Person Page - 3922

     Harold Lee McDowell It is with great sadness that we announce that Harold Lee McDowell of Topping, VA passed away April 20, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest daughter, Cindy McDowell. Harold is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sylvia (Walsh); his 2 sisters, Nancy Shaver of Wyckoff, NJ and Lynda Strickland of Charleston, WV; his youngest daughter, Julie (Robertino); his son, Jeffrey; his stepdaughter, Lisa Lowery (Phil); and stepson, Steve Ricker; and 3 grandchildren, Chessa Lowery, Andrew Fieraru, and Madeline Fieraru. Harold was born in Summersville, WV and after graduating from college and a stint in the Army as a supply officer, he spent a few years in the production control industry, where he was introduced to computers. Designing computer systems became his passion and profession for the next 50+ years, where he was a consultant, system designer, and business owner. He retired on the Rappahannock River in Topping, Virginia with his wife Sylvia. Harold was an avid boater, fisherman, and craftsman/woodworker. He was a member of the Rotary and was actively involved in several car clubs where he entered and drove his beloved Corvette. Harold will be profoundly missed by his family and wide circle of friends. Interment, Walker Memorial Park, Summersville, WV.² He was buried at Walker Memorial Cemetery and Gardens, Summersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.² He was born on March 7, 1935 at Summersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^1,2,4 He married Laura Annette Rapp on August 24, 1957 at Summersville, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^6,3,5 Harold Lee McDowell and Laura Annette Rapp were divorced on March 25, 1976 at Chesterfield Co., Virginia.³ Harold Lee McDowell married Sylvia Anne Walsh on July 7, 1977 at Richmond, Virginia.^2,7,4 Harold Lee McDowell died on April 20, 2021 at Virginia at age 86.²

     His Social Security Number was 233-10-6584.⁶ Nelson Lawton Kayser was buried at Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway, Braxton Co., West Virginia.³ He was born on May 6, 1913 at Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^2,6,4,5 He married Lottie Lee Nugen, daughter of Warren David Nugen and Lillian Ann "Lillie" Epperly, on March 31, 1935 at Mount Hope, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,2,7 Nelson Lawton Kayser died on February 3, 1979 at Palm Beach Co., Florida, at age 65.^6,4

     Mary Elizabeth Tyree was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Glade Creek, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^1,3 Her Social Security Number was 233-72-8674.⁵ She was born on June 17, 1917 at Persinger, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^1,2,5,3,4 As of February 14, 1947,her married name was Nugen.^1,2 She married Orval Warren Nugen, son of Warren David Nugen and Lillian Ann "Lillie" Epperly, on February 14, 1947 at Cheylan, Nicholas Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3 Mary Elizabeth Tyree died on August 6, 2007 at Spencer, Roane Co., West Virginia, at age 90.^1,5 She Mary E. Nugen, 90, of Spencer, formerly of Summersville, went home to be with her Lord, Monday, Aug. 6, 2007. She was born June 19, 1917, in Nicholas County, the daughter of the late Marshall and Mertie Bell Tyree. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Orval W. Nugen; a brother, Paul Tyree; and a sister, Ezelle Hypes. Mrs. Nugen was a homemaker and mother. She was the bookkeeper at Citizens Chevrolet, Clay. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Spencer. Prior to moving to Spencer, she had been an active member and Sunday school teacher at the Summersville Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Clay. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Curt Sayre of Dayton, Tenn., Mary Ann and Woody Wilson of Spencer; a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Linda Nugent of Mineral Wells; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Summersville. on August 8, 2007.³

