James David (Jim) Sortore, age 78, of 72 Bath Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia and formerly of New York, died on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at his residence.

Jim was born in Wellsville, New York to the late Melvin Wendell Sortore IV and Dorothy Jean Leilous Sortore.

He held a Bachelor of Science degree, and served in the food industry for many years. He worked for Gerber Food, Curtis Burns, Blue Boy, and Tropicana, and was the retired chef and manager for St. John's United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed cooking, and was a judge for the Crisco National Pie Competition held in Orlando, Florida every year.

While in New York, he was a member of the New York National Guard. Jim moved to Clifton Forge with his wife, Reverend Marion Culver Sortore, who pastored the Central United Methodist Church. He became a member of the church, and loved being the "Pastor’s Wife".

As an active member of the Alleghany Highlands community, Jim also loved working with Parks & Trails, especially the Sensory Trail, and belonged to the C & O Historical Society and the Alleghany Historical Society. He was known as "Pop Pop" and devoted nanny to his grandchildren, and enjoyed gardening, and golfing.

Jim was a gifted storyteller, a source of wisdom, and a master of the one-liner. We will deeply miss his straightforward view of the world, his sharp wit, his kindness, and his unwavering respect for everyone he met. Jim had a remarkable way of building strong, lasting relationships and his loss is felt by his friends in every corner of the world.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marion Sortore of Clifton Forge; a daughter, Samantha Hernandez-Sortore and husband, Carlos of Vienna; a son, Scott Sortore and wife, Stefanie of Bradenton, FL; and six grandchildren, A. J. Hernandez-Sortore, Ana Hernandez-Sortore, Alex Sortore, Ashlyn Sortore, Jamison Sortore, and Scarlett Sortore.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Douglas Forrester officiating. The family will visit with friends on that Saturday afternoon from 12:00 noon until the time of service at the church.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Sensory Trail, c/o Clerk' s Office, P.O. Box 75, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 or to ConnectionsPlus Hospice & Healthcare, 328 B Jefferson Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is in charge of arrangements.

Geneva Ellen Shaffer Jones, age 90, of Oakland Drive, Selma, Virginia, entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, July 8, 2025 at her residence.

She was born February 13, 1935 in Selma, Virginia to the late Robert William Shaffer and Lillian Elizabeth Tolley.

She worked at Kiddie Corner Daycare and the former Bull Pen Restaurant.

She was a member of Walton Memorial Church and the VFW Post 1033 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking, which she was known for her cakes, gardening, traveling and being involved in her church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Thomas Jones, Jr.; a brother, Daniel "Danny" Jones and grandson, Ryan Jones.

She is survived by a daughter, Eleanor Johnson (Jeffrey) of Selma; a son, Ernest William Jones (Ellen) of Clifton Forge; two brothers, Charles Shaffer of Oregon and Clarence Creamer (Charline) of Kings Port, TN; grandchildren, Susan Morgan (Chris), Chrissy Vaughan (Phil), Ben Bush (Christy), Roman Bush (Shannon Myers), Ernie Jones (Jennifer), Stacey Baxter (Emmanual), Anya Jones (Jennifer) 18 great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Bill Gilliland officiating. Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park, Low Moor. Family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Walton Memorial Church Fun, c/o David Hurt, 454 Slat Run Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is in charge of arrangements.

Laura Kathleen (Hodges) Loudermilk, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, passed away July 3rd at the Seasons Place senior living community in Lewisburg, West Virginia of complications from pneumonia.

Kitty, as she was known to all her friends and family, was 90 years old. She was the daughter of Hampton Ambrose Hodges and Marjorie Louise (Jarrett) Hodges and was married to Norman Ray Loudermilk, who passed away in 2012.

She is survived by her son, Stephen and his wife, Gloria (Flack) Loudermilk of Upper Marlboro MD; daughter, Linda (Loudermilk) Bennett and her husband, Joseph Bennett of Lewisburg WV, as well as four grandchildren, Stephen Christopher, Amy, Jennifer, Emily, and seven great grandchildren.

