Phyllis Jean Pauley, a beloved resident of Sod, West Virginia, peacefully passed away on May 29, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on April 24, 1943, Phyllis was the cherished daughter of James and Opal Pauley.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving parents as well as her siblings, Hassel Pauley, James Henry (Jr.) Pauley, Mary (Tink) Rigney, Sharon Elkins, and David Pauley.

She is survived by her siblings, Deloris Justice, Betty Anderson, Freddie (Marta) Pauley, Teressa Hurley, and several nieces and nephews.

Phyllis will be fondly remembered for her love of life and her unwavering faith. She found joy in attending church and spent much of her life singing her favorite hymn, “What A Day That Will Be.” Her infectious spirit and kind heart touched the lives of many.

A special recognition of love goes to her sister Deloris who cared for her in the latter part of her life and the Hospice staff, including Melanie, Tiffany, Izzy, and Libby, who provided comfort and support during Phyllis’ final days on Earth.

Though Phyllis will be deeply missed, her loved ones find comfort knowing that she is now at peace in the loving arms of the Lord. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Service will be 1:00pm Saturday, June 1, 2024, at McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Billy Silva officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service.

Susie Mae Dunlap (Brown), 73, of South Charleston, peacefully transitioned surrounded by love on May 28 at Hubbard Hospice West at Thomas Hospital with her beloved daughter Debbie holding her hand and sister/sidekick Lou, niece Erin and family, sister-in-law Crystal, and Susie’s 3-lb. canine companion Sophie by her side.

Among those waiting to embrace her in Heaven were her loving mother, Doris Harless; father, Lewis Brown; brother, George Brown; nephew, Chris Holbert; and best friend, Joan Hensley Cecil.

Left to cherish her memory until they meet again are her daughter and the light of her life, Deborah Ann, and her “favorite son-in-law”, Scott Wilson of Charleston, SC; sisters, Lena Allawat and Lou Williford of South Charleston; brothers, Jesse Brown (Jean) and Preston Brown (Jeannie) of Sod; sister-in-law, Pamela Brown of Osseo, MI; sister-in-law, Crystal Brown of Lancaster, OH; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and JoAnn Dunlap of Cross Lanes; aunt, Lyndell Shaffer of Sod; nieces and nephews, Shawn Allawat (Angie), Lee Ann Brown, Erin Lee (Adam), Kellie Toledo (Ulises), Tina Brown-Piper (Kevin), Jesse “JR” Brown, Scott Brown (Cassi), Brian Brown (Krisy), and Melissa Brown; many great nieces and nephews and their families; and numerous other family and friends including Debbie’s mother-in-law, Jan Wilson, and Susie’s adopted daughters, Stacy Atkins, Shannon Phillips, Jennie Pringle, Brooke Bailey, Tammy Smith and Shannon Williams.

Susie was an extraordinary woman in a pint-sized package. She was strong, independent, hard-working, intelligent, resilient, generous, loving, sassy, and she had a great sense of humor. As the owner of ‘Flowers by Susie’ in Davis Creek for 30 years, Susie was a well-loved, respected member of the community and was considered family to many of her customers for whom she provided beautiful floral arrangements through the years. Susie never met a stranger, had a unique knack for making friends everywhere she went and stayed active well into her retirement. Susie enjoyed traveling to Charleston, SC to spend time with Debbie and Scott, and she loved going to the beach, especially Kiawah Island. In recent years, she and her partner-in-crime, baby sister Lou, made many fun memories on their road-trip adventures to Ohio, shopping trips to their favorite stores where Susie would often find it funny to hide from Lou, and their frequent lunches with sister Lena. Her positivity, her love and her generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Susie’s daughter, Debbie, wishes to send special thanks to her medical teams at Boone Memorial Hospital and Thomas Health Systems, including but not limited to her longtime primary care physician, Dr. Chad Adkins and his team, especially Julie; her oncologist, Dr. Narender Jogenpally, Emily and their team; her radiation oncologist, Dr. Tara Hansen and her team, especially sweet Rindi; and the caregivers who provided love to her while she was inpatient on the 2nd and 3rd floors recently – I am eternally grateful. Lastly, my heartfelt gratitude to the Hubbard Hospice West caregivers who demonstrated the highest levels of care, respect, love and thoughtfulness during the final days of my mom’s life and who nurtured me during the most difficult days of mine – I will never forget you.

In keeping with Susie’s wishes, she will be cremated and a celebration of life for family and friends will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Susie’s name to Hubbard Hospice West at Thomas Hospital https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/.

Elizabeth “Beth” Smock of South Charleston, passed away of a sudden illness May 24, 2024.

She was born in Charleston, WV on August 1, 1974. Beth was a loving daughter and sister and will be missed very much.

