Person Page - 927

     Annie Hazel McMahan was buried at Birchlawn Burial Park, Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.^1,2 She was born on July 31, 1912 at Giles Co., Virginia.¹ She married Donald Jackson "Don" Gearhart, son of Isaac Johnson "J.G." Gearheart and Emma Zetta King, on November 4, 1939 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of November 4, 1939,her married name was Gearhart.² Annie Hazel McMahan died on April 11, 2003 at Radford, Virginia, at age 90.¹ She GEARHART, Hazel McMahan, 90, of 700 Cascade Drive in Pembroke, died Friday morning, April 11, 2003 at New River Valley Medical Center at Radford. Born on July 31, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Walter Thomas McMahan, Sr. and Ruby Williams McMahan. Hazel was a devoted member of Pembroke First United Methodist Church; was employed for many years at Leggett's in Pearisburg and later at Williams Dept. Store in Pembroke and as a library aide at Eastern Elementary School. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Gearhart; a daughter, Rebecca G. Lucas; two sisters, Catherine McMahan, Ruth M. Williams; and a brother, Walter T. McMahan, Jr. Surviving are her daughters, Diane G. Morris of Kingsport, Tenn. and Amy Diane Tinsley of Pembroke; sons-in-law, Robert T. Morris and Harold S. Lucas; five grandchildren, Steve Lucas, Dana Stafford, David Ray McDaniel, Katherine M. Ledwell, Rachael M. Mendez; five great-grandchildren, Colton Stafford, Alexandria Mendez, Stephanie and Christopher Lucas, Jordan Rebecca Auvil; a sister-in-law, Elva McMahan; a special and loving niece, Linda L. Journell; and great-niece, Sandy Reed and husband Ray and daughters, Kalyn and Lakyn; a special and long-time friend, Christine Collins; a special cousin, Pauline McCall. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, April 14, 2003 at 11 a.m. in Pembroke First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill McClung, and the Rev. Raymond Kelley, officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to Pembroke First United Methodist Church Building Fund. on April 12, 2003.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 230-62-7958.⁶ Rebecca Ruth "Becky" Gearhart was born on May 3, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^6,3,7,4 As of June 27, 1967,her married name was Tinsley.⁴ She married Roger Dale Tinsley on June 27, 1967 at Reidsville, Rockingham Co., North Carolina.^2,4 Rebecca Ruth "Becky" Gearhart and Roger Dale Tinsley were divorced on January 13, 1970 at Giles Co., Virginia.^2,4 As of November 18, 1974,her married name was Lucas.⁵ Rebecca Ruth "Becky" Gearhart married Harold Steve Lucas Sr. on November 18, 1974 at Dobson, Surry Co., North Carolina.^1,2,5 Rebecca Ruth "Becky" Gearhart died on August 25, 2001 at Giles Co., Virginia, at age 55.^6,8

     Eddie Young was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Vinnie Duncan.^2,3 Eddie Young was born on September 25, 1906.⁴ He died on November 5, 1992 at Virginia at age 86.^4,5 He Eddie Young, age 86, went to his heavenly home, November 5, 1992. He was a farmer by trade and a member of Sidney United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vinnie Duncan Young and one son, Walter Young. Surviving are two daughters and one son-in-law, Mildred E. Howard, Christiansburg; Velda Pauline and German S. Lawrence, Salem; one son, Walter A. Young, Christiansburg; one brother, Homer Young, Christiansburg; eight grandchildren; and three on November 7, 1992.⁵

     Vinnie Duncan married Eddie Young.^2,3 Vinnie Duncan was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,2,3 Her married name was Young. She was born on June 22, 1910 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,3 She died on February 23, 1958 at Riner, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 47.^2,3 She Mrs. Vinnie Duncan Young, 47, died February 23 at her home near Riner. She is survived by her husband, Eddie Young; two daughters, two sons, her mother, Mrs. Alberta Duncan, Marion; five brothers, Clark Duncan, Alfred Duncan, Sib Duncan, Snowville; Angle Duncan, Edgar Duncan, Floyd; a sister, Mrs. Etta Robertson, Norfolk; and three grandchildren. Services were held Thursday in Richardson Funeral Home with burial in Sunset Cemetery. on February 27, 1958.²

