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.
Robert "Bobby" Brown
Robert “Bobby” Brown, age 71, of South Charleston, sadly departed this life on May 31, 2024, after a long illness.
Bobby was born to Lawrence Dallas and Stella Marie Brown on October 12, 1952. He lived in Charleston all of his life, graduating from Charleston Catholic High School and then working for UPS, Lester Raines Honda, Pauley Motor Car Company, and several other dealerships in the area. Bobby loved his work and serving his customers, whether it was delivering packages or selling cars. He would always keep everyone at ease and laughing with his tag line: “Downtown Bobby Brown”!
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; two older brothers; and the mother of his children, Nancy, with whom he shared a special bond.
He is survived by his daughters, Alison (Travis) Horrocks and Kelly (Travis) Walker; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, who all were his greatest loves in life.
A private memorial service to Honor the Life of Bobby was held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to HospiceCare (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Bobby may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Marilyn Sue Lanham
Marilyn Sue Lanham went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2024, after a spirited fight with Dementia.
She was born in South Charleston, WV, on January 27, 1939, to the late Frankie and Malana Chandler. Being the only girl and surrounded by her three brothers, Blair Chandler, Jerry Chandler, and David Chandler, she grew up with much sibling love and protection.
Her father and mother died at an early age, and subsequently, Marilyn was raised by her Aunt Mae and Uncle Paul. They helped shape her attitude of a “strong will,” taught her to “give back” in life, and laid the roots of her biggest asset, the importance of family. These traits learned early on manifested themselves throughout Marilyn’s life.
Marilyn graduated from South Charleston High School, where she was a cheerleader and participated in other activities in school.
Her children, Terri Dent, Carolyn Dent, and David Dent Jr., learned the importance of Marilyn’s strong belief in family. She was active in their scholastic, extracurricular, and other various school activities, and she continued her growth as a family leader.
Marilyn and her husband, David Lanham, continued the family strength, and with her leadership, combined with the blessing of time, blending two families of five children together, with the addition of William Lanham II and James Lanham.
Marilyn was devoted to a love of travel as she and David traveled extensively. She also enjoyed her increased beach time! However, none of those activities decreased her pursuit of family time.
In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her three brothers, Blair Chandler, Jerry Chandler, and David Chandler.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, David Lanham; her five children: Terri Dent, Carolyn Thier (Jon), David Dent, Jr., William Lanham II (Annita), and James Lanham (Susan); brothers-in-law, Curtis Lanham and Paul Lanham; sister-in-law, Carol Hilliard (Ron); grandchildren: Thomas Poore, Todd Poore, Jessica Burgess, Jennifer Burgess, Melissa Ford, Hannah Guthrie, Andrea Dent, David Dent, III, Nathan Lanham, Nicholas Lanham, William Lanham III, Michael Lanham, and Kayleann Dent; 19 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the HospiceCare staff for their excellent care, especially Jo, Shelby, and Elizabeth. Also, a special thanks to all of Marilyn’s family who helped make it possible for her to remain in her home for her final days, especially her daughter and primary care giver, Carolyn Thier.
A Service to Honor the Life of Marilyn will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church, 108 Oakwood Road, Charleston, WV, 25314, with Rev. Jonathan Dierdorff and Rev. Frank Shomo officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, WV. Family and friends may visit from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Memories of Marilyn may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Susan K. Cravens
Susan K. Cravens, age 84, of Kanawha City, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Hubbard House West, South Charleston.
Susan was a lifelong member of the South East Church of the Nazarene in Kanawha City. She was a 1957 graduate of Charleston High School and retired from BB&T.
She and her husband enjoyed many years of camping and beach vacations with family & friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jame R. and Mary Coleman; as well as a grandson, Daniel S. Teel and brother Larry R. Coleman.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Donald Craigo Cravens of Kanawha City; daughter, Dawn Coll (Randy) of Hurricane; son, Scott Cravens of Cowen; granddaughter, Ashlee Teel of Frederick, MD; grandson, Brian Cravens of Raleigh, NC; great granddaughter, Haley Clover of Tarboro, NC; brother, Doy N. Coleman (Vonnie) of Charleston, and by many nieces and nephews.
A service to honor Susan’s life will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the mausoleum chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, with Pastor Bart Hodel officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to HospiceCare at www.HospiceCareWV.org.
Memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Sara Frances Riffe
Sara Frances Riffe, age 98, of Charleston, passed away on Saturday May 25, 2024, at Harmony of South Charleston.
She was born on November 9, 1925, in Sutton, the daughter of the late Clyde and Clara Shaver Kitts. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Jay Riffe; brother C.E. Kitts; and sister, Reva Kincaid.
She is survived by her niece, Clara Poe (Glenn) of Tornado, WV; nephew, Jerry Kitts of Valdosta, Ga.; and several great nieces and nephews.
The family will have a private service at the Shaver Family Cemetery, Sutton, WV.
