Person Page - 752

     Phillip Arving DeWeese Phillip Arving DeWeese, Oct 15, 1957 - Feb 21, 2026. Phillip Arving DeWeese, 68, of Salem, Va. went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2026 peacefully in the arms of his children after a 10 year battle with cancer, in which he never gave up and fought to the end. He carried a cancer gene mutation that caused him to battle prostate cancer, blood cancer, and kidney cancer. He retired from U.S. Food Services, where he was a dedicated employee as a maintenance man for the forklift batteries and as a truck driver. Also, he worked at Valleydale and PYA Monarch for many years. He loved to ride his four-wheeler in West Virginia anytime he had the chance. He enjoyed coaching sports teams for his children when they were growing up and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events as their number one fan. He will always be remembered as the dad and grandfather with the legendary “long red beard.” Above all, he was a hard-working provider for all his family, and made sure their needs were taken care of before his own. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arving Hubert and Ocelia Gretchen DeWeese; Father-in-law William Pete Correll Sr. His surviving family includes his wife of 47 years, Billie Jo DeWeese; Son, Travis DeWeese (Jill); daughter and son-in-law, Elisha and Brian Cuddy; granddaughter, Rosemary Cuddy; grandson, Bradley Cuddy; siblings sister, Cindy Manning; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Kathie Deweese; brother-in-law, William “Jimmy” Correll and loving mother-in-law Nadine Correll; many nieces and nephews; many special and close friends; and his dogs Chloe and Maggie. The family would like to give special thanks to all the healthcare teams and workers that were a part of his care, which is Duke University Cancer Institute, Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Foot and Ankle Specialist of the MidAtlantic, Lewis Gale Hospital 6th Floor Oncology Unit, and Good Samaritan Hospice.⁴ He was born on October 15, 1957 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Billie Jo Correll on September 30, 1978 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,4 Phillip Arving DeWeese died on February 21, 2026 at Virginia at age 68.⁴

     Gratton W. Vest was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,16 His Social Security Number was 231-32-9809.¹⁷ He was born on November 4, 1930 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,6,17,16,8 He married Marie Ann Sowers, daughter of Dossie William Sowers Sr. and Erma "Emma" Conner, on April 11, 1952 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^{1,18,2,5,6,16} Gratton W. Vest died on October 3, 2007 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 76.^6,17,16,7 He Gratton W. Vest, 76, of Salem, Va. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. He was born November 4, 1930 in Check, Va., to the late Albert Washington and Wilda McNeil Vest. He graduated from Check High School in May of 1948. His classmates will remember him for his awards of being voted the "biggest pest and best looking guy." He was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church for many years where we learned he had a love of angels. He is a retired dispatcher from Wilson Trucking Company where he was employed for 24 years. He was better known for building homes in the Salem area and grooming several friends to learn the residential construction business. In total, he built over a 100 homes from 1960 until he retired from his company, Vest Construction, in 2005. He was a very devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He never stopped giving, never stopped helping, and never met a stranger. He spent the majority of his time studying the bible, playing solitaire, and watching the history and travel channel. He loved to hunt, fish, watch birds, and take long walks through the woods looking at nature and timber. He would take every opportunity to travel and see the world and did so on several occasions throughout the United States including Alaska and a trip to some of the Caribbean Islands. If you would take the time to slow down and sit with him, he would tell you of life experiences, the Bible, and his treasured memories. Most of his friends, family and business associates will always remember him for his sense of humor, guidance and his knowledge for building homes and a family. He was at peace with the world while standing on a bank catching fish. If you really knew Grat, you might even describe him as being "dumb as a fox." The sky will shine brighter tonight as you will see a bright "snickering" shining star in the sky. The birds will sing louder as they rejoice in heaven for his arrival. He will be greatly missed, but we will patiently wait for our paths to cross again as he waits for family and friends at heavens gate. The family would like to request if you have a story or special memory that you would share with the family, please mail to a family member. He was such a special man that we would like to have these special memories for keepsake so that we can reflect back on the great person that he was. After 55 years of marriage, he leaves behind a wife, Marie Ann Sowers Vest; three children, Becky Thomas of Salem, Debbie Feury Hakola and son-in-law, Henry Hakola of Shawsville and Janet Boxley and son-in-law, Watson Boxley of Cleveland, Ohio. Also, he leaves behind a special grand "son," Staff Sergeant Jesse Feury of Fayetteville, N.C. and special grand "daughter," Lindsay Thomas of Salem. Brothers and sisters that preceded him in death, Bonnie Vest Willis, brother-in-law, Roscoe Willis, Truman Vest and sister-in-law, Dorma Vest, Ruby Vest Foster, and brother-in-law, Clinton Foster, and Gerald Vest. He leaves behind a sister, Iva Vest Sowder; a brother, Hampton Vest; sister-in-law, Louise Dickerson Vest; along with several nieces, nephews; and several wonderful friends and business associates that Gratton cherished. We would also like to give special thanks to his very dear and special friends, Kenneth Duncan, Billy Pugh, DW Sowers (brother-in-law) and Cecil Waid for the many trips traveling back and forth to UVA for his doctor visits. Also special thanks to UVA, Dr. Yeaton, gastroenterology / endoscopy and Dr. Weiss, oncology / hematology. Many praises and thanks to Adventa Hospice and ResCare employees who enabled us to have him at home in his last days. Also, we want to extend a special thank you to the friends who touched Gratton's life, who are too numerous to list, along with his special "angel" who sang him to sleep. Sincerest thanks to Joyce and Richard Spencer who continued to support us through all the years. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery in Check, Va. on October 4, 2007.⁶

