Alice Kristine Cassis
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alice “Kristine” Cassis, who passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 76, in Jacksonville, FL. Born in Spokane, WA, Kris was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a dedicated teacher for 30 years at various schools, and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, skiing, dancing, and crafts.
Kris is survived by her husband, Michael Cassis; her children, Matthew (Nicole) and Adam (Nancy); her grandchildren, Jacob, Paul, Ethan, and Isaac; and her sister, Freda Painter (Jim Richards). She was predeceased by her parents, Fred & Alice Painter; and siblings, Lorna, Marilyn, and Daniel.
A Service to Honor the Life of Kris will be held at 12 Noon on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Charleston, WV, with Rev. Fr. Alex Mackoul officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. A visitation for Kris will be held at the church on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and also one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. George Cathedral (https://stgeorgecharleston.org/donate/) or Community Hospice, Jacksonville, FL (https://thefoundationcares.org/give/).
Memories of Kris may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
William "Bud" Turner
William “Bud” Turner, 82, of Winfield, West Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on June 1, 1943, Bud was a proud graduate of South Charleston High School. A retired business owner and lifelong member of Local 80, he was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and deep commitment to his community and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Joann Turner and Bill Turner; and his brother, Robert “Hoppy” Turner.
Bud is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Turner; daughter, Debbie and Greg Rice, with children Brittany and John Rice, with his wife Alex, and their children River and Reece; daughter, Robin and Mark Johnson, and their daughter, Taylor Johnson; daughter, Stacy and Marshall Hoff, with children Haleigh, Savannah, Bryson, and Erika Martinez, with her husband Aaron, and their children, Mia and Ava; also surviving are his niece and nephew, Matt Turner and Christy Spindler.
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of William “Bud” Turner will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston. Following the service, family and friends will be able to visit and share memories of Bud at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/.
Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Jo Ann Sparks
Jo Ann Sparks, 90, of Charleston, WV, passed away on May 30, 2025, at her home. She was a devoted Christian, coming from a family of strong Christian faith.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Sparks; daughter, Pam Brown; son, Michael Workman; brothers, Orvill Syner, Johnny Syner, Clyde Syner, and Paul Syner; and her parents, George and America Syner.
Jo Ann is survived by her son, Jerome Sparks; grandchildren: Paul David Brown, Allen Brown, Chris Brown, Amy Wilson, Sabrina Elswick, and Samantha Sparks; as well as great grandchildren, cousins, and friends.
A Service to Honor the Life of Jo Ann will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, with Pastor Don Toler officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Union Mission (https://unionmission.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate).
Memories of Jo Ann may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Paul G. Williamson
Paul G. Williamson, 101, passed away on May 31, 2025, at home in Charleston. He was the beloved son of E.L. and Beulah Williamson of Kentucky. He was a member and trustee of the Oakwood Baptist Church and the men’s progressive class. He was a member of the Kanawha Valley Business Association.
Paul was employed by Universal CIT, Charleston National Bank, and retired from Putnam County Bank.
He was a World War II veteran, serving in the European Theater with the Army Air Force 851st Aviation Engineers and the 15th Combat Engineers of the 9th Infantry Division, and was awarded 2 Bronze Stars.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold and Lexford; sisters-in-law, Ethyl Williamson and Mary Ruth Williamson; and special cousins, Ina Bogar and Deloris Smith. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Helen, and sons, Lexford (Patricia), Mark (Fonda), and Chet Williamson. He was a grandfather and a great-grandfather.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Harris and his staff for their years of excellent care.
A private service will be held at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Kenneth “Chip” Tucker officiating.
Memorial donations can be made to Kanawha HospiceCare (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Paul may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
James Hoyt Hunter
James Hoyt Hunter of Red House, West Virginia, passed away on May 18, 2025, at his family home.
James was born in South Charleston, WV, on February 12, 1957. James attended Poca High School, where he cultivated a passion for popular culture and music, and became an accomplished piano player. He went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the University of Virginia with a Master of Arts degree. James had an extensive freelance writing career, published in the New York Times and Rolling Stone Magazine, among others. He interviewed and wrote pieces on artists as diverse as Bono, Prince, Tim McGraw, Carly Simon, and Alan Jackson.
