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Georgia Ann Dragoo

March 27th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (3 Comments)

Georgia Ann Dragoo, 101, of Yawkey, WV, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis & Hattie Lovejoy Dragoo, and sisters, Crede Lawther, Erma Dragoo, Inis McCallister, Zulema Jaynes, Dora Jeffery and Myrtle Alford, brothers, Oscar, Cecil, Andrew Nelson, and Linis Dragoo.

Georgia is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

She will be cremated and her ashes will be scattered. A special thank you to Tina, Pat, Melissa, Lori and Hospice for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Hospice or your favorite charity.

Mary Joe Parsons

March 23rd, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Mary Joe Parsons, 80, of Charleston, WV, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Meadowbrook Acres. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor Earl Moore & Rachel Cobb Sowards, sons-in-law, Robert Wright, Sr., and Dennis Roberts, granddaughter, Jessica Lou Hamrick, great-grandson, Clarkson Hamrick and also by several brothers and sisters.

She was a wonderful loving mother. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by four daughters, Bethany Hamrick, Virginia Wright, Susan Roberts and Donna Jean Moore, three grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Geraldine Sowards, Mena Stanley and Barbara McCutcheon.

Service will be 1:00pm Monday, March 27, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, WV.

Joshua Nathaniel Smith

March 23rd, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (2 Comments)

Joshua Nathaniel Smith, 42, of Charleston passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at CAMC Hospice.

Josh was an employee of Clean Slate Restoration, South Charleston.

Josh is survived by his mother & stepfather, Sherry Joan Dillon & Dewayne Dunlap of Foster; father, Carlos W. Smith of Danville; children, Serena Smith, Nevaeh Eden Smith, Josh “J.J.” Smith, Jr., AJ “Landon” Smith; stepdaughter, Elizabeth; brothers, Matthew (Susan) Smith of New Mexico, Jacob Smith of Charleston, & Noah Smith (Karen Elkins) of Madison; many aunts, uncles, nieces, & nephews who loved him dearly.

A gathering of friends and family will be 5:00-7:00, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home.

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

Wynona Gazelle (Stephens) Lawson

March 22nd, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (3 Comments)

Wynona Gazelle (Stephens) Lawson quietly took her last breath, on March 16, 2023, after a short illness and a long life, of 96 years. Inquiries regarding her longevity always gained a response of “I have had a good life”. Upon reflection, it is apparent that her good life included determination to do her best, loving without compromise, and caring with a commitment that is exceeded by few, if any.

Born on January 9, 1927, to Sylvester and Daisy (Wade) Stephens, she was raised in Yawkey, WV. She was called Gazelle and she was number six of twelve children. When reminiscing on her childhood and family she always focused on the love instilled in her and her siblings by her parents. Gazelle is survived by her sister Brenda (Ira) Sutphin and her brother, Tandy (Maybell) Stephens. Theirs is a family that has maintained an enviable closeness that every mother aspires for her children.

Gazelle moved to Charleston, first living with her older sister to work in a butcher shop and then moving to a women’s boarding house and working as an Operator for “The Phone Company”. Returning to Yawkey for a basketball game, at Duvall High School, she met the love of her life, Carl Lawson. Carl had just returned from serving in WWII and Gazelle responding to a friendly dare, gave him a hug to thank him for his service. At the urging of his uncle, “to not let that one get away”, Carl asked Gazelle out for a date. Married in 1947, Carl was called back to duty during the Korean War, and they relocated to Kentucky and New Mexico. Upon returning to West Virginia, Carl and Gazelle settled in Charleston. They were married for 63 years and anyone who met them saw a love that never diminished.

In 1954, Gazelle became a mother to Kathy and later in 1961 to Kim. As a full-time homemaker, she was tireless. She prepared scrumptious meals, skillfully sewed her children’s garments, and grew bountiful gardens of vegetables and flowers. She was a nurse, teacher, and advisor to her family and in her spare time, she was a girl scout leader, a church youth group leader, a school volunteer, a community fund raiser, a caring neighbor, and a loyal friend.