The family requests donations be made in her memory to HospiceCare at HospiceCareWV.org.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Wilma O. Ellis
Wilma O. Ellis, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on May 24, 2024. Born on October 22, 1941, in Teays Valley, WV, Wilma was a dedicated and accomplished businesswoman and Realtor, with over 40 years in the industry. For many of those years, she was among the top Realtors in the state, passionately serving her clients and the community.
Wilma is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, William T. Ellis; her sons, Jason (Kelly) Ellis of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Damon (Kerry) Ellis of Charleston, WV; her step-daughter, Melissa Ellis of Charleston, WV; and nine cherished grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Woodrow Eggleton and Margret Eggleton.
Wilma was a devoted wife and fiercely protective mother. She loved spending time with her family, traveling to Florida, and enjoyed the excitement of playing slot machines, often sharing stories of her winnings. Her generosity and kindness were well-known, and her legacy of love and dedication will not be forgotten.
A private burial will be held, with a celebration of her life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Wilma's memory. If there were more people like Wilma, the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
Daniel Bundy Wells
Daniel Bundy Wells, a lifelong resident of Charleston, WV, and dearly loved father and granddad, peacefully departed this earth on Tuesday, May 21, at HospiceCare of CAMC Memorial Hospital, after a long illness. He was 84.
“Danny” was well known in the Kanawha Valley and around the state as a longtime sportswriter, columnist, and sports editor at The Charleston Gazette and serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates for five terms between 2005 and 2014, representing the 30th and 36th districts. He also served as director of the Charleston Distance Run from 1989 to 2001 and co-hosted sports talk radio shows on WCHS and WBES.
He was born on March 15, 1940, and grew up on Abney Circle in South Hills. He spoke often and lovingly of his experiences attending Fernbank Elementary School near his home, Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, and Charleston High School, from which he graduated in 1958. He was a lifelong member of Saint Marks United Methodist Church in downtown Charleston.
In 1962, he graduated from West Virginia University, where he was Sports Editor of The Daily Athenaeum student newspaper. That summer, Danny joined The Charleston Gazette’s Sports Department. He met Sandy O’Shea of Huntington, who became his wife of 40 years, when she was hired at the Gazette in 1963. Danny was named Sports Editor in 1989 and remained in the department until his retirement in 2001. He enjoyed covering several Super Bowl and WVU bowl games in New Orleans and other colorful locales.
As a columnist, Danny was known for his witty, irreverent, and sometimes caustic takes on the WVU and Marshall University athletics programs, staff, and players. He also wrote many lighthearted, entertaining columns highlighting the hijinks of his South Hills neighbors, Gazette co-workers, his boating buddies at Summersville Lake, and his beloved family.
Encouraged by former longtime Gazette Publisher William E. “Ned” Chilton III, Danny gravitated to investigative sports journalism, bringing to light questionable practices and corruption in college and secondary schools’ athletic programs. In 1980, 1991, and 1993, he was chosen by his journalistic contemporaries as “West Virginia Sportswriter of the Year” through the former National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (now known as the National Sports Media Assn.) in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Danny was well-known for his dry, observant, often off-the-wall wit and youthful, fun-loving ways well into his middle and senior years. He loved listening to music, reading, boating at Summersville Lake, riding his bike with family and friends along the Greenbrier River Trail, in the Monongahela National Forest, and in Canaan Valley, whose scenery, serenity, and eclectic mix of residents and visitors he adored. Starting with the inaugural Charleston Distance Run in 1973, which he championed, Danny completed 20 of the 15-mile road races and started several more.
Danny was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren. He found great joy in hiking, biking, experiencing live music and whitewater rafting adventures with son, Shannon, and daughter, Shea, an experienced guide on the New and Gauley rivers.
Following retirement from the Gazette in 2002, he worked at the Information Desk at the State Capitol Rotunda. The energy and camaraderie inspired him to run for office. A proud Democrat, he was first elected to the WV House of Delegates in 2005. An active and outspoken legislator, Danny championed bills aimed at enhancing environmental protections, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and expanding educational opportunities. He served on the Judiciary Committee, as chair of the Committee on Enrolled Bills and co-chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, among other appointments.
Danny was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his brother, Linwood T. Wells Jr.; his mother, Virginia Bundy Wells; and his father, Linwood T. Wells Sr.
He is survived by his son, Shannon, of Pittsburgh; daughter, Shea, of Fayetteville, WV; grandchildren, Keller Stowers and Nash Mulcahy of Fayetteville; nephew, Teddy Wells of Richmond, VA; and nieces, Carrie Wallace of Huntington, Shelly Kelley of Tallahassee, FL, and Linette Wells of Roanoke, VA.
A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with a Memorial Service immediately following. A Celebration of Life for Danny will follow the service at a location to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the MPN Research Foundation, dedicated to pursuing new treatments and a cure for blood cancers known collectively as myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Memories of Danny may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.