John Thomas Ward
John Thomas Ward, 63, of Webster Springs passed away after a sudden but quick illness on September 29, 2023. He was born April 4, 1960 in Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
John was a free spirit whose energy affected all those around him. He lived a full life; taking in all the experiences he could with the time he was given. He lived all over the United States including upstate New York; St. Petersburg, FL; San Diego, CA; Morgantown, WV; and of course Webster Springs.
He was preceded in death by his parents: William Dallas and Sara Lee Criss Ward; brother Clyde; and best friends Charlie Hamrick and Wayne Hanna.
Left to mourn his passing are his sister Cindy Ward-Davis; brother Todd Ward; former wife and friend Dawn Jo James; step-children James Robert and Mattie Jo Hanna; several extended family members; and every single one of his friends and acquaintances.
John enjoyed watching Law & Order: SVU, MSNBC, The Weather Channel, and yelling at Fox News. Condolences are given to the various Congressmen and Senators to whom he always expressed his civic concerns.
In keeping with John’s wishes, no service will be held. There will be a picnic in his memory at Baker’s Island on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 12:00 noon. Come and celebrate John’s life and share a memory or two.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs is honored to serve John’s family.
Lawrence “Larry” Emmett McCauley
Lawrence “Larry” Emmett McCauley, age 81, of Mansfield, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Born February 25, 1942, in Lewis County, West Virginia, he was one of seven children of the late James Wesley and Carrie (Hamilton) McCauley. He graduated from Weston High School and attended Mansfield Business College for two years. Larry was a patriotic, military man beginning his career with the National Guard, then entered the US Navy. He served on the Honor Guard for the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations and was present at John Kennedy’s Inaugural Ball. He was stationed aboard a ship during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Larry retired from General Motors in 1995. He was a member of the veterans committee at GM even after his retirement. He served as a trustee for many years and as Vice-President for 2 terms. Larry was a member of the Mansfield Masonic Lodge, Weston Masonic Lodge #10 F. & A.M., Lewis County Shrine Club, American Legion Post #26 and Ontario Lions Club.
On November 24, 1962, he married Carolyn Montgomery and they shared many happy years together. Larry was known for his contagious smile and his many jokes. He was friendly, never met a stranger, and knew just about everyone anywhere he went. In his free time, he enjoyed golf and watching West Virginia football and basketball games. He passionately loved his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Carolyn McCauley; son, Christopher (Jeanny) McCauley; three grandchildren, Austin, Brittany and Connor McCauley; sister, Kimberly (Bo) Fitcher; mother-in-law, Anna Ruth Montgomery; sister-in-law, Debbie (Mike) Roberts; a brother-in-law, Steve Wix; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph McCauley; and four sisters, Garnet Villers, Louise Lester, Nancy Plummer and Jeanie Wix.
The family received friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service was held in the funeral home on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. He was laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Ohio Hospital, One Children’s Plaza, 2 West, Dayton, OH 45404.
Boyd L. Nicholson
Boyd L. Nicholson, 37, of Gassaway passed away peacefully surrounded by his siblings on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV.
He was born in Weston to the late Boyd Lee Nicholson and Margaret Mary Nicholson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Noah and Leon Nicholson; grandmother, Beverly Hartman; and grandfather, Willie McCumbers, Sr.
Boyd was a graduate of Braxton County High School. He loved being outside. Riding 4 wheelers, hunting and fishing were his favorite hobbies. He had a big caring heart and would do anything for anyone in need.
He is survived by his sisters, Jessica Nicholson of Gassaway, and Diane Nicholson of Gassaway; brothers, John Nicholson and wife, Libby, of Gassaway, and Matthew Nicholson of Ashland, Ohio; uncle, Willie McCumbers and many other cousins, aunts and uncles; stepfather, Joe Nicholson of Gassaway; nephews, Easton Nicholson, Alikzander Nicholson, Braden Nicholson, Jillian Nicholson, Adeline Nicholson and Justin Bishop.
In keeping with Boyd’s wishes he will be cremated and there will be a service held at a later date.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Judy Skidmore
Judy Skidmore, 69, of Sutton passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023 at WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.
She was born on October 11, 1953 in Gassaway to the late Morgan and Evelyn Amanda Criner Given.
Judy was a 1971 Braxton County High School graduate. On December 28, 1978, she married her best friend, Danny and they had 44 wonderful years together. They raised three children and eight grandchildren. She absolutely reveled in being grandmother. Riding and taking care of her horses was her favorite pastime. She enjoyed being outside and in the summertime she enjoyed swimming in the Sutton Lake and going to the beach at Topsail Island. Judy was a dental assistant for Dr. Delp in Sutton for several years. She later went to work for the FBI as a fingerprint examiner and retired with 11 years of service. She had an infectious sense of humor her whole life, even right up until she died. She was a Christian by faith and was a member of Gassaway Baptist Church. Her church family supported her throughout her illness.
Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Danny “Silky” Morris Skidmore of Sutton; sons, Darick Skidmore and wife, Sabrina, of Lost Creek and Ryan Skidmore and wife, Zamira, of Sutton; daughter, Brandy Rollyson and husband, Matt, of Sutton; grandchildren, Taylor Skidmore, Drew Skidmore, Reece Carpenter, Emery Rollyson, Connor Rollyson, Sawyer Skidmore, Reyd Skidmore and Tucker Skidmore; brother, Johnny Given and wife, Jane, of Wilsie; and sisters, Janet Hyre and husband, “Fuzz”, of Wilsie and Tammy Given of Wilsie.
Judy’s visitation was 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Gassaway Baptist Church, Gassaway, WV.
Her funeral was 11 A.M. Friday, October 13th at the church will Pastor Mark Stump officiating.
