Person Page - 971

     Her Social Security Number was 231-24-5268.¹¹ Sarah Virginia Sumpter was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,12 She was born on May 29, 1925 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,12,11,3 She married Ben Miller Hawes on March 10, 1956 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,13,2 As of March 10, 1956,her married name was Hawes. Sarah Virginia Sumpter died on September 16, 2011 at Virginia at age 86.^2,12,11 She Sarah Virginia Hawes, of Roanoke, passed over to her heavenly home Friday, September 16, 2011 after a lengthy illness. She was born May 29, 1925 in Floyd, the tenth of eleven siblings to her late parents James H. Sumpter Sr. and Addie Harmon Sumpter, always staying connected with her beloved family. She was a proud graduate of Floyd County High School class of 1942, and member of the championship girls basketball team. After serving in clerical work in Washington D.C. during World War II she attended Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, graduating and licensed as a Registered Nurse in 1948. While nursing at Bluefield Hospital she met the love of her life, her late husband Ben M. Hawes as members of First Baptist Church of Bluefield and were married in 1956, moving to Roanoke shortly after. She served as an RN at the old Lewis Gale, Jefferson, and Community hospitals, finally retiring in 1989 as a charge nurse at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Her mission in life was the care and healing of her patients, family and friends in the most selfless and giving way. She was a loyal and faithful member of Beacon Baptist Church in Salem VA. Preceding her in death were infant daughter, Sarah Beth Hawes, sisters, Vera Dehart, Alice Sumpter, and Katherine Elder, brothers, Melvin Sumpter, Curtis A. Sumpter, James H. Sumpter Jr., Joe Sumpter, and Bill Sumpter. Missing her deeply til we meet again in heaven are sister, Marjorie Drumheller; brother, Robert Sumpter and wife, Frieda as well as cousin/sister, Carol Harrell; children, R. Brent Hawes and wife, Iris, Thomas B. Hawes, both of Roanoke, Ben D. Hawes and wife, Faith of Bluefield W.Va; loving grandchildren, Danielle, Jonathon, Jocelyn, and Alexander; as well as a great many precious nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Avante at Roanoke for their compassionate care for mom and our family. Graveside services following at Jacksonville Cemetery in Floyd. on September 18, 2011.²

     His Social Security Number was 233-24-8900.⁸ Ben Miller Hawes was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,2,4 He was born on December 4, 1920 at Bristol, Virginia.^{1,8,9,2,3,4,10,5,6,7} He married Sarah Virginia Sumpter, daughter of James Hardee Sumpter and Addie Harman, on March 10, 1956 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,9,11 Ben Miller Hawes died on June 1, 1998 at Virginia at age 77.^8,9,2,4,10 He HAWES, Ben Miller, 77, of Roanoke, died Monday, June 1, 1998, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Bristol, Tenn. to Ben F. and Maude Hawes. He graduated from Beaver High School in Bluefield, W.Va. and was employed at the Bluefield Daily Telegraph until enlisting in the Army to serve in World War II. He served in the 45th Evac Hospital in Normandy Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He was employed with The Roanoke Times until retirement. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and was preceded in death by a daughter, Sara Beth Hawes. Surviving are his wife, Virginia S. Hawes; three sons, Ben D. Hawes and wife, Faith, Bluefield, W.Va., Brent Hawes and wife, Iris, Salem, Thomas Hawes, Roanoke; four grandchildren, Dannielle and Jonothan Hawes, Bluefield, W.Va., Alexander Hawes and Jocelyn Wohlford, Salem; two sisters, Mary Lou Biddle and Eunice Rose, both of San Diego, Calif. Also surviving is his uncle, Lloyd Miller, Bristol, Va. Graveside services will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery in Floyd. on June 2, 1998.⁹

