Toney Latel Delaney
Toney Latel Delaney, 67, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully and contentedly on January 31, 2024, at home, with his family.
Toney was a longtime resident of Charleston, building dozens of homes as a talented carpenter. He was a righteous man, and spent the last few years of his life retired and passing along his wisdom of a compassionate life. He was also an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, prankster, magician, comedian, philosopher, devout visionary, teacher, artist, gospel singer, merrymaker, and one who had a deep respect for and obedience to God’s Word. Toney loved Bible passages from the Old Testament books like Job, Exodus, and the Psalms.
These passages helped Toney live a life of perseverance, meekness, humility, and allowed him to be forgiving, loving, kind, and humble.
Toney was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Hairston; father, Sydney Delaney; brothers, Ronnie Hairston and Harold Eugene Delaney (who sadly passed in the womb); and his sister, Ada Regina Price, whom he loved dearly.
Toney is survived by his daughters, LaToya Richards and Sydney Delaney (Scott Strader); his grandson, Julian Livingston Jr.; his wife and the love of his life, Mildred Honeycutt; and siblings: Marshall Hairston, Vetrice “Renae” Hairston, Benjamin “Benny” Earl Delaney, Phillip Terry Delaney, and Pamela Delaney.
A Service to Honor the Life of Toney Delaney will be held at 12 noon, on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Central Community Tabernacle, 1340 Elmwood Ave., Charleston, WV 25301, with Rev. Caroline Virginia Walker officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Toney may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Ruby Pauley
Ruby Pauley, 94, of Cross Lanes, WV, went home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2024.
Ruby was born on January 5, 1930, to the late Thomas and Tempa Largen in Lester, West Virginia. She was a 1946 graduate of Trap Hill High School. She spent the majority of her career as an executive assistant at Union Carbide in South Charleston, WV. She was a charter member of Riverlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans, and later a member of Cross Lanes United Methodist Church.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, Denver “Chick” P. Pauley, her special friend Charlie Smith, and five siblings (four sisters and one brother). She is survived by her loving daughter, Diana Kessler (Mike) of Cross Lanes, WV; grandsons, Jeremy Beakes (Sarah) of Wilmington, NC, Benjamin Beakes (Sarah) of Cross Lanes, WV, and Jeffrey Beakes (Brittany) of Charleston, SC; and great-grandchildren: Chloe, Sadie, Cooper, Ruby Kate, and Parker. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who adored her.
From humble beginnings in Southern West Virginia, Ruby moved to Charleston to create a new life for herself. Throughout her life, Ruby established herself as the matriarch of the family. Ruby was often described as the sweetest lady you’ve ever met. She was well known for her meticulous lawn. Wearing her straw hat, neighbors passed by and waved as she worked outside. Ruby prepared meals for many over the years. No birthday was ever complete without her homecooked meal. Rides home from school, cheering in sporting events, helping with school projects – there wasn’t much Ruby couldn’t do.
Ruby always had the company of her loving daughter, Diana, who cared for her in her final days. Ruby was most proud of her daughter and how she raised her sons (Ruby’s grandsons), the Beakes Boys, who she referred to as her pride and joy. The boys loved their MaMaw dearly. The impact she had on their lives will continue to be seen as they love their families in the same spirit as she loved them. They will continue to fight with each other about who MaMaw’s “favorite” was!
A service to Honor the Life of Ruby will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Rev. J.F. Lacaria officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes.
Memories of Ruby may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Golden "Mark" Vickers
GOLDEN MARK VICKERS, 60, of Charleston, WV, passed away on January 24, 2024, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family following a valiant fight with cancer. He was born February 15, 1963, in Clarksburg, WV, to Deryck S. Vickers and Wanda L (Stowers)Vickers. Mark graduated from George Washington High School, where he met his soulmate, Cynthia Ann (Martin) Vickers, on a blind date. After marriage, they had their only son, Christopher Mark “Markie” Vickers.
Mark started his career as a mechanic at a very young age. He has been “mechanicing” since before he could even walk. He loved nothing more than taking things apart and putting them back together (or not). Mark loved his family, friends, fishing, and relaxing at the Outer Banks with Cindy, Sue, and Keith. He loved being a father and grandfather and shared a special bond with his only grandchild, Josie. Josie had Papaw Mark wrapped around her little finger and was the apple of his eye. The love of motocross that was once shared between Markie and his daddy, will now continue between Markie and his daughter, Josie.