     Jesse Carl Foster was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.^3,4,7 His Social Security Number was 228-01-4967.⁸ He was born on May 13, 1906 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^{8,1,3,4,5,6,7} He married Beatrice Lura Poff, daughter of James Ira Poff and Lucy Gay King, on October 14, 1928 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,3,4,5,9,7 Jesse Carl Foster Jesse Carl Foster, 67, 402 Prospect Drive, Collinsville; died Sunday in Memorial Hospital. He was born May 13, 1906 in Franklin County to the late Gabrielle and Lucy Wright Foster. He was a retired employe of Bassett Furniture Ind., with 35 years of service. Foster was a member of Smithy Memorial United Methodist Church. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Beatrice Poff Foster, one daughter, Miss Frances Louise Foster, Collinsville; two sons, Weldon C. Foster, and Coy D. Foster, Bassett; two brothers, Ralph Foster, Bassett, and Leonard Foster, Martinsville: and four grandchildren. Burial will be in Roselawn. on April 8, 1974.⁷ He died on April 17, 1974 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 67.^1,3,4,7

     Frances Louise Foster was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.^3,6 Her Social Security Number was 227-34-7860.¹¹ She was born on May 22, 1930 at Bassett, Virginia.^{1,3,12,6,11,7,8} She died on June 13, 1994 at Martinsville, Virginia, at age 64.^1,3,6,11,7 She Frances Louise Foster, 64, of 108 Lee St., Collinsville, Va., died Monday, June 13, 1994 at Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County. She was born in Henry County, Va. May 22, 1930, a daughter of the late Jesse C. Foster and the late Beatrice Poff Foster. A member of Thomasson Heights Baptist Church, she was a retired employee of E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co., having served for 35 years. It was her request that her body be donated to medical science. She is survived by two brothers, Wildon C. Foster and Coy D. Foster both of Bassett, Va; 2 nephews, two nieces and 2 great-nieces. on June 17, 1994.⁷

     Linwood Harry Carl Foster was born on April 1, 1932 at Henry Co., Virginia.⁵ He died on June 28, 1933 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 1.^1,3

     Wildon Carroll Foster was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.¹¹ He Wildon Carroll Foster, 86, of Bassett, died Friday, August 20, 2021 at his home. He was born in Bassett, Virginia on January 13, 1935 to the late Jesse Carl Foster and the late Beatrice Poff Foster. Wildon joins his parents in Heaven along with his sister, Louise Foster and brothers, Coy and Linwood Foster. He had lived in Bassett most of his life and was an eighty year member of Bassett Memorial United Methodist Church where he loved the members and served faithfully. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Nancy Osborne Foster; a son, Barry Foster (Sarita); a daughter, Kathryn Williams; three granddaughters, Kate Mays (Jarrett), Caroline Echols (CJ) and Elizabeth Cortner. He is also survived by two new loves of his life, his great-granddaughters, Alexandra and Jordyn, who brought him great joy. The family will have a private graveside service at Roselawn Burial Park.⁵ He was born on January 13, 1935 at Bassett, Virginia.^2,11,4,5 He married Nancy Catherine Osborne on March 24, 1959 at Bassett, Virginia.^1,3,11,5 Wildon Carroll Foster died on August 20, 2021 at Bassett, Virginia, at age 86.^11,5

     Coy Douglas Foster was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.^2,13 He was born on July 19, 1937 at Bassett, Virginia.^1,2,5,6 He married Peggy Anne Miles on June 8, 1963 at Bassett, Virginia.^1,2,3,7 Coy Douglas Foster died on July 12, 2001 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 63.^2,4 He FOSTER, Coy Douglas, 63, of 305 Colonial Hill Drive, Bassett, died Thursday, July 12, 2001, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born July 19, 1937, in Bassett, he was a son of the late Jesse Carl Foster and Beatrice Lura Poff Foster. Also preceding him in death were his sister, Frances Louise Foster and a brother, Lynwood C. Foster. He retired from J.D. Bassett Mfg. Company after 40 years of service. He was a graduate of Bassett High School, a member of Bassett Memorial United Methodist Church, the VMI Keydet Club, was a former member of Bassett Kiwanis Club and Ducks Unlimited, and served in the Virginia National Guard. Surviving are his wife, Peggy Anne Miles Foster; daughter, Anne Foster Sebastian and son-in-law, Gregory Allen Sebastian of Burlington, N.C; son, Chad Douglas Foster and daughter-in-law, Susan Cosby Foster of Fairfax; granddaughter, Taylor Paige Sebastian of Burlington, N.C; and brother, Wildon C. Foster of Bassett. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. on July 13, 2001.²

