In Remembrance

March 31, 2025

"But never have I been a blue calm sea. I have always been a storm."

-Stevie Nicks

Dabreyl "Bre" Burkholder, also affectionately known as "Breezy," "Amaryllis," and "Aunt B.," 36, of Covington, Virginia quietly executed her final Irish Goodbye and transitioned to the Bright Side of Grey on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Ms. Burkholder was born on Saturday, February 18, 1989, in Roanoke, Virginia, the daughter of the late Daryl and Debra Burkholder. She attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College where she graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Administration of Justice and a Certificate in Law Enforcement. Bre worked as a Communications Officer for the Covington Division of Police, the Clifton Forge Police Department, the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office, and the Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center serving the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, Buena Vista Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and VMI Police as well as 17 fire and rescue companies. She was also employed by the LewisGale Regional Health System as an armed Security Officer for seven years before changing careers and pursuing her life's work in the funeral service industry. She attended John Tyler Community College and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Funeral Services and a Certificate in Allied Health. From there she went on to begin her career as a Funeral Director/Embalmer, Crematory Operator, & Preneed Specialist and over the years she served at Loving Funeral Home of Covington; John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home of Salem; Lotz Funeral Home of Roanoke; Cremation Choice of Virginia; and was most recently employed by Oakey's Funeral Service at the Roanoke Chapel as an embalmer in the Care Center. She also served many other funeral homes over the years in Southwest Virginia; the Roanoke Valley; and even as far as Chesterfield, Virginia and The Greater Richmond Area as the role of an independent trade funeral director and embalmer and also as a transport technician for H&S Removal Service in Richmond, Virginia. Bre was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Covington, Virginia and also attended First Christian Church in Covington, Virginia.

Ms. Burkholder preferred the finer things in life, living for today and not thinking about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is never promised; of course, the funeral director in her knew that statement to be very true. Breezy was highly proficient in advocating for others, strongly expressing her opinions, fluent in sarcasm, and gallows humor. Like most of the women in her family, she was truly a force to be reckoned with.

One of her greatest accomplishments in life was funeral directing, and most especially embalming and restoration-a skill and trade that she loved performing as well as education and instructing others within industry. She took much pride in her work and pleased the families she served in a time in which they experienced their darkest hours. When she wasn't working, Breezy could usually be found with a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other, and entertaining in the company of great friends and family. Most of all, she loved vacationing to the beach, especially the sugar sands and the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. Other times, she could be found in cemeteries and graveyards photographing old gravesites, epitaphs, and statuary. After all, they're one of the few places a person could find actual peace and quiet away from the rest of the world. She possessed a great appreciation for the macabre arts and dark literature. To quote Winston Churchill: "She was a riddle, wrapped in mystery, inside an enigma."

In addition to her mother, Debbie Burkholder, surviving to carry on her legacy is her brother, Daryn Burkholder and wife, Sara; nephew, Henry Burkholder, and several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and many special friends near and far whom she also considered family. Also surviving are her fur-babies, Princess and RowwRoww.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11 am in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating. Family will receive friends at Oakey's Funeral Service- Roanoke Chapel 318 Church Ave Roanoke, Virginia 24016 on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Bre was an employee of Oakey’s Funeral Service, 318 Church Street, Roanoke, VA

March 27, 2025

Martin Vianey Oliver, “Morty”, passed away on March 27, 2025 at the age of 74. Born in Norfolk, VA, he was the son of the late Harry Diggs Oliver, II and Mary Elizabeth Mengel Oliver.

Morty attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Granby High School. He became a plumber before ultimately joining his family’s funeral business, receiving his degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services in Atlanta, GA. He went on to serve his community for over 45 years. Along with his brother, John Oliver, he helped expand the business to include a Chapel in Chesapeake, VA, and a cemetery in Suffolk, VA. After John’s passing in 2007, Morty served as President until his retirement in 2020. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication that is a model for all to follow.

