Brownie Hager August 31, 1930 – January 20, 2018

Born up the hollow of Bark Camp, to the parents, Shelton and Dolly Egnor, she was the youngest of 10 children, 5 brothers and 4 sisters, (all predeceased) With long, curly dark hair, and twinkling brown eyes, her Daddy nick-named her Brownie. She always spoke fondly, and with great love, of her years growing up.

She married Arlen R. Hager (predeceased) in 1947. Although she never officially joined the military she was a true patriot, birthing and raising her 5 children from the hollers of WV to Army military bases from Fort Knox Kentucky to Germany and France.

She once embarked on a journey at the tender age of 23yrs. with her new born daughter Patsy, and her two small sons, Bruce and Donny, that begin down the holler and ended in Bussac, France. A friend gave her a ride to New York where she boarded a military plane. When it arrived in France the fog was too thick for landing so they were re-routed to Germany and from there boarded a train to France. In the 2 years while there she gave birth to a daughter, Peggy, and upon return to the states, gave birth to another daughter, Priscilla at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The family did another tour of duty in Germany for 3 years then returned home and settled in a home on Left Fork.

She moved to Alum Creek to be closer to her job, director of the McCorkle Senior Center, and for the next 20 years spent her weekdays with the people of McCorkle. Upon retirement she moved back to her place on Left Fork, just a couple miles from the home where she was born and raised.

Her bravery, resilience, hard work, laughter, and love were the echoes of a child born and raised in the hollers of West Virginia. To all who knew and loved her, she was special, she was Brownie, and although we give her up reluctantly, we rejoice in a life well lived, a job well done, and know she is in the hands of God.

Her children: James Bruce and Sandy Hager, Donald Ray Hager (deceased), Patsy Ramona Hager (deceased), Peggy Re’gina Clymo, and Priscilla Rose Hager, grandchildren: Rachel and Mike Adkins, Tracy McKinney, Stacy and Billy Kepple, Alfred and Dina Van Gundy, Mary and Jen Moore, and Christopher Clay, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, January 23, 2018, with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating at Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey, WV.

ELLA R. (PAULEY) FITZWATER, 86, of Alum Creek, traded her battered body for a heavenly one on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Hubbard House West surrounded by her family.

She was a member of Faith Baptist Church and served as the Pastor’s wife and church pianist for many faithful years.  She had a love for music and at the age of 13 began playing the piano at several local churches as their church pianist which was amazing in itself being self-taught.  Later training her children to harmonize and travel around the area singing for the Lord known as the Fitzwater Family singing group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Pauley Sr., and Mary Velma (Hager) Pauley and son, Rev. Michael Fitzwater, brothers, Fred Jr., Charles, Paul and sisters, Clara and Louise.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Rev. Eldon N. Fitzwater, daughters, Nancy (Joe) Taylor of Alum Creek, Janet Sue (Dennis) Dunlap of Milton, Jackie (Mark) Lanham of St. Albans, and Mary Fitzwater of Dunbar, daughter-in-law, Phyllis Fitzwater, and sister Rachel (Jim) Waldron of Elkview, seven grandchildren, Rob (Denise) Angela (Bob), BJ (Kris), Jay (Sarah), Anita (Dave), Matthew and Katie and three adopted grandchildren, Allison, Wes, and Shae, nine great-grandchildren, Nate, Carter, Alexa, Caylan, Carly, Savannah, Collin, Andrew, and Michael, and one great-great-grandson, Bronson and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Lisa Queen, NP, and special caregiver and friend Anna Spencer and  also, other caregivers, April, Sissy, and Dorothy.  Many thanks to Hubbard Hospice West for your kindness and care.

Service will be 1:00pm Friday, January 26, 2018 at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Chaplain Lt. Matthew Lanham officiating.  Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston.  Friends will gather from 6:00-8:00pm Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers if you desire, donations may be made to Kanawha Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV  25387-2536.

Johnnie Ray Chandler, 65, of Alum Creek went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the home of his sister, Sandy.  He was preceded in death by his wife Deborah of 42 years.

He was a mechanic/heavy equipment operator.  He was a member of Briar Creek Baptist Church.

He is survived by his son, Johnnie (Stephanie), daughters, Becky (Todd) Mosteller, sisters, Sandy Harper and Charlotte, seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Savannah, Madison, Chloe, Matthew, Jeffrey and Alicen.

