Obituaries

Naomi “Peggy” Grey Simmons Shaffier, 87, of Warm Springs went to her heavenly home on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the home of her son.

She was born on July 21, 1936, in Monterey Virginia, the daughter of the late James Edward Simmons and Margie Halterman Simmons.

Peggy was married to the late Julian Ray Shaffier on September 10, 1953. She was also preceded by a brother, Nelson Simmons and granddaughter, Laura Shaffier.

She was a homemaker who loved the outdoors. She worked many years ago at the Warms Springs Inn and then later the Roseloe Motel. Peggy was an active member of the Lifeline Ministries Church.

Peggy is survived by her son, Carl Eddie Shaffier and his wife, Linda of Warm Springs; a granddaughter, Marsha Perdue and her husband Bart of Warm Springs; six great grand...

Everett Nathaniel Hughes, Jr., 70, of Covington, died Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

Everett was born May 26, 1953, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Everett Hughes, Sr. and Juanita Elizabeth Rice. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Myrtle Robinson, and Rosetta Thompson.

Mr. Hughes retired as a switch operator for Westrock. He was a life long member of Pine Street Baptist Church.

Survivors include his life partner, Olivia Pollard of Covington; two daughters, Carita Hughes and Ileah “Tay” Hughes, both of Covington; a son, Everett “Tweedy” Hughes, of Louisville, KY; seven grandchildren, Jacorey Hughes, Keyon Hughes, Elijah Jefferies, Kewaun Whitaker, Keshaun Hughes, Kahlee Hughes, and Taydon Hughes; three great-grandchildren, Kimora Moye, Kyrie Hughes, and ...

Anna Fox

Anna Louise Fox, 78, of Covington, died Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Mrs. Fox was born on September 1, 1944 in Ronceverte, WV to the late Troy and Vera Giles Clemons. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Troy Clemons, Jr.; and a sister, Norma Boone.

Anna worked for over 30 years in the Alleghany County Treasurer’s office, retiring after serving six terms as County Treasurer. In her spare time, she enjoyed collecting antiques and going to auctions.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Roger L. Fox; a daughter, Debra Ann Fox of Machipongo; a brother, Homer L. Clemons of Wilmington, OH; one sister, Nellie Renfro of Ashland, KY; and several nieces and nephews.

Shelby Juanita Jean Crowder Crizer

Shelby Crowder Crizer of Covington, Va. died peacefully on Sunday, July 23, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born February 3, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Mildred Crowder. She is survived by her loving children, Judith C. Droke and Charles “Sam” Crizer (wife Pynia), grandchildren Zachary Crizer, Mackenzie Bayly (Husband Matt) and Kadie Fisher (Husband Cody). She is also survived by a sister, Marie Slayton, and brother Eugene Crowder.

Shelby Crizer was predeceased by her husband Larry Crizer and sisters Irene Glenn and Georgie Johnson. 

Shelby was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother always placing the needs and wants of others ahead of her own. She enjoyed family vacations to Myrtle Beach and caring for others.

Services for Charlotte M. Rickett Wilmer Goeke, age 82, of Temple, Texas, will be held at 11:00am Saturday, July 29, at First Lutheran Church of Temple with Rev. Russell T. Campbell officiating. Burial will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, August 3, at Alleghany Memorial Park in Covington, Virginia.

Mrs. Wilmer Goeke passed away Sunday, July 23, at Baylor Scott and White hospital in Temple.

Charlotte M. Rickett Wilmer Goeke was born on November 29, 1940 in Covington, Virginia to the late Leonard C. Rickett, Sr. and Viola Mae Arrington Rickett. Charlotte married Paul Berkley Wilmer, Sr, on January 14, 1958. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2002. They had a daughter, Teresa, and a son, Paul. She was an active member of the women's business community in Killeen and was President of the American Business Women's Association. She was also a bookkeeper and office manager of several local businesses....

Beverly Kenney Adkins, 60, of Hot Springs died, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Beverly was born on April 11, 1963, a daughter of the late Robert Kenney and Mildred Fry Kenny. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Gwin.

Beverly retired from the Bath Co. School system as a bus driver for more than 20 years.