     His Social Security Number was 226-40-4637.⁸ Clarence A. "Jack" DeHart was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4,6,7 He was born on December 18, 1888 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,8,2,3,4,5,6} He married Vera Evelyn Sumpter, daughter of James Hardee Sumpter and Addie Harman, on December 28, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,9 Clarence A. "Jack" DeHart died on September 20, 1970 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 81.^2,4,6,7 He Clarence "Jack" DeHart, 31, died Sunday at his home. Surviving are his wife, Sumpter DeHart; a daughter, Mrs. Mahlon C. Harrell, Meadows of Dan; a sister, Mrs. Susanna Epperly, Christiansburg; three brothers, Z. T. DeHart, Clovis DeHart, Ben DeHart, Indianapolis, Ind. Burial in Jacksonville Cemetery. on September 21, 1970.⁷

     Ann Laurie "Annie" Smith was buried at Salem Chapel Christian Church Cemetery, 7745 Salem Chapel Road, Walnut Cove, Forsyth Co., North Carolina.^5,7,8 Her Social Security Number was 245-96-3181.⁹ She was born on September 18, 1895 at Virginia; The SSDI, her death certificate, and the North Carolina Death Index have a birth date of Sep 18, 1896.^4,9,5,7 As of May 5, 1921,her married name was Crews.⁶ She married John Calvin Crews on May 5, 1921 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,6,10,8 Ann Laurie "Annie" Smith died on May 1, 1986 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 90.^4,9,5,7 She Mrs. Annie Smith Crews, 90, widow of John C. Crews. She was born in Floyd County, Va. to Lee and LaZena Sumpter Smith. She was a member of Salem Chapel Christian Church, and a charter member and past matron of Walnut Cove Chapter No. 157, Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the Home Extension Club and active in community work for as long as her health permitted. She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Samuel Mickey, Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Goldie S. Gates, Roanoke, Va., and Mrs. Patrick Kelley, Southbury, Conn; and several nieces and nephews. Burial will follow in Salem Chapel Christian Church Cemetery. on May 3, 1986.⁸

     India Almena Smith was buried at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin, Travis Co., Texas.^4,8 Her Social Security Number was 456-90-8378.⁹ She was born on December 12, 1896 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,9,5 As of November 25, 1925,her married name was Mickey.⁶ She married Samuel Waite Mickey on November 25, 1925 at Chicago, Cook Co., Illinois.^4,10,6,8 India Almena Smith died on September 9, 1991 at Austin, Travis Co., Texas, at age 94.^4,9,11,8 She India Smith Mickey died September 9, 1991. A native of Floyd County, Virginia, she and her late husband, Samuel Waite Mickey, moved to Austin in 1930. She is survived by her children, Charlotte and James A. Wharton of Dallas, and Robert G. and Anita Mickey of Austin; and grandchildren, Bruce and Julie Wharton of La Paz, Bolivia, Jim and Patti Wharton of El Paso, Robert Wharton of Huntsville, Elizabeth and Greg Lisso of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Robert Mickey of Austin. She is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Sarah Wharton of La Paz; and sisters, Mrs. P.B. Kelly of Southbury, Connecticut, and Mrs. James E. Gates of Roanoke, Virginia. Interment at Austin Memorial Park. on September 11, 1991.⁸

     His Social Security Number was 225-10-6292.¹⁵ Harman Lee Smith was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^6,9,12 He was born on February 9, 1899 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{15,1,5,6,8,9,10} He married Hazel Hall Simpkins, daughter of Jessie Wade Simpkins and Cora French Hall, on November 12, 1924 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹¹ Harman Lee Smith and Hazel Hall Simpkins were divorced on January 25, 1929 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹⁶ Harman Lee Smith married Tennie Lucilla Andrews on August 30, 1930 at Bristol, Virginia.^7,9,12,17 Harman Lee Smith died on February 12, 1970 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 71.^15,18,6,9,12 He Harman Lee Smith, 71, assistant foreman-in-charge of the pressroom of The Roanoke Times and The Roanoke WorldNews before retiring in 1964, died Thursday in a Roanoke hospital. Smith's career in the printing industry extended over a span of more than half a century. He went to work at the age of 13 in the pressroom of the Floyd Press. When his family moved to Roanoke three years later in 1915 Smith went to work for Hammond Printing Co. On Feb. 4, 1922, he became an apprentice in the pressroom of The Times. Serving later as night foreman of the pressroom and finally as assistant foreman-in-charge of the pressroom, Smith retired on March 1, 1964. Surviving are his wife, Tennie Andrews Smith; five sisters, Mrs. F. E. Ferguson, Roanoke, Mrs. James E. Gates, Newport News, Mrs. John C. Crews, Walnut Cove, N.C., Mrs. Samuel W. Mickey, Austin, Tex., Mrs. P. B. Kelly, New York. Burial in Evergreen. on February 13, 1970.¹²