She is survived by her parents, Linda and Jackie Buchanan of Montcoal, WV; a sister, Angela Halstead of Montcoal, WV; and a cousin she called her brother, Eric Snodgrass of Idaho. Beth is also survived by aunts, Janice of Ohio, Sandy of Montcoal, WV, and Carolyn Zornes (Harvey) of Seth, WV, and many cousins. She also leaves behind her cats and her ex-husband, Robert, who was always there for her when she needed him.

Beth is in Heaven with her grandparents, Lee and Bea Snodgrass; nephew, Issac; her two aunts, Debbie and Drema; uncle, Don; cousin, Mike; and niece-in-law, Suzie.

Thank you, sweet Jesus, for letting us enjoy Beth for 49 years.

In keeping with Beth’s wishes, she will be cremated and services will be scheduled at a later date.

Eula C. Howerton, 87, of Sanford, NC went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Sanford Health and Rehabilitation after a short illness.

Eula was a homemaker and served as a minister’s wife for 56 years. She was a loving parent and friend and will be missed by her family. Eula loved Jesus and loved telling others about His grace and mercy.

Eula was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Leo Howerton and son, Daniel Clinton Howerton.

Eula is survived by her son, Leo Kenton Howerton and daughter, Linda Meikle (Phillip Meikle); grandchildren, Robert, Brittany, Leo Frank, Kristen, Terry; great grandchild, Braylen; sister, Linda Johnson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Lively; and niece, Darlene Lively.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston, WV with Jeff Howerton officiating.

Sandra Lynette Thomas, born May 3, 1944, entered into rest on May 11,2024.

Sandra was born in Bisbee, Arizona to loving parents, Shelby Dallas Tawney and Ruth Maxine Scantlin.

Sandra was raised in Nitro, WV and resided in Charleston, West Virginia.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Shelby Tawney and Ruth Scantlin, husband, Carlotte Thomas and son, Gregory Scott Lewis.

Left on earth with loving and precious memories are her two siblings, Kathy Edwards and Steve Tawney. Her children, Michael Lewis and wife, Cindy Lewis, Rebecca Hogan, Jerri Seams and husband, Jeff Seams, Tammy Cooper, and daughter in law, Angela Lewis, widow of Gregory. 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Sandra was a hairdresser and nurse by trade and profession.

More than anything else in life she was a fiercely loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister and grandmother. “The rock” who held her family together.

To have known her was to love her by the entire community. She touched so many lives and hearts of anyone and everyone she came into contact with.

She will forever be loved, honored, and missed by us all and her memory will be carried always in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that any contributions be made to your choice of animal rescue charities.

Keep shining your bright light high to guide our way through this life here on earth until our time is over and we reunite with you in heaven.

Per Sandra’s wish she will be cremated and no services will be held.

Walter Gene Harless, 78, of Yawkey, WV, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024, at WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston, WV.  He was born May 19, 1946.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin & Rosie Bird Harless, brother, Arthur Harless and sister, Elizabeth Cummings.

He was retired from Laborers Union #1352 and Cement Mason Local #926.

Walter is survived by his wife, Nancy Tudor Harless, son, A. Patrick Harless, and brother, Isaac Harless.  He is also survived by his grandsons, Nicholas and Donovan Harless and great-grandchildren, Lillian, Justin and Marshall Harless.

He will be cremated and there will be no service

Jerry Allen Holstein, 84, of Hernshaw, WV, departed this life on May 20th, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clifton & Blanch Holstein of Hernshaw, sister Ethel Johnson of Los Angeles, CA, sister Margie Adkins of Nellis, brothers Don Holstein, Barry Holstein, and Clifford Holstein, each of Hernshaw, wife Brytha Joyce Holstein, eldest daughter Ranna Lisa Holstein-Jarrett and grandson Jake Anthony Jaso both of Myrtle Beach, SC.

He is survived by his devoted companion, Norma Holstein of Hernshaw, sister Shirley Holstein of Quitman, TX, brother Marty (Sissy) Holstein of Hernshaw, sister Kay (Kinki) Kirk of Hernshaw, and sister Joann Bentley of Bloomingrose, daughter Tonya (Marty) Holstein Eary of Ashford, son Robin ‘Zoot’ (Patricia) Holstein of Seth, and son Kevin ‘Radar’ Holstein of Ashford, grandsons Josh Holstein, with whom he had a deep bond and relationship, and Xander Holstein of Ashford, great-grandchildren Landyn Jaso of Ashford, Chasie Beard of Charleston, and Nova Jaso of Logan, best friend and brother-in-law Randy Halstead of Ripley, step-granddaughter Natasha Holstein of Charleston, SC, and a host of friends.

Jerry was born October 7th, 1939, in Hernshaw, the fifth child in a family of ten siblings. At twenty-two years old, he married the love of his life, Brytha Estep, with whom he would have all four of his children. Jerry was a coal miner and worked for nearly four decades at several mines. He frequently told stories of his many memories he made while mining.

