Lawrence R. Lowmiller
Lawrence R. Lowmiller, 76, of Sissonville, WV, passed away on December 7, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.
Larry was born in Shelby, OH, on June 18, 1948. His family moved to Charleston when he was six. He was a graduate of George Washington High School, class of 1966. Larry worked several different types of jobs until he found his calling in Men’s Retail. He worked at Latimers, Frankenbergers, and Kelley’s Men’s Shop, from which he retired. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and the WVU Mountaineers. After dressing to the “nines” all those years, his favorite retirement attire was either a Cowboys or WVU sweatshirt or T-shirt!
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Derrow Lowmiller; father, William Lowmiller; stepmother, Margaret Thaxton Lowmiller; sister-in-law, Velma Lowmiller; nephew, James Lowmiller; and father-in-law, RC Blankinship.
Larry is survived by his wife of 26 years, Tami Blankinship Lowmiller; brother, Jerry Todd Lowmiller; nephews, JT Lowmiller, Lawrence Lowmiller (his namesake), and William A. Pauley; sisters-in-law, Amy Blankinship and Kelly Dulin; and mother-in-law, Phyllis H. Blankinship.
A Service to Honor the Life of Lawrence R. Lowmiller will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Canaan United Methodist Church in Charleston, with Pastor Bo Terrell officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Canaan United Methodist Church.
Memories of Lawrence R. Lowmiller may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Maysel J. Osborne
Maysel J. Osborne, age 92, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. She was born August 26, 1932, in East Rainelle, WV. Maysel was a graduate of both Rainelle High School and the Clifton Forge, VA School of Nursing.
After her education, Maysel worked 35 years at Thomas Memorial Hospital, and then worked short term at Union Carbide and the WV State Health Department. Upon her retirement, Maysel then became both the owner and operator of her floral shop in Nitro, WV.
Maysel is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Ola Osborne; brothers, Dennis, Paul, and Clyde; her sisters, Glenna Faulkner, Reeda Brown, and Shelby Osborne.
She is survived by her sister, Joanna Osborne, and many nieces and nephews.
Maysel’s funeral was held on December 12, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, and she was interred at the End of the Trail Cemetery in Crawley, WV.
Memories of Maysel may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Darrell Vivian McGraw, Jr.
Darrell Vivian McGraw, Jr. died on December 7, 2024. He left an indelible mark on West Virginia, using the rule of law to forge a better life for citizens of his beloved state.
He was born in McGraws-Tipple, Wyoming County, West Virginia on November 8, 1936, the eldest son of Darrell Vivian McGraw, Sr. and Julia Zekany McGraw. Darrell Sr. and Julia both graduated from Kentucky’s Berea College and took the college’s motto as their own creed: God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth. [Acts 17-26] The McGraws instilled this same belief in Darrell Jr., who went on to devote his life to the service of West Virginians.
McGraw served in the United States Army for three years before enrolling at West Virginia University, where he was elected Student Body President in 1960. In that capacity, he led the student effort to salvage the mast of the USS West Virginia from scrap and bring the mast to WVU, where it still stands today. McGraw went on to graduate from WVU College of Law, after which he served as counsel to Governor Hulett Smith and later the West Virginia Legislature.
He served twelve years on the West Virginia Supreme Court, beginning in 1977. During his time on the Court, McGraw authored the majority opinion in Mandolidis v. Elkins Industries, Inc., which expanded injured workers’ rights to recover against employers who deliberately place employees in harm’s way. He joined the majority in Pauley v. Kelly, which he considered the Court’s most important decision, in holding that West Virginia’s Constitution required the legislature to establish standards to ensure that that all the state’s children have access to a “thorough and efficient system of education.”
In 1992, he was elected Attorney General, an office he held for twenty years. With the help of his protégé Fran Hughes—among many other gifted staff—he created a nationally recognized consumer protection division. His leadership role in the tobacco litigation and resulting settlement in 1998 brought two billion dollars to West Virginia. In 2001, McGraw was the first attorney general in the nation to bring suit against Purdue Pharma, makers of Oxycontin, for their illegal marketing practices. The lawsuit served as the model for other states and governmental entities, and in November 2004, Purdue Pharma agreed to a ten million dollar settlement with West Virginia. In 2012, McGraw filed suit against various drug distributors for oversupplying rural pharmacies with prescription opioids, which later led to settlements with Cardinal Health, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Drug Company, among others, totaling nearly $40 million.
