More May 2011 Nitro High School WV obituaries

Colleen Kaye Huff Kortz, 47, of Charleston passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born July 26, 1963, in South Charleston and was a daughter of the late Harry and Helen Stevens Huff. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by the father who raised her, Quentin Fisher; brothers, Steven Huff and Jeff Huff; and sisters, Beverly Huff and Debra Anne Huff Kortz.

She was a 1981 graduate of Nitro High School and graduated from West Virginia State University with a major in human resources management.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Tom; daughter, Jessica; sons, Adam and Colin; sister, Mindy (Jimmy) Lemon; brothers, Kevin Huff and Brian Huff; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bobby and Susie Salisbury, Karla Huff and Stevie and Libby Kortz; nieces and nephews, Kelly, Jamie and Mary-Katherine Lemon, Robert, Andrew and Brittney Kortz, Kristopher Huff and Carmen and Frannie Salisbury; and faithful pets, Ace Von Churchill, Daisy Mae, Molly and Lucky.

To those of us who knew Colleen, she was a very special person. Her 10-year battle with breast cancer was fought courageously and without a complaint. The love of her life was her three children, whom she thoroughly enjoyed and cherished. She couldn't go a day without talking to them or at least thinking of them. Attending her kid's sporting events and coaching her oldest daughter, Jessica, in softball was her passion. Missing any event that her children were a part of was never an option. She did everything from spending weekends at the softball field to countless hours in the hot, steamy gymnasium for her youngest child, Colin's, wrestling matches. She proudly supported middle child, Adam's, decision to retire from sporting activities and focus on academics.

Colleen's love and acceptance for people spilled over into her career. She was employed by Target Corporation as a human resources manager. She was looked highly upon by her fellow employees as a loving and kind-hearted person who could relate to her co-workers on a more personal level than any other person inside of her industry. She was constantly rooting for the underdog and got great joy out of seeing them succeed.

When she wasn't at one of her own children's activities, she fully supported her six beautiful nieces and three handsome nephews in all of their athletic, educational and career endeavors.

Mary Edith Bird Hilleary, 89, of Cross Lanes moved to her new home in heaven on May 29, 2011, after a long illness.
Mary was born and raised in St. Albans and was the daughter of the late Silas and Savannah Bird. She met her late husband, Herbert Fred Hilleary, while he was working on old Route 60 in the St. Albans area. Fred served in the Army during WWII. Mary worked in Huntington in a tent factory, as she would say, “putting flaps on tents.” When Fred returned they were married and moved to Mill Creek, where they began raising five children, until his death in 1965 when she became a very single mom. She started working in a lumber mill until 1968 when she moved her family to Cross Lanes. She returned to school and received her GED and also had training as a teacher's aide. She worked in the Kanawha County school system as an aide and then as a cook until her retirement in 1962. Mary enjoyed being with her family, working in her church and quilting with her friends. She was an amazing Christian mother who sacrificed her time for her children. She will be greatly missed by all her family.
She is survived by her son, Herbert Hilleary; her daughter, Carol Hilleary; daughters and son-in-law, Yvonne Hilleary and Donald Ash, Susan Hilleary and Keith Perry and Mornalee and Clark Greene; grandson, Clark Anthony Greene; two granddaughters, Megan Perry Polly and Hillary Greene Billings; great-grandson, Brayden Billings; and a new great-granddaughter, Addison Ruth Billings, on the way.

James Addison Duffield Jr. of Cross Lanes died peacefully May 29, 2011, at the age of 90.
Jim was born November 30, 1920, in Charleston and was the son of the late James Addison and Esther Franklin Duffield. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Ravina Casto Duffield; and his grandson, Lawrence Duffield.
Jim graduated from Charleston High School in 1939 and entered the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) in 1941, went on to specialize in radio operations and mechanics as a radio range and high power communications servicing engineer at several air bases and was a radio mechanics instructor at Scott Field, Ill. Jim followed his love for radios and his country and entered World War II for the Army Air Corps in 1945. Jim reveled in retelling stories of his days as a Staff Sergeant - radio operator and navigator with the 1st Troop Carrier Squadron of the 443rd Troop Carrier Group. Over his three years in the service, flying the China-Burma-India Theatre, known as “The Hump,” Jim accumulated over 2000 flight hours on 273 missions and, by the grace of God, survived many dangerous encounters. Following the war, Jim did a brief stint in Alaska as a radio technician but returned to the warmer climate of Charleston to marry his sweetheart, Ravina, and to begin his 35-year career as an electronics engineer with Appalachian Power.
Jim continued his avid interest in radios, was a licensed amateur radio operator and was a founder and curator for the Antique Radio Museum in Huntington. Jim's faith and his church were always an important part of his life. He was a founder, deacon and Sunday school teacher for the First Baptist Church at Tyler Mountain and a Gideon lay preacher at other area churches.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Dianna Duffield Illig and her husband, Howard, of Weirton and their daughter, Brenda, his son, Larry Duffield and his wife, Deborah, of Cross Lanes; his daughter, Cathy Duffield Chestnut and her husband, Michael, of Charleston; and his daughter, Shelda Duffield Thorburn and her husband, Ronald, and their sons, Grant and Kenneth.

