8 • Piedmont Shopper© • APRIL 21st - 27th, 2016
Obituaries
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” - Romans 14:8
Linda Carol Farthing
Linda Carol Farthing, 73, of Danville, VA died Sunday, April 10, 2016 at her residence after being in declining health for the past year. Ms. Farthing was born in Danville, VA on November 17, 1942, a daughter of the late Clyde Holland Farthing and Virginia Oakes Farthing. Ms. Farthing graduated from Dan River High School. She had first worked for the former Corning Glass of Danville and retired from Nestle and was a very active member of Glenwood Memorial Baptist Church, and a member of the ABWA Evening Group. Survivors include a sister, Patricia F. Strange, of Washington DC. She was predeceased by a brother, Jerry Wayne Farthing. A memorial graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 3:00 PM from Highland Burial Park conducted by the Rev. Averette Witcher and the Rev. Rick Lancaster. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Home in memory of Linda. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is serving the family.
Cooper Bailey Terry
Cooper Bailey Terry, 70, of Bassett, VA died Sunday, April 10, 2016 at The Memorial Hospital of Martinsville & Henry County after a decline in health for the past two years. Mr. Terry was born in Halifax County, VA on November 19, 1945 a son of the late John C. Terry and Foy McCann Terry. Mr. Terry served in the US Army during Vietnam. Mr. Terry Owned and Operated C.T.’s Mini Mart and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include three brothers, Sam Terry, of Richmond, VA; Ernest “Ernie” Terry, and wife, Beverly; Larry Terry, and wife, June, all of Danville; a sister-in-law, Trennette Terry, of Tennessee; an special Aunt, Ava Martin; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, John C. Terry, Jr. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 2:00 PM from the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel conducted by the Rev. Robert Wright. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens with Military Honors by the Army National Guard. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. The family would like to give a special thank you to all of Cooper’s friends and neighbors for the love and special care given to him. Wren-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Terry family.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
Eunice Smith Mitchell
Eunice Smith Mitchell, age 94, of 3636 Oak Hill Road, Danville, VA, died on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Danville Regional Medical Center after a decline in health for the past four months. Mrs. Mitchell was born on October 10, 1921, in Pittsylvania County, VA, a daughter of the late James Thomas Smith and Mary Lillie Long Smith. She lived most of her life in the Ringgold community of Pittsylvania County and retired as a machine operator with Dan River Mills. On December 20, 1940, she married Frank Marvin Mitchell who preceded her in death on April 4, 2002. She was a member of Ringgold Baptist Church and the Ringgold Church Joy Club. Mrs. Mitchell is survived by a daughter, Harriett M. Jones and husband Dillard of Danville, VA; two grandchildren, Tommy Smith and wife Allison and Casey Smith and wife Christy; four great grandchildren, Jonathan, Mitchell, Cody, and Jameson Smith. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Virginia S. Burnett; and three brothers, Jim Tom Smith, Jr., William Smith and Calvin Smith. Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Reverend Carl Burger and Duane Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow the service in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and at other times the family will be at Harriett’s residence, 3461 Oak Hill Road, Danville, VA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Ringgold Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Mitchell family.
Betty Jean Teyssier
Betty Jean Teyssier, 69, of 5704 U.S. Hwy. 158 West, Yanceyville, NC died on April 13, 2016 at her residence after being in declining health for the past several years. Mrs. Teyssier was born in Allentown, NJ on October 19, 1946 a daughter to the late Chester T. Hudson and Mildred Asay Hudson. She had moved to Yanceyville from Manahawkin, NJ where she had lived most of her life. She was a homemaker and was married to the late Roger J. Teyssier, Jr. who died on August 15, 2012. Mrs. Teyssier is survived by two sons, Brian Scott Riccardo & wife Maria of Ruffin, NC, Michael Chester Riccardo & wife Rebecca of Manahawkin, NJ, one stepdaughter, Danielle Kessenger, one step-son, Andre Teyssier and one sister Nancy Schukert of West Deptford, NJ, four grandchildren & 5 step-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be conducted from the Graveside in Emily’s Hill Cemetery in Emily’s Hill, NJ at a later date. Wrenn-Yeatts Yanceyville Chapel is respectfully serving the Teyssier family.
