Obituaries

Randolph Smith Brewster, 67, of 200 Railroad Ave, Iron Gate, died, Friday February 4, 2022, in Lewis Gale Alleghany Regional Hospital in Low Moor. Mr. Brewster was born June 8, 1954, in Alleghany County a son of the late Glenn Edwin and Alice Plott Brewster. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2019 Darlene Kay Wilson Brewster and a brother Michael Brewster Sr. He served in the United States Army and was a truck driver for Branch Highways. Surviving are his daughter Randi Brewster of Salem; two sisters Rita Nida and husband Ronnie and Glenda Wright; five brothers Harold Brewster Sr. and wife Jewel, Jerry Brewster Sr. and wife Phyllis, Larry Brewster Sr. and wife Shelia, Joseph Brewster Sr. and wife Lucy all of Covington, Danny Brewster Sr. and wife Sandi of Staunton; a special friend Earl Childs of Fredericksburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated. A service will be held at a later date. The funeral...

Bridgett Armentrout-Edwards went to be with her Lord and Savior February 3, 2022 at home in Covington. Bridgett was born November 19,1959 in Virginia the daughter of Ruth and Winston Armentrout. She was married to the love of her life, Matt Edwards, for 31 years. Bridgett was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents "Daddy Bob" and Grandma (Anna), and all her aunts and uncles. In addition to her husband Matt, she is survived by her cousin Robin Armentrout daughter of her deceased uncle Norris Armentrout, and several other cousins. Bridgett had a close-knit circle of friends whom she called brothers and sisters. Her cancer care partner Tab Broce, his wife Angie Broce and their family of Hot Springs; cousin Frances K White, her husband Jeff of Houston; Pam and Glenn Corson of Cincinnati; Deborah Powers of Verona and Beth Kidd of Waynesboro. Many people took special care of Bridgett through this journey including cousin Beverly Pack, Teenie and Warren Kegley and caregivers Connie R...

Richard Grant Fridley Sr., 75, of 100 Nicholas Dr., died, Thursday February 3, 2022, at Lewis Gale Alleghany Regional Hospital in Low Moor. Mr. Fridley was born on December 23, 1946, in Covington a son of the late Russell Grant and Cora Virginia Humphries Fridley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2018 Cynthia Marie Leech Fridley. He worked at Hercules and retired from the maintenance at Philip Morris USA in Richmond. He was an avid outdoorsman. Surviving are his daughter Teresa Fridley; a son Richard Fridley Jr. all of Clifton Forge; a sister Patricia Ann Fridley of Richmond. In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated. A service will be held on Monday February 28, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Edith Snedegar officiating. The family will receive their friends following the service on Monday. The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home. Service Monday, February 28, 2022 12:33 A...

Tricia Scott Downer, age 63, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. Tragically, Tricia's husband and love of her life, Ronald Downer, passed away just two days prior. Their love story was meant to last through eternity - Ronnie welcomed her with open arms. She was born on November 30, 1958 in Covington, VA to the late Harry Edwards Scott and Mary Wonders Scott. After spending most of her life in Covington, VA, Tricia and Ronnie moved to Wilmington, NC. Tricia was a very caring and hard-working person who would do anything for anyone. She was strong in her faith and was a member of Lifepoint Church in Wilmington. Tricia enjoyed sitting on Carolina Beach and spending time with her husband, grandbabies and her dog, Lola. She especially loved the Christmas season. Tricia was an amazing mom who loved her family very much and she will be dearly missed. Tricia is survived by her son, Joshua Downer and wife, Keri; ...

Ronald (Ronnie) Evans Downer, Jr., age 63, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. Tragically, Ronnie's wife and love of his life, Tricia Downer, passed away two days after. Their love story was meant to last through eternity as Ronnie was there to welcome her with open arms. He was born on July 11, 1958 in Covington, VA to Mary Davis Downer and the late Ronald Evans Downer. In addition to his father, Ronnie was preceded in death by his brother, Chris Downer. Ronnie spent most of his life in Covington, VA. After retiring from Mead Westvaco Paper Mill, Ronnie and Tricia moved to Wilmington, NC. Ronnie was a compassionate man who would help anyone out and do anything for a stranger. He was a member of Lifepoint Church in Wilmington and was strong in his faith. Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his wife, grandbabies, his dog, Lola, and his 1971 Barracuda. He also liked visiting the beach, being outdoors, dancin...

Ronald (Ronnie) Evans Downer, Jr., age 63, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. Tragically, Ronnie's wife and love of his life, Tricia Downer, passed away two days after. Their love story was meant to last through eternity as Ronnie was there to welcome her with open arms. He was born on July 11, 1958 in Covington, VA to Mary Davis Downer and the late Ronald Evans Downer. In addition to his father, Ronnie was preceded in death by his brother, Chris Downer. Ronnie spent most of his life in Covington, VA. After retiring from Mead Westvaco Paper Mill, Ronnie and Tricia moved to Wilmington, NC. Ronnie was a compassionate man who would help anyone out and do anything for a stranger. He was a member of Lifepoint Church in Wilmington and was strong in his faith. Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his wife, grandbabies, his dog, Lola, and his 1971 Barracuda. He also liked visiting the beach, being outdoors, da...

