Obituaries

Morgan Daniel “Punk” Simpson, 88, of Roanoke and formerly of Covington, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

Dan was born on October 22, 1935, in Covington, a son of the late Lee Edward and Maggie Hepler Simpson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Jean Simpson; three brothers; and one sister.

Mr. Simpson served his country in the United States Airforce, retiring from active duty after 21 years. Following his military career, he worked for Lockheed Martin for many years. He was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion as well as being active as a Shriner and Mason throughout his life.

Survivors include a son, Daniel E. Simpson of Buford, GA; two daughters, Cathy Simpson Freeman of Troutville, and Christine Joy Lester of Blue Ridge; a stepdaughter,...

Ovila Joseph “Joe” Cormier, 82, of Covington, died Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

Mr. Cormier was born February 18, 1942, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, a son of the late Francis Pierre Cormier and Helen Lillian Melanson Cormier. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean B. Cormier.

Joe served his native country of Canada in the Canadian Navy. He was a service representative for Lab Corporation of America, retiring in 2004 after 31 years. He was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and a retired member of the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue Department. He was a member of Cliff Dale Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Doraley Armentrout Cormier, of Covington; three daughters, Shannon (Scott) Mitchell o...

Johnny Lewis Nida, Sr., 78, of 3713 Potts Creek Road, died Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Mr. Nida was born September 26, 1945, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Henry Lewis Nida and Lillian Plymale Nida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Haley Grace Nida; two brothers, Marvin Nida, and Donald Nida; and one sister, Anna Mae Ray.

Johnny retired in 2011 from Westrock after thirty years’ service in the recovery department. He was formerly employed with Hercules Inc.  He was member of Pinnell Chapel United Methodist Church, a retired member of the Boiling Spring Fire Department and Rescue Squad and was a member of the Covington Moose Lodge #610 for fifty years.  Johnny loved being with his family, riding his motorcycle and classic cars.

Sur...

Betty Dorene Graves, age 70, of Covington, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Lewis-Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Betty was born, July 23, 1953, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Graves, Sr. and Catherine Silvery Graves, and her sister, Yvette Graves Broadnax.

Betty, as she was affectionately called by many, graduated from Covington High School in 1971 and left the area to further her education after graduation. She earned many certificates from various educational institutions. She also was a recipient of the Christian Leader Award from Christian Leaders Institute. Betty made her home in Washington, D.C., and while there she was a paralegal assistant and word processor for the Internal Revenue, Department of Justice and two law firms, Shaw Pittman, and Troutman & Sanders. Outside of working she worked for Catholic Charities h...

Robert Allen McCoy, Sr., age 78, of Covington, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at The Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge following an extended illness.

Robert was born August 17, 1945, in Ranielle, West Virginia, a son of the late John Omer and Goldie Jackson McCoy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Warren McCoy, James McCoy, and Wayne McCoy; and two sisters, Wanda Perry, and Addie Childs.

Robert grew up on the family farm in Williamsburg, WV and graduated from Frankford High School in 1963. A devoted patriot, Mr. McCoy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had the utmost respect for the U.S. Flag and the national anthem. He retired from Alleghany Power/First Energy in 2008 after more than 31 years as a Lineman. He was a lifetime member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church i...

Shirley Jean Switzer, 55, of Low Moor, died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at her residence.

Shirley was born May 12, 1968, in Covington, a daughter of the late Michael Edward Switzer and Brenda Thomas Kincaid, of White Sulphur Springs, WV. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Markie Smith, Jr.

Ms. Switzer worked as a CNA for the Kissito - Brian Center Alleghany for many years.

Along with her mother, survivors include two sons, Mason Switzer, Sr. and Brandon Finney, both of Low Moor; two grandsons, Mason Switzer, Jr. and Hunter Switzer; Chad Drummond of New Castle; five sisters, Lisa (Chris Walton) Smith of Low Moor, Betsy (Bruce) Evenson of Front Royal, Carol (David) Young of Covington, Karen (Tony) Wood of Salem, and Amanda Lowe of Brookfield, CT; and one brother, Michael Switzer of Roanoke, and nieces and nephews.

