Person Page - 741

     Elmer Eli Conner was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.⁵ He was born on January 13, 1915 at Matoaka, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^2,5 He married Gracie Lucille Walker on December 17, 1938.^2,8,9 Elmer Eli Conner RADFORD -- As they sit on the couch in their Radford home reminiscing about the past -- his 21 years as a baseball player in the Tri-County League in West Virginia; her years working at the Goodykoontz Drug Store; trips they took; their two children -- Elmer and Gracie Conner's love for each other still shows with a laugh over an old joke, a teasing remark or a pat on the hand.

On Dec. 17, the Conners celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and on Thursday they will celebrate their 70th Christmas as a married couple.

The couple met at a party when Elmer went to pick up his sister, Frances, with whom Gracie went to school. They dated for two years and married in 1938.

"I love this man as much as I did when I married him," Gracie, 86, said.

"It doesn't seem that long now," Elmer, 93, said. "The good Lord has been good to us."

The Conners don't give each other anniversary gifts because the day is so close to Christmas, Elmer said. Instead, they just exchange presents on Christmas.

Gracie likes to say she was lucky to have married such a good man when she was so young. Elmer does nearly all of the shopping, including the Christmas shopping.

"I love pretty things, but I don't like shopping," Gracie said, laughing. "He always laughs at me about that."

She said she used to go Christmas shopping with her daughter, Jeanie Miano, but stopped when Miano died four years ago.

The couple moved to Radford from West Virginia six years ago to be near their family, including their son, Dale, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

"Since then, they've gotten to be closer to the kids and to we grandchildren, too," said grandson Anthony Miano. "I think I'm better friends with my grandfather, more than just a grandson and grandfather."

The Conners have been a model for the family, he said.

The Conners have two television sets in their living room. While Miano and other family members were helping his grandparents unpack after their move from West Virginia, Miano said his grandfather explained why.

Elmer is a big sports fan -- "I like the Hokies unless they're playing West Virginia," he said -- and Gracie isn't. So Elmer turns his hearing aids down and mutes the sound on sports games on one TV, while Gracie watches the other with the sound on.

"My grandfather told me 'I can see what I want, she can see what she wants, and we can still be together,' " Miano said. That shows their dedication to each other, even after many years of marriage, he said.

Even before the Conners moved to Radford, they visited each year at Christmas, Miano said. The family gathers at Miano's house for breakfast and exchanges gifts.

The Conners said they used to give each other more presents at Christmas, but as time went on, they gave each other fewer gifts and gave more to others.

"It's hard to get something that you haven't already given now," Elmer said.

The extended family also puts money aside to "adopt" a local needy family each year, Miano said.

"We try to give them things they need and things they want," he said.

But Gracie can name her favorite gift -- a cross necklace Elmer gave her years ago. And Elmer's favorite gift?

"That she's loved me right good all these years," he said, smiling. on December 24, 2008.⁸ He died on July 29, 2011 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 96.⁵ He Elmer (Eli) Conner, 96, of Radford, Va., passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Va. Born January 13, 1915, on Conner Mountain near Matoaka, W.Va., he was the son of the late D.H. Conner and Addie Anna Kingrea Conner. Eli had lived in McComas, W.Va., until 1955 before moving to Bluefield, W.Va. where he worked for Kersey Manufacturing Company (a mining equipment company). He then lived in Princeton for 10 years and moved to Radford, in late 2002. Eli was a member of Maple View Church of Christ in Green Valley and attended Calvary Baptist Church in Radford. He was a member of the UMWA Local Union 6196 in Keystone, W.Va. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Ray, Ted, Arlie, Buck and Howard Conner; and one sister, Allie Harvey. His only daughter, Jeanie Conner Miano preceded him in death on November 7, 2004. He is survived by his loving wife, Gracie Walker Conner, of Radford; son, Dale Conner and his wife, Nancy, of Christiansburg; his grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Anthony Miano and wife, Heather, Gina Miano, Marc Miano and wife, Sarah, Michelle Valentine and husband, Shawn, Troy Malone and wife, Hope, and Debbie Shannon and husband, Patrick; and seven great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include one sister, Frances Burnette; special friends, Gary and Cathy Gibson, Macle and Gerelene Conner, Agatha Wall, Wilma Shell and Dorothy Kirby. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2011, at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with the Rev. Tony Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Grandsons and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, July 29, 2011. on July 29, 2011.⁵

