Person Page - 3055

     Mamie Agnes Sowder was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Her Social Security Number was 229-98-1809.⁵ She was born on November 4, 1894 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁵ As of circa 1916,her married name was Jones.⁶ She married Arthur Bernard Jones, son of William Henry Lee Jones and Eliza Jane Cooper, circa 1916.^7,6,2,3 Mamie Agnes Sowder died on November 24, 1975 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 81.^5,3

     Elsie Augusta Sowder was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^6,5 She was born on December 21, 1903 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,3 As of April 7, 1928,her married name was Haymaker.⁴ She married Alfred William Haymaker on April 7, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^7,5,4 Elsie Augusta Sowder died on March 14, 1971 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 67.^6,5

     Her Social Security Number was 229-42-2032.⁶ Louise Arenta Sowder was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.² Her married name was Akers.² She married Eugene Wolton Akers.^2,7 Louise Arenta Sowder was born on April 16, 1912 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^6,3,4 She died on December 24, 1997 at Virginia at age 85.^6,2 She Akers, Louise Sowder, of Rocky Mount, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 1997 in a local hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Wolton Akers and a grandson, Danny M. Brooks. Surviving are three children, Eugene W. and Ethel Akers, Rocky Mount, Nancy Akers and Ralph (Dusty) Rhodes, Smith Mountain Lake, Selma (Duck) and Brenda Akers, Rocky Mount; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister, Wilson Sowder, Jacksonville, Fla., John Sowder, Providence Forge, Edith Holt, New Carrollton, MD. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday in Flora Funeral Chapel, with Elder Joe Ben Jamison officiating. Interment will follow in the Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the American Cancer Society. Friends may call at Flora Funeral Service after 3 p.m. Thursday where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. and other times at the home of Eugene and Ethel Akers . Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, South Main Street, Rocky Mount. on December 25, 1997.²

     Her Social Security Number was 226-12-1386.⁴ Sadie Sowder was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.² Her married name was Bussey.⁵ She married James Carl Bussey.^5,2 Sadie Sowder was born on July 10, 1914 at Virginia.^1,4 She died on March 17, 1994 at New Kent Co., Virginia, at age 79.^2,6 She BUSSEY, Sadie Sowder, 79, of Providence Forge, Va., died Thursday, March 17, 1994. Formerly of Roanoke, Mrs. Bussey had made her home for the past five years with a niece, Susan Bates and her husband, Frank in Providence Forge. Mrs. Bussey was the widow of J. Carl Bussey. She was a member of Northview United Methodist Church and the Alpine Garden Club. Surviving are her sisters, Louise S. Akers, Rocky Mount, Edith S. Holt, Md; brothers, Dr. Wilson T. Sowder, Jacksonville, Fla., John G. Sowder, Providence Forge, Va; a number of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to the Alzheimer Disease (ADRDA), Roanoke-Salem Chapter, P.O. Box 5014, Roanoke, Va. 24012 or the Providence Forge Rescue Squad, Providence Forge, Va. 23140. Funeral services will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Monday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Harold E. Wallof and the Rev. Will is L. Betts. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's North Chapel. on March 19, 1994.²

     Edith Catherine Sowder was buried at Maryland National Memorial Park, 13300 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, Prince George's Co., Maryland.³ Her Social Security Number was 579-28-1726.⁶ Her married name was Holt.⁷ She married Herbert N. Holt.^7,3 Edith Catherine Sowder was born on April 13, 1922 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,5 She died on April 12, 2004 at age 81.^3,6 She Edith C. Holt - On Monday, April 12, 2004, wife of the late Herbert N. Holt; mother of David (Patricia) Holt, Deborah (Thomas) Kuckuda and Richard (Margaret) Holt; sister of Wilson T. and John G. Sowder; grandmother of David Jr., Keith, Shane, Matthew, Laura, Adam and Dustin. Relatives and friends may call at Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Rd., Beltsville, MD, Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Interment Maryland National Memorial Park. on April 14, 2004.³

