Charles Philbert Hartwell
Feb. 21, 1932 – July 1, 2024

Charles “Charlie” Philbert Hartwell, 92, of Alum Creek, formerly of St. Albans, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice West at Thomas Hospital in South Charleston, WV.

Charles wholeheartedly devoted his life to his faith, his family, and his friends, gaining wisdom from his lifelong study of God’s Word. Born at Sod, Lincoln County, Charles was a longtime Christian and was an active member of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in St. Albans, where he loved serving in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School and being a member of the choir. He also attended Forks of Coal Missionary Baptist Church at Alum Creek.

Graduating from South Charleston High School with the class of 1950, he played in the Black Eagles marching band, receiving an All-State Band ranking of first chair trombone for four consecutive years. He had a lifelong love of marching band music, and continued to play trombone until he was 92 years old. He retired from the Engineering Division of Union Carbide, with 35 years of service, and Midwest Technical with 10 years of service. He attended West Virginia State College while working full time at Carbide. He also served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserves for 8 years, playing trombone in the 45th Infantry Reserves Band.

He loved the outdoors, and spent much time fishing and golfing, and also traveling in the United States and Canada, and spent much time with family and friends at his camp in Greenbrier County, WV. Following retirement, he remained very active, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and Hubbard Hospice House.

In the later years of his life, he traveled and continued to serve the Lord with his wife, Betty, in church, in the community, and with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lota McClure Hartwell and Kelva Frazer Hartwell; brother Doyle Kelva Hartwell; and wife of 55 years, Iva Bell Hartwell.

Charles is survived by his wife, Betty Rabel Curry; children, Randy (Catherine) Hartwell of Durham, NC, Melinda (Mark) Byrnside of Canton, GA; and granddaughter, Emily Hartwell, PhD., of Philadelphia, PA; niece Anita (Doug) Sims of St. Albans, and Mark (Shauna) Hartwell of Houston, TX; stepchildren Clenton (Gail) Curry, Randy (Gail) Curry, and Todd (Lori) Curry, all of Alum Creek, and John (Donna) Curry of Myrtle Beach, SC; and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in St. Albans on Saturday, July 6, 2024, with Rev. Jake Henley officiating. Burial will be at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. The family will receive friends at St. Peter’s between noon and 2:00.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 2601 Forrestal Ave., St. Albans, WV.

Laura Bell Wilson, 81, of Ashford passed away Monday, July 1, 2024, at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

She was a homemaker.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Pink Pettry Woodrum.

She is survived by her sons, Robert, Danny, and Jimmy; daughters, Lori, Kathy, Tammy, Linda, and Judy; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Funeral service will be 11:00am, Monday, July 8, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Richard Harold officiating. Burial will follow at Gillispie Cemetery, Alum Creek. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Sandra (Sandi) Marilyn Ross Dean Burr Hinkle was born March 12, 1948, and passed away Saturday, June 28, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice House West, South Charleston after a long illness. She was 76.

Sandi was the youngest of eleven children born to Theodore and Glenna Ross. She was raised with her siblings on Coco Road, Elkview, WV. At the time of her death, she made her home in Yawkey, WV.

Sandi attended Coco Grade School and Herbert Hoover High School.

Her love of music and gifted soprano voice could have garnered her a career in country music. Instead, she prided herself in knowing the words to thousands of songs across a broad spectrum of genres.

Sandi had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved. Her employment as a manager at Shoney’s in both West Virginia and Kentucky, she worked at Blvd Lanes and as a dispatcher for Quick Delivery gave her the opportunity to talk with others-which she loved doing- and prove her work as a dedicated, trusted employee.

