LaDonna Wilson Jennings
LaDonna Wilson Jennings, age 87, died July 27, 2024, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
She was born on October 3, 1936, in Fairview, WV, the daughter of Marvin Bill Wilson and Wilena McClain Wilson. She was a graduate of Barrackville High School, Barrackville, WV, and Fairmont General Hospital School of Nursing, Fairmont WV. She was a retired RN from CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston, WV.
Preceding LaDonna in death were her parents; husband, James M. “Goose” Wilson; sister, Darleta Hurt; and step daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Jennings.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Jennings; children, Michael Wilson (Jane), Shelley Wilson and partner Candy Castaldi, and Laura Carpanzano (Dillon).
Also surviving are stepchildren: Kathy Bruner, Debby Cotes (Osterman), Bruce Jennings (Nancy), and Brian Jennings (Sue); sisters, Gweneth Botkin (Earl) and Krystel Roark; brother, Keith Wilson (Sally); grandchildren: David Wilson (Claire Nicely), Robert Wilson (Liz), Anna Wilson-Weustefeld, and Lucas Wilson-Weustefeld; great granddaughter, Nora Wilson; step grandchildren: Rob Cotes (Meran), Kristy Snively (Toby), Matt Bruner (Lauren), Stephen Bruner (Bryanna), Beth Bruner, Dan Jennings (Kate), Ashley Jennings (Trevor Toth), and Kayleigh Jennings. LaDonna is also survived by several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was a member of the Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church, Charleston, WV.
Following retirement, LaDonna volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, and the Light Opera Guild Box Office.
A memorial Service to Honor the Life of LaDonna will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in LaDonna’s memory may be made to Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston WV 25311 (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today), Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 (https://stjude.org/donate), or a charity of your choice.
Memories of LaDonna may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Ajamu Ali Gaines, Jr.
Ajamu Ali Gaines, Jr., 27, of Charleston, WV, passed away to be with the Lord while in the comfort of his own home, on July 21, 2024.
Ajamu, also known as “ManMan,” was a graduate of Capital High School, class of 2018. “ManMan” enjoyed watching movies with his family and friends, enjoyed Blow Pops, and giving orders! He had a smile that could brighten your day! He was loved, and will always be loved, by all who knew him.
“ManMan” is preceded in death by his great grandmother, Dorothy Higgenbotham (Granny) and his stepmother, Misty Gaines.
“ManMan” is survived by his father, Ajamu Ali Gaines; mother, Wyenda Phelps; paternal grandparents, Michael and Dawn Gaines; uncle, KaWambee Gaines; aunt, Kizzy (Rodney) Ragland; siblings: Zymeer (McKenzie) Smith, Shamar Ali Ellis, Lalia Ali, Kobe Ali, and Aaliyah Ali Gaines, and McKenzie Burks of Springfield, OH; step-sisters, Kamari Canterbury and Skylar Singleton; nephew, Mason Smith; and niece, Stella Smith; a host of cousins; two special aunts, Yvette Davis and Andrea Ellis; and honorary Godparents, Dante’ and Teri diTrapano.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of “ManMan” will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Boulevard W, Charleston, WV, 25302, with Pastor Matthew Watts officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memories of “ManMan” may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Franklin "Frank" Darnell Childers
Franklin Darnell Childers, known affectionately as Frank, passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 83, in Charleston, West Virginia. He was born on August 18, 1940, in Peytona, West Virginia.
Frank graduated from Sherman High School before attending Marshall University and the University of Charleston. His commitment to education was evident through his career as an elementary school teacher at Seth Grade School. He later served at the West Virginia State Auditor's Office before retiring. Frank also pursued entrepreneurial interests, owning and operating El Azul Grande Mexican Restaurants.
A proud veteran, Frank served in the United States Navy, where he embraced the discipline and camaraderie that defined his time in the service. He was a member of the Peytona Church of Christ, where he was baptized on May 17, 1956. Frank was also a member of the Knights of Pythias, serving as Grand Chancellor of the State of West Virginia.
Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene; his parents, Sylvester and Maysel Childers; and his sisters, Edna Mae McNeely and Edith Halstead.
He is survived by his daughter, Lara Breeding (JB); and grandsons, Andrew (Rosa), Simon, and Ryan Breeding. He will be sadly missed by special loved ones: Jenna and Allie Ferrell, Miguel, Ivan and Alex Rameriez; and his loving and faithful cat, Henry.
Services to honor Frank's life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia, on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Friends may visit between 12:00-1:00 PM. Minister Donnie Pauley will be conducting the services. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, West Virginia.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family, providing support and care as they celebrate Frank's life and legacy.
Patricia Ann Lore
Patricia Ann Lore, 88, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice House, South Charleston, WV.
She was born October 14, 1935, in Charleston, WV, daughter of Daniel and Verna Mae Pence.
Pat graduated from South Charleston High School and went on to work as a clerk for the C & P Telephone Company. She was an active member of the South Charleston First Church of God, and also served as Worthy Matron of the Nitro Chapter of The Eastern Star. Pat cherished her time with family, supporting her grandsons in all of their activities and accomplishments. She was an avid sports fan, having played basketball and always having a sporting event on her television.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Lore; daughter, Valerie Eskins; grandson, Chris Eskins; great-grandson, Hunter Lore; and siblings, Dale, Opal, Charlie, Fred, Wanda, and Robert.
Pat is survived by her son, Jim (Sara) Lore; son-in-law, Bob Eskins; grandson, Brian (Erin) Eskins; grandson, Andrew (Rachel) Lore; granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Eskins; and great-grandchildren: Owen, Lauren, Madeline, Allie, Austin, Mckenzie, and Walker.
A Service to honor the life of Pat will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, with Clarence “Cho” Lore officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, WV. Family and friends may visit from 11:00AM to 12:00 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Memories of Patricia may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Robert Joseph Lucas
Robert Joseph Lucas, 78, of Cross Lanes, WV passed away at home July 10, 2024. He was born in South Charleston, WV on April 8, 1946.
Robert was a champion swimmer, known as “The Blue Whale” at Windermere Pool, setting records that stood for years. After graduating from Charleson Catholic High School in 1964, he briefly attended Virginia Tech. He moved to Daytona Beach, living as a beach bum and bar bouncer, until working at the Daytona Speedway. He returned to Charleston and worked at C&P Telephone Company as a lineman, Safety Team member, EEO trainer, and Installation Foreman. He was one of the ESS System Conversion leaders for Verizon, known fondly as “Moose.”. He finished his forty-year career as a CISSP – a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and head of Computer Security for Verizon.
Big Bob loved God and loved serving Him through His people. He volunteered in community music groups in Beckley, and at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in the music ministry, as a lector, at youth camp as the fishing “pro”, setting up pyrotechnics and recording activities for videos. He recorded Mass for years for homebound parishioners. He took every opportunity to drop a fishing line in any river, lake or pond – especially Poca Hunting & Fishing Club. He was an avid bird watcher and the neighborhood watchman. Big Bob was witty and loved a good joke or tall tale. His 6’8” frame served him well as an awesome Santa Claus everywhere he went.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Lucas, his sister Patty Anne Bridi and granddaughter Catherine Madeline Dusch. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Connie (Clark) and their children Benjamin, Christopher (Andrea), Carolyn, Margaret (Michael) Dusch, Stephen, Elizabeth (Gavin) Sexton, Theresa (Nathaniel) Smalley, and Ingrid Howard, as well as his 12 grandchildren whom he loved dearly, and his sister Judy, a nephew, two nieces and several cousins.
Services will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 305 E St, South Charleston on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30am, visitation 10am-11am and Catholic Mass service at 11am. A burial service for the family will take place at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memories of Robert Lucas may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
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.