Robert Eagle Wright (Bobby), 66 of Covington, passed away on Thursday, April 4th, 2024. He was born on December 2, 1957, in Alleghany County to Jackalean and the late Walter Wright. He was the loving husband of 30 years to Lauren Wright Wright. He retired from Waco, Inc. as a crane operator. Bob took pride in his many years as an operator. From a young age, he had a passion for motorcycles, and he enjoyed years of rides with great friends and Lauren. He enjoyed hanging out with his feline sidekicks, Mickey and Charley, and was a huge western fan. But his greatest joy in life was his family and a multitude of friends, who will all miss him greatly. Bob was of the Christian faith.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lauren Wright Wright; three sons, Bryan Eagle Wright, Zachary Caleb Wright and wife Lydia, and Joshua Dillon Haynes; his mother, Jackalean Wright; four brothers, Roy Lee (Ronnie) Wright, Stuart Wright and wife Morri...

Gerald “Jerry” Ceasar Seidl, 80, of Covington, died Thursday, April 4, 2024, at his residence.

Jerry was born November 15, 1943, in Baltimore, MD, a son of the late Gerald Seidl and Grace Abbruzzese Seidl. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister.

Mr. Seidl served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his son, Brian Seidl and his wife, Denise, of Schofield, WI; one daughter, Vicki Williams of Mosinee, WI; three grandchildren, Ethan Tesch, Hanna Seidl, and Sarah Williams.

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

A private memorial service is planned at a later date.

Arritt Funeral Home is i...

Betty Salyers Anderson, age 94, of Covington, passed away Saturday 30, 2024, at the Brian Center – Alleghany in Low Moor, VA.

Betty was born October 23, 1929, in Bacova, Virginia, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late William Henderson Salyers and Fern Baker Salyers, her beloved husband, Jean Stuart Anderson, four sisters, Marguerite (Bill) Beverage, Peggy (Freddie) McCormick, Evelyn Rose Salyers, Jane (Gordon) Switzer; two brothers, John (Lila) Salyers and William (Yolanda) Salyers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was a very active and faithful member of South Covington United Methodist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School for youth and adults, secretary for the United Methodist Women, Church Council Secretary and served as Communion Steward for a number of years. Besides her church, she enjoyed writing songs, poetry, prose and playing piano and...

Elsie Jane Austin Griffith, 87, of Covington, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Elsie was born April 7, 1936, on Teaberry Road near Ronceverte WV, a daughter of the late Henry William and Rachel Yates Austin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Eldridge Griffith and one brother, Robert Lee Austin.

Mrs. Griffith attended Bluefield Business College and worked at several clerical jobs over the years, including at the Greenbrier and at various doctor’s offices in the area. She enjoyed traveling, crafts, gardening, reading, chocolate, and people. She loved talking and listening to new and old friends alike.

Surviving are her children, Stanley Griffith of Manassas, and Donna Griffith Shewmake of Henrico; two grandchildren, Megan Coles Shewmake ...

Elnora Davis Tyler, age 93, of Covington, departed this life on Sunday, March 24 at the Brian Center of Alleghany in Low Moor.

Mrs. Tyler was born October 27, 1930, in Covington, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Jesse Davis and Dorothy E. Davis; her husband, George Spellman Tyler, Sr., and two sisters, Elizabeth Holloway and Doris Pleasant.

Mrs. Elnora lived in Covington her entire life and was employed at the Holiday Inn. She was a very strong independent lady. In later years when she could no longer drive, you would see her walking everywhere without asking anyone to take her places and refusing a ride if asked. Mrs. Elnora lived in her house on Lexington Avenue alone until her health deteriorated and she had to go the Brian Center for care. She loved being a member of her church, Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ where she was the ‘Church Mot...

Thomas Kevin Pernod, age 72, of Michigan, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Lewis-Gale Salem Hospital in Salem.

Thomas was born December 13, 1951, in Michigan and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Wilma Catherine Maple Pernod and Maurice Henri Pernod; a grandson Nathanial Micheal Cain.

He was an excellent carpenter by trade.  Thomas was proudly raised in London, Ohio, an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan; loved the old rock and roll music and thoroughly enjoyed joy rides in the mountains.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam War.  

Surviving is his wife, Cindy Franson Pernod of Covington; two daughters, Tabitha (Chris) Craft of Covington;  Miranda (Josh) Cain of Columbus, Ohio; one son, Dylan (Beth) Pernod of Telford, Tennessee; ten grandchildren; three sisters; a host of nieces and nephews...