Obituaries for the week of April 16 from the Richlands News Press

Ruby J. Absher
Ruby J. Absher, 63, of Cedar Bluff, died April 8 at a Richlands hospital following a brief illness.
Born in Red Ash, she was a daughter of the late William and Christine Lillian Mason Sparks, both Tazewell County natives.
She made her home in the Cedar Bluff area the past 20 years and was a member of the Wilderness Holiness Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Howard A. Bartee; two grandchildren, Jennifer Bertina Sparks and Taylor Elizabeth Grace Absher; and one brother, William Sparks, Jr.
Survivors: husband, Darrell W. Absher; daughters, Wanda Massaro and husband, Anthony, of Wantagh, N.Y., Tabby Arms and husband, Randall Lee, of Red Ash, Patricia Boone and husband, Grant, Jr., of Warren, Ohio, Melissa Sparks and husband, Matthew, of Hickory, N.C; sons, Howard Eugene Bartee and wife, Banish, of Clintwood, David William Absher and wife, Elizabeth, of Tazewell, Darrell Wayne Absher and wife, Mandi, of Hickory; sister, Brenda Jo Lowe and husband, Bob, of Red Ash; mother-in-law, Sadie Absher of Cedar Bluff; 19 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
The funeral was conducted April 11 at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Pastor Eddie Baldwin and Rev. Andrew Blankenship officiating.
Interment followed in Temple Hill Cemetery at Castlewood.

Ray Edward Beavers
Ray Edward Beavers, 77, of Madison, Ind., died April 6 at Scott County Memorial Hospital in Scottsburg, Ind.
Born Dec. 31, 1930 in Cedar Bluff, he was a son of the late Rufus Sherman Beavers and Lona Belle (Fuller) Beavers.
He was an Army veteran. He retired in 1992 as a manager for Visual Systems in Silver Spring, Md. Prior to that, he worked for the Walter M. Ballard Co. in Silver Springs. He was a former member of St.Mark’s Episcopal Church. He enjoyed reading and walking and he especially loved his cats.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Clyde Ezra Beavers, Danny Douglas Beavers, Sr. and Kenneth Ronald Beavers, and one sister, Peggy Ann Beavers.
Survivors: brothers, Alfred Curtis Beavers and Billy Kyle Beavers, both of Cedar Bluff; sisters, Betty Jo Eversburg of Alexandria, Velma Jean Cormier of Covington, Phyllis Lorene O’Quin of Tazewell; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service was held April 9 at 2 p.m. at Lytle Funeral Chapel in Madison, Ind.
Burial was held April 12 at 2 p.m. at Lowe-Beavers Cemetery in Cedar Bluff.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Ireland McGraw Compton
Ireland McGraw Compton, 88, of Richlands, died April 11 in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born in Russell County, she was the daughter of the late Walter C. and Pearl Vance Keene.
She was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area and was of the Baptist faith as well as being an honorary member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richlands.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gudger Compton, and one brother, Leonard Keene.  She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: niece, Donna Harman and husband, Robert, of Paintlick; nephew, Steven Keene and wife, Terri, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Betty Keene of Richlands; and special caregiver, Pat McCoy.
The funeral was conducted April 14 at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with the Rev. Stafford Compton officiating.
Interment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.

Sidney B. Compton
Sidney B. Compton, 69, of Drill, died April 11 at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, Tenn.
Born September 25, 1938 in Drill, he was a son of the late John Andrew and Ethel Hale Compton.
A lifelong resident of the Drill area, he was a retired coal miner and member of UMWA Local #1776. He was a loving, caring, husband, father, and grandfather. All that knew him and met him agree he always had a smile on his face and he always made other people smile. He had touched many lives just by giving and helping others and will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his five brothers, Kinzer Compton, Marion Andrew (June) Compton, Harold Compton, and infant brothers, Fred Clinton Compton and Hurley Compton; three sisters, Dorothy Wilson Dye, Agnes McGlothlin, and Fayrene Ray; and one grandson, Zachary Prater-Pursifull.
Survivors: wife of 52 years, Eura (Jackson) Compton; daughter, Freda (Janie) Prater of the home; son, Sidney Allen Compton and wife, Susan, of Belfast; granddaughter, Whitney Renee (Compton) Dye and husband, Heath, of Okinawa, Japan; brother, Foster Compton and wife, Beulah, of Honaker; sisters, Draper Dye of Vinton, Inez Honaker and husband, Foster, and Edna Mae Stevens, all of Honaker, Janet Fuller of Lebanon, Judy Osborne and husband, Tivis, of Belfast; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Compton of Honaker; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. April 14 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. David Perkins and Rev. Wayne Harrison officiating.
Interment followed in the Compton Cemetery at Drill.

