Shirley Josephine Gillispie Giles, 91, of Emmons Road, Alum Creek, WV, left from her home on a journey to be in the presence of her Jesus…Her Lord and Savior, Wednesday, April 15, 2020. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Fred Almon Giles, Sr., and her parents, Oscar Lee & Mollie Florence Barker Gillispie, and an infant sister.

Shirley lived her entire life on earth in Emmons, and within a stones-throw of where she grew-up. In 1952 Fred Almon built a new house just across the railroad tracks from her parents’ house, and on banks of The Big Coal River where she resided until her graduation day from planet earth.

In the 1920’s thru 1952 her dad, Oscar Gillispie, owned and operated a country story that provided groceries for families living in Emmons including the areas of Bull Creek, Dartmont, Ashford, Sproul, Fork Creek, and Olcott.  As a teenage girl at the young age of 15-17, she would often deliver these groceries for her dad to these families using his Chevrolet stake and platform dual-wheel truck.  She did not even have a driver’s license.  She would have to cross or ford the river at Emmons to get to Fork Creek, and up many hollows on muddy roads to deliver these groceries.  Following her dad’s death, she continued to operate this store for a few years so that families would have a local source of groceries.

She was an avid and efficient farmer, often producing food such as potatoes, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, and sometimes watermelons too, with her specialty being half-runner green beans for family use, and for friends, and even selling produce from her garden especially the green beans.  She also raised pigs for the family. She inherited this interest from her grand-father, Willie Gillispie, who in the late 1890’s thru mid-1950’s, was well-known to be the source of young pigs for families living in the Emmons area who desired to raise them as a source for family food.  

Shirley and two very close friends, Delores Meikles Hill, and Anna-Lee Stewart, started their college education at West Virginia State College to earn a degree in elementary education. Her first semester was January 1961 completing five straight semesters with no breaks including the summer.  She then began her teaching career while attending school in the evenings, and during the summers; she still graduated in only three years in 1964…Remarkable and Impressive! All of this was accomplished with five children at home, while also planting, caring, and harvesting a family garden, and being very active in the church.

She started her elementary teaching career primarily focusing on 2d graders at Olcott, then Broundland, Hernshaw, and retiring after 18 years at Alum Creek. The young kids who lived and attended school in these areas where she taught, benefited greatly from her educational skills, compassion, and persistence in assisting them to learn.  She wanted these kids to grow physically, and mentally, and for them to know who Jesus is. She even paddled her students for misconduct.  During past several years her students have told her family that she was the best teacher for them, and she even paddled me when we were “bad”, and we deserved it. She cared!  She loved her students. 

She was also an honorable and supportive pastor’s wife.  Possibly, the ideal pastor’s wife. Looking back now the family can see very clearly her commitment to dad’s calling as a pastor, and to the churches where he was led to serve.  All of us were in church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, and Saturday night.  She was an outstanding example of how to multi-task, and a commitment to getting things completed, and on time.  She had an abundance of energy, was self-motivated, unselfish of her time with, and for others, and using her talents to benefit all of us, and to dad, and to the church.  At various times she served as a pianist, church treasurer, clerk, secretary, ladies auxiliary leader, and teacher.  Mom was a prayer warrior too.  Likely no one with whom she knew during her life on this earth at these various churches dad served as pastor, and in the community where she lived, ever escaped from being on her prayer list for something going on in their life. She was consistent and persistent.

Shirley is survived by her 5 children: Fred, Jr. (Linda) Giles of Charleston, Sharon (Scooter) Withrow of Tulsa, OK, Trena (Fred) Fannin of Columbus, OH, Mike (Kathy) Giles of Beaver, WV, Greg (Dawn) Giles of Calabash, NC; and, 16 grandchildren: Paula Giles Dickson (Barry), Jason Giles (Ashley), Pat Withrow (Kim), Michelle Pino (Luis), Michael Withrow (Chrissy), Jamie Wilson (Steve), Jennifer Williams (Heath), Becky Light (Josh), Mary Bell (Zachary), Merilee Reagan (Stephen), Mollie (Cam) Spain, Brian (Sarah) Giles, Ben (Tawny) Giles, Mark (Tracy) Giles, Jeremy Beasley (Megan), and Daniel (Jennifer) Beasley.

