Irving "Joe" Graves
Irving “Joe” Graves, of Charleston, WV, born July 26, 1925, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He had celebrated his 100th birthday over the summer.
Joe served in the U.S. Army, 5250th Technical Intelligence Co. in World War II, with battles and campaigns in New Guinea and Luzon. For his service, he was awarded the Asian-Pacific Theater Ribbon and two Bronze Stars.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, George and Isabel Graves; sister, Pat; sons, Steve and Ronnie; daughter, Cheryl; and grandson, Christopher.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Juanita Douglas Graves; son, John Graves; as well as additional grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
Joe loved outdoor water sports: swimming, water skiing, boating, and fishing. He also loved vacationing at Myrtle Beach and Florida beaches. Joe had a lifelong love of music, and was always singing along with Frank Sinatra or Glen Miller. He was light-hearted, always joking with a smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes.
Joe worked for many years in car dealerships at various positions. He attended the Bible Center Church.
A private service with military honors was held at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV, with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating.
Memories of Joe may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Thelma B. Steele
Thelma B. Steele, 95, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on January 23, 2026, after a long and beautiful life. Thelma, known as Peaches by her family, was born on August 10, 1930, to Frank and Mabel Hedrick Bailey of Cedar Grove, WV. After graduating from Dupont High School, she pursued a career in medical records.
Thelma married the love of her life, Earle D. Steele, in 1951. They began their married life in Logan, then Parkersburg, settling in Charleston, where they raised their family. Thelma was a devout Christian woman and devoted wife and mother. She dedicated many hours to the First United Methodist Church of South Charleston, and after retirement, First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, Florida.
Thelma is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabel Bailey; husband, Earle D. Steele; siblings, Mildred Steele Sanger, Virginia Tootsie Jolly, Merell Mike Bailey, Dag Bailey, and Paul Bailey; and various loved aunts, uncles, cousins, and longtime friends.
Thelma is survived by her son, Bruce Steele (Betsy); his children, Elizabeth Steele Hernandez, Matthew Steele (Molly), Michael Steele (Diane), and Emily Steele; her daughter, Amy Allison Craft (Greg); and her children, Christoper Allison and Daniel Allison (Sarah).
Thelma has been blessed with 9 great grandchildren, 2 step grandsons, and 3 great step grandchildren from the Craft family.
Thelma is also survived by various cousins, nieces and nephews.
This long and beautiful life is filled with her personal touches. Thelma was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing and creating. She was a wonderful cook, famous for so many dishes filled with love, but especially her peanut butter fudge, and potato salad, just to name a few.
Feeding her family was truly one of her greatest joys. "Well done, good and faithful servant..." Matthew 25:23
A Service to Honor the Life of Thelma will be held in the Spring of 2026 at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV. Thelma will be entombed with her husband at that time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kanawha Hospice Care Inc. of West Virginia. (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) Thank you.
Memories of Thelma may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charlotte Etta Houser
Charlotte Etta Houser, 89, of South Charleston, passed away on January 23, 2026, at home with her family.
Charlotte was born on November 12, 1936, in Portsmouth, OH, and graduated from Valley High School in Lucasville, OH. Her career as an Administrative Assistant in the insurance business allowed her to retire from the Combined Insurance Company of America. After retirement, Charlotte volunteered countless hours at Thomas Memorial Hospital. As a Christian, Charlotte was a faithful member of the Oakwood Baptist Church in Charleston for over 50 years.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Hillard and Opal Grizzle Hillard; four of her sisters; one brother; her daughter, Linda Helms; and granddaughter, Ashley Addington.
Charlotte is survived by her one remaining sister, Peggy Kidd; children, Wayne Houser (Cecy Kobayasi), Anita Jo Vance, and Lisa Addington (Craig); grandchildren, Melisa Snodgrass, Christopher Vance, Brittany Kelly, and Joshua Addington; and nine great grandchildren.
A Service to Honor the Life of Charlotte will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor David Moutz officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home.
Memories of Charlotte may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Pamela Gail Jackson
Pam Jackson, 68, of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Charleston, WV, the daughter of the late Otis and Edna Blaisdell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Cathy Chandler, and niece, Megan Blaisdell.
Her life was defined by her deep Christian faith and her unwavering devotion to her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and caring aunt.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 43 years, Rick Jackson; son, Aaron Jackson; daughter, Sarah Jackson; brother, Paul Blaisdell and wife Beth; sister-in-law, Marlene Smith and husband Danny; and mother-in-law, Betty Jackson.
Special to Pam were her niece and nephews. Matthew, Ava, and Nate, may you go through life knowing you have an Angel watching over you.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at CAMC Memorial Hospital for the kindness and care they gave Pam in her most difficult times.
A Service to Honor the Life of Pam will be held at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Visitation from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Jackson Family Cemetery, Roane County, WV.