     Betty Via was born on December 10, 1952. She married Larry M. Woolwine, son of Frank Newell Woolwine and Evie Jane Trump, on February 6, 1971.¹ As of February 6, 1971,her married name was Woolwine. Betty Via died on August 12, 2010 at Virginia at age 57.¹ She Betty V. Woolwine, 59, of Salem, Va., passed away Thursday, August 12, 2010, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Warren Viar; and a brother, Rennie Viar. Betty was employed as an Administrative Assistant for 33 years with the Roanoke County School System. She was a member of the Fellowship Community Church. Surviving are her husband of 39 years, Larry Woolwine; sons, Jason Woolwine and wife, Glenda, of Roanoke, Matthew Woolwine and wife, Katie, of Salem; grandchildren, Austin, Logan, Gracie, and Parker Woolwine; mother, Myrtle "Granny" Viar, of Salem; brother, Ken Viar and wife, Nancy, of Florida; sister-in-law, Janet Viar, of Salem; special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Shirley Woolwine, of Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thanks to the nurses and staff on 6 West at Lewis Gale Hospital, Dr. William Fintel and his staff, the staff at Springtree Health and Rehab Center, the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice and the many friends with the Roanoke County School System for their devoted care and many acts of kindness. Betty was a devout Christian who always felt blessed by the visits with the Pastors from Fellowship Community Church and New Hope Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Mission Fund, c/o Fellowship Community Church, 1226 Red Lane Extension, Salem, Virginia 24153. A memorial service will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, August 14, 2010, at Fellowship Community Church by Pastor Ken Nienke officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.simpsonfuneral.com . Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, 366-0707. on August 13, 2010.¹

     Geneva Gay Hall was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.³ She was born on December 8, 1914 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married Sherman Edward Woolwine, son of Charlie Lee Woolwine and Doshia Emma Spradlin, on August 4, 1930 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 As of August 4, 1930,her married name was Woolwine.⁴ As of April 7, 1972,her married name was Woolwine.² Geneva Gay Hall married Roy Floyd Woolwine, son of Noah Wise Woolwine and Essie Emmaline Spradlin, on April 7, 1972 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,2 Geneva Gay Hall died on October 27, 2015 at Virginia at age 100.³ She Geneva Hall Woolwine, 100, of Blacksburg, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Born on December 8, 1914, in Montgomery County, VA, to the late Mathew and Gillie Hall, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman Woolwine; sons, Earl, Edward, and Harold Lee Woolwine; grandchildren, Sharon Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bonnie Thompson, and Billy Godbey. Geneva is survived by her children, Wayne and Dorothy Woolwine, Reba and Carl Godbey, Louise and Jim Flinchum; grandchildren, Jerry and Karen Godbey, Jane Jewell, Steve and Kathy Thompson, and David Thompson; great-grandchildren, Jeff Dulaney, Eric Thompson, Vince Thompson, Sara Thompson, Stacie Jewell, Mary Beth Thompson, Emily Thompson, Katie Thompson; and five great-great grandchildren. Geneva was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to everyone. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 29, 2015, from 12-1 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. in the Chapel, with Rev. Steve and MarLou Akers officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. on October 28, 2015.³

     William Herman Thompson Jr. was buried at Riley Cemetery, Botetourt Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 224-34-4883.⁵ He married Judith Unknown.¹ William Herman Thompson Jr. was born on October 26, 1930 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,1 He married Ruby Louise Woolwine, daughter of Sherman Edward Woolwine and Geneva Gay Hall, on May 31, 1952 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² William Herman Thompson Jr. and Ruby Louise Woolwine were divorced on August 11, 1969 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ William Herman Thompson Jr. died on June 15, 1997 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 66.^1,5,4 He THOMPSON, William Herman Jr., 66, of Salem passed away Sunday, June 15, 1997. A native of Christiansburg, he was an area resident for the past 50 years. He was the owner and operator of Creative Plastering and Stucco Co. He was a member of the Sherwood Archery Club and The National Riffle Association. He is survived by his wife, Judith L. Thompson; sons and daughter-in-law, Michael B. Thompson, Stephen M. and Kathy Thompson of Christiansburg, David L. Thompson of Radford; stepsons, Bill L. Lawhorn and _Rodney S. and Carol Lawhorn of Salem; daughter, Bonnie C. Thompson of Radford; eight grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 19, 1997 at 11 a.m., from the John M. Oakey and Son Chapel in Salem with the Rev. Michael Bond officiating. Interment will follow in the Riley Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 17, 1997, from 4 to 9 p.m at the funeral home. on June 17, 1997.¹

