Person Page - 535

     Oswald Lester "Boy" Williams was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,5 He was born on August 17, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1 He married Elizabeth Cynthia "Eliza" Wimmer, daughter of Noah Preston Wimmer and Martha Magdaline Neff, on June 2, 1959 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,5 Oswald Lester "Boy" Williams died on January 19, 1987 at age 85.⁶

     William Winfield "Bill" Williams was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1,3,4 He was born on August 5, 1872 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,1,2,3,4 He married Uwalker "Babe" Mills, daughter of Anderson Mills and Sarah Frances Gearheart, on July 19, 1894 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3,4 William Winfield "Bill" Williams died on January 2, 1945 at age 72.^5,1,3,4

     Uwalker "Babe" Mills was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2,3,4 She was born on June 1, 1870 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 She married Claiborne Harvey Wimmer, son of James Madison Wimmer and Sophia Brown, on October 21, 1888 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 As of October 21, 1888,her married name was Wimmer. Uwalker "Babe" Mills married William Winfield "Bill" Williams, son of Haden H. "Hade" Williams and Lucy E. Holt, on July 19, 1894 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 As of July 19, 1894,her married name was Williams. Uwalker "Babe" Mills died on July 1, 1953 at age 83.^2,4

     Claiborne Harvey Wimmer was born on August 1, 1868 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4 He married Uwalker "Babe" Mills, daughter of Anderson Mills and Sarah Frances Gearheart, on October 21, 1888 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 Claiborne Harvey Wimmer died on November 27, 1890 at age 22.^2,3,4

     James Edward "Jimmy" Conner Jr. James E. Conner, Jr., 75, of Riner, passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Conner, Sr. and wife Ruby. Growing up in Floyd County James attended Check High School. After graduation he worked at Kroger in Salem for 33 years. Following a brief retirement from Kroger, James went back to work as a valet at Carilion in the New River Valley for five years. James was a loyal and passionate fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Vikings, Virginia Cavaliers athletics, and Jeff Gordon racing. In his spare time James enjoyed gardening, canning food, and going on 4-wheeling trips to West Virginia with his friends. James is survived by his wife of 17 years, Linda Hoosier; daughter, Cindy Conner; son, Jeff Conner; stepchildren, Sharon Wright, Stephen Wiley, and Suzanne Wiley; grandchildren, Allen and Adam Conner, Amber Dalton, Dustin McClure, Matthew and Bethany LaPrade, Shelley and Shane Wright, and Claire and Emma Wiley; great-grandchildren, Brayden and Mila LaPrade, and Camden Conner; and long-time friends, Doug Westmoreland, Brenda Horne, and Jimmy, Sarah, Landon, and Ava Marrs.³ He was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁹ He was born on July 12, 1943 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,9 He married Ramona Ann Cook on April 22, 1967 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,10 James Edward "Jimmy" Conner Jr. and Ramona Ann Cook were divorced on June 7, 1985 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ James Edward "Jimmy" Conner Jr. married Linda Elaine Hoosier on July 29, 2001 at Pulaski Co., Virginia.^3,4 James Edward "Jimmy" Conner Jr. died on January 20, 2019 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 75.^3,9

     Iva Eloise Conner was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,7 She was born on September 23, 1939 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married Richard Lee Young, son of Roy Lee Young and Cecil Gertrude Nichols, on September 21, 1956 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of September 21, 1956,her married name was Young. Iva Eloise Conner and Richard Lee Young were divorced on March 29, 1961 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁸ As of June 21, 1961,her married name was Turman.⁹ Iva Eloise Conner married Franklin D. "D" Turman on June 21, 1961 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,10,9,2 Iva Eloise Conner died on October 21, 2020 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 81.² She Iva Eloise Conner Turman, 81, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. She was born on September 23, 1939, in Check, Virginia. Iva was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin (D.) Turman; her parents, James E. and Ruby Conner; and her brother, Jimmy Conner. Our mother had the best sense of humor and loved to make you laugh. She loved her family, was our rock, and was the best mother to us all, grandma and great grandma. She was a hard-working one-of-a-kind lady whose entire family will cherish all the wonderful memories she created. She is survived by her children, Becky Graham, Ricky Turman (Vicky), Deana Fralin (Wayne), Sandra Painter (Jesse), and DeWayne Turman (Mindy); her grandchildren, Billy Graham, Michael, Vince, Zach and Chris Turman, Lindsay, Ashley and Daniel Setchel, Cody Turman, Hannah Bowles, Greg and Graci Fralin, and JD Turman, who she had a special bond with; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Bruce Conner (Kathy), and Kenneth Conner (Robin), and many special nieces, nephews, and extended family. The family sends a very special thank you to Mindy Scheinder, who Mom loved like a daughter and took special care of her when she needed it most. The Graveside Service will be conducted at Copper Hill Cemetery in Copper Hill, Va. on October 23, 2020.²