     Goldie Vera Smith was buried at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.³ Her Social Security Number was 225-10-9014.⁸ She and James Chester Hawkins Sr. were divorced.⁴ Goldie Vera Smith was born on July 6, 1905 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,3,5 As of October 6, 1922,her married name was Hawkins.⁶ She married James Chester Hawkins Sr. on October 6, 1922 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^9,6 As of June 11, 1932,her married name was Montgomery.⁴ Goldie Vera Smith married Quincy Bowman Montgomery on June 11, 1932 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Goldie Vera Smith and Quincy Bowman Montgomery were divorced on January 4, 1937 at Virginia.¹⁰ As of February 26, 1939,her married name was Gates.⁷ Goldie Vera Smith married James Erwin Gates on February 26, 1939 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,7,11 Goldie Vera Smith died on September 4, 2001 at Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., North Carolina, at age 96.^8,3,5 She GATES, Goldie Vera Smith Hawkins, died Tuesday, September 4, 2001. She was born in Floyd County, Va. to the late Lee Davis Smith and Lizena Alice Sumpter Smith on July 6, 1905. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Erwin Gates; four sisters; and two brothers. Surviving are three children and their spouses, Chester Hawkins, Jr. and Norma of Oceanside, Calif., Gayle Gates Horrell and Jason of Walnut Cove, N.C., with whom she lived, and Ronald M. Gates and Lucy of Norfolk, Va; four grandchildren, Randall Hawkins, Bruce Hawkins, Ron Hawkins and wife, Sonia, all of California, and James Erwin Gates, II of Norfolk, Va; three great-grandchildren, Christina, David and Tara Hawkins of California; four nieces, Charlotte Wharton and husband, Jim of Black Mountain, N.C., Mary Lou Cheek and husband, Charles of Richmond, Va., Patricia Kelly and Colleen Kelley of Southbury, Conn. Mrs. Gates lived in Newport News from 1940 until 1970. After her husband's death in 1958, she became successful in real estate and continued to raise and educate her children. She moved to Roanoke in 1970, where she joined the First Baptist Church and was an active member for many years. She belonged to the Fidelis Sunday School Class, the XYZ's and the Women's Missionary Union. Her Faith was strong. In 1999 she moved with her daughter and son-in-law to North Carolina where her church family has been Salem Chapel United Church of Christ and Pastor Larry Williams. Mrs. Gates was a loving mother, community volunteer, friend to many and a faithful Christian. She will be missed by all who knew her. Burial will be in Pennisula Memorial Park, Newport News, Va. on September 7, 2001.³

     James Chester Hawkins Sr. and Goldie Vera Smith were divorced.⁷ James Chester Hawkins Sr. was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁸ His Social Security Number was 225-10-6479.⁹ He was born on January 22, 1900 at Virginia; His gravestone and WWII draft card have a birth date of Jan 21, 1900.^10,3,8,9,6 He married Goldie Vera Smith, daughter of Lee Davis Smith and Lizena Alice Sumpter, on October 6, 1922 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee.^1,4 James Chester Hawkins Sr. died on March 23, 1969 at Orlando, Orange Co., Florida, at age 69.^8,5 He James Chester Hawkins, 69, of Rt. 3, Salem, died Sunday in an Orlando, Fla., hospital. Surviving are his wife, Lucy Isabelle Dame Hawkins; a son, James Chester Hawkins Jr., Huntington Beach, Calif; a brother, Earl Hawkins, Portsmouth; three sisters, Mrs. Jessie E. Tate, Boyce, Mrs. M. C. Decker, Roanoke, Mrs. Edward Spinchcomb, Tampa, Fla. on March 24, 1969.⁵

