Anna Carol Melton Greear
Anna Carol Melton Greear, 85, of South Charleston, passed away at the Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Loving wife to her husband Dave and a proud mother of two sons, Ann was born on June 25, 1940, in Elkview, WV, the daughter of the late Wesley and Myrtle Melton. She was a graduate of Elkview High School, class of 1959. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Morris Harvey College in Charleston. She was united in holy matrimony to David W. Greear in June of 1962. She served for many years as an elementary school teacher with the Kanawha County Public School system, including around 30 years as a first-grade teacher at Montrose Elementary in South Charleston.
Ann professed her faith in Jesus Christ at a young age. Later in life she made sure of her salvation, and was subsequently baptized at Spring Hill Baptist Church in South Charleston, WV, where she was a faithful member for over 60 years. At Spring Hill Baptist, she served faithfully in many roles, including Junior Church teacher, VBS teacher, shut-in committee member, and various ladies’ ministries.
Ann loved gardening, especially planting flowers around her home. She also was an avid reader, particularly loving the Bible and Christian fiction. She also was a big fan of WVU athletics and loved to cook. Most of all, she loved spending time with her five grandchildren, whom she adored. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers that she loved, and her influence will live on in the lives of all who knew her.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Wesley Melton and Myrtle Bell Melton; brother, Jack Melton; sisters, Alice Givens and “Boots” Melton.
Ann is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, David Greear; son, David Greear II of Willow Spring, NC; son, Daniel (Amy) Greear of South Charleston; grandson, Josh Greear of Oceanside, CA; grandson, Caleb Greear of Garner, NC; grandson, Ben Greear of South Charleston; and granddaughters, Susanna Greear and Sarah Greear of Garner, NC. Ann is also survived by her brother, Dale (Dottie) Melton of Pinch, WV; sister, Sandra Sanders of Palm Coast, FL; as well as by many nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank HospiceCare and the Hubbard Hospice House staff for the wonderful support and care provided to Ann and the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to either Spring Hill Baptist Church (4707 Ohio St, So. Charleston, WV, 25309) or Child Evangelism Fellowship, Kanawha Chapter (P.O. Box 8676, So. Charleston, WV 25303 or https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cefowvkc/).
Funeral services will be at Spring Hill Baptist Church on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with funeral to follow at 1:00 p.m. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, http://snodgrassfuneral.com.
Dawn Elaine Foster
Dawn Elaine Foster, 63, of Charleston, went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2026 in her home in Charleston.
Dawn was born March 6, 1963 in Tampa, FL, and was adopted by late Ed and Joanne Dick of Bradenton, FL.
Dawn was a mother, grandmother, friend, aunt, and a listening ear to whoever needed one. Dawn loved traveling, going to church at the Lighthouse Worship Center, playing bingo, swimming, and playing with her grandson.
Dawn was a homemaker most of her life. She raised 2 children in Ravenswood, WV, where she supported her children and volunteered in numerous of activities and events. In Dawn’s younger years, she was in band, where she played the flute; speech, where she earned a reward; and ballet. She was in the graduating class of 1981 at Bayshore High School in Florida. She was also a choir member.
After high school Dawn traveled, held many jobs, and tried college. But her best passion of all was being a homemaker and raising her children.
Dawn was a member of the Lighthouse Worship Center in Sissonville, where she was faithful to the outreach team and would go and help feed the hungry. Dawn also loved spending time with her grandsons, family and friends, as well as going to community events and exploring the world.
Dawn had such a big heart and loving spirit, and she will be missed by everyone that know her.
Dawn left behind peacefully her children: Melissa Bailey of Charleston, James Foster (Megan) of San Antonio, TX, and Aaron Lenox of Orange County, CA; two grandsons, James Myers (Melissa) and James Foster (James). In addition, she left her sisters, Shawna Weeks (Carol) of Bradenton, FL, Kelly Emmons of Sarasota, FL, Christine Chala (Paul) of Inverness, FL. She also left behind peacefully her brother, Reid Dick of Bradenton, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Dawn Elaine Foster will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Pastor Danny Kinder officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 6:00pm prior to service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Lighthouse Worship Center, 5926 Sissonville Dr, Charleston, WV 25312.
Claire Elaine Johnson
Claire Elaine Johnson, born in Pinckney, MI, and residing recently in Charleston, WV, died at CAMC Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family, on March 7, 2026 at the age of 90.
