Person Page - 681

     Charles Arthur Peters was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on February 24, 1883 at Franklin Co., Virginia; His WWI Draft Registration card has a birth date of Feb 24, 1882.^4,1,2,3 He married Arizona A. Turner on December 30, 1909 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 Charles Arthur Peters died on August 7, 1951 at age 68; The Iddings book has a death date of Aug 7, 1952.^4,1

     Her Social Security Number was 225-48-4212.⁴ Arizona A. Turner was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3 She was born on June 12, 1891 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1,4,2 She married Charles Arthur Peters on December 30, 1909 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of December 30, 1909,her married name was Peters.² Arizona A. Turner died on January 14, 1982 at Radford, Virginia, at age 90.^5,1,3 She FLOYD -- Mrs. Arizona Turner Peters, age 90, died Thursday night, January 14, 1982, in a Radford hospital. Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Eva Sweeney, Mrs. Ocie Rakes, Mrs. Taz (Bivie) Yearout, Mrs. Cecil (Esther) Nolen, Mrs. Posey (Peggy) Harris, all of Floyd, Mrs. Jimmy (Alice) Page of Roanoke; five sons, Ellett Peters, Harrington, Wash., Herman Peters, Stockton, Calif., Ford Peters, Ray Peters, both of Floyd, Jack Peters, Baltimore, Md; one sister, Mrs. Laura Trail of Floyd; one brother, Morton Turner, Floyd; 36 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral was January 16 at Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Amos Hash and Rev. Donald Clay officiating with interment in the Salem Church Cemetery, Copper Hill. on January 21, 1982.³

     Jackie Ray Sowers was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 He was born on September 2, 1942 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 He married Frances Pearl Conner, daughter of John Cledys Conner and Willie Oliver Sisson, on June 5, 1965 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,5 Jackie Ray Sowers died on May 21, 1988 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 45.^2,3 He Jackie Ray Sowers, age 45, a native of Floyd, died in a Roanoke hospital Saturday, May 21, 1988. Surviving are: his wife, Frances Conner Sowers; one son, Jackie Ray Sowers, Jr; two daughters, Teresa Ann Sowers, Lisa Marie Sowers, all of Roanoke; his mother, Dorothy Hatcher Sowers; and one sister, Lois S. Hartman, both of Roanoke; three brothers, William "Bill" Sowers, Longwood, Fla., Roger Sowers, Stafford, Russell Sowers, Roanoke. Internment in the Church cemetery. on May 23, 1988.²

     Nelda Sue Spence Nelda Sue Sweeney, 90 of Roanoke VA, passed away on Thursday, February 27th, 2025. Nelda was born on September 15, 1934 in Willis, VA; the daughter of the late Howard and Guida Spence. Nelda graduated from Willis High School. She worked as a retail clothing buyer with Belk before attending nursing school. She spent her career working for RJ Reynolds hospital, the Department of Health and in home health care. Nelda was an avid gardener, her flower arrangements were featured in the local newspaper. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, singing gospel music, attending church, traveling, and dancing at the Floyd Country Store. She was a lifelong member at New Haven Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her son, Frank Ward Sweeney, Jr; grandson, Corey Scott Sweeney; brothers, Billy Wayne Spence and Howard Spence Jr; and sister, Colleen Hutchens. Nelda is survived by granddaughter, Ashley S. Carr (Geremy), Floyd VA; grandson, Lee M. Sweeney, Roanoke, VA; daughter-in-law, Donna Sweeney, Floyd VA; and great-grandchildren, Jaden, Cameron and Mason. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery.² She was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on September 13, 1934 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married Frank Ward "Sonny" Sweeney Sr., son of Claude Swanson Sweeney and Eva Lena Peters, on July 28, 1954 at South Carolina.⁴ As of July 28, 1954,her married name was Sweeney.⁴ Nelda Sue Spence and Frank Ward "Sonny" Sweeney Sr. were divorced on January 4, 1991 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ Nelda Sue Spence died on February 27, 2025 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 90.²

