Person Page - 955

     Jacob Robert West was buried at Radford Cemetery, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 888, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on July 2, 1856 at Monroe Co., West Virginia.^2,1 He married Rhoda Rosann Radford on October 28, 1879 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 Jacob Robert West died on November 19, 1939 at age 83.²

     Rhoda Rosann Radford was buried at Radford Cemetery, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 888, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on October 4, 1856 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,1 She married Jacob Robert West on October 28, 1879 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of October 28, 1879,her married name was West. Rhoda Rosann Radford died on July 26, 1949 at age 92.²

     Joseph Valentine "Vollie" Byrd was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁶ His Social Security Number was 224-24-5470.⁹ He was born on December 23, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4,10,6,5,8 He married Florence Virginia Oliver on November 17, 1908 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁸ Joseph Valentine "Vollie" Byrd and Florence Virginia Oliver were divorced before 1913.¹¹ Joseph Valentine "Vollie" Byrd married Adeline M. "Addie" Davis circa 1921.^2,12,13 Joseph Valentine "Vollie" Byrd married Ima Claire Saunders on November 6, 1937 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,14 Joseph Valentine "Vollie" Byrd died on November 24, 1957 at age 70.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 226-01-3180.¹¹ William Ennis Byrd was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^5,12 He was born on December 12, 1883 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia; His WWII draft card has a birth year of 1884.^11,7,13,5,6 He married Mary Letitia Lovell on July 15, 1913 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,9,14 William Ennis Byrd died on September 15, 1975 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 91.^11,5,12 He William E. Byrd, age 91, of 2314 Maiden Lane, SW., died at his residence Monday. He was a member of United Commercial Travelers. Surviving are one son, William C. Byrd, Roanoke; two daughters, Miss Margaret Byrd, Roanoke; Mrs. Mildred B. Hanes, Richmond; one brother, L. H. Byrd, Roanoke; also four grandchildren, Judy Byrd, Gary Byrd, Rick Hanes and Steve Hanes. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on September 16, 1975.¹²

     Martha E. Byrd was born circa 1888 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She Not enumerated with her family in the 1900 Census on June 4, 1900.²

     Esther Mae Whitlow was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on September 30, 1921 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She married John William West, son of Terry Samuel West and Ima Claire Saunders, circa 1941.¹ As of circa 1941,her married name was West.¹ Esther Mae Whitlow died on July 13, 2011 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 89.^1,2 She Esther Whitlow West, 89, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Born in Floyd, Va., on September 30, 1921, she graduated from Floyd High School attended Radford College, and taught in elementary schools in Floyd for 35 years before retiring and moving to Roanoke. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, John West; three daughters, Linda Harry, Joan West Bork and her husband, Casey, and Becky Smythers and her husband, Clyde. She is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Suzanne Cipolla and her husband, Rob, and their children, David and Caroline; Dr. Brian Mitchell and his wife, Sue Ann, and their children, Brianna, Emma Sue, and Annslee; David Harry and his fiancée, Linda Arnold; Angela Mitchell Miss and her husband, Stephen, and their children, Abigail and Stephen Patrick; and Erin Naiman and her husband, Jeff. In addition, she is survived by one sister, Vera Tolbert. She also leaves behind many dear sistersin-law, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Malissa Whitlow; her twin sister, Lillian McClure; another sister, Allie Caldwell; and son-in-law, William Harry. She was passionate about her faith, family, teaching, and hobbies. A life long Methodist, she displayed her strong faith through prayer and daily devotions, which carried her through many difficult illnesses. A dedicated, creative teacher, she was loved by all of her students. She was a loving, devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt, who cared more for the welfare of others than herself. She will be greatly missed. A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Oakey's South Chapel, Roanoke. The Reverend Reginald Tuck will officiate. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery, Floyd, Va. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer and Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies. on July 16, 2011.¹

