Joseph H. "Dr. Joe" Matusic, Jr.
Joseph H. “Dr. Joe” Matusic, Jr. age 58, of Charleston passed away due to a heart attack, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday October 1st, 2023 at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
He was born on October 12th, 1964 in Cherry Point, NC, son of Joseph H. Matusic, Sr. and Dorothy Hauck Matusic.
For 33 years, Dr. Joe served the community as a pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and their families. He was a graduate of the WVU School of Medicine, resident at Charleston Area Medical Center, and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was a proud Aviation Medical examiner since 1997 and was certified in HIMS in 2017. Joe was featured in over 100 news health segments named ‘BabySteps’ covering all aspects of pediatric health and author of BabyMD.net. His compassionate and nurturing demeanor made him an incredible provider, cherished by all who knew him. His brilliance and dedication to his practice were unparalleled, a brilliant man in every sense of the word.
Joe was a man of diverse interests and talents. He found great joy in woodworking, Legos, computer coding, scuba diving, flying, skiing, traveling, and Disney. His family will remember and cherish the special memories at Disney, his happy place – a true kid at heart.
Joe is survived by his mother Dorothy, his father Joseph (Kelly Ferrell); his wife, Renee Davis Matusic; children Lauren, Kelsey, Joseph, and William; stepchildren Olivia and Christian; grandchildren Rooker, Willow, Ava, and Beau; brother, Tony (Shelia) along with their children, Rachel (Nocona), Sara, and Dan. The family also includes their faithful dog, Jake, who brought joy and companionship to Joe's life.
Joe's absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.
Family and friends are invited to visit Snodgrass Funeral Home on Saturday October 7, 2023 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
A service to honor Joe’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday with Rev. Paul Mateer officiating in remembering a remarkable man who enriched the lives of all he encountered. Entombment will follow at Tyler Mountain Memorial Garden in Cross Lanes, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity close to Joe's heart, Disney Make-A-Wish, in his memory. (https://secure2.wish.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate_today&chid=100-000)
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Joanna I. Tabit
Judge Joanna Tabit, 62, of Charleston, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on September 29, 2023.
Known for her brilliant mind, infectious smile, and positive energy, Joanna loved people and they loved her. Each time you saw her, you left feeling better. She had many friends of all ages and from all walks of life. In her honor, we are all called to fight for justice, mentor others, recognize every person’s worth, and make each other laugh and love big.
Born in Montgomery, WV, on March 15, 1961, Joanna attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Charleston Catholic High School in 1979. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Marshall University in 1983 and her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law in 1986. While an undergraduate student at Marshall University, she served as President of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She loved all her alma maters – Charleston Catholic High School, Marshall University, and West Virginia University.
As Kanawha Circuit Judge, she strove to carry out her mission as mentor to young lawyers, which she believed was one of the most critical components to their success. She also mentored aspiring lawyers during her career as a public and private practitioner and as an Adjunct Lecturer, teaching Summer Appellate Advocacy for the WVU College of Law.
She began her legal career in 1986 as a law clerk, to former Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. McHugh. Following her clerkship, she served as an Assistant, and then as Deputy Attorney General, of the Appellate Division in the Office of the Attorney General, from 1989 to 1992, under the administrations of Attorneys General Roger Tompkins and Mario Palumbo. In 1992, she joined the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson, where she was a partner until October 2014, when she was appointed to the bench.
She was active in professional and civic organizations. Among other things, she served as Co-Chairman of the Campaign for Legal Aid of West Virginia; served on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Charleston; chaired the Access to Justice Foundation; served as a member of the Board of Governors of the West Virginia State Bar; and served as a Commissioner on the City of Charleston Human Rights Commission.
She was chairwoman of the Mass Litigation Panel, a member of the Juvenile Justice Commission, and a former member of the Business Court Division. She was also Presiding Judge over the Juvenile Drug Court and the Family Treatment Court.
While in private practice, she was rated an AV lawyer by Martindale Hubbell and recognized by Chambers USA as a Leader in the Field, with a specialty in commercial litigation. In 2009, she received the “Outstanding Private Practice Attorney” award, presented by the Women’s Law Caucus at WVU College of Law. She also was recognized as “Charleston’s Finest” by the Kentucky/West Virginia chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for her charitable work for the organization; and, in 2017 was a YWCA Women of Achievement honoree.
Joanna was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gloria Tabit, and her niece, Hallie Tabit Johnson.
She is survived by sisters, Diana White and Annette Reynolds. Although she loved her sisters dearly, her nephews, Craig Tabit and Jeff Reynolds, were unquestionably the lights of her life.