Mark retired from the South Charleston Stamping Plant after 20+ years following his first battle with cancer and living another 13 years cancer free. He is preceded in death by his father, Deryck Vickers; paternal grandparents, Sim and Delphia Vickers; maternal grandparents, Emit and Inez Stowers; and favorite uncle, Jack Stowers. Mark leaves behind his wife, Cynthia Ann (Martin) Vickers; son, Christopher Mark “Markie” Vickers; granddaughter, Amya Josephine “Josie” Sky Vickers; mother, Wanda Vickers; brother, Tim (Ramona) Vickers; sisters, Renita (Porter) Vickers, and Sue (Keith) Whaples; special nonbiological sister, Stephanie Burrow; and his two very best friends, Angelo McCallister and Jim Decker. He was also beloved “Uncle Mark” to several nieces and nephews, plus many of their friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ruby Memorial that were involved with his care while he was there.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Golden “Mark” Vickers will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Richard McCallister officiating. Friends and family may visit and share memories one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the WVU Cancer Institute.
Memories of Golden “Mark” Vickers may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Joanna Margaret Austin Pauley
Joanna Margaret Austin Pauley (89) of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully at Harmony at Southridge on January 19, 2024. She was the daughter of Emory H. Austin and Catherine Coalter Austin. She grew up in Saint Albans, WV, and was raised in the Coalter family home with her beloved aunts and uncles, grandparents, Charles and Margaret Coalter, as well as her mother. Her great aunt and great uncle, Irene and Samuel Nurnberger, were also an influential part of her childhood.
Upon graduation from Saint Albans High School in 1952, Jody attended Asbury College in Wilmore, KY, where she made many lifelong friends. She also attended Mississippi College in Jackson, MS. She later attended Morris Harvey College, where she met the love of her life, David Pauley. They were happily married for 52 years, until David’s death in 2009. While living in Gallipolis, OH, their children, Teresa Ann and J.D. (James David, Jr.) were born. In 1965, they returned to West Virginia, where they lived out the rest of their lives.
Jody was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, David. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Teresa (Rob) Matheny and J.D. (Becky) Pauley, Jr.; grandchild and spouse, her beloved grandson Christopher (Moe) Matheny, step-grandchildren and spouse: Cory Fagan and Stephanie (Steve) Johnston; 4 great grandchildren, many cousins, and dear friend, Diana Jones.
Jody was a woman who loved children, never seeing anything but good in them. As Christian Education Director at South Charleston First United Methodist Church for many years, she was able to fulfill that love for children by involving them in Sunday School and church, Wednesday evening kids club, and other various church activities. Jody was a long-time member of South Charleston First United Methodist Church, was a member of the Anna King Circle, and was honored with a Life Membership pin in recognition of her work in United Methodist Women. She was also a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 283, in Gallipolis, OH. Jody loved traveling with friends and family, and especially loved the time spent with her family at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
A service to Honor the Life of Jody will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Rev. Paula Napier officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston.
Jody loved flowers and you are welcome to send them if you wish. As an alternative, you may send donations in her memory to Kanawha Hospice Care 1606 Kanawha Blvd W. Charleston, WV 25387 (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) or Alzheimer’s Association 1601 2nd Ave. Charleston, WV 25387(https://www.alz.org/wv).
Memories of Jody may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jean "Gail" Harrah
Jean “Gail” Harrah ,79, of Hurricane, WV, passed away on January 11, 2024.
Gail was the daughter of Jim and Pauline Meeks and a member of the South Charleston High School Class of 1962. Gail was an avid bowler and looked forward to her weekly trips to the bowling alley. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and was always up for a road trip. Gail was quick witted, with a great sense of humor, a quick smile, and an infectious laugh.
Gail was preceded in death by Charlie Harrah, her loving husband of 59 years. She also was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Pauline Meeks, and her brother, James Richard “Dick” Meeks.
