Person Page - 54

     Millard Oliver Poff Sr. was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,9,4 His Social Security Number was 225-12-9746.¹⁰ He was born on January 22, 1911 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,8,9,2,3,5 He married Ruby Gaye Vest, daughter of Andy Wade "Bud" Vest and Minnie Lottie Perdue, on July 13, 1932 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{2,11,12,3,4,13} Millard Oliver Poff Sr. died on March 4, 1986 at Radford, Virginia, at age 75.^8,9,4

     Her Social Security Number was 223-64-7135.¹² Ruby Gaye Vest was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^13,14,15 She was born on December 7, 1915 at Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{12,13,14,3,4,11,5} She married Millard Oliver Poff Sr., son of John Ira Poff and Delia L. Hall, on July 13, 1932 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{3,15,6,4,16,10} As of July 13, 1932,her married name was Poff. Ruby Gaye Vest died on January 27, 1991 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 75.^{12,13,15,14,4} She Ruby Vest Poff, age 75, died Sunday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Millard O. Poff Sr. Surviving are three daughters and one son-in-law, Gwendolene and Oakley Howard, Roanoke; Josephine Thomas, Glade Spring; Frances Poff, Floyd; four sons and daughters-in-law, Hubert W. (Buddy) and Shirley Poff, Athens, W.Va; Carl and Odessa Poff, Rocky Mount; Junior and Frances Poff, Floyd; Roger and Emma Poff, Christiansburg; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Nellie Conner, Gladys Eanes, and Lillie Conner, all of Check; two sisters-in-law, Irene Vest, Copper Hill; Evelyn Vest, Check. Interment will be in Wilson Cemetery. on January 28, 1991.¹⁵

     Cleatis Reginal "Reggie" Sisson Jr. Cleatis Reginal Sisson, Jr., June 30, 1943 - May 09, 2023. Command Sgt Major VADF Retired, Cleatis Reginal Sisson, Jr. passed peacefully at his home in Floyd County, Virginia under the watchful eyes of his wife, Sally and his Savior, Jesus. He is the son of the late Cleatis R. Sisson, Sr. and Eugenia Hale Sisson, and predeceased by his first wife Mary Ann Douthat Sisson, his son, Lucien Ray Sisson and great granddaughter, Miryam Rose Guzman. Reggie leaves behind to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Sally Marie Akers Sisson of Floyd, son, Cleatis Reginal Sisson, III (Diana) of Salem, daughter, Sonya Sisson St. Jacques, (Lenard Tuck, Jr.) of Bon Air, step daughter Patricia Bugg (Gary) of Pulaski, granddaughter, Rosemary Ann St. Jacques-Guzman (Daniel) of Roanoke, Rosemary’s Father, Steven St. Jacques, step grandchildren, Jamie Finley (Josh) of Monck’s Corner, South Carolina, Adam Bugg (Katie) and Chance Bugg (Summer) of Pulaski, sisters Wanda Lou Henry (Ira Steven) of Roanoke and Janie Lynn Feury (Ronnie) of Salem. Reggie was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School in Salem and a Sergeant in the 80th Division of the United States Army Reserve until the mid 1970’s. He had a brief career in retail but his second love after the military was farming. Reggie would joke that, if he won a million dollars he would pay some bills and see if he could hang on for another year. He spent some time as an extension agent for Virginia Tech and loved nothing more than learning from the farmers that he was meant to instruct. He was the owner of Liberty Cab in Roanoke, Virginia between 1995 and 2004 and was known about town by his call sign “Papa 7.” He had a gift for public speaking and was a talented Auctioneer. He was an avid student of the history of the United States with particular devotion to the Old Dominion, Virginia. Reggie wore many hats in his lifetime both literally and figuratively. There was a perpetual stack of varied headgear at the ready and woe betide the child that played with his hats. Of all the facets of Reggie’s career life, his passion was the Virginia Defense Force. In 1985 Sgt. Sisson was a member of the small band of soldiers that reinvented the Virginia Militia and formed it into the organization that it is today. “VIrginians serving Virginia.” He retired in 2016 as Command Sergeant Major. In his retirement speech he stated that, until he enlisted in the military he was referred to as a boy. Once in uniform, his drill sergeant called him “Young Man.” He made every effort as a volunteer to this great Commonwealth to assist in the development of its young men and young women as citizen soldiers. Reggie was a big believer in second chances. He gave them frequently and took advantage fully of the ones given him. His retirement with Sally was joyful. From their wedding at Dillon Chapel where they enjoy membership, to the family dinners ending in impromptu gospel singing by Patricia and Gary, to picnics at Smartview Park where he got the chance to make coffee on the camp stove. Every day a gift. Every grin a laugh. Every one family. Interment to follow at Red Oak Grove Cemetery.³ He was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on June 30, 1943 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,7,3,9 He married Mary Ann Douthat on July 8, 1963.^5,7,2 Cleatis Reginal "Reggie" Sisson Jr. married Sally Marie Akers on April 16, 2011 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4 Cleatis Reginal "Reggie" Sisson Jr. died on May 9, 2023 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 79.³

