Person Page - 869

     His Social Security Number was 230-12-7525.¹¹ Alton Wesley Prillaman was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 He was born on November 27, 1922 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,1 He married Pauline M. Davis, daughter of James Davis and Nannie Bowman, on December 21, 1951.^1,3 Alton Wesley Prillaman died on December 15, 1996 at Lynchburg, Virginia, at age 74.^11,2,3 He PRILLIMAN, Alton Wesley, 74, of Lynchburg, and formerly of Copper Hill, passed away Sunday, December 15, 1996, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Pauline D. Prilliman of Lynchburg; two sons, Alton Wesley Prilliman II, Delray Beach, Fla., James T. Prilliman, Jacksonville, Fla; three daughters, Martha Gosnell, Lynchburg, Mary Prilliman, Wilmington, N.C., Melissa Prilliman, Lynchburg; two brothers, John L. Prilliman, Quinton, D. Q. Prilliman, Orlando, Fla; one sister, Virginia Carmack, Roanoke; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 18, 1996, at 1 p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home with Rev. Carter Sloan and Rev. Charley Harvin officiating. Interment will follow in Restvale Cemetery, Copper Hill. Friends may call Tuesday at Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd, where the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m on December 19, 1996.²

     Judith "Judy" Thomas married James Agee, son of Joshua Agee and Sarah Brammer.¹ Judith "Judy" Thomas was buried at Agee Cemetery, left off Rt. 615 at County Line Church and cemetery, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ Her married name was Agee. She was born on April 20, 1819 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^3,2 She died on May 28, 1919 at Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 100.²

     Her Social Security Number was 226-01-6569.¹² Rosa Eugene Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,3 She was born on April 11, 1904 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^12,6,3,4 As of March 27, 1937,her married name was Mowles.⁴ She married Clarence Gager Mowles on March 27, 1937 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,4,13 As of March 9, 1951,her married name was Houff.⁴ Rosa Eugene Sears married Sidney Earl Houff on March 9, 1951 at Charlottesville, Virginia.^6,10,14,4,15 Rosa Eugene Sears died on March 30, 1999 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 94.^12,6,3 She HOUFF, Rosa Sears, 94, of Brandon Oaks Nursing Home, died Tuesday, March 30, 1999. Mrs. Houff was a native of Salem, and the daughter of the late John Henry and Minnie Palmer Sears. She was preceded in death by husbands, Clarence Gager Mowles and Sydney Earl Houff; stepson, Robert Earl Houff; brother, John Sears; and sisters, Kathie Furrey, Madie Sisson, Gladys Cole. Survivors include step-son and wife, James Lee and Mary Houff, of Champaign, Ill; sister, Mrs. Laura Kesler, of Salem; and brothers, Merriman Sears, of Salem, Ammon Sears, of Stuart. Also surviving are several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, Sue Bledsloe, Betty Pritchard, and Minnie Chewning; nephews, Leo Kelsler, Don Cole, Bobby Cole, Lewis Cole and Merriman Cole. Interment Sherwood. on March 31, 1999.⁶

     Clarence Gager Mowles was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,4 He was born on May 31, 1887 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5 He married Rosa Eugene Sears, daughter of John Henry Sears and Minnie Jane Palmer, on March 27, 1937 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^7,5,6 Clarence Gager Mowles Clarence Gager Mowles, 61, died suddenly this morning at his home, 710 Bowman Ave., Salem. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rosa Sears Mowles; two brothers, C. L. Mowles, Salem, and J. F. Mowles, Fresno, Calif; and three sisters, Mrs. Callie Wise, Mrs. Cora Stump and Mrs. W. V. Crosswhite of Salem. on February 12, 1949.⁶ He died on February 12, 1949 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 61.^3,4,6

     Sidney Earl Houff was buried at Pleasant View Lutheran Church Cemetery, Verona, Augusta Co., Virginia.^4,5,6 He was born on January 25, 1897 at Fishersville, Augusta Co., Virginia.^2,3,4,5,7 He married Rosa Eugene Sears, daughter of John Henry Sears and Minnie Jane Palmer, on March 9, 1951 at Charlottesville, Virginia.^1,8,5,9,6 Sidney Earl Houff died on October 30, 1964 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 67.^4,5,6,7 He Sidney Earl Houff, 67, of Rt. 1, died Friday in a Roanoke hospital. He was a farmer and a school bus operator in Botetourt County. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Rosa Sears, Houff; two sons, the Rev. Lee Houff, Genoa, Ill., the Rev. Robert Earle Houff, Harrisonburg; three brothers, Ausbert M. Houff, Lanham, Md., Luther C. Houff, Staunton, Lawrence A. Houff, Clifton Forge. Burial at the Pleasant View Lutheran Cemetery, Staunton. on November 1, 1964.⁶

