Obituaries

Sally Goodall Pettigrew, age 80, of Covington, died Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at her residence.

Sally was born July 24, 1946, in Greenbrier County to her parents, the late Lewis Goodall and Erma Jean Wickline Goodall; and was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles W. Pettigrew; her son Brian Pettigrew; and a granddaughter, Melinda Pettigrew.

Surviving to mourn her loss are two daughters, Karen (Andy) Cash, Patricia (Gerald) Gibson of Covington; five grandchildren, Lake (Aaron) Dilley of Roanoke, Brandon Pettigrew of North Carolina, Corey Pettigrew of Redman, Washington, Meghan Cash of South Carolina, Macyn Cash of Covington; four great-grandchildren, Ayden Pettigrew, Hannah Pettigrew, Liam Dilley and Weston Dilley; a brother, Donald (Peggy) Goodall of Union, WV; and many other family members whom she adored and loved them all.

Betty E. Ottaviano age 88, of York, Pennsylvania, formerly of Covington, passed away September 27, 2026, at York North Nursing Home in PA.

She was born January 6, 1938, in Covington, a daughter of the late Luther B. Wright and Betty Leona May Wright. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Harold “Red” Wright and Lewis “Red” Wright of Covington; husband Clifton A. Ottaviano.

Mrs. Ottaviano retired from the Social Security Administration in 2000 after 30 years of service. She was a published poet and made her debut in 1996 when several of her poems were accepted for publication on cassette tapes. Mrs. Ottaviano along with her brothers wrote a book titled “Sharing Our Wright Memories” about growing up in Covington, VA. A copy of this book is in the Covington Library. She was a volunteer working with the Alleghany Highlands Genealogy Society as...

Sandra Jo Kemper, 71, of Covington, died Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

She was born July 28, 1955 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Joseph and Edna Wolfe Kemper. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Steven Kemper.

Sandy attended nursing school at Community Hospital in Roanoke, graduating with the class of 1977, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Radford University. She worked for many years at Alleghany Memorial Hospital, Alleghany Regional Hospital, and Community Hospital, primarily in labor and delivery. She also served as a Lamaze instructor for many years, taught nursing at ECPI in Roanoke, and tutored many nursing students over the years.

In her free time, Sandy loved Siamese cats and Arabian horses. ...

Virginia Lee Meadows, 78, of Ronceverte, died Tuesday, September 16, 2026, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Lewisburg.

She was born April 9, 1948, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late William Rose and Bertie Wolfe Burgess. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Meadows, Sr., and one son, Kevin T. Meadows.

Virginia had a special gift for taking care of children, offering them patience, kindness, and a sense of security. In addition to her nurturing nature, she was also an excellent cook, and many fond memories were made around the meals she prepared for family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Kenneth Meadows II and wife Veronica, of Neola, WV; a granddaughter, Krystal Lynn Meadows and wife April Wright of Alderson, WV; one grandson, Kenneth Meadows III and wife Madi...

Charles Lee Masters, of Covington, age 75, died Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at LewisGale Hospital Alleghany.

He was born December 13, 1950, in Alleghany County, to the late Charles Franklin Masters, Jr. and Georgie Carr Masters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth “Tittles” Masters.

Charles served his country in the United States Army and worked for many years in maintenance for Bennett Logging and Lumber. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a member of Cliffdale Christian Church.

Surviving to mourn his loss is his wife, Joanna Caruthers Masters, his children, Alisha Narney of Prior, Ok., Lee (Kristen Hoke) Masters, John Andrew Williams, Jr., Leandra Masters all of Covington; several grandchildren; his sister, Pam (Wayne) Evans of Selm...

Dolly Carter Lowry, 68, of Covington, died Sunday, September 13, 2026, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

She was born May 23, 1958, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late William Floyd Carter, Sr., and Martha Eunice Bailey Carter Quantz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Dale Lowry, Sr.; a sister, Janet Melvin; one brother, W.F. Carter; and a step-father, Vernon Quantz.

Dolly was a longtime employee of the former Downers Hardware, the former Covington Tire and Auto, and most recently King’s Tire in Covington. She was a dedicated supporter of the Covington Little League, standing behind her husband as a coach and her two sons throughout their years as players. She also supported her husband and sons in their service with the Falling Spring Fire Department.  She was a member of Greenwood Evangelical Presbyterian Churc...

