William "Jimmy" Robinson, Jr.
William J. "Jimmy" Robinson, Jr.'s love of life did not come to an end with his death. On July 7, 2024, Jimmy passed away at the age of 74 surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his love of life by living their lives to the fullest. His battle with COPD in recent years showed his courage in facing life's challenges with a smile. Despite the serious difficulties he endured he stayed strong until the end.
Jimmy was born on April 18, 1950. After graduating from Charleston High in 1968, he married the love of his life, Susan Lynn "Susie" Lively. Their marriage lasted over 46 years, ending when Susie passed in 2015. Together, they had two children: Billy and Kelly. Not long after marrying, Jimmy served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, for which he received a bronze star. After returning home, he obtained employment with the Postal Service which would last until his retirement 39 years later.
It was the simple pleasures in life that Jimmy enjoyed: the outdoors; swimming; camping with family and friends; hosting weekly poker nights with his friends; and spending time with the many dogs he loved throughout his life.
Jimmy truly had a heart of gold: always looking out for others, and with his generous nature he never hesitated to help anyone in need. He showed unconditional love to his family and was always there to catch any of them who might fall. He taught his children by example, showing them the importance of honesty and compassion. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the lessons he taught his children.
Jimmy is predeceased by his wife, Susie Robinson; his parents William J. "Bill' Robinson, Sr. and Annette Robinson. He is survived by his children Billy Robinson, wife Michelle, and Kelly Hawkins, both of Charleston; his sister, Suzette Southern, husband Bob, of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Samantha Robinson and Emma Hawkins.
The family would like to recognize Jimmy's late best friend Bill Bonham of Wisconsin, and thank close friend Charles Nalle, of Eleanor, for sharing lifelong friendships with Jimmy that he cherished greatly.
Jimmy's incredible life will be celebrated at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston on Wednesday July 17 at 11 am. Interment will be in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am at the funeral home on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charleston Humane Society. 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.
Dayneze Gail Bishop
Dayneze Gail Bishop, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep July 8, 2024 at Magnolia Assisted Living in Hurricane.
She was born September 11, 1935 in War Eagle, WV to Homer and Tessie Stone. She was one of 13 children. She was a long-time member of Rock Lake Presbyterian Church in South Charleston. In her late teens, Dayneze was crowned as Miss Gilbert, WV. She was beautiful inside as well as on the outside. Day was very active serving in her church and community. In her younger days she could be seen riding her bicycle delivering Avon in Rock Lake Village, generously lending a hand to neighbors and was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She loved cooking and baking for her family and treasured all of her grandchildren’s visits.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Tessie and father James Homer Stone, 11 siblings and recently windowed from the love of her life of 70 years, Gene. She is survived by one brother, Tyrone Stone; sons, Gary Bishop (Karen) and Greg Bishop; daughter, Gina Cunningham (Dave); 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A service to honor her life will be held Monday, July 15 at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston with Pastor Patty Jarvis officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 with the burial service following in Sunset Memorial Park at 1:00 pm.
A very special appreciation and thank you goes to the wonderful staff at Magnolia Assisted Living and Hospice for their excellent care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Hospice in Charleston and/or Magnolia Assisted Living, 1700 Thistlewood Dr., Hurricane, WV 25526.
Memories of Day may be viewed by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is serving the family.
Teresa Turano
Teresa Louise Boggess Turano, 62, passed away on July 4, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.
Over the years, Teresa worked in various roles with Charleston Area Medical Center, Federal Black Lung, and Casci. She was a loving mother and wife who spent her life taking care of her family. Teresa was a graduate of Nitro High School (Class of 1979).
She is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Boggess.
She is survived by her husband of 29 years, William Turano (South Charleston, WV), daughter, Samantha Shahan (South Charleston, WV), stepson, William Turano (Oklahoma City, OK), three grandchildren, mother, Carolyn Boggess (Anchorage, AK), sisters, Sherry Tumulty (Shady Side, MD) and Londa Shahan (Anchorage, AK), and brother, Thomas Boggess (Greenwood, AR).
Teresa will be forever loved and missed dearly by her family and friends. The family has elected to celebrate the life of Teresa privately.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Rose Peterson
Rose Wingo Peterson, 86, of Dunbar, WV went to be with her heavenly Father on July 4, 2024.
