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.
Charles Lester Posten
On May 16, 2025, Charles Lester Posten, of Liberty, WV, departed for Heaven, just 5 days short of his 100th birthday. He was a long-time member of the Goldtown Community Church.
Charles leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Wolfe Posten, daughters, Tessa Simpson and Katy Posten; son, Carl Posten; step-daughter, Debbie Loudermilk; granddaughters, Wanda Cunningham, Bonnie Roe and Lindsay Holbert; grandson, David Loudermilk; great granddaughters, Macy Cunningham, Hartley and Micah Holbert; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda Posten; parents, Curt and Nellie Posten; brothers, David and Don Posten; sister, Dorothy New; step-daughter, Lorrie Burdette; and nephew, Tim Posten.
Charlie graduated early from Dupont High School to join the U.S. Coast Guard and served his country on a gasoline tanker throughout World War II. He then re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve on a destroyer in the Korean War. Charlie enjoyed working in research and development at Union Carbide for much of his life and didn’t retire until age 76. His passion was witnessing to people about the Saving grace of Jesus Christ and going on mission trips to help build churches with the Church of the Nazarene “Work & Witness” Teams, making 34 trips all over the world, and helping with flood relief in his home state of WV.
A Service to Honor the Life of Charles Posten will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Al Mendez officiating. Burial will be in the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 12 Noon until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today), Union Mission of Charleston (https://unionmission.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate), or the Hubbard Hospice House (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/).
Memories of Charles may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Homer Eugene McQuerrey
Homer Eugene McQuerrey, 97, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Homer was born in Quinwood, West Virginia, on June 30, 1927. Homer was a proud WWII Army Veteran, serving as Military Police, guarding captured SS elite German prisoners. He retired in 1987 from Pepsi-Cola as the Superintendent of Sales. He was a member of St. Luke Methodist Church, where he served as a lay minister, and later faithfully attended St. Paul Methodist Church. Homer was a well-respected member of the Gideons International and the United Methodist Men's group of Charleston.
Homer was an active member of the VFW and was on the board of AARP. Homer was honored in 1971, when Governor Arch Moore, Jr. recognized him as a “Distinguished West Virginian.” His happiest moments were spent with his loving family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, gardening, car shows, and watching his beloved Mountaineers. He could tell a story like no other.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Minnie Mae McQuerrey; his loving wife of 68 years, Frieda; his youngest son, David; and siblings, Olive, Dave, Forest, and James.
He is survived by his children, Connie McQuerrey Bruno, Joe McQuerrey, and Tammy Vagheei (Sam); grandchildren: Sherry, Jeff, Andy (Sarah), Carole, Jennifer (Patrick), Joe, Jonathan, Shauna (Usama), Christopher (Christy), Camron, Cavon (Erin), and Cyrus; great-grandchildren: Iain, Craig (Kayleigh), Scott, James, Oliver, Iris, Danielle (David), Amber (Justin), Caitlin, Talia (Richard), Katie, Camden, Elizabeth, Constance, Daniel, Charlee, Cyra, Benny, and Baby boy Vagheei.; great-great grandchildren: Arthur, Camille, Justice, Finnley, Remi, Cadence and Ellie.
Services to Honor the Life of Homer will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home as follows: Friends and Family may visit Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Paul Mateer and Rev. Steve White officiating. Burial will be on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery, South Charleston, with Military Honors and Rev. George Webb officiating.
Homer would always leave you with a smile, a hug or a firm handshake, and so on and so forth.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements. (http://snodgrassfuneral.com)
Alvin Sansom
Alvin Sansom, a proud United States Marine, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at the age of 75. Alvin served his country with honor and bravery as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps, embodying courage, duty, and loyalty throughout his life.
Born to Mary Jane Kirk and Alva Sansom, both of whom preceded him in death, Alvin was one of a large and loving family. He is also reunited in peace with his siblings, Marilyn Sue Sansom, Mary Ann Holbrook, Cathy Dodd, Matthew James Sansom, and Cathy Lynn—and most tenderly, with the love of his life and best friend, Gretchen Spella, whose memory he cherished until his final day.
A hardworking man, Alvin spent much of his career working at DuPont, where he specialized in track building and repair. He was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).
