Rexanna Lynn Pauley Fitzwater, 51, of South Charleston, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2020.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Olive & Homer McCormick, and Dennis & Betty Pauley.

She was a 1987 graduate of Duval High School and a member of Joes Creek Baptist Church and   worked as a coding & billing specialist for KVGI. 

Rexanna is survived by her husband, Bill Ratcliffe, children, Rachael (Andy) Mohn and Jacob Fitzwater (Abbi), mother, Sussie Pauley and father & stepmother, Rexford (Brenda) Pauley. 

She is also survived by her sister, Melissa (John) McClure, brothers, Rexie Pauley and Jeremy Mitchell, very special niece, Summer Johnston, nephews, R.J. and Justin Pauley, Grant and Reid Mitchell, great-nephew, Wyatt Johnson, and a host of family and friends.

A walk through visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek.   

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, at Joe’s Creek Baptist Church with Pastors Jimmy Lawrence and Jerry Duncan officiating.

Burial will follow at the Pauley Family Cemetery, Joe’s Creek.

Rev. Eldon N. “J.R.” Fitzwater, 96, of Alum Creek, WV, a soldier of the cross has traded his armor for a new body on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at home surrounded by his family.  He truly was a servant of God and a Bible scholar.  He preached and pastored for over 60 years and was the founder of Faith Baptist Church in Jefferson and pastored there for over 40 years.

One could say he was like the Prodigal Son in the Bible because as a young man he left home and went to a faraway country where he squandered his wealth and time for a period, but returned home to his family and soon met and married the love of his life, Ella Rae.  Soon after they were married he got saved and went into the ministry and once made the comment, “he stopped running from God and started running with God.”

Those that knew him affectionately called him, “the Gadget Man” because he loved anything new in the technology world and would have to purchase it.  He was quite remarkable in that he was building computers in his 90’s and working 3 days a week up to about a year and one-half ago.  He loved WVU sports and would listen to the games with both the TV and radio blaring.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Rae, son, Rev. Michael Fitzwater and parents, Rev. Eldon & Katie Backus Fitzwater and several siblings.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Nancy (Joe) Taylor, Janet (Dennis) Dunlap, Jackie (Mark) Lanham and Mary Fitzwater; 10 grandchildren, Rob (Denise) Dunlap, Angela (Bob) Pritchett, BJ (Kris) Taylor, Jay (Sarah) Dunlap, Anita (Dave) Sturgill, Chaplain Matt (Alex) Lanham, Katie Fitzwater, Allison (Derek), Wesley and Shae; 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.  He is also survived by two brothers, William and Tom Fitzwater, sister, Audrey Meickles and daughter-in-law, Chaplain Phyllis Fitzwater.

Service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston.  Family and friends will gather from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Special thanks to Lisa Queen, NP, and the Hospice nurses and staff.  Loving thanks to Barret & Diane McDonald, and Nova Rubber Co., and also to Sissy Kirk Pauley who helped care for our father.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536.

ELLA R. (PAULEY) FITZWATER, 86, of Alum Creek, traded her battered body for a heavenly one on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Hubbard House West surrounded by her family.

She was a member of Faith Baptist Church and served as the Pastor’s wife and church pianist for many faithful years.  She had a love for music and at the age of 13 began playing the piano at several local churches as their church pianist which was amazing in itself being self-taught.  Later training her children to harmonize and travel around the area singing for the Lord known as the Fitzwater Family singing group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Pauley Sr., and Mary Velma (Hager) Pauley and son, Rev. Michael Fitzwater, brothers, Fred Jr., Charles, Paul and sisters, Clara and Louise.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rev. Eldon N. Fitzwater, daughters, Nancy (Joe) Taylor of Alum Creek, Janet Sue (Dennis) Dunlap of Milton, Jackie (Mark) Lanham of St. Albans, and Mary Fitzwater of Dunbar, daughter-in-law, Phyllis Fitzwater, and sister Rachel (Jim) Waldron of Elkview, seven grandchildren, Rob (Denise) Angela (Bob), BJ (Kris), Jay (Sarah), Anita (Dave), Matthew and Katie and three adopted grandchildren, Allison, Wes, and Shae, nine great-grandchildren, Nate, Carter, Alexa, Caylan, Carly, Savannah, Collin, Andrew, and Michael, and one great-great-grandson, Bronson and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Lisa Queen, NP, and special caregiver and friend Anna Spencer and  also, other caregivers, April, Sissy, and Dorothy.  Many thanks to Hubbard Hospice West for your kindness and care.

