Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries

Obituaries

Carol Sue Stanley
Carol Sue Stanley, 71, passed away on December 13, 2022 at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV.
She was born on July 13, 1951, in Sutton, WV the daughter of the late Charles & Annis Juanita Carpenter Given. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by, grandson, Joshua Sawyer; sister, Linda Cox; brothers, Charles M Given, infant brother, David Given.
Carol was a manager of housekeeping and dietary for Braxton County Memorial Hospital before retiring after 34 years of service.
She is survived by her husband, James Stanley; son, John David Roby of Corley, WV; daughter, Anita A Davis (Shane) of Weston, WV; brother, Gary Lee Given of French Creek, WV; sisters, Judith Adams of Sutton, Martha Cutlip of Gassaway; granddaughters, Jessica Wells, Tori Lucas; great grandchildren, Savannah Wells, River Lucas.
Funeral services were held 1:00 pm, Friday, December 16, 2022 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Rev Jason Allen officiating. Burial followed at Braxton Memorial Cemetery, Airport Rd Sutton. Friends called noon till time of service at the funeral home.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is humbled to serve the Stanley family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

Margaret Catherine Byrne Mazza
Margaret Catherine Byrne Mazza, 93, of Mount Vernon passed away on December 8, 2022 at the Ohio Eastern Star Home in Mount Vernon. She was born on January 4, 1929 in Gassaway, West Virginia to the late George Coble Byrne and Margaret Heater Byrne.
Maggie was most proud of becoming a Registered Nurse in 1967. In recent years she continued to help others by volunteering at Knox community Hospital and her church where she was affectionately known as the “Cookie Lady”.
Margaret is survived by her children, Cathy (Bob) Berkowitz of Miami, FL; John (Barbara) Mazza of Eatonton, GA; Grandchildren Matt Berkowitz (Carla) and Annie Trachtenberg (Jordan); Great grandchildren Emile Berkowitz, Levi Trachtenberg and many nieces and nephews, all who have fond memories of Maggie and Babe’s Mt. Vernon farm and home.
In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Albert “Babe” Mazza on September 12, 2008 and her two brothers, Dr. John Byrne (1988) and Benjamin Byrne (2006).
The immediate family will have a private graveside service on January 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Mound View Cemetery Rev. Ross Slaughter, First Presbyterian Church, officiated. An open house reception followed at Mazza’s restaurant from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mount Vernon First Presbyterian Church or Knox Community Hospital Foundation in Margaret’s memory.
To share a memory or send the family an expression of sympathy visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Homes are honored to serve the family of Margaret Catherine Byrne Mazza.

Charles Carson “Bud” Miller, Jr.
Charles Carson “Bud” Miller, Jr., 87, of Webster Springs went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at his home.
Born November 20, 1935, he was the son of the late Charles Carson, Sr. and Lenore Frances (Rotruck) Miller, In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Miller; great-grandson, Tyler Miller; sisters: Sally Sanders and Nancy Simmons; brother-in-law, Joseph Quinn Sanders; sister-in-law, Marian Miller; and his half-sister, Mary Lou.
Bud was a retired railroad foreman credited with 55 years of service beginning while he was in the Naval Reserves. He was a collector of all things, especially enjoying railroad artifacts, antiques, and vintage cars. If you needed something, guaranteed Bud could find it amongst his treasures. He loved the outdoors, especially ‘Camp’ where hunting and fishing were some of his favorite hobbies. He also enjoyed reading and spent many late nights with a western in hand. Bud was a dedicated community member serving the Main Street Committee and St. Anne’s Catholic Church, where he attended. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, after all, he was a master fixer of all things. He was a doting ‘Pap’ who held the greatest love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, JoAnn; children: Steve Miller of Charleston, Jeff (wife, Connie) Miller of Keyser, Melody (husband, Joe) Adams of King George, VA, Michele (husband, Jeff) Snyder of Accident, MD, Shawn (wife, Carrie) Miller of Pilot, VA, and Andy (wife, Dalila) Miller of Webster Springs; daughter-in-law, Adola Miller; brother, William Kerry Miller; sister, Linda Jane (husband, William) Parrish; half-sister, Katherine; brother in law, Bill Simmons; twelve grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Services to celebrate Bud’s life were held 10am, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Webster Springs with Rev. Mr. Raymond Godwin officiating. A graveside service followed at 3:00pm at Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser. Friends joined family for visitation 6-9pm, Friday, December 16, at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster Springs Main Street.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Miller family.