Kitty's life was distinguished by an infectious energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and optimism. She was an amateur poet, graduate and former secretary of Lewisburg High School and a lifelong resident of Greenbrier County.

Kitty and Norman were married at the United Methodist Church in Lewisburg in June 1953. She held a BA in Liberal Arts from Bluefield State College and retired from a career at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where she was posted at the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, WV.

A visitation will be held at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with Memorial Services immediately following with Rev. Bev Colombo, Rev. Sharon Howard and Rev. Toni Hughes officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901.

John R. Harris Jr., known as Richie, entered heaven on June 12, 2025, at the age of 74, after a life battle with MS and end of life peril with ALS.

Born on May 4, 1951, Richie lived a simple life, known as being neighborly and hospitable. He had a love for coastal communities, but eventually found himself with a devotion to the gentle town of Raphine, Virginia, that became his home for decades.

Richie was the father of Richard Harris and Tamika Harris, and proud grandfather of Aaron, Jaylen, Donovan, Anaid, Nadia and Journey, along with four great-grandchildren, all through his first wife.

Remarried, he shared an enduring bond with Ineke, his wife until 2017 and cherished friend to the end of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Harris Sr. and Ruth L. Harris, laid to rest at the historic Evergreen Cemetery of Lexington, and his beloved brother, Pedro.

He is survived by siblings Selma, Omawali, Howdy and Rashida.

Richie's life was full of service, creativity, strength, and spiritual devotion. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard, earning a Meritorious medal and recognition as a Small Arms Expert Marksman, he had a career with the railroad and National Park Service.

Richie was tended to by Harrison Funeral Home of Lexington, and his life was celebrated and laid to rest with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, Calif., with flag presentation to his son and Navy veteran.

His humor, affection for Jesus and gift for small talk will be greatly missed.

Arrangements were by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.

John W. Mays, 74, of Eagle Rock, Virginia, passed away Monday, July 7th, 2025.

Born on September 3, 1950, he was a 1968 graduate of James River High School.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Margaret K. Mays.

Affectionately known to all who loved him as Big John, he loved to hunt, flatfoot, sing karaoke, and chase trains.

He played football for James River High School where he was inducted into the hall of fame in 2017. He was also well-known for tearing up slow pitch softball, often using his power to clear light poles in the outfield. When he put his taps on to go dancing, he lit up the floor. If there was karaoke around, he was bound to be found belting out old favorites like "Big Bad John" or "The Cajun Queen".

He loved spending time with his family and friends and was a friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Katie Mays Sloan and son-in-law, James Sloan, and son, Brandon Mays. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Steve Mays (Karen), Keith Mays (Debbie), Patsy Clark (Boyd), DeeDee Bruce (Doug), and Gene Mays (Carol). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Rylan and Allie Mays, along with several nieces and nephews.

Big John's funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday July 10, 2025, in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Highway, Buchanan, Virginia 24066 with Pastor Robert McRae officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Eagle Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 234, Eagle Rock, VA 24085. Those wishing to send a condolence, please go to www.botetourtfh.com or 540-884-2276.

Donald Hamilton Baker of Lancaster, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, surrounded by his family ending a wonderful life well-lived.

He was 91 years old, born in Sweet Springs, West Virginia, but lived most of his life in Covington, Virginia. In 2019, he and his wife moved to South Carolina to be closer to their children.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Gaylor Baker of 68 years and their children; daughter, Dana Baker of Lancaster, SC and son,, Michael Baker (Matt Knox) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Campbell of Union, WV and Doris Rowan (John) of Toledo, OH and a brother, Bob Baker (Janet) of Covington, VA, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Schumaker Baker,

and his father, Russell Hamilton Baker, and a sister, Betty A. Baker. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mountain View Cemetery in Sweet Springs, WV, with Jamie Bibee Lloyd and Linda Trumbo officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 68, Van Wyck, SC 29744 or to Via Health Partners Palmetto Region-Fort Mill, 1061 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 130, Fort Mill, SC 29707.