Jewell Loline Lewis
Jewell Loline Lewis, 94, of Birmingham, AL., p a s s e d away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 14, 2016, after a brief illness. She was born on February 5, 1922, in Keysville, VA. to James Samuel Lewis and Annie Beulah Crawford. She graduated from Gladys High School, Gladys, VA. The family moved to Danville, VA. in 1947 where her bookkeeping career started at Motor Parts and Equipment Co. She retired from Adams Motor Co., in Lynchburg, VA. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Willis H. Lewis, of Crossville, TN. and Marion C. Lewis, of Danville; and a nephew Wade Hampton Lewis. She is survived by three sisters, Arline Beulah Moorman, of Gladys, VA. and Birmingham, AL., Merna L. Carter, of Show Low, AZ., and Sarah L. Buchanan, of Birmingham, AL.; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. from the graveside at Highland Burial Park by the Reverend Aleesa Naish. The family will be receiving friends at the residence of her niece Sheila Moorman, 203 Lynndale Drive, Danville, VA. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 4, at 2:00 P.M. at Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 1016 19th St. South, Birmingham, AL., 35205. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is serving the Lewis family.
Evelyn DeHart Harris
Evelyn DeHart Harris, 74, of 468 Gemstone Lane p a s s e d away on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at her residence. Mrs. Harris was born in Roanoke, VA on May 19, 1941, a daughter of the late, Alton Lemon Manning and Thelma Barlett Manning. She was raised by her step father, Gordon Willie Manning, Sr., after her father was killed in service in WWII. Mrs. Harris was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. She was first married to George Robert DeHart, later after his passing she married, Jerry Wayne Harris, who survives of the residence. Survivors in addition to her husband include two daughters, Deborah DeHart Wright (Jettie); Brenda DeHart Millard (Vince); two step-daughters, Lisa Harris Ober; Beth Harris Keefer (Derick); siblings, Homer Manning (Nella), Thomas Manning (Mary), Arlene
Honaker and Cindy Owens (Buddy); grandchildren, Chad Wright (Erin), Baylee Millard, Chris Millard, Zach Ober and Matt Ober; and great grandchildren, David Wright, Madison Wright, Brelynn Bolden and Alycia Millard. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Teri DeHart Saunders; and siblings, Gordon Manning, Jr., Darlene Honaker and Brenda Manning. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the WrennYeatts Westover Chapel conducted by the Rev. Daryl Joyce and Mr. Glen Hudson. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home and at other times they will be at the residence. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the family of Evelyn Harris.
Heather Oring Silverman
Mrs. Heather (Oring) Silverman, 80, peacefully began the journey to eternal rest on Saturday April 16th, 2016 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born June 24th, 1935 in New York City, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mildred Oring. She lived in the Ringgold Community with her loving husband of 62 years Charles. She is survived by her husband and a daughter, Sara Lincoln and husband Wayne of Massena NY, and four sons, Jaysen and wife Lisa, of Warner Robbins GA, Harris and wife Malinda, of Ringgold VA, Jerrold and wife Beth, of Huntington NY, and Lawrence and wife Lori, of Moriches NY, and one sister Estelle Sloan and husband Steve of Highland Beach Fl. She also leaves behind her grand and great grand children to carry on her legacy. Funeral services will be Tuesday April 19th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with a graveside service at Highland Burial Park, Danville VA. The family will receive friends at the residence of her husband, 3434 Rocksprings Rd Ringgold. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Ringgold Fire And Rescue or the American Diabetes Association. Wrenn Yeatts North Main Chapel is providing services to the family.
Rose Mae Piercy Bolling
Rose Mae Piercy Bolling, 57, of 314 W a l k e r St., Apt. B, Danville, VA, died, Friday, April 8, 2016 at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, VA. Born May 10, 1958 in Mecklenburg, VA, she was the daughter of the late John
Piercy and the late Irene Goode. Survivors include one daughter, Robin Batts of Danville, VA; two sons, Steve Batts of Richmond, VA and Jarvis Stone of Danville, VA; four sisters, Beatrice Jackson of Danville, VA, Mary Evans and Elaine Cooke, both of Richmond, VA and Annie Goode of South Hill, VA; two brothers, Edward Goode of Richmond, VA and Larry Price, of Danville, VA; a devoted niece, “her cowboy,” Regina Goode and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her mother, she was predeceased by one brother, John Goode. The family will receive friends at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 1 PM from the Chapel of Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Bolling family.
