Person Page - 1391

     Martha Ann Foster was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^1,4 She was born on September 18, 1955 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4,3 As of February 14, 1983,her married name was Gearheart.² She married Steven Dewey Gearheart, son of Adam Dewey Gearheart and Ruth Evelyn Perdue, on February 14, 1983 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^5,6,1,2 Martha Ann Foster died on August 2, 2012 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 56.^1,4,7 She Martha Ann Foster Gearheart, 56, of Copper Hill, went to be with the Lord Thursday night, August 2, 2012. She was born September 18, 1955. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Foster; and her stepfather, Elvin G. Hess. She has faithfully served her family as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and relative. She loved the Lord and her life was about serving the Lord. Her purpose in doing anything was to do for others. Surviving are her husband, Steven Gearheart, of Copper Hill; three children, Israel Grissom and his wife, Virginia, of Boones Mill, Angel Hall and her husband, Jayme, of Erie, Pa., Jesse Gearheart and his wife, Samantha, of Copper Hill; her mother, Frances F. Hess; seven grandchildren, Tanner, Jared, Jarah, Jeremy, Travis, Samantha and one on the way; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Elyssa; two brothers, Danny Foster and wife, Rise, of Roanoke, Wayne Foster and wife, Helen, of Vinton; mother-in-law, Ruth Gearheart; three sisters-in-law, Lynn Downey, Peggy Chitwood, Brenda Gibson. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. on August 4, 2012.¹

     Frank Horace Willis was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on March 29, 1924 at Virginia; The cemetery listing has a birth date of Mar 29, 1928.^2,3,4 He died on November 10, 1939 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 15.^2,3

     Noah Lee Willis was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "U.S. Army WWII."^2,1,3,15,7 His Social Security Number was 230-12-7431.¹⁶ He was born on November 8, 1920 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{1,2,3,15,6,7,8,16} He died on August 14, 1988 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 67.^{2,16,1,3,15,7,17} He Willis, Noah Lee, age 67, of 4301 Holmes Street, N.E., died Sunday at the V.A. Medical Center, Salem. He was a native of Floyd County, a veteran of World War II and served in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Unit Badge. Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Nellie Willis, Roanoke; three sisters, Mrs. Lena Mitchell of Roanoke, Mrs. Bure Aldridge of Check, and Mrs. Willie Aldridge of Pilot; three brothers, Robert Willis, Oscar Willis, and Marvin Willis, all of Roanoke. Internment in the Restvale Cemetery, Copper Hill. on August 15, 1988.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 223-70-8267.¹² Lena Mae Willis was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,13 She was born on April 30, 1916 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^{14,4,13,12,11} As of November 23, 1931,her married name was Mitchell.³ She married Jefferson Carson "Jeff" Mitchell Sr., son of Posie Everett Mitchell and Lucy Ida Duncan, on November 23, 1931 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,1 As of November 9, 1964,her married name was Heslep.¹⁵ Lena Mae Willis married Everett Monroe Heslep on November 9, 1964 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹⁵ Lena Mae Willis and Everett Monroe Heslep were divorced on June 1, 1966 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹⁵ Lena Mae Willis died on March 4, 2006 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 89.^12,1,13 She Lena Mae Willis Mitchell, 89, of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Floyd County, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Lena was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. She was the daughter of the late G. M. and Nellie Willis and the widow of Jeff Mitchell. She was also preceded in death by her son, Doug Mitchell. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara Warren, Wanda and Wendell Greenwood, Ruth and Butch Collins, Linda and Roger Wright, Don Mitchell; ten grandchildren; several greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Virginia Aldridge, Eva Aldridge; two brothers, Oscar Willis, Marvin Willis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery. on March 5, 2006.¹

