Obituaries

Joshua Curtis Bryant of Ridgely, Md., age 33, passed away on January 5, 2025.

He was born, June 14, 1991, in Portsmouth, and was preceded in death by his grandparents, the late Edward and Margie Wolfe of Covington; George Bryant, Sr. of Hot Springs; two uncles, Junebug Wolfe and Bobby Wolfe and his wife Brenda; his aunt Wanda Wolfe Craft and her husband Bucky.

Joshua proudly graduated from North Caroline High School in 2009. After completing high school, he spent several years working as a mechanic for various car dealerships. He was currently employed as an equipment operator at David A. Bramble, Inc. Joshua had a passion for art, hunting, fishing, video games, tattoos, singing and fast cars.

He is survived by his parents, George and Tammy Bryant of Ridgely, MD, two daughters, Brooklyn Bryant of Crumpton, Md. and Skyler B...

Cheryl Biggs Posey, 78, of Covington, died Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Lewis-Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Ms. Posey was born December 23, 1946, in Vernon, Louisiana, a daughter of the late Elbert and Lucille Biggs. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her siblings, Ebbie Biggs and Alma Entsminger.

Survivors include her life partner, Larry Terry; two sons, Timothy “Tim” Posey of Covington and Robert “Bobby” Posey Sr. of Roanoke; two grandchildren, Robert “Little Robert” Posey Jr., and Amber Posey Averill; two great-grandchildren, Autumn Dooley and Elijah Averill; a niece, Nicole Entsminger Shifflett; a nephew, Eddie Joe Entsminger; a number of great-nieces, Addyson Neff, Alyssa Shifflett, Alexa Shifflett, Meredith Entsminger and Maren Entsminger.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Janua...

Hilda Grace Byer Bates, age 83, of Covington, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 at her residence in the arms of her son, Keith.

Hilda was born January 19, 1941 in White Sulphur Springs, WV, a daughter of the late Julian Byer and Myrtle Perkins Byer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arlan L. Bates, Sr.; two sons, Jamie Gill and Billy Gill; and thirteen siblings.

Surviving to mourn her loss are three sons, Bobby Gill, Keith Byer and Arlan (Dottie Thompson) Bates, Jr., all of Covington; seven grandchildren, including Brady Byer of Chester; eight great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Anna Cheney; and three special friends, Marilyn, Loretta and Julie.

Hilda worked as a presser for the former Halmode, Inc. for many years. In her spare time, she enjoye...

William “Willie” David Graham, Sr., age 76, of Hot Springs, died Thursday, January 2, 2025, at his residence.

He was born April 24, 1949, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Calvin L. Graham and Ruby Ward Graham; his first wife, Martha Mullens Graham; two brothers, Eldridge Graham and Gary Graham; three sisters, Judy Phillips, Catherine May and Marie O’Conner.

"Willie" as he was affectionally called, leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Sherry Persinger Graham of Covington, a son, William (Angela) Graham of Covington, a daughter, Brenda Lewis of Covington; two step-sons, Bobby (Kelly) Wolfe, Jr., and Raymond (Angie) Wolfe of Covington; two step-daughters, Christinia (Jacob Leitch) Lappeaux and Jennifer Pritt of WV;  three sisters, Bonnie Graham, Dolly Miller, Jeanette (Bob) Malashevich of Covington; numerous grandchildren and great...

Virginia Wright Garman, 97, of Covington, died Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Carrington Cottage Memory Care Center in Daleville.

Mrs. Garman was born February 13, 1927, in Catawba, a daughter of Charles and Dela Wright. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband, Edward P. Garman; a son, Tommy Garman; a son-in-law, Jerry Mills; and six brothers and sisters.

Virginia spent her life taking care of her family as a homemaker. She was active with Faith Baptist Church and the League of Older Americans in her spare time. Also, she enjoyed sewing and sharing her talents of sewing to other people.

Survivors include her daughter, Wanda G. Mills; a granddaughter, Tammy (Ron) Stark; two grandsons, Evan Stark and Owen Stark, all of Williamsburg; a brother, Mason Wright of Roanoke.

Lois Crowder Kemper, 92, of Gassaway, WV and formerly of Covington, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at her residence.

Mrs. Kemper was born September 25, 1932 in Alleghany County, a daughter of late Jack and Wilma Crowder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David A. Kemper Jr., and a daughter, Tammy Kemper.

Surviving is her daughter, Debra Lake of Sutton, WV; three sons, Steven (Bonnie) Kemper of Grafton, WV, Robert Kemper and Roger Kemper, all of Baltimore, MD; and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A private graveside service is planned for a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.

