8 • Piedmont Shopper© • SEPTEMBER 17th - 23rd, 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
Peggy Gene Gibson Hess
Peggy Gene (Gibson) Hess, 88, longtime resident of Danville, died Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the Roman Eagle Rehab and Health Care Center. She was born on February 15, 1927 in Charlottesville, VA to the late W. Edward Gibson and Callie Louise (Beaton) Gibson. On September 2, 1949, she married W.L. (Bill) Hess of Danville, who preceded her in death in 2001. Mrs. Hess attended Mary Washington College and the University of Virginia and graduated with a BS from Averett College in 1987. She was a Registered Medical Technologist, working in the medical field for many years in Danville. She sang in the choir of the First Baptist Church, where she was a member. Mrs. Hess was a member of the Wednesday Club, the Wayside Garden Club, and a lifetime member of the Virginia State Garden Club. Mrs. Hess is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Kay Hess Grogg of Johnson City, TN (Sam), and Meg Hess (Peter Lacey) of Nashua, NH, three granddaughters, Lindsay Grogg, Lacy Grogg Pugh and her husband Taylor, and Keziah Hess Lacey, and one great-granddaughter, Madelyn Pugh. The oldest of five children, Mrs. Hess is survived by her brother, sister, and their spouses: Billy (Anne) Gibson of Seagrove, VA and Martha Gibson Archer (Ashton) of Lignum, VA. She is predeceased by sisters Beverly Gibson Walker and Patsy Gibson Ramsey. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the dedicated staff at Roman Eagle, who provided attentive, thoughtful, and loving care to Mrs. Hess for many years. A family graveside service will be held at a later date. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 871 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Hess family.
Jeanette Stinson Woods
PURLEY, NORTH CAROLINA – Jeanette Stinson Woods, surrounded by family in the comfort of her home, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on September 11, 2015. Over the years, Jeanette battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma, meningitis, stroke, heart failure, and most recently, kidney cancer. She faced each illness with courage and always greeted others with her sweet spirit and beautiful smile. Jeanette was born in Roanoke, Virginia on April 6, 1936, the daughter of the late
Julian Randolph Stinson and Pauline Worley Stinson. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Julian Randolph (“Randy”) Stinson, Jr. Jeanette is survived by the family she loved, devoted husband of 58 years John Burton (“Jack”) Woods; daughter, Amy Jeanette Woods and husband Chris; sons, John Burton Woods, Jr. and wife Patti, William Stinson Woods and wife Mary Ellen, Michael Scott Woods and wife Joanne; grandchildren Landon Woods, Jamie Rethaford, Jackson Woods, Autumn Woods, Emily Woods, William Woods, Caroline Woods and Valentine Breitbarth; great-grandchildren Jaxon Rethaford and James Breitbarth; sisterin-law Carolyn Stinson and four nieces and nephews. Jeanette also leaves behind dear friends Katherine Finch Watlington, Ann “Puddin” Terry and Carolyn Edwards Baum. The family would like to thank and acknowledge Shirley McCain, Tae Dixon, and Sandra Waller for their outstanding care and compassion given to Jeanette. Jeanette was raised in Danville, Virginia where she loved to dance in her younger years, taking classes at the Ann Boyer School of Dance for nearly two decades. Jeanette graduated from George Washington High School and attended Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia before marrying Jack in 1956. After Jack’s military service, they moved to the family farm in Purley where Jeanette reluctantly adjusted to life in the country. She loved her return to city life when Jeanette, Jack and Amy lived in Raleigh for eight years. Jeanette was a supportive wife and homemaker, a caring and compassionate mother, a wonderful grandmother, and a loyal and trusted friend. Jeanette’s greatest love was her family, her greatest source of joy and pride was her home, and her passion in life was raising her four children. She was active in her children’s education, devoting time to be room mother for each child’s class, serving as PTA President, and working as a substitute teacher. The sun rose and set on her children, she cherished her time with them, and each child was her absolute favorite. The funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at 2 PM, Purley United Methodist Church, 4011 Old NC Highway 86 North. The family will receive friends following graveside services in the church fellowship hall and at other times at the home. Memorial donations may be made to Purley United Methodist Church (c/o Mary Ellen Myers), Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Townes Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 215 West Main Street, Danville, Virginia 24541.