She was born to the late Albert Wingo and Lillie Wingo on August 11, 1937. She was a 1955 graduate of Dunbar High School. She enjoyed genealogy and was an avid reader. She was happy to have her family gather for a card game.
In addition to her parents, Rose is predeceased by her husband Donald Peterson, her brother Albert Wingo, and her sisters Helen Ann Wingo, Betty Bird and Shirley Sergent.
Left to remember her are her sons, David (Beth), South Charleston and Richard, Teays Valley: Grandsons Michael Thomas and Jon (Jonathan) Thomas: Granddaughters Abigail Thomas and Claire Thomas: Great grandsons Dante, Darius, Rhys, and Atlas Thomas.
A funeral will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday July 9, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Pastor Bernard Toppings officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar, WV. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Memories of Rose may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Judy L. Shalhoup
Judy L. Shalhoup, 83, of Charleston, formerly of New York, died at home on June 24, 2024, after a long illness. Judy’s wonderful, funny, and caring presence will be forever missed by her loved ones.
Judy was Chairman and CEO OF GMJC Associates, a retired Manager of Marketing Communications with the Union Carbide Corporation in New York City and Danbury, CT, with 32 years of service, and Vice President-General Manager of The Fruit Bowl.
She graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School and Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) with honors, and did post graduate work at WVU-COGS. She was the recipient of numerous national and regional communications, industrial trade show, and promotion and advertising awards, including the CLIO and the ANDY.
She was a member of the Association of National Advertisers, National Paint and Coatings Association, International Platform Association, Steel Structures Painting Council, AAAS, Business and Professional Advertising Association, Telefood Association, and the Publicity Club of New York. She was listed in Who's Who in America; in the World of American Women in Finance and Industry; in the Media and Communications; and in the South and Southwest; and the Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
Judy always felt her main role in life was taking care of her loved ones, which she lovingly did throughout her years - from her grandfather to uncles, mother and father, sister, and her beloved husband, William. She “adored” her and her husband's extended families and her close friends; their kindness, love, and support meant the world to her. Flowers, music, reading, gardening, humor, any game of chance, designing houses, like the ones she and Will designed in New York and Charleston, these things filled her life with joy.
She was predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Moses Shalhoup, and her beloved sister, Carolyn. She was also predeceased by the love of her life, William E. Mainella, her husband, best friend, and companion of 38 years, who filled her life with love, laughter, and roses every day of their life together.
Her In-laws, Alphonse and Angelina Mainella, Anthony and Marion Mainella, and Victoria Walker, also predeceased her.
She is survived by special nieces, Diane and Susan Walker of New Jersey; cousin and “sister,” Sharon Hosack and husband Harold and family; wonderful, generous, and life-long friend, Jackie Zakaib; "adopted daughter," Brenda Esmer and her family; special friend and helper, Debra Donald, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Judy was a member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, with The Very Reverend Fr. Paul R. Solberg officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Spring Hill Cemetery.
While Judy loved flowers and they are welcome, she wished memorial contributions be made to St. George Orthodox Cathedral, PO Box 2044, Charleston, WV 25327; The Shalhoup/Mainella Family Memorial Fund of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, P.O. Box 3041, Charleston, WV 3041; or to a charity of your choice.
Judy was a longtime supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, The USO, the VFW, International Orthodox Christian Charities, FOCUS, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and many other charitable organizations. Any of these charities would welcome your help.
The family would like to give special thanks to Jackie Zakaib, Debra Donald, Louise Simon, Joyce Brown, Brenda Esmer, Gary and Linda Moses, and Carmen Lopez for their loving care and kindnesses throughout the years; Drs. Nicholas Cassis, Stephen Lewis, Stephen Cassis, John Campbell, Edward Hamrick, Shelda Martin, Ryan Wadell, and their staffs for their excellent care; Charleston Hospice- especially nurse Jo Bailey, for their compassionate care; and to wonderful friends and neighbors, Drs. Kuruvilla and Molly John for all they have done for Judy and her husband.
Memories of Judy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Geraldine Macklay
Geraldine Louise "Geri, Gigi" Macklay (nee Klemke) passed away on June 3, 2024, at the age of 91 in Charleston, West Virginia. Geri was born in Lusk, Wyoming, and was the beloved wife of her late husband, Gale W. Macklay.