     John Whitsell Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁹ He was born on February 14, 1912 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^9,5 He died on June 14, 1956 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 44.^9,11 He John W. Sears, 44, died last night at his home, Route 4. Roanoke. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. John Sears, Roanoke County; six sisters, Mrs. Sidney Houff, Fincastle; Mrs. D. Kesler, Salem; Mrs. T. M. Cole, Roanoke; Mrs. A. K. Sisson, Roanoke County; Mrs. Jerome Furey, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Emma Sears, Katy, Texas; three brothers Merriman Sears, Roanoke County; Farmersville, Ohio; Ammon Sears, Stuart. on June 15, 1956.¹¹

     Katie Elizabeth Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² She was born on February 16, 1914 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹⁰ As of July 27, 1950,her married name was Furey.⁷ She married Jerome Daniel Furey on July 27, 1950 at Cuyahoga Co., Ohio.⁷ Katie Elizabeth Sears died on February 23, 1958 at Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, at age 44.^11,2 She Funeral for Mrs. Katie Elizabeth Sears Furey, 44, formerly of Salem, who died Monday in Cleveland, Ohio, will be Thusday. Burial will be in Sherwood. Pallbearers will be A. V. Swann, Aubrey Carney, Howard Aldridge, William Palmer, C. T. Wimmer and Garland Wiley. on February 26, 1958.²

     Jerome Daniel Furey was buried at Saint Johns Cemetery, Turnpike Street and Laurel Street, Susquehanna Depot, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania.^3,4 He was born on November 7, 1906 at Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania.^3,5 He married Katie Elizabeth Sears, daughter of John Henry Sears and Minnie Jane Palmer, on July 27, 1950 at Cuyahoga Co., Ohio.¹ Jerome Daniel Furey died on March 7, 1985 at Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, at age 78.^2,3,4 He Jerome D. Furey, 79, of 12730 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, formerly of Susquehanna, Pa., passed away March 7, 1985, at his home. He is survived by one sister, Margaret Yurkewitch, Susquehanna; one uncle, Robert Tuskey, Oakland, Pa; two nephews, John E. Furey, Endicott, Daniel R. Furey, Syracuse, NY; one niece, Patricia Galloway, Auburn, NY; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Fink, Binghamton; several cousins. He was a graduate of the Laurel Hill Academy of Susquehanna, and a retired Erie Railroad employee, having moved to Cleveland in 1938 as a machinist. Burial will be in the St. John's Cemetery in Susquehanna. on March 8, 1985.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 228-01-9327.¹⁵ Madie J. Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,5,9 She was born on February 13, 1910 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^15,9 As of September 4, 1943,her married name was Sisson.¹⁰ She married Alfred Kimber Sisson, son of John Haden Sisson and Cora Jane Miles, on September 4, 1943 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,10,16 Madie J. Sears died on August 25, 1993 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 83.^5,15,3,9 She SISSON, Madie Sears, 83, passed away early Wednesday, August 25, 1993, in a local hospital. She was the widow of Alfred K. Sisson, a lifelong resident of Salem, and a member of Salem Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sisters, Rosa S. Houff of Roanoke, Laura S. Kesler of Salem; two brothers, Merriman Sears of Salem and Ammon Sears of Stuart. Interment will follow in Sherwood Burial Park. on August 26, 1993.³

     Alfred Kimber Sisson was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,1,3,7 His Social Security Number was 226-01-4376.⁸ He was born on August 18, 1903 at Simpsons, Floyd Co., Virginia.^8,5,1,2,3,4 He married Madie J. Sears, daughter of John Henry Sears and Minnie Jane Palmer, on September 4, 1943 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,2,7 Alfred Kimber Sisson Alfred Kimber (Al) Sisson, age 84, of 1647 Margaret Lane, Salem, died Thursday, September 3, 1987, at his home. He was a member of Salem Presbyterian Church and was a retired salesman for the Flecheimer Uniform Co. He is survived by his wife, Madie Sears Sisson; three brothers, J. Carlyle Sisson, Las Vegas, Nev., Raymond T. Sisson and Truman Sisson, both of Roanoke; one sister, Mrs. Sadie Sisson Parks, Roanoke; a number of nieces and nephews. Burial will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. on September 3, 1987.⁷ He died on September 3, 1987 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 84.^1,3,7