James was predeceased by his parents, Lewis Hoyt Hunter and Fern Blackwell Hunter. He is survived by his sister, Jill H. Pullen (Robert).
A private service will be held later this summer.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Bonnie Lucille Harper
Bonnie Lucille Mallory Harper, 85, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on May 26, 2025.
Bonnie was born to the late Elmer and Hester Clark Mallory in South Charleston, WV, where she resided her entire life, raising her family with her late husband, Charles Harper, until his passing in 2014. She was a Baptist by faith.
Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Joann Stone and Lois Pauley; brothers, Maruse, Elvin, Dawes, and Robert Mallory; sons, Chuck, Shawn, Mark and Matt Harper; daughter, Lisa Harper.
Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Cathy Withrow and Lavonne Samples; grandchildren, Shawn Rhodes, Jeremiah and Jesse Samples, Autumn Moore, India Harper, Ashley Harper, Frankie and DJ Sloane, Beth Cook, Wesley, Shane, Cody, Tyler and Logan Hinzman; 20 great grandchildren; sisters, Jean Johnson and May Walton; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service to Honor the Life of Bonnie will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, May 30, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Private burial will take place in Mallory Family Cemetery.
Memories May be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the arrangements. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Donald Franklin Goldsmith Jr.
Father, husband, son, brother, and he hoped, friend to many he met in his life, Donald Franklin Goldsmith Jr., 59, of Hurricane, West Virginia, left this life on May 26, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, beginning in 2014.
Don was born on March 3, 1966, in LaPlata, Maryland, to parents Donald Sr. and Carol Goldsmith. He grew up near Magruder’s Ferry, Maryland, where he spent every chance he got exploring nature. Don, or Frankie to his family, enjoyed fishing and hunting with his father and working with him in his electrical business.
Don married the love and angel of his life, Tammy, in 2008. He worked for the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health until 2021, when the third return of his cancer forced him to retire. He had always missed his coworkers and friends.
Don is preceded in death by his father, Donald Sr. He is survived by his dear wife, Tammy; his mother, Carol; three children, Matthew, Madison, and Michael; and his sister Kim and her family. He is also survived by uncles and an aunt, cousins, a niece and nephew, and many in-laws, who he had always appreciated and loved.
Don loved life, despite battling cancer for many years, finding something to enjoy in every day. He had a great love for nature, animals, hiking, and photography. Those close to him may remember him for his love of his feline friends. He never met a cat he didn’t like and most liked him. While some may remember him as a quiet person, Don enjoyed meeting and talking with friends he hadn’t met yet from all walks of life, often to the aggravation of Tammy.
Don always hoped that his long battle with cancer would give others inspiration in theirs. He also hoped that, despite any difficult times that people are going through, that they manage to find something in every day that might bring them a moment of peace and the strength to fight on.
Don asks that in lieu of flowers, please be kind to animals and donate to your local animal rescue. Be sure to tell those close to you today that you love them, they may not be here tomorrow.
A Gathering to Honor the Life of Don will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Memories of Don may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Louise Marie Key
Louise Marie Key, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at her home on May 23, 2025 at the age of 97. She was surrounded by the love of her family, whom she cherished above all else.
Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Louise lived a life full of warmth, generosity, and faith. She had a deep love for beauty, whether it was a sparkling piece of jewelry, a well-decorated home, or a festive Christmas tree. She was known for her impeccable taste, her love of “bling,” and her ability to bring joy and light to every space she entered.
A devoted Christian, her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. Louise was a member of Bible Center Church in Charleston, and previously First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, where she generously gave of her time and talents. Her prayers often lifted up the poor, the hungry, the cold, and especially her family, whom she faithfully covered in prayer every day.
She adored the holidays, especially Christmas, and made every season magical with thoughtful decorations and cherished traditions. Her giving spirit extended far beyond her family, as she supported numerous charities. She had a compassionate heart and always paid attention to the needs of those around her.