Sandi loved people! Thus, she felt a deep sadness when some preceded her in death; her parents, her husband, Tommy Hinkle (3rd husband), Ed Burr (2nd husband) and Sonny Dean (1st husband). She also grieved at the loss of her siblings, Eloise Myers, Thelma Gruary, Arlene Robertson, Neil Ross, Sue Brown, Carol Hall, and Karen Wolf. Also preceding her in death were her stepson, Phillip Lovejoy, and granddaughters, Brittany Edens and Shylowe Lily.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Teresa (Rich) Deveaney and Christopher (Anne Marie) Walker, stepchildren: E.G. (Heather) Burr, Suzette Burr, Shayne (Leigh) Burr, Scott Doug (Abby) Lovejoy, Tammy Lovejoy, Jesscia (Evan) Karmazen. Grandchildren, Christopher Riffee, Dane Walker, Hank (Jessica) Lovejoy, Eric (Tiffany) Lovejoy, Joshua Lovejoy, Grace Wilson and Cammi Karmazen, Steven and Megan Adkins. Five great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and friends who held a special place in her heart.

Also left to grieve her passing are her sisters: Sherry Harper, Jenny (Lee) Cutshaver, Forrest Claire, Pat (Bill) Loudin. She will be greatly missed by her cats, Lucy and Mack.

As per Sandi’s wishes, she was cremated at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday, July 6 at Laquinta Inn meeting room in Elkview, WV from 2-4. Please join us and share your favorite Sandi stories of a woman who touched the lives of so many and was genuinely loved and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association in memory of Sandra’s kindness and her love for animals.

James Melton Meadows, 92, of Sod passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at home.

James retired from GM Motors as a drive shaft repairman and served his country in the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Meadows; son, Mike Meadows; and parents, George and Jesse Arnold Meadows.

James is survived by children, Joe (Lynn) Meadows of Arizona, John (Bernie) Meadows of Cleveland, Ohio, Margie Meadows of Georgia, and John (Kim) Meadows, Jr. of Sod; brother, Mike (Marge) Arnold; grandchildren, Erin (Calvin) Conover of Georgia, Lauren Meadows and Joey Meadows of Arizona, Gary Meadows and Steven Meadows of Cleveland, Ohio; great grandchildren, Kaylee Meadows of Ohio, Ellie Conover and Able Conover of Georgia, Addy Meadows and Tempy Meadows, of Sod, Courtney Meadows and Montana Meadows.

Graveside service will be 3:00pm, Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Jimmy Lawrence officiating.

David Harold Escue
July 14, 1950 – June 29, 2024

“God made Him (Jesus Christ)
Who had no sin to be in sin for us, that
In Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

Dave Escue was a righteous man. He knew God intimately through the Word and the Spirit of God. He was full of the joy of the Lord.

If ever there was a hole in the world when someone has left…it is now.

Dave was a humble and unassuming man, but a powerful influencer loved by all who knew him. It was his open heart, his self-deprecating humor, his calm under pressure and his ability to bring everything back to prayer. He was deeply intellectual but able to reach every demographic with his love and wisdom. He was a family man, embracing not only his family of birth but the family he married into, and they are ever so thankful for this gracious gift. His humor left everyone feeling brighter and lighter. Anyone who has been around him much has a “Dave story”. Never a dull moment. Dave is a friend of many. He had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved.

It’s been said that a woman should look for a man who prays so faithfully that he doesn’t look up, until he looks at you. That’s what happened when Dave met JuLea Ann Casto in church where they formed a great friendship that led to deep love that lasted and grew richly and then served as an example to so many for almost 43 years. They have both said that one way Jesus showed His love for them was that He brought them together.

He is survived by his devoted wife JuLea, his sister Carol Lavender, devoted sister-in-law, Joy Casto O’Cull (Howard) and brother-in-law, Scott Casto (Linda).

Preceded in death by his parents Howard and Lyndell Escue, his older brother Charles “Buddy” Escue and his brother-in-law (brother) Charles Lavender.

Dave served as an uncle/“honorary” parent to their nieces and nephews: Cali McCormick, Leah O’Kelly, Josh Anderson, Neil Wheatcraft, Allie Tejada (Kevin), Caleb Casto, Jacob Casto, Raven Chandler (Tyler), Sparrow McCormick, Sam O’Kelly, Lisa Walker (Eddie) and Randall Lavender and “Grandpa” to Finn Chandler.

