Obituaries

Warren Fuller Richmond, 77, of Covington, VA, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Springs Nursing Home in Hot Springs, following an extended illness.

He was born September 13, 1947, in Pluto, WV to the late Reno Howard and Orva Mae Meadows Richmond.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elva Richmond; two brothers, Maxie Gene Richmond and Robert David Richmond;  two sisters, Shirley Richmond Keaton and Patricia Gail Richmond Rothe, three sister-in-laws Carolyn Richmond, Pauline Richmond, and Edna Richmond, and brothers-in-law Roy Keaton and Helmut Rothe.

Warren graduated from Richmond High School in 1966; served his country in the United States Army, and was formerly employed for several years at Hercules in Covington.

He is survived by one daughter, C...

William Elantha “Lance” Carson, Jr., 65, of Covington, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Brian Center-Alleghany in Low Moor following a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

He was born October 16, 1959, in Charlottesville, a son of the late William E. “Kitt” Carson, Sr. and Virginia Cave Carson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Peggy Gabbert Redmon and Virginia Smith Hogg.

Lance dedicated his life to serving the Alleghany Highlands community in numerous ways. He began his career as a social worker with Alleghany-Covington Social Services, Adult Protective Services, retiring in 2018 after many years of impactful service. Following retirement, he continued his commitment to public service by earning a seat on the Covington City Council and was elected Mayor in January 2025. A proud 1983 Ferrum College gradua...

Danny Lee Rowsey, age 49, of Covington, died July 5, 2025, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

He was born August 10, 1975 in Huntington, WV, a son of Danny Joe Rowsey and Vickie Lynn Rice Jordan, both of Covington.

For twenty-five years he worked as a journeyman pipefitter for Local Union #10. He was an outstanding family man and loved his German Shepards.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Gloria Malcom Rowsey of Covington; a son, Gage Rowsey (Grace Hall); a sister, Valerie (Jamie) Schooler; a niece, Isabella Schooler, all of Covington; numerous extended family members; his dogs, Karter, Nova, Chock, Baby, and Dozie; and a special “niece/dog”, Hazel.

In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated.

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Michael “Mike” Allen Humphries passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2025, while kayaking on the Jackson River—one of his favorite pastimes. Born on March 24, 1961, Mike was the son of the late Carroll Eugene “Gene” Humphries and Wanda Lewis Callaham of Covington, Virginia. He graduated from Alleghany County High School, where he met his first wife, Teresa.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Wanda Lewis Callaham; his two children, Joshua Michael Humphries and wife Ashley Lockhart of Richmond, Virginia; Brooke Humphries, of San Diego, California; his brothers, Mark Lewis Humphries and wife Bonnie of Covington, and John Edward Humphries and wife Leslie of Kingsport, Tennessee; his first wife, Teresa Humphries Stevens, and her husband Nate of Daleville, Virginia; and four beloved nieces and nephews: Jon Patrick Humphries, Megan Humphries Morgan, Staley Humphries, and Stella Humphries.

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Perry Allen Day, Jr., age 82, of Calabash, N.C., died Friday, July 4, 2025, at the McLeod Seacoast Hospital in Little River, S.C.

Perry was born in Narrows, Virginia and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Pauline Robertson and Perry A. Day, Sr.; as well as his wife, Barbara Haynes Day; and a brother, Larry Day.

He had sixty years of service with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Union Local Lodge 45. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving is a son, Perry A. Day, III, his wife Dorothy (DJ); three grandchildren, Perry Day, IV, his wife Katlyn as well as Kristen and Emma all from Locust Grove. He is also survived by two sisters, Sandra Price of Covington, Janice Dearing of Virginia Beach and also numerous nieces and nephews.

Brandon Justice Taylor, 36, of Clifton Forge, died Tuesday, July 2, 2025 at LewisGale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Brandon was born December 21, 1988 in Roanoke, a son of the late Meredith Bowman and Victoria Taylor (Kenny) Rhodes. Along with his father, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Grace Taylor.

He loved watching horror movies, hanging out with his friends, and watching out for his Nana.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his grandmother, Barbara Dasher of Clifton Forge; two sisters, Ashey (Corbin) Brown of Alaska and Lindsay Bowman of Roanoke; a brother, Ryan Bowman of Roanoke; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including a special aunt, Christie Wright; and two beloved dogs, Roxie and Zeus.

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

Rita Sue Evans Blankenship, age 77, died Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Bath Community Hospital.

Rita was born February 22, 1948, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Robert and LeeAnna Evans; and a brother, Billy J. Evans.

