Person Page - 1870

     Her Social Security Number was 233-96-7019.⁵ Zona Leota Fitzwater was buried at Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,7 She was born on July 23, 1900 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^5,3,7 As of November 18, 1917,her married name was Paxton.^1,3 She married Rev. Jesse Winfield Paxton, son of Alonzo Shelburn "Lonnie" "Lonzo" Paxton and Nancy Ellen "Nannie" Walker, on November 18, 1917 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 Zona Leota Fitzwater died on January 16, 1996 at Kanawha Co., West Virginia, at age 95.^6,5,7 She Zona L. Paxton, 95, of St. Albans died Jan. 16, 1996, at Meadow Brooks Nursing Home, after a long illness. She was a member of Widen Baptist Church and a homemaker. Surviving: daughter, C. Lelia Givens of St. Albans; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Carl Wilson Funeral Home, Clay, with the Rev. John Houghton officiating. Burial will be in Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home Friday.
on January 18, 1996.⁶

     Leon Shelburn Paxton Leon Shelburn Paxton was born on May 20, 1923, at Dundon, in Clay County, West Virginia. His father was Alonzo Shelburn Paxton, and his mother was Nancy Paxton. Leon had four siblings: Jesse, Robert, Maysel, and Virginia.

According to Leon's family, he had grown into "a fine young man." He was lively, light-hearted, and liked by everyone. After receiving two years of high school education, Leon dropped out. Finally, Leon enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 1, 1942, in the midst of the World War when he was only 19 years old. Following boot camp, Leon was able to return home only once while he was in the army. During the time he was home, he told his uncle, Howard Paxton, that he would never come home again, and his apprehension was eventually proven right.

The area in which Leon Paxton grew up was a rural area in a very isolated portion of Clay County. The population of Clay County was at its highest in the 1940s, with 15,206 residents. In 1920, its population was 11,486 residents and that increased to 13,125 residents in 1930. The county was major site for coal mining and timber, and there were also railroads that travelled through the area. One of the railroads went straight through Paxton's birthplace of Dundon. Coal and timber were the primary resources carried by the railroads. In Dundon, there was also a train shop. A neighboring town, Cressmont, had a successful dairy. Enoch, which is where Paxton moved at a young age, had a post office. Schools in Clay County at the time included the Oak Hill School, which was an elementary school, and Clay County High School.

At the beginning of World War II, the United States was hesitant to get involved because of the Depression that had occurred after World War I ended. However, once the United States joined the war, it began producing materials to help with the war effort. West Virginia's slogan was "Mountaineers ever free," which eventually progressed into West Virginians rising to the occasion for the war. West Virginia factories became large producers of materials and supplies for the war. The Kanawha Valley, especially, provided for a lot of the state's war contribution. The state had an abundant source of natural resources, like lumber, and also provided other materials, such as naval vessels and food. Beef cattle were produced on farms across the state, and apple growing became popular on farms, and the apples were primarily supplied to the Allies in Europe. West Virginia also made major contributions by improving its modes of transportation, especially the road system. By making this improvement, West Virginia was able to be more efficient in distributing supplies due to the more easily accessible highways that were created.

Technician Fifth Class Leon Paxton was assigned to F Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. The men in the 1st Ranger Battalion were among the first American soldiers to face combat. In F Company, Leon became a rifleman.

T/5 Leon Paxton's unit was in the European Theater of Operation when it became engaged in the Anzio Beachhead landing in 1944, and from there they participated in the Battle of Cisterna in Italy. The 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions, composed of 767 men, went out under cover during the night of January 29 into the atrocious battle and only six returned. Leon Paxton was killed in action during this battle on January 30, 1944. He was the runner for Lieutenant James G. Fowler, the courageous leader of the point platoon. The soldiers were cut down by German machine guns; almost all the bodies were not recovered, including Leon's. As a result, he is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, close to where he had died.

