Person Page - 1010

     William Kenneth "Bill" Light Sr. William Kenneth Light, Sr., 92 of Roanoke passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Born October 25, 1932, son of the late William Carson Light and Hazel Conner Light. He was also preceded in death by his daughters, Donna Light and Pamela Light; brother, Bradley Light and sister, Jackie Light Compton. William is survived by his wife, Frances Garland Light; son, William Kenneth Light, Jr. and his wife, Betty; son, Barry Light and his wife, Tammy; beloved granddaughter, Natalie Light; brothers, Wayne Light and his wife Betsy and Wiley Light; sisters, Opal Light Ferris and Fern Light Fizer. William was a United States Navy Yeoman 3rd class. He received the “Order of the Blue Nose” having sailed across the Artic Circle. He retired from General Electric as an Electrician. He was a jokester and loved to make people laugh. He loved children. He was a loving and faithful husband to his adored wife, Frances for 68 years. He was an amazing dad and a fun Papa to Natalie. He got saved in the late 70’s and he served the Lord faithfully his whole life. He was a member of Hope Bible Church. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.⁵ He was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ He was born on October 25, 1932 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5 He married Frances Marie Garland on June 28, 1957.^1,2,3,5 William Kenneth "Bill" Light Sr. died on March 18, 2025 at Virginia at age 92.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 227-42-2648.² Jacqueline Frances "Jackie" Light was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^9,8 She was born on March 11, 1934 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,4,9,5 She married Alvah Holland Compton on January 12, 1952 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3,4,8 As of January 12, 1952,her married name was Compton. Jacqueline Frances "Jackie" Light died on February 28, 1954 at San Diego, San Diego Co., California, at age 19; Died from burns receieved in an accident.^1,2,3,9,8 She Mrs. Jacqueline Light Compton, 19, of Salem and Elliston died Sunday in San Diego, Calif. Surviving are husband, Alvah H. Compton, U.S. Navy; a daughter, Cynthia Gail; her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Carson Light, Salem; two sisters, Miss Opal Light and Miss Fern Light, Salem; four brothers, William Light, U.S. Navy; Wiley, Wayne and Bradley Light, Salem. Burial be in Sherwood. on March 4, 1954.⁸

     Loretta Anne Kesler Loretta Anne Light, 81, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 23, 2021. Born on Tuesday, June 11, 1940, she was preceded in death by her parents, John and Allie Kesler, as well as a son, Richard Allen Light. Loretta’s greatest joys were found in her family. Married for 64 years to her sweetheart, Wiley, together they raised three wonderful sons, of which she was most proud. She greatly enjoyed her time spent spoiling her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She also liked to try her luck and play games of chance on occasional trips to the casino. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, James Wiley Light; sons, Randall Lee Light (Susie) and Roger Wayne Light; grandchildren, Amy Light, Meghann Fort, Mark Sink, Jr., Brandi Phoenix, Megan Light, Rene Light, and Dr. Travis Light; great-grandchildren, Mark III, Ethan, Brayden, Vayda, Sophie, and Kylie; as well as a brother, Carlton Kesler (Jean). A graveside service will be conducted at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to niece, Lisa Glass and friend, Pat Wilson for their compassionate care given to Loretta and their family.³ She was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ She was born on June 11, 1940 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 She married James Wiley Light, son of William Carson Light and Hazel Rachel Conner, on August 30, 1957 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,5,1,3 As of August 30, 1957,her married name was Light.¹ Loretta Anne Kesler died on July 23, 2021 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 81.³

     Paul Bradley Light was buried at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana.^6,10 He Paul Bradly Light, Mar 3, 1943 - Nov 27, 2022. Paul Bradly Light, 79, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at his home in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born in Montgomery City, VA to the late Carson and Hazel (Conner) Light. Paul worked as a Masseur at the Central Branch YMCA for 52 years, retiring in 2017. He attended Avalon Missionary Church. Surviving are his children, Lois (Mark) Light, Laurel (Michael) Miller and Andrew C. (Ashley) Light; brothers, William (Francis) Light, Wiley Light and Wayne (Betsy) Light; sisters, Opal "Dini" Ferris and Fern Fizer; grandchildren, Laurel "Brittany", Danielle, Chelsea, Spencer, Haley and Tanner; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members. Paul was also preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Perry; second wife, Ronna Flohr; sister, Jackie Compton and grandson, Ryan Zimmerman.⁶ He was born on March 3, 1943 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^3,5,6,7 He married Peggy Marie Perry on September 24, 1965 at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana.^8,6 Paul Bradley Light married Ronna J. Flohr circa 1984.^11,12,6 Paul Bradley Light died on November 27, 2022 at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana, at age 79.⁶

