Person Page - 673

     Frank Theodore Simpkins Sr. married Ida Ella Conner, daughter of Joseph Flemon Valentine "Joe" Conner and Sarah Melvina "Cuzzie" Conner.^2,5,4 Frank Theodore Simpkins Sr. was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He was born on March 22, 1903 at West Virginia.¹ He died on June 7, 1992 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 89.^2,4,3 He Frank T. Simpkins, Sr., age 89, of Roanoke, died Sunday at his home. He was retired from Federal Housing Civil Service in Washington, D.C. Mr. Simpkins was a member of the Dan River Primitive Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Ella Conner Simpkins, a daughter, Ann Navarro; two sons, Frank Simpkins, Jr. and Peter Simpkins; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday with Elder Kenneth Key officiating. Interment will follow in Restvale Cemetery, Floyd County. Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's South Chapel. on June 9, 1992.²

     His Social Security Number was 223-28-6243.⁹ Walter L. Main was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,6 He was born on May 19, 1897 at Trade, Johnson Co., Tennessee.^9,1,4,6,8,10 He married Celesta Alma Vest, daughter of James Noah Vest and Lottie Ellen Light, on August 15, 1924 at Montcalm, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,11,3,6,7 Walter L. Main died on February 11, 1972 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 74.^1,6,10

     His Social Security Number was 226-28-3197.¹¹ Walter Armon Main was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ He married Martha Jane Graham.¹ Walter Armon Main was born on May 22, 1925 at Mattox Mountain, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,11,3,12 He died on July 22, 2008 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 83.^1,11,4 He Walter Armon Main, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2008, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born May 22, 1925, on Mattox Mountain in Floyd County, Va., to the late Walter L. and Alma Vest Main. He is survived by his wife, Martha; and children, Christopher of Salem, and Janet and husband, Michael Slaughter, of Roanoke. Grandchildren are Derek and wife, Jenny Slaughter, of Riner, and Emily Slaughter, of Roanoke. Brothers are Lloyd Jay Main, of Shawsville, James M. Main, of Salem, and Tommy Main, of Radford. Sisters are Virgie Belle Sweeney, of Salem, and Martha Fitzgerald, of Elliston. He was predeceased by a sister, Regent Rakes, and a brother, Elmon Main. He served in the United States Navy in World War II, and was a U.S. Army Sergeant in the Korean Conflict. He was a quiet man that loved being with his family. He retired from teaching auto mechanics with the Montgomery County Schools. He was a member of Cave Spring United Methodist Church. Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Cave Spring United Methodist Church. The Rev. Ronnie Morris and the Rev. Arthur Wingfield will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will be in East Hill Cemetery in Salem. The family will receive friends at Oakeys South Chapel on Brambleton Ave. from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. "God looked around His garden and found an empty space, he put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. Gods garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best."Arrangements by Oakeys South Chapel, 540-989-3131. on July 23, 2008.¹

     Alice Regent Main was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^9,5 Her Social Security Number was 231-24-8558.¹⁰ She was born on April 27, 1927 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,1,10,3 As of April 10, 1946,her married name was Rakes.³ She married Failous Mason Rakes on April 10, 1946 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^8,3,4 Alice Regent Main died on April 12, 1997 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 69.^9,5,10 She RAKES, Alice M., 69, of Shawsville, died Saturday, April 12, 1997, in a Salem hospital . She was the widow of Failous Mason Rakes, and also was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Alma Main, and a brother, Elmon L. Main. Surviving are a daughter, Linda Rakes Thompson of Christiansburg; one son and daughter-in-law, Morris and Alice Rakes of Shawsville; five grandchildren, Troy, Donna, Missy, Rickey and Danielle; four great-grandchildren, Jessie, Taylor, Destiny and Callie; four brothers, Walter A. Main of Roanoke, James M. Main of Salem, Lloyd J. Main of Shawsville and Harold D. Main of Radford, and two sisters, Virgie Sweeney of Salem and Martha Fitzwater of Elliston. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the Richardson-Horne Chapel in Christiansburg, conducted by the Rev. William Monday. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg. The family requests memorials be made to Shawsville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 14, Shawsville, Va. 24162. Friends may call after noon Monday at Richardson-Horne Funeral Home. The family will receive friends there Monday evening from 6 to 8. on April 14, 1997.⁵

     Patience Lucinda Conner was born on June 12, 1845 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,6 As of July 10, 1874,her married name was Stanley.³ She married Owen Stanley on July 10, 1874 at Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^3,4,7,6 Patience Lucinda Conner died on April 23, 1932 at Dorothy, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 86.⁷