     His Social Security Number was 232-16-5812.⁷ William Haden "Buck" Conner was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.⁸ He married Grace Thelma White.^9,1 William Haden "Buck" Conner was born on April 11, 1920 at Matoaka, Mercer Co., West Virginia; The SSDI has an incorrect birth date of Apr 11, 1919.^1,7 He died on August 4, 1990 at age 70.^10,7

     Her married name was Stanojevic.⁴ Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ She married Peter M. Stanojevic.⁴ Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson was born on November 11, 1952 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,6,4 As of August 29, 1970,her married name was Dulaney.² She married Wayne Avery Dulaney on August 29, 1970 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.² Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson and Wayne Avery Dulaney were divorced on February 20, 1974 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ As of July 5, 1974,her married name was Bishop.² Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson married Robert Wayne Bishop on July 5, 1974 at Blacksburg, Virginia.² Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson and Robert Wayne Bishop were divorced on August 30, 1977 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.³ As of September 4, 1982,her married name was Turman.² Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson married William Howard Turman on September 4, 1982 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson and William Howard Turman were divorced on August 27, 1996 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.³ Bernice Catherine "Bonnie" Thompson died on May 4, 2011 at Virginia at age 58.^6,4 She Bernice Catherine (Bonnie) Thompson, of Riner, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. She was born on November 11, 1952, in Christiansburg, Va. She is survived by her husband, Peter Stanojevic; her son, Jeffery Dulaney and wife, Stephanie; grandsons, Cody and Kyle; her mother and stepfather, Ruby L. Flinchum and James; brothers, Michael Thompson, David Thompson and wife, Donna, and Stephen Thompson and wife, Kathy; two stepbrothers, Junior and wife, Linda Flinchum, and Randy Flinchum; special friend, Jane Jewell; and special second family, "Don and the Deltones." She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and loving friends, including Pastor Bond. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 8, 2011, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Home, Christiansburg. The Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011, at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor T. Michael Bond officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. on May 8, 2011.⁴

     Michael Brady Thompson was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ He was born on December 24, 1955 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Peggy Ann Beasley on November 12, 1983 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² Michael Brady Thompson and Peggy Ann Beasley were divorced on January 9, 1986 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ Michael Brady Thompson married Elizabeth Alison Ousley on November 28, 1997 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.² Michael Brady Thompson died on April 20, 2014 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 58.⁵ He Michael Brady Thompson, of Christiansburg, passed away on April 20, 2014 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, Va. He was preceded in death by his father, William H. Thompson Jr. of Salem; and two sisters, Bonnie and Sharon Thompson. He is survived by three daughters, Emily, Mary Beth, and Katie; his mother and stepfather, Ruby and James Flinchum; two brothers, David and Steve and his wife Kathy; four stepbrothers, Junior and his wife Linda Flinchum, Randy Flinchum, Bill and Rodney Lawhorn; as well as special friend, Gerald Gallimore. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, from 5 to 7 p.m. at New Hope Church of God, with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. A graveside service will be on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. Pastor T. Michael Bond will officiate the funeral service and graveside service. on April 22, 2014.⁵

     Sharon J. Thompson was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 She was born on December 21, 1959 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 She died on June 10, 1965 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 5.^1,2

     Frances "Norma" Conner was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.⁴ She married Elmer Clarence Burnette.⁴ Her married name was Burnette.⁴ Frances "Norma" Conner was born on July 18, 1922 at Matoaka, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,5,4 She died on July 27, 2012 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 90.^4,5 She PRINCETON — Norma Frances Conner Burnette, 90, of 421 Village Green Circle in Princeton, died, Friday, July 27, 2012 at Princeton Community Hospital. Born July 18, 1922, on Conner Mountain in Mercer County, she was the daughter of the late D.H. and Addie Kingrea Conner. Norma retired from Princeton Community Hospital where she worked in the Housekeeping Department. She was a member of the Princeton Church of God on Oakvale Road. She loved to crochet and read. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Clarence Burnette; one daughter, Anna Frye; six brothers, Ray, Ted, Arlie, Elmer, Howard, and Buck Conner; one sister, Allie Mullins Harvey; and one son-in-law, Wayne Shrader. Norma was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by one son, Roger Lee Burnette of Princeton; two daughters, Norma Sue McPherson of Princeton and Karen Shrader, with whom she made her home, of Princeton; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Monday, July 30, 2012 at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Fred Farley officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today, Sunday, July 29, 2012. The Burnette family is being served by Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton. on July 28, 2012.⁴