“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
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Hilton Thomas Douglas
Mr. Hilton Thomas Douglas passed away on Monday, September 14, 2015 at Danville Regional Medical Center. Mr. Douglas was born on May 7, 1923 in Sutherlin, a son of the late Julian White Douglas and Esther Kirby Douglas. Mr. Douglas was retired from The United States Army as Command Sergeant Major having served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After his military service he retired from Smith-Douglas Fertilizer Company. Mr. Douglas was a member of First Baptist Church. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eleanor Harris Douglas, his daughters; Joan D. Mills of Raleigh, NC, Sylvia D. Stewart (William Patrick) of Staunton and Laura D. Meder (Frederick) of Danville, grandchildren; Andrew Mills of Raleigh, NC, Todd Stewart (Nina) of Staunton, Zachary Stewart (Alexandra) of Waynesboro, Frederick L. Meder III of Danville and Anna Millican of Shepherdstown, WV, greatgrandchildren; John Corey, Gunnar Stewart and Karlie Stewart. Also surviving are his faithful and loving friends; Barbara Martin, Kelly Brown, Sheena Powell, and Paul Hester. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. from First Baptist Church with the Reverend John Carroll officiating. Interment will be private with military honors presented by the American Legion Dan River Post #1097 and the Virginia Army National Guard Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the home at 900 Green Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church, 871 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street is serving the Douglas family.
Virginia Tice Richardson
Virginia Tice Richardson, 96, formally of the Keeling Community passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2015 at her residence in Midlothian, VA. Mrs. Richardson was born in Nelson County, VA on June 14, 1919 a daughter of
the late William Leonard Tice and Esther Coffey Tice. Mrs. Richardson worked as a Bank Teller for the former Fidelity Bank in Lynchburg, VA. She was a member of North Main Baptist Church and was a volunteer at Danville Memorial Hospital for many years. Mrs. Richardson was first married to the late John Quinn Dillard and then on February 14, 1976 she married John Jennings Richardson, who died on May 14, 2012. Survivors include two daughters, Jane D. Newkirk, and husband, David, of Clifton Forge, VA; Anne D. Witt, and husband, Keith, of Chesterfield, VA; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her first and second husbands she was predeceased by three sisters, Alma T. Mays, Glenn Anne Johnson, and Gracie T. Mays. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 1:00 PM from the Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel conducted by the Rev. Carl E. Burger. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to North Main Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is serving the family.
Judy Robertson Johnson
Judy Robertson Johnson, age 65, of 600 Main St., Danville, VA, died on Friday, September 11, 2015 at her residence. She was born on May 27, 1950, in Danville, VA, to the late Willie Robertson and Carletta Hunt Robertson. Mrs. Johnson worked as an CNA. She is survived by her brothers, Leslie Robertson and wife Felicia and Robin Robertson; and sisters, Karen Robertson and Terry Hunt and husband, Andrea. In addition to her parents Mrs. Johnson was predeceased by her husband, “Cuda” Johnson and brothers, Donald Robertson and Dwight Robertson The family would like to extend a special thanks to the physicians and staff at Legacy Hospice for their loving care given to Judy during her illness. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Robertson family.
Allen Teach Jones
Allen Teach Jones, age 61, of Danville, VA, died on Sunday, September 06, 2015 at Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born on December 06, 1953, in Danville, VA, to the late Edwin Jones and Lilly Edwards Jones. He was predeceased by his brother, Harold Jones. Mr. Jones retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. He was a member of Schoolfield Baptist Church. He is survived by his daughter, Erin Jones; son, Christopher Jones and wife, Aisha; brother, Wayne Jones and wife, Pat; sister-in-law, Betty Jones; grandchildren, Devin, Austin, Branson, and Lelia; and nieces, Angie Grant and Debra Jones. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Schoolfield Baptist Church with Rev. David Turbyfill officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Schoolfield Baptist Church. At other times, the family will be at the home of Betty Jones, 1560 Kemper Rd., Danville, VA. Interment will follow the memorial service in Schoolfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Schoolfield Baptist Church Building Fund; 12 Schoolfield Drive Danville, VA 24541. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Jones family.