Louise is preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Key; her sister, Lorraine Rogers; and her grandson, Scott King.
She is survived by her children: Phyllis VanHorn, Cindy King (Chuck) and Kyle Key (Chris); her grandchildren: Steven VanHorn, Michelle Miles (Zach), Curtis King, Sarah Dean (Riley), Josh Key (Paige), and Jon Key; and her great-grandchildren: Gracie Miles, Kate Miles, Jaxon Miles, and Carter Dean.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace and comfort in her unwavering hope and joy in being with Jesus, her Savior. She longed for the day she would be with Him, and now that promise has been fulfilled. Her legacy of faith, beauty, strength, and unconditional love lives on in all who knew her.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, May 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Bible Center Church in Charleston. Visitation will take place prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by her son, Dr. Kyle Key. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://www.adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today) or Hospice Care (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/), both causes that were dear to her heart.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Merrie Carol Paxton Folden
Merrie Carol Paxton Folden, 76, of South Charleston, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at her home of 50 years. Born on Christmas Day, 1948, in Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of the late Helen T. Paxton, and granddaughter of the late Zora Hill Tully.
Carol was a 1966 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, where she was an active member of the Future Teachers of America, the Spanish Club, and the Future Business Leaders of America. She received her undergraduate degree from Marshall University, Master’s Degree in Education from West Virginia University, and completed 30 hours beyond her degree. She was a teacher in Kanawha County Schools for over 30 years, spending the majority of her career at George Washington High School, where she impacted and influenced the lives of many by teaching Spanish and business classes.
Some of Carol’s fondest memories were traveling with family and friends to the beach or other places. After retirement from teaching, she worked at Adams Hallmark for over 10 years, where she loved helping customers find the perfect greeting card or holiday decoration. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority, and loved spending time with all of her Sorority Sisters. Throughout her life, she enjoyed reading and church services.
She is survived by her sons, James "Jamie" David (Teri) Folden, Jr. of Hanover, Maryland and Jeffrey Todd Folden of Baltimore, Maryland; the lights of her life- her grandchildren, Hollie Rose and Harry James Folden of Hanover, Maryland; sister-in-law, Pam Folden of Kannapolis, NC; nieces, nephews and many dear friends and neighbors.
A Service to Honor the Life of Carol will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. The burial will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. Family and friends may visit from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.org), American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org), or another cause close to your heart.
Memories of Carol may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Hilda Simmons
Hilda Simmons, 91, of Hampstead, North Carolina, formerly of Dawes and Hurricane, West Virginia, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, May 18th at her daughter Sheliah’s home.
Born in Olive Hill Kentucky, she was the daughter of Ned and Edna Cox Whitt. Hilda was greatly loved by her family, neighbors, church family, and all who got to meet and know her. She worked for several years in the H. R. Department of Carbon Fuel and U. S. Steel Coal Companies. She also worked in the office at East Bank High School. Hilda loved her Lord and was a faithful active member of Chesapeake Church of God for many years. She will always be remembered for her greatest loves in life, her family and her Lord.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Paul Simmons, Son Paul Wayne, brothers Jack and Earl, twin brother Harry, and sister Alice.
She is survived by her daughter, Sheliah Lowe (Mike); son, James Simmons (Jennifer); and daughter-in-law, Patti Walker Simmons; sisters, Arvetta, Jessie, and Patty; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special recognition and appreciation to Hilda’s son by marriage, Michael Lowe.
Hilda lived with Sheliah and Mike for the past twelve years. Mike became her chef, chauffeur, confidant, and caregiver. He called her mom and she called Mike her son. Mike and Sheliah made our mother’s life brighter and better with their love and care for her.
A service to Honor the Life of Hilda will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at 12:00 pm in the chapel of Snodgrass Funeral Home with nephew Jack Whitt officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until service time. Burial will follow at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens in Glasgow.
Well done Mom go to your reward.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.
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.