     Eva Mae Divers was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.² Her married name was Sowder.¹ She married Percy Rodney "P.R." Sowder, son of John Harvey "Brud" Sowder and Mary Catherine Webb.^1,2 Eva Mae Divers was born on January 1, 1917.³ She died on January 31, 2013 at Virginia at age 96.² She Eva Mae Divers Sowder, 95, of Goodview, passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2013. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. She was a founding member of St. James Episcopal Church in Roanoke. She is predeceased by her husband, Percy Rodney "P.R." Sowder. Survivors are her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Tom Lowery; grandchildren, Alicia Simonds, Amanda and Scott Graham, and T.J. and Mandy Horne; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Tyler, Arissa, Kaden and Blake; sister-in-law, Tina Divers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Eva will be greatly missed by her loving toy poodle, Crickett, who never left her side. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 4515 Delray Street, NW, Roanoke, VA 24012. Special thanks to Bedford Hospice, Rhonda, Sissy and Mary Jo and caregivers, Pamela Smith and Terry Hibbard. Funeral Services will be conducted at St. James Episcopal Church, Roanoke, Va., at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2013, with the Rev. Susan Bentley officiating. Luncheon to follow from noon to 2 p.m. Graveside Service to be held in Franklin Memorial Park at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2013, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221, and one hour prior to the funeral service at St. James Episcopal Church. on February 3, 2013.²

     Eugene Wolton Akers was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,4 His Social Security Number was 224-20-2223.⁶ He married Louise Arenta Sowder, daughter of John Harvey "Brud" Sowder and Mary Catherine Webb.^1,4 Eugene Wolton Akers was born on March 30, 1910 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,6,2,3,4 He died on September 2, 1966 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 56.^5,4

     His Social Security Number was 225-10-8392.⁷ James Carl Bussey was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^3,5 He married Sadie Sowder, daughter of John Harvey "Brud" Sowder and Mary Catherine Webb.^1,2 James Carl Bussey was born on November 21, 1911 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.^7,4,5,6 He died on July 22, 1978 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.^7,5

     Herbert N. Holt married Edith Catherine Sowder, daughter of John Harvey "Brud" Sowder and Mary Catherine Webb.^1,2 Herbert N. Holt was born circa 1916 at West Virginia.³

     Merlie Flora Willis was buried at Pigg River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Swenfield Road, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ Her Social Security Number was 224-64-9094.³ She was born on June 15, 1900 at Virginia.^1,3 As of circa 1920,her married name was Sowder.^1,4 She married James Noah Sowder, son of John Harvey "Brud" Sowder and Mary Catherine Webb, circa 1920.^1,4,2 Merlie Flora Willis died on August 19, 1982 at age 82.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 228-30-6386.⁵ Sylvester Lila "Bess" Sowder was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.³ Her married name was Guilliams.³ She married Paul F. Guilliams.³ Sylvester Lila "Bess" Sowder was born on February 16, 1922 at Virginia.^1,5 She died on May 14, 1997 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 75.^5,3 She GUILLIAMS, Sylvester Sowder, ("Bess"), 75, of Rocky Mount, Gogginsville Community, died Wednesday, May 14, 1997 at her residence. She was a member of the Gogginsville United Methodist Church for 45 years and was a loving wife and dedicated mother. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Merlie Willis Sowder, two brothers and one sister. Surviving are her husband, Paul F. Guilliams; one daughter, Phyllis Darlene Doss, Rocky Mount; two grandsons, Tony and wife Lisa, Doss, Callaway, Sean Doss and special friend Leana Loar, Rocky Mount; one great-granddaughter, Haley Doss; one brother and sister-in-law, William (Bill) and Edith Sowder, Rocky Mount; three nieces; two nephews; and special friends, Melva Pendleton and Ruth Sigmon. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel, 11 a.m. Friday, with Elder W, Lane Carter and the Rev. Steven W. Greer officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, S. Main St., Rocky Mount. on May 15, 1997.³

     James Alfred Sowder was buried at High Street Cemetery, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,6 He was born on September 1, 1928 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,4,6,5 He died on August 15, 1952 at age 23.^3,6