Known as “Darrell V.” to kin and as “the Judge” to those he worked with, his success in politics can be attributed only to his integrity and unwavering commitment to service. He never took a decision for popularity or personal gain, sometimes seeming to act in direct defiance of the established political order, even within his own party. While he was well-known as a stalwart Democrat, he preferred to describe himself as a progressive, which he defined as “those who believe the world can be improved.”
Beyond his vocational dedication to bettering the lives of all, he took an individual interest in promoting those around him. He frequently went out of his way to create educational and job opportunities for anyone who sought his aid. He was defined by his loyalty and commitment to his family. For all his professional success, he took greatest pride in the accomplishments of his wife, former WV State Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple, his four children, and every member of the extended McGraw clan. He was instrumental in shaping the political career of his late brother Warren McGraw, who also served on the WV Supreme Court, and as WV Senate President.
He delighted in children and animals, and—as he frequently pointed out—they liked him, too. In his later years as Attorney General, he was frequently recognized around the State Capitol grounds walking his beloved dog Malcolm, whom he eagerly professed was the “most outstanding” of all dogs. He was a connoisseur of used cars, aided and abetted by his good friend David Saul.
He had an exhaustive knowledge of his own family history, on both the McGraw and Zekany sides. He would frequently astound new friends with his knowledge of their family history, and—often—how it overlapped with his own. He was fascinated by the personal story of everyone he met.
He was a prodigious intellect and a teacher to everyone around him. In retirement, he spent his days reading and he continued learning until his very last day. He loved nothing more than to discuss history, economics, politics or law with his close friends and family, in particular, his nephew Randolph McGraw and his longtime friend and colleague Justice Thomas McHugh. Although the wisdom that died with him is irreplaceable, the knowledge he imparted to those who knew him is among his most impactful legacies.
He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Jorea Marple; four children, Julia Elizabeth McGraw (Randy Austin) of Baltimore, Maryland, Sarah Ruth Plaster (Bruce) of Cornelius, Oregon, Darrell Vivian McGraw III (Marianna) of Manama, Bahrain, and Elliott Catherine Zekany McGraw of Washington, D.C; and four grandchildren, Lillie Austin, Darrell Vivian McGraw IV, Benjamin David McGraw, Daniel Alexander McGraw; brothers Timothy McGraw of Mullens, WV and Mark McGraw of Beckley, WV; and countless other nieces, nephews and cousins, including his nephew and live-in physician Dr. Jameson Fleming, and his adored great-niece Arleigh Hunter. There are many more who carry forth his legacy and not all can be named, he was a consummate patriarch.
The family is deeply grateful to Dr. William Harris for fifty years of unparalleled care, and physical therapist Dr. Leslie Johnson, for her role in ensuring an undiminished quality of life in his final year.
All those mentioned and all others who knew him will dearly miss the power of Darrell’s gentle presence, his invaluable counsel, and his inimitable laugh.
We will celebrate his life on December 17, 2024, at 2pm at the West Virginia State Museum (formerly Cultural Center), State Capitol Complex. Darrell V. McGraw Jr. will lie in state beginning at noon. Following the service, he will receive full military rites. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations on his behalf to Common Grounds Food Pantry, 6600 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV, or your local VFW branch.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Elma Zapanta Bernardo
Elma Zapanta Bernardo, MD, 88, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on December 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with a rare aggressive cancer. The daughter of Germiniano Bajamunde and Araceli Galleposo Zapanta, Elma was born in Cebu, Philippines. She was a loving mother, Lola, Tita to her family and friends. She was kind-hearted and inspirational to those whose lives she touched.
Elma received her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and did her residency at Saint Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. The family moved to Charleston in 1984. Dr. B, as she was lovingly known, practiced psychiatry in the Kanawha Valley for 32 years. She loved to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ignacio Dizon Bernardo, MD, daughter Maria Teresa Zapanta Bernardo and brother Tomas Galleposo Zapanta. She is survived by her children Maricel Bernardo, Elena Moffatt (Kevin), Jack Bernardo (Laurie), Rita Bernardo, Ray Bernardo (Cherry) and Elsa Lewis (Michael); grandchildren Connor (Kristen), Xander, Riley, Noah, Isabella, Owen, Emily (Darren) and Ryan (Darcey); great-grandchildren Caleb, Ian, Rory, Nick, Noah, Jefferson, Rosie and Reagan; sister Heidi Zapanta Ranillo, sister-in-law Helen Chiong Zapanta, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Service to Honor the Life of Elma will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston, with the Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs officiating. A reception will follow in the Msgr. Edward P. Sadie Gathering Space. The burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Visitation is 10am to 11am, prior to the service at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CAMC Foundation Cancer Research (3414 Staunton Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304; https://camcfoundation.org/ways-to-give/give-to-honor-or-remember/).