     Eugenia Clarice Whitenack FLOYD - Mrs. Eugenia Whitenack NcNeil, 84, died Wednesday in a Salem nursing home. She was the widow of Samuel E. McNeil and formerly of Terrys Fork. Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Herbert (Glenna) Manning, Mrs. Collin (Luetta) Gregory, Mrs. Everett (Marion) Lancaster, all of Salem; Mrs. Paul (ElFreda) Duncan, Blacksburg; Mrs. Banks (Opal) Conner, Roanoke, one son, Sam E. McNeil, Roanoke, 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Austin, Copper Hill; Mrs. Ollie Hale, Check. Funeral will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Haven's Chapel Methodist Church with the Rev. Fred Austin and the Rev. Joseph M. Willard officiating with internment in Wilson Cemetery.⁶ She was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,6 She was born on September 15, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,7,3,4,5 She married Samuel Eldridge "Sam" McNeil, son of Henry McNeil and Mary E. Delilah Smith, on September 3, 1922 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,8,4,6,5 As of September 3, 1922,her married name was McNeil. Eugenia Clarice Whitenack died on February 27, 1985 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 84.^7,4,6,5

     Mathursia Ann "Thursy" Lawrence was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5,1 She was born on July 12, 1873 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2,1,3 She married Oscar Wiley Whitenack, son of Jonathan A. Whitenack and Sarah Ann "Sallie" Vest, on August 9, 1891 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,6,3 As of August 9, 1891,her married name was Whitenack. Mathursia Ann "Thursy" Lawrence died on November 27, 1939 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 66.^5,1,3

     His Social Security Number was 231-30-8008.⁸ Alvah Holland Compton was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 He was born on November 18, 1931 at Elliston, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^8,1,3,5,6,7 He married Jacqueline Frances "Jackie" Light, daughter of William Carson Light and Hazel Rachel Conner, on January 12, 1952 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^9,10,1,11 Alvah Holland Compton died on January 24, 1993 at Virginia at age 61.^8,2,3,4,5 He COMPTON, Alvah Holland, 61, of Elliston, died Sunday, January 24, 1993. He is survived by two daughters, Ms. Gail Martin, Newport News, Miss Fay Compton, Eagle Rock; one son, Larry Compton, Elliston; his mother, Mrs. Lillie M. Compton, Elliston; two sisters, Mrs. Ramona Dunn, Mrs. Norma J. Dunn, both of Elliston; one grandson, Joshua Compton, Elliston. Interment in Sherwood Memorial Park. on January 26, 1993.²

     Hazel Avice Whitenack was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,11 Her Social Security Number was 225-22-1584.¹² She was born on August 13, 1919 at Little River, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{12,11,2,1,6,3,4} She married Cecil Ray "Bill" Austin, son of Jessie Vinton R. Austin and Nannie Gay Clower, on July 11, 1935 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5,2,6 As of July 11, 1935,her married name was Austin. Hazel Avice Whitenack died on January 26, 2000 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 80.^12,11,5,13 She Hazel Whitenack Austin, 80, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 26, 2000. She was the beloved wife of Cecil for 64 years, and a dedicated homemaker. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a special friend to all. She will be sadly missed. She was the daughter of the late Chester and Gracie Vest Whitenack. Mrs. Austin is survived by: her husband, Cecil R. (Bill) Austin of Christiansburg; son and daughter-in-law, Lindsey R. and Barbara Austin, Salem; daughter and son-in-law, Judy A. and Larry Atkinson, Elliston; grandchildren, Ronnie Austin, Austin, Texas, Cheryl Austin, Roanoke, Sonya Austin, Elliston, Rhonda Martin, Don Joe and Shawna Hall, all of Christiansburg; step grandchildren, Mike and Laura Henry, Clermont, Florida, Scott and Julie Henry, Ashburn, Virginia, Ken White, Savannah, Ga., Lorrie and Tim Earp, Charlotte, NC; great-grandchildren, Robbie and Yvette Martin and Amber Hall, Christiansburg, Hannah Austin, Elliston; step great-grandhchildren, Allen and Abby Henry, Clermont, Florida, Christopher and Matthew Henry, Ashburn, Virginia; sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Bernard Vest, Check, brother and sister-in-law, Mason and Charlotte Whitenack, Roanoke. Interment was in Wilson Cemetery. on January 28, 2000.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 230-38-1360.⁸ John Darnell "Whitey" Ferris was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^2,6,9 He was born on June 8, 1934 at Roanoke, Virginia.^8,4,5,6 He married Opal Dean Light, daughter of William Carson Light and Hazel Rachel Conner, on July 9, 1955 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,3,4,6 John Darnell "Whitey" Ferris died on January 1, 1993 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 58.^8,2,6 He FERRIS, John D., ("Whitey"), 58, of Roanoke, died Friday, January 1, 1993. He attended Hollins Road Church of the Brethren, and was a retired employee of the City of Roanoke. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Opal L. Ferris; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathy F. Mattox and husband, Neal of Roanoke; one son and daughter-in-law, Mark D. Ferris and wife, Cynthia, Roanoke; five grandchildren; four brothers, Noah E. and Jimmy D. Ferris, both of Roanoke, G. M. (Tom) Ferris, Woodbridge, Robert W. Ferris, Phillipine Islands; three sisters, Omega Madison of Arlington, Agnes Sanderson, Maryland, Joyce Wyatt, California. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on January 3, 1993.²