Loving wife to John and proud mother of seven, Claire was born on August 5, 1935, to Roy and Dorothy (Shehan) Campbell. Claire graduated from the University of Michigan, where she studied nursing. John and Claire married in 1957 and began raising their family in Ann Arbor, MI.
In 1970, the family moved to Beaumont, TX, where John became the first employee of Helena Laboratories, now a global leader in its field. Claire became the nurse in charge of the oncology ward at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. In 1978, Claire became one of the first nurses in the area to offer in-home hospice care when Southeast Texas Hospice began its work with the dying.
Wherever she lived, Claire was an active member of her Catholic Church community, including twenty years at Blessed Sacrament in Charleston. Claire’s faith motivated her loving, attentive approach to life.
Both in Beaumont and Charleston, Claire and John were active participants in the local quilt guilds, where they frequently served as elected officers. The quilts Claire designed and sewed often won quilt show prizes. Claire was particularly proud when her 2014 first-place applique quilt hung in the Great Hall of the Culture Center, at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.
Claire’s daughters remember and honor her especially for the many sacrifices she made to raise seven children, imbuing in them a love of family and a responsibility to the larger community.
Claire is survived by her daughters, Mary Johnson (Lucas Lund), Kathryn Johnson (Carl Offutt), Cynthia Joy (Corwin Joy), Margaret Johnson (Murat Cil), Samira Heather Johnson (Stefan Fuegi), and her brother, James Campbell. Claire was predeceased by her husband, John Daniel Johnson; her daughter, Dorothy Johnson Scheiman (David Scheiman, still living); her son, Joseph Johnson; and her sister, Mary Ann Phelps (Elmer J. "Pete" Phelps).
Claire was lovingly cared for by her daughter Kathryn and her granddaughter, Jenny Hock, who loved her grams fiercely. Other grandchildren include John Hock (Allysa Hock), Isaac Fuegi, Gabriel Joy, Noah Cil, Sarah Cil, and Ethan Joy.
Claire’s funeral will be April 11, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 305 E Street, South Charleston, WV. Family and friends will gather to remember Claire at 10:00, followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00, and a lunch in the church hall.
Claire’s funeral Mass will be live-streamed on Blessed Sacrament’s Facebook page.
Donations may be sent in Claire’s honor to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Memories of Claire may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Karen Saunders
Karen Frances (Rogers) Saunders
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Saunders, who left us peacefully on March 9, 2026 at the age of 79. Born on August 3, 1946 in Cynthiana, KY.
Karen was raised in Richwood, WV and later moved to Charleston, WV where she married Jim Saunders. She worked as a clerk for the judges in the Social Security Administration.
Karen was an active & involved member of First United Methodist Church. She loved to spend time with her many friends playing cards, shopping or traveling. Time alone was spent reading or watching her favorite show, Law & Order.
She is survived by her son, Christopher James Saunders of Charleston, WV, uncle Bill (Marlene) Rogers of Clarence Center, NY, sister-in-law, Susan Brannock of Lexington, KY, niece, Sandy (Brent) Maschke of Lexington, KY, nephew, Bryan (Marsha) Nelson of Somerset, KY, great-nephew, Michael (Mandie) Brandon and their daughters Hallie and Harper of Nicholasville, KY, great-niece, Joy (Ben) Simmons and their children Josie and Avery of Somerset, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents Carter & Mary (Bikerstaff) Rogers.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 noon at First United Methodist Church located at 905 Glendale Ave., South Charleston, WV.
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, WV.
Gail Reid
Gail L. Reid (Momma Gail), 70, of South Charleston, WV, transitioned to her new life on March 3, 2026.
Born on July 22, 1955, to Josephine and George Patterson, Gail spent her life rooted in the community she loved. While raising her family in the Parkland Terrace Apartments, she became affectionately known as “Momma Gail” to countless neighborhood children. Her home, her heart, and her spirit were open to all.
Gail’s life was filled with creativity, curiosity, and adventure. She loved crafting, traveling, and exploring new places with her family and friends. Her radiant smile and warm, welcoming presence touched everyone she met. To many, she was a second mother; to all, she was a loyal friend. Gail had an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, valued, and deeply loved — a gift that will forever be remembered.
She is reunited in peace with her mother, Josephine Patterson; her father, George Patterson; her sister, Alzerita Munlin; and her brother, George Patterson II.
