Hazel L. Childress
Hazel L. Childress, 95, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on April 4, 2025.
Hazel was born on January 28, 1930, to Guy P and Virginia “Cecil” Simpson Childress. She graduated high school at 17 and attended Morris Harvey College, graduating at age 21, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. She began teaching math at South Charleston High School and retired after 45 years of service there. During that time, she obtained a Master’s of Education from West Virginia University. Upon retirement, Hazel continued to volunteer at South Charleston High School until 2019, impacting many lives.
She was a lifelong member of The First United Methodist Church of South Charleston. She was also a member of the Alpha Delta Sorority for over 70 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles, Carl, and Guy Childress; sisters, Hattie Kish, Doris Shank, and Betty O’Daniels.
Hazel is survived by her sister-in-law, Katie Childress; and over 40 nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memories and online condolences of Hazel may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Thomas Eugene Potter
Thomas Eugene Potter, a retired attorney from the firm of Jackson Kelly, PLLC and community leader passed away on March 31, 2025. He was born on June 20 (West Virginia Day) in Pittsburgh, Pa., the oldest son of E. W. Potter and Dorothy Studebaker Potter who predeceased him as did his siblings, Judith Potter, Sandra Potter Jones and Harry F. Potter.
Mr. Potter is survived by his wife, Jean B. Potter and their triplets, Christopher W. Potter, D. Alexandria Potter and K. Victoria Potter. His children also include, Sharon L. Potter, Barton C. Potter and Matthew E. Potter from a former marriage. He also has several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from West Virginia University and his Juris Doctor from West Virginia University School of Law. While an undergraduate student, he was a member of Summit of Mountain and a four-year member of the varsity track team which he captained his senior year.
Potter was an active attorney after his graduation from West Virginia University College of Law until his retirement from Jackson Kelly, LLP in 1999 and was Counsel to the Firm until his passing. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate and an associate and partner in the Charleston law firm of Woodrow, Kizer and Stead until May, 1968 until he joined Jackson Kelly.
During the years of his active practice, Mr. Potter was a member and leader in the Business law Department focusing on administrative and commercial litigation, contracts, natural resources, corporate, real estate/property law, eminent domain, transportation, zoning and leases. During the last five years of his practice, he served as the Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee.
Over the years, Mr. Potter was actively involved in the legal, political, governmental and civic affairs in West Virginia. He served eight years as an elected member of the West Virginia Legislature and as Chairman of The Republican State Executive Committee. He is the past president of the West Virginia Bar Association, a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, a Life Fellow of the West Virginia Bar Foundation and member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, as well as other professional affiliations.
Mr. Potter’s community activities have involved many facets of the state and city, including chairmanships of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Renaissance Corporation, the Business and Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCO), the National Institution for Chemical Studies, Capitol Market, Inc., Advantage Valley, Inc. and the YMCA. He is a former member of the West Virginia Library Commission, the Board of the University System of West Virginia, the West Virginia University Board of Governors, and the Board of the Snowshoe Institute. Mr. Potter has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia University Foundation, Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, Charleston Alliance and past member and chairman of the Advisory Board of the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center at West Virginia University as well as a member and past president of the Charleston Rotary.
He served for more than 15 years as a member of the Board of Directors at the Charleston Area Medical Center, (“CAMC”) and Chairman of the Audit Committee as well as a member of the Executive Committee. He was a member of the National Advisory Council of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University.
In the private sector, he was a board member at the R.H. Kyle Furniture Company and a board member of West Virginia Kids Count. He served as a member and past Chairman of the board of the Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research and Innovation Center, Inc. (“MATRIC”)
In 2009, Potter was the recipient of the West Virginia Bar Association’s Award of Merit. Additional awards include the Spirit of the Valley Award for leadership and volunteer work in the Kanawha Valley, the Order of Vandalia (WVU’s highest award) and membership into the Business Hall of Fame at Marshall University. Mr. Potter also received the Alumni Recognition Award from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University and the recipient of the Hazo Carter Presidential Award from West Virginia State University and the James R. Thomas II Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Charleston Renaissance Corporation and the Paul Narres Fellow of the Charleston Rotary.
Tom was an avid sportsman, whether it be skiing, tennis, mountain biking, golf, or simply running, he gained camaraderie through shared experiences, friendly competition, and the bonds formed with fellow athletes. In his later years, he became an active leader and participant in the senior sports movement and helped form and served as president and member of the board of the West Virginia Senior Sports Classic, Inc. He participated in the National Senior Games primarily in basketball but also volleyball.
Tom profoundly impacted many lives, shaping the state with his remarkable wisdom, kind spirit, and relentless determination. He will be deeply missed.
It is Tom’s request that any generosity given in his name be directed to his beloved university. The WVU Foundation, One Waterfront Place, 7th floor, PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650. Checks should be made to WVU Foundation noting Thomas E. Potter on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity in advance.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Tom will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, WV with Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating.
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.
Nancy Lee Taylor Cyrus
Nancy Lee Taylor Cyrus, 74, of Hurricane, WV, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at her home.
