Helen Thompson Westfall
Helen Thompson Westfall, 84, left this life on November 19, 2022 at Williamsburg Landing Health & Rehabilitation Center, Williamsburg, VA, after a fierce and lengthy battle with kidney disease, congestive heart failure and vascular dementia.
She was born Helen Ruth Hamrick in June 1938 in a cottage on her maternal grandparents’ farm on the Elk River near Bergoo, Webster County, WV to the late Retha and Emory Hamrick. She spent her childhood fishing with crawdads and playing in the dirt with her brother Harry Hamrick, who predeceased her.
She was descended from tough pioneer stock of one of the early families to settle in what is now Webster County. A self-described “tough West Virginia chick,” she possessed stubbornness, ferocity and outspokenness in a time when those were unusual qualities for women. She had a quick, dry wit with impeccable timing, and enjoyed teasing her family, friends, caregivers and others up until the very end.
Helen lived a life of faith and service to others, volunteering in various roles at Flatwoods United Methodist Church for nearly 40 years. She loved singing in the choir and leading the Sunday School program. She particularly enjoyed her church’s yearly presentation of a live nativity scene during the Christmas season at Flatwoods Exit 67 of Interstate 79 in West Virginia. She volunteered at the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway WV. She was a member of the Braxton County High School Band Boosters for more than 25 years – long after her daughters graduated from high school.
Helen graduated from Webster Springs High School in 1956 and attended Asbury College (now University) in Wilmore, KY, majoring in Christian Education. She did not complete her degree, instead opting to work as a surgery tech at Webster Springs Memorial Hospital and as a medical assistant for the physician practice of Dr. George Edmiston and Dr. Jack Hunter in Webster Springs. Later in life, she worked for Dr. Arturo Sabio in Sutton, WV.
In 1961 she married James “Jim” Thompson at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church near Webster Springs. Together they raised two daughters, and moved to Flatwoods in Braxton County, WV in 1977. Jim preceded her in death in 1990. In 2001 she married C. Dale Westfall, and they lived on his farm at Heaters, WV, until his death in 2011. She moved to Williamsburg in 2015 to be near her daughter after she became unable to live independently.
In addition to her parents and brother, Helen was preceded in death by her sister, Cathy LeMaster Shue, stepdaughter Nancy Westfall, and loyal canine companion Mopsey.
Helen is survived by her daughters, Ginger Thompson (Timothy Denby), Williamsburg; Cynthia (Timothy) Lovell, Clarksville, TN, and their children Mahayla and Joshua; stepmother, Iva Hamrick, Webster Springs; stepbrother Harris (Carol) Bloom, Upland, PA; sisters-in-law Opal Cogar Hamrick, Webster Springs and Nancy Rose Westfall, Sutton; nephew, Thomas Hamrick, Medina, OH; stepchildren, Roger (Coral) Westfall, Front Royal, VA, and Kathy (Jim) Morrison, Sutton; five step-grandchildren, and several step-greatgrandchildren. She also had special relationships with friends and “bonus daughters” Pam Lockard and Donna Stout, both of Flatwoods. Gloria Palmer, CNA, took special care of Helen at Williamsburg Landing for the nearly three years lived there, and especially during her last days. Helen doted on her grand-dog Pixie, enjoying doggie cuddles and kisses until the very end.
Service will be at 12 p.m. noon on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Flatwoods United Methodist Church, 88 Church Street, Flatwoods, with the Rev. Nancy Cale officiating. Friends may call 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Braxton Memorial Cemetery, Airport Road, Sutton.
Helen loved flowers and they are welcome for her service; however, those who would prefer a more practical tribute are encouraged to make a charitable donation to Homes Fur Hounds, 604 Pollard Park, Williamsburg, VA 23185 or online at https://www.homesfurhounds.com/.
Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg, and Stockert Funeral Home, Flatwoods, are serving the family.
David Lee Samples
David Lee Samples, 85, of Gassaway passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at home surrounded by his family due to an extended illness. His last hours were spent in the care of his precious son and daughter-in-law, Davy and Rozanne, who never left his side.
