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     Lelia Alice Sumpter was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on March 22, 1915 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married Cornelius J. Apperson on April 13, 1940 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² As of April 13, 1940,her married name was Apperson. Lelia Alice Sumpter died on March 5, 2002 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 86.¹ She SUMPTER, Lelia Alice, 86, of 1015 College Ave., Bluefield, W.Va., passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2002 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Born on March 22, 1915 in Floyd, Va., she was a daughter of the late James Hardee and Addie Harman Sumpter. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bluefield and was a former member of the Board of Trustees for Bluefield College for 16 years. She was retired from the Bluefield Telephone Company after many years of service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister and five brothers. She is survived by three sisters, Virginia Hawes of Roanoke, Va., Margie Drumheller and her husband, John of Lynchburg, Va., and Katherine Elder and her husband, George of Buena Vista, Va. and Robert Sumpter and his wife, Freda of Durham, N.C. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 7, 2002 at 11 a.m. from the First Baptist Church in Bluefield. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. from the Jacksonville Cemetery in Floyd, Va. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call today from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to your favorite local charity. Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory of Bluefield is in charge of arrangements. E-Mail of cards or condolences to the family may be sent to Mercer@MercerFuneral.com. on March 7, 2002.¹

     Almena Katherine "Kitty" Sumpter was buried at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, State Route F-742 and Peaceful Lane, Rockbridge Co., Virginia.^3,9 Her Social Security Number was 227-03-3198.¹⁰ She married George Garland Elder Jr.^6,3,9 Her married name was Elder.³ Almena Katherine "Kitty" Sumpter was born on May 26, 1917 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,3,4,9,5 She died on August 27, 2007 at Buena Vista, Rockbridge Co., Virginia, at age 90.^10,9 She Almena Katherine (Kitty) Sumpter Elder, 90, of Buena Vista died Monday, August 27, 2007 at the Golden Living Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late George Garland Elder, Jr. Born in Floyd County May 26, 1917, she was a daughter of the late James Hardy and Addie Harmon Sumpter. She graduated from the Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Richmond and retired after many years in the nursing profession. She was a member of Buena Vista Baptist Church. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Jane Elder Dove, two sisters, Alice Sumpter and Verna DeHart and five brothers, Curtis Sumpter, James Sumpter, Jr., Melvin Sumpter, William Sumpter and Joseph Sumpter. Survivors include, Gehrig Lee Dove and his wife Ronda of Buchanan; three grandchildren, Lori Almena Dove Chovanec and her husband Chris, PFC Ryan Gehrig Dove, stationed in Iraq and Chelsea Lee Dove of Buchanan; two sisters, Marjorie Grace Drumheller of Lynchburg and Virginia Sumpter Hawes of Roanoke; one brother, Robert S. Sumpter of Durham, N.C; and several loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday at the Lomax Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Roy Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Buena Vista Rescue Squad. Lomax Funeral Home, 540-261-6585, is serving the Elder family. on August 29, 2007.³

     George Garland Elder Jr. married Almena Katherine "Kitty" Sumpter, daughter of James Hardee Sumpter and Addie Harmon.^1,2,3 George Garland Elder Jr. was buried at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, State Route F-742 and Peaceful Lane, Rockbridge Co., Virginia.^3,4 He was born on May 7, 1923 at Pittsylvania Co., Virginia.^3,4 He died on December 17, 2006 at Buena Vista, Rockbridge Co., Virginia, at age 83.^3,4 He George Garland Elder Jr., 83, of Buena Vista, died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006, at the Shenandoah Valley Health Care Center. Born May 7, 1923, in Pittsylvania County, he was the son of the late George G. Elder Sr. and Lucy Margaret Starkey Elder. He was previously employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and was a farmer. He was a member of Buena Vista Baptist Church and a World War II, U. S. Army veteran. Mr. Elder was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Jane Elder Dove; and his siblings, Cornelius Brown, Robert Elder and Joseph Elder. Surviving are his wife, Katherine "Kitty" S. Elder, of Buena Vista; "their boy," Gehrig Dove and wife, Ronda Dove, of Buchanan; three grandchildren, Lori A. and husband, Chris Chovanec, of Kansas City, Mo., Spc. Ryan G. Dove, of Fort Riley, Kan., and Chelsea L. Dove, of Buchanan; a brother, John Franklin Elder, of Concord; and two sisters, Pauline Tibbs, of Manassas, and Beatrice Jones, of Greensboro, N.C. Burial will follow in Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. on December 18, 2006.⁴

