Person Page - 349

     Lorene Jane Sowder was buried at White Cemetery (also known as Crockett Cemetery), Rt. 637, near Rt. 11, Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on December 28, 1927 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,4 She married James Ellwood Pearman Sr., son of Elbert Wilson Pearman and Lavinia Alice "Venie" Conner, on April 3, 1947 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,5,4 As of April 3, 1947,her married name was Pearman. Lorene Jane Sowder died on April 8, 2023 at Virginia at age 95.⁴ She Lorene Sowder Pearman died peacefully at her daughter's home at the age of 95, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from heart failure. Lorene was born in Montgomery County, Va., on December 28, 1927, to John Lee Sowder and Nora Effie Whitlock Sowder. Karetta Whitlock Sisson and Dudley Ralph Sisson, her mother's sister and her husband, raised Lorene after her mother died in childbirth. After graduating from Shawsville High School, she began working at the Bank of Shawsville and spent her career there as head teller, becoming an integral part of the daily lives of the residents in and around Montgomery County. She married her across-the-street neighbor, James E. Pearman, Sr., in 1947. They shared 63 years of marriage until Jim's death in 2010. Lorene was a loving wife and mother who balanced raising three children with working full time and excelled at both. She was kind, compassionate, and soft spoken, which belied her strong will and quick wit. She never complained and always appreciated everything and anything she received. She loved her family and demonstrated her love with actions as well as words. Whether it was getting up early to help deliver papers for her son's paper route, letting an anxious 5-year-old crawl into bed, or having an open door whenever her children or grandchildren needed her, she always put her family first. Lorene was the center of the Pearman family gatherings and hosted numerous family holiday celebrations over many years. Her hands were rarely idle. Whether baking chocolate chip cookies, sharing her famous pecan pies, or sewing her latest quilt, she shared her love and kindness through her handiwork. Many friends and family were blessed to receive one of her beautiful quilts, every stitch affectionately sewn by hand. Lorene loved sports. Her favorites were ACC college basketball, Virginia Tech football, and pro football. She attended every Virginia Tech home football game until age 93. She appreciated the beauty of nature. Flowers, sunny days, singing birds, winter snowfalls, and fall foliage always brought her joy. Lorene is survived by her three children, Jim (Brenda) Pearman, Ruth Keeling, and Steve (Susan) Pearman; two grandchildren, Deidre (AT) Willis and Morgan Pearman (Brian Gwiazdowski); four great-grandchildren, Vincient Keeling, JaCori Willis, Sincere Willis, and Connor Gwiazdowski; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews within the Sowder, Sisson, and Pearman families. She was predeceased by her husband, James E. Pearman Sr; grandson, Cory James Keeling; and her Sowder and Sisson brothers and sister. Services will be held at White Memorial United Methodist Church. A private burial ceremony will precede the church service. on April 12, 2023.⁴

     James Ellwood Pearman Sr. was buried at White Cemetery (also known as Crockett Cemetery), Rt. 637, near Rt. 11, Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,8 His Social Security Number was 224-24-5866.¹³ He was born on August 29, 1925 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{2,14,13,3,5,6} He married Lorene Jane Sowder, daughter of John Lee Sowder and Nora Effie Whitlock, on April 3, 1947 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,8,15 James Ellwood Pearman Sr. died on March 14, 2010 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 84.^13,14,4,6,8 He James E. Pearman, 84, of Shawsville, Va., passed from this life to be with his savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, March 14, 2010. He joins his father and mother, Elbert W. and Lavinia C. Pearman; eight brothers and sisters; and beloved grandson, Cory James Keeling. Jim was born in Shawsville and spent his life working to make it the best place it could be. He helped others his entire life and left this world a better place than he found it. Jim served in the Navy during World War II and one of the joys in his life was reunions and swapping stories with his shipmates from LST 889. After his return from World War II he married his sweetheart, Lorene Sowder, whom he cherished for their 63 years together. He is also survived by his three children, James E. Pearman Jr. and Brenda, Ruth P. Keeling, and Steven D. Pearman and Susan; his granddaughters, Deidre K. Willis (A.T.) and Morgan Pearman; and his precious great-grandchildren, Vincient Keeling and Ja-Cori Willis. In addition, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other loving friends and family survive him. Jim started working at Bank of Shawsville in 1953 and worked in every capacity until his retirement in 1988 as Chairman of the Board. He continued his work career as owner of Shawsville Insurance Agency and as a founding Board member of Meadowbrook Retirement Community. He spent his retirement enjoying his family and friends, traveling, and Virginia Tech sports. Jim helped charter the Shawsville Ruritan Club in 1948, was a member of Craighill 160 Masonic Lodge, the Kazim Shrine Temple, and was actively involved in numerous community activities over his career. He was a lifelong member of White Memorial United Methodist Church in Shawsville. The family wishes to thank Lonnie Raines for being a special neighbor and friend, Sharon Blount and Keesh for their loving care during his final days, the nurses and staff of the Progressive Care Unit on 8W of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and also the many friends who were such a major part of his life. A private graveside service will be held at White Cemetery prior to the memorial service. on March 15, 2010.⁸

