Obituaries

Mr. Terry Lee Rock, 77, of Kernersville, NC and formerly of Covington, passed away on October 16, 2025 under the care of Select Specialty Hospital at Moses Cone in Greensboro.

Born in Pageton, WV, he was the son of the late Joseph and Martha Rachel Hepler Rock and husband of Dana Clarkson Rock.

Terry was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country in Vietnam. For his service and valor, he was the recipient of a Bronze Star. He was very proud of his service to his country.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Dana Rock; his children, Raymond Rock and Russell Rock; his grandchildren, Austin Gamble, Stacy Rock, Tiffany Rock, and Aiden Rock; his step-grandchildren, Victoria McCoy (Aiden Outlaw) and Mae McCoy; his great-grandchildren, Akira Outlaw and Hailey Rock; his siblings, Raymond H. Rock, Jeter Rock, Juani...

Edward Carlton Hemp went home to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully during his sleep on the early morning of October 5, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.

He was an active 72-year-old who is survived by the love of his life, Lynn Arritt Hemp, whom he was married for 52 years. They began dating in high school and got married on June16, 1973.

He was the son of the late William Houston Hemp, Jr. and the late JoEtta Fortney Hemp who preceded him in death. He was also proceeded in death by a brother-in-law Steven Arritt. He was the brother to Houston (Charlene) Hemp of Midlothian, Virginia and Sheryl (John) Stone of Covington, Virginia. He was the brother-in-law to Frank Arritt of Clifton Forge, Virginia and Mary (Mike) Guth of Covington, Virginia.

Left to...

Sandra Jean Wolfe Black, age 60, of Clifton Forge, died Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Sandra was born April 12, 1965, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Eddie H. Wolfe and Margie Humphries Wolfe; her husband, Kenneth Black; a son, Jay R. Black; a sister, Wandra Craft; two brothers, Bobby and Edward Wolfe.

For many years she was a seamstress at the former Halmode, Inc., in Covington. She enjoyed watching television, playing cards, listening to music and especially spending time with family and friends.

To mourn Sandra’s loss she leaves, two daughters, April (Geyber) Perez of Alabama, Kasey Black of Covington; four grandchildren, Damien Tingler, Katherin Perez, Daniel Perez, Logen Perez; a sister, Tammy (George) Bryant of Ridgely, Maryland; a brother, Sa...

Anne Marie Moore Martin, 65, of Henrico and formerly of Covington, died Monday, September 29, 2025 at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond.

She was born June 16, 1960 in Richmond, a daughter of the late Theodore R. Moore, Jr. and Della Bell Moore.

Anne cherished her time browsing and creating with arts and crafts, finding joy in skillful handiwork of all kinds.

Surviving are her sons, Michael Martin and his wife, Suzy, of Henrico, and Brandon Martin and his wife, Brandi, of Powatan; four grandchildren, Michael Martin, Jr., Milla Martin, Jami Martin, Samara Martin; one brother, Clyde Moore of Chesterfield; one sister, Susan (Terry) Shifflett of Elkton; and several nieces and nephews, including Jessica Shifflett.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 20...

Tony Edward Tucker, 36, of Covington, passed away September 27, 2025.

He was born September 20, 1989, in Alleghany County, a son of Burwin “Dooney” Tucker, Jr. and Gail Goode Tucker of Covington. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Louise S. and Herbert Goode, Sr.; and his paternal grandfather, Burwin Tucker, Sr.; and several aunts and uncles including Bobbie Sellers, Gary Goode, Kenny Good, Fritz Goode, Charlotte (Tim) Hilton, and George Lee.

.

Tony was a gentle and compassionate soul who held dear his belief in seeing individuals for who they were, often sharing his wisdom with the reminder, “You look at the person, not the group.” He delighted in exploring nature, immersing himself in books and videos about plants and animals, and possessed a deep knowledge of the natural world. His particular fondness for creatures such as frogs, turtles, lizards, and b...

Alyene Bush Whitt, age 69, of Covington, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her residence.

Alyene was born, February 11, 1956, in Virginia, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Frances Thomas Bush and Margie Hayden Bush.

For a large portion of Alyene's life, she was employed at Walmart and she adored her family, especially the grandchildren.