She was employed as an administrative assistant for Alleghany Regional Hospital in Low Moor for many years and also worked at the Hallmark store in Covington.

Surviving is a son, Greg (Kathy Woodzell) Blankenship of Covington; a daughter, Christina (Johnny Noell) Ferguson of Roanoke; a grandson, Jackson Blankenship of Covington; and other family members.  She enjoyed cooking, dancing, traveling and spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Jackson.

In keeping with her wishes, Ms. Blankenship’s body has ...

Algie Rayvon Tate, 72, passed peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the James J. Peters Va Medical Center in Bronx, New York, formally of Hot Springs.

He was preceded in death by his father, the late Samuel Tate; mother, Sadie M Craven; Step-Father, William “Sonny” Craven; and two brothers Warrent A. Craven and Wesley King.

To cherish his memory, Algie is survived by four brothers; Samuel “Bernard” Tate of Chesapeake, Warren A. Craven of Hot Springs, William “Costin” Craven and Nolan C. Craven, both of Houston, TX; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Rayvon was a loving brother, faithful friend, cousin, uncle, and will be missed by all who knew him.
  
Rayvon, as he was affectionately called, was a private person. He loved to spend time between Hot Springs and New York, where he made homes in both places. He had a beautiful hand writing, was an excellent swimmer and patiently taught ...

Maggie Craft Humphries, age 80, of Covington, died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at her residence.

Maggie was born July 6,1944, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Samuel and Bertha Humphries; four brothers and two sisters.

She was an awesome CNA providing private duty services for many people who needed her; but most of all she loved spending time with her family and especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.

Surviving to mourn her loss is one daughter, Tina Craft (Petey) Morgan; one son, Lance (Teresa) Craft; four grandchildren, Lindsay (Chance) Breden, Savanah (Tyler Griffith) Morgan, Kameron (Shelby) Craft, Kassidi (Justin Leith) Craft; three great- grandchildren, Brynley, Maebry and Brooks, all of Covington and numerous family members.

Willie James “Billy” Cosby, age 75, of Covington, died Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Brian Center in Low Moor.

Willie was born January 23, 1950 in Covington and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Edward and Dorothy Bowman Cosby; his wife, Louise Smith; two sons, Willie James Cosby, Jr. and William “Boomie” Julian Cosby.

Billy served his country in the United States Navy; while living in Richmond he was a Lawn Caretaker for Jimmy Dean Estate; and once he returned home, he was employed at Alleghany Regional Hospital until his retirement. He was also a member of Pine Street Bapist Church.

He leaves to mourn his death, a daughter, Dorothy M. Cosby of Covington; three grandchildren, Raquann Matthews of Waynesboro, Avion Brickhouse and Zoe Berryman of Covington; two great-granddaughters, Rayne Wilkens, Iyla Berryman o...

Richard Lee “Sarge” Watson, age 89, of Covington, died Thursday, June 12, 2025 at his residence.

Richard was born March 3, 1936, in Randolph County, WV, and was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Beulah Watson; his wife, Shelby Hubbard Watson; and a son, Ricky Watson; his twin brother, Robert Lewis Watson; five brothers, Edgar Landin Watson, Homer Doyle Watson, Wilbur Watson, William Watson, Delmes Watson; two sisters, Eva Watson Dressler Winkler and Helen Watson Kern; a special companion, Reba Byer; and Bill Dawson, his best friend.

He loved dogs and cats, and after rescuing them he would take them to the veterinarian for care. He enjoyed listening to Bluegrass Gospel Music and rebuilding computers and giving them to children.  He always helped others whenever they needed him. Richard served in the United States Air Force for twenty-two years which include...

Betty Lewis Snyder Rogers, age 89, of Covington, died Thursday, June 5, 2025 at her residence.

Betty was born, January 26, 1936, in Sweet Chalybeate, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late John and Dorothy Snyder; her husband, Bobby Dean Rogers; two sisters, Minnie S. Rose and Armilda Bradley; two brothers, Donald R. Snyder and Gene N. Snyder.

She leaves to mourn her loss, four daughters, Susan G. Rogers of San Antonio, Texas, Patricia R. Helmick and husband Wayne of Rapid City, SD, Teresa R. Knick and husband Willie of Covington, Sandra R. Issigonis and husband John of Clayton, NC; seven grandchildren, Kylene R. Hayslett, Heidi K. Walls, Tamra M. Knick, Anastasia R., Avery M., Alexa M., Aidan P. Issigonis; one great-granddaughter, Reagan D. Walls and numerous family members.

Betty adored traveling with her dau...