     Charles Hylton Mitchell was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on August 6, 1916 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 He married Geneva Zorene Sowers, daughter of Harley Dorson Sowers and Bessie Mary Howery, on March 25, 1939 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 Charles Hylton Mitchell died on July 4, 1973 at age 56.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 230-03-4951.⁴ Geneva Zorene Sowers was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁵ She was born on October 28, 1921 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,5,4 She married Charles Hylton Mitchell on March 25, 1939 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 As of March 25, 1939,her married name was Mitchell. Geneva Zorene Sowers died on November 21, 2008 at Virginia at age 87.^5,4 She Geneva S. Mitchell, 87, of Salem, passed away Friday, November 21, 2008. She was born October 28, 1921 in Floyd County where she lived until 1966. Preceding her in death was husband Charles Mitchell, brother, Basil Sowers, and sisters, Evelyn Walters, Lavetta Phelps, and Aldene Vest, and grandson, James Mitchell. Surviving are her five children, Sue (Ed) Nolen of Salem, Wayne Mitchell of Athens, Ga., John (Connie) Mitchell of Floyd, Nancy (Larry) Costigan of Christiansburg, and Michael (Christine) Mitchell of Lake Worth, Fla. Also left to mourn are brother, Chester (Claudine) Sowers, and sister, Joy (Paul) Huff all of Floyd, nine grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren, and one greatgreat-granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Staff at Richfield Nursing Home, Salem, especially to niece, Martha Altizer, for the wonderful care Geneva received. Visitation will be at Maberry Funeral Home Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral services will be at Maberry Funeral Home Monday, November 24, 2008 at 1 p.m., the Rev. Richard Gregory officiating. Interment well follow at Jacksonville Cemetery, Floyd. Flowers are appreciated or you may consider a memorial contribution of your choice. Arrangements by Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd. Online condolences may be sent to www.maberryfuneralhome.com on November 24, 2008.⁵

     Octavia Vanna Brown was buried at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, 635 Needmore Lane NE, Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2 She was born on March 6, 1855 at Montgomery Co., Virginia; The Argabright book has a birth date of Mar 5, 1855.^3,5,1,2,4 She married William Washington Kingrea, son of Hosea Kingrea and Mary "Polly" Walters, on December 7, 1872 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1,2 As of December 7, 1872,her married name was Kingrea. Octavia Vanna Brown died on November 4, 1942 at Giatto, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 87; The death date in the Tombstone and Argabright books is Nov 14, 1943.^5,2,4

     Clyde Harlan Smythers Jr. was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on December 10, 1949 at Danville, Virginia.^1,2,3 He married Rebecca Ann "Becky" West, daughter of John William West and Esther Mae Whitlow, on February 10, 1973 at Radford, Virginia.^1,4,5 Clyde Harlan Smythers Jr. died on August 12, 2014 at Virginia at age 64.³ He Clyde H. Smythers Jr. of Blacksburg passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2014. He was born in Danville, Va., on December 10, 1949, grew up in Floyd, Va., and graduated from Floyd County High School in 1968. He attended VA Tech and earned a BA degree in 1972. He was a devoted family member and his survivors include his wife of 41 years, Becky of Blacksburg; daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Jeff Naiman and grandson, Ryan; mother and step-father, Nelva and Calvin Gardner of Floyd; two step-brothers, Tommy Gardner of Floyd and Gerry Gardner of Fishersville; special aunt and uncle Betty and Bob Hower of Lewes, Del., father-in-law, John West of Roanoke, and many cousins and in-laws. Clyde worked for four banks during his long career and was currently employed as a commercial loan officer with Carter Bank and Trust in Christiansburg, Va. He leaves behind a myriad of current and past customers who appreciated his cordial, personality and strong work ethic. Clyde was a member of the Blacksburg Rotary Club, where he served on various committees and positions. Clyde had many interests, especially sports. He was a loyal Hokie fan and enjoyed attending all athletic events, but especially football and basketball. Clyde was a faithful member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher captain. He also coached and played on the church softball league in both the summer and Fall seasons. A Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home in Floyd, Va. The Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Blacksburg United Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Carson officiating. An interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery in Floyd, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Blacksburg United Methodist Church or the American Stroke Association. Online condolences can be made to the family at gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com. Arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home , Floyd, Va., 540-745-2007. on August 15, 2014.³

