Obituaries

Sylvia Jean Sheppard Smith Toombs, 87, of Hot Springs, died Monday, October 7, 2024 at The Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation center in Hot Springs.

Mrs. Toombs was born June 8, 1937, in Covington, a daughter of the late Oscar Thomas Shappard, Sr. and Nellie Mae Eggleston Sheppard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronald Smith, Sr.; four brothers, Roy Sheppard, Bobby Sheppard, Charles Sheppard and Oscar Thomas “O.T.” Sheppard, Jr.; and three sisters, Shirley Sheppard Lovell, Lucille Rhodenizer and Mary Frances Sheppard.

Surviving is her husband, Ronald Toombs of Covington; one daughter, Kathy Sheets and husband, Wilson, of Staunton; two sons, Ronald Smith and wife Cathy, of Churchville and Roscoe Smith and wife Susie of Gainesville, GA; a step-daughter, Julie Caroll and husband, Michael of Covington; three step-sons, Jason Toomb...

Kathryn Hall Craft, 77, of Clifton Forge, died Saturday, October 5, 2024 at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

She was born August 31, 1947, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Roy E. Hall, Sr. and Pauline Breeden Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dana Ray Craft; a sister, Linda Connor; and two brothers, Eddie Hall and Roy “Pepper” Hall.

Kathryn worked for Smurfit Westrock in Covington, retiring in 2013 after 44 years of service. She was a former member of the Covington Moose Lodge #610.

Survivors include her siblings, Steven E. Hall and his wife, Beverly of Covington, Dorothy Unroe and her husband, Randy, of Iron Gate, and Lee Worley and his wife, Corrine of Waynesboro; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral se...

Jim Kenneth Porterfield, age 75, of Covington, died, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Salem.

Jim was born March 3, 1949, in Monroe County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Ethel Clarkson Porterfield and Grover Porterfield; one brother, Dale Porterfield; his sisters, Gail Crosier, Peggy Cook, Carol Webb, and a twin sister Judy Magrum.

Surviving his loss is Jim’s wife, Sue Hepler Porterfield; a son, Brian Porterfield and his wife, Michele of Roanoke; three grandchildren, Caitlyn Austin and her husband, Sam, Hayden and Madison Porterfield of Roanoke; two sisters Margaret Carter of Sweet Springs and Betty Jean Flanigan of Matthews, N.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army, earning Purple Heart and Bronze Star-V...

Patricia Emily Campbell Armentrout, 87, of Staunton and formerly of Covington, died Monday, September 30, 2024 at her residence.

She was born April 8,1937, a daughter of the late Wallace and Ruth Wilson Campbell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby W. Armentrout; a son, Robert W. Armentrout; and two sisters, Velda Farmer and Bessie Wright.

Mrs. Armentrout worked as a CNA in Illinois in her early life and later at Hershey Chocolate of Virginia for many years.

Surviving are her sons, David Armentrout of Staunton and Paul Armentrout of Sycamore, IL; three grandchildren, Austin Armentrout and Alyssa Armentrout, and Samantha Rockwell; two brothers, Berlin (Linda) Campbell of Molena, GA and Garland Campbell of Covington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis Joanne Thompson, longtime resident of Westernport, MD, passed away on September 29, 2024.

Born in Westernport, MD on May 20, 1930, she was the youngest daughter of James and Pearl Blackburn Corbin. She graduated from Bruce High School in 1948. While at Bruce she was proud to be a cheerleader, even donning the white and blue uniform again at her 50th reunion while riding in the Homecoming parade.

On June 4, 1957, Phyllis married James E. Thompson at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Westernport and together they raised their two children. Their union was a testament to true love and partnership for almost 55 years until James’ passing in 2012.

Phyllis was a lifelong educator, touching the lives of hundreds of students from St. Peter’s, Westernport Elementary, Barton, Belair, and other Cumberland schools over her long career. She was most notably...

Leonard Mitchell Andrews, age 84, of Covington, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at home, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carol Baker Andrews.

Mitchell was born on September 21, 1940 in Natural Well, Virginia to the late Thomas Massie Andrews and the late Hattie Wilson Peters Andrews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nellie Buchanan, his step-mother, Anna “Betty” Watson Andrews, parents-in-law Delmar “Bert” Baker and Emma Plott Baker, and a brother-in-law, Charles “Charlie” Baker.