Larry Paul Helmick
Larry Paul Helmick, age 71, of Weston, WV, died Monday, December 12, 2022, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston.
He was born June 29, 1951, in Braxton County, WV, a son of the late Ed and Irma Knight Helmick.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Riffle Helmick; one son, Shannon Helmick; one stepson, Michael Smallwood; one grandson, Darren Goodrich and two sisters, Dorsey Brown and Judy Fincham.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Helmick of Springfield, OR and Dave Helmick and wife Nicki of Weston, WV; one daughter, Teresa Bosely of Weston; one step son, Doug Moore and wife Amy of Buckhannon, WV; one daughter-in-law, Addie Helmick of Buckhannon; and one sister, Brenda Stewart and husband Paul of Burnsville; one brother-in-law, Jerry Brown of Exchange, WV; grandchildren, Conner and Noah Moore both of Buckhannon, Kristen Smith of TN, Allan Smallwood of AL, Haley Mar and husband Johnathan of Weston, Alexis Kelley and husband Matthew of Clarksburg, WV, Cassandra, Desiree and Elizabeth Helmick all of Buckhannon, Dakota Goodrich of NC, Tiffany Goodrich of Glenville, WV, Adam Brinegar of Morgantown, WV, Madison Brinegar of Martinsburg, WV, Crystal Conrad of Burnsville, WV, Jamie Singleton of Copen, WV and Nic Singleton of Burnsville; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Helmick served in the U.S. Air Force. He had many interests, but most of all he loved his family dearly.
Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to his sister Brenda Stewart who is currently battling cancer, The address for donations is PO Box 153, Burnsville, WV 26335.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com.
Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Connie Ruth Dodrill
Surrounded by loved ones, Connie Ruth Dodrill, age 79, of Sutton, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022.
Connie was born in Braxton County, WV on January 22nd, 1943 to Frederick Hayden Gerwig and Avis Ruth Gerwig of Exchange, WV. After graduating from Gassaway High School, Connie attended Glenville State College where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. In 1967, Connie married Carl Dotson Dodrill, Jr. They had one son, Carl Dotson Dodrill, III who passed away in February 2004.
Connie dedicated her professional life to teaching elementary school students in Ohio and West Virginia. Connie is remembered lovingly by her many nieces and nephews for her quiet spirit, gentle voice, and playful nature, tucking learning into games and fun into everyday tasks.
After retiring from 25+ years in elementary education, Connie enjoyed the slower pace of quilting, crafting, and traveling with her husband Carl.
Connie was predeceased by her son, Carl Dotson Dodrill III, her husband, Carl Dotson Dodrill, Jr., her parents, Fred and Avis Gerwig, her brother, Charles Gerwig, and her parents-in-law Reverend Carl Dodrill, Sr. and Ethel Dodrill. She is survived by her sisters, Brenda Jarvis and Carol (John) Wallace, brothers Gary (Polly) Gerwig and Mark (Candy) Gerwig, sister-in-law Judy (Charles) Gerwig and 10 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her family and friends will deeply miss her.
Her funeral service were 1 P.M. Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV with Pastor John Osbourne officiating. Burial followed in the Frederick Gerwig Memorial Cemetery located on Tom’s Run Road in Braxton County, WV.
Visitation was two hours prior to the service at the funeral home in Gassaway.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