At the time of Leon Paxton's death, a lot was going on around the world concerning the war. On January 22, troops from the Fifth Army had swarmed an Italian beach near Anzio. It was a swift quick breach that moved the troops nearly four miles inward by nightfall. On January 27, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin declared the siege of Leningrad over and re-opened the Moscow-Leningrad railway route which played in favor of the Soviets. Six German divisions were moved to Anzio on January 28. On the same day, Hitler demanded Italy's commander-in-chief to drive the Allied forces back into the sea. By January 30, the Allies had suffered around 5,000 casualties in Anzio. By February 10, all Allied gains had been lost. On June 4, after many casualties and struggles, the Americans liberated the Italian capital of Rome. By May of 1944 Cisterna was finally in Allied hands.

While in service, Leon Paxton made noteworthy achievements and received awards including the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, a World War II Victory Medal, an Honorable Service lapel button, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. This veteran will be remembered in many ways: his name is permanently carved on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, as well as on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial. Ronnie Hamrick of Clay County, a cousin to Leon, is preparing a book about World War II veterans of that county, so Leon's story will be preserved there as well.¹ He was born on May 20, 1923 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.¹ He died on January 30, 1944 at Battle of Cisterns, Italy, at age 20.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 234-39-1573.⁴ Ida Mae Workman was buried at Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch, Clay Co., West Virginia.^3,5 Her married name was Paxton.¹ She married Alonzo Shelburn "Lonnie" "Lonzo" Paxton, son of Winfield Worthington "Worth" Paxton and Polyrena Malinda "Rena" Burnside.^1,2 Ida Mae Workman was born on August 29, 1898 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,5 She died on September 3, 2000 at Summersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia, at age 102.^3,6,5 She Ida Mae Paxton, 102, of Clay died Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000, in Summersville Memorial Hospital. She was a homemaker and member of New Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Surviving: daughters, Marmell O'Brien of Clay, Erma McCune of Ivydale, Evelyn Graham of Ripley; son, Kenneth O'Brien of Clay; brothers, Alton Workman of Canvas, Hollie Workman of Maysel; sister, Alta Brady of Clay; 30 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 35 great-great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Ramsey Cemetery, Enoch. on September 5, 2000.³

     Virginia Mae/May Paxton was buried at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio.⁷ Her Social Security Number was 232-80-9255.⁸ She was born on March 7, 1915 at Eakle, Clay Co., West Virginia.^8,2,3 As of August 13, 1932,her married name was Hamrick.² She married Gilmer Jennings "Buster" Hamrick on August 13, 1932 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.² Virginia Mae/May Paxton died on June 20, 1988 at Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, at age 73.^8,9

     Her married name was Champaigne.⁸ Her Social Security Number was 368-26-2888.³ Marie Clara Paxton married G. H. Champaigne.⁸ Marie Clara Paxton was born on June 12, 1918 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^9,2,3,10 As of November 15, 1943,her married name was LaValley.⁹ She married Ray Leroy LaValley on November 15, 1943 at Wallback, Clay Co., West Virginia.^8,9 Marie Clara Paxton died on July 10, 2004 at Sarasota, Sarasota Co., Florida, at age 86.^3,10 She Marie Champaigne, 86, Sarasota, died July 10, 2004. She was born June 12, 1918, in West Virginia and came to Sarasota in 1977 from Massachusetts. She was a homemaker. She was a Baptist. There are no known survivors. on July 14, 2004.¹⁰

