Person Page - 86

     Phyllis Drummond "Pod" Schaffer was born on August 6, 1931 at Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.¹ As of March 18, 1954,her married name was DeCourcy.² She married Harold Roberts DeCourcy on March 18, 1954 at Blacksburg, Virginia.^1,2,5 Phyllis Drummond "Pod" Schaffer died on July 29, 2023 at Fishersville, Augusta Co., Virginia, at age 91.⁵ She Phyllis DeCourcy died on July 29, 2023, eight days short of her 92nd birthday. She was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, and also spent part of her youth in Salem, Virginia. She graduated from The College of William & Mary (BA) and Troy State University (MEd). She married Harold DeCourcy in 1954 and they were together 49 years until his death in 2003. Phyllis was a longtime resident of Waynesboro, Virginia, where she taught at Berkeley Glenn Elementary School and then finished her career at Kate Collins Middle School. Even into her 80s she continued tutoring many students. She was an amazing person, always on the go, loved all adventures, large and small, and had a fondness for large, black dogs. Her adventures stopped with the onset of dementia, and she spent her last years being well cared for at Regency of Augusta. She is survived by her three children, four grandchildren, and numerous friends, plus the many students who stayed in touch with her for years. There will be no services. Special thanks for the compassionate care given by Legacy Hospice. on July 30, 2023.⁵

     Martha Lou "Peggy" Bennett was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁷ Her Social Security Number was 224-34-2639.⁸ She was born on March 6, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^8,3,4,5 She married Robert Russell "Bobby" Conner Jr., son of Robert Russell Conner Sr. and Hildith Juanita "Juanita" Elmore, on August 31, 1946 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 As of August 31, 1946,her married name was Conner. Martha Lou "Peggy" Bennett died on February 21, 2005 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 76.^2,8,9 She Martha Lou (Peggy) Bennett Conner, 76, of Roanoke, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2005, in a Roanoke hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Conner, Jr., and her parents, Harold and Evelyn Bennett of Roanoke. She is survived by three sons and their wives, Roy and Jenna (Blue Ridge, Va.), Doug and Julie (Charlotte, N.C.) and Jeff and Kathy (Troutville, Va.); one daughter and husband, Robin C. and Michael Branham of Charlotte, N.C; sister and husband, Barbara Ann and Joe Lively (Roanoke Co., Va.); granddaughters and husbands, Deana C. and Randy Bronson (Troutville, Va.) , Amy C. and Ricky Keister, (Roanoke, Va.) ; one grandson, Jeremy Russell Conner, Blue Ridge, Va; four stepgrandchildren, Holly Adkins and Paul Franklin, Sarah and John Stuckey; two great-grandchildren, Conner and Hannah Bronson; her very special friend, Lois Hylton and her close neighbors, Dot, Jeannie, and Faye. on February 22, 2005.²

     His Social Security Number was 231-18-4458.⁹ Hubert Link was buried at Link Family Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "US Army WW I."^1,7 He was born on May 1, 1895 at Simpsons, Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,1,2,3,7 He married Flora J. Shank, daughter of John Wesley Shank and Sarah Jane Dickerson, on September 14, 1919 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,2,7 Hubert Link died on October 20, 1986 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 91.^1,2,7

     William Dennis Manning William “Dennis” Manning, age 66, of Copper Hill, passed away on Thursday February 20, 2020 after an extended illness. Dennis was born in August 16, 1953 to the late William “Robert” Manning and Ella Mae (Allen) Manning of Copper Hill. He is preceded in death by his brother, William “Garland” Manning, and a sister, Linda Lee Bratcher. Surviving are his children, Michelle (Mike) Harmon of Paducah, KY, and Sonya (Tony) Griffith of Floyd; and four grandsons, Trevor and Adam Harmon of Paducah, along with Ethan and Easton Griffith of Floyd. Also surviving are his sisters Linda Jean (Robert) Wright, and Maxine (Frank) Moran, all of Copper Hill, and a brother, William “Billy” Manning of Roanoke. Dennis was blessed to have many nieces and nephews. Interment will be in Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery.⁶ He 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 married Doris Jayne Hale, daughter of Frank R. Hale and Flossie Inez Pruitt.⁷ William Dennis Manning was born on August 16, 1952 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,4 He married Dreama Kay Conner, daughter of Harold Edward Conner and Hilda Lee Stump, on April 10, 1971 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,8 William Dennis Manning and Dreama Kay Conner were divorced on April 21, 1980 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁷ William Dennis Manning and Doris Jayne Hale were divorced on November 3, 2008 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁷ William Dennis Manning died on February 20, 2020 at Virginia at age 67.⁵

