In Remembrance

Oct 3, 2024 | Shenandoah

Edgar Wallace “Ed” Slaven, 80, of Ronceverte, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley.

Born January 12, 1944 in Ronceverte he was a son of the late Hubert Bernard Slaven and Mary Grove Slaven Geddings.

Ed was a graduate of Greenbrier High School and was a United States Navy Veteran having served aboard the USS Yellowstone AD-27 and the USS Farragut DLG-6. After honorably serving his country he returned home and began working at Bendix, later ABB, as a Production Coordinator for 34 years. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ronceverte. One of his favorite pastimes was pitching horseshoes. He was a member of the Mountaineer Horseshoe Club where he successfully competed in many regional and state tournaments. Ed also loved shooting pool, spending time on his riding mower and working in his shop.Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and spending time with his son on the farm. He truly never met a stranger as he would talk to anyone.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Huberta S. Lightner.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Sarah ShraderSlaven whom he married October 5, 1968.

Also surviving is a son, Scott Slaven of Virginia; two granddaughters, Taylor Slaven of Virginia and Kendall Ashby of Texas; a brother, Robert Slaven and wife, Karen of Ronceverte; a sister, Connie Hudson of Ronceverte; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Salem Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Organ Cave with Rev. Joe Geiger officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Wallace and Wallace, Inc. of Ronceverte.

Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Father of Scott Slaven, General Manager of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes

Oct 2, 2024 | Northern

A staple and beacon of the Woodbridge community, B. Earle Mountcastle, 87, of Triangle VA, died peacefully on Sunday September 29, 2024, at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

Earle was born in Baltimore MD to William B. and Rennie H. Mountcastle. As a small child, the Mountcastles moved to Alexandria, VA, where Earle grew up under his father's tutelage as the Mountcastles established death care services for those in Northern VA. Earle graduated from TC Woodson High School before attending the prestigious University of Virginia. After graduation, he served his country in the Army Reserves before attending the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. In between semesters at UVA and Cincinnati, Earle often returned to Alexandria to work in the family funeral home, Cunningham Funeral Home (now Cunningham Turch).

Service to others remained paramount in Earle's life. In 1963 Earle Moved to Woodbridge VA and opened Cunningham Mountcastle Funeral Home (now Mountcastle Turch). In 1986, he and his beautiful wife Margaet "Meg" built Mountcastle Funeral Home (now Mountcastle Turch) in Dale City, VA, continuing to serve his community in the celebration of lives. Highly respected within the industry, he held the position of president of the Virginia Funeral Directors Assocation. He went on to be named Virginia Funeral Director of the Year. Earle's exceptional career gained him the honor of the Golden Funeral Directors Award, recognizing those with 50 years of service and dedication. Earle's impact on the funeral industry is immeasurable. He has mentored countless individuals that now attribute their development and successes to Mr. Mountcastle.

In his leisure time, Earle enjoyed boating and traveling, but even then, remained a caretaker of his community. He was an active member of countless community organizations over the years, to include the Woodbridge JC’s, Kiwanis, Lions Club, and St. Paul United Methodist Church, just to name a few.

In addition to his parents, Earle is preceded in death by his loving wife Meg, as well as his son Billy. He is survived by his daughter Lynne Mountcastle, US Coast Guard, Ret., one granddaughter, Crystal, and countless friends and community members that will hold his impact in their hearts for generations to come.

Friends are invited to celebrate Earle’s life on Thursday October 3rd from 1-4pm at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home & Crematory, 4143 Dale Blvd. Dale City VA 22193, where funeral services will be held on Friday October 4th at 10am. Interment will follow at Dumfries Cemetery.

Mountcastle Turch and Cunningham Turch Funeral Homes

Northern Funeral Directors Association

Former Owner Mountcastle Turch and Cunningham Turch Funeral Homes, VFDA Past President

Aug 21, 2024 | Blue Ridge

Vernon E. Helvey, 81, of Christiansburg, VA and formerly of Covington, VA, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Vernon was born in Lillybrook, WVA to the late Charles and Margaret Williams Helvey. He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles L. “Chache” Helvey.

