Obituaries

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...

Velma June Morris Martin, age 90, of Covington, died Monday, February 19, 2024, at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

June was born, April 12, 1933, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late James and Lavlet Sively Morris, a son, James Martin; four sisters, two brothers, Kimberly Jordan, and Steven Williams.

June was a member of the Dunlap Christian Church.

Surviving are her daughters, Valerie (James) Williams of Pasadena, Maryland, Kathy (Bobby) Jordan of Martinsburg, WV; a son, Andrew Martin of Pasadena, Maryland; grandchildren, Bobby Ray and Angie Jordan, Jessica and John Mulcahy, James and Shelly Williams, David and Eva Williams and Andrew Ryan Martin; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Myles Lee Cahoon, our little darling, of Covington, tragically left us on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany.

Myles was born February 27, 2023, to his parents Chris and Kayla Burton Cahoon and was preceded in death by his maternal loved ones, Bill Burton, Myles and Louise Bittinger, Russell and Theo Legg; his paternal great-great grandparents, Walter and Reba Mays, great- grandparents Calvin Cahoon, Judy Fridley, Richard Fridley, David Cullen, Sr., and Susan Cullen.

In addition to his loving parents, he is survived by a maternal sister, Carrigan Cahoon; his grandparents, Lee and Kim Cahoon, Greg Burton, Tony and Paula Smallwood; great -grandparents, Blossom Burton, David and Pauline Legg; aunts and uncles, Wendy and Matt Dudding, Kevin and Kat Cahoon, Tyler and Maria Smallwood, Allyson Burton and Chris Spraker, T.J. Smallwood, Jeran Smallwood; ...

Louise Stull Humphries

Thelma Louise Stull Humphries went to be with her “dear Lord and sweet Jesus” on February 13, 2024, after 99+ years of living joyfully. She was born November 17, 1924, in Rich Patch, VA, to Cora (Bush) and Ralph West Stull. In addition to her parents and siblings, Melvin Stull, Gladys Humphreys, Hallie Rose, Kenneth Stull, and Ruby Stull, she was preceded in death by her great love and husband, Reginald Lucas Humphries. A lifelong resident of Covington, VA, she lived independently for 38 years after Reg died, insistent on mowing her lawn and washing her windows into her late 80s.

Faith was central to her life and her enduring happiness. She joined Edgemont Methodist Church at 10 years old, which later became Parrish Court United Methodist Church where she remained a devoted member. She served the church as a kindergarten Sunday sch...

Wanda Jean Bowers Whiting, 77, of Covington, VA went to her Heavenly Home on February 13, 2024.  She passed away peacefully at her home on Potts Creek Road surrounded by loved ones.

Wanda was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Wanda was married to her loving husband, Garland Whiting for 61 years and served by his side in the callings they both had in the church. She was a devoted mother and housewife and took care of those in need, including her siblings until they passed away. She continued to serve others when she started working at Kroger in the deli after her children were grown. She loved to serve all those that she met and had a kind heart to all. Disability slowed her down and she was unable to do the things she loved as she got older.

She is survived by her husband, Garland Lee Whiting, two sons, Darrell (Lynn) Whiting and R...

Ruth Maddy, 98, of Covington, VA peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father on February 9, 2024. She passed away at her residence in Roanoke, VA surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a devoted disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. Ruth was married to Reverend Paul A. Maddy for 59 years and served by his side faithfully. She had a true servant’s heart and cared for her grandchildren, extended family, neighbors, and anyone in need. Ruth had a heart for the underprivileged and was a pillar in her small community of Covington, VA. She worked in nursing and patient care at Alleghany Regional for 30 years until she proudly retired to further care for her family. Ruth inspired some of her granddaughters and great-granddaughters to work in healthcare as well. She was very proud of all of her family and was a role model for many. Her hobbies included cooking, canning, and home-...

Linda Gurd Bogar, age 61, of Covington, died Sunday, February 4, 2024, at her residence.

Linda was born, April 18, 1962 in Alleghany County and was preceded in death by her parents, the late William Herbert “Bill” Gurd, and Janet Sharp Gurd.

Surviving is her husband, Clifford Bogar of Covington; five sons, Adam (Lauren) Crawford, Andrew (Lisa) Crawford, Luke Crawford all of Covington, Trent (Tabitha) Bogar of Elizabeth City, N.C., Travis (Michelle) Bogar of Buena Vista; six grandchildren, soon to be seven, Rhaelynn, Abigail, Jacob, Brayden, Corey,  Nathaniel and baby Callan expected any day; two sisters, Debbie (Danny) Rodgers of Covington, Diana (Mike) Speight of Yorktown and several nieces and nephews.

