Person Page - 84

     Hattie Thompson was buried at Radford Cemetery, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Route 888, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on May 8, 1884 at Virginia.¹ As of October 13, 1901,her married name was Radford. She married John Shelton Radford on October 13, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 Hattie Thompson died on February 16, 1970 at age 85.¹

     George William Akers was born on October 23, 1877 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,1 He married Emmeline "Emma" Dickerson, daughter of W. M. Dickerson and Mary Carr, on August 15, 1928 at Floyd Co., Virginia.²

     Millard Lee Rierson was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3,6 He was born on April 21, 1909 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3,6 He died on April 5, 1937 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 27; Froze to death while drunk.^5,3,6

     John Lemons Link was buried at Link Family Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on February 22, 1852 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Sarah Elizabeth "Sallie B." Willis, daughter of Robert L. Willis and Sarah Catherine Hellem, on August 9, 1891 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,4 John Lemons Link died on June 12, 1932 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 80.¹

     Wilford Melvin Rierson was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,7 He was born on November 4, 1914 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,2,7 He died on October 15, 1942 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 27.^1,7 He Records filed at the Floyd Co. Virginia courthouse show that on January 17, 1944 Roscoe Craighead was found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The sentence was then suspended and he was placed under the probation officer of Floyd Co. for 10 years. These records did not give any details as to what happened. Roscoe and one or more people were said to have gotten into a ruckus over Roscoe not selling more liquor to people who were already drunk resulting in the shooting according to the memory of people I have talked with. There may also have been teasing and threats made to Roscoe prior to the shooting. Court records states that the victim was Wilford Melvin Rierson. He was shot in the neck October 12, 1943 (should be 1942) and died November 15, 1943 (should be Oct 5, 1942). on January 17, 1944.⁸

     Ruby Mae Rierson was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,6 She was born on May 24, 1917 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,6 She married Douglas Allen Gray, son of Noah Bernard Gray and Lillian Lossie Bower, on September 29, 1940 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,6 As of September 29, 1940,her married name was Gray. Ruby Mae Rierson died on July 16, 2014 at Virginia at age 97.^2,6 She Ruby M. "Ma" Gray, age 97, of Floyd, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2014. She was born to John C. and Bertha Conner Rierson on May 24, 1917 in Check, Va., the youngest of eight children. Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Douglas A. Gray, whom she loved and missed deeply. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Bobby L. Gardner; grandson and wife, Bobby L., Jr. and Joy Gardner; granddaughter and husband, Elizabeth and Andy Reynolds; Four great-grandsons, Adam Gray Gardner, Baily Douglas Gardner, Zachary Shane Reynolds and Nathan Ryan Reynolds. She married on September 29, 1940 and moved to Floyd where she and Douglas owned and operated Gray's Store. Later, she worked along side her daughter, Mary in Mary's Beauty Shop. In 1974, they opened the Little Dress Shop, and in 1997, Her granddaughter, Elizabeth joined them. She served the public for 73 years. She enjoyed her work and the people she met. She loved her Church family at Red Oak Grove and their visits and cards. Her enjoyment was her family, working, gardening and cooking. She enjoyed her many potted flowers (200 +), and picking out black walnuts "always a busy lady". She looked forward to special holidays and cooking her large meals, cakes and pies (a bed full). She always expressed her blessings from God for watching over her all her many years. "I would like to live my life over just as it was. God is good." Now she has an even better life. Interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery. on July 18, 2014.²

     Douglas Allen Gray was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,8 His Social Security Number was 231-05-7361.⁹ He was born on November 27, 1909 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia; His draft card has a birth date of Nov 23, 1909.^9,1,8,3 He married Ruby Mae Rierson, daughter of John Castle/Cassell Rierson and Bertha Elizabeth "Bertie" Conner, on September 29, 1940 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,10,8 Douglas Allen Gray died on February 18, 1998 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 88.^9,2,8,4 He GRAY, Douglas Allen, 88, of Floyd, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 1998, in a Roanoke hospital. Mr. Gray began his merchandise business at the age of 19. He was devoted to serving the people of Floyd and surrounding counties as a huckster until the opening of Gray's Store in the 30's. He also worked with Ingram Brothers Store and as a salesman for Mitchell Sales in Christiansburg. Mr. Gray was a farmer and owner of Gray's Mobile Home Park. He was a member of Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. "Pa"' was loved by his family for his love, goodness and guidance. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Ruby M. Gray, Floyd; daughter and son-in-law, Mary G. and Bobby L. Gardner Sr., Floyd; two grandchildren and spouses, Bobby L. Jr. and Joy Gardner, Floyd, Elizabeth G. and Andy Reynolds, Check; two great-grandchildren, Adam Gray Gardner, Baily Douglas Gardner, both of Floyd; three brothers, N. David Gray, Salem, Earl Gray, Salem, Isaac Allen Gray, Woodbridge; sister, Margie G. Hartman, Roanoke. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. on February 20, 1998.²

