Person Page - 910

     His Social Security Number was 229-32-1619.⁹ Edmund Hale "Minnie" Helems was buried at West View Cemetery, New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.^2,4 He was born on May 13, 1927 at Paint Bank, Craig Co., Virginia.^9,3,4,5,6 He married Jean Lee Brizendine, daughter of Oney Raymond Brizendine and Lizzie Lou Brizendine, on April 20, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,10,4,7 Edmund Hale "Minnie" Helems died on July 9, 1999 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 72.^2,9,4,8 He HELEMS, Edmund Hale, ("Minnie"), 72, of New Castle, died Friday, July 9, 1999. He was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Mae Helems, two brothers, Mearl and Arnold Helems, a sister, Roxie Abbott. Mr. Helems was a member of New Castle Christian Church and a retired linesman of Craig Botetourt Electric Cooperative. He is survived by his wife, Jean Brizendine Helems; one daughter, Susie Lee and husband Billy; a son, Eddie Helems and wife, Susan; a brother, Eugene Helems and wife, Mae; four grandchildren, Jamie Lee and wife, Melissa, Amy Taylor and husband, Dewey, Adrian Helems and Alex Helems; one great-grandson, Jefferson Lee. There will be a graveside service 2 p.m. Sunday at West View Cemetery, with Dr. Ernie Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Castle Christian Church Building Fund. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Paitsel Funeral Home. on July 10, 1999.²

     His Social Security Number was 240-12-0026.¹⁰ Frederick Douglas "Fred" Sweeney was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.^11,12,4 He was born on June 24, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{2,1,10,3,11,13} He married Susie Rae Vest, daughter of John Henry Vest and Agranda Palentine "Pallie" Tice, on December 21, 1927 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^14,15,7 Frederick Douglas "Fred" Sweeney married Allene Gertrude Vest, daughter of John Henry Vest and Agranda Palentine "Pallie" Tice, on April 6, 1937 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,16,17,4 Frederick Douglas "Fred" Sweeney died on September 8, 1973 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 73.^7,11,4 He Fred Douglas Sweeney, age 73, of 227 Dalewood Ave., Salem, passed away Saturday in a Roanoke hospital from results of an automobile and truck accident Saturday morning. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Allene Vest Sweeney; two sons, Lynwood Sweeney, Pensacola, Fla; Wayne Sweeney, Roanoke; five daughters, Mrs. Freddie Dalton, Mrs. Audrey Poff, both of Roanoke; Mrs. Susie Poff, Salem; Mrs. Betty Rodabaugh, Milwaukee, Wis; Mrs. Doris Moses, Dayton, Ohio; two brothers, Claude Sweeney and Major Sweeney, both of Floyd; two sisters, Mrs. Oscar Sweeney, Floyd; Mrs. W. D. Layman, Roanoke; one half-sister, Mrs. Pete Radford, Floyd; also 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Interment will be in Cedar Lawn Burial Park. on September 9, 1973.⁴

     James Luther Paitsel Sr. was buried at Huffman Memorial Park (also known as Chestnut Grove Church Cemetery), above the fish hatchery, Rt. 42, Craig Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on October 23, 1923 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,6 He married Beatrice Arlene Sutphin, daughter of Roy Harrison Sutphin and Olya Edith Lester, on September 21, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,7 James Luther Paitsel Sr. died on January 4, 2008 at Virginia at age 84.⁴ He James L. Paitsel, Sr., 84, of New Castle, went to be with his Heavenly Father Friday, January 4, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Latmer Bud and Luoenia Paitsel, stepmother Virginia Paitsel, an infant son and son James L. Paitsel, Jr. (Jimmy). He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Arlene S. Paitsel; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Michael Huffman; daughter-in-law, Trish Paitsel; grandchildren, Crystal Hickson and husband, Jeff, Justin Huffman and wife, Caitlin, Jamie Paitsel and fiance, Heather, Ashley Harmon and husband, Patrick, Andrew Paitsel, Shawna, Trey, and Taylor Huffman; great-grandchildren, Austin and Sarah Hickson, and Hayli Huffman; stepbrother, Jim Foster; stepsisters, Barbara Huffman and husband, Charles, Genevieve Hannah, Jeanette Huffman and husband, Leslie; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lester Sutphin and wife, Kathleen, Jean Huffman and husband, Bodie, Carolyn Bishop; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Eddie Martin and wife, Loretta. He was very active within his community. He was a member of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association. He was an active Funeral Director for 50 years, also owner of Paitsel Funeral Home. He was President of Farmers and Merchants Bank, past President of Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association, and past President of Virginia State Fair Association. He served in the Navy in World War II. He was a member of VFW Post #4491, a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was one of the founders of the Craig County Rescue Squad and volunteered for the New Castle Fire Dept. at one time. He was also an active member of Craig Valley Hunt Club. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at Paitsel Funeral Home Chapel, with Jim Morris officiating. Interment will follow at Huffman Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 7, 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Craig County Rescue Squad, PO Box 81 New Castle, VA 24127 or the New Castle Volunteer Fire Dept. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home. on January 5, 2008.⁴