James Edward Kniceley
James Edward Kniceley, 60, of Buckhannon, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
Jimmy was born in Clarksburg, WV, on January 4, 1962 the son of the late Robert Junior Kniceley and Freda Gay Williams Kniceley. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was reunited in Heaven with two brothers, Charles Kniceley and Howard Kniceley.
Jimmy was a 1980 graduate of South Harrison High School. And was a Christian by faith.
He enjoyed playing bingo, going to his nieces and nephews sporting events and taking them hunting and fishing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
Forever cherishing their memories of Jimmy are two sisters, Gladys Kotrys and husband Mike of Freedom, NY and Amy King and husband Richard of Clarksburg, WV; two sister-in-laws, Donna Kniceley of Weston, WV and Debra Kniceley of Jane Lew, WV; several beloved nieces and nephews and several bonus nieces and nephews.
Jimmy will be deeply missed by all who loved and cared for him.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 pm on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Rev. Terry Layton officiating. Burial followed at Newville Cemetery, Newville, WV. Friends called noon till time of service at the funeral home.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kniceley family.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

Stephen Paul Stalnaker
Stephen Paul Stalnaker, 70, of Clay passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at home.
He was born December 23, 1951 in Roane County to the late Deward Lannon and Pauline Maudd Moore Stalnaker.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers; David L. Stalnaker and Geary W. Stalnaker.
Steve graduated from Clay County High School. After high school, he served his country as a United States Vietnam Navy Veteran. After his time in the Navy, he spent many years in the Army National Guard. He loved his country and was patriotic. For most of his life he was a meat manager at several stores in the state. Steve was a Christian by faith and loved the Lord. He was an avid fisherman and spent much of his time on a lake fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Misty Truman Goodwin-Stalnaker; sons, Jason and Brayden; daughters, Stacy, Sarah, Haylee and Isabella; brothers, Gerald I. (Barbara) Simmons, Deward “Evans” (Maria) Stalnaker, Charles “Chuck” (Patricia “Pat”) Stalnaker, Andrew J. (Hazel) Stalnaker; sister-in-law, “Sue” Stalnaker; several grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Steve’s wishes he was cremated and there will be no services.
Special thanks to HospiceCare, Inc. for their compassionate care of Steve.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Donna Faye Sears
Donna Faye Sears, 68, of Duck passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022 at WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV.
She was born July 29, 1954 in Charleston, WV to the late Roy and Wanda Roush Strickland.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Patty Kuhl.
Donna loved her family and her family was her heart. She had many unofficially adopted children that visited her home often and sought her out for guidance. She was a good listener and interesting conversationalist. Donna would help anyone in need. She always thought of herself last. You could often find her with her Kindle reading. Donna was talented in and enjoyed crocheting, needlework, and doing various arts and crafts. She was a Christian by faith. She will be deeply missed.
She will be forever remembered by her husband of 42 years, Emory “Pat” Sears; son, David Sears; daughter, Amanda Morrison; grandchildren, Seth Sears and Ashlea Morrison; and sister, Tammy Burgett.
Donna’s funeral was 12 Noon Friday, December 16, 2022 at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Reverend Johnny Conrad officiating. Interment followed in the Moore Fork Cemetery, Big Otter.
Her visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to help with her funeral services, Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV 26624.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Denzil Ray Wine
Denzil Ray Wine, 90, of Burnsville, WV passed away on December 15, 2022. He was born on August 27, 1932 to parents Melvin Wine and Etta Singleton Wine. He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Jack Daniel Wine; daughter: Daytona Wine; brothers: Elmer Wine, Melvin “Junior” Wine, Letcher Wine and Jerry Wine.
He is survived by his companion of 35 years: Sandra Allen; daughter: Veronica Wine; brothers: Lewis Wine (Mary) and Grafton Wine (Patricia); sisters: Rita Cochran (Bill), Susie Wyant (Don) and Havonda Wine and many nieces and nephews.
Denzil was a Veteran serving in the United States ARMY. He retired from the IBEW and worked as a lineman. Denzil was a Christian by faith. He loved spending time with family and working in his yard.
Service will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation, 378 Flatwoods Corner Road, Flatwoods, WV. Friends will be received two hours prior to the service from 11:00 AM—1:00PM. Pastor Harold Frances will be officiating the service.
Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the family of Denzil Wine.