JoMalcom Ali Daniels
JoMalcom
Ali Daniels, 24, of 698 Glendale Avenue, died. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital,
Roanoke, VA. Born November 1, 1991 in Danville, VA he was the son of Joe Daniels and Rosa Diane Kirby, who survives. In addition to his parents, survivors include two sons, Jeshia Daniels and DeMarcus Wilson, Jr., both of Danville, VA; five sisters, Janieya Daniels, JoMeka Daniels, Ayauna Culley and JaVonna Barton, all of Danville, VA and Janelle Anderson of NY; seven brothers, Joshua Kirby, JoMetrius Daniels and LaDarius Jefferies, all of Danville, VA, JaQua Daniels, Michael Gunner and Malik Gunner, all of MD and Joseph Anderson of NY; maternal grandmother, Nannie Kirby; paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Daniels; god-sister, Tyasia Bethel; fiancee’, Barbie McCain and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at 106 Druid Court, Danville, VA. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 12 Noon from the Chapel of Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan King, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Daniels family.
Earl Lewis Chisholm
Earl Lewis Chisholm, age 88, of 213 Downey L a n e , p a s s e d a w a y Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in the Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. on February 2, 1928, a son of the late George D. Chisholm and Mary Lewis Chisholm. Earl served in the United States Navy during World War II and with the United States Army 82nd Airborne during the Korean War. He was associated with WBTM Radio as a sales representative for 30 years. Earl was a member of Saint Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church. He was also an avid golfer. In addition to his parents, he was also pre-
deceased by two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maxine Kambesis Chisholm, of the home; two nephews, David Chisholm and Gary Chisholm; a niece Maureen Beher; and a sister-in-law, Ida Reep, and her three sons, Michael, James and Patrick Reep. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. from Saint Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church with Father Peter Rexinis officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery. A Trisagion Prayer Service will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 7 pm at Townes Memorial Chapel. The family suggests that memorials may be made to Saint Peter’s Greek Orthodox Church or to your favorite charity. Townes Funeral Home, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Chisholm family.
Mabel Bradner Pleasant
Mabel Bradner Pleasant, age 91, of Purley NC, p a s s e d away on April 15, 2016 at her residence in the company of her beloved husband John Miller, and family. She was born June 4, 1924 at the Bradner home place near Yanceyville NC to the late Eunice Smith Bradner and Lancelot L. Bradner. She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Michael (Mike) Pleasant. She had ten siblings with only her brother, Dorsey of Yanceyville surviving. She was preceded in death by brothers James, Norman, John, Lance, Jr., and sisters Lillian, Hallie, Alma, Iona and Mattie. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Miller Pleasant, son Dan Miller Pleasant and wife Barbara of Danville, VA, and daughter-in-law Karin Pleasant of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by grandchildren Dan Miller Pleasant, Jr. and wife Beth of Raleigh, NC, Anna Pleasant Grossnickle and husband Andrew of Fredericksburg, VA; and Kelsey, John Michael, and Lindsey Pleasant of Raleigh, NC; and great grandchildren Dan Miller Pleasant III, James Reid and Elizabeth Grace Grossnickle. In addition she is survived by many close and loving relatives. Mabel graduated from Bartlett Yancey High School in 1944, and married John Miller in 1949. She was a devoted member of Purley United Methodist Church. She was a choir member, Sunday school teacher and always engaged in the fellowship activities including bake sales and stews. Known as Aunt Mabel, Mae Mae, Nanny, Granny, “The Pound Cake” lady, and Mrs. P, she had a positive influence on her family, relatives and friends. She had a special way with children, her own and many from the neighborhood. In addition to raising a family and supporting her husband John in his businesses, Pleasant General Store and later Ace Home and Building Center, she was the Purley precinct registrar for 25 years where she managed the voting activities for local, state and national elections and provided of course, pound cakes and goodies as a reward for showing up and voting on election day. Funeral services will be held on Sunday April 17, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Purley United Methodist Church with Reverend Howard James officiating. Interment will
Piedmont Shopper© APRIL 21st - 27th, 2016 • 9
Family Representative
needed to help families prepare for death. Please call Friday April 22, 2016 or Monday April 25, 2016 at Danville Memorial Gardens 434-822-1617 or Floral Hills Memory Gardens 434-822-7342
“Those Who Care....Prepare”
follow at the church. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Purley United Methodist Church, Attn: Mary Meyers, 4560 Old Hwy 86 N, Yanceyville, NC 27379.