     Zachariah T. "Zachary" Bower was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on December 18, 1848 at Virginia.¹ He married Catherine Holt on December 20, 1870 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² Zachariah T. "Zachary" Bower died on May 26, 1934 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 85.¹

     Lillian Lossie Bower was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ She was born in January, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 She married Noah Bernard Gray, son of Harvey Gray and Nancy Elizabeth Moore, on April 8, 1905 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of April 8, 1905,her married name was Gray. Lillian Lossie Bower died on October 12, 1918 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 32.³

     John William Hill was buried at Moran-Agee Cemetery, about mile post 150, Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on November 8, 1858 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He married Margaret Ann Walters, daughter of William P. Walters and Matilda Elizabeth Simpson, on October 9, 1879 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² John William Hill died on April 9, 1908 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 49.³

     Margaret Ann Walters was buried at Moran-Agee Cemetery, about mile post 150, Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,4 She was born on February 7, 1862 at Virginia.^3,4 She married John William Hill, son of James Robert "Bob" Hill and Delilah/Delila A. Moran, on October 9, 1879 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² As of October 9, 1879,her married name was Hill. Margaret Ann Walters died on March 15, 1940 at age 78.^3,4

     Her Social Security Number was 226-01-6892.³ Rosa Lee "Rosie" Dooley was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Her married name was Cundiff.⁴ She married William Charlie Cundiff.⁴ Rosa Lee "Rosie" Dooley was born on February 6, 1909 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^3,2 She married Clarence Eldridge Conner, son of Jacob Valentine "Doll" Conner and Mary Elizabeth Hill, on September 1, 1934 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,5 As of September 1, 1934,her married name was Conner.² Rosa Lee "Rosie" Dooley died on November 29, 2001 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 92.^3,4,5 She CUNDIFF, Rosie D., 92, of Vinton, formerly of Hardy, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2001. She was a lifelong member of Ninth Street Church of the Brethren and was retired from the American Viscose Corporation. She was the widow of William Charlie Cundiff. Surviving are a half sister, Hazel Butts of Chesapeake; a number of nieces and nephews, including Geraldine Hudson, Gracie J. Hogan, Robert L. Harris, all of Roanoke; special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Scott of Hardy, the Conner Family of Bent Mountain, and Hessie Sledd of Roanoke. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on December 1, 2001.⁴

     William H. Link was buried at Link Family Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on September 29, 1859 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ He died on February 15, 1863 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 3; Died of diphtheria and pneumonia.¹

     Alabama Doris "Allie" Holland was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,3,5 She was born on May 29, 1912 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,5 She married Guy Banks Conner, son of Jacob Valentine "Doll" Conner and Mary Elizabeth Hill, on February 8, 1928 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,6 As of February 8, 1928,her married name was Conner. Alabama Doris "Allie" Holland died on July 26, 1968 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 56.^4,3,5

     Leander Albon Holland was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,3 He was born on January 9, 1876 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,4,2,3 He married Virginia Mary Underwood, daughter of Samuel Underwood and Nancy Ann Gillespie, on January 14, 1895 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ Leander Albon Holland married Cora Manda Poff, daughter of William Riley "Billy" Poff and Virginia Ann "Jennie" Carr, on October 22, 1944 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 Leander Albon Holland died on December 7, 1954 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 78.³

     Virginia Mary Underwood was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.² She was born on March 19, 1874 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married Leander Albon Holland, son of Robert Bruce Holland and Alice Josephine Bird, on January 14, 1895 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of January 14, 1895,her married name was Holland. Virginia Mary Underwood died on May 18, 1943 at age 69.³