Janet Marie Irons Taylor Swecker
Janet Marie Irons Taylor Swecker, 79, a resident of the Pheasant Run Community and formerly of Valley Head passed from this life Thursday, December 15, 2022, at home. She had been in declining health.
Janet was born on Wednesday, October 13, 1943, at Poe Run in Randolph County, a daughter of the late L. Willard Irons and Ruby Evelyn Wilmoth Irons. She was twice married, first to Stanley L. Taylor at Pheasant Run on December 21, 1963. He preceded her in death on November 13, 1995. Second to Charles Keith Swecker at Porterwood, on March 20, 2004, who preceded her in death on April 17, 2021.
Left to cherish Janet’s memory are children, Tracey Lea Elza and husband, Bill, and Connie Janelle Cope of Kerens, Keith Swecker of MI, Jennifer Swecker of Martinsburg, a special son Robert Champ, and wife, Lisa of Weirton, son-in-law Dirk Pritt of Philippi, nine grandchildren, Nick Gidley and companion, Chelsea Haines, of Parsons, Hunter Elza and companion, Trinity Bever, of Kerens, Levi Elza and wife, Tina of Clarksburg, Ashley Long and husband, Zach, of Hendricks, Skyler Lamb of Parsons, Kiona Daniels and husband, Doug, of Mill Creek, Elijah Lenhart of Martinsburg, and Kody and Kayla Champ of Weirton, six great grandchildren, Zachary Long Jr., Johnny Elza, Avery Decker, Vera and Aurora Daniels, Greyson Charlton, and she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Emersyn Rae, in-laws, Brenda Shaffer and husband, Mike, DeDe Bunnell and husband, Randy all of Parsons, Ed Isner and wife, Sharon of Bridgeport and John Isner and companion, Jeanne Rockwell of Kerens, Colleen Jarvis of Sutton, and Hilda Gardner Dayton, OH, several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceding Janet in death besides her parents and husbands was a brother, Alvin Irons, a special daughter/niece, Jacqueline “Jackie” Irons Pritt, whom she raised as her own, and in-laws, Lena and Hershel Isner.
Janet was a graduate of Parsons High School with the Class of 1961. She had been employed by Lamberts Chevrolet, Kingsford, Head Start, Deb’s Donuts, Elkins Recreation Center, Randolph County Magistrate Court from which she retired. Janet was a charter member of Riverview Chapel Church and attended Point Mountain Union Mission Church. She started playing piano in church at 11 years old and was well known for her piano playing ability. Janet sang with her parents and brother in the gospel group, “The Irons Family”. After her parents and brother passed, she continued singing with her children. She was the original piano player at Riverview from its opening until moving to Valley Head in 2004. Janet also played for Valley Head Community Choir. She left a great legacy for her family of a Christian woman and touched so many lives.
Visitation were held at the Hostetler Funeral Home on Monday from 3 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 1 pm. Pastor Connie Gainer and Rev. Marshall Williams will officiate, and interment will follow at Parsons Family Cemetery at Shavers Fork.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janet Swecker, please visit our floral store.

