Obituaries

Robert Allen McCoy, Sr., age 78, of Covington, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at The Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge following an extended illness.

Robert was born August 17, 1945, in Ranielle, West Virginia, a son of the late John Omer and Goldie Jackson McCoy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Warren McCoy, James McCoy, and Wayne McCoy; and two sisters, Wanda Perry, and Addie Childs.

Robert grew up on the family farm in Williamsburg, WV and graduated from Frankford High School in 1963. A devoted patriot, Mr. McCoy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had the utmost respect for the U.S. Flag and the national anthem. He retired from Alleghany Power/First Energy in 2008 after more than 31 years as a Lineman. He was a lifetime member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church i...

Shirley Jean Switzer, 55, of Low Moor, died Saturday, April 6, 2024, at her residence.

Shirley was born May 12, 1968, in Covington, a daughter of the late Michael Edward Switzer and Brenda Thomas Kincaid, of White Sulphur Springs, WV. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Markie Smith, Jr.

Ms. Switzer worked as a CNA for the Kissito - Brian Center Alleghany for many years.

Along with her mother, survivors include two sons, Mason Switzer, Sr. and Brandon Finney, both of Low Moor; two grandsons, Mason Switzer, Jr. and Hunter Switzer; Chad Drummond of New Castle; five sisters, Lisa (Chris Walton) Smith of Low Moor, Betsy (Bruce) Evenson of Front Royal, Carol (David) Young of Covington, Karen (Tony) Wood of Salem, and Amanda Lowe of Brookfield, CT; and one brother, Michael Switzer of Roanoke, and nieces and nephews.

Robert Eagle Wright (Bobby), 66 of Covington, passed away on Thursday, April 4th, 2024. He was born on December 2, 1957, in Alleghany County to Jackalean and the late Walter Wright. He was the loving husband of 30 years to Lauren Wright Wright. He retired from Waco, Inc. as a crane operator. Bob took pride in his many years as an operator. From a young age, he had a passion for motorcycles, and he enjoyed years of rides with great friends and Lauren. He enjoyed hanging out with his feline sidekicks, Mickey and Charley, and was a huge western fan. But his greatest joy in life was his family and a multitude of friends, who will all miss him greatly. Bob was of the Christian faith.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lauren Wright Wright; three sons, Bryan Eagle Wright, Zachary Caleb Wright and wife Lydia, and Joshua Dillon Haynes; his mother, Jackalean Wright; four brothers, Roy Lee (Ronnie) Wright, Stuart Wright and wife Morri...

Gerald “Jerry” Ceasar Seidl, 80, of Covington, died Thursday, April 4, 2024, at his residence.

Jerry was born November 15, 1943, in Baltimore, MD, a son of the late Gerald Seidl and Grace Abbruzzese Seidl. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister.

Mr. Seidl served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his son, Brian Seidl and his wife, Denise, of Schofield, WI; one daughter, Vicki Williams of Mosinee, WI; three grandchildren, Ethan Tesch, Hanna Seidl, and Sarah Williams.

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

A private memorial service is planned at a later date.

Arritt Funeral Home is i...

Betty Salyers Anderson, age 94, of Covington, passed away Saturday 30, 2024, at the Brian Center – Alleghany in Low Moor, VA.

Betty was born October 23, 1929, in Bacova, Virginia, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late William Henderson Salyers and Fern Baker Salyers, her beloved husband, Jean Stuart Anderson, four sisters, Marguerite (Bill) Beverage, Peggy (Freddie) McCormick, Evelyn Rose Salyers, Jane (Gordon) Switzer; two brothers, John (Lila) Salyers and William (Yolanda) Salyers and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was a very active and faithful member of South Covington United Methodist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School for youth and adults, secretary for the United Methodist Women, Church Council Secretary and served as Communion Steward for a number of years. Besides her church, she enjoyed writing songs, poetry, prose and playing piano and...

Elsie Jane Austin Griffith, 87, of Covington, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Elsie was born April 7, 1936, on Teaberry Road near Ronceverte WV, a daughter of the late Henry William and Rachel Yates Austin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Eldridge Griffith and one brother, Robert Lee Austin.

Mrs. Griffith attended Bluefield Business College and worked at several clerical jobs over the years, including at the Greenbrier and at various doctor’s offices in the area. She enjoyed traveling, crafts, gardening, reading, chocolate, and people. She loved talking and listening to new and old friends alike.