     Frank Ward "Frankie" Sweeney Jr. was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,8 His Social Security Number was 223-84-5157.⁹ He was born on September 2, 1955 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,10,9,8,5,4 He married Shelia Sue DeHart on November 10, 1982 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Frank Ward "Frankie" Sweeney Jr. and Shelia Sue DeHart were divorced on March 15, 1984 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹⁰ Frank Ward "Frankie" Sweeney Jr. married Nellie Ann Kincaid on April 8, 1984 at Indian Valley, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Frank Ward "Frankie" Sweeney Jr. and Nellie Ann Kincaid were divorced on November 18, 1985 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,10 Frank Ward "Frankie" Sweeney Jr. married Donna Marie Lemons on December 31, 1985 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ Frank Ward "Frankie" Sweeney Jr. died on January 13, 2006 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 50.^2,9,8,6 He Frank Ward (Frankie) Sweeney, Jr., 50, of Floyd, passed away Friday, January 13, 2006. He was preceded in death by his son, Corey Scott Sweeney. He is survived by his wife, Donna L. Sweeney of Floyd; daughter, Ashley Shay Sweeney of Floyd; sons, Lee Michael Sweeney of Floyd, Charles Kincaid of Blacksburg; father, Frank W. (Sonny) Sweeney and wife Mary of Roanoke; mother, Nelda S. Sweeney of Floyd. Interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery. on January 15, 2006.²

     Madeline Dawn Sweeney Madeline Sweeney Shortt, 89 of Floyd, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, August 12, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Shortt, Sr., sister, Christine Moore and great-granddaughter, Caliana Rose Moody. Madeline was a founder and lifelong member of the Little River Baptist Church. She served her church as a choir director and also served as a Sunday school teacher. She was a great cook and loved gospel music as well as blue grass too. She spent her Friday nights with Hubert at the Floyd Jamboree. She will always be remembered for her sweet smile. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Jack Shortt, Jr. and Judy, Gene Dale Shortt and Peggy, Mark Shortt; daughters and son-in-law, Carolyn Shortt, Brenda Moody and Jim; brothers, Sonny Sweeney, Elwood Sweeney; grandchildren, John James, Kim Caldwell (Paul), Tara Pagan (Gamiel), Sarah VanDyke (Justin), Chad Moody (Sara), Krissy Davis (Jason);great-grandchildren, Brandon James, Mason James, Abbie Caldwell, Leah Pagan, Logan Pagan, Isabella Moody, Jazlyn Moody, Scarlett Moody, Paxon Moody, Saber Moody, Meadow Davis, River Davis; special friend, Hubert Harman. Interment to follow in the County Line Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, 7 West Cardiac Care, for their care and compassion.⁷ She was buried at County Line Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 1.4 miles down Rt. 635 from Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁷ She was born on June 12, 1929 at Norristown, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania.^1,3 She married Jack Lee Shortt Sr., son of Amos Benjamin Shortt and Callie G. Barton, on August 15, 1947 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8,3,5,7 As of August 15, 1947,her married name was Shortt. Madeline Dawn Sweeney died on August 12, 2018 at Virginia at age 89.⁷

     His Social Security Number was 229-24-4815.⁶ Jack Lee Shortt Sr. was buried at County Line Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 1.4 miles down Rt. 635 from Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7 He was born on January 24, 1923 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,6,2 He married Madeline Dawn Sweeney, daughter of Claude Swanson Sweeney and Eva Lena Peters, on August 15, 1947 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,1,8,9,10 Jack Lee Shortt Sr. died on February 8, 1994 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 71.^1,7,6,3 He SHORTT, Jack Lee Sr., 71, of Floyd, died Tuesday, February 8, 1994 at a Roanoke hospital. He was a veteran of World War II and a retired employee of Radford Army Ammunition Plant with 32 years of service. Surviving are his wife, Madeline Sweeney Shortt of Floyd; two daughters and a son-in-law, Carolyn Shortt of Charlotte, N.C., Brenda and Jim Moody of Monroe, N.C; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Jack Lee Jr. and Judy Shortt, Gene Dale and Peggy Shortt, all of Roanoke, Mark Shortt of Floyd; six grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Marjorie Shortt of Floyd. Funeral will be Friday 11 a.m. at Wood Funeral Home with the Rev. Ted Turman and Mr. Doug Sweeney officiating with burial in the County Line Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Floyd Rescue Squad or Floyd Fire Department. Graveside services by Floyd Lodge #202 Independent Order of Oddfellows. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Wood Funeral Home. on February 10, 1994.¹