The family would like to thank Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region), especially Sam, Melissa, Nicole and Star for the care they provided the past four months, and to Senior Helpers, especially Mary and Brie for their attentive care.

The Loving Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Michael (Mike) Allen Humphries passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2025, while kayaking on the Jackson River — one of his favorite pastimes.

Born on March 24, 1961, Mike was the son of the late Carroll Eugene "Gene" Humphries and Wanda Lewis Callaham of Covington, Virginia.

He graduated from Alleghany County High School, where he met his first wife, Teresa.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Wanda Lewis Callaham; his two children, Joshua Michael Humphries and wife, Ashley Lockhart of Richmond, Virginia; Brooke Humphries, of San Diego, California; his brothers, Mark Lewis Humphries and wife, Bonnie of Covington, and John Edward Humphries and wife, Leslie of Kingsport, Tennessee; his first wife, Teresa Humphries Stevens, and her husband, Nate of Daleville, Virginia; and four beloved nieces and nephews: Jon Patrick Humphries, Megan Humphries Morgan, Staley Humphries, and Stella Humphries.

A true country boy at heart, Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He loved spending time at his home in Rich Patch and at the family's long-held camp on the Jackson River. Whether fishing or simply sipping a cold beer by the water, Mike found peace in nature. Mike also made an attempt to learn to play the guitar without much success, but he enjoyed trying.

Mike proudly served his country as a United States Marine, particularly in Beirut during the Lebanon Conflict, and was later awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. After his military service, he worked as a welder and pipe fitter on numerous large-scale projects throughout Virginia and east coast.

He also was well known for his handmade jewelry, bracelets, knives, and belt buckles.

Among Mike's greatest loves were his dogs - especially his Rottweilers. His first, Jax, was his constant companion and best friend. After Jax's passing, Mike found companionship in another Rottweiler named Max. The bond they shared was just as deep, and the Max's recent passing in March 2025 was a difficult loss for Mike.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426.

The family has organized a memorial service to celebrate Mike's life on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain Valley Church in Rich Patch, 4905 Rich Patch Road, Covington. Online condolences may be shared with the family at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Danny Lee Rowsey, age 49, of Covington, Virginia, died July 5, 2025, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

He was born August 10, 1975 in Huntington, WV, a son of Danny Joe Rowsey and Vickie Lynn Rice Jordan, both of Covington.

For twenty-five years he worked as a journeyman pipefitter for Local Union #10.

He was an outstanding family man and loved his German Shepards.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Gloria Malcom Rowsey of Covington; a son, Gage Rowsey (Grace Hall); a sister, Valerie (Jamie) Schooler; a niece, Isabella Schooler, all of Covington; numerous extended family members; his dogs, Karter, Nova, Chock, Baby, and Dozie; and a special "niece/dog", Hazel.

In keeping with his wishes his body has been cremated.

The family will receive friends at Arritt Funeral Home on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Arritt Funeral home has been entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. Rowsey.

Friends wishing to send tributes online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Donald Mullins, 83, of Frankford, West Virginia, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his home.

Born April 4, 1942, in Iaeger, WV, he was the son of the late Isom Andrew and Lola Scruggs Mullins.

Donald was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Faulkner, Margie Gibson and Marie Blankenship and brothers, Lee, Ray, Herman, Harold and Earl Mullins.

Survivors include his loving wife, Cheryl Ann Mullins; son, Donald Ray Mullins; brother, Sherman Mullins (Suanne); sisters, Shirley Boggs (Roger), Bonnie Spinks (David) and Penny Boggs; several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday July 10, 2025, at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Frankford, WV. There will be no visitation.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.morganfh.net.

Arrangements by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.