Joanna leaves behind a host of family and friends who were fortunate to have been touched by her presence in their lives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Charleston, with Monsignor P. Edward Sadie and Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. Private family entombment services will follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 P.M., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday, October 6, 2023. The funeral service will also be live-streamed. It will be available on the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart’s Facebook video page: Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart | Facebook.
Joanna had a special place in her heart for youth. She saw the importance of helping to secure their future, and ours. Not surprisingly, Joanna’s connections with young people through the Juvenile Drug Court showed her determination to provide youth with direction, support, and realistic hopes for positive futures. As a talented athlete herself during her formative years, it is not surprising to learn that Joanna's encouraging spirit was deeply felt by Charleston Catholic High School students through her faithful, enthusiastic attendance at their sports competitions and other events. In order to continue her work and passion, two memorial funds have been established. The family asks that those who are able, in lieu of flowers, to consider donating to continue Joanna’s work with the Juvenile Drug Court administered by the WV Supreme Court of Appeals, or to scholarship support for students and athletics at Charleston Catholic High School. Donations can be made through the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation. Send contributions payable to TGKVF, PO Box 3041, Charleston, WV 25331, or visit www.tgkvf.org. Please designate your contribution for support of Juvenile Drug Court or Charleston Catholic High School scholarships.
Online condolences and memories of Joanna may be shared by visiting
https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
William E. "Bill" Kitchen
William E. “Bill” Kitchen, age 78, of Charleston, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at his residence, on Friday September 29, 2023.
He was born on February 21, 1945, son of the late Derwood and Theodosia Mason Kitchen. He is also preceded in death by his granddaughters, Chelsea Kitchen and Angel Kitchen.
Bill was a loving husband and father, good to everyone he met.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; sons, David Kitchen (Angie) and Billy Kitchen (Kim); grandchildren, Chasadina Cook (Josh), Christopher Kitchen (Kaitlynn), Brittany Brown, and Joseph Brown; great grandchildren, Josilyn, Sophia, and Ethan.
The family will have a private celebration of Bill’s life.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Emma Lou Crowder Kuhn
Emma Lou Crowder Kuhn, 83 of Elkview WV died on September 25th shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She is survived by her children, Suzann Cowie of Charleston, James Barton Kuhn of New York, sister Shirley Goad of Charleston, John Crowder of Huntington, granddaughter Elizabeth Welch (Danny) of Elkview, granddaughters Ivy Thompson (Andrew) of Morgantown, Madeline Gibson (Travis) of Charleston, Willow Welch of Alexandria VA, and her two great grandsons Briggs and Beau.
She was preceded death by her husband of 45 years James B. Kuhn III of Ona, her parents Owen and Cornelia Crowder of Charleston, brothers Lionel and Rex Crowder of Charleston, sister Carrie Henderson of San Angelo Texas.
Emma Lou worked as an LPN at Village Medical Center, St. Mary's and Cabell Huntington Hospitals. All shifts, all holidays, all weather. She was always available, always nursing. As happens with most nurses, she became a neighborhood and family resource for information on all matters of health. She embraced this role and served as a touchpoint and resource for healthcare, helping friends, family and neighbors to understand what was happening, who to call, where to turn. At work, or at home, she never stopped nursing.
At the encouragement of several physicians, she realized her dream of attending university and received her Registered Nursing degree from the University of Charleston in 1989. She actively worked as an RN until her retirement in 2004. After direct patient care, her favorite duty was training medical students in the clinical skills of healthcare. She took great pride in watching new people develop their talents and remained in touch with her colleagues long after her retirement. Even after retirement, she traveled to assist in the daily care or recuperation of family members, often living with them as they recovered. She continued serving her community by volunteering at Bible Center Church in Charleston and after she relocated to Philadelphia, by working in food pantries and fund raisers as an active member of Lehman Church.
Prior to starting her nursing career, she was an Army wife, mother, business owner, semi-professional baker, and candy-maker, but if asked, she would most like to be remembered as a nurse.
As expected, Emma Lou donated her body to medical science. She will be interred with her husband at the Marshall University Medical School with her husband who also donated his body to the same cause. At Emma Lou's request, there will be no service.
A fund to help similarly minded nursing students at her alma mater, The University of Charleston, has been established. The family asks that those who are able, in lieu of flowers, contribute to this fund to help another student in their career. Emma Kuhn Memorial Nursing Scholarship - University of Charleston https://www.ucwv.edu/emma-kuhn/ If donors would like to donate via mailed check, please mail to: University of Charleston Office of Advancement,2300 MacCorkle Ave, SE, Charleston, WV 25304 Memo Line: Emma Kuhn Scholarship
Online condolences and memories of Emma may be shared by visiting
https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Margaret Barton Bettinger
Margaret Barton Bettinger, 100, of Charleston, WV, passed away on September 24, 2023, at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Margaret was born in Charleston, WV, and attended Bowling Green Business College, earning a secretarial degree. She worked at Union Carbide, and after retirement, volunteered at the American Lung Association into her 80’s.