Memories of Pam may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting her obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Mary Ann Arthur
Mary Ann (Duncan) Arthur, 77, of Elkview, West Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 19, 2026. She was born on September 17, 1948 and lived in Point Pleasant before her family moved to Charleston, West Virginia at a young age.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Elizabeth “Bessie” Duncan; her sister, Margaret Duncan Durbin; and her high school sweetheart and husband, John Houston Arthur.
Mary was a 1966 graduate of Charleston High School, where she was a proud member of the CHS marching band. Mary then attended Morris Harvey College. She was employed by Peabody Coal Company and later served several years as an aid to the Governor of West Virginia before her retirement, after which she settled on her farm in Elkview.
Mary was active in the Kanawha Valley chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and a proud direct descendant of Mary Ball Washington. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Mary had a lifelong love of horses, was an equestrian and dedicated many years of service as a mentor to members of the 4-H club.
She is survived by her daughters, Anne (George) Black and Laura Moreno; her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Anthony John Moreno and Katherine Moreno; and her devoted Rottweiler, Joey.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow immediately at 3:00 p.m. at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Lindsay Rae (Painter) Vance
Lindsay Rae (Painter) Vance, 44, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2026. Lindsay was born in Charleston, WV, on July 15, 1981, to Donald Lee Painter and Patricia Lynn (Miller) Painter.
Lindsay is survived by her husband, Kevin L. Vance; her father and stepmother, Donald and Susan Painter; her mother, Patricia Crislip; her children, Landon S. Painter, Logan S. Truman, and Laelynn M Truman; and her stepchildren, Sarah A. (Vance) Jarvis, Jacob D. Vance, and William B. Vance. Lindsay is also survived by one grandchild, Ronan Painter, a step grandchild, Celeste A. Jarvis; her sisters, Brandi Spradling and Amy Woods; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, and aunts, and her only grandmother, Helen Painter. Lindsay had a big heart, loved her family, and enjoyed being with them.
A memorial service for Lindsay will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Dunbar Church of the Nazarene, 1334 Lightner Avenue, Dunbar, WV, with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Donnel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veteran Cemetery on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Greg Hudson officiating.
Memories of Lindsay may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Jayden Ellis
Jayden Blake Ellis, 21, of South Charleston, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at home. Born May 26, 2004, in South Charleston, he is the son of Andrea Ellis.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather and best friend, Russell A. Ellis, great grandparents, Mary Ellis, Malinda S. Parker, Dennis Parker, and brother (Man Man) Ajamu Gaines, Jr.
Jayden was a 2022 graduate of South Charleston High School and the Mountaineer Challenge Academy North, where he proudly led the Company as Core Commander for 22 weeks. He was also recognized for his hard work in the 450 Club, a physical training honor received out of 500 cadets, also known as “Honor Guard.”
He was a remarkable individual and touched everyone he met with a warm and happy smile. He had an incredible way of lighting up every room he walked into and was best known for the endless legendary jokes he shared. He was approaching life with curiosity and made any gathering brighter with his infectious humor and wit. Jayden was truly a remarkable individual who loved his family and friends.
He was recently employed by Campbell Transportation, a marine transportation company operating on the Ohio River, where he worked as a deckhand. He just completed his first river trip and was extremely excited about his new position.
Jayden is survived by his mother, Andrea Ellis; brother, Shamar Ellis; grandmother, Kimberly Ellis; uncle/godfather, Chase Ellis; uncle, “Funcle”, Anthony Ellis; uncle, Moo Gaines; godmother, Christy Valentine; cousins, Lexi Ellis and Sydney Ellis.
Jayden would also want special recognition given to family and friends who shared his life with him: Dr. Alex Skaff “Big Shbeenee”; Uncle Cody Freas (Heather), Connor, Natalie, and Clair; Uncle Jeremy Freas, Sarah Massey, Talen, Selena, Kade and Lilah; Best Friends: Andrew Booth and family, Santos Monteiro and Zayveous Thomas.
Visitation will be held at St. George Orthodox Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with Trisagion Prayers at 7:30 pm. Funeral services will also be held at St. George Orthodox Cathedral on Wednesday January 21, 2026, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Fr. Alex Mackoul officiating. Burial services immediately following in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
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.
Margaret "Maggie" Walton
Margaret Ann “Maggie” Walton, 71, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away in her home in South Charleston. She was born on March 22, 1954, in Charleston, West Virginia.
Maggie graduated from Lincoln West High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She was employed with Southern Bell for many years before later retiring.
Maggie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gardening, especially during the warmer months, and took great pride in decorating for the holidays. She was an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and cherished spending time surrounded by her family. Her mornings were never complete without her daily cup of coffee, a routine she truly enjoyed.