Morty profoundly believed in always doing the right thing in business and in life. He was not just a good person, but someone who took that goodness and fostered it in others and throughout his community. So many people have benefited from his ethics and have been touched by his actions, and they may have never even realized it. His giving was often quiet, his kindness matched by his modesty. Morty was quick to laugh and offer unsolicited advice that was usually right and always well-intentioned. He was happiest on a boat or a pier, working on a piece of wood, or sharing wisdom from a sturdy stool.

Morty was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry Diggs “Bubba” Oliver, III and John “Johnnie” Patton Oliver; his sisters, Mary Frances Oliver and Loretta Oliver Butler; and his nephew, John Patton Oliver, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Kay Edwards Oliver; his son, Jonathan E. Oliver of Chesapeake, VA; his daughter, E. Sterling Oliver and her husband Christopher Emery, of Norfolk, VA; his granddaughter, Vera Vianey; and his sister, Betty Ann Oliver Goff and her husband Larry of Virginia Beach, VA. Morty is also survived by his cherished nephew Harry Diggs Oliver, IV and other numerous nephews, nieces, extended family members, as well as his dedicated and well-loved staff of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, countless friends, and hundreds of families that he helped throughout his career.

Calling hours to pay respects to Morty will take place Monday April 7, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 PM at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA. A private burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sentara Norfolk General, The Brock Cancer Center, and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, whose care and support enabled him to walk his daughter down the aisle and meet his beloved granddaughter.

Memorial donations may be made to The Up Center or The Governor’s School for the Arts.

Former President, HD Oliver

March 24, 2025

Lora Gene Johnson Lehman of Lynchburg died Monday, March 24, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Ellis Ray Lehman.

She was born July 23, 1924 in Decatur, Illinois, a daughter of the late Biness Filmore Johnson and Laura Inez Emerson Johnson.

Gene passed away at the age of 100, a milestone she had often expressed she never desired to reach. While she made it clear she was ready to embrace the next chapter of life, she faced her final years with the same grace, dignity, and humility that defined her. Known for her unwavering patience, Gene was a loving nurturer who always put others before herself. Her sharp mind and keen spirit remained vibrant until her very last day, playing Canasta with friends on the afternoon before falling ill. Gene had a keen sense of humor that could be easily missed if you didn't pay close attention. She was an active soul, constantly engaged in activities that brought her joy, including reading, chair exercise and knitting beautiful prayer shawls for friends. Gene's generosity extended beyond her family and friends-she always sought to be a source of comfort rather than a burden. Her legacy of love, selflessness, humor, and quiet strength will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

She is survived by three sons, Steve Lehman of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Quebec, Canada, John Lehman of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and Bob Lehman and his wife, Terry of Cumming, Georgia; one daughter, Judy Finch and her husband, Rob of Huddleston, Virginia; twelve grandchildren, Wendy Lehman, Joey Lehman, Jimi Lehman, Joel Meredith (Jen), Erica Lehman (Tyson), Melissa Lehman, Karl Lehman, Jessica Lehman, Sarah Lehman, Laura Holbert (Trevor), Trey Finch (Brooke), and Jackson Finch (Fallon); eighteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Flossie Burgett and Margie Fitch.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista by the Rev. Brady Willis with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Altavista.

Grandmother to Trey Finch, Southside and Blueridge Funeral Directors Association Member, Mother-in-law of Rob Finch, VFDA past president.

March 21, 2025

Roy Douglas Repass, known affectionately to friends and family as Doug, embarked on his final journey, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and wisdom on March 21, 2025. Born on April 1, 1943, in North Tazewell, VA to the late George W. Repass and Dovie Marie Repass. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph, Bob, Jack, and Marshall Repass.

Doug was a man of intelligence and wit, traits that served him well both in his professional life and at the family dinner table. He attended Emory & Henry College; he delivered more than just mail as a Rural Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service. His customers often looked forward to his rounds, not just for the letters and packages but for the daily dose of humor he brought to their doorsteps. Alongside his father and brothers, Doug also operated Repass Barber Shop in North Tazewell, VA, where he was not only the purveyor of fine haircuts and stories with every snip and trim.