Nancy grew up in South Charleston, WV. She graduated from South Charleston High School, Class of 1968. She retired as the Front-End Department Leader/Customer Service Manager for the Kroger Company after 36 years.
Everyone enjoyed being around Nancy, because she was always the life of the party, with her vibrant personality and crazy sense of humor. She was a firecracker in a small package. She loved spending time at the beach with her friends and family.
Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores Bowman Taylor; her father, Julian R. Taylor; sister, Tina Gay Taylor; mother-in-law, Dorothy Adkins Cyrus; and father-in-law, Clyde S. Cyrus.
She is survived by her husband, Scott A. Cyrus; sisters: Shirley Young, Donna Arbogast (Paul), and Terry Miller (Jim); brother, Jerry Taylor; sister at heart, Peggy Kidd (Jim); nephew, Andy Arbogast; and nieces: Shelly Bowles, Jessica Miller, Erica Riley, and Taylor Reid.
A Service to Honor the Life of Nancy will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor George Webb officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today).
Memories of Nancy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Roxanne Boggess
Roxanne Boggess, 32, of Huntington, WV, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Roxanne was a graduate of George Washington High School and attended West Virginia State University. She loved the outdoors, played Lacross, earning the honor of the best defensive player on her team, loved art of any kind, and never met a stranger. She was dedicated to and loved all of her friends. Roxanne always helped anybody that needed help with no questions asked.
Roxanne was preceded in death by her father, Ronnie Boggess of Charleston. She is survived by her mother, Cheryl Boggess of Charleston; her aunt, Diane Wood of Chandler, AZ; and her grandmother, Jean Wood, also from Charleston.
A Memorial Mass for Roxanne will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in South Charleston, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 12:00 noon, with Father John Finnell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, with a luncheon following the service.
Memories of Roxanne may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Flora B. Bailey
Flora B. Bailey, 92, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on March 22, 2025, at the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center in Matthews, NC.
Flora was born on November 17, 1932, in Milton, WV, to the late Raymond Charles and Eva June (Johnson) McDowell. After graduating from South Charleston High School, she married Jerry Bailey settled in St. Albans, WV to raise her family. There she became a member of the Lakeview United Methodist Church, and was also a member of the Hansford Senior Center, where she led exercise classes for many years. Another one of Flora’s passions was reading, especially historical biographies. Her later years were spent near her family in Charlotte, NC, while residing at the Brookdale Assisted Living center.
Flora was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Eva McDowell; her husband, Jerry W. Bailey I; and three children: daughter, Theresa Beth Bailey; and sons, William C. Bailey, and Jeffrey Lee Bailey. She is survived by her children: Jerry Wood Bailey II, Rebecca Lynn Stotler, and Amy Bailey Harris; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
A graveside service for Flora’s inurnment will be held at the Glendale Cemetery in South Charleston, WV, on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lakeview United Methodist Church, 2624 East Parkview Drive,
Saint Albans, WV 25177.
Memories of Flora may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Cheryl L. Patrick
Cheryl L. Patrick, 64, of Charleston, WV, passed away on March 27, 2025, at WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital, after a short illness.
Cheryl was born in Wilmington, Delaware and later moved to Kentwood, Michigan, where she attended Kentwood High School. Upon graduation, she moved to Charleston, WV, where she worked for the WV Tax Division and attended Marshall University. She took a job with Daymark, Inc., where she served as an Administrative Assistant for 34 years until her retirement in July 2023.
She loved nature, hiking, and caring for birds, as well as being surrounded by cats. She recently took up fly fishing, traveling with her partner, Dan Hayne, throughout West Virginia and Colorado. She loved a life of wanderlust, adventuring across the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia, but her heart belonged to Scotland. In September of 2023, another piece of her heart was left in Scotland, when she was handfasted with Dan Hayne in the ancient Celtic rights.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Fleisher, IV, and her former spouse, Kim Patrick.
Cheryl is survived by her mother, Betty Watson; brother, William Fleisher, V; partner, Daniel Hayne; son, Ryan Patrick; step daughter, Shannon Hayne Cooper (Dale); step granddaughter, Essie Lynn Cooper; stepson, Eric Hayne (Alexis Rae, daughter, Ella, son, Sebastian); several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A service to Honor the Life of Cheryl L. Patrick will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 1st Baptist Church, St. Albans, WV, with Rev. Joel Harpold officiating. Friends may visit at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Daymark, Inc., 1592 Washington St E, Charleston, WV 25311.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Charles "Charlie" Sturey
Charles Stanley “Charlie” Sturey, 69, passed away on March 25, 2025, in Charleston, West Virginia. Born on November 22, 1955, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Charlie lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and his community.
Charlie earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from West Virginia University; an institution he remained devoted to throughout his life as an avid Mountaineers sports fan. His professional journey was one of steadfast service and leadership. For four decades, Charlie served the State of West Virginia as the deputy director of the coal mining division at the Department of Environmental Protection. In this role, he supervised a large team with integrity and compassion, mentored countless interns entering the field, and played a pivotal role in shaping environmental legislation that protected the natural beauty and resources of West Virginia.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charlie was known for his warmth and generosity. He was a devoted husband to Dawn Miller, a loving father to Anthony Sturey, and stepfather to Taylor Giorgio. He also shared close bonds with his wife's family. His beloved cat Polly was never far from his side.