     James Chester Hawkins Jr. was buried at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, San Diego Co., California.⁷ He was born on February 16, 1924 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,5,6 He married Norma Louise Balochie on June 10, 1952 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ James Chester Hawkins Jr. died in 2021 at San Diego Co., California.⁷

     Zena Matilda "Mattie" Smith was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,5 Her Social Security Number was 225-10-9013.⁸ She was born on December 15, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,3,4,6 As of October 26, 1929,her married name was Ferguson.⁶ She married Francis Eugene Ferguson Jr. on October 26, 1929 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,6,5 Zena Matilda "Mattie" Smith died on October 20, 1970 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 69.^9,8,3,4 She Matilda Smith Ferguson of 2137 Westover Ave., SW, died Tuesday in Roanoke hospital. She was the wife of Francis Eugene Ferguson Jr. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Charles A. Cheek, Richmond; four sisters, Mrs. John C. Crews, Walnut Cove, N.C., Mrs. P. B. Kelly, New York City, Mrs. James E. Gates, Newport News, Mrs. Samuel W. Mickey, Austin, Tex. Burial in Evergreen. on October 21, 1970.⁵

     Joseph Alvah Smith was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4 He was born on June 3, 1903 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4 He died on January 15, 1923 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 19.^3,4 He Joseph A. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee D. Smith, died yesterday morning at 3:15 o'clock at the home of his parents, 803 Windsor Avenue, Virginia Heights, after a brief attack of pneumonia. He is survived by, besides his parents, a wife, one brother, Harman L., and five sisters, Mrs. J. J. Crews, of Salem, N. C; Mrs. J. Chester Hawkins, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Misses India, Mattie and Mable of Roanoke. Active pallbearers will be James Burns, Horace Austin, H. L. Fulwiler, H. Hill, William Atkinson and Joseph Crawford. on January 16, 1923.⁵

     Mabel Virginia Smith was buried at New North Cemetery, Woodbury, Litchfield Co., Connecticut.⁵ Her Social Security Number was 063-20-9159.⁸ Her married name was Kelly.⁴ She married Charles Patrick Bernard Kelly.⁴ Mabel Virginia Smith was born on May 4, 1907 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,3,4,5,6 She died on November 11, 2000 at Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut, at age 93.^8,3,4,5 She KELLY, Mabel Virginia Smith, died on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2000. Born in Floyd, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, she was the youngest of seven siblings, four of whom lived to be nonagenarians. She was the widow of Patrick B. Kelly, an attorney, and the founder of the first school of Criminal Science in the nation. She had lived in Roanoke, Virginia, Chicago, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Arlington, Virginia, New York City and, since 1969, in Heritage Village, Southbury, Connecticut. In her long and full life she had a capacity for collecting people. Her wit and charm, but also generosity of heart and ability to listen attracted many to her. Her major field of interest and study was in psychology. Her final act of generosity was to donate her body for research at the Yale School of Medicine. A communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Southbury, she had converted to Catholicism after her marriage. Her religious studies were under the direction of Mother Frances Prussett, of the Cenacle in Chicago. Mother Prussett was herself a convert, from Roanoke, Virginia. Mabel chose the name Frances for her confirmation name. Mabel had worked in a supervisory capacity for Mutual of New York Life Insurance Co. Among her duties was overseeing the placement of work study pupils in cooperation with the New York City Public Schools. While living in New York she served as the Deputy Commissioner of Manhattan's West Side, for the Girl Scout's of America. She was elected an honorary member of the Gamma Alpha (Manhattan) chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a women's International Honor Society for educators. In Southbury she was formerly a member of the League of Women Voters, as well as a member of the Democratic Party. She will be remembered for her hospitality and culinary skills. As an early resident of Heritage Village she set a standard for party giving, earning the title of the Pearl Mesta of Heritage Village. She is survived by her remaining sister, Goldie Gates of Walnut Cove, North Carolina; two daughters, Patricia and Colleen, both of Southbury; and many nephews and nieces throughout the country. on November 16, 2000.⁴