He was born August 6, 1937 in Strange Creek, WV to the late Lanty and Violet Hall Samples.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Allan Wayne Samples; first wife, Sharon Adkins Samples; second wife, Maxine Friend Arnold Samples; brother, Nolan Samples; step grandson, John Forbush; step daughter, Maria Arnold; sister-in-law, Agnes Samples; and brother-in-law, Neil Hall.
Dave enjoyed riding motorcycles and gardening. He was a retired coal miner for several companies. In Indianapolis, Indiana he worked for Lake Central Airlines for several years. Also, he was the first of three generations to be in the aviation field. He owned, repaired and flew his own J-3 Piper Cub Plane. In his retirement he was a carpenter and deer hunter. He was an ingenious person who could do anything that he set his mind to. He loved his Lord and was a member at Hope Baptist Church.
Dave leaves behind his son, David Lee Samples, Jr. “Davy” and wife, Rozanne, of Mooresville, Indiana; grandson, Dustin Michael Samples and wife, Donna, of John’s Island, South Carolina; wife of 16 years, Ruth Ann Furby Samples of Gassaway; step grandson, William Forbush (Trinity Bancroft); step daughter, Shelly Stewart; step granddaughter, Ashley James (Rob); step grandson, Jay Brinson (Maddy); brothers, Mick (Donna), Charles (Joyce), Keith (Sue), and Ron Samples; sisters, Lorena Hall, Denise Lemon (Roy), Lisa Ware (Rusty); stepsons, David Arnold and his daughter, Adrienne, Daniel Arnold (Tammy) and their children, Seth and Danielle ; stepdaughter, Marcy Arnold Lane; step granddaughters, Nikki and Kayla; step grandsons, Caleb and Ryan; sister-in-law, Penny Samples; several nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.
He will be missed by those who loved him and a host of friends.
Dave chose to be cremated and a gathering of family and friends will be from 9 to 11 A. M. Friday, December 2, 2022 at Hope Baptist Church, Frametown.
His Memorial Service will follow at 11 A.M. at the church with Reverend Rich Demastus officiating.
The family would like to thank HospiceCare, Inc. of Charleston, Dr. Darla Gant and all family and friends that assisted with his care, including Lucy Tedder and Brenda Weitzel, the family could not have done this without them.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Charles William Knight III
Charles William Knight III, entered peacefully into eternal rest at Manokin Manor, on October 26, 2022.
Born June 22, 1969 to the Charles Knight Jr. and Donna Lokey Knight. Charles would graduate from Braxton County High School, after playing basketball and pursuing many interests, and a career of service.
Bill was the owner of Southern Gentleman Trucking, a construction company, he also spent several years being a logger, being a commercial waterman, driving trash trucks, working in West Virginia as a coal mine worker, he even worked as a ferry operator for Wicomico County.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman he could be found deer or bear hunting, fishing or crabbing. He loved four wheelers, painting vehicles, go kart racing; but his greatest love was being a devoted father to his three sons and pop-pop to his grandson.
Hard work and integrity were ethics that Bill would not only instill in his sons, but he modeled these attributes as a productive devoted, present father.
Bill leaves to cherish his warm memories his three sons Charles Knight IV, Lake City, FL, Joshua (Haley) Knight, Parsonsburg, MD, Austin Knight, New Freedom, PA , his grandson Kash Knight and his mother Donna Halton.
A memorial service to honor the life of Charles Knight III was held November 5, 2022 at Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury MD, 21804. A public visitation began at 2:00 p.m. followed by the memorial service.
Juanita Sue Cogar
Juanita Sue Cogar, 54 of Bolair, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Tuesday Nov. 22, 2022 at the United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, after a faith driven 1 year and 13 day battle of Cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer.
She was born May 6, 1968 in Webster Springs to the late Alva Mullens and Alice Donaldson Mullens. Sue graduated from Webster County High School, class of 1986 and at the age of 18 married the love of her life, Steve, on Dec. 6, 1986. They lived a wonderful 35 years together.
Sue was a very devoted christian and was a dedicated, active member of the Elk Valley Chapel. She loved the Lord and was such a great witness to so many during her life and continued even while in the hospital during her last few days on Earth. No matter who you were or where she was, she was always telling others it wasn’t her, it was her Lord.
