Rachel R. Pauley, 74, of Nellis went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after a long illness at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Zack Pauley; parents, Pheobe and Carson Armstrong; sisters, Barbara Banks and Margaret Pauley; and brother, James Armstrong.

Rachel is survived by her children, Dewayne (Sherry) Dunlap, Regina (Jimmy) Davis, Zacky (Julie) Pauley, and Jerry Pauley. She is also survived by sisters, Sheila (James) Cooper, Kathy Smith, and Charlene Day; two grandchildren, Joseph (Cindy) Pauley and Heather (Heather) Pauley; three great grandchildren, Jeremiah, Tyler, and Jayden.

Service will be 3:00pm, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Stevie Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Sumerco. Friends and family will gather two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

Gary Estep, 78 of Danville, WV, went to be with his Lord and Saviour who he loved with all his heart on Feb. 24, 2026, at Boone Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born July 12, 1947, to the late Rev. Henry Estep and Ruby Jewell Ryan Estep. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force and retired in 1986.

He was a member of Cox’s Fork Freewill Baptist Church, where he loved his church family. He was a past President and member of Alum Creek Lions Club and past President and member in Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Jo Carol Estep, grandchildren, Ryan and Shelbi Estep, sister, Lurla Diann McClure, brothers-in-law, Rick Adkins and Clarence E. McClure, Jr.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memory are his loving wife, Lawanda Kirby Estep, that made his last years the happiest. Sons, Richard Estep, Martinsburg, WV, Randy Estep (Amanda) Sparta, TN, siblings, Mitzi Adkins, Doug (Linda) Estep, Jill (Randall) Kirby, Morrisvale, WV. Grandchildren, Dustin Estep (Ashley) Clarksville, TN, Geoff Estep, Kim Estep, Jamestown, OH. Great Grandchildren, Riley, Remi, Ryann, Clarksville, TN, Emma, Harper, Chandler, Jamestown, OH. Many loving nephews, nieces, and friends that will dearly miss him. A special adopted daughter, Sherry Huffman Midkiff.

Services will be Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Cox’s Fork Freewill Baptist Church, 1544 Cox’s Fork Rd, Danville, WV. Visitation from 12-2 and service following at 2pm with Harley Egnor and Tony Young officiating. Burial will be in Jamestown, OH at a later date.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Boone Memorial Hospital, doctors and nurses for their unwavering care, kindness and support shown to Gary and our family.

Ernest Alfred “Al” Newman, Age 74, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after a long illness, at Hubbard Hospice House, surrounded by family and friends. Born on April 15, 1951, he is preceded in death by his parents, William E. “Bill” and Helen Parsons Newman, and brother William Everett Newman.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shelley (Hudson) Newman, son Brian (Kristie) Newman, daughters Amy Hamilton and Holly Fields. Grandchildren, Sheridan Newman, Blake Newman (Nicole Detty), Rylee Hamilton, Jacob Fields (Lyndi), Allison Fields (Thomas Williams), Hunter Fields (Breelyn Board), Step-grandson Jonathan Legg. Great grandchildren, Maddy Legg, Cash Adkins and Blair Adkins.

A 1969 graduate of George Washington High School, Al worked as a route salesman at RC Cola for 30 years before becoming disabled in 2001. He always had an easy laugh, and occasionally a flare-up of a quick temper, after which he immediately apologized to the offended party and told them how much he loved them. Always forgiven, many humorous stories have been shared of such incidents by those who have known him well.

Al enjoyed taking his pride and joy 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air to regional and local car shows with his best friend since early childhood, Randy Sheppard. He enjoyed the camaraderie of a very close-knit group of friends, whose interests centered around working on their cars and traveling together to events that provided an opportunity to feature them, and a chance to enjoy good times together. He will be missed by a host of friends and relatives.

The family would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for Dr. Julie Haddy’s compassionate care, as well as to thank the staff of Davita Dialysis Center, South Charleston, WV, where he was treated and developed many close relationships over the past seven years.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, March 7. Friends may call at 2 PM with service at 3 PM. Dunbar First Church of God, 1234 Payne Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Hubbard Hospice House: hospicecarewv.org

James H. “Jim” Turley, 75, of Charleston passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

Jim was a graduate of Nitro High School and worked as a welder/welder mechanic for over 35 years. He was an avid collector of sports cards. He loved his family and loved helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Aviline Silman Turley; brother, Lloyd Keith Turley.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy; daughter, Amy (Charles) McCallister; son, David Turley; grandchildren, Alex McCallister and Brandy McCallister; brothers, Frank and Gary Turley; sister, Delana Turley.

The family will host a memorial of life in the spring.

Donations can be made for Jim Turley at gofundme.com

Kenneth “Justin” Stewart was born on October 21, 1981, and passed away after a short illness on February 24, 2026, at the age of 44.