Nancy Haynes Henderson
Nancy Haynes Henderson, 83, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2015. She was born on September 23, 1931 to the late Charles and Susan Haynes. Nancy worshiped at Stokesland United Methodist Church. She enjoyed church life and singing in the choir. Nancy was known for being a good cook especially her chocolate pies. She enjoyed knitting and crochet but most of all she loved taking care of her family. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Harold Henderson and daughter, Marsha New. Nancy is survived by her son, Jeff Henderson of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter, Holly New Carpenter and husband, Jimmy; son-in-law, Arthur New and Brenda and sister, Vivian Durham. A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 3:00 pm in Mountain View Cemetery with Rev. Lisa Nordan officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at Swicegood Funeral Home Chapel prior to the service.
Lawrence Nelson Lewis
Lawrence Nelson Lewis, 77, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Piney Forest Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 24, 1938 to the late Roger and Verna Lewis. He was of the Southern Baptist Faith. Lawrence enjoyed watching John Wayne Westerns and working in his yard. He enjoyed living life to the fullest but most of all he loved playing and spending time with his grandchildren. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Joan Thomas Lewis and brother, Loydd Lewis. He is survived by his son, James Lewis and wife, Monica; daughter, Alican Snead and husband, Charlie; nine grandchildren, Courtney Pickeral, Christian Snead, Alexis Lewis, Xena Scott, Cameron Snead, Alyssa Lewis, Kirk Snead, James Thomas Lewis and Arianna Lewis. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 in Swicegood Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the Swicegood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Cemetery.
George Eddie Richardson
George Eddie Richardson, 74, of 508 Rison St., Danville, VA, entered into eternal rest on, Thursday, September 10, 2015 at the Danville Regional Medical Center. Born December 20, 1940 Pittsylvania County, VA, he was the son of the late Lennie L. Clark and the late Mattie Richardson. Survivors include five brothers, Johnnie Richardson of Winston Salem, NC, Jimmie Richardson (Clara) and Lennie L. Clark both of Danville, VA, Jene Richardson (Wanda) and Julian Richardson (Jennifer), both of Sutherline, VA; four sisters, Alene C. McGee, Margaret Clark and Rosa C. Wheeler all of Danville, VA and Dorothy C. Majors of Houston, TX; a loving aunt, Ethel Richardson of Eden, NC and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his uncle and aunt, Herman and Wilsie Richardson who raised him as their own, five brothers, James Richardson, Joseph Richardson, Jerl Richardson, Jackie Richardson and Allen Clark; one sister, Mary Sue Clark. The family will receive friends at the residence of George Richardson, 3777 Kerns Church Road, Sutherlin, VA. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 1 PM from Laurel Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. James Cabell, Jr. officiat-
Piedmont Shopper© SEPTEMBER 17th - 23rd, 2015 • 9 ing. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Richardson family.
Maryland Thomas Plunket
Maryland Thomas Plunkett, 73, of 9680 Kentuck Road, Sutherlin passed away Friday September 4, 2015 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. He was born in January 13, 1942 in Pittsylvania County to the late Georgia May Dotson Plunkett and Jimmy Plunkett. Mr. Plunkett loved shooting pool, playing horseshoes, cards, and watching Westerns. Mr. Plunkett is survived by his daughters Sheree Glass of Sutherlin VA and Latarsha Deshea Womack of Danville; two sons, Gregory Louis Womack and Shaun Nekia Womack, and wife Vicki, both of Sutherlin; one sister, Mercy Calloway of Callands; one brother, Charlie Junior Plunkett of Orlando, Florida; six grandchildren, Shemeada Glass, Tyra Small, DaShaun Brown, Camiyah Dixon, Temera Glass, and Zyikia Womack; and his devoted friend, Sarah Womack. In addition to his parents, Mr. Plunkett was preceded in death by four sisters, Wyvonne Plunkett, Elizabeth Lovelace, Kathrine Anderson, and Violet Thompson; and two brothers, Langer Plunkett and J.C. Plunkett. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Inc., West End Chapel officiated by Rev. Tyrell Payne and Bishop Charlie Adams, with interment following in the Shockoe Baptist Church cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Plunkett family.