Emma Jane Hearn Filer, 89, of Bluefield, WV, and formerly of Covington, died Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Mercer Health Center in Bluefield.

She was born July 22, 1937, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Edwin Thompson Hearn and Una Rachel Beckum. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George B. Filer, Sr.

Jane worked as a registered nurse for many years, including at Alleghany Regional Hospital and Boiling Springs Elementary School. She was a member of Calvary Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Electa Chapter #33 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Roanoke, and the Anata Shrine Guild in Clifton Forge.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, George Filer, Jr. and Regina of Bluefield; her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Gratten Hepler of Covington; five grandch...

Macelia Lynnette White Hunter, born September 14, 1944, peacefully departed this earthly life on September 4, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love, comfort, and presence of her family.

Macelia was a devoted lifelong member of Pine Street Baptist Church, where she faithfully served God and her church family in countless ways. Throughout the years, she served as church custodian; President of the Women’s Fellowship; treasurer and member of the Willing Workers Choir and Chorus; member of the Usher Board; church clerk; condolence clerk; chairperson of the Deaconess Ministry; and co-chairperson of the Hospitality Committee for 22 years. She also served on pastoral search committees and willingly assisted neighboring churches whenever called upon. Macelia’s love for music was evident through her service in the Senior Choir, Combined Choir, Willing Workers, Community Choir under the direction of Rev. Willie Cannon, and R...

Margie Renee Young Gann, age 57, formerly of Alleghany County, died Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at her residence in Waynesboro.

She was born February 4, 1969, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her father, the late Woodrow M. “Buddy” Young.

Margie leaves to mourn her loss, her mother, Margie Stone Young of Covington; a son, Daniel Miller and Shannon Dawson of Covington; four step-grandchildren, Keith, Kole, Kody and Karson Dawson; two brothers, Mike (Bridget) Young and Kevin Young of Covington; many nieces, nephews and family members; and her best friend, Teresa Whilhelm.

Renee, as she was fondly called was one of the first females to play Little League Baseball and hit a homerun in the Highlands; was a member of the Moose Lodge #1309 in Waynesboro; received an Associate Degree at ...

Marcus Ray Jeter, 45, of Covington, died Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at LewisGale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

He was born December 15, 1980, in Alleghany County, a son of Lester R. Jeter and Debbie Luckett Jeter of Covington.

A machine operator at Carris Plastics by trade, Marcus was a jokester at heart who loved nothing more than making people laugh. Above all, he cherished time spent with his son, family, and friends, whether they were hanging out or playing video games together.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his son, Raylan Jeter of Covington; three siblings, Sherri (Robert Carroll) Luckett of Covington, Theodus (Kecia) Luckett of Troutville, and Sheree (Ryan Gilmore) Jeter of Covington; and a number of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In ke...

Larry Judson Snedegar, 69, of Covington, died August 31, 2026, at his residence.

He was born February 20, 1957, in Maryland, a son of the late Sterling J. Snedegar and Grace Lewis Snedegar Knobb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Ferrell Snedegar; two brothers, Sterling Ray Snedegar and Dwayne Snedegar; and one sister, Sandy Snedegar.

Larry worked at Klöckner Pentaplast in Gordonsville as a calender line operator for a number of years. He also served in the United States Navy. Larry loved gardening, hunting, and fishing.

Survivors include three sisters, Kay Gurreri of Pittsburgh, PA, Faye Duke of York, PA, and Darlene Slenker of Wrightsville, PA; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated...

Janie Sue Collins Kelley, 71, of Covington, died Monday, August 31, 2026, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

She was born May 19, 1955, in Richmond, a daughter of the late Earl Collins and Ethel Barlow Turbeville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Miles Lee Kelley; and three siblings, Andy, J.P., and Roger Collins.

She loved spending time with her family and had a great sense of humor—truly a spitfire. In her free time, she enjoyed watching her favorite shows, including NCIS, CSI, Walker, and just about any crime drama. She also had a deep love for animals, especially her cat, Cuddles.

She is survived by her daughter, Samantha Kelley Wilson of Covington; four grandchildren, Jade Storm Wilson (Terry Hall) of Covington, Tonya Cleek and Courtney Booth, both of Staunton, and Nathan Wilson...