Vernon graduated from Stocco High School in Coal City, WVA and then moved to Falls Church, VA where he took a position with Safeway. After several years he took another position with Safeway in Covington. He made Covington his home after purchasing and operating Helvey’s Courtesy Store where everyone enjoyed his meat department, especially the salads. He later began a career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at Augusta Correctional Center in Craigsville, VA, he served as a special game warden for Alleghany County, and after 21 years of service, retired from Alleghany County Sherrif’s Office at the rank of Sergeant. Vernon later moved to Christiansburg where he enjoyed playing cards with the neighbors, shooting pool, NASCAR races, and attending Rockford Community Church.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Bower Helvey; children, Kim (Greg) Nolen and Craig Helvey; granddaughters, Veronica Helvey and Maranda Helvey; and a special grandson Levi Daniel Nolen; 1 great grandson, Maddox, many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a sister, Kathy Brogan.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 12:00 until 2:00 pm to celebrate his life at Horne Funeral Home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Rockford Community Church 6867 Viscoe Rd Radford, VA 24141 or to a charity of your choice.

Horne Funeral Service

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Father of Craig Helvey, Horne Funeral Service

Aug 12, 2024 | Southwest

Joyce Dean Hunt Henderson Jones, age 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 10, 2024. She was born in Hampton, VA in 1933 to the late Calvin Hunt and Oreta Moore Hunt. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Joyce was a graduate of Longwood College with a major in music. She enjoyed teaching piano, reading the Bible, needlework, crafts, and more than anything spending time with family and friends. She served the Lord throughout her life and was a member of Main Street Christian Church in Saltville, VA, First Baptist Church in Laurinburg, NC, and Bonsack Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA. Being a faithful servant of God, she loved God’s Word and would read through the Bible for many years. She was a prayer warrior and prayed daily. She relied on the Bible to guide her life and would share the truths she learned with those who were asking for Biblical advice.

She was part owner of D.R. Henderson Funeral home in Saltville, VA where she was a funeral director for many years. In addition to being a funeral director, she also played the organ for many services.

She was also preceded in death by her husband Billy “Bill” Henderson, and her second husband William “Bill” Jones.

Those who are left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Cindy (Roger) Herald of Roanoke, VA, and their daughters, Melissa (Kenneth) Almond of Raleigh, NC, and Laura (Josh) Ruleman of Asheville, NC; her son, David R. (Ida) Henderson of Abingdon, VA and his sons, Rybe (Abby) Henderson of Winston-Salem, NC, Logan (Kenna) Henderson of Saltville, VA and stepsons, Sonny Hall and Scott (Kayla) Hall; her stepson, Billy (Cindy) Jones and their sons, Spencer and Benjamin; stepdaughter, Cindy (Harold) Brewer and their sons, Brett and Scott; stepson, Dan (Ellen) Jones and their children, Daniel and Melinda; several great-grandchildren; and many very special friends. A special thanks to her loving caregivers Sharon, Paula, Becky, Sandra, and Doris.

Joyce was generous, kind, and funny. She had special nicknames for her children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville, VA with Pastor Barry Loupe officiating. Burial will follow in the Elizabeth Cemetery in Saltville, VA. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce, please visit our floral store.

D.R. Henderson Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Mother of David Henderson, D.R. Henderson Funeral Home

Aug 9, 2024 | Southwest

Carl Gene “Rick” Gilliam, Jr., 66, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Lonesome Pine Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Rick was born in Harlan, Ky. and lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap, Va. He was a 1976 graduate of Powell Valley High School, where he excelled in athletics, and played on the 1974 Va. State Basketball Championship team. He was the owner/operator of the former Gold’s Gym in Big Stone Gap. He graduated top of his class from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in August of 1990. Rick was an owner of Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory since 1990. Rick and his family also provided services for the community with Fit-Con Graphics, and G & G #2 Carwash in Appalachia, Va.