Services will be 1:00pm on Monday, January 22, 2018, at Curry Funeral home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Tommy Roberts officiating.  Burial will follow at Chandler Family Cemetery at the homeplace.  Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service.

Lorena C. Carr, 87, South Charleston, passed away Monday, January 15, 2018, at CAMC-Memorial Division.

She was a Life Member of the Alum Creek VFW Auxiliary, and was a graduate of DuPont High School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher Carr.  She is survived by her daughter, Patty Carr of South Charleston, son, J. Bryan Carr of Dunbar, sisters, Betty Griffith of Calabash, NC, Ann Summers of Charleston, Dreama Holstine of Ripley, and brother, Rev. Edward Jarrett of Charleston and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service to follow at a later date.  Following her wishes, her body was donated to the Human Gift Registry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University.

Ronald Maxwell Coy, 55, of Yawkey, WV departed this life on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

He was born November 10, 1962 in Rutland, Ohio, a son of the the late Walter and Arlene Coy.

Ron served as a Youth Pastor and Sunday School teacher at several area churches.

He retired from Patriot Coal and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 38 years, Janie; sons, Joey Coy, David (Jillian) Coy and Scottie Coy all of Yawkey; brothers, Randall (Patricia) Coy of Yawkey and Russell (Tammy) Coy of Westerville, Ohio; sister, Drema Holeston of Morrisvale; grandchildren, Eli, Mallory, Keagen, Zach, Chloe, Julia, Isiah, Jacob, Aubrey, Gavin and Scottie Coy, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Shannon Coy.

Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek with Pastor Jackie Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Coy Family Cemetery in Yawkey.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Patricia Ruth Melton, 84, of Durham, North Carolina, formerly of Alum Creek, West Virginia, went home to be with her Lord on January 12, 2018,  at home.

Born on May 21, 1933, in Kanawha County, West Virginia, Pat was the daughter of the late Thomas Richard and Mary Ann (Gillispie) Lemons. 

Pat was raised in Alum Creek and graduated from Charleston High School in 1948.  She attended both Morris Harvey College and the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies where she received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, respectfully.   Pat taught French and Spanish for many years at Dunbar High School in WV, and after retiring, both substituted and volunteered in several schools in Kanawha County. 

Pat was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Alum Creek where she served in many capacities, among them Sunday school teacher, choir director, and church clerk. She also enjoyed music, cooking, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Pat is survived by her loving husband and constant care-giver, Ben Melton of Durham; brother, Thomas Lemons (Myoko) of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughters Patty George (Jeff) of Westminster Maryland, and Cheryl Waldron (Tim) of Iowa City, Iowa; sons John Melton (Denise) of Alum Creek, and Roger Melton (Laura) of Durham; thirteen grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.   Pat is also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Todd Lemons.

Warmest thanks are extended to the Croasdaille Home Care Department for the wonderful care provided to Pat during her illness, with a very special thank you to Joann Toler, whose loving, gentle manner is greatly appreciated. 

 A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road in Alum Creek, WV with Pastor Tim Waldron officiating. Friends may call on Friday, January 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 20, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Graceland Memorial Park, 100 Graceland Circle, South Charleston, WV.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Transitions Live Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Howard Ray, Mooney, 85, of Ridgeview went home to be with the Lord, on Sunday, January 14, 2018. 

He played on the famous Olcott baseball team in the late 1940’s.  He was a member of the Emmons Church of God.  He served in the US Army during the Korean war and was a member of the Alum Creek VFW serving on the  honor guard, retired as a machinist for General Electric in Cincinnati, OH, where he built airplane parts. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry, parents, Walter & Elizabeth Mooney, syblings, Harold Clark, Walter Mooney, Jr., Bessie Caruthers Huff, Carl Shug, Paul Carter, and Robert Mooney. 

He is survived by his wife, Patty, daughter, Debbie Klems, brothers, Buck (Laura) Mooney and Jack (Donna) Mooney, and four grandchildren. 

Service will be 1:00pm Thursday, January 18, 2018, with Pastor Mike Graley and Evangelist Stevie Cox officiating at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek.  Burial will follow at Barker Cemetery, Ashford, with military graveside honors by the Alum Creek VFW Post #4768.  Family and friends will gather from 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the funeral home. 

The family wants to give a special thank you to the staff of Eastbrook Nursing home and Kanawha Hospice for their wonderful care.

Rebecca J. “Susie” Holstein, 68, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018, at home after a long illness.