Robert Lee High, Jr.
Robert Lee High, Jr., 62, of 413 Wyatt Drive, Danville, Va. unexpectedly passed into the arms of his Savior on Monday, September 7, 2015 while vacationing with his family in Emerald Isle, N.C. He was born September 11, 1952 in Danville to Elizabeth Hall and Robert High, Sr. Robert is survived by his loving wife and companion, Vicky Motley High. He was a graduate of G.W. High School in Danville. Mr. High retired from Health Tex and currently owned and operated High Quality Computer Service. Robert was a very dedicated Christian; he was an active member of Shermont Baptist Church, where he faithfully served the Lord in media ministries, as a Youth Sunday school teacher, and was very active in missions. He also served as Director of Children’s Vacation Bible School for the past 10 years. In addition to his wife and parents, Robert is survived by his daughter Mary Ann Hankins and husband, Phillip of
Danville; his sons, Jason Paul High and wife, Shana of Gretna, and Chris Morris of Danville; his sister Catherine High of Danville; his brothers, Edward Lynn High, and wife Connie, and Stephen “Jamie” High, and fiancée Jessica, all of Danville; and his grandchildren, Justin Rodriguez, Mathew Hankins, Emily Hankins, Anthony High, Christian High, Jaxon High, and Christian Jones. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at Shermont Baptist Church, with Rev. Ryan Riley officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Shermont Baptist Church from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and at other times at the residence, 413 Wyatt Dr., Danville. The family respectfully suggests memorial donations be made to God’s Pit Crew, 2499 N. Main St., Danville, VA 24540, www.godspitcrew.org or Shermont Baptist Church Building Fund, 781 Mt. Cross Road, Danville, VA 24540, www. shermontbaptistchurch. com. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the High family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
Juanita Brown Stokes
Juanita Brown Stokes, age 75; of 571 FC Beverly Rd. Dry Fork, Va; passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Danville Regional Medical Center, Danville, Va. She was born August 31, 1940 in Caswell County, NC to the late Charlie and Annie Pruitt Brown. She retired from Commonwealth Home Health as a nursing assistant. She loved gardening and her two beloved cats: Abigail and Callie Anna. Ms. Stokes is survived by her devoted life companion, Garrett Custer of the home, her daughter Wendy Nash and husband Greg of South Hill, Va, her grandchildren: Charles Aaron Smith and wife Dana and Elizabeth Smith Russell and husband TJ, and her great-grandchildren: Trey Russell, Gracie Russell, and Cassidy (Cassie) Smith. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Michael Stokes, and her brother, James Everett Brown. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 11, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, VA; Rev. Daniel Custer officiating. The family is at the residence, 571 FC Beverly Rd. Dry Fork, VA. In honor of Ms. Stokes, memorial donations may be made to the Tunstall Volunteer Fire Department, 740 Tunstall High Rd. Dry Fork, VA 24549. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Stokes family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God’s is eternal life in Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
In Loving Memory of my Precious Brother:
Carroll Wayne Ayers 1-20-64 ~ 9-17-11
Brother, I think about you all the time as Corey does too. And wonderful memories you left behind. Your great intentions and precious heart. And know at the end of the day, we are very close and not far apart. Brother, although we are separated through time and space, our souls will connect in another place. You will be there along with Mama, Dad and Robert to guide me in and to comfort me in the end. With your souls progression and high level of spirituality, your goodness and kindness will be my reality. Brother, I saw a vision that was revealed to me. With God’s permission you were soaring with Angels and protected by the almighty hand. This opened up to me an unfamiliar land. Brother the spirit world is a glorious place and I see you filled with joy, love, happiness and grace. Corey misses you so much. He speaks of you often. He says he loves you so much and he’ll remember all the time he had with you. Memories are locked away in my heart and will use what you taught me with grace. Sadly missing you Uncle Carroll Wayne. So Brother, untill we meet again. I will love you forever and always to the end. Till we meet on the other sided on that golden shore. Still Hurting, Sadly Missing You, Love, Carolyn, Corey, Jerry and Nosey