     James Haden F. Holt was buried at Wimmer, Bohan, Maxie, Shilling Cemetery, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 136 area, Adney Gap, Franklin Co., Virginia.^4,1,3 He was born on February 11, 1851 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,1,3 He married Lucy Frances Wimmer on December 22, 1870 at Franklin Co., Virginia.³ James Haden F. Holt died on April 11, 1933 at age 82.^4,1,3

     Lucy Frances Wimmer was buried at Wimmer, Bohan, Maxie, Shilling Cemetery, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 136 area, Adney Gap, Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 She was born on August 27, 1855 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 She married James Haden F. Holt, son of James Edmond Holt and Mary Lucy E. "Polly" Huff, on December 22, 1870 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁴ As of December 22, 1870,her married name was Holt. Lucy Frances Wimmer died on May 31, 1944 at age 88.^2,3,4

     Her Social Security Number was 223-38-9730.⁶ Reecie Marie Green was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^1,3,7 She was born on November 12, 1929 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,6,2,3,7,8 She married Nova Franklin DeWeese, son of Ernest Duskin DeWeese and Mary Ada "Merrily" Blankenship, on October 31, 1954 at Chester Co., South Carolina.^1,9,2,3,4 As of October 31, 1954,her married name was DeWeese.⁴ Reecie Marie Green died on October 26, 1996 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 66.^1,6,9,2,3,7 She DeWEESE, Reecie Green, 66, of Roanoke, died Saturday, October 26, 1996, in a Rocky Mount nursing home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Minnie Richards Green, and five brothers, Claude, Ernest, Bill, Ervin and Luther Green. She was the widow of Nova F. DeWeese. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Sherwood (Audrey) Nichols of Callaway, Mary Lois Green of Rocky Mount and Mrs. Cecil (Bertha) Guilliams of Roanoke; two sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews. on October 27, 1996.⁹

     Ruby Edna Beckner married Howard Leonard "John" Simpson, son of Charles Henry Simpson and Cora Alice DeWeese.^1,2,4 Ruby Edna Beckner was buried at King Cemetery, Rt. 607, Bottom Creek area, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,1 Her Social Security Number was 226-01-8788.⁶ Her married name was Simpson. She was born on April 7, 1916 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.^6,5,3 She died on December 13, 1999 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 83.^6,1,4 She SIMPSON, Ruby Beckner, 83, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, December 13, 1999 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard L. (John) Simpson; son, William Carroll Simpson; daughter, Janet Simpson Wilkerson; twin brother, Russell Edwin Beckner. She was a dedicated member of the Belmont Presbyterian Church. Surviving are daughters, Joyce S. Myers, Kay S. Carroll; sons, Danny L. Simpson and wife Harue, Johnny Ray Simpson; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Norma Jean Simpson; son-in-law, Wayne W. Wilkerson; dear friends, Louise Ashley, Virginia Overstreet. Interment will be in the King Family Cemetery, Bent Mountain. on December 14, 1999.¹

     Lt. Col. William Carroll Simpson was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.^3,8 His Social Security Number was 227-42-2756.¹² He was born on January 12, 1938 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{13,12,4,5,6,8} He married Norma Jean Ingram on December 3, 1960 at Roanoke, Virginia.^6,14,8 Lt. Col. William Carroll Simpson died on September 3, 1992 at Kansas City, Jackson Co., Kansas, at age 54.^12,13,8 He Lt. Col. William C. Simpson, U.S. Army retired, age 54, died Thursday, September 3, 1992 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Born January 12, 1938 in Roanoke, Va. he was preceded in death by his father, Howard L. "John" Simpson. Lt. Col. Simpson was a 1960 graduate of VMI and retired after 25 years service in the U.S. Army. At the time of his death he was employed by the Titan Applications, Leavenworth, Kan. Surviving are his wife, Norma Ingram Simpson; two sons, William C. Simpson, Jr., Kansas City, Mo; Stephen S. Simpson, of the home; mother, Ruby Beckner Simpson, Roanoke; two brothers, Danny Simpson, Corpus Christi, Texas; Johnny R. Simpson, Roanoke; three sisters, Joyce Myers, Kay Carroll and Janet Wilkerson, all of Vinton. Interment with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery. on September 5, 1992.⁸