Alvin is survived by his loving brother, Alva Sansom Jr., and sister, Sandra Jane Taylor; his devoted daughter, Carolyn Taylor; granddaughters, Tahje Houston, Malika Craven, and Kadence Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Kayden and Karsyn Craven. He also leaves behind his faithful dog companions, Tina and Little Bit, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Alvin’s life was defined by service, integrity, and love for family. He carried the values of the military and the labor force into every aspect of his life—quiet, strong, dependable, and deeply caring. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held in his honor on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 6-7pm at Heigh Gardens, 1272 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV, 25311.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Carolyn Jean Janicki
Carolyn Jean Janicki, of Charleston, WV, left this world on May 3, 2025.
She was born to Leonard and Jeanette Romino on July 4, 1936, in Fairmont, WV, the middle child of four siblings.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas; sisters and brothers: Lennie Romino, Micheal Romino, Jo Hamrick, and Pattie Vasicek; son-in-law, Bo Smith; and nephew, John Stevens.
Surviving are her three daughters: Jill Smith of Tampa, FL, Julie Janicki and husband Bobby Bettinger of Charleston, and Jennifer McIntosh and husband Jim McIntosh of Charleston; her beloved grandchildren: Phillip Groves, Matthew Smith, Greg Smith, Michael Smith, Holly Smith, Thomas McIntosh, and Anthony McIntosh. She also leaves many nieces and nephews to mourn her passing.
Carolyn was a devout Catholic and a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston. She graduated from Fairmont State College in May of 1958, with a B.A. in Education.
While in college, Carolyn was a Falcon cheerleader, and that is where she met her husband, who was a Fighting Falcon basketball star. They married on June 28, 1958, and she taught school while Thomas attended Medical School in Richmond, VA. In 1961, they moved to Charleston, WV, where they made their home and raised their family for the rest of their lives.
Carolyn was very proud of her Italian heritage and enjoyed her extended family, keeping in touch with them constantly, planning many family reunions, none of which she would miss. She loved dogs, football, crafts, coffee, tennis, bike riding, collecting pictures of her family, making scrapbooks, gardening, and feeding the birds. She was also known for telling funny stories.
Carolyn loved the company of her immediate family and grandchildren and hosting friends in her home. This love included traveling with her husband to visit family and friends and seeing new places.
She was a member of the medical auxiliary, a member and past president of the Sons of Italy, active in the women’s guilds at Sacred Heart Church, competed in tennis leagues and teams, and was a senior Olympic champion. Carolyn was also a proud volunteer at St. Francis Hospital.
In 2023, Carolyn moved to Edgewood Summit with her dog, “Tudor.” There she kept busy making new friends while keeping up with her old ones. In May of 2024, she received the award of “Best Derby Hat” at the Edgewood Summit Derby Party. On the evening of May 2, 2025, Carolyn prepared a new hat for the next day’s Derby Party. But instead of winning another “Best Derby Hat” award, she went to sleep and went to receive her “Eternal Reward.”
Carolyn Jean Janicki, at the age of 88, has left many to cherish her memory.
A memorial service celebrating her earthly life and heavenly resurrection will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home with Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Inurnment will be in the Donel C. Kinnard Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carolyn’s memory to either Meals on Wheels (https://kvss.org/donate/), the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://www.adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today), or Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/).
Memories of Carolyn may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Louise Shamblin
Mary Louise Shamblin, 78, of St. Albans, West Virginia, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the CAMC Memorial Hubbard Hospice House.
Louise was a member of Dunbar Church of the Nazarene. Her faith in God was very important to her, and she was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene for most of her life. She served the church in many capacities over the years, including the choir, church board, women’s ministries, and teaching Sunday school. She also loved to send cards, especially to those that were sick or needed extra encouragement. She kept boxes of greeting cards for every occasion so they could be sent out to those she was praying for. Above all else, she was most proud of her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to brag about them and how proud she was of each of them and their accomplishments.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie & John Hyer; sisters, Frances Brown, Kay Laton, Joan Whitlock, and June Milam; brothers, Charles (Babe) Hyer, Buddy Jarvis, Oval Jarvis, and John Hyer. She is survived by her sisters, Kathy Hyer, Carol Wolfe, and Clara Atkins; daughters, Tracy (Jeff) Bare and Jennifer (Bill) Gallagher; grandchildren, Jared (Kaci) Bare, Megan (Michael) Hellems, Kristopher Smith, and Brendan Gallagher; great-granddaughters, Lily and Elsie Bare; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of CAMC General 5 South and 7 South, and the entire staff of the Hubbard Hospice House at Memorial. Their compassionate care and support during this difficult time is more appreciated than we could ever express. A special thanks to Pastor Greg Hudson for his guidance and support.