     His Social Security Number was 227-62-2369.⁵ Calohill Minnis Epperly was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on May 2, 1882 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1,4,2 He married Lennie Elizabeth Cannaday, daughter of Tazewell Howard Cannaday and Julia Ann Foster, on October 4, 1908 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ Calohill Minnis Epperly died on August 17, 1968 at age 86.¹

     Lennie Elizabeth Cannaday was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 229-72-5325.³ She was born on August 10, 1885 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2,1 She married Calohill Minnis Epperly, son of John William Epperly and Nancy A. Cannaday, on October 4, 1908 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of October 4, 1908,her married name was Epperly. Lennie Elizabeth Cannaday died on December 7, 1982 at age 97.²

     Richard David Hamden Jr. was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.⁴ His Social Security Number was 236-32-0326.⁶ He was born on March 22, 1928 at Kimball, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^2,6,3,5 He married Myra Phyllis Wickham, daughter of George Schuyler Wickham and Beatrice Alice Prillaman, on September 4, 1949 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,7,4 Richard David Hamden Jr. died on April 26, 1987 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 59.^6,4 He Richard D. Hamden Jr., 59, of 305 N. Third St., Princeton, died Sunday at his home. Born in Kimball, he was the son of Richard D. Hamden of Kimball and Hattie Mae Thompson Hamden of Princeton. He was a retired band director at Athens High School with 30 years of service and was a member of the West Virginia Band Directors Association. He was a member of Princeton Elks Lodge No. 1459, and Maranatha Baptist Church of Princeton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Wickham Hamden, in 1982. Survivors: daughters, Vicki Karagianis of Manassas, Va., Mrs. Howard (Babs) Smith of Clarksburg, Mrs. Tim (Tina) Thompson of Lerona and Mrs. Henry (Sheila) Grossek of Parkersburg; sisters, Mrs. Sylvia Coon and Bebe Hamden, both of Princeton, and Mrs. Zelma Black of Troy, Ohio; six grandchildren. Burial at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. on April 27, 1987.⁴

     Anita Page Wickham was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 223-38-7362.¹⁰ She was born on November 8, 1931 at Roanoke, Virginia.^10,4,5,6 As of September 8, 1950,her married name was Booker.⁴ She married Richard Wayne "Dick" Booker on September 8, 1950 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4 Anita Page Wickham died on October 25, 2007 at Maryland at age 75.^2,10 She Anita Wickham Booker, 75, of Hanover, Maryland and formerly of Roanoke, Virginia died Thursday, October 25, 2007 after a long illness. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, George Skylar and Beatrice Prillaman Wickham and her sister, Phyllis W. Hamden. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 57 years, Richard (Dick) W. Booker; her daughters, Dana B. Naas and her husband, William of Nashua, New Hampshire; Linda G. Vienna and her husband, Angelo of Annapolis, Maryland; her grandchildren, Christina Vienna, Meghan, Terry and Stuart Naas. A graveside service will be held in Sherwood Memorial Park. on October 27, 2007.²

     Richard Wayne "Dick" Booker was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 224-24-5978.⁹ He was born on December 22, 1927 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5,7,8,9 He married Anita Page Wickham, daughter of George Schuyler Wickham and Beatrice Alice Prillaman, on September 8, 1950 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,7 Richard Wayne "Dick" Booker died on November 12, 2010 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 82.^3,6,9 He Richard Wayne (Dick) Booker, 82, of Roanoke, Va., died November 12, 2010, at The Park Oak Grove Retirement Community. Dick was a graduate of Jefferson High School and, during World War II, served on a ship in the United States Navy. After retiring from Westinghouse Corporation, Dick enjoyed vegetable gardening, collecting model trains and traveling with his late wife. A resident of Hanover, Md. for more than 50 years, he moved back to Roanoke, Va. in 2009. Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Anita (Wickham) Booker, also from Roanoke, Va; brother, Edwin Booker; and sisters, Dorothy (Booker) Crews and Nancy (Booker) Stiness. Dick is survived by his daughters, Dana (Booker) Naas and Linda (Booker) Vienna; four grandchildren, Christina Vienna, Meghan, Terry and Stuart Naas; sisters, Adrienne (Booker) Umberger and Joyce (Booker) Griffin; and brother, Rodney Booker. Graveside services will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park. on November 13, 2010.³