     Juanita May Butcher Juanita M. Rhines, age 86, passed away Monday, October 25, 2021, in Decatur, Texas. A loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed. She was born in Widen, West Virginia, to Melza T. Butcher and Ora M. (Paxton) Butcher, on May 8th, 1935. She moved to the Sacramento, California area in her late teens where she resided with her sister and brother-in-law. She graduated from McClatchy High School in 1954. She married Howard L. Rhines in Sacramento, California, on April 17, 1954. She had a long-standing career as a Supervisor for the State of California, Department of Rehabilitation from which she retired in 1984. Upon retirement she and her husband entered into their own antique business where they traveled across the United States in search of antique clocks and music boxes, their specialties. They enjoyed their travels to locations around the world, but loved the Orient by far. She looked forward to her ladies' game day at the church each month. Her pineapple upside down cake was the best. She also was an avid reader, often times reading up to one book per day. She was always up for any card or board game either in person or on-line. Juanita is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Kathryn M. Phillips, Carl Butcher, Kenneth Butcher, Glenvil Butcher, Farrell Butcher, Vachel Butcher, Dolores Ann Butcher, and survived by her youngest brother Franklin Butcher. She is survived by her husband, Howard L. Rhines; her two daughters, Terrea von Hurwitz, Cynthia Guzman; three grandchildren, Heidi Healy, Brendan Penrose and Briana Penrose Leva; and five great-grandchildren, Cheyanne Penrose, Mariana Penrose, Guinevere Leva, Kanan Leva and Kyber Leva. Pallbearers will be: Mario Guzman, Brendan Penrose, Christian Leva and Lon von Hurwitz. Committal Service at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel and Cemetery.⁷ She was buried at Shannon Rose Hill Memorial Park, 7301 East Lancaster, Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas.⁷ She was born on May 8, 1935 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.² As of April 17, 1954,her married name was Rhines.¹ She married Howard L. Rhines on April 17, 1954 at Sacramento Co., California.^1,7 Juanita May Butcher died on October 25, 2021 at Decatur, Wise Co., Texas, at age 86.⁷

     His Social Security Number was 233-46-1363.⁷ Farrell Ray Butcher was buried at Mentor Municipal Cemetery, Mentor, Lake Co., Ohio.⁸ He was born on June 23, 1930 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^7,1,2,9,10 He married Sallie Spencer on September 11, 1950 at Gassaway, Braxton Co., West Virginia.^2,11 Farrell Ray Butcher died on September 15, 1992 at Mentor, Lake Co., Ohio, at age 62.^7,1,10

     Franklin Delano Butcher Franklin D. Butcher passed away on July 24th at home with his loving family by his side. He was born November 5, 1936 in Widen, WV to Melza and Ora (Paxton) Butcher. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired after working for Ford Motor Co. in Walton Hills for 35 years. He was a loving and very supportive father and grandfather. It meant a lot to him to provide for his family, which he did unconditionally. He was the rock of our family and will be forever missed. He enjoyed golfing, playing poker, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Frank is preceded in death by his parents Melza and Ora (Paxton) Butcher and brothers Glenville Butcher, Farrell Butcher, Carl Butcher, Kenneth Butcher, Vachel Butcher and sisters Catherine Phillips and Juanita Rhines. He is survived by his children Renee Richardson, Terry (Rose) Butcher, Licia (Pat Hathway) Butcher. Grandchildren: Sherese (Jeff) Powers, Desiree Siley, Tiffany (Justin) Tidmore, Tabitha (Nate) Kahl, Jai Howard, Melisa (Stephen) O'Neil, Ben Butcher, Ryan (Katie) Cooper, Corey (Kelsey Taylor) Cooper and 13 Great-Grandchildren. We would like to thank Crossroad Hospice, UH Nursing Home Care and Rose Butcher for all the love and care they gave to our father. Burial will take place at Beall's Mill Cemetery in Gassaway, WV.² He was buried at Bealls Mill Cemetery, Gassaway, Braxton Co., West Virginia.² He was born on November 5, 1936 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,2,6 He married Ruth Ann Kuhn on August 22, 1960 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.¹ Franklin Delano Butcher and Ruth Ann Kuhn were divorced on December 8, 1975 at Portage Co., Ohio.⁸ Franklin Delano Butcher died on July 24, 2022 at Portage Co., Ohio, at age 85.²