Hazel N. Cox
Hazel N. Cox, 93, of Belfast, died April 7 in a Grundy hospital.
Born August 21, 1914 in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late Marion and Cora Kinder Sword.
She was a lifelong resident of the Cedar Bluff and Belfast area and was a member of Belfast United Methodist Church for over 30 years. She had formerly been employed as a cook at Cedar Bluff Elementary School for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Cox; one sister, Irene Barnett; and five brothers, Walter, Claude, Carl, William and James Sword. In her generation, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors: daughter, Jane Ann White and husband, Phillip, of Morgantown, W.Va.; son, Gene Cox and wife, Sue, of Doran; granddaughters, Gina Lucas and husband, Jeff, of Landenburg, Pa., Connie Getz of Roanoke; great-grandchildren, Thea Lucas, Victoria Lucas, and Robby Getz; sisters-in-law, Peggy Sword of Flint, Mich., Madge Sword of Kingsport, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. April 10 in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Paul McNalley officiating.
Interment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.

Norman Desrosiers
Norman Desrosiers, 85, of Richlands, died April 9 in a Richlands hospital.
Born February 20, 1923 in Fall River, Mass., he was the son of the late Joseph and Florence Edmunson Desrosiers.
He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II. He served faithfully as an Episcopalian priest. 
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose, and one son, Joseph.
Survivors: children, Carol Desrosiers of the home, Norman Desrosiers, Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Melbourne, Fla., Cherie Barrett and husband, Marvin, of Camden, S.C., Flo Overbay and husband, Howard, of Richlands; brothers, Russell Desrosiers of New York, N.Y., Kenneth Desrosiers of Boston, Mass.; sister, Millie Louden of Arizona; grandchildren, Marc Anson, Kimberly Burger, Caroline Desrosiers, Scott Desrosiers, Heidie Walters, Jeremy Overbay, Melissa McFarlane, Jason Desrosiers, Heather Desrosiers, David Desrosiers and Angie Barrett; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
The funeral was conducted at 10 a.m. April 14 at Stras Memorial Episcopal Church at Tazewell.
Entombment followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.
Military graveside rites were conducted by Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Preferred Hospice, PO Box 784, Richlands, VA 24641. 
Singleton Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

Edna Stevenson Dickens
Edna Stevenson Dickens, 93, of Horsepen, died April 10 at Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell.
Born June 4, 1914 in McDowell County, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Anthony Stevenson and Marcia Brewster Stevenson.
She was a member of the Horsepen Church of Christ.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse W. Dickens; one daughter, Marcia Elizabeth Havens; three sisters, Donnie Stevenson, Vicie Stilwell, and Trula Bowman; and three brothers, Everett Stevenson, Jack Stevenson and Jim Stevenson.
Survivors: daughters, Goldie Amburgey of Horsepen, Faye Bowman of Abbs Valley, Luerenda Reed Waters and husband, Everett, of Florida; sons, Kenneth Dickens and wife, Yvonne, of Horsepen, Roy C. Dickens of Wilmington, Del.; sisters, Alice Smith and Anne Stevenson, both of Lakeland, Fla., Helen Sheets of Abbs Valley; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. April 13 at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell with Johnny Elmore and Benjamin Harman officiating.
Burial followed at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Mudfork Church of Christ, 6142 Mudfork Rd., Bluefield, VA 24605.

Elizabeth Russ Harman
Elizabeth Russ Harman, 96, of Williamsburg, formerly of Tazewell, died April 5 at Williamsburg.
Born May 2, 1911 in Honaker, she was a daughter of the late Aaron and Lona Davis Russ.
She was of the Baptist Faith. She was a charter member of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Tazewell County Chapter.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Harman; one sister, Evelyn Hardy; and two brothers, Clifford Russ and Sonny Russ.
Survivors: sons, David Harman and wife, Barbara, of Williamsburg, William (Bill) Harman and wife, Ida, of Ormond Beach, Fla.; daughter, Elizabeth (Betty) Harman Zemonek and husband, Rudy, of Greensboro, N.C.; grandchildren, Christina Sheppard and husband, Duane, James Zemonek and wife, Catherine, Richard Zemonek and wife, Angela, and W.F. Harman; and great grandchildren, Daniel Paul Harman, Amanda Hudson, Jacob Hudson, Johnathan Zemonek, Sarah Zemonek, Thomas Zemonek, Aaron Zemonek, Jordan Zemonek, Wesley Zemonek and Benjamin Zemonek.
Graveside services were conducted at 11 a.m. April 9 at Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell with the Rev. Robert Belcher officiating.
Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell was in charge of arrangements.

