Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

Denzil Brown
Denzil Brown, 78 of Rock Cave, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at his home. He was born April 10, 1944 in Braxton County to the late Glenna Brown and John Smith and was a logger and timber cutter.
He loved to hunt and fish; was a good mechanic; and enjoyed going to church at Canaan Community Church and Buckhannon Union Mission Church.
Denzil is survived by his wife Pam Tenney Brown; children Oliver D. Brown, Edith Bickel, Burna (Randy) Garvin, Della Brown, John Brown, Goldie Tenney, and Vickie Brown; step-children Ronda, Pam, Toby, Timmy and Tommy Finlen; grandchildren Mike and Chris Bickel, Michelle Cutright, Shelly Brown, and Mikayla Holley; three sisters; one brother; and several extended family and friends to mourn his passing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Corabell Brown; second wife Della Bickel Brown; and brother Bill Brown.
Funeral Services to celebrate Denzil’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs with Pastor Jerry Lee and Pastor Dennis Estes officiating. Friends may join the family for visitation from 10:30 till time of service at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Cogar Cemetery, Guardian.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Brown family.

Patricia Ann (Little) Cogar
Patricia Ann (Little) Cogar, 56, of Webster Springs passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Webster Memorial Hospital.
Born May 25, 1966, she was the daughter of the late Clayton and Louise (Perrine) Little. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Edward Little; her step-father, Harold Taylor, and brother-in-law, Bill Westfall.
She was very good at cooking and baking, and enjoyed doing that.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Christopher Cogar of Diana, Vanessa (husband, Arden) Norman of Webster Springs, and Whitney (companion, Robert) Cogar of GA; brother, Forrest Little of Cherry Falls; sisters: Jacqueline Westfall of Diana, Mary (husband, Lorenzo) Jackson of KS, and Sharlie (husband, James) Butler of KY; companion, Kevin Cogar; and one expectant grandchild, whom she was excited to welcome.
In keeping with Patty’s wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cogar family.

Carala Evonne Carr “Aunt Pretty”
Carala Evonne Carr “Aunt Pretty”, crossed over to be with her Lord and Savior December 19, 2022. She was the daughter of the late William E. Carr and Carmen Cox Zubricky and was born at Gassaway February 28, 1956. Carala was a Gospel believing Baptist by faith and a retired nurse.
She was also preceded in death by brothers William E. Wallace and William Neal Carr.
Surviving:
Sisters Kimberly DeBolt (Robert) Canvas Mary Jo Monogan Georgia
Aunt Pretty loved her nieces Jennifer McMillion and Julie Wallace, and her nephew John Wallace.
The loved ones of her life were her great niece Bryar Grave Redden and her two great nephews Ty Michael Redden and Drew Neal McMillion.
Her body was cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Waters Funeral Chapel in Summersville was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences: watersfuneralchapel.com

Pauline Ann Jones
Pauline Ann Jones, 80, of Ivydale, WV passed away on December 21, 2022. She was born on May 14, 1942 in Rome, New York to parents Alonza and Mary Piersall.
Pauline is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Robert “Bob” Jones whom she was married to for 47-years and brother: Kenneth Piersall.
Pauline and husband Bob went on many adventures together and enjoyed camping. She also loved playing bingo and spending time with family and friends. Pauline was a member of the Homemakers Club, Northern Star and a Christian by faith.
She is survived by her son; Eric Jones; daughter Kandace Dennison and husband Tim; grandchildren: Shania Jones, Alison Jones, Eric Jones, John Smarr (Amanda), Stephanie Smarr, Heather Smarr-Moss (Travis), Elizabeth Dennison Wyant and Caitlin Dennison; great grandchildren: Killian Jones, Ryan Friend, Nicholas Friend, Jayden Smarr, and Kaydence Moss; brother: Bob Piersall and beloved dog and companion, Koda Bear.
The family would like to thank the staff at Clay Health Care Center, where Pauline was a resident, for their excellent care and compassion.
Service will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Pastor Daniel Tanner will be officiating the service. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Burial will follow at West Virginia National Cemetery, Grafton, WV.
Stockert Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the family of Pauline Jones.

