Person Page - 5918

     Wilbert Gambill "Bill" Ferris was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3,6 His Social Security Number was 224-09-1153.⁴ He was born on October 14, 1902 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^2,4,5,6 He married Mildred Mattie Wigington, daughter of Isaac Milton Wigington Sr. and Virgie Lillian Wimmer, circa 1927.^1,7 Wilbert Gambill "Bill" Ferris died on January 8, 1990 at Monterey, Highland Co., Virginia, at age 87; Died in an auto accident.^2,3,4,6 He Mr. Wilbert G. "Bill" Ferris, age 87, of Roanoke, died Monday, January 8, 1990. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Ferris; daughters and sons-in-law, Faye and Bill Lord, Pittsburgh; Joane and Jimmie Geary, Roanoke; grandchildren, Scott Lord, Annapolls, Md; Terry and Lezlee Holt, both of Pittsburgh; Lt. James Lord, Germany; great- grandchildren, Elizabeth and Dylan Holt, both of Pittsburgh; brother, Garland Ferris, Vinton. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Salem, with the Rev. Wayne W. McCauley and the Rev. J. Virgil Lilly officiating. Interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. on January 10, 1990.³

     Faye O'Reta Ferris was buried at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Cecil, Washington Co., Pennsylvania.⁶ She was born on December 4, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,6 As of April 16, 1954,her married name was Lord.⁴ She married William George "Bill" Lord on April 16, 1954 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4,8,5,6 Faye O'Reta Ferris Faye O'Reta Lord (née Ferris), aged 95, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, in Valencia, Pennsylvania. Born on December 4, 1928, in Roanoke, Virginia, she led a life marked by generosity, thoughtfulness, and a spirited sense of humor. Faye graduated from William Fleming High School and furthered her education at Radford Women's Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (B.A.) and the University of Virginia (M.Ed.) Her professional life was dedicated to nurturing young minds as a teacher in Christiansburg, VA, and later managing the bustling office at Plum Animal Clinic. A devout member of First Christian Church in Salem, VA, and Unity United Presbyterian Church in Plum, PA, Faye also shared her musical talents by playing piano for her family, Sunday School and at the Plum Senior Center. Her love for travel took her from the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, to numerous river boat cruises across Europe. She was also an active committee member of the Republican Party in Allegheny County. Faye was fond of dancing with her husband Bill and I hear it told they cut a mean rug. She was fond of fine clothes and shoes, and her weekly hair stylings. Faye is survived by her children, William Scott Lord, Lezlee Holt, and James Corman Lord; and grandchildren, Elizabeth Frances, Dylan Holt, and Cate Lord, many grandchildren and lifelong friends, Fred and Sher Niepp, Cathy George, Rose McGuirk, Ruth Poindexter Atherton, and Donna Kirn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert Gambill Ferris and Mattie Mildred Wigington Ferris, her sister, Paula Joanne Geary, and her husband, Dr. William George Lord. Services will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. Faye's legacy of kindness and dedication will be remembered by all who knew her. on August 11, 2004.⁶ She died on July 22, 2024 at Valencia, Butler Co., Pennsylvania, at age 95.⁶

