Loretta Faye Loftis-Taylor, 73, formerly of Summit Ridge, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 18, 2026, at home in Big Chimney under the care of her loving, caring, daughter, Leslie.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Oval and Judith Loftis; and sister, Janet McClure.

She is survived by her sister, Gail (Ronnie) Thompson of Sod; brother, Stacy (Pam) Loftis of Charleston; daughters, Leslie (Scott) McTheny of Big Chimney; Treasa (Joe) Vickers of Alkol; grandchildren, Jonathan (Michaela) McTheny, Kayla Vickers, Stephanie (Cody) Vickers, and Shannon McTheny; great grandchildren, Penelope, Nova, Jackson, Waylon, Ella, Garett, and baby McTheny on the way; along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

To Loretta, family meant everything to her. Her greatest happiness came from the time spent with her children and grandchildren, who were the true light of her life. Loretta had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcome, touching countless hearts along the way. Her memory will always be treasured by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered love, support, prayers, and care during this difficult time. A special thank you to Hospice staff for the extraordinary care not only to her, but to the entire family.

Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastors Dwight McClure and Richard McCallister officiating. Burial will be at Loftis Cemetery, Sumerco. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made towards the funeral cost to Curry Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Alum Creek, WV 25003.

Lucille L. Dunn, of Middleburg, FL formerly of St. Albans, WV, went home to be with the Lord Monday, May 11, 2026, at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, FL.

Lucille was a longtime member of Highlawn Baptist Church, St. Albans.  She was a homemaker and an amazing cook, making the best biscuits.  She had a green thumb and grew the most beautiful flowers.  She passed on her love of playing cards to her grandchildren and used her talent to crochet them homemade gifts.  Lucille was a sweet, kind person and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul N. Dunn, Sr.; parents, William and Martha Link; and 9 siblings.

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Alane Dunn Wood (Dean); son, Paul N. Dunn, Jr. (Rhonda), sister, Dottie Spencer of SC; 6 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lucille was laid to rest beside her husband, Paul at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Jon Robert Price, 75, of Alum Creek passed away May 4th after a long illness.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Robert V. Price and Mary Rhodes Price. He is survived by his wife, Arlena Price, and his brother, Phil Tate (Brenda).

Jon worked several years at the Alum Creek Public Water Company and briefly at the Curry Brothers Monument Sales as a sandblaster.

We extend special thanks to Sherry Woodrum for the care and support she has given Jon and Arlena. Also, we are grateful for the compassionate care given by the staff at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital and Riverside Valley Nursing Home.

There will be no service.

Mary Belle Minton, of St. Albans, West Virginia passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born in Dexter, Missouri on December 10, 1939, to Otis and Elsie Dowdy.

She grew up on the family’s Stoddard County farm, working alongside her parents and attending Dexter schools. In 1957, she married Paul Edward Minton (also of Dexter) at the New Bethel Baptist Church.  Upon Paul’s graduation from college in 1959, the couple moved to West Virginia and settled in St. Albans where they raised their children and touched many lives.

Mary Belle was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Faye, and her husband of sixty-three years, Paul, and her son-in-law Mansour Mashayekhi.  She is survived by her daughter Crystal Mashayekhi, her daughter and son-in-law Cheryl and John Brunetti, her grandchildren Sandy and Luke Finley, Anthony and Marisa Brunetti, Andrea and Rick Payne, Jack Brunetti, and Daniel Mashayekhi, and five great-granddaughters Mariella, Aria, Mia, Abigail and Ava.  Also, by Faye’s daughter Deborah Reynolds and her daughters Kelsey Pillar and Amelia Reynolds and many beloved members of Paul’s family.

Mary Belle was a woman of faith, baptized at the age of eleven at New Bethel Church, and guided throughout her life by daily prayer and devotion. Her life centered on her family and her church. A homemaker, she devoted countless hours and boundless energy to activities involving her children, her church and her community. Sewing, baking bread, and hospitality were among her many talents.  She had a true servant’s heart and was always ready to organize, lead, help, teach and clean.  A complete list of her contributions would fill this whole page and always focused on helping others.  If something needed to be done, Mary Belle was always ready to do it. A few examples include community programs to feed the hungry, numerous PTO projects and a broad array of efforts to support her church’s ministry including everything from teaching Sunday School to organizing wedding receptions to chairing church association committees to cleaning the kitchen. 

Services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Highlawn Baptist Church in St. Albans where Mary Belle worked and worshiped for over sixty years.  Visitation will begin at 2:00pm, followed by the memorial service at 3:00pm.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Highlawn Baptist Church (2304 Jefferson Avenue, St. Albans, WV 25177) or to your local food pantry.