At a young age, Rick began riding motorcycles and later loved to compete in Enduro racing across the Eastern United States, having sponsorships and winning many awards. Music was Rick’s quiet place and his love of music found its way to him playing guitar in many churches in the area. Rick was a member and Past Master of the Big Stone Gap Masonic Lodge #208 AF & AM. He attended East Stone Gap Baptist Church.

Rick was one of the hardest, most dedicated individuals you could meet. His attention to detail was second to none and led to his successful business career. His relationships with community members was unsurpassed.

Rick’s love of sports led to him coaching basketball, soccer, baseball and softball. He played a large role in the development of travel ball in Southwest Virginia. His generosity and encouragement to his players will never be forgotten.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Janet Gilliam and his father-in-law, Sherley Brooks.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sherry Gilliam; his children, Erica Hillman & husband Blake and Logan Gilliam & wife Carly; his grandchildren, Eden Hillman, Kyla Gilliam and Brooklyn Gilliam; his father, Carl Gilliam; his sister, Brenda Adams & husband David; his mother-in-law, Wilma Brooks; his sister-in-law, Elaine Wells & J.J. Vaughn; his nephews, Mathew Grubb, Travis Grubb & wife Melissa and Andrew Wells & wife Kim; and many special family members and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. at Gilliam Funeral Home. Rick’s Celebration of Life service will follow in the chapel with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.

Graveside services will be held at Glencoe Cemetery after the services.

Pallbearers will be family members, Logan Gilliam, Blake Hillman, Matthew Grubb, Cotton Gardner, Travis Grubb, Roger Gilliam, Brian Gilliam and David Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be: Bud Fannon, Andrew Wells, Marty Large, Mike Allen, Corky Warren, Barry Hamler, Bobby Johnson, Rick Fannon and Jr. Harvey.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory asks for the community’s prayers for the family, during the services of our beloved Rick Gilliam.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit

http://www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Gilliam Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Gilliam Funeral Home

Aug 6, 2024 | Tidewater

Betti Jean Shahmouradian, Ed.D., 84, died Sunday, July 21, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband Edward A. Shahmouradian, a U.S. Air Force pilot in 1982 and her youngest son William A. (Bill) Shahmouradian in 2013. She is survived by one son Edward Lawrence Shahmouradian, one grandson Nicholas Alexander Shahmouradian, and one great-granddaughter Juniper Scout Shahmouradian of Newport News, VA and Tacoma, Washington. She is also survived by a sister Linda Lester of Ohio, a brother Joseph Purdy (Melissa) of North Carolina and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Betti Jean received her Doctorate in Education from the College of William and Mary in 1992 and upon retiring as principal from Williamsburg/James City Schools she attended Mid Atlantic College of Funeral Services and received her license by the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.

Active in Civic Function, Dr. Shahmouradian served as Treasurer of the David Brian Bullock Memorial Scholarship Fund benefitting Peninsula area high school graduates, served on the board of the Eastern Virginia School for the Performative Arts, was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Hampton Roads, was a member of the James River Country Club, and parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.

Dr. Shahmouradian was a resident of Newport News and Williamsburg since 1972.

A visitation will be held at Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 7415 River Road, Newport News, VA 23607 on Tuesday, August 6, from 5 to 8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Hall (behind Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church), 144 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA 23601 the next day, Wednesday, August 7, at 11 am. Following the mass, a graveside service will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park at 1 pm and a reception will be held after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The David Brian Bullock Memorial Scholarship Fund: https://dbbscholarship.weebly.com/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth "Betti", please visit our floral store.

Altmeyer Funeral Home

Tidewater Funeral Directors Association

Funeral Director at Altmeyer Funeral Home Riverside Chapel

Jul 22, 2024 | Central

Woodrow Marks Dunkum, Jr., 71, of Dillwyn passed away June 29, 2024. He was born March 29, 1953, in Charlottesville, and is predeceased by his parents, Woodrow M. Dunkum, Sr. and Emma Louise Dunkum, and his brother Leslie B. Dunkum. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen Norman Dunkum, children Erin O’Brien (Tim) and Woody Dunkum (Courtney), and beloved grandchildren, Cormac, Claire, and his newest granddaughter due July 30th. He experienced great joy in the last few years as his family grew and he loved being “Big Papa”.

