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.
Nancy Miller Campbell VanMeter
Nancy Miller Campbell VanMeter, age 79, of Charleston, WV, passed away on May 23, 2023, at Hubbard Hospice House. Born September 25, 1943, in Spencer, WV, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Ella Miller. She was married to Dr. Clyde P. Campbell for 41 years, until he passed away from cancer in 2006. They raised three children in St. Albans, WV, where they made their home for 37 years. We know they will rejoice together in heaven. She later married Irvin VanMeter, who had been a lifelong family friend from Calvary Baptist Church. They brought each other years of happiness, love, and comfort.
Nancy had a bad fall in December that required a hospital stay, then a rehabilitation center. From there she required back surgery, several more hospital stays, and another rehabilitation center. She pushed through extensive physical therapy for months with hopes of walking again; however, the pain became too much for her body to handle in addition to her advanced stages of Parkinson’s Disease and acute kidney failure.
Nancy was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for most of her life, where she served on the Board of Deaconesses. She had a love for overseeing annual traditions, such as decorating the church for Christmas, directing for Vacation Bible School, and overseeing church dinners and celebrations. Her fondest memories are from Calvary, and she spoke of them often, up until her last few days with us. She continued serving at other churches over the years, decorating and cooking for church events. She also loved assisting with party planning at Imperial Towers, where she lived until her passing. She loved living there and made so many friends who became like family to her.
Nancy retired from the C & P Telephone Company in 1996, then returned to a management position for several years at Verizon, where she got to travel across the country to train new personnel.
More than anything, she loved being a Grandmommy. She had 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She shopped all year long to ensure they each had numerous gifts at Christmas, and enjoyed the chaos that came along with a large family at holidays.
Nancy’s hobbies were shopping, shopping, and shopping! You could find her on any day of the week at HomeGoods or TJ Maxx, buying decorations for her home or finding great deals for her grandkids. She always kept stacks of presents for her grandchildren year-round, and often mailed them outfits and toys “just because.” She loved giving and doing for others, and never met a stranger. She was the sweetest soul with the best heart, and lived her life to make others happy.
She loved planting flowers on her balcony that overlooked the Kanawha River and the Capital. She enjoyed doing anything crafty, like creating bouquets for her grandsons’ dates for proms, making flower arrangements for every room, and wreaths for every door! Everyone who knew her knew that pink was her favorite color. She loved going to the beach every summer, even though she couldn’t be in the sun! She enjoyed painting, decorating, and hosting parties of any kind! Up until her last few weeks of life, she was planning a party and making a list of who was invited and who was bringing which foods. She lived to bring everyone together as often as possible because friends and family were what brought her the most joy.
Mom found love and friendship during her last 5 months of life from her 24/7 caregivers who stayed with her so she could live safely in her home. She considered them family and often expressed her love for each of them. Our family is forever grateful to Terri, Olga, Regina, Staci, April, Lisa, Becky, Dawn, Melinda, and Brenda- all of whom made her last months of life a blessing.
Surviving are her children, Cary Campbell (Betty), Lisa Menninger, and Cathi Bradley (Scott); her grandchildren, Chris Campbell (Melissa), Michael Campbell (Kyeria), Chelsea Troy (Cody), Caitlin Campbell, Cortney Campbell, Makensie Menninger, Cruz Bradley, and Banks Bradley; and great grandchildren, Cali, London, Cooper, Charlotte, Madi, and Chrystyne. She is also survived by siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and many close friends, such as her best friend Eliane.
She loved God and her church, and we know she is resting in the arms of Jesus now. She will be loved forever and will never, ever be forgotten.
A service to Honor the Life of Nancy will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, in the Upper Mausoleum Chapel. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the cemetery.
Online condolences and memories of Nancy may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Jean E. Murphy
Jean E. Murphy, 76, of South Charleston, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at home while in HospiceCare.