Justin was raised by his aunt, JoEllen Brogan (Jeff Elswick), who loved and cared for him as her own son. Their bond was one of deep devotion, guidance and unconditional love that shaped the man Jusitn became.

He is survived by his brother, Tony Stewart (Rebecca Wood); his nieces, Allie Stewart and Emma Wood; his cousins who were raised alongside him as brother and sister, Calvin Brogan (Norma) and Melissa Chandler; his cousins, Manina Taylor (Kevin), Brittany Griffith (Brent), Allison Henck (Grant), Jeffery Allen (Heather), Kayce Taylor, Beckett Griffith, Brinley Griffith, Bailey Griffith, and aunt, Joyce Brunty.

Justin had a deep love for creativity and self-expression. He was an avid painter. He also loved gaming with friends, salsa dancing and acting. His joyful spirit, artistic soul and passion for living left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His memory will be cherished by those who loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sharon K. Childress, 81, of Alum Creek

It is with profound sadness and tender love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, precious grandmother, and the heart and monarch of our family, Sharon K. Childress, 81, of Alum Creek.

Sharon was suddenly called home into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, February 22nd. Her absence leaves a void in our hearts that this earth can never fill, yet we rejoice in knowing she is at peace in her heavenly home.

Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She spent cherished years in Germany faithfully supporting her husband during his military service before returning to the United States to build a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and community. She worked tirelessly for the State of West Virginia and continued her life of service by loving God and loving people with her whole heart.

A devoted matriarch, Sharon was the steady foundation of our family. She poured her life into those she loved, always placing others before herself. Through her faith and her many God-given talents, she expressed love in countless thoughtful and detailed ways — whether through a carefully chosen gift, a warm meal, a beautifully organized gathering, or a quilt stitched with prayer. Every touch bore her signature of excellence and care. Her organizational skills were impeccable, and her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and cherished tradition.

Sharon was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she served joyfully for many years, especially through the Quilting Ministry. Through this ministry, she shared not only her talent but her heart, blessing many with tangible expressions of God’s love.

She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Roger Leroy Childress, who preceded her in death. She was a loving and steadfast mother to her son, Darin, and a treasured mother-in-law to Amanda. Her greatest earthly joy was being “Grandma” to her precious granddaughters, Maleigha Rachelle and Jadalyn Nicole. She was also a devoted godmother to Tonya Gillispie and Chris Childress, holding each of them close in her heart.

Sharon cherished her close relationships with her brothers Bill (Barbara) and Gary; her sister, Ellemay Richards; her nieces and nephews Brenda and Brian; and her extended Childress family, including Lyle (Deenie), Gary (Naomi), Uncle Glenn, and Greg Childress. She treasured each cousin, nephew, and loved one, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger Leroy Childress; her parents; her sister Ellemay Richards; her sister-in-law Barbara Richards; her niece Sara Styer; Edith Childress, who passed at birth; her cherished mother- and father-in-law Roy and Elisa Childress; and Lula Bell Childress.

Funeral service will be 1:00pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Don Biram officiating. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Sharon will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Cunningham Memorial Park. Though we grieve deeply, we find comfort in knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church Quilting Ministry, 1401 Washington Street West, Charleston, WV 25387.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Lodema Isabelle [Kopp] Hale, 102, of St. Albans, WV, went home to be with her Saviour on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Yes, we sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. As believers, we will see her again! (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Lodema was born on June 5, 1923, in Fairview, Kansas, to Arthur Raymond Kopp and Sylvia Isabelle Kopp. After graduating from Leavenworth High School, Lodema worked for eleven years at the Forum Cafeteria in Kansas City, Missouri. She also attended Kansas City Bible College.

At the age of twenty-seven, Lodema was invited to attend a Youth for Christ meeting where she heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. Having already been troubled about her eternal destiny, the Holy Spirit’s conviction of her lost condition led her to place her complete trust in Christ.

Following her salvation, Lodema experienced a transformation in her priorities, especially regarding the qualities she sought in a husband. Praying for a spouse who genuinely loved the Lord, she soon attended a Bible conference at Winona Lake, Indiana, where she met Frank Hale, a widower with two young daughters. After corresponding, Frank and Lodema married the following spring. Their marriage became the foundation for a large, Christ-driven family, now numbering 112 members, many of whom serve the Lord across the country and world.

Lodema was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved hosting family get-togethers. When everyone was getting ready to return home, she would say, “Let’s pray one for another.” Her family will always remember her love of ice cream, bananas, ice cream, Wendy’s, and ice cream.

Most of all, Lodema was known for her unwavering faithfulness to the Lord. She loved using her street address – 2723 – to tell others about her salvation, as she would say, “I was born in ’23, and when I was 27, I was born again.” She faithfully attended Cross Lanes Bible Church for over forty-five years. During this time, she served as secretary for her Sunday School class and often wrote notes of encouragement to others. Going to church was the highlight of her week.

