Longtime Lincoln County educator Ray Isaacs died peacefully on August 24th, 2023, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was 93 years old. If you attended public school in Lincoln County, WV from 1954 to 1978, there’s a strong possibility that you once had Ray Isaacs as a teacher.

Ray was born in Ona, WV on May 31st, 1930, and was raised in Lincoln County WV. His father was a station master for the C&O Railroad, and his mother operated the combination General Store and US Post Office in McCorkle, WV from 1938 until her retirement in 1965. After graduating from Duval High School in Griffithsville, WV in 1947, Ray earned a Bachelor’s Degree in biology and sciences from Morris Harvey College in Charleston, WV (Now the University Of Charleston). He later earned a Master’s Degree in biology from West Virginia University, and another Master’s Degree in education from West Virginia State College. Beginning in 1954, Ray began teaching at various Lincoln County, WV schools on all levels, from elementary to high school, and also served as Principal of the elementary school located in Sumerco, WV. After nearly 24 years of teaching students at seven elementary schools and two high schools in Lincoln County, Ray transferred to Putnam County, WV, where he continued working until his retirement from full-time teaching in 1986. After retiring, Ray still taught on a part-time basis as a substitute in Carter County, KY, and he taught adult education classes and courses for US Citizenship through the Morehead State University Satellite Program well.

Aside from many years as an educator, Ray was also a 33rd Degree Mason, having been accepted into Lodge #71 in Griffithsville, WV in 1961. He was a member of the Beni Kedem Shriners Temple in Charleston, WV, and was very active in that organization during the 1970’s. He took part in community fund-raisers and parades for several years. Ray was a veteran and served in both the US Army and US Air Force. While he spent a total of five years on active duty, most of his 20-plus year military career was reserve duty with the WV Air National Guard. He often encouraged students to consider military service as an option if they did not want to attend college. One student in particular later credited Ray as the main influence for becoming a jet aircraft mechanic and serving in the US Air Force himself for 30 years.

Ray had a passion for model railroads, his collection of train layouts of various sizes and gauges rivaled many museum-quality displays. He also collected old movies and theater projectors, which he enjoyed repairing and rebuilding.

Ray was preceded in death by his two older brothers, Willis “Bud” Isaacs and Renny Isaacs, Jr. He is survived by his longtime companion, best friend, and wife, Ruth Pauley Isaacs of Gallipolis, Ohio. He often credited Ruth as “The best friend I could ever hope to have.” He is also survived by one son, John Isaacs, and his family, of York, Maine.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 28, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be 3:30 p.m., at East Carter County Memory Gardens, Grayson, KY.

Orville Ray Jones, Jr. “BJ”, 54 of Kenna, WV went home to be with Jesus at the Hubbard Hospice House on August 24, 2023, with family and angels by his side, after a short illness.

BJ was born August 17, 1969, in Lorain, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville Ray and Beulah Burdette Jones.

BJ is survived by his three children, Owen Jones (Brittany) of Eleanor, Abbigail Jones of Maysel and Alice Jones of Maysel; sisters, Becky Barnard (Toby) of Bridgeport, Tammy Kinder (Marty) of Sissonville, Barbara Smith (Ray) of Hurricane; grandchildren, Paisleigh Jones and Gentry Jones; nephews, Jeremey Barnard (Cynthia), Randy LeMaster (Leanna), Mark Boggess; nieces, Sarah Sell (Rickey), Nikki Hilbert; great nephews, Easton Barnard, Mason Sell, Max Sell; great niece, Maddie Sell.

BJ went into the United States Air Force after graduating from Ripley High School in 1987. In the Air Force, he served in Alconbury, England as a Munitions System Specialist.

BJ worked for the Laborers’ LIUNA Local 1353 Union in Charleston for many years.

He enjoyed cooking, sewing, hunting, fixing things and helping other people, most of all he loved telling stories.

In keeping with his wishes, there will not be a service. Memorial donations can be sent to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd, W., Charleston, WV 25312.

Thanks to Dr. Steven Mandish and Sharon and Dr. Justin Cohen at the Cancer Center. Thanks to Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston.

Special thanks to Angela Slater-Atkins for being there for BJ and leading him to the Lord. We are forever grateful.

John Michael McGrath, 88, of South Charleston, formerly of Berkeley Heights, NJ and Rutland, VT, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at home.

He served his country in the United States Air Force and retired from Berkeley Heights Police Department, NJ.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Anne; parents, John & Rose Amodeo McGrath.