Surviving to mourn her loss is her son, Donald (Jeannie) Whitt, II of Covington; her daughter, Candice (Josh) Redman of Covington; a step-daughter, Charity (Floyd) Wolfe of Clintonwood; eight grand-children; Donald Whitt III, Waylon Redman, Madison Redman, Lucas Redman, Kody Whitt, Justin Wolfe, Dylan Wolfe, Gracie Wolfe; one sister, Lisa Woolfrey of Manassas; four brothers, Harry and Wallace Bush of Spotsylvania County, William Bush of Fredericksburg, Fred Bush of La...

Catherine Sue Blakey, 63, of Cincinnati, OH and formerly of Covington, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

She was born March 15, 1962, in Covington, a daughter of the late Dorothy Mae Reid Blakey and Willie M. Blakey, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Marshall Blakey, Claude Blakey, and Willie Blakey, Jr.; and one nephew, Garry Hunter, Jr.

Cathy is survived by five sisters, Dora Hunter, Debbie Chambers, Claudette Blakey, Teresa Hunter, Camella Johnson; four brothers, Tyrone Blakey, Robert Blakey, Eddie Blakey, and Mickey Blakey; many nieces and nephews; and the world’s best little dog, Toby.

A private service at Cedar Hill Cemetery will be held at a later date.

...

Peggy Gobble Casey, age 67, of Covington, died Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Peggy was born, August 28, 1958, in Tennessee, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late James Gobble and Celia Lyons Gobble.

For many years she was employed as a CNA in various places; was a Activities Assistant at the Orchard View Nursing Home in Kingsport, Tennessee. She enjoyed wrestling, especially watching her favorite, “JEY USO” Yeetman.

Surviving to mourn her loss is a daughter, Miranda (Daniel) Jackson of Covington; a grandson, Julian Jackson of Covington; two brothers, Ricky (Karen) Gobble and Gene Gobble both of Kingsport, Tennessee; and many family members, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In keeping with her wishes her body has been cremated....

Paula Ann Pickwick, age 72, of Clifton Forge, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Lewis-Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Paula was a librarian at the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library in Covington and enjoyed in her past time sewing and crafting.  She was a faithful member of Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church for many years.

She was born, May 1, 1953 in Pennsylvania to her mother, Dorothy Stafford Perry of Florida.  Surviving to mourn her loss is her mother: her daughter, Mandy (Matt) Kimmel of Lithia, Florida; her son, Tony (Sandra) Humphrey of Asihiya, Japan; three grandchildren, Kamryn and Landon Kimmel, Lily Humphrey; an aunt, Faye Stafford of Florida and other family members.

In keeping with her wishes her body has been cremated.

A community ...

Mr. Warren Douglas Kegley, 80, of Covington, died Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his residence.

Born in Bluefield, W.Va., on November 14, 1944, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ruth Kegley.

Warren joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 after leaving high school with his GED in 1964. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and, during his 10-year Marine career, he earned the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and earned a Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device Combat Action Ribbon. In the Marines, he completed Basic NCC Leadership School in 1964, Career Information and Counseling Course in 1967, and Drill Instructor School training in 1969. He served in Vietnam from August 6, 1967, through May 31, 1968. During his time as a Marine, his most-important and best loved job was th...

Her Journey

THE LIFE

Joyce Ann Helton, firstborn child to the late Reverend James Nathan Morgan, Jr. and Annie

Mae Scott Morgan, was born in Covington, Virginia, on June 3, 1947.

Joyce reunited with her Creator on September 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her

sisters, Cynthia Edwards and Carol Sue Cassell, and a brother, Lawrence Morgan.

THE LESSON

Joyce received her spiritual foundation early in life as a member of Pine Street Baptist Church

and with guidance from her parents.

Joyce was educated in the Covington City School System and graduated from Watson High

<p class="f...

James R. “JR” Bowling, Jr., age 58, formerly of Covington, died Friday, September 5, 2025 at his residence.

JR was born on August 30, 1967, in Covington, a son of Edna L. Nicely of Roanoke and the late James R. Bowling, Sr.

In addition to his mother, he leaves to mourn his loss his wife of 14 years, Jessie Lea Bowling of Pulaski; three stepchildren, Derek Johnson, Devon Johnson, and Dana Johnson; his brother, Chad Bowling and wife, Michelle, of Covington; two nephews, Nicolas D. Bowling, and Bryan A. Bowling, both of Covington; and several other family members.

A friends and family gathering will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Arritt Funeral Home.

Friends wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

...