     William George "Bill" Lord was buried at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Cecil, Washington Co., Pennsylvania.⁴ He was born on February 12, 1921 at Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio.^3,4 He married Faye O'Reta Ferris, daughter of Wilbert Gambill "Bill" Ferris and Mildred Mattie Wigington, on April 16, 1954 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3,6,4,5 William George "Bill" Lord died on December 2, 2019 at Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania, at age 98.⁴ He William George Lord, age 98, of Plum Borough, on Monday, December 2, 2019. Beloved husband of 65 years of Faye (Ferris) Lord. Father of William Scott Lord, Lezlee (Terry) Holt, and James (Leigh Anne) Lord. Grandfather of Elizabeth (Tariq) Francis, Dylan (Catherine) Holt and Catherine Lord. Great-grandfather of Tariq, Jr., Jayden, Olivia, Luna and "One on the Way!" He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 12, 1921 to Hazel Irene Corman of Aylmer, Canada and Olaf Frederick Lord of Sweden. He graduated from West High in 1938. He then matriculated at Case Western and Kent State University until enlisting in the US Army in 1943. William was an Infantry Scout during WWII and served in combat from December 1944 through May 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor during the Battle of the Bulge. After the end of WWII, he began his studies at Michigan State University and graduated in 1948 with a B.S. in Zoology. His next calling was as a Naturalist and a Park Ranger for the nascent Blue Ridge Parkway. His duties included creating Markers that identified the local flora and "chasing" moonshiners. It was while residing in Roanoke, Virginia that he met Faye O'Reta Ferris. She had recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a M.Ed. and was teaching at Christiansburg High School. Their common love of dancing was a prime reason they married on April 16, 1954. In 1955 he was admitted into the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. He studied large and small animal medicine and graduated in 1959. After graduation, and the birth in Roanoke, Virginia of Scott and Lezlee, the family moved to Pittsburgh and subsequently purchased a home in Plum Borough. He was then admitted to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and studied during the day while creating the Plum Animal Clinic during evening hours. It was also during this time that he began writing and completing the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide. The Guide, first published in 1962, was a four-part series that was at one time the bestselling guidebook sold on the Parkway. After graduation from Pitt, he began a 20-year career at the Allegheny County Health Department. He held many titles, from Food Inspector to Director of Communicable Diseases. In 1965, his son James was born. In 1969, a producer for the TV show To Tell the Truth read an article he had written for the Pittsburgh Press and invited him to be a guest on the television show. "Doc" was proud of fooling most of the panel. In 1979, he retired from Allegheny County and devoted his energies to the Plum Animal Clinic. Retiring for good in 2001, he spent his time gardening and landscaping, swimming and walking, and traveling. He also was passionate about the return of the American Chestnut. He was a founding member and on The Board of Directors of the American Chestnut Foundation. In 1992, he began a 7-year project writing a historical masterpiece based on the Hillsville, VA Courthouse shootout of 1912. This book is considered by many the definitive narrative of the event. In 2012, at the 100th Anniversary of the Hillsville Courthouse Shootout, he could be seen signing his book on the Courthouse lawn. Determination was his Watchword. Committal Prayers and Military Honors will be held privately at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. on December 8, 2019.⁴

     Paula Joane Ferris was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ She was born on November 29, 1929 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,8 As of August 3, 1957,her married name was Geary.⁴ She married James Howard "Jim" Geary on August 3, 1957 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,4 Paula Joane Ferris died on December 26, 2007 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 78.^9,5 She Paula Joane Ferris Geary, of Roanoke, VA, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2007. She was born in Roanoke, VA, a daughter of the late W.G. and Mildred Wigington Ferris. Mrs. Geary was a retired school teacher having taught seventh grade English for 33 years. She taught in Pittsburgh, PA, Hillsville, Richmond, and at Quantico, VA. She was a member of First Christian Church in Salem. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, James Howard Geary; a sister and brother-in-law, Faye and Bill Lord; sister-in-law, Ruth Mays of Pittsburgh; nephews, Scott Lord and Jamie Lord and wife, Leigh Ann; niece, Lezlee and husband, Terry Holt; great-nieces, Katherine Lord and Elizabeth Holt; and great-nephew, Dylan Holt. A graveside service was conducted at the Abbey Chapel of Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem. on January 8, 2008.⁵

