Obituaries

John Blair Mitchell Sr. May 2, 1940 – June 19, 2026

John Blair Mitchell Sr. was born in Roanoke, Virginia, to Charles Manning Mitchell and Anna Louise Bell Mitchell, and grew up alongside his cherished sister, Jean Mitchell Carpenter. For more than fifty years, he shared a devoted and joyful marriage with his beloved wife, Maude Wynn Myers Mitchell.

John earned a notable place in local history as a member of the first graduating class of Cave Spring High School. He continued his education at the Virginia Military Institute, where he balanced the demands of cadet life with playing football and completing a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and served in the elite Special Forces.

Following his military service, John became the Res...

Ronald Lee Paxton, 59, of Covington, died Thursday, June 18, 2026 at his residence.

He was born October 9, 1966, a son of the late Howard “Junie” Paxton, Jr. and Brenda Lockhart Paxton.

Ronnie served 25 years with the Clifton Forge Police Department, retiring as Lieutenant in charge of investigations. He was also a retired member of Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, where he served in many capacities. Following his retirement, he went to work for Garten Trucking.

Surviving is his wife, Sandra Thompson Paxton of Covington; a son, Ben (Keryston) Paxton of Covington; one daughter, Samantha (Jackson) Paxton-Clayton of Radford; three grandchildren, Abel Stanley, Layne Mohler, and Avadella Stanley-Paxton; one brother, Dwaine Paxton of Covington; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and one brother-in-law, A.J. (Tonya) Wolfe of Covington.

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Sadie Ellen Martin Fisher, age 94, of Covington, died Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at her residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and have been entrusted to Arritt Funeral Home.

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With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of Nellie Maxine Trivitt (Selleck), who entered her eternal rest on June 11, 2026.

She was born on May 12, 1957, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Nellie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness, strength, and devotion to her family touched countless lives.

Nellie was the daughter of the late Jessie R. Selleck and Dora Lee Hensley Selleck. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, the late Betty Deel, Velma Graham, and Phyllis "Doodle" Selleck; and her beloved nieces, Joni St. Pierre and Loretta Dunsmore.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Nellie dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. She was known for her warm heart, infectious smile, and vibrant personality. She never met a stran...

Curtis Autry Broughfman, Sr., age 81, of Covington, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at his residence.

He was born November 24, 1944, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Earl C. Broughfman, Sr. and Nellie Staton Broughfman. He was also preceded in death by a long-time companion, Marilyn Tucker; two sons, Curtis Broughfman, Jr. and Edward Campbell; and two sisters, Shirley Perkins and Daisy Durham.

Surviving to mourn his loss include a daughter, Kristal (Chris) Mayberry of Covington; a son, Jeffrey Broughfman of New Castle; a daughter, Rebekah Alexandre of Salisbury, NC; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Earl (Jeanie) Broughfman and Jesse (Jenny) Broughfman; two sisters, Darlene (William) Meadows, and Peggy Graham all of Covington; numerous nieces and nephews; and two special caregivers, Susan Fridley and James Tuc...

Marsha Irvin Sargent, age 62, of Covington, passed away peacefully at her home, Monday, June 1, 2026.

She was born July 31, 1964, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Virginia Thompson Biggs and Boyd C. Irvin.

Surviving to mourn her loss are her children, Jeremy Keith Stevens of Athens, WV, Justin Michael Stevens of Covington, Kristen Jean Lemaster and husband Justin, of Gary, WV; thirteen grandchildren; two sisters, Betty (Perry) of Covington, Angie (Johnny) Perry of Glasgow; a brother, Frank Irvin of Covington; numerous nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.

Marsha was an avid lover of listening to music, enjoyed karaoke and cherished spending time with family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 8,...

Steven Richard Humphries, age 67, of Covington, died May 31, 2026, at his residence.

He was born August 24, 1958, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Estus Cleveland Humphries, Jr. and Sylvia Jean Olley Newsome; a sister, Carol Farley.

Steven was employed for many years at Norfolk Southern Railway Company as a Machinist.

He was an avid sports fan who especially loved golf, University of Virginia athletics, and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steven leaves to mourn his loss a son, Zach Humphries, and wife Elaina of Covington; a sister, Tracy Williams and husband, Glen of Jackson, New Jersey; two nephews, Christopher Newsome of Jackson, New Jersey, Ryan Farley and wife, Felicity of Crestview, Florida; a great-niece, Florence Farley; Kathy Humphries of Covington...

Bo Everrett Blakeslee, infant son of Amber Kaye Fox and Charles Everrett Blakeslee, died Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Service arrangements are incomplete and being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.

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Cynthia Kathryn Sawyer, 64, of Clifton Forge, died Monday, May 25, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

She was born January 20, 1962 in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of the late Thomas Sawyer, Sr. and Mary Kathryn Deering Sawyer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Sawyer, Jr.

She worked for many years as an LPN, specializing in geriatric care and bringing comfort and kindness to her patients. In her personal time, she found joy in simple pleasures — caring for animals, coloring, making soap and candles, and playing Farmville. Above all, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “Ladybug” and “Frog.”

Survivors include her daughter, Lucinda Sawyer (Michael Riddle); grandchildren, Aeryn and Jacob; her sister, Elizabeth Sawyer, al...

Jean Reid Broughman, formerly of Clifton Forge, transitioned peacefully to heaven on May 22, 2026, at Bridgewater Retirement Home in Bridgewater, Virginia.

Jean was born in Covington, Virginia, in 1933 to Lovie and Lawrence Reid, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Philip Riley, Claude Wolfe, and Hansford “Tater” Broughman; her daughter-in-law, Libby Riley; and her grandson, Lucas Riley.

In 2012, Jean moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to live with her daughter and remained close to the family she cherished so deeply.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Linda (Carl) Roy of Harrisonburg, Paul “Buzzy” Riley of Covington, and Charles Wolfe of Avignon, France, as well as her devoted stepdaughter, Robin Hall of Covington. Jean was a proud grandmother to Erin Augustine (Matthew) of Be...

Jackson Leigh Bennett, 18, passed away on May 21,2026, at Lewis Gale Alleghany Regional Hospital, leaving behind a heartbroken family and countless people who loved them deeply. Though their life was far too short, the love, laughter, and light they brought into this world will never be forgotten. Jackson had a beautiful spirit and was known for their kindness, smile, humor, strength, creativity, compassion. They touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know them.

Jackson was preceded in death by late grandmothers, Leigh Bennett and Tammy Bennett.

Jackson grew up in Fredericksburg, VA and Jackson graduated from Allegany High School in 2026; loving art, music, gaming, spending time with family and friends. They dreamed big, loved deeply, and had a way of making others feel special simply by being themselves. Their presence brought comfort, joy, and unforgettable ...

Mary Sue Huffman Fox, 85, of Covington, died Monday, May 19, 2026 at her residence.

Mary Sue was born April 12, 1941, in Ronceverte, WV to the late Rachel Huffman. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Fox;  a daughter, Debbie Bartley; and two sisters.

Survivors include her daughter, Diane Austin of Covington; two granddaughters, Kayla Maynard and Jessica Perdue; one grandson, Justin (Maggie) Perdue; four great-grandchildren; one brother; and two sisters.

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

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

Arritt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Friends wishin...