     William Fitch "Willie" Goin Tyree was buried at Amherst Cemetery, Amherst, Amherst Co., Virginia.⁵ His Social Security Number was 227-16-8331.⁷ He William changed his last name to his stepmother's last name. He was born on June 9, 1899 at Virginia; His gravestone has a birth date of Jun 9, 1901.^7,5 He married Mary Frances Olivia "Livie" Tyree, daughter of Joseph Marshall Tyree and Georgianna Tyree, circa 1920.^1,3,2,4,8,6 William Fitch "Willie" Goin Tyree died on June 7, 1993 at Lynchburg, Virginia, at age 93.^7,5,6

     Haden Alvah Wade was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,7 He was born on March 2, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1 He married Nellie Elizabeth "Elinor" Light, daughter of Victor Olander Light and Roxie E. "Rosie" Hall, on April 2, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,6,2,3 Haden Alvah Wade died on March 14, 1963 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 62.^1,3,7

     Pearl Emma Walton was buried at Walton Cemetery, Pee Wee Drive, S. E., Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She was born on March 29, 1900 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 She died on January 11, 1938 at Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 37.²

     Alfred Livingston Walton was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on September 4, 1893 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4,5 He married Mary Susie Mountcastle circa 1920.^6,8,4 Alfred Livingston Walton died on August 17, 1958 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 64.⁴

     James Henry Miles was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Bluewell, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^6,3 He was born on November 7, 1877 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,2,3 He married Nellie Ward Poff, daughter of George Isaac Wilson Poff and Callie Amanda Huff, on August 24, 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,3 James Henry Miles died on June 15, 1943 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 65.^6,3

     Georgia Anna Tyree was buried at Gowen Family Cemetery, on Rt 820 near Rt 657, Gladstone, Nelson Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born in 1870 at Amherst Co., Virginia.^5,2 She married Fitzhugh Lee Goin, son of Robert A. Going and Lucinda Harding, on February 1, 1886 at Amherst Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 As of February 1, 1886,her married name was Goin.² Georgia Anna Tyree died on January 6, 1942 at Gladstone, Nelson Co., Virginia.³

     Rev. Roy Alvin Poff was buried at Huffville Union Church Cemetery, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8 He was born on June 21, 1911 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,8,5 He married Lottie Myrtle Lovell, daughter of Robert Allen Lovell and Lucinda Ellen Conner, on September 7, 1931 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2,10 Rev. Roy Alvin Poff married Mary Ethel Costigan on October 25, 1962 at Radford, Virginia.^3,10,4 Rev. Roy Alvin Poff died on January 23, 1993 at Richmond, Virginia, at age 81.^8,1 He POFF, Roy Alvin, 81, of Richmond and formerly of Floyd, died in a Richmond hospital Saturday, January 23, 1993. Surviving are one son, Wayne Poff of Bassett; one grandson, Barry Poff of Pilot, Va; and two sisters, Marjory Nichols of Pilot, Jean Alley of Salem. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday in Wood Funeral Home with the Rev. Elbert L. Naff officiating. Burial will follow in Huffville Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Wood Funeral Home, Floyd. on January 24, 1993.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 231-24-1939.⁴ Jennie E. "Jean" Poff was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ She was born on October 9, 1912 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5,1 She married Benjamin Asa "Ben" Alley, son of Hosea Dillard "Hosie" Alley and Lillie Clara Duncan, on September 22, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,6 As of September 22, 1933,her married name was Alley. Jennie E. "Jean" Poff died on April 4, 2000 at Virginia at age 87.^4,5 She ALLEY, Jennie Poff, of Christiansburg, formerly of Salem, was received into the arms of her Lord and Savior Tuesday, April 4, 2000. She was preceded to Heaven by her husband, Benjamin Asa Alley. She was born October 9, 1912 in the hills of Floyd County and moved to Salem with her husband in the late 1950's. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother as well as a caring friend to all who knew her. Throughout her life, she faithfully served God and her community as a member of Red Oak Grove, Masons Cove and Wildwood Grace Brethren Churches. Known for the magnificent flowers she grew, her floral arrangements graced the sanctuaries of each church she attended. She was one of the first merchants to sell produce at the Salem Farmer's Market in 1983 and continued thereafter for many years. Many friends and loved ones have been the blessed recipients of her kindness and hospitality throughout her time on this earth and she will be greatly missed. Surviving are a son, Aubrey Lee Alley of Florida; a daughter, Ella Mae McFalls, Roanoke; one sister, Margie Nichols, Pilot; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday from the Horne Funeral Chapel, Christiansburg, conducted by the Rev. Leon Alley. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke. Friends may call anytime after noon Thursday at the funeral home and the family will receive friends there from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. on April 6, 2000.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 719-05-7283.⁴ Benjamin Asa "Ben" Alley was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^5,3 He was born on February 2, 1904 at Virginia.^4,3 He married Jennie E. "Jean" Poff, daughter of Noah Flemon Poff and Carrie Etta McNeil, on September 22, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1,3 Benjamin Asa "Ben" Alley died on October 23, 1977 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 73.^4,3