She was born in Charleston, WV, and was the daughter of William Riggs Edwards and Lena Belle Workman. Jean graduated from South Charleston High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from WVU. She went on to teach school at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where she met the love of her life, Danny Murphy. After their marriage, Jean followed Danny from Delaware to Camp New Amsterdam in the Netherlands. From there, she taught school at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, the Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany, and finally, at Fort Clayton in the Panama Canal Zone. Jean was a proud retiree with many years of service from the United States Defense Department.
Left to cherish Jean’s memory is her husband of 47 years, Danny; daughter, Holly Murphy (Robert Absten); granddaughter, Reagan McLeary; sister, Elinor (Jim) O’Dell of Beckley; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Jean was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of South Charleston.
The family wishes to thank Jean’s loving daughter, Holly, and the staff of HospiceCare for their love and care of Jean.
A service to Honor the Life of Jean will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Interment will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Family and Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to HospiceCare (www.hospicecarewv.org).
Online condolences and memories of Jean may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
John Rush Kessler
John Rush Kessler, of Charleston, WV passed away on May 11, 2023.
He was born on July 28,1965 to Robert Rush Kessler and Judith Elaine Kessler in Athens, OH. He attended St. Agnes Elementary School and Charleston Catholic Junior High School. John was a 1983 graduate of Charleston High School and earned degrees in Business and Accounting (1991), Computer Science (2004), and Biology (2006) from WV State University. John worked many jobs in his life including time as a private accountant, an accountant at Columbia Gas, and as an IT/programming specialist as CAMC.
John had many areas of interest and many hobbies, including (just to name a few), reading history, following the NFL, the Cowboys in particular, reading (and passably speaking) Latin, enjoying R/C cars, planes and drones, playing video games and developing friendships all over the country with other players, and spending many enjoyable days riding one of the many motorcycles he owned through the years. To know John, was to know that he absolutely loved dogs and animals of all kinds.
John is survived by his father, Robert Rush Kessler, his mother Judith Elaine Kessler, his sister Jennifer Elaine Pennington, and his brother Joseph Robert Kessler. He will also be missed terribly by; his nephews, Jack, John, and Liam; his nieces Hanna and Abby. His surviving friends are too numerous to name but special mention is given to Ben O’Kelly, who enjoyed many great adventures with John in the second half of his life.
Per John’s wishes, there will be no service, and his ashes will be joined with his beloved dogs at a location of his choosing. To celebrate his memory, we would request you give something to your local animal shelter, as he did so many times during his life.
Memoria vivit!
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Michael P. McCready
Michael Peter McCready, 84, of Charleston, WV, died on May 13, 2023. "Mike" McCready was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and neighbor. His friends and family remember him fondly as someone who was willing to lend a hand and who always came prepared. When you asked him for help his answer was, "What tools should I bring?" The many tools in his toolbox included hammer and nails, of course, but also kindness, humility, and compassion.
Mike was born in Portland, Maine on April 4, 1939. After graduating from the University of Maine in 1961, he married Tina Ayotte of Sydney, Maine and the couple moved to the Charleston area, where Mike began work with Union Carbide. For most of their 61-year marriage, the Charleston area remained home, but Mike's job also took the family to Puerto Rico and Ontario. During his long career with Carbide (1961-1994), Mike earned his MBA from WVU and traveled to many places including Brazil, India, and Singapore. He made and kept many friends from his Carbide days and recently organized a social group for Carbide / Dow retirees at Edgewood Summit, where he and Tina have lived since 2021.
Mike was hardworking and conscientious, and he remained so in retirement. From 1994 to 2013 (a career in itself) Mike led the Tuesday Crew for Habitat for Humanity, participating in the construction of 121 homes. It was Mike who persuaded the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to donate the 29 acres that became the neighborhood of Jubilee Heights, where Habitat has since built over 30 homes.