     Mary Susannah Lester was buried at Simmons Cemetery (also known as Booth Cemetery), Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ She was born on July 12, 1850 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She married Henry Harrison Earls on January 7, 1875 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of January 7, 1875,her married name was Earls. Mary Susannah Lester died on January 5, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 35.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 224-92-8802.⁶ Laura Ellen Earls was buried at Elizabeth Cemetery, Saltville, Smyth Co., Virginia.^1,3 She was born on June 11, 1892 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,3 As of September 26, 1915,her married name was Webb.⁴ She married Charles Bruce Webb on September 26, 1915 at Washington Co., Virginia.^2,3,4,7,8 Laura Ellen Earls died on July 3, 1972 at Abingdon, Washington Co., Virginia, at age 80.^1,3,7 She Mrs. Laura Earls Webb, 80, died at Johnston Memorial Hospital Monday afternoon. She was the widow of Bruce Webb. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Mildred Webb, Saltville, Mrs. Edith Carpenter, Roanoke, Va., Mrs. Roy Martin, Charlotte, N.C., and Mrs. Robert McKee, Glade Spring, Va; one son, William Webb, Fincastle, Va; two sisters, Mrs. India Dickerson and Mrs. Lyda Bates, both of Floyd, Va; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. on July 4, 1972.⁷

     Her Social Security Number was 224-92-6740.⁶ Lyda Livton Earls was buried at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 409 Ridgeview Road NW, off Rt. 8 N, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,2,3 She was born on November 24, 1896 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,7,3 She married Rollo Reuben Bates Sr. on May 6, 1918 at Aurora, Lawrence Co., Missouri.^7,8,2,3 As of May 6, 1918,her married name was Bates.⁸ Lyda Livton Earls died on August 23, 1981 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 84.^7,2,3 She Mrs. Lyda Earls Bates, age 84, died Sunday, August 23, in Friendship Manor Nursing Home. Surviving are a son, Rollo R. Bates, Jr., Albuquerque, New Mexico; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Bates, Albuquerque; a sister, Mrs. India Dickerson, Floyd; several nieces and nephews, including Mrs. Edith Carpenter, Roanoke. Burial in Beaver Creek Cemetery. on August 27, 1981.²

     Donald Dean Conner Sr. Donald Dean Conner, age 86 known as “Uncle Don” to his friends and neighbors, residing in Roanoke, Va. went to be with our lord and savior and longtime companion, Lorraine Janney Hodges after many years of struggling with Post Polio Syndrome & COPD, on July 25, 2024 with his family by his side. Donald was born (at home) on December 24, 1937 to parents, Beulah Myrtle Howell and Daniel Riley Conner in Copper Hill, Va. Don missed a great deal of his formal education being in the hospital due to polio so most of his education was at the “school of hard knocks” But with the help of family and his motivation to land a job at Navelli Cadillac & Oldsmobile he became one of the best Auto Paint Technicians in Rome, NY. He also painted detailed work on motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats and city trucks on the side. Don loved to hunt, fish, tell stories and little ditties that made us all laugh but never forget! He never stopped amazing us with his survival skills and declaring to follow Jesus Christ. It warmed our hearts to see him light up when he talked about his lessons with his grandson Dustin, as he prepared for baptism, the last six months. He was baptized on July 10th at 86yo by Father Kevin Segerblom from the Basilica of St. Andrew church. Don is preceded in death by his sister Betty Kotary, his son Donald Dean Conner Jr. (Donny), his grandson Johnathon Conner, and son-in-laws, James Denny and Paul Jordan. Don is survived by his best friend & neighbor Clark Dent, he considered his brother. His sister Sue Sestito of Rome, NY, his daughters Amber Denny of Roanoke, Va, Kelly Conner and Steve Zambel of Beaumont Ca, Peggy Jordan of Rocky Mount, Va, his step children in NY he loved as much as his own, Duane, John, Tim, Dyan and Scott Fleming & Danny Russell, who will always have a special place in their hearts for him. His loving grandchildren, Dustin and Rachel Denny, Christa and David O’Quinn, Lacy and Justin Woodrow, Paul Jordan II, Paula Jordan. His nine loving great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.⁶ He married Jeanette Unknown at New York.³ Donald Dean Conner Sr. was born on December 24, 1937 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,6 He married Betty Julia Kemp on March 18, 1959 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ Donald Dean Conner Sr. and Jeanette Unknown were divorced on December 1, 1986 at Floyd Co., Virginia.³ Donald Dean Conner Sr. died on July 25, 2024 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 86.⁶

