Dennis J. "Denny" Kohler
Dennis J. Kohler, 67, of Charleston, WV, formerly of Smethport, PA, passed away at CAMC Memorial Hospital following a brief illness on April 6, 2023. Dennis was born July 18, 1955 to Earl and Virginia Kohler in Buffalo, NY. Both parents preceded him in death.
Dennis lived in the Buffalo area for most of his childhood. He moved to Smethport to live with his grandmother, Agnes P. Vickers, for his junior and senior years of high school. He graduated from Smethport High School in 1973. He went on to receive his degree in Environmental Science from Lehigh University.
After graduation, he moved to Charleston and worked as an environmental scientist in both the mining and waste management industries. He also worked as a staff scientist for an environmental consulting firm until his retirement.
On November 4, 1994, he married Lois Bailey, who survives. Surviving in addition to his wife Lois, is former spouse Debra Rollyson Kohler, with whom Dennis had a son, Brad (Christina) Kohler of Charleston. Dennis is also survived by a stepdaughter, Jennifer (Russ) Simpson of Charleston, his brother, Bill (Sharon) Kohler of Smethport, sister Melanie Durkee, also of Smethport, grandchildren: Bailey Kohler, Jacob Hively, Kendall Hardman, Danni Dolin, and Skylor Simpson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Roger Kohler, nephew Michael Zaehringer, and brother-in-law Michael Durkee.
Dennis was a strong supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Each year he was passionate in his desire to raise money to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan. He enjoyed spending his time cutting firewood, doing yard work, painting, scrapping metal, and helping friends out when they needed a hand.
A service to Honor the Life of Dennis will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Tim Valentine officiating. Friends may visit from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday. A private interment will be held by the family in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at https://www.jdrf.org/donate/
Online condolences and memories of Dennis may be shared by visiting https://Snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Isadora "Daphne" Morris
Isadora “Daphne” Morris, Nee Lawrence, daughter of Adelaide Lawrence (nee Caldwell), a farmer, and Charles Henry Lawrence, a district constable, formerly of Amity, Westmoreland, Duhaney Park, Kingston, Jamaica, Waltham, Massachusetts, South Charleston, WV and Columbia, Maryland, went home to be with her late husband, Lloyd George Morris and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a brief illness on April 6, 2023. She was born August 31, 1926 in Amity, Westmoreland, Jamaica.
After marrying her late husband, “Georgie”, she raised seven children Junior Wilson, Lorraine, Andrea, Carl, Dennis, Pancho and Diana Morris.
Daphne came to the United States from Jamaica with the assistance of her neighbors, Ivy and Thurston Lewis. On arriving in the United States, she lived and worked in Washington, D.C., for a former Ambassador of Nigeria and Nancy Dickerson, the First Lady of TV News. She later moved to Waltham, Massachusetts, where she was employed for many years at Metropolitan State Hospital, Fernald Home, retiring and moving eventually to Maryland, South Charleston, and then back to Maryland. While residing in WV, she enjoyed watching television, cooking Jamaican dishes and going out on weekends to eat at her favorite local restaurant.
Daphne was a strict, but loving mother, always putting the interest of her children above everyone and everything. With the little she had in America, she worked tirelessly and saved to bring her children to the United States to ensure they would have a better life. She will forever be remembered by her children as one of the toughest and strongest women who ever lived. She was brilliant and with a great memory that never faded with the passing years. She had an uncanny perception of people always warning her children to “Be on the lookout for wolves in sheep’s clothing “and was very stylish. She loved all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers and sisters.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory: Junior (Cutie) (Brooklyn, NY); Lorraine (Denton) (Waltham, MA); Andrea (Leonard) (Columbia, MD); Carl (Sue)(Valdosta, GA); Dennis (Waltham, MA); Pancho (Karen) (South Charleston, WV) and Diana (Columbia, MD). In addition to her children, she leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren especially Michaela, Terrel and Aaron who were tremendous in caring for her.
