmatched strength and resilience. She continued to travel (Hawaii, Mexico, Turkey, Greece and Italy), exercise regularly, and constantly helped others in impactful ways, including those also diagnosed with cancer. Marty became a champion for patients through the LUNGevity Foundation, empowering others to become their own advocates in their fight against cancer. Her medical knowledge, combined with her personal research, allowed her to make an impact on patients nationwide. Even in the face of cancer, her generosity and grace remained steadfast. Her battle with cancer became a testament to her indomitable spirit.
Marty’s impact transcended the medical world—she was a mother, a friend, a compassionate caregiver, a survivor, and an advocate for those in need. She lived life with boundless energy, always putting others first. As an avid skier and outdoor enthusiast, she found joy in the world around her and shared that joy with everyone in her life.
Marty’s life was defined by her desire to make a difference, and she did so with humility and love. She carried a light that made the world a brighter place.
Marty was a member of Christ Church United Methodist and she lived life with a servant heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift to a scholarship fund to be established in her name at the CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304. A private family service was held on Tuesday, Sept. 17. A celebration of Marty’s remarkable life will be scheduled after the arrival of her grandson in the coming days.
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.
Rev. Mrs. Linda Lee McCollam Moore
The Rev. Mrs. Linda Lee McCollam Moore, of South Charleston, died on October 3, 2024. She is now held securely in the loving arms of God, blessed with the peace of God.
She was preceded in death by her father, W.C. “Jack” McCollam (12-06-95), and her mother, Genevieve E. Kapp McCollam (03-15-13), whose strong personal integrity and unique closeness to God strongly influenced her own. In Linda’s own words, “They were absolutely the best parents anyone ever had!” She was also preceded in death by her first son, and the true light of her life, Jeremy Newman, of Lexington, KY.
She leaves her husband of 36 years, Paul M. Moore, Jr.; their son, the other true light of her life, Paul M. Moore III “Trey”; and her precious little angel, Luci Lee, at home; and her daughter-in-law, Sherri Stickles Newman, of Lexington, KY. Other survivors include: sister, Marjorie “Margie” McCollam Adkins, of Rio Grande, Ohio; nephew, Jeff Adkins, and his wife, Andrea, of Gallipolis, Ohio; nephew, Brent Adkins of Columbus, Ohio; niece, Ann Dorne and her husband, Scott, also of Columbus; along with 5 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews; and one aunt, Nancy Kapp Ratliff, of Columbus. Many cousins, their children, and grandchildren were also very dear to her.
Family and friends will remember Linda as a Christian, a woman of integrity with a gentle spirit, and yet a possessor of inner strength, having been stricken with polio at the age of 4 years, and later persevering through other tribulations that life often brings our way. She did not, however, label herself a “victim,” but a “survivor,” a fact that was very important in her thinking.
Born February 3, 1950, in Charleston, Linda was a 1968 graduate of South Charleston High School, a 1972 graduate of West Virginia State University, with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education, and a specialization in Math. While a student at WVSU, she was an active member and leader of the Campus Crusade for Christ fellowship and evangelistic group. After teaching for one year at Shoals Elementary School, while she was still a member of her home church, Boyd Memorial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she followed God’s call to the Christian ministry and became a student at the Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY. She graduated from LTS in 1977, with the degree of Master of Religious Education, having completed the writing of her thesis (“The Preschool Child’s Understanding of God”) two months after her first son, Jeremy Newman, was born. On May 22, 1977, she was ordained into the Christian ministry at the Perryville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Perryville, KY. Rev. Moore served several churches as Youth Director, Student Associate Minister, Assistant Minister, and as a volunteer Interim Minister, as needs arose.
The Rev. Mrs. Moore officiated at many weddings, including that of her son, Jeremy Newman, and performed the baptisms of her younger son, Paul Moore III, and others. She presented innumerable messages in Sunday worship, and officiated as part of countless worship services, including the presentation of the Benediction at the 1995 GWHS Baccalaureate Service of her son, Jeremy. She served as Deacon and Elder, visited with and offered prayer and Holy Communion to many shut-ins, and presided at countless funerals, some of whom were her own relatives.
After living in Dallas, Texas, where she taught at the St. John’s Episcopal School, and Pikeville, KY, she returned to South Charleston in late 1985. After beginning what would become many post-graduate classes at the WVCOGS (currently MU), she returned to the full-time teaching profession in 1986 at Piedmont Elementary for over 11 years. She then taught at Holz Elementary School for another 14 years, until her retirement in June 2011. Linda worked with children and young people of various ages nearly all her life: as a babysitter, church school and vacation Bible school teacher in many churches, youth director, elementary school teacher, and private tutor to many; and in the vocation she held blessed in the highest of honor, as a mother and grandmother. She had a heartfelt love of children and a way of relating with them that is seldom found. Children, in this wide variety of relationships, brought sparkles to her eyes like few things in her life.
A service will be held at the United Disciples of Christ Church, 100 United Disciples Dr, South Charleston, WV 25309, at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 16, 2024. Following, a meal will be shared by any who knew and loved her wherever to celebrate her life, share her memory, and enjoy being together, as she would have wanted.
Although Linda enjoyed many sorts of flowers, it was her very strong wish that they not be sent. Those who wish to send monetary gifts in her memory are asked to remember the March of Dimes (note: to be used for the work of research and support of Polio survivors), the YWCA Resolve Spousal Abuse Program, the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice, or the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Larry Glen Myer
Larry Glen Myer went home October 3rd, 2024, to be with our Lord. Larry was born October 10th, 1948, in Tanner, West Virginia, to Glen and Ruby Simmons Myer.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Smith Myer; son, Jason Myer; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Brunello; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Larry was a member of the Teays Valley Baptist Church, where he assisted with the cameras and participated in the annual Passion Play.
Larry was employed by the South Putnam Public Service District for 23 years, where he had many friends. Starting as a Water Treatment Plant Operator, his expertise with computers was eventually recognized, and he was subsequently put in charge of IT.
As an Air Force Veteran, he was a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 37, as a Staff Sergeant.
Larry was passionate about music throughout his life. As a teen, he mastered the trumpet and was “first chair”. His favorite music, however, was always rock ‘n roll... The louder, the better.
A Service to Honor the Life of Larry Myer will be held at 12 Noon, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Dr. John Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 am to Noon at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Larry’s name to the West Virginia Veterans Home of Barboursville: 512 Water Street, Barboursville, WV 25504.
Memories of Larry may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
David Allen Whidby
David Allen Whidby, 75, of St. Albans, WV, passed away on October 2, 2024, at his home.
David was born in Charleston, WV, on February 21, 1949. After high school, David became a professional truck driver, and proudly made deliveries all over West Virginia, being able to get a “tractor-trailer” into WV’s small towns and curvy roads! During his retirement years, David developed a hobby of making hand-crafted canes, of which he blessed many with. David was a devout Christian and faithful member of the Dunbar Church of the Nazarene. After Jesus, his wife Evelyn was the love of his life, and they were blessed to celebrate their 51st Wedding Anniversary this past summer.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Monroe “Pete” Whidby and Betty Mae Fizer Whidby; his brother, Paul M. Whidby; and sisters, Sharon L. Vanatter and Jackie Marie Stewart. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Whidby; and sister, Debbie Koontz (Bill).
A Service to Honor the Life of David will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor Greg Hudson officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dunbar Church of the Nazarene, 1334 Lightner Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064 (www.dunbarnazarene.org).
Memories of David may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.