Crystal Ball at the VA An interesting story played out recently in Philadelphia involving an assistant director, a manager and a psychic. In the past year, the Department of Veterans Affairs office in Philadelphia has been looked at by the Office of the Inspector General for claims processing inaccuracy, manipulating claim dates, canceling pending claims and more. The new story: An assistant director threw a party at her home so a subordinate’s wife could do psychic readings for employees. The subordinate was a manager. Each private reading cost $35, with a minimum of six people. After the assistant director had another subordinate make all the arrangements, three employees agreed to attend the party. An email (that contained the assistant director’s VA position title) went out to solicit the participation of other employees to reach the six-person minimum. Eight employees ended up going. Rule: An employee can’t use her position to endorse a service for friends. The Inspector General got involved and did an
investigation. The assistant director claimed that the attendees were her friends, thereby breaking another rule: Bosses can’t give preferential treatment to subordinates. However, all the subordinates in attendance for a psychic reading complained about how long it was taking, and all left immediately after their reading, not staying to socialize despite the availability of “munchies, wine/beer/vodka.” These were friends? The VAOIG additionally made a criminal referral to the Department of Justice for the manager’s failure to report his wife’s psychic income on his Office of Government Ethics forms for two years running. The VAOIG also discovered a number of fun facts, among them that the manager had failed to claim his psychic wife’s income on his tax returns. The VAOIG helpfully reported that failure to the Internal Revenue Service as well as to the Pennsylvania State Department of Revenue. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
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 Ties That Bind” He was two pounds or so, the lovely bass that I reeled in on Labor Day. He put up a great fight against my little ultra light rod; really a blast. I unhooked him, held him up and admired him for a while, then released him back into the river. My son was in a kayak thirty yards or so upstream from mine, oohing and ahhing over my catch. My father-in-law, I just call him dad, was thirty yards or so downstream doing the same. A three pound bass, at least, he really was nice! We fished on for a while, I snagged a nice little bream, and dad caught a nice bass of his own. It didn’t match mine, which was probably four pounds or so, but it was okay. My son did not catch a thing, and we have been sure to remind him of that for the last couple of days. Finally the ladies signaled that the meat was ready to come off of the grill, so we paddled our way to shore. If you have never been in a kayak, then you may be tempted to think that they are easy and simple to enter and exit. You would be wrong. Dad did not do so well on the entire “exit thing.” He exited, yes, falling completely backwards into the water. Seeing more than six feet and 230 pounds of man do an unplanned Nestea Plunge is an unforgettable sight. Fortunately, chicken and corn and pasta salad have a mollifying effect on injuries and embarrassments. By now I can almost hear the grumblings. “That does it, Martha, when I read a faith column I expect something spiritual, not fish stories and details of a cookout! I am going to dash off an angry letter. In the love of the Lord, of course.” Settle down, please, there is in fact a spiritual point to all of this. There were three
generations of Christians fishing and falling and laughing and eating this past Labor Day. It is my goal, if the Lord tarries His coming, for there one day to be four. You see, we three generations have the purely spiritual to bind us, yes. We are all saved, we are all part of the same church, we all at times read the Bible and pray together. But if those are the only ties that bind us, they will likely prove to be very weak ties. I know some may never have experienced the “utter joy” of being around what I call The Super Saints, but those who have, will be furiously nodding in agreement as they read this. The Super Saints believe that every moment of our lives must be spent in purely spiritual pursuits. I was accosted by a cadre of these while working for my undergraduate degree. They did not believe in vacations, or frivolity, or rest, or humor, or hobbies. “The world is going to hell,” they shouted, “and we must spend every moment reaching them!” But you see, it was God Himself who gave us a day of rest, it was Jesus who told His disciples to come apart and rest for a while, and it was Jesus again who actually told His men to go fishing on more than one occasion. Years have a way of clearing the fog and revealing the truth. My encounter with The Super Saints was some twenty years ago, and my family and I are all still serving faithfully in the ministry to this day. The Super Saints have not fared so well; most have had their families fall apart. I do not rejoice in that; I mourn at the fact that it was not necessary. Do you hear that, parents? It is the sound of a fish calling for you and your kids to come and get it. It probably wont be as nice as my monstrous ten pounder, but still...