Person Page - 16

     Mary "Polly" Davis was buried at Cemetery at Yates Tavern, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia. She was born on October 5, 1774 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia. She married Samuel Yates, son of Stephen Yates Sr. and Lydia Parsons, on March 17, 1795 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.¹ As of March 17, 1795,her married name was Yates. Mary "Polly" Davis died on April 19, 1858 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, at age 83.^1,2

     Her Social Security Number was 200-36-3181.⁵ Harriet Edwards Sowder was born on June 17, 1902 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3 As of July 16, 1928,her married name was Sandorff.⁶ She married Alfred Jacob Sandorff on July 16, 1928 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.^7,6 Harriet Edwards Sowder died on November 11, 1989 at Pennsylvania at age 87.⁵

     Mary Thrash Sowder was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,5 She was born on June 8, 1904 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia; Her death certificate has a birth date of Jun 9, 1904.^4,5 She died on August 5, 1965 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 61.^3,5 She Funeral services were held yesterday for Miss Mary T. Sowder of Christiansburg. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. A. J. Sandorff, Wayne, Pa; two brothers, Valentine A. and Allen Sowder, Christiansburg. Burial was in Sunset Cemetery. on August 9, 1965.³

     His Social Security Number was 229-50-8263.⁷ Allen Edwards Sowder was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁷ He was born on October 18, 1909 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,1 He married Blanche Ethel Radford, daughter of Floyd Radford and Nettie C. Woolwine, on August 23, 1941 at Washington, D.C..^1,2 Allen Edwards Sowder died on August 20, 1976 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 66.

     His Social Security Number was 227-07-6811.⁷ Valentine Ashby Sowder was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "SKD 2 US Navy WWII."^1,4 He married Osie Zimmerman.^8,2 Valentine Ashby Sowder was born on September 26, 1905 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,3,4 He died on February 9, 1978 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 72.^7,4

     Osie Zimmerman married Valentine Ashby Sowder, son of Valentine Marion Sowder and Susan Adelaide "Sue" Edwards.^2,1 Osie Zimmerman was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 231-24-7613.⁴ Her married name was Sowder. She was born on March 9, 1911 at Virginia.⁴ She died on September 17, 2003 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 92.^2,4,3 She SOWDER, OSIE ZIMMERMAN 92, of Christiansburg, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, Valentine Sowder. She worked for many years on the Montgomery County Library Bookmobile. She was a member of the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church since she moved to Christiansburg in the early 30's after her marriage. She had a great love for the church family and the church. She will be remembered and missed by her Bridge partners and those who shared some of the many thousand cheese straws and cookies she made over the years. Survivors include her sister, Beth Chrisman of Christiansburg; brother, George Zimmerman of Salem; nieces and nephews, Judy Job of Christiansburg, Susan Bayan of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Mike Smeltzer of Roanoke, Steve Smeltzer of Salem, Robin Smeltzer of Abingdon, George Smeltzer of Atlanta, Ga., Linda Francisco of Salem, Randy Zimmerman of Salem, John Zimmerman of Salem. Many great-nieces and nephews also survive her. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 19, at the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church with Dr. Donald Makin officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, 107 West Main Street, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. The Sowder family is being served by Horne Funeral & Cremation Service, Christiansburg. (382-2612) on September 18, 2003.²

     Blanche Ethel Radford was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.³ She was born on May 16, 1913 at Virginia.¹ She married Allen Edwards Sowder, son of Valentine Marion Sowder and Susan Adelaide "Sue" Edwards, on August 23, 1941 at Washington, D.C..^1,2 As of August 23, 1941,her married name was Sowder. Blanche Ethel Radford died on June 9, 1973 at age 60.¹

     Allen Edwards "Ned" Sowder Jr. was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,2 His Social Security Number was 229-64-6358.⁵ He was born on September 30, 1948 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,5 He married Mary Kathleen Adams on November 18, 1967 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Allen Edwards "Ned" Sowder Jr. died on May 13, 1997 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 48.^4,1,5,2 He SOWDER, Allen Edwards, ("Ned''), 48, of Christiansburg, died suddenly Tuesday, May 13, 1997, at his home. He was born in Christiansburg September 30, 1948. He attended public schools in Christiansburg, the Greenbriar Military School, and was a 1971 graduate of Va. Tech with a major in English. He was a member of the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church and taught for many years in the Virginia public school system, teaching English, history and drama. Ned enjoyed playing and coaching tennis. He worked several years at General Electric and was a proud member of IUE. Most recently, he was a reference librarian with the City of Roanoke. Active in local politics and the Democratic Party, he enjoyed debate in politics and civil liberties and was always the consummate diplomate. Ned never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. His friends will remember his talent for bolstering sagging spirits. He delighted in the simplest pleasures like smelling the air after a rain, listening to Rock & Roll, or walking his cat. He was a talented story teller, making the simplest event turn into an adventure. He loved his cats and Albert and Kismet. Truly, Ned made the world a better place. Surviving are his loving companion, Pamela Gibson; a daughter, Mary Jennifer Sowder, New York; an aunt, Osie Sowder, Christiansburg; cousins, Susan Bayan of South Carolina and Emily Dangler, Unionville. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Friday from the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, conducted by Dr. Donald Makin with burial in Sunset Cemetery. The family requests flowers be omitted and memorials made to the American Heart Association, 200 Evans St., Christiansburg, Va. 24073, or the Humane Society of Montgomery County, Box 2 87, Blacksburg, Va. 24060. The family received friends Thursday evening at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home. on May 16, 1997.¹

