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.

OBITUARIES

William “Dick” E. Thompson Mary Frances Dowell Varnau

William “Dick” Edgar Thompson, 86 of Warrenton, VA passed away on June 8, 2020 at Fauquier Hospital. He was born on December 29, 1933 in Halifax County, VA one of eleven children born to the late John Samuel and Hester Ritchie Thompson. Dick served in the U. S. Army as a military policeman both in Germany and in the United States. He retired as an insurance claims adjuster having worked in Danville, Martinsville and Northern Virginia. In Martinsville, he was a Governor of the Moose Lodge and was a member of the Optimist Club. In Fauquier he a member of Liberty United Methodist Church at Bealeton and being an avid golfer was a former member of Fauquier Springs Country Club. His interests include vegetable gardening, sports of all kinds, and NASCAR racing.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Loretta Giles Thompson; his children, Douglas and wife Candace Thompson of Alexandria, VA and Sabrina “Bea” Thompson of Warrenton; and his grandson, Benjamin Thompson.

The family received friends on Monday June 15, from 1-2 PM at Moser Funeral Home where a memorial service followed at 2:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty United Methodist Church, 10513 Old Marsh Road, Bealeton, VA 22712 or to Warrenton Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 167 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton, VA 20186.

Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com. Mary Frances Dowell Varnau, age 92 of Sumerduck, VA passed away on June 11, 2020. She was born in Richmond, VA. She grew up and lived much of her life in Northern VA, marrying and raising 3 children, before moving to Fauquier County in 1981. Mary worked at The Sumerduck Trading Company for many years until she retired in her late 70’s but she didn’t slow down, sewing, driving her friends around, organizing and playing senior bingo, helping out at her church , and taking road trips. She was an active member of Morrisville United Methodist Church and the Sumerduck Ruritan Club.

Donna Lee O’Neil

On Saturday March 21st, 2020 Donna Lee O’Neil passed away at home, after a long arduous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Donna was born in Sayer, PA and spent her childhood in Upstate New York. She attended the University of Miami, FL., where she received a degree in Education. While at UM Donna became very active as a Miami Hurricane cheerleader, a UM hostess and member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Her elegance and beauty were instantly recognized, as she was selected Greek Goddess, during Greek Week 1962. Donna went on to marry her high school sweetheart, James O’Neil Jr. They had a long career in Veterinary medicine while living in Missouri, California and Virginia. She chose Virginia to raise her children, establish their veterinary practices, and pursue their love of horses. From childhood, she loved animals, but horses were her passion. Donna was involved in all aspects of their equine venture, whether it was the stallions, mares or her favorite new foals each spring. Seeing their horses’ success and accolades all over the world thrilled her.

Throughout the years of raising her two children, Donna’s shouts of support and cheers at her son’s basketball games, daughter’s gymnastic meets and husband’s horse shows were always loud and uniquely hers. She was unwavering in her support and her high pitched “whooo!” will be missed.

Donna will be remembered for her beauty and elegance, her graceful style, her affection for her children, granddaughters and dear brothers, and for the joy she would create for every holiday and special occasion. She leaves behind beautiful memories to all who had the pleasure to meet her.

She is survived by her husband James G. O’Neil Jr DVM of Orlean, VA and her children: son James G O’Neil III, (Carolanne O’Neil) of Oakton, VA; daughter Colleen O’Neil, (Chris Henderson) of Amisville, VA. She is also survived by two granddaughters Dawson & Brooke O’Neil of Oakton, VA, and her brothers “Big James” Meachem in Florida and Collin Meachem in New Jersey.

The family will host a Celebration of Donna’s life in the near future.

She is survived by her son Donald Lee Varnau of Lawrence KS, her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Bill Rohwer of Sumerduck, grandsons Christopher Varnau, Brandon Rohwer and Jacen Rohwer and great-grandsons, Christopher, Taylor and Waylon Varnau.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Clyde Varnau, and her son, Robert Wayne Varnau.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date.

A Memorial donation in can be made to The Morrisville United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Moser Funeral Home Warrenton, VA, online condolences can be made at:moserfuneralhome.com

OBITUARIES

Meg Sales Barr

With profound sadness, our family announces the May 29, 2020 passing of Meg Sales Barr, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 71 years old. Meg drew all her strength from her personal and special relationship with her Savior Jesus Christ and the inworking power of the Holy Spirit, until her spirit, joined in oneness with the Holy Spirit left her body, ascending back into God from whence she came. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Meg battled cancer with all her being, always with grace and dignity. No matter how sick she was, she was ever determined. When anyone else would have broken, Meg stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Meg was born in Olean, New York, on August 21, 1948 and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. After graduating from Mt. Vernon High School, she was hired as a stenographer for the Federal Government. While enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College where she studied computer science, Meg was accepted into an intern program with the Federal Government and became a computer programmer and analyst. In 1985 she became a project manager with USA Today. In 1989, letting her entrepreneurial spirit take flight, she launched Printing Professionals, a staffing agency for the printing industry. Her first-hand experience of the happiness and many blessings of adoption through her adopted granddaughter led Meg to Forever Families Adoption Services in 2011 where she worked until 2019 as the Office Administrator.