Herbert O. “Herb / Herbie” Paul (11/30/1935 – 04/26/2026) has began the last chapter of his eternal life after a 4-year battle with dementia. Herb began his eternal life in 1962, and has been a good and faithful servant since, first as member, later as Deacon at Fellowship Baptist Church in Fairfax, VA. After moving back to WV, Herb served as a member, bus driver, Teen Youth Leader, and Deacon at Faith Baptist Church Missionary at Trace Fork. He later joined Faith Missionary Baptist Church, St. Albans, and continued his service as a member, bus driver, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and Honorary Deacon. Herb loved serving our Lord and always had a special place in his heart for youth ministry.

Born on Coal Mountain (St. Albans, WV), he moved to Fairfax, VA in 1960, and began his working career as a substitute Letter Carrier with the Fairfax Post Office. During this time, Herb also worked as a mechanic and attended and graduated Barber School. After several years, he transferred to the St. Albans Post Office as a full time Letter Carrier, later adding on the responsibility of being a NALC Union Steward. After retirement, he became a Real Estate Agent with ERA Realty. Herb finally traded working for full time retirement, enjoying his lifetime membership with the Nitro Car Club, working on and driving his antique cars (especially “Baby”, his favorite), and going to car shows. He looked forward to going on yard-selling road trips with Timbo, his “partner in crime”, and spending time with his daughters, grandkids, and his 2 cats, Alfredo and GG.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Linda Steel Paul; mother, Dosha Shepherd Paul; father, Herbert H. Paul; brothers, Clifford “Bill” Paul, and Ernest “Buzzy” Paul; and sister, Elizabeth “Sis/Liz” Paul. He is survived by his daughters, Lynn Smith (Tim Roberts), and Retta Hyatt; grandchildren, Mark “Steven” Smith, Jr., Shannon Dick (Lauren), Stepfanie Hyatt, Victoria “Tori” Riggs (Todd), Jacoby Patterson, and Ivan Hyatt; great-granddaughter, Nora Riggs; many nieces and nephews, and special friend, Michael Workman.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, 04/30/2026, at 2:00pm, at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, St. Albans with Pastor Mike Hager officiating. Family visitation at 1:00pm, and open visitation at 1:30pm. Burial will follow at Hudson Cemetery, Alum Creek, WV.

A special thank you to Herb’s Hospice workers, staff at Celebration Villa, WV Restaurant Management, Ray and Shannon Danberry with St. Albans Flea Market, and Jackie Blankenship and Donald Smith for their help and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation in Herb’s name to the Faith Missionary Baptist Church Youth Group, 701 MacCorkle Avenue, St. Albans, WV, 25177. Donations will be used for the youth trip to The Wilds Christian Camp in Brevard, NC. Any remaining funds will be applied to other needs of the youth ministry.

Terry James Crawford, Sr., 82, of Alum Creek, WV went to be with Jesus on April 25, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Tammy Lynn Burchette Crawford; parents, Onie & Wayne Crawford; siblings, Farrell Crawford and Faith Crawford.

He is survived by his girlfriend of nearly 5 years, Linda Cheryl Ratcliff; sons, Terry J. Crawford, Jr. (Carol) of Pikeville, KY, Jerald Crawford (Candice) of Frankfort, KY, Delmer Parsons, of Crawford Co., IN, Terry A. Parsons (Coria) of Alum Creek; daughter, Santana Allen of Charleston; siblings, Beverly Crawford, Sam Crawford, Joanne Crawford all of Indiana, Dave Crawford of Kentucky, Katheryn Crawford of Florida; 27 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way.

Terry lived life to the fullest. He loved his coffee, Winston Lights, and ankle biters (dogs). In his younger years, Terry worked as a maintenance foreman at Coal-Mac, where he took early retirement due to fighting and beating different types of cancer. In his most recent years, he was a roamer who loved to see new people, places, and things. During his 82 years of life here on earth, he touched everyone he came in contact with. He was no stranger to anyone.

A celebration of life will be 1:00pm, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Meadowood Park, 292 Pettigrew Lane, St. Albans, WV. Bring your fishing poles.

Jim Midkiff, 89, of Alum Creek, died surrounded by his family on April 18, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold Midkiff and Esther McClure Midkiff, his brother Bill Midkiff and his sisters, Patsy Lowery and Helen Lewis.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Ruth Rabel Midkiff; daughter, Jackie Midkiff of South Charleston; son, Charlie Midkiff of Lancaster, SC; sister Mary Ann Maurer of Taylors, SC; brother Jerry (Donna) Midkiff of Hamlin and many nieces and nephews who were very special to him.  Also, our neighbor and very good friend Jeremy Skeenes who has been a special help in every way.

Jim lived a life grounded in service and care for others. After graduating from Duval High School in 1955, he began that journey in the United States Air Force where he served as a clerk in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) office while stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. When he returned home, Jim built a long and proud career at Union Carbide, later Rhone-Poulenc, where he played an integral role in several start-up projects before retiring after 30 years in 1989.

In 1963, Jim began helping occasionally at Curry Funeral Home, a place that soon felt like a second home. He considered all the Curry brothers his extended family. To friends, neighbors, and grieving families in Alum Creek and beyond, Jim was a steady and compassionate presence. He continued working at the funeral home until 2021, serving others well into his later years.

Jim never worried much about himself, but he devoted himself fully to the people he loved, always putting the needs of family and friends ahead of his own. Above all, he found joy in trips to Pocahontas County, keeping his yard in flawless condition, and tending to his garden—simple pleasures that reflected the care he brought to every part of his life.

Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, will handle arrangements. Services will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 1:00 pm with Randy Curry and Pastor Seth Greenlee officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Jackie Marie Sigmon, 70, of Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

Jackie was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church and was camp host, with her husband Larry, at Gerald R. Freeman Campground, Sutton for over 15 years. She loved to sing gospel music, cook and feed her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean & Lilly Mae Adams; husband, Larry Allen Sigmon, Sr.; son, Larry Allen Sigmon, Jr.; brothers, Michael Adams and Jimmy Adams.

Jackie is survived by her children, Steve (Melissa) Sigmon, Dean (Trina) Sigmon, Jeanie (Mark) Salmons, Aaron Sigmon; grandchildren, Josh, Joseph, Eden, Greg, Harris, Lanie, Braxton, Aubrianna, Chelsie, Blake, and Bailey; great grandchildren, Brody, Brady, Brynn, Levi, Ty, Addy, Jaelyn, Zaedyn, Dori, Dellie, Elli, Milly, Easton, Emma, Ty, Liberty, and 2 more on the way; sisters, Tina Adams and Donna Gent; several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Service will be 6:00pm, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church with preachers, Kenny Webb, Jimmy Roberts, and Randall “Butch” Brogan officiating. Jackie will be laid to rest at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey.

Alberta Alice (Watts) McKinney, 95, of Alum Creek, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2026, after a long, beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Murrel McKinney, her parents, Albert and Essie Watts, her sisters Helena Matthews, Pauline Inman, and Chlorie Burns, as well as her grandson, Joseph Lovejoy. She is survived by her daughter, Pauletta Lovejoy of Alum Creek, and her sons Charles (Cindy) McKinney of Hamlin and David (Trena) McKinney of Alum Creek. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ray (Corrie) Lovejoy, Apphia McKinney, Gabriel (Erin) McKinney, Joel (Becky) McKinney, Tamika Summerfield, Davy McKinney, and Camdyn McKinney, along with 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. She also had many nephews, nieces, and cousins whom she loved.

As a lifelong wife and stay-at-home mother, she knew what it was to work hard, as she could be seen during the summer in the middle of a berry patch, picking beans, or canning the multitude of fresh fruits and vegetables that she would preserve every year. If any of us complained about having to work in those gardens, she would immediately put us in our place by referring to them as “blessings.”

She was an avid supporter of her children and grandchildren’s activities and would spend hours sitting at ballfields and other venues. She loved to sit and talk to us, completely engrossed in our stories, being a part of our lives, and sharing our adventures through our stories.

She was a servant of the Most High God and could be found singing hymns in her beautiful alto voice at the Griffithsville Church of Christ, where she was a member. She loved to sing and yodel, a skill at which she was very adept, and passed on that love of music to her children.

She touched so many lives in her lifetime. If she loved you, you were loved indeed. If you were ever hugged by her (which she loved doing), you experienced something special, because that was her thing and she was good at it. She lived her faith, and we will forever be blessed because of it.

Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV, will handle arrangements. Services will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm with Charles McKinney and David McKinney officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour before the service. Interment will follow at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens.

Zachary Charles Winell, 26, of Clendenin, formerly of Sumerco, WV left the world too soon on April 11, 2026.

Zachary loved fishing, hunting, going to the ranges and spending time with his fiancé and friends and family. He was a master fire starter and loved sitting around a campfire. He was a graduate of LCHS in 2018 and worked for the City of South Charleston. He was a former CO at SCRJ, where is met a huge number of friends/brothers and his fiancé, Sophia.

He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Dawn and Anthony Smith of Sumerco; sister, Megan Pettry of Cross Lanes; brother, Kevin Smith of Sumerco; fiancé, Sophia Salisbury of Clendenin and her family; brother, Dakota Smith of Alum Creek; sister, Jessica Barnett of Alum Creek; sister, MaKayla Smith of Alum Creek and his four nephews, Koada, Ryder, Gunner, and Alex. He is also survived by his biological father, Jason Winell and family of Rhode Island.

He has many loved ones in Heaven that met him that day and I believe he fished that Great River Jordan all day.

Private services will be held at a later date.