     Geneva Ardell Conner was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,7 She was born on October 7, 1928 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,1,6,7,2 She married Roy Gerald Bell, son of Carley Romulus "Carl" Bell and Louemma Elizabeth "Luemmie" Stump, on October 26, 1946 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,8,9,10,11,6,12} As of October 26, 1946,her married name was Bell. Geneva Ardell Conner married Rev. Paul Robert White Sr. on April 25, 1987 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,13,6 As of April 25, 1987,her married name was White.¹³ Geneva Ardell Conner died on August 21, 2019 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 90.^6,7 She Geneva Conner Bell White, 90, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. She was born in Floyd County near Copper Hill on October 7, 1928. Geneva was the daughter of the late Guy Banks Conner and Allie Holland Conner. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Roy Gerald Bell; her second husband, Paul Robert White Sr; her son, Gerald Michael Bell; her daughter, Susan Bell Childress; her sister, Almeta Conner Thompson; brother-in-law, F. Marvin Thompson; her brother, Jesse Woodrow Conner; and two nephews, Jimmy Conner and Woodie Conner. Geneva is survived by her son-in-law, Ray Childress; stepdaughter Carol Leland; stepson Paul White Jr. (Judi); her granddaughters, July Renee Leonard and Jodi Layne Bell; stepgrandchildren, Maddie and Zoe White, and Kylee Enens (Adrian); grandson, Kollin Leland; great-grandchildren, Samantha Taylor, Kristen Bell, Nicholas Andrew, Hailey Johnson, Genevieve Johnson, David Johnson, Jacob Johnson and Kylee's daughter, Maya Rose; her sisters-in-law, Betty Hale Conner and Pearly Bell Carr; and many nieces, nephews and cousins of which she was close. Geneva has been a faithful member of the Church of the Brethren since she was baptized in a creek in Floyd County at the age of 12. She and Roy raised their children in the Poages Mill Church of the Brethren where they both served as life deacons and Geneva served on almost every board in the church. She worked in Bible School and later with the youth and after that taught an adult Sunday school class for many years. Geneva was active in the District Women's Work, serving as their president for two terms. She was active in the Church Women United (CWU) of the Roanoke Valley and also served as their president for two terms. Geneva treasured the Christian friends she made in CWU. She and her husband, Paul, most recently were members of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke. The family would like to thank the many caregivers that attended to Geneva over the last few years at Brandon Oaks. We appreciate the loving care she received from those who grew to know and love her which are too numerous to mention. Burial will follow in the Copper Hill Cemetery, Floyd County. on August 23, 2019.⁶

     Jesse Woodrow Conner was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "Sgt. U.S. Army Korea."^1,2,11 He Jesse Woodrow Conner, 52, died Wednesday, December 19, 1984, in North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, N.C. He was a retired Norfolk & Western Locomotve Engineer of the Radford division and a veteran of the Korean War. Preceding him in death was a son, James (Jimmy) Conner and his parents, Guy and Allie Conner. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Betty Hale Conner, Copper Hill; daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Rodney Kesler, Check; a daughter, Connie C. Pugh, Copper Hill; son and daughter-in-law, Jesse and Anne Lee Conner, Jr., Siloam, N.C; son, Jeff Conner, Copper Hill; five grandchildren, Freddie Pugh, Matthew Kesler, Tanya Kesler, Jessie Conner, and Emily Conner sister, Geneva Bell, Roanoke; sister and brother-in-law, Almeta and Marvin Thompson, Bent Mountain. Graveside services will be at the Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery.² His Social Security Number was 229-36-5551.¹² He was born on May 3, 1932 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,3,11,5,12,6} He married Betty Sue Hale, daughter of Charles Edward "Shine" Hale and Bessie Lee Pruett, on August 23, 1952 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^{13,2,14,15,3,16} Jesse Woodrow Conner died on December 19, 1984 at Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., North Carolina, at age 52.^1,2,11,5