Gail’s legacy lives on through those who cherished her: her daughter, Danaya Reid-Walker (Karley); her son, Rod D. Reid (Hannah); her beloved grandchildren Donovan, Avery, and Gavin; her godchildren Deandre Breeze and Jalisha Nelson; and her countless nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life honoring Gail will be held at 6:30 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Lavish in South Charleston. All family and friends are warmly welcome to attend and share in remembering her beautiful spirit.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting her obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Michael Paul Keoghan
Micheal Paul Keoghan, 64, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on March 8, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
He was born on April 1, 1961, to the late John and Evelyn Keoghan. He graduated from Glassboro State College with a BA Degree in Psychology. He worked for Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, and over the last two years, he worked for the State of West Virginia in Adult Protective Services.
Along with his parents, he was also proceeded in death by his daughter, Jessica Lynn Keoghan, and his son, Paul John Keoghan.
Micheal is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna Keoghan; daughter, Erin Darden; son, Micheal John Keoghan; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Price; granddaughter, Savannah Keoghan; grandsons, Kieran Forbes, Xavier Darden, and Jalen Darden.
There will be no formal services at this time.
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, WV.
Rodney W. Clay
Rodney W. Clay, 78, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born in Raleigh, WV, to the late Geraldine and Ashley Clay.
Rod shared a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed sitting on the porch and taking long rides with his dog Omni. His hobbies were boating, fishing, and going to the gun range to shoot. He was the owner of Green Mountain Company and the Contractors Association of WV President from 1998-1999. Rod was a respected leader who devoted significant time and energy to guiding the association, strengthening member engagement, and advancing sound, member focus policy. His steady leadership and thoughtful approach left a lasting impact on CAWV and the construction industry across West Virginia.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by spouses, Sandy Clay and Tammy (Jody) Clay; and his sister, Sue.
He will be missed by his life partner, Patty Fazio. He is also survived by his children, Mary Katherine Reilly (Craig), Kevin Clay, and Alison Clay Fournier.
To honor his wishes, there will be no formal services.
Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
As Rod would say at the end of each day, “Ditto”.
Joyce Brown Crede
Joyce Brown Crede, 88, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026.
Born June 7, 1937, to Roy and Jackie Brown, Joyce lived a life filled with love for her family and an appreciation for beauty. She enjoyed fashion, jewelry, art, decorating, and had a special talent for making her home warm and welcoming to those who visited. She especially loved finding unique pieces of art and décor that brought character and personality into her home.
Joyce was known for her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and love of conversation. She enjoyed keeping up with family, friends, and the happenings around her, and always had a story to share.
Her first husband, Harold Dean Richards, passed away at an early age. She later married John Crede, who preceded her in death in 2018.
She is survived by her children, Karen Richards, (wife Shelia), and Dean Richards, (wife Kathi); her grandchildren, Cody Richards (wife Mary) and Morgan Beals (husband Michael); and her four great grandsons, Carter, Eliott, Hudson, and Benson, who lovingly called her “Nanny.” Being “Nanny” brought her great joy, and she cherished watching the boys grow.
Joyce is also survived by her sister, Susie Studdard, and her husband John, along with her niece Megan Hunt (Tom), great nephew Jacob, nephew Jay Studdard (Erika), and great nephew Jack.
She adored her beloved dog, Rosie, who was a constant companion. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Sweeney and Crede children for always looking out for Joyce and caring for her over the years.
Joyce will be remembered for her humor, her sense of style, and the love she shared with her family. To honor Joyce’s love of beauty and creativity, the family encourages others to support a small artist or a local shop in her memory.
Joyce will be inurned at a later date next to her late husband, John Crede, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Mary Russell
Mary Elizabeth Russell passed peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday March 3, 2026 after a year-long battle with lung cancer. She was 77 years old. She is survived by her son Benjamin Russell and his wife Tani, Mary’s precious grand children, Thea age 7, Wyatt age 4, and Owen age 2, all from Moose Lake, MN. Also, her nephew, William “Rusty” Russell and his wife Kristy of Miami, Fl, her niece, Mary “Bebe” Zalaskus and her husband Kenny of Gainesville, VA, 6 grand nephews, 4 great grand nephews, 2 sisters-in-law, and many friends, colleagues, and co-workers.
Mary was preceded in death by her father Leo Russell, Sr., her mother Mary Kathleen Russell and her big brother and business partner Leo Russell, Jr. Mary was born in Bluefield, WV on January 10, 1949 and moved to Charleston, WV as a young girl. Mary graduated from Charleston High School Class of 1965, and then attended the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a degree in Interior Design. In 1976, she and her brother Leo opened Contemporary Galleries in Kanawha City. It was a retail store selling contemporary and Scandinavian residential furniture but soon grew to include commercial furniture and a design division. The business operated from 1976 to 2023.