Service will be 1:00pm Friday, January 26, 2018 at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Chaplain Lt. Matthew Lanham officiating.  Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston.  Friends will gather from 6:00-8:00pm Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers if you desire, donations may be made to Kanawha Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV  25387-2536.

Rev. William F. Fitzwater, 87, of Charleston died Thursday, January 6, 2000 at Arthur B. Hodges Center, Charleston after a long illness.

He was an evangelist and pastor for 65 years. He was the minister for the Morning Light program on WTIP radio, was on the board of directors for Voice of the Appalachian, was associated with late B.R. Lakin radio program, was on the board of directors for the A.C.E. school system, was a member of the First Baptist Church, Allegan, Michigan, was a member of the VFW and was a Navy veteran of WWII.

He is survived by his: Wife: Ruth Shaffer Fitzwater; 1 Daughter: Lynda Sanders of Chazleston, WV; 1 Grandson: Dakota; 1 Granddaughter: Autumn.

Services will be held at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, on Saturday, January 8, 2000 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ronald Dobbs officiating. Burial will be held in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Mineral Wells. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Katie P. Fitzwater, 92, of Charleston, formerly of Alum Creek, died Tuesday, June 15, 1999 at St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, after a long illness.

She was a homemaker, a Baptist, and the wife of the late Rev. Eldon W. Fitzwater.

She is survived by her: 6 Sons: Eldon N. Fitzwater of South Charleston, WV; Don Fitzwater of Pineville, LA; Bob Fitzwater of Jacksonville, NC; Bill Fitzwater of Oakhill, WV; David Fitzwater of Elkview, WV; Tommie Fitzwater of Charleston, WV; 1 Daughter: Audrey Meikle of Greenbank, W V;  1 Sister: Roberta Poindexter of Sterling, VA; 28 Grandchildren, 46 Great Grandchildren, 8 Great Great Grandchildren.

Services will be held at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, on Thursday, June 17, 1999 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Burial will be held in Forks of Coal Memorial Park, Alum Creek. Friends may call on Wednesday, June 16, 1999 from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home.

Mark Anthony Lanham, 63, of Saint Albans, WV, crossed the River to rest in the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Ruby Memorial Hospital after a brave battle with a short illness following complications from surgery. 

Waiting on the shores of Heaven to welcome him Home were his mother, Betty Lanham; father, Eugene Lanham; sister, Beverly McGhee; brother, Greg Lanham; stepmother, Irene Lanham; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Eldon and Ella Fitzwater; best friends, George McCune and Mousie Smithson;and countless other family, friends, and lives he had touched along the way. 

Left behind to cherish the memories and long for their Heavenly reunion are his wife of almost 37 years, Jackie Fitzwater Lanham; son, Matthew (Alexandra) Lanham; brother, Steve (Becky) Lanham; his niece who was like his sister, Lisa McGhee; stepbrother, Gary (Sandy) Hess; and numerous family and friends including his brothers and sisters-in-law and his nieces and nephews that he loved like his own children. 

He was a small business owner in the Kanawha Valley for over 40 years having owned and operated Adept Cleaning Agency as well as several other business ventures over the years. Most recently, he could be found at the Somewhere in Time Antique Mall in Nitro, WV, where he sold antiques with his wife Jackie for the last several years. 

Most importantly, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,and served Him faithfully for over 40 years as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and soul winner. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church of Jefferson, WV. Those who knew him remember him as one of the kindest and most generous peopleyou could ever hope to encounter. He would do anything to share the Love of God to help those in need, whether it was a meal, a tank of gas, a place to stay, or just a kind word and a prayer. This world will truly not be as bright without his smiling face, contagious laugh, quick wit, and loving heart in it. 

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2022, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, with his son, USAF Chaplain, Captain Matthew Lanham, officiating. Cemetery service will follow immediately after at Graceland Memorial Park chapel, South Charleston, WV. Family and friends may gather from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022 for visitation at the funeral home. 

Special thanks to the incredible medical teams and staff at Ruby Memorial Hospital and Thomas Memorial Hospital who provided him the best care possible, ensuring he was comfortable and cared for until his battle was fought. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s memory to the Rosenbaum Family House at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV.

Helen Louise Duncan, 90, of Alum Creek, died on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Helen was born November 6, 1930, at Olcott, a small mining community in Kanawha County. She graduated from Washington District High School where she was an excellent student who loved reading, drama productions, music programs, and learning.