Edward J. Canterbury, 67, of Cross Lanes passed away at his residence Saturday, May 21, 2011.
He was born in Charleston and was the son of the late Chester and Edith Lawson Canterbury.
After Ed's retirement from Eskew, Smith and Cannon as a long-term salesman, he was a self-employed contractor with Hickman Assembly.
Mr. Canterbury is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Michelle Canterbury and Gary White of Charleston and Elizabeth Canterbury and Ron Tornes of Cross Lanes; his sister and her husband, Olivia Canterbury “Libby” and Jack Kelley of Jasper, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Allison White, Corey Tornes and Ashley Tornes; and his life partner of 16 years, Johanna Garnes of Cross Lanes and her children, Mike Garnes, and Rick Bowling, and their families.

Gerald Eugene Page, 74, of Cross Lanes passed away May 22, 2011.
He was born May 15, 1937, and was a son of Eugene “Gene” and Faye Page, who preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Darold Page.
Gerald was a member of Teamsters Local 175 and was a retired truck driver from Praxair. Prior to working for Praxair, he hauled heavy equipment for R.L. Jeffries Trucking. He loved to fish and looked forward to his annual fishing trip to Pocahontas County. He also loved to raise a garden. Gerald was an Army veteran with five years of service.
Left to cherish his life and memory are his wife, Virginia Mabe Page; son, Gerald Page “JR” and his wife, Cindi, of Charlotte, N.C., and their three children, Montana and her two children, Trinity and Tristan, Laramie and Jacob; daughter, Gwendolyn Page of St. Albans and her three children, Anthony, Joshua and Jeremy; daughter, Deborah Page and companion, Fredrick Wilmore, of Oxford, N.C., and their two children, Miles and Shelby; son (grandson), Anthony Page and his two children, Seth and Alyssa; brothers, Harold Page and his wife, Betty, of Kellys Creek, C. L. Page and his wife, Linda, of South Charleston and Jerry Page and his wife, Dee, of Charleston; and sister, Brenda Bavle and her husband, Bob, of Kenna.

A day in 2011

What was today like here in water logged West Virginia?

I rescued a lost elderly dog with rhinestone collar and no ID.....will post her photo around the neighborhood tomorrow. Meanwhile my Jack Russell Terrier will keep her company.

Then participated as a judge in the Special Olympics at Laidley Field, Charleston, WV....heart warming to feel the love and happiness. Thankfully the weather cooperated!

Update! A nice lady Michelle appeared to reclaim her beloved little dog Blaney! It has been a cold rainy day but the heart warming reunion was great!

Here's my better half!

She really purrs on the Appalachian highways....watch the video "Twisty Epiphany" to feel the experience.

Updates NHS 4/2011

Megan ''Jane'' Mitchell

Megan "Jane" Mitchell found peace on Thursday, April 28, 2011. She was with us for 25 years.

There will be a family only service at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home on Sunday, May 1.

Megan graduated from Nitro High School and attended Marshall University, where she studied fashion design. She loved art, music, reading and cinema.

She is survived by her loving parents, Tim and Tammie Mitchell, and her brother, Chris Mitchell. She also leaves behind her grandparents, Dennis and Phyllis Mitchell, as well as the following aunts and uncles: Joyce Holden, David Sowards, Randy Mitchell, Sandra McNeely, Truda Torres, Scott Mitchell and Denny Mitchell.

Eleanor J. Pennington

Eleanor J. Pennington, 86, of Cross Lanes passed away on April 24, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Edsel Pennington; grandson, James Paul Pennington; parents, William J. Maddy and Cora Maddy DeWitt; and brother, William L. Maddy.

Eleanor graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1942 and retired as a bookkeeper from S. Spencer Moore.

She is survived by her son, Paul Pennington and his wife, Nancy, of Cross Lanes; grandson, Dr. Michael Pennington of Beaumont, Texas; sister, Margaret Rollins of Kanauga, Ohio; sister-in-law, Lola Mae Pennington of Red House; and several nieces and nephews.