He is survived by his sons, John McGrath, Michael (Jill) McGrath, and Kevin (Ann) McGrath; 5 grandchildren.

John will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Anne, in Riverside Cemetery, Killington, VT.

Jean Smith Maddox, 86, of St. Albans, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Hubbard Hospice House.

Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, at Cunningham Memorial Park with Pastor Allen Stewart officiating.

Christine Mae Benedict, 72, of Ashford, gave up her fight and went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at CAMC Hospice. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Carleda (Huff) Godlove; daughter Wendy Dickerson; best friend, Gayle Javins; and sister Charmaine Martin.

She is survived by her best friend, special granddaughter, Courtney Javins; daughters, Shawnte’ Morris (Shawn), Carleda Benedict (Charlie), Tammy Lushbaugh (Randy); sons, Jimmy Benedict (Crystal), Steven Benedict (Michelle), Jeremiah Benedict, and Harvey Benedict (Jodi); brother, Jay Godlove; sister, Cindy Crane; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.

Christine was a manager for Kmart for many years. She loved to worship the Lord with her church family at Amazing Grace Fellowship. She enjoyed going to the beach, shopping at Walmart and spending time with her grandkids.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

A little memorial service will be held at Amazing Grace Fellowship church, with Pastor Matt Epling officiating on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 11am – 1pm.

Kelly Marie Curry, 46, of Alum Creek, WV, went to be with her Savior Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Hubbard Hospice House after a long courageous battle with cancer.

She was a 1995 graduate of South Charleston High School and graduated from WV Junior College where she obtained her medical assistant certification and was employed by Curry Funeral Home.

Kelly is survived by her husband, Heath, children, Jacob Skeens, Sarah, Grant & Joshua Curry who were the light of her life.

She is also survived by her mother, Carole Bright, South Charleston, WV, father, Anthony Bright, California, father & mother-in-law, Randy & Gail Curry, Alum Creek, WV, sister-in-law, Haley (David) Miles and their children, Colt, Kylie & Caden Miles of Cape Town, South Africa, and special Uncle Dale & Aunt B., Alum Creek, WV. She also leaves behind many Aunts and Cousins that she dearly loved.

Service will be 3:00pm Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastors Ben Lewis and Clyde Gwin officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Committal service will be 11:00am Monday, August 21, 2023, at Graceland Memorial Park with Danny Huffman presiding.

Many thanks to Hubbard Hospice House for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., West, Charleston, WV 25387.

Kimie Lovejoy Blackhurst, 70, of South Charleston passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

Kimie was a 1970 graduate of Duval High School and a 1975 graduate of West Virginia State University. She also attended Marshall University. Kimie retired from CAMC Memorial Hospital as the manager of the Automated Procedures (AP) laboratory.

Kimie was born on August 25, 1952 in Saitama, Japan to Sadako Ito Lovejoy and SFC Harry K. Lovejoy. She was a world traveler from an early age as an Army brat with her dad being stationed in Japan, Panama, Germany, and various stateside postings. As a child she was fluent in Japanese and Spanish before English. She became an Army wife when she married 2LT Gary A. Blackhurst in December, 1975. They went on to postings in Oklahoma and Germany and visited many European cities and sites. She made close friends wherever she lived and worked both here and abroad.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Sadako Ito Lovejoy; sister, Dr. Susann Lovejoy-Compton, M.D.; brother-in-law, John McCallister; and father-in-law, Arthur A. Blackhurst.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 48 years: Gary A. Blackhurst; daughters: Heather Blackhurst, Laura Blackhurst, and Lauriana Blackhurst; grandchildren: Weston Whitlock and Shaelynn Blackhurst; sisters: Karen Snyder, Stokesdale, SC and Mary (David) Gainer, Columbus, OH; mother-in-law: Maryanne Danner, Tornado, WV; brothers-in-law: Greg Compton, Myrtle Beach, SC and William Blackhurst, Simpsonville, SC; sisters-in-law: Terrie Gilbert, South Charleston, WV and Deborah (Doug) Corbett, St. Augustine, FL; nieces, Dr. Stephanie (Justin) Howerter, D.O., Stokesdale, SC; Kelsey McCallister, New York, NY; Bethany (Jason) Weaver, Killeen, TX; Harley Compton, Myrtle Beach, SC and Ashley (Will) Samuel, Cross Lanes, WV.

Friends and family will gather from 6-8 pm, Friday, August 18, 2023, at the funeral home.