     Beatrice Arlene Sutphin was buried at Huffman Memorial Park (also known as Chestnut Grove Church Cemetery), above the fish hatchery, Rt. 42, Craig Co., Virginia.² She was born circa 1924 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ She married James Luther Paitsel Sr., son of Latmer Bud Paitsel and Luvenie Craft, on September 21, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2 As of September 21, 1946,her married name was Paitsel. Beatrice Arlene Sutphin died on March 21, 2015 at Virginia.² She Arlene S. Paitsel, 91, of New Castle, went to be with her Heavenly Father Saturday, March 21, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Olya Sutphin; husband, James L. Paitsel, Sr; an infant son; son, James L. Paitsel, Jr. (Jimmy); sister-in-law, Kathleen Sutphin; brother-in-laws, Buddy L. Bishop and Jimmy Foster. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Michael Huffman; grandchildren, Crystal Hickson and husband, Jeff, Justin Huffman and wife, Tabetha, Jamie Paitsel and wife, Shannan, Ashley Harmon and husband, Patrick, and Andrew Paitsel; great-grandchildren, Austin, Sarah, Hayli, Jadeon, Audrey, Tessa, and Piper; brother, Lester Sutphin; sisters, Jean and husband, Bodie Huffman and Carolyn Bishop; sisters-in-law, Barbara Huffman and husband, Charles, Genevieve Hannah, Jeanette Huffman and husband, Leslie; former daughter-in-law, Patricia Spencer and children, Shawna, Trey, and Taylor; numerous nieces. nephews, and cousins; very special friend, Clara Leftwich. She was a member of the Mtn. Chapter 168/Salem Chapter 161 Eastern Star. She enjoyed being outside and going for rides. She has blessed our family and she is going to be greatly missed. Thanks to Della Meadows, Medi Home Health and Hospice for the great care. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Paitsel Funeral Home with Raymond Christian officiating. Interment will follow at Huffman Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Castle Volunteer Fire Dept. or the Craig County Rescue Squad. on March 24, 2015.²

     Roy Harrison Sutphin was buried at Sunset Cemetery, North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Olya Edith Lester.^1,2 Roy Harrison Sutphin was born on September 24, 1900.¹ He died on September 4, 1958 at age 57.¹

     Olya Edith Lester married Roy Harrison Sutphin.^1,2 Her Social Security Number was 230-40-9558.³ Olya Edith Lester was buried at Sunset Cemetery, North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 Her married name was Sutphin. She was born on May 28, 1902.^3,1 She died on May 22, 1993 at age 90.^3,1,2 She SUTPHIN, Olya Lester, 91, of New Castle, died May 22, 1993. She was at her home Saturday when she went to be with the Lord. She was the widow of Roy Harrison Sutphin, and a longtime faithful member of Mountain View Christian Church. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Lester and Kathleen Sutphin Boydton; three daughters and sons-in-law, Arlene and James Paitsel, Jean and Lloyd (Bodie) Huffman, all of New Castle, Carolyn and Buddy Bishop, Salem; five grandsons and wives, Lloyd Jr. (Sonny) and Debbie Huffman, New Castle, Dr. Frank and Susan Huffman, Newport News, Lester Jr. (Lee) and Anne Sutphin, Abingdon, Adam and Anne Sutphin, Arlington, James Jr. (Jim) and Sharon Paitsel, Salem; two granddaughters and husband, Julie and Mike Huffman, New Castle, Angela Bishop, Salem; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at Mountain View Christian Church on Monday, May 24, 11 a.m. with burial at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Boitnott Funeral Home, New Castle. on May 23, 1993.²

     Dorothy Francis Craft was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,5 She was born on November 25, 1923 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.^1,6 She married Ray Francis Wiley on June 27, 1947 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of June 27, 1947,her married name was Wiley. Dorothy Francis Craft died on December 20, 2014 at Virginia at age 91.² She Dorothy Craft Wiley, 91, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 20, 2014. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, of 68 years, Ray Francis Wiley; and her son, David Ray Wiley. She is survived by her daughter, Mary; her granddaughter, Margaret; her grandson, Benjamin and his wife, Amy; and her great-granddaughter, Iris. Dorothy ("Dot") was born Dorothy Francis Craft in New Castle. She and Ray later moved to Roanoke, where Dorothy raised her children and helped to care for her grandchildren. She worked for a time at Appalachian Power Company and served for many years as a crossing guard for the students of Burlington Elementary School. She was a longtime member of Villa Heights Baptist Church, where she loved caring for the children in the nursery. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Villa Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Jake Huffman officiating. The interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday, December 22, 2014, from 10 to 12 and 5 to 7 p.m. at Villa Heights Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Hollins or Salem Rescue Squad or to Villa Heights Baptist Church. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. on December 22, 2014.²