     Gladys Nellie Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^11,10 She was born on January 13, 1908 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ As of April 9, 1931,her married name was Cole.⁸ She married Thomas Marvin Cole on April 9, 1931 at Dobson, Surry Co., North Carolina.^{12,8,13,14,10} Gladys Nellie Sears died on December 23, 1966 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 58.¹⁰ She Mrs. Gladys Sears Cole, 58, of 2025 Meadowbrook Road, N.W., passed away Friday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bobby R. Chewning. She was the widow of Thomas M. (Tom) Cole. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Bobby R. Chewning, Mrs. John Pritchard, both of Roanoke; four sons, Thomas D. Cole, Roanoke, Robert M. Cole, Morristown, Tennessee, Louis E. Cole, Norfolk, Virginia, Merriman W. Cole, San Bruno, California; her mother, Mrs. John Sears, Salem; three sisters, Mrs. Rosa Houff, Roanoke, Mrs. Laura Kessler and Mrs. Madie Sisson, both of Salem; two brothers, Merriman Sears, Salem, Ammon Sears, Stuart, Virginia, and fifteen grandchildren. Interment in Sherwood Cemetery. on December 26, 1966.¹⁰

     Virginia Alice "Jenny" Prillaman was born on September 30, 1924 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She married Frank Freeman Carmack Sr. on February 14, 1948 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,1,6,2,4 As of February 14, 1948,her married name was Carmack. Virginia Alice "Jenny" Prillaman died on February 3, 2017 at Virginia at age 92.⁴ She CARMACK, Virginia Alice Prillaman September 30, 1924 February 3, 2017. Virginia Alice Prillaman (Jenny) Carmack, 93, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband on Friday, February 3, 2017. Jenny was born in Floyd County, Va., in 1924. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke and this is where she met Frank, her one true love, whom she married on Valentine's Day in 1948. She went on to become a Registered Nurse and helped many in the Roanoke Valley, including friends and family. Jenny was well known at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school and was well known by all the ladies in her Circle. She will always be remembered for all her generosity and love towards others. Jenny was predeceased by her husband, Frank F. Carmack Sr; father and mother, Tyler and Elvada Prillaman; her three brothers, Alton, Don and Thornton Prillaman; her sister, Leliah Prillaman; and grandson, Brandon Oberleitner, who died serving our country. She is survived by one brother, John L. Prillaman; her children, F. Freeman Carmack Jr., and Jean Ann Carmack Elliott and her husband, Robert C. Elliott Jr. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Christopher Sieger and his wife, Ashley, Andrew Carmack, Grace Carmack and Lawrence Oberleitner; along with five great-grandchildren, Austin, Caleb, Houstan, Fate and Bayleigh. Jean Elliott wishes to thank Our Lady of the Valley for all their care, kindness and compassion they showed her mother over the last nine and one half years. Everyone there touched her life and I hope she in turn touched theirs. I also would like to thank Gentle Shepherd Hospice who showed my mother with their kindheartedness, gentleness and humanity what love truly is. You were always there when you were needed or even there just with a smile. God bless to everyone who touched my mother's heart. A service celebrating her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel with Pastor Dan Freeland officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m. at the funeral home. on February 5, 2017.⁴

     Thomas Marvin Cole was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,2 He was born on December 17, 1904 at Abingdon, Washington Co., Virginia.^2,4 He married Gladys Nellie Sears, daughter of John Henry Sears and Minnie Jane Palmer, on April 9, 1931 at Dobson, Surry Co., North Carolina.^6,1,2,3,7 Thomas Marvin Cole died on October 22, 1964 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 59.^2,3 He Thomas (Tom) Marvin Cole, 59, of 1315 Melrose Ave., died in a local hospital Thursday. He was a driver for Associated Transport. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Gladys Sears Cole; two daughters, Mrs. Bobby Ray Chewing and Mrs. Rosa E. Rutherford, both of Roanoke; four sons, Thomas Cole, Roanoke, Robert M. Cole, Morristown, Tenn., Louis E. Cole, San Pedro, Cal., Merriman Cole, San Bruno, Cal; two sisters, Mrs. Lewis Morgan, Andersonville, Mrs. L. Crews, Portsmouth. on October 23, 1964.³

