Person Page - 1925

     John Calvin Sowers was buried at Brubaker Cemetery, Kingston, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ He was born on September 2, 1944 at West Virginia.^2,3 He married Elma Jane Bower on July 20, 1968 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3,6 John Calvin Sowers died on December 2, 2021 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 77.³ He John Calvin Sowers, age 77, died Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Lewis Gale Medical Center. He was born September 2, 1944 to the late James Marvin and Pearl (Stanley) Sowers. He was married to the late Elma Jane Bower on July 20, 1968. They were married for 49 years. He was baptized into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church on November 12, 1967. Surviving are three sons, Calvin and Kristy, Paul and Lorenia; and Mark and Sarah; thirteen grandchildren, Heather and Brady Williamson, James (Dalton), Amy and Kyle Kreyling, Jesse and Laura, Christopher and Katelyn, Lindsey, Mason and Heather, Mackenzie, Maylon and Kayla, Marcy, Camden, Gabe and Maria, four great grandchildren, Aurora, Winston, Denver and Tyson; sister, Debbie and Willie Lucas; brothers-in-law, Cecil and Sue Bower, Darrell and Lena Bower; sisters-in-law, Mattie Bower, Phyllis Bower Brubaker; Alda Bower and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife Elma Jane, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Lynn Thomas; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy and Danny Chambers, Martha and Ray Adkins; brothers-in-law, Lester (Pete), Orville and David Bower. The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to everyone for their acts of kindness during this time of sadness. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Peters Creek Old German Baptist Brethren meeting house. Burial will follow in Brubaker Cemetery. on December 5, 2021.³

     Elma Jane Bower Elma Jane Bower Sowers, 72, of Roanoke died Friday, December 1, 2017 at her home following a long illness. She was born September 24, 1945 to the late Orren and Sallie (Montgomery) Bower. She was married to John Calvin Sowers on July 20, 1968. Jane was a loving and devoted wife and mother for 49 years. She was baptized into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church in August of 1965. She is survived by her loving husband and three sons and daughters-in-law, Calvin and Kristy, Paul and Lorenia and Mark and Sarah; 13 grandchildren, Heather and Brady Williamson, James (Dalton), Amy and Kyle Kreyling, Jesse, Christopher, Lindsey, Mason, Mackenzie, Maylon, Marcy, Camden, Gabe and Maria; one great-granddaughter, Aurora; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cecil and Sue Bower, Darrell and Lena Bower; sisters-in-law, Mattie Bower, Phyllis Bower Denlinger, and Alda Bower; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Lynn Thomas, brothers, Lester (Pete), Orville and David Bower. The family offers a very special thanks to the Heartland Hospice staff for their many acts of kindness. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Peters Creek Old German Baptist Church on 7645 Wood Haven Road by Dan Sowers and the Home Brethren. Interment will follow in Brubaker Cemetery.³ She was buried at Brubaker Cemetery, Kingston, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ She was born on September 24, 1945 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,3 As of July 20, 1968,her married name was Sowers.¹ She married John Calvin Sowers, son of James Marvin Sowers and Pearl Kathleen Stanley, on July 20, 1968 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Elma Jane Bower died on December 1, 2017 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 72.³

     Martha Ann Sowers was buried at Spring Grove Memorial Park Cemetery, 111 Bridge Road, Mineral, Louisa Co., Virginia.³ Her married name was Adkins.¹ She married William "Ray" Adkins.^1,3,2,4 Martha Ann Sowers was born on November 16, 1940 at Peterstown, Monroe Co., West Virginia.³ She died on June 6, 2020 at Charlottesville, Virginia, at age 79.³ She Martha Ann Adkins, 79, of Mineral passed away Saturday, June 6, 2020 in Charlottesville, VA. She was born November 16, 1940 in Peterstown, WV to the late James M. Sowers and Pearl K. Sowers. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, William “Ray” Adkins; her sister, Nancy Chambers; her sister-in-law, Jane Sowers; and daughter-in-law Kathy. Martha was a member of the House of God Church and the Sorority Beta Sigma Phi. She attended Bluefield State College and received a business degree. Martha was a medicine aide at Clinton Convalescent Center for 29 years. She was known as a loving woman who enjoyed cooking with family, especially her “bushel cookies,” which required help from several family members to bake. She was an artist who enjoyed crocheting blankets for her grandchildren and creating home-made cards featuring her own drawings. Her favorite color was purple, and her favorite foods were steamed shrimp and crab dip. She is survived by her brother, John Sowers (Jane); sister Deborah Lucas (Willie); four sons, Donnie R. Adkins (Brenda), Ronnie D. Adkins (Kathy, Suzanne), Michael S. Adkins, and Kenneth L. Adkins; one daughter, Melissa A. Adkins; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her companion, Walter Martin. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at Woodward Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Mineral, VA. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will be following the state mandated social distancing, and occupancy rule. Face mask will not be provided by the Funeral Home or family. on June 18, 2020.³