Dave’s life has been filled with joy and laughter and with pain, both experiences were handled in the same fashion, by approaching the throne of our Sovereign God through Jesus Christ and thanking Him for bringing him this way, teaching him, holding him in His righteous right hand, delivering him and keeping him. Filling him with the Holy Spirit and walking with him through the fire.

Dave would want to invite all you to know Jesus as your Savior. And you who know Him to see His Majesty and His greatness, to understand the AWE of Him…His divine Sovereignty.

“When all Your mercies O my God
My wondering soul surveys
Transport with the view I’m lost
In wonder, love and praise”

From The Sovereignty of God by Arthur W. Pink – One of many of Dave’s favorite books.

Funeral will be 2:00pm, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Legg officiating. Burial will follow at Forks of Coal Memorial Park. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

April Lynn Holstein, 41, of Nellis, WV burst through the pearly gates to her eternal home on Friday, June 21, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Homer and Edith “Smith” Pauley; her paternal grandparents, Jesse and Thelma “Totten” Kinder; a special cousin, Kathy Kinder; sister-in-law, Betty Holstein; niece, Alissa Bowman; and nephew, Nathaniel Thompson.

Everyone that knows April will not be surprised about the next part. She would want everyone named, especially those who chased her, fought with her and loved her with all they had. So, hang on tight, as this list will seem to go on for ages. April is survived by her mother, Virginia “Mig” Kinder; her father, Charles “Beans” Kinder; her three children whom she loved dearly, Grace Tackett “Savannah Holstein”, Jacob Tackett “Justin Holstein” and Emily Tackett “Emma Holstein”; A very special niece and nephew Carlos Tackett and Samantha (Joshua) Stowers, who are now April’s children’s adopted siblings. her bonus daughter and grandson, Haylie Holstein and baby Oliver; ex-husband, Justin Holstein; sister-in-law, Melissa Holstein; Sisters, Becky (Cliff) Barker, Marilyn Kinder, Martha (Jerry “father figure”) Tackett, Anita (Kevin) Perdue, Jennifer “Pebbles” Foster, Rose (Robert) Dolin and Cynthia Bias; brothers, Scott Kinder, Chuck Kinder, Danny Pressley, Matt (Martha) Kinder and Joseph (Dana) Kinder; Nephews, Brandon (Courtney) Barker, Cody Kinder, Chris (Samantha Marcum) Armstrong, Toby Williams, Kevin Jr (Katie) Perdue, Jesse Perdue, Tyler Bowman, Hunter Dolin, Elijah Dolin, Jayce Dolin, Bryson Dolin, Oakley Dolin, Memphis Kinder, Jayden Kinder, Jordan Kinder, Jordan Parrish, Deandre Lewis; Nieces, Tadalyn Kinder, Amanda Kinder, Mallory (Brian Morris) Armstrong, Adrain (Austin Farley) Armstrong, Tiffany Perdue, Sandra Gray, Summer Morris, Megan Foster, Kyerston Bowman, Hayley (Callex) Louis. And a slew of great nieces and nephews.

To know April was to love her. She never met a stranger and had the kindest soul. April always put everyone else’s needs over her own, and she loved with every fiber of her being.

April was a free spirit who marched to the beat of her own drum, her offbeat drum. She loved being outdoors and setting fires, “allegedly”. April always found the positive side of things, no matter how negative they seemed. April loved to make everyone around her laugh.

She loved her Chinese food, chocolate and Little Debbie cakes. April had to have her coffee-all day, every day. She loved to live her life simple, materialistic things were not important.

April faced many obstacles in her life, and she always gave it all to God. She was a firm believer and had a close relationship with the Lord.

April fought a long hard battle with Multiple Sclerosis, but you would never know by just talking to her. MS never defined her, she never let Multiple Sclerosis control her and as April would say, “Screw MS!!”

April had a special place where she felt God wanted her and her ashes will be spread there, where the wind can carry her as she would never stay in one place.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 4:30pm, at Morning Star House of Prayer, 7372 Ridgeview Nellis Road, Ridgeview, WV with Pastor Stevie Cox officiating.

