Claire Elaine Johnson
Claire Elaine Johnson, born in Pinckney, MI, and residing recently in Charleston, WV, died at CAMC Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her family, on March 7, 2026 at the age of 90.
Loving wife to John and proud mother of seven, Claire was born on August 5, 1935, to Roy and Dorothy (Shehan) Campbell. Claire graduated from the University of Michigan, where she studied nursing. John and Claire married in 1957 and began raising their family in Ann Arbor, MI.
In 1970, the family moved to Beaumont, TX, where John became the first employee of Helena Laboratories, now a global leader in its field. Claire became the nurse in charge of the oncology ward at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. In 1978, Claire became one of the first nurses in the area to offer in-home hospice care when Southeast Texas Hospice began its work with the dying.
Wherever she lived, Claire was an active member of her Catholic Church community, including twenty years at Blessed Sacrament in Charleston. Claire’s faith motivated her loving, attentive approach to life.
Both in Beaumont and Charleston, Claire and John were active participants in the local quilt guilds, where they frequently served as elected officers. The quilts Claire designed and sewed often won quilt show prizes. Claire was particularly proud when her 2014 first-place applique quilt hung in the Great Hall of the Culture Center, at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.
Claire’s daughters remember and honor her especially for the many sacrifices she made to raise seven children, imbuing in them a love of family and a responsibility to the larger community.
Claire is survived by her daughters, Mary Johnson (Lucas Lund), Kathryn Johnson (Carl Offutt), Cynthia Joy (Corwin Joy), Margaret Johnson (Murat Cil), Samira Heather Johnson (Stefan Fuegi), and her brother, James Campbell. Claire was predeceased by her husband, John Daniel Johnson; her daughter, Dorothy Johnson Scheiman (David Scheiman, still living); her son, Joseph Johnson; and her sister, Mary Ann Phelps (Elmer J. "Pete" Phelps).
Claire was lovingly cared for by her daughter Kathryn and her granddaughter, Jenny Hock, who loved her grams fiercely. Other grandchildren include John Hock (Allysa Hock), Isaac Fuegi, Gabriel Joy, Noah Cil, Sarah Cil, and Ethan Joy.
Claire’s funeral will be April 11, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 305 E Street, South Charleston, WV. Family and friends will gather to remember Claire at 10:00, followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00, and a lunch in the church hall.
Claire’s funeral Mass will be live-streamed on Blessed Sacrament’s Facebook page.
Donations may be sent in Claire’s honor to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Memories of Claire may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Karen Saunders
Karen Frances (Rogers) Saunders
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Saunders, who left us peacefully on March 9, 2026 at the age of 79. Born on August 3, 1946 in Cynthiana, KY.
Karen was raised in Richwood, WV and later moved to Charleston, WV where she married Jim Saunders. She worked as a clerk for the judges in the Social Security Administration.
Karen was an active & involved member of First United Methodist Church. She loved to spend time with her many friends playing cards, shopping or traveling. Time alone was spent reading or watching her favorite show, Law & Order.
She is survived by her son, Christopher James Saunders of Charleston, WV, uncle Bill (Marlene) Rogers of Clarence Center, NY, sister-in-law, Susan Brannock of Lexington, KY, niece, Sandy (Brent) Maschke of Lexington, KY, nephew, Bryan (Marsha) Nelson of Somerset, KY, great-nephew, Michael (Mandie) Brandon and their daughters Hallie and Harper of Nicholasville, KY, great-niece, Joy (Ben) Simmons and their children Josie and Avery of Somerset, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents Carter & Mary (Bikerstaff) Rogers.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 noon at First United Methodist Church located at 905 Glendale Ave., South Charleston, WV.
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, WV.
Gail Reid
Gail L. Reid (Momma Gail), 70, of South Charleston, WV, transitioned to her new life on March 3, 2026.
Born on July 22, 1955, to Josephine and George Patterson, Gail spent her life rooted in the community she loved. While raising her family in the Parkland Terrace Apartments, she became affectionately known as “Momma Gail” to countless neighborhood children. Her home, her heart, and her spirit were open to all.