     William "Ray" Adkins was buried at Spring Grove Memorial Park Cemetery, 111 Bridge Road, Mineral, Louisa Co., Virginia.^3,4 He married Martha Ann Sowers, daughter of James Marvin Sowers and Pearl Kathleen Stanley.^1,2,3,5 William "Ray" Adkins was born on September 11, 1927.⁴ He died on July 22, 2009 at Louisa, Louisa Co., Virginia, at age 81.^3,4 He William "Ray" Adkins, 81 of Mineral, formerly of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009, at Louisa Healthcare Center, Louisa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Gruver Adkins and Pansy Farley Adkins. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served during the Korean War. He worked as a crane operator in the D.C. Metro Area for many years. He was a member of the American Legion of Clinton, Maryland. Survivors include his wife, Martha Sowers Adkins; four sons, Donnie Adkins, and his wife, Brenda, of Brandywine, Maryland, Ronnie Adkins, and his wife, Kathy, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, Michael Adkins, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, Kenneth Adkins, and his wife, Kathy, of Decatur, Iowa; one daughter, Melissa Flowers, and her husband, William, of Mechanicsville, Maryland; seven brothers; and five sisters all from Southern West Virginia; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held on July 25, at Woodward Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Spring Grove Memorial Park Cemetery, Mineral. on July 23, 2009.³

     Anna Tabor was buried at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, Forest Hill, Summers Co., West Virginia.^2,5 Her Social Security Number was 232-82-7468.⁶ She was born on July 25, 1908 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^6,3 As of October 15, 1930,her married name was Swepston.³ She married Marion Letcher Swepston, son of Samuel Winbush Swepston and Victoria Light, on October 15, 1930 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^1,3,4 Anna Tabor died on November 30, 1997 at Summers Co., West Virginia, at age 89.^2,6 She MARIE - Anna Tabor Swepston, 89, of Marie, Summers County, died Nov. 30, 1997, after a long illness. She was a homemaker and a member of New Hope United Methodist Church, Marie, and the Marie Friendship Club. Surviving: son, Jimmy of Mechanicsville, Va; daughter, Gladys Lilly of Marie; sisters, Mae Gwinn of Lockbridge, Dorothy Tabor of Marie; four grandsons; five great-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at New Hope United Methodist Church with Pastor Sam Groves and Pastor Frank Mick officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, Forest Hill. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlor, Hinton, and one hour prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Operation Sunshine, c/o Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital Auxiliary.
on December 1, 1997.²

     Marion Calvin Swepston was born on February 7, 1933 at Summers Co., West Virginia.¹ He died on February 17, 1933 at Marie, Summers Co., West Virginia.¹

     Gladys May Swepston was buried at New Hope Church Cemetery, Monroe Co., West Virginia.^4,3 She was born on August 29, 1934 at Marie, Summers Co., West Virginia.⁴ As of April 29, 1957,her married name was Lilly.² She married Athoel E. Lilly on April 29, 1957 at Hinton, Summers Co., West Virginia.^1,2,4,3 Gladys May Swepston died on June 8, 2010 at Marie, Summers Co., West Virginia, at age 75.^4,3 She MARIE — Gladys M. Lilly, 75, of Marie, died Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at her home following a long illness. Born Aug. 29, 1934, at Marie, she was the daughter of the late Letcher and Anna Tabor Swepston. She was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church at Marie, the Marie Friendship Club and was volunteer for the Summers County Hospital Auxiliary. She was retired from the U.S. Postal Service having served as postmaster at the Ballengee and Forest Hill post offices. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Calvin Swepston. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Athoel Lilly; two sons, Wayne Lilly and wife, Karen of White Pine, Tenn., and David Lilly of Pensacola, Fla; a brother, Jimmy Swepston and wife, Maxine of Mechanicsville, Va; two granddaughters, Sarah Dennis and husband, Josh of Talbot, Tenn. and Anna Lilly of Morristown, Tenn; two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Jackson Dennis. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 11, 2010 at the New Hope Methodist Church at Marie with the Rev. Sam Haught officering. Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday at Pivont Funeral Home in Hinton and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, PO Box 472, Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences may be sent to pivontfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Pivont Funeral Home, Hinton. on June 10, 2010.⁴

     Ralph Coburn Baker was buried at Gap Pond Cemetery, Chipley, Washington Co., Florida.³ His Social Security Number was 232-12-8348.⁶ He married Violet Unknown.³ Ralph Coburn Baker was born on November 24, 1913 at West Virginia.^4,2,6,3 He died on August 11, 1979 at Washington Co., Florida, at age 65.^2,3

