Julian "Jule" Heath Sockman
Julian “Jule” Heath Sockman, 102, passed away on June 28, 2025, at the Hubbard Hospice House in South Charleston, West Virginia. Jule was born in Moundsville, West Virginia, on March 3, 1923, and was raised by his aunt Stella. Shortly after graduating from Moundsville High School, Jule enlisted in the U.S. Army and was eager to serve his country in World War II. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, and received a Purple Heart and an honorable discharge. With the GI bill, Jule obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marshall University, where he met his wife Rose Ellen, to whom he was married for 50 years. Jule and Rose Ellen made Kanawha City their home and raised their two boys, Roger and Dean. He worked for the Department of Highways for 33 years before enjoying retirement with travel, playing golf, and the births of his adored grandchildren, Ellen Ann, Drew, and Chloe.
Jule remained active in the community over the years as an active member of the Village Chapel Presbyterian Church, the Charleston Lions Club, and delivered Meals on Wheels for nearly 20 years. He was also a long-time supporter of the Charleston Light Opera Guild and Kanawha Players. Jule was also a member of the Marshall Alumni Association and an avid Marshall sports enthusiast, always eager to cheer on his Thundering Herd in all sporting events. Jule was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, whose presence will be truly missed.
Jule was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ellen, and brother, Ted. He is survived by his sons, Roger (Rita) and Dean (Debbie); three grandchildren, Ellen Ann (Max), Drew, and Chloe; sister-in-law, Judy, and her 4 children and their families (Stuart, Jenny, Keith, Susan); nephew, Grant Archibald (Elaine); great-nephew, Matthew; and cousin, Rick Hanna (Debbie).
A Service to Honor the Life of Jule will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Village Chapel Presbyterian Church in Charleston, West Virginia. Visitation will take place prior to the service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Village Chapel Presbyterian Church (https://www.vcpresby.org/give) or the Hubbard Hospice House (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Jule may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
John W. Fairless, Jr.
John W. Fairless, Jr, 86, Perrysville, Ohio, formerly of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, while in hospice care.
He was born in Massillon, Ohio January 25, 1939, to John W. and Jean Fairless. John was a 1957 graduate of Massillon Washington High School where he enjoyed singing in the choir and processing game film for the legendary Massillon Tigers football team. He graduated from Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) in 1962. After a career in sales, he transitioned to the funeral industry, graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, he became the managing funeral director at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia. He was the former President of the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce, South Charleston Rotary Club and the South Charleston Public Library. He was the Senior Warden of the Vestry for All Saints Episcopal Church, South Charleston.
Upon moving to Columbus, Ohio, John returned to sales and then followed his passion for wood working. John was happiest being near the water, whether on a sunset cruise on his boat at Pleasant Hill Lake or a beach vacation. He was an avid reader, preferring legal thrillers, suspense and mystery novels. He enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the lake with a fine wine and a well-blended cigar.
John is survived by his wife, Susan; son, L.J. Fairless (Lia) of South Charleston, WV, daughter, Courtney Ann Fairless, of Loudonville, OH; five grandchildren, Ben Fairless, Francesca Fairless, Mike Zurich Serrato, Lauren Serrato and Josh Serrato.
A Memorial Service to Honor the Life of John will be held at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. There will also be a gathering and celebration of John’s life on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at his home and favorite place on the lake in Perrysville, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers and to honor John’s passion for a good book, contributions in his name can be made to the Loudonville Public Library Living Legacy Foundation online at ashlandforgood.org/donate or by check to the Living Legacy Foundation, 122 E. Main St., Loudonville, OH 44842. Please designate your donation to go to general library support.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Deborah Hudson
Deborah Lynn Hudson, 63, of South Charleston, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of June 20th, 2025, on West Virginia Day—fitting for a true West Virginian at heart.
Deborah was known for her love of the outdoors, always ready for a day of hunting, fishing, or any adventure life had to offer. Deborah was the life of every gathering, her energy infectious, and her laughter impossible to ignore. Family meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Deborah retired early from Columbia Gas due to a back injury but found solace and purpose in being surrounded by loved ones. Her kind and generous spirit touched the lives of many, and she will be remembered as a beautiful soul who always put others first.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Leola Hudson, and her sister, Catherine Taylor. Deborah leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Bella; her brother, Fred Hudson (Connie), who was always there for her; her sisters, Phyllis Hudson, Alice Yeomans and Vivien Scriptunas (Walter); several nieces and nephews she loved dearly; as well as her life partner and caregiver, Mary Bays. Deborah was also cherished by her special friends, Trina Lacy and Laila Collins.