Mary was a very talented commercial designer and, for many years, was the only accredited ASID designer (American Society of Interior Design) in the state of West Virginia. She partnered in a business that employed hundreds of people and served thousands of clients over a span of 47 years. She worked tirelessly for decades tracking and maintaining contacts for her high school CHS Class of 1965 reunions, and seriously tried to stay in contact with everyone she ever met. She raised a devoted son who is a loving husband and father, she cared for her parents till they each passed away, she was a business woman, a community volunteer, a caring dog and cat owner, a loving sister and a loyal friend. She was loved and will be missed by so very many. Her kindness wouldn’t allow her to see the negatives in people, as she always simply wanted to make the world around her a more beautiful place.
Her family and friends will gather for visitation at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston from 10:00 to 11:00am on Tuesday March 10, 2026. Burial will be in Princeton, WV at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make donations in Mary’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Audrey Carolyn Pennington
Audrey Carolyn Pennington, 78, of South Charleston, WV passed away peacefully on Thursday February 12, 2026 at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV. She was born on June 27, 1947 in Bedford, VA. She grew up in Kopperston, WV in Wyoming County. Audrey graduated from Oceana High School in Oceana, WV in 1965.
After graduation, she attended Capitol City Commercial College and graduated with a Secretarial Degree. She started her career at Charleston National Bank working as a secretary. Audrey then transitioned to WV state government, where she held various positions during the first two administrations of Governor Arch A. Moore, Jr. from 1969 through 1977. She was then hired as the Executive Secretary and Office Manager for the Law Offices of Arch A. Moore, Jr. from 1977 through 1984. Audrey became the Treasurer for the re-election campaign of Arch Moore in 1984 and returned to state government to become the Executive Secretary and Office Manager for the Office of the Governor, Arch A. Moore, Jr. from 1985 – 1989. After a six-year stopover at McJunkin Corporation from 1991 – 1997, she came back to WV state government where she worked in the Department of Tax and Revenue under several administrations. Audrey retired in 2017 as the Executive Secretary for the Cabinet Secretary at the Department of Tax and Revenue. She was regarded by her friends & co-workers as an exceptional woman, a dedicated employee, and was known for her loyalty and efficiency with any task.
Audrey was very excited to retire, and she cherished the extra time she was able to spend with her grandchildren & family in North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as with her extended family in Ohio, WV, Kentucky, and Maryland. She was a fierce & loyal WVU fan, loved to travel to WV football games with friends & family, and was known on occasion to yell at the TV while watching WV football & basketball games.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Reece C. Pennington, and Dorothy Reynolds Pennington, of Kopperston, WV, and her brother Larry Pennington, of Crestview, FL. She is survived by her sons, James Patrick Toler & wife Melissa of Charlotte, NC, and Dr. John Christopher Toler & wife Lynette of Summerville, SC; her brother Lyle Pennington & wife Marge of Moorpark, CA; her sister Iris Toler of South Charleston, WV; and her grandchildren Madison & Mason Toler of Charlotte, NC and Faith Toler of Summerville, SC. Audrey (“Nana”) is also survived by her extended family including daughter-in-law Diane Plantz & husband Steve of Charleston, WV; stepdaughter Kim Rice of Proctorville, OH; and grandchildren Bo Plantz & wife Courtney of Parkville, MD, Sam Plantz & wife Danielle of Morgantown, WV, Kristin Wine & husband Justin of Crown City, OH, Sarah Butler & husband Justin of Maysville, KY, and Laura Rice of Chesapeake, OH. In addition, she is survived by her great-grandchildren including Isla, Adaleigh, Emmie, and Lena, as well as a host of close friends and additional family.
A memorial service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, WV at 3 p.m. on Saturday March 21, 2026. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Diane Plantz, Shirley Dissen, Amy Farley, and Lisa Swann for their compassionate caring for Audrey during her ultimate time of need while in hospice.
Memories of Audrey may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made in memory of Audrey Pennington to the National Adoption Association, supporting children in foster care in finding permanent, loving families. Donations may be made at National Adoption Association, 605 Global Way, Suite 100, Linthicum, MD 21090 or at https://tinyurl.com/3thdpbdh.