     Elda Lee "L. D." Sowder was buried at Sowder Cemetery, Rt. 609 from Shawsville to Rt. 634, cemetery is on a hill behind an old barn at Bonys Run, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² He was born on July 19, 1851 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,1 He married Lucy Ann Gross on May 20, 1873 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ Elda Lee "L. D." Sowder died on June 12, 1917 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 65.²

     Lucy Ann Gross was buried at Sowder Cemetery, Rt. 609 from Shawsville to Rt. 634, cemetery is on a hill behind an old barn at Bonys Run, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² She was born on September 6, 1852 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,1 She married Elda Lee "L. D." Sowder, son of Jacob Sowder and Sarah Jane Lee, on May 20, 1873 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ As of May 20, 1873,her married name was Sowder. Lucy Ann Gross died on December 14, 1929 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 77.²

     Jacob Sowder was buried at Sowder Cemetery, Rt. 609 from Shawsville to Rt. 634, cemetery is on a hill behind an old barn at Bonys Run, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on December 15, 1812 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Sarah Jane Lee on October 7, 1839 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ Jacob Sowder died on August 13, 1895 at Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 82.¹

     Sarah Jane Lee was buried at Sowder Cemetery, Rt. 609 from Shawsville to Rt. 634, cemetery is on a hill behind an old barn at Bonys Run, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on April 6, 1819 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ She married Jacob Sowder, son of Michael Sowder and Elizabeth McNeely, on October 7, 1839 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ As of October 7, 1839,her married name was Sowder. Sarah Jane Lee died on September 6, 1897 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 78.¹

     Elizabeth McNeely was born in 1783 at Montgomery Co., Virginia. She married Michael Sowder on March 6, 1805 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ As of March 6, 1805,her married name was Sowder. Elizabeth McNeely died on May 28, 1859 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.

     Samuel Going Jr. was born circa 1820 at Virginia; Probably born in Amherst Co., VA.²

     John Shelbourne Whitlock was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Ida Virginia Atkinson.¹ John Shelbourne Whitlock was born on December 4, 1863 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He died on May 27, 1944 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 80.¹

     Ida Virginia Atkinson married John Shelbourne Whitlock, son of Jonathan H. Whitlock and Elizabeth Jane Gardner.² Ida Virginia Atkinson was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ Her married name was Whitlock. She was born on May 26, 1871 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ She died on November 28, 1926 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 55.¹

     Her married name was Turner.³ Sophia Going married Unknown Turner.³ Sophia Going was born circa 1825 at Virginia.²

     Her Social Security Number was 231-03-6074.³ Gladys Louise Gunter was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,4,6 She was born on February 19, 1922 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 She married George Daniel Whitenack, son of George Jasper Whitenack and Ollie D. Craghead, on May 9, 1942 at Simpsons, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of May 9, 1942,her married name was Whitenack.¹ Gladys Louise Gunter and George Daniel Whitenack were divorced on January 18, 1954.¹ Gladys Louise Gunter died on November 2, 1992 at Radford, Virginia, at age 70.^3,4,6 She Gladys Louise Jennelle, age 70, died Monday in a Radford hospital. She is survived by her husband, Orville H. Jennelle, Radford; one son, Daniel M. Whiteneck, Enon, Ohio; one daughter, Kathy Sue Gillenwater, Christiansburg; six sisters, Agnes G. Bryant and Josephine G. Williams, both of Christiansburg; Lillie G. Walker, Wytheville, Bobbie Gunter, Blacksburg, Jeanetta G. Reynolds, Culpepper, Ollie G. Morris, Baltimore, Md; three brothers, Sonny R. Gunter, Paul L. Gunter and Jimmy W. Gunter, all of Christiansburg; one grandchild, Matthew James Gillenwater. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. on November 3, 1992.⁶

