JOHNSON, Lula R.
Lula Roberts Johnson, 90, of Buchanan, left us peacefully to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 20, 2017 after being a kind caregiver to many.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Dean Johnson; parents, Latane and Fannie Roberts; brothers, Lawrence (Larry), Lewis (Slick), William (Punky), and Leonard (Hoss) Roberts; and sister, Mary Roberts Hurst.
She is survived by her son, Donnie Dean Johnson of Lynchburg; granddaughter, Tracey Wheeler and husband, Joe of Roanoke; grandson, Christopher Johnson and wife, Lauren of Blue Ridge; sister, Bettie (Bootsie) Roberts of Buchanan; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Diane Roberts of California; goddaughter, Sheila Bankert of Buchanan; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Don Jones; and her beloved creek family.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, in Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Woody officiating. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery. Special thanks to Gentle Shepherd Hospice and the Bankert family for their loving care. The family received friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Botetourt Funeral Home. Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com
LAYMAN, Joyce W.
Joyce Catherine Whitley Layman, 71, of Fincastle, passed away peacefully at her home, with loved ones at her side, on Friday, April 14, 2017.
Joyce was born in Danville on December 19, 1945. She was the daughter of the late Henry Craven and Julia T. Whitley of Danville. She was married to the love of her life, Robert (Bobby) Layman Jr., who preceded her in death.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her children; son Chris Moore and wife Wanda; stepson Robert (Bob) Layman III and wife Lori; stepson Eric Layman and Sharon; grandchildren, Campbell, Emily, Grace, Emma, Garrett and John Michael; her three loving sisters. Dianne Gilbert and husband John, Janet Hazelwood and husband James, Peggy Hudson and husband Charles; brother-in-law Michael Layman and wife Janie; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the wonderful staff of At Home Caregivers in Daleville, as well as the staff of Blue Ridge Cancer Center, Roanoke. Their love, care and compassion to Joyce meant so much.
Joyce enjoyed spending her time between her country home in Fincastle and the beach home at Fripp Island, S.C. She was an accomplished saddled horse trainer and equestrian. She also found comfort with her faithful companions, Bonnie, Duchess and Eve, her English Bulldog, Great Mastiff and Bernese Mountain Dog.
The family received friends from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel, with a service following at 3 p.m. with Pastor Troy Mays officiating. There was a gathering of family and friends at the Botetourt Country Club Saturday, April 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Good Samaritan Hospice.
MARTIN, Janet M.
Janet Marie Martin, 62, of Fincastle, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 19, 2017.
Her father, Rubin Brown Williams, preceded her in death.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 45 years, Thomas D. Martin Sr.; her children, Thomas Martin Jr., Timothy Martin, Shena Marie Martin; grandchildren, Cody Wayne, Damien Lee, Summer Cheyenne, Aaliyha Marie, Sean Thomas and Tabitha Lea; great-grandchildren, Conner Wayne, Cayden Lee, and Phoenix Oberyn Zayne; sisters and brothers, Mike Williams, Dennis Williams, Lisa Williams and Melinda Williams; daughter-in-law, Michelle Martin; mother, Freda Marie Tolley; along with a host of other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
“Mom was the strongest person I have known and was loved by many.”
A memorial service celebrating Janet’s life was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, in Simpson Funeral Home. Inurnment was private. Condolences to the family can be left at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements were handled by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory.
PETERS, Harold G.
Harold G. Peters, 104, of Troutville, died on April 10, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Letitia W. Peters, and his son, Jan L. Peters, along with his siblings, Doris P. Rouke, Lola P. Gregg and Walter L. Peters Jr., and parents, Walter L. Peters Sr. and Edna M. Peters.
He is survived by his son, Eric G. Peters and wife, Sally of Lynchburg; daughter, Holly S. Peters and husband, Sanford Gurian of Roanoke; daughter-in- law, Gwendolyn M. Peters of Richmond; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He retired from Hercules Inc. in Hopewell, Va. where he worked as a Master Mechanic for 34 years. In Chester, Va. where he lived most of his life, he helped start the Enon Volunteer Fire Department #6 and the BAC baseball team for 11-16 aged boys. His most enjoyable times were spent on vacation and in retirement on the Outer Banks of North Carolina where he enjoyed the sport and comradery of pier fishing.
The family would like to thank the 5th floor staff of Friendship/Eastwood Assisted Living, especially Valerie Grossett and Myrna Barnes, along with Barb Ford, Karen Willenbring, and Rev. Melton Johnson of Heartland Hospice for their devoted and compassionate care.
A graveside service was held at Appomattox Cemetery in Hopewell on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. There was an opportunity to gather after the service. Funeral arrangements were through J. T. Morriss & Sons in Hopewell. Online condolences may be posted at www.jtmorriss.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Trust, 541 Luck Avenue, Ste. 308, Roanoke 24016 or to the charity of your choice.
WALDRON, Robert A.
Robert “Bobby” Andrew Waldron, 71, of Buchanan, passed away Friday, April 21, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Constance Dianne Washington Waldron, and sister, Anna Craighead.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Romond and Monica Waldron of Greenville, N.C.; Desmond and Renee Waldron of England; daughter, BJ Waldron of Buchanan; grandchildren, Nadja, Maliyah, Mahalia, Naudia, Jacari, Journey, and Kahzia; special friend, Carolyn Holloway; brother, Leon Waldron; half-sister, Renee Harris and husband, Ronald; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Jackson Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service on Thursday. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com