The Bernardo family extends a heartfelt thanks to family and friends, Dr. Kok Hoe Chan and the CAMC Cancer Center staff, Dr. Julian Espiritu, Fr. Don, Fr. Roy, Sr. Ida and the Sisters of the Child Jesus at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the staff of CAMC Memorial, Mountaineer HomeCare, A Special Touch In-Home Care, Charleston Hospice, and KCEAA.
Memories of Elma may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com/ and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jon Howard Beck
Jon Howard Beck, 61, of Saint Albans, WV, passed away on November 27, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his family. He lived with ALS for eight years, embracing each moment and appreciating every day while exemplifying courage and acceptance in the face of difficult circumstances.
Jon was born December 16, 1962, and raised in Denver, CO, by his parents, Howard and Eleonor Beck. Jon attended Glendale Community College on a basketball scholarship and completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University. He furthered his education by earning his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy at Emory University, and enjoyed a fulfilling career at Thomas Memorial Hospital.
He was passionate about cycling, music, and sports, especially those his children participated in. He had an extensive network of friends who were as dear as family to him.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Eleonor Beck. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Conner, Nathaniel, and Rachel; and his siblings, Pennie Nelson, Janet Lewis, Susann Ragsdale, Melanie Franey, and Chris Beck. He is also survived by many close cousins, nieces, and nephews.
His Celebration of Life will be held at Unity of Kanawha Valley on December 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. with a reception for family and friends immediately following the service. Those unable to attend may join in and watch live on Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3043450021 (password:1111)
Or call 253-215-8782 and enter Meeting ID: 3043450021.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Hospice (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) or the ALS Association of West Virginia (https://www.als.org/support/states/west-virginia).
Memories of Jon may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Gladys Arnetta Hall
Gladys Arnetta Hall, 87, of Tornado, WV, formerly of South Charleston, WV, passed away on November 30, 2024, at home with her family.
Gladys was a Christian woman who touched so many people with her kindness and love. She spent her career serving others as a cook in the Kanawha County School system.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, John and Beulah Woody; her loving husband, Harold Hall; her grandson, Dylan Hall; along with all of her siblings.
Gladys is survived by her four sons, Harold (Elaine) Hall , John (Kim) Hall, David (Darlena) Hall, and Roger (Amber) Hall; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A private service to honor Gladys’ life will be held at a later date.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to the Hospice workers, as they were so kind to Gladys during her last days.
Memories of Gladys may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Reginald "Reggie" Smith
Reginald “Reggie” Smith, 77, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, with his beloved wife of 50 years, Sarah (Sally Fish), by his side. He is survived by his two sons, Paul (Carrie) and Matthew (Abigail); and his cherished grandsons, Finn and Reid. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his lifelong work as a coach and educator.
Reggie was born and raised in Fayetteville and Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, the first-born son of Reginald and Nelgene Smith. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sherri; and is survived by his brother, Mike, who lives in Michigan with his wife, Tammy.
From an early age, Reggie was a gifted athlete. He was a standout swimmer and guard for West Virginia Tech. Reggie also played drums for City Limits, using his talent to support his education. He loved music and would often point out layers of a track unnoticed by the casual listener. He knew what made a song, an effort, a person, and a team, unique.
After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy, and graduating WVU Tech, he went on to earn a master’s degree in physical education and coaching from West Virginia University.
Reggie’s love for sports and coaching defined much of his life and left an indelible mark on the state of West Virginia. He was the founding coach of the University of Charleston’s women’s soccer program in 1989, and went on to coach at Charleston Catholic, George Washington High School, and WVU Tech. His commitment to developing student athletes extended beyond the field, and his athletes carry forward his lessons of character to this day.
Reggie will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory and teachings will continue to resonate in the lives of his family and the many individuals he coached and mentored.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the WVU Tech Baisi Athletic Scholarship Fund, #2S430 (WVU Foundation at One Waterfront Place – 7th Floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650, or online at https://give.wvu.edu/ with the designation), or, to the Chef Paul Smith Foundation for hospitality, scholarship fund, and education (Chef Paul Smith Foundation - 40 Norwood Road #7, Charleston, WV 25314).
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with Rev. Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the Mass.
Memories of Reggie may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bessie Roberta Hamilton Anderson
Bessie Roberta Hamilton Anderson, of Dunbar, West Virginia, went to be with our Lord, peacefully, on November 19, 2024 Hubbard Hospice House.