     His Social Security Number was 229-01-9932.¹⁰ William Ernest Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,1,3,6 He was born on November 4, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,2,3,4,5,6 He married Minnie P. Blackwell, daughter of William Isaac "Willie" Blackwell and Eliza Jane/Jean Martin, on April 8, 1923 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,5 William Ernest Conner died on September 11, 1978 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 77.^1,3,4,5,6 He William Ernest Conner, age 77, of Rt. 1, died Monday, September 11, 1978, in a Shawsville nursing home. Surviving are his wife, Minnie Conner; a daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Kathleen) Jennings, Christiansburg; son James Marvin Conner, Pilot; sister, Mrs Ella Simpkins, Roanoke; brother Cletus Conner, Roanoke; two grandchildren. Funeral was held at 2 pm. Wednesday, September 13, 1978, from the Richardson - Horne Funeral Chapel, Christiansburg, conducted by Elder Roy Agee and the Rev. Richard Horne. Burial followed in the Wilson Cemetery. on September 21, 1978.¹

     His Social Security Number was 225-32-0787.² Elmon L. Main was buried at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens, 7271 Cloverdale Road, Cloverdale, Botetourt Co., Virginia.¹² He was born on November 2, 1929 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,6 He married Gladys Marie Graham on April 11, 1952 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,13 Elmon L. Main died on February 24, 1995 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 65.^2,12,8 He MAIN, Elmon L., 65, of Roanoke, died Friday, February 24, 1995. He is survived by three sons, Gary Main, Wayne Main, and Joe Main, all of Roanoke; three sisters, Regent Rakes, Shawsville, Martha Fitzwater, Elliston, Virgie Sweeney, Salem; four brothers, Tommy Main, Christiansburg, Jay Main, Shawsville, Jimmy Main and Armon Main, both of Salem; two grandchildren, Brandi Main and David Main. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, February 27, 1995, at the Rader Troutville Chapel with the Rev. Samuel Huntley officiating. Interment will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. on February 25, 1995.¹²

     Lloyd Jay Main was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁶ He was born on October 2, 1932 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6 He married Martha Ann Walters on May 23, 1952 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,9 Lloyd Jay Main died on October 25, 2012 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 80.^6,7 He Lloyd J. Main (Jay), of Shawsville, went home to be with the Lord to rest and to be at peace on Thursday, October 25, 2012. He was 80 years old on October 2, 2012. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Lloyd Main; a special dog, Snuggles. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Walter L. & Alma V. Main of Shawsville; one sister, Regent Rakes; brothers, Elmon, Armon, and James Main; special nephew, Kenneth Nelson; sister-in-law, Juanita Linkous; son-in-law, Edward Bain. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Martha W. Main; sons, Donald (Shelby) Main, Curtis (Mary) Main; daughters, Judy (Larry) Weatherington, Deborah Main (Buttons); grandchildren, Thomas Westmoreland, Jr., Laura & Tommy Yerkey, and Brittany & Michael Lee; great-grandsons, Justin and Cameron Yerkey; special niece, Dawn Nelson-Jenkins and children. He is also survived by one brother, Tommy (Carrie) Main; sisters, Virgie (Doc) Sweeney, and Martha Jane (Dickey) Fitzwater; sisters-in-law, Martha Main, Sally Main, Betty Nelson, Frances McClain, Iris (John) Grimsley; many nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 27, 2012, from 5-8 pm at Horne Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on Sunday, October 28th, at 2 pm in the Horne Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jeff Dalton officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Cemetery, Shawsville. on October 27, 2012.⁶

     Virgie Belle Main was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ She was born on December 6, 1933 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6 She married Doctor Floyd "Dock" Sweeney, son of Lester Earl Sweeney and Bivie Pauline Peters, on September 21, 1956 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^{1,2,3,11,12,8,13,6} As of September 21, 1956,her married name was Sweeney. Virgie Belle Main died on May 15, 2021 at Virginia at age 87.⁶ She Virgie Main Sweeney, 87, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Born on Wednesday, December 6, 1933, to the late Celeste and Walter Main. She was a member of Hollins Church of the Nazarene. Virgie retired from the Graham-White Manufacturing Co. In addition to her parents she was greeted in heaven by her husband of 64 years, Dock Floyd Sweeney; son, Steven Sweeney; siblings, Walter Armon Main (Martha), Elmon L. Main (Marie), Alice Regent Rakes (Mason), Lloyd Jay Main (Martha), and James Madison Main. She is survived by her grandchildren, Heather Sweeney (Marlin), Ashley Sweeney (James), Daniel Sweeney, and Mitchell Sweeney; great grandchildren, Cerria, Tyler, Morgan, Austin, Colin, Mia, and Elena; brother, Harold Dean Main (Ellen); sister, Martha Main Fitzwater (Richard); and sister-in-law, Betty Graham Main; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., with Pastor Lynn Riddle officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va. on May 18, 2021.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 224-46-5554.¹⁰ James Madison "Jimmie" Main was born on December 13, 1936 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,10 He married Betty Graham on July 8, 1961 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.² James Madison "Jimmie" Main died on August 23, 2008 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 71.^10,4

