Jim Midkiff, 89, of Alum Creek, died surrounded by his family on April 18, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Midkiff and Esther McClure Midkiff, his brother Bill Midkiff and his sisters, Patsy Lowery and Helen Lewis.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Ruth Rabel Midkiff; daughter, Jackie Midkiff of South Charleston; son, Charlie Midkiff of Lancaster, SC; sister Mary Ann Maurer of Taylors, SC; brother Jerry (Donna) Midkiff of Hamlin and many nieces and nephews who were very special to him.  Also, our neighbor and very good friend Jeremy Skeenes who has been a special help in every way.

Jim lived a life grounded in service and care for others. After graduating from Duval High School in 1955, he began that journey in the United States Air Force where he served as a clerk in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) office while stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. When he returned home, Jim built a long and proud career at Union Carbide, later Rhone-Poulenc, where he played an integral role in several start-up projects before retiring after 30 years in 1989.

In 1963, Jim began helping occasionally at Curry Funeral Home, a place that soon felt like a second home. He considered all the Curry brothers his extended family. To friends, neighbors, and grieving families in Alum Creek and beyond, Jim was a steady and compassionate presence. He continued working at the funeral home until 2021, serving others well into his later years.

Jim never worried much about himself, but he devoted himself fully to the people he loved, always putting the needs of family and friends ahead of his own. Above all, he found joy in trips to Pocahontas County, keeping his yard in flawless condition, and tending to his garden—simple pleasures that reflected the care he brought to every part of his life.

Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, will handle arrangements. Services will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 1:00 pm with Randy Curry and Pastor Seth Greenlee officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Jackie Marie Sigmon, 70, of Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

Jackie was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church and was camp host, with her husband Larry, at Gerald R. Freeman Campground, Sutton for over 15 years. She loved to sing gospel music, cook and feed her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean & Lilly Mae Adams; husband, Larry Allen Sigmon, Sr.; son, Larry Allen Sigmon, Jr.; brothers, Michael Adams and Jimmy Adams.

Jackie is survived by her children, Steve (Melissa) Sigmon, Dean (Trina) Sigmon, Jeanie (Mark) Salmons, Aaron Sigmon; grandchildren, Josh, Joseph, Eden, Greg, Harris, Lanie, Braxton, Aubrianna, Chelsie, Blake, and Bailey; great grandchildren, Brody, Brady, Brynn, Levi, Ty, Addy, Jaelyn, Zaedyn, Dori, Dellie, Elli, Milly, Easton, Emma, Ty, Liberty, and 2 more on the way; sisters, Tina Adams and Donna Gent; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Service will be 6:00pm, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church with preachers, Kenny Webb, Jimmy Roberts, and Randall “Butch” Brogan officiating. Jackie will be laid to rest at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey.

Alberta Alice (Watts) McKinney, 95, of Alum Creek, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2026, after a long, beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Murrel McKinney, her parents, Albert and Essie Watts, her sisters Helena Matthews, Pauline Inman, and Chlorie Burns, as well as her grandson, Joseph Lovejoy. She is survived by her daughter, Pauletta Lovejoy of Alum Creek, and her sons Charles (Cindy) McKinney of Hamlin and David (Trena) McKinney of Alum Creek. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ray (Corrie) Lovejoy, Apphia McKinney, Gabriel (Erin) McKinney, Joel (Becky) McKinney, Tamika Summerfield, Davy McKinney, and Camdyn McKinney, along with 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. She also had many nephews, nieces, and cousins whom she loved.

As a lifelong wife and stay-at-home mother, she knew what it was to work hard, as she could be seen during the summer in the middle of a berry patch, picking beans, or canning the multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables that she would preserve every year. If any of us complained about having to work in those gardens, she would immediately put us in our place by referring to them as “blessings.”

She was an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren’s activities and would spend hours sitting at ballfields and other venues. She loved to sit and talk to us, completely engrossed in our stories, being a part of our lives, and sharing our adventures through our stories.

She was a servant of the Most High God and could be found singing hymns in her beautiful alto voice at the Griffithsville Church of Christ, where she was a member. She loved to sing and yodel, a skill at which she was very adept, and passed on that love of music to her children.

She touched so many lives in her lifetime. If she loved you, you were loved indeed. If you were ever hugged by her (which she loved doing), you experienced something special, because that was her thing and she was good at it. She lived her faith, and we will forever be blessed because of it.

Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, will handle arrangements. Services will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm with Charles McKinney and David McKinney officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Interment will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens.

Zachary Charles Winell, 26, of Clendenin, formerly of Sumerco, WV left the world too soon on April 11, 2026.

Zachary loved fishing, hunting, going to the ranges and spending time with his fiancé and friends and family. He was a master fire starter and loved sitting around a campfire. He was a graduate of LCHS in 2018 and worked for the City of South Charleston. He was a former CO at SCRJ, where is met a huge number of friends/brothers and his fiancé, Sophia.

He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Dawn and Anthony Smith of Sumerco; sister, Megan Pettry of Cross Lanes; brother, Kevin Smith of Sumerco; fiancé, Sophia Salisbury of Clendenin and her family; brother, Dakota Smith of Alum Creek; sister, Jessica Barnett of Alum Creek; sister, MaKayla Smith of Alum Creek and his four nephews, Koada, Ryder, Gunner, and Alex. He is also survived by his biological father, Jason Winell and family of Rhode Island.

He has many loved ones in Heaven that met him that day and I believe he fished that Great River Jordan all day.

Private services will be held at a later date.

On April 12, 2026, at the age of 95, our beloved mother, Frances Ann Carver Linville, went home to heaven where she is now in God’s loving arms. Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace.

Born August 26, 1930, in Clothier, WV, to Millard and Etta Mae Allen Carver, Frances was one of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John of 71 years, daughter Wanda, son Peter Eugene, sons-in-law Ralph Hoover and Jesse Thompson, daughter-in-law Audrey Linville, grandson Jonathan Linville, and grandson-in-law Sam Pierson.

Frances is survived by her six children—Diana Hughey (Tom), John Linville Jr., Trudy Barker (Robert), Eva Thompson, Steve Linville (Denise), and Cheryl Vance (Ronnie)—and by 12 grandchildren— Jason Hoover (LouAnn), David Linville, Robbie Barker (Tammy), Brad Barker (Cassie), Brigitte Carney (Luke), Kelly Thompson (Kris), Jessica Hill (Jerry), Rachel Stamper (Nick), Josh Linville (Kelly), Erin Pierson, Whitney Harold (Zack), and Alex Vance (Daniela). She is also survived by 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and her last living sibling, brother Skip Stollings.

Frances, nicknamed Little Dukie, is fondly remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother and as an excellent seamstress, artist, and cook who often had many neighborhood children around her table.

Per our mother’s request, a private service will be officiated by Pastor Richard Harold at Frances’s home church. We sincerely thank Dr. Witt Durden, nurse practitioner Monica McBryde, and Dignity Hospice nurses Jessica and Stephanie for their care.

“Forever in our hearts until we meet again”

Richard Lynn “Rick” Given, 86, of Charleston, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home.

Rick was a proud United States Marine who served his country, including the distinguished honor of serving in the John F. Kennedy Honor Guard and as a member of the elite Presidential Guard and Drill Team. His commitment to service did not end with his military career—it became the foundation of a life devoted to others.

Rick worked as a professional truck driver along with a number of other professional endeavors, but his true life’s work was found in his unwavering dedication to veterans and their families. He was active in community and veteran affairs for many years, serving as a past Commandant of the Marine Corps League of South Charleston, West Virginia, and as the Governor’s Representative on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Rick devoted countless hours to supporting Gold Star families and was designated as a Gold Star Families of West Virginia Advocate. He worked closely with Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, serving as an aide de camp and trusted partner in a mission that brought healing, recognition, and dignity to families who had lost loved ones in military service.

Through this work, Rick helped establish and support Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments in West Virginia and across the country. He also played a key role in establishing the Honor Guard at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, ensuring that those who served our country would be honored with the respect and dignity they deserved. Rick also served as a Board Member of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, continuing his commitment to preserving the legacy of service and sacrifice.

Over the years, Rick received countless awards and recognitions for his service and dedication, though those who knew him understood that he never sought recognition—only the opportunity to serve.

Those who knew Rick understood that his service was rooted in a deep sense of duty, compassion, and respect. He believed in showing up for people—especially in their hardest moments—and quietly worked to make things better for others.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Wilson Given and Wanda Mae Cleek Given; his special grandmother, “Mom” Delcie Cleek; his Uncle Bill Cleek; and his stepdaughters, Kelli Canfield Gilfilen and Kimberly Dawn Canfield.