Deborah Lynn Brown

Deborah Lynn Slate Brown, 53, of Cross Lanes passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold William and Viola Slate; and a sister, Teresa Slate.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Bill Brown of Cross Lanes; one son, Anthony Lee Snodgrass of Texas; and her grandchildren, Daelyn, Abby Kate, Reece, and Callie Grace. She also leaves behind to mourn her four brothers and two sisters.

As per Deborah's wishes, there will be no services.

Gladys Irene Ball

Mrs. Gladys Irene Ball, 89, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on April 14, 2011, in Teays Valley Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Ball; and three children, David Ball, Woody Ball and Debbie Ball Toler.

Gladys is survived by her children, Wilda Ball Harris of South Point, Ohio, Gene Ball of Hurricane, Patricia Ball Burgess of Ohio, Vada Ball (NHS ’68) Booher of Florida and Bobby Ball of St. Albans; sister, Violet Smith of Virginia; 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Steven Eugene West, NHS 1956

Steven Eugene West of Nitro passed away Friday, April 8, 2011, at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lowell C. West and Helen R. West of Nitro.

He was a professor of education at West Virginia State University for many years. He attended many universities and held degrees from WVSU as well as Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Nitro. He was a Nitro City councilman for 10 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Welton West of Nitro; and close friends, Vickie B. Gates, David R. Dean and Natalie Hulshizer; as well as his beloved rescued pets.

Mrs. West would like to thank the Nitro 56ers Group for all of their love and compassion shown throughout the years.

Norvel L. Evans, 92, of Walnut Valley Drive in Cross Lanes, had his heavenly home-going at the Hubbard Hospice House on Friday, April 8, 2011, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's.

His celebration of life service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, at the Tabernacle of Praise in Cross Lanes. His viewing will be at the church prior to the service, beginning at 6 p.m. The interment graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes. The Rev. Bill Huddleston was his pastor for many years, and is in charge of the service. Tyler Mountain Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.

Norvel was born December 1, 1918, in Summers County, to Charles Edgar Evans and Effie Jenetta Bowles. His siblings are Margie Bailey, James, Janice, [who have predeceased him], and those living, Evelyn Eskins, Estrue Simon, Charles Jr. and David. He was married to his “sweetie wife,” Hazel Marie Weaver, who passed away on March 14, 2011, on October 26, 1940. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2010.

Norvel has two children, Sheldon Evans, who preceded him in death in 2004, and Susan A. Evans Frampton of Teays Valley. He has three grandchildren, Shelly of Elmore, Ala., Ryan of Teays Valley, and Katelin of Cross Lanes. He has three great-grandchildren; and many friends, relatives and church family, who loved and respected him.

Norvel was a successful building contractor who founded and operated N.L. Evans Builders for 50+ years. He served in the Navy during World War II on the USS Bliss as the master carpenter. He was a co-founder of the Tabernacle of Praise, which had its beginning in his home at Cross Lanes in 1977. He was a great father, husband and friend. He was a strong believer in his savior, Jesus, and shared his experience in Christ with everyone he met. His wit, wisdom, skill and charming personality will be missed by all who knew him.

Robert Eugene Dawson

Robert Eugene Dawson, 57, of Adairsville, Ga., formerly of Charleston, W.Va., passed away March 31, 2011.

He was employed by UPS Freight since 1989; was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a graduate of Nitro High School, class of 1972.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on cars. He also had a green thumb, and enjoyed flowers.

Surviving him is his loving wife of 27 years, Joann; daughter, Bobby Jo Dawson of Adairsville, Ga.; stepdaughter, Stacy Dawn Wolfe of Virginia; parents, Phyllis and Billy Cadle Sr., of Cross Lanes; grandchildren, Cohen Lee Greenway of Adairsville, Ga., and Brantley William Suniga of Kingsland, Ga.; six step-grandchildren; brothers, Stephen L. Dawson and wife Trena of Sissonville; Billy Cadle Jr. of Beckley, and Darrell Cadle of Charleston; friend, Larry Tucker of Charleston; and sister, Jaquetta Knight and husband Daniel of Charleston. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, who are left to mourn his passing.

Juanita Fay White

Mrs. Juanita Fay White, 83, of Cross Lanes went home to be with the Lord on March 25, 2011, at home.

Fay was retired from C & P Telephone with 30 years of service. She was a member of Community Chapel Church and past member of the bowling association.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Del Emma Ray and Virginia Maddox.

She is survived by her sons, James D. White and wife, JoAnn White, of Culloden, Richard A. White and wife, Lisa White, of Nitro and Kelley S. White of Cross Lanes; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Adran A. Harris

Adran A. “Poodle” Harris, 69, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 3, 2011, after an extended illness.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Dana Scott Harris and Alex Ryan Harris; his parents, George “Willie” and Lura Harris; his brothers, Estelle, Bob and Stanley; and sisters, Gladys Harris Norvell, Genevieve Harris Roberts, Mavis Harris Wilkinson and Marion Harris.