When she was in high school, she fell in love with a handsome soldier, Charles Dexter Duncan, just back from the war and married him in 1949 when she was eighteen. Though he passed away in 2017, she was devoted to him until the last days of her life. They worked together to make a loving home for us, her four children. She was a hard-working, smart, fiercely loyal, unselfish, and talented woman who lived her life for her family. Helen opened her heart and her home with hospitality to her friends, family, and our friends. She maintained that welcoming spirit until the end of her life.

After the four of us were older, she worked in the office of the Kanawha County Assessor’s property tax section. After that position, she worked in the Clerk of the Kanawha County Circuit Court until early retirement when our Dad retired and they began traveling.

One of the passions of her life was gardening and many shoots, seeds and sprigs transplanted from her gardens grow on at the homes of her family and friends. She passed that love on to all of us. She not only grew gardens but dearly tended relationships with children, friends, family, and neighbors. Many homes hold recipe cards detailing her favorite dishes. She was an expert seamstress, sewing clothes for us and herself. Over the years she created many beautiful quilts. Her handiwork was admired by many. She also loved music and she taught all four of us to dance as we played in front of the fireplace in the evening.

Mostly, and most importantly, she was just a Mom; but what a Mom she was, the center of her family. She lived her life for her children and grandchildren, all of whom loved her beyond measure. She always made our education a priority. There are so many memories of growing up, the sacrifices she made, and the example she set. There were trips to the mountains, trips to the beach, the many trips she and Dad made, Sunday dinners, her love of all things baby, her care healing us on the outside and inside, and loving those we loved. There were loads of laughs and a million family stories which we tell and will tell over and over. She was the first on the scene in good and bad times. She could be tough and was not shy about telling us hard truths. She stood with us and for us and was unafraid to do anything to be our last line of defense. We are proud she was our Mom.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Templeton Martin and her brothers, Bob Martin and Tom Martin, and her uncle and aunt William and Elizabeth Holstein.

She is survived by her daughters, Diana (Steve) Morris and Drema (Steve) Watts of St. Albans, Jill Novak of Langhorne, Pa., and her son, C. D. (Linda) Duncan of Charleston. Mom was a great champion of her grandchildren. They are Erin (Barkclay) Morris of Lexington, Ky, David (Justin) of Portland, Me, Nicholas (Gina) Watts of Cross Lanes, Erik Duncan of Pittsburgh, Pa, Christopher (Caitlin) Novak of Colorado Springs, Co, Matthew (Allison) Novak of Milford, Ct, and Katie (Ron) MacPherson of Newtown, Pa. Great grandchildren are Liam and Finley Morris-Phelps; Ellis, Evelyn, and Miriam Watts; Carys, Elliott, Miles and Paige Novak; and Grace Novak. Helen is also survived by her brother, Don Fitzwater of Sarasota, Florida. Mom’s devoted companion and friend, Sandy, always at her side, brought Mom great joy the last four years.
We want to offer our thanks and love to Mason Kirk. He was a devoted caregiver and friend to both Mom and Dad and to us. He was loved by both of them. Another very important person in Mom’s life has been her lifelong loyal friend, Hazel Hess who faithfully visited her during her illness. Her visits cheered Mom and us.

A private family service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Beha officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.

We appreciate all our friends and family who have supported and cared for us as we have made this journey with our parents. You can never know the help you have been.

In lieu of flowers, our family suggests contributions to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Boulevard W, Charleston, WV 25387, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 1601 2nd Avenue, Charleston, WV 26387.

Rev. James E. “Jim” Waldron, 88, of Elkview, WV, formerly of Alum Creek went to his heavenly home and the presence of his Lord on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

Jim was born on November 28, 1930 in Alum Creek. He joined the U. S. Army in 1949 and served in the Korean War in 1950-51. Jim married Rachel Faye Pauley in October, 1951 and they were married for almost 68 years. He worked for Union Carbide and the Plumbers, Pipefitters Local #625. His life was changed in 1976 when by God’s grace he put his faith for salvation in Jesus Christ. He gave his life to preach and proclaim the Gospel. He served as a pastor in several churches and never grew tired of sharing the good news of Jesus. He and his wife, Rachel, attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Elkview. Jim’s joy in the Lord touched many, many people.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Manuel and Hallie Peters Waldron, an infant sister, Rachel Genivee, and his brother, Charles.