Stanley Scott Reckart
Scott Reckart 66, of Bruceton Mills, WV, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022, at his residence.
The son of Stanley E. and Patsy Reckart, he was born on April 4, 1956, in Weston, WV.
A Veteran of the United States Navy, Scott enjoyed hunting, fishing and a round of golf. However, his greatest love was music. He was a musician and was happiest when he was strumming a tune.
In addition to his mother, Scott is survived by two children, Samuel and Olivia Reckart, of Bruceton Mills; and two sisters, Patti Radabaugh and Kimberly Bohon, both of Jane Lew, WV.
He was proceeded in death by his father and an infant son, Ryan Addison Reckart.
Scott’s request was to be cremated and to have no public service.
The Carl R. Spear Funeral Home in Brandonville-Bruceton Mills, WV, will be assisting the family with arrangements.

Aaron Labe Bennett
Aaron Labe Bennett, 79 of Glenville, WV; (Camden Flats) departed this earthly life on Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV; following and extended illness.
He was born November 12, 1943 in Normantown, WV; son of the late Dorsey and Thelma Conrad Bennett.
Aaron worked in the construction industry since he was 13 years of age until his retirement and was very proud of his trade. In his spare time, Aaron enjoyed hunting and spending time with family and friends and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever possible.
On September 6, 1964 Aaron was united in marriage to Lenora Reaser Bennett with whom he was married for 58 years and who survives at their Camden Flats home.
Surviving are 2 sons, Dorsey Lee Bennett of Cedarville, WV; and Aaron Labe Bennett Jr., of Glenville, and 3 siblings, Betty Montgomery, Ivy Burns, and Winnie Cunningham.
Also surviving are 3 grandchildren, Lisa Jean Hardman, Ian Jacob Bennett, and Ahnaleah Bennett, 1 step-grandchild, Anthony Harper, 2 great-grandchildren, Lucas Charles Hardman and Waylon Aaron Bennett, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with his parents, Aaron is preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Jean Bennett, 3 sisters, Mary, Suzanna and Corrina, and brothers, Ezra, Cecil, Shirley, and Delnore.
Aaron’s request for cremation has been honored and a celebration of his life will be conducted by the family at a later date.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Aaron Labe Bennett with cremation arrangements.

Mary Susan Carr
Mary Susan Carr, 80, of Frametown, WV passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
She was born October 8, 1942 to the late Coy Benjamin Short and Ruth Elmore Short.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Gratton Carr; brother, Carl Short; and her son-in-law, Rocky King.
Mary Susan graduated from Gassaway High School. She was an employee of Kroger company for many years from which she retired. She was a Christian who loved the Lord. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin. Mary Susan was a strong, kind, and caring woman loved by all in the community. She will be greatly missed.
She will be forever remembered by her son, Ashley (Penny) Carr of Frametown; daughters, Leica King of Frametown and Christina Carr of Chagrin Falls, OH; grandchildren James (Erin) King, Casey (Jesse) Wood, Corey Carr, Stephen and William Hamm; great grandchildren, Jaycee, Joseph and Julian Wood and Laney and Levi King; brother, Terry (Shirley) Short of Upper Sleith; sisters, Janette McCourt of Upper Sleith and Oneda (Frank Ed) Schiefer also of Upper Sleith; and several nieces and nephews.
Mary Susan’s visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway. WV.
Her funeral will be 11 A.M. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at the funeral home with Pastor Robey Godfrey officiating. Her burial will follow in the Carr-Dickey Cemetery, Big Run Hill, Frametown, WV.
Special thanks to Mickey Priest for her compassionate care of Mary Susan.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Corky Griffith
April 19, 1939 – December 16, 2022
“Hey Jack!!”
More than likely, this would have been your first interaction with Corky Griffith. He knew most everyone, or at least acted like he did. There was a good chance that while making you smile and laugh, he was mulling over exactly what your name was.
Born to a coal miner’s family, in the thriving metropolis of Widen, WV, he honed his athletic skills and social abilities in that cultural mecca. At the tender age of 15, the family packed their bags for the big city…Gassaway, WV! Must have been “culture shock” with all that electricity, running water and all.
Corky’s love of athletics and coaching was his vision for a way out of the coal fields. He was a great football/baseball player, and he turned that ability into a scholarship to Salem College. This was just the beginning of a long road to a degree and a coaching position. He still holds the WV record for most colleges attended to attain a bachelor’s degree. And…it only took 9 years.
His world-famous coaching career began in the fall of 1968 at Ripley High School. Probably, this is where he worked on his story telling, as well. First year coaches in those days did a little of everything. He was an assistant football coach, head wrestling coach, freshman basketball coach and head baseball coach. All of this and a single parent to a young son (Wes). Thank goodness for his sisters and all the help with the youngster.
His success and the ability to network allowed him the opportunity to move to the Kanawha Valley for a coaching position in the best high school conference (KVC) in the state. This is where the legend began: Head coach of the DuPont High School Panthers. He was fortunate enough to have coached many great athletes and shape the lives of many a young man. He was a tough coach but fair. One particular player once said, “that boot camp was much easier than an August with Corky”. He also was fortunate enough to have coached his son, Wes. Once Wes had completed his high school athletics, Corky became the coaching vagabond: Have whistle will travel.
Multiple stops from 1983 until his retirement. Murray State University, Braxton County HS, Pulaski County HS, Nicholas County HS, Salem College, Stewarts Draft HS, Hinton HS and finally, he ended his coaching career back in the coal fields of Logan, WV…full Circle. Over this illustrious career he polished his “story-telling” skills.
It’s been said that he once entered the best liars contest but was disqualified because they didn’t rate professionals.
Coaching kept him young and vibrant until his 84th year. He brought laughter, life, and love to most everyone he encountered, especially the two who could do no wrong and never had to run sprints: Kala Jane and Tanner Ray, his grandchildren. If nothing else, he nearly always would tell an inappropriate joke at the absolute inappropriate time. He was loved by many, cussed by some and always left a lasting impression wherever he landed. No doubt he will be missed!
LOVE YA AND I MEAN IT!!!!
He was preceded in death by parents Ray and Freda Griffith, and his sisters Dawn Rae, Toby, Gwen and Pat and wife Ramona Jane Frame. He is survived by wife Pam, son Wes, sister Sally and brother Gary, and grandchildren Kala Jane and Tanner Ray.
A celebration of life is being planned for December 29th. Venue to be determined.
Corky donated his body to the West Virginia University School of Medicine. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local high school athletic program. Corky would love that.