     Marjorie Mae Epperly was buried at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.⁶ Her Social Security Number was 232-62-5740.⁷ She was born on November 19, 1910 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^7,2 As of August 19, 1933,her married name was Burdette.³ She married John Edward Burdette on August 19, 1933 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^8,9,2,3 Marjorie Mae Epperly died on January 31, 2003 at Princeton, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 92.^7,2 She Marjorie Mae Epperly Burdette, 92, of Greenbrier Drive, Hinton died at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, in Princeton Community Hospital following a short illness. Born Nov. 19, 1910, at Fayetteville, she was the daughter of the later Henry P. and Meda Stanley Epperly. Mrs. Burdette was a graduate of Fayetteville High School and Concord College. She taught school at Williams Mountain, Claypool, Green Sulphur, Meadow Creek, Brooks, Bellepoint and Central Grade Schools. She retired with 39 years of teaching. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hinton and was a member of the Fidelis Class at the church, and also a deaconess at the church. She was the last surviving member of her graduating class at Fayetteville High School. She was a member of the Hinton Womens Club, the Summers County Retired Teachers and the WV Association of Retired Teachers. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Herman, Robert, Woodrow and Bernard Epperly; one sister, Bess Good. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include her husband of 69 years, John E. Burdette; one son, Ed Burdette of Pipestem; one daughter, Jo Ellen Kerr of Hinton; four half-sisters, Mildred Ann Vermon of Fayetteville, June Campbell of Ohio, Mary Heldreth of Bluefield, Va., and Vella Jo Peterson of Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Kate Epperly of Allentown, Pa., and Juanita Epperly of Fayetteville; one grandchild, Cindy Ellis of Gulf Port, Miss; and one great-grandchild, Cindy Ellis of Gulf Port, Miss; and one great-grandchild, Morghan Ellis of Gulf Port, Miss; several nieces and nephews also survive. Pallbearers will be: Jackie Hellems, Les Ellis, Martin Good, Bud Johnson and Jack Givens. on February 2, 2003.²

     His Social Security Number was 232-18-6611.¹⁰ Woodrow Wilson Epperly was buried at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.³ He was born on February 10, 1913 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^10,4 He married Juanita Mae Young on February 12, 1945 at Hinton, Summers Co., West Virginia.^2,3,5 Woodrow Wilson Epperly died on January 11, 1993 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 79.^10,3 He Woodrow Wilson Epperly, 79, of Fayetteville died Jan. 11, 1993, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, after a short illness. He was member of Fayetteville Baptist Church and a veteran of World War II. He was a retired maintenance employee for Fayette County Board of Education. Surviving: wife, Juanita Mae Young Epperly; daughter, Carol Jean Files of Oak Hill; sister, Majorie Burdett of Hinton; half sisters, Mildred Selbey of Fayetteville, June Campbell of Columbus, Ohio, Vella Jo Peterson of Malcomb, Ill., Mary Heldreth of Bluefield, Va; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville. on January 12, 1993.³

     Bernard Stanley Epperly was buried at Atonement Lutheran Church Cemetery, 1178 Lakeview Drive, Sebring, Highlands Co., Florida.⁹ His Social Security Number was 091-07-7967.¹⁰ He was born on January 17, 1915 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^10,3,11,4 He married Kathleen Euna Behrens on April 16, 1937 at Greenup, Greenup Co., Kentucky.^12,13,5 Bernard Stanley Epperly died on March 30, 1981 at Highlands Co., Florida, at age 66.^3,11,5 He Bernard S. Epperly, 66, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Toledo, Ohio, died. Monday in Highlands General Hospital. Sebring. He was the husband of Kate (Behrens) Epperly. He was a station supervisor for the Buckeye Pipeline Co. for more than 40 years before retiring in 1977. Born in Fayetteville, W.Va., he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Epperly. He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Sebring. Epperly was a Navy veteran of World War II. Surviving with his widow are two sons, Mike of Allentown and Mark of Trenton, Mich; a brother Woodrow of Fayetteville; two sisters, Marjorie Burdette of Hinton, W. Va., and Bessie Good of Oakhill, W.Va., and four grandchildren. on May 31, 1981.⁵

     Robert Lee Epperly was buried at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 233-14-2225.¹¹ He was born on August 21, 1917 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^11,2,3,12,4 He married Martha Gladys Settle on September 14, 1951 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^2,13 Robert Lee Epperly died on October 31, 1978 at West Virginia at age 61.^11,3,12