He is survived by his dear wife, Rachel; son, Tim (Cheryl) of Iowa city, Iowa; daughter Judy (Dave) Atkins of Elkview; seven (7) grandchildren and fourteen (14) great-grandchidren; brother, David (Shirley) of Spring Hill, and sister, Barbara Fitzwater of Chester, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek.

Service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 16, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastors Tim Waldron, Frank Chapman, Lee Swor and Gene Pauley officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Memorial Park with military graveside rites conducted by the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536.

Charles Dexter (Dex) Duncan, also known to many as Charlie, 91, of Alum Creek, passed away at his home on Friday, April 21, 2017 with his loving wife, Helen, and his children by his side.

Dex was born July 31, 1925, the third of five children born to Lawrence W. and Tressa Griffith Duncan at Olcott, a small coal mining community in Kanawha County.  He graduated from Washington District High School and immediately joined the Army Air Corps to serve in World War II.  He was extremely proud of his service to his country as a belly ball turret gunner on a B-24, part of the Liberator Squadron.  He often said that he got that assignment because he was the smallest guy on the crew.  He went on to fly thirty-three combat bombing missions over strategic targets in Poland, Austria, and Germany.  Later, he was an early member of VFW Post No. 4768 in Alum Creek.  He was a faithful and active member of the post, attending meetings until last fall.  The members of the post were some of his best friends.

In 1949, he married Helen Fitzwater, and for over 68 years they were sweethearts and partners in making a home that was focused on their children, family, friends, and community.  Family gatherings and trips with Helen, his children, and grandchildren were his happiest times, and the happiest times for their kids.  After his retirement from a long career with FMC, he and Helen loved to travel.  He loved golf, the beach, working in his yard, and cigars.  He was an intelligent man of few words, honest, principled, and strong-willed.  He valued hard work and education.  His unrelenting will and determination sustained and carried him through the last several years of declining health.  We take comfort that he was able to stay in his home until the end.  Most recently, Hospice Care was an invaluable help to us.  The family is most grateful for Mason Kirk, caretaker and friend to Dad and Mom, who has been dedicated to them.

Dex was preceded in death by his brothers, Darrell, Nile, and Bob, and his sister, Betty Belcher.  He is survived by his wife, Helen, daughters, Diana (Steve) Morris of St. Albans, Drema (Steve) Watts of St. Albans, Jill Novak of Langhorne, Pa., and his son C.D. (Linda) Duncan of Charleston.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Erin (Barkclay) Morris of Lexington, Ky., David (Justin) Morris of Portland Me., Erik Duncan of Charleston, Nicholas (Gina) Watts of Cross Lanes, Christopher (Caitlin) Novak of Colorado Springs, Co., Matthew Novak of Rockville, Md., and Katie Novak of Langhorne, Pa.  Great grandchildren are Liam and Finley Morris-Phelps, Carys, Elliot, and Miles Novak of Colorado Springs, Co., and the expected August arrival of Ellis and Evelyn Watts in Cross Lanes.  He was a great father and best Papaw ever, very proud of his family and their lives.  He loved them and was greatly loved by them.

Services will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 25 at Curry Funeral Home at 2097 Childress Road in Alum Creek, WV, with Pastor Frank Chapman.  Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston, with military graveside honors by the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768.  Friends will gather one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alum Creek VFW Post 4768 at 4443 Brounland Rd, Charleston, WV 25309 or Hospice Care at 1606 Kanawha BLVD. W., Charleston, WV 25387

Lorena “Kay” Gillispie, 81 of Dunbar died peacefully at home Friday, July 3, 2015 after  a long illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Johnny and Maggie Wickline;  husband, Charles H. Gillispie;  companion, Paul Pauley; Daughter, Lisa Gillispie;  sons, Robert Larry Baxter and Charles Faron Gillispie; brothers, Harry, Paul, Worthy, Harold, Ralph, James and Edwin Wickline; and sister, Lena Hackney.

Kay was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and she was retired from the Kmart located at Patrick Street.

She is survived by her daughters,  Anna Spencer and Teresa Barnhart;  son, Nathan Gillispie; brother, Granville “JR” Wickline;  8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 1:00 pm Monday, July 6, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek with Rev. Eldon Fitzwater officiating.  Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum in South Charleston.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 am – 1pm prior to the service.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Thomas Home Health Services; Dennesse Miller, RN and Jerry Buzzard; also to caregivers, Ericka Moss, Kierra and Branigan Moss, Ronnie Fields, Jr. and Mary Jordan.