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Grace Smith

March 30th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (2 Comments)

Grace Smith, of Sod, WV, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 29, 2023, surrounded by family.

She is preceded in death by husband Roe Smith, their infant son Jeffrey, grandson Jeremy Swann, parents Ora and Pansy Pauley, sister Shelby Cecil, brothers Raymond “Denzil” Pauley, and her twin brother Fray Pauley. She leaves behind her dear sisters Monzella McDougal and Shirley Ryan, along with many loved nieces and nephews.

She was born in Lico, Boone County on February 21, 1936. She and Roe started their life together on December 6, 1958. They were blessed with four birth daughters: Terri, Sandra, Lisa (Mike), Rita (Robert). She welcomed Norma Brogan (Calvin) and Julie (Jeremy) Johnson many years ago as her daughters of the heart, sharing in their triumphs and their tears in the journey of life. She was blessed with many grandchildren, and she loved each of them with all her heart: Joshua Browning, Michael Browning (Dee Dee), Katie Murray (Josh Stephan), Holly Dingess (Josh), Brandon McClure (Kayla), Taylor Landers (David), Emily Jones (Stephen), Morgan Swann, Austin Swann, Destiny Sparks, Megan Jenkins, Rachel Bailey (Caleb), and Grace McCallister. With Norma and Julie, she gained Brittany Griffith (Brent), Allison Henck (Grant), Hannah Guilliams (Michael), Karrah and Hayden Johnson. She had 21 great grandchildren. She truly thought they were all “great”: Emylee, Haley, Colt, Randi, Isabella, Everly, Kaydon, Kolton, Farryn, Maximus, Moses, Shepherd, Jules, Eliot, Margo, Garrett, Rosie, Gwen, Beckett, Brinley, and Bailey.

Service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023, at McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church, Sod with Pastor Robert McCallister, Brandon McClure, Austin Swann & Josh Dingess officiating. Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery, Sod. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

Kay Frances Haynes

March 30th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Kay Frances Haynes, 64, of Charleston, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at home.

Kay was one of 17 children. She loved her family and they were her top priority.

She is survived by sons, Robert (Cassandra) Lewis and Donald Paul (Crystal) Lewis, both of Charleston; grandchildren, Caitlyn Lewis, Laura Lewis, Brock Shrigley, Robert Lewis, Heath Lewis; great grandchildren, Ella & Bentley Lewis and Cooper Stacy; sister, Lucille Counts.

Keeping with Kay’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services.

Julian Weldon Martin

March 30th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (11 Comments)

Julian Weldon Martin, age 86 of Charleston, WV died peacefully in hospice care on March 24th. His family was at his side and he was surrounded by love. Julian was born October 2, 1936, in Emmons, WV. He was the oldest of the five children of Ruth and Ernest Weldon Martin.

Julian was an all-conference football player at Saint Albans High School graduating in 1954. He went on to West Virginia University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1959. He remained an avid Mountaineer fan his entire life. Having achieved his degree, he worked in the chemical industry including as a rocket scientist in the area of propellant development.

His career and life path took a major turn in 1961 when he volunteered for John F. Kennedy’s Peace Corps, becoming West Virginia’s first representative. He completed Peace Corps training at UCLA prior to two years in Nigeria, where he taught chemistry and coached track. His team won the inaugural West Africa Peace Corps Track Meet. On his return from Africa, he served as the first full-time Foreign Student Advisor at West Virginia University from 1964-66. While in this role, he helped integrate the barbershops in Morgantown. He then traveled extensively, often hitchhiking. He spent time in all 48 continental states. This time included work as a substitute teacher in the San Francisco Bay area.

After coming home to West Virginia, he returned to teaching full time. He taught a combination of physical science, chemistry, and physics at Duval High School from 1977-1998. He also taught his students beyond the core curriculum. He encouraged independent thought and intellectual curiosity. He frequently inspired wonder and awe in the classroom. He was a committed teacher and many students credit him with instilling the confidence to pursue greater achievements than they thought possible.

In retirement, he increased his focus on preserving the natural beauty of West Virginia. He was devoted to preserving clean air, water, and the mountains of our state. He served on the Kanawha State Forest Foundation and the board of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy. He led many trips to Kayford Mountain revealing firsthand and teaching about the destruction inherent to mountain top removal. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a willingness to stand up to the status quo when he found it unjust. This continued until he was physically unable to continue the effort. He was an inspiration and hero to many students, friends, and family.