     Charles Carl Dunaway Charles Carl Dunaway, Jan 14, 1949 - Jan 25, 2025. Charles Carl Dunaway, 76, passed from this life on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his farm in Willis, Virginia. Charley was born on January 14, 1949 in Taylorville, Illinois to Zebert Edgar Dunaway and Odessa Irene Wilhour Dunaway. The family lived on a farm that his dad cultivated in Owaneco, Illinois. Charley was active on the farm, learning mechanical, carpentry and other skills that he was able to use throughout his life. He attended Taylorville Senior High School and graduated in 1967, after which he enlisted in the Army and was sent to Germany and Vietnam. He served for three years in the 101st Airborne Division and was honorably discharged in 1971. After returning to the US, Charley was married four times, first to Mary Elaine Miller. His second wife was Cynthia Bingham, who was Colby Dunaway’s mother. After exploring and working in the West for several years, he purchased his farm in Willis and moved there in 1977. His third marriage was to Dreema Puckett, the mother of Shawn, Odessa, Jacob and Courtney Dunaway. In 1993, Charley married Vicki Hamden Karagianis in the newly established Friends (Quaker) Meeting in Floyd. They enjoyed an adventurous life together, first living just outside of Floyd and then moving back to his farm in Willis. Charley had worked for years as an electrical foreman until he broke both legs in a fall off a roof. After initial recovery from that injury, he began doing odd jobs for friends in Floyd County, but he was never able to return to industrial electrical work. After buying a milk cow and learning to make cheese, Charley helped Vicki set up a cheese-making plant in Willis known as Ladybug MicroCreamery. They sold cheese, eggs and vegetables at the Blacksburg Farmers’ Market and other local outlets, including the Harvest Moon in Floyd. In 2007, they sold the business and moved to Hawaii to work on a small goat dairy farm, where they stayed until 2011. When they moved back to the mainland, Vicki relocated to Oregon to be close to her daughter from a previous marriage. Since then, Charley divided his time between staying with Vicki in Oregon during the winter and on his farm in Willis, to be close to his children and grandchildren and to plant a big garden every summer. Throughout his life, Charley was intensely interested in Nature and growing and foraging food. When young, he hunted wild animals for food and also loved gathering morel mushrooms with his family near their home. Later he belonged to the American Chestnut Society, The North American Fruit Explorers, the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, and the Cascade Mycological Society in Oregon. He enjoyed experimenting with new crops and fruit trees and saving his own seed, as well as cooking and processing the food that he grew. In Oregon he learned to crab and dig clams, and took pleasure in learning new edible mushrooms and wild plants. Charley Dunaway was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as by two sisters, Mary Carol and Susan. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Hamden Dunaway, his wife of over 30 years. Also surviving are his five children: Colby Dunaway, who lives in Eugene, Oregon; Shawn Dunaway is a resident of North Carolina. Odessa Dunaway resides in Virginia with her two children, George and Gabriella. Jacob Dunaway resides on Charley’s farm with his wife Connie and their two children, Rachel and Ethon. Courtney Dunaway Hatch lives in Texas with her husband, James, and their children, Mackenzie, Jaxon, Seth and Alexandria. Also surviving are a living sister – Jeanne Dunaway Rehling of Owaneco – and four living brothers: Lynn, Gerald, Robert (Bob) and Elmer Dunaway, all of Taylorville. Charley was a sweet, gentle man who will be missed. As his brother Bob wrote: “Elmer says that Charley was his hero. That is probably true for all of us. He was older, wiser, and braver than the rest of us. He led us, pushed us, and walked with us. Charley was always teaching; eager to share his vast knowledge with family and others. ”.² He was born on January 14, 1949 at Taylorville, Christian Co., Illinois.^1,2 He married Vicki Diane Hamden, daughter of Richard David Hamden Jr. and Myra Phyllis Wickham, on April 17, 1993 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 Charles Carl Dunaway died on January 25, 2025 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 76.²