Obituaries

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...

Jean Ann Miller Tucker, 85, of Salem and formerly of Covington, died at her residence on

Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Jean was born April 11, 1938, in Alleghany County, the daughter of the late Ray and Madeline

Hughart Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobbie

Tucker, in 2014.

Mrs. Tucker was a bookkeeper for the former Covington Grocery, retiring after many years of

service. She was a member of South Covington United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her cousins, Shirley Sheppard of Salem, Leila “Lee” Piercy of Fairlea, WV,

Sharon Sheppard, and her husband David Laughlin, of Salem, Scott and Stacey Sheppard of

Salem, Donna Piercy of Fairlea, WV, Lean...

Franklin Lee Fadley, 89, of Covington, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Lee was born May 17, 1934, in Rockingham County and was raised at Boys Home in Covington. He served his country in the United States Airforce. Following his discharge from the military, he worked for the City of Norfolk, retiring as a maintenance supervisor. He was a member of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Lelia Daugherty Fadley of Covington; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM in Cedar Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Moss officiating.

The family will receive their friends 12:30 to 1:30 PM on Friday at Arritt Funeral Home.

Angela Mattern Caldwell, 82, of Covington, died Friday, March 15, 2024, at her residence.

Angela was born December 15, 1941, in Hanhofen, Germany, a daughter of the late Jakob Mattern and Amanda Weber Mattern. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney C. Caldwell; one brother; and two sisters.

Mrs. Caldwell came to the United States on December 9, 1960, and was the first woman to graduate from the culinary school at The Greenbrier. She spent more than 35 years at the resort as an Executive Pastry Chef. She was a member of the Alleghany United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish her memory is her companion of 33 years, Doug Vass, of Covington; one daughter, Lisa Caldwell of Clifton Forge; two sons, Steve (Shawn Wright) Caldwell of Covington and Emilio “Joe” Greenwood of Wytheville; five gran...

Martha “Eunice” Bailey Carter Quantz, 87 of Covington, died Thursday, March 14, 2024, at her residence.

She was born March 28, 1936, in Beckley, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Rev. Henry Bailey and Mabel Massey Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Bill” Carter, in1986; her second husband, Vernon E. Quantz, in 2022; a daughter, Janet Melvin; infant grandson Scottie Melvin; a son-in-law, Dale Lowry, Sr.; and four brothers and sisters.

Eunice worked for the former Alleghany County Public Schools as a bus driver for many years. She was a member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Billie Jean Carter, Dolly C. Lowry, and Barbara (Bob) Shifflett, all of Covington; one son, W.F. (Alicia) Carter of Covington; seven grandchildren, Ran...

Anita Hepler Redman, age 61, of Covington, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at her residence.

Anita was born February 10, 1963, in Union, West Virginia and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Charles W. Hepler, Sr. and Daisy Wright Hepler.

Surviving is her husband for 43 years, Paul Gary Redman; two daughters, Jennifer Hicks, Jessica (Kevin) Carson of Covington; a son, Joshua (Candice) Redman of Covington; nine grandchildren, Austin Patton, Abby Hicks, Landon Shea Patton, Paul Hicks, Jr., Nicole Cason, Kaiden Carson, Waylon, Madison, and Lucas Redman; two great-grandchildren, Axel and Ace Brooks; two brothers, Charles (Susan) Hepler, Jr and Jessie (Roberta Lynn) of Covington, three sisters, Susan (Phillip) Miller, Mary (Dale) Perry and Molly (David) Glick all of Covington and a host of family members.

Anita grew up ...

Roy Edgar “Pepper” Hall, Jr., age 81, of Covington, died March 1, 2024, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center, Salem.

Roy was born, July 29, 1942, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Roy E. Hall, Sr. and Pauline Breeden Hall; his wife Janice Faye Damewood Hall; a daughter, Karen Hall; a great-grandson, Eli Raether; one sister, Linda Connor,one brother Eddie Hall and a son in law Todd Botkin.

Surviving are two daughters, Debra Botkin, and Tammy (Daniel) Harmon, both of Covington; seven grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; a brother, Steven E. (Beverly) Hall of Covington; two sisters, Kathy Craft of Clifton Forge and Dorothy (Randy) Unroe of Iron Gate;  one half brother Lee Worley and numerous family members.

“Pepper”, as he was affectionately called was employed in the Film D...

Mary “Mabel” Fisher Feury, 69, of Covington, died Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

She was born April 21, 1954, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late William Fisher and mother, Sadie Martin Fisher, of Covington. She was also preceded in death by one sister, one stepsister and one stepbrother.

Mabel, as she was affectionately called, worked at Valero Mart for many years. She loved spending time with family and friends.

Surviving is her husband, David Feury, Jr. of Covington; one daughter, Kamila Feury of Covington and a nephew, Matthew Whitting.

In keeping with her wishes her body will be cremate.

The memorial service will be Sunday at 2:00PM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home...

Sylvia “Jean” Fridley Dawson 78, of Covington, died Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Hospital in Mechanicsville.

She was born January 7, 1945, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late James T. Fridley and Lillian Kitt Fridley.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard J. Dawson; three brothers, Willie Fridley, J.T. Fridley, Phil Fridley; and two sisters, Sandra Kirk and Darlene Brewster.

Mrs. Dawson was a devoted Christian and member of the Cliff Dale Christian Church.  She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Surviving are four daughters, Teresa (Greg) Hoylman of Crows, Tina Baker (Steven Irvine) of Covington, Shelby Hoke of Clifton Forge and Lillian Kibler of Covington; one son, Howard (Jessica) Dawson, III. of Covington; Twenty-one grandchildr...

William Todd Bates, 50, of Covington, died Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at his residence.

Mr. Bates was born February 7, 1974, in Alleghany County, a son of Cecil Wayne Bates and the late Candace Wilkerson Bates. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Agnes Bates; maternal grandfather, Billy Wilkerson; and several aunts and uncles.

Todd was active with the Area 18 Special Olympics where he enjoyed softball, bowling, basketball, and taking trips to Virginia Beach with his teammates. He loved spending time with all of his friends, particularly his girlfriend, Tamara. He also performed with the local Special Theatrical Artists Review & Showcase (STARS) program. He worked for several years at the former Jackson River Enterprises and Michael’s Pizza in Covington. Todd attended Good News Fellowship Church in Covington and was a member of Palesti...