Mark was a lifetime resident of Buckingham County, a member of First Baptist Church Dillwyn, where he served as a deacon and on numerous committees, a former Dillwyn volunteer firefighter, and the owner and operator of Dunkum Funeral Home, Inc.

Mark was a licensed Funeral Director for 50 years and he considered it a privilege to serve the citizens of Buckingham in their time of grief. Prior to the county’s 911 system being in place, the Funeral Home would receive emergency phone calls and then help dispatch fire and ambulance requests, sometimes giving rides to the hospital in the hearse. In 2012, Mark began working side-by-side with his wife, Karen, helping her learn the funeral business and quiet traditions his family established over 100 years ago. He was honored to be the “Country Undertaker”.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 2, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Dunkum Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 3, at 11 AM at Dunkum Funeral Home with interment at Grove Church cemetery in Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church Dillwyn Repair Fund and Grove Cemetery Association.

Dunkum Funeral Home

Central Funeral Directors Association

Owner of Dunkum Funeral Home, Inc.

Jul 12, 2024 | Southwest

Rosedale, VA, Sammy Dale Hess, age 67, passed away, July 9, 2024, in Russell County Hospital.

He was born June 12, 1957, in Richlands, VA to the late Burke Hess and Virginia Hess. Sammy was a 1975 graduate of Honaker High School and retired after 35 years of service from Norfolk & Southern Railroad. He enjoyed cooking, watching TV, and fishing.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Fields Hess, two brothers, Willard Dean Hess and Michael Foster Hess.

He is survived by his son, Sam Hess and wife, Vickie; granddaughter, Macie Wallace and husband, Connor; great-granddaughter on the way, Lainie Wallace; sister, Deanna “Pheebe” Rowe and husband, Chris; sister-in-law, Cathy Hess; special cousin, Audrey Key; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews also survive.

Special thank you to all his friends and neighbors, Mark and Hazel Phillips, Lisa McGlothlin, Joyce Jones, and Thomas Harris.

Visitation with the family will be held 6-8 pm, Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service with entombment to be conducted 11am Friday, July 12, 2024 in the Ketron Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Pastor Justin Blankenship officiating. Everyone wishing to attend is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Phillips, Sheriff Bill Watson, Doc Adams, Mason Phillips, Josh McGlothlin, Bob McComas, Thomas Harris, Makenzie Phillips, K.P. Bartee, Jeff Arwood, Jeff Miller, Randy Miller, Mark Cox, Kenny Musick, Steve McGlothlin, Marshall McGlothlin, Tom Kennedy, Joel Sample, Barry Sample, Oscar Soublo, Bobby Gross, Joel Gilmer, Gary Musick, Greg McReynolds, Wendell Hart, Dave Mullins and Larry Belcher and all the men he worked with on the railroad.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family on our website at www.chfunerals.com or the funeral home Facebook page. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service, 291 Highway 71, Lebanon, Virginia 24266, 276-889-4444

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sammy Dale Hess, please visit our flower store.

Combs-Hess Funeral Service

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Father of Sam Hess, Combs-Hess Funeral Service

July 9, 2024

Kristal Lane "Kris" Murray Dean, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and formerly of Clifton Forge and Eagle Rock, passed unexpectedly from complications following a routine surgical procedure, on Saturday morning, June 22, 2024 in Mechanicsville. She was 58.