     His Social Security Number was 230-05-1632.⁶ Harvey Lansing Baker was buried at New Hope Church Cemetery, Monroe Co., West Virginia.^7,1 He was born on June 18, 1916 at Union, Monroe Co., West Virginia.^6,1 He married Freeda E. Crosier on August 10, 1939.^7,1 Harvey Lansing Baker died on January 4, 1986 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 69.^6,1 He Harvey L. Baker, 69, of Marie, Summers County, died Saturday in a Princeton hospital after a long illness He was born at Union and was a 30-year resident of the Marie area. He was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church at Marie and was employed by the Celenese Corp. for 26 years. Surviving: wife, Freeda Crosier Baker; sons, Gene of Ballard, James of Orlando, Fla. and Thomas of Ocala, Fla; daughters, Mrs. Lorene Bishop of Orlando, Mrs. Nancy Patterson of Belleview, Fla and Mrs. Brenda Fisher of Flatwoods, Ky; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at New Hope United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ralph Smithson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call after 3 p.m. today at Broyles Funeral Home, Peterstown, and at the church one hour before the service. on January 6, 1986.¹

     Calvin Wayne "Weiner" Elmore was buried at Crowder Cemetery, New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 229-72-8242.⁶ He was born on October 23, 1953 at Craig Co., Virginia.^6,4 He died on April 27, 2009 at Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 55.^2,6,5 He Calvin Wayne (Weiner) Elmore, 55, of New Castle, Va., passed away Monday, April 27, 2009. He is preceded in death by his brother, Carl (Britts) Elmore; and grandson, Cooper Hedge. He is survived by his parents, Elwood and Norma Lee Elmore; daughter, Crystal Hedge; grandsons, Elijah, Landon, and Waller Hedge; granddaughter, Lilly Hedge; brother, Claude Elmore, of Welch, W.Va; sister, Wanda Romeo; two uncles; one aunt; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at Crowder Cemetery, Craig City with Pastor Jerry King officiating. on April 28, 2009.²

     Leona Blaine Ballard was buried at Ballard Church Cemetery, Ballard, Monroe Co., West Virginia.^3,2 Her Social Security Number was 233-52-6070.⁴ She was born on March 22, 1894 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^4,2 As of October 25, 1922,her married name was Conner.⁵ She married Ezra Herbert Conner, son of Samuel J. "Sam" Conner and Louise M. "Lou" Massey, on October 25, 1922 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^1,2,5 Leona Blaine Ballard died on October 10, 1977 at Lynchburg, Virginia, at age 83.^4,2

     Roger Lynn Carr was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,5 He was born on August 4, 1951 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5 He died on September 14, 1968 at Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 17; Died in an auto accident.^4,5

     David Andrew Carr was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on August 26, 1961 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5 He married Vicki Rae Cook on May 22, 1993 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,3,5 David Andrew Carr died on May 1, 2016 at Virginia at age 54.³ He David Andrew Carr, 54, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife, Vicki Cook Carr; his parents, Byron and Lorene Nichols Carr; and his brother, Roger Carr. David was an employee of the Dynex Corporation and a Lifetime Member of the Bent Mountain Rescue Squad. He loved Virginia Tech Football, NASCAR Racing, family, friends, music and trains. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Larry Romagnolo; his fiancée, Sherri Morrison; stepdaughter, Becky Beckner; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Betty Cook; stepgranddaughter and husband, Leslie and Reece Clark and their sons, Tyler, Devin and Chase; stepgrandson, Josh Beckner and his son, Jaden; nephews, Shawn Strang, and Brent Cook and wife, Amy; nieces, Heather Strang, Jennifer Lively and daughter, Leighan Lively; and many other extended family and friends. Interment will follow at Copper Hill Cemetery, Floyd County. on May 3, 2016.³

     Vicki Rae Cook was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Courthouse Road, Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,6 Her Social Security Number was 232-74-8727.⁷ She married C. J. Melvin.¹ Vicki Rae Cook was born on March 5, 1948 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^7,3,6,4,5 As of December 23, 1964,her married name was Melvin.³ She married Chester Junior Melvin, son of Chester Melvin Sr. and Verlis Alma Roberts, on December 23, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.³ Vicki Rae Cook and Chester Junior Melvin were divorced on December 4, 1974 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ As of May 22, 1993,her married name was Carr.³ Vicki Rae Cook married David Andrew Carr, son of Byron Joseph Carr and Dorothy Lorene Nichols, on May 22, 1993 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Vicki Rae Cook died on May 27, 2007 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 59.^1,7,6,8 She Vicki Cook Carr, 59, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday May 27, 2007. She had been employed at Roanoke Electric Steel for 15 years and also with Nabisco for 10 years. Vicki was a member of the National Iris Society. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert F. Cook; and a sister, Linda Cook. She is survived by her husband, David A. Carr; daughter, Rebecca Beckner; mother, Ann Cook Cadd; brother, Bob Cook and wife, Betty; grandchildren, Leslie Clark and Joshua Beckner; two greatgrandchildren, Tyler and Jaden Beckner; former husband and friend, C.J. Melvin; nieces, Jennifer Lively, Heather Strang; nephew, Brent Cook and wife, Amy, Shawn Strang; father-in-law, Byron Carr; sister-in-law and husband, Cathy and Larry Romagnolo; two beloved dogs, Gracie and Samantha. Graveside services will be in Roselawn Cemetery in Princeton, W.Va. on May 29, 2007.¹