Una Bernice
Stinson Harris
Una Bernice Stinson Harris, 95, of Richlands, died April 7 at a Russell County hospital.
Born in Honaker, she was the daughter of the late Arthur (Jack) and Minnie Honaker Stinson, both former Russell County natives.
She was a graduate of Honaker High School class of 1933. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Seekers Sunday School Class and Sisterhood Circle. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C.A. “Nasty” Harris; one great-granddaughter, Kayla Lynn Davis; and three brothers, Ralph, Robert and Leemond Stinson. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Those who remain to carry on her spirit are: daughter, Vicki McGlothlin and husband, Randall, of Mooresville, N.C.; sons, Cleaster “Clea” Harris, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Richlands, Glenn Harris of Charlotte, N.C.; special niece, Jackie Childress of Honaker; grandchildren, Steven McGlothlin and wife, Lynn, Elaine Hurley and husband, R.B., Bo Harrison and wife, Denise, Jamie Sossamon and husband, Brad; great-grandchildren, Ashley McGlothlin, Heather McGlothlin, Cora Harris, Jessica Harris, Eric Harris, Joshua Davis, Brianna Sossamon, Savannah Sossamon and Haley Sossamon; and great-great-grandchild, Jonathan Davis.
A graveside service was conducted at 11 a.m. April 10 at the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill with the Rev. David Brannock officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 402 Suffolk Ave., Richlands, VA 24641.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands was in charge of arrangements.

Susie Arbutis Holmes
Susie Arbutis Holmes, 88, of Richlands, left this world on April 10 in a Richlands hospital.
Born February 18, 1920 in Russell County, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Maxie Tiller. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fate Holmes, in 1985, and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors: son, Dennis Holmes and wife, Lynn, of Conyers, Ga.; son of 38 years, Joe McCracken of Richlands; daughter, Sandra McCracken of Richlands; grandson, Scott Holmes of Conyers; sister, Eramae Thomas of Winter Haven, Fla.; brothers, Paul Tiller and wife, Gladys, of St. Augustine, Fla., Arnvil Tiller and wife, Laura, of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Virginia Tiller of Pounding Mill; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 11 a.m. April 13 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff with Rev. Thomas Stranger, Rev. Cecil Musick and Rev. Carl Robinson officiating.
Burial followed in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill.

Harlis Hunnell
Harlis Hunnell, 81, of Richlands, died April 8 at his home in Polk City, Fla.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Singleton Funeral Service at Cedar Bluff.

Thomas Edward (Tom) Johnson
Thomas Edward (Tom) Johnson, 65, of Richlands, died April 8 in a Bristol, Tenn. hospital.
Born May 24, 1942 in Raven, he was the son of the late Oscar and Thenia White Johnson. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Olfalee Johnson, Garnett Johnson, Larry Johnson, Bobby Johnson, Otis Johnson and Curtis Johnson; and two sisters, Betty Washburn and Mary Nelson.
Survivors: sisters, Emogene Helbert and husband, Don, of Cleveland, Ohio, Mavis Johnson and Helen Yeary, both of Richlands, Delphia Bass of Norfolk; brothers, Dennis Johnson and wife, Peggy, of Raven, Jim Johnson and wife, Brenda, of Bluefield, W.Va., Jerry Johnson and Doug Johnson and wife, Coleen, all of Richlands; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. April 12 at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel at Cedar Bluff with Rev. Tim Samples officiating.
Burial followed in the Johnson-Cline Cemetery at Red Root Ridge.

Eric Bryant Joyce
Eric Bryant Joyce, 23, of Richlands, died April 11 in Claypool Hill from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision.
He was born July 19, 1984 and was the son of Ronald and Dwana Lawson Joyce, of Jewell Ridge.
He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a mechanic for Frontier Kemper Construction Company. He was a Richlands High School Graduate Class of 2002 and was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Keller Joyce.
Additional survivors: wife, Trista Marie Joyce; daughter, Britney Hunter Alice Joyce; son, Connor Lucas Joyce; sisters, Jennifer Joyce of Johnson City, Tenn., April Renee Joyce-Hester of Dupont, Wash.; paternal grandmother, Agnes Joyce of Smith Ridge; and maternal grandparents, Roy and Velma Lawson of Bandy.
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. April 15 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with Claude “Lucky” Bunn officiating.
Interment followed in the Joyce Family Cemetery on Smith Ridge, near Jewell Ridge, with military gravesite rites being conducted.
In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to the family of Eric Joyce.