     Martha Jane Main was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ She was born on August 25, 1942 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,4 As of September 29, 1962,her married name was Fitzwater.² She married Richard Wilmer Fitzwater on September 29, 1962 at Chilhowie, Smyth Co., Virginia.^2,3,5 Martha Jane Main died on July 30, 2021 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 78.⁵ She Martha Jane Main Fitzwater, 78, of Elliston, passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Alma Main; brothers, Walter (Martha), Elmon (Marie), Lloyd (Martha), and James Main; and sisters, Alice Regent Rakes (Mason) and Vergie Sweeny (Doc). Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of fifty-nine years, Richard "Dickie" Fitzwater; brother, Harold Main (Ellen); sisters-in-law, Betty Main, Judy O'Rourke, and Mary Newbold; brother-in-law, George Fitzwater (Margaret); as well as many nieces and nephews, including Linda Rakes Hollandsworth. Martha's funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Tim Gearhart will officiate. on August 2, 2021.⁵

     Failous Mason Rakes was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ His Social Security Number was 230-03-0128.⁵ He was born on December 28, 1919 at Alleghany Springs, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,5,6,3 He married Alice Regent Main, daughter of Walter L. Main and Celesta Alma Vest, on April 10, 1946 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^7,6,8 Failous Mason Rakes died on August 2, 1991 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 71; His tombstone reads "Pfc US Army WWII."^4,1,5 He F. Mason Rakes, age 71, of 2832 Alleghany Springs Road, died Friday, August 2, 1991, at his home. He was retired from the VA Medical Center in Salem and is survived by his wife, Alice Regent Rakes; one son, F. Morris Rakes, Shawsville; one daughter, Linda Rakes Thompson, Christiansburg; his father, Samuel M. Rakes, Shawsville; one brother, Wilton Rakes, Radford; three sisters, Stella Akers, Christiansburg; Helen Reed, Sylvia Linkous, both of Shawsville; five grandchildren and on August 4, 1991.¹

     Steven Floyd Sweeney was born on March 9, 1968 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 He married Pamela Gay Holleman on August 24, 1986 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Steven Floyd Sweeney and Pamela Gay Holleman were divorced on February 22, 1996 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ Steven Floyd Sweeney married Jennifer Janette Armel on June 30, 1999 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.³ Steven Floyd Sweeney and Jennifer Janette Armel were divorced on June 23, 2008 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ Steven Floyd Sweeney died on November 27, 2010 at Elliston, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 42.¹ He Steven Floyd Sweeney, 42, of Elliston, Va., passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 27, 2010. He was a graduate of Glenvar High School. He was a mechanic at Hart Old's, a weaver at Precision Fabric's, and a retired from Atlas Kroger warehouse. Steven is survived by his parents, Dock Floyd and Virgie M. Sweeney; children, Heather, Ashley, Daniel and Mitchell Sweeney; five grandchildren, Cerria and Tyler Moore, Morgan Sweeney, Austin Watts and Colin Hodges; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and many special friends including family friend, Kent Cramer. A family gathering will be held on Tuesday, November, 30, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hollins Church of the Nazarene, 7039 Plantation Road, Roanoke where a informal prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. following the gathering with Pastor Len Riddle officiating. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, Va. 22311 in Steve's memory. on November 29, 2010.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 225-22-0405.⁵ Minnie P. Blackwell was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7 She was born on June 26, 1903 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,6,1,7,2,3 She married William Ernest Conner, son of Joseph Flemon Valentine "Joe" Conner and Sarah Melvina "Cuzzie" Conner, on April 8, 1923 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 As of April 8, 1923,her married name was Conner. Minnie P. Blackwell died on May 26, 1989 at age 85.^6,7,3

     John Oliver Akers was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 225-22-2636.⁶ He was born on July 28, 1923 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,4 He married Naomi Florence "Granny Akers" Vest, daughter of James Noah Vest and Lottie Ellen Light, on June 9, 1945 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,7,3,8 John Oliver Akers died on October 31, 2002 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 79.^2,6,5 He AKERS, JOHN OLIVER, 79, of Elliston passed away Thursday, October 31, 2002. He was the son of the late George Harvey and Sally Mae Green Akers. He was preceded in death by a son, Donald C. Rumburg. Survivors include his wife, Naomi Akers of Elliston; six children and their spouses, Dorothy Stewart of Shawsville, Mary Booth of Shawsville, Rev. Eddie and Sandra Booth of Elliston, John Micheal and Martha Akers of Shawsville, Ricky and Cathy Stanger of Riner, Keith and Vickie Garman of Salem; one brother and sister-in-law, C.W. and Betty Akers of Winston-Salem, N.C; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Dayton Vest of Shawsville, Josephine and T. R. Vest of Elliston, Juanita Underwood and Carol McCMackin both of West Virginia; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and ten great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 3, 2002 at 3 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Ben Whitaker officiating. Interment will follow in the Piedmont Cemetery. Friends may call anytime after 12 noon, Saturday, November 2, 2002 at the Horne Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. The Akers family is being served by Horne Funeral & Cremation Service in Christiansburg. (382-2612) on November 2, 2002.²