Person Page - 454

     Luther Alvin Sowers was buried at Topeco Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Rt. 221, Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 223-28-1541.⁷ He was born on July 2, 1922 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,7 He married Laura Catherine Hungate on August 18, 1945 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² Luther Alvin Sowers died on April 2, 2005 at Radford, Virginia, at age 82.^1,7 He Luther Alvin Sowers, 82, of Floyd, passed away Saturday April 2, 2005 at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents Jab and Stella Sowers, a sister Winnie Bowers, brother and sister-in-law Troy and Elizabeth Sowers and a nephew, John Wayne Sowers. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Laura Catherine Sowers, Floyd; two sisters, Rheba Vaughn, Wills, Jo Ann Hale, Salem; several loving nieces and nephews. Interment to follow at Topeco Cemetery. Special thanks to the surgical unit nurses at New River Valley Medical Center and Dr. Steve Siner. on April 3, 2005.¹

     Rheba Mae Sowers was buried at Willis Cemetery (also known as Keith Cemetery), Rt. 221 at Rt. 764, Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,9 She was born on June 21, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,9 She married French Mabery on June 7, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8,10,11 As of June 7, 1941,her married name was Mabery. Rheba Mae Sowers married Howard Rudolph Vaughn on October 4, 1986 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,8 As of October 4, 1986,her married name was Vaughn. Rheba Mae Sowers died on June 4, 2015 at Virginia at age 90.^8,9 She Rheba (Mabery) Vaughn, 90, of Willis, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 4, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents Jabe and Stella Sowers, husbands, French Mabery and Howard Vaughn, and a great grandchild. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Edward Mabery and wife Doris, Clifford Mabery and wife Linda and daughter, Dianne Buckner; Grandchildren, Michael Mabery, Lori Parrish, Kelli Chaffin, Isaac Buckner; 4 step-grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; sister, JoAnn Hale. Interment to follow in the Willis Cemetery. on June 6, 2015.⁸

     Her Social Security Number was 302-28-6146.² Martha Jane Whitt was buried at Ft. Meigs Cemetery, Perrysburg, Wood Co., Ohio.³ She was born on May 25, 1933 at Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio.^2,3 She married Robert J. Purvis on December 19, 1952 at Toledo, Lucas Co., Ohio.⁴ As of December 19, 1952,her married name was Purvis. Martha Jane Whitt died on January 12, 1979 at Maumee, Lucas Co., Ohio, at age 45.^5,4,3

     Winnie Rhea Sowers was buried at Barringer-Maberry Cemetery, on a hill on south side of Rt. 799, 3.5 miles east of Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 Her Social Security Number was 231-24-3941.¹¹ She was born on February 14, 1927 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,1,3,6 As of January 11, 1944,her married name was Spangler.³ She married Arnold Spangler on January 11, 1944 at Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., North Carolina.³ As of April 18, 1945,her married name was Bower.³ Winnie Rhea Sowers married Walter Bernard Bower on April 18, 1945 at Spartanburg, Spartanburg Co., South Carolina.³ Winnie Rhea Sowers and Arnold Spangler were divorced on October 11, 1948 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ Winnie Rhea Sowers and Walter Bernard Bower were divorced on October 3, 1977 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Winnie Rhea Sowers died on October 27, 1978 at Hollins, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 51.^1,5

