Obituaries

Dreama Bush Carson, 77, of Covington, died Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Dreama was born October 2, 1946, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Albert Ray Bush, and Frances Whiting Bush of Covington. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Deborah Bush Stinnett.

Mrs. Carson was a homemaker who cherished her time with her family and loved being outdoors.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Finnie Carson, Sr. of Covington; a daughter, Kim Callahan and her husband, David of Covington; two sons, Finnie Carson, Jr. of Covington and Brian Carson and his wife, Michelle of New Jersey; seven grandchildren; Kahla Adams, Chandale, Brianna Sizemore, Austin Carson, Dylan Carson, Ariel Chappel and Brooke Nolan, 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; thr...

Juanita Steele Pulley, 58 of Covington, died Monday, June 3, 2024 at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Mrs. Pulley was born December 20, 1965 in Richmond, a daughter of the late William Paul Steele, Jr. and Jean Walton Brady.

Survivors include her husband, Lorenza Darrell Pulley of Covington; one brother, Greg Steele of Covington; two sisters, Denise Steele and Renee Steele; and number nieces and nephews.

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

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Arritt Funeral Home.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

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Deborah Sizemore Wolfe, 68, of Covington, died Saturday, June 1, 2024 at her residence.

Debbie was born March 20, 1956, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late R.C. and Marrietta Bowles Sizemore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Arritt; one brother, Rodney Sizemore; and a niece, Candice Sizemore.

She was employed at LewisGale-Alleghany Hospital in the Medical Records department for over 20 years. She was a member of Covington Bible Church and was a loving caretaker to all of her family and close friends.

Survivors include her husband, Harry “Bub” Wolfe, Jr.; four children, April (Bobby) Smith of Covington, Matt (Jennifer) Arritt of Staunton, Amanda (Scotty) Scott of Covington, and Sarah (Johnny) Quinlin of Roanoke; six grandchildren, Dakota Smith, Hunter Smith, Taylor Scott, ...

Betty Alfred Wright, age, 80, of Alleghany County, died Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Cardinal Senior Living Center in Bedford.

Betty was born July 3, 1943, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Eddie Ray Alfred, Sr. and Beatrice Smith Alfred. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne A. Wright, Sr.; and three brothers.

Survivors include a son, Wayne (Debbie) Wright, Jr. of Vinton; one daughter, Tressa Webb of Pulaski; four grandchildren, Dexter Wright, Michael (Sherry) Orange, Samantha Orange, Sarah (Greg) Justis; three great-grandchildren, Camden Orange, Carlee Orange, and Kaidence Justis; three brothers, Ronnie Alfred from WV, Tommy Alfred of Covington and Wendall Alfred of Delaware.

A graveside service will be held, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Alleghany Memorial Park o...

Robert George “Bob” Steele, 74, of Conyers, GA and formerly of Covington, died Saturday, May 31, 2024 at Piedmont Newton Hospital in Covington, GA.

Bob was born February 18, 1950, in Covington, a son of the late Clayton and Beulah Hooker Steele.

Survivors include his sisters, Patricia Bowles of Covington and Sandra Martin of Conyers, GA; several nieces and nephews, including Billy (Kristi) Martin of Covington, GA, Sandra (John) Flock of Hattiesburg, MS, and Brandi Bowles of Covington.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Alleghany Memorial Park. The family will receive their friends from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home on Thursday.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frien...

Edgar Louis  McAllister (Mac) (Pete) , age 77, of Sanford, NC, and formerly of Covington, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Central Carolina Hospital, Sanford, NC. He was the husband of Sharon Persinger McAllister.

Edgar was born September 29, 1946 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Walter L. and Minnie Rose McAllister.

He served in the US Army. He was employed with Hercules in Covington, VA and Allied Fibers/Honeywell in Moncure, NC where he retired after 30 years. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed camping and fishing with his family.

