Funeral Services Serving Alum Creek WV and Surrounds
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Christina Lee Akers DeBord, 86, of South Charleston, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, after a short illness at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston, WV.

She was born at her grandparents’ home in Smith Creek, WV on December 24, 1939. Christina was preceded in death by her parents, George Lee & Virginia Elizabeth Cantley Akers; and her husband, Rev. Paul C. DeBord.

Christina was a graduate of Washington District High School, Class of 1957, where she participated in 4-H, Dramatic Club, Jr. and Sr. Play, Newspaper Staff, Annual Staff, Home Ec. She then attended the Charleston School of Business where she studied typing, shorthand and other secretarial skills. She worked as a church secretary and a helpmate to Paul in the ministry for 39 years.

Christina is survived by her 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Steven Paul & Cindy DeBord, Mark Gregory & Susan DeBord; 5 grandchildren, Bryan DeBord, Kateland (Nathan) Whaples, Brieana (Evan) Thompson, Annie DeBord, Jordan Paul DeBord; 6 great grandchildren, Leland & Layla Whaples, Carson, Landon & Sophia Thompson, Eli Fields; sister-in-law, Phyllis DeBord; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Service will be at Bible Center Church, 100 Bible Center Dr., Charleston, WV on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 4PM with Rev. Richard Thompson officiating. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service from 2-4PM. Entombment will be at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Meadowbrook Acres Nursing Center and Thomas Memorial Hospital ICU for the exceptional love and care that they displayed and provided to our Mother.

Dolline Gail Roth Taylor

July 27th, 2026 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (1 Comments)

Dolline Gail Roth Taylor, 73, of South Charleston, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

Dolline was a former beautician and employee of the City of South Charleston.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Brant (Nancy) Taylor, Eric (Olivia) Taylor, Ashley Taylor Priestley, and Greg Taylor; sisters, Frances, Barbara, Brenda, Belinda; 5 grandchildren.

It was Dolline’s wish to be cremated and buried with her family at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Janice Claire Midkiff

July 21st, 2026 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Janice Claire Midkiff, 84, of Alum Creek, WV, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Meadowbrook Acres Nursing Center, Charleston.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Glenn Rogers Midkiff, parents, Dennis and Ivy Guthrie Bragg; brothers, Damon, Leroy, and Zenith Bragg; sisters, Stella Cecil, Christine Pauley, and Ethel Barker.

She is survived by her children; Jerry Midkiff (Joyce), Greg Midkiff (Sabrenna), and Tim Midkiff; sister, Connie Raines, and brothers, Clinton and Stanley Bragg.  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Janice loved to read and was a devoted homemaker.

Janice will be cremated and laid to rest on the Midkiff family property, South Charleston.

Daniel C. Gillenwater, 76, of Tornado passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at home. Born on February 12, 1950, in South Charleston, WV, he was the child of Gay and Josephine Gillenwater.

Danny attended Ruthland High School, in Ohio and was a dedicated member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union #625. He was also a 50-year member of Griffithsville Lodge No. 71 and the Scottish Rite of Charleston. Beyond his professional life, he was an avid lover of the outdoors.

He is survived by the love of his life for 54 years, Jean Gillenwater, his son Chris Gillenwater (April Browning) and his grandchildren, Jenna Gillenwater (Marvin), Jackson Gillenwater, Kaylee Christian, great grandchild, Emmitt Christian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gay & Josephine, his brother, Jerry Stewart, his sister, Patricia Gillispie, and his granddaughter, Katelyn Gillenwater.

Per his wishes no service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the cancer charity of your choice.

Carl Homer “C.H.” Wright, 89, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. 

Known to nearly everyone as “C.H.,” he lived a life defined by his Christian faith, hard work, humility, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. From an early age, he understood the value of responsibility, beginning his first job delivering newspapers at just six years old. That strong work ethic remained with him throughout his life.

C.H. attended Charleston High School, where he proudly ran track and graduated with the Class of 1954. During his high school years, he also worked at Thomas Field. He went on to attend Morris Harvey College, earning a degree in Accounting and laying the foundation for a lifetime of dedicated service.

The greatest blessing of his life came when he met Carlita Newcomer. They were married in 1960 and soon welcomed two daughters, Stacie and Connie, who became the center of their world. Together, C.H. and Carlita built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, friendship, and family. Whether taking day trips, cheering on their favorite teams, or simply enjoying each other’s company, they created a lifetime of cherished memories and a home filled with warmth and laughter.