In his personal life, Doug was the analytical handyman who could fix anything, a skill that often made him the first call for family and friends in need. His love for FOX news was only rivaled by his passion for westerns. There was nothing he enjoyed more than analyzing the day's events with the sharpness of a news anchor and the resolve of a cowboy riding into the sunset.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kay Goss Repass, who was the love of his life and partner in every adventure. His children, Lisa Harry, Sheila Repass, David Repass and his wife, Mandy, and Debbie Stilwell; he was affectionately known as “Granddaddy” to, Chandler Harry, Trevor Edwards, Jonathan Stilwell, and Lacie Repass; sister, Margaret Kulchar, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to tell the tall tales and jokes that Doug so loved.

Doug's life was a series of well-crafted stories, punctuated with laughter and a keen sense of the world around him. He was a man who could find the humor in any situation and the solution to any problem. His analytical mind made him a go-to for advice, and his handy skills made him indispensable at family gatherings—especially when something needed fixing, which, according to Doug, was always.

All services will be held privately with his family where he will be laid to rest at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA.

Grandfather of Jonathan Stilwell,

Funeral Service Licensee at John M. Oakey and Son,

Salem VA. Blue Ridge District Funeral Directors Association

February 14, 2025

Debra Lynn DeCantis, born on May 19, 1962, in Alexandria, entered peacefully into eternal rest on February 14, 2025, at the age of 62.

Debbie's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, friends, and her many passions. In her early years, she found joy in assisting her father with his racehorses, sharing in the excitement and hard work at Charles Town Races in WV.

For twelve years, Debbie was a committed employee of Giant Food in Fredericksburg, where she forged lasting friendships and made a positive impact on everyone she encountered.

A woman of many interests, Debbie was a devoted fan of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), finding thrill and entertainment in the matches. She had an abiding love for animals, especially cats and dogs, who brought her much comfort and companionship. Additionally, she cherished watching movies, often sharing her insights and critiques with those close to her.

Debbie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she engaged with her community in meaningful ways and nurtured her spiritual beliefs.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Dominick P. DeCantis and Wanda Ann Scott (DeCantis); and sister, Linda DeCantis-Graham, whose memories she cherished deeply. Debbie is survived by her devoted brother, Thomas S. DeCantis, her loving sister, Margaret D. Wilhour (Mark), her cherished niece, Erika Kaufman, and several dear cousins who will all miss her greatly.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Debbie’s best friend and caregiver, Pam Jett, the LDS Fredericksburg Ward, and the LDS ladies group.

A memorial service to honor Debra's life will be held at a later date, allowing family and friends to gather in remembrance of her remarkable life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colonial Beach Rescue Squad in appreciation for their dedicated service.

Debra Lynn DeCantis will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she shared with those around her. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Sister of Tom DeCantis

Regional Manager of Altmeyer Funeral Home

Northern Funeral Directors Association

Dec 31, 2024 | Shenandoah

Lisa Jo Crigler, age 68, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, following a years-long journey to overcome cancer.

Born August 30, 1956 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, she was the eldest child and only daughter to the late Edwin Lee Crigler and Sue (Kimble) Dudley.

A life-long Christian, Lisa was dedicated to Christ on September 30, 1956 by her parents and would be raised in Monterey Presbyterian Church. In her childhood Lisa spent countless hours exploring the forest in Burner’s Run. There, she and her brothers would pick teaberries along the walking path to the nearby creek, and she could often be found playing in the moss under the pine trees where she pretended fairies lived. As an adult she loved time spent working in her yard, hiking, kayaking, and generally being in nature – a continuance from her youth.

Lisa attended and graduated from Highland High School with the class of 1974, where during her junior year she served as class Treasurer and Maple Princess. Following high school, Lisa would go on to attend and graduate from Elizabeth Brant School of Business and would apply that education throughout her life, including positions as Human Resources Administrator of Bell South and Business Secretary of Villa Heights Baptist Church, both of Roanoke. Later in life she would return to school to become a Board-Certified Optician in 2014 and entered into an eight-year career serving the Roanoke and Salem communities. As an optician, she was well known for her shining smile, high energy, and keen fashion sense that made the clients feel welcomed as they walked through the door.

