Obituaries

Richard Charles Smith, Sr., 84, of Covington, died Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Alleghany Health and Rehab in Clifton Forge.

He was born August 15, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Charles and Margaret Donohue Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Cohen Smith; a son, Greg Smith; one step-granddaughter, Sarah Berger; and his ex-wife, Barbara Spalding Smith.

Richard was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran who served honorably in the early 1960s, including a tour abroad in Pakistan and a station assignment at McGuire Air Force Base near Wrightstown, New Jersey. Following his military service, he applied his financial expertise as Director of Finance at Raritan Bay Medical Center (formerly known as Raritan Medical Center) in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where he contributed to the hospital's operations for several years. In his leisure...

Shirley Rebecca Broughfman Perkins, 85, of Falling Spring, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Born April 15, 1940, in Rockbridge County, she was the daughter of the late Earl Clifton Broughfman, Sr. and Nellie Staton Broughfman.

Shirley worked for many years at the Jane Colby sewing factory. She was happiest outdoors in her garden or in her kitchen, where she was a master baker best known for her famous Orange Creamsicle cake. When she wasn't working in the dirt or baking, she almost always had her nose in a book as she loved to read.

She has now been joined in death with her husband of more than 60 years, Thomas Gilbert Perkins, who passed away in March 2025. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Edward Perkins, Sr.; and her sister, Daisy Broughfman Durham (James...

Judy Johnson Tingler, age 82, of Covington, died February 26, 2026, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

She was born November 8, 1943 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late William McDonald Johnson and Dora Oakry Dean Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, George Johnson and a sister, Jane Harmon.

Judy worked for forty-five years as a bus driver for Alleghany County Public Schools, retiring in 2017 after a long and dedicated career. She loved to bowl and was a longtime member of several local leagues, and in her spare time she enjoyed heading out to Rosie’s in Vinton for good company and conversation. Judy also cherished being outdoors; in her younger years she often worked on the family farm; enjoyed going camping and that love of the open air stayed with her throughout her life. She was a member of Granbery United Methodist...

Charles Allen “Charlie” Banker, age 79, of Covington, died Friday, February 20, 2026, at his residence.

He was born September 19, 1946, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Charles Harrison Banker and Ivy “Susie” Wolfe Banker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Bennie H. Banker.

Charlie worked as a self-employed mason in the area for many years. In his spare time, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, digging for ginseng, and camping. When he wasn’t out in the woods or on the water, you could usually find him browsing a flea market or settled at home watching his favorite TV shows and classic westerns.

Surviving are three sons, Keith (Ashley) Banker of Eagle Rock, Josh Banker of Covington, Eric Banker of Oakwood; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Hiler; two grandsons, E...

William “WF” Floyd Carter, Jr., age 64, of Covington, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at his residence.

WF was born January 13, 1962, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late William F. “Bill” Carter, Sr. and Martha “Eunice” Baily Carter Quantz; a sister, Janet Melvins; and a brother-in-law, Dale Lowry, Sr.

He will greatly be missed by his wife, Alicia Smith Carter; a son, Josh Carter; a daughter, Whitney Carter; two granddaughters, Jaci Cade and Timber Carter; three sisters, Dolly C. Lowry, Barbara (Bob) Shifflett, Billie Carter, all of Covington; a special cousin, Gary Carter of Covington; his dear mother-in-law, Ethel Smith of Covington; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Prior to his retirement from UPS, William was employed at WestRock in the Power House for many years and retired from t...

Shelby Moats Goode, 84, of Covington, died Monday, February 9, 2026 at her residence.

She was born April 12, 1941 in Covington, a daughter of the late Julian and Laura Wolfe Moats. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny E. Goode in 2014; and a sister, Barbara Cadd.

Shelby worked for many years as a retail clerk at Cato’s and the former Leggett’s department store in Covington.

Surviving is her daughter, Debra (Charley) Morrison of Covington; nieces Christy (Kenny) Gunter of Covington and Pam (Joe) Snead of Garner, NC; and several great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Warren officiating. The family will receive their friends fr...