Julian was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Ellen Wilson. He is survived by the mothers of his children, Linda Martin and Joyce Crews. He was a loving, devoted father. He is survived by his children Bess McKay, Jeff Pellegrin, Elizabeth Pellegrin, Luke Martin and his sisters Mary Martin, Lou Ann Martin-Rogers, and Melanie Hickerson. He is also survived by too many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends to name or to count.

Friends and family are invited to gather from 12-3 Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Service to follow at 3pm.  Burial will be held on a future date at Barker Cemetery, Ashford.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy at wvhighlands.org.

He is loved and missed.

Georgia Ann Dragoo

March 27th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (3 Comments)

Georgia Ann Dragoo, 101, of Yawkey, WV, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis & Hattie Lovejoy Dragoo, and sisters, Crede Lawther, Erma Dragoo, Inis McCallister, Zulema Jaynes, Dora Jeffery and Myrtle Alford, brothers, Oscar, Cecil, Andrew Nelson, and Linis Dragoo.

Georgia is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She will be cremated and her ashes will be scattered. A special thank you to Tina, Pat, Melissa, Lori and Hospice for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Hospice or your favorite charity.

Mary Joe Parsons

March 23rd, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Mary Joe Parsons, 80, of Charleston, WV, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Meadowbrook Acres. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor Earl Moore & Rachel Cobb Sowards, sons-in-law, Robert Wright, Sr., and Dennis Roberts, granddaughter, Jessica Lou Hamrick, great-grandson, Clarkson Hamrick and also by several brothers and sisters.

She was a wonderful loving mother. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by four daughters, Bethany Hamrick, Virginia Wright, Susan Roberts and Donna Jean Moore, three grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Geraldine Sowards, Mena Stanley and Barbara McCutcheon.

Service will be 1:00pm Monday, March 27, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.

Joshua Nathaniel Smith

March 23rd, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (2 Comments)

Joshua Nathaniel Smith, 42, of Charleston passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at CAMC Hospice.

Josh was an employee of Clean Slate Restoration, South Charleston.

Josh is survived by his mother & stepfather, Sherry Joan Dillon & Dewayne Dunlap of Foster; father, Carlos W. Smith of Danville; children, Serena Smith, Nevaeh Eden Smith, Josh “J.J.” Smith, Jr., AJ “Landon” Smith; stepdaughter, Elizabeth; brothers, Matthew (Susan) Smith of New Mexico, Jacob Smith of Charleston, & Noah Smith (Karen Elkins) of Madison; many aunts, uncles, nieces, & nephews who loved him dearly.

A gathering of friends and family will be 5:00-7:00, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to offset funeral expenses to Curry Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Alum Creek, WV 25003.

Wynona Gazelle (Stephens) Lawson

March 22nd, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (3 Comments)

Wynona Gazelle (Stephens) Lawson quietly took her last breath, on March 16, 2023, after a short illness and a long life, of 96 years. Inquiries regarding her longevity always gained a response of “I have had a good life”. Upon reflection, it is apparent that her good life included determination to do her best, loving without compromise, and caring with a commitment that is exceeded by few, if any.

Born on January 9, 1927, to Sylvester and Daisy (Wade) Stephens, she was raised in Yawkey, WV. She was called Gazelle and she was number six of twelve children. When reminiscing on her childhood and family she always focused on the love instilled in her and her siblings by her parents. Gazelle is survived by her sister Brenda (Ira) Sutphin and her brother, Tandy (Maybell) Stephens. Theirs is a family that has maintained an enviable closeness that every mother aspires for her children.

Gazelle moved to Charleston, first living with her older sister to work in a butcher shop and then moving to a women’s boarding house and working as an Operator for “The Phone Company”. Returning to Yawkey for a basketball game, at Duvall High School, she met the love of her life, Carl Lawson. Carl had just returned from serving in WWII and Gazelle responding to a friendly dare, gave him a hug to thank him for his service. At the urging of his uncle, “to not let that one get away”, Carl asked Gazelle out for a date. Married in 1947, Carl was called back to duty during the Korean War, and they relocated to Kentucky and New Mexico. Upon returning to West Virginia, Carl and Gazelle settled in Charleston. They were married for 63 years and anyone who met them saw a love that never diminished.