At her request, Deborah was cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
She will be gravely missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends
Online condolences and memories may be shared by selecting the obituary at www.snodgrassfuneral.com .Arrangements are being handled by Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Barbara Sue Cyrus
Barbara Sue Cyrus, 82, of South Charleston, WV passed away on June 24, 2025 at home.
She grew up in Montgomery Heights and attended Montgomery High School before moving to Charleston as a teenager, where she graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School. She attended college at WV State and worked as a legal assistant later in life. She enjoyed reading and working with her flowers. She loved playing games on her I pad. Her late husband Tom, was a Ballroom Dance Instructor, teaching Sue, they were quite the couple to watch dance.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessie Knight Johnson; father and step mother, Jessie and June Johnson; husband, Tom Cyrus.
Sue is survived by her sister, Deborah Stanley (Roy) of Griffithsville, WV; daughter and devoted care giver, Sheri Sapp of South Charleston; son, Mark Duff of Bluefield, VA; grandchildren, Casey, Danielle, Madison (who has been a great help these last few weeks), Haley Lynn Moore with whom she had a special relationship; special niece from Tennessee, who was always a phone call away, Sonya Webb; special friends, Gayle Panucci and Pris Johnson.
A service to Honor the Life of Sue will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 27, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Rev. Jarrod Caltrider officiating. Interment will follow in Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, WV at 1:00 pm. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Rev. Dr. Robert Shelton Jackson
Rev. Dr. Robert Shelton Jackson, 83, of Charleston, WV passed peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at home. He was a Retired Veteran of 22 years in the United States Air Force and was Highly Decorated with many Honors. He served 3 tours in Vietnam.
He is preceded in death by his mother Alma Jones and father Clarence J. Jackson, brothers: Clarence Edward Jackson, Vernie Jackson, sisters: Agnes Jackson, Lois Ann Durette, Louise Tyson, and Special "fur friend" China the Dog.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife and caregiver of 38 years Linda Jackson, his daughter Christina Hill(Joseph) of Wheeling, WV, his son Matthew Jackson(Kim) of Pulaski, VA, a granddaughter Majesty Hill of Charleston, WV who he loved dearly, his sisters Marsha Booker(Glenn), Gloria Meadows(Bully) of Charleston, WV and Ruthie Clark of Kentucky. Also a Devoted friend and brother Mr. Deotis Brown and several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. He will be sadly missed. Before he left to meet his Heavenly Master he said, "I Made It".
Funeral services are entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Home. Public viewing will be Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11am and services starting at 12 at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, Charleston, WV with Rev. Linda Duncan and Rev. James Mosley. He will be laid to rest at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.
James Paul Little, Jr.
James Paul Little, Jr. of Ona, WV passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025 at St. Mary’s Medical Center surrounded by family.
“Jim” was born on December 2, 1945 in Charleston, WV to James Paul Little & Evelyn Selbe Bess. His father, who was also known as “Jiggs”, was a fireman with the Charleston Fire Department who tragically lost his life in the Woolworth Department Store fire in 1949.
Jim was a 1963 graduate of South Charleston High School. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Marshall University in 1968. After his college graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca S. Whalen and moved to Baltimore, MD to start a life together that lasted until Rebecca’s death in 2021.
Jim started his career doing research in a lab at Johns Hopkins before moving to Columbus, OH where he transitioned his career to working for Nationwide Insurance Company. He later returned to Huntington, WV where he spent the majority of his career as a VP at Appalachian Life Insurance before retiring from Genworth.
Jim was the oldest of five children. After the death of his father, Jim was left to be a father figure to his siblings. Over the course of his life, Jim was a father figure to so many. He had such a kind and compassionate heart and he expressed that in all aspects of his life whether he was coaching a Little League team, an elder at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, attending school functions, caring for his family or a spectator at his kids and grandkids ball games and extra curricular activities. Jim was always present for those in need and was a source of inspiration for all his family. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren will always be remembered and cherished.
Jim was preceded in death by father, James Paul Little; mother, Evelyn Selbe Bess; sister-in-law, Betsy Little. Jim is survived by his daughters, Jamie Little and Jennifer Burko (Daniel); sons, James “Jay” Little, III (Crystal) and Josh Little (Tonya); granddaughters, Sydni Burko and Makayla Little; grandson, Dylan Burko; siblings Eddie Little, Rick Dearien (Janet), Cindy Giardina (Frank), Tim Bess (Cheryl); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
We are promised in John 3:16, that us believers who put our faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity with our Father in Heaven and be reunited with our beloved Jim.