     Her Social Security Number was 226-01-6539.¹² Laura Pitzer Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁸ She was born on October 22, 1905 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,2,12 As of June 22, 1926,her married name was Kesler.² She married Doctor Hatcher Kesler on June 22, 1926 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{13,6,8,10,9,2} Laura Pitzer Sears Laura Kesler celebrates her 103rd Christmas. Laura Sears Kesler of Salem will celebrate her 103rd Christmas this year and is looking forward to her 104th. Laura Sears Kesler remembers more than 100 Christmases. This year she's celebrating her 103rd Christmas, and looking forward to her 104th. The Salem native turned 103 on Oct. 22. Although she doesn't cook a big meal any more, she used to pull out all the stops, her grandchildren remembered. "My grandmother always cooked Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Her favorite dishes were chestnut dressing which she made from scratch, and corn pudding. She would get the chestnuts from the tree that was in my great-grandmother's yard. She lived behind my grandmother," said granddaughter Joy Chappell, who lives in Seaford, Va. Mrs. Kesler, who is a member of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, credits faith in God as her secret to longevity. With the help of a magnifying glass, she reads her Bible and devotions every day. She enjoys visits from her many friends and family members, who include her three surviving grandchildren, Chappell, Rodney Kesler and Christy Cleary. A fourth grandchild, Larry Kesler, is deceased. She also has three great-grandchildren, Matthew Kesler, Tanya Hicks and Sarah Bergeron. In 1960, Mrs. Kesler and her husband, Hatcher, built their final home with the help of family and their new neighbors, Charlie and Guida Lefler, who are still a big part of her life today. She was the second child of Minnie Palmer and John Henry Sears, and had eight brothers and sisters. Only one of her brothers, Ammon Sears, is still living, and resides in Stuart. Her other siblings were Rosa Houff, Daniel Sears, Gladys Cole, Madie Sisson, John Sears, Katie Furrey and Merriman Sears. She also had half-brothers and sisters, 12 total. They were Alice, Samuel, John, Robert, Emma, Thomas, George, Matilda, James, Enos, Callie and David. Laura Sears attended the old Salem High School, and afterwards, started working at the Salem Pants Factory as a seamstress. After a year she went to work for American Viscose Corp. While her family was living on Pennsylvania Avenue in Salem, her aunt introduced her to D. Hatcher Kesler, her granddaughter Joy recalled, who was driving the street car. They were married on June 22, 1926. When he died in 1999, they had been married for more than 72 years. On May 14, 1927, Mrs. Kesler gave birth to her only child, Leo, who is now deceased. After he started school, she went back to work at American Viscose until 1957 when the plant closed. The following year she took up china painting and taught until 1996. Students traveled to her home from as far as Staunton and Martinsville to take lessons from her. She traveled to Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Dallas, just to name a few locations, to share her talent with others while attending china painting conventions throughout the nation. Mrs. Kesler was a member of the International China Painting Teachers' Association for more than 37 years, and continued painting for herself and others until 1998 when she starting losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. – Meg Hibbert
on December 17, 2008.⁶ She died on December 22, 2009 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 104.^8,12,14 She Our beloved grandmother, Laura Sears Kesler, of Salem, peacefully passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. Born in 1905, she was the second child to the late Minnie Palmer and John Henry Sears. She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, D. Hatcher Kesler; a son, Leo E. Kesler; two grandsons, Larry M. Kesler and J. Frank Chappell; brothers and sisters, Rosa Houff, Daniel Sears, Gladys Cole, Madie Sisson, John Sears, Katie Furrey, Merriman Sears and Ammon Sears; and 12 half brothers and sisters. Laura was a life long resident of Salem, attending Salem High School and was employed by American Viscose Corporation. In 1958 Laura embarked on what would become one of the hallmarks of her life: china painting, even becoming an educator of the skill. A remarkable woman who devoted her life to her family and faith, she was a member of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. She is survived by her loving grandchildren, Rodney Kesler and his wife, Peggy, of Check, Va., who unselfishly cared for her throughout the past year, Christina Cleary and her husband, Bill, of Newport News, Va., and Joy Chappell, of Seaford, Va; greatgrandchildren, Matthew Kesler and his wife, Anitra, and Tanya Hicks and her husband, Derrick, all of Check, Va., Sarah Cleary, of Minneapolis, Minn., Mia Downing and her husband, Jake, and David Chappell and his wife, Alexis, all of Newport News, Va; and great-great-grandchildren, Macie and Kendall Downing and AloraDannon Chappell, all of Newport News, Va. Laura is also survived by special friends, Charlie and Guida Lefler, who compassionately provided the help to enable Laura to live as independent a life as possible in her home until last year; and special friend, Audrey Bowers. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services immediately following at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family would like to express their gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice for all of their special care and assistance. The vast landscape of Laura's life has undoubtedly provided many influencing and everlasting moments for those in her life. Her 104 years are infused with an atomic significance that makes them all feel bigger. Words, in fact, are of little help in expressing the infinite impact of her enriched life, her exhilarating inspiration, and her spectacular wisdom. She is truly a recognizable symbol of endurance, resilience, and grace. on December 25, 2009.⁸