Gail is survived by her children: Allen Harrah, Chris Harrah Turner (Robert), and Deby Quick; her grandchildren: Grayson Epperson (Jordan), Abigail Turner, Katherine Turner, and Willow Meade; her brother, John Meeks (Jennifer); sisters-in-law, Mary Meeks and Susan (Tom) Bennett; brother-in-law, Fred (Becky) Harrah, and many nieces and nephews.
Memories of Gail may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Elisabeth "Betty" Gherasin Miles
Elisabeth Gherasin Miles (Betty), 97, died at Hubbard Hospice House West on January 16, 2024. Betty was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, on December 9, 1926. She had a full professional and private life. She was a vibrant member of the Charleston community and a proud West Virginian. She dedicated much of her time to her health and fitness, the media, entertaining friends, and her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Anisiea; 4 sisters; her husband, Paul; and her daughter, Janet (Douglas). She is survived by her son, Mack (Elliott), and her grandchildren: Sam (Derin), Charlie, and Elisabeth McElwee.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Shirley Jean Cielensky
Shirley J. Cielensky of Charleston, WV, lived an amazing 85 years. She died at home, Sunday, January 14, 2024. She was born and raised in Pineville, WV, until her graduation from high school and began attending college at Morris Harvey (now the University of Charleston). It was there she met and later married the love of her life, (and great quarterback) Joseph L. Cielensky.
They were married on July 6, 1957. Mother is predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph Cielensky, their only son, Joseph (Joey), and her parents, Beauman and Edna Goodman.
Charleston Catholic High School was blessed to have her wisdom and caring ways for 43 years where, as secretary, she helped thousands of students throughout her years. She also had the privilege of working with her husband, Coach Cielensky, for many of those years. Together they imparted not only their skillset, but their wisdom, kindness, and love to all.
Shirley was the oldest of two daughters, born to the late Beauman and Edna Goodman. Soon children entered their world; Leigh Anne Cielensky, Vicki Cielensky-Holstein (the late Mark Holstein), the late Joseph (Joey) Cielensky, and Kelly Cielensky. Grandchildren later blessed her world. Vicki and her late husband Mark had three wonderful boys; Jason (Mady and their daughter Brooks, a great-great grandchild), Justen and Jordan. Kelly was blessed with two daughters; Britani (Adam) Wright and Briena (Shaun) Guthrie. Britani Wright (Adam) gave mother three great, great grandchildren; Eva, Lucy, and Levi Wright, and another child (a son) on the way. Briena (Shaun) has a son Adrian, and a daughter, Mila, and are expecting a son within a matter of weeks.
Our parents provided their children with the most educational, and privileged life anyone could imagine. Our father was the camp director of Union Carbide’s summer girls camp. We spent so many summers there learning to swim, participating in crafts, archery, sharpshooting, and riding our own horses among many camp horses. We learned camp songs, went on overnight camping trips, learning to build campfire’s, cooking over the fire, and just enjoying what the great outdoors had to offer. When we were in our early teens, our parents purchased a 32-foot trailer which was parked for many years right across the street from the beach in Myrtle Beach. We stayed there from the day after school was out until it was time to go back to school. We also took it to several other campgrounds, traveling to many destinations. These adventures gave us a lifetime of educational experiences, values, appreciating the outdoors, and learning to love (and appreciate) the ocean. Several years later, they purchased a small place in Murrells Inlet, where we would enjoy vacations, extended weekends, holidays, and more. We still enjoy going to the beach. We couldn’t have had a better start to our lives together. We thank them for everything they gave us.
We will gather one last time to enjoy memories of mother, exchange stories, and celebrate and honor her life at Snodgrass Funeral Home ( 4122 MacCorkle Avenue, S.W. South Charleston WV) on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5-7 pm, with a short service at 6:00 p.m. Mother will be buried Friday morning at 11:00 am with a few short words in the mausoleum. Resting place will be alongside her beloved husband with her son next to them at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Charleston, WV.
Many thanks to Snodgrass Funeral Home for their professionalism, their care and help getting through this difficult time. For further information, please contact Snodgrass Funeral Home at 304-768-7324
Sharon Naylor
Sharon D. Naylor, 76 of South Charleston, WV, passed away on January 7, 2024 at CAMC General Hospital after a long illness.