Edith Marie
Jewell Kennedy
Edith Marie Jewell Kennedy, 58, of the Horton Ridge section of Swords Creek, died April 11 at her home.
Born June 11, 1949 in Welch, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Sam and Thelma Marie Rose Jewell.
She had lived at Horton Ridge for the past eight years, moving from Manning, S.C. She was an employee of Wal-Mart for 17 years, working both in Manning and Claypool Hill. She was a member of the High Knob Church of God. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Memory “Hank” Kennedy; one daughter, Karmella Kennedy; and two brothers, Jessee James Jewell and George Howard Jewell.
Survivors: daughter, Melinda Anice Crawford and husband, Mark, of Martinez, Ga.; sons, Memory Kennedy, Jr. and wife, Lori, of Panther, W.Va., Charlie Sam Kennedy and wife, Becky, of Paynesville, W.Va.; grandchildren, Keisha Kennedy, Karmella Kennedy, Memory Kennedy, III, Mark Crawford, Jr., Cara Crawford, Matthew Crawford, William Butler, Charlie Kennedy, Jr., Michael Elliot, Jr., Anice Marie Kennedy, and Andrew Elbert Hank Kennedy; sister, Clementine “Kay” Griggs of Doran; brothers, Rufus Jewell and Elbert Jewell, both of Jolo, W.Va., Thomas Jewell of Richlands; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral was conducted at 12 noon April 13 at the Horse Creek Church of the Living God, Horse Creek, with Rev. James Hall and Rev. Bobby Smith officiating.
Interment followed in the Kennedy Cemetery at Horse Creek.
Honaker Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

James Manuel McGlothlin
James Manuel McGlothlin, 74, of Swords Creek, died April 7 in a Richlands hospital.
Born September 7, 1933 in Tazewell County, he was the son of the late, Joe and Elsie Palmer McGlothlin, both former Tazewell County, natives.
He was a retired coal miner and former employee of S&S Corporation. He was also the owner and operator of McGlothlin’s Garage on Swords Creek. He was a lifelong resident of the Raven and Swords Creek area.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Ashley Nicole McGlothlin.
Survivors: loving wife, Audrey G. McGlothlin; son, Teddy Wayne McGlothlin and wife, Julie, of Swords Creek; brothers, Rev. Grady McGlothlin and Rev. Charlie McGlothlin and wife, Connie, all of Doran; grandchildren, Kris McGlothlin of Dover, Del., Ryan McGlothlin of Roanoke; special great niece, Linsey McGlothlin of Swords Creek; former sister-in-law, Wanda McGlothlin of Marion; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The funeral was conducted April 10 at 11 a.m. at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with the Rev. Les Ritchie officiating.
Interment followed in the McGlothlin Family Cemetery on Road Ridge near Raven.

WITH PHOTO !! ! !!
Lola Bell Newberry
Lola Bell Newberry, 93, of Raven, went to be with the Lord, April 7 in a Richlands hospital.
Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late William and Ida Alice Davis Ball, both former Buchanan county natives.
She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of the Full Gospel Temple of Miracle Valley in Richlands and was a lifetime resident of the Raven area. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jay Elbert Newberry; three children, Bertie Clair Newberry, Peggy Boyd Harris and Jay Junior Newberry; one sister, Artie Osborne; two brothers, Avery Ball and Arch Ball; one half sister, Molly Boyd; and one grandson, Gary Boyd. 
Survivors: son, Ruey Newberry and wife, Caroline, of Raven; son-in-law, Curvin Harris of Raven; daughter-in-law, Iva Jean Newberry of Hodgeville, KY; sister, Myrtle Ray of Raven; sister-in-law, Ivellie Stillwell of Raven; grandchildren, Linda Mitchell, Debbie Buckles, Donna Shortt, Randy Newberry, Patsy Newberry, Brenda Mitchell, Sharon Musick and Kevin Robertson; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two great-great step grandchildren; and her caregivers, Teresa Mullins, CVMC Nursing staff, Helping Hands Nurses, Judy Bostic, Teresa Stevenson and Community Home Care.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. April 10 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with the Rev. Dennis White and Rev. Tony Shrader officiating.
Entombment followed in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill.

