Obituaries

Joyce Persinger Rose, 67, of Clifton Forge, died Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

She was born December 3, 1957 in Campell County, a daughter of the late Betty Collins Persinger and Frank Persinger, Sr., of Clifton Forge. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Barry E. Rose; and a sister, Melissa Persinger.

A former employee of Kroger’s in Covington and Sonoco in Clifton Forge, Joyce was a member of Mallow Presbyterian Church and a retired member of the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, where she also belonged to the Founder’s Auxiliary.

In addition to her father, survivors include a daughter, Heather Brooks; granddaughters, Paisley Brooks, Tinley Brooks, and Everley Brooks; a brother, Frank (Mary) Persinger, all of Clifton Forge; a sister, Debrah ...

Jill Helene Hayward, age 62, died Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Jill was born May 17, 1962 in White Plains, NY, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late James R. Burns and Jane Burns Hayward.

During her lifetime she was a kind, generous, hardworking and a responsible person around all who knew her. She has been a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s most of her life and served Jehovah since the summer of 1983. She loved speaking to others about the faith she had in God’s word and the hope she had for the future. She believed in the resurrection hope held out in the Bible, which gave her comfort. She was successful and enjoyed working as a Financial Manager for many car dealerships throughout her lifetime.

Jill leaves to mourn her lost, a brother, Robert (Angie) Hayward of...

Charles John Krohn, age 77 of Hot Springs, passed away on April 18, 2025.

Arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.

...

Barbara Jean Yant Gammon passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Covington, VA. 

She was born on February 8, 1944 in Giles County, TN and was 81 years old. She was a graduate of Elkton School in Elkton, TN where she loved and played basketball.

Barbara was full of life, she had a big personality, lived life to fullest and one day at a time. She worked her life career as a cook and manager of the Huddle House in Murfreesboro, TN and Antioch, TN where she lived many years. In her later years she worked at Shady Lawn Truck Stop and the Waffle House until she fully retired. Known to her family and friends as "Barbara Jean", "Aunt Bob", "Bob", and "the wrinkled ale cowgirl"

She was preceded in death by:

Her parents: Johnnie and Mary Hill Yant

Sisters and Brother-n-laws: Betty ...

Sherman “Hank” Junior Wolfe, age 86, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Roanoke.

Sherman was born May 17, 1938 in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Howard Lee Wolfe and Beatrice Redman Wolfe; his wife Barbara Ellen Robinson Wolfe; two brothers, Melvin Wolfe and Richard “Porky” Wolfe.

He served in the United States Army and worked for many years as a self-employed paint and body specialist. Sherman loved singing, playing the guitar, and had a deep passion for Harley-Davidsons. He was also an avid listener of Bill Monroe's music.

Survivors include his son, Charles Wolfe (Tammy Platt); two daughters, Lisa Wolfe and Tammy Wolfe, all of Roanoke; a granddaughter, Brandie Taylor (David); and a great-grandchild, Charlie Taylor, all of Waynesboro; four sist...

Jacqueline Anne Vetter, age 40, of Covington, died Monday, April 14, 2025, in New Canton.

She was born, January 12, 1985, in New Jersey.

Jacqueline is survived by her wife, Sandra Via Vetter; her mother and father, Walter E. Vetter and Audrey R. Vetter; three brothers, Arthur Boothby, III, Jason S. Vetter and wife, Allison C. Vetter and Christopher J. Vetter; three step-sons, Anthony Kidd and wife, Sabrina Kidd, Ryan Kidd and fiancé, Emily Phillips, and Logan Kidd and fiancé, Daniel Vanderburg.

She loved fishing and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

In keeping with her wishes her body has been cremated.

A service will be conducted at a later date.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of her a...

Melvin Dwight Persinger, age 80, of Covington, died Monday, April 14, 2025, at his residence.

He was born July 13, 1944, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Jasper Persinger, Sr. and Louvenia Fairburn Persinger; his wife, Gloria Morse “Kitten” Persinger; a son, Melvin R. Persinger.

Melvin was a helicopter mechanic in the Navy on the USS Randolph ship. He was an employee for twenty years at the former Hercules, Inc. until they closed and he then worked many jobs as a millwright and as a mechanic. He was a faithful member of Mallow Presbyterian Church where he has served as a Deacon; Elder, and a Sunday School teacher over the years. In his spare time, he enjoyed being a member of Kars Unlimited and the Alleghany Cruisers. He loved wood working and was an avid Studebaker fan and collector.

