Person Page - 797

     Ella Florence Furrow was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,5,2 She was born on February 20, 1876 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,5,2 She married William Riley Poff, son of James Isaac Poff and Mary Ann "Polly" Gray, on June 26, 1910 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,7 As of June 26, 1910,her married name was Poff. Ella Florence Furrow died on March 5, 1952 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 76.^6,5,2

     Travis Shane Elmore was buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 1521 South Carpenter Drive, Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.^2,3 His Social Security Number was 231-39-7615.⁶ He was born on August 14, 1971 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,6,4 He died on May 28, 2009 at age 37.^2,3,6 He Travis Shane Elmore, 37, of 500 Bird Farm Rd., died, Thursday, May 28, 2009. He was born Aug. 14, 1971 in Roanoke , a son of Jean Vass Elmore of Covington and the late Charles Ernest Elmore. Shane was employed by S.J. Neathawk in Covington. He was an avid outdoorsman and was a devoted Mark Martin fan. In addition to his mother, Shane is survived by his daughter, Krisanna Elmore, and her mother, Susan Reed, of White Sulphur Springs, W.Va; his brother, Mark Elmore and his wife, Susan, of Clifton Forge; four aunts, Helen and Bill Mac Carter of Covington, Catherine Smith of Covington, Darlene and Gene Smith of Richmond and Betty and Reb Combs of New Castle; three uncles, Bob and Jean Elmore of New Castle, Johnnie and Diane Elmore of New Castle and Ronnie and Mary Elmore of Roanoke; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close fishing buddies. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Billy Price officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. An online guest book is available at arrittfuneralhome.com. on May 29, 2009.²

     Kenneth Lee Sowder Kenneth Lee Sowder, 89, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 7, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Enos and Myrtle Sowder and his beloved wife of 27 years, Linda Sowder. Surviving to cherish his memory is his son, Alan Sowder (Patricia); grandson, Chris Sowder (Sadonna); great-grandson, Scott Sowder; siblings, Bob Sowder (Barbara), Loretta Fields Blankenship, and Wayne Sowder (Sandy); and many nieces and nephews. Kenneth graduated from Andrew Lewis High School and was employed as a firefighter for Roanoke City for 25 years and was also a top salesman for Electrolux. He was an expert trout fisherman. Kenneth loved to travel, watch professional wrestling and enjoyed a good meal with friends and family with a hot cup of coffee. He was a veteran of the National Guard, an active member of the Lamplight Baptist Church, and a long-time volunteer at the Rescue Mission. His family wishes to thank Carilion 10 South/Palliative/Hospice Care for the excellent care which was given to Kenneth and the family. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.⁵ He was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ He was born on February 13, 1937 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Vivianne Carol Proffitt on May 29, 1959 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ Kenneth Lee Sowder and Vivianne Carol Proffitt were divorced on July 21, 1970 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Kenneth Lee Sowder married Susan Nelson on May 25, 1971 at North Carolina.⁴ Kenneth Lee Sowder and Susan Nelson were divorced on November 13, 1981 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ Kenneth Lee Sowder married Linda Virginia Akers on December 11, 1981 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^8,3 Kenneth Lee Sowder died on June 7, 2026 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 89.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 227-56-5177.⁴ Linda Virginia Akers was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^1,5 She was born on September 7, 1945 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,5,4 She married Kenneth Lee Sowder, son of Enos Valentine Blankenship "Vol" Sowder and Myrtle Ree Hall, on December 11, 1981 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of December 11, 1981,her married name was Sowder.² Linda Virginia Akers died on February 18, 2009 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 63.^1,5,4,6 She Linda Virginia Akers Sowder, 63, of Roanoke, Va., went home to be with her Lord on February 18, 2009. Linda was very kind and caring to everyone she met and she touched many lives. When her friends had problems, they would come to her for comfort. She loved others because she loved her Lord Jesus Christ. Linda also took great care in planting and tending to her plants and flowers. She retired from ITT after many active years of service. She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Akers. Surviving are her husband of 27 years, Kenneth Sowder; mother, Gloria "Madeline" Akers; sons, Kenneth Dolinger, and Alan Sowder and wife, Patricia; grandson, Chris Sowder and wife, Sadonna; great-grandson, Scott Sowder, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Pastor Bob and Barbara Sowder, Wayne and Sandy Sowder, and Loretta Fields. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on February 19, 2009.¹

     Letitia "Lethia" Sumpter was born on October 5, 1827 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,4,1,5 As of August 6, 1853,her married name was Poff.² She married James Isaac Poff, son of Henry Adam Poff Sr. and Sarah Prillaman "Sally" Sowder, on August 6, 1853 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 Letitia "Lethia" Sumpter died on March 17, 1865 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 37.⁵