Jerry was best known for his unique laughter, his humor, and his perfectionist mindset. He took great pride in maintaining his possessions in perfect condition and completing any task with perfection. “Now, boys, you need to do it this way…” is something that someone would certainly hear if they were around him long enough. He adored joking with those he loved. Jerry was always willing to lend a helping hand and loved working on various projects and especially enjoyed spending time with his family, sitting on the porch, mowing the grass, going for rides, people-watching, and eating sweets.

In recent years, Jerry grew very dependent on others, something he had long sought to avoid. As his dependence grew, however, so did his outward expression of love, kindness, and appreciation towards others. Jerry was sometimes a man of few words, but he never failed to show his love toward his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Jerry passed away at CAMC from complications with Black Lung, COPD, and congestive heart failure. The family would like to thank Norma Holstein for her years of love, sacrifice, and companionship toward Jerry and Pastor Richard Harold for his spiritual guidance throughout Jerry’s life.

Services will be held at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek (2097 Childress Rd, Alum Creek, WV 25003) with Pastor Richard Harold officiating on Friday, May 24th, 2024, with the viewing at 11am and the funeral at 12pm.

Our beloved Lee Hamilton Hale, 51 of Winfield, WV entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Saturday, May 18, 2024, after a long illness. Lee was born on September 1, 1972, in Charleston, West Virginia to Rodney Hale and Judy Clark Hale.

Loved and missed by his mother, Judy Hale, sister, Leah Hale, nephew and nieces, Jacob, Lilly, Lainey, all of Winfield, WV. and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Lee was a 1991 graduate of St. Albans High School. He proudly followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the Boilermakers Local 667 apprenticeship program. He became a dedicated member of the Boilermakers Local 667 union in 1996. Lee worked as a journeyman and welder for the Boilermakers Local 667 from 1996 until his death. Lee worked the past several years as General Forman at John Amos Power Plant. Lee loved his work and excelled at his trade. He viewed his brothers and sisters in the Boilermakers as family.

Lee had a passion for cooking, building new things, but most of all Lee had a love for people. Lee’s quick wit, mischievous grin, and calm demeanor attracted others to him, and he never missed an opportunity to get to know a new friend. Lee brought joy and laughter to the lives of all who were fortunate to know him. Lee’s unwavering friendship and his tender heart made him loved by so many who called him friend. He was a great Uncle Lee loved to spoil his nephew and nieces.

He is proceeded in death by his best friend and father, Rodney Hale, paternal grandparents George and Olivene Chandler, and maternal grandparents Mirrell and Hallene Clark.

We will celebrate Lee’s life at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor George Chandler officiating. Burial will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

William Gene Meadows, 84, of South Charleston, WV, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel & Susie Holstine Meadows, sister, Kay Graley and brother, Lovell Meadows.

He was a truck driver and served in the U.S. Air Force.

He is survived by his brother, Rick (Lori) Meadows, brother-in-law, Bill Graley, nephew, Jeremy Graley, and niece, Tiffany Graley. He is also survived by several other nieces, nephews, and family and a special friend, Annabelle Parsons.

It was Bill’s request to be cremated. Memorial service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Travis Bradley officiating. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service.  Inurnment will be at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.

Douglas Wayne Midkiff, 62, of Alum Creek, WV. He was born 1-22-1962. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at VA Foster Home, Foster, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenna (Witt) and Donnie Midkiff, sister, Donna Dorsey and nephew, Matthew Presley.

He is survived by his two sisters, Pamela (Roger) Dorsey and Lisa Dustin, nieces, Michelle Dorsey, Jessica Case, Megan Dustin, and Ashley Clemons, aunts, Mony Eversole and Teresa Hassig, cousins, Tony and Tim Midkiff and Steve Pauley. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Duval High School, Doug enlisted into the Air Force. He served in several locations as Military Police guarding missiles for 4 years. He also worked at CAMC for approximately 10 years as a security guard.

Doug never married or fathered children. Even though the girls were after him in school. That blonde hair and blue eyes. And his nice legs from playing baseball and basketball most of his earlier years. His teams were Pittsburgh and WVU.

Doug has a very giving heart and was always willing to give to or help others. Even though Doug didn’t attend church, he later accepted God as his Savior. The family is very thankful for Marty Smith’s visits after he got sick and also David Taylor for baptizing him.

The family would like to thank Marilyn and Adrian for the love and compassion they had for Doug. He felt at home and loved. Thank you to Gary Laslo, his long-term caregiver, for being there for him and April Stump who also cared for and loved him. She was a blessing to Pam. Also, thank you to the VA that provided everything to him to help him. Thank you to all who prayed for him. God heard your prayers. Thank you for friends.

Service will be 7:00pm Monday, May 20, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home Chapel, Alum Creek. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Burial will be Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Turley Cemetery, Alum Creek, WV.