With deep love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Shirley Jackson Campbell, a devoted wife, beloved mother, adoring grandmother, and treasured friend, who departed this life on July 2 at the age of 77.

She was born on June 14, 1948, in Bath County, Virginia, the daughter of the late Otis and Sadie Jackson. Shirley was the heart of her family - steadfast in her love, generous in spirit, and endlessly supportive. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she dedicated her life to creating a warm and loving home, where laughter was abundant, and family traditions were treasured.

Her many talents brought joy and elegance to every corner of her life. She was an exceptional cook and baker with a love of entertaining friends and family. She created lasting memories through her handmade touches, artistic flair in cake decorating, and extensive holiday decorations. She enjoyed sewing and created everything from custom dresses to home decor.

Her green thumb brought gardens to life, and her love for animals led her to passionately support local animal organizations and rescue efforts for homeless dogs. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her kindness touched both two- and four-legged friends alike.

Shirley had a lifelong love of theatre and travel. She explored the world with a spirit of wonder, though the Caribbean islands always held a special place in her heart. Family trips were among her favorite adventures, especially those spent making memories with her six beloved granddaughters, sitting on the beach, teaching them to bake, and sharing stories and laughter at the kitchen table.

In quieter moments, she enjoyed playing the piano, reading, or playing card games - especially a competitive round of spades - where her wit and laughter lit up the room. Her long and respected career in banking culminated in her retirement as a successful branch manager, a role in which she guided and supported her staff.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and tradition. She will be remembered for the joy she brought, the unconditional love she gave to her family, and the grace with which she lived her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Al Don Campbell.

She is survived by her three daughters, Tammy Avren and husband, Maurice of Aldie, Virginia, Beverly Campbell of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Julie Beckwitt and husband, Kenneth of Fairfax Station, Virginia; granddaughters, Emma, Alexandra, Lillian, Olivia, Isabella, and Autumn; a brother, Harle Jackson and wife, Betty of Verona, Virginia, and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Magdalene and Paul Marian of Hot Springs.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Hill Baptist Church in Gordonsville, Virginia. An additional service and interment will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Warm Springs Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at Claire's Café in Hot Springs for a reception after. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Caring for Creatures in Fluvanna County (352 Sanctuary Lane Palmyra, Virginia 22963). Her light will forever shine in the lives she touched and she will be sorely missed by her family.

The McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jesse M. Sams, Jr., 74, of Ronceverte, West Virginia, formerly of White Sulphur Springs, passed away on July 4th, 2025 unexpectedly at his residence.

He was the son of the late Jesse M. and Emma Bryant Sams, Sr.

Jesse was a graduate of Greenbrier East High School where he excelled in sports.

He was a man of many talents and trades. Over his working life, he was in construction, worked at the Greenbrier Hotel, was a golf caddy, did umpiring and refereeing. Mostly nowadays his activities involved his Greenbrier Herbs and Fur business (gathering ginseng and furs) and working at his saw mill.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jody Sprague.

He is survived by his brother, Bobby (Martha) Sams and their children, Myles and Rebekah; his companion of over 20 years, Debra Elmore and her son, Adam Elmore (Shannon) and their son, Wesley; daughter, Shannon Leanne Sprague and son, Brandon Grady.

It was Jesse wishes to be cremated. No services are scheduled at this time.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Brandon Justice Taylor, 36, of Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Tuesday, July 2, 2025 at LewisGale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Brandon was born December 21, 1988 in Roanoke, a son of the late Meredith Bowen and Victoria Taylor (Kenny) Rhodes.

Along with his father, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Grace Taylor.

He loved watching horror movies, hanging out with his friends, and watching out for his Nana.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his grandmother, Barbara Dasher of Clifton Forge; two sisters, Ashey (Corbin) Brown of Alaska and Lindsay Bowman of Roanoke; a brother, Ryan Bowman of Roanoke; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including a special aunt, Christie Wright; and two beloved dogs, Roxie and Zeus.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Shorty Wolfe officiating. The family will receive their friends following the service at the funeral home.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Ancil Ray Moore, 77, of Buena Vista, Vriginia, known to his family and friends as Butch, peacefully went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

He was born in Parsons, West Virginia, on October 29, 1947, to Ancil Jasper Moore and Thelma Sirbaugh Moore.