Shirley is also survived by her 35 great-grand-children: Brody, Braydon, Pailyn, Ariana, Alyssa, Cooper, Madeline, Charlie, Reagan, Ryan, Tyler, Avery, Ava, Evan, Leah, Michalyn, Meleah, Mady, Molly, Nic, Emily, Jack, Hannah, Lauren, Ella, Haylee, Morgan, Carter, Gavin, Whitney, Charlotte, Dylan, Brayden, Beckham, and Ellisyn.

A private family service will be held Sunday, April 19, 2020, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, with her final resting place being Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.  Her family will be officiating her Celebration-of Life with music, and sharing stories of Mom, Maw Maw, GrandMa, and Grammy! 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church of your choice In Honor of Shirley Giles.

Kathy White, 65, of Accoville, WV, formerly of Sumerco went home Monday, April 13, 2020.

She loved being outside and tending to her flower gardens. 

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Rilda Grimmett; and brothers, Timmy and Terry Belcher.

She is survived by her daughters, Phyllis (Bobby) Armstrong and Lynn Johnson; son, Lewis White; sisters, Sharon Harvey, Jennifer Belcher and Lynn Cooper; five grandchildren, Karrie Justice, Cody Adkins, Conner Johnson, Marissa Johnson and Mackenzie White; one great granddaughter, Kaylynn Justice; brother, Jimmy Belcher; and several nieces and nephews.

In honor of her request, she will be cremated.   There are no services scheduled at this time.                                                                                                                                                                                       

Ella Rae (Ellie Meickles) Myers, 77, of Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lenzie Wilmer “Banjo” and Ida Katherine Harrison Meickles and siblings, Mona Jean Gullian Barnhart, Vada Lee Gullian Mooney, Virginia Evelyn Gullian Harless, Dorothy Jane Meickles Thaxton, Glenvil Wilmer Meickles, and a precious infant daughter, Kimberly Ann Myers, and brother-in-law Bob Thaxton.

She is survived by her sisters Delores Ann Meickles Hill (Bob), Rebecca Ruth Meickles Phipps, of Alum Creek, and brother Lenzy Meickles (Brenda) of Hurricane, WV, her children, Les Myers, Laura Marker (Steve) and Melissa Kelly (Todd) all of Alum Creek, WV, and their father, Lloyd Myers of South Charleston, WV.

Ellie is survived by eight grandchildren, Ariel Belcher, Sam Stover, Alex Stover, Dalten Belcher (Jenna), Kennedi Myers, Seth Marker, Ben Myers, Addisyn Kelly, and one great-grandchild, Slayton Belcher.  Additionally, she left to grieve her memory three sisters-in-law, Kay Dotson McClung (Mike), Carolyn Dotson Pauley (Arl) and Jean Meickles, as well as countless special nieces and nephews.

Ellie graduated from Washington District High School in Alum Creek, WV, and attended West Virginia State University.  She was a dedicated employee with 51+ years of service to Debord Public Accounting.  She barely missed a day of work in all of that time; having a tremendous work ethic.  She called so many friends that she worked with over the years and many were still in touch right up until the end.

Ellie balanced her career with the raising of her children, always being there to run them to a practice or a friend’s house and there was never a time that she didn’t have breakfast and dinner on the table, every single day.  She loved working outside, she had a witty sense of humor and loved to laugh and make others laugh.  Although she loved people, she was never much for a crowd and never wanted the attention on her.  So many of her kind actions and deeds we will never know as she wasn’t one to brag about them.  She was a true cutup and always had others laughing and shaking their heads.  She was forever being called ornery and rotten by her nurses and doctors.