Sharon was born in Charleston WV on November 11, 1947. She graduated from Walton High School in 1965. After high school she began her career in Retail at the Diamond Department Store in Charleston. She thoroughly enjoyed working at the Diamond where she developed her love for accessorizing. Scarves, pins, jewelry, etc… She worked in retail for many years and ended her retail career as the store manager of Artley’s in Elkview. After Artley’s, she went on to work at Lab Corp of America in South Charleston, where she would stay until she retired. Sharon loved spending time with her great nieces.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Dorrel and Elsie Naylor, her brother Robert Naylor and her beloved son Mark Allen Naylor.
Sharon is survived by her sister Nancy Alfred, brother John Naylor, Niece Kelly Woodyard (Shane). Great nieces, Abby Woodyard and Eden Woodyard.
A private graveside service with burial was held in Sunset Memorial Park on January 10, 2024. Memories of Sharon can be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Thomas Arthur Bird
Thomas Arthur Bird, 72, of Charleston passed away in the loving care of the Hubbard House on January 2, 2024 after a long illness of Primary Progressive Aphasia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Tom was fourth of seven children born to Lionel and Ellen Bird who raised their flock in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts and History in 1976.
Tom retired as General Manager from Town Center Mall in September of 2017. He began his 17 years of service with Forest City Enterprises in 2000 and quickly developed an affinity to the Charleston community. He was a retail property manager in various shopping centers around the country including The Somerset Collection in Troy, MI; SouthPark Mall in Strongsville, OH; The Galleria at Ft. Lauderdale where he met and married Melanie; and at Villa Linda Mall in Santa Fe, NM. He made many lifelong friends during his years in the industry.
Tom was a big man with a gentle voice and a soft heart. He was a devoted husband to his wife Melanie and loving father to their two children. He was a history enthusiast from an early age, finding entertainment in reading the encyclopedia as a child and later in life used his knowledge of history and facts to clear the Jeopardy board every episode. He was an avid crossword and sudoku puzzle player, a country music fan, loved good food and a good scotch. Everyone knew that Tom was passionate about golf. He played in Scotland, Hong Kong, Argentina, Pebble Beach and every small golf course in between despite the weather.
Tom is survived by his wife of 29 years Melanie, who is forever grateful for his love, his daughter Taylor Bochinski (Joseph) of Martinsburg WV and his son Dr. Kyle Bird, of Greenville NC. His surviving siblings include Ian Bird, Denver, CO; James Bird (Linda), Dallas, TX; and Julie Bird, Auburn Hills, MI.
The family would like to thank Tom’s caregivers Aleesa, Pat and Melissa for lovingly caring for him at his home over the past year. Dementia takes a toll on families but through dear neighbors and friends, Tom was able to stay at home, safe and well-attended. The family is grateful to you for giving him that comfort and peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the West Virginia Golf Association to continue their support for junior and senior golf programs where Tom and his son Kyle made lifetime memories together. Giving someone the opportunity to love the sport as much as he did would be a cherished legacy.
West Virginia Golf Association, 1 Frances P. Jordan Way, Charleston, WV 25302 or online at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=JF35KBZWGE656
A memorial and celebration of life will be held on January 27 at Bible Center Church with visitation starting at 10 AM and the service at 11 AM. Memories of Thomas may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Harry Isaac Mallory
Harry Isaac Mallory, 97, of South Charleston, passed away on January 7, 2024, at home with his family.
Harry was born in Charleston, WV. After High School and serving his country in the United States Marines, Harry graduated from Morris Harvey College with a degree in business. He worked for Dunn and Bradstreet and then served as Director of Credit with McJunkin Corporation for many years until his retirement in 1992. Harry and his son Roger were also the developers of the Oak Tree Acres subdivision in South Charleston, where he resided for the past 32 years.
Harry loved to golf (being a long-term member of the Kanawha Country Club), sing Karaoke, and spend time with his grandchildren. He was also a devout Christian and long-term member of the Dunbar Baptist Church, where he had served as a Deacon.
Harry was preceded in death by his first wife, Marie Mallory. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sue Mallory; daughter, Patty (Marc) Rutter; son, Roger (Carrie) Mallory; step-daughter, Teresa (Dan) Mace; six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
A Service to Honor the Life of Harry will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. Dr. Marc Rutter officiating. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Park in Dunbar. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Harry may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston is handling the arrangements.