     Carlton Lee Ferris Carlton Lee Ferris, age 52, of 1345 Forest Lawn, Salem, died Thursday. He was an employee of Graves Humphreys, Inc. He is survived by his father, Harvey L. Ferris, one sister, Mrs. Lorraine Hall, both of Salem; two neices, Mrs. Linda Jenkins, Roanoke, Miss Tammy Hall, Salem, one nephew, Richard Hall, Salem. Funeral will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Salem Church, Copper Hill, with Elder Roy Agee officiating, with internment in Restvale Cemetery.² He was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4 His Social Security Number was 228-30-8065.⁸ He and Patricia Ann Aldridge were divorced.⁴ Carlton Lee Ferris was born on March 23, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^8,4 He married Patricia Ann Aldridge, daughter of Charles Walker "Charlie" Aldridge and Grace Prudence "Gracie" Palmer, on June 6, 1964 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Carlton Lee Ferris died on September 17, 1980 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 52.^8,4

     Luther Griffin Wertz was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 224-20-1387.⁴ He was born on September 1, 1893 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,2,3 He married Iva Hazel Poff, daughter of James Nathan Poff and Martha Rosetta "Rosa" Whitenack, on June 11, 1969 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3,5 Luther Griffin Wertz died on March 4, 1983 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 89.^4,3

     John Wesley Goin was buried at Gowen Family Cemetery, on Rt 820 near Rt 657, Gladstone, Nelson Co., Virginia.³ He was born in March, 1887 at Virginia.² He died on May 10, 1910 at Nelson Co., Virginia, at age 23.³

     Her Social Security Number was 225-48-4061.⁷ Betty Jo Poff was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.^5,8 She was born on January 27, 1933 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^9,8,7,10 As of October 7, 1950,her married name was Cronk.⁹ She married Sherrill Dean Cronk on October 7, 1950 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,5,9,11 Betty Jo Poff died on April 14, 2013 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 80.^5,12,8,7 She Betty Poff Cronk, 80, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Keimer L. Poff and Lottis T. Poff, of Shawsville. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 62 years, Sherrill D. Cronk; three children, Linda Cronk Miller and her husband, E.M. Miller, of Richmond, Trish Cronk Tarpley and her husband, Ned Tarpley, of Salem, and Mark Cronk and his wife, Alison Gray Cronk, of Union Hall; six grandchildren, Natalee Miller Rinaca and husband, Wade Rinaca, of Richmond, Ken Miller and wife, Annie Miller, of Richmond, Kelsey Tarpley and Phillip Tarpley, of Salem, Sam Cronk and Ryane Cronk of Union Hall; and two great-grandchildren, Sam and Carter Rinaca, of Richmond; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Jean Poff, of Shawsville; and many special nieces and nephews. Betty attended Shawsville High School where she met her best friend and future husband, Sherrill. They married in October 1950. From 1952 to 1956 they lived in California while Sherrill served in the Navy during the Korean War. After moving back to Virginia to be near family and friends, they made their home in Salem. Betty was a generous and loving person, and spent her life helping and caring for others. The family sends a special thanks to her caretakers, Trina Holland, Tami Lee, Beverly Abbott, Chris Pilling, Stacy Robertson, Tracy Mikels, Lynette Smith and Sue Meadow. Interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery. on April 16, 2013.⁵

