Melissa Dawn Chandler, 55, of Alum Creek passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at CAMC General Hospital.

Melissa was a 1989 graduate of GW High School and had 20 years of service with Frontier/Verizon. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved her dog Spanky, Betty Boop and a kitchen full of strawberries.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dan Brogan and brother, Justin Stewart.

Left to cherish her memories are her mother, JoEllen Brogan (Jeff Elswick); son, Jeffrey Allen (Heather); brothers, Calvin Brogan (Norma) and Tony Stewart (Rebecca Wood); stepsisters, Mandy Elswick, Amber Elswick and Amy Zimmerman (Kyle); nieces, Brittany Griffith (Brent), Allison Henck (Grant), Allie Stewart and Emma Wood; great nephew and nieces, Beckett Griffith, Brinley Griffith, Bailey Griffith and Callie Henck; aunt, Joyce Brunty; cousins, Manina Taylor (Kevin) and Kayce Taylor.

Funeral service will be 6:00pm, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Isaiah Hatfield officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6pm at the funeral home.

The light of our lives is now shining brightly in Heaven. Doris Faye Bryant Sharpe celebrated her 92nd birthday with us on Sept 25, 2026, and joined her belated birthday party in heaven on October 05, 2026.

Doris, of “Beautiful Downtown Sod,” was married to the love of her life, Howland Sharpe for 56 wonderful years. She was an active member of the Cobb’s Creek Church, The Alum Creek Lions Club, The WV Solid Waste Authority, and any other program that would allow her to assist Howland with recycling efforts across the state.

She lived a very full life with her husband Howland Sharpe, the joys of her life daughter Lenora Holley, Granddaughters Chandra Eden (Rodney) & Alisha Sessoms (Daniel), daughter Sherry Meredith (Chris), children Herbert Holley (Michelle) and Daniel Sharpe (Carol). Grandchildren Brandon Holley (Kayloni), Chad Holley and Patrick Holley (Amber). She has 14 Great Grandchildren and she was so excited about her newest great-great-grandson coming in December and has 4 additional great-great-grandsons. She also has several special nieces and nephews who she loved and that loved her as much. She valued those who consistently showed her love.

She was the most loving woman with just a bit of feisty in her. She stood up for what she thought was right and never backed down from a good letter to the CEO of any company! In her younger years, she loved square dancing, working toy shows and selling toy trucks. She loved sewing and embroidery.

Waiting for her in heaven for her belated birthday party were her parents Leo and Lora Bryant, sisters Maxine, Francis, Patsy, Phyllis, Norma and Vonda Mae.

She will be laid to rest at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.

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.

Alan Roger Skinner, 62, of South Charleston passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, at home.

Alan was a mechanic with WV Spring & Radiator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and working on any engine he could. He also loved watching his granddaughter’s softball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ora and Nadean McClure Skinner; 2 grandchildren, Alan Jayden & Jakob Skylar.

Alan is survived by his wife, Darlena; daughters, Brandy (Brandon) Mattox of South Charleston and Sandra (Josh) Jones of Teays Valley; brothers, Mark (Joyce) Skinner; Brian Skinner; sisters, Tammy (Dean) Downing, Terry Skinner and Carla Skinner; 9, grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 1 on the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Alan’s daughter Brandy, 1320 Chestnut Street, South Charleston at 2:00pm, October 11, 2026.

Willa Frances Snodgrass, 82, of Alum Creek passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, at home.

She was a homemaker and loved to quilt, crochet, and paint by number. She also enjoyed spending time outside in her flower garden.

Willa was preceded in death by her children, Jim Guthrie, Regina Guthrie Sowards, Christal Guthrie; sisters, Catherine, Sue, and Mary Jane.

She is survived by her daughters, Vikkie Kuhn, Karen Guthrie, Shanin Snodgrass, Angela Adkins; son, Frederick L. Snodgrass “Butch”; sisters, Sonja, Brenda, Patty; 19 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

In keeping with her wishes, Willa will be cremated and there are no services scheduled at this time.

There was a beautiful reunion in Heaven on October 1st, 2026. Our beloved mommy, Ethel L. Thomas Miller, was welcomed by her Savior, Jesus Christ. Mommy met with our daddy, Elzie G. Miller, after a long-awaited reunion, along with a big hug from her grandson, Jason Roberts, and many family and friends.