With her children growing up, she returned to working outside her home. In 1976, Wynona started the YWCA Child Enrichment Center, in Charleston. Applying her trademark determination and tirelessness, she created one of the largest centers in WV. Listening to parents’ needs, Wynona had the first infant/toddler program in southern WV; she developed a multi-school after school/vacation program; she managed an employer sponsored 24-hour child care service She cared for hundreds (maybe thousands) of children that knew her as Mrs. Lawson, she supported their parents and provided a much-needed community service that employed a multitude of women in various stages of their lives. At her second retirement party, a quarter of a century later, Wynona reported that she spent her last day looking at the possibility of expanding hours.

As Gazelle’s family grew, she became Ma-Maw to Matthew, Adam and Patrick Gregor and Caleb and Elizabeth Hughes. She was a marvelous Ma-Maw. She showered her grandchildren with love and with delicious homemade treats, elaborate costume creations, spectacular holiday celebrations, and constant, never-ending patience and interest in their lives.

Wynona Gazelle always said she had a good life, and she shared it with her caring ways. With her loss, we now share a feeling that this life will never be as good as it was when we had Wynona Gazelle (Stephens) Lawson with us.

Arrangements are being handled by Curry Funeral Home.

Clifford Ray “Skip” Chafin

March 20th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Clifford Ray “Skip” Chafin, 72, of Alum Creek, passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at home.

Skip was a 1970 graduate of Duval High School and retired from Piklington Glass in Laurinburg, North Carolina as a maintenance technician. He always liked working on cars with his father, brother and sons, especially the 67’ Chevelle. One of Skip’s best qualities was his ability to “MacGyver” his way through any situation. Most of all “Papaw” loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer & Mildred Aldridge Chafin; brother, Jack Chafin; and sisters, Edith Nunn, Patricia Barker, & Gloria Duncan.

Skip is survived by his sons, Curtis (April) Chafin & Clinton Chafin; grandchildren, Lynnlee Chafin, Mackenzie Chafin, Ryleigh Chafin, Cassidy Chafin & Cameron Chafin; former wife and mother of his children, Deborah Fisher Chafin; former wife, Connie Chafin; also, several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends & family will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek.

Paul Brian Brogan

March 19th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (4 Comments)

Paul Brian Brogan, 50, of Alum Creek, WV, departed this life on Friday, March 17, 2023. He was born on May 17, 1972, in Charleston, WV. He was a 1991 graduate of Duval High School.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Tonya Brogan; parents, Ronnie and Judy Brogan of Alum Creek; father and mother-in-law, French and Peggy Mullins of Ridgeview; his aunt, Dixie (David) Cyphers of Barrackville; uncles, Eddie (Becky) Brogan of Hurricane and David (Belva) Brogan of Alum Creek; brother-in-law, Thomas (Dee Dee) Mullins of Ridgeview; sister-in-law, Violette Mullins and brother-in-law, Dakota Mullins of Ridgeview; special friends that he considered like brothers, Jason Allison and Tim Abbott.

Brian also had several cousins, nieces, nephew, and friends that will truly miss him. Ross and Debbie Gillenwater that were like family in so many ways and his dog Brittney that he treasured. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and enjoying life to the fullest. His life made a difference to all who knew him. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. David Cyphers officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Hager Family Cemetery, Brounland.

Betty Lou Cottrill

March 17th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Betty Lou Cottrill, 88, of Tornado passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, at Rolling Meadows Place, Scott Depot.

Betty was a 1954 graduate of St. Albans High School. She retired from Union Carbide with over 20 years of service. She served her country in the United States Army.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey Cottrill; parents, Bradie & Kathleen White Pauley; brothers, Raymond & Warren Pauley; sisters, Elaine Pauley & Debra Vannatter.

She is survived by sister, Joan Bartlett; brother, Dwain Pauley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Service will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Cunningham Memorial Park.