     Lois June Epperly was buried at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.⁸ She was born on November 2, 1933 at Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,11 As of September 6, 1955,her married name was Campbell.⁴ She married Carl Eugene Campbell on September 6, 1955 at Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^7,4,8 Lois June Epperly died on November 11, 2014 at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, at age 81.^8,11 She Lois "June" Campbell, age 81, of Westerville, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at Wesley Glen Retirement Community. June, a loving and devoted mother and wife, was a registered nurse and spent most of her working career at Riverside Methodist Hospital in surgery/recovery for 30 years. She was an active member of Twig and Touching Little Lives. Preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Carl, parents Henry and Flossie Epperly, sisters Mildred Vernon and Vella Jo Peterson and grandson William Caleb Campbell. Survived by children, Phyllis Hupp, Phillip (Mary), Steven (Kara), Catherine (William) Hamilton and Patrick (Stacie); nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Mary Hildreth and several nieces and nephews. Entombment Union Cemetery. on November 12, 2014.⁸

     Thomas Elwood Heldreth was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 3410 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^5,3 He Thomas Elwood Heldreth, 77, of 162 Arbor Ridge Drive (White Oak Estates), Bluefield, W.Va., died April 10, 2008 in Roanoke, Va. Born August 20, 1930 in Coopers, W.Va., he was a son of the late Henley "Bud" Heldreth and Beulah Tabor Heldreth. Mr. Heldreth was a member of First Baptist Church in Bluefield and had worked for over 20 years at Coca Cola Bottling Company in Bluewell. He had also worked at Nash Finch as a Security Guard. In addition to his parents, Mr. Heldreth was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda "Kathryn" Heldreth. Survivors include his children, Tina Perdue and her husband D.W. of Bluefield, Va., Sonja Ferrell of York, Pa., Ryan Parker and his wife Cathy of Mt. Airy, N.C., Pam Gess of Bluefield, Va., and Rhonda Boone and her husband Richard of Matthews, N.C; two sisters, Bonnie Compton and her husband Roy of Roanoke, Va. and Billie Akers of Roanoke, Va; one brother-in-law, Garland Ballengee and his wife Betty of Roanoke; grandchildren, Trey, Kathryn and Campbell Perdue, Matthew, Heather and Anthony Ferrell, Lauren and Wesley Parker, Greg, Mark and Jeff Gess and Ali, Adam and MacKenzie Boone; two great-grandchildren; and special friends, Peyton Hurst and Richard Morgan. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluefield.³ His Social Security Number was 232-38-0802.⁶ He was born on August 20, 1930 at Coopers, Mercer Co., West Virginia.^1,3,6 He married Mary Rhea Epperly, daughter of Henry Phillip "Dink" Epperly and Flossie Ann Roles, on February 3, 1951 at Tazewell, Tazewell Co., Virginia.¹ Thomas Elwood Heldreth and Mary Rhea Epperly were divorced on September 12, 1967 at Tazewell Co., Virginia.² Thomas Elwood Heldreth died on April 10, 2008 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 77.^3,6,4

     His Social Security Number was 236-42-7342.³ Carl Eugene Campbell was buried at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio.⁴ He was born on October 24, 1932 at Orgas, Boone Co., West Virginia.^2,5,6,3 He married Lois June Epperly, daughter of Henry Phillip "Dink" Epperly and Flossie Ann Roles, on September 6, 1955 at Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^1,2,7 Carl Eugene Campbell died on December 23, 2007 at Columbus, Franklin Co., Ohio, at age 75.^4,5,6,3 He A funeral service for Carl E. Campbell, 75, of Westerville, will be at Friday. Entombment will be at Union Cemetery. Carl passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He retired from Sears Co. and EMRO Marketing. He was a member of New Albany U.M. Church and a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Zella; brother, Wayne; sisters, Lois Veres and Sandra Paxton; and grandson, William Caleb Campbell. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lois "June"; children, Phyllis Lea Hupp, William Phillip (Mary) Campbell, Carl Steven (Kara) Campbell, Catherine Ann (William) Hamilton and Patrick Alan (Stacie) Campbell; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, William E. Jr; sisters, Wilma Jordan and Lydia Reed; and several nieces and nephews. on December 25, 2007.⁴