Charlie’s love for family extended deeply into every aspect of his life. He was devoted to Anthony's youth sports teams. He cherished annual vacations to Sunset Beach and Little River, South Carolina, where he enjoyed visiting Dawn’s family and relaxing by the ocean. Charlie found joy in giving gifts and bringing people together—whether around a dinner table or during WVU game days.
Raised in the Russian Orthodox Church tradition, Charlie later regularly attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Charleston. His faith was a quiet but steady presence throughout his life.
Charlie’s kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him—from colleagues who admired his loyalty and leadership to friends and family who experienced firsthand his caring nature. He was especially devoted during the final years of his mother-in-law Geri’s life, offering her comfort and companionship with unwavering love.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Sturey, and by his parents-in-law, Gale and Geraldine Macklay.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 1600 Kanawha Boulevard East in Charleston, West Virginia (25311). The memorial service will begin at 5:00 PM, with a seasonal dinner to follow in the church’s social hall until 8:00 PM.
Charlie’s memory will live on through those who knew him—as a dedicated public servant, a loyal friend, a loving husband and father—and through every act of kindness inspired by his generous spirit.
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.
Frances A. Hall
Frances A. Hall, 97, of South Charleston, passed away on March 27, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House West.
Frances was born in Kayford, WV, on May 20, 1927, to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson. She attended Garnett High School in Charleston, WV, and later retired from Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, with 25 years of service. Frances then worked with the Kanawha Valley Senior Services after retirement. She was a long-time member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Spring Hill, and was honored as the “Mother of the Church” in her later years. Frances was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Kanawha County, WV, and a member of the Bunker Hill Ladies Club in her neighborhood. She loved to cook, to bake, and to work in her flowers and to take care of her plants.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and step parents, Jack and Cora McElwain; sons, Dennis J. Hall, Donald J. Hall (Petie), and Elbert K. Hall, Jr (Hammy).
Frances is survived by her daughters, Glenda Jane Hall, and Clara Lavern Hall (Johnson); sons, Michael L. Hall and Samuel L. Hall; son-in-law, Tyrone Johnson; eight grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
A service to Honor the Life of Frances will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. James H. Mosley Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 9:00 am until service time.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Barbara Ann Schramm
Barbara Ann Schramm, 91, of Charleston, WV, passed away on March 15, 2025.
She was born on September 24, 1933 to the late Dr. Robert E. and Evelyn Baer. Along with her parents, preceding her was her sister, Carolyn Haught and brother, Robert E. Baer, Jr.
Barbara was a school librarian at Piedmont Elementary and was a member of the Baptist Temple.
Surviving children, Elizabeth Schramm and Robert “Bart” Schramm (Cathy); grandchildren, Julie Isaacs, Heather LaRouere, and Scott Schramm; six great grandchildren.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Barbara will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Baptist Temple in Charleston, WV. Friends may visit from 10:00 am to 11:00 at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests you give a child a book or donate your money to the local public library.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in the care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Ralph Steven Galloway Jr.
Ralph Steven Galloway Jr., 70 yrs old, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on March 13th, 2025, at Valley Center Nursing Facility in South Charleston, West Virginia.
He was born to Edna Galloway and Ralph Steven Galloway Sr. on March 14th, 1954, and attended Stone Wall Jackson High School up until 11th grade to receive his GED and then joined the U.S. NAVY, from August 24th 1972- August 29th 1974. Ralph then served in the Navy Reserves until April 26th 1978. He lived in Cleveland, OH for 33 years while working for the VA Medical Hospital and also attended Emmanuel Christian Church.
Ralph enjoyed going fishing, dancing, and listening to great music with family and friends. He was an amazing cook, very giving, and a hard worker. One of his favorite songs was “If you don’t know me by now’ by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes; Teddy Pendagrass etc. He was loved by so many loved ones, close family, and friends. We thank him for his excellent Service and wish him a well home going.
He is preceded in death by Ralph Steven Galloway Sr., Vera Galloway (Sister), Kim Galloway (Sister), and Rasuan Smith (Grandson).
He is survived by Edna Galloway (Mother); his 3 children: Khalana Smith, Turan Rush, and Anita Galloway; his 10 Grandchildren: Turan De Angelo Rush, Tyann Rush, Turay Rush, Tariyah Rush, Kamiyah Davidson, Shanija Hayes, Malik Davidson, Rasaun Davidson (passed on), Dominque Smith, and 1 on the way; and 6 Great Grand Children. He is also survived by 4 Siblings: Stephanie Clay (Kenneth), Linda Bridges (Kenneth), Marcia Galloway, and Melanie Walton.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, Friday, March 21, 2025 at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, WV 25309. A committal service with entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV, with Reverend Duncan officiating.
Memories of Ralph Steven Galloway Jr. may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting obituary. Snodgrass Funeral, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.