Obituaries

James “Cheeze” Robert Smith Jr., 74, of Covington, gained his racing wings to heaven on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

Cheeze attended Watson High School in Covington. He continued his education in various trade schools to become a mechanic and an auctioneer. Following his retirement from Columbia Gas company he dedicated his time by giving back to his community and having the need for speed on the racetrack. He was preceded in death by his parents, the late Virginia Carter (mother) and James Smith (father). He was born on January 17,1950 in the heart of Detroit, Michigan.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Mark A. Hunter (Anisha), Shaun C. Smith, Sr. (Ashley), and Irving “Nat” Smith (Khristi);  his oldest sister on his mother's side, Mable “Winnie” Cattling, Penny Carter, and brother David Penn; nieces Tonya Penn, Robertnette Moore, Karen Cattling; Jeanette Ba...

Kenneth Gregory “Bubby” Redmon, 63, of Covington, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at his residence.

He was born January 10, 1961 in Arlington, a son of the late Chester Redmon and Charlotte Fix Redmon of Covington. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife Lora Redmon; and Peggy G. Redmon.

Kenny worked construction in the area for many years. He loved playing the guitar, hunting, fishing, and being with his family and friends. He coached youth sports in this area for many years.  He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Orioles fan.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Brooke (June) Hiner of Covington; a step daughter, Stephanie (Steven) Johnston of Crawley, WV;  four grandchildren Catie Lipes, Jayden Hiner, Tucker Johnston and Lorllee Johnston;...

Everette Lewis Wright, 73, of Caldwell, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 9, 2024 in his home surrounded by his daughters.

Everette was born May 9, 1951, in Clifton Forge, a son of the late Lewis Bertram Wright and Mary Lou Kisner Johnston. In addition to his parents, he was reunited in death with two sisters, Iva Jane Vaughn and Jathina Hinkle.

Mr. Wright worked as a supervisor for Slurry Pavers, Inc. for many years. Prior to that, he was a long-time trucker. He also served as an EMT and law enforcement officer. However, his skills were never limited to the profession he worked in.

Everette’s interests included hunting, fishing, road trips, and oldies music. His true love was drag racing and he spent many years building and tuning his race car, a 1967 Dodge Dart. He was a member of IHRA drag racing association.

Pauline Connie Legg, formerly Pauline Bittinger, went to be with her Lord and Savior in her home on Friday November 8, 2024. Pauline was born on December 5th, 1946 in White Sulphur Springs, WV.

Pauline is survived by her Husband of 56 years, retired Virginia State Police Sgt. David R. Legg; Daughter, Paula Legg Smallwood and husband, Tony R. Smallwood, Sr., of Covington; Grandchildren, Kayla and Christopher Cahoon, of Selma, Tyler and Maria Smallwood of Churchville, Allyson Burton and Christopher Spraker of Covington, Tony Smallwood Jr of Covington, and Jeran Smallwood of Radford; Great Grandchildren Carrigan Cahoon, Bryson Burton, Brody Spraker and Bennett Spraker;  Siblings, Jean Snider of Charlottesville, Velma Defibaugh of SC, Roy and Gale Bittinger of WA, Ruth Cochran of Buena Vista, Shirley and Jimmie Thompson of Charlottesville, and Diane Bittinger of Pilot; a brother-in-law, Richard Wykle of White Sulphur ...

Lois Hawkins Baker, age 85, of Covington, died Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at her residence in Clearview Estates.

Lois was born September 24, 1939, in Newport News, VA, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Henry and Pearl Seward Hawkins; her husband, Mark S. Baker and a brother, Lawrence Dee Hawkins.

For many years she worked for Eggleston Service in Norfolk, Va., and while there she was a member of the Deaf Missionary Church and also attended West Hampton Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. Before eating she would always say “Sing of Glory” and then blessed her food. She was a graduate of Virginia State School for Colored Deaf and Blind children in Hampton, VA. and earned the title of Miss Queen at her high school.

Surviving to morn her loss are four sons and their partners, John V. Ashlock (Lisa Flower) of Newpor...

Jane Louise Burns Hayward, age 88, of Covington, died Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at The Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge following an extended illness.

Jane was born May 18, 1936, in New York, New York, a daughter of the late James R. Burns and Blanche Payne Burns. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Nancy Mild.

She was baptized in June, 1971 at an international Jehovah Witness Convention at the Yankee Stadium in New York. She spent most of her life enjoying cooking and being on the farm. She was very hospitable to all who knew her. She was a Jehovah Witness for most of her life.

Surviving is one son, Bob (Angie) Hayward of Covington, two daughters, Jill Hayward of Covington and Nancy (Peter) Bell of Kingsport, TN; and a granddaughter Hannah Bell of Kingsport, TN.