Wanda Kuhl Pratt
Wanda Kuhl Pratt, 83, of Chester, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022. Born in Copen, WV, she was the daughter of the late, Archie Glen Kuhl and Naomi Davis Kuhl. She was also preceded in death by her son, Richard Pratt; and daughter, Cathy Owen.
Wanda was a long-time employee of Estes Express Lines, as an office clerk. She served as the Middle District Christmas Store Coordinator for 20 years. She was a faithful member of Fellowship Baptist Church, where she served as Music Director for 25 years, and as their Missions Director. She also volunteered with the VA Baptist Disaster Group.
Wanda is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth Pratt; grandchildren, Derek Pratt, Dustin Pratt, Madelyne Owen Smith, and Andrew Owen; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; son-in-law, John Owen of McKenney; daughter-in-law, Tina Snellings Pratt; sister-in-law, Jeannette Curtis (William); and sister-in-law, Marge Kuhl of Medina, OH; sister-in-law, Vicki Kuhl of Medina, OH; and brother-in-law, Jerry Brooks of North Lima, OH.
The family received friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the funeral home. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to Fellowship Baptist Church, 2154 Coxendale Rd., Chester, VA 23831. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

William L. Smith
William L. Smith, 81 of Glenville, WV; departed this earthly life in the afternoon hours of Monday, December 19, 2022 at the Genesis Health Care Glenville Center, following an extended illness.
He was born March 11, 1941 in Portsmouth, VA; son of the late James and Gladys Smith.
William is a graduate of Churchland High School in Portsmouth, VA; he worked as a Millwright in manufacturing for many years and enjoyed being artistic and spending time with family and friends.
Surviving are 5 children, Johnathan Smith (Lori) of Cottageville, WV; Robin Benson of Ravenswood, WV; Mary Beth Witkowski (Jason) of Mason County, WV; Bobby Smith (Darlene) and Billy Smith of Kenna, WV; and 4 siblings, Mary Smith of Kingsland, GA; Betty Weth of Saint Mary’s, GA; Ellen Hollowell of Edenton, NC; and Raymond Smith (Mary) of Ahoskie, NC.
Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.
Along with his parents, William is preceded in death by 9 siblings, Barbara Hendrix, Shirley Marshall, Bobby Smith, Daniel Smith, Francis Rodgers, Gladys Garris, James Marshall Smith, Richard Smith, and Frank Smith.
Williams request for cremation has been honored and a celebration of his life will be conducted later in 2023.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of William L. Smith with cremation arrangements.