Poodle is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rhonda (Trent) Harris; his son, Kevin W. Harris of Montreal, Quebec, Canada; his daughters, Tracy D. Harris (Steve) Combs of Cross Lanes and Tara R. Harris Arnold of Ashland, Ky.; son-in-law, Mark Arnold of St. Albans; daughter-in-law, Melissa Harris of Nitro; grandchildren, Starla (Jason) Miller of Cross Lanes, Steve (Susie) Combs of Lexington, Ky., and Brittany and Hunter Harris and their mother, Karen, of Cross Lanes; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Dylan and Aubree Arnold of Nitro, Cierra Litton, Carli and Cydney Miller of Cross Lanes, Carmen and Maddox Combs of Lexington, Ky., and Whitni and Hunter Hawley of Nitro.

Poodle was honorably discharged from the Army after serving as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and the Infantry from 1958 to 1962. He was employed by American Viscose (Avtex Fiber) and Kincaid Enterprises, located in Nitro.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro. His nephew, David Wilkinson, will be officiating. Burial will follow the service in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Thomas A. Carder Sr.

Thomas A. Carder Sr. of Foley, Ala., died on Saturday, April 23, 2011.
Tom was born in Savannah, Ga., in 1929, and was raised in West Virginia. He was a graduate of Nitro High School, class of 1947, and served in the United States Air Force. After an honorable discharge in 1955, he settled in Alabama. He retired from the U.S. Army Missile Command, Huntsville, Ala., in 1976 and relocated to Baldwin County, Ala., where he lived until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Tom Carder Jr. and Russell Carder and their families, which include seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters, Paddy Sue Gay of Huntington, Shirley Cunningham of Charleston and Sharon Unger of Tiffin, Ohio.
He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Foley, Ala., and was an active member of the American Legion and the National Association of Federal Employees.

Alice M. Smith

Mrs. Alice M. Smith, 81, of Cross Lanes passed away May 3, 2011, at Oak Ridge Center after a short illness.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas E. Smith; daughter, Patricia K. Smith Baker; and a grandson, David Alexander Fisher.
She is survived by her sons, Danny and wife, Brenda Persinger, James Persinger and Dallas and wife, Rhonda Smith; daughters Sherri and husband, Joe Hardway, Lisa "Lee Mae" Huffman, Tereasa and husband, Greg Wall, Beverly and husband, Tim Boothe and Jennifer and husband, Chris Kannengieser; 21 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a special niece, June Reed of Nitro.


Z. Irene Stinson Mullins, 77, of Nitro passed away at home on Wednesday, May 4, 2011.
Irene was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of Parkersburg and Nitro. She was a Baptist by faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, W. T. “Moon” Mullins.
Irene is survived by her children, Thomas Mullins and wife, Linda, of St. Albans, Bill Mullins and wife, Carol, of Hamlin, Jerry Mullins and wife, Patty, of Hurricane, Chris Mullins and wife, Kristi, of Hurricane, Brenda Mullins Drinkard and husband, Don, of Scott Depot, Freda Mullins Lusher and husband, Ron Lusher NHS ‘67, of Nitro and Mable Mullins Caplinger and husband, Wayne, of Parkersburg; brothers, Dana Stinson and Rocky Stinson, both of St. Albans, Delbert Stinson of Parkersburg and Willard Stinson and wife, Mary, of Ohio; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
A service to celebrate Irene's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, 2002 20th St., Nitro, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Mr. Gary E. Hensley, 55 of Cross Lanes passed away suddenly July 23, 2005.
He was born August 7, 1949 and was the son of Garnet Hensley and the late Eugene Hensley of Nitro. He graduated from Nitro High School in 1967.
He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 34 years, Susan Diane Houston Hensley. (They would have celebrated their 34th anniversary on Sunday, July 24, 2005). Other survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and James Schaale of Massachusetts, daughters Amy Adele Hensley of Ona, and Alexandra A. Hensley of Cross Lanes, sister Deborah Hensley Houston and husband Alan Houston of Charleston, SC, granddaughters Brittany, Cassidy, Hannah and one granddaughter on the way, and one grandson Ryan.
Many friends and family members will sadly miss him. He worked at Hobet Mining, Inc. for over 25 years. Gary loved his family very much. He loved hunting, fishing and outdoor activities, and most of all his faith in God.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday July 27, 2005 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Martin Hnizdil and Curtis Bauske officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held Tuesday July 26, 2005 from 6 to 8 PM.