     Jo Ann Sowers was buried at Barringer-Maberry Cemetery, on a hill on south side of Rt. 799, 3.5 miles east of Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁵ She married Harold Steve Hale.⁴ Her married name was Hale. Jo Ann Sowers was born on September 27, 1932 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 She married William Edward Lee Sr. on December 23, 1949 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of December 23, 1949,her married name was Lee. Jo Ann Sowers and William Edward Lee Sr. were divorced on September 22, 1961 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ As of January 30, 1962,her married name was Terry.⁷ Jo Ann Sowers married Henry Macon Terry, son of George Spencer Terry and Myrtle Estelle Atkinson, on January 30, 1962 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁷ Jo Ann Sowers and Harold Steve Hale were divorced on May 14, 1992 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ Jo Ann Sowers died on May 12, 2018 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 85.⁵ She Jo Ann Sowers Hale of Salem, Va., passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Richfield Recovery and Care Center. Jo Ann was born September 27, 1932 to the late Jabe and Stella Poff Sowers. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Luther and Troy; sisters, Rheba Mabery Vaughn and Winnie Bowers. She is survived by her daughters, Margurite Ann Sink, Kay Barbour and husband Mike, Vickie Sanders and husband Roger; grandchildren, Heather Steyn, Andy Sink and wife Laura, Jeremy Barbour and wife An, Jonathan Barbour and wife Megan, Krystal Snavely; great-grandchildren, Rylan, Griffin, Keegan, Elsie, Luella; stepchildren, Mitzie, Teppi and Joe; her many nieces and nephews that she was so very fond of. Interment to follow in the Barringer Cemetery. The family would like to thank staff at Richfield Recovery and Care Center and at the Joe Thomas Center for their kind dedication. Jo Ann will be greatly missed by her Family and Friends. on May 15, 2018.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 229-32-1968.³ Elizabeth June Alderman was buried at Barringer-Maberry Cemetery, on a hill on south side of Rt. 799, 3.5 miles east of Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on June 7, 1922 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married Troy Leslie Sowers, son of James "Jabe" Sowers and Stella Edna Poff, on May 24, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4,5 As of May 24, 1941,her married name was Sowers. Elizabeth June Alderman died on January 27, 2004 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 81.^4,3 She Elizabeth Alderman Sowers, 82, of Willis, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2004, at Skyline Manor Nursing Home. She was the widow of Troy L. Sowers. Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, William Ray (Billy) and Freeda Sowers of Willis; daughters and son-in-law, Wanda Bolt, Sandra and Gary Dillon of Willis; sisters, Gertha Aldridge of Vinton, Freeda Gragon of Leonardtown, Md., Ruby Gray of Lexington, Md; grandchildren, Tommy Sowers, Michele Lytton, Kevin Sowers, Mickey Bolt, Jimmy Wayne Radford; step-granddaughter, Kristen Dillon; eight great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2004, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will be in the Barringer Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Maberry Funeral Home . on January 29, 2004.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 225-12-9645.² French Mabery was buried at Willis Cemetery (also known as Keith Cemetery), Rt. 221 at Rt. 764, Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,4,5 He was born on September 26, 1918 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,6,3,7,4 He married Rheba Mae Sowers, daughter of James "Jabe" Sowers and Stella Edna Poff, on June 7, 1941 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8,6,5 French Mabery died on November 16, 1984 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.^6,4,5 He French Mabery, age 66, died Friday night in a Roanoke hospital. He was a veteran of War World II and a retired carpenter. He is survived by his wife, Rheba Sowers Mabery, Willis; two sons, Edward Mabery, Willis; Clifford Mabery, Salem; one daughter, Dianne Weeks, Willis; three brothers, Thurman Mabery, Floyd; Elmond Mabery, Meadows of Dan; Ray Mabery, Willis; three grandchildren, Michael Mabery, Kelli Weeks, both of Willis; Lori Mabery, Salem. Burial will be in the Willis Cemetery with graveside rites by the Hillsville VFW Post. on November 18, 1984.⁵