Surviving are her children, Stanley Griffith of Manassas, and Donna Griffith Shewmake of Henrico; two grandchildren, Megan Coles Shewmake ...

Elnora Davis Tyler, age 93, of Covington, departed this life on Sunday, March 24 at the Brian Center of Alleghany in Low Moor.

Mrs. Tyler was born October 27, 1930, in Covington, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Jesse Davis and Dorothy E. Davis; her husband, George Spellman Tyler, Sr., and two sisters, Elizabeth Holloway and Doris Pleasant.

Mrs. Elnora lived in Covington her entire life and was employed at the Holiday Inn. She was a very strong independent lady. In later years when she could no longer drive, you would see her walking everywhere without asking anyone to take her places and refusing a ride if asked. Mrs. Elnora lived in her house on Lexington Avenue alone until her health deteriorated and she had to go the Brian Center for care. She loved being a member of her church, Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ where she was the ‘Church Mot...

Thomas Kevin Pernod, age 72, of Michigan, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Lewis-Gale Salem Hospital in Salem.

Thomas was born December 13, 1951, in Michigan and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Wilma Catherine Maple Pernod and Maurice Henri Pernod; a grandson Nathanial Micheal Cain.

He was an excellent carpenter by trade.  Thomas was proudly raised in London, Ohio, an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan; loved the old rock and roll music and thoroughly enjoyed joy rides in the mountains.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam War.  

Surviving is his wife, Cindy Franson Pernod of Covington; two daughters, Tabitha (Chris) Craft of Covington;  Miranda (Josh) Cain of Columbus, Ohio; one son, Dylan (Beth) Pernod of Telford, Tennessee; ten grandchildren; three sisters; a host of nieces and nephews...

Jean Ann Miller Tucker, 85, of Salem and formerly of Covington, died at her residence on

Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Jean was born April 11, 1938, in Alleghany County, the daughter of the late Ray and Madeline

Hughart Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobbie

Tucker, in 2014.

Mrs. Tucker was a bookkeeper for the former Covington Grocery, retiring after many years of

service. She was a member of South Covington United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her cousins, Shirley Sheppard of Salem, Leila “Lee” Piercy of Fairlea, WV,

Sharon Sheppard, and her husband David Laughlin, of Salem, Scott and Stacey Sheppard of

Salem, Donna Piercy of Fairlea, WV, Lean...

Franklin Lee Fadley, 89, of Covington, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Lee was born May 17, 1934, in Rockingham County and was raised at Boys Home in Covington. He served his country in the United States Airforce. Following his discharge from the military, he worked for the City of Norfolk, retiring as a maintenance supervisor. He was a member of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Lelia Daugherty Fadley of Covington; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM in Cedar Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Jim Moss officiating.

The family will receive their friends 12:30 to 1:30 PM on Friday at Arritt Funeral Home.

Angela Mattern Caldwell, 82, of Covington, died Friday, March 15, 2024, at her residence.

Angela was born December 15, 1941, in Hanhofen, Germany, a daughter of the late Jakob Mattern and Amanda Weber Mattern. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney C. Caldwell; one brother; and two sisters.

Mrs. Caldwell came to the United States on December 9, 1960, and was the first woman to graduate from the culinary school at The Greenbrier. She spent more than 35 years at the resort as an Executive Pastry Chef. She was a member of the Alleghany United Methodist Church.

Left to cherish her memory is her companion of 33 years, Doug Vass, of Covington; one daughter, Lisa Caldwell of Clifton Forge; two sons, Steve (Shawn Wright) Caldwell of Covington and Emilio “Joe” Greenwood of Wytheville; five gran...

Martha “Eunice” Bailey Carter Quantz, 87 of Covington, died Thursday, March 14, 2024, at her residence.

She was born March 28, 1936, in Beckley, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Rev. Henry Bailey and Mabel Massey Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Bill” Carter, in1986; her second husband, Vernon E. Quantz, in 2022; a daughter, Janet Melvin; infant grandson Scottie Melvin; a son-in-law, Dale Lowry, Sr.; and four brothers and sisters.

Eunice worked for the former Alleghany County Public Schools as a bus driver for many years. She was a member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Billie Jean Carter, Dolly C. Lowry, and Barbara (Bob) Shifflett, all of Covington; one son, W.F. (Alicia) Carter of Covington; seven grandchildren, Ran...