     Peggy Anne Miles was buried at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia.⁴ She was born on December 14, 1937 at Henry Co., Virginia.^1,5,3,4 She married Coy Douglas Foster, son of Jesse Carl Foster and Beatrice Lura Poff, on June 8, 1963 at Bassett, Virginia.^1,2,5,4 As of June 8, 1963,her married name was Foster.⁵ Peggy Anne Miles died on June 2, 2023 at Virginia at age 85.⁴ She Peggy Foster, Dec 14, 1937 - Jun 2, 2023. Peggy Anne Miles Foster was born on December 14, 1937, in Henry County, Virginia, to the late Joseph Russell Miles, Sr. and the late Averia Ford Thornton Miles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Douglas Foster and her brother, Raymond Hugh (Joe) Miles. Peggy is survived by her daughter, Anne Ford Foster Sebastian; son, Chad Douglas Foster; three grandchildren, Taylor Paige Sebastian, Chase Douglas Foster, and Brianne Elizebeth Foster; one son-in-law, Gregory Allen Sebastian; one daughter-in-law, Susan Cosby Foster; two sisters, Temple May Miles Mays and Linda Ford Ramsey; and one brother, Joseph Russell Miles, Jr. Interment will be held at Roselawn Burial Park. Peggy loved family and faith. She researched Genealogy avidly and loved to play bridge with her many friends. She also volunteered at many local charities. She and Coy will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary together in Heaven (as long as dad is not on the God’s golf course). on June 7, 2023.⁴

     Almeda Vernice "Meda" Wood was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, 107 Cemetery Street, Martinsville, Virginia.^6,3,5 She was born on July 12, 1915 at Smith River, Patrick Co., Virginia.^7,6,3,4,5 She married James Otha Poff, son of James Ira Poff and Lucy Gay King, on December 22, 1934 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,6,8,5 As of December 22, 1934,her married name was Poff. Almeda Vernice "Meda" Wood died on October 11, 1987 at Collinsville, Henry Co., Virginia, at age 72.^7,6,3,5 She Almeda "Meda" Wood Poff, 72, of 121 Autumn Dr., Collinsville, died Sunday at her home. Born July 12, 1915, in Floyd County, she was a daughter of the late E. Green Wood and Sarah Salmons Wood and wife of the late James Otha Poff, who died Nov. 11, 1983. A housewife, she was a former resident of 719 Windsor Lane and of Chatham Road and was a member of First Baptist Church, Martinsville. Surviving are two daughter, Mrs. Henry C. (Janice) Miller of Greenbelt, Md., and Mrs. David A. (Nancy) Arnold of Collinsville; a son, Marvin E. Poff of Silver Spring, Md; two sisters, Mrs. Jim (Erma) Lovelace of Martinsville and Mrs. Cora McAlexander of Danville; a brother, Dexter Wood of Fieldale, and three grandchildren. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. on October 12, 1987.⁵

     Marvin Edward Poff was buried at Cresthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery, Bedford, Lawrence Co., Indiana.⁹ His Social Security Number was 041-30-0032.¹⁰ He was born on March 6, 1938 at Martinsville, Virginia.^10,3,9,4 He married Jeanette Sue Daughtery on November 30, 1968 at Washington, D.C..^1,9,11,12 Marvin Edward Poff died on March 14, 2010 at Kernersville, Forsyth Co., North Carolina, at age 72.^2,10,9 He KERNERSVILLE - Marvin Edward Poff, 72, died Sunday March 14, 2010. A native of Martinsville, Virginia, he was the son of the late Almeda Vernice Wood and James Otha Poff. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jeanette Sue Daughtery Poff. He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force from 1957 until 1961. Marvin was a member of the Hyattsville, Maryland Lion's Club in which he served as secretary. He was also in the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his daughter, Kimberly Icenhower and her husband, Tim of Kernersville; son, Stephen P. Poff; grandchildren Griffin, Bryson and Caiman; nephew, Jim Arnold and his wife, Brandy of Collinsville, VA, and their children: Jake, Maggie and Carson; and sisters, Janice Miller and her husband, Henry of Tazwell, VA, and Nancy Arnold and her husband, David of Elkin, NC. on March 20, 2010.²