Artine Hyler Marshall
Arstine Hyler Marshall, age 78, of 2058 Red Marshall Rd., Pelham, NC, went to be with her Lord on Sunday April 10, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born on March 23, 1938, in Cascade, VA, to the late Robert Giles Hyler and Sally Haynes Hyler. Mrs. Marshall worked in the retail industry and was a member of Lively Stones Baptist Church. She loved her Lord, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Marshall was a special caring Christian lady. She is survived by her sons, Jason Marshall of Danville, VA and Bruce Crowell of Mebane, NC; eight grandchildren; twelve greatgrandchildren; sister, Irene Gatewood; and step-children, Vickie Lee (Danny) and Rev. Avery L. Marshall (Clara). In addition to her parents Mrs. Marshall was predeceased by her husband, Alvin Marshall; sisters, Edna Hazelwood and Connie Barber; brothers, Jack Hyler and Wesley Hyler; step-daughter, Judy Hearp (Robert). Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Lively Stones Baptist Church with Rev. Avery L. Marshall officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at Lively Stones Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 2058 Red Marshall Rd., Pelham, NC. Interment will follow in the Lively Stones Baptist Church Cemetery. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Marshall family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
Anna M. Hosmer
Anna M. Hosmer, age 88, of 2526 N Main St., Danville, VA, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 07, 1928, in Steuben, NY, to the late Robert Meade and Anna Meade. Mrs. Hosmer worked at Captain D’s restaurant. She is survived by her children, Harold B. Hosmer Jr., Arlene Campbell, Judy M. Hosmer, Micheal P. Hosmer, Phillip V. Hosmer, Barbara Jean Chapman, Sandra L. Haley, and Donna Cobb; fifteen grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. In addition to her parents Mrs. Hosmer was predeceased by her husband, Harold B. Hosmer Sr.; two brothers; and one sister. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16 2016 at Swicegood Funeral Home with Pastor Chris McGee officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the
service. At other times, the family will be at 1505 Blair Loop Rd., Danville, VA. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Hosmer family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
Rev. Mark R. Wimmer
Rev. Mark F. Wimmer, 81, of Dry Fork, VA, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Forsyth M e d i cal Center WinstonSalem, NC. He was born on July 02, 1934, in Dry Fork, VA, to the late Carl C. Wimmer and Lura Hoskins Wimmer. Rev. Wimmer served many United Methodist Churches in the Western North Carolina Conference. After retirement in NC, he served as interim pastor at several Methodist churches in the Danville area. After his VA retirement, Rev. Wimmer attended Whitmell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Paige Wimmer, of the residence; sons, Sterling Leon Wimmer of the Charlotte, NC, area, Robert Nelson Wimmer (Xochitl) of Atlanta, GA, and Grier C. Wimmer (Mary) of WinstonSalem, NC. Also surviving are five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and sister, Clara Bowman who resides in Danville, VA. In addition to his parents, Rev. Wimmer was predeceased by his sisters, Edith Coleman and Elma Nunnery, and brothers Carl Wimmer, Ennis Wimmer, Frank Wimmer, Grier Wimmer, Jerome Wimmer, Roy Wimmer, and Sterling Wimmer. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Swicegood Funeral Home with Pastor Wayne C. Moore officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Whitmell United Methodist Church in Dry Fork, VA. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Wimmer family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
Carolyn Benedetta Groux Fuller