Gail’s life was filled with creativity, curiosity, and adventure. She loved crafting, traveling, and exploring new places with her family and friends. Her radiant smile and warm, welcoming presence touched everyone she met. To many, she was a second mother; to all, she was a loyal friend. Gail had an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, valued, and deeply loved — a gift that will forever be remembered.
She is reunited in peace with her mother, Josephine Patterson; her father, George Patterson; her sister, Alzerita Munlin; and her brother, George Patterson II.
Gail’s legacy lives on through those who cherished her: her daughter, Danaya Reid-Walker (Karley); her son, Rod D. Reid (Hannah); her beloved grandchildren Donovan, Avery, and Gavin; her godchildren Deandre Breeze and Jalisha Nelson; and her countless nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life honoring Gail will be held at 6:30 PM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Lavish in South Charleston. All family and friends are warmly welcome to attend and share in remembering her beautiful spirit.
Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting her obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Michael Paul Keoghan
Micheal Paul Keoghan, 64, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on March 8, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
He was born on April 1, 1961, to the late John and Evelyn Keoghan. He graduated from Glassboro State College with a BA Degree in Psychology. He worked for Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, and over the last two years, he worked for the State of West Virginia in Adult Protective Services.
Along with his parents, he was also proceeded in death by his daughter, Jessica Lynn Keoghan, and his son, Paul John Keoghan.
Micheal is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna Keoghan; daughter, Erin Darden; son, Micheal John Keoghan; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Price; granddaughter, Savannah Keoghan; grandsons, Kieran Forbes, Xavier Darden, and Jalen Darden.
There will be no formal services at this time.
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, WV.
Rodney W. Clay
Rodney W. Clay, 78, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on January 29, 2026. He was born in Raleigh, WV, to the late Geraldine and Ashley Clay.
Rod shared a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed sitting on the porch and taking long rides with his dog Omni. His hobbies were boating, fishing, and going to the gun range to shoot. He was the owner of Green Mountain Company and the Contractors Association of WV President from 1998-1999. Rod was a respected leader who devoted significant time and energy to guiding the association, strengthening member engagement, and advancing sound, member focus policy. His steady leadership and thoughtful approach left a lasting impact on CAWV and the construction industry across West Virginia.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by spouses, Sandy Clay and Tammy (Jody) Clay; and his sister, Sue.
He will be missed by his life partner, Patty Fazio. He is also survived by his children, Mary Katherine Reilly (Craig), Kevin Clay, and Alison Clay Fournier.
To honor his wishes, there will be no formal services.
Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
As Rod would say at the end of each day, “Ditto”.
Joyce Brown Crede
Joyce Brown Crede, 88, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026.
Born June 7, 1937, to Roy and Jackie Brown, Joyce lived a life filled with love for her family and an appreciation for beauty. She enjoyed fashion, jewelry, art, decorating, and had a special talent for making her home warm and welcoming to those who visited. She especially loved finding unique pieces of art and décor that brought character and personality into her home.
Joyce was known for her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and love of conversation. She enjoyed keeping up with family, friends, and the happenings around her, and always had a story to share.
Her first husband, Harold Dean Richards, passed away at an early age. She later married John Crede, who preceded her in death in 2018.
She is survived by her children, Karen Richards, (wife Shelia), and Dean Richards, (wife Kathi); her grandchildren, Cody Richards (wife Mary) and Morgan Beals (husband Michael); and her four great grandsons, Carter, Eliott, Hudson, and Benson, who lovingly called her “Nanny.” Being “Nanny” brought her great joy, and she cherished watching the boys grow.
Joyce is also survived by her sister, Susie Studdard, and her husband John, along with her niece Megan Hunt (Tom), great nephew Jacob, nephew Jay Studdard (Erika), and great nephew Jack.
She adored her beloved dog, Rosie, who was a constant companion. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Sweeney and Crede children for always looking out for Joyce and caring for her over the years.
Joyce will be remembered for her humor, her sense of style, and the love she shared with her family. To honor Joyce’s love of beauty and creativity, the family encourages others to support a small artist or a local shop in her memory.