     Charles Maxwell Fields was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^6,7 His Social Security Number was 229-54-3585.⁴ He was born on March 14, 1941 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,4,5 He married Loretta Ann Sowder, daughter of Enos Valentine Blankenship "Vol" Sowder and Myrtle Ree Hall, on April 7, 1962 at Cave Spring, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,6 Charles Maxwell Fields died on October 27, 2006 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 65.^3,4,6 He Charles Maxwell Fields, 65, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 27, 2006. He was a member of Hiram Baptist Church and retired from the Roanoke City Fire Department with the rank of Lieutenant after 34 years of service. Charles was an avid fisherman and hunter, and dearly loved his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Leo and Bertha Jane Fields, and is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Loretta Sowder Fields; two sons, Barry Eugene Fields and his wife, Fran Fields of Danville, Charles Brian Fields and his wife, Kandy Fields of Vinton; four grandchildren, David Fields, Kevin Fields, Shayne Fields and Leah Roberts; one brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Carolyn Fields of Salem; one sister and four brothers-in-law, Arlene and Jim Hanson of Va. Beach, Kenneth Sowder and his wife, Linda, Robert Sowder and his wife, Barbara, and Wayne Sowder and his wife, Sandy. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on October 29, 2006.⁶

     Albert Pont Fonso/Fonco Whitenack Albert P. Whitenack, 88, of Floyd died Saturday in a Salem nursing home. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Ilene W. Carr, Elverton.⁵ He was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7,8,2 His Social Security Number was 223-48-1051.⁹ He was born on April 29, 1883 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{6,7,8,1,9,4,2} He married Grace "Gracie" Link, daughter of David Wesley Link and Lucy Mary Conner, on December 23, 1908 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,10,2,11 Albert Pont Fonso/Fonco Whitenack died on March 25, 1972 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 88.^6,7,8,5,2

     Teresa Lee Aldridge was buried at Mountain View Cemetery, 1300 Mountain View Road, Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² She was born on December 26, 1959 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,4 As of November 13, 1980,her married name was Lyle.³ She married Larry Gordon Lyle on November 13, 1980 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ Teresa Lee Aldridge and Larry Gordon Lyle were divorced on December 10, 1991 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁷ Teresa Lee Aldridge died on March 30, 2015 at Virginia at age 55.² She Teresa Lee Aldridge Lyle, 55,of Roanoke, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015. She is preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Smoot Doss and Alfred Aldridge; and sister, Lisa Marie Aldridge. Left to cherish her memory is her son, Adam Lyle and wife, Lindsey; granddaughter, Khloe; sisters and their husbands, Kim Jones and Larry, and Vanessa Gwyn Brown and Richie; nieces and nephews, Tanner Brown, Heather and Dylan Jones, and other family members. Teresa was a very loving, giving person that will be greatly missed by all. Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton. on April 5, 2015.²

     Larry Gordon Lyle was buried at Eagle Rock Baptist Church Cemetery, State Road 734, Eagle Rock, Botetourt Co., Virginia.⁴ His Social Security Number was 231-52-0678.⁵ He was born on January 5, 1942 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^1,5,4,3 He married Teresa Lee Aldridge, daughter of Alfred Lee "Top" Aldridge and Virginia Lorraine Smoot, on November 13, 1980 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹ Larry Gordon Lyle and Teresa Lee Aldridge were divorced on December 10, 1991 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁶ Larry Gordon Lyle died on January 30, 2012 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 70.^2,4

     Kim Renee Aldridge was born on May 17, 1967 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,5 As of March 18, 1983,her married name was Jones.¹ She married Larry Wayne Jones on March 18, 1983 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,1,6,5 Kim Renee Aldridge died on August 5, 2017 at Virginia at age 50.⁵ She Kim R. Jones, 50, of Wirtz, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017. Kim was born May 17, 1967 to the late Alfred L. and Virginia Smoot Aldridge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Howard and Dorothy Smoot; sisters, Teresa Lyle and Lisa Aldridge; uncle Jerry Smoot. Surviving is her husband of 35 years Larry Jones; daughter, Heather Jones; son, Dylan Jones; grandsons, Tristan Dooley, Noah Amos; sister, Vanessa Brown (Richie). on August 7, 2017.⁵