     Martin Luther Good was buried at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.³ He was born on November 18, 1902 at Indian Creek, Kanawha Co., West Virginia; His death certificate has a birth date of Nov 8, 1902.^2,3,4 He married Bessie E. "Bess" Epperly, daughter of Henry Phillip "Dink" Epperly and Meda Stanley, on April 18, 1925 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^1,3,5 Martin Luther Good died on March 11, 1980 at Arlington, Tarrant Co., Texas, at age 77.³

     John Edward Burdette was buried at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, Fayette Co., West Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 719-03-2650.⁴ He was born on November 21, 1910 at Meadow Creek, Summers Co., West Virginia.^4,2 He married Marjorie Mae Epperly, daughter of Henry Phillip "Dink" Epperly and Meda Stanley, on August 19, 1933 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^5,2,3,6 John Edward Burdette died on October 25, 2003 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 92.^4,2 He John E. Burdette, 92, of Hinton, W.Va., died at Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, in Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born Nov. 21, 1910, at Meadow Creek, he was the son of the late Other A. and Minnie Johnson Burdette. Mr. Burdette was a yard conductor for the C & O Railway Co. in Hinton. He was a 65-year member of the United Transportation Union. He was a member and local chairman of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and was a delegate to their National Convention. He was instrumental in starting Little League Baseball in Hinton, and was active in the construction of the Little League Baseball Complex in the Bellepoint Park. He coached several regular season baseball teams, as well as All-Star teams in Hinton. He was a former director of the YMCA in Hinton, and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hinton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Marjorie Epperly Burdette, on Jan. 31, 2003. Also preceded by two sisters, Leora Harrah and Mildred Cummings; one brother, Frank Burdette. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors include one son, Ed Burdette of Pipestem; one daughter, Jo Ellen Kerr of Hinton; one granddaughter, Cindy Ellis of Gulf Port, Miss; one great-granddaughter, Morghan Ellis of Gulf Port, Miss; several nieces and nephews, including, Nancy Shultz of Okeechobee, Fla., Margaret Davis of Oak Hill, John C. Harrah of Cross Lanes and Edward O. Harrah of Winfield. Burial will follow in Huse Memorial Park in Fayetteville, W.Va. Pallbearers will be: Mark Ellison, Jackie and Buzzy Hellems, Bill Humphreys, Bud Johnson, Bobby Johnson. Bill Osborne and Chase Rodes will be honorary pallbearers. on October 26, 2003.²

     Margaret Louise Good was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.⁴ She was born on March 16, 1926 at Thurmond, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,4 As of May 16, 1948,her married name was Davis.³ She married Carlos Donald Davis on May 16, 1948 at Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,6,4 Margaret Louise Good died on February 18, 2015 at Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia, at age 88.⁴ She Margaret Good Davis, 88, of Oak Hill, WV, went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 18, 2015. Born March 16, 1926, in Thurmond, WV, daughter of the late Martin Luther and Bessie Epperly Good. She was, for the most part, a lifelong resident of Fayette County. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos D. Davis, and sister, Carolyn Jean Lambert. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Carla J. Garlow and husband, Kevin, of Oak Hill; granddaughter, Elizabeth Bellamy Lanham and husband, Nathaniel, of Charleston; great-granddaughters, Jada Back and Adaiah Lanham of Charleston; brothers, Martin "Tyke" Good and wife, Nina, of East China, Michigan, and Willis "Bill" Good and wife, Susan, of Salem, Oregon; several nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Jesse "Corky" McGuire of Beckley. A graduate of Oak Hill High School and Morris Harvey College, Margaret's greatest joy came from teaching children for thirty-seven years and primarily at East End Elementary in Oak Hill. Even with advancing age, she never forgot a student, and the students never forgot her. A member of Oak Hill Baptist Church for several years, Margaret also enjoyed visiting other area churches including Calvary Baptist Church and Cranberry Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to three special friends and caregivers — Kathy Glover, Carol Brown, and Michelle Wilfong. Entombment to follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Prosperity. on February 21, 2015.⁴