Roger Lee Fields

March 16th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (0 Comments)

Roger Lee Fields, 74, of Tornado, WV, passed Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at home after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bradford and Ethel Edens Fields, brothers, James and Stanley Fields and sister, Ida Haynes.

Roger is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicky Barton Fields, daughter, Tawnya (Craig) Mosteller, and sons, Joshua (Tara) Fields, Isaiah (Alexis) Fields, and Caleb (Kayla) Fields and nine grandchildren.

He worked as a mechanic for many years. Roger was loved by many and kept a crowd laughing.

Service will be 2:00pm Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastor Craig Barton officiating. Family & friends will gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Sissonville, WV.

Jeremy Dale Johnson

March 13th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (5 Comments)

Jeremy Dale Johnson, 45, of Sumerco, WV, found eternal peace on Saturday, March 11, 2023. He was preceded in death by the joy of his life, baby Guilliams; his paternal grandparents, Howard and Freda Johnson, and maternal grandfather, Walter Lovejoy.

Those left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, and wife of 25 years, Julie Johnson, three beautiful children who he loved and adored, Hannah and Michael Guilliams, Karrah Johnson, and Jeremy Hayden Johnson.

He is also survived by his loving parents, Harold and Rhonda Johnson, brother and his wife, Michael & Kimberley Johnson and their children, Brandon Johnson and Annabelle Johnson and his maternal grandmother Tona Lovejoy, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family, church family and friends.

Jeremy was a long-time worker for United Rentals where he took great pride in building a successful branch office and won top CES Branch WV District in 2022. He was the hardest worker who could fix anything put in front of him, and was willing to drop everything to help anyone in need.

A member of McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church, Jeremy shared a love for God while making precious memories with his church family. He loved his home on the mountain and was looking forward to grass mowing season. The true love of his life and what he worked tirelessly to provide for was his family. His greatest home run was his wife whom he loved fiercely and made sure all her dreams came true. His baby girls were the apple of his eye and his son was his best friend. Jeremy was a top notch catcher in high school, and was thrilled to share his love of baseball with his son. He was incredibly proud of the amazing adults his children became.

Service will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Isaiah Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery. Friends and family will gather at the church two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church or your favorite baseball team.

Jill Kristina Taylor

March 11th, 2023 | Posted by curryfuneralhome in Obituaries - (6 Comments)

On the morning of March 7, 2023, Jill Kristina Taylor passed away peacefully in her sleep from probable congestive heart failure. She was born on May 20, 1966, and was 56 years old. She was a graduate of George Washington High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Charleston. She was employed as a stock broker with Charles Schwab for several years, first in Charleston, WV, and then in Boca Raton, FL.

Jill was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda Newcomer Tribble. She is survived by her much loved son, Brandon Taylor, her father, N. Wayne Tribble, sisters Sherri Lacy (James), Cindi Cokeley (Bryan), brother Mark Tribble (Terri), many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, and many friends who thought the world of her. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jill was a devoted and adoring mother, a loving daughter, a baby sister, a playful aunt, and an especially loyal friend. She had a vibrant spirit and genuinely enjoyed caring for others, including the infirmed and elderly. In remembering Jill, one especially recalls the great love she had for her son Brandon. He was her pride and joy, the miracle she loved to gaze upon, loved and pampered and raised on early years of storybooks and bedtime prayers. For him, she reserved her most tender words of encouragement and affection, the frequent refrain of “I love you most.” For him, she always had a warm and embracing bear hug, belly chuckles for his glib humor, and a beaming smile. She knew he adored her too, and that gave her indescribable joy. Jill also loved animals and was especially fond of horses. She admired their beauty and as a young girl loved the freedom of riding bareback. She was an enthusiastic and curious traveler, as well, and she enjoyed summer getaways romping with friends in sunny Cancun. How sweet it is to remember Jill, full of life in happier times.

A visitation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 14, 2023, with a service to follow at 12:15 p.m, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Dwight McClure officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.curryfuneralhome.org or by visiting Curry Funeral Home, WV on Facebook. Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV has been caring for families since 1950.