     His Social Security Number was 225-22-1365.⁶ Ray Francis Wiley was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 He was born on May 27, 1924 at Eagle Rock, Botetourt Co., Virginia.^1,6,5 He married Dorothy Francis Craft, daughter of Harry Charles Craft and Margaret Edna "Maggie" Craft, on June 27, 1947 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,7 Ray Francis Wiley died on March 14, 2011 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 86.^6,2,4 He Ray Francis Wiley, 86, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 14, 2011. He was a member of Villa Heights Baptist Church. Ray retired from Greyhound Bus Lines as a driver with 34 years of service. Following his retirement, he worked part time for Stritesky's Flower Shop. He loved working in the outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, David Ray Wiley. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy C. Wiley; daughter, Mary W. Richards; grandchildren, Benjamin Wiley Richards and Margaret Anne Richards; and grand-dog, "Dottie Ray." Funeral services will be held noon on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Oakey's North Chapel with the Rev. Jake Huffman officiating. The interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Hollins or Salem Rescue Squad, or the Villa Heights Baptist Church Building Fund. The family will be receiving friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237. on March 17, 2011.²

     Susie Rae Vest was buried at Rutrough-Whitlock Cemetery, on hill behind 3741 Floyd Highway, N. (Rt. 221), Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1 She was born on July 6, 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² She married Frederick Douglas "Fred" Sweeney, son of Elkannah K. "Cain" Sweeney and Ida Lelia Yates, on December 21, 1927 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^5,1,2 As of December 21, 1927,her married name was Sweeney. Susie Rae Vest died on May 16, 1935 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 27.^6,2

     Vivian J. Jones was buried at Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rt. 606, Barbours Creek, Craig Co., Virginia.² She was born on March 1, 1927 at Craig Co., Virginia.^4,1 She married Robert Ray Switzer, son of John Steel Switzer and Naomi Clyde "Neoma" Crawford, on July 5, 1947 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^1,4,2 As of July 5, 1947,her married name was Switzer. Vivian J. Jones died on April 27, 2013 at Virginia at age 86.² She Vivian Jones Switzer, 86, of Salem, formerly of New Castle, transcended from this earth on April 27, 2013. She was the widow of Robert R. Switzer, and was predeceased by her father, James G. Jones; mother, Kathleen Paitsel Jones; sister, Mildred Jones Switzer; brother, Edward Jones; sisters and brothers-in-laws, Leslie and Virginia Switzer, Leonard Switzer, Cecil F. and Louise M. Switzer, and Ralph Clinton Switzer. Those remaining to cherish her memory are daughter and son-in-law, Wanda S. Hutchison and Richard, of Salem; daughter, Karen S. Wilson, of Buchanan; and Billy Ray Wilson Jr., of New Castle. The legacy and joy of her life were her grandchildren, Kimberly and Jason Frank, Natalie Wilson, Robert Paul Wilson, Kaili and Mathew Crumpacker, and Ryan and Katie Hutchison, and her great-grandchildren, Ellen, Erik, and Ethan Frank, Caleb Hutton, and Hannah Wilson. Extended family members includes, sister, Gaynelle Jones Persinger; brothers, J.T. Jones and Fredrick Jones; sisters-in-law, Nolan Jones, and Wanda Jones; and her Jones and Switzer nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends that had a special bond with her. Vivian was a native of Craig County and a resident of Salem. She retired from Craig Manufacturing in 1996, was a member of the Hebron United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, a weekly Host for the clergy staff, youth leader, council member, United Methodist Women, and an advocate supporter of children, youth, and young adults. She helped lead the establishment and implementation for two generations of choirs, youth programs, women's programs, and Christian education during her life. Vivian was a dedicated, loyal, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, employee, and friend. Robert and Vivian's Walnut Tree Farm was always open to family, friends, neighbors, and guests. She served early brunch over the years each Sunday morning to the many Ministers of Hebron United Methodist Church, hosted youth gathering, and many events filled with music and laughter. Their home was the center of gatherings for family, friends, neighbors, and church events where music, laughter and love were in abundance. Vivian will lie in repose at Paitsel Funeral Home in New Castle. A celebration of life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Salem at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. The celebration will then continue 2 p.m. at Hebron United Methodist Church in New Castle interment will follow at Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery. A private family viewing will be held at Paitsel Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank Dr. Clifford Nottingham, Dr. Jeffery Todd, Dr. Karen Barnhart, and the nurses, PT, staff, and, management of the Joseph Thomas Center and Richfield Nursing Center (2 East) for the loving care and support provided to Vivian (Ms. Vivi). In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorials to be made to the First United Methodist Church, 125 West Main Street, Salem, VA 24153 and/or Hebron United Methodist Church Route 2 Box 1507, New Castle, VA 24127. on April 30, 2013.²

