Jean M. Surbaugh
Jean M. Surbaugh, 95, of South Charleston, passed away on July 13, 2023. She was born on March 2, 1928, to the late Gladys Martin and Denver Carte.
In addition to her parents, Jean is preceded in death by her husband, C.W. Surbaugh; brother, Lee Williams; and sister, Ann Westfall. She is survived by: daughters, Beth Thomas (David) and Mary Love (Jim); sons, Tony Surbaugh (Connie) and David Surbaugh (Susan); seven grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org)
Memories of Jean may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bobbie Jane Walker
Bobbie Jane Woods Walker, age 97, of South Charleston, WV died on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at Arthur B. Hodges after a brief illness.
She was born on April 26, 1926 in Brookville, MD, daughter of the late Oma and Anne Porter Owen Woods. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Walker, Jr.
Bobbie graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Journalism. After raising her boys, she received her teaching degree from West Virginia State University. She retired from Kanawha County Schools as an elementary school teacher. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston.
Bobbie is survived by her two sons, Owen and his wife Martha of South Charleston and Ed Walker of South Charleston.
A service to honor Bobbie’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday July 15, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, with Pastor Ginna Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends at the gravesite from 10:30 am until service time. The family invites friends to a celebration of her life at the church for a time of food and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston, Youth Group: 508 Second Ave. South Charleston, WV 25303 or at fpcscwv.org
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Andrew Nathaniel Wiley Gordon III (Drew)
Andrew Nathaniel Wiley Gordon III (Drew), was called home on July 2, 2023, after a three-decade old battle with kidney disease. He appreciated the sacrifice his sister Lolly made of one of her kidneys, as well as the treatment he received from his long-time surgeon, Dr. Ussino, and the excellent care he received from the Dunbar Dialysis Center (his home away from home and second family).
Drew was an Army Veteran, following in the footsteps of his family. He was allowed to join in 1973 at the age of 17 because he enlisted on the buddy plan, with his childhood friends, Garvey Price and Calvin Moore. While serving in Europe as a Sargent in the 82nd Engineer Battalion, he received the Certificate of Achievement in 1976 and the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in 1977.
When his military service ended, Drew pursued his love of building through the masonry arts, a skill which he acquired and perfected from his father and great uncles at an early age. His excellent work with an eye for detail made him a valuable commodity, sought after wherever he plied his trade. His work can be seen throughout the neighborhood, both in West Virginia and Ohio.
Drew was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel Wiley Gordon II and Barbara Ophelia Moody Gordon; and his uncle, Carl Moody, with whom he shared a close bond.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa; four bonus children: Terrance, Terran, Cierra Foster, and Brittany Tan; bonus grandchildren: Tayshaun, Malia, Deontay, and Jaiden Foster; sisters: Laura/Lolly (Sylvester) Clark of KY, Sherree Curry and Nancy Gordon of WV; and brother, Peter (Vanessa) Gordon of WV. Space does not permit his many family members that preceded and survived him in death.
“Uncle Drew” will be sorely missed by a host of family members, as well as many friends, all who fell under the spell of his charming wit, sense of humor, infectious smile, and warm and generous heart, sometimes hidden behind a gruff exterior. Drew genuinely cared about others, always ready to extend a helping hand, in spite of whatever adversities he might be experiencing at the time.
We would like to thank a few people who helped Drew during his end-of-life time: through their prayers, support, and just being there with him. His wife, Teresa; neighbors, the Cyrus’s; special friends, Pastor Kevin and Michi Witcher, Jimmy Curry; his church family, the West Side Church of the Nazarene; and the Sons of Boaz, with whom he looked forward to their Saturday Morning prayer gatherings.
We would be remiss if we failed to mention the one person responsible for the joy in his life, his smile, and the ability he had to endure and overcome the many obstacles life placed in his path along the way: his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all honor, glory, and strength forever.
A service to Honor the Life of Drew will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the Institute Church of the Nazarene, 208 Washington Avenue, Institute, WV, with a repass following. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Institute, WV
Memories of Drew may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Brent Best
Brent Allen Best, 55, of Charleston, WV, passed away on July 5, 2023 at his home.