     Harry Dalton Thompson was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5 He was born on June 19, 1936 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,3,4 He married Ocie Marie Martin, daughter of Isaac Irvin Martin and Lola Elberta Elizabeth Angle, on November 26, 1956 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,6,7,8,9 Harry Dalton Thompson died on July 15, 2016 at Virginia at age 80.^4,5 He PILOT, Va. - Harry Dalton Thompson was welcomed home by his loving Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 15, 2016, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Harry was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved attending his church, Auburn Baptist and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed flat footing, singing and playing bluegrass music. Waiting patiently to welcome him home were his loving daughter, Becky Gillespie, father and mother, Roy and Rosie Thompson, and three brothers, Marvin, Robert, and Lewis Thompson. He is survived by a loving wife of 60 years, Ocie Thompson, who stood by his side through every stage of his illness. He is also survived by his brother, Howard Thompson and wife, Christine; sister, Betty McCoy and husband, Joe; two sons, Ricky Thompson (Gail), and Gary Thompson (Sonya); three daughters, Debbie Collins (Rodney), Sue Conner (Glenn), and Patsy Harris (Gary); and one special son-in-law, Wayne Gillespie. He also left a legacy of 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Drew Weir (Sarah), Justin Thompson, Monica Holfield (TJ), Brandy Hall (Lenny) Sabrina Cox (Levi), Chris Collins (Cori), Bradley Conner (Melissa), Timothy Harris (Briana), Andrew Harris and Brittany Broyles, Deanna Swortzel (Brian), and Jeremy Wade (Autumn). Great-grandchildren include Tyler and Allyson Weir, Brayden, Baylee and Parker Holfield, Shaylee and Malachi Hall, Emily and Hayden Cox, Jaxon and Skylar Collins, Emmet and Brody Conner, Adalyn and Brendon Harri, and a new great-grandson to be born in August, Kaiden, Rylan, Gavin and Kavlan Swortzel, Alice and Amelia Wade. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his loving caregivers, Sue Conner, Melissa Roberson, Judy and Ernie Mahala, Caitlyn Akers, and special neighbors and friends, Randall and Lynette Austin. Harry was able to stay in the comfort of his home throughout his illness thanks to the love and support of his wife, family and caregivers. We would also like to say thank you to Amanda Haynes, Robbie and Betty Vance, Brooke Lawson and Marcia Haralson with Medi Home Hospice for all of their care and compassion during this difficult time. Immediately following service he was laid to rest at Wilson Cemetery in Check, Va. on July 21, 2016.⁵

     Virgil N. Sestito was buried at Saint Johns Cemetery, Rome, Oneida Co., New York.² He was born on November 15, 1938 at Rome, Oneida Co., New York.^3,4 He married Ellen Sue Conner, daughter of Daniel Riley Conner and Beulah Myrtle Howell, circa 1969.^1,4 Virgil N. Sestito died on February 6, 2023 at age 84.⁴ He Virgil N. Sestito, 84, of Rome, and Palm City FL, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023. Virgil was born on November 15, 1938 in Rome, the son of the late Dominick A. and Louise E. Sestito. After graduation from Rome Free Academy, Virgil worked for Sanders and Associates, and then relocated to the Phillipines. Upon returning to Rome, he joined his uncle and father in the family business, the Fred P. Sestito Agency. He brought in his children, took over the family business and changed the name to Sestito Insurance Agency. He later sold the business to Brown and Brown, Inc. in 2002. Retirement brought him joy and he loved Palm City, FL and the many wonderful friends he made there. He loved playing golf and puttering outside in the sun. Virgil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ellen "Sue" Sestito, son Gary L. (Gloria) McReynolds, daughter Judith (John) Kobylanski, and grandchildren Nicole E. McReynolds, James M. (Claire) Kobylanski, and Matthew D. (Alyssa) Kobylanski. He also leaves a loving sister Donna L. (Rhea) Starnes of Orchard Park and their son Calvin (Angela) Starnes. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sons Dominick V. Sestito and Charles B. McReynolds. The family wishes to express appreciation to William Kiser and Peter Sestito for their love, friendship and support. Heartfelt thanks also to Brookdale Memory Care, Presbyterian Residential Community, and Delhi Rehabilitation and Nursing for their many kindnesses. on February 8, 2023.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 227-36-4424.⁷ Betty Jean Conner was buried at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens, 7271 Cloverdale Road, Cloverdale, Botetourt Co., Virginia.^8,9 She and James Edgar Clayton were divorced.³ Betty Jean Conner was born on September 20, 1933 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,3,9,5 As of November 25, 1949,her married name was Clayton.³ She married James Edgar Clayton on November 25, 1949 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ As of November 7, 1976,her married name was Kotary.³ Betty Jean Conner married Elwin Thomas "Tiger Tom" Kotary on November 7, 1976 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,8,3 Betty Jean Conner died on June 24, 1995 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 61.^8,7,9,10 She KOTARY, Betty J., 61, of Roanoke, died Saturday, June 24, 1995. She was preceded in death by her husband Elwin T. Kotary. Surviving are two sons, James ("Sonny") Clayton of Copper Hill and Mike Clayton of Roanoke; four daughters, Beverly Alessi of Albuquerque, N.M., Christy Clayton of Tempe, Ariz., Dawn Malott of Mesa, Ariz., Judi Popp of Castro Valley, Calif; eight grandchildren including a very special granddaughter, Monique Clayton; one brother, Don Conner of Copper Hill; one sister, Sue Sestito of Rome, N.Y. Burial will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. on June 26, 1995.⁸