     Howard Rudolph Vaughn was buried at Topeco Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Rt. 221, Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,6 His Social Security Number was 223-22-9074.⁷ He was born on June 10, 1921 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,7,8,6,3,5,9} He married Rheba Mae Sowers, daughter of James "Jabe" Sowers and Stella Edna Poff, on October 4, 1986 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,10 Howard Rudolph Vaughn died on January 2, 1994 at Willis, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 72.^7,2,6,4,9 He VAUGHN, Howard Rudolph, 72, of Willis, died Sunday, January 2, 1994, at his home. He was a World II veteran. Survivors include his wife, Rheba S. Vaughn, Willis; one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Joe Davis Harris, Floyd; one son, Dean Howard Vaughn, Roanoke; three granddaughters, Andrea Coartney, Riner, Rhonda Harris, Atlanta, Ga., Carla Britt, Blacksburg; three stepchildren, Edward Mabery, Vinton, Clifford Mabery, Salem; Dianne Buckner, Willis; two sisters, Marie Gallimore, Willis, Belva McGuire, Radford; three great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren. Burial will follow in Topeco Cemetery. on January 4, 1994.²

     Walter Bernard Bower was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,2 His Social Security Number was 225-12-9786.⁴ He was born on April 11, 1921 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,4 He married Winnie Rhea Sowers, daughter of James "Jabe" Sowers and Stella Edna Poff, on April 18, 1945 at Spartanburg, Spartanburg Co., South Carolina.⁵ Walter Bernard Bower and Winnie Rhea Sowers were divorced on October 3, 1977 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ Walter Bernard Bower died on December 15, 1995 at Virginia at age 74.⁴ He BOWER, Walter Bernard, 74, of Roanoke Co., passed away Friday, December 15, 1995. Mr. Bower was a member of First Baptist Church and was retired Vice President for Fuel Oil & Equipment Company. Surviving are his wife, Jane W. Bower; his sons and daughter-in-law, R. F. Bower, Chesapeake, D. Michael and Annette Bower, Macon, Ga; his daughters and son-in-law, Joyce Dillard, Lynn R. Bower, both of Salem, Sheila and Kenny Cooper, Roanoke; two stepchildren, Gayle W. Daniel and her husband, William, Roanoke, Dr. Paul A. Wood III of Texas; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Nettie and Dow Wheeler, Cedartown, Ga., Margaret and Norman Adams, Roanoke; a brother and sister-in-law, Lewis P. and Carmen Bower, Durham, Conn; mother-in-law, Sarah F. Wilhelm, Roanoke; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; special friends, Marie Joelle and Maelle Voil, both of the French Embassy in Beijing, China, and Christy Allman, Roanoke. Interment in Sherwood Memorial Park. on December 17, 1995.²

     William Edward Lee Sr. was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on March 13, 1930 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Jo Ann Sowers, daughter of James "Jabe" Sowers and Stella Edna Poff, on December 23, 1949 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ William Edward Lee Sr. and Jo Ann Sowers were divorced on September 22, 1961 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ William Edward Lee Sr. died on March 3, 2018 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 87.⁴ He William E. Lee Sr. "Bill", 87, of Salem, Va., passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Salem VA Medical Center. Born on Thursday, March 13, 1930 to the late Elmer and Beulah Huff Lee. Bill served in the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Janice Jones Lee. Bill grew up in Floyd County. He was a member of New Haven Baptist Church in Floyd, Va. and he attended Crossroads Church in Roanoke, VA. He moved to Salem, Va. in 1951 and had achieved multiple businesses including; farming, a car dealership, a house moving business, and rental properties. He proudly called himself a working man. He is survived by his children, Margurite Sink, Kay Barbour and husband, Mike, Vickie Sanders and husband, Roger, Donna Lee, William Lee Jr. "Billy" and Marion; stepdaughter, Vicki Walker and husband, Pete; 14 grandchildren, Heather Sink, Andy Sink and wife, Laura, Jeremy Barbour and wife, An, Jonathan Barbour and wife, Megan, Krystal Snavely, Gracey, Landon, and Brooklan Lee; stepgrandchildren, Kerri Beck and husband, Danny, Samantha Speakman and husband, Daniel; great-grandchildren, Ryland, Griffin, Keegan, Elsie, Luella. Special thanks to the staff at the Salem VA Medical Center and multiple friends who helped with his care. A funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Akers and the Rev. Claude Carter officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at East Hill Cemetery in Salem, VA with his grandsons serving as pallbearers. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home from 1 until 3 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018. In remembrance of his love for animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be directed toward the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue P.O. Box 13 Hardy, VA 24101 or the Angels of Assisi 415 Campbell Ave. SW Roanoke, VA 24016. on March 4, 2018.⁴

     Elizabeth "Priscilla" Aldridge was born circa 1779 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.² She married Andrew Conner, son of Daniel I. Conner Sr. and Mary Unknown, circa 1803; This may have been Andrew Conner's second marriage.³ As of circa 1803,her married name was Conner.