     Elizabeth Ann Martin was born in April, 1820 at Virginia.³ As of before March 20, 1848,her married name was McGee.⁴ She married Unknown McGee before March 20, 1848.⁴ Elizabeth Ann Martin married Jacob R. Conner, son of William R. "Billy Strong" Conner and Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Poff, on March 20, 1848 at Monroe Co., Virginia (now West Virginia); Ann's maiden name was probably Martin. On her marriage certificate she lists her father as Michael Martin of Monroe Co., West Virginia.¹ As of March 20, 1848,her married name was Conner. Elizabeth Ann Martin died before November 24, 1904 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Her husband Jacob remarried in Nov of 1904 so Elizabeth must have died before this date.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 223-84-9667.¹⁵ Dessie Mae Conner was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^16,1 She was born on January 2, 1911 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^15,16,12 She died on March 4, 1996 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 85.^15,16,1,2 She CONNER, Dessie Mae, 85, formerly of Copper Hill, died Monday night, March 4, 1996, in a Salem nursing home. Surviving are a sister and brother-in-law, Aldene C. and Thomas Nichols of Roanoke; a brother and sister-in-law, Alvin E. and Attaway Conner of Bent Mountain; several nieces and nephews; her stepmother, Ora S. Conner of Check, and three sisters-in-law, Juanita P. Conner, Bonnie R. Conner and Nadine Archer. Interment will be in Restvale Cemetery. on March 6, 1996.¹

     Calla Ann "Callie" Poff was buried at Harman Cemetery (also known as Poff Family Cemetery or Pineview Cemetery), just off Rt. 114, Vicker, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁹ She was born on July 25, 1869 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Her gravestone has a birth date of Aug 2, 1869.^2,3,4 She married Robert D. Weese/Weiss on April 8, 1889 at Pulaski Co., Virginia.³ As of April 8, 1889,her married name was Weese. As of June 19, 1902,her married name was Heslep.^1,5 Calla Ann "Callie" Poff married James B. Heslep on June 19, 1902 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6 Calla Ann "Callie" Poff died on May 5, 1934 at Elliston, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 64; Her gravestone has an incorrect death date of May 30, 1934.^8,6,9

     George M. Hart was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, El Paso Co., Colorado.² He was born on January 5, 1866 at Illinois.^1,2 He married Estella M. "Stella" Davee, daughter of Daniel S. Davee and Sophia Tulewiler, circa 1900.¹ George M. Hart died on June 10, 1918 at Colorado at age 52.²

     James William Alvah Sowder Jr. was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.³ He was born on January 11, 1927 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ He married Coretta Olivia "Rita" Garraghty on June 20, 1951 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,6,7 James William Alvah Sowder Jr. died on December 6, 2006 at Blue Ridge, Botetourt Co., Virginia, at age 79.³ He James Alvah Sowder, 79, of Blue Ridge, formerly of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 6, 2006, from his home. He was born in Roanoke, January 11, 1927, son of the late James A. Sowder, Sr. and Emma Mitchell Sowder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Gary Sowder; two sisters, Geneva Seaman and Martha Ann Sowder. Jim served in the US Navy during World War II as an Aviation Machinist. He was an advertising Salesman for Reuben H. Donnelly Company, for many years. He was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Coretta (Rita) Sowder; daughter, Donna de Simone and her husband, Mick of Blue Ridge; two grandsons, Matthew de Simone of Roanoke and Patrick de Simone of Blue Ridge; sister, Dolores Johnson and her husband Carl of Douglasville, Ga; a number of nieces and nephews; lifetime friend, Algie Martin of Floyd. Funeral Service will be held at the graveside, 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2006, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Chapel Mausoleum. The Revs. Donna Hopkins Britt and Timothy E. Martin to officiate. Those wishing to make memorials please consider Calvary Baptist Church, 608 Campbell Ave. SW, Roanoke, Va. 24016. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Oakey's North Chapel. on December 7, 2006.³