However, Lisa’s chief career accomplishment was opening Teaberry’s, Inc. in 1995. This small gift shop & garden center was named after the childhood memories of her parent’s backyard property, Burner’s Run. In its infancy, it offered small nicknacks and flowers, but evolved to serve hot tea with cucumber sandwiches on her renowned homemade bread. Soon thereafter, Teaberry’s became a thriving restaurant and catering business, which expanded into two locations. Lisa retained ownership and operation of the business for 16 years, ultimately selling in 2011 for it to continue to thrive for several more years.

Her father’s child, Lisa will be remembered for her determination and strong will. “Once she set her mind to something, she was going to see it through” and those that knew her knew that to be true. She also possessed a loving and caring spirit for her family and countless friends, an attribute that never waned throughout her struggles with cancer. Yet another quality, and possibly her greatest, was her selfless nature. This was particularly evident when Lisa chose to undergo two separate clinical trials with low probability for success. While those trials came at a price, she opted to participate in them for the likelihood that the research conducted could benefit others.

Above all, her greatest success in life is the legacy she leaves behind - her four children and their families. No small feat, Lisa miraculously managed to raise three spirited boys and one resolute daughter to adulthood. Through countless paddlings, groundings, pleas, and in spite of their efforts to offset her direction, Lisa succeeded in her goal. She left this world with the comfort of knowing her children, in her words “will be okay without her.” Equally as important to Lisa, was the knowledge that she had done her part to ensure that her kids were devoted to Christ, and that foundation in faith-that she helped lay-would extend to her grandchildren as a lasting Christ-filled legacy on earth.

Her children were her life, her “pride and joy,” as were her 16 beloved grandchildren, with whom she spoke of in constant repetition. In her children’s youth, she was the perpetual taxi for their endeavors in cheer, wrestling, soccer, football, and the like. She was always active in their extracurriculars, having served as PTA President, President of the William Byrd Band Boosters, Lead Chair of the After Prom Committee, among others. She loved each of her children for who they are and always ensured they felt loved and special. As adults she wasn’t able to spend as much time with them or her grandchildren as she would have liked, but the time she was able to share was filled with love, laughter, and memories to be cherished forever. Truly, she loved her children unconditionally. And we, her children, were privileged to have the experience of our youth and to have been shown the understanding and patience only a loving mother could have.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a grandson, Griffin Lee Obaugh; as well as her special aunt and uncle, Myrtle (Kimble) and Stanley Mason Lough.

Surviving family members include her children, Bryan Stuart Obaugh and wife, Megan of Monterey, Ben Tyler Obaugh and wife, Jill of Moneta, Beth Lauren (Obaugh) Linkenhoker and husband, David of Goodview, and Bryce Alan Obaugh and wife, Beth of St. Paris, OH; her grandchildren, Lane Alan Obaugh, Jackson William Obaugh, Blaine Joseph DeMarco, Noah Tyler Obaugh, Savannah Jo Linkenhoker, Alyssa Lyle Obaugh, Olivia Marie Obaugh, Liam Francis Obaugh, Ariella Mae Obaugh, Nora Catherine Linkenhoker, Lowell Alexander Obaugh, Annalise Renae Obaugh, Laurel Elizabeth Obaugh, Malak Daniel Obaugh, Titus William Obaugh, and Lilith Grace Obaugh; brothers, Gary Crigler and wife, Angela of Monterey, and Chris Crigler and wife, Mary of Warrenton; nieces, Amanda Crigler of Monterey and Erica Ruleman of Staunton; nephews, Scott Crigler and wife, Laura of Midland, and Tim Crigler and wife, Danielle of Warrenton; father of her children and close friend, George William “G.W.” Obaugh of McDowell; as well as several great-nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

In accordance with Lisa’s wishes, funeral services will be held in both Roanoke and Highland County.

Beginning in Roanoke, the family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel (318 Church Avenue SW Roanoke). A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, also at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel with pastor Alan Moore officiating.

The family will once again receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday January 3, 2025 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell. A funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Obaugh Funeral Home with pastor Chip Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Monterey Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be made up of Lisa’s grandsons and nephews.