     Wanda Elizabeth Whitenack Wanda Elizabeth Whitenack Vest, of Check, Virginia, born June 25, 1925, passed away at her home on November 7, 2024. She was 99 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents Chester Whitenack and Gracie Vest Whitenack, her husband, James Bernard Vest, sisters Claudine Conner and Hazel Austin, her son-in-law, Jesse Jackson, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Vest. She is survived by her three children, Carol Jackson of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Bery Vest and wife Mary of Bent Mountain, VA, John Vest of Floyd, VA, and her brother Mason Whitenack and wife Charlotte of Troutville, VA. She has nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild due in January 2025. She also has many beloved nieces and nephews. Wanda had an interesting life in her 99 years. She went to a one room school, Double Springs School, in the early grades. She loved school but said she had difficulty with her hearing and couldn't whisper so she spent time "in the corner" for talking in class. She wanted a high school education and to do that she had to walk two miles through the fields carrying a lantern to catch the bus to go to school. She wore boots and jodhpurs to keep her legs warm on her walks and started a fashion trend in her school. After graduation, she worked in a local factory and earned enough money to buy a bedroom suite that is still in her home. During WWII she worked in Roanoke, VA at Norfolk and Western Railway and learned to use a Burrus calculator. While doing her job she found a mistake in the coal shipment calculations that saved Norfolk and Western $2,000. After WWII, she married Bernard Vest and moved back to Check in Floyd County and they started a family and had a dairy farm. Over the years she worked in local factories and then retired from Skyline Manor in Floyd where she worked in dietetics and in housekeeping. She was always ready for fun and participated in skits and shows with other employees to entertain the residents. Wanda and Bernard raised their family in a strong Christian home. They went to church together and participated in church activities. Wanda loved her family very much. She said her proudest accomplishment was her three children. She was an excellent wife and mother and later grandmother and great grandmother. She was a great cook known for her biscuits, coconut cakes, applesauce cakes, pies, macaroni and cheese, and lasagna. She enjoyed sewing, especially quilts. She made large quilts and then baby quilts when the grandchildren and great grandchildren came along. Wanda loved reading and read the Bible every day and was always reading a library book or a book her daughter, Carol, had sent her. Wanda was loved by family, friends, and neighbors. She was kind to everyone. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. Special thanks go out to Wanda's granddaughter, Amie, and her husband, Brian, and their children, Abby, Katelyn, and Caleb, who provided loving care for Wanda/Granny in her home during her final years. Also, thank you to caregivers Robin and Michelle, and Carilion Hospice workers and Good Samaritan Hospice workers for the care they provided. A graveside service will be held at Iddings Cemetery in Check, VA.⁴ She was buried at Iddings Cemetery, near intersection of Daniel's Run Road and Huffville Road, Terrys Fork, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,6 She was born on June 25, 1925 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,4,11 She married James Bernard Vest, son of William Arthur Vest and Nettie Mae Gearhart, on January 19, 1946 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{7,1,2,3,4,5,6} As of January 19, 1946,her married name was Vest.⁵ Wanda Elizabeth Whitenack died on November 7, 2024 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 99.⁴