She made sure as her time got close to tell each of us that she had lived a good life and was happy with it.  Part of that happiness was her role of “Granny”.  She loved her grandchildren so much and was so proud of them.  She never missed a chance to tell you about where they were, what kind of education they had, where they worked, how pretty they were (haha) and how smart they were.  She also enjoyed embroidery and made each grandchild a keepsake quilt among other things like pillowcases, table runners, etc.  She never left a gathering or got off of a phone call with them without saying be good and be careful.

Ellie was also quite a poet and wrote a number of poems over the years.  Each year for Christmas she wrote one for her kids and read them aloud on Christmas Eve.  This original piece was written by her when she was a mere 13 year old.  Since Ellie left us on Easter Sunday, it only feels fitting to share this poem:

Before we hide and hunt eggs this year,

Let’s make a big correction.

Instead, let’s think of this day

As a day of resurrection.

Christ arose up from the grave

Long ago on this day.

He did not hide or hunt eggs,

For in the grave He lay.

But then he rose up from the tomb

And went to reign on high

With the Almighty God, His Father,

Beyond the deep blue sky.

If you knew this special person that we loved so much, we count you blessed.  She was a one of a kind woman that was independent before it was a thing.  #begood #becareful #weloveyougranny

Special thanks to her primary caregivers, Les (son) and to Tammy Hartwell, they were there for her day and night.  Graveside service will be 2:30pm Friday, April 17, 2020 with Pastor Tommy Roberts officiating at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manna Meal, Kanawha Animal Shelter or The WV Childrens Home Society.

Terry Dwayne Woodrum, 55, of Sumerco, WV, went home Sunday, April 5, 2020 to be with the Lord after a longsuffering illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Dee and Arizona Marie Allen Woodrum.

Terry is survived by his wife of 22 years, Teresa; daughters, Mindy and Jessica; and son Dylan; sisters, Anita (Gary) Yeager, Gretta (Gordon) Roberts, Sherry Woodrum and Sandy (D.J.) Mallory; and several nieces and nephews. 

A private graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Old Pine Grove-Anderson Cemetery with Pastor Jody Pauley officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for services to Curry Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Alum Creek, WV 25003.

John Allen Holstein, 87 of Sod, WV went home to be with the Lord on Saturday April 4, 2020 at Hubbard Hospice House West after a short illness.

John was a commercial construction rigger for many years and was a United States Navy Veteran of the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Kathleen Nicholas Holstein.

John is survived by his daughter, Dottie (Lonnie) Dunlap; son, Ronnie (Gail) Thompson; sister, Brookie McConnell; brother, Dillard (Sue) Holstein; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, John will be cremated and a service will be held at a later date.

Samantha Ostisha Jhustena Smith, 29, of Charleston, WV, went home Thursday, March 16, 2020 at a hospital in Roanoke, VA.

She attended South Charleston High School and worked as a waitress.

She is survived by sons, Isaiah & Urijah Smith;  mother and stepfather, Cheryl and Matthew Schaffer; father, Aubrey Smith; and sister, Roberta Jolene Smith.                                                                                                                                                                                       

On Friday, April 3^rd, Joyce Lea Bailey,of Dunbar, WV, formerly of Alum Creek, a Loving Mother and Grandmother passed away at the age of 87. 

She was born April 1, 1933 at Brier Creek, WV.  Joyce was a member of the Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek, where she helped in many church activities,  and had a love of crafting, making quilts, knitting, crocheting, and clothing for her children.   She retired from Union Carbide Purchasing Group.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, John N. and Gladys Zirkle; stepmother, Marie Zirkle; brother, Paul Zirkle and sister-in-law, Mamie Zirkle; and Ronald Bailey

She is survived by her sons, Paul “Butch” (Patricia) Zirkle, Ronnie (Kathy) Bailey and David (Debbie) Bailey; daughter, Anita (Rick) Parish; and grandson, Nick Meadows (Brittany) who was like a son; 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; special friend, James “Mac” Hill; and special nephews, Timmy and Mark Zirkle; and stepsister, Jean Nunn.   She is also survived by special friends and neighbors through the years, The Chapman Family, Frank (Kim) and William Chapman, Ilene Hatch, Wanda Monday and Charlene Chapman along with many others.