She is predeceased by her parents, Earl & Martha Walker.

She is survived by her husband, Danny, son, Danny Ray Holstein, two nephews, “raised as sons”, Robert and David Walker, sisters, Linda Barnhart and Robin Westfall, brother Earl Walker, and three grandsons, Dustin Harmon and Little Danny & Jessie, and sister in law Doris Buffington.

Memorial service will be 1:00pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Olcott Community Church with Joey Holstein officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donation toward to funeral expenses.

Jack Alan Carroll Lawrence came into this world in Nashville, Tennessee on September 14, 1938. He left this veil on Sunday, January 7, 2018, going home to be with the Lord after an extended battle with cancer.

Jack was called to pastoral ministry in his mid-30s, and served congregations in Texas, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Alaska before returning to his native West Virginia. In the Mountain State, Jack initially pastored the Henning Church of God in Greenbrier County, and was then called to the Abney Street Church of God in St. Albans, where he was Senior Pastor from 1987 to 2017.

Jack married the love of his life, Linda Carol Hudson, in 1960. He is survived by Linda, and their three children, Michael (Marianne), John (Hope), and Margaret Hill (Tom).

Raised in the Kanawha Valley by Stanley and Arleen Lawrence (may they rest in peace), he was the oldest of 9 children, and is survived by David (Betty), Jane Pauley, Danny, Vickie Thaxton, Rosemary Bolano, Tim, and Candy Statkus, as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, with another great grandchild on the way. His brother Stanley, also known as “Hooker,” predeceased him.

In 1956, at 17, Jack enlisted in the US Air Force. After serving tours in North Africa and across the United States, he returned to the Kanawha Valley, were he met Linda at a South Charleston Black Eagle football game at Oakes Field. Romance and a lifelong marriage followed. Mike, John and Margaret were all born in the 1960s, while Jack and Linda worked various jobs in Charleston and South Charleston.

Driven by his innate intellectual curiosity, Jack earned a history degree from West Virginia State College in 1970, all the while working full time to support his family. He continued to work in the Kanawha Valley until 1974, when, after prayerful consideration and guidance from the pastoral staff of 5th Avenue Church of God in South Charleston, he undertook graduate theological studies in Houston, Texas. While pursuing his graduate studies, he ministered to the Church of God congregation in Alvin, Texas.

In 1976, Jack was called to pastor the Church of God congregation in Fairbury, Nebraska, where he served to 1978. From Fairbury, he was led to the Welcome Home Church of God in West Monroe, Louisiana.

From Welcome Home, Pastor Lawrence was called to missionary work at the Church of God on Kodiak Island Alaska in 1979. Jack fully embraced the rugged lifestyle of the Last Frontier, joyfully and loving serving the Kodiak congregation, but also making time to fish, hike, and drink in the natural beauty of Kodiak. Jack and Linda frequently opened their parsonage home to many transients and college students passing through Kodiak. Hundreds of people found refuge and warm meals in their home.

And from Alaska, God called Jack and Linda back to West Virginia.

Linda and her family grieve Jack’s passing, but take consolation in God’s promise to his Faithful Servants. They are also grateful to friends and former parishioners from across the United States for taking the time to express their condolences. This is a testament to the scope of the lives touched by Jack’s life and ministry.

Service will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, at the Abney Street Church of God with Rev. Larry McCallister and Rev. Steve Hewitt officiating. Burial will follow at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV 25064.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Abney Street Church of God, 617 Abney St., St. Albans, WV.

In lieu of flowers, Jack requested donations to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387 or the Abney Street Church of God. The Lawrence Family has been awed by the passionate and professional care extended by Hubbard House.

Mary Ellen Pauley, 86, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Dunbar, at the home of her daughter, Cathy, who took wonderful care of our Mom.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Ernest Ray Pauley, parents, Bill & Ellen Clendenin Fletcher, great-grandsons, Jaykob Carter and Jonathan Michael Moles, four sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by daughters, Sharon (Mike) Moles, Deborah (Jim) Elzey, Cathy Pauley, Rhonda (Mark) Hunt, son, Steve (Mary) Pauley, sister-in-law, JoAnn Fletcher, 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Service will be 1:00pm, Wednesday, January 10, 2018 with Pastor Tony Bailey officiating, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek.  Family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston.

The family gives a special thank you to Hospice and the CNA  Holly Clark, who was like an angel from God.