Richard Eugene Stonebraker, age 57, of Covington, died Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 17, 1967, in Cambria, Pennsylvania, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late John and Betty White Stonebraker, two nieces, one nephew and Robert J. Gilbert.

Richard was a truck driver for Garten Trucking and always enjoyed spending time with his family. His favorite pastime was detailing vehicles for others but he especially loved working on his Nova.

He leaves to morn his loss a companion, Vinnie Gilbert of Covington, a daughter, Lynn Stonebraker of Hawley, Florida; Amy (Adam) Harris, Axton, Adalee Harris and Cheyanne Tucker, all of Covington; two sisters, JoAnn (Terry) Goss and Judy (Leo) Bernard from Marion Center, PA.; three brothers, Bob (Nancy), Donald and Mike Stonebrak...

Virginia Gabbert Smith Hogg, 82, of Covington, died Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at The Springs Nursing and Rehab Center in Hot Springs.

She was born June 10, 1942, in Covington, a daughter of the late Vern E. Gabbert, Sr. and Vivian Pugh Gabbert. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward W. Smith, Sr.; and one sister, Peggy Redman.

Virginia worked for Jane Colby, Inc. for many years, as well as the former Aide’s Department Store, and Schewel’s Furniture in Covington. She attended church at Cornerstone Church in Covington and an avid Virginia Cavaliers fan.

Surviving is her husband, Ronald Hogg Sr. of Covington; two sons, Wayne (Aurora) Smith and Allen (Alicia Ailstock) Smith, all of Covington; two daughters, Susan (Greg) Hubbard of Covington, and Judy (Marc) Kassing of Sandwich, IL;...

Rowan Anthony Samuels, Sr., of Covington, died Thursday, October 24, 2024.

He was met at heaven’s door by his mother and father, the late Ms. Christine Emily Samuels and Mr. Henry Wesley Samuels; a brother, Mr. Denton “Mewood” Samuels; a sister, Ms. Marcia Samuels.

Rowan leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mrs. Lisa Samuels; five children, Tamara Samuels, Rowan Samuels, Jr., Venice Gayle, Aubrey Samuels, Dontae Samuels; seven sisters and brothers, Howard Samuels, Linford Samuels, Yvonne Samuels (Patrick Martin), Horace “Dannyboy” Samuels, (Tanisha), Sheridan Samuels, Marva Samuel Adams (Rupert Adams) and Evan Samuels; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rowan Anthony Samuels, Sr. was born in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica on January 15, 1966 to the late Henry Wesley Samuels and Christine Emily Samuels. He went to ...

Kenneth James “KJ” Davis, infant son of Anthony and ZaKalia Davis, departed this life on October 17, 2024.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandparents, Qua’teyse Smith, Jeremy and Carmen Hayslett, April and Tony Jeter, Bobby and Jamie, Janet Davis, Lolita Smith, Larry and JoAnn Hayslett, Bobby and Tracy Davis, Ricky and Carol McCully, and Pam and Dale Wright; aunts and uncles, Zamera, Xzavier, Zamya, Sakoyia and William, Natieya, Jared and Cassie, Jessica and Jared, Naveah, Sophia, Bo, Luke, Jacob, Trevor, Kolten, James and Christina, John and Jennifer, Jason and Betty, and Shane and Amanda;  God parents, Bradley and Sierra Paxton; and a God sister/cousin, Londyn Jordan.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in the Arritt Funeral Home chapel with Lolita Smith officiating. The family will receive their friends ...

John Robert “Bob” Rose, Sr., 86, of Rockingham County and formerly of Nellysford, Manassas and Covington, died Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the English Meadows assisted living facility in Harrisonburg.

Mr. Rose was born December 17, 1937, in Covington, a son of the late John Melvin and Bertha Griffith Rose. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Annie Mae Dowdy Rose; and a great-granddaughter, Madison Carter.

Bob graduated from Ferrum Junior College in 1958, where he met the love of his life, Annie Mae Dowdy. The two then transferred to Emory & Henry College where Bob graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History & Political Science. He continued his education at the University of Virginia, obtaining his Masters’ Degree in Educational Administration in 1966, and his Doctorate of Education from Virginia Tech in 1976....

Eva Ann Horton Rickett, 94 of 111 S. Craig Avenue died Thursday, October 17, 2024 at her residence.

Ann was born June 14, 1930 in Covington, the first child of the late Thomas Edward and Watson Kelley Horton. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School Class. She enjoyed going to Young at Heart and mingling with everyone. Ann graduated from Covington High School in 1947. She was a homemaker most of her life and was happiest when surrounded by her loving family. She adored her grandchildren and loved being around them throughout their growing up years. In her later years, she was blessed with six precious great-great grandchildren who brought her more joy and happiness. Two of her favorite pastimes were reading and watching Jeopardy.

Other than her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, the late Leonard Rickett, Jr. in 2001; a brother,...