     Her Social Security Number was 236-88-6065.³ Nellie Isabelle Clark was buried at Montgomery Memorial Park, Route 60, London, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.² She was born on May 27, 1918 at Glen Ferris, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,3 She married William John "Willie" Poff, son of John Floyd Poff and Nora Emma Alderman, on July 1, 1934 at Glen Ferris, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,2,4 As of July 1, 1934,her married name was Poff.¹ Nellie Isabelle Clark Nellie Isabelle Poff, 90, died Wednesday, May 20, at Memorial Health University Medical Center after a brief illness. Mrs. Poff was a native of West Virginia and has lived alone in Ludowici for the past six years. She was a homemaker who lived her life through her children and grandchildren. Mrs. Poff was of the Methodist faith and was a lifelong resident of Glen Ferris, W.V., until health problems brought her to Georgia. She was preceded in death by her late husband, William J. Poff, who died in 1970 and her son, William Nile Poff, who died in 1983. Survivors include her daughters, Nordene (Charles) White of Hinesville, Sharon (Leon) Kennedy of Columbus, and Marjorie (Gilmer) Dorsey of Cottageville, W.V; brother, Warren Clark of Meridian, Miss; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and family from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home in Flemington. Funeral services will be on Monday at Pennington Funeral Home in West Virginia. Burial will be in Montgomery Memorial Park in London City, W.V. Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. on May 20, 2009.² She died on May 20, 2009 at Savannah, Chatham Co., Georgia, at age 90.^2,3

     His Social Security Number was 235-50-2619.⁷ William Nile Poff married Mary Powell. William Nile Poff was born on February 5, 1936 at Glen Ferris, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^7,5,8 He died on November 26, 1982 at Christian Co., Kentucky, at age 46.^7,9,8

     Emma Mae Freeman was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, 5555 Lee Highway, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.⁴ Her Social Security Number was 231-24-4017.⁶ She was born on October 31, 1913 at Virginia.⁶ She married James Christopher Poff, son of John Floyd Poff and Nora Emma Alderman, on May 5, 1930.^5,7 As of May 5, 1930,her married name was Poff. Emma Mae Freeman died on May 1, 2007 at Virginia at age 93.^4,6 She Emma Freeman Poff, 93, of Radford, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2007. She was a member of the Radford Wesleyan Church. Survivors include four daughters, Zetta Cromer of Blacksburg, Doris Satterfield of Greenville, S.C., Betty Vaden of Dublin, and Josephine Hardison of Thomasville, N.C; three brothers, William, Kenneth and Rudolph Freeman; one sister, Mary Franklin; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 4, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford with the Rev. Ersel Alderman officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. www.mullinsfuneral home.com. on May 2, 2007.⁴