Margaret was dedicated to her children and grandchildren. She loved and supported her church, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer of her Sunday School class, singing in the choir, playing in the Bell Choir, was involved in Trinity’s “Circle of Friends,” and served on the alter guild.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Randolph Barton and Beulah Haynes Barton; and her brothers, Robert Barton and William Barton. She is survived by her children, Ann Bettinger Martin, Robert Alan Bettinger (Julie), and Barbara Ann Bettinger; grandchildren, Erin Martin, John Martin, and Charles Bettinger; and a great grandchild, Isaiah Curry.
A Service to Honor the Life of Margaret will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Randolf Richardson officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 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 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV, 25311. (www.Trinitywv.org)
Memories of Margaret may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charles R. (Snub) Damron II
Charles R. (Snub) Damron II, 74, of South Charleston, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 16, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Snub was preceded in death by his father, Charles Damron I, and his mother, Helen Damron.
Left to cherish his memories: his wife of 36 years, Janie Damron; brother, David Damron (Cheri); sister, Sandra Higgenbotham (Steve); children: Tammy Stephens (Ernie Anderson), Katie Underwood (Chris), Charles Damron III (Amy), Kelly Parsons (Steve), Kim Blake (David), Kevin Bell (Brooksanna); grandchildren: Amanda Holland (Chris), Emily-Ann Stephens, Samantha Underwood, Reagan Underwood, Katelyn Damron, Shelby Damron, Charles Damron IV, Wyatt Damron, Dakota Damron, Montanna Damron, Hayley Clay (Cody), Lukas Parsons (Amy), Peyton Dillon (Sam), Cole Parsons, Chelsie Stover (Jasa), Collin Stover (Amy), Haley Blake (Nathan Keefe), Jeremy Blake, Gavin Bell, Sydnee Bell, and Tatum Bell; and great-grandchildren: Marshall Holland, Owen Clay, Nora Clay, Delainey Clay, Liam Parsons, and Emarie Stover.
Snub was a Businessman; a Master Electrician and owner of Damron Electric. “No Job Too Small” was his slogan and he honored that. If you had a problem, Damron Electric was there. Snub was the kindest, most generous man you would ever meet.
Snub was a Christian. He loved the Lord and was a loyal supporter of the Loudendale Church of the Nazarene.
A service to Honor the Life of Snub will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Rev. Chuck Pennington officiating. Burial will follow in Dock’s Creek Cemetery, Kenova, WV. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023, at the funeral home.
Memories and online condolences of Snub may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Tammy MaryAnn Martin
Tammy MaryAnn Martin, 58, of Dunbar, passed away on September 14, 2023, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
She was born at the McMillan Hospital in Charleston, WV, on July 13, 1965, and lived her whole life in Dunbar, WV. She graduated from Dunbar High School, class of 1984, and WV State College (University), in December of 1987. She worked for the same company for over 30 years in accounting.
She was a member of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Hurricane, where she was very involved in the Live Embers Group. She enjoyed bowling and belonged to a league. She also served as Finance Officer for over 15 years for the Civil Air Patrol. Tammy was a very kind and giving person. She served wholeheartedly behind the scenes and was well known by many for her acts of kindness. She lived a very simple and happy life and loved her cats dearly. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover S.W. and Elizabeth Joan Dewey Morris.
Tammy is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Richard R. Martin; brothers, Thomas R. Morris (Sandra) of Charleston, WV, and Grover S.W. Morris, Jr. (Vicki) of Hurricane, WV; nieces, with whom she had very special relationships: Stephanie Fox ((Johnny) of Cross Lanes, WV, Danielle Wilson (Garrett) of Fredericksburg, VA, and Elyse Brown (Chad) of Fairmont, WV; as well as several great nieces and nephews.
A service to Honor the Life of Tammy will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, September 22, 2023, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Pastor Ron McClung officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests to all who knew and loved her, to perform a random act of kindness or service to others in Tammy’s memory, or to make a donation to the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Building Fund (2150 Mount Vernon Road, Hurricane, WV 25562).