     Her Social Security Number was 225-54-7085.⁴ Mary Ann Douthat was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on February 19, 1943 at Newport News, Virginia.^6,2,4,5 She married Cleatis Reginal "Reggie" Sisson Jr., son of Cleatis Rignal Sisson Sr. and Eugenia Doris "Jeany" Hale, on July 8, 1963.^6,1,2 As of July 8, 1963,her married name was Sisson. Mary Ann Douthat died on November 25, 2005 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 62.^2,4,7 She Mary Ann Sisson, 62, of Floyd, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2005. She was the daughter of Raymond and Sarah Frances Douthat of Roanoke, Virginia. Mrs. Sisson was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Douthat and by her youngest son, Lucien Ray Sisson. Mary Ann is survived by her mother, Sarah Frances Douthat of Roanoke; her husband, C. Reginald (Reggie) Sisson, Jr. of Floyd, a son of Staff Sergeant C.R. Sisson III and his wife, Diana Cook Sisson of Salem; a daughter, Sonya Clay Sisson St. Jacques of Richmond; grand daughter, Rosemary Ann St. Jacques; and Rosemary's father, Steven R. St. Jacques, both of Roanoke. Mary Ann Sisson was born in Newport News, Va. and grew up in Salem. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and attended Roanoke College. Mrs. Sisson and her husband of 42 years operated a dairy and beef cattle farm in Floyd, Virginia during the early years of marriage. Mrs. Sisson began kidney dialysis in 1979. Despite her illness, she continued to work as a personal consultant until 1982 when she established Sisson and Company, Inc. Personnel Consultants, which she operated until 2003. Mary Ann was a devout and sincere Christian. Her faith, courage, strength, perseverance, and resilience inspired business and personal acquaintances alike. We remand the custody of our friend, wife, mother, and Nana to our Heavenly Father. May she rest there in His care. The family wishes to personally thank the American Red Cross, the 7th Brigade of the 80th Division of the U.S. Army Reserve, and the officers and enlisted personnel of the Virginia Defense Force. Interment in the Red Oak Grove Cemetery. on November 27, 2005.²

     Luther William Wertz was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ He was born on February 4, 1936 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Wanda Lou Sisson, daughter of Cleatis Rignal Sisson Sr. and Eugenia Doris "Jeany" Hale, on August 2, 1975 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,4 Luther William Wertz died on October 18, 2015 at Virginia at age 79.² He Luther William Wertz, 79, of Roanoke, went to his forever home in Heaven on Sunday, October 18, 2015. He was born on February 4, 1936, the son of the late Hayden William Wertz and Mary Booth Wertz. He was also preceded in death by a sister, whom he adored, Phyllis Wertz Cruze; and a special uncle, Ezra Wertz. Luther is survived by a daughter, Judy Wertz Peck and husband Mike; son, Danny Wertz and wife Tracy; former wife, Sondra Howard Wertz, who remained a close friend; granddaughters, Mandy Murphy (Joey Gautier), Brittaney Wertz (Jason Whittaker), and Taylor Peck; great-grandsons, Hunter Bryce Gautier and Landyn William Wertz; mother-in-law, Dovetta Chambers Howard; and good friend, Rodger Walters. Luther was a member of the Roanoke Police Athletic Boxing Club in the late 1950's. He retired as a supervisor from the Kroger Meat Plant in Salem, in 1987. He served as a Deacon at Gospel Baptist Church for many years. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He was known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Luther was loved by many and will be greatly missed. His greatest passion was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. on October 20, 2015.²