C.H. proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving with an artillery battalion in Germany before continuing his military service in the Army Reserves. Following his service, he built a career marked by dedication and integrity, working for the United States Postal Service, Union Carbide, returning to the Postal Service, and later serving as a driver for Astorg Motors. No matter where he worked, he earned the respect of coworkers through his dependability, honesty, and quiet strength.

A devoted Christian and faithful member of Oakwood Baptist Church, C.H. lived out his faith through kindness, service, and the example he set for others. He found joy in collecting coins, following sports as an avid fan, and spending time with the people who meant the most to him. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leila Wright and Carl Wright.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carlita Wright; his brother, Dillon Wright; his daughters, Stacie Digman (Alan) and Connie Marano (Brad); his cherished grandchildren, Connor Digman (Anna), Claire Huffman (Kyle), Carrie Digman, Ashley Webster (Braxton), and Abby Marano; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Aaron Huffman, Riley Huffman, Liza Huffman, and Georgiana Digman. He also leaves behind extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know him.

C.H. will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful friend, and a man of quiet character whose life reflected perseverance, humility, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy is found not only in the years he lived but in the values he passed on, the lives he touched, and the love that will continue through the generations that follow.

His family takes comfort in knowing that while they will miss him deeply, his example of faith, hard work, and unconditional love will remain with them always. We also want to give a special thanks to the Hospice House for care during the last few days.

Service will be 4:00pm Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Oakwood Baptist Church with Pastor David Moutz officiating.  Visitation will be from 2:00pm – 4:00 pm at the church prior to the service.  Burial at Graceland Memorial Park.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Bobby Allen Vickers

July 15th, 2026 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Bobby Allen Vickers, 70, of Ravenswood, formerly of Julian, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Bobby was a 1973 graduate of Duval High School. He was a former construction boss for Eastern Coal Company.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Vickers; brother, Rodger Vickers; wife, Karen Dunlap Vickers.

Bobby is survived by his mother, Marie Price Vickers; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce & Frankie Vickers; sisters-in-law, Linda Jones, Margie Basham, Ann Fowler; nephew, Jimmy Adkins and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Service will be 1:00pm, Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmy Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Donald (Donny) Nelson Dunlap, Jr., 52, of Alkol, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at CAMC General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Charleston on November 25, 1973, to the late Donald (Coco) Nelson Dunlap and the late Nancy Dunlap Smith, and raised in McCorkle by his late grandparents, Papaw Donald and Mamaw Betty Dunlap.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his stepdad, Ronnie Smith; maternal grandparents, Hassell and Virginia Smith; and uncle, Jackie Dunlap.

Donny is survived by his wife, Melody McClure Dunlap; their four children, Payton Miller and husband Reece, Lakynn and husband Jeffrey Walkup, Brayden and wife Shellie, and Braxton; and their five grandchildren, Rowan, Berkley, Delaney, Preslyn, and Brynn.

He is also survived by his brother, Chris and wife Stephanie; his mother-in-law, Barbara Ann McClure; father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, Buddy and Abby McClure; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marty and Dawn McClure, and Melissa and Jamie Parker; special aunt, Charlene Dunlap; special cousins, Paula Matthews and Jason Dunlap; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A proud 1992 graduate of Duval High School, Donny often recalled his time as a Duval Yellowjacket and his pride in wearing #55 on the 1990 State Football Championship team. He answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany for two years. Blessed with a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humor, Donny had a unique ability to crack a joke at exactly the right time and fill a room with laughter.

Donny gave his life to God and was baptized at the age of 20. Especially in his earlier years, he loved hunting and being in the woods. He had a passion for buying old vehicles and fixing them up, particularly ‘79 Fords. Throughout his life, he worked as a logger, strip miner, equipment operator, mechanic, construction worker, and in various other jobs. He was a jack-of-all-trades.

Known for his kind heart, big hugs, and huge grin, Donny never hesitated to lend a helping hand, expecting nothing in return. A local hero, he helped save the lives of a drowning woman and two women in a burning house, a testament to his selflessness and unwavering desire to help others in need.

Above all, he adored and cherished his children and his grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy or made him prouder.

Service will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Burial will follow at the McClure Family Cemetery, Alkol. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Curry Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses.