     Cluster Clifton Grose was buried at Rogers Cemetery, Ivydale, Clay Co., West Virginia.¹ He was born on July 21, 1902 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^3,1,2 He married Velma Paxton, daughter of John Riley Paxton and Sarah Victoria Walker, on May 26, 1928 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,3 Cluster Clifton Grose died on December 8, 1962 at Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia, at age 60.¹

     Elizabeth June "Betty" Grose was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.¹ Her married name was Simpson.¹ She married Warren Gee Simpson Sr.¹ Elizabeth June "Betty" Grose and Ernest Cincinnati were divorced.⁵ Elizabeth June "Betty" Grose was born on May 23, 1929 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,2,7 As of February 14, 1948,her married name was Cincinnati.² She married Ernest Cincinnati on February 14, 1948 at Montgomery, Fayette Co., West Virginia.² Elizabeth June "Betty" Grose died on May 22, 2009 at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, at age 79.^6,1,7 She Elizabeth "Betty" Cincinnati Simpson, 79, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Montgomery, WV, Sunrise May 23, 1929 - Sunset May 22, 2009, Mother passed away with her family by her side and her Lord in sight. Praise be to God! Born in Clay, WV, to the late Cluster and Velma Grose, Betty was a Christian and faithful member of Wayfarers Apostolic Church, Columbus, Ohio, where she served as the church mother. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Warren G. Simpson Sr; daughters, Barbara Ann and Dawn Annette Cincinnati; sister, Doris Zychek; brother, Clifton Grose; and grandson, Jonathan Robert McCune. Elizabeth is survived by her daughters, Constance (Clinton) Dalporta of Winston-Salem, NC, Julia (Samuel) Ferguson and Pamela Cincinnati of Columbus, Ohio; sons, Joseph (Christy) of Sharpsburg, NC, Michael (Vicki) of Boomer, WV, Robert of Columbus, Charles "Steven" (Angel) of Dunbar, WV, Patrick Cincinnati of Charleston, WV and Warren G. (Lori) Simpson Jr. of Kingsland, GA; sisters, Wanda (Dexter) Joyner of Raleigh, NC, and Patricia (Robert) Walters of Cullman, AL; brother, Paul (Sherry) Grose of Clay, WV; 29 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff and faculty of Eastland Care Center and The Ohio State University Hospital East. Burial will be at Evergreen Burial Park, Columbus, Ohio. on May 26, 2009.¹

     His Social Security Number was 236-50-3099.⁹ Clifton Cluster Grose was buried at Montgomery Memorial Park, Route 60, London, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.² He married Wanda Unknown.^2,10 Clifton Cluster Grose was born on May 5, 1933 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,9,7,4 He married Pauline Ellen Burkhamer on February 19, 1956 at Ivydale, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,11 Clifton Cluster Grose died on June 30, 2008 at Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia, at age 75.^9,2,4 He Clifton Grose, 75, of East Bank passed away Monday, June 30, 2008, at CAMC Memorial Hospital. Mr. Grose was a Korean War Veteran and retired coalminer. Surviving are "His Girls," Mitzy and Cricket; wife, Wanda; children, Brian of Gallagher, Travis and his wife, Jennifer, of Montgomery and Tabatha of Crown Hill; stepchildren, Darrell McMillion, Ronnie Keffer and wife, Tina, PJ Keffer and wife, Mandy, and Paul Keffer; and grandchildren, Hannah, Morgan, Austin, Jacob, Jessica, Lindsey, Elizabeth, Allen, Justin and John. Also surviving are his former wife, Pauline, and children, Teresa and husband, Mike, Sharon and JR, and their children. Burial will follow in Montgomery Memorial Park, London. on July 2, 2008.²