Meg loved and enjoyed her church family and serving within her community, which was evident in the many ministries she was involved with. Whether it was caring for babies in the church nursery; serving food at the community soup kitchen; creating weekly church newsletters; leading in Bible studies; or organizing Vacation Bible School, church yard sales, and weekly church dinners; her love and passion for the church shined brightly and inspired many.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, James Barr; five children: Kirsten L. Wicht (Daniel) of Middleburg, Virginia; Kourtney M. Barker (Sherman) of Richmond Virginia; Raymond L. Sales, Jr. (Chantel) of Woodbridge, Virginia; Karmen R. Steckman (John) and Timothy M. Sales (Michelle), both of Stafford, Virginia; her mother, Margit Elisabeth Green of Bumpass, Virginia; sister Sonia Green of Arlington, Virginia; and sister Heidi Davis of Bumpass, Virginia; three step-children: Sandy Payne (Pete), Cindy Shackelford (John), and Bryan Barr (Sara) – all of Stafford, Virginia; twelve grandchildren: Elisabeth Wicht; Loren Allison, Megan and Justin Barker; Ashleigh Sales, Kaitlyn Rogers, Mackenzie and Madison Lindholm, Delaney Rasmussen and Shannon Steckman; Kendall and Jordan Sales; twelve step-grandchildren: Isaiah and Nathan Payne; Ashley and Thomas Shackleford, Johnathan Barr; Mike, Heather, Shannon, Obie, Brandon and Ryleigh Barr; three great-grandchildren: Ava Blackburn, Alaina Allison and Tristan Sales; and four step-great-grandchildren: Kaylee and Chris Shackelford; and Marlee and Remmy Piper.

Meg was predeceased by her father, William Allen Green, in 1989 and her first husband, Raymond Lee Sales, in 2011.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Remembrances and condolences may be shared at Covenant Funeral Service -- https:// www.covenantfuneralservice.com/tributes.

Memorial donations in memory of Meg can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (https://ww5.komen.org/), the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (https://themmrf.org/get-involved/ donate-to-the-mmrf/) or Abundant Life Assembly of God (https://www. abundantlifeag.org/).

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com. Mason Gray, Jr.

Mason Gray, Jr., 51 of Warsaw, VA died on June 12, 2020 at Tappahannock Riverside Hospital.

He was born on August 18, 1968 in Fauquier County.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 19 from 1-2 PM at Moser Funeral Home, Warrenton.

A graveside service will follow at 2:30 PM at the Orlean Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be made to www.moserfuneralhome.com. Thelma Lee Adams Payne Bussey

Thelma Lee Adams Payne Bussey passed away on April 15, 2020 at Skyline Terrace Nursing Home in Woodstock, Virginia.

She was born in Madison County, VA on March 5, 1925.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 20 from 1 PM until funeral service begins at 2 PM at Moser Funeral Home, Warrenton.

Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Bealeton.

Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.

ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE

Music is able to elicit our emotions in ways that perhaps no other art form can. Nearly everyone has a list of songs that evoke memories of childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, relationships, important life events, and dreamy recollections. Couples often have one song that they call “our song,” while many of us get goosebumps when we hear certain songs that stir our souls. With this in mind, many individuals stipulate that the songs that have inspired them in life be played at their funerals or memorial services. In the minds of many, it is most appropriate and meaningful to use the songs of their lives to evoke remembrance among those who knew them. Choosing music for a funeral will help create a personalized service and pay tribute to a loved one’s life. Some people choose live music for funerals, commemorating a person’s life with uplifting and happy songs. The choice is completely up to you, and depending on the rules of where the service is being held, there really is no right or wrong. To learn more about the funeral services at MOSER FUNERAL HOME , please call (540) 347-3431. We welcome you to stop by our tastefully appointed facility at 233 Broadview Ave., Warrenton, and be sure to ask about our BRIGHT VIEW CEMETERY, located just outside of Warrenton.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.

Plato

Simple and Complex Estates

Fallon, Myers & Marshall, llP

110 Main Street Warrenton, VA 20186 540-349-4633