     James Howard "Jim" Geary was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ His Social Security Number was 203-22-5185.⁷ He was born on June 5, 1932 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania.^3,7 He married Paula Joane Ferris, daughter of Wilbert Gambill "Bill" Ferris and Mildred Mattie Wigington, on August 3, 1957 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2,3 James Howard "Jim" Geary died on September 27, 2011 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 79.^7,5,6 He James Howard Geary, 79, of Roanoke, departed this world to join his loving wife, JoAnne, on Tuesday evening, September 27, 2011. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., a son of the late George and Dorothy Gipperich Geary. He was a member and starter on the undefeated 1950 Schenley High School City League Champions football team, and named All-City Center. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and served on the USS Iowa, attaining the rank of Sergeant, and was employed as a Time-Keeper at Jones & Laughlin Steel Company for over 30 years prior to retiring. Jim loved to travel, his favorite vacation being Russia, enjoyed collecting coins, watching westerns on TV, buying new cars and growing his tomatoes. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Bill and Mildred Ferris; and his faithful dog, General Lee. He is survived by a sister, Ruth Mays, of Pittsburgh; sister-in-law, Faye Ferris Lord and her husband, William, of Pittsburgh; two nephews, W. Scott Lord, of Roanoke, and James C. Lord and his wife, Leigh Anne, and their daughter, Cate, of Alexandria; and a niece, Lezlee Lord Holt and her husband, Terry, of Pittsburgh. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 3, 2011, at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. John Fox will officiate. Military Honors will be afforded by The United States Marine Corps. on October 1, 2011.⁶

     James Lewis/Louis Hogan was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 229-09-3779.⁴ He was born on May 3, 1902 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Ruby Lee Wigington, daughter of Isaac Milton Wigington Sr. and Virgie Lillian Wimmer, on May 4, 1946 at Tampa, Hillsborough Co., Florida.^3,1 James Lewis/Louis Hogan died on October 23, 1987 at Bedford, Bedford Co., Virginia, at age 85.³

     Her Social Security Number was 564-03-4321.⁴ Adelaide Sylvia Belden Adelaide Wigington (Wanless), 76, died Sunday at a local home following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Wigington was born in Berkeley on Dec. 21, 1913, to Marvin and Katherine Halpin Belden. She received her early schooling in Alameda and later attended Napa Adult School where she received her high school diploma. She moved to Napa in 1947 and worked as a cook at Napa College from the early 1960s to the late 1970s when she retired. Mrs. Wiginton did extensive volunteer work as a gray lady at the California Veterans Home for several years. She enjoyed doing genealogy and was active in church activities. She was predeceased by her husbands, C.M. Wigington and Ruel Wanlass. Mrs. Wigington is survived by two sons, Robin of St. Helena and Doug of Enterprise, Ala; one brother, Roy Belden of Sacramento; a sister, Arabelle; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Friends are invited to attend the funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15 Chapel Hill Drive, Napa. Burial will follow in the family lot at Yountville Cemetery.¹ She was buried at George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery, Yountville, Napa Co., California.^5,1 Her married name was Wigington.¹ She married Callihill Mennis Wigington, son of Isaac Milton Wigington Sr. and Virgie Lillian Wimmer.¹ Adelaide Sylvia Belden was born on December 21, 1913 at Berkeley, Alameda Co., California.^5,1,2,4,6,3 She died on February 18, 1990 at Napa Co., California, at age 76.^5,1,6,4

     William Wellington Gibson was buried at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Virginia.^1,3 His Social Security Number was 578-01-7802.⁵ He was born on September 8, 1907 at Switchback, McDowell Co., West Virginia.^1,5,3,4 He married Gaynell D. Wigington, daughter of Isaac Milton Wigington Sr. and Virgie Lillian Wimmer, on November 5, 1932 at Washington, D.C..² William Wellington Gibson died on February 27, 1985 at Arlington, Virginia, at age 77.^1,3

     Joyce Lee Gibson was buried at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Fairfax Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on October 14, 1934 at Washington, D.C..^1,2 She died on February 17, 1959 at age 24.¹

     Dolly Gray Dowling was born circa 1917 at South Carolina.² As of 1938,her married name was Wigington.¹ She married Paul David Wigington, son of Isaac Milton Wigington Sr. and Virgie Lillian Wimmer, in 1938 at Pinellas Co., Florida.¹ Dolly Gray Dowling and Paul David Wigington were divorced in 1942 at Hillsborough Co., Florida.³

     Doris Toyia Wimmer was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.² She died on July 2, 1932 at Roanoke, Virginia.² She was born on July 2, 1932 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