Memories and online condolences of Tammy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Kc (Kathleen Ann) Lovin
Kc (Kathleen Ann) Lovin, 69, of South Charleston passed away peacefully at Hubbard Hospice House of Charleston on Sept 11th 2023 after a long illness. Kc was born to the late Marjorie and Daniel Rader in Dallas, Texas on May 10th 1954. She was a 1972 graduate of W.T. White High School in Dallas, TX. After high school Kc entered the US Navy where she served as a corpsman until 1979. She joined the Navy reserves and attended University of Texas Austin and then University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston where she became a licensed physician assistant. Kc moved to WV where she practiced medicine in Huntington. She reentered active duty in 1988 and left in 1990 as a CWO2. She returned to WV and married Mark Lovin in 1991. Kc practiced in South Charleston, Charleston, and ended her over 40-year career as a Physician Assistant at Clendenin Health Center. Kc loved her work. She was known for her professionalism and the loving care she gave all her patients during her career. Kc was a member of First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston. She sang in the choir, volunteered on the music and worship committee, and help prepare delicious meals for church fellowship dinners. The children of our church and her neighborhood adored her. Kc enjoyed painting, crafts, working on her miniature doll house, and gardening. Kc was a great conversationalist. She was knowledgeable in scripture and shared her knowledge with many. She loved the Lord with all her soul. She shared her love and joy for Christ wherever she went.
Kc was preceded in death by her father, Daniel LaGrande Rader, her mother, Marjorie Ellen Coleman, and her beloved dogs Barney and Riley. She is survived by her husband Mark A Lovin, her brother Daniel Luke Rader (Marla Elliott) of Olympia Washington, her niece Miranda Elliott-Rader of Charlottesville, VA, past co-workers, and many other dear friends. Kc will be missed by her loving dog Gracie.
A celebration of her life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral home on Saturday, September 16th, at 2pm. Family will be receiving visitors from 12 to 2. Pastor Ginna Taylor of First Presbyterian Church South Charleston will be presiding over the service. Her body will be entombed at the mausoleum at Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens following the services
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor Kc can be sent to HospiceCare of Charleston or First Presbyterian Church South Charleston.
The family would like to thank Thomas Memorial Hospital and Hubbard House for the excellent care Kc received during her illness.
Memories may be shared by visiting snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Cathy Jones Graceson (Gallagher)
Cathy Jones Graceson (Gallagher), 67, was born on April 2, 1956, in Kanawha County, WV, and passed away on September 5, 2023, at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, WV. She was the daughter of Dr. Barbara Jones Springer and the late Jack Lee Jones.
Cathy was a proud Daughter of Marshall University, with a degree in journalism and a Master’s in business administration. She was also a proud graduate of St. Albans High School, class of 1974. Cathy was an accomplished EEO trainer & HR specialist. Throughout her career, she worked at several organizations, including Union Carbide, Toyota, Dingess Rum Properties, and finishing her career with the state of West Virginia.
To know Cathy was to know that she had a large and pure heart. She cared deeply for others, especially those who needed an advocate. She always defended the right thing, even if it put her on a harder path. Having her in your corner provided a comfort that many are now left missing. She enjoyed giving back to her community through several organizations and was exceptionally passionate about supporting animal rescues. Brilliant and vivacious, she had a true appreciation for life, never took herself too seriously, enjoyed traveling the world, and was a voracious reader. However, make no mistake, she had no greater joy than being a mom and grandmother.
She is survived by her two daughters, Erin Gallagher & Annie Gallagher; three grandchildren, Colin Gallagher, Cara Gallagher & Claire Gallagher; mother, Barbara Jones Springer; stepfather, Don Springer; siblings, Jill Jones von Dohlen and Jeffrey Jones; aunt, Helen Rollins; nieces and nephews, Sara Jones, Michael von Dohlen, & David von Dohlen, as well as three dogs and one cat who will miss her very much. Cathy was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Allan Jones.
A tribute to Cathy's life will be held on September 16, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament, with visitation at 10:00 AM and a mass at 11:00 AM. Cathy's memory will be dearly cherished by all who knew her.
Memories and online condolences of Cathy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Tianna Butler
Tianna Butler gained her angel wings on September 07, 2023, at her home in St Albans, WV. Tianna was 72 years old. Her life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here.
Tianna was social and made friends everywhere she went. Not a day went by where Tianna didn't talk about how much her children and family meant to her - her family was arguably her most important achievement in life. Tianna retired from Verizon Wireless after twenty years of service.
Tianna is survived by her loving husband, Champe Butler II; her son, John T. Harmon IV and his wife Kelly C. Harmon; her daughter, Rachel K. Butler-Myatezh and her husband Alex Myatezh; grandchildren: Haley H. Breaux and Brittain A. Breaux, Hunter T. Harmon, Jalin S. Harmon, Charleigh R. Harmon, and Zachary Deming; and her great-grandchildren, Carter M. Breaux and Leo T. Breaux. Tianna was predeceased by her parents, Burl A. Mallory and Phyllis B. Mallory, and her brother, Mitchell L. Mallory.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of Tianna will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Twin City Bible Church, 100 First Avenue, Nitro, WV 25143. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Missions at Twin City Bible Church in Nitro, an organization Tianna cared for.
"... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." -Ecclesiastes 3:4
Memories and online condolences of Tianna may be shared by visiting http://www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.