In addition to his wife Sharon of 53 years, he is survived by a daughter Robin Turner and husband, Johnny; son Michael McAllister and wife Jill; brother James McAllister and wife Linda; sister-in-law Cheryl McAllister; brother-in-law Sidney Kirby; sister Sharon Hayslett an...

Nancy Gibson Persinger, 89, of Colonial Heights and formerly of Covington, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at her residence.

Nancy was born June 21, 1934, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late William O. and Louise Miller Gibson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Douglas Persinger; a grandson, Matthew McMullen; a great-granddaughter, Natalie McMullen; and two sisters, Geraldine Wolfe, and Armelda Rucker.

Mrs. Persinger was a member of The Church of God. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Chrystal (Frank) McMullen of Colonial Heights; one son, Allan Persinger of Danville; a grandson, Jonathan McMullen of Charles City; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, William Jewel Gi...

Amelia Jane Mitchem 75 of Covington, died Monday 27, 2024, Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem VA.

Arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.

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Lee Allen Humphries, 75, of Covington, died Monday, May 27, 2024, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC.

Lee was born May 17, 1949, in Alleghany County, a son of the late James R. and Malinda Crowder Humphries. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Marvin Humphries; and a sister, Betty Sue Tucker.

Mr. Humphries was a truck driver and warehouse supervisor for Dawn Distributors in Covington. He also worked for Hercules, Inc. for many years. He was a member of Cliffdale Christian Church and had also attended Highland Chapel Christian Church. He loved being outside and was an avid outdoorsman.

Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Elaine Bowen Humphries; a son, Jeff and Laura Humphries; two daughters, Debbie and John Sarver and Tammy and Dinkie Bogar, all of Covington; six grandchildren; f...

Theresa Mays Downer, 69, of Covington, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at her residence.

Theresa was born May 7, 1955, in Alleghany County, a daughter of late M.S. “Slick” Mays and Lois Dressler Mays.

Mrs. Downer retired in 2020 from the Virginia Department of Health as an inspector with thirty years of service. She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Methodist Church.

Surviving is her husband, James A. “Jim” Downer of Covington; one son, JD (Becky) Downer, II. of Covington; two daughters, Jennifer (Brad) Hicks of Covington, and Cassie (Shannon) Johnson of Danville, nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandra Watson of Covington; a niece, Michelle Clarke; five nephews, Matthew (Margee) Clarke, Dustin Clarke, Shane Clarke, Abe Clarke, and Thom (Jeff) Watson; one aunt, Helen Worsham of Arlington.

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Bertha Pritt “Bertie” Persinger, 84, of Covington, died Sunday, May 19, 2024 at her residence.

She was born September 23, 1939 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Gratton and Della Vance Pritt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Allen Persinger, Sr.; a granddaughter, Victoria “Tori” Swain; a son-in-law, Ernie Swain; six brothers, George Pritt, Ira Pritt, Clarence Pritt, Roy Pritt, Lawrence Pritt and Floyd Pritt.

Bertie worked as a sales clerk in the former Friedman’s Jewelry Store in Covington. Affectionately known as “Nana” to her family and close friends, her favorite past times were cooking and sewing, but most of all she loved to spoil all of her grand and great-great grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are three daughters; Teresa (David) Shifflett of Covington, Lo...

Clifton Anthony Ottaviano, Sr., 90, of Covington, died Saturday May 18, 2024, in the Kissito Brian Center-Alleghany in Low Moor.

He was born on October 31, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland, a son of the late Betty Hazel Ayers.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Clifton A. Ottaviano Jr., and one brother.

Clifton served his country in the United States Army.  He retired from Richmar Apartments in Owings Mills, Maryland as maintenance supervisor.

He survived by his wife, Betty Wright Ottaviano of Covington; one daughter, Cathy McElroy; two sons, Terry W. Mills, Jr of Seabeck, WA. and Larry Mills of York, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; and number of great grandchildren.

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

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