Linda was an Advertising Manager while employed at the Virginian Review in Covington. She was a member of the McAll...

Howard J. “Peter” Tinsley, 77, of Covington, died Thursday, February 1, 2024, at his residence.

Peter was born September 13, 1946, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Howard A. and Clennie Bell Kitt Tinsley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.

Mr. Tinsley worked at the former Lear Corp. facility in Covington.

Survivors include his wife, Rosetta Bowen Tinsley of forty one years; a daughter, Michelle (Robert) Smith; one son, Craig Bowen (Lacassa Pritt); a daughter-in-law, Tryna Bowen, all of Covington; seven grandchildren, Koty Bowen, Kameryn Bowen (Kaitlyn Trimble), Ryland Smith (Cheyanne Tucker), Kassy Bowen (Dustin Via), Ely Smith (Faith Smith), Logan Smith, and Remington Smith; one great-grandchild expected in the near future; a sister, Vicky Broughman (Richard Tingle...

Clara Pearl Tucker Walton, 60, of Covington, died January 30, 2024, at her residence.

Clara was born November 23, 1963, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Everette Malan Tucker and Marilyn Hoke Tucker.

Mrs. Walton worked as a CNA at LewisGale-Alleghany for many years. Prior to her illness, she had attended The Church of God in Covington where she loved to sing. Affectionally known to some as “Boots” for her love of flatfoot dancing, she also enjoyed riding horses, hunting, and collecting pocketbooks. She was admired by her family for always being the life of the party.

Survivors include her mother, Marilyn Hoke Tucker (Curtis Broughfman); her husband, Jimmie Walton, Sr.; a daughter, Melissa O’Conner; one son, Jimmy (Tabatha) Walton, Jr.; grandchildren, Joshua O’Conner, Chandler Wright, Cayden Evans, Trevor Walton,...

Susan Gail Smith Scruggs got her wings and went to walk with the angels Friday, January 26, 2024, after multiple battles with Cancer.  She was 66 years old.

It would be wrong to say Susan lost her battle because she never stopped fighting.  When anyone else would have broken, Susan stayed strong.

Susan was born February 6, 1957, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Eugene Harvey and Violet Humphries Smith.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister Ruby Jane Jones; five brothers; Edward Wayne Smith, Russell Eugene Smith, Robert Lee Smith, Charles Harvey Smith, and Donald Ray Persinger.

Susan was the Assistant Manager of the Kroger Deli in Clifton Forge until she retired.  She was baptized and attended Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Susans greatest love was her famil...

Albert Thomas Waldron, 80, departed this life on January 26, 2024.  He was the sixth child born on March 31, 1943 to the late Edward Nathaniel Waldron and Beatrice (Brown) Waldron of Wrightsville, VA.  His six siblings (Alphonso, Gilbert, Nathaniel, Berniece W. Dooley, Delano and Lewis) preceded him in death.

His remaining sibling,Yvonne (Waldron) Young, grieves his passing and resides in Trenton, NJ.

Thomas was a member of Wrightsville Baptist Church in his formative years.  He graduated from Watson High School, Class of 1960.  From June 21, 1960 until June 20, 1963, Thomas honorably served in the United States Army.  During his military tour of duty, he received a Good Conduct Medal; the Parachutist Badge, Pistol Sharpshooting Badge and Expert Rifle Badge and First Class Gunner (81mm Mortar) commendations.

After serving in...

Wanda Sue Campbell Plumley, 63, of Covington, died Monday, January 22, 2024 at her residence.

Wanda  was born February 17, 1960 in Frankford, WV, a daughter of the late Dale and Elsie Frank Campbell.

She had been employed as an operator at WestRock.

Survivors include her husband, Barry A. Plumley of Covington; a daughter, Stacey N. Tenkouskiy of Pipestem, WV; two sons, Travis Hicks and his wife, Vanh of Forrest and Levi Caleb of Covington; four grandchildren, Nicolas Hicks, Maxim  Tenkouskiy, Evan Hicks, and Lilly Hicks; one brother, Randy Campbell; a niece, Chancey Campbell; and one uncle, Eugene Campbell.

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

A memorial service is planned for a later date.