Obaugh Funeral Home

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Mother of Bryan Obaugh, owner of Obaugh Funeral Home of Highland and Bath County

Nov 12, 2024 | Southside

Mr. John Anderson “Doc” Calloway, age 80, of Danville, VA, passed away on Friday, November 08, 2024 at SOVAH Health-Danville.

He was born on July 09, 1944, in Chatham, VA, to the late Willie H. Calloway, Sr. and Catherine Calloway Adams.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister; Gene Raymond Oakes and Willie Calloway, Jr. and Rose C. Carter; two step-brothers, Herman Adams and George Adams, Jr.; and three step-sisters, Barbara Inge, Shirley Lee and Jean Adams.

Mr. Calloway was employed by Swicegood Funeral Home for 47 years, as a funeral attendant and grounds maintenance.

He was a faithful member of Apostolic Faith Temple, Ringgold, VA. He served as a greeter and was appointed to the Deacon Board.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife Melba S. Calloway; son, Miles (Katina) Scott; granddaughter, Kaitlin Scott, of High Point, NC; sister Evelyn Hubbard, brothers, Sherman (Clara) Calloway and Curtis (Tracey) Calloway; step-sister, Mary (Cecil) Carter, Bernice Carter, and Annie B. Clark; step-brothers, Ben (Ruby) Adams and John (Lila) Adams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Highland Burial Park with Rev. Percy Younger and Pastor C. Saunders officiating. The family will be at the residence at other times.

Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Calloway family.

Swicegood-Barker Funeral Home

Southside Funeral Directors Association

Funeral Home Staff

Oct 24, 2024 | Blue Ridge

NELSON LEE VEST, 93, of White Gate, VA, went to be with the Lord he so faithfully served on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home. He was born August 27, 1931 in White Gate, VA, the oldest son of Edward & Sadie Vest.

Nelson faithfully served the Lord and was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Church. Besides caring for the grounds for many years, he held the position of treasurer for 50+ years and was a member of the Mt. Zion Quartet for many years. Nelson loved music, especially four-part harmony, and loved listening to good gospel music as loud as he could stand it.

Nelson spent his life in service to his community. He was involved in many aspects of the community he loved and cherished. He was drafted and served in the United States Army. He was the community barber. He was a caretaker of the Stinson Cemetery and was member of the cemetery board.

Nelson was a charter member of the Poplar Hill Fire Department. He was a charter member of the White Gate Ruritan Club where he served for 50+ years. He was the caretaker of the White Gate Community Center for many years, a job he took very seriously.

He worked in the dye house at Klopman Mills for 30 + years until the plant closed.

He had achieved the status of the oldest member of his church, the Vest family and of his community.

Nelson was most proud of his work along side his family as a funeral director at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home. He has served his community with compassion and dedication for 68 years. He held many titles within the business, be he was most proud to be the driver of the hearse that carried his friends and neighbors to their final resting place.

Nelson’s life was an exemplary example of a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him. On Saturday evening, his goal was achieved and he heard his master reply, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your master!”

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sheffey & Sadie Mustard Vest, his wife, Pauline Hooker Vest, his daughter & son-in-law, Brenda Leigh & Jerry Horn, his grandson, James Bradley Perdue, his granddaughter, Kelley Leigh Perdue, his brothers, Edward Louis Vest and Carl Lynwood Vest, his sister, May Dell McPeak, his brother-in-law, Roger Sutphin and Pauline’s siblings, Roy, Jr., Juanita, Olena, Glenna, Eula and Ralph.

Left to cherish his memory are his son & daughter-in-law, Jackie & Debbie Vest; his granddaughters, Leslie & Eric Sharp, Miranda & Michael Webb and Tara Clark; his great-grandchildren, Lainy, Easton, Jordan, Drew, Emmanuel, Brantley and Lakin; his great-great-grandchild, Kasen and one on the way, Analeigh; his brother, Jimmie Lane Vest; his sister, Rebecca Ann Sutphin; his brothers-in-law, Wayne McPeak and Jack Cunningham; several special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with Pastor Brian Consley and Charles Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Stinson Cemetery where military rites will be provided by his friends from the Bland American Legion Post #20 and the Bland VFW Post# 7969.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Nelson’s honor to either the Stinson Cemetery Fund, 2508 Walkers Creek Valley Rd., Pearisburg, VA, 24134 or to Mt. Zion Church, 200 Old Church Road, Pearisburg, VA, 24134.