Born June 7, 1966 in Clifton Forge, Kris was the baby of a large family. She grew up in the Clifton Forge Baptist Church and was educated in Clifton Forge Public Schools before graduating from James River High School in 1984. She loved learning and took many classes at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, and received her Bachelor degrees in English from Old Dominion University and Psychology from Mary Washington University. In her early adulthood, she enjoyed the time she spent as a Pizza Hut waitress and an announcer for WXCF Radio in Clifton Forge, as well as working at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, and coordinating benefits for children through the Head Start program in Richmond. She enjoyed watching others learn and was a substitute teacher for Hanover County Public Schools. Throughout her life, she never stopped learning. She excelled at drama, singing, art, stained glass, quilting, photography, baking and cooking, collecting, organizing family applebutter festivals, reading, researching family genealogy, and more recently, beekeeping and horticulture. Her bright, lively personality and grand sense of humor made her fun at the kitchen table for a shared meal, playing games, talking about life, and especially party recaps over a hot cup of coffee and a cold slab of one of her fabulous cakes. She drew people close and everyone in her circle felt fortunate to be there. She was both interested, and interesting, and reveled in the experience of the culture associated with wherever she was, be it in her old railroad hometown, during her many travels with Steve and the girls, or at home in Mechanicsville. She served her community well as a good neighbor, a volunteer at her local library, and as a substitute teacher. She was the best caregiver for all her family members in need and always showed up when she got the call. Kris immersed herself in a variety of passions throughout her life, which included being a very proud aunt and great friend, but her greatest passion of all was her beautiful family and the home they made together. She was a devoted, loving wife and the best mother. Steven, her husband of 30 years, and Lillian and Evelyn, their beautiful daughters that are so much like Kris, will carry her spirit onward in the many stories and memories they share, as well as in the lives they live. Also surviving Kris is her mother, Norma Morgan; siblings, Alice Murray, Jonathan Murray, and Kelly Slusser (Tommy); father- and mother-in-law, Phil and Lyvon Dean; two nephews and a niece, Evan Blatt (Carly), Rob Slusser, and Sylvie Slusser; adopted brother, Barry; nephew, Sage McPherson; many family members, most notably the West Virginia family that she loved to keep up with through social media, family reunions, and long phone calls with her "Ant" Nola; a very special family friend, Ryan Kopelman; and the friends she made throughout the years, including her neighbors and the wonderful members of the Lamb family. Kris will also be missed by the furry family that shared her home, Mavis, Molly, Poppy, Sylphrena, and baby Silas, and by her sweet, honey-making buddies in the back yard (and yes, Evie did let them know).

In keeping with Kris' express wish, her body was cremated and her life's work will live on in those that will always love her and honor her memory through championing worthy causes, celebrating successes, sharing recipes, reading good books, telling stories, caring for family, growing things, practicing good manners, and being kind.

A private time for the family to honor her will take place at a later date.

To send flowers to the family of Kristal "Kris" Dean, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Nicely Funeral Service

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association, Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Sister-in-law of Tommy Slusser, Nicely Funeral Home

July 8, 2024

John “Bucky” Wesley Stone, III, 76, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at his residence in Staunton.

He was born on December 19, 1947, in Staunton to the late John Wesley “Buck”, Jr. and Mary Evelyn Desper Stone.

He was employed with the Virginia Department of Corrections for twenty-five years. He also worked part-time at Henry Funeral Home for over twenty years.

Bucky was a proud member of the United States Army and a Vietnam veteran having served his country, with unwavering courage and commitment. His bravery and sacrifice are a testament to his character and his patriotism. He had a deep love for gardening and flowers as well as trains and golfing. He was a devoted member of the Verona Fire Department for twenty years, having served as chief for ten years.

He is survived by his son, Wesley Stone and his wife, Lori; his beloved sister, Connie Kennedy and her husband, Chuck; his grandchildren, Somer Warren and her husband, Matt and Seth Stone and fiancé, Ashley Atkins; brother-in-law, John Reed; his great grandchildren, Landon and Braelyn Warren, Avery Stone and Bentley Dameron and his cats, Morris, Oreo, Punkin and Lucy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Eleanor Reed Stone; his brother-in-law, Joe Reed and his cat, Sissy.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 8, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Field of Valor section at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton with Reverend Russell Heinrich officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Steve Farrish, Doug Britt, Seth Stone, Matt Warren, Roland Brown and Glenn Shaw.

Honorary pallbearers will be his lifelong friend, Rodney Miller and Ernie Sutherland.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105) or Wounded Warrior (4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL. 32256).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John "Bucky" W. Stone, III, please visit our flower store.

Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Center

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Employee of Henry Funeral Home