Paul W. “Jack” McCracken, 83 of St. Albans passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Putnam Care and Rehab at Hurricane.  He was a loving father and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Lavonne Windom McCracken, wife of 57 years Louana D. McCracken and daughter Kathy Jeane and brother Jerry.  He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law Robert and Debra McCracken of St. Albans, daughter Karen Campbell of St. Albans, grandchildren Kristen Schockey (Steve), Wendi Mathews, Allison Gessel (Jeremy), Christopher Campbell and Michael Campbell all of St. Albans and brothers James “Gee Gee” McCracken (Betty) of Port Orange, Florida, John McCracken (Audra) of St. Albans and sister-in-law Betty McCracken of St. Albans.

Jack was a member of Highlawn Baptist Church for over 53 years were his served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and on other various boards and committees. He was retired from Union Carbide So. Charleston, a Army Air Force veteran of WW II, a former councilman-at-large in St. Albans, was active in youth sports, church basketball, little league baseball coach, baseball umpire, active in attending St. Albans High School sports, was a 1944 graduate of St. Albans High School were he played on the football team.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 3, at Highlawn Baptist Church 2304 Jefferson Ave. St. Albans with Pastor Reverend Mark Stauffer officiating. Burial will follow at Cunningham Memorial Park St. Albans. Family and friends will gather from 6 to 9 PM Friday at the Highlawn Baptist Church.

Joyce Ann Priestley, 66, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the Select Specialty Care, in Charleston after a long illness.  She was preceded in death by her son, Michael “Mike” Lee Priestley and sister, Ruth Barker.  She was a homemaker.  Joyce is survived by her, husband, Wilburn “Chap”; daughter and husband, Cathy and Wayne Hall of Hurricane; son and wife, John and Carolyn Priestley of Fairmont; five grandchildren, Christine, Wendi, Ashley, Meghan and Michael.

A memorial service will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Steve Hontz officiating.  Friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Edward D. Layne, Sr. 73, of Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord Sunday, September 27 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a long illness.   He was preceded in death by his wife Linda L. Layne who passed away August 27, 2009, son Timothy James Layne, granddaughter, Amy Ann Walls and sisters Maxine Cummings, Lucille Fetherson and Katherine Beckett.   He was a member of the Church of Christ a U.S. Army Veteran , a graduate of WV State College, retired from the WV Dept. of Highways, a member of the Dunbar Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite Bodies, the York Rite Bodies and the Beni Kedem Shrine.

He is survived by his three children, Pamela S. (Steve) Walls of Yawkey, Edward D. Layne, Jr. of Alum Creek, and Paul A. (Paula) Layne of Pocatalico, four grandchildren, Danielle Walls, Amber L. Walls Carter, Seth S. Walls and Olivia M. Layne: two great grandchildren, Stevi Cecile Walls Carter and Kendall Nicole Walls. Brother Harry Layne of Orwell, Ohio, sisters Evelyn Taylor of Charleston, Jean Walker of Nitro and Barbarine Frye of Redlands, California.

Service will be 2:00 PM Tuesday September 29, 2009 at Curry Funeral Home 2097 Childress Road Alum Creek with Minister Richard Runyan officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow at Forks of Coal Cemetery Alum Creek. Family and friends will gather from 6 to 9 PM Monday at the funeral home when a Scottish Rite service will be held at 8 PM.  Many Thanks to Dr. R.E. Hamrick and Staff, and the wonderful staff at Hubbard Hospice House for there care and professionalism.

Mabel Lee Dunlap, 77, of McCorkle died Tuesday September 22, 2009 at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a long illness.  She was a lifelong resident of McCorkle, Lincoln County.  She was a Christian and attended the McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband Freer Dunlap;  brothers,  Edward, Garrett, Cecil and   Herman Dunlap and sister,  Drexel.

She is survived by her son: Rex Dunlap wife Mary, Daughter: Teresa Brogan & husband,  David all of McCorkle; Brother: Pete Dunlap & wife, Evelyn of McCorkle; Grandson: Todd Brogan; Granddaughter: Madora Gibson & husband,  Bren; and three great grandchildren: Eli, Emma, and Easton Brogan.

Service will be 2:00 PM Thursday,  September 24, 2009 at Curry Funeral Home,  2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Pastor Russell Wright officiating.  Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Friends may  gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

William R. “Bill” Clendenin, 56, of Brounland, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at home.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Deloris Williams Clendenin; brother, Steve Clendenin and sister, Beverly Clendenin.   Bill was a truck driver for Harvey’s Trucking.

He is survived by his wife, Tina; six children, Daniel E. Clendenin, Christopher J. Clendenin, Billy Clendenin, Nick Clendenin, Heather Clendenin, and Michelle Clendenin; brothers, Robert, Jimmy, Harold, Douglas, Frank and Kelly; sisters, Reba Kuhn, Susie Clendenin, Brenda Clendenin, Patty Clendenin, Shelly Clendenin, and Kim; three grandchildren, Trinity, William and Emily Clendenin.