He is survived by his daughters, Krista Leah Lynn Given (Vallandingham) and Mary Lynn Elizabeth Given; his grandson, Ethan (Danielle) Lawrence and their two children; and his former wife and friend, Sharon Given, along with extended family, friends, and a community of veterans and families whose lives were touched by his kindness and dedication.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to support veterans and Gold Star families, or to the CAMC Foundation in honor of his daughter Krista’s current battle with breast cancer.

Larry Allen Sigmon, Jr., 53, of Alum Creek, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at CAMC General Hospital, Charleston.

Allen was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Sumerco. He loved to fish, play basketball and camp at Gerald R. Freeman Campground at Sutton, WV.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Allen Sigmon, Sr.; wife, Martha “Susie” Sigmon.

Allen is survived by his mother, Jackie Adams Sigmon; children, Chelsie Sigmon, Blake “A.J.” Sigmon, and Bailey Sigmon; grandchildren, Brody, Brady, Brynn, and Levi; sister, Jeanie (Mark) Salmons; brothers, Dean (Trina) Sigmon, Aaron Sigmon, and Stevie (Melissa) Sigmon; nieces and nephews, Greg, Harris, Lanie, Josh, Joseph, Eden, Braxton, and Aubrianna.

Memorial service will be 6:00pm, April 16, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church officiated by preachers, Kenny Webb and Jimmy Roberts. Allen will be laid to rest at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens.

Vivian Marie Pauley, 84, of Poca, formerly of Sumerco, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at home.

Vivian loved to cook, watch gospel shows, listen to gospel music and be outside gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack & Addie Hunt; husband, Clifford Ray Pauley; sister, Janet Avery; and brothers-in-law, Fred Moses, Kenneth Stone, and Clayton Pauley.

Vivian is survived by her son, Timothy (Donna) Pauley; brother, Michael (Linda) Hunt; sisters, Cheryl (Glenn) Rhodarmour, Donna (Charles) Hurst, and Betty Moses; brother-in-law, Gary Avery; sister-in-law, Gail Stone; grandchildren, Caleb (Christa) Parsons, Amilee (Maven) Meadows; great grandchildren, Claire, Carly, & Christopher Parsons, Rowan Meadows; nieces and nephews, Ricky (Stacy) Mellette, Randy (Beverly) Moses, Freda (Mike) Shaw, Jeff Stone, Lance Stone, Michael Pauley, Connie Pauley, Leanna Craft, Carla, Anita; and many great nieces and great nephews. She is also survived by extended family members, Charlotte, Donnie, Sue & Michael Whitten; Jackie (Kathy) Cummings and Robert Cummings.

Graveside service will be 1:00pm, Friday April 10, 2026, at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey with Pastor Richard McCallister officiation.

Donna Jean Marcum, 70, of Danville, WV passed away on March 31, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Donna was born on June 12, 1955, to the late Don & Erma Nelson.

She was a gifted artist before her illness. Donna loved spending time with her grandkids and family.

She is survived by her two children, Timothy (Amanda) Marcum of Danville, WV and Lorie (Kevin) Paulsen of Alabama; five grandchildren, Laef Marcum of Danville, WV, Jaice Orr of Alabama, Cambrie Marcum of Danville, WV, Liam Paulsen of Alabama, and Mia Marcum of Danville, WV. She is also survived by her siblings, Donald (Robin) Nelson of Big Ugly, WV, Ronald (Sandy) Nelson of Danville, WV, Bruce (Erika) Nelson of Turtle Creek, WV, Starla Mabe (Andy) Spiro of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2:00pm, Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery, Cox’s Fork. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm at the funeral home.

Wayne Edward Matoy, Jr., 66, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 30, 1960.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Wayne and Betty Jo Matoy. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Karen of South Charleston. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Perkins of Valparaiso, Indiana, and his three nephews, Cole, Jared, and Wyatt Perkins.

Ed was a Christian and loved singing and playing gospel music. This is how he met the love of his life, Karen King Matoy. Ed and Karen were married for 32 years.

He worked for Conway Trucking, later known as XPO Logistics, for several years.

There are no services scheduled.