Surviving are her sons, Matthew Gwin and his wife Shannon, of Hot Springs, Jonathan Gwin and his wife Ashley of Covington, and step-son, Alan Adkins of Covington; four grandchildren, Saige Gwin, Wyatt Gwin, Alex Gwin and Alexis McGuire; a brother, Michael Kenney of Hot Springs; Jimmie Adkins of Hot Springs; her aunt, Marie (Teedee) Cleek of Warm Springs; two uncles, Basil and Adene Fry and Bobby and Cookie Fry all of Hot Springs; and nume...

Mary Marshall Brooks Barber, 83, of Covington, died Sunday, July 9, 2023 at LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany in Low Moor.

Mrs. Barber was born October 8, 1939 in Union, WV, a daughter of the late Frank and Agnes Honaker Brooks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Marcella Weade; two sons, Michael Weade and Malcolm “Sonny” Weade; and three sisters, Lucille Markham, Frances Burhenn, and Vivian Pendleton.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother who spent much of her life taking care of her family as a homemaker. When she was afforded spare time, she enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves, tending to her flowers, taking walks around the neighborhood, and making sure anyone in her presence was properly fed.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Bill Barber, Sr.; three daughters, Mandy (Jonathan) Arritt, Marjorie Weade, and Mary Beth Weade, all of Covington; two sons, Billy Barber of Covington and Bobby (Amy) Barber o...

Deborah Claudine Ferrell Snedegar, 65 of Hot Springs, died Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Mrs. Snedegar was born February 27, 1958, a daughter of the late June Franklin Ferrell. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a brother, Edward “Tinker” Ferrell.

She is survived by her husband of thirty years, Larry J. Snedegar of Hot Springs; two sisters, Lisa and Tony Petrosky and Suzie and Larry Peters, all Hot Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes her body has been cremated.

A private memorial service will be at a later date.

“I was here, now I’m gone.”

Tana Bostic Shires, 62, of New Castle, died Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at her residence.

Mrs. Shires was born January 29, 1961 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Fred and Betty Harry Bostic.

Surviving are her husband, Gary Shires of New Castle; a son, Adam Shires and his fiancé, Emily Berry; three grandchildren, Katie Berry, Forest Berry, and Michael Berry, all of Roanoke; one sister, Tina Price of New Castle; and a number of nieces and nephews.

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

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Tana’s name be made to: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.

Christopher Robinson Essex, age 48, passed away peacefully and received his eternal reward on the evening of Monday, June 26, 2023, at his residence in Warm Springs, after his hard fight against cancer. Chris was born on September 19, 1974, in Portsmouth, Virginia to Darlene Scales Essex and to the late Donald G. Essex.

Chris married his wife, Carlisa Crawford Essex, in 1994 and five children were born from that union. After graduating from Bath County High School, Chris joined the US Army as an enlisted soldier beginning in 1994 then later became a Chief Warrant Officer in the Ammunition Field. He is a veteran of both wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and served during numerous other military campaigns. He is the recipient of several Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals and the Good Conduct Medal. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal and has been awarded the Bronze Star twice during his military career. Chris retired in 2014 after serving his cou...

Mary Fish Jones, 84, of Shawsville, died Sunday, June 25, 2023 at her daughters’ residence in Elliston.

Mary was born June 2, 1939 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Erman R. Fish and Retha Helmintoller Syndor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Lewis; a daughter, Cherrie Rucka; and one brother, Eddie Fish.

Mrs. Jones retired from Kmart in Blacksburg after many years of employment. After her retirement, she worked for Dollar General in Christiansburg.

Surviving are two daughters, Vanessa (Teddy) Smith of Shawsville, and Beverly (Ricky) Collins of Elliston; three sons, Duwayne Lewis of Ashland, Thomas (Deloris) Lewis of Franklin, and Robert (Bekky) Lewis of Elliston; a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosetta Thompson of Goodview; and a long-time companion, Monte Thomas, of Shawsville.

A graveside funeral service will be h...

Guy Wilmer Hensley, 59 of Covington passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, at LewisGale-Alleghany Regional Hospital.

He was born September 2, 1963, in Alleghany County to the late Earl W. Hensley, Sr. and Virginia Baker Hensley other than his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Earl Hensley, Jr.

Mr. Hensley was a welder by trade.

He is survived by his cousins Randy Selleck, Charlie Selleck, Barbara Richardson, Nina Bostic, Nellie Trivett, Dana Selleck and Rex Selleck and his friends Mike and Linda Seldomridge.

Mr. Hensley has been cremated and there will be no service.