On April 12, 2026, at the age of 95, our beloved mother, Frances Ann Carver Linville, went home to heaven where she is now in God’s loving arms. Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace.

Born August 26, 1930, in Clothier, WV, to Millard and Etta Mae Allen Carver, Frances was one of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John of 71 years, daughter Wanda, son Peter Eugene, sons-in-law Ralph Hoover and Jesse Thompson, daughter-in-law Audrey Linville, grandson Jonathan Linville, and grandson-in-law Sam Pierson.

Frances is survived by her six children—Diana Hughey (Tom), John Linville Jr., Trudy Barker (Robert), Eva Thompson, Steve Linville (Denise), and Cheryl Vance (Ronnie)—and by 12 grandchildren— Jason Hoover (LouAnn), David Linville, Robbie Barker (Tammy), Brad Barker (Cassie), Brigitte Carney (Luke), Kelly Thompson (Kris), Jessica Hill (Jerry), Rachel Stamper (Nick), Josh Linville (Kelly), Erin Pierson, Whitney Harold (Zack), and Alex Vance (Daniela). She is also survived by 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and her last living sibling, brother Skip Stollings.

Frances, nicknamed Little Dukie, is fondly remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother and as an excellent seamstress, artist, and cook who often had many neighborhood children around her table.

Per our mother’s request, a private service will be officiated by Pastor Richard Harold at Frances’s home church. We sincerely thank Dr. Witt Durden, nurse practitioner Monica McBryde, and Dignity Hospice nurses Jessica and Stephanie for their care.

“Forever in our hearts until we meet again”

Richard Lynn “Rick” Given, 86, of Charleston, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home.

Rick was a proud United States Marine who served his country, including the distinguished honor of serving in the John F. Kennedy Honor Guard and as a member of the elite Presidential Guard and Drill Team. His commitment to service did not end with his military career—it became the foundation of a life devoted to others.

Rick worked as a professional truck driver along with a number of other professional endeavors, but his true life’s work was found in his unwavering dedication to veterans and their families. He was active in community and veteran affairs for many years, serving as a past Commandant of the Marine Corps League of South Charleston, West Virginia, and as the Governor’s Representative on the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

Rick devoted countless hours to supporting Gold Star families and was designated as a Gold Star Families of West Virginia Advocate. He worked closely with Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, serving as an aide de camp and trusted partner in a mission that brought healing, recognition, and dignity to families who had lost loved ones in military service.

Through this work, Rick helped establish and support Gold Star Family Memorial Monuments in West Virginia and across the country. He also played a key role in establishing the Honor Guard at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, ensuring that those who served our country would be honored with the respect and dignity they deserved. Rick also served as a Board Member of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, continuing his commitment to preserving the legacy of service and sacrifice.

Over the years, Rick received countless awards and recognitions for his service and dedication, though those who knew him understood that he never sought recognition—only the opportunity to serve.

Those who knew Rick understood that his service was rooted in a deep sense of duty, compassion, and respect. He believed in showing up for people—especially in their hardest moments—and quietly worked to make things better for others.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Wilson Given and Wanda Mae Cleek Given; his special grandmother, “Mom” Delcie Cleek; his Uncle Bill Cleek; and his stepdaughters, Kelli Canfield Gilfilen and Kimberly Dawn Canfield.

He is survived by his daughters, Krista Leah Lynn Given (Vallandingham) and Mary Lynn Elizabeth Given; his grandson, Ethan (Danielle) Lawrence and their two children; and his former wife and friend, Sharon Given, along with extended family, friends, and a community of veterans and families whose lives were touched by his kindness and dedication.

A graveside service will be held 2:00pm, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to support veterans and Gold Star families, or to the CAMC Foundation in honor of his daughter Krista’s current battle with breast cancer.

Larry Allen Sigmon, Jr., 53, of Alum Creek, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at CAMC General Hospital, Charleston.

Allen was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Sumerco. He loved to fish, play basketball and camp at Gerald R. Freeman Campground at Sutton, WV.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Allen Sigmon, Sr.; wife, Martha “Susie” Sigmon.

Allen is survived by his mother, Jackie Adams Sigmon; children, Chelsie Sigmon, Blake “A.J.” Sigmon, and Bailey Sigmon; grandchildren, Brody, Brady, Brynn, and Levi; sister, Jeanie (Mark) Salmons; brothers, Dean (Trina) Sigmon, Aaron Sigmon, and Stevie (Melissa) Sigmon; nieces and nephews, Greg, Harris, Lanie, Josh, Joseph, Eden, Braxton, and Aubrianna.

Memorial service will be 6:00pm, April 16, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church officiated by preachers, Kenny Webb and Jimmy Roberts. Allen will be laid to rest at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens.

Vivian Marie Pauley, 84, of Poca, formerly of Sumerco, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at home.

Vivian loved to cook, watch gospel shows, listen to gospel music and be outside gardening.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mack & Addie Hunt; husband, Clifford Ray Pauley; sister, Janet Avery; and brothers-in-law, Fred Moses, Kenneth Stone, and Clayton Pauley.

Vivian is survived by her son, Timothy (Donna) Pauley; brother, Michael (Linda) Hunt; sisters, Cheryl (Glenn) Rhodarmour, Donna (Charles) Hurst, and Betty Moses; brother-in-law, Gary Avery; sister-in-law, Gail Stone; grandchildren, Caleb (Christa) Parsons, Amilee (Maven) Meadows; great grandchildren, Claire, Carly, & Christopher Parsons, Rowan Meadows; nieces and nephews, Ricky (Stacy) Mellette, Randy (Beverly) Moses, Freda (Mike) Shaw, Jeff Stone, Lance Stone, Michael Pauley, Connie Pauley, Leanna Craft, Carla, Anita; and many great nieces and great nephews. She is also survived by extended family members, Charlotte, Donnie, Sue & Michael Whitten; Jackie (Kathy) Cummings and Robert Cummings.

Graveside service will be 1:00pm, Friday April 10, 2026, at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey with Pastor Richard McCallister officiation.

Donna Jean Marcum, 70, of Danville, WV passed away on March 31, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Donna was born on June 12, 1955, to the late Don & Erma Nelson.

She was a gifted artist before her illness. Donna loved spending time with her grandkids and family.

She is survived by her two children, Timothy (Amanda) Marcum of Danville, WV and Lorie (Kevin) Paulsen of Alabama; five grandchildren, Laef Marcum of Danville, WV, Jaice Orr of Alabama, Cambrie Marcum of Danville, WV, Liam Paulsen of Alabama, and Mia Marcum of Danville, WV. She is also survived by her siblings, Donald (Robin) Nelson of Big Ugly, WV, Ronald (Sandy) Nelson of Danville, WV, Bruce (Erika) Nelson of Turtle Creek, WV, Starla Mabe (Andy) Spiro of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Service will be 2:00pm, Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery, Cox’s Fork. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm at the funeral home.

Wayne Edward Matoy, Jr., 66, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 30, 1960.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, Wayne and Betty Jo Matoy. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Karen of South Charleston. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Perkins of Valparaiso, Indiana, and his three nephews, Cole, Jared, and Wyatt Perkins.

Ed was a Christian and loved singing and playing gospel music. This is how he met the love of his life, Karen King Matoy. Ed and Karen were married for 32 years.

He worked for Conway Trucking, later known as XPO Logistics, for several years.

There are no services scheduled.

December 4, 1939 – April 3, 2026

Avonelle (Cantley) Neff, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many, passed away on April 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on December 4, 1939, in Brounland, West Virginia, she carried the spirit of those hills with her throughout a life lived with extraordinary grace.

Avonelle made her home in Maryland, New York, and North Carolina over the years, touching countless lives in each place she called home. Wherever she went, she was known for her gentleness, her kindness, and a quiet tenacity that never left her. She had a smile that welcomed everyone, and the rare gift of making any person — regardless of their station — feel seen and valued. She never hesitated to stand up for those who were overlooked or shunned, and she did so without fear, because her faith made her fearless.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Avonelle lived her belief not in words alone but in the way she treated every soul she encountered — with the grace and compassion her Lord commanded. Those who knew her saw that faith in action every day. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she now rests in the peace she so fully trusted.

Avonelle was a woman of remarkable self-determination. She taught herself shorthand and medical terminology, building a career that culminated in her role as a medical transcriptionist for a well-respected dermatologist at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina — a testament to her intelligence and discipline.

Some of her most treasured hours were spent outdoors alongside her beloved husband, Charles — cutting firewood, planting, walking their property, and traveling to visit family across many states. Those simple, purposeful days together were among her greatest joys. She was also devoted to her Washington District High School reunions, where the bonds of her West Virginia roots were renewed year after year.

In her final years, Avonelle spoke every single day with her double first cousin and dear friend, Christine Debord — a testament to the loyalty and love she gave and inspired in return.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Neff, and her son, James Neff.

She is survived by her daughters: Teresa Pauley, Susan Simpson, Karen Harris, Tina Cecil, and Mary Stine; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren — a family and a legacy she built with love.

Avonelle Neff did not merely pass through this world. She made it gentler.

Funeral service will be 1:00pm, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Ottis Junior Linger, of South Charleston passed away on April 4, 2026. He was born in Harrison County on September 1, 1931, the son of Ottis Linger and Thelma Sherbs Linger.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sons Roger and Ronald Linger and daughter Brenda Downy. He is survived by his wife Sarah Carol Turley Linger; brother Donald Linger (Sharon) of Williamsburg, VA; son-in-law Don Downey of Hollywood, FL; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

There will be no service. His ashes will be interred at Heavener Cemetery in Buckhannon at a later date.

Dr. Oren Lee Thornhill, 78, of The Villages, FL, left his earthly body to be present with his Savior on Monday, March 30, 2026.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee & Louise Gillispie Thornhill and sister, Darleen.

He was a lifelong resident of Alum Creek, WV, and a 1966 graduate of George Washington High School.  Following graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war.  He had a lengthy career for the State of WV and ending as an auditor for the Governor’s Office.  For more than 50 years he was a professional marquetarian with his artwork being displayed in many state government offices and as far away as Japan. Another favorite hobby of his was playing the harmonica especially with his club at the Villages. He and Sandy also enjoyed playing pentanque with their friends at the Pentanque Club.

Later in life in his 50’s Oren answered God’s call on his life to preach and be a pastor that truly loved his flock.  Currently he attended and considered Ruth Community Church as his home church. He went back to school earning a Doctorate Degree in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra D. Thornhill, son, Christopher Lee (Chasity) Thornhill, granddaughters, Reese and Ashton Thornhill (his two grandbabies were the love of his earthly life). He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Luella Moore.

Service will be 1:00pm Monday, April 6, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastor Gene Pauley officiating.  Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV.  Family & friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to your local Hospice.

Lori Lynn Casto, 56, of Alum Creek, WV, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026, at home.  She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Bruce McDaniel, father, Gary Dale Casto, and brother Gary Dale Casto, Jr.

Lori was a manager at Wendy’s at Southridge for 20 years and a 1988 graduate of Duval High School.  She enjoyed reading and movies and loved being a mother, and entertaining at parties, Christmas and giving gifts.

She is survived by her children, Sarah Rice and her husband, Eliu Espinosa, James Rice and Samantha McDaniel, mother, Dottie Casto-Kelley and granddaughter, Amilya Miles.

There will be no services.