     Wesley Lindy Nichols Sr. Wesley Lindy Nichols, 89, of Charlotte Hall, MD departed this life on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at the Hospice House of St. Mary's, Callaway, MD. He was born on December 18, 1930 in Copper Hill, VA to the late, Ira Richard Nichols and Ollie Mae (Wimmer) Nichols. Wesley, affectionately called Samson, met the love of his life, Marian L. Owens and knew he had to make her his forever. They married on July 16, 1949 and celebrated over seventy-one (71) years of marital bliss. Their love was inspiring and grew with each passing year. Their enduring union welcomed eight (8) children, Kathy, Diane, Patricia, Carol, Tammy, Shelia, Wesley and Ronald. A hard-working man, Samson supported his family as a heavy equipment operator at Driggs Construction Company until his retirement in 2001, this was after over sixty (60) years of dedicated service. He never felt like he was going to work, more that he was allowed to "play" with the grown-up version of Tonka trucks. Samson was a kind and generous man. The type of man to give you the shirt off his back, but also willing to show you the way to take care of yourself. He lived a simple life with his beloved wife and treasured moments surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and he was enamored with his nine (9) great-great grandchildren. Whether you know him as Wesley, Samson, Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, or friend, you knew a wonderful and caring man. He will leave behind a legacy of strength, love and happiness. Wesley is survived by his beloved wife, Marian L. Nichols of Charlotte Hall, MD; his children, Kathy M. Haag (Kenneth) of Titusville, FL, Diane Nelson of Ripley, MD, Patricia Harrington (Lance) of Indian Head, MD, Carol Bailey (Teddy) of Charlotte Hall, MD, Tammy Payne of LaPlata, MD, Shelia Shadle (Kevin) of Waldorf, MD, Wesley L. Nichols, Jr. (Debbie) of VA, and Ronald D. Nichols of Charlotte Hall, MD; thirteen (13) grandchildren; nineteen (19) great-grandchildren and nine (9) great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Lena Hoback, Betty Martin, Sue Smith and Fred Nichols and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Ollie Mae Nichols, and siblings, Tommy Nichols, Marshall Nichols, Carl Nichols, John Nichols, Raymond Nichols, Ina Morgan and Pearlie Sowers. The family will receive friends for Wesley's Visitation on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. A Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on November 11, 2020 and officiated by Pastor Wilson Morales. Interment with a graveside service will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, MD 20601.³ He was buried at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Charles Co., Maryland.³ He was born on December 18, 1930 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 He married Marian Lillian Owens on July 16, 1949 at King George Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Wesley Lindy Nichols Sr. died on November 8, 2020 at Callaway, St. Mary's Co., Maryland, at age 89.³

     Ollie Lewis Conner was buried at Bridgeport Cemetery, Bridgeport, Harrison Co., West Virginia.² She was born on August 19, 1901 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 As of June 7, 1930,her married name was Wilkinson.⁴ She married Dr. Bernard Waldo Wilkinson on June 7, 1930 at Richmond, Virginia.^2,7,4 Ollie Lewis Conner died on September 17, 1949 at Clarksburg, Harrison Co., West Virginia, at age 48.²

     Marshall Everette Nichols was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6 His Social Security Number was 227-36-3608.¹⁶ He married Millie Noisy.¹ Marshall Everette Nichols was born on January 14, 1932 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^16,7,17 He married Rhoda Rebecca "Becky" Brown on June 16, 1951 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^1,9 Marshall Everette Nichols married Betty Lee Conner, daughter of Walter Lee Conner and Hattie Leah Shilling, circa 1964.^1,3 Marshall Everette Nichols died on December 5, 2001 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 69.^16,8,17 He Marshall Everette Nichols passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2001, at the VA Medical Center in Salem. Marshall was preceded in death by his father, Richard Nichols, his brothers, Tommy and Carl E. Nichols, and his first wife, Becky Brown Nichols. Marshall is survived by his mother, Ollie Mae Nichols, a son, Thomas E. Nichols, Bishopville, Maryland; two daughters, Wendy Hartung, Huntsville, Maryland and Penny Lynn Nichols, Edgewater, Maryland; their mother, Millie Noisy and their grandmother, Mil Fleming, Edgewater, Maryland; two daughters, Michelle and Candy Lee Nichols, Floyd; their mother, Betty L. Conner, Marshall's best friend for 37 years; his brothers, Wesley Nichols, Maryland, Fred Nichols, Troutville, John N. Nichols and Raymond Nichols, both of Hardy; his sister, Ina Morgan, Lena Hoback, P. Ann Sowers, and Betty Jane Martin, all of Roanoke, Lillian Sue Smith, Check; sister-in-law, Jane M. Nichols; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. Marshall was originally from Copper Hill. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War. He was a long distance tractor trailer driver for 43 years with Lawrence Transportation of Troutville. Burial followed in Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery with military honors by V.F.W. Post #1264. on December 7, 2001.¹