VIRGINIA L. BEACH MCCALLISTER, 79, made that glorious journey to meet Jesus face to face on June 20, 2024. She was born August 11, 1944, to the late Elwood and Virgie Beach. She was born again when she was 8 years old and has been faithful her entire life preaching, singing, writing spiritual songs, 13 of which has been recorded as soundtracks. She loved listening to gospel CDs and going to Gospel Sings, especially Gospel Music cruises.

She is joining her brothers, James, Darrel, David and Joe Beach and her children, Ben, Paul, Baby Russell Lee and Rusty McCallister. Surviving is her sister, Evelyn Beach Smith of St. Albans, Diana Beach, St. Albans and her daughters: Belinda Fox of Cross Lanes, Pamela McMillion of Michigan, Dreama Lenn of Dunbar, Jo McCallister, and Sarah and Joe Golden, NC who were her caregivers. She has 14 grandchildren and 19 Great grandchildren so far. She will be missed by nephews and nieces, close family and friends. She was loved by others who called her Mamaw.

Visitation will be at Curry Funeral Home Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Joseph Golden will be officiating. Private family grave side service and burial will be in the McCallister Cemetery, Alum Creek, WV, following.

Dinner and refreshments will be at 213 Bryan Avenue, St. Albans hosted by Diana Beach and Evelyn Smith at approximately 4:30 PM. Everyone is welcome.

Rodney Alan Carter (Tiny), 67, of South Charleston, WV passed away Friday, June 28, 2024, after a long illness.

He fought a hard fight, and we would like to thank the CAMC staff for their kindness.

Tiny retired from Union Carbide, South Charleston, WV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Carter; brother, Richard Carter (Doris).

Surviving are his wife, Lena Carter; children, Benjamin Tod Carter, Brian Carter, and Tina Huffman (Douglas); sister, Robin Hammack (John); brothers, Randall (Peggy) and Ronald (Jeannie) Carter; and several grandchildren.

Graveside service will be 11:00am, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Graceland Memorial Park.

Janice Sue DeBord, known affectionately as Sue, passed away on June 24, 2024, in Charleston, WV at the age of 81. Born in Alum Creek, WV, she was the cherished daughter of the late Mildred and Lyle Hudson and grew up to marry the love of her life, French Richard DeBord, affectionately known as Tinker, with whom she shared 57 joyous years until his passing.

Sue spent her career in retail management at Stone & Thomas, a role that allowed her to indulge her love for travel. Despite her adventures, Hilton Head held a special place in her heart, serving as the backdrop for many treasured memories with Tinker at their condo. Sue’s zest for life extended to her home, where she took immense pride in her stunning flower garden, immaculately kept lawn, and beautifully decorated home, especially during the holidays.

She leaves behind her siblings, Sharen Davis (Monroe), Judy Klug, Christina Taylor (Don), Mary Jo Lewis (Jeff), and John Hudson (Kathy), and seven nieces and nephews who will miss her deeply. She will also be cherished and missed by close friends and extended family.

Special thanks to Valerie Janeksela, Jackie Bell Casto, and T.W. Cox for taking care of Sue during her illness & throughout her last days. Also, special thanks to Harmony at Southridge and HospiceCare for their compassion and care for Sue.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Sue’s remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a local charity or hospice of your choice in memory of Sue.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.curryfuneralhome.org. Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV has been caring for families since 1950.

Frederick Lee Snodgrass, Sr., of Yawkey, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

Frederick served in the United States Army and was a self-employed mechanic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles H., Sr. and Ethel Virginia Jarvis Snodgrass; daughters, Christal Guthrie and Regina Sowards; son, James “Jim” Guthrie; and brothers, Charles “Butch” and Harvey Snodgrass.

Frederick is survived by wife, Willa Snodgrass; son, Frederick Lee “Butch” Snodgrass, II; daughters, Shanin Egnor and Angela Adkins, Vikkie Kuhn and Karen Guthrie; sisters, Carol Richards, Betty Jo Boggess, and Debbie Carter; brother, Richard Snodgrass; 19 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In keeping with Frederick’s wishes, he will be cremated and there are no services scheduled.