Obituaries

Sep 5, 2025

OBITUARY

On Friday, James Wilford Preston entered into his final rest at home in Rocky Mount, VA.

Born in Franklin County, VA on September 11, 1951, he was a son of the late Thelma Preston and Albert Hairston. He attended schools in Franklin County and Rocky Mount, VA. After graduating high school he traveled out of state. He came back home and enlisted for...

Aug 24, 2025

A graveside service for Frank Douglas Wade will be held on Thursday, August 28th@ 1pm at Holy Trinity Baptist Church - 675 Colonial Turnpike, Rocky Mount, Va. by Minister Kathy Wade of Roanoke Virginia.

Frank gained his wings on Sunday, August 24th 2025. He was born on August 13, 1966 to the late George and Mary Wade. Frank was preceded in...

Aug 15, 2025

Walter Douglas Stovall entered this world, son of the late Rebekah Stovall Muse, on March 16, 1942. Walt dedicated his life to Christ at an early age at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Rocky Mount, VA. He graduated from Lee M. Waid School in 1960. He tried out for several pro baseball teams while playing at Muse Field for several years. He...

Aug 8, 2025

On Friday, August 8, 2025, God sent His mighty angels to bring Pearl Holland Simmons, 91, to her heavenly home. Pearl was born on September 23, 1933, in Franklin County, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Early and Ella Holland. Pearl married Roy Simmons on December 25, 1954, and to this union three children were born: Douglas, Adrian,...

Jul 25, 2025

On July 25, 2025 Erma K. Preston departed this life at the Star City Rehab and Nursing Center in Roanoke, Virginia.

Erma K. Preston was born on February 18, 1945 to Charlie Rufus James and Elsie Powell James in Pittsylvania County, Virginia,

Erma was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Walter H. Preston Sr., 5 brothers, Cary James, Flurry Powell, Bobby...

Jul 20, 2025

 On Sunday, July 20, 2025, our beloved, Bobby Hughes Witcher, departed this life at Sovah Health Hospital in Martinsville, VA. He was born August 16, 1945 in Penhook, VA to Elijah and Exie Witcher who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his son, Robert; five brothers: Melvin, Alvester, Thelmon, Luther and Willie Witcher; seven sisters: Bessie...

Jul 19, 2025

Judy Evelyn Hancock was born Saturday, July 28, 1951, in Rocky Mount, VA to the late Walter Cobbs Hancock, Sr. and Mary Alice Dukes Hancock.   On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Judy transitioned making her tenure on earth 73 years and 356 days. 

Judy grew up in the 220 South Community and was a faithful member of the 220 Teens Club.  She...

Jul 17, 2025

On July 17th 2025, Derrick Donnell Early departed this life at his home in Franklin County Virginia. Derrick was born to the late Mary Alice Early and the late George Singletary on August 25th 1968.

Derrick was proceeded in death by his maternal grandmother Sally Ruby Newbill Meadows. Derrick was educated at Franklin County High school and work his career at...

Jul 9, 2025

Rhonda Sherielle Holland, 61, passed peacefully into her Lord’s care on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, at the home of her brother, Robert Holland surrounded by family and loved ones.  

Born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents Lois and Sylvester Holland, and sister-in-law Margo Holland.

She is survived by, and leaves to cherish her memory, brother Roger...

Jun 26, 2025

Jun 25, 2025

Earlie Fulton Cobbs

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith...2 Timothy 4:7

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Deacon Earlie Fulton Cobbs received and answered the call from our LORD and SAVIOR.

Earlie was born on August 9, 1941 in Franklin County, Virginia to the late Daniel Thomas Cobbs and Mary Jane Brown Cobbs. In...

Jun 3, 2025

George Macon Simmons

“So also, you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

On June 3, 2025, our Heavenly Father reached down into his garden and plucked the most beautiful flower, our beloved George, to be with him. He was known to most of...

May 25, 2025

Richard Daryl Tuning, 69, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, passed away on May 25, 2025, surrounded by family. Richard, lovingly known as Daryl, was born to Charles and Dorothy Tuning on September 22, 1955, in Welch, West Virginia. Daryl graduated from Welch High School in 1973 and went on to own and operate a successful car detailing business, T&T Cosmetic Car...

May 19, 2025

Christopher Dwayne Richardson was born in Franklin County, Virginia on May 14, 1968 to the late John James Richardson (“Jean”) and Ruth Mae Pinkard Richardson. Surrounded by family on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 5:25 p.m. at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, God whispered for Chris to come home. Chris, lovingly known as “Beatum/Beelum” and “Uncle B”, was preceded in death...

May 11, 2025

Shellby Jean Jowell was born May 28 1938 (86) passed away peacefully at her home in Rocky Mount VA.

She was proceeded in Death by her parents Elder John B Patterson & Essie B Patterson ,Her Husband Everington G Howell and Son Everington J Howell and ten of her Sibling.        

Shellby Graduated from Lee M Wade High School in 1958 She retired...

May 1, 2025

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., God sent his mighty angels to bring Donna Marie Simmons, 60, to her heavenly home. Donna was born on March 21, 1965 in Franklin County, Virginia.

She was the daughter of the late Louise O’Neal and Herman Casey. Donna resided in Franklin County her entire life where, at the young age of...

Apr 30, 2025

Apr 29, 2025

Obituary

On April 29, 2025, Mae Sue Newbill Leftwich, 81 of Rocky Mount, VA was called home to be with the Lord. She was born on January 21, 1944 the daughter of the late Millard Jones and Laura Sue Reynolds in Franklin County, VA. She was united in marriage to Willie James Leftwich. Her last places of employment were Cooper Wood...

Apr 18, 2025

Mary Evelyn Wade passed peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025. She was born on Wednesday, May 22, 1935, to the late Major & Lillie Cole. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, George Wade. Three sisters; Caroline Cole, Annie Mae Cole and Ovella Cole; Three brothers, Major Arthur Cole, Herbert Cole and Henry Cole.

Mary had an unconditional Love for...

Apr 12, 2025

D’Mauri (Mari) Amir Bonds transitioned from his earthly home to his eternal home on April 12, 2025. D’Mauri (Mari) was born on October 29, 2019, to Ebony Bonds. 

He was preceded in death by his Great Grandfather Robert Lewis Bonds and his Grandmother Dorothy (Dot) Johnson. 

God saw that Da’Maur’s (Marri) body was getting tired after many hours of radiation and cancer...