Ethel was born to Oscar and JoAnn (Armstrong) Thomas of McCorkle Rd., Sod, WV. As their second child, she grew up surrounded by lots of fun times and great memories with her sisters and brother: Madeline (James) Roberts, Lorraine (Paul) Smith-Jones, Lowell “Jim” (Sharon) Thomas, Evelyn (Eugene) Ball, Ella (John) Hensley, and Barbara (David) McCallister.

She started writing as a pen pal to a young man in the Army who became her sweetheart. Elzie proposed, and they were married when he came stateside. They spent almost all of their married life in McCorkle raising us: Mary Ann (Arthur) Roberts, Donald (Elizabeth), David (Angie), Richard (Beth), and Michael (Jenny). Mommy and Daddy always made sure we were kept busy with camping trips to Ivy, raising animals (never name your favorite hog after your wife—it makes butchering it hard!), fishing, and swimming (Mom was a real trooper, even though she was afraid of swimming and worms!). She took raising her bunch like a champion, alongside our friends and cousins who loved her like a mom.

When she wasn’t wrangling us, she was tending to her garden, canning, cooking (adding a dip of her toe so it was tasty!), swinging on a porch swing, or scaring the daylights out of people by either dressing as a ghost or telling tales. She loved to read her Bible, make plastic canvas crafts (cherished gifts from her), and play FarmVille when she wasn’t coloring or doing puzzles (she loved her tablet!). Last but not least, she loved sharing her great love of music, boogie dancing, and Elvis!

After we grew up, she worked for Gino’s Pizza until Daddy became ill. She then spent her time caring for him (even though he would throw a biscuit now and then!) and helping to raise and grow our children.

She leaves behind many precious memories, traditions, and lessons for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with special rubs for her grand-fur babies, whom she adored just as much. Carrying on her traditions of love are her grands and greats: Jason (who was waiting for her in Heaven), Chris, Jessica, and Casey (Kimmy, Bella, and Ethan); Kassie, Jason, Heather, Justin, and Becca (Mason and Weston); Brandon and Brittany (Mackenleigh and Scarlett); Cora “she still hasn’t got her slingshot back!” (Draven and Koven); Ambrosia and Dave; Colt and Adrianna; River; Anita; Carolyn (Kayden and Serenity); David; and Debra (Braxton)—along with a ton of extended family she loved so very much.

She was attended both Eden Baptist and McCorkle Free Will Baptist Churches.

Please join us to celebrate our mommy, a true gift from God, on October 13th, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at McCorkle Free Will Baptist Church, 175 McCorkle Rd., Sod, WV 25564, with Pastor Rexall “Rick” Cooper and Assistant Pastor Jason Price officiating. Music and song will be provided by Billie Jo Watts, along with members of Eden Baptist Church of Griffithsville, WV 25521.

Special thank-yous are given to Curry Funeral Home, Eden Baptist and McCorkle Free Will Baptist churches, Hospice of Kanawha and Boone Counties, the nursing staffs of Thomas Memorial Hospital ICU and 4th Floor Pavilion, and the wonderful caregivers, RNs, and CNAs at Hillcrest Nursing Facility in Boone County. A special “we love you” goes out to Uncle Bill and to Diane from Hillcrest.

In lieu of flowers, mementos or gifts can be sent to the church or to Curry Funeral Home. Please also take a moment to consider memorial donations in Ethel’s memory, which may be directed to Eden Baptist Church, McCorkle Free Will Baptist Church, or Hospice of Kanawha/Boone County. These may be sent to Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Rd., Alum Creek, WV 25003, in care of arrangements.

***SERVICE UPDATE***

Thomas Alfred Mooney, 90 of South Charleston, WV died peacefully in his home Sunday, September 28, 2026. Tom was born on July 26, 1936. He was the son of the late Arnold and Sabie Mooney.

Tom is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Ann Mooney and his sister, Patsy Pauley (husband Bill), sons, Thomas Michael Mooney (wife Anna) and Mark Alfred Mooney (wife Laura). He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren: Matthew, Frederick, Phinehas, Zachary, Rebecca, and Kellsey.

Tom served with the Air National Guard for 8 years. He was employed by Joe Holland Chevrolet and South Charleston garage as a mechanic and has spent his retirement years enjoying his family and friends.

One of his true joys in life was serving Jesus Christ and his church. He served as an elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher and VBS volunteer.

Memorial service will be at 12:00pm, Friday, October 2, 2026, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 424 Cross Lanes Dr. Nitro WV 25143, with Pastor Josh Bailey officiating. Entombment at Graceland memorial park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Union Mission.