He was born on May 3, 1968 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Brent was a 1986 graduate of GWHS and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Marshall University, Huntington, WV. Brent never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. He loved fishing, golfing, hunting and watching his boys ride and race ATVs.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don C Best; grandparents, Ralph and Wilma Deushane and Paul and Elizabeth Best; nephew, Ian Morris.
Brent is survived by, ex-wife, Marty Halstead Best; sons, Will and Ryan Best, bonus sons, Austin Harmon and Hayden Fields all of Cross Lanes, WV; mother, Sharon Best; sister, Norma Morris (Steve); nephew, Chris (April) Morris all of Chas, WV; as well as great nieces and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering to Honor the Life of Brent will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home. A time of sharing stories and memories of Brent will begin at 4:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to assist with services. A memorial fund has been set up by Snodgrass Funeral Home for the family please donate by selecting this link. https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/brent-allen-best/8136/ Cash and check donations may be made to the funeral home directly.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Brenda J. Rowe
Brenda J. Rowe, age 80, of Charleston, passed away Monday July 3, 2023 at HospiceCare CAMC Memorial after an extended illness.
She was born on January 6, 1943 in Charleston, daughter of the late, Jack D Edens and Helena Pritt Edens. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Jackie Edens.
Brenda was a member of Goldtown Community Church. She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Ronald “Ronnie” Rowe; two daughters, Rhonda Shamblin (Randy) and Leisa Reed (Jimmy); Grandchildren; Miranda Howard (Jeremy), Christian Shamblin (Kayla), Abby Gary (Sam), and Mackenzie Reed; Brother; Gary Edens (Pansy), 4 Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
A service to honor Brenda’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday July 7, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Pastor Al Mendez officiating. Interment will follow in Sissonville Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Brenda’s 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.
Alex Paolini, Jr.
Alex Paolini, Jr., 82, of South Charleston, passed away on June 28, 2023.
Alex was born in Bedford, PA to the late Alex and Pia Paolini. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Walter, and his wife, Barbara.
Alex received a Degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University and worked on many Architectural projects across West Virginia. He was also the owner of the Athletic Club on 7th Avenue in South Charleston for many years.
Alex is survived by his son, Alexander (A. J.) Paolini III, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Paolini. He is also survived by his companion, Sherry Otey.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memories of Alex may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Martha Elizabeth Richardson
Martha Elizabeth Richardson, 74, passed away on June 18, 2023, in South Charleston, WV. Martha was born on November 6, 1948, in Cameron, TX, to Homer Pumphrey and Rebecca Graham Pumphrey. She was a beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Martha was a graduate of West Virginia Graduate College, where she earned her M.A. degree in Counseling and was a licensed MSW. She worked as a counselor and licensed MSW for WVDHHR, Shawnee Hills, Donald R. Kuhn Juvenile Detention Center, and Aspire Occupational Rehabilitation.
Martha loved spending time with her family in Texas, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid basketball player during high school and enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling, and going to the beach. Martha was a devout Christian and attended Grace United Methodist, Copperas Cove, TX, Scott Depot Christ Fellowship, Scott Depot, WV, Maranatha Fellowship, St. Albans, WV, and Texas Christ Fellowship, Belton, TX. She believed in waiting on God for everything and would pray for anyone and everything going on in the world. We miss her so much, but take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing with her parents and the angels in the presence of Jesus in Heaven.
Martha is survived by her spouse, Lester Sargent of South Charleston, WV; son, John Paul Richardson and wife Skye of Belton, TX; grandchildren: Bently, Soma Liv, and Noah Richardson of Belton, TX; sisters: Barbara Dunn of Temple, TX, Susanna Bunker of Salado, TX, Sara Cude and husband Sammy of Kempner, TX, Karen Gaus and husband Evan of Temple, TX; brother, John Mark Pumphrey of Austin, TX; nephew, Wesley Gaus of Temple, TX; niece, Jessica McGlothlin and husband Neal of Houston, TX; and great-niece, Kariss McGlothlin of Houston, TX.
She was preceded in death by her father, Homer Pumphrey and mother Rebecca Graham Pumphrey.
A service to Honor the Life of Martha Richardson will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. John Paul Richardson officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 10 a.m.in Graceland Memorial Park.