Carolyn Benedetta Groux Fuller, age 70, of 519 Wimbish Drive, Danville, VA, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on at her home on April 16, 2016. She was born on March 20, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts. Carolyn retired after years of service as a Social Worker. She enjoyed the beach, playing on the computer, bingo and most of all she loved her family. Along with her mother, Carmella Adams, she is preceded in death by her sister, Camille Groux Vaden and brothers-in-law, Randy E. Vaden and Alton Angus; nephew, Johnnie Vaden, and best friend, Marilyn Guerke. Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband of 52
years, Phillip Gary Fuller, Sr. of the home; son, Phillip Gary Fuller, Jr.; daughter, Jennifer Grace Fuller Andrews and husband, Jeffrey all of Danville; grandchildren, Russell Alton Fuller, II, Phillip Gray Fuller, III, Carmella Sophia Grace (Joselyn) and Johnnie Wayne Viecelli, Jr; sisters, Bernie Groux Angus of IL and Catherine Groux Guadagnino of NJ; brother, Walter T. Adams, Jr. of TN; Stepfather, Walter Adams, Sr. of TN and family best friend, Fredie Guerke (Carmen) of SC; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 22, 2016 from 6-7 p.m. in Swicegood Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Daryl Joyce officiating, and other times at the home. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Fuller family. Please sign the guestbook at www. swicegood-barker.com, www.facebook.com/swicegoodbarker.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooper was predeceased by his father-in-law, Eugene Dewberry. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2016, at Norris Funeral Services, Mt. Hermon Chapel with Pastor Jimmy Calhoun and Pastor Jeff Lynch officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park, Danville. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times at the residence. The family respectfully suggests that memorial donations be made to the Cooper Eugene Worley Scholarship Fund, 4210 Strawberry Road, Chatham, Va. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the Cooper family.
Wanda Karen Earles
Wanda Karen Earles, 60, of 73 Baltimore Ave., Danville, Va. passed a w a y Charles Gregory Wednesday, April “Greg” 13, 2016 at “Skinny” Cooper Danville Charles Gregory “Greg” Regional “Skinny” Medical Center. She was Cooper, born February 27, 1956 in 52, of 4210 Danville to the late Ruth Strawberry Cheek Earles and the late Road, ChaWarren K. Earles. tham, Va. Ms. Earles is survived by her gained his daughter, Melanie Keller wings on (Dennis Keller) of GreensTuesday, boro, N.C.; her son, Jason April 12, Powell (Jennifer Powell) of 2016. He Bend, Oregon; her sister, was born September 19, Pam Kellam (James Kel1963, in Newport News, Va. lam) of Reidsville, N.C.; one to the late Gloria Ingram twin brother, Kenny EarCooper and the late Charles les (Dedrah Earles) of Siler Jackie Cooper. He is surCity, N.C.; and three grandvived by his loving wife children, Dylan, Danica, Monica Dewberry Cooper. and Devin Keller; as well as Mr. Cooper graduated with numerous nieces and nephhonors from Bartlett Yancews. ey High School and proudly A private service will be served his country in the US held to commemorate her Navy aboard the USS Coral homegoing by her family. Sea. He had worked as a Norris Funeral Services, maintenance mechanic for Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Goodyear for 17 years and Hermon Chapel, 3995 was a member of the local Franklin Tpke., Danville is URW #831 Steelworkers of serving the Earles family. America. Mr. Cooper was a master carpenter and an avid NASCAR fan; his favorite driver was #11 Denny Hamlin. He was of the Methodist Faith. In addition to his wife, Mr. Cooper is survived by his daughter, Samantha Jo Worley of Chatham; his sister, Penny Cooper Doss and husband, Richard of Providence, N.C.; his mother-in-law, Marie Dewberry of Danville; his sister-inlaw, Sherry Gregory and husband, Kevin of Buffalo Junction, Va.; his nephews, Ian Gregory of Buffalo Junction, and Adam Doss of Providence; his nieces, Megan Doss and Kelley Doss, both of Providence, and Julia Gregory of Buffalo Junction; his special cousin, Gary Durham and wife, Allison, and their family and children of Chatham, and his grandson, Cooper Eugene Worley, “Papa’s Boy”. He is further survived by his special pets, Lexie and Bella.