     Janet Faye Simpson was buried at King Cemetery, Rt. 607, Bottom Creek area, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,5 She was born on April 20, 1944 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,4 As of October 19, 1968,her married name was Wilkerson.³ She married Wayne William Wilkerson on October 19, 1968 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,1,6,3 Janet Faye Simpson died on September 25, 1996 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 52.^1,5,11 She WILKERSON, Janet Simpson, 52, of Vinton, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, September 25, 1996, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a life long member of Belmont Presbyterian Church and was preceded in death by her father, H. L. (John) Simpson; and a brother, Wm. Caroll Simpson. Surviving are her husband, Wayne W. Wilkerson; a daughter, Ronda Renea Wilkerson, of the home; a son, Troy Shane Wilkerson, Roanoke; mother, Ruby B. Simpson, Roanoke; brothers and a sister-in-law, Danny L. and Harue Simpson, Corpus Christi, Texas, Johnny Ray Simpson, Roanoke; sisters, Joyce S. Myers, Kay S. Carroll, both of Vinton; mother-in-law, Pauline Wilkerson, Roanoke; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Sheryl and Mike English, Roanoke, Debi and Terry Hopkins, Hardy; sister-in-law, Norma Jean Simpson, Lansing, Kansas; several nieces and nephews. Burial will be in the King Family Cemetery, Bent Mountain. on September 26, 1996.

     Joyce Ann Simpson was buried at King Cemetery, Rt. 607, Bottom Creek area, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² She was born on November 6, 1939 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ As of July 22, 1959,her married name was Myers.⁵ She married Willie Irby Myers on July 22, 1959 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,5 Joyce Ann Simpson and Willie Irby Myers were divorced on April 24, 1995 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ Joyce Ann Simpson died on November 3, 2012 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 72.^2,10 She Joyce Ann Simpson Myers, 72, of Vinton, passed away Saturday, November 3, 2012. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Howard L. (John) and Ruby Beckner Simpson, brother, Carrol Simpson and a sister, Janet Wilkerson. Joyce Ann was a 1958 graduate of Jefferson High School. She retired from Bell Atlantic and was a member of Belmont Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her daughter, Jobie Lynne Myers-Batts and husband, Billy; son, Tony Lee Myers; grandson and the light of her life, William "Hunter" Batts; brothers, Danny Lee Simpson and wife, Harue; Johnny Ray Simpson; sister, Elizabeth Kay Simpson Carroll; brother-in-law, Wayne Wilkerson; sister-in-law, Norma Jean Simpson; and several nieces and nephews. Interment will be in King Family Cemetery, Bent Mountain, Va. on November 4, 2012.²

     Willie Irby Myers was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, 1300 Mountain View Road, Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on November 25, 1938 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,2,4 He married Joyce Ann Simpson, daughter of Howard Leonard "John" Simpson and Ruby Edna Beckner, on July 22, 1959 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,2 Willie Irby Myers and Joyce Ann Simpson were divorced on April 24, 1995 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Willie Irby Myers died on April 11, 2003 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 64.^5,1,7 He MYERS, Willie Irby, 64, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, April 11, 2003. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nora Myers; brothers, Eugene and Lewis Myers; and sisters, June Thornhill and Betty Saunders. Surviving are his son, Tony Lee Myers of Roanoke; daughter, Jobie Myers-Batts and husband, Billy of Vinton; grandson and pride and joy, Hunter Batts; brothers, Jack Myers of Port Charlotte, Fla., John Myers of Roanoke; sister, Josephine Hall of Roanoke. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton. on April 12, 2003.¹