     Donnie Elizabeth Moates was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^1,4,6 Her Social Security Number was 228-18-2505.⁷ She was born on November 19, 1922 at Greenville, Greenville Co., South Carolina.^7,3,4,5,6 As of December 21, 1940,her married name was Vest.³ She married Alwin David Vest, son of Cleophus Edwin "Cleo" Vest and Effie Viola Sink, on December 21, 1940 at Richmond, Virginia.^1,2,3,6 Donnie Elizabeth Moates died on November 28, 1996 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 74.^1,7,4,6 She VEST, Donnie Moates, 74, of Roanoke Co., died Thursday, November 28, 1996. Mrs. Vest was a long-time and faithful member of Enon Baptist Church and was the widow of Alwin David Vest. Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Edwin David and Janice Edwards Vest, Roanoke, Donnie Alwin and Gudrun Tiefenthaler Vest, Colorado Springs, Colo., Steven M. and Deann Rognon Vest, Flagstaff, Ariz; her grandchildren, Donna Vest Howell and husband, Raymond, Parrott, Va., David and Kimberly Vest, both of Roanoke, Christian and Ashley Vest, Colorado Springs, Colo., Jennifer Vest, Memphis, Tenn., Alexandra and Madison Vest, Flagstaff, Ariz; great-grandchildren, Holly, Ryan, Samantha, Sarita and Sierra Howell; brothers, James Moates, Aiken, S.C., Robert (Bob) Moates, Midlothian, Va. A graveside service will be held in Evergreen Burial Park. on November 29, 1996.¹

     Jack Maynard Fizer was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^5,7 He was born on April 18, 1935 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,6 He married Elizabeth Fern Light, daughter of William Carson Light and Hazel Rachel Conner, on February 15, 1958 at Randolph Co., North Carolina.^1,2,3,4,5,8 Jack Maynard Fizer died on November 6, 2011 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 76.^5,9 He Jack M. Fizer, 76, of Roanoke, was born on April 18, 1935, and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Fern Light Fizer; sons and daughters- in-law, Jack (David) and Paula Fizer, James D. (Jim) and Kathie Fizer; grandchildren, Matthew, Shawn, Lindsey, Zoee and Paige Fizer, Jennifer and Hollyann Zaagsma and Bruce Rowe; three great- grandchildren; sister, JoAnn Stump; and many nieces and nephews. He was a member of Garden City Church of the Nazarene and owned and operated Fizer 's Garage for 25 years. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on November 8, 2011.⁵

     Cleophus Edwin "Cleo" Vest was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5 He was born on March 14, 1889 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3,4,5,9 He married Effie Viola Sink on March 4, 1912 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,4,10 Cleophus Edwin "Cleo" Vest died on March 21, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 57.^1,4,5,11 He Cleophis E. Vest, 57, died Thursday morning at his home, 813 Sixth street, S. E. Surviving are his widow, a son and two daughters (should be sisters); Alwin D. Vest, AUS, Alaska; Mrs. Chester Whitenack and Mrs. Richard Shank, Floyd. on March 22, 1946.¹¹

     Erasmus Alvin "Ras" Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^9,2 He was born on January 10, 1851 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1,7 He married Laura Green Smith, daughter of Byrd/Bird Smith and Lydia Ann Iddings, on May 4, 1871 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 Erasmus Alvin "Ras" Conner died on November 7, 1913 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 62.^10,11,7

     Her Social Security Number was 231-62-2685.⁵ Effie Viola Sink was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.^2,4,6 She was born on May 27, 1888 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,4,5 She married Cleophus Edwin "Cleo" Vest, son of David Washington Vest and Admonia Elizabeth "Addie" Conner, on March 4, 1912 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,4,6 As of March 4, 1912,her married name was Vest.³ Effie Viola Sink died on June 11, 1978 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 90.^2,4,6 She Mrs. Effie Sink Vest, age 90, of 7039 Goff Rd., Hollins, died Sunday in a local hospital. She was a member of Belmont Baptist Church and the widow of Cleo E. Vest. She is survived by one son, Alwin D. Vest, Hollins; three grandsons, Edwin Vest, Roanoke; Doni Vest, Colorado Springs, Colo; Steven Vest, Memphis, Tenn; and three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Mason (Maggie) Miller, Sr., Roanoke; Mrs. Grover (Kate) Bryant, Roanoke. Burial will be in Evergreen. on June 12, 1978.⁶