     Nantell "Nannie" Frebush was buried at Bnai Israel Cemetery, Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^6,4,7 She was born on April 16, 1871 at Frederick, Frederick Co., Maryland.^6,4,7 She married Leo Schaffer, son of Wilhelm "William" Schaeffer and Therese Popper, on April 19, 1891 at Baltimore, Maryland.^1,2,6,4 As of April 19, 1891,her married name was Schaffer. Nantell "Nannie" Frebush died on February 9, 1961 at Arlington, Virginia, at age 89.^6,8,4,7 She Mrs. Nannie F. Schaffer, 89, of Alexandria, Va., formerly of Charleston, died Thursday in Alexandria after a short illness. She formerly was a member of Temple Israel in Charleston. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ethel Wolfe of Chicago, Ill., and Mrs. Severna Rothchild of Alexandria; and a son, Dr. Phillip Schaffer, address unknown. Services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home by Rabbi Samuel Volkman. Burial will be in B'nai Israel Cemetery. The body will arrive at the funeral home at 10 a.m. today. on February 11, 1961.⁸

     Abraham Spangler was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 He was born on December 19, 1849 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,1 He married Sarah Amanda Bowman on October 27, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1 Abraham Spangler Mr. Abraham Spangler, a prominent citizen of the Poff neighborhood, died Oct. 3, 1923, in the Jefferson Hospital, at Roanoke, where he had gone for treatment two weeks before. It was thought that an operation might relieve him but it was found that his case had gone too far and that an operation would do no good. Mr. Spangler was nearly 74 years of age, having been born in Dec., 1849. He was a member of the Brethren church at Red Oak Grove, and a Christian gentleman. His souls desire seemed to be doing something for his maker and his fellowman. He was a great Sunday School worker and was always present unless providentially hindered. He was absent from Sunday School only two Sundays just before his death and those two were spent in the hospital. He was a great Bible student and took delight in imparting the scriptures and its meaning to those about him. The Sunday School has lost one of its best members, his class a devout and faithful teacher, his church a modern example and his community a noble leader and high toned citizen. His funeral was preached at Red Oak Grove on Friday by Elds. P.R. Vest and C.E. Williams in the presence of a large and sympathetic crowd, who had met to pay a last tribute of respect to one they loved and esteemed The pall bearers were his Sunday School class and the flower girls were members of his Sunday School. After the funeral his body was laid to rest in the cemetery nearby to await the resurrection. He is survived by his wife, five children--two sons and three daughters--Herman and Harman, Mrs. B.H. Yopp, Misses Mollie and Loula May, one brother, Eld. S.G. Spangler and one sister, Mrs. Dillard Sowers, and besides these he leaves a host of other relatives. We extend deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
in October, 1923.³ He died on October 3, 1923 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 73.^4,3

     Raymond Lee Nichols was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁶ He was born on September 27, 1947 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁷ He died on August 23, 2019 at Virginia at age 71.⁶ He Raymond Lee Nichols, 71, of Hardy, Va., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 23, 2019, at his home following a brief battle with cancer. He is the youngest son of the late "Rich" and Ollie Mae Nichols of Copper Hill, Va. Raymond is survived by his loving and caring partner of 20 years, Carolyn Thomason; along with children, Paula Thomason (Scott), Deaney Simpkins, Ben Thomason, Daniel Thomason, Stephanie Hartsook (Matthew), Angela Burton, and Woody Burton; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored him greatly. He is remembered as a kind, gentle and caring man who loved kids, his family, friends, animals and they all will certainly miss him. He is also survived by his brothers, Wesley (Marian) Nichols of Charlotte Hall, Md., and Fred (Patricia) Nichols; his sisters, Lena (Norman) Hoback, Betty Jane Martin, and Sue Smith; sister-in-law, Jane Earnestine Nichols; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Marshall (Betty Lee) Nichols, Carl Nichols, Johnny Nichols, and infant brother, Tommy Nichols; his sisters, Ina Nichols Morgan and Pearlie Ann Nichols Sowers; brother-in-law, Barry Smith; and two special nephews, James Martin and Wayne Smith. Raymond worked most of his life as a mechanic. He moved to California to work as an airplane mechanic at a very young age and lived on a large horse ranch. He later returned to the Roanoke Valley where he continued his mechanic work, most recently as a diesel mechanic for Hammond Trucking and Cundiff Trucking for a number of years. He was a jack-of-all-trades and could do most anything he set his mind to. His family would like to thank the staff at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Medi Home Hospice for their care during these past several weeks. Many thanks to all the family and friends for their care, prayers, visits, cards and the love shown by all—God Bless You! A Graveside Service will be conducted 1 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2019, at Copper Hill Cemetery. on August 25, 2019.⁶

