8 • Piedmont Shopper© • AUGUST 6th - 12th, 2015
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
Oakes Memorials & Signs
3676 Franklin Turnpike • Danville, VA 24540 434.836.5888 Monuments • Church Signs Business Signs • Vases • Benches • Mausoleums • Cremation Estates
“See us first for all your memorial and sign needs.”
Mon.-Fri. 8:30AM - 5PM Sat. 8:30AM - Noon Gary C. Oakes, Owner, Operator Email: oms@chatmosscable.com www.oakesmemorialsandsignsinc.com
Dorothy Harper Culley
Michael DaLee Slaughter
James Christian “JC” Gauldin
Michael DaLee Slaughter, age 45 of Ash, NC formerly of Danville, VA passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2015 in Supply, NC. He was born July 18, 1970 in Danville to Jerry Slaughter and Florence Edmonds Slaughter. Michael was married to Crystal Wilson Slaughter who survives of the residence. Mr. Slaughter was an avid pool player in which he won first place in the GSBT Billiards championship, he was also a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and close friend and he loved his dog Norbert. Michael studied the bible with the Jehovah’s Witness. In addition to his parents and wife he is survived by two daughters, Ashley Slaughter Bates and husband Donald of Danville and Cheyenne Slaughter of Ash, NC; a son Thomas Slaughter who shares the same birthday as his dad of Danville; two sisters, Kelly Sims and husband Billy of Dry Fork, VA and Ashley Mayhew of Danville and three grandchildren, Kalie Pyron, Andrew Bates and Jordan Slaughter. The family will receive friends 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Inc. West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave., Danville, VA 24541 and other times at the residence of his sisters home (Kelly Sims) 9245 Franklin Tpke., Dry Fork, VA. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2015 at Norris funeral Services, Inc., West End Chapel with Elder Dexter Gravely officiating. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Garden, Danville. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Slaughter family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
It is with deep sorrow that we say goodbye to James Christian “JC” Gauldin, age 45, who passed on Friday, July 31, 2015, at Danville Regional Medical Center, due to declining health over the past year. JC was born on July 29, 1970 and resided at 824 Rutledge Street in Danville. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Virginia Brooke Gauldin of the residence. He recently retired from MJRW, Inc. after 14 years of loyal service as Foreman of Maintenance & Construction. He was of the Christian faith, who enjoyed spending time with his family, swimming and fishing, and was a very proud and active Boy Scout Leader of Troop 356; Danville’s oldest Boy Scout Troop. In addition to his wife, JC is survived by three sons, Bryan Joseph Gauldin and Devin James Gauldin of the residence and Jonathan Blake Amos of Danville; one granddaughter, Aurora Dawn Amos; his mother, Rebecca Burke Conner of Martinsville, VA and father, James Frank Gauldin of Danville, VA; three brothers Roger Gauldin Burke, Bobbie Eugene Conner, and Daniel Thomas Conner; and his grandmother, Glenna Kingery Burke of Danville, VA. He was predeceased by one brother, David Allen Conner. A celebration of JC’s life will be held at Nor-Dan Church of Christ, 208 Orchard Dr., Danville, VA 24540 on Saturday August 8, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. JC was no suit and tie man and had a very relaxed nature, so come as you are and dress comfortably. Immediately following the service will a brief visitation with the family followed by a luncheon held in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Gauldin family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Dorothy Harper Culley, 89, of Ringgold, VA, died, Thursday, July 30, 2015 at her residence. Born August 28, 1925 in Pittsylvania County, VA, she was the daughter of the later James Harper Sr., and Mary Ella Garland Harper. She was married to Harding Culley, who preceasded her. Survivors include four daughters, Lillie Dade, Diana Taylor, Pamela Forbes and Cecial Patrick all of Richmond, VA; two sons, Wilford Culley and Joe Culley both of Ringgold, VA; three sisters, Margaret parker of Danville, VA, Minnie Potis of Wenonah, NJ and Mary Wilson of Washington, DC; one brother, Alvester Harper of Ringgold, VA and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by three children, Cathy Gunn, Lewis and Nelson Culley; five siblings, Cora Gunter, Lettie Sherman, Joseph Harper, Bossie Harper and James Lee Harper, Jr. The family will receive friends at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 1 PM from the Chapel of Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Curtis Strader officiating. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Culley family.