I Thessalonians 4:17…Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Richard Harold officiating.

Goldie Chrislip Isaacs, 80, of St. Albans died Tuesday, September 15, 2009, of cancer.  She was born June 2, 1929 in Woodville, WV, a daughter of the late Hartsel and Edith Lovejoy Chrislip. She was a member of Highlawn Baptist Church, St. Albans.

After graduating from Duval High School she moved to Charleston, WV and attended secretarial school.  Over the years she worked as a secretary at United Fuel Gas Company, Union Carbide, Highlawn Baptist Church, and National Learning Productions.  Goldie was active in Republican Politics and was a poll worker in many elections.  After retiring, she and Wylton moved to Florida and many happy years.  She returned to WV following his death.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Wylton Isaacs and son Greg Isaacs.  She is survived by her daughters, Kathie Romeo and husband Tom of Charleston, and Libby Arose and husband  John of Hurricane; sister, Dorothy Elkins of Hernshaw; grandchildren, Andrea Romeo Noe, Amber Romeo Cato, Melissa Romeo, Haley Romeo, Nick Arose and Mary Arose; great-granduaghter Alexis Cato and three more great-grandchildren on the way; special niece, Anita Kirk; sisters in law, Flora Christopher, Pauline Robinson, Ida Cyrus and Ann Lindemann all of Florida.

Thanks to Kanawha Hospice, Regency Place and Oakridge Center.  Special thanks to Maxine at the Regency Place for her daily notes of encouragement to Goldie.  Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19^th, 2009 at  Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Rd. Alum Creek with Pastor Oshel Bell officiating. Burial will be at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may  gather 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

On Monday, September 14, 2009, the McClure family lost their queen.  Surrounded by her loving family, Barbara E. “Mamaw Barb” McClure went home to be with Jesus.  She was her family’s most prized possession, their hero, their best friend. 

She was greeted at Heaven’s gate by her husband, Edward “Boyd”; her son, Randy Faron; her grandson, Jon Eric; and great grandson, Andrew.  Those left to cherish her memory are her five sons, William Cecil “Bill” of Huntington, Alton (Barbara Mae), Charles “Buddy” (Abby), Averrill (Gale), and Mickey, all of Alkol; her five daughters, Helen (Wayne) Roberts, Chlo (Larry) Booth, both of Alkol, Marian (Mack) Stone of Morrisvale, Carolyn (Chuck) Adkins, and Teresa (Jerome) Adkins, both of Alkol; her three daughters-in-law, Sandra McClure, Barbara Ann McClure, both of Alkol, and Martha McClure of Huntington; her 30 grandchildren, Mike, Angie, Scott, Ryan (Amy); Brian, Blaire (Robbie); Marty (Dawn), Melody (Donny), Melissa (Jamie); Rachael, Rochelle, Denny (Jaime), Jason (Amy); Eric, Holly (Josh), Brandon (Kayla), Taylor; Randy (Kelly), Jerry (Tina), Lisa (Kevin), Lori (Barry); Todd (Amber), Tracy, Tara; David, Chris (Hilary); Randy (Conrae), Tiffany (Gary); Jade and Erin; her 48 great-grandchildren, Chad, Josh, Steven, Drake, Brent, Will, Ava; Tyler, Gracelyn; Drew, Maggie, Dalton; Payton, Lakynn, Brayden, Braxton; Marlee, Landon, Roman, Kodie, Mia, Jaden; Erica, Randi, Isabella, Kaydon, Kolton; Jordan, Garrett, Kayla, Blake, Heather, Heath, Hayden, Zack, Dakota; Asher, Madalyn, Chase; Austin, Alec, Alyssa, Emma; Randyn, Blade, Skylar, and Sawyer.  Other special people in Mamaw Barb’s life were Rev. Basil Hudson, whom she loved as a son; Vick Adkins, whom she loved as a grandson; Jean Harless and Susie Adkins, her loving caretakers; a number of nieces and nephews; and countless extended family and friends.

Born on August 4, 1918, she lived all of her 91 years in Alkol.  She spent the majority of her life as a mother, loving and raising her children and grandchildren.  Her family was her most treasured accomplishment.She was a Christian and a member of Sycamore Grove Baptist Church.  She was well known for her welcoming home, famous biscuits and gravy and her ability to make people smile.  She was affectionately known as “Mamaw Barb” to hundreds.  Even strangers left her home feeling like part of her family.  She touched so many people’s lives by opening the doors of her home and offering warm conversation, a hot cup of coffee and her home-cooked meals.  The world has lost one of its finest.  She will forever be loved and missed.

Services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday at the Curry Funeral Home Chapel 2097 Childress Rd., Alum Creek with Pastors Basil Hudson and Chuck Adkins officiating. Burial will be in the McClure Family Cemetery at Alkol.  Friends will gather from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday at the Funeral Home.

Lenora Estelle Miller Skeenes, 92, of Alum Creek, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 9, 2009.