Friends wishing to send condolences onlin...

Russell Wayne Caldwell, age 54, of Covington, died Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his residence.

Russell was born February 25, 1970, in Radford, a son of the late William Davis Caldwell I and Clara Quesenberry Caldwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Linda Caldwell, Barbara Shelton and Bonnie Caldwell.

He worked for many years as a Paraprofessional for the Montgomery County Public School System. Russell was an active member at Mount Carmel Methodist Church where he was active with the church youth group. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching movies, loved traveling to Williamsburg, and attending concerts.

Russell leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Dana Caldwell of Covington; two sons, William Caldwell of Dublin and Samuel Caldwell of Covington; two sisters, Connie Levern of Radfor...

Verlan Amos Simmons, 74, of Covington, died Friday, December 20, 2024 at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born May 13, 1950, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Roy A. and Dollie Humphries Simmons.

Mr. Simmons was a bus driver with the former Alleghany County Public Schools for over 30 years. His hobbies and interests were many, and his family lovingly considered him a “Jack of All Trades”. He attended Highland Chapel Christian Church.

Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Ruby Wolfe Simmons; two sons, Doug Simmons and his wife, Anita and Chuck Simmons and his wife, Christie, all of Covington; four grandchildren, Alisha (Danny) Little, D.J. (Mykala) Simmons, Andy (Helen) Simmons, and Tyler (Jordan) Simmons; nine great-grandchildren, and one brother, Sonny Simmons, of Covington.

...

Robert Paul Crawford, age 67, of Covington, died Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Lewis-Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Robert was born October 4, 1957 in Covington, and was preceded in death by his parents, Margie Blankenship Crawford and Robert Leo Crawford; and a brother, Calvin Crawford.

Until his retirement at Meade Westvaco, he worked as a  2nd assistant in the Recovery department. He was also a former manager at Aides Department Store in Covington and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #171 AF & AM. He attended Bethesda Church in White Sulphur, WV and served in the United States Army.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Cathy Armentrout Crawford, three sons, Adam (Lauren) Crawford, Andrew (Lisa) Crawford and Luke William Crawford, all of Covington; a stepdaughter, Misty (Josh Downey) Byer of Covington;...

Dorothy Via Brunson, 68, of Clifton Forge, died Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at her residence.

She was born May 27, 1956, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late John E. and Gladys Agnor Via. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne Via and Delbert Via.

Mrs. Brunson loved being outdoors, spending time with her family, and looking after the neighborhood cats.

Surviving is her son, Scott Via and his wife, Brandi, of Covington; five grandchildren, Cody Via, Abby (Will) Atkins, Madilyn Via, Jaxon Via, and Stella Via; one brother, Darrell Via and his wife, Heidi, of Covington; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Cedar Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Marshall officiating....

Jean Taylor Clemons, 93, of Covington, went to her heavenly home to be with her husband Jim, on Monday, December 9, 2024.

She was born February 1, 1931 in Seaford, Delaware, a daughter of the late Oliver and Clara Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her special husband Jim Clemons; four brothers, Oliver, Frank, Bill, and Paul; three sisters Ruth, Isabelle and Betty; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Jones and Pat Buttner.

She is survived by her daughter, Mickey Floyd and her husband, R.L.; one son, Eddy Clemons and his wife, Terry; grandchildren, Robby, Heather (Mike), Nicole and Brian; a great-granddaughter, Dakota; several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Johnny and a special niece, Pee Wee; special care angels, Krista, Schuyler, Crystal, Susanne, Dianna, Charlene and Meg; and a special nurse, Tracy Paxton. She loved all of her fur ...

Richard Monroe Caldwell, Sr., 83, of Low Moor, died Monday, December 9, 2024 at his residence.

Mr. Caldwell was born August 10, 1941, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Cecil R. and Deloris Wolfe Caldwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Tony Jeffrey Caldwell and Derick Michael Caldwell; and three brothers, Danny Caldwell, Donnie Caldwell, and Larry Hosey.

Richard worked as a rock mason for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Darlene Warden Caldwell of Low Moor; five children, Sandra Dee (Nathan) Conlin, Richard (Ginger) Caldwell, Jr., Frankie (Tammy) Caldwell, David (Catherine) Caldwell, and Amanda (David) Morgan, all of Clifton Forge; one bonus child, Danny Porter of Low Moor; 14 grandchildren, Joey, Ricky, Crystal, Michael, Steven, Lynn, Ethan, Derek, Frank...