     Her married name was Joyner.⁶ Wanda Jean Grose was buried at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 West Gannon Avenue, Zebulon, Wake Co., North Carolina.⁷ She and Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish were divorced.⁸ Wanda Jean Grose married Dexter Carvie Joyner.^6,9,4 Wanda Jean Grose was born on November 4, 1930 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,7 As of September 13, 1950,her married name was Fish.¹ She married Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish on September 13, 1950 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,4 Wanda Jean Grose married Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish on January 2, 1951 at Clifton Forge, Alleghany Co., Virginia.³ Wanda Jean Grose died on March 30, 2018 at Zebulon, Wake Co., North Carolina, at age 87.^4,7 She Wanda Jean Grose Fish Joyner of Zebulon, N.C., died to this life on March 30, 2018. Born in Clay County, W.Va., she had resided in North Carolina since 1977. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel E. Fish, and her second husband, Dexter C. Joyner. Wanda was a devoted wife, loving mother and best friend to her children and wonderful "Nana" to her 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was a woman of strong integrity, loyalty and immense strength and determination. She was a dedicated member of her sorority Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years. Through the years, Wanda has had many interests and endeavors, enabling her to use her God given gifts and talents. She was a great cook and hostess and loved entertaining and large family gatherings. She also loved to garden and travel. She retired from her last position as Legislative Assistant to Senator Dan Clodfelter at the N.C. General Assembly. She was a remarkable woman and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors. She is survived by her only remaining brother, Paul Grose of Clay, W.Va; and her six children: Woody Joyner (Chris) of Raleigh, N.C., Jean Fish Riggins (Tom) of Garner, N.C., Patti Fish Shaffer of Zebulon, N.C., Sam Fish Jr. (Mary) of Wendell, N.C., Michael Joyner of Raleigh, N.C., and Donna Fish Mintz (Ed) of Clayton, N.C; her 20 grandchildren: Angela Bamford (Jeremy), Jennifer Jarrett (Michael), Jessica Corbett (James), Scott Riggins (Kristin), Sara Ulm (Kolt), Seth Riggins, Alexander Shaffer, Stephen Shaffer, Tamra LaRocco (Jay), Lauren Vick (Grant), Monica McBride (Chip), Aaron Mintz, Amanda Mintz, Adam Mintz, Jason McDavitt, Ryan McDavitt, Mary Taylor Joyner, Paul Joyner, Joshua Joyner, Erica Pate (Justin); and 20 great-grandchildren. on April 8, 2018.⁴

     Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish was buried at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 West Gannon Avenue, Zebulon, Wake Co., North Carolina.^3,4 He and Wanda Jean Grose were divorced.³ Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish was born on August 31, 1927 at Boomer, Fayette Co., West Virginia; His gravestone has a birth date of Aug 30, 1927.^1,3,4 He married Wanda Jean Grose, daughter of Cluster Clifton Grose and Velma Paxton, on September 13, 1950 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,5 Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish married Wanda Jean Grose, daughter of Cluster Clifton Grose and Velma Paxton, on January 2, 1951 at Clifton Forge, Alleghany Co., Virginia.² Samuel Eugene "Sammy" Fish died on September 30, 2015 at Raleigh, Wake Co., North Carolina, at age 88.^3,4 He Samuel Eugene Fish, 88, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2015 at WakeMed. He was born August 31, 1927 in Boomer, WV to the late Domenick Fish and Filomena Lemma Fish. After high school he graduated with a Mining Engineering Degree from West Virginia University. He honorably served his country in the US Army during WWII. Sam worked plus years as a Mining Engineer and retired as Vice President of Federal Coal Company in Charleston, WV. After retirement, he was self-employed as a Consultant with the Army Corp of Engineers. Sam enjoyed his retirement participating in various activities including his dance club. He moved to Wake County to be near his children and grandchildren. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 W. Gannon, Zebulon. Surviving: son, Samuel E. Fish, Jr. (Mary) of Wendell; daughters: Jean Riggins (Tom) of Garner, Patti Shaffer of Zebulon, Donna Mintz (Ed) of Clayton; the mother of his children, Wanda Fish Joyner of Zebulon; grandchildren: Angela Bamford (Jeremy), Jennifer Jarrett (Michael), Jessica Corbet (James), Scott Riggins (Kristin), Sara Riggins, Scott Riggins, Alexander Shaffer, Stephen Shaffer, Tamra LaRocco, Lauren Vick (Grant), Monica Fish, Aaron Mintz, Amanda Mintz, Adam Mintz; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers: William Fish (Sally) of Memphis, TN, Louis Fish, Anthony Fish (Marilyn), Bobby Fish (Eunice), Timmy Fish (Polly) all of Boomer, WV; sisters: Faye Porada (Ted) of New Orleans, LA, Elsie Sodder of Falls View, WV. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Joseph and Frank Fish. on October 1, 2015.³