     His Social Security Number was 230-34-0408.¹⁴ Oscar Boyd Willis was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^10,15 He was born on March 10, 1928 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^14,2,3,15,6 He married Ruth Arlene Stanley on January 25, 1952 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^16,2 Oscar Boyd Willis died on November 8, 2008 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 80.^10,14,4,15 He Oscar B. Willis, 80, of Roanoke, passed peacefully at his home to return to his Heavenly home on Saturday, November 8, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Willis; parents, Magruder and Nellie Willis; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Roma Stanley; brothers and sisters, Noah, Robert, Frank, Lena and Ruby. He was employed at Graves Humphries Hardware for 33 years and at CMT Sporting Goods for 10 years. Oscar was a devoted family man and also enjoyed his many friends. He loved all types of sports, including NASCAR and baseball. He especially enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports. He is survived by his children, Mike Willis, Janet Gills (Mark), Nita Bryson (Ronnie), Gene Willis (Sherry) and (Crystal and Tracy). He is also survived by his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Missy White (Kirk), Angie Craw (Harold), Mitch Bryson, and his greatgrandchildren, Taylor White and Cameron Craw. Additional family include a daughter-in-law, Cheryl; brothers and sisters, Virginia Aldridge (Bure), Eva Aldridge, Marvin Willis; sisters-in-law, Mauvieleen Altis, Ida Dawn Stanley, Judy Burris; brother-in-law, Elton Stanley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in Rest Vale Cemetery, in Floyd County. The family would especially like to thank their friends and family for their support and prayers, and the nursing staff of 6 West at Lewis Gale Hospital. on November 10, 2008.¹⁰

     Her Social Security Number was 223-38-7864.⁴ Ruth Arlene Stanley was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 She was born on March 6, 1933 at Carroll Co., Virginia.^4,2,3,5,6 As of January 25, 1952,her married name was Willis.² She married Oscar Boyd Willis, son of General Magruder Willis and Nellie Ray Boyd, on January 25, 1952 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 Ruth Arlene Stanley died on July 22, 1998 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 65.^1,4,7,5 She WILLIS, Arlene Stanley, 65, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, July 22, 1998. She retired from Allstate after 26 years of service. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter E. Stanley, and brothers, Jack and Ray Stanley. Surviving is her husband, Oscar Willis; sons and daughter-in-law, Mike and Cheryl Willis of Radford, Gene Willis of Roanoke; daughter, Janet Gills and Mark Wilder of Salem; daughter and son-in-law, Nita and Ronnie Bryson of Salem; grandchildren, Missy and Kirk White, Angie and Mitch Bryson; great-grandchild, Taylor White; mother, Roma Stanley of Roanoke; stepgrandchildren, Cory and Kurt Roberts; sisters and brother-in-law, Mauvieleen Altis and Clarence of Roanoke, Ida Dawn Stanley of Georgia, Gay Lancaster of Hampton, Judy Burris of Virginia Beach; brother and sister-in-law, Elton and Evelyn Stanley of Roanoke; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Interment will follow in Restvale Cemetery, Floyd Co. on July 24, 1998.¹