     Jacob Smith "Job" Link was buried at Link Family Cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,3 He was born on August 29, 1862 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 He married Liona Jane Conner, daughter of Jacob Poff Conner and Levicy Tabitha "Lavica" Wilson, on August 9, 1888 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 Jacob Smith "Job" Link died on July 7, 1930 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 67.^4,6,3

     Barbara Ann Richards Barbara Ann Wertz “Bob”, age 67 of Callaway passed away Monday, September 30, 2019. She was born May 18, 1952 the daughter of the late Berkley Alvin Richards and Evelyn Radford Furrow. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Richards. She was an inspector at Valcom for many years, was a great cook and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her dog, “Little Man.” She is survived by her loving husband, Roger Wertz; daughter, Lisa Conner Helms (Tony); son, Roger Wade Conner, Jr. (Lori); step-daughters, Renée Kincer (Stacy), Christie Wertz; grandchildren, Anthony, Jesse, Roger Conner, III; step-grandchildren, Taylor, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Sydney; siblings, Wanda “June” Benge (Harold), and Rose Hale (Jimmy); and Dog, Toby “Little Man” Wertz. Interment will follow at the Vest Family Cemetery.¹ She was buried at Vest Cemetery, 432 Cypress Drive SE, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4 She was born on May 18, 1952 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,4,2,3 She married Roger Wade Conner Sr., son of Samuel Henry "Sam" Conner and Elzora Emma "Alorza" Conner, on June 29, 1968 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,6,2 As of June 29, 1968,her married name was Conner.² Barbara Ann Richards and Roger Wade Conner Sr. were divorced on August 10, 1979 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,6 Barbara Ann Richards married Jerry DeWayne Conner, son of Samuel Henry "Sam" Conner and Elzora Emma "Alorza" Conner, on March 15, 1980 at Roanoke, Virginia.² Barbara Ann Richards and Jerry DeWayne Conner were divorced on May 20, 1983 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ Barbara Ann Richards died on September 30, 2019 at Virginia at age 67.^1,4

     McKinley Peter "Mac" King was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,3 He was born on February 1, 1897 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,2 He married Sylvia Goldie Conner, daughter of Jacob Valentine "Doll" Conner and Mary Elizabeth Hill, on November 25, 1931.^1,3 McKinley Peter "Mac" King died on December 25, 1971 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 74.³

     James Lewis King was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,6 He was born on January 30, 1936 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,2,6 He married Marjorie Faye Poff, daughter of Euell Harvey "Bud" Poff and Virginia Pearl Rumburg, on July 31, 1954 at Chester, Chester Co., South Carolina.^4,7,2,8,3 James Lewis King died on March 4, 2001 at age 65.^4,5,6 He KING, J. Lewis, 65, of Copper Hill, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2001. He was preceded in death by his father, McKinley King and a daughter, Louise "Weesie" Ober. He is survived by his wife, M. Faye King; daughter and son-in-law, Linda Gale and Bobby Woods; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Carol King; mother and stepfather, Sylvia and Seth Poff; seven grandchildren, Stacy Woods, Robbie Woods, Jr., Connie Woods, Cathy Woods, Ann Turner, Junelle King, Amanda King; three great-grandchildren, Jacob Turner, Lacey Woods, Anthony King; sister and brother-in-law, Rosalie and Steve Moran. Interment will follow in Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery. on March 7, 2001.⁵

     Marjorie Faye Poff was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁸ She was born on October 1, 1938 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,8 She married James Lewis King, son of McKinley Peter "Mac" King and Sylvia Goldie Conner, on July 31, 1954 at Chester, Chester Co., South Carolina.^1,3,2,4,9 As of July 31, 1954,her married name was King. Marjorie Faye Poff died on June 1, 2021 at Virginia at age 82.⁹ She Faye King, 82, of Copper Hill, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lewis King; daughter, Louise "Weesie" Ober; son, Gary Lee King; granddaughter, Cathy Louise Goodwin; and brother, Bobby Poff. Faye is survived by her daughter, Linda Gale Woods (Bobby); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jean Guilliams, Betty Burnette, Coleta Fralin, and Myra Wray; sisters-in-law, Claire Poff and Rosalie Moran (Steve); and numerous nieces and nephews. on June 2, 2021.⁹