     Zetta Mae Poff was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁵ She was born on July 13, 1933 at Radford, Virginia.⁵ As of June 2, 1950,her married name was Cromer.⁸ She married Allen Jackson "Jack" Cromer on June 2, 1950 at Radford, Virginia.^5,6,8 Zetta Mae Poff died on October 10, 2012 at Blacksburg, Virginia, at age 79.⁵ She Zetta Poff Cromer, 79, of Jennelle Road, Blacksburg, departed this life on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at her home in the loving care of her family and hospice. Born in Radford on July 13, 1933, she was a daughter of the late James C. and Emma Freeman Poff. She was retired from the Federal Mogul Plant in Blacksburg. Preceding her in death were her parents and her beloved husband, Allen Jackson "Jack" Cromer. She leaves to cherish her memory her son and daughter-in-law, Ricky Bruce and Marjorie Kaye Cromer, of Christiansburg; her daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Bruce Jarels, of Blacksburg, Jean and Gary Songer, of Blacksburg, and Tonya Kay Cromer, of Blacksburg; her eight grandchildren; her 16 great-grandchildren; her six great- great- grandchildren; and her sisters, Doris Satterfield, of South Carolina, Betty Vaden, of Dublin, and Josephine Hardison, of North Carolina. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 12, 2012, in the Parrott Church of God, Parrott, Va., with Pastor Kenneth Alley officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the services. The Kendall Funeral Home in Pembroke is in charge of the arrangements. on October 11, 2012.⁵

     James Howard "Jimmy" Poff was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, 5555 Lee Highway, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 230-40-7968.⁶ He was born on February 25, 1935 at Radford, Virginia.^1,6,3 He married Dorothy Marie Matherly on December 24, 1964 at Radford, Virginia.^2,3 James Howard "Jimmy" Poff died on December 17, 2003 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 68.^1,6 He James Howard "Jimmy" Poff, 68, of Radford, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at the New River Valley Medical Center. He was retired from Lynchburg Foundry with 31 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Marie Poff of Radford; his mother, Emma Freeman Poff of Radford; two daughters and sons-in-law, Monica and Joey Melton of Greenville, S.C., and Missy and Jeff Heath of Knoxville, Tenn; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Ray and Mack Poff, both of Radford; and four sisters, Zetta Cromer of Blacksburg, Doris Satterfield of Greenville, S.C., Betty Vandin of Dublin, and Josephine Hairson of Thomasville, N.C. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2003, at the Mullins Funeral Home with Ersell Alderman officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. on December 18, 2003.¹

     Ray Thomas Poff was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, 5555 Lee Highway, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 224-46-5488.⁶ He was born on April 11, 1938 at Radford, Virginia.^6,2 He married Norma Jean Wray on November 15, 1958 at Radford, Virginia.² Ray Thomas Poff died on December 5, 2005 at Radford, Virginia, at age 67.^1,6 He Ray Thomas Poff, 67, passed away Monday, December 5, 2005 at his home in Radford. He was retired from Lynchburg Foundry with 43 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Norma Jean Poff of Radford; two daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie Sue and Elmer Smith of Fairlawn and Connie Jewell and Clinton Nichols of Floyd; two sons and daughter-in-law, James Edward and Lan Poff of Richmond and Timothy Ray Poff of Radford; his mother, Emma Freeman Poff of Radford; five grandchildren, Chris, Billy and Tabitha Nichols, Alicia Hyder, and Brittany Poff; three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Summer and Maddison Nichols; and four sisters, Zetta Cromer of Blacksburg, Doris Saterfield of Greenville, S.C., Betty Vaden of Dublin, and Josephine Harleson of Thomasville, N.C. Funeral services will be held Thursday December 8, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home with the Rev. Ersell Alderman. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com
on December 7, 2005.¹

     Mack Lee Poff was buried at Highland Memory Gardens, 5555 Lee Highway, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 227-56-7309.⁴ He was born on July 24, 1939 at Radford, Virginia.^4,3 He died on June 10, 2005 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 65.^2,4 He Mack Lee Poff, 65, of Shawsville, formerly of Radford, passed away Friday, June 10, 2005 at the New River Valley Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his father, James C. Poff, and a brother, James H. Poff. Survivors include his mother, Emma Freeman Poff of Radford; four sisters, Zetta Cromer of Blacksburg, Doris Saterfield of Greenville, S.C., Betty Vaden of Dublin, and Josephine Harleson of Thomasville, N.C; one brother, Ray Poff of Radford; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford with Mr. Ersell Alderman officiating. Interment will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.
on June 11, 2005.²