Mitchell was a 1958 graduate of Covington High School and worked at Westvāco for 49 years before retiring in 2007. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Methodist Church in Covington and enjoyed assisting the other church members every fall in their annual production of applebutter. He enjoyed gardening and ...

Patricia Ann Crosier Sparks, 67, of Hardy and formerlly of Waiteville and Covington, died Friday, September 27, 2024 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

She was born March 6, 1957, in Monroe County, WV, a daughter of the late Perry Alvin Crosier, Jr. and Phyllis Arthur Crosier. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Perry A. and Lucille Crosier, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Russel and Fannie Arthur; and one brother, Jeffrey Lynn Crosier.

Patricia worked as a CNA in the region for many years.

Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Jim Spivey of Covington; numerous nieces and nephews, including Katrina (Jerry) Givens of Covington and Brad Porterfield of Roanoke; and several more great-nieces, nephews, and aunts.

Steven Berkley Miller, 71, of Covington, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

He was born March 8, 1953, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Maynard E. Miller, Ballard J. Davis, and Irene Plott Miller Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hettie Blakley Miller; two sisters; and five brothers.

Stevie was employed as a dump truck driver with GD&L, LLC for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, playing softball, watching the Washington Commanders, and anything that allowed him to be outside.

Survivors include his two daughters, Crystal Miller and Kayla Smith and her husband, Ryan, all of Covington; six grandchildren, Noah Hall (Mikayla Ginger), Isaiah Butler, Elizabeth Butler (Waylon Campbell...

Paul Gary Redman, 68, of Covington, died Saturday, September 21, 2024 at his residence.

He was born August 17, 1956 in Alleghany County, a son of the late Rachel Hubbard Redman and Paul C. Redman of Clifton Forge; in addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Hepler Redman, in March 2024; and one sister, Donna Redman.

Gary was self-employed logger for many years. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed playing the lottery, watching racing, and tending to his garden.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Hicks and Jessica (Kevin) Carson; one son, Joshua (Candice) Redman all of Covington; nine grandchildren, Austin Patton, Abby Hicks, Landon Shey Patton, Paul Hicks, Jr., Nicole Carson, Kaiden Carson, Waylon, Madison and Lucus Redman; two great-grandchildren, Axel and Ace...

Ernest Parker Bailey, age 86, of Alleghany County, died Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Salem.

Ernest was born January 10, 1938, in the county of Alleghany, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late James Lacy Bailey and Nora Persinger Bailey, a son, Ernest Parker (Buddy) Bailey, Jr., siblings, Nadine Tucker, Doc Bailey, Alice Depriest, Alfred, Arnold, Robert, Janice Bailey and Jenny Kit.

Surviving are Claude (Michelle) Bailey of Manning, S.C., Frances (Rocky) Hicks of Covington and Mickey (Dawn) Bailey of Summerville, SC.; four grandchildren, Candice (Robert) Howard, Rocky Hicks II and Alisha Brookman, Brittany and Austin Bailey; eight great-grandchildren, Kimberly (Brent) Graham, Amber Howard, Sara Howard, and Bryce “Billy Goat” O’Conner, Trey Hicks, Savanna Hicks, Emilee Bush, Wyatt Bailey, Amelia Bailey; three great-great grandchildren,...

Isabelle Darlene Hepler Gaines, 64, of Covington, died Sunday, September 15, 2024 at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

Darlene was born October 16, 1959, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Thomas P. and Isabelle Paxton Hepler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby W. Gaines, Sr.; and a niece, Angie Nicely.

Darlene was a consummate homemaker and loved cooking and sewing for her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Amanda (Kenny) Clifford; a son, Bobby (Trista) Gaines, Jr.; a granddaughter, Kayleigh Isabelle Gaines; one sister, Kathy (Wade) Givens; two brothers, Larry (Bonnie) Hepler and Gary (Kim) Hepler, all of Covington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Arritt Fun...

Bennie “Ben” Leroy Wolfe, 84, of Covington, died Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

Ben was born April 9, 1940, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Bennie Roy and Annie Bess Wolfe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Floyd Wolfe; and two sisters, Susie Banker and Clara Smith.

Survivors include his nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 12:00 PM,  in the Arritt Funeral Home chapel with the Pastor Stan Sizemore officiating. The family will receive their friends from 11:00 AM until service time.

Interment will be made in Alleghany Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers will be Eugene Wolfe, Dann...