A service to Honor the Life of Daphne will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home followed by internment at Sunset Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may call one hour before the service.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting her obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Ruth Ellen Thomas Sayre
Ruth Ellen Sayre, age, 85, of Dunbar, passed away at CAMC Memorial Hospital on Monday April 3, 2023.
She was born in Pearisburg, VA on November 4, 1937, daughter of the late Estel and Eloise Matney Thomas. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Floyd M. Sayre, Jr.; brothers George Thomas and Richard Thomas; and sister Irene Raines.
Ruth grew up in Alderson West Virginia where she attended Alderson High School and was a member of their band. As a proud graduate of Concord University and member of Alpha, Sigma, Alpha sorority, Ruth started her career as a teacher in the Raleigh County school system. Later, she worked for Appalachian Power Company where she hosted a local cooking show and worked with families in the coal camps to learn how to use the “newfangled” electric stoves. After moves to Salisbury, NC and Jacksonville, FL, Ruth, Floyd and their growing family settled in Southern Pines, NC. While in Southern Pines, Ruth worked as a nutritionist at Moore Regional Hospital and later owned a women and children’s clothing store (Mrs. Hayes & Tots Toggery Store). When Ruth and Floyd moved to Charleston, WV, she stared as a buyer for the Diamond Department Store. In 1990, Ruth joined her husband at their business, Organization Management Services, where she helped with the running of a variety of trade organizations. Ruth volunteered as a member of the Charleston Public Safety Council.
Ruth’s love was spending time and holidays with family, particular her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time watching birds on the back porch. Her greatest love was Floyd, whom she married on July 16, 1960, and had 57 wonderful years together. They raised three children, owned two businesses and spent may fun times together whether sitting drinking coffee, smoking, hosting a social event for work, traveling or watching the Mountaineers on TV.
Ruth is survived by three sons, Kin Sayre (Susie), Richard Sayre (Chris), and David Sayre (Valerie); seven grandchildren, Grace, Thomas, McKinley, Emilie, Joshua, Erica, and Katelyn; four great grandchildren, Myles, James, Carson, and Alexander; by cousins Jean Alice Hall and Tommy Matney; many nephews and nieces, along with her constant companion, her dog, JJ.
A memorial service will be held at 6:30 pm on Friday April 7, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral home. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until service time.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be sent to Sojourners at YWCACharleston.org Donate tab - Go to Sojourners.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Shirley Matthews
Shirley E. Matthews, 86, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on April 1, 2023 at CAMC Memorial HospiceCare after a short illness.
She was a loving wife and mother and a fantastic artist. She was loved by her family and friends and she had a way of making people feel special. She was also a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother. She was a Nurse, beginning her career at St. Francis Nursing School in 1955 and continued on at CAMC General and Memorial Hospitals over the years until she retired in 2003.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil E. Matthews; mother, Elizabeth Howard; aunts, Irene, Phyllis, and Betty and uncle Bob Howard; cousin, Brenda.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Brian (Diana) Matthews and Michael (Patricia) Matthews; her daughter, Deborah Matthews; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved her.
The family would like to thank the team at CAMC Memorial HospiceCare for the wonderful care she received while there.
There will be no services at this time.
Please consider donations to FestivALL Charleston Neighborhood Arts Initiative, PO Box 11287, Charleston, WV 25339, in honor of her love and dedication to education in the arts.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Paul Rhoades Minigh
Paul Rhoades Minigh, age 53, of Poca, passed away at his residence on March 28, 2023.
He was born on December 13, 1969 in Charleston, son of the late Constance Gresham Minigh and Earl R. Minigh.
Paul is survived by one daughter, Emma Minigh of Dripping Springs, TX; son Paul K. Minigh ( Kelsey) of New Braunfels; grandchildren, Alexandra, Luke, Trey and Maverick; sisters, Pamela Minigh and Susan Rice; and brother David Minigh.
There will be no service. He will be buried in Philips Cemetery, Dripping Springs, TX.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Willis Comer
Early March 28, 2023 the world lost a wonderful man. Willis Edwin Comer from Charleston, West Virginia passed away at the age of 91 from COVID.