Bradley Earl Hacker
It is with great sorrow that the family of Bradley Earl Hacker, age 45, announces his sudden passing in Morgantown, West Virginia, on December 8, 2022. Brad was in the arms of family as he took his final breath and went home to be with the Lord. The son of Earl and the late Sue Hacker, of Tornado, West Virginia, Brad was born on July 29, 1977, in Charleston. He was the youngest of three siblings and baby brother to Stacy Mobley, of Hurricane, and the late Lisa Rice-Carney, of Tornado.
In his early years, Brad was very much his mother’s greatest joy. Sue loved him with all her heart and the two were inseparable. His smile lit up her world and their bond was unmistakable. As a youngster, much like his mother, he developed a real love of fishing and of basketball. In fact, they shared a fondness for UNC that would last both their lifetimes. Unfortunately, Brad faced the loss of his mother in 2004, and as with his entire family, the void she left could never be filled.
While he was a notable “Momma’s Boy,” Brad and his father spent many days under the sun making memories as he learned about the love of the outdoors. His dad will forever hold dear the days of first hunts, from squirrels to his first 8-point buck, and father-son outings, such as Boy Scout camp. The two spent countless days fishing and practicing archery and bringing home trophies from tournaments around the state.
Later in life, Brad developed a love of snowboarding and jet skiing. But perhaps his biggest passion was in playing golf. He and his dad spent many an hour trading jokes, making bets, and sharing stories on courses near and far. After his graduation from St. Albans High School in 1995, he attended Marshall University before his love for golf became a greater focus. Brad was a real natural at the sport and his passion for it led him to a golf academy in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. What began with a few lessons from his father on the local course became Brad’s greatest joy in life and an interest they would forever share.
Brad’s siblings often talked about the boy that would tag along to a friend’s house, whom they would have to walk home. He always wanted to be with them and didn’t want to be left out. He loved music and cars, was always laughing, and found it hard to be serious for too long. After losing their oldest sibling, Lisa, in 2019, Brad was an incredible support and loyal brother to Stacy as the family faced another loss and further hardships.
Brad was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Hacker, and sister, Lisa Rice-Carney, both of Tornado. He is survived by his father, Earl Hacker; sister Stacy Mobley; brother-in-law Ted Mobley; nieces Bella Mobley and Abby Rice; nephews Nick Rice (Brittany) and Parker Mobley; and great-nephew Kasey Rice. Brad was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. His passing has left a hole in all who loved him. However, the family rests in the knowledge and promise that Brad, upon his passing, was most assuredly reunited with his mother and sister in Heaven. They also rest in knowing that they will all be reunited one day as each is called home by Jesus Christ, Our Savior.
The family has chosen to honor Brad in a private family memorial to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you may instead honor Brad’s life by making a donation to the West Virginia Innocence Project at http://www.innocenceproject.org/.
You can visit Brad’s tribute page at bartlettnicholsfuneralhome.com to share condolences or memories with the family.
Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans is honored to serve the Hacker family.

Jessie Duane Parsons
Jessie Duane Parsons, 76 of Macfarlan, WV; departed this earthly life in the morning hours of Monday, December 12, 2022 at his residence following an extended illness.
He was born August 17, 1946 in Lockney, WV; son of the late Delbert and Geneva Harris Parsons.
Jessie is a veteran of the United States Army, having served his country during the Vietnam War. He worked as a laborer for the Ames Corp., a tool manufacturer in Parkesburg, and is a Methodist by faith. Jessie attended church when he was able at the Macfarlan Community Church and in his spare time he enjoyed living the quiet life in the West Virginia hills, working on and enjoying classic cars, and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are 2 children DeAnn Collins and husband Kevin of Cox’s Mills, WV; and David Roberts and wife Jodi of Cross Lanes, WV; 2 grandchildren, Katelyn Radabaugh and Kyle Collins, and 1 great-grandchild, Kolsten Collins, 6 sisters, Madeline Duskey of Tanner, WV;, Kay Peters and husband John of Normantown, Greta Peters and husband Paul of Normantown, Wanda Accord of Beckley, WV; Cora Kimes of New Haven OH; and Trish Kniceley of Arnoldsburg, WV; former wife/caregiver, Linda Parsons of Macfarlan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with his parents, Jessie is preceded in death by 7 siblings, Hallie Minney, Lenora Miller, Pearl Parsons, Eddie Parsons, Harry E. “Jack” Parsons, Chester Parsons, and Steven “Bub” Parsons.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 1:00 PM; Saturday, December 17, 2022 with Pastor Jim Huff officiating. Burial will follow in the Collins Community Cemetery in Stumptown, WV; with Full Military Honors provided by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard. Friends will be received from 11:00 – 1:00 Saturday at the mortuary in Glenville.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Jessie Duane Parsons with burial arrangements.