     Jackie Ray Sowers Jr. was born on November 10, 1966 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 He married Vickie Leigh Sullivan on October 12, 1991 at Stafford, Stafford Co., Virginia.^3,4 Jackie Ray Sowers Jr. died on July 24, 2022 at Virginia at age 55.³ He Jackie Ray Sowers Jr., November 10, 1966 - July 24, 2022. Jackie Ray Sowers Jr., 55, of Fredericksburg, Va., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 24, 2022. Jackie was a devoted husband, loving father, brother (RayRay), son, proud PaPa, dog dad, and he was, as his many dear friends called him, "Happy Jack". Jackie was born in Roanoke, Virginia and graduated from Radford University with honors in 1991. His college years as a Phi Sigma Kappa were among the "best times of his life". Upon graduation, he moved and settled in Fredericksburg where he began a successful 30-year career in the insurance industry. Over the years, he made many life-long friends associated with GEICO, Nationwide Insurance and FCCI Insurance Group. Jackie loved spending time with friends and family and cherished time spent on his river property in the Northern Neck. Jackie never met a stranger and always had a smile (except when Virginia Tech lost). He loved laughter and used his humor and wit to make everyone smile. He was an avid golfer, music lover, poolside DJ, self-proclaimed travel coordinator and sports enthusiast. With sentiments, "you only live once" and "life is short", he truly lived life to its fullest. Having Jackie in our lives has been the greatest blessing. The memories he leaves behind will live on in our hearts forever. Jackie is survived by his college sweetheart and loving wife of 30 years, Vicki Sullivan Sowers; sons, Camden and Cole; grandsons, Grayson and Gavin; sisters, Teresa Daniel (Mike) of Roanoke and Lisa Sowers of Richmond; mother-in-law, Sterling Sullivan; brother-in-law, Todd Sullivan; five nieces and nephews, many close aunts, uncles, and cousins and LOTS of friends. Jackie is also greatly missed by his beloved dogs, Zeke and Charlie. Jackie was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Pearl Conner Sowers; father, Jackie Ray Sowers Sr; sister, Sherry Elaine Sowers; and father-in-law, Lynwood B. Sullivan. on August 2, 2022.³

     Peggy Ann Thompson Peggy Thompson Shortt left us to be with the Lord on January 28th, 2023. She was greeted at the gates of heaven by her loving mother and father, Doris and Allen Thompson, and her sister, Kay Burnett. Peggy Thompson Shortt was born on November 2nd, 1951. She was the second of 4 daughters and 1 son born to the late Allen and Doris Thompson. She grew up and graduated high school in the small coal mining community of Gary, WV. She attended nursing school at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and graduated as a RN in June of 1972. While attending nursing school she met a young man from Floyd, VA. who was working as a custodian at the hospital. The two fell in love and were married on September 30th, 1972. Peggy and Dale built a life together and raised three beautiful daughters who blessed them with 4 beautiful grandchildren. On September 30th, 2022, surrounded by their family and friends, Peggy and Dale Shortt celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Peggy found her passion as a nurse, and she served the Roanoke Valley for 48 years before retiring in 2020. She is well known for her 22-year career as Director of Nursing at Snyder Nursing Home in Salem, VA. Her love for the staff and residents at Snyder's stayed with her long after her retirement and she will always be in the hearts of all who knew her. They were her second family and she loved them dearly. From a comforting voice to those who were ill and lonely, to a gentle touch to those in pain. A healing hand to the sick; with love in her heart for all. A sweet smile to someone having a rough day. A selfless servant who dedicated her life to those she cared for. A child of God, whom He chose to be His hands and feet to so many. To cherish her memory, she is survived by her husband Gene Dale Shortt, daughters Kim Caldwell (Paul), Tara Pagan (Gami), Sarah VanDyke (Justin); her four grandchildren Abbie Caldwell, Leah Pagan, Logan Pagan, and Elaine VanDyke; sisters Frankie Haase (Gary), Tammy Kinzer (Ray), brother Jeff Thompson; along with her nieces and nephews who were close to her heart. Thank you to all the hard-working staff at Carilion for the exceptional care Peggy received during her battle with ovarian cancer. Interment will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens.³ She was buried at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens, 7271 Cloverdale Road, Cloverdale, Botetourt Co., Virginia.³ She was born on November 2, 1951 at West Virginia.^1,2,3 She married Gene Dale Shortt, son of Jack Lee Shortt Sr. and Madeline Dawn Sweeney, on September 30, 1972 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 As of September 30, 1972,her married name was Shortt.¹ Peggy Ann Thompson died on January 28, 2023 at Virginia at age 71.³

     John Joshua Sweeney was born on November 30, 1861 at Floyd Co., Virginia. He married Elizabeth Sweeney, daughter of Samuel L. Sweeney and Margaret Thomas, on January 16, 1884 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ John Joshua Sweeney died on June 5, 1951 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 89.

     Elizabeth Sweeney was born on September 15, 1861 at Floyd Co., Virginia. She married John Joshua Sweeney, son of Benjamin Sweeney/Swinney and Catherine "Fanny" Underwood, on January 16, 1884 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Elizabeth Sweeney died on March 18, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 71.