     Her Social Security Number was 223-30-8835.⁵ Pearlie Payne Fisher was born on July 13, 1925 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.^1,5,2,6 She married John Mac Douglas, son of Ernest McKay Douglas Sr. and Thelma Pearl Craft, on July 23, 1947 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,4 As of July 23, 1947,her married name was Douglas. Pearlie Payne Fisher and John Mac Douglas were divorced on November 19, 1955 at Craig Co., Virginia.⁷ Pearlie Payne Fisher died on November 29, 2005 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia, at age 80.^4,5,3 She Pearlie Payne Fisher, 80, of New Castle, Va., died at her home on Tuesday, November 29, 2005. Pearlie was preceded in death by her husbands, John Mack Douglas and Arthur Franklin Caldwell; son, Glen Mack Douglas; parents, Jesse Gilbert Fisher and Verlie Saunders Fisher Smith; brothers, Paris G. Fisher, Carl Wayne Fisher and David Lee Fisher; sisters, Laura Fisher Rivers and Alice Elmore. She is survived by daughter, Bonnie Sue Caldwell Cales and son-in-law, Dwayne Cales of Roanoke, Va; daughter, Pearl Anne Caldwell Frymier of New Castle; son, Robert Lee Douglas of Waynesboro, Va; a very special grandson, Markus Andrew Arthur Reed; nine other grandchildren, Bernie Wayne Looney, Jr., Tony Douglas, Melissa Douglas, Brad Weaver, Priscilla McKinney, Jessica L. Tolar, Ada Cales, Emily Cales, and Dwayne Cales II; eight great-grandchildren, Selena, Hannah, Austin, Dallas Clayton, Tyler, Devon, Alyasse, and Kaitlyn. Pearlie is also survived by brothers, Curtis and Donnie (Porky) Fisher of New Castle; sisters, Nellie Gallimore and Betty Dudding of New Castle, and Violet McGuire of Salem, Va; one aunt, Bessie Saunders of New Castle; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Memorial Services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, December 1, 2005, at Paitsel Funeral Home, New Castle with the Rev. Jay Law officiating. Family will receive friends at 6 p.m. and following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paitsel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 326, New Castle, Va. 24127 to help defray funeral expenses.www.paitselfh.com on December 1, 2005.⁴

     Jesse Gilbert Fisher was buried at West View Cemetery, New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.¹ He and Verlie B. Saunders were divorced. Jesse Gilbert Fisher was born on November 2, 1901 at Craig Co., Virginia.³ He married Verlie B. Saunders on July 9, 1924 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.^5,1 Jesse Gilbert Fisher died on October 19, 1965 at age 63.³

     Alton Ashby Keffer was buried at Level Green Christian Church Cemetery, Craig Co., Virginia.² He was born on December 26, 1926 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,3,2 He married Janie Sue Hypes, daughter of Peter Dexter Hypes and Hazel Delores Huffman, on April 2, 1949 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹ Alton Ashby Keffer died on January 21, 2013 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 86.^3,2 He Alton Keffer, 86, of Christiansburg, died on Monday, January 21, 2013. He was born on December 26, 1926, to the late Rex and Ethel Keffer of Craig County. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Roy and Bill; and sister, Bertie Ratliff. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janie Sue; his sister, Eileen Averhart; children, Gail Holzer and husband, Siegfried, and Hope Keffer; grandchildren, Lance Shepard, Michael and Matthew Holzer; numerous nieces and nephews; and close friends in the Level Green Community. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2013, in the Level Green Christian Church, Newport with Minister Harold Morris officiating. Interment will follow in the Level Green Christian Church Cemetery. Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to Level Green Christian Church, c/o Joe Duncan, 1992 Happy Hollow Road, Newport, VA 24128. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va. on January 25, 2013.²

     Rex W. Keffer was buried at Level Green Christian Church Cemetery, Craig Co., Virginia.¹ He married Ethel C. Hughes. Rex W. Keffer was born on February 26, 1905.¹ He died on March 17, 1988 at age 83.¹

     Ethel C. Hughes married Rex W. Keffer. Ethel C. Hughes was buried at Level Green Christian Church Cemetery, Craig Co., Virginia.¹ Her married name was Keffer. She was born on July 22, 1903.¹ She died on March 5, 1982 at age 78.¹