     Geneva Mitchell Sowder was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.³ Her Social Security Number was 226-26-5258.⁹ She married Richard F. Seaman.^2,3 Her married name was Seaman. Geneva Mitchell Sowder was born on April 14, 1924 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,4 As of February 27, 1945,her married name was Jones.⁵ She married Jacob Newton Jones Jr. on February 27, 1945 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ Geneva Mitchell Sowder died on March 9, 1995 at age 70.^9,3 She SEAMAN, Geneva M., of Roanoke, died Thursday, March 9, 1995. Surviving are her husband, Richard F. Seaman; son and daughter-in-law, James T. and Gabrielle Jones, Buena Vista; four grandchildren, Josie Turcotte, Coral Springs, Fla., Jason Lloyd, Tampa, Fla., Jeannine C. Lloyd, Tampa, Fla., Jeremy W. Jones, Buena Vista; two great-grandchildren; one brother, James A. Sowder, Roanoke; two sisters, Martha Ann Sowder, Roanoke, Shirley D. Johnson, Altanta, Ga. Services will be at Oakey's North Chapel, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 1995. The Rev. David Kirk will officiate. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel after 2 p.m. Friday, where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. on March 10, 1995.³

     Her Social Security Number was 223-94-8271.⁸ Martha Ann "Polly" Sowder was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.³ She was born on November 5, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,8,4 She died on May 10, 2003 at age 74.^8,3 She SOWDER, Martha A., (Polly), 74, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday May 10, 2003. She was the daughter of the late James A. Sr. and Emma B. Sowder. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Geneva Sowder Seaman. She is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, James A. Jr. and Coretta "Rita" Sowder of Roanoke; sister and brother-in-law, Dolores and Carl Johnson of Douglasville, Ga; brother-in-law, Richard F. Seaman of Roanoke; three nephews and two nieces. A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Monday May 12, 2003 in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Rev. David Kirk officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Oakey's North Chapel 362-1237.
on May 12, 2003.³

     Coretta Olivia "Rita" Garraghty was born on February 18, 1926 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^1,3 She married James William Alvah Sowder Jr., son of James William Alvah Sowder Sr. and Emma Blanche Mitchell, on June 20, 1951 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5,1,2 As of June 20, 1951,her married name was Sowder.¹ Coretta Olivia "Rita" Garraghty died on August 17, 2021 at Virginia at age 95.² She Coretta O. Sowder, 95, of Blue Ridge, Va., went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Alvah Sowder Jr; her son, James Gary Sowder; her parents, Ernest and Olivia Garraghty; and five brothers, Ashley, Reginald, Ernie, Calvin, and Giles Garraghty. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Sowder de Simone (Mick); her grandsons, Matthew James de Simone and Henry Patrick de Simone (Kaitlyn); two sisters, Marianne Wydner (John) and Myrianne Padgett (Roy); sister-in-law, Lillian "Betty" Garraghty; her loving caregiver, Gina Pickard; and many nieces and nephews. Coretta "Rita" was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church and served as a preschool Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years. She was always known for her sweet, kind ways. on August 20, 2021.²

     His Social Security Number was 229-82-8732.⁵ James Gary Sowder was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² He was born on July 15, 1952 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,3 He died on October 18, 1993 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 41.² He SOWDER, James Gary, 41, of Roanoke, died Monday, October 18, 1993, in a local hospital. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Surviving are his parents, James A. and Coretta G. (Rita) Sowder; sister and brother-in-law, Donna S. and Mick deSimone; two nephews, Matthew and Patrick deSimone, all of Roanoke; a number of aunts, uncles & cousins. Services will be at Oakey's North Chapel, 3 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. M. Dennis Herman and Dr. Harry Y. Gamble will officiate. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel after noon Tuesday where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. It is suggested that memorials be made to the Harry Y. Gamble Series at Calvary Baptist Church. on October 19, 1993.²