Lodema loved singing about her Saviour! In addition to always having Christ-honoring music playing in her home, she played the piano for the Gospel hymn sing-along at Hansford Senior Center for well over thirty years. She was known for asking anyone who came to visit in her home to sing a song.

Being a faithful reader of God’s Word, she had many favorite verses. One of the last things she was heard to speak clearly was, “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) In addition to her Bible, Lodema loved reading testimonies of other Christians. Dr. Walter Wilson was one of her favorite preachers, and she would often describe him as “the best soul-winner.”

Lodema is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Kopp and Sylvia Kopp; her husband, Frank Hale; her five brothers; and three daughters, Patricia Slaven, Katherine Hale, and Naomi Greenlee.

Lodema is survived by her daughters, Frances (Frank) Hardin of Culloden and Rachel (Jim) Harkins of Troy, NC; son, James (Cindy) Hale of St. Albans; twenty grandchildren; sixty-two great-grandchildren (and one on the way).

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all family members who helped with Mom’s care in recent years. We also extend special recognition to Glenna, Terry, and Michelle for loving Mom like their own, and to the Genesis Dunbar Center for their devotion to the care of Lodema, who was affectionately known by the full staff as “Miss Lodema”. They took good care of her, thank you.

We also say thank you to Cross Lanes Bible Church, who visited her at home and at the care center, sent her flowers regularly, along with other gifts, sang, read scripture and for answering calls from her at all hours. That meant a lot to the family. And lastly, thank you to the Hubbard Hospice House for giving comfort and care to her and ministering to the family in so many ways.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Her funeral service will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cross Lanes Bible Church with Pastor Ben Edwards officiating. Visitation will be from 11am-1pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to Cross Lanes Christian School or Hubbard House.

Brenda Escue of Sod, WV, passed away on February 19, 2026, after courageously battling an extended illness.

She had a fierce sense of right and wrong, a deep love of her grandchildren, and a cookbook collection that would rival any library.

Brenda was a caregiver, sales representative, and a real estate agent. Later in life she gave freely of her time, serving as a board member of a local utility.

She delighted in travel and cooking. Her thoughts were centered on serving God. Brenda was a member of the Church of Christ at South Charleston.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Jonathan, children Julie (Charles) Abbott of Galveston, TX, Eric (Linda) Blankenship of Charleston, WV, and Christian (Danielle) Escue of Chattanooga, TN, five beautiful grandchildren, three sisters and one brother.

Memorial service will be 2:00pm, Sunday, February 22, 2026, at South Charleston Church of Christ with Minister Louis Watts officiating. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

Evelyn Pauline Kessinger, 78 of Nitro, passed away on Sunday February 15, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston.

Evelyn was a 1965 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. She was a former employee of Brewer and Company. She loved tea parties, comedy movies, and reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Louise Smith; her sister and best friend, Nancy Zagst: brother, Charles Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Victor Kessinger; daughters, Michelle Taylor (Alan), Noelle Phillips; sons, Mark Kessinger (JoAnn), and Jeff Kessinger. Grandchildren; Sheridan Newman, Tyler Young, Blake Newman, Bailee Kessinger, Savannah Moore, Brady Kessinger, Chase Phillips, and Olivia Kessinger. Great Grandchildren; Cassius Adkins, Blair Adkins, and Joslynn Moore. Evelyn is also survived by two sisters; Linda Bailey and Debbie Haynes.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at 6:00 PM Friday February 20, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mark Douglas Thaxton, 71 of South Charleston, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday February 15, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

Mark was a former quality control inspector at Volkswagen and South Charleston Stamping & Manufacturing in South Charleston. He was the Pastor of Mt. Tabor Church of God and was the Chaplain at Thomas Memorial Hospital for many years. He loved the outdoors and rebuilding gravelys and tractors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Betty Thaxton; sister, Bonnie Stewart; brothers, Roger and Randy Thaxton; niece, Jennifer Thaxton; and step-son, Harold Kuhn.

Mark is survived by his wife, Louise Kuhn Thaxton; nieces and nephews, Robbie and Beth Stewart, Stevie and Heather Thaxton, Tina and Christian Hill, Jason Stewart, and Jeff Reed and aunts Opal Payne and Kathy Reed. As well as great-nieces and nephews, Aden and Owen Thaxton, Stanton Hill, Lilly Green, and Chelsea Coffman.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday February 21, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Jody Pauley officiating. Burial will be in Thaxton Family Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 PM at the funeral home.

Special thanks to Mark’s friends Butch and Darlene Shultz and Sammy and Linda Oyler.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Tabor Church of God, 2413 Dry Ridge Road, St. Albans, WV 25177.