Nelson’s family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Dana Nicolas, Jodie Giles, Tammy Riggs, Kaidyn Giles, Vickie Greenway and Vinia Davis, to his friends at the Giles Heath & Family Adult Day Center and to Carilion Hospice for your love and care throughout the last few years, months and days.

The Vest family is in the care of their family at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Retired Funeral Director A. Vest and Sons Funeral Home

October 23, 2024 | Northern

Steve was born in West Virginia, and his family came from the small rural farming town of Frost, WV. After graduating high school, Steve left his small town to put himself through mortuary school and then decided to settle in the NOVA area to begin his dream of starting a business. Steve never ever forgot his roots.

In 1969, Steve opened the doors of Metropolitan Funeral Service, Inc, which at the onset was merely renting a prep room from Pearson Funeral Home. Steve knocked on doors and had doors shut in his face, but he never gave up on his dream. He utilized his best assets, which were his people skills and his unbridled work ethic. With that in hand, and his devoted wife, Molly, supporting his dream, Metropolitan grew year after year to become the largest trade service in the DMV. He bought and sold funeral homes, grew in his business acumen, launched into real estate, ran a thriving farm business with his cousin and built new funeral homes from the ground up with friends and colleagues.

Steve was devoted to his beloved daughters, Karen and Julie and their husbands John and Rick and he cherished his 10 grandchildren, two of whom preceded him in death. Steve’s great joy was to entertain, mentor and help others either in time of need or to encourage them to pursue their passion relentlessly. Steve was brilliant and shared his knowledge and skills with others to push them to be their best and to never settle.

Steve loved hunting and fishing, and he loved his farm hometown of Frost. Steve surrounded himself with great people, extraordinary employees, friends of character and family all of whom were devoted to him. His good nature, incredible spirit of generosity, his desire to help others and his overall presence will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 at The King’s Chapel, 12925 Braddock Rd, Clifton, VA 20124, from 3:30-6:30PM. Memorial service will be held at The King’s Chapel on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1PM. Interment will be held privately at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Steve’s spirit of generosity, we encourage all to give either to The King’s Chapel in memory of Steve or to a charity that is meaningful to you.

Lastly, we would be honored if you would leave a short comment of how Steve impacted your life, words that best describe Steve, or your favorite memory of Steve in the condolence section.

Please note two details for the the Memorial Service on Saturday.

The celebration of his life will be livestreamed and is available at The Kings Chapel

Owner of Metropolitan Funeral Service and Southside Cremation Service

Northern Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Metropolitan Funeral Service and Southside Cremation Service

Oct 22, 2024 | Blue Ridge

Garnet Guilliams Hypes, 86 of Vinton passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2024 with loved ones at her bedside.

Garnet was born on May 2, 1938 to Ora and Alvie Guilliams in Callaway, VA.

Garnet is now in heaven with the love of her life, Paul Cleveland Hypes. The two of them went on to have two sons, Paul Steven Hypes (deceased) and Mark Edward Hypes (surviving). Garnet and Paul also had several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Garnet was very involved in her church at Fellowship Baptist. It was important to her that those around her knew the love Jesus had to offer them and how to be saved.

During Garnet’s retirement she worked as a hostess at Oakey’s Funeral Service up until her passing. She was very dedicated to her work and helped so many families feel loved during times of death.

Garnet was predeceased by both her parents, her brothers Marlin, Joel, and Cecil; her sisters, Betty and Brenda, her husband, her son, and a grandson. She is survived by her son Mark and his wife Mary; Steve’s wife Elizabeth, several grandchildren, a grand-son-in-law, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

One of Garnet’s final wishes is that her family knows how much her and Paul loved them and that they will all meet again in heaven.

There will be a viewing held at Oakey’s South Chapel on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A service will be held at Oakey’s South Chapel on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will following at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Oakey's Funeral Home

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Funeral Support Staff Oakey's Funeral Home