     William Harvey "Bill" Sowder Sr. William “Bill” Harvey Sowder, age 86 of Rocky Mount, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Virginia Green; brothers, Bud and Coy Sowder; sisters, Nadine and Sylvester Sowder; mother, Merlie Sowder; and father, James “Jim” Sowder. Surviving are his children, Mary Lee Sowder and William “Bubby” Sowder Jr; nieces, Phyllis Doss and Kelly Profitt; and nephew, Mark Waldron. Bill was retired from DuPont with over 35 years of service and was a U.S. Army veteran. He taught school in Callaway and was well known for his fiddle playing. Bill was a member of Gogginsville United Methodist Church. Bill loved his two furry companions: his cat, Brownie, and his dog, Bebe. The family would like to thank Carilion Hospice, Dr. James Maxey, Dr. David Trinkle, Pastor Kathryn Budzik, and Pastor Dan Rudy for all their care and prayers.⁵ He was born on December 30, 1934 at Franklin Co., Virginia.⁶ He married Edith Virginia Green, daughter of Dennis Hampton Green and Hattie M. Wimmer, on April 19, 1957 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^4,3,5,7 William Harvey "Bill" Sowder Sr. died on August 15, 2021 at Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 86.⁵

     Rosetta Nadine Sowder was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^6,4 She was born on March 8, 1938 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,6,4 As of August 31, 1957,her married name was Arthur.³ She married Ennis Jewell Arthur Jr. on August 31, 1957 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,3,4 Rosetta Nadine Sowder died on December 3, 1960 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 22.^6,4

     Paul F. Guilliams was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.² He married Sylvester Lila "Bess" Sowder, daughter of James Noah Sowder and Merlie Flora Willis.¹ Paul F. Guilliams was born on February 16, 1921.³ He died on April 1, 2010 at Virginia at age 89.^3,2 He Paul F. Guilliams, 89 of Rocky Mount, Va., died on Thursday, April 1, 2010. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bess Guilliams. He was a proud veteran of World War II and a proud business owner and milk hauler for over 30 years. He loved bluegrass music, dancing, and drinking coffee with many friends. Paul was a wonderful and loving father and grandfather who never met a stranger or raised his voice to anyone. Paul was a longtime member of Gogginsville United Methodist Church. Surviving are his daughter, Phyllis Doss; grandsons, Tony Doss and wife, Lisa, Sean Doss and wife, Melinda; greatgrandchildren, Haley Doss and Drake Doss; sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Damon Moore; and special friend, Christine Ramsey. Special thanks to his caregivers, Alice, Heather, Sara, Edna, Carolyn and Stephanie for the wonderful home care they provided. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2010, from Flora Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Mark Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the , 1079-C Spruce Street, Martinsville, Va. 24112. His family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2010, at Flora Funeral Service, exclusive local provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care," Rocky Mount, Va. on April 2, 2010.²

     Her Social Security Number was 225-44-2031.³ Perna Olivia Aliff was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,2 She was born on April 27, 1897 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,2 As of May, 1921,her married name was Sowder.⁵ She married Ernest Flemon Sowder, son of John Harvey "Brud" Sowder and Mary Catherine Webb, in May, 1921.^1,5,2 Perna Olivia Aliff died on April 25, 1979 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 81.^3,2

     Basil Norvell Sowder was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,8 His Social Security Number was 224-24-9503.⁹ He married Mary Willie Unknown.² Basil Norvell Sowder was born on April 4, 1923 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^9,10,8,4,5 He married Mary Elizabeth Brown on August 16, 1947 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^8,3,11 Basil Norvell Sowder died on February 12, 2001 at Vista, San Diego Co., California, at age 77.^9,2,8 He SOWDER, Basil N., 77, of Vista, Calif., moved from his Earthly address to a new Heavenly home on Monday, February 12, 2001. A longtime resident of Roanoke County, Basil hopes that his many friends and family do not grieve his passing, but that they rejoice in his reuniting with the many who have gone before him. A few of whom include his mother and father, Ernest F. and Perna A. Sowder and his wife for 43 years, Mary B. Sowder. Some family members who remain include his wife, Mary Willie Sowder , who provided loving care in their home throughout his long battle with cancer; his son and daughter-in-law, E. Wayne and Johnette B. Sowder; two brothers, Wister and Keith Sowder; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Basil answered the call to duty serving in the U.S. Navy during World War Two and afterward earned his living working for the Virginian Railway and the Norfolk and Western Railway until his retirement from the accounting department. A love of travel was his gift to his family as he reached his goal of visiting all 50 states. Likewise he shared his talents of photography, woodworking, gardening with all he knew. He celebrated his faith and love of God in several local churches, Haren Baptist, Grandin Court Baptist, and Windsor Hills Baptist. During his time in California he attended Faith Lutheran Church in Vista. Some of his fondest memories were of friends and fellowship in these houses of worship. Continuing in the spirit of his service and ministry to others the family wish is that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society so that someday no one will experience the suffering of this terrible disease. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2001 at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, Va. Dr. Rev. C. Lawrence Dodson will conduct a service of farewell and celebration at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2001 at Lotz Salem Chapel followed by a graveside service at Sherwood Cemetery. on February 18, 2001.²