     His Social Security Number was 225-10-9038.⁵ Doctor Hatcher Kesler was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on August 18, 1901 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,6 He married Laura Pitzer Sears, daughter of John Henry Sears and Minnie Jane Palmer, on June 22, 1926 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,7,8,2,9,6 Doctor Hatcher Kesler died on February 19, 1999 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 97.^5,1,3 He KESLER, Doctor Hatcher, 97, of Salem, died Friday, February 19, 1999. He was retired from Trailways Bus Co. and Keslers Work Shop. Surviving family include his wife of 72 years, Laura Sears Kesler; son, Leo E. Kesler and his wife Audrey of Newport News; grandchildren, Rodney Lynn Kesler and wife Peggy of Floyd, Christina Cleary and husband Bill of Newport News, Joylene Chappell and husband Frank of Seaford; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Tanya Kesler, Sarah Cleary; sister, Minnie Murray of Boones Mill; stepgrandchildren, Rebecca Turlington of Newport News, Michelle Poole of Newport News and Jeffrey Poole of Sparta, N. C; three stepgreat-grandchildren; special friends, Charlie and Guida Lefler; several nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. on February 20, 1999.¹

     Merriman Sears was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 717-10-2652.⁸ He was born on March 1, 1916 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,8,9,10 He died on December 31, 2001 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 85.^4,3,15,8,10 He Merriman Sears, a Salem man whose father fought in the Civil War, died Monday morning. He was 85. It's unlikely that Sears heard many of his father's war stories. John Henry Sears died when his 20th child was only 4, and relatives say few details survive of his time with the Confederate Army. The old cavalryman fathered 21 children by two wives, relatives said. John Sears was a 62-year-old widower and Minnie Palmer was 15 when she married him about the turn of the century. Fire claimed their ancestral home two years after the patriarch died, said Merriman Sears' niece Minnie Chewning. The widow and her nine surviving children came down from Sears Mountain in Roanoke County into Salem, where they scraped together a living. Whenever Merriman Sears "referred to his mother and those times, tears were in his eyes," said his friend Brent Riley. They all took odd jobs - "anything they could find to do" - with Merriman delivering papers on tired, flat feet because he couldn't afford a bicycle, said his cousin, Billy Palmer. "They brought all the money home to give it to their mother, to make ends meet," Palmer said. Merriman Sears later joined the Navy, where he spent several years before returning to the Roanoke Valley. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service, then Norfolk Southern, before retiring at 65, Palmer said. Sears lived on his own in a house on Apperson Drive until two years ago, when declining health forced him into a nursing home. He never married, but had been engaged for the past 25 years, Palmer said. Although the family had to leave the old homestead, Merriman Sears owned the property at the top of Sears Mountain. His father is buried there, under a marker provided by the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The spot is about 500 feet from where the house stood, above the Hidden Valley area. Visitors to the remote area have a panoramic view of the Roanoke Valley. Sears knew it was valuable, Palmer said. He entertained offers from some 20 developers as homes went up all around the 120-acre site. More than once, businessmen drew up contracts only to be rejected at the last minute. "There were just so many emotions there that he couldn't sell it," Palmer said. Two of Merriman Sears' siblings - Laura Kessler, 96, of Salem, and Ammon Sears, the youngest at 83, of Stuart - survive him. He will be buried in Salem. on January 1, 2002.⁴ He SEARS, Merriman, 85, of Salem, passed away Monday, December 31, 2001 in Lewis Gale Hospital. He was born in Roanoke County on March 1, 1916 the son of the late John Henry Sears and Minnie Palmer Sears. He was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School, National Business College, served in the United States Navy during World War II, retired from Norfolk and Western Railroad's, Passenger-Coal-Ore Traffic Department with over 40 years service. He was a former member of the Salem Lions Club, and active member of the Salem Historical Society, and a member of Hidden Valley Country Club for over 50 years. He was a lifetime member of the Salem Presbyterian Church, where he was a former Deacon and Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Rosa Mowles Houff, Gladys Nellie Cole, Madie Sisson, Katie Elizabeth Furey; one brother, John W. Sears. Surviving are one sister, Laura Pitzer Kesler of Salem; one brother, Ammon Sears of Stuart; and special friend and caregiver, Charles W. Lefler of Salem. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. on January 2, 2002.³