Service will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, WV with Chaplain Bruce Reed officiating.

Thomas Edward (Tom) Whittington, 76, of Charleston, WV, passed away August 13, 2023, at Hospice West, South Charleston.

He was a 1965 graduate of Charleston High. He retired after 25 years from Over Night Trucking and also retired from West Virginia DHHR after 18 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Whittington and Jeanette Simmons Whittington. He is survived by his aunt, Joann Whittington of Aiken, SC, and many cousins left to cherish his memory.

We are thankful for our cousin Helen Moore and her children who were always there to assist him when needed. We also want to thank the staff of Hospice West for the care given to him and the compassion shown to the family.

Following his request, there will not be a service.

Donna L. Olson, “Granny O.”, departed this life on Friday August 11, 2023.

Granny was a faithful member of Briar Creek Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. In previous years she was a member of Mt. Tabor Church of God, where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a faithful member in many other ministries alongside her late husband, Robert (Bob) Olson.

Donna was a life long member of Benny Padilla Post 4768 Ladies Auxiliary. She retired from Kanawha County Board of Education after 40 years of service as a cook.

Her family and friends take comfort and joy in knowing that she has joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven! Even though we grieve our tremendous loss, we seek comfort in the promises given to us by God that we will be reunited some sweet day.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Robert (Bob) Olson. Her late parents, Arnold L. and Sylvia F. (Midkiff) McCallister. She was 1 of 12 children. Donna & Bob leave behind five children, Libby (Roy) Fulks, Bobby (Betty) Olson, Belinda (Blane) Barker, Tommy (Donna) Olson, and Bill (Judy) Olson, and sister, Aretta Armstrong. She was a loving Granny to 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grand daughter.

She will be missed by her family and a host of friends. “Love is holding hands with Granny”.

Services will be 12:00 Noon Monday, August 14, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Sisk officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family & friends will gather one hour prior to the service.

Loretta Ruth Tullis, a woman of grace, gentleness, and selfless love, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 28, 1939, in Griffithsville, West Virginia, Loretta was a beacon of warmth and kindness who touched the lives of all who knew her.

Loretta was the beloved daughter of the late Freeman and Joyce Goode. She was a loving sister, a caring wife, a devoted mother, and a doting grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 30 years, Robert Neal Tullis, and their children, Robert Lee II and Mary Anne. Loretta’s legacy lives on throughh her surviving family: her sons, Marcus (Melissa) Tullis and Stuart (Jessica) Tullis; her daughter, Amy (Stephen) Rylander; and her cherished grandchildren who know her as “Gramma ‘Retta”, Wyatt Vinson, Savannah (L.B.) Clement, Bella Vinson, Abbey Tullis, and Luke Tullis.

Raised on a farm, Loretta developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors early in life. This love manifested itself in her lifelong passion for gardening, which she shared with countless others during her tenure as the Kentucky Garden Club State President while residing in Ashland. Loretta’s green thumb was matched only by her skill with a needle and thread. A talented quilter, she crafted beautiful works of art that will continue to provide warmth and comfort to her loved ones.

Before marrying her husband, Bob, in 1964, Loretta served her community by teaching in a one-room school house, then as a deputy sheriff, collecting taxes. After their wedding, she transitioned into the role of a full-time homemaker in Hamlin, West Virginia. In this role, Loretta created a home filled with love, laughter, and the tantalizing aroma of home-cooked meals. Her ability to transform any space into a welcoming haven was not limited to her own home. Loretta had a knack for refreshing furniture, breathing new life into old pieces, much like she did with the people and spaces around her.

Loretta’s life was a testament to her loving, gentle, and selfless nature. She was a pillar of strength and a source of comfort for her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many in her community. She was a student of the Scripture and a beloved asset at Honeysuckle Road Congregation. Loretta’s kindness, her warm smile, and her unwavering love will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

In her passing, we remember not just the loss, but the love and life of Loretta Ruth Tullis. A woman whose life was a tapestry of loving relationships, dedicated service, and shared passions. As we mourn her departure, we also celebrate her life, cherishing the memories and the enduring love she bestowed upon us. Rest in peace, dear Loretta. Your light continues to shine in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11am CDT at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior. She will be laid to rest in the Orchard Hills Memory Gardens in Yawkey, West Virginia.

The second celebration will be held Tuesday, August 15, 2023, in Alum Creek, WV at Curry Funeral Home starting at 1 pm EDT with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Orchard Hill Memory Gardens in Yawkey, WV.

 Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com