     Redell Carr was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.^6,7 She was born on September 1, 1925 at Northfork, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^5,6,7 As of August 30, 1945,her married name was Byrant.⁵ She married Wallace Preston Byrant on August 30, 1945 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,6 Redell Carr died on April 22, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 20.^6,7

     Wallace Preston Byrant was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.^2,4 His Social Security Number was 231-05-5505.³ He was born on February 8, 1925 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{1,2,3,4,5,7,6} He married Redell Carr, daughter of Isaac McKinley "Ken" Carr and Elva Rebecca "Elvy" Whitenack, on August 30, 1945 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,4 Wallace Preston Byrant died on November 5, 1989 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 64.^2,3,4,7,8

     Matilda Poff was buried at Sumpter Cemetery, off Rt. 8, at the end of Rt. 698, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,4 She was born on June 1, 1845 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,4 She married Joseph Sumpter, son of Richard Sumpter and Catherine "Caty" Sowder, on September 21, 1865 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of September 21, 1865,her married name was Sumpter. Matilda Poff died on August 17, 1904 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 59.^5,4

     Jacob Poff Conner was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia; Buried without a headstone. He was born circa 1813 at Montgomery Co., Virginia. He married Addena Mary "Polly" Furrow, daughter of Mathias Furrow and Barbara Weaver, on October 9, 1833 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ Jacob Poff Conner married Levicy Tabitha "Lavica" Wilson, daughter of Joshua Wilson and Sarah Likens, on July 19, 1849 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2 Jacob Poff Conner Deed Between the Sons of William Conner
This deed made the 17th day of Aug. 1854 between Jacob P. Conner and Louisa his wife and Nathan Conner and Eliza his wife. Isaac Conner and Caroline his wife, and Daniel P. Conner and Elizabeth his wife, and Andrew Conner and Matilda his wife heirs and representative of William Conner deceased of the one and first part all of the County of Floyd and State of Virginia and William P. Conner of the county and state aforesaid of the second part witnesses that for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred and seventy five dollars in hand paid to the said Jacob P. Conner and Louisa his wife and Nathan Conner and Eliza his wife and Isaac Conner and Caroline his wife and Daniel P. Conner and Elizabeth his wife and Andrew Conner and Matilda his wife heirs and representatives as aforesaid of William Conner deceased have this day bargain and sell ______released and confirmed and by these presents do bargain and sell _________release and confirm unto the said William P. Conner all there whole sole and entire interest right and title to all the land Estate belonging to them as heirs and representatives of the aforesaid William Conner deceased and do forever warrant and free from us or any of our liens or any persons claiming under us and we Daniel P. Conner and Elizabeth his wife has for and in consideration of the above mentioned consideration also bargained and sold and do forever bargain and sell unto the said William P. Conner and do forever relinquish any claims that they may of had to the aforesaid _____ estate of William Conner deceased previous to his death and do also forever warrant and _____ the same free from us or any of our heirs in witness, whereof the parties hereto subscribed our names and as said seals this date above writing. Signed by all the above named. William H. Boyd and Bird Smith J.P. on August 17, 1854.⁴

     Mary Ann Davis was born circa 1802 at Virginia. She married Lewis Burwell Overstreet circa 1825 at Bedford Co., Virginia. As of circa 1825,her married name was Overstreet. Mary Ann Davis died before 1850.

     Samuel L. Sweeney Samuel was a prosperous farmer who was reputed to have owned 1000 acres, partly inherited from his father, in the Little River District of Floyd Co., Virginia. Samuel and Margaret (Thomas) Sweeney lived on a large farm past the Floyd County poorhouse, on route 679. Samuel was a constable in Floyd Co. for over 30 years. He donated an acre of land for Cabbal School. Margaret got sick when her son Peter was small, and was bedfast for several years. Samuel used hired help to run the home. Margaret died when Peter was twelve. Samuel then married Mary Young, and had three more children. Samuel's mother, Nancy (Moore) Sweeney, lived to be ninety and stayed with Samuel in her older days. The small children worried Nancy, so Samuel built her a house near his own. Her grandson, Peter Edmund Sweeney, stayed with her some to keep firewood and do chores for her. He was born on June 4, 1828 at Franklin Co., Virginia. He married Margaret Thomas on February 15, 1855 at Floyd Co., Virginia. Samuel L. Sweeney died on May 28, 1906 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 77.