Obituaries

Jan 18, 2026

On Jan 18 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Essie (LaShawn) Luciana Turner felt God’s warm embrace and entered heaven's gates.

Shawn was born on Apr 08, 1977, in Franklin County Va to Nina V Cainion and the late Howard L Pinkard Sr. Shawn was a 1996 graduate of Martinsville High School, where she earned the rank of Battalion Commander her...

Dec 28, 2025

Obituary for Helen Wright

In the early morning hours of December 28, 2025, Helen Wright peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home, where she was reunited with her beloved husband, William A. Wright.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl Price Thomas and her father; her son, William “Junior” Wright; her daughter, Betty Ziegler; her cherished sister-in-law, Ruby Wright Tuning; her...

Dec 18, 2025

On December 18,2025, God entered Helen Newbill's home in Stock Bridge, Ga. and whispered into her ear" It's time for you to come to your heavenly home." at that time she entered eternal rest. 

She was born on January 15,1936, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher and Bettie Davis.

Helen was baptized at a young age and...

Dec 14, 2025

Boyd Daniel Belcher was born on April 6, 1952, sharing the same birthday as his late mother, Millie Belcher. In 1970 at the end of segregation, he was part of the last graduating class of Lee M. Waid High School in Rocky Mount, Virginia. He was employed by a number of businesses, Including Martin Processing and Tultex.

Boyd enjoyed music, loudly, and could recount...

Dec 14, 2025

Nov 29, 2025

Carneva Reeves Ferguson passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Good Samaritan.

Carneva was born in Penhook, Virginia, known as Truevine, March 11, 1944, to Mildred and Trollar Reeves.Carneva joined the Church at a very young age; she knew right then that she would make it her business to celebrate everything, such as life, and pursue all her dreams.

She met Roy McDaniel...

Nov 21, 2025

Brother Larry Smith, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and veteran, entered eternal rest surrounded by love. Born on May 11, 1953, at Camp Kilmer Military Base in Piscataway, NJ, to the late Marshall and Nora Vance Smith; Larry was the third of six siblings. From an early age, Larry’s love for learning was evident. He began his...

Oct 26, 2025

Mary Ann Hancock Ross daughter of the late George and Leoma Ross was born April 15, 1935 in Rocky Mount, Va She went home to be with the Lord On Sunday October 25, 2025 at Forest Hills Nursing Home in Columbus, Ohio.

Mary was educated in the Virginia school system. As a young woman, she worked hard on her parent’s farm...

Oct 26, 2025

Mr. Alexander Tyree Jr., 78, of Gladehill, VA, transitioned from Earth to heaven on October 26, 2025, at Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center. He was born on January 12, 1947, in Rocky Mount, VA to the late Alex and Eliza Dudley Tyree. He was preceded in death by one brother, Calvin Tyree, and one son, Blake Lamont Tyree. 

He leaves...

Oct 17, 2025

Family information will follow.

Oct 16, 2025

Oct 12, 2025

In the early morning of October 12, 2025, God sent one of his angels to guide Clarence Wendell Savage home.

Clarence was one of a kind, kind of guy. He loved to dance, talk junk, take a drink, play spades and corn hole, and cheer on his favorite NFL team Dallas Cowboys.

Clarence was born July 17.1969 to the late Willie Mae...

Oct 10, 2025

Celebrating the Life of

Roger Lee Witcher

1946 – 2025

A Life Well Lived

Roger Lee Witcher was born in Penhook, Virginia, also known as “Witcherville,” in 1946, to the late Claude and Beatrice Witcher.

Growing up, Roger and his family were proud tobacco farmers, spending many long days working together on the farm.

In the early 1970s, Roger decided he needed a change of pace...

Oct 7, 2025

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Lord sent an angel from heaven to the home of Beulah Nora McGhee gently letting her know it was time to rest and begin her journey to her eternal heavenly home.

Beulah was born on April 6, 1938, to the late Early and Ella Holland. On August 17th, 1957 she joined hands in marriage with...

Sep 5, 2025

On September 5, 2025, James Wilford “JW” Preston departed this life at home in Rocky Mount, VA. Born in Franklin County, VA on September 11, 1951, he was a son of  the late Thelma and Albert Preston.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, and  four brothers:  Randolph,  Albert,  Charles, and  Thomas.  

He attended schools in Franklin County and...

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...