     Wister Cornealous "Wes" Sowder was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ He was born on April 24, 1926 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^7,9 He married Nadine Virginia Kesler on October 27, 1951 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁷ Wister Cornealous "Wes" Sowder and Nadine Virginia Kesler were divorced on February 1, 1957 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁸ Wister Cornealous "Wes" Sowder married Lelia Ann "Leann" Saul on August 15, 1962 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,7 Wister Cornealous "Wes" Sowder died on June 22, 2018 at Virginia at age 92.⁶ He Wister C. Sowder, 92, of Roanoke, Va., passed on to be with the Lord on Friday, June 22, 2018. He was a World War II veteran and retired from the Norfolk and Southern Railroad. He is survived by his children, Anthony W. Sowder, Vickie S. Wood and Rickie S. Neese. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel at 4257 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, Va. The Service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018, at Oakey's South Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va. on June 23, 2018.⁶

     Keith Ernest Sowder was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.^2,4 His Social Security Number was 230-38-0174.⁸ He married Helen Gail Beavers.⁹ Keith Ernest Sowder was born on August 17, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^10,3,8,5 He died on December 19, 2008 at Virginia at age 80.^10,2,8 He Keith Ernest Sowder, 80, of Roanoke, passed away December 19, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen B. Sowder; a son, Gregory K. Sowder; and brother, Basil Sowder. Mr. Sowder is survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie Coffey and Daniel J. Sowder, both of Salem; daughter-in-law, A. Lynn Sowder, of Salem; brother, Wes Sowder, of Roanoke; great-grandson, Dylan Coffey "Little Buddy", of Salem; special friend, Kathleen Boggs; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Oakeys South Chapel 10 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2008, with Dr. Ken Scoggins officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2008, at Oakeys South Chapel, 540-989-3131. on December 21, 2008.²

     Her Social Security Number was 234-48-8647.³ Helen Gail Beavers was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.¹ Her married name was Sowder.¹ She married Keith Ernest Sowder, son of Ernest Flemon Sowder and Perna Olivia Aliff.¹ Helen Gail Beavers was born on February 21, 1932 at Beech Fork, Cabell Co., West Virginia.^3,2 She died on December 29, 1996 at Bedford Co., Virginia, at age 64.^1,3,4 She SOWDER, Helen Gail Beavers, 64, of Rt. 6, Bedford, passed away Sunday, December 29, 1996. Surviving are her husband, Keith Sowder; her son, Greg Sowder, Roanoke; her grandchildren, Stephanie and Daniel Sowder; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Virginia and Douglas Whitt, Charlotte, N.C., Joan and David Barton, Princeton, W. Va; also surviving are a number of neices and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at Lotz Roanoke Chapel, 10 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 1997 with the Rev. Bill Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Lotz Roanoke Chapel from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. on December 31, 1996.¹

     His Social Security Number was 224-82-8148.⁹ Gregory Keith "Greg" Sowder was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,7 He was born on October 26, 1954 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,3,4,5,7 He married Angela Lynn Jeremiah on August 6, 1977 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3 Gregory Keith "Greg" Sowder and Angela Lynn Jeremiah were divorced on September 11, 1995 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ Gregory Keith "Greg" Sowder died on April 2, 2002 at Arizona at age 47.^9,2,7 He SOWDER, Gregory Keith, 47 of Goodyear, Ariz., and formerly of Roanoke, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, April 2, 2002. He is survived by his father, Keith E. Sowder; a daughter, Stephanie A. Coffey and husband, Isaac; a son, Daniel J. Sowder. He is also survived by one grandson, Dylan Tyler Sowder -Coffey; and a former wife, Lynn Jeremiah Sowder; many friends and extended family. Services will be at Oakey's South Chapel 2:30 p.m. Monday April 8, 2002. The Rev. William Mitchell will officiate. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. on April 7, 2002.²