     Elwin Thomas "Tiger Tom" Kotary was buried at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens, 7271 Cloverdale Road, Cloverdale, Botetourt Co., Virginia.^5,6 His Social Security Number was 071-18-7308.⁷ He was born on December 27, 1924 at Oneida Co., New York; His gravestone has a birth date of Dec 28, 1924.^7,6 He married Betty Jean Conner, daughter of Daniel Riley Conner and Beulah Myrtle Howell, on November 7, 1976 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3 Elwin Thomas "Tiger Tom" Kotary died on May 13, 1995 at Virginia at age 70.^7,5,6 He KOTARY, Elwin Thomas, ("Tiger Tom"), 70, of Roanoke, died Saturday, May 13, 1995. He was a retired business man and race car driver, and was affiliated with the Disabled American Veterans, as well as the Amvets Post #40. Surviving are his wife, Betty Kotary; daughters, Judi Popp, Castro Valley, Calif., Beverly Alessi, Alberqerque, New Mexico, Christy Clayton, Tempe, Ariz., and Dawn Malott, Mesa, Ariz; sons, James ("Sonny") Clayton, Copper Hill, and Mike Clayton, Roanoke; eight grandchildren; including a very special granddaughter, Monique Clayton; five brothers, Eugene Kotary, Charles Kotary, Albert Kotary, Clifford Kotary, and Herk Kotary, all of New York; one sister, Margaret Come, New York. Burial will follow with military honors in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. on May 15, 1995.⁵

     Robert Guy Campbell was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ He was born on June 4, 1904 at Virginia.³ He married Cassie M. Conner, daughter of William Riley Conner and Lillie Virginia Custer, in 1929 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Robert Guy Campbell died on January 8, 1986 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 81.³

     Benjamin Basil Albert Jr. was born on September 13, 1924 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,4 He married Angie Evelyn Wilson, daughter of Raymond Samuel Wilson and Sarah Jane Harman, on July 21, 1951 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3

     His Social Security Number was 230-40-7826.⁸ Cecil Gene Leffler was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² He was born on October 11, 1934 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^8,3 He died on July 24, 2009 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 74.^8,2,4 He Cecil Gene Leffler, 74, of Salem, Va., passed away on Friday, July 24, 2009. Mr. Leffler was employed by Medico for over 25 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil W. Leffler; mother, Rheba Inge; and aunt, Mamie Hoback. His surviving family includes his brother, Bill Leffler; nephew, Jim Leffler; niece, Gail Hammersley; stepsisters, Ceedi Leffler and Linda Leffler; stepmother, Francine Leffler; stepbrother, Sonny Inge; several other family members; and his special friend and roommate from North Roanoke Assisted Living, James Brown. A period of visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke. Online condolences may be made to the family at johnmoakey.com. The Leffler family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441. on July 24, 2009.²

     James William "Bill" Leffler was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ He was born on December 12, 1932 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ He married Martha Ann Tinsley on October 15, 1954 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,6 James William "Bill" Leffler died on March 16, 1977 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 44.⁶