     Carl Lewis Basham was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^7,8 He was born on July 1, 1928 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,6 He married Joyce Edna Yopp, daughter of George Eldridge Yopp Sr. and Evelyn Edna Lawrence, on April 17, 1953 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{1,2,3,9,10,4,7} Carl Lewis Basham died on January 24, 2015 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 86.⁷ He Carl Lewis Basham, 86, of Salem passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He was a son of the late Irving and Dessie Carroll Basham. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Joyce Yopp Basham; sister, Thelma Lucado of Martinsville; brother-in-law, George Yopp Jr. and wife, Louise; sister-in-law, Dolly Grantham; special and devoted friends, Lynn and Stephanie Carroll, Bill and Doris Toppel, Eddie and Connie French, and Stuart Wright, and numerous other friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Bill, Jimmy, Eldridge, Elwood, Harold, and Bobby Basham and brother-in-law, Buddy Grantham. Mr. Basham served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He retired from the Maintenance Department of Roanoke County Schools as a Painting Supervisor. In years passed he served as pastor at Bend Union Chapel and later at Maranatha Baptist Church. Carl was well known for his love of Bluegrass Music and was an accomplished banjo picker and guitar player. He served as Chaplain for the Roanoke Fiddle and Banjo Club for many years. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on January 26, 2015.⁷

     Sophia "Sophie" Salutushkin/Zolotushkin was born circa 1872 at Russia.³ As of circa 1892,her married name was Knoppow.⁴ She married Osher Zelig "Selig" Knoppow, son of Jacob Knoppow and Ida Zabno/Zabrone, circa 1892 at Ukraine.^1,4 Sophia "Sophie" Salutushkin/Zolotushkin died on October 28, 1922 at Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan.¹

     His Social Security Number was 251-74-0197.⁶ Charles Henry "Buddy" Grantham Jr. was born on September 10, 1945 at Columbia, Richland Co., South Carolina.^4,6 He married Dolly Esther Yopp, daughter of George Eldridge Yopp Sr. and Evelyn Edna Lawrence, circa 1970.^1,2,3,7,8,4 Charles Henry "Buddy" Grantham Jr. died on January 26, 2011 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 65.^4,5,6 He Charles Henry (Buddy) Grantham Jr., 65, of Salem, Va., passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, following a brief illness. He was born in Columbia, S.C., a son of the late Charlie and Eleanor Grantham and was raised in Abbeville, S.C. In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, George and Evalene Yopp. He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 41 years, Dolly Yopp Grantham; a son, Charles H. "Trae" Grantham III and his wife, Lek; three brothers, Jimmy Grantham and his wife, Betty, of Pickens, S.C., Tommy Grantham and his wife, Peggy, of Edisto Island, S.C., and John Grantham and his wife, Helen, of Evans, Ga; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce Yopp Basham and her husband, Carl; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, George Yopp Jr. and his wife, Louise; and several nieces and nephews. Others left to cherish Buddy's memory are special friends, Lyn and Margie Lavinder, and Don and Joyce Martin. He is also survived by his faithful and loving dog, Maggie. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he was a Commercial Sales Representative at Whitt Carpet One. He enjoyed nature, painting and was an animal lover. Buddy was a gentle spirit with a kind, compassionate heart toward everyone. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the ICU-3 Doctors and staff at the VA Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Ivey Adams will officiate. Military Honors will be afforded by the Virginia Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors Honor Guard. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Buddy's honor to Angles of Assisi, 415 Campbell Ave., SW, Roanoke, Va. 24016 or to the charity of the donor's choice. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, Va., 540-389-5441, is in charge of arrangements.
on January 28, 2011.⁴

     Osher Zelig "Selig" Knoppow was buried at Congregation Beth Tefilo Cemetery, 21905 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, Oakland Co., Michigan.⁵ He was born on August 6, 1869 at Pereyaslav, Ukraine.⁶ He married Sophia "Sophie" Salutushkin/Zolotushkin circa 1892 at Ukraine.^6,7 Osher Zelig "Selig" Knoppow married Mollie Indicks on October 9, 1925 at Ohio.³ Osher Zelig "Selig" Knoppow and Mollie Indicks were divorced on September 20, 1932 at Wayne Co., Michigan.³ Osher Zelig "Selig" Knoppow married Paula Pearl Perlmutter on December 19, 1938 at Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan.¹ Osher Zelig "Selig" Knoppow died on January 22, 1949 at Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan, at age 79.^6,2,5