     Carlos Donald Davis was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 233-32-5296.² He was born on January 11, 1921 at McAlpin, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^1,2,3,4,5 He married Margaret Louise Good, daughter of Martin Luther Good and Bessie E. "Bess" Epperly, on May 16, 1948 at Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,3,6 Carlos Donald Davis died on March 23, 2004 at Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia, at age 83.^2,3 He Carlos Donald Davis, 83, of Oak Hill died March 23, 2004, at his home. Born Jan. 11, 1921, at McAlpin, he was the son of the late Emmett and Nora Stone Davis. Mr. Davis was a graduate of Mount Hope High School where he was active in sports. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theatre in the 939th Field Artillery. Upon returning from World War II, he went to college, graduating from Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston.) He earned his master's degree plus from West Virginia University. Carlos retired from the Fayette County school system after having taught at several schools, the last being Oak Hill High School where he taught business. He also taught business at West Virginia Tech. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Margaret Good Davis; one daughter and her husband, Carla and Kevin Garlow of Oak Hill; a special granddaughter, Elizabeth Bellamy Back and husband, Chris, of Little Rock, Ark; sisters and their husband, Juanita and Norvelle Ellison of Mount Hope, Delores and Edmund "Duke" Janiszewski of Fairfax, Va., Ramona and James Ford of Charlton Heights; and several nieces and nephews. Entombment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. on March 25, 2004.³

     Jo Ellen Burdette was buried at Restwood Memorial Gardens, Hinton, Summers Co., West Virginia.⁶ She Jo Ellen Kerr, May 16, 1934 - Feb 10, 2019. Jo Ellen was the loving daughter of John E. and Marjorie Burdette, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 62 years, James S. Kerr, her special dog, Lady and brother Ed Burdette and wife Wanda of Charleston, WV and niece, Cindy Ellis of Gulfport, MS. Jo and her husband Jim were seldom apart and were truly devoted to each other. Jo Ellen was a 1952 graduate of Hinton High School and the Bluefield Business School. She was the Office Manager of the James S. Kerr Real Estate Agency in Hinton for the last 40 years. She was an avid outdoors person when physically able. In later years, she and her husband enjoyed long drives in the remote countryside looking for bear sightings and watching other wildlife. Jo Ellen will be remembered for her thoughtfulness and remembrance of others. We all would be well served if we could adopt her outlook on life and her attitude in the face of adversity. Our family wishes to recognize the care provided her by Carol Bishop and Linda Ball. We would also recognize the staff of Bowers Hospice House for the kind quality care and attention they provided. Burial will follow in Restwood Memorial Gardens in Hinton.⁶ She was born on May 16, 1934 at Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,6 As of March 23, 1957,her married name was Kerr.⁴ She married James Simon Kerr on March 23, 1957 at Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.^4,6 Jo Ellen Burdette died on February 10, 2019 at Summers Co., West Virginia, at age 84.⁶

     James Simon Kerr James S. Kerr, Jun 29, 1934 - Feb 12, 2021. James S Kerr, of Hinton, age 87, died February 12, 2021, at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley, WV. Jim was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Jo Ellen Kerr. They had been married for 62 years. Jim was the son of James and Lucille Huffman Kerr of Hinton. Jim was a graduate of Hinton High School, class of 1952. He also attended Beckley College. A former railroader with the C&O Jim started his successful real estate brokerage, James S. Kerr Real Estate in 1975. He was also a former member of the Board of Directors of the First Century Bank in Hinton. An avid sportsman, Jim was known for landing numerous trophy trout, hunted bear in Maine, and enjoyed sighting, deer, turkeys, bears and other wildlife on his Zion Mountain farm. Jim and Jo Ellen enjoyed these activities together and were seldom apart. They were truly committed to each other. Surviving Jim is their special dog, Lady, and his brother-in-law, Ed Burdette and wife Wanda of Charleston, WV. We also want to recognize our longtime family friend, Carol Bishop, of Hinton. Interment will be held at Restwood Memorial Gardens.² He was buried at Restwood Memorial Gardens, Hinton, Summers Co., West Virginia.² He was born on June 29, 1934 at Hinton, Summers Co., West Virginia.^1,2 He married Jo Ellen Burdette, daughter of John Edward Burdette and Marjorie Mae Epperly, on March 23, 1957 at Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.^1,3 James Simon Kerr died on February 12, 2021 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 86.²