Obituaries

Mildred Claudine Sheffey Humphries, age 99, of Covington, died Friday, January 18, 2025, at the Brian Center Rehabilitation & Nursing Care.

She was born, October 5, 1925, in Ivanhoe, and was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Payne Humphries, Sr.; three brothers, Andrew, Hansel and Lawrence Sheffey; three sisters, Sarah Anne Clark, Zada Joyce and Zola Wright.

To mourn Mildred’s loss is her son, Howard P. (Becky) Humphries, Jr. from Apex, NC; two daughters, Joan (Mike) Green, Laura (David) Persinger of Covington; and a sister, Catherine Brown of Covington; nine grandchildren, Lorraine (Richard Lee) Martin, Bradley (Trisha) Persinger, Nathan (Rachel) Humphries, Michelle (McKenzie) Craps, Patrick Doss, Michael Persinger, Leah (Tyler) Hathcote, Luke Humphries, Shannon (Josh) Johnston; thirteen great-grandchildren, Emmalee Persinger, Shiloh Craps, Adalyn Persinger, ...

Norman Thomas May, Jr., age 80, of Bath County, died Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Bath County Community Hospital.

He was born, May 6, 1944 in Bath County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Norman Thomas May, Sr. and Dorothy Long May and his wife, Linda Trimble May.

Mr. May retired from Hercules, Inc.; he worked at the former AET Corporation and for the Omni Homestead in the transportation department, which was his favorite job. He had a strong work ethic, worked hard at every job he had and made many friends along the way. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

He served as Deacon and Elder at Hot Springs Presbyterian Church and Healing Springs Baptist Church.  His faith and love for the Lord showed in the way he lived his life day by day.  He never had a bad thing to say about any...

Bobby Dean Rogers, age 90, of Covington, died Sunday, January 12, 2025 at his residence.

Bobby was born, May 4, 1934, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Robert V. Rogers and Mamie Palmer Rogers, a brother, Samuel Rogers.

He served our country in the Air Force for twenty-two years working as an air traffic controller and was part owner for B&B Rogers Logging Company. He was also a Vietnam Veteran. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years. Bobby built his own planes and enjoyed flying.

Bobby leaves to mourn his loss his loving wife of 69 years, Betty Snyder Rogers; 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...

Harold Osborne “Ozzie” Hostetter, Jr., 66, of Covington, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025 at his residence.

He was born December 10, 1958, in Alleghany County, a son of Harold O. Hostetter, Sr. of Covington and the late Celia Weaver Hostetter.

Ozzie graduated from Alleghany High School in 1977. He retired in 2019 from Smurfit Westrock in Covington after 41 years of employment. He served his community on the Covington City Zoning Board, as an officer in the former Covington High School Quarterback Club, and as a beloved youth league coach for many years in baseball, basketball, and football.  He was a member of First Christian Church in Covington.

Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Carolyn Wade Hostetter of Covington; three sons, J.P. (Jennifer Pate) Hostetter of Goode, Wesley (Amber) Hostetter of Staunton, and Aus...

Sidney Allen “Pete” Nicely, 84, of Clifton Forge, died Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond.

He was born October 30, 1940, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Sidney J. and Edna Newell Nicely. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Lewis Nicely and James Edward Nicely; and two sisters, Nancy Carol Via and Betty Lou Hartless.

He worked for many years at the former Hubbard’s Service Station.

Survivors include his sister, Nettie “Sue” Tucker of Hot Springs; several nieces and nephews, including Jeanne (Jack) Lindsay of Hot Springs; a special friend, Marie Russell; and all of his Alleghany Building apartment friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev....

Cleopatra Brown Lee, 85, of Covington, died on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Casey House Montgomery Hospice in Rockville, Maryland. 

Arrangements are being made by Arritt Funeral Home.

...

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...