Lueceil Virginia Conway Lueceil Virginia Conway, 85, of 121 Lovelace Drive, Danville, VA died Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville, Martinsville, VA. Born August 2, 1929 in Pittsylvania County, VA she was the daughter of the late Wilbur Chaney and the late Martha Morrison Lanier. She was married to the late Junius Conway. Survivors include eight daughters, Pastor Irene Graham, Evangelist Joann Luck, Jeanette Goggins, Diann Conway, all of Danville, VA, Clara Mae Conway, Sheila Conway, Viader Conway and Cecil Conway, all of Trenton, NJ; one sister, Ruth Morrison of Danville, VA; one brother, Harold Morrison of Danville, VA; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was pre-
deceased by one daughter, Carolyn Jennings; one son, Curtis Collie Conway; one sister Stella Hood; two brothers, Roosevelt Morrison and Pete E. Morrison. The family will receive friends at the residence of Joann Luck, 119 Sycamore Street, Danville, VA. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 7, 2015 at 12:00 Noon from Rehoboth Apostolic Church with rev. Jonathan King officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Conway family.
Lynda S. Lewis Lynda S. Lewis, of 318 Third Ave. W, died unexpectedly Monday, July 27, 2015 at her home. She was born in Danville, Va. on Jan. 16, 1939 to the late John Watson Stovall Jr. and Nellie B. Stovall. She graduated from G. W. High School in 1958, and later graduated from the Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1983. Lynda was employed with Danville Regional Medical Center until her retirement in 2006. She was a member of College Park Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, and choir member. Lynda was a certified childbirth educator, past president of the DRMC Retirees club, and a Master Gardner. Lynda was predeceased by her husband Emmett L. Lewis, and her sister, Beverly S. Rasgdale. She is survived by her four daughters, Nancy Capps of Millsboro, DE, Pam Gray of Danville, Rachel Peters of Danville, and Emily Mayhew of Danville. One sister, Jayne Hughes of Killeen, TX, and two brothers, Doug Stovall of Chatham, Va., and Brack Stovall of Middlothian, Va. Five grandchildren, Hannah Peters, Cliff Capps, Trey Lakey, Brandon and Gauge Mayhew, and two greatgrandchildren, Ridge Capps and Carson Payge Mayhew. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 31, 2015 at 11:00 am from Townes Memorial Chapel by Rev. Doug Barber with interment directly following at Floral Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home on Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 7 to 8:30pm and at other times at the home of Emily Mayhew, 152 Homeport Ln, Danville, Va.
Eunice Anderson Wells Eunice Anderson Wells of 480 West Main Street left this earthly life to go and abide in her heavenly home with God on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Mrs. Wells was born and reared in Halifax county to Perley Wright and Mary Smart Anderson. She was educated in Halifax County schools and graduated with honors. She attended Averett College. She was retired after 28 years of service from C. & P. Telephone Company. She was a member of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church since 1951, where she was very active until her health failed. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and a devoted member and past President and Woman of the Year of ABWA. Eunice enjoyed people and would want her friends to know how much they meant to her. She also enjoyed traveling, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Mrs. Wells married David S. Wells Sept. 1942 who predeceased her in June 1974 she was also predeceased by her daughter Patricia Mitchell and brothers, Edward L. Anderson and James R, Anderson. She is survived by her loving children, David M. Wells and wife Millie, son in law Wayne Mitchell. Three grandsons, Brian Fillion and wife Pam, Chris Wells and Brad Wells. Granddaughter in law Karen Fillion. Two greatgrandchildren, Nicholas Fillion, and Brittany Roberson Wade, and great-greatgrand daughter Victoria Wade, all of Danville. She is also survived by her sister Catherine Elliott of Danville, sister in law Ruth Collie of High Point; and 4 nephews and 1 niece. On behalf of our Mother, her family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. David S. Caldwell of Duke University Medical Center for his care and friendship for over 30 years. Also thank you to her personal caregiver and friend Betty Roach and the staff of Commonwealth Home Nursing, especially Cassie, Monique, Juanita, and Carolyn. The family suggest memorial contributions be sent to the Arthritis Association or The Cancer Association. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Townes Memorial Chapel with Reverend Daryl Joyce and Reverend Cameron Edgar officiating.The family will have a visitation 12:30-1:30 before the Funeral. There will be a private interment at Highland Burial Park. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Wells family.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God’s is eternal life in Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Barbara Lester Hancock Starling Barbara Lester Hancock Starling, 84, of the Brosville Community died Monday, July 27, 2015 at Roman Eagle Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. Mrs. Starling was born in Danville, VA on July 7, 1931 a daughter of the late James Howard Lester and Irene Gillie Lester. Mrs. Starling worked as a receptionist for Roman Eagle Memorial Home until her retirement in 1992, and attended Tree of Life Ministries. She was first married to Harold Otwa Hancock, who died on July 16, 2004; she married James Edward Starling, who died on December 7, 2009. Survivors include a daughter, Ellen “Beth” Craven, and husband, Craig; two sons, Sam Hancock, and wife, Martha; John Hancock, and wife, Francine; two step-daughters, Veronda S. Osborne, and husband, Dale; Lisa S. Hodnett, and husband, Randy; a step-son, Tony Starling, and wife, Leslie; two grandchildren, Shane Hancock, Morgan Craven; step-grandchildren, Dale Marshall, Thomas Osborne, Jeremy Osborne, Courtney Starling, Kristen Starling, Holly Conner, Joshua Edger, and Coles Sherman. In addition to her husbands she was predeceased by a sister, Corinne L. Newcomb. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 2:00 PM from the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel conducted by the Rev. Joe Hopkins and the Rev. Michael Turner. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Brosville Fire & Rescue or to the Danville Life Saving Crew.