Memories of Martha may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Martha was loved and will be missed by many.
Richard Wayne Burnette
Richard W. “Ricky Rocket” Burnette, 64, a lifelong resident of South Charleston, passed away on May 29, 2023.
Rick was born on July 18, 1958, to the late Richard “Dickie” and Elizabeth Burnette. He worked in the car business in the Kanawha Valley for many years. Rick enjoyed NASCAR, playing the guitar, and Sunday dinners.
Along with his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelli Jo, and sisters, Becky Young and Cindy Burnette.
Rick is survived by his brother, Jeff (Amy) Burnette; special great nephew, Isaiah Young; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his beloved dog, Samantha.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memories of Rick may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Fadi M. Skaf
Fadi Skaf was born on September 28, 1985 in Hama, Syria. He grew up in the city of Latakia. He was very involved in the life of his church in Syria and loved God above all.
During the Lebanese war in 2006, Fadi voluntarily stayed on the Syrian/Lebanese border to care for and feed the Lebanese who were fleeing for their lives. He served with the Red Crescent in Syria and the Red Cross in the US.
In 2012, Fadi immigrated to the United States to prepare a way for his family to come and escape a war-torn Syria, although he left a piece of his heart in his home land.
He was very proud to be an American and did everything he could to assimilate to his new home. He worked very hard and earned his Master’s degree while working. he previously earned his Bachelor’s degree in economics. He was living his American dream until he was diagnosed almost two years with an inoperable brain tumor. Although he was only given 6 months to live, Fadi fought courageously and surpassed everyone’s expectations.
Fadi knew no stranger and was a friend to all. He loved God above all else and then his family and friends. He was also very active in his Church community as a leader and faithful Christian.
Fadi’s untimely death at the young age of 37 on the morning of June 1, 2023 is met with grief from all who love him, although his faith in the Lord during his great suffering has inspired many around him.
He is survived by his parents, Marwan and Zakia Skaf, his sisters Zeina (Ibrahim) and Lamia (George), his nephews and niece, Nicholas, Spiro, Stephanie, and Mark. He is also survived by thousands of friends world-wide.
The arrangements are as follows:
On Friday evening the family will receive condolences at St George Cathedral from 4-8 pm in the lower level of the conference center.
On Saturday morning, Matins 9:30, Divine Liturgy 10:30, Visitation from 12-12:30 in the church and Funeral Service at 12:30 presided by the Rev. Fr. Joseph Hazar. All services will be held at St George Cathedral (190 Court St. Charleston, WV 25301). Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Cemetery following the funeral service. A meal of mercy will be offered in the St George Cathedral Ball Room following the interment.
On Sunday after Divine Liturgy, the family will continue to receive condolences at about 12:30 in the lower level of the conference center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in Fadi’s memory to his church: St George Cathedral (P.O. Box 2044 Charleston, WV 25327).
Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Edward Dooley
Edward "Eddie" Carson Dooley, 66, of South Charleston, West Virginia, went to his heavenly home to be with the Lord on May 23, 2023.
Eddie was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 23, 1957. In his free time, Eddie loved to make gifts for friends and family using his incredible woodworking talents. Eddie loved biking, golf, basketball at the YMCA, tennis, bowling, beach trips with family, cookouts, and cheering on his WVU Mountaineers, Cincinnati Reds, and Carolina Panthers.
Eddie retired from the state tax department. Previously, Eddie worked at The Diamond department store, Cox's department store, and as a youth, delivered for both the Charleston Gazette and GRIT.
He is preceded in death by his father Everette Carson Dooley; mother, Lexie Orella Robinson-Dooley-Jones; stepfather, Albert Cecil Jones; maternal grandfather, PFC John Franklin Robinson; and maternal grandmother, Icie Lura Burgess-Robinson.
Eddie is survived and will be missed by his loving family, including two sisters, Betty Janice Dooley of Dunbar and Charlotte Mae Hamilton-Jones of Charleston; nephew, James "J.R." Roy Hamilton III of Charleston; a lovely niece, Jayme Alexis Hamilton-Salmons (Donavan); and great-niece, Haisley Mae Salmons all of Fort Gay.
The family will celebrate Eddie's life at a private graveside memorial. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Shriners Hospital for Children.