Born February 6, 1917, at Turtle Creek, Boone County, WV, she spent her entire life promoting music excellence in many communities throughout West Virginia, including teaching voice and piano to hundreds of youth and adults.  She and her husband, the late Rev. Allen Skeenes, served in many churches, both finishing their service at Forks of Coal Missionary Baptist Church in Alum Creek where she served as pianist and youth music director.  She graduated from Scott High School, Madison, Berea College, Berea KY, and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY,.  She also taught English in Lincoln and Boone Counties.

Preceded in death by her parents, Watty Edward and Mary Etter Estep Miller, her husband, the Rev. Allen Skeenes, siblings Watty Miller Jr., Freda Hall, Leon Miller and her great grandson, Paul Nathaniel DeButy Skeenes.   Surviving are her children Sandra L. Skeenes of Alum Creek,   Jerry W. Skeenes and spouse Kathern E. Skeenes of Alum Creek,  Edward A. Skeenes and spouse Sharon O. Skeenes, Maryville, Tenn.: and Barry D. Skeenes, Charleston; Grandchildren Jerry W. Skeenes II and spouse Elizabeth, Tucson Arizona; Justin H. Skeenes and spouse Brooke, Wheelersburg, OH; Jeremy W. Skeenes, Alum Creek, WV., Jacobi Randall and spouse Michael Alum Creek,WV Andrew Skeenes and spouse Jessica of Maryville, TN.   Great-grandchildren are Caleb Skeenes, Kelcei Skeenes, Zakery Kuhn, and Ian Skeenes and step great-grandaughter: Prue Randall.

The Funeral will be 4:00 PM  Saturday, September 12,  at the Forks of Coal Missionary Baptist Church, the corner of Coal River Rd., and Route 214, with Pastors Keith George,  George G. Pauley, and  Paul Meadows officiating.  Visitors will be received  from 2- 4 PM at the Church. The Graveside service will held 3:00 PM ,Sunday September 13,  at the Memory Gardens at Madison, WV.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Forks of Coal Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department P.O. Box 506 Alum Creek, WV, 25003.

Lula Belle Childress, 85, of South Charleston went home to be with the Lord Monday, September 7, 2009 at Hubbard Hospice House Charleston.   She was preceded in death by her husband Lakin and son Dr. Willie Childress. Also preceding her in death were her parents,  Hansford and Edna Hill Thomas; sisters,  Margaret Brown, Edith Childress and Reba Whitlock, and brother, Paul Thomas.  She was a homemaker a charter member of Hilltop Baptist Church, a volunteer at Thomas Memorial Hospital, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Left to honor her memory are her daughter, Linda Creech,  and her husband, Randy,  of Kingwood, Texas, her son, Gary Childress and his wife, Naomi  of Hurricane, and her daughter-in-law,  Barbour Childress of Charleston.   She also leaves to cherish her memory six grandchildren, Tonya Gillespie and her husband,  Dave,  of South Charleston, John Creech and his wife,  Jennifer,  of Dallas, Texas, Sara Laws and her husband,  Derek,  of Kingwood, Texas, Bill Childress of South Charleston, Dr. Bambi Bollin and her husband,  Dr. Nick Bollin,  of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Chris Childress and his wife,  Kristi, of Charleston.

She was blessed with eight great grandchildren, Brooks, Brett, Brady and Brennan Creech of Dallas, Grant, Davis and Jacob Laws of Kingwood, and Lauren Gillespie of South Charleston.  Other surviving family members are her brothers Randal Thomas and wife, June, of Alexandria, Virginia and Bill Thomas and wife,  Phyllis,  of St. Albans, brother-in-law Dr. Ross Childress and wife,   Roberta, of South Charleston, sister-in-law,  Jean Childress,  Boone of Toledo, Ohio, special nephew,  Roger Childress and wife,  Sharon, of Alum Creek and other loving nieces and nephews.   Very special thanks goes to Sylvia Adkins and her helpers for their loving care and to the staff at  Hubbard Hospice House for their compassionate support over the last several weeks.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Friday September 11 at Curry Funeral Home 2097 Childress Road Alum Creek with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Memorial Park South Charleston. Friends may gather from 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Mary Waneda Snodgrass, 85, of South Charleston died Sunday September 6, 2009 at CAMC Memorial after a short illness.  She was the daughter of the late Henry and Gladys Rabel and wife of the late Ralph E. Snodgrass, she was also preceded in death by her infant son Earl.  Waneda was a life long seamstress and did alterations for Garrett’s Mens Store in Spring Hill for several years.

Waneda is survived by her daughter and son-in-law; Charlotte Jeanette and Earl Billingsley, step grandson Rick Billingsley and wife Laura Howie  and 2 step grandchildren, Jackson and Bryn.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Wednesday September 9, at Curry Funeral Home 2097 Childress Road Alum Creek with Pastor Wallace York officiating. Burial will be at the Childress Family Cemetery at South Charleston. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  The family request no flowers. Memorials may be made to the Childress Cemetery Fund Rt. 7 Box 361 South Charleston, WV 25309.