     Richard Triphosia Paxton Richard T. Paxton, 74, died August 3, 2009 at Thomas Memorial Hospital of a massive heart attack. Richard was born in Clay County on July 24, 1935, the only child of Gilmer and Thelma Paxton who preceded him in death. His first wife, Mildred also preceded him in death. Richard had many business interests throughout the years. He was owner of Mountain State Vending and has turned that business over to his son, James. He was involved with the West Virginia State Video Lottery for many years and was currently involved with a new enterprise, R & S ATM Service. Richard was a Christian and had rededicated himself to the Lord on July 29, 2007. He attended Dunbar Mountain Mission. He was a member of the American Trap Shooters Association where he and Mildred were winners in all classifications. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, but most of all had a great love of family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Stone Paxton, who shared each new adventure with him, sons, James Paxton and his wife, Joann of Charleston and Richard D. Paxton of Charleston; daughter, Diane Boso and her husband, Bill of Dunbar. He is also survived by stepson, Michael Stone of Charleston; stepdaughters, Nicole King and her husband, Jeff of St. Albans and Kelly Stone of Philadelphia, PA. Richard had 8 grandchildren, Dennis, Robert, Daniel, Kristin, Amber, Rebecca and Angie and the new love of his life, Ava Cathryn and 7 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Rachel, Krissy, Destiny, Jada, Alexis and Katilyn. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. The family would also like to give a special thanks to the kind, compassionate care Richard received at Thomas Memorial Emergency room.¹ He was buried at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^1,7 His Social Security Number was 233-54-1748.⁸ He married Shirley Stone.¹ Richard Triphosia Paxton was born on July 24, 1935 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,3,8,7 He married Mildred Louise Young on February 18, 1955.^9,2 Richard Triphosia Paxton died on August 3, 2009 at South Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia, at age 74.^8,1,7

     Her Social Security Number was 236-62-8669.³ Mildred Louise Young was buried at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^4,1 She was born on January 30, 1938 at Witcher, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^3,2 As of February 18, 1955,her married name was Paxton.⁵ She married Richard Triphosia Paxton, son of Gilmer Triphosia Paxton and Thelma Lee Buckland, on February 18, 1955.^5,1 Mildred Louise Young died on July 8, 2007 at West Virginia at age 69.^3,4,1 She Mildred Louise Young Paxton, 69, of Cross Lanes went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 8, 2007 after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard T. Paxton. Her children and their spouses are Richard D. Paxton Sr. and Barbara of Cross Lanes, James G. Paxton and Joanne of Tyler Mountain, Diana Boso, who was also her mom's loving caregiver, and Bill of Dunbar. Her grandchildren are Richard D. Paxton Jr., Robert D. Paxton, Angela D. Raines, Amber D. Roberts, Daniel A. Boso, Rebecca Paxton, Kristin R. Paxton, and Danielle. Her great-grandchildren are Brandon M. Paxton, Kristan M. Strobel, Destiny E. Gibson, Kaitlyn E. Raines, Alexis P. Raines, Cameron Bodkins, and Jayda S. McHorney. Her siblings are Jan Cummings of Poca, Betty Buckner of Belle, Jeannie Hoy of Witcher Creek, Nada Spitzer of Georgia, Ron Young of Maryland and Henry Young of Handley. Mildred was a member of Dunbar Mountain Mission for 40 years. She loved her church family and missed worshiping with them during her illness more than anything and now she worships at the feet of Jesus. Mildred and her husband Richard were avid trap shooters and won many awards together. Her most prestigious awards included four national awards. In 1977, she won the National Ladies Handicap and also placed 10th out of 4,996 shooters. In 1987, she won the same award again and became the only woman in the country to earn this award twice and still holds that record. In 1996, she won her first international trophy in doubles. She holds the honor of being the only lady on the First State Team from 1986 until 2002, consecutively. She was very talented in hobbies, which included gardening, painting, poetry, singing, and knitting. She now has her final reward for a life lived with Jesus. Her love was the cord that bound the family together. Her love for flowers, children, and animals were some of the things that made her all the more loving. The family would like to thank HospiceCare for all the loving care they provided during her illness, her friends, hospice aid Angie Barr, nurses, Karen and Carol Means, everyone at the Hubbard Hospice House, Dr. Warren and Dr. Taylor. Also, special thanks for all the cards from friends and family, the uplifting visits, and calls that were much appreciated. The family is accepting donations for the Hubbard Hospice House, in Mildred's memory. A special thanks go to her beloved friend, Sara Burton, who was a wonderful friend and caregiver. For her timeless efforts for comfort and care is to be applauded. Sara was a great source of joy to Mildred during her illness. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. on July 10, 2007.¹