Maggie was deeply loved by many. She is survived by her daughters, Barbie Slack (Todd), Rachel Walton (Savannah), and Megan Walton; her son, Michael Moss; her grandchildren, Michael Moss II, Jace Slack, Zander Slack, Taylin Slack, Bentley Walton, and Denver Green; her great-grandchildren, Magnolia Slack, Marcella Moss, and Maverick Moss; her siblings, Mary Jo, Cindy Walker (Larry), and Gary Martin (Kathy); her cousin, Becky Shearer Biddle; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Wren.
A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Jane Hunter Pate
Jane Hunter Pate, “Janie”, 93, of South Charleston, WV went to heaven peacefully to see Jesus and a glorious reunion with her loved ones on January 12, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Robert Pate; daughter, Donna Potter; parents, George and Lillian Hunter; sister, Ann Caryl Adkisson.
Surviving loved ones are Jane’s sons, Bobby Pate of South Charleston, and Johnny Pate of Orlando, FL; Son-in-law, Bill Potter, Sr. of South Charleston; grandchildren, Billy Potter, Jr, Kimmy Potter, and Stevie Potter; great grandchildren, Jaeclinn Hall, Bryson Potter, Kaedlee Potter, Brayden Potter, and Linnlee Potter.
Jane graduated from John Marshall High School, Richmond, Virginia where she met her high school sweetheart, Bob Pate. She was a cheerleader, and he was the star athlete. Sounds like a movie. Bob graduated and became an All-American football player at the University of Virginia. Jane received a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, also modeled, and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University. They were married and Bob was a jet fighter pilot in the Marine Corps. After serving in the Marines, Bob was called to be a pastor and went to Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.
She was a devoted Christian and Pastor’s wife for many years serving with her husband as he was the founding pastor of Teays Valley Presbyterian Church, Pastor of South Charleston Presbyterian Church, and founding pastor of The Living Word Christian Center in Charleston. She served also as a kindergarten teacher in Living Word Christian Center’s school. Jane also served with Bob and their children, as they were missionaries in Brazil, South America as Bob, a missionary pilot was responsible overseeing churches in the interior and jungles of Brazil.
Jane exemplified what it means to be a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. She was a giver and was a prayer warrior for all who were going through difficult times. Her sweet and kind spirit was infectious, and everyone had confidence in her prayers for them. She loved spending time with her family, whether at dinners, cookouts or sporting events. She was always up for helping and bringing her delicious foods. Even later in life she loved to go to the great grandchildren’s basketball games.
Friends may visit on Sunday, January 18th from 3-5 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston.
A service to celebrate Jane’s life will be held on Monday, January 19th at 11:30 am at South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in South Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Honor of Jane Pate to Magnolia Assisted Living, 1700 Thistlewood Dr., Hurricane, WV 25526
Online condolences and memories of Jane may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Louise N. Brotherton
Louise N. Brotherton, 95, of Charleston, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by the love and care of her family.
She was born on November 27, 1930, in Charleston, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Orvill and Marie Neff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Dr. Thomas K. Brotherton; her son, Thomas Kemper Brotherton, Jr.; and her grandson, Hardin Thomas Brotherton.
Louise was a 1948 graduate of Charleston High School, where she met the love of her life, Thomas Brotherton. They were married in 1950 and were blessed with 71 wonderful years together. Her life was defined by her deep Christian faith, her unwavering devotion to her family, and her active involvement in the community.
Louise and Thomas shared a love of dancing and belonged to several dance clubs, where they enjoyed both ballroom dancing and the jitterbug. Louise also had a lifelong love of the English language and generously shared her talents by volunteering with Read Aloud West Virginia, helping foster a love of reading in children.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Brenda (Steve) Bradley of Charleston, WV, and Stacey Brotherton of Garner, NC; her daughter-in-law, Dorothy “Dotty” Reynolds Brotherton of Richmond, VA; her sister, Christy (Mark) Allen of St. Albans, WV; her grandchildren, Brock Bradley of Charleston, WV, Bryan (Dereka) Bradley of Richmond, KY, Lisa Brotherton of Richmond, VA, and Brieann (Matthew) Wolfe of Columbus, OH; and her granddaughter-in-law, Angie Brotherton of Richmond, VA.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren; five great-grandsons: Keegan and Brayden Wolfe of Columbus, OH; Dillan Pumphrey of Richmond, VA; and Thomas and Andrew Brotherton of Richmond, VA; and six great-granddaughters: Ava and Grace Pumphrey of Richmond, VA; Kinsley Wolfe of Columbus, OH; and Molly, Caroline, and Addison of Richmond, KY.
A Committal Service for Louise will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in the Mausoleum at Spring Hill Cemetery Park, 1555 Farnsworth Drive, Charleston, WV 25301, with the Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and other family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Louise’s memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church.
16 Leon Sullivan Way,
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 343-8961
https://firstpresby.com/giving-to-first-presbyterian-church/
Memories of Louise may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting her obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.