In Remembrance

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

Oct 13, 2024 | Southside

Kermit Forrest White, 94, of Danville, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Born in Person County, Mr. White was the son of the late Cyrus Clifton and Vivian Oakley White and husband of the late Aurora Arroyo White. He was also preceded in death by four brothers, C.J., Lawrence, Jack and Bernard White.

A proud veteran, Mr. White served in the US Army during the Korean War. His career spanned over seven decades as a licensed funeral director in both Virginia and North Carolina, dedicating 47 years to Swicegood-Barker Funeral Home.

Throughout his life, Mr. White was deeply involved in his community. He was a member for over 60 years with the American Legion Memorial Post 325 and served as a past commander. Kermit also was a member of Poquoson Tribe of Red Men #124 and a proud member of Virginia Tech Alumni Association, Danville Chapter.

Those who knew Mr. White often remarked on what a kind and good man he was—someone who treated everyone with respect and warmth. His gentle nature and dedication to his family and community left a lasting impact on all who interacted with him.

Mr. White is survived by two children, Renee White Thornhill and Rodney Forrest White and wife Laura; four grandchildren, Shannon T. Firebaugh and husband Lance, Eric Thornhill and wife Stephanie, Vivian White and Cecilia White; one great-grandchild, Nolan Firebaugh; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Brooks & White Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Burchwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service (10-11AM).

Pallbearers will be Eric Thornhill, Lance Firebaugh, Bill White, Thomas Bovee, Philip Winstead and Cody Tatum.

Condolences may be sent to www.brooksandwhite.com.

Swicegood Barker Funeral Home

Southside Funeral Directors Association

Retired Funeral Director

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.