     Evelyn Virginia Paxton was buried at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^4,5 She Evelyn V. Gill, 92, of Fayetteville passed away Monday, January 12, 2015 at the home of her son and his family following an extended illness. Born on January 22, 1922 at Clay, she was the daughter of the late John Raleigh and Sara Victoria Walker Paxton. Mrs. Gill was a member of Cotton Hill Baptist Church where she had played the piano and was a Sunday school teacher for over 35 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanford A. Gill; brothers, Holly Paxton, Robert Paxton, Tolly Paxton, and Gilmer Paxton; sisters, Ora Butcher, Velma Grose, Oma Lacy Paxton, and a stillborn sister. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, John Gill and his wife, Christy of Fayetteville; three grandchildren, Stacy Harrison and her husband Tim, Jeff Gill and his wife Rachael and James Gill; four great grandchildren, Amelia, Laurel, Dustin and Ben Harrison. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.⁴ She was born on February 22, 1922 at Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia; Her obituary has a birth date of Jan 22, 1922.^1,6,4,5 As of March 17, 1946,her married name was Gill.⁶ She married Stanford Allen Gill on March 17, 1946 at Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,4 Evelyn Virginia Paxton died on January 12, 2015 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia, at age 92.^4,5

     Clara Lelia Paxton was buried at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.⁷ She was born on March 28, 1919 at Swandale, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,7 As of June 3, 1944,her married name was Given.² She married Rodney Howard Given on June 3, 1944 at Lincoln, Lancaster Co., Nebraska.^2,7 Clara Lelia Paxton died on December 2, 2016 at Buckeye, Pocahontas Co., West Virginia, at age 97.⁷ She Clara Lelia "Lee" Given, 97, of Clover Lick, passed away Friday, December 2, 2016, at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital in Buckeye. Born March 28, 1919, in Clay County, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Jesse W. Paxton and Zona Fitzwater Paxton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney H. Given; a sister, Laura, who died at birth; and a brother, Emerald K. Paxton. Lee graduated from Widen High School in 1937 and was a graduate of Glenville State College. She taught school in Clay and Kanawha counties. Lee and Rod were married in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1944. During World War II, she worked for the war effort as a teletype operator in Arlington, Virginia. She also worked for the war effort in Akron, Ohio. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, St. Albans, before moving to Lewisburg in the early 2000s. She attended Shuck Memorial Baptist, Lewisburg. Lee is survived by her son, David, and wife, Sunny, of Clover Lick; niece, Nancy Salmi, of Wisconsin; nephews, Michael Paxton and wife, Jeanne Nemcek, of Illinois; Dr. Mark Paxton, and wife, Dr. Margaret Weaver, of Missouri; and Mike Given, and wife, Vikki, and Allen Given, all of Ohio; several great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Interment in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. on December 8, 2016.⁷