Burial followed in the Newville Cemetery, Sutton.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Central WV Riding Club, c/o Kathy Given, Treasurer, 2350 Sugar Camp Road, Gassaway, WV 26624.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Hazel Carr
Hazel Carr, 64, of Frametown, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Gassaway on September 19, 1959.
Hazel was preceded in death by her father, Milton Carr.
She was a private caregiver that took care of others outside of her home for over 25 years and later worked for Central West Virginia Aging Services. She was a hardworking and independent woman. Hazel was a loving mother and devoted daughter. Sitting on the front porch and spending time with her family were her favorite pastimes. She was an animal lover. Every year she looked forward to celebrating her birthday. Hazel had a beautiful smile and a heart of gold. She will be missed deeply.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Danielle Bender and husband, Jim, of Frametown; mother, Ruth Hart Carr of Frametown; fiancé, Frankie Jeffries of Frametown; brother, Ray Carr of Frametown; nephew, Asa Carr of Frametown; great nephew, Josh Carr; and numerous other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In keeping with Hazel’s wishes she will be cremated, and a graveside memorial service will be held at a later date at the Carr Cemetery, Belfont.
Special thanks to her aunt, Karen Hart, and her best of friend of 30 plus years, Mary Morris for their exceptional love and care of Hazel.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Service of Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.
Faye Massey
Faye Massey, 90, of Gassaway passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Clay Healthcare Center, Clay, WV.
She was born in Pettry Bottom in Boone County on February 13, 1933, to Mamie Pettry.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her son, Larry Massey.
Faye was born in West Virginia but moved to Cleveland, Ohio with her husband so he could begin work at the Chevrolet Plant. While she was in Ohio, she worked for Fisher Food as a meat butcher for 10 years. Her next employment was for Cosmo Plastics making goggles and she retired from there with 20 years of service. She moved back to West Virginia 15 years ago to be closer to her family. Faye loved it when the grandchildren were around her. In her spare time, she liked to be in her flower garden and read romance novels. She was a member of Mid State Church of God where she helped with church dinners. Faye was a Frametown Sunshine Lady in the red hat club. In 2010 she became a member of Spruce Grove CEOs Club at Frametown. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as her husband was a WWII Veteran. She outlived everyone in her family except one of her brothers.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, Jerry Massey and wife, Beverly, of Gassaway; granddaughter, Heather Massey; grandsons, John Grabski and girlfriend, Joann Reuse, and Shawn Grabski and wife, Emma; and 14 great grandchildren.
Visitation was from 6 to 7:30 P.M on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Funeral was held at 7:30 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Rodney England officiating.
Interment was 1 P.M. Monday, October 16, 2023, at Brooklyn Heights Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.
The family would like to give special thanks to WV Caring for their compassionate care of Faye.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Jesse Waylon Corlis
Jesse Waylon Corlis, 44, of Cross Lanes, WV passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 on Ocracoke Island, NC. He died from complications of temporal lobe epilepsy. He was born on Halloween, October 31, 1978 at home in Frametown, where he grew up.
Surviving Jesse are his wife, Catherine Lee Corlis and his children, Delaney Corlis, 19, and Gavyn Siebanoller, 23. Also surviving Jesse are his parents, Michael and Deborah “Sam” Corlis; his brother, Matthew Corlis and wife, Bethany Corlis; sister, Ama Richardson and husband, Darryl Wendorf.
Born at home, he showed a strong love of nature & capability of drawing from an early age. He was baptized in the Birch River in Herold, WV. He adored and was always there for his children. He loved his niece, Thea and his godson, Ayden Siebanoller.
Jesse Corlis made the world a better place. He lived his life so well, people noticed and many folks were better for having him in their lives. He didn’t compromise principal or ethics. He didn’t back down from responsibility, large or small. He demonstrated his love for all life, from critters, all people, young & old, rich or poor, he treated them with the same respect. As talented as he was artistically, we think it was his character that was his strongest trait. We don’t worry about his kids because they know what makes a good parent and good people.
The best thing all of us who survive Jesse can do is model his behavior and his heart. Lots of people say “just be nice” but Jesse exemplified that every day.
Make this world a better, kinder, and more loving place in his memory. Dedicate yourselves to honoring him every day by your thoughts & actions. Don’t take anything in this big world for granted, it depends on each of us to make it work to anywhere near its potential. If you see injustice, try to right it. If you see someone who needs help, offer that help. Each of us can make a difference, he showed us that.
We say goodbye to our valiant knight and will do our best to carry on in his path. His intelligence, sensitivity and generosity flowed from him enough for all of us to be energized moving forward. We will remember his love radiating from that amazing smile and sparkling eyes and we will know what to do.
Jesse graduated from Braxton County H.S. in 1996 and W.V. Wesleyan in 2000. His true vocation in life was his art, but artists are under appreciated by our society and underpaid, so he also worked as the graphic artist for WV DMV, giving them his best, so think of him next time you see a copy of his turtle or bee “save the pollinators” plate. We hope some plates he was working on will be available in the future. Look for his murals all over WV, from the welcome center in Morgantown, to the bridge memorial in Pt. Pleasant, the Glass Museum in Weston, Gassaway memorial wall in the park, every Pies & Pints restaurant, and countless locations in Charleston, WV
Visitation was the evening of Monday, October 16th from 5 to 8pm at Roach Funeral Home in Gassaway, WV. Funeral Service will be 11 am Tuesday, October 17th at Hope Baptist Church, Frametown with Reverend Rich Demastus officiating. Burial to follow at Frame Stumbo Cemetery, Frametown. There will be food and fellowship at the church afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, plant some seeds or trees. Adopt a shelter dog or cat, donate blood, tip your hat to Jesse.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