Joyce will be inurned at a later date next to her late husband, John Crede, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Mary Russell
Mary Elizabeth Russell passed peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday March 3, 2026 after a year-long battle with lung cancer. She was 77 years old. She is survived by her son Benjamin Russell and his wife Tani, Mary’s precious grand children, Thea age 7, Wyatt age 4, and Owen age 2, all from Moose Lake, MN. Also, her nephew, William “Rusty” Russell and his wife Kristy of Miami, Fl, her niece, Mary “Bebe” Zalaskus and her husband Kenny of Gainesville, VA, 6 grand nephews, 4 great grand nephews, 2 sisters-in-law, and many friends, colleagues, and co-workers.
Mary was preceded in death by her father Leo Russell, Sr., her mother Mary Kathleen Russell and her big brother and business partner Leo Russell, Jr. Mary was born in Bluefield, WV on January 10, 1949 and moved to Charleston, WV as a young girl. Mary graduated from Charleston High School Class of 1965, and then attended the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a degree in Interior Design. In 1976, she and her brother Leo opened Contemporary Galleries in Kanawha City. It was a retail store selling contemporary and Scandinavian residential furniture but soon grew to include commercial furniture and a design division. The business operated from 1976 to 2023.
Mary was a very talented commercial designer and, for many years, was the only accredited ASID designer (American Society of Interior Design) in the state of West Virginia. She partnered in a business that employed hundreds of people and served thousands of clients over a span of 47 years. She worked tirelessly for decades tracking and maintaining contacts for her high school CHS Class of 1965 reunions, and seriously tried to stay in contact with everyone she ever met. She raised a devoted son who is a loving husband and father, she cared for her parents till they each passed away, she was a business woman, a community volunteer, a caring dog and cat owner, a loving sister and a loyal friend. She was loved and will be missed by so very many. Her kindness wouldn’t allow her to see the negatives in people, as she always simply wanted to make the world around her a more beautiful place.
Her family and friends will gather for visitation at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston from 10:00 to 11:00am on Tuesday March 10, 2026. Burial will be in Princeton, WV at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make donations in Mary’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Audrey Carolyn Pennington
Audrey Carolyn Pennington, 78, of South Charleston, WV passed away peacefully on Thursday February 12, 2026 at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV. She was born on June 27, 1947 in Bedford, VA. She grew up in Kopperston, WV in Wyoming County. Audrey graduated from Oceana High School in Oceana, WV in 1965.
After graduation, she attended Capitol City Commercial College and graduated with a Secretarial Degree. She started her career at Charleston National Bank working as a secretary. Audrey then transitioned to WV state government, where she held various positions during the first two administrations of Governor Arch A. Moore, Jr. from 1969 through 1977. She was then hired as the Executive Secretary and Office Manager for the Law Offices of Arch A. Moore, Jr. from 1977 through 1984. Audrey became the Treasurer for the re-election campaign of Arch Moore in 1984 and returned to state government to become the Executive Secretary and Office Manager for the Office of the Governor, Arch A. Moore, Jr. from 1985 – 1989. After a six-year stopover at McJunkin Corporation from 1991 – 1997, she came back to WV state government where she worked in the Department of Tax and Revenue under several administrations. Audrey retired in 2017 as the Executive Secretary for the Cabinet Secretary at the Department of Tax and Revenue. She was regarded by her friends & co-workers as an exceptional woman, a dedicated employee, and was known for her loyalty and efficiency with any task.
Audrey was very excited to retire, and she cherished the extra time she was able to spend with her grandchildren & family in North Carolina and South Carolina, as well as with her extended family in Ohio, WV, Kentucky, and Maryland. She was a fierce & loyal WVU fan, loved to travel to WV football games with friends & family, and was known on occasion to yell at the TV while watching WV football & basketball games.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Reece C. Pennington, and Dorothy Reynolds Pennington, of Kopperston, WV, and her brother Larry Pennington, of Crestview, FL. She is survived by her sons, James Patrick Toler & wife Melissa of Charlotte, NC, and Dr. John Christopher Toler & wife Lynette of Summerville, SC; her brother Lyle Pennington & wife Marge of Moorpark, CA; her sister Iris Toler of South Charleston, WV; and her grandchildren Madison & Mason Toler of Charlotte, NC and Faith Toler of Summerville, SC. Audrey (“Nana”) is also survived by her extended family including daughter-in-law Diane Plantz & husband Steve of Charleston, WV; stepdaughter Kim Rice of Proctorville, OH; and grandchildren Bo Plantz & wife Courtney of Parkville, MD, Sam Plantz & wife Danielle of Morgantown, WV, Kristin Wine & husband Justin of Crown City, OH, Sarah Butler & husband Justin of Maysville, KY, and Laura Rice of Chesapeake, OH. In addition, she is survived by her great-grandchildren including Isla, Adaleigh, Emmie, and Lena, as well as a host of close friends and additional family.