Jim had multiple medical procedures and rehabilitation in his last year of life and the family expresses their appreciation to all the physicians, nurses and therapists who cared for Jim at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Thomas Memorial Hospital, Encompass Health, St. Mary’s Home Health and Hudak Family Medicine.
There will be no public services. The family will hold a private celebration to Honor the Life of James Paul Little, Jr. at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charleston Fire Department.
Tennis Lester Sargent
Tennis Lester Sargent, known to all as Lester, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, West Virginia. He was 72 years old.
Born on December 12, 1952, in Logan, WV, Lester made his home in South Charleston, WV, where he touched countless lives through his work, his faith, his music, and his kind, steady presence. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lula Carnesia Sargent and Tennis Alvin Sargent of Logan, WV, and by his wife, Martha Elizabeth Richardson.
Lester was a devout member of Green Valley Church of God, where his faith was a cornerstone of his life and a source of strength and purpose.
He earned a Master’s degree in Psychology from Marshall University, which he earned in 1992. Guided by a deep commitment to helping others heal and thrive, he went on to found Aspire Psychological Services in 2004—an organization that continues to make a difference in the lives of many.
Lester was a man of many passions. He found joy on the golf course, in creating music, and through his work. A devoted fan of Mountaineer Basketball, he rarely missed a game. But above all, he loved his work and the people he served through Aspire Occupational Rehabilitation, where he remained actively involved until his passing.
He is survived by his stepson, John Paul Richardson (Skye) of Belton, TX; and his four brothers: Clyde (Robin), Carl (Cindy), David (Shelia), and Arville (Elizabeth). Lester’s family and extended circle of friends, colleagues, and patients will remember him for his gentle heart, his tireless dedication, and his unwavering compassion.
A service to honor Lester’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, with Rev. Gary Bennett officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park.
Louis Husson
Louis Ely Husson, 99, of South Charleston passed away at Hubbard Hospice House West on June 15, 2025. He was born on December 8, 1925, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of the late Very Rev. Raphael Husson and Josephine Haddad Husson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Duff Husson, his parents, Fr. Raphael and Josephine Haddad Husson and his brothers Ernest, Charles, Richard and sister Joan Husson.
He is survived by his brothers Raymond Husson of Arlington VA and Edward Husson (Eleanor) of Oakton VA; children Sandra Sowards (Steve) of Pataskala OH, David Titus (Gayle) of Racine WI, Susan (Titus) Hutchison of South Charleston WV, Nancy Titus of Dearborn MI; grandchildren Elizabeth Elberink (Jasper) of Charleston WV, Christopher Moore of Oak Park IL, Sarah Titus (Aaron Lenz) of Newburg WI, Sara Alqaragholy (Adheip) of Ferndale MI, Muhammad Alqaragholy (Noar) of Dearborn MI, and Zacharia Alqaragholy of Dearborn MI; and great -grandchildren Henry Moore and Clark Moore of Oak Park IL, and Marion Brent of Newburg WI. He is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.
Louis and his family moved to Charleston when his father was the priest instrumental in forming the St. George Orthodox Church on Court Street. In his own words, “We came from a very close-knit family in Worcester (MA)…aunts, uncles, and grandparents…lots of love. Then we were sent to Charleston. As a newcomer with four kids, and not knowing anyone, my mom had the faith to know whatever God had in store for her she could handle. When we arrived at the Charleston Railroad Station, it was a whole new world for all of us. Then came World War II…and at 18, along with countless other young men from our church, I was drafted. For the first time in my life, I was separated from my security of home and church. When I returned home after 3 years in the Navy, I had seen the world.”
Louis was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served in the Pacific Theater in WWII aboard U.S.S. Douglas C. Munro DE 422 as signalman and helmsman. After the war, he entered the Mason School of Music in 1948. There he met his lifelong friend Leonard Stocker who served as director of the school.
He was a 1949 charter member of the Charleston Light Opera Guild and appeared in most shows throughout the years and was also active offstage in support of productions and as Board member. He met his wife Jane when they had leading roles in “Gypsy” and within a few short months, they were married. Louis’ signature performance was as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof in 1978 and 1989. He also shared the stage as Sancho in Man of La Mancha with his good friend Bob Howell in the role of Don Quixote.
Louis’ life was full of music, fishing, and love of his family. He never failed to entertain and bring joy to all with an engaging sense of humor and enduring independence. He retired from the WV Department of Highways as overweight permits supervisor in 1988.