A faithful parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, Mike served at various times over the years on parish council, as a lector, as Eucharistic minister, and in the transportation ministry. His other service included volunteering as a tax preparer for the AARP, serving as a hospice volunteer, delivering holiday food baskets, and, along with Tina, serving as host at the St. John XXIII Pastoral Center.
Even in death, Mike is serving others as an organ donor.
Mike and Tina raised four children and have twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mike's children recall summer vacations with extended family in Maine and family weekends at Seneca Lake, in Ohio. For many years, once all the children were grown and scattered, the family would gather in the summertime, usually at a state park, for "Camp McCready," a week of rafting, volleyball, hiking, and general togetherness.
A longtime member of the E Street Investment Club, Mike served at various times as president, treasurer, and secretary. He loved golf, gardening, taking care of the backyard birds, and was an avid handyman. He whistled while he worked and sang in the shower.
Mike is remembered by all who knew him as a man of faith and of service who lived the admonition of St. Francis to “Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Conary McCready and Henry A. McCready, and his younger brother, Richard McCready. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Tina Ayotte McCready and by their four children and their spouses: Jenny Fox (Bob) of Beachwood, Ohio, Cindy Cameron (Matt) of Blanco, Texas, Kevin McCready (Kim) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Susan McCready (Julien Lartigue) of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Mike is also survived by twelve grandchildren and their partners: Kate Fox (Daniel Goodman), Joe Buholzer Fox (Nicolien), Tim Fox (Abby Draper), Stephen Fox, Anna Fox, Chris Hayes (Samantha), Laura Hayes (Thomas Reid), Timothy McCready, Mary McCready, Jordan McCready, Tristan Lartigue, and Quentin Lartigue; as well as by four great-grandchildren: Michael Hayes, Mary Hayes, Sarah Hayes, and Avi Goodman; and by his sister Anne McCready Bowen (Francis) of Milton, Florida. Mike was a loving uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 19 at Blessed Sacrament Church at 305 E Street in South Charleston, followed immediately by the funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam. (https://hfhkp.org/)
Memories of Mike may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Sheila Filbin
Sheila Filbin, 67, of South Charleston, passed away suddenly at her residence on May 3, 2023.
She was born on March 16, 1956. Upon graduation from high school, she went to the University of Charleston and obtained her degree in Registered Nursing. Sheila’s 35-year professional career included obtaining her RNFA certification, working with plastic surgeon Ted Jackson, M.D., and working in CAMC’s surgery department.
Sheila was always helping people in both her work and home, and she never met a stranger. She was always kind, loving, and devoted to her family, especially her babies (dogs), whom she loved immensely. Sheila had the heart of an angel.
Sheila was preceded in death by her son, Scott Jeremy Wallace. She is survived by her sister, Leah Abel; daughter, Michelle Adams (Tim); niece, Isabella Abel; grandchildren, Jada Adams and Tristin Adams; uncle, Mike Pauley; aunt, Andrea Holmes (Dick); sisters, Pamela Brun (Erich) and Rhonda Pauley; grandchildren, Tyler Wallace, Kyle Wallace, and Kylie Wallace; and a great granddaughter, Jasmine Davis.
A service to Honor the Life of Sheila will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Friends may visit from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, in care of Leah Abel, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-leah-with-her-late-sisters-bills.
Memories of Sheila may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Frank Sloane, Sr.
Frank Sloane Sr., 62, of Charleston WV, died Saturday, March 25th 2023.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air force, a trucker for many years, as well as an adept woodworker. Frank had a love of golf, billiards, and playing the guitar.
The son of the late Fred E. and Arlene Sloane, Frank is survived by his brothers, Fred O. Sloane and Simon Sloane; his sons, Frank Sloane Jr. and Daniel Sloane; as well as ex-spouses Lisa Harper and Sharon McFarland; step son, Harvey McFarland; adopted son, Cameron Sloane; step daughter, Kimberly McFarland; and various grandchildren from both marriages.
The family will honor Frank’s life at a private memorial service at a later date.
Memories of Frank may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.