     Marvin Ray Willis Marvin Willis of Roanoke County, VA, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024. He was born in Floyd County, VA, and was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Check High School, where he was the captain of the basketball team and later coached little league basketball. Under his leadership, his last little league basketball team won the Knights of Columbus Tournament. He also played baseball and coached little league baseball for over ten years, with his last baseball team winning the NRRC Little League. Marvin had a passion for sports, especially golf and ACC basketball of UVA. He served on the Board of the Don Holiday Memorial Golf Tournament for over 15 years. Marvin dedicated over 20 years to Meals on Wheels with his good friend, Tom Williams. He was a past President of GMRA, GAFA, and PAL Investors. Marvin attended National Business College and Cornett Business School. He worked in the wholesale food business for over 40 years and retired from Reynolds Metal Company after more than 30 years of service as a Manager and Account Executive. Additionally, he worked part-time as a model, appearing in television commercials, newspapers, and magazine advertisements for Source and Resource firms. After retiring from Reynolds, Marvin worked part-time for the LOA for 15 years. Marvin believed that if you are lucky enough to be successful, you have the responsibility to give back. He had a deep passion for helping those in need and devoted much of his adult life to volunteer work. He was an officer and member of the Salem JC for 10 years. During the Flood of 1985, he and a friend started a food drive with the GMRA for the Salvation Army, where he served as Chairman for 12 years. He also contributed to the Salvation Army's Christmas efforts. Marvin worked with the Knights of Columbus Little League Basketball Tournament for over 10 years and chaired a golf tournament for RAM in collaboration with his Church's men's club. Additionally, he sponsored a young man in Brazil for 10 years, helping him attain an education and support his large family. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, General MaGruder Willis and Nellie Raye Willis; four brothers, Robert, Noah, Frank, and Oscar; as well as four sisters, Lena, Virginia, Eva, and Ruby. He is survived by his beloved son, Larry Willis, and the love of his life, Gisele Willis. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Marvin made countless lifelong friends and golf buddies. He would like to be remembered as someone who enjoyed making people laugh and found humor in nearly everything he did. He often said, "Keep life simple, stick to the truth, and live within your means." The burial will follow at Rest Vale Cemetery, Check, VA.¹² He was buried at Restvale Cemetery, 7529 Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹² He was born on September 27, 1936 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3,13 He married Joyce Ann McPeak on April 16, 1957 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Marvin Ray Willis and Joyce Ann McPeak were divorced on August 7, 1964 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Marvin Ray Willis married Betty Lou Nolen on November 27, 1970 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Marvin Ray Willis and Betty Lou Nolen were divorced on August 4, 2004 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ Marvin Ray Willis died on August 12, 2024 at Virginia at age 87.¹²

     Michael Alan Booth was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 223-84-5145.⁶ He was born on July 2, 1959 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.^6,3 He died on September 1, 1995 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 36.^1,4 He BOOTH, Michael Alan, 36, of Salem, formerly of Atlanta, Ga., went to be with his Lord on September 1, 1995 after a long and valiant fight against the Aids virus. He is preceded in death by his father, Pryor M. Booth. He is survived by his mother, Peggy Matz Booth; a very special brother, Tommy Booth and another brother, Robert Booth both of Roanoke. He leaves behind his long time companion, Kurtis Mealy of Atlanta Ga; a very special and perhaps his closest and dearest friend, Wayne Hill of Atlanta, Ga; a very special cousin, Ricky Matz of Atlanta, Ga; another special cousin, Tana and her husband, Donald Orange of Atlanta, Ga., another very special friend, Michael Tuck of Atlanta, Ga; also many other friends in Atlanta and a very special doctor, Dr. Stephen Kager of Atlanta, Ga. who had a hug for him every time he went to see him. Also all of his special aunts, uncles and cousins and also a lot of nice people from Roanoke Memorial Hospice. Last but not least, his beloved St. Bernard puppy, Dolly Marie. Alan was a very special person and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem. on September 4, 1995.¹

     Gregory Wade Elmore was buried at Crawford Memorial Cemetery, Rt. 605 at Paxton Chapel, Red Brush, Craig Co., Virginia.^1,4 His Social Security Number was 227-25-3558.⁶ He was born on February 8, 1972 at Roanoke, Virginia.^6,2,4 He died on September 3, 1995 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 23.^1,6,3,4 He ELMORE, Gregory Wade, 23, of New Castle, died Sunday, September 3, 1995. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Leonard Clifton Elmore. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mr. And Mrs. Gene (Wanda) Cantrell; his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Robert (Jean) Elmore; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Steve (April) Medley, Dawn and Mike Strickland. Greg is also survived by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hannah and Gladys Elmore; three stepsisters, Shannon Dudley, Tammy All and Connie Cantrell; one stepbrother, Wade Dudley; three very special nieces, Kendra, Kelsey and Katina; three nephews, Mike, Lee and Zachary; many cousins, uncles, aunts and friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 6, at 11 a.m, in Boitnott Funeral Home, with the Rev. Hershel Stone and the Rev. Kenneth Davis officiating. Interment will be in Crawford Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 7 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials should be made to Craig County Rescue Squad. on September 5, 1995.¹