Butch lived a life full of humor, hard work and deep love for the people around him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Moore; his first wife, Brenda Huffman Moore, the mother of his child; his second wife, Sarah Lackey Moore; and his best four-legged buddy, Pepper the dog.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted son, Bobby Moore; special sister-in-law, Joyce Montgomery; and his sisters, Debbie Dokken (Mark), Diane Neal (Ace) and Margaret Shifflett.

Butch spent more than three decades in the school bus business, working 19 years at Blue Bird Bus Company, where he proudly earned the nickname "Zeke," and later retired from Kingmor Supply after 14 years of service. Known throughout Buena Vista for installing car stereos, he always had a knack for wiring up sound and spreading joy.

He was a member and former governor of the Lexington Moose Lodge, and never missed a chance to belt out "Elvira" during karaoke nights. Each fall he looked forward to one of his favorite traditions, making apple butter in his famous copper kettle. In his later years, he enjoyed the simple pleasures: quiet days at home, watching the History Channel, and savoring peanut butter sandwiches.

Butch was a loving father, a loyal friend and someone who could always make you laugh with a well-timed story or joke. His kindness, humor, and generous heart will be deeply missed.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of the 8th Floor ICU at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life reception for Butch will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Art on Magnolia, 2067 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA. Friends are welcome to drop in anytime, share a memory, and help us celebrate his life.

Arrangements are by Botetourt Funeral Home.

Inez Virginia McMillion, 89, of Frankford, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025.

Born on May 2, 1936, in Friars Hill, WV, Inez lived a full and meaningful life marked by deep love for her family, her home, and the beauty of nature.

A devoted homemaker, Inez found joy in tending her garden and planting flowers that brightened every season. Her warm heart and gentle spirit extended beyond her own family as she lovingly provided at-home daycare for many children over the years, creating a nurturing environment that left a lasting impact on many young lives.

Inez was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Burton McMillion; her parents, Lester and Elsie Blankenship; her brothers, Donald and Charles Blankenship; and her sister, Louise Moody.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Terry McMillion and wife, Sherry, Teresa Ryder and husband, Dwayne; her cherished grandson, Brandon Ryder; along with many dear friends, extended family members, and those whose lives she touched with kindness.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Seneca Trail Health Care Center for the compassionate care they provided during her time there.

Her gentle presence, loving heart, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m, Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Morgan Funeral Home Chapel, Lewisburg, WV with Pastor Marshall Cochran and Pastor Bill Zimmerman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, Sunday. Burial will follow the service in the Ellis Chapel Cemetery, Brushy Flatts.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.morganfh.net.

Arrangements entrusted to Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.

Tara Lee Morgan Woody, age 43, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, passed away on June 26, 2025, after a 25-year battle with addiction.

Tara is survived by her daughter, Heidi; her father, Henry Morgan and his wife, Shawna of Craigsville; her mother, Suzy Morgan and her partner, Bill Fox of Lewisburg; her sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Adam Martin of Atlanta, GA; her niece, Stevie Loudermilk of Greenville, NC; and her nephews, Logan Hosey of Maxwelton and Greyson Hosey of Fairlea.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Reba; and her grandparents, Benny and Gaye Morgan, and Jimmy and Naomi Johnson

. Tara's struggle with addiction began when she was 18 years old. Despite countless attempts to overcome it, she battled tirelessly to be a better mother, daughter, and friend. Her family mourns not only her passing but also the years lost during her lifetime - and the moments they will now never share.

Tara's greatest legacy is her beloved daughter, Heidi.

No services will be held at this time. A celebration of life will be hosted by the family next month.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.morganfh.net.

Arrangements entrusted to Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.