Geri was a dedicated mother to her four children, Sam Macklay (wife Jan), Dawn Miller (husband Charlie), Holly Macklay (husband Andrew), and Melody Macklay (husband Tracy). She was a cherished grandmother to Sky, Sage, Taylor, Harrison, Elinor, Jane, Eli, and Lucy, as well as a great-grandmother to Clover. Geri is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.
Geri had a passion for creativity and music, enjoying adventures and spending time with her family. She was known for her culinary skills, love of baking, growing beautiful gardens and for her beautiful homes in Charleston and South Carolina. Geri was a talented seamstress, musician (piano, oboe, ukulele), and a skilled potter. She and her husband collaborated to create original tables and art pieces for their homes. They loved outdoor adventures into their retirement including camping and canoeing together through the Okefenokee Swamp.
In her professional life, Geri worked as a Microbiologist at the W.V. State Hygienic Laboratory for 18 years, from 1971 to 1989, where she played a vital role in protecting the public health of West Virginia residents.
Geri was an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, participating in the Handbell Choir and various social ministries. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Geri's life is planned for 12:00 PM on Friday, July 19th, 2024, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 1600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, West Virginia 25311, with Pastor Randy Richardson leading the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ministries of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in memory of Geri Macklay. The Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.
Geri will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched with her energy, creativity, and love.
Emma Jean Thomas
Emma Jean Thomas passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024 among family.
She was born on July 31, 1929, to Mary Agnes and George Houston Simpson in South Charleston, WV where she lived her life. After graduating from Morris Harvey College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in Physical Education she earned her Master of Science degree in 1953 from WVU and began her teaching career which spanned 40 years at her Alma Mater (Morris Harvey/UC) and Kanawha County Schools.
In 1956 Emma married James A. Thomas Jr. “Jim”. They had 3 children. Before Jim passed away in 2002, they enjoyed traveling, gardening and the performing arts. Emma herself enjoyed golfing and baking. She was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of South Charleston. She will be missed by many. Emma is survived by her children, Jean Alexana Thomas, James A. Thomas III and Mary Honor Thomas, Mary Poff (nee Thomas) and Robert Scott Poff; grandchildren, Daisy Caroline Thomas, James A. Thomas IV and Robert Joseph Poff.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Emma will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at First United Methodist Church of South Charleston with Rev. Paula Napier and Rev. Dave Biondi officiating. Family and friends will gather at 12:00pm until service time. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, Emma requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.
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.
Jesse Elwood Brown
Jesse Elwood Brown, 94, of Charleston, WV and formerly of Spring Dale and Meadow Bridge, WV, died on June 13, 2024, after a long illness.
Jesse, who went by his middle name Elwood, was a graduate of Meadow Bridge High School, class of 1948. After high school, he served 4 years in the US Army Signal Corps, achieving the rank of Corporal, and then served 5 years with the Air National Guard, later becoming a member of the American Legion, Post 27, in Dunbar.
Elwood retired from the C&P Telephone Company on September 30, 1984, with 32 years of service. Upon his retirement, he served others through his involvement with the Telephone Pioneers. There, he served 5 times as local president and 2 times as a State Life Member representative. In 1988, Elwood formed the “Sawdust Gang” – a group of 25 retirees who spent the next 18 years making homes handicap accessible; through building ramps, decks, and retrofitting homes. In 2012, Elwood received the Telephone Pioneers National Hall of Fame Award and the Marion Gillette Community Service Award for Pioneer of the Year!
Elwood also received the C&P Telephone Company of West Virginia’s Official Citation Award, for saving a fellow deer hunter’s life at Valley Head, WV, on November 21, 1972. He was also a member of the Communication Workers of America Union (CWA), was President of the Golden Age group for many years, and from 1961 through 2003, served as a volunteer with the Midwestern Little League. There, Elwood coached, managed, and served as president for a total of 14 years, including a stretch of 9 years in a row! When asked why he served so many years with the Little League, Elwood responded “If I can help a child stay out of trouble playing sports, then this makes my day”!
Elwood not only loved Little League, but he loved his WVU Mountaineers, being a part of the Mountaineer Fan Club for 20 years. He loved supporting Charleston High School sports as well, even serving as the president of the Charleston High School Booster Club in the 1970’s.
Since 1979, Elwood has been a member of the Kanawha City Church of Christ, serving as a Deacon for many years.
