ARNOLD, Bertha R.
Bertha Lou “Lucy” Reavis Arnold, 73, of Bryant, Ark., passed away November 25, 2017.
She was born in Galax, Va. on December 6, 1943 to Paul Higgins Reavis and Minnie Harmon Reavis.
Lucy spent all of her school years in Salem as a resident at Virginia Baptist Children’s Home, now known as Hope Tree, with her brother and two sisters. Being the youngest, she was the longest residing at “the Home,” staying 13 years. Lucy Reavis played basketball and took business classes while attending Andrew Lewis High School. She then went on to business school in Richmond, where she learned to be an effective administrative assistant (yes, secretary was the term back then) and essentially could juggle many hats.
Lucy met her future husband, Tom Arnold, while on a blind double date. Tom and Lucy married on September 6, 1964 in the chapel at the Children’s Home where she grew up. “Going to the Chapel” was always “their song,” and it brought a smile to her lips, no matter the circumstances.
Lucy was a 15-year Army Veteran, a devoted wife, mother, foster parent and Foreign Exchange host. She always had an open house and open arms.
After residing in Appling County, Ga. for nearly 30 years, Lucy and Tom left the community they grew to love in order to be near their grandchildren in Arkansas. Baxley was the closest thing to “roots” she could imagine. She was a long-time member of Baxley First United Methodist Church where she volunteered when and wherever she might be needed. Lucy helped establish a local food pantry. She hosted more than 20 foreign exchange students and gave her heart to dozens of foster children over the years.
She was preceded in death by both parents and an infant sister, Joyce.
Lucy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Tom Arnold; children, Stephen Craig Arnold (Christie), Judy Beth McGuire (Jimmy), Rocky Lee Beach and Patrick Thomas Arnold; eight grandchildren; Brittany, Selena, Jamie, Jason, Matthew, Kent, Sadie Grace and Hatcher; three brothers and four sisters; Herman Lee Reavis (Sue) of Salem, Paul Gray Reavis (Carole) of Cloverdale, Edna Mae Dillon of Mt. Airy, N.C., Peggy Sue Carr of Fayetteville, N.C., Dorothy Jerlene Bainter of Alexandria, , Edward Leon Reavis (Linda) of Galax, Linda Gay Dochterman (George) of Santee, Calif., and a host of nieces and nephews.
A Military Memorial Service was held at Family Church of White Hall, Ark. on Monday, December 11, with inurnment at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
CARTER, Gloria H.
Gloria Hodge Carter, 75, of Buchanan, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 at Carrington Cottage Memory Care Center after a two-month stay.
Gloria was born in Franklin County, Tenn., on January 3, 1942 to the late James Eddie and Lillie Mae Hodge of Tullahoma, Tenn., and preceded in death by her in-laws Stuart B. and Mary S. Carter of Buchanan. She leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Stuart Dale Carter, and her two sons, Stuart James Carter of Buchanan and Charles Dale Carter, his wife Rebecca Carter, along with her wonderful granddaughter Olivia Carter, of Jamestown, N.C.
After graduating from Tullahoma High School and attending St. Thomas School of Nursing in Nashville, Tenn., and graduating from Roanoke Memorial School of Nursing, she married her husband Stuart Dale Carter of Buchanan on June 30, 1962, and began a career in nursing and many other endeavors – too many to list here, but some of which are: held offices in Buchanan Elementary School PTAs; (along with friend Mary Alice Lucado) started and ran a kindergarten at Trinity Episcopal Church (prior to public kindergartens); was office nurse for Dr. Molly Hagan, M.D. in Buchanan; President of Virginia Democratic Women; President of Buchanan Town Improvement Society; Volunteer with Buchanan Special Events Committee; Volunteer at Bingo Stand for Buchanan Firemen’s Carnival; (along with her husband) purchased and renovated the Buchanan Theatre after its 17-year closure; Charter Member and first Queen Mother of the “Crimson Queens” Red Hat Society chapter in Botetourt County; Office holder of Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry and Altar Guild; long-time consultant and branch manager of Longaberger Basket Co.; participated in annual Relay for Life rallies (and was herself a Breast Cancer Survivor), among many others. Gloria spent most of her life helping others, while raising a family and will be missed by many.
Visitation to be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Botetourt Funeral Home, with a Memorial Service to be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Buchanan at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. A reception will follow the service in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Trinity Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice. Thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice and the staff at Carrington Cottage for their assistance, and thanks to Trinity Episcopal Church for its continued love and support of our family over these many years. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com.
HARRIS, Eleanor A.
Eleanor Anne Harris, 83, of Fincastle, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017.
Eleanor loved to play her guitar, enjoyed stamp collecting, and speaking on the phone with her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin Lee and Estelle Clara Painter Harris, sister, Bennie Muterspaugh, her twin brother, Delano, and brothers, Buford and Earl Harris.
Survivors include brother and sister-in-law, Dean and J. Julia Harris of Buchanan; nieces, Cindy Huffman, Sandra Harris, and Lori Grim; and nephews, Ronnie and Jimmy Harris.
In accordance to her wishes, services and interment will be private. Those wishing to make a contribution, please consider the Mt. Pleasant UMC Cemetery Fund, c/o Billy Ray Teaford, 2016 Mt. Pleasant Church Road, Fincastle, 24090. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com.
MARKHAM, Sue S.
Sue Sprinkel Markham, 75, of Roanoke went home to be with the Lord Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.
She was preceded by her parents, John Edward and Pauline Rucker sprinkle; a brother, Richard Sprinkel, and a sister, Betty Woody. Sue was a member of Williamson Road Church of the Brethren and retired after a long career in banking.
Surviving are her devoted husband of 56 years, Sidney Glen Markham; sisters, Eddie Mae Rader and husband, Robert; Nellie Zaun and husband, Sonny; numerous nieces and nephews and her devoted companion, Dollie.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 at Simpson Funeral Home by the Rev. Harvey S. Leddy. Entombment was in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family received friends from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, 3110 Pioneer Road, Roanoke, 24012.
PILLOW, Marie F.
Marie Firebaugh Pillow, 92, of Daleville and formerly of Roanoke, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2017.
She was the12th child of the late Rufus Oney and Ida Firebaugh and was a former employee of Mitchell’s Clothing and Bank of Virginia. In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters-in-law, Hubert (Mable) Firebaugh, Clarence (Lucille) Firebaugh , Claude (Mamie) Firebaugh, Fred (Ruth) Firebaugh, Jake (Clarice and Virginia) Firebaugh; and five sisters, Ethel (Jess) Newcomb, Kate (Willie) Caldwell, Mildred (Leo) Thomas, Rebecca (Hugh) Parker, Kathleen (Clifford) Sowers.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marge Firebaugh; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at Oakey’s North Chapel with Pastor Robert Alderman officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Eagle, P.O. Box 7010, Roanoke, 24019. Arrangements are by Oakey’s North Chapel..
