OBITUARIES
Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | June 17, 2020
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OBITUARIES Deborah Waddell-Miller On Sunday, May 31, 2020, Deborah WaddellMiller, a loving wife, and mother to three children passed away at the age of 62. Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Jocelyn Waddell, and stepmother Janice Waddell. Deborah Was born on March 18, 1958, in Alexandria, VA to Richard and Jocelyn Waddell. She was a 1976 Graduate of Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, VA. Deborah lived for many years in Lorton, VA before moving her family to Rappahannock County. After her children were all grown, Deborah moved to White Post, VA with her husband Robert Miller. Deborah was a real estate agent and worked for Long and Foster in Warrenton, VA. She had a passion for gardening, animals, antiques, flea markets, classic rock, and painting. She was known for her kindness and for her love of children. Deborah is survived by her father Richard Waddell, husband Robert Miller, brother Steven Waddell, daughters Sarah Sydnor and Rachel Patterson along with their husbands and life partners Greg Sydnor, and James Keiter, her only son and his wife Andrew and Megan Patterson, three grandchildren, Alexis Williams, Lyla and Ethan Patterson, one great-grandchild Ayden Busher, and her beloved German Shepherd Caesar. All whose lives were blessed to have been touched by her warm and loving-kindness. Please join us for a Celebration of Life Ceremony to honor and remember Deborah. This celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Fauquier SPCA. Please view obituary and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com
Thelma Mae Sisemore Godfrey Thelma Mae Sisemore Godfrey departed this world on Sunday, 07 June 2020, at The Culpeper, in Culpeper, Virginia. Thelma was born on Monday, 09 April 1928 to Harry E. Sisemore and Mary L. Sinclair Sisemore, in The Plains, Fauquier County, Virginia. She was the first of three daughters born to the couple. Thelma was a resident of Warrenton from 1949 to 2012, when she moved to the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community. A graduate of Marshall High School, Thelma worked for over ten years as a telephone operator with the old C&P Telephone Company, first in The Plains and then in Warrenton. When her four children took priority of her time, she became a full time Mom. As her two youngest children reached kindergarten age, Thelma went to work with Dot Sudduth in her kindergarten school and stayed until Dot retired from teaching. In addition to her parents, Thelma was predeceased by her husband of fifty-six years, George Vernon Godfrey, her sisters, Helen Sisemore Russell, Patricia Sisemore Plaster, and one great grandchild, Sarah Rose Fox. Thelma leaves behind one son, G.V. “Dink” Godfrey, Jr., and three daughters, Deborah Godfrey Fox, Beverly Godfrey Boone, and Denise Godfrey Heflin. Thelma also leaves nine grandchildren, Johna Price Burke, Rachael Godfrey Mooney, Jason Fox, Naomi Heflin Ugalde, Lena Heflin Neighbors, Ian Heflin, Judy Heflin Poland, Angela Boone Fisher, and Zachary Boone. Great grandchildren, Rosalee “Rosie Mae” Fox, Jackson Mooney, Eliza Mooney, Scarlett Fisher, Brayden Fisher and Wade Poland also survive her. Thelma is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Thelma leaves behind the Staff and Residents of The Culpeper retirement community. They lovingly cared for and nurtured Thelma the past eight years and for whom the family will be forever grateful. Thelma was blessed to have the care of Dr. Anita Maybach and her staff as her health requirements increased. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 13 from 1-2 PM at Moser Funeral Home and graveside services will follow at 2:30 PM at Warrenton Cemetery where she will be interred alongside her late husband. Facial masks and social distancing will be observed at visitation and the service due to COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community, now known as The Culpeper, Hospice of the Piedmont or Fauquier Heritage and Preservation Foundation, Inc. of which she was a life member. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
Fern Volkman Bratten Fern Volkman Bratten, 71, Fashion Guru and Feline Rescuer. As a leading sales motivator, Fern Bratten had a devoted following of corporations, retailers, and customers. She had a background in theater, stand-up comedy, and 25 years in sales, possessing a rare combination of industry knowledge and the ability to connect with audiences. For the past two years Fern and her surviving husband Bruce were residents of the Fauquier Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Warrenton, Virginia. The cause of death was heart disease. Fern spent 14 years with Koret, a major manufacturer of women’s clothing, producing narrated fast paced humorous fashion shows. Sponsoring retailers were astounded by the enthusiasm of her followers and the success she had spiking the number of sales after each show. After leaving Koret, for the next three years she was a retail buyer. Her own line of Fern Bratten apparel was distributed nationwide by Wal-Mart and QVC. She became a leading retail sales motivator and keynote speaker. Her clients included Federated, Saks, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, and Belk. It was said that Fern could sell anything to anyone. She longed to spend more time at home with her husband Bruce, also fulfilling her passion for animal rescue. Over the years they rescued and loved hundreds of needy cats. Before retiring she worked in public relations for Yves Delorme Luxury Linens in Charlottesville, later managing the Salamander Gift Shop in Middleburg. With her usual flair she developed a following of shoppers to whom she offered a cup of tea as they entered. Fern Linda Volkman was born in Hempstead, New York on May 13, 1949, attending Hempstead High School, Boston University, and Golden Gate University. She was the oldest child of Irene and David Volkman, caring for them in their final years after their move to Warrenton. Fern and her parents were members of the Fauquier Jewish Congregation. She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce, whom she married on Valentine’s Day 1982; sister Karen Androphy (husband Gary); brother Arthur Volkman (wife Shelly); nephew Jeremy Volkman; niece Justine Volkman (fiancé Nick Senta); Darlene Hughes (dear friend); Florence Pellegrino Giardino (dear friend). Memorial contributions may be made to the Fauquier SPCA, PO Box 733, Warrenton, VA 20188. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