     Emerald Keith Paxton was buried at Spring Valley Memory Gardens, 2813 Goodwill Road, Huntington, Wayne Co., West Virginia.⁵ His Social Security Number was 236-30-3667.⁶ He was born on May 19, 1924 at Widen, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,3,4,7 He married Mary Pauline Young on April 17, 1945 at Clay, Clay Co., West Virginia.^2,8 Emerald Keith Paxton died on February 20, 1989 at West Virginia at age 64.^6,7

     Lura "Laura" Paxton was born on April 15, 1920 at Swandale, Clay Co., West Virginia.^1,2 She Not enumerated with her family in the 1930 Census, supposedly died at birth. on April 4, 1930.^4,3

     Rodney Howard Given was buried at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^1,2 He Rodney Howard Given, 93, of Lewisburg, formerly of St. Albans, passed away March 31. He was born September 11, 1920 in Sutton, Braxton County, the son of Emory A. and Lola Faye Given. Rod graduated from Gassaway High School in 1938 and from Bliss Electrical School in 1939. He was also awarded a diploma from the "College of Hard Knocks" from Alderson-Broaddus College. Upon graduation from Bliss he was employed as an electrician for BC&G Mining Company until the start of World War II. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska, when married his wife, Clara Lelia Paxton, of Clay, on June 3, 1944. He served in the Air Corps for four years, earning the rank of staff sergeant. He was crew chief on mainly B- 24 bombers. Toward the end of the war, he was stationed in Iwo Jima, serving as crew chief of B-29 bombers and P-51 fighters. In October 1946 he began employment with the C&P Telephone Company in Huntington as an Installer Repairman. During the span of his career, he was also District Manager of Residence Service, Call Switching Services, Outside Plant Construction and Maintenance Superintendent, covering most areas of West Virginia. He retired as District Manager of Business Services for C&P in Charleston in May 1982, after 35 plus years of service. Rod loved sports and played all sports available to him in the 1930s. As a spectator, he was a loyal Mountaineer fan. Rod was an active member of First Baptist Church of St. Albans for more than 40 years, serving in many capacities. After moving to Lewisburg in 2004, he joined Shuck Memorial Baptist. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James R. and Harry; and two sisters, Eileen and Marie, who died at birth. Surviving are his wife of 69 years, C. Lelia "Lee" Given; son, David A., and wife, Sunny, of Cass; a niece and several nephews. Interment is in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.¹ He was born on September 11, 1920 at Sutton, Braxton Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 He married Clara Lelia Paxton, daughter of Rev. Jesse Winfield Paxton and Zona Leota Fitzwater, on June 3, 1944 at Lincoln, Lancaster Co., Nebraska.^1,4 Rodney Howard Given died on March 31, 2014 at Lewisburg, Greenbrier Co., West Virginia, at age 93.^1,2

     Gilmer Jennings "Buster" Hamrick was buried at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio.³ His Social Security Number was 233-10-2692.⁴ He was born on September 1, 1911 at Clay Co., West Virginia.^4,5,1,2 He married Virginia Mae/May Paxton, daughter of Alonzo Shelburn "Lonnie" "Lonzo" Paxton and Nancy Ellen "Nannie" Walker, on August 13, 1932 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.¹ Gilmer Jennings "Buster" Hamrick died on April 28, 1997 at Wayne Co., Ohio, at age 85.^4,5

     His Social Security Number was 289-30-8991.⁶ William Jennings Hamrick was born on November 7, 1932 at Dundon, Clay Co., West Virginia.^6,1,2,3 He married Ruth Ann Kelley on November 30, 1957 at Roane Co., West Virginia.² William Jennings Hamrick died on June 23, 1992 at age 59.⁶