Paul H. Brann Paul H. Brann, 64, of 900 Sandy Bottom Road Ringgold died Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at his residence after a brief illness. He was born May 30, 1951 a son of Frances Gourley Brann and the late Harry Gordon Brann, Jr. Paul had lived most of his life in the Ringgold community and had worked in construction. Survivors in addition to his mother of Danville, include a brother, Mark G. Brann of Ringgold, an uncle, Charlie H. Gourley, Jr. of Danville and an aunt, Catherine Willis of California. There will be no funeral service but the family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM at the residence of his mother, 160 Naples Street. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is serving the Brann family.
Piedmont Shopper© AUGUST 6th - 12th, 2015 • 9
Mary Evelyn Hodnett Moore
Danny Gene Williams, Sr.
Lois Ferguson Ramey
Frances Elizabeth Hudson Collins
Mr. Danny Gene Williams, Sr., 69, of Mary Evelyn Hodnett Blanch, Moore, NC, died age 92, of on July 30, 840 Barker 2015 at his Road, Ringresidence. gold, VA, He was died Friday, born on July 31, August 23, 2015 at her 1945, in residence Danville, after a VA, to decline in the late John and Thelma health for three years. Lakey Williams. Mr. WilMrs. Moore was born on liams worked at Hardees October 1, 1922 in Spring for approximately 40 years Garden, VA to the late and was of the Pentecostal Howard Clay Hodnett and Faith. He loved working Talitha Cumi Rowland on and fixing things and he Hodnett. enjoyed fishing in his free She was a homemaker time. He was a very smart and a member of Wesley man who was loved deeply Chapel United Methodist and will be terrible missed. Church where she served Mr. Williams is survived by as a Sunday School teacher his two daughters, Michelle for 18 years. Mrs. Moore Gryder of Providence and was also a member of the Katie Williams of Danville; United Methodist Women’s his son, Dan Williams II of Association and served as a Providence; four grandtrustee with the church. On children, Hunter, Maryah, April 14, 1940, she married Micheal and Justin; his Robert W. Moore, Jr. who sister, Brenda Beverly; two survives. brothers, Bobby Williams In addition to her husband and Freddy Williams; his she is survived by a son, former wife, Brenda WilRobert W. (Billy) Moore, liams Erickson; his special III and his wife Kathy, a companion, “Cookie” and daughter, Edna M. Jones an extended family memand her husband Lee, four ber, Susan Harris. grandchildren and four In addition to his parents great-grandchildren. Mr. Williams was predeShe was predeceased by ceased by his second wife, two brothers, Walter HodDenna Williams Barker. nett and Aubrey Hodnett, Funeral services will be and three sisters, Edna conducted at 2 pm on Schwartz, Athleen Jones, Monday, August 3, 2015 at and Nancy Lewis. Swicegood Funeral Home Funeral services will be with Pastor Jason Cook held on Sunday August officiating. Visitation will 2, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the be held Sunday, August 2, Wrenn-Yeatts North Main 2015 from 6pm until 8pm. Chapel with the Reverend Interment will follow in Steve Weedling officiatHighland Burial Park in ing. The family will receive Danville, Virginia. friends prior to the service Swicegood Funeral Service from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. A is respectfully serving the private burial will be held Williams family. at a later date. Please sign the guestbook Wrenn-Yeatts North Main at www.swicegood-barker. Chapel is respectfully serv- com, www.facebook.com/ ing the Moore family. swicegoodbarker.