     Marvel Florence Berry married George Daniel Whitenack, son of George Jasper Whitenack and Ollie D. Craghead.² Her Social Security Number was 473-20-1932.¹ Marvel Florence Berry was buried at Louisville Memorial Gardens (West), 4400 Dixie Highway, Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky.³ Her married name was Whitenack.² She was born on September 2, 1920 at Princeton, Mille Lacs Co., Minnesota.¹ She died on October 15, 1996 at Louisville, Jefferson Co., Kentucky, at age 76.^4,1,2 She Marvel F. Whitenack, 76, died Tuesday at her home. She was the former Marvel Berry; a native of Princeton, Minn; and a Baptist. Survivors: her husband, George D. Whitenack; a son, Daniel M. Whitenack; daughters, Laurie A. Horn and Susan Corbin; a brother, Vernon Berry; sisters, Marie Becker and Betty Blank; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. on October 17, 1996.²

     Daniel McKinley "Danny" Whiteneck was born on March 22, 1943 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3 He died on June 2, 2015 at Ohio at age 72.³

     His Social Security Number was 230-05-0151.⁶ Lubert Felty Brown was buried at Broadway Town Cemetery, Broadway, Lee Co., North Carolina.^7,5 He was born on November 14, 1914 at Wythe Co., Virginia.^6,2,3,5 He married Nellie Irene Whitenack, daughter of George Jasper Whitenack and Ollie D. Craghead, on November 17, 1949 at Hillsville, Carroll Co., Virginia.^1,4 Lubert Felty Brown died on January 7, 1998 at Sanford, Lee Co., North Carolina, at age 83.^6,2,7,5 He Lubert F. Brown, 83, of Lot 23, Thornwood Mobile Home Park, died Wednesday in Central Carolina Hospital. He was a retired heavy equipment operator. Burial will be in Broadway Town Cemetery. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Irene W. Brown of the home; a daughter, Mary D. McNeill of Sanford; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. on January 9, 1998.⁷

     Watson Lee Dickerson was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on December 22, 1944 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,4 He married Mary Ellen Brown, daughter of Lubert Felty Brown and Nellie Irene Whitenack, on January 21, 1967 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Watson Lee Dickerson and Mary Ellen Brown were divorced on August 17, 1992 at Lee Co., North Carolina.³ Watson Lee Dickerson died on June 29, 2016 at Raleigh, Wake Co., North Carolina, at age 71.⁴ He Watson Lee Dickerson, 71, of Raleigh, N.C., died peacefully, Wednesday, June 29, 2016. He was born on December 22, 1944, in New Altamont Hospital, Christiansburg. He was preceded in death by parents, Riley Tazewell and Anna Ella Martin Dickerson. He grew up in the Alleghany Springs section of Shawsville in Montgomery County and graduated from Alleghany District High School in 1965. In 1970 Watson and his family moved to Moncure, N.C., for work opportunities. He lived in several locations of North Carolina for 46 years. He is survived by a son, Robert Dwayne "Bobby" Dickerson (Amelia) of Pittsboro, N.C; a daughter, Teresa Dawn Morton (David) of Wilmington, N.C; five grandchildren, Jennifer Lynne Dickerson, Rhonda Michelle Gordon (Dakota), Victoria Nicole Dickerson, Adam Allen Morton, Ashley Nicole Morton; and one great-grandchild, Hunner Red Gordon. He is also survived by one brother, Marshall Dickerson (Donna) of Vinton; three sisters, Betty Sowder (Jim) of Mechanicsville, Jeanette Graham of Shawsville, Edna Conner of Salem. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. He loved gardening and fishing at a favorite spot on Jordan Lake. He also loved woodworking and making wooden gifts he gave to the family. He pursued a vocation in building, construction, cabinetry, and landscaping. He had a special talent in the details of cabinetry. He worked for Boise Cascade, Knowles Cabinet Shop, Buies Creek Landscaping, and P and L Construction Co., among others. He often spoke of moving back to Alleghany Springs, but only in death is this dream realized. He will have his final rest in the Piedmont Cemetery, Alleghany Springs section of Shawsville, Va. on July 10, 2016.⁴

     Wife Unknown married Samuel Going circa 1818.¹ As of circa 1818,her married name was Going. Wife Unknown died circa 1825.¹