Doris Jean Hudson

July 14th, 2026 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (2 Comments)

Doris Jean Hudson, 94, of Winfield went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 13, 2026, at home.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Saul and Laura Hale Hunter; husband, Paul W. Hudson; and great granddaughter, Lauren Swann.

Doris was a member of Oakwood Baptist Church. She loved to sew, making hundreds of dresses for Samaritan’s Church Operation Christmas Child.

She is survived by her four daughters, Paulette (Delbert) Huffman, Gail (Randy) Palmer, Denise (Craig) Neely and Sheila (Randy) Huffman. She is also survived by sisters, Fleta Turner and Clara Means; 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Service will be 1:00pm, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Oakwood Baptist Church with Pastor David Moutz officiating. Burial will follow at French Cemetery, Charleston. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakwood Baptist Church Shoebox Ministry.

Hazel Virginia McKinney Lincoln, 82 of Brounland Road, Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord on Thursday July 9, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston.

She attended Sherman High School in Boone County where she played on the basketball team. Also, she graduated from West Virginia State College and completed graduate school at West Virginia College of Graduate Studies.

She was a retired teacher who taught English, Creative Writing, Reading, Journalism, and Yearbook. She received the Ashland Oil “Teacher of The Year” Award. She loved her students and her field of work and considered it a life’s calling.

Hazel enjoyed photography, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, writing, traveling abroad, and had a special love of Amish Country.

She was a member of the Alum Creek Church of Christ for 42 years and loved reading her Bible and singing hymns. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and Christian. She loved the church and prayed for others daily.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Richard Lincoln, Sr. and her parents; Otto “Sonny” and Carrie Whitten McKinney.

She is survived by her children, Tarah Lincoln, Eric Stringer (Christina), Rhonda O’Daniels (Roger), Susan Lincoln Dempsey (Stephen), and Lorraine DeLeon (Larry). Grandchildren; Ceciliah “Ceci” Haizel, Chloe (Justin), Josh (Tara), Robert Pierce, Brandy, Shane, Bronson (Keirstin), Carrie (Heath), Chris Edward (Elizabeth). Great grandchildren; Anna, Emma, Thomas, Aurora, Heath Allen, Alice, Hudson, Anna, Sully, Josiah, Aiden, Dawson, Levi, and Laura Avery.


The family wishes to thank all her doctors for their care and support. Also, they want to thank their neighbor, Jackie Blankenship, who was a beloved neighbor and honorary member of the family. Many thanks to Curry Funeral Home and Joseph Watts. Their professionalism and care have been greatly appreciated.

Funeral services for Hazel will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday July 15, 2026, at Alum Creek Church of Christ with Minister Joseph Watts officiating. Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar. Family and friends will visit one hour prior to the service at the church.

James Paul Holstein

June 27th, 2026 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

James Paul Holstein, 77, of Alum Creek, WV passed away on June 24th, 2026 after a series of illnesses. Paul was met in Heaven by his mother, father, brother, and sisters, as they sat around the family table, waiting on a fresh batch of raisin bread prepared by his Mommy’s hands.  

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Holstein, father Henry Holstein, brother Garrett Holstein, and sisters Alice Holstein, Martha Kirk, and Wanda Stewart. Alongside a special honorable mention Ricky Stewart. Although Paul had eight children, he thought of Ricky as one of his own.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Jennyfer Holstein, special sister-in-law Anita Alford, along with his eight children and their spouses: Tammy Holstein, Sherry and Lee Neil, Jimmy Holstein, Paul Dean and Amy Holstein, Lori and Rodney Shirkey, Josh Holstein, Denita and Anthony Whittington, and Amber Keener. 

Paul is also survived by brothers Joey Holstein and Roger Holstein, sisters Roxie Eller, Rosie Kirk, Regina Williams, and Becky Thompson. 

Paul had sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much.

Special Honorable Mention: Paul’s best fur-friend “Bo”. He was always by Paul’s side and was not just a pet, he was part of the family. 

Paul leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. You know who you are and please know Paul loved each of you very much. 

Services will be held at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, officiated by Robert McCallister on Monday, June 29th at 5:00 p.m.

There will be fellowship for family and friends after the services around 6:30 p.m. at Hopewell Church of Alum Creek, to reminisce and celebrate, for the love and life that Paul gave to everyone he knew.

You are missed Daddy, and although our hearts are broken without you, we know you are rejoicing in Heaven.  We love you Daddy, and this is not goodbye, it’s just until we meet again. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you make a donation to your local animal shelter.