     Ina Marie Nichols was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹³ She was born on June 3, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,5 She married James Marlin Guilliams, son of Alvin Robert "Alvie" Guilliams and Ora Ellen Nichols, on June 23, 1951 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of June 23, 1951,her married name was Guilliams. Ina Marie Nichols and James Marlin Guilliams were divorced on January 27, 1971 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ As of September 6, 1980,her married name was Morgan.⁴ Ina Marie Nichols married Wilburn Harris "Will" Morgan, son of Robert James "Bob" Morgan Sr. and Iva Lillian Conner, on September 6, 1980 at Roanoke, Virginia.^15,4 Ina Marie Nichols and Wilburn Harris "Will" Morgan were divorced on December 10, 1998 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ Ina Marie Nichols died on December 13, 2016 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 83.¹³ She Ina Nichols Morgan, 83, of Roanoke died Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at her home. Ina was retired from Fred Whitaker and was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ollie Mae Wimmer Nichols. She is survived by her children, David Guilliams of Roanoke, Charity (Van) Wilson of Vinton, Cindy (Juan) Barcenas of Roanoke, Linda (Paul, Jr.) Thompson of Roanoke and Joy (Philip) Nunley; 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; her siblings, Wesley (Marian) Nichols of Maryland, Lena (Buck) Hoback and Betty Martin both of Roanoke, Fred (Pat) Nichols of Troutville, Raymond (Carolyn) Nichols of Smith Mountain Lake and Sue (Barry) Smith of Check; also numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like express their “Thanks” to Amedisys Hospice and caregivers Terri, Jewell and Brittney for all their dedicated care and love for Ina during her illness. A funeral service will be held at Oakey’s South Chapel, Saturday, 2:00 P.M. December 17, 2016 with Pastor Rick Brown officiating. Interment will be in Copper Hill Cemetery, Floyd County. on December 15, 2016.¹³

     His Social Security Number was 234-09-6033.⁴ Dr. Bernard Waldo Wilkinson was born on August 31, 1902 at Cottageville, Jackson Co., West Virginia.^4,5,2,3 He married Ollie Lewis Conner, daughter of Valentine Thrash Conner and Kate Elma "Hatta" Tice, on June 7, 1930 at Richmond, Virginia.^1,5,3 Dr. Bernard Waldo Wilkinson died in April, 1974 at West Virginia at age 71.⁴

     James Thomas "Tommy" Nichols was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,7 He was born on May 21, 1946 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,6 He died on October 31, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁷

     Her married name was Chatham. Margaret Unknown was born circa 1820 at Pennsylvania.¹ She married David Jefferson "Jeff" Chatham, son of James Chatham and Hannah Black, before 1860.^2,1

     Francis S. "Frank" Chatham was buried at Ganoe Cemetery, Rt. 18048, West Keating Township, Clinton Co., Pennsylvania.^8,6,3 He married Mary Alice Myers.^8,6,5,9 Francis S. "Frank" Chatham was born on October 28, 1847 at Flemington, Clinton Co., Pennsylvania.¹ He died on September 22, 1897 at Pottersdale, Clearfield Co., Pennsylvania, at age 49.^3,4 He Mr. Frank Chatham died at Pottersdale on Wednesday and his funeral occurred yesterday at that place. Deceased is survived by his wife and four children. He was aged about 47 years and was a veteran of the late war, having been a member of the First Pa. cavalry. He formerly resided in this city and has relatives here and at Flemington. (Served in Military Co. D, 1st Regiment, Pa. Volunteers, Calvary) on September 29, 1897.^6,4

     George William Gast was buried at Highland Cemetery, 6th and N. Fairview Streets, Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Pennsylvania.² He married Sarah Unknown.¹ George William Gast was born on February 1, 1832 at Clinton Co., Pennsylvania.² He died on February 1, 1906 at Lock Haven, Clinton Co., Pennsylvania, at age 74.²

     Sarah Unknown married George William Gast, son of John Adam Gast and Catherine Wolf.¹ Her married name was Gast. Sarah Unknown was born circa 1829 at Pennsylvania.¹