Janine Antionette McClure (Johnson), 62, formerly of Covington, passed away in the

comfort of her home in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 2026.

She was born on March 23, 1963, in Covington, VA. She was preceded in death by

her parents, Shirley Umbles and James Tolliver Johnson Sr.; her beloved sister, Deidre

Johnson; her aunts, Regina Mae Johnson (Hunter) and Doris Goode (Umbles); her

uncle, William “Winky” Melvin Johnson; and her late husband, Cecil McClure.

Janine was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her. She was cherished for her

joyful spirit, her genuine honesty, and the way her beautiful smile could brighten any

room the moment she entered. Above all, she found her greatest happiness in being

surround...

Jeffery “Tucker Man” Allen Pritt, 66, of Covington, died Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke.

He was born July 19, 1959, in Alleghany County, a son of the late George and Claudine Martin Pritt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth “Teny” Stuple and Kathy Carroll.

An avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, Jeff was a former tree climber for many companies around the region. He was a member of Covington Moose Lodge #610.

Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer (Steven Hale) Pritt; a granddaughter, Kaylee Sparks, all of Bluefield, WV; two brothers, Ricky (Bertha) Pritt and Eddie Pritt, all of Covington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his body will be cremated.

Dianne Bowers Smith, lovingly known by many as “Mom Mom”, age 80, of Covington, passed peacefully at her home and went to Heaven on January 30, 2026.

Born and raised in Covington, Dianne was the daughter of the late James “Jack” Bowers and Frances Fridley Bowers. She was a graduate of Boiling Spring High School and completed post-graduate studies at Alleghany County High School. Covington was always home to her, and she deeply loved her community and the people in it.

Dianne shared 35 years of her life with her devoted husband, Thomas “Tom” Smith, and together they built a home grounded in faith, family, and service. Family was the heart of everything she did.

She is survived by her children: Susan Scott Crowder (Jay), Jennifer Scott Cales (Timmy), Beth Smith Tucker, Bingo Smith (Darlene), Ajay Smith (Tonya), and Sharon Spraker (Tim). She was preced...

Joyce Ann Brown Tucker, 79, of Covington, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, at LewisGale Hospital–Alleghany in Low Moor, surrounded by her family.

She was born, January 21, 1946, in Johnson County, NC, a daughter of the late Herbert and Susie Lucille Edwards Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ransom E. Tucker; a granddaughter, Stephanie Smith; and seven brothers and sisters.

Joyce devoted 35 years of her life to WVJT, serving faithfully as the bookkeeper and becoming an essential part of the organization’s daily operations. She continued in that role until her death, a testament to her deep commitment and sense of responsibility. Beyond her long career, she gave generously of her time as a volunteer at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital for many years, always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Joyce truly enjoyed h...

Tracey Renee Smith Evans, 39, of Clifton Forge, died Saturday, January 17, 2026 at her residence.

She was born October 2, 1986 in Alleghany Co.  She is the daughter of Jerry and Mary Smith of Clifton Forge.

Tracey was a former employee of Stop In Food Store in Covington, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren whom she adored.

Leaving to mourn her loss other than her parents, is her husband, Kevin Evans of Clifton Forge; three daughters, Danielle (Jacob Gump) Evans, Brooke (Kadin Easter) Evans and Ally Evans all of Clifton Forge; three grandchildren, Blair Fox, Jade Evans, and Xander Easter and numerous family members.

A graveside service will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Central Advent Christian Cemetery with the Rev. Ed...

Frank Eugene Persinger, Sr., 90, of Clifton Forge, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany in Low Moor.

He was born April 11, 1935, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Jasper Persinger, Sr., and Louvenia Fairburn Persinger. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Persinger; two daughters, Melissa Persinger and Joyce Persinger Rose; one brother, Melvin Persinger; and a son-in-law, Barry Rose.

Frank retired from Kroger in Clifton Forge after serving as store manager for 29 years. A lifelong community servant, he served his country in the National Guard and was a devoted member of Mallow Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully as an elder. He was a former member of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors, the Alleghany County Electoral Board, and numerous other local boards. He was also a longtime memb...