A service to Honor the Life of Louis Husson will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Charleston with the Rev. Fr. Alex Mackoul officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made in Louis’ memory to St. George Orthodox Cathedral Foundation, P O Box 2044, Charleston, WV 25327.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Weldon Wayne Chandler
Weldon Wayne Chandler, 78, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with long-term illness.
Weldon, who was better known to everyone as Wayne, was born on July 6, 1946, in Charleston, WV. He was a 1966 Graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV. Wayne was accepted into the United States Naval Reserve in 1964, and was honorably discharged in 1966.
After developing a love for electronics and radio communication, Wayne went on to DeVry University in Chicago Illinois to get his education in electronics. His education and experience led him to Thomas Memorial Hospital, where he worked for 27 years as a Bio Med Technician. In his spare time and during retirement, Wayne enjoyed listening to the radio, going to sporting events, day trading, watching his grandson play baseball, and spending time with his beloved dog, Toby.
Wayne is preceded in death by his father, Kiles Acra Chandler of Elkview, WV; his mother, Roma Marilyn Hayes of Fayette County, WV; and his wife of 53 years, the late Dawn Alee Donnelly, who passed away in 2024. Wayne is survived by his son, Carl Chandler, and his grandson, Dalton Chandler.
A Service to Honor the Life of Wayne will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Paula Napier officiating. Burial will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
Memories of Wayne may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Douglas John "Doug" Skaff Jr.
Douglas John “Doug” Skaff Jr.
November 10, 1976 – June 10, 2025
Beloved husband, father, son, brother, nephew, public servant, Mountaineer, and community champion
Douglas John Skaff Jr., 48, of South Charleston, West Virginia, was a devoted husband and father, proud son and brother, respected public servant, and passionate West Virginian. He was deeply committed to his church, his community, and to lifting up those around him through both service and kindness.
Doug was born to Doug and Maryann Skaff on November 10, 1976, in South Charleston, WV. From being their first child, to a big brother, and then so much more—the titles continued to grow for Doug. He was destined for greatness and lived that promise with unwavering character and love. A passionate Black Eagle at South Charleston High School, Doug served as student body president, a role he embraced with enthusiasm and leadership. He carried that momentum forward to West Virginia University, where he found his lifelong purpose as a leader and advocate.
Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2000 and a master’s degree in Industrial Labor Relations and Business Management in 2002 from West Virginia University. In 2012, he was honored with an Honorary Degree in Public Service, recognizing his ongoing commitment to leadership and community.
At WVU, Doug’s influence was unmistakable. He was affectionately known as the “Godfather” of the Mountaineer Maniacs—the university’s famed student athletic booster club—which he founded to unite students in spirit and promote responsible behavior at athletic events. He also co-founded WVUp All Night, a late-night campus program, and led a Youth Summit with Senator Robert C. Byrd for high school leaders.
Like many young professionals, Doug left the Mountain State for a time to pursue career opportunities elsewhere. He spent several years working for Owens Corning, gaining valuable experience and skills. Throughout that period, Doug maintained a strong connection to West Virginia and expressed a heartfelt goal to return home. Recognizing his passion and potential, Owens Corning supported his desire by facilitating a position back in West Virginia, allowing Doug to settle back in the Mountain State and pursue his political calling.
Doug’s love for West Virginia extended into his political career. Elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 2008, representing Kanawha County, he served multiple terms, including as House Minority Leader from 2020. His independent spirit and dedication to bipartisan progress led to the decision to run for Secretary of State in 2024. He had also announced his campaign for the West Virginia State Senate in 2026. His legislative focus included economic development, education, and innovation, and he was known for working across the aisle to get things done for the people of West Virginia.
Beyond politics, Doug was an accomplished businessman. He was involved in the Skaff Family enterprises and Building Remodeling Warehouse, and served as President of HD Media, guiding the Charleston Gazette-Mail through a critical period. Doug also co-owned Fazio’s, a cherished Charleston restaurant, further rooting his legacy in the local community. Doug was also a member of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch in the Antiochian Orthodox Church and a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at West Virginia University.
Doug’s passion for giving back was evident in his charitable work. He organized Guys Night Out to raise funds for Sojourners Shelter and helped establish the West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders. His service extended beyond the community to his church, where he was a proud member of the St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Charleston, WV. Doug’s faith was a cornerstone of his life—he was actively involved in church activities and outreach programs, embodying a commitment to service that reflected his spiritual foundation.