A private graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2020, at Lively Cemetery, Sod, with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating.                                                                           

Lula Bell Hayes, 87, of St. Albans, WV, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Albans.

She was a retired employee of Kmart. 

Lula was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Vallie Breedlove Roberts; Infant son, Larry Wayne Hayes and daughter, Phyllis Lett; and siblings, Louise Byrd and Harley Roberts.

She is survived by sons, Michael and Randy Hayes; daughter, Diana (Joe) Fisher; siblings, Maggie Abbott, Mable Waits, Buster (Norma) Roberts, Rose (Forrest) Johnston, Harry (Phyllis) Roberts, Julia Roberts, Robert (Nora) Roberts, Rebecca (Walter) Cook, and Arthur (Mary) Roberts; and four grandchildren, Krissy, Justin, Chelsey and Dallas Michael; five great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.   

A graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, with Pastor Richard McCallister officiating at the Ortin Heights Cemetery in Rock Branch.  The family will have a private gathering at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek prior to the service.       

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Riverside Health and Rehabilitation and in mom’s words “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”                                                                                                                                                                                      

Arthur Carl Pauley, 95, of Sumerco, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.  He was a faithful member of the Alum Creek Church of Christ.  He was a disabled Navy Veteran of WWII, and a private construction contractor for many years. 

He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Dona Phillips, Otto Pauley, Jr., Odie Pauley, Athlean Tackett, Emma White, and William Pauley.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Ida Runyan Pauley, sons, Carl (Sharon) of Sumerco and Wayne (Jean) of Hurricane.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lorie (Jason)  Dunlap, Andrea (Bart) Midkiff, Amy (Stewart) DeViese, Alex Pauley, Adam (Jessica) Pauley, great-grandchildren, Madisyn Midkiff, Greysen, Preston and Ellie DeViese, and siblings, Helen Moore of Florida, Virginia Lewis, Belle, WV, and many nephews and nieces.

There will be a private graveside service with Minister Joseph Watts officiating at Orchard Hills Cemetery at Yawkey.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Naomi Hale Greenlee, 64, of Alum Creek, WV, fell asleep on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 and opened her eyes in Glory. We sorrow, but are thankful for the sweet hope of Heaven.  Naomi trusted Jesus as her Savior as a young girl and because of that, as believers, we know that we will see her again.

She was born on March 20, 1956 in St. Albans to Frank and Lodema Hale. 

Naomi graduated from St. Albans High School.  She was a homemaker that dearly loved her family.  She enjoyed quilting for her family and taking pictures of her family.  She was an active member of Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek.  She loved her church.  One of her favorite Scripture verses was Psalm 9:10, which says: “And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee:  for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.”   Naomi loved the Lord with all of her heart and started each day in His Word.  She prayed daily for her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Hale; and sisters, Patti Slaven and Katherine Lou Hale. 

Naomi is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, John Greenlee; mother, Lodema Hale of St. Albans; sisters, Frankie Hardin of Culloden and Rachel Harkins of Troy, NC; brother, James Hale of St. Albans; daughters, Rachel (Denton) McDerment and Rebecca Greenlee of Alum Creek, and Heather (Stephen) Stockton of Oxford, NC; sons, Jonathan (Jennifer) Greenlee of Alum Creek and Seth Greenlee of Ripley; and 20 grandchildren, Denton II, Liz, Susanna, Joanna, Isaac, Abby, Nate, Justus, Jeremiah, Hudson, Karolina, Olivia, Isabelle, Emily, Avonlea, Melody, Timmy, Nora, Micah and Noah.

A private service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek for the family with Pastors Frank Chapman and Daniel Dent officiating.  Burial will be at Beech Grove Cemetery, Yawkey.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for friends and family.