He was born September 13, 1931 to Ernest R. and Rillie Comer. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or napping under a tree, Willis loved the outdoors and he also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a jack of all trades for 44 years at McJunkin Corporation and would always have a story to tell about his experiences there. He was one of the founding members of the Volunteer Loudendale Fire Department. And later, he and his wife were members of the Appalachian American Indian Society.
Willis was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Elenora Comer, his son, Steve Comer, his sisters Freda Gay (James), Christine Simpson (Roy), Ernestine Toney (John), Thelma Pauley (Blair), and his brothers Joseph Comer (Mary Jo) and Tim Comer (Sharon); baby siblings, Ladora Comer and John Comer; great-granddaughter, Destiny Bailey; and his special friend Phyllis Gunnoe.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Virginia Comer (Steve); daughter, Debbie (Dick) Houck; grandchildren, Shelly (Robbie) Comer, Jeremy (Rosie) Comer, Mandee (Lenny) Wilson, and Jessica (Mark) Pipkin; great-grandchildren, Tori Bailey (Cody), Caden Comer (Abbigail), Taylor Pipkin, and Kenna Pipkin; and great-great-grandchildren, Denver Jett Campbell, and Ezra Joe Campbell.
His bright-eyed smile, wisdom and great conversation will be sorely missed by all.
A service to Honor the Life of Willis will be held at 11:30 am, Wednesday April 5, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home (4122 MacCorkle Ave., South Charleston, WV 25309) with Minister Aaron Midkiff officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories (6839 Sissonville Dr., Sissonville, WV).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Beverly Ann Cobbs Hanway
Beverly Ann Cobbs Hanway, 83, of Lewisburg, WV, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Peyton Hospice House.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Doris Cobbs. Beverly is survived by her loving husband, George Pete Hanway; her brother, Larry Cobbs of South Charleston; her sons, Michael and Josh Hanway; daughter, Klaressa (Chloe) Hanway; four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A private graveside service to Honor the Life of Beverly will be held at the Cobbs Family Cemetery on Spring Hill Mountain, with Minister Brian Lewis officiating.
Memories of Beverly may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
James A. Poindexter
James Andrew Poindexter, Sr., 66, of Charleston, WV, passed away at Heritage Nursing Home, located in Huntington, WV, on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
James was born on September 29, 1956, in Charleston, WV, to Lewis Willis and Maxine Threece (Watkins) Poindexter. He was a graduate of Harpers Ferry High School, and after graduation enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving in the Marine Corps, James went to work for the City of Charleston’s Landfill Department, John Amos Power Plant (AEP), and Moore Brothers Construction Company. After retiring from AEP, James decided to live out his life long dream by opening up the Indigo Lounge.
James loved the Lord and he loved and cared about people. Everyone loved Big Pon (Mr. P). He loved playing basketball, football, and sponsoring children for different conference and sports events.
James was a strong survivor of numerous illnesses. He was a Lebron James and Tiger Woods fan. He would always say to you, “I know baby,” with a smile and a chuckle.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Terrence; nephew, Dominique; daughter, Leah; and niece, Brianna.
Left to mourn James’s passing is his wife of 49 years, Terri Poindexter; sons: Samar, James Jr., and Lazarus Poindexter; stepson, Butch Thaxton; daughters, Susan Blair and Misty Murphy; sisters: Denyse Powell, Elizabeth Willis, and Hope E. (Wilson) Ross; brothers: Michael and Rodney Poindexter (Diane), Clarence, Robert Earl, Mark Joyner, and Charles D. Willis of Knoxville, TN; sisters-in-law, Claudette (Boyd) Cade of Buffalo, NY and Barbara La Croix of Los Angeles, CA; special nephews, Rod Lee Coats and Robert Gillispie; special nieces: Shimeka, Keira, and Leigh Poindexter; special beloved aunt, Essie Barron; cousin, Dyana Morris; grandchildren: Mia and Samaira Marino, Micah, Demar, Aisha, Zhaquon, Alaraycea, Nautica, Syjeir, Kayden, Leandra L., Lieara R., Jayvion W., Lazarus Jr., Kaiwaun, Armaunini, Kamari Poindexter, Italy Cook, Shanya and Jina Taylor, Olivia Boyd, Zxavian D. Martin, Saebra J. Barclay, Jayla S. and Xavien T. Kouns; great grandchildren: Kayson G. and Oaklan S. Martin, Harrison A. and Penelope C. Barclay.