In 1954, Gazelle became a mother to Kathy and later in 1961 to Kim. As a full-time homemaker, she was tireless. She prepared scrumptious meals, skillfully sewed her children’s garments, and grew bountiful gardens of vegetables and flowers. She was a nurse, teacher, and advisor to her family and in her spare time, she was a girl scout leader, a church youth group leader, a school volunteer, a community fund raiser, a caring neighbor, and a loyal friend.

With her children growing up, she returned to working outside her home. In 1976, Wynona started the YWCA Child Enrichment Center, in Charleston. Applying her trademark determination and tirelessness, she created one of the largest centers in WV. Listening to parents’ needs, Wynona had the first infant/toddler program in southern WV; she developed a multi-school after school/vacation program; she managed an employer sponsored 24-hour child care service She cared for hundreds (maybe thousands) of children that knew her as Mrs. Lawson, she supported their parents and provided a much-needed community service that employed a multitude of women in various stages of their lives. At her second retirement party, a quarter of a century later, Wynona reported that she spent her last day looking at the possibility of expanding hours.

As Gazelle’s family grew, she became Ma-Maw to Matthew, Adam and Patrick Gregor and Caleb and Elizabeth Hughes. She was a marvelous Ma-Maw. She showered her grandchildren with love and with delicious homemade treats, elaborate costume creations, spectacular holiday celebrations, and constant, never-ending patience and interest in their lives.

Wynona Gazelle always said she had a good life, and she shared it with her caring ways. With her loss, we now share a feeling that this life will never be as good as it was when we had Wynona Gazelle (Stephens) Lawson with us.

Arrangements are being handled by Curry Funeral Home.

Clifford Ray “Skip” Chafin

March 20th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Clifford Ray “Skip” Chafin, 72, of Alum Creek, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at home.

Skip was a 1970 graduate of Duval High School and retired from Piklington Glass in Laurinburg, North Carolina as a maintenance technician. He always liked working on cars with his father, brother and sons, especially the 67’ Chevelle. One of Skip’s best qualities was his ability to “MacGyver” his way through any situation. Most of all “Papaw” loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer & Mildred Aldridge Chafin; brother, Jack Chafin; and sisters, Edith Nunn, Patricia Barker, & Gloria Duncan.

Skip is survived by his sons, Curtis (April) Chafin & Clinton Chafin; grandchildren, Lynnlee Chafin, Mackenzie Chafin, Ryleigh Chafin, Cassidy Chafin & Cameron Chafin; former wife and mother of his children, Deborah Fisher Chafin; former wife, Connie Chafin; also, several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends & family will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek.

Paul Brian Brogan

March 19th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (4 Comments)

Paul Brian Brogan, 50, of Alum Creek, WV, departed this life on Friday, March 17, 2023. He was born on May 17, 1972, in Charleston, WV. He was a 1991 graduate of Duval High School.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Tonya Brogan; parents, Ronnie and Judy Brogan of Alum Creek; father and mother-in-law, French and Peggy Mullins of Ridgeview; his aunt, Dixie (David) Cyphers of Barrackville; uncles, Eddie (Becky) Brogan of Hurricane and David (Belva) Brogan of Alum Creek; brother-in-law, Thomas (Dee Dee) Mullins of Ridgeview; sister-in-law, Violette Mullins and brother-in-law, Dakota Mullins of Ridgeview; special friends that he considered like brothers, Jason Allison and Tim Abbott.

Brian also had several cousins, nieces, nephew, and friends that will truly miss him. Ross and Debbie Gillenwater that were like family in so many ways and his dog Brittney that he treasured. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and enjoying life to the fullest. His life made a difference to all who knew him. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. David Cyphers officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Hager Family Cemetery, Brounland.

Betty Lou Cottrill

March 17th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Betty Lou Cottrill, 88, of Tornado passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at Rolling Meadows Place, Scott Depot.

Betty was a 1954 graduate of St. Albans High School. She retired from Union Carbide with over 20 years of service. She served her country in the United States Army.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey Cottrill; parents, Bradie & Kathleen White Pauley; brothers, Raymond & Warren Pauley; sisters, Elaine Pauley & Debra Vannatter.

She is survived by sister, Joan Bartlett; brother, Dwain Pauley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Cunningham Memorial Park.