Lois Ferguson Ramey age 101 years passed peacefully Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the home of her daughter of 208 Shadowbrook Drive, Burlington, NC. She is survived by daughter Patricia R. Webster (Hugh); granddaughter, Claudia Burton Jones; grandsons, LeGrand Webster and Noel Webster-Ramey and two great-grandsons. She was predeceased by husband, J. Beverly Ramey Jr. and daughter, Linda R. Burton. A brother, Bill Ferguson of Florida survives. Lois grew up in the Ringgold, VA area. She had a career as a secretary for John W. Daniel Construction Company and retired from Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Ramey was a beautiful, classy and sweet person. She battled dementia several years. The staff of Hospice of Alamance Caswell has been excellent helping Pat, LeGrand and Sarah care for her. The family plans visitation at Swicegood, 564 West Main St., Danville, VA from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 01, 2015 at Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215. Swicegood Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Ramey family.
Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Hudson Collins, 91, of Westover Drive, died on August 1, 2015 at DRMC. Mrs. Collins was born on February 16, 1924, in Ferrum, VA, to the late Buford D. and Bettie Frances Jamison Hudson. She worked as a weaver in Dan River Mills for 50 years and was of the Baptist Faith. Mrs. Collins is survived by her two daughters, Judith C. Franklin and husband Carl of Pelham, NC and Wanda C. Tucker and husband Keith of Richmond, VA; her brother, Jay Lee Hudson of Ferrum, VA; four grandchildren, Brian, Chris, Kim and Shona; seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In addition to her parents Mrs. Collins was predeceased by her husband, Vester Collins; her son, Kenneth Collins and four sisters, Dorothy, Virginia, Bonnie and Juanita. A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, August 4 at 11am at Danville Memorial Gardens with Reverend Duane Blevins officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, August 3 from 7pm – 8pm at Swicegood Funeral Home and at other times at the residence at 3154 Westover Drive, Danville, VA. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Collins family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
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
“Babies in the Arms of Jesus”
1. Is the book of Esther in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. Which of Jesus’ disciples walked on the water with Him? Andrew, Peter, James, John 3. From the Bible, who interpreted the handwriting on the wall? David, Joseph, Daniel, Belshazzar 4. Who was the other man on trial with Jesus that the crowd freed? Barnabus, Barabbas, Pontius, Caesar 5. How many days did Jesus pray in the desert? 3, 10, 20, 40 6. Where did the Lord tell Jonah to go? Jericho, Ninevah, Jerusalem, Israel ANSWERS: 1) Old; 2) Peter; 3) Daniel; 4) Barabbas; 5) 40; 6) Ninevah Comments? More Trivia? Visit www.TriviaGuy. com (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
They were perfectly formed, these precious twins, and beautiful. Brother and sister. They passed away twenty weeks after conception. She died in the womb, he made it for just a few moments after being born. As my wife and I stood in the hospital room beside the two babies and the mother, with the father on the other side, they asked if we would do a funeral service for them. The ministry is a roller coaster of emotions. Some days I get to see people at their happiest, others I am privileged to be there for them when their world is falling apart. Honestly, the latter of those days, while the most needful, are often also the most draining. One simply cannot truly minister to hurting people without feeling some of what they feel. What does one say to parents who just said goodbye to two precious babies? I suspect there are a great many parents out there who have lost babies, either to miscarriage or to early death. My wife and I are one of those couples. Very early on in our marriage we lost a baby via miscarriage.
You who have said goodbye to babies, if you are interested, I have some things to say to you, some things that helped us and have helped others. One, that child was (and still is) a living being, known to God. God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee...” Birth does not bring a child to life, conception does that. Even in the womb a child experiences emotion. John the Baptist “leaped for joy” while in the womb of Elizabeth. And since every human being is an eternal soul, that baby is still very much alive. When King David lost his baby, he observed that the baby could not come back to him, but that he would go to be with his baby. That did not refer to the grave but to heaven. Two, people do not “lose their identities” in heaven. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Elijah and Moses were still easily identifiable as themselves thousands of years after they had been in heaven. You will know your children there.
Three, you cannot see them, but they can see you. Hebrews chapter eleven gives a list of a great many people who are already in heaven. Then Hebrews 12:2 calls them a “great cloud of witnesses” who “compass us about.” In other words, those who are in heaven form a cheering section for those still running this race of life. When I was just a little boy I repented of my sin and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. Because of that, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will one day meet the child I lost. I cannot tell you what a thrill that is to my heart. If you have lost a child, please know that child is safe with Jesus. Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:16 tells us that he took little children up in his arms. No one ever cared for children quite like Jesus.
If you would like me to pray for you I would be honored to do so.