A memorial service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, WV at 3 p.m. on Saturday March 21, 2026. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Diane Plantz, Shirley Dissen, Amy Farley, and Lisa Swann for their compassionate caring for Audrey during her ultimate time of need while in hospice.
Memories of Audrey may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made in memory of Audrey Pennington to the National Adoption Association, supporting children in foster care in finding permanent, loving families. Donations may be made at National Adoption Association, 605 Global Way, Suite 100, Linthicum, MD 21090 or at https://tinyurl.com/3thdpbdh.
Joan Summers McKnight
Joan McKnight, age 90, of Charleston, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
She was born on December 16, 1935 in Grafton, WV, daughter of the late Walter and Mary Kathryn Held Summers.
She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church of Charleston, was retired from the State of WV as an accountant for the Department of Education and worked 25 years at the old Kroger warehouse.
Joan is survived by her loving husband, Ron; two children, Rodney McKnight and Carol Norman; grandchildren, Tom Norman and Shelly Howell; and great grandchildren, Charlotte Norman and Addie Johnson.
A graveside service to honor Joan’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at Mt. View Cemetery, Charleston, with Pastor Rodney Smith officiating.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Billy Summers
Billy “Bill” Summers, passed away on February 16, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of strength, service, storytelling, and deep love for family.
Born and raised in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, Bill often said that if you grew up there, you were made of legends and heroes. “You were tough if you grew up in Cabin Creek,” he would say with a grin — and anyone who knew him would agree that toughness, resilience, and grit were woven into the fabric of who he was. The hills and hollers of his childhood shaped a man who loved the outdoors and carried a deep pride for his roots throughout his life.
Bill graduated from East Bank High School and, at just 17 years old, answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States military and went on to serve bravely in the Vietnam War in the Special Forces Unit. His courage and commitment reflected the same fearless spirit he credited to his Cabin Creek upbringing.
After his military service, Bill pursued higher education at West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in History. He built a distinguished professional accounting career, serving as an internal auditor for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, later as an international accounts auditor for Union Carbide, continuing with U.S. Borax, and concluding his career with Melitta, where he earned respect for his precision and global expertise.
An avid hunter, fisherman, and true outdoorsman, Bill felt most at home beneath an open sky. Whether deep in the woods, casting a line in the rivers of West Virginia, or swapping stories with lifelong buddies about the one that got away, he embraced every moment outside.
Bill was a storyteller like no other. He could captivate a room with tales of childhood baseball and football games played in Cabin Creek, family gatherings filled with laughter, and adventures from across the globe. Throughout his career, he traveled the world and delighted in recounting his visits to the Taj Mahal, journeys through Australia, and time spent in Italy and Asia. Yet no matter how far he traveled, his stories always found their way back to home.
He is survived by his three children, Travis Summers (Kailynn), Tiffany Gargiulo (Mike), and Trey Summers; he was a proud grandfather to six beloved grandchildren, Genevieve, Chloe, Summer, Bennett, Jackson, and Wyatt; sister, Janice Armstrong; sister-in-law, Peggy Summers; beloved nieces and nephews, Michelle, Joey, Jay, Amy, and Lea; he is also survived by his companion, Mary Meadows.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pearl Lee Crum; his mother, Loraine Crum Summers McQuillen; his step father, Hap McQuillen; and his brother, Tom Summers.
His life was one of service, adventure, faith, grit, and love. He leaves behind not only memories but a legend — the kind born in Cabin Creek — told in stories that will live on for generations.
A service to honor the life of Billy will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 27. 2026 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.
Memories and online condolences may be shared by visiting www. snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.