     His Social Security Number was 224-16-7543.⁷ Euell Harvey "Bud" Poff was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "U.S. Army Air Corp. WWII."^1,8,2 He was born on December 3, 1912 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia; His draft card has a birth year of 1913.^7,1,2,3,4 He married Virginia Pearl Rumburg, daughter of John Kurtis Rumburg and Ella Sue Perdue, on December 23, 1933 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,1,8,2,10 Euell Harvey "Bud" Poff died on August 22, 1989 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 76.^7,1,8,2,11 He Euell H. "Bud" Poff, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 1989 in the VA Medical Center. He is survived by: his wife, Virginia Rumburg Poff of Check; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert W. and Claire Poff of Dublin; five daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Cecil Guilliams of Check, Faye and J. Lewis King of Copper Hill, Betty and Doc Burnette of Roanoke, Coleta and Dwight Fralin of Dublin, Myra and David Wray of Roanoke; fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Annalene Smith of Copper Hill, Virginia Mitchell of Elliston, Helen Maxey of Flagstaff, Arizona. Funeral service will be Thursday, Aug. 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Gardner Funeral Home with Rev. Stephen L. Dye officiating with interment in Restvale Cemetery, Copper Hill. on August 24, 1989.⁸

     Frederick Donald "Freddie" Stewart was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,3 His Social Security Number was 228-30-9837.⁵ He was born on January 26, 1930 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,5,3 He married Dorothy Mae Rumburg, daughter of Manley Simpson Rumburg and Naomi Florence "Granny Akers" Vest, on September 13, 1950 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,2,3 Frederick Donald "Freddie" Stewart died on September 5, 1985 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 55.^4,3

     Gladys Louise King was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁶ She was born on June 20, 1956 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,6 She married Donald Ray "Donnie" Ober, son of Harry Kenneth Ober and Myrtle Marie Hodges, on March 15, 1975 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,6 As of March 15, 1975,her married name was Ober. Gladys Louise King died on September 23, 1977 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 21; Died in an automobile accident.⁶

     Mary Frances Conner Mary Frances Conner Williams, 89, passed away on April 3, 2022 at her home in Pulaski, Virginia after a short hospitalization. She was surrounded by her family. Beneath a clear blue sky the many-varied daffodils planted and tendered by her hands were in their full splendor. Mary Frances was born on December 27, 1932 and grew up on her parents’ small dairy farm in Copper Hill, Virginia. She helped milk the cows, by hand in those days, and relieved the boredom by simultaneously reading or working on her schoolwork. Her industriousness paid off and she graduated valedictorian of Check High School Class of 1949. She worked a number of jobs throughout her life but is probably best remembered as part owner of Pharmacy Associates, Inc. which operated hometown pharmacies Pulaski Drugs and Dublin Pharmacy (among others) for many years before being dissolved in 1996. After she retired she channeled her energies and flair for the meticulous into genealogy and compiled a near-exhaustive history of her maternal (Boone) and paternal (Conner) lineages. Her work often took her into dusty courtroom basements and overgrown disused cemeteries but she loved every second of it. She eventually published her work and was always more than happy to share her research with other genealogists as well as local historical societies. In her mid-70’s she again served her community by volunteering a few days a week at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum in Newbern, Virginia. Mary Frances wore many hats throughout her life – daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, aunt; not to mention Voracious Reader (she was particularly enamored with the novels of T.R. Pearson who lunched with her once and later became an email buddy), Kitchen Whiz (many a recipe was better for having been tweaked by her), Crossword Puzzle Enthusiast (she could have done them in ink but why show off), British Murder Mystery Aficionado (Inspector Morse Midsomer Murders being a couple of favorites), Destroyer of Weeds (the fruitfulness of her daffodils, irises, lilies, hyacinths, and peonies will attest to this) and Expert on All Matters Genealogical (she could and WOULD elaborate the difference between a second cousin and a second cousin once removed). She was preceded in death by her parents Oliver Noel Conner and Mary Hazel Boone Conner, whom she helped care for when they each faced daunting health issues, as well as her husband of 54 years, Fred Lee Williams, whom she also cared for during the last year of his life. Also preceding her were her beloved cats Tigger, Roo, Winnie, and Christopher Robin. She is survived by her daughter Mary Leigh Williams (Dublin VA), son Mark Steven Williams and his wife Martha Jane Frye Williams (Pulaski VA), granddaughter Michelle Leigh Williams Radtke, Michelle’s husband Jacob Andrew (Jake) Radtke, great-grandsons Henry Williams Radtke and Ezra Lee Radtke (Wilmington NC), brother Noel Boone Conner (Powhatan VA), and sister Virginia Carol Conner Whittaker (Peterstown WV). The family wishes to thank the many wonderful caregivers at LewisGale Pulaski, the offices of Dr. Paul D’Amico and Dr. Owen Roberts, Intrepid Hospice, and all the nurses at the Infusion Center whose sunny dispositions and capable caring hands made for the best medicine of all.⁸ She I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the incredible generosity of my dear friend and cousin, the late Mary Frances Conner Williams of Pulaski, Virginia. Without her crucial early help and guidance, a project of the size and complexity would have been impossible. I miss you Mary but your work will live on in these pages. I will never forget all the countless hours we spent working together on our Conner genealogy. I am so glad we we able to see each other in person the past few years. My visits back to Virginia will never be the same without a visit to Pulaski. You were a mentor and an inspiration. With love, Scott Schaffer.¹¹ She Mary has a shared headstone with her husband in Wilson Cemetery, however she is not buried there.¹¹ She was born on December 27, 1932 at Roanoke, Virginia.^12,7,8 She married Fred Lee Williams, son of Joseph William Williams and Mattie Virginia Stump, on November 21, 1953 at Wythe Co., Virginia.^1,4,5,7,8 As of November 21, 1953,her married name was Williams. Mary Frances Conner died on April 3, 2022 at Pulaski, Pulaski Co., Virginia, at age 89.⁸

