Obituaries

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...

Richard “Rick” Wayne Gibson, age 57, of Covington, died Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his residence.

Rick was born December 23, 1967, in Alleghany County to his parents, Larry and Karen Munsey Gibson. In addition to his parents, he leaves to mourn his loss his wife of thirty-four years, Edna Keith Gibson; one son, Alex Gibson and his wife Dorothy, all of Covington; one daughter, Rachel Gibson of Roanoke; a granddaughter, Charlotte Gibson; his brother, Michael Gibson and wife Becky of Buchanan; a niece, Gabby (Griff) Wood; a nephew, Gabe Gibson and finance, Rachel Mcel Downey; and numerous other family members.

Rick served his country in the United States Airforce; also, was employed with Westrock for thirty-two years as a millwright and was a member of the local 675 union. He got much joy riding his motorcycle and enjoyed tinkering in many things, m...

Brady Lewis Wolfe, 66, of Clifton Forge, died Thursday, May 15, 2025 at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

Brady was born on January 28, 1959, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Rodney Eugene Wolfe, Sr. and Dorothy Moore Wolfe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, “Budgie” Wolfe.

Mr. Wolfe worked for several years as a truck driver before his retirement. He enjoyed NASCAR collectibles and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was a member of the Clift Church of God of Prophecy.

Survivors include one brother, Rodney (Margaret) Wolfe, Jr. of Covington; two sisters, Crystal (Daymond) Lewis of Covington, and Taynia (David) Gilliland of Mt. Pleasant, TN; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special furry friend, Puppy Pup.

A private service will be held ...

Betty Gene Downey Tucker, 83, of Waitville, WV, died Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and being handled by Arritt Funeral Home 

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Beverly Harrison Morgan, age 87, of Covington, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at her residence.

She was born on May 27, 1937 in Nevada, Missouri, a daughter of the late Floyd and Helen Roush Harrison. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Fagen; and two special friends, Nora and Corkey Rothrock.

Beverly worked as a teacher’s assistant in the Covington City Public School system for many years. She was a member of Grace Brethen Church in Covington and the Star City T-bird Car Club in Roanoke.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Charles “Buck” Morgan of Covington; her children, Larry (Paige) Morgan of Covington, Loveda (Ricky) Mixson of Pensacola, FL,  Kevin (Linda) Morgan of Pensacola, FL, Cecil (Nancy) Morgan of Roanoke, and Anita Morgan of Covington; six grandchildren, N...

David Gage McCallister, 23, of Potts Creek, went home Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Gage was born on May 7, 2001 in Low Moor. He was a 2020 graduate from Alleghany High School and employed by Modine in Lexington. Gage loved to hunt and fish, spend time with his family and friends, and be noisy everywhere he went. His smile and laugh were infectious, and he was not afraid to be the comedian in any room. He lived loudly and loved fiercely. We should all strive to live and love like Gage.

Those who have gone home before Gage include his grandmother, Betty Morris McCallister “MawMaw”, Uncle Tony McCallister, and Uncle Wayne Watson.

So many are here to cherish his memory, including his fiancé, Lexxy Tucker; daughter, Adilee Layne; his parents, Heather Watson Williams, Scott Williams, and David Ray McCallister; a brother, Collin Willia...