     Her Social Security Number was 224-34-2739.⁷ Almeta Mable Conner was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,8 She was born on February 11, 1930 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8,2,7 She married Freddie Marvin Thompson, son of Roy L. Thompson and Rosa Ellen "Rosie" Pruitt/Pruett, on December 23, 1948 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,9,4,6 As of December 23, 1948,her married name was Thompson. Almeta Mable Conner died on February 15, 2010 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 80.^4,8,7,10 She Almeta Thompson, 80, of Bent Mountain, Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 15, 2010. She was born on February 11, 1930, the daughter of the late Guy and Allie Conner of Copper Hill, Va. She was ever faithful in her love for the Lord and a faithful member of Mount Union Church of the Brethren for over 60 years. She was a loving and devoted wife to her late husband of 49 years, F. Marvin Thompson, and a loving and caring mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Her life was lived as a testimony of her faith and she was a living example to others. In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Jesse Conner. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Geneva and Paul White; her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Susan Thompson; her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Jay Windel; and her daughter and son-in-law, Robin and William Walters. The grandchildren that will cherish her memory are Erin Dickerson, Ashley (Chad) Bane, Sarah Thompson, Leah Thompson, Jamie Windel, Kristie (Matthew) Neighbors, Joey (Magen) Windel, Jenny Walters, Jared Walters and Jacob Walters; six greatgrandchildren, Tatyana, Jonathan, Jasmine, William, Caleb and Luke; sister-in-law, Betty Conner; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Howard and Christine Thompson, Dalton and Ocie Thompson and Betty and Joe McCoy; special neighbors, Willie and Nancy King; and honorary grandchildren, Stephanie Perdue and Bradley King. A special thanks to the Adult Day Care Center of Roanoke Valley for all the loving care that they provided to our mother. Interment will be in the Copper Hill Cemetery. on February 17, 2010.⁴

     Roy Gerald Bell was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,2,3,10,8 His Social Security Number was 224-24-8342.¹¹ He was born on May 23, 1924 at Lillybrook, Raleigh Co., West Virginia; His draft card has a birth date of May 25, 1924.^{11,1,2,3,10,6,7} He married Geneva Ardell Conner, daughter of Guy Banks Conner and Alabama Doris "Allie" Holland, on October 26, 1946 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,9,2,12,3,4,8} Roy Gerald Bell Mr. Roy Gerald Bell, age 57, of Rt. 7, Roanoke, died Wednesday in a Salem hospital. He was a building contractor. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Geneva Conner Bell; one daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Susan B. and Tony R. Leonard of Roanoke; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ildiko Deak Pratt of Martinsville; two granddaughters, Jodi Layne Bell of Martinsville and Julie Renee Leonard of Roanoke; three sisters, Mrs. Walter (Pearl) Carr, Mrs. Dennis (Irene) Custer, Mrs. Howell (Maryleen) Cobb, all of Roanoke; one brother, Remulus Bell of Roanoke. He was also preceded in death by one son, Gerald Michael Bell. Interment will be in the Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery. on March 24, 1982.⁸ He died on March 24, 1982 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 57.^{9,2,12,3,10,6,8}

     Gerald Michael Bell was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,8 His Social Security Number was 230-64-6830.⁹ He was born on September 23, 1949 at Roanoke, Virginia.^6,9,1,8,5 He married Ildiko Ida Deak on December 30, 1969 at Rockingham Co., North Carolina.^1,3,4 Gerald Michael Bell died on October 21, 1970 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 21; Died in an automobile accident.^1,8

     His Social Security Number was 719-03-9876.⁸ Coy Link was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6 He was born on December 10, 1888 at Simpsons, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,1,8,3 He married Ada V. Akers, daughter of Ballard Preston Akers and Emily Jane "Emma" Poff, on October 23, 1907 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,9 Coy Link married Minerva Essie Bell, daughter of James William "Bill" Bell and Lizena C. Hollins, on February 20, 1923 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,6 Coy Link died on February 3, 1971 at Bristol, Sullivan Co., Tennessee, at age 82.^7,1,6 He COPPER HILL -- Coy Link, 81, formerly of Copper Hill, died Wednesday, February 3, 1971, in a Bristol, Tenn., hospital. He was a retired car repairman for the Norfolk & Western Railway. Surviving are his wife, Essie Bell Link; three sons, Alvin Link, Roanoke, Leon Link Bristol, Tenn., Larry Link, Bristol, Va; three daughters, Mrs. Opal McLwee, Richmond, Mo., Mrs. Helen Cundiff, Salem, Mrs. Violet Forbes, Roanoke; five brothers, Roscoe Link, Pilot, Ted Link, Henry Link, Hubert Link, Guy Link, Check; three sisters, Mrs. Hubert Lawrence, Mrs. Howard Goff, Check, Mrs. Robert Palmer, Roanoke. The funeral was Friday, February 5, 1971, at 2 p.m. at Salem Church with burial in Restvale Cemetery. Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd, handled arrangements. on February 11, 1971.⁶