Sue was a loving wife, mother, daughter and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, crocheting, baby sitting, hunting, camping, boating, family vacations to DollyWood/ Splash Country, doing paperwork for the Gauley River Lease, and she was always ready to lend a helping hand when anyone needed her, at the drop of a hat.
One of Sue’s biggest enjoyments were when her children were growing up, she always loved having as many children as possible at her house so she could cook and do whatever she could for them. Not only was she a wonderful mom to her own children, also Momma Sue to so many others.
She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Cogar; her Dad, Alva Mullens and father in law, Alva Cogar. She is survived by her soulmate Steve; daughter Elizabeth (Terry) Short, of Frametown; mother Alice Mullens; brothers Eddie and Danny (Rebecca) Mullens; her three grandkids , Maddison, Maci, and Trent; mother in law Bonnie Cogar; one nephew Arthur; and two nieces Paige and Kylie. In addition, she leaves behind aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and countless friends.
Sue will always be remembered for the love she had for her family and others and her happiest times were spent making tons of memories with them. Her life will serve as a reminder to others, that through it all, when you have your heart right with the Lord, you are a winner either way.
Sue became so close to and put her whole trust in her oncologist Dr. V, she always went above and beyond for her. For anyone who truly knew Sue, knew she had her picks. Just to name a few of the wonderful nurses that were her picks and took amazing care of her and became very close to are; Courtney, Megan, Nicole, Diane, Conner, Jenna and Korey. She was always the highlight of the day. They gave her so many nicknames along the way. Sue’s family cannot thank each of you enough, for the wonderful care, you became like her own family.
Friends joined the family for visitation on Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs. Celebration of Life Services were held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home with Pastors Kyle Hall and Doy Carpenter officiating. Interment followed in Donaldson Cemetery, Cowen.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving Sue’s family.
Charles Adrian Wilson
Charles Adrian Wilson, 79, of Kannapolis, peacefully passed away Thursday morning, November 24, 2022, at Tucker Hospice House.
Born April 25, 1943, in Sutton, WV, he was a son of Bessie Keener Wilson and the late Ellis Wilson. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by three children, Starla, Billy and Mark Wilson; and a sister, Karen Wilson.
Charles was a graduate of Nicholas High School and had retired from Pass and Seymour. A man of many talents and jack of all trades, Mr. Wilson was a talented carpenter, mechanic and enjoyed working on cars. A devoted and loyal husband, father and grandfather, he loved and enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandkids and great grandkids.
Loving family members include his wife of 34 years, Carolyn Wilmer Wilson; his children, Charlie Wilson, Keith Wilson, and Lisa Price; his brothers, Chester Wilson, Ken Wilson (Allison), sister Charlene Corbit (Dan), Clyde Wilson (Patty) and Carl Wilson (Margaret), step children, Gary Martinson and Wendy Perkins (Eric); 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A private burial will take place in West Virginia at a later date.
William J. “Bill” Bruffy
William J. “Bill” Bruffy, 92 of Webster Springs, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Webster Nursing & Rehab Center.
He was born June 14, 1930 in Diana to the late Jack Bruffy and Mae Cool Kesling and was a lifelong resident of Webster County. Bill enjoyed riding fast cars.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bob Bruffy; sister Betty Jones; half-brother Richard Bruffy; and half-sister Alice Lewis. He is survived by his nephews; Pat Bruffy and Larry Jones and several extended family members, friends, workers and residents at the nursing home to mourn his passing.
Graveside Services will be held 2:00 PM on Friday, November 25, 2022 at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Diana with Rev. Paul Rounds officiating.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs is honored to be serving the Bruffy family.
Della Mae Williams
Della Mae Williams, 89 of Cleveland, passed away on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Morgantown Health & Rehab Center. She was born May 9, 1933 in Hacker Valley to the late Charley Ellis and Roxie Cowger Williams and was a lifelong resident of Webster County.
Della was Methodist by Faith and enjoyed sewing.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Keith Williams; brothers Wilbert, Willie, and Ellis Williams; sisters Ocie Coombs and Bertha Campbell; granddaughter Salena Williams; and great-grandson Royce Williams. She is survived by a granddaughter Raven Williams; great-grandchildren Jayden Williams, Ella Campbell, Brooklyn Campbell, and Romany Williams; and many extended family and friends.
In keeping with Della’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving Della’s family.