William Sutton Hubbard was born on July 2, 1962, to Withrow Hubbard Jr. and Shirley Mae Redman Hubbard and ended his journey on earth on January 23 at the Cleveland Clinic after a courageous battle against liver disease. William was a loving husband to his wife Amy Rae Glazzard Hubbard. He was a proud father of Michael Hubbard (Rebecca) and Mark Hubbard (Kelsey) all of Covington. He treasured his grandchildren Dakota Hubbard, Levi Hubbard, Bryson Hubbard, and Alaina Hubbard. He adored being "Yum-Yum" to Ray, Ellie, Evie, and Elorah Glazzard. He is further survived by his mother Shirley Hubbard. Four brothers Carlos Hubbard (Gail), of Charlottesville, Greg Hubbard (Susan), Bobby Hubbard (Lillian), and Tommy Hubbard (Jennifer) all of Covington, and one sister Lisa Fridley (Barry) of Daleville. Many nephews and nieces whom he loved deeply, Jason Hubbard, Crystal Hubbard, Scottie Hubbard, Sarah McKinney, BJ Hubbard, Amanda Paitsel, April Blevins, and Shane Fridley as well as many great ni...

Gilbert Perry Smith, Sr., 94, of 1023 Lincoln Ave., died, Saturday January 22, 2022, at his residence. Mr. Smith was born on March 4, 1927, in Covington, a son of the late Samuel and Annie Leftwich Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Stephen A. "Looney" Smith; two grandsons Clayton Jackson and Andre Smith; six sisters and three brothers. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a truck driver for 45 years at Westvaco and a member of the Historical First Baptist Church on Lexington Ave. Surviving are his wife of 66 years Letha Sampson Smith; two sons Gilbert "Courtney" Smith, Jr. and Barry Smith; two daughters Tawanda "Lynn" Smith all of Covington and Aurelia Jackson of Severn, MD; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held on Saturday January 29, 2022, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Rosetta Stewart officiating. The ...

Bobby Wayne Gaines, 67, of 606 Summit Dr., died, Saturday January 22, 2022, at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. Mr. Gaines was born December 18, 1954, in Alleghany County a son of the late Rev. William "Doc' and Helen Tucker Gaines. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers Larry Gaines and Dee Austin; two nieces and two nephews to include a niece Angie Nicely and a Nephew Andy Austin. He retired in 2005 after 30 years from the #1 Paper Machine from MeadWestvaco. He loved farming. Surviving are his wife of 39 years Darlene Hepler Gaines; a son Bobby Gaines Jr. and wife Trista; a daughter Amanda Clifford and husband Kenny; two brothers Jackie Gaines and Eugene Gaines and wife Linda all of Covington; his beloved dog Kasey; and a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held on Thursday January 27, 2022, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. David Brown officiating. The interment will follow in Lone Star Cemetery. The fam...

Katie Caldwell Moody, 80, of 5410 Hayes Gap Road, died, Thursday January 20, 2022. Mrs. Moody was born on March 7, 1941, in Clifton Forge, the daughter of the late Carl Burton and Ruby Cahoon Caldwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Henry Moody in 2014; a brother Jack Caldwell; and Jessie Howard. She was the co-owner of Moody Homes, Inc. and a member of the South Covington United Methodist Church. She was a member of the CHS Class of 1958 and loved to eat, travel, spending time with people and she loved her family and spending time with them. Surviving are two sons Todd Moody of Covington, and Mark Moody and wife Miriam of New Bern, NC; four grandchildren Steven Todd Moody, Brandi Moody Smith, Emily Arrena Sanders and husband Jeremy, and Alex Danielle Moody and fianc Andrew Welch; six great grandchildren Malayah Allen, Kolton Moody, Kiercyn Clark, Wyatt Smith, Reyna Sanders, and Jacob Sanders; two brothers and sisters in law Buck and Vicki...

Melissa Seldomridge Grant, 52, of Covington, died Wednesday, January 19, 2022. She was born January 24, 1969, in Alleghany Co., a daughter of the late Albert D. "Bert" Seldomridge, Sr. and Christy Swartz Seldomridge. Melissa was a graduate James Madison University and was registered nurse for many years. Surviving are her three daughters, Jordan Bunting of California, Sarah Grant and Camron Hindman of Georgia, and Rachel and Roland Jones of Charlottesville; grandchildren, Hunter Frazier and Lennox Jones, both of Charlottesville; a sister, April and Josh Garrett of St. Johns, Florida; a brother, Albert D. "Buddy" and Lynne Seldomridge, Jr. of Covington; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 23, 2022 in Fletcher's Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Lynn Wright officiating. The family will receive their friends from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home. Cemetery Information Sunday, January 23, 2022 Fletcher's Chapel Cemetery , - ...

Virginia Crawford Halsey, 86, of Covington, Virginia transitioned to eternal rest on Friday, January 14, at Lewis-Gale Alleghany following a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her soulmate, the late George W. Halsey, Sr., and their son William M. Halsey. She leaves behind three sons and their families, Reverend David Halsey, Sr., wife Billie Jo, and son David Halsey, Jr. Larry Halsey and children, Natalia Kirk, Lawrence Halsey and Michaela Halsey. George W. Halsey, Jr., wife Clarice, and stepsons Michael Allen, Jr., and Martrell Allen. Two daughters and their families, Denise H. Young, Ph.D. and Billy Young and children Adrienne Young and India Young and great-granddaughter Autumn Marie Young. Nicole Halsey-Fenderson and Robert Fenderson and their children Jayden Fenderson, Braylen Fenderson and stepdaughter Alyka Fenderson. Due to heightened COVID concerns, funeral services will be conducted for immediate family only. A Private service will be held on Thursday. The funeral a...