David Wayne Miller, age 71, of Charleston, West Virginia, folded his last hand on September 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of tall tales, unforgettable adventures, and a family that loved him fiercely.

A proud graduate of Charleston High School, Class of 1974, David grew up playing baseball and football in Kanawha City. After graduation he went on to serve in the United States Air Force. His military career took him on some highly dubious adventures through Germany and all the way to California, involving a level of mischief that his 20s were practically built for. While the military ultimately decided his unique brand of chaos was best suited for civilian life, David brought those wild stories home and put his sharp mind to work. He shared his expertise as an instructor at NIT and later spent years talking electronics into submission as a technician for Compucomm.

David was an accomplished Eagle Scout, a reflection of the values he carried with him throughout his life: a love of the outdoors, a willingness to help others, and a lifelong sense of adventure. He was happiest outside, whether kayaking and fishing on the water, playing his harmonica around the campfire, exploring the woods, or simply enjoying the peace and freedom that came with being outdoors. Nature was where David seemed most at home, and he loved sharing that appreciation with the people around him.

But more than anything, David loved his family. He was a fiercely devoted father and an especially proud grandfather. His grandchildren were among the greatest joys of his life, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, share a story, make them laugh, and pass along a little bit of his wisdom—and definitely a little bit of his mischief, too. He loved watching them grow and took great pride in each of them and all their accomplishments. To his grandchildren, he was not simply their grandfather; he was a storyteller, an adventurer, a teacher, a confidant and someone who loved them completely.

David also had a talent for turning an ordinary gathering into a memorable one. He was the host of the West Side Liar’s Poker Fishing Club, where good friends gathered for poker, storytelling, and plenty of laughter. David never let the absolute truth get in the way of a great punchline, and his stories were often just a little better every time he told them.

He is survived by his two daughters, Melissa Miller and Amanda Miller; his beloved granddaughter, Katarina Rayne Price; and his two cherished grandsons, Colten Andrew Beckner and Gabriel James Price.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wandabelle Miller and Harold Herrod Miller—the original witnesses to his mischief.

David leaves behind stories that will be told for years, memories that will bring laughter and tears, and a family who will carry his love with them wherever they go. His greatest legacy isn’t the adventures he had or the stories he told, but the love he gave to his family—especially his grandchildren.

David’s Military Funeral Honors will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, immediately followed by his Celebration of Life at the Davis Creek Church of Nazarene. All are welcome to celebrate and remember him with his family.

And to everyone he loved, everyone who knew him, and everyone who was lucky enough to share in one of his adventures, David leaves you with his his signature goodbyes:

“Bicycle.” & “See ya later, alligator.”

Wanda Lou Holstein, 59 of Ashford, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Specialty Select Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Quincy and Louise Abshire; husband, Earl Holstein Jr.; son in law, Joshua Mullins; sisters, Debbie, Sharon, Charlotte, Sandy, and Bobbie.

She is survived by daughter, Nyoka (Aaron) Taylor of Hernshaw; daughter, Bobbie (Jared) Lambert of Barrett; son, Levi (Lindsey) Holstein of Ashford; sister, Kim (Juie) Smith; brothers Randy Abshire, Jackie (Pattie) Abshire; and her most prized possessions, her grandchildren, Chace, Wyatt, Julien, Allyson, Aubrey, Kaegan, Austyn, Lakynn and Layla.; and several nieces and nephews.

As per Wanda’s wishes, she will be cremated, and a memorial service will be Sunday, October 25, 2026, 4:00PM at Racine Fire Department.

“Don’t cry for me, I’m gonna smack your daddy around! I love you all so much!”- Mom.

Shella Mae Sowards, 97, of 77 Tango Road, passed away Friday, September 25, 2026.

Shella was a member of Alum Creek Church of Christ and loved to spend time in her vegetable garden. She loved her grandchildren with all her heart and always inquired about their well-being.

Shella is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Noel Sowards.

Shella is survived by her children, Dianna (Herb) Yeager of Moundsville, WV and Earnest (Ellen) Sowards of Alum Creek, WV; grandchildren, Sarah (Gary) Myer Gary Yeager, Micah Sowards, and Aaron Sowards; great grandchildren, Samantha Myer and Robert Myer; Brother, Bill Stowers; Sister, Maxine Lovejoy; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park, Hamlin, WV.