“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Dr. Bo Wagner is pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, NC, and the author of several books. His books are available at www.wordofhismouth.com Email comments to: 2knowhim@cbc-web.org
“The Great Bathroom Battles” If the Lord tarries his coming another generation or so, I can only imagine what historians and sociologists will have to say about us... “In the 1960s, just a few short decades after taking flight, mankind set foot on the moon. One giant leap, indeed!” “In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan boldly challenged the leader of the communist nations of the world to tear down the Berlin Wall, and just months later, that symbol of repression and isolation was merely a heap of rubble on the ash pile of history.” “In the 2010s, society came to blows over where people would potty.” It is a sad commentary that things have come to this. But it is part and parcel of what happens when a valuable ingredient is removed from society: shame. In Judges 18:7 Laish was described as a city in which “there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing.”Jeremiah chapter six speaks of the time when God’s people could no longer even blush no matter how degrading their behavior became. Shame, embarrassment, is actually a very essential component of an orderly society. Some years ago I was preaching at a church I had never been to before. I went into the restroom when I arrived, and when I came out, I found a line of ladies waiting, staring at me, giggling. I immediately turned as red as a beet; I had accidentally gone into the wrong restroom. That embarrassment has made me infinitely more careful ever since. The great argument over whether men “identifying” themselves as women or women “identifying” themselves as men should be allowed to use the opposite gender’s restroom is disturbing on so many levels. It calls into question hard science (things like chromosomes and DNA and anatomy) history (thousands of years of gender distinctions) Scripture (“He made them male and female” Matthew 19:4) privacy rights (most women and girls do not want men in the bathroom or changing rooms with them) and safety (what an open door for voyeurs and worse). All of this goes to the heart of one great question, though. Are people what they are, or are they what they think they are or wish to be? This came home to me forcefully this past week as I read a news story about a person who believes he is... a dragon. He actually started his journey into mythology by deciding that he was a woman. Everyone celebrated his “new reality,” complete with the surgery he underwent to complete the transformation. But when he/she decided he was now a dragon, and started
getting surgery to accomplish that transformation, his/her supporters gulped a bit. But when anyone can determine what “their own reality” is, how far is too far? Thinking of society’s brand new “dragon,”the bathroom battles, and the Rachel Dolezal debacle (the lady who pretended to be African American, and ended up as head of an NAACP chapter) it did not take me long to put my thoughts to poetry. “The Dragon In My House” I once had a son who thought he was a wagon, who later was sure that he might be a dragon. “I might could breathe fire, and maybe could fly!” he would say with assurance, and hope in his eye. “Now, son,” I responded with infinite kindness, “to think that way’s foolish, it’s practically blindness. You are what you are, you are not what you wish, a man is a man, not a dragon or fish.” My son smiled and nodded, “I understand, Dad, this dragon desire’s just a wish that I had..” Imagine my shock, then, my utter surprise, when he came home from school with contempt in his eyes. “Dad, you’re old fashioned, your views are outdated, my identity’s mine, whichever one I’ve created. Chromosomes lie, and some boys are now girls, DNA is irrelevant, some humans are squirrels. Old man Jones is now six, he didn’t like eighty, big Bertha is thin, though she still looks quite weighty. The white-as-snow family that moved in down the street, are black rappers now, so don’t dis on their beat.” I stood there in silence, not sure what to do, for nothing that my son was saying was true. But times are a-changing, and people are mean, upset them with facts, and they shout and they scream. So now I’ve a dragon that lives in my house, I must feed him each day with a newly caught mouse. But I can’t help but wonder, when facts ceased to matter, and those who held to them, became the mad hatters. But I must say goodbye now, for I hear a roar, I must go feed my dragon, he’s hungry for more. I have nothing but compassion for those who honestly think they are a different gender, or a different race, or a different age, or even a different species. But feeding untrue beliefs is not compassion. Nor is allowing others to be put at risk, or even making them uncomfortable to accommodate those untrue beliefs compassion. There is nothing more compassionate than truth, and than orienting a society around it.