     His Social Security Number was 229-03-1566.¹⁰ Ammon Sears was born on May 23, 1918 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,10 He married Geraldine Crawford circa 1939.^6,11 Ammon Sears died on September 13, 2009 at Winston-Salem, Forsyth Co., North Carolina, at age 91.^6,10 He Mr. Ammon Sears, 91, of Stuart, passed away Sunday morning, at N.C. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was born on May 23, 1918, in Salem, Va., to the late John H. Sears and Minnie Wimmer Sears. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Carolyn Sears Dance; three brothers; and five sisters. Mr. Sears retired from Appalachian Power Company with 44 years service. He was a member of Stuart Presbyterian Church, was a past president and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award with the Stuart Rotary club, charter president of the Patrick County Jaycees, president of the Patrick Henry Industrial Corp., actively volunteered with the Boy Scouts and was presented the Silver Beaver award and was the second person in Patrick County to receive this honor, was a staunch supporter of all local youth sports, and was an avid fisherman who loved the Outer Banks, N.C., almost as much as he loved Patrick County and it's people. Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Geraldine Crawford Sears, of the home; one daughter, Suzanne "Sue" Bledsoe, of Blackstone, Va; seven grandchildren, John, Suzanne, Elizabeth, Kelly, Scott, Mark, Stuart; nine greatgrandchildren; and one sister, Laura S. Kessler, of Roanoke, Va. on September 14, 2009.⁶

     His Social Security Number was 223-38-7340.¹² Thomas Donald "Don" Cole was born on October 8, 1931 at Andersonville, Buckingham Co., Virginia.^12,4,5,6 He married Joyce Ann Weddle on August 6, 1955 at Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina.¹³ Thomas Donald "Don" Cole and Joyce Ann Weddle were divorced on March 27, 1980 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹³ Thomas Donald "Don" Cole married Helene Anne Bouck on April 8, 1980 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^14,5 Thomas Donald "Don" Cole died on December 10, 2000 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 69.^12,15,7 He COLE, Thomas D., 69, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2000. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Helene Cole of Roanoke; daughters, Cathy Hawkins of Roanoke, Connie Houston and her husband, Randy of Vinton; a stepdaughter, Sandra Dooley and her husband, Donald of Buchanan; stepson, Andrew Nevins and his wife, Mary of Hampton; a granddaughter, Kendra Houston of Vinton; and a stepgrandson, Harland Nevins of Hampton. He is also survived by his brothers, Bobby Cole and his wife, Betty of Morristown, Tenn., Louis Cole and his wife, Joyce of Botetourt, Meriman Cole and his wife, Cathy of California; sisters, Minnie Chewning and her husband, Bobby of Roanoke, and Betty Pritchard of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews; and a special puppy, Mitzi. on December 11, 2000.¹⁵