     Sherrill Dean Cronk Sherrill Dean Cronk - Sherrill passed away peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born in Elliston on May 18, 1931, the youngest son of his late parents, Arthur F. Cronk, and Laura Hutton Cronk. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Poff Cronk, brothers Wyatt Poff and Nyle Cronk, and sisters Martha Pearl Pittman and Jenny Henson. Sherrill is also survived by his daughter Linda Miller (EM), son Mark Cronk (Alison), and daughter Trish Tarpley; his beloved grandchildren, Natalee Rinaca (Wade), Ken Miller (Annie), Kelsey Tarpley, Phillip Tarpley (Jaime), Sam Cronk, and Ryane Cronk; his great-grandchildren, Sam and Carter Rinaca, Pyper and Leelin Miller, and Nathaniel Tarpley, along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the second love of his life, Gloria Anderson, who has been his loyal companion for over 10 years. Sherrill was a hard worker and provider his whole life, starting work at 14 (with only a tiny fib about his age) at Green Hill Meatpackers. He served in the Navy 1952-1956 in the Pacific Corridor during the Korean War as a Radarman 1st Class. Returning to Elliston, he also returned to Green Hill where he quickly rose to Sales Manager. He moved to Valleydale in 1982 as Sales Manager. Sherrill served on the Board of the Salem Recreation Committee. He secured land, funding and the support of a few loyal neighbors to build a playground in Beverly Heights, where a pavilion stands today named in his honor. He served as President of the Roanoke Valley Grocery Manufacturers, on the Board of the Virginia Food Dealers Association, and taught Sunday School and served as Deacon of West Salem Baptist Church. Sherrill was incredibly fortunate to have caregivers who loved him and whom he adored. They enriched his life beyond measure, and the family will be forever grateful to Shanelle Ellington, Jaime McNabb and Lynette Smith for their dedication. Jeremy Howard and his team at Gentiva Hospice also held a special place in his heart. Military Honors will follow at Fair View Cemetery.⁵ He was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ He was born on May 18, 1931 at Elliston, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,5,6 He married Betty Jo Poff, daughter of Keimer Lamar Poff and Lottis Jewell Thomas, on October 7, 1950 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,7,3,4,5 Sherrill Dean Cronk died on March 31, 2024 at Virginia at age 92.⁵

     Thelma Ellen Poff was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 230-03-2437.⁵ She was born on October 5, 1917 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2 As of August 20, 1936,her married name was Long.⁶ She married Ernest Marshall Long on August 20, 1936 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,6 Thelma Ellen Poff died on August 29, 1991 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 73.^5,2 She Mrs. Thelma P. Long, 73, of 2517 Clovis Street, Bluefield, W.Va. and formerly of Lafayette, Va. died Thursday at her residence. Born in Floyd County, she was a daughter of the late J. Boston Poff and Della J. Manning Poff. She was a homemaker and a member of the Grace United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Marshall Long and a sister, Goldia St. Clair. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. William (Joyce) Fisher of Bluefield, W.Va; one sister, Clarice St. Clair of Roanoke; grandson, Michael Ernest Fisher of Bluefield, W.Va. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2:0 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel in Bluefield with Dr. Arnold G. Husk officiating. Graveside services and burial will be held Monday at the Sherwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Salem at 12:00 p.m. Friends may call Saturday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorial contributions may made to Hospice of Mercer County, P.O. Box 328, Bluefield, W.Va. 24701. on August 31, 1991.²