     Larry Wayne Jones Larry Wayne Jones, November 2, 1961 — January 30, 2022. Larry Wayne Jones age 60 of Wirtz passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2022, in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kim Jones; sister, Donna Holland; brother, Donald Lee Jones; and his mother, Barbara Price. Larry is survived by his daughter, Heather Jones; son Dylan Jones; grandsons, Tristan Dooley, Noah Amos; sister-in-law, Vanessa Brown (Richie); and his brother-in-law, Bo Holland. Graveside services will be conducted in the Lithia United Methodist Church Cemetery, 21 Delong Lane, Buchanan, VA.³ He was buried at Lithia United Methodist Church Cemetery, 21 Delong Lane, Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia.³ He was born on November 2, 1961 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Kim Renee Aldridge, daughter of Alfred Lee "Top" Aldridge and Virginia Lorraine Smoot, on March 18, 1983 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,5,6 Larry Wayne Jones died on January 30, 2022 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 60.³

     Barbara Ellen Furrow was born circa 1820 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.² She married Fleming Henry Poff, son of Henry Adam Poff Sr. and Sarah Prillaman "Sally" Sowder, on June 16, 1842 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ As of June 16, 1842,her married name was Poff. Barbara Ellen Furrow died circa 1865 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 231-64-5501.⁴ Minnie Jane Palmer was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,5 She was born on March 5, 1889 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Her death certificate has a birth date of Mar 5, 1888.^1,4,3 As of September 13, 1903,her married name was Sears. She married John Henry Sears on September 13, 1903 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,5 Minnie Jane Palmer died on August 25, 1978 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 89.^4,3 She Mrs. Minnie P. Sears, of 1540 Apperson Drive, died at her home Friday night. She was the widow of John Henry Sears. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. S.E. (Rosa) Houff, Roanoke, and Mrs. D.H. (Laura) Kesler and Mrs. A.K. (Madie) Sisson, both of Salem; two sons, Ammon Sears, Stuart, and Merriman Sears, Salem; a sister, Mrs. Harvey Wimmer, Roanoke; four brothers, L.M. Palmer and J.H. Palmer, both of Salem, and W.T. Palmer and M.J. Palmer, both of Roanoke; nine grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Burial followed in Sherwood Cemetery. on August 28, 1978.⁵

     Sarah Elizabeth Morcom was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia.⁶ Her Social Security Number was 228-12-0218.⁷ She was born on April 18, 1922 at Lynchburg, Virginia.^6,4,7 As of December 10, 1946,her married name was Martin.³ She married William Walter Martin on December 10, 1946 at Madison Heights, Amherst Co., Virginia.³ Sarah Elizabeth Morcom died on October 29, 2012 at Norfolk, Virginia, at age 90.^6,4,7 She Sarah Elizabeth Martin, 90, of Norfolk, passed away Oct. 29, 2012. She was the widow of William W. Martin. She was born in Lynchburg, VA and spent most of her life in Norfolk, VA. She was the daughter of Thomas and Bertie Morcom. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Martin; two sisters, Bertie Hill and Ruth Jane Tomanek; a brother, B.H. Morcom; two grandsons, Nathan P. Martin and Gregory E. Martin; and one great grandchild. on October 31, 2012.⁴

     Edward Baxter Morcom was buried at Spring Hill Cemetery, 3000 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia.^6,7 He was born on November 26, 1923 at Lynchburg, Virginia.^6,2,3,7 He died on May 10, 1945 at age 21.^6,7

     Burnice Harrison Morcom was buried at Spring Hill Cemetery, 3000 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia.⁵ He Burnice Harrison "Bernie" Morcom, 91, of Lynchburg and formerly of Madison Heights, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Born on April 28, 1927, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Thomas Edward Morcom and Bertie Bryant Morcom. Bernie retired from Wells Fargo Bank as a loan officer. Later in life, Bernie enjoyed sitting on his porch watching and feeding the birds. He was a member of Monroe United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Leroy Morcom, Francis Morcom, and Edward Morcom; and a sister, Sarah Martin. Bernie is survived by his sister, Ruth Tomanek of Lynchburg and Bertie Hill of Raleigh, N.C. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.⁵ He was born on April 28, 1927 at Lynchburg, Virginia.^2,3,4,5 He married Elizabeth Ann Schaar on March 25, 1961 at Amherst Co., Virginia.³ Burnice Harrison Morcom and Elizabeth Ann Schaar were divorced on November 18, 1964 at Amherst Co., Virginia.³ Burnice Harrison Morcom died on August 11, 2018 at Virginia at age 91.⁵

     Bertie Ellis "Boots" Morcom was born on October 28, 1928 at Lynchburg, Virginia.² As of January 23, 1958,her married name was Hill.² She married James Linwood Hill on January 23, 1958 at Monroe, Amherst Co., Virginia.²