     Gary Lee King was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁷ He was born on June 15, 1959 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,1,9,7 He married Elizabeth Marie Conner on September 3, 1976 at Eden, Rockingham Co., North Carolina.^2,4,9 Gary Lee King and Elizabeth Marie Conner were divorced on May 13, 1987 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹⁰ Gary Lee King married Carol Lynette Kenley on May 16, 1987 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,9,5 Gary Lee King died on March 19, 2012 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 52.^5,7 He Gary Lee King, 52, of Check, passed away at his home Monday, March 19, 2012. He was preceded in death by his father, J. Lewis King, a sister, Louise (Weesie) King Ober, and a special cousin, Charlie Moran. He is survived by his wife, Carol Kenley King; his children, Ann King, Amanda King Allen, and Junelle King Simpkins; his mother, Faye Poff King; a sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Bobby Woods; four grandchildren, Jacob Turner, Anthony and Michael Allen, and Hunter Simpkins; a special aunt and uncle, Rosalie and Steve Moran; nieces, Stayce Eller, Connie Woods, and Cathy Goodwin; a nephew, Robert Lee Woods Jr; lifelong friends, Wilfred Stuart, Bennie and Rushie Conner; numerous other extended family and friends. The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel on Brambleton Ave. from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2012. A Celebration of Life will be at the King Residence, 778 Lick Ridge Rd. in Check, VA. at 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012. The Rev. Roy Turpin will officiate. In lieu of flowers, as a living memorial to Gary, friends may bring roses to be planted at his home for the memorial on Friday. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel. on March 21, 2012.⁵

     Donald Ray "Donnie" Ober was born on January 14, 1954 at Alexandria, Virginia.^1,3 He married Gladys Louise King, daughter of James Lewis King and Marjorie Faye Poff, on March 15, 1975 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7,2,8 Donald Ray "Donnie" Ober married Linda Sue Clemons on April 27, 1979 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ Donald Ray "Donnie" Ober and Linda Sue Clemons were divorced on March 26, 2002 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁹ Donald Ray "Donnie" Ober married Linda Diane Bogard on February 14, 2005 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ Donald Ray "Donnie" Ober died on December 29, 2020 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.⁶ He Donald Ray Ober, 66, of Roanoke, Va. passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. After graduating from Floyd County High school he joined the army. He then retired from Roanoke City Public Schools with over 40+ years. He was a member of the Mountain Thunder, Bent Mtn. Chapter ABATE of VA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Diane and brother, Ken. Donnie is survived by his brother, Bill Ober (Libby); sister, Ruth Fornes; stepdaughters, Janice Blackwell (Charles), Angie Roche, Lisa Casazza; stepson, Jeremy Bogard (Farrah); 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three nieces, three nephews, and many wonderful friends. The family would like to thank the staff working in the SICU at the VA Medical Center for the excellent care he received. A Celebration of Life is planned for later due to COVID. on January 1, 2021.⁶