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.