Steven Lamont Allen, age 57, passed away surrounded by family and friends, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Roanoke Memorial Hospital, following a short illness. 

Stevie was born, September 6, 1967, in Covington, and was preceded in death by his father, the late Ronald Lee Allen; a sister, Sherry Allen; his paternal grandparents, Gene and Gladys Allen; maternal grandparents Roy and Sarah Fourquean; two aunts, Barbara Allen, Linda Wyatt; three uncles, Donald Allen, Ricky Allen, and Clem Lee Wyatt; and one brother-in-law, Ricky Jackson.

Leaving to mourn his loss is his mother, Geraldine F. Allen; two sons whom he adored, Justin and Ronald Allen; his sister, Teresa Jackson of Roanoke; five very special cousins, Nadine Allen, Tony Allen, Kevin Allen, Kenneth Allen and Randall Allen; the mother of his boys, Michelle Triplet; three nephews, L.C. Carroll, Delmar Carroll and ...

Ronnie Kirk Stuart, affectionately known as "Papa Dukes", 67, of Clifton Forge, died Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Brian Center – Alleghany in Low Moor.

He was born August 20, 1957, in Manassas, a son of the late Morris Beryl and Violet Ann Kirk Stuart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin Stuart.

Ronnie dedicated many years to Prince William County, serving in various roles before retiring as a site inspector for the County government. He was a talented and creative person, adept at fixing things around the house and taking on remodeling projects. His interests included working on cars and programming computers. An avid reader, he also had a knack for drawing, music, cooking, and many other creative pursuits. Camping was a favorite way for him to relax and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

Shirley Bottomly Wickline, age 89, of Covington, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at her residence, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

She was born September 27, 1935, in Greenbrier County, WV, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Robert Bottomly, Sr. and Marjorie Manspile Bottomly; her husband, Lewis C. “LC” Wickline; a sister, Roberta Gillispie; two brothers, Bob and Jack Bottomly.

Shirley leaves to mourn her loss a son, Michael (Margie) Wickline of Covington; three grandchildren, Ann (Jacob), Molly and Maggie (Justin) and numerous family members. She was a member of the Parrish Court United Methodist Church and a member of the Alleghany Crafters. For forty-one years she was the assistant manager at the former Aide’s Discount Store in Covington and after their closing worked at the Covington Craft Shop. She enjoyed reading, working puzzles, cr...

Corey Allen Byrd, born February 6, 1991, in Alleghany County, passed away on March 31, 2025, in Botetourt County.

Corey will lovingly be remembered as the sweetest and kindest soul, a true pleasure to have known. He possessed a boundless generosity, the type of person who would give the shirt off his back without hesitation. His infectious sense of humor could leave anyone doubled over with laughter. He was the best undiscovered comedian around. Corey adored all animals, especially his beloved dog, Leroy.

He was everything to his mother, Michele Frye, and his father, Gilbert Perry Smith Jr., and he touched the lives of everyone he met, including the love of his life, Melissa Richmond. His constant happiness and the joy he brought simply by being present will be deeply missed. His spontaneous visits and family cookouts, filled with laughter and play with the kids, will le...

William “Boomie” Julian Cosby, age 50, of Covington, died Monday, March 31, 2025 in Botetourt County.

Boomie was born, May 12, 1974 in Richmond, and was preceded in death by his mother, the late Louise Smith Cosby; his paternal grandparents, Edward and Dorothy Cosby; his maternal grandparents, Nancy and Julian Smith; a brother, William James Cosby, Jr.

Surviving is his wife, Renee Wooding Cosby of Roanoke; his father, Willie James Cosby, Sr. of Covington; a son, Raquann Matthews of Waynesboro; a daughter, Zoe Berryman of Covington; a granddaughter, his pride and joy, Iyla Berryman of Covington; a sister, Dorothy Cosby of Covington; a cousin/brother, Eddie Cosby of Waynesboro; two special aunts, Nadine Horton of Waynesboro and Mary Ann Wilkerson of Richmond; two nephews, Avion Brickhouse and Isaiah Cooper; two nieces, Katura Cosby and Rayne Wilkens;  three special co...