James also leaves behind his best friends: Steve Robertson, Katy Layne (Rab), Lucille White, Dee Garnett, Barbara Woodson, Matt Webb, David Bennett, Bertram Hunt, and Finnie Tyree.
James will be deeply missed by a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, family, and friends, including his St. Paul A.M.E. Church family.
A service to Honor the Life of James will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 1108 2nd Ave., Charleston, WV, 25302, with the Rev. John Sylvia officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. A private interment will be held at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, WV.
Online condolences and memories of James may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Jack Jarrett
Jack Everett Jarrett, 89, of Charleston passed away on March 25, 2023.
Jack was born on July 6, 1933, the son of the late C. W. Jarrett, Sr. and Pearl Knight Jarrett. He was preceded in death by sisters Mary Ward and Josephine Mason, and brother C.W. Jarrett, Jr.
Jack was a retired employee of Kanawha Valley Power/Appalachian Power Company with 41 years of service. He was a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School and a veteran of the Korean War.
Jack is survived by his wife Bonnie Means Jarrett, daughter Nancy Jarrett Koehler of Georgetown, Kentucky and granddaughters Emily and Elizabeth Koehler also of Georgetown, Kentucky. He is also survived by a sister, Helen Ward of West Palm Beach, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Jack’s request there will be no service or visitation Internment will be at the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum in South Charleston. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to your favorite charity. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.
Donna Potter
Donna Lynn Potter, 68, of Dunbar, WV, went to heaven on March 24, 2023, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with glioblastoma.
She was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Robert Pate.
Surviving loved ones are Donna’s beloved husband of 47 years, Bill Potter, Sr.; mother, Jane Pate of South Charleston; brothers Bobby Pate of South Charleston and Johnny Pate of Orlando, FL; children Billy Jr. (Ashlee) Potter of Barboursville; Kimmy Potter of South Charleston; Stevie Potter of Brockport, NY; grandchildren Jaeclinn Hall, Bryson Potter, Kaedlee Potter, Brayden Potter, and Linnlee Potter; and “Bella,” her adored Great Dane.
Donna was a devoted Christian and active member of South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed many years of serving in various ministries including the church nursery and assisting with health screenings for seniors. She loved her “Challengers” Sunday School class and participated in numerous outreach opportunities.
Donna graduated from South Charleston High School in 1973. In 1975, she earned a nursing degree from Marshall University. Throughout her extensive nursing career, she worked at several Charleston-area hospitals and served in home healthcare. She retired from Brickstreet/Encova in 2020. Being a nurse was much more than Donna’s profession, it was her calling and passion as a lifelong caregiver to her patients, friends, and family.
Donna exemplified what it means to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She and Billy have a love story that began 50 years ago as high school sweethearts. Donna’s greatest joy was in loving and caring for her family. Her grandkids adored her and called her “Nonna.” She loved attending all their sporting events and supporting them in every area of life. As she and “Bella” began each day with a nice, long walk, Donna knew the true meaning of contentment and the joy found in simple pleasures.
Donna’s relationship with Jesus Christ was the single most important aspect of her life. She believed in the power of prayer and served as a “praying friend” for countless people throughout her lifetime. She is now receiving her eternal reward in the presence of her Savior. But for all who knew and loved her, she will be greatly missed.
A service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 29th at 1:00 pm at South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Burial following at Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston. Friends may call on Tuesday, March 28th from 6-8 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston.
Online condolences and memories of Donna may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.