     Robert Merle "Bobby" Cole COLE, Robert M. - age 81, of Morristown, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014. He was retired from AT&T. He was a member and past master of Masonic Lodge #231, and a member of Kerbela Shrine Temple where he served as photographer for five years. He was a member of Witt Baptist Church and veteran of USAF where he served during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Gladys Cole; brothers, Don, Louis, and Wes Cole; sister, Betty Pritchard; and son-in-law, Dennis Lee Hurd. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty S. Cole; sons, Rick (Sherri) Cole of Talbott, Tommy Joe Cole of Morristown; daughter, Karen L. "Sissy" Hurd of Morristown; grandsons, Chris Berry of New Market, Timmy Berry of Morristown, and Travis (Brandy) Cole of Dandridge; granddaughters, Brooke West of Rutledge and Renee Hurd of Greenback; nine great grandchildren; sister, Minnie (Bobby) Chewning of Roanoke, VA; sister-in-laws, Joyce of Ft. Meyers, FL., and Cathy Cole of San Bruno, CA. The family would like to say a special thanks to Laura Murrell, Serenity y House, Smokey Mountain Hospice, and Heritage Nursing Home. Jefferson Memorial Gardens graveside service.¹⁰ He was buried at Jefferson Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Jefferson City, Jefferson Co., Tennessee.^11,10 He was born on May 8, 1933 at Buckingham Co., Virginia.^11,5 He married Betty June Shockley on September 11, 1954 at Hawkins Co., Tennessee.^12,4 Robert Merle "Bobby" Cole died on July 17, 2014 at Tennessee at age 81.^11,10

     Louis Eugene Cole was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.^2,5 He was born on March 29, 1935 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,5 He married Joyce Ann Givens on December 30, 1952 at Leaksville, Rockingham Co., North Carolina.^2,4,11 Louis Eugene Cole died on October 12, 2013 at Fort Myers, Lee Co., Florida, at age 78.^2,5 He Louis Eugene Cole, 78, of N. Fort Myers, Fla., and formerly of Roanoke, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2013, after living a full and happy life. Louis was born in Roanoke, where he met his wife, Joyce while in Junior High School. He attended Jefferson High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. He rose to the rank of Master Chief before retiring with a career spanning 23 years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from the Navy, Louis resided in Waukegan, Ill., where he was plant manager of Chicago Boiler Company. After retiring from Chicago Boiler, Louis and Joyce moved back to their childhood home of Roanoke, Va., where they resided for many years before moving to N. Fort Myers, Fla., where the climate suited their lifestyle better. Louis loved to be out in the warm weather, where he enjoyed golf and lounging by the pool. But his most favorite times were when his family was all gathered together. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Gladys Cole; brother, Don Cole; and sister, Betty Pritchard. Louis is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce (Givens) Cole; children, Cindy Whitecotton (Frank), Terri Hill (Glen), Vicky Grapel (Kenny), Katie Davis (Larry) and Louis (Butch) Cole Jr; grandchildren, David Hill, Danielle Schmitz, Rebecca Davis, Brandon Cole, Larissa Joma, Jessica Hassan, and Lance James; sister, Minnie K. Chewing; and brothers, Robert M. Cole and Wesley (Twiddles) Cole. Although Louis will be missed greatly by family and friends, many loving memories will remain forever. His ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. on October 30, 2013.²

     Merriman Wesley "Wes" Cole was born on October 29, 1940 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ He married Kathleen Theda Diane "Kathy" Smeltzer on July 21, 1962 at Fresno Co., California.⁸ Merriman Wesley "Wes" Cole died on February 21, 2014 at San Bruno, San Mateo Co., California, at age 73.³ He Merriman Wesley (Wes) Cole, (Twiddles), 73, of San Bruno, Calif., passed away February 21, 2014 in San Bruno. He was a son of Thomas M. and Gladys (Sears) Cole. He was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas D. Cole and Louis E. Cole (Joyce); and sister, Betty Cole Pritchard. Wes is survived by wife, Kathy; sons, David and Larry (Kris); daughter, Robin; grandsons, Wesley and Seth; granddaughter, Emily; brother, Bobby Cole (Betty) of Morristown, Tenn; sister, Minnie C. Chewning (Bobby) of Roanoke, Va; 15 nieces and nephews. on March 12, 2014.³

     Byrd Garland Cole was born on July 30, 1804 at Buncombe Co., North Carolina.^2,3 He married Sarah Gudger circa 1824.² Byrd Garland Cole married Frances Raines circa 1839.⁴ Byrd Garland Cole died on October 22, 1896 at Walker Co., Alabama, at age 92.³ He Byrd Cole, age 92 died at his home on Sipsey River, this county, on the 22 ultimate. He was born in Buncombe County, N.C. about the year 1804 where he grew to manhood and lived (there) until 33 years old, then moved to Walker County, located on the Sipsey River in the west end of this county where he lived for 60 years until the Invitable Summons. Death came to remove the Celestial Reward waiting all, who like him, prove faithful to the End. He was the perfect type of rugged honesty and integerity. He leaves a wife, many relatives and friends to mourn his departure. on November 4, 1896.³