A memorial service to honor the life of Louise will be held at Dunbar Church of the Nazarene at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, with Pastor Greg Hudson officiating. Family and friends may visit from noon to one. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hubbard Hospice House in Louise’s name (https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/) .
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
William A. Rice, Jr.
William A. Rice Jr., passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 78, due to a long illness. He was born in Charleston, WV, on November 15, 1946, to William A. Rice Sr. and Shirley J. Rosenbaum Rice. Bill graduated in 1964 from KMI and went on to WVU, earning a business degree, and in 2016, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Charleston. Bill was also a Captain in the U.S. Army before returning to Charleston to run the family business, Virginia Welding Supply, eventually doubling its size and later selling it to Airgas. Before retiring, he worked in various roles, including COO of Airgas, Executive Director of the American Welding Society, and CEO of OKI Bering.
Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cherry Rice; son, David L. Rice, and daughter-in-law, Janine; two grandchildren, Avery and Elle; and three dogs, Beau, Bob, and Will. He is also survived by two brothers, Mike Rice and Joe Rice; sister-in-law, Cathy Rice; nephews, Chris and Ryan.
Bill was predeceased in death by his son, Adam Rice “WAR III”; father, William A. Rice Sr.; mother, Shirley Rice Lewis; and dogs: Sonny, Brandy, Sugar, Spice, Blue, Ginger, Blue II, Mick, and Rose.
Bill was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling and collecting items from around the world and playing poker with his buddies. He was heavily involved in his community, serving on several boards, including The University of Charleston, American Welding Society, Precision Pump and Valve, BB&T, One Valley Bank, Huntington Bank, and The Bank of WV. He was also Chairman of the Board for CAMC (Vandalia Health System) for 34 years.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of William will be held at 12:30 pm, Thursday, May 15, 202,5 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. A private family interment will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit from 10:30 am until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the William A. Rice Nursing Scholarship Fund, CAMC Foundation, 3414 Staunton Ave, Charleston, WV 25304. Donations can also be made to the William A. Rice Family, Women in Welding Scholarship at the AWS Foundation. Donations can be mailed to the American Welding Society (issue check to: AWS Foundation), Attn: William Rice Scholarship, 8669 NW 36th Street, Suite 130, Miami, FL 33166.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Lindell Bowen Griffith
Lindell Yvonne Bowen Griffith, 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in her hometown, Spring Hill. Lindell is predeceased by her mother, Audrey Florence Duncan Bowen and her father, Francis Luther “Tucker” Bowen and late husband, Greg Griffith.
Lindell is survived by her lifelong friend and companion Ray McCoy. She was the youngest of four siblings. Her surviving siblings include: Frances Luana Bowen Chandler, Judith Tucker Bowen Romano, both of whom reside in Daytona Beach, FL and Eddie Warren Bowen, of Villa Rica, GA. Nieces and nephews include Gerald Ross Chandler Jr. of San Diego, CA, Vicki Billups Vaughan of South Charleston, Gina Louann Billups of Daytona Beach, FL, Paula Potter, EdD, of South Charleston, Dr. Robert Paul Romano of Clarksburg, WV, Jennifer Jean Bowen of Marietta, GA, Carrie Lynn Bowen O’Bryant of Marietta, Ga, and Lindsey Della Bowen Malone of Roswell, GA.
Lindell attended Spring Hill Junior High School where she was a majorette and was a 1968 graduate of South Charleston High School.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Ray McCoy for his kindness, support, and care for Lindell.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Lindell will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm until service time.
Memories of Lindell may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Sharon Kay Walker
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sharon Kay Walker, who went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 17,2025. Sharon was born in Logan, WV, on December 8,1956, and lived in Chelyan, WV.
Sharon is survived by her loving husband, her best friend, Tommy Walker. She is also survived by her brothers, Levi and Robert (Bob) A. Miller Jr.; as well as her nieces, Amber, Kristin, and Malissa; and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A. Sr. and Helen Miller, as well as her loving sister-in-law, Paula Miller.
Sharon was known for her unwavering kindness and gentle spirit. She was an avid baker and loved to decorate for the holidays. She served many people through her love of baking throughout the years. She loved her savior Jesus Christ, and the family reunion in heaven has just begun, but her family on earth cannot wait to be reunited with her. A memorial service will not be held at this time.
Memories of Sharon may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.