In his “spare time,” Elwood enjoyed going to the Kanawha Valley Jamboree, which was hosted at the Marmet and Elkview Rec Centers. It was at the Jamboree, at the old Marmet Junior High Gym, where he met his wife, Ruth, in April of 2008.
Elwood felt that everyone was put on this earth for a purpose. He stated, “I feel helping children – through Little League, helping the disabled – through the “Sawdust Gang,” and raising and loving my family, has allowed me to fulfill God’s purpose for me. Above all, I love God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Elwood was preceded in death by his mother, Lamona, and father, Grady; two wives, Rayma, the mother of his two sons, and Maggie. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; two sons, Mike (Kim) of Richmond, VA and Mark (Polly) of Charleston; two grandchildren, Kelly and Cameron of Raliegh, NC; step-son, Jerry; step grandchildren, Peyton, Andy, Amanda, and Audrey.
A Service to Honor the Life of Elwood will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Kanawha City Church of Christ, with Minister Charlie McKinney officiating. Burial will be in Elk Hills Memorial Park. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memories of Elwood may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Richard Dixon (Dick) Harrah
Richard Dixon Harrah (Dick), 91, departed this life at his residence in South Charleston on June 13, 2024. Dick was born on August 26, 1932, to Leon Alexander Harrah and Lorena Dawson Harrah in Charleston, WV. He was the oldest of three boys, gaining the late Rita Pinson Harrah as his loving step-mother during adolescence. Dick graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, where he excelled in football and track.
Dick married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann Haynes (Pat) in 1952. He found employment at Bell Lines Trucking Company, Inc., until called to duty by the United States Army in 1953 in Korea. He proudly served his country in North Korea near the 38th parallel, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was assigned Graves Registration Service, organized for the purpose of caring for deceased military personnel interred outside the United States. Dick was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the United States Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon completion of his duty, Dick returned to Charleston and his work at Bell Lines until 1970. He and Pat began a family, resulting in four children.
Dick's natural mechanical inclinations and strong work ethics led him to General Truck Sales, Inc. of Charleston, WV, Cummins, and finally Jasper Engines and Transmissions, Inc. of South Charleston, where he was the owner for over 40 years.
Dick was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed many golf outings and lunches with his buddies. As a result of his father's involvement with an Indy Car team, sponsored by Bell Lines Trucking, Inc., he attended the Indy 500 for many years, turning the trips into family trips, which instilled in his family a love of the " Greatest Spectacle in Racing." He liked to reminisce about family vacations taken with the Cunningham Family, something still treasured by both families.
Dick provided well for his family throughout the years and his children are who they are because of his hard work and dedication. He is known for quietly helping many in need throughout the years, too many stories to tell.
Dick is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Pat) Harrah; brothers, Allen (Bubby) Harrah and Jim Harrah; and the beloved family dog, Charlie Brown. He is survived by four children: Rick (Joyce) Harrah, Mark (Beverly) Harrah, Karen Lehman (Kim), and Dave Harrah (Susan).
Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Erin Harrah, Kelli Harrah, Lauren Woodward (Mark), Andrew Harrah, Natalie Harrah, Nicole Newsome (Bryce), and Neil Harrah. Dick also has three Great Grandchildren: twins, Amelia and Margot Woodward, and Harry Woodward. Three nieces also mourn his loss: Dianna, Donna, and Debbie Cunningham, as well as other nieces and nephews. Neighbor Diane Whelan, a nurse, was instrumental in checking on Dick, as well as Pat, throughout the years. His loving caregiver, Carla Walker, was dear to Dick, becoming a part of the family, and the Harrah family will be forever grateful for her.
Services for Dick will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston. Visitation begins at 11 am followed by the service at 12 noon, with the Rev. Ron Stoner officiating and Rev. Frank Lawson assisting. Dick will be interred with military honors following the service at Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston.
Memories of Dick may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bonnie Jean DeHart
Bonnie DeHart, 83, of Charleston, WV, passed away on June 5, 2024.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Thompson; step-father, Eugene Bish Thompson; son, Joe DeHart; and daughter, Lisa DeHart.
Bonnie is survived by her children, David DeHart and Donna DeHart; grandchildren, David DeHart II, Maggie DeHart, John Robert DeHart, Katie Somerville, Bobby Richards, and William Richards; and her companion, Bill Freshour.
A committal service to Honor the Life of Bonnie will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Cunningham Memorial Park, Building E, St. Albans. Entombment will follow.
Memories of Bonnie may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.