Arlin Willie Osborne
Arlin Willie Osborne, 65, of Richlands, died in Richlands April 11 following a lengthy illness.
Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Woodrow and Flossie Stillwell Osborne, both former Buchanan County natives.
He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a retired coal miner with years of service working for Pittston Coal Company. He was a member of U.M.W.A Local #1594. He was of the Pentecostal faith and had attended Wilderness Tabernacle church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lethie Osborne.
Survivors: loving wife of 43 years, Mary Casey Osborne; special mother of the heart, Elvie Casey; sons, Freddie Osborne of Waltons Ridge, Donald Osborne of Clifton Fork, Jeffrey Osborne and wife, Vicki, of Tazewell; sisters, Lois Casey of Richlands, Gerline Davis, of Tazewell, Linda Shelton of Claypool Hill, Sylvia Byrd of Red Ash; brothers, Daniel Osborne, Hubbard Osborne and Jackie Osborne, all of Osborne Mountain, Marvin Osborne of Paintlick; special nieces and nephews, Jodie Moyer, Samantha Brett, Robert Phillips, Shelby Laney, Ronnie Laney, and Carolyn Phillips; special friends, Pamela Sue Pruett; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. April 13 at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands with Rev. Ed Lester, Brother Elmer Lee, and Sister Elsie Burke officiating.
Interment followed at the Ball Family Cemetery located on Road Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in order to assist with the final expenses.

Henry Lee Perkins
Henry Lee Perkins, 63, of Richlands, died April 9 at his home.
Born July 11, 1944 in Russell County, he was the son of the late Harrison and Mallie Dye Perkins.
He was the 13th of 14 children. He was a coal miner for 25 years for Jewell Smokeless. He worked for Cook Signs one year and CLA for three years. He attended Richlands First Assembly of God Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Plaster Perkins, five brothers and two sisters.
Survivors: brothers, Franklin Perkins of Greenville, S.C., Guy Perkins of Belton, S.C.; sisters, Margaret Clark of Crossnore, N.C., Ester Gray of Castlewood, Trula Fields of Martinsville, Nettie Price of Swords Creek; five step children; five step grandchildren; and special friends, his Pastor, Buddy Herald, Tim White, Bill Lester, J.R. Vandyke and Carl Davis. 
The funeral was conducted at 1 p.m. April 12 at Richlands First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Buddy Herald and Rev. Mark Mitchell officiating.
Burial followed in Bostic Cemetery at Swords Creek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Building Fund of Richlands First Assembly of God Church, 151 Flat Top Road, Richlands, VA 24641.
Singleton Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

Wanda Cook Taylor
Wanda Cook Taylor lived a great life right up until her death April 6.
She was born Aug. 3, 1925 in Richlands to Bertie Jay and Laura Mae Cook.
Wanda and her sisters were the life of the town and known around Richlands as “those Cook sisters.” She graduated from Richlands High School in 1942 and went onto attend and graduate from Bowling Green University in nearby Kentucky. Following college, she worked for the draft board in Tazewell. During her early college days, one summer she met her future husband, Trinkle Taylor, who was the life guard at the nearby swimming lake, Hungry Mother State Park. Shortly after their meeting, he joined the US Army and spent four years in the South Pacific fighting during WWII. Upon his return after WWII to Tazewell, she married him. They had two children, Rodney born Sept. 9, 1946 and Teri-Ann, born Dec. 28, 1948. They made a career out of the US Army with tours in Ft. Devens, Mass.; Indian Town Gap, Pa.; Hertzoganough, Germany; Chitose, Japan and Vint Hill Farms. After retiring from the US Army in 1963, they made their home in Warrenton. Trinkle managed the Federal Credit Union on Base and Wanda worked as the Commissary buyer on base.
She made Christmas a great time of the year. Her ability to come up with games and gifts that required everyone to be a part of the celebration was loved and appreciated by all. She would search the entire year, sometimes buying two and three years ahead, after finding the right gift she felt for someone.
Her husband preceded her in death June 1985. In 2000, Wanda and her sister, Jaydean, joined forces and moved to Barefoot Bay, Fla., where they resided until her death.
She has two children, son, Rod Taylor who is married to Peggy and live in Warrenton, and by a former marriage to Beatrice gave Wanda grandchildren, Petra, Chris, Jackie and David, all living in Augusta, Ga.; daughter, Teri-Ann Fallon is married to Patrick Fallon and live in Sebastian, Fla. and gave her grandchildren, Jeff and Megan; great grandchildren are, Dylon, Aric, Devin and Jessica; two sisters, Paulette Smith and her husband, Harry Smith, of Tazewell and their two sons, Steve and Eric, and Wanda’s younger sister, Jaydean Farris of Barefoot Bay, Fla. and her children, Michael, Elaine, Laura and David; and a younger brother, Hugh Cook and wife, Carole, of Richlands, and their two children, Shannon and Trevor.
She will be cremated and interned with her husband retired Command Sergeant Major Trinkle Taylor at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington.