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.

Bobbye Joyce Pauley, 82, of South Charleston, WV, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at her home. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter & Bertha Stone Osbourne, and sister, Sally Mueller.

Bobbye is survived by her husband of 51 years, Kenny, siblings, Dot Thompson, Lee Strout, Cindy Bryier, and Perry Osbourne, several nieces and nephews and her beloved fur baby, Bo.

She was retired from JoAnn Fabrics in Dunbar. Bobbye was an avid seamstress and loved to crochet gifts for her family and friends.

It was Bobbye’s request to be cremated with inurnment at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.

No services are planned at this time.

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.

Paul Connard Jones, 88, of South Charleston went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at WVU Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Paul was a member of McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church and served as deacon for 47 years. He started working for Charleston Concrete at the age of 17 where he was a superintendent. He was a member of the Cement & Plasterers Union #926 where he served as BA & supervised the apprenticeship program. He was also a member of the Laborers Union #1353. He later retired from JIMCO Equipment Corporation.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Isabell; parents, Golden and Ollie Owens Jones; son-in-law, Teddy Smith; siblings, Olligene Payton, Barbara & Carlene Pauley, Macel Korpus, and Earnestine McCallister.

Paul is survived by loving, devoted wife, Lorraine; daughter, Teresa Smith; stepson, Mark (Denise) Smith; grandchildren, Crystal Dawn (Jason) Hager, Morgan Tyler Smith; great grandchildren, Braelyn Shea O’Neal, Ryker O’Neal, Tyler & Alexis Hager; sister, Gail (Delano) Watts. He is also survived by Patty Hess Miller, who was like a daughter to Paul.

Paul was always kind and loving to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.

Service will be 1:00 pm, Monday, May 13, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastors Isaiah Hatfield and Vinny Vanhoose officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jeanette Shirley Corns Hill, beloved mother, grandmother, and pianist, passed away peacefully at home thanks to a promise fulfilled by her daughter Denise and son-in-law Henry Morris, on Friday, May 3, at the age of 89 after suffering from dementia.

Today, as we mourn her loss, we find solace in knowing that Jeanette is now reunited with the love of her life, Lewis “Bus” Hill. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion, celebrating 72 years of marriage before his passing. Jeanette was a pillar of strength for her family. She raised four beloved daughters, Janet Benincosa, Rebecca Payne, Denise Morris, and Leigh Ann Withrow, and cherished her nine grandchildren, who brought into her life the joy of 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Beyond her musical pursuits, Jeanette embodied compassion and kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a consummate caregiver, for her uncle and mother-in-law until they each passed. She even helped raise grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found great pride in her family.

Jeanette was born with a love for music, and throughout her life, she dedicated herself to sharing that passion as a piano teacher. Her talent as a pianist was recognized early on in the church, and she was invited to study at Juilliard, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to music.

She was not only an accomplished pianist, but also an angelic vocalist, and proficient in playing a variety of instruments. Due to her long bout with familial tremors stealing her voice, Jeanette endured the sadness of no longer being able to sing, a heartache for someone with such a beautiful voice and love for song.

Jeanette’s commitment to her faith was unwavering. She was a devoted member of Ruth Community Church and later the Charleston Mountain Mission, rarely missing a church service. Her presence and dedication enriched the congregations, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

After losing Bus, she kept waiting for him to come for her, and finally, he came to take her Home where they sing together again with a celestial choir of angels. The family would like to thank Hospice for their loving care and compassion for our dear mother and grandmother.

Service will be 1:00pm Tuesday May 7, 2024 at Curry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family & friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Linzie Baire, 77, of Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

Linzie was not shy to share his strong belief in Jesus his Savior. He was known for his heart of gold, being a creative taxidermist, and speaking with a loud voice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Haden H. & Mary Magdalene Selbe Baire; sisters, Greathel and Martha; brothers, Adam, Willie, David, and Bobby.

Linzie is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Janet; son, Wilbur (Priscilla) Baire; grandchildren, Willie, Charles, and Tiffany; siblings, Basil (Joyce) Baire, Junie (Buddy) Kirk, Bawfurd Baire, William (Donna) Baire, Joyce (Danny) Pauley, Hazel (Terry) Rabel, and Mary (Barney) Johnson; several nieces, nephews, family and friends; also, special friends, Doyle Barker and Freddie Manors.

It was Linzie’s wish to be cremated and there will be no service.

Donna Christine Bryant, 58, of Yawkey went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Donna was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved attending Eden Baptist Church when her health allowed.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Lowell Ray Bryant, Jr.; children, Jamey Bryant (Tera Clendenin), Amanda Bowman, Jeremy (Danyelle) Bryant, Kristen Omeara; grandchildren, Cameron & Faith, Dreylon, Kelden, Peyton, Yovanny, Alexis, Kyrah, Chase, Garrett, and Braxton; one great grandson, Breyden and one great granddaughter Oaklyn; brothers, Henry Baker of Sweetland, Joe & Alice Baker of Sweetland; sister, Rebecca Reed of New Cumberland, WV.

Service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Rick Cooper officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery, Sweetland. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

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

Vicki Lynn Johnson, 56, of Hurricane passed suddenly from this life to a “pain free” home with her Lord on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her home.

Vicki was born on August 22, 1967, in Charleston, WV and was the daughter of John and Dinah Johnson. Also surviving are her sister, Kelly Tinsley and husband Mike of Hurricane, and her nephew, Mitchell Tinsley of Morgantown.

Vicki was loved beyond measure by her family and was preceded in death by her brother, Jay Johnson, who she has missed terribly since he passed away in July of 2022. Vicki and Jay were always together and now they are together again. Also preceding her in death were her grandparents, Virginia Williams Ferguson, Clyde Williams, John & Marjorie Johnson.

Vicki was a caring daughter, sister, and aunt. She loved time with her family, especially birthday parties and Christmas. She enjoyed church activities and attended Highlawn Baptist Church all her life when her health would allow. She liked anything with Mickey Mouse on it, the color pink, having her nails done, wearing jewelry, and loved a good game of UNO.

Vicki’s parents devoted their life to caring for her and her brother Jay and they take comfort knowing that they will be with them again one day in Heaven.

A celebration of Vicki’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Highlawn Baptist Church, 2304 Jefferson Ave. St. Albans, WV with Pastor Jason Robbins officiating. Entombment will follow at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

Donations in Vicki’s memory may be made to Highlawn Baptist Church.

Dr. Frederick Morton Cooley, 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 26, 2024, after dying of congestive heart failure. Fred was born in Charleston, WV, on March 6, 1933.

After graduating from Nitro High School in 1951, he joined the United States Air Force, serving as a preventative medicine specialist during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant, until he was honorably discharged in 1955. He then entered the Pre-Med undergraduate program at West Virginia University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1959, and then continued on to be a member of the first graduating class of the WVU Medical School in 1962.

After receiving his medical degree in Family Practice, he went into private practice and then joined the Charleston Medical Group, continuing there until 1970. He was then hired by the Charleston Area Medical Center, where four years later he became the president of the CAMC Emergency Department. In 1975, he was appointed by Governor Arch Moore to the position of Medical Director for the Office of Emergency Medical Services for the state of West Virginia. Fred was also a WV Department of Health Consultant, which involved traveling to various parts of WV to instruct others on how to set up emergency rooms and how to apply for federal grants to gain much needed medical equipment. He was an innovator in the EMS organization by developing the regulation and operations manual for EMS offices, developing a state EMS communications plan, and preparing the equipment specifications for the statewide system. He began the EMT Mine Training program, began the EMT-Paramedic and Trauma Nurse training, developed the Trauma Center Designation rules and regulations, helped to develop the WV Hypertension Control Program, helped start the Black Lung Clinics Program, and was instrumental in beginning the Medevac Helicopter Program for West Virginia.

Fred was a champion for those in need, as was evidenced by his becoming the Medical Advisor for the Health Organization Development Project in Southern WV from 1980-1982. He also served as a Center Physician at the Charleston Job Corps Center from 1965-1985 and was also a practicing physician at Doctor’s Urgent Care in Charleston from 1983-1986.

In addition, he served as a Clinical Associate Professor for both the WVU and Marshall Schools of Medicine.

Fred was also a licensed Electronics Engineer, and enjoyed building television sets, computers, intercom and security systems and more in his spare time. He also earned his Real Estate License, dabbling in repairing older homes to make them suitable for selling.

As if all the aforementioned were not enough, Fred loved playing golf and tennis, and won many Public Courts Championships with his 4.0 ranking. He was known for his booming serve and doubles play with his friends and partners Dr. Danny Taylor and Don Tate.

Even though Fred had many titles, the greatest one of them all was “Born Again Christian” after asking Jesus to be his Savior. He was a loving husband who cared for his wife Peggy as long as he was physically able, while she suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was the “best daddy in the whole wide world” who showed much love and care for his three daughters and their families. We are so very thankful that the Lord blessed us with the greatest parents in the world.

Perhaps one of the greatest comforts to his daughters over the past few days has been the overwhelming outpouring of love and appreciation that so many who knew him in his later years have expressed. He touched the lives of so many, especially ours. It gives us immeasurable joy to know that not only is he with his Savior, but that he is reunited with our momma once again.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Peggy Joyce Cooley, his father Cecil Cooley, and his mother Wanda Morton Cooley. He is survived by his three loving daughters, Lauren Monk (Mike), Heather Ritchey, and Kerri Milgram (Craig); six grandchildren: Katie Cumberledge (Steven), RJ Ritchey, Dr. Micah Monk, Christopher Milgram, Cassidy Redden, and Cade Flanagan, as well as seven great grandchildren, his brother Charles Jennings Cooley of Charlotte, NC, and sister Marion Haye of Bluefield, WV, and several nieces and nephews.

We would like to especially thank the second-floor staff at Harmony at Southridge, who cared for and loved our Daddy in the last few months of his life. The recounting of their interactions and love for him gives us great comfort.

No service will be held.