Bessie was born to Otie Hamilton and Sadie Agee Hamilton in Red Sulphur Springs, West Virginia on August 30, 1927.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Nathan Hamilton, Irma Holmes, Francis Mann, Oliver Hamilton, Charles Hamilton, Otie Hamilton Jr., Mildred Pack Guy, Florence Adams, Alma L. Sweeney and Shirley Gilmer; Mr. William Henry Anderson, who was her best friend and husband of 65 years; and beloved only child, Ms. Pamela Charlene Anderson.
Bessie leaves to mourn: Dr. Sherlon P. Brown, Toledo, Ohio; Jewell Merenivitch, Hinton, West Virginia; Charlene H. Ryan, New York; Danny Mann, Lewisburg, West Virginia; Lisa Hamilton, New York; Cathy Fountain; Ashley Benson, Los Angeles, CA; Cannie Hamilton, San Bernardino, CA; Michael Adams, Wilmington, Delaware, and Tara Thompson, Marietta, Georgia.
She leaves behind some special friends, Vicki Hairston, Janice Holland, Edith Byers, Stanley Green, Clarence Knapper, Lois Spotts, and a host of friends and relatives!
Bessie attended Windale Elementary grades 1-8. She attended Lincoln High School, 9-12, and was honored 3rd in the class and class Historian. She attended Bluefield State College for one year, and graduated Cum Laude from West Virginia State University with a degree in Home Economics, and a degree from Marshall University with a degree in Home Economics.
Bessie was a member of Samaritan Baptist Church for 30 years, until its closing, and was a member of First Baptist Church until her passing.
She loved cooking, keeping a clean and organized house, and teaching others how to sew. She was highly fashionable and loved wearing the finest jewelry and collecting only the “finest hats.” She was even featured in a magazine which highlighted how fashionable her hats were. But most importantly, she loved the Lord! She always reminded us that she felt as though she was one of His favorites. She read the Bible and took copious notes, always noting that “God is Good” and “God Will Take Care of Me.”
A service to Honor the Life of Bessie will be held at 12:00 Noon, December 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church, with Entombment following in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. Friends may visit from 11:00 am till service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, it is Bessie’s wish that monetary donations in her memory go to Hubbard Hospice House Hospicecarewv.org Kanawha Hospice Care 1606 Kanawha Blvd West Charleston, WV 25387 and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital Stjude.org .
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Ken Kennedy
Ken Kennedy was born on March 9, 1943. He died quite suddenly on November 19, 2024, at home.
Between those dates, he went to school, attended church, played football, and played varsity college basketball at West Virginia Tech. He became a teacher, basketball coach, and later an administrator for the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center. But his favorite job was being a father and a grandfather.
He was married to his wife, Donna, for 56 years and had one son, Chris. He is also survived by his daughter- in-law, Karri; and 2 glorious grandsons, Nicholas and Landon.
He had a love of sports his whole life, including basketball, running, fishing, skiing, and more. He really loved the West Virginia Mountaineers!
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Ken will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org/) at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Memories of Ken may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Niva Carolyn Williamson
Niva Carolyn Williamson, of South Charleston, went to join Jesus and her beloved late husband, Ron, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. She was born on January 30, 1940, to the late George Latimer Noble and Dessie Opal Noble (Warner).
Niva married Ronald Lewis Williamson on October 21, 1959, in Gauley Bridge, West Viginia. Her career included working as an Administrative Assistant at The Chemical Banking and Trust Company in South Charleston, WV, and as a bookkeeper at Jordon Chiropractic Clinic. She was also the owner-operator of the South Charleston Dairy Queen and Spring Hill Dairy Bar, where she was renowned for her delicious hot dogs, all while raising four boys and countless neighborhood children. After retiring, she dedicated 25 years to raising, caring for, racing, and adopting out greyhounds.
Niva is survived by her four sons: Ronald Lexford Williamson (Darla), George Vincent Williamson (Julie), Jeffery Wayne Williamson, and Phillip Kevin Williamson (Angela). She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Michael, Scott, Aimee, Kylie, Nate, Zach; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Noble; her mother, Opal Noble; her sister, Norma Seested; her brother, Darwin Noble; her beloved husband, Ron Williamson; and grandchildren, Dustin Williamson and Amber Williamson.
Niva embodied hard work and compassion, always caring for those in need and inspiring others with her selflessness. Her bright spirit and unwavering love will leave a void in the lives of her family, friends, and community.
The family would like to extend special thanks to her caregivers: Kathy Crow, Myrande, Tabitha, and all of the staff of Amada Senior Care and HospiceCare of Charleston.
A Service to Honor the Life of Niva C. Williamson will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Rev. Cindy Briggs-Biondi officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, at 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV, 25311. (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today)
Memories of Niva may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.