Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries

Obituaries

Rev. Edith Sharon Hardman West
Rev. Edith Sharon Hardman West went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2024. She was the daughter of George Dencil Hardman I and Hazel Bowyer Hardman and arrived on October 7, 1937, at Fall Run, WV in the home where she resided at her death.
She was a Full Elder and member of the United Methodist Church of the West Virginia Conference. She served as a pastor from 1996 to 2008 when she was retired by the conference at the age of seventy-one. She never really retired because she continued to serve the United Methodist Charge in Gilmer and Upshur counties as long as possible.
Her father had challenged her early in life to “Get all of the education you can because no one can take it from you.” She did just that. She was graduated from Burnsville High School in 1956 and began her studies that fall at Alderson-Broaddus College. She enrolled in the Medical Technology program there and received her practical training in Parkersburg, WV at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. She was certified as a Medical Technologist in 1957 and completed her B.S. degree at A-B in June 1967. In 1982, she earned an M.A. degree from Marshall University Graduate studies. In 1996, she answered her call to preach and accepted her first United Methodist Charge. In January 1998, she began work on an M. Div. degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She was graduated in December 2000, commissioned by the church in 2001, and ordained as a Full Elder in June 2004 in the United Methodist Church.
She was the author of “George D. Harman I: Ancestors and Descendants” in order to fulfill a dream of her father’s to research the genealogy of her ancestors. She continued to add families and new family members until her death. She built the family trees which branched her parents.
Surviving are two sons; James Roe and John Roe, Fall Run, WV; two daughters, Sherrie Streight (husband Gene), St Marys, WV, Barbara Vice (husband David), Carlisle, KY; grandchildren, Kimberly Gardner (husband Chad), Kara Duckworth (husband Adam), Robbie McDaniel (Shelby Beegle), J.B. Roe, Taylor Russell, Christopher Vice, and Courtney Vice; great-grandchildren, Kyler, Shane (Sadie), Ian and Maddison Gardner, Ava Pumphrey, Makenna, Landon, and Octavia McDaniel; step great-granddaughter, Bella Beegle, Kiera, and Levi Johnson; sister, Marjorie Burke, and lifelong childhood friend, Ellen Stillwell.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, James Roe and Norman West; two brothers, Billy and George, Jr., and two sisters, Mary Alice who she first met in heaven, and Coleta “Boots” Thompson.
Edith’s wishes were to be cremated. No services are planned at this time.
Stockert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Edith Sharon West.

Lucille Gay McCray
Lucille Gay McCray, 94, of Ireland, found her eternal peace on Monday, March 11, 2024. She lived a vibrant life and was a beacon of love, warmth, and nurturing.
She was born in Bablin on February 2, 1930, a daughter of the late Darley Boggs and Ina McCartney Boggs Lake. In addition to her parents, Lucille was preceded in death by three sons: David McCray, Darley James McCray, and Travis Lee McCray; one daughter, Margaret McCray Kelley; one grandson, Roger Williams Jr.; two granddaughters: Jessica Stalnaker and Angel Williams; and two great-grandsons: Darley “Seth” Stalnaker, and Jaxson McCray.
Lucille resided in the scenic landscapes of Ireland and was a homemaker by profession, but more than that, she was the heart and soul of her family, keeping their home filled with affection, hot rolls, laughter, and lessons of life. As a lover of nature and all things simple and beautiful, Lucille’s hobbies included quilting, tending to her garden, and caring for her beloved chickens. As a member of the Shamrock CEOS Club, she extended her nurturing touch beyond her home, making a positive impact on her community.
Lucille’s love for her family was her most cherished possession, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness in her two daughters: Brenda McCray Helmick and husband, Harold, of Roanoke, and Carol McCray of Ireland; three grandchildren: Darlene Conrad, Matt Helmick, and Dustin McCray; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Margaret Boggs of Charleston and Diann Boggs of Weston; one brother-in-law, Melvin Perry of Buckhannon; and several nieces and nephews. As we remember Lucille, let us not dwell on the loss but celebrate the love and joy she imparted on each of us.
A Graveside Service was held at McCutcheon Chapel Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, with Pastor Earl Cayton officiating. Interment followed.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation – Alkire Chapel located at 190 Wildcat Rd. in Ireland, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Lucille Gay McCray. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

Karen Louise Youngblood
Karen Louise Youngblood, 72 of Webster Springs passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at her home with her husband by her side. She was born July 17, 1951 in Grandville, Michigan to the late Claude and Mary Ellen VanMalsen Kort.
She was a retired Custodian for the Municipal Employees System of Michigan and a faithful member of New Hope Community Church in Diana. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a loving and caring person. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, and lived her life to the fullest.
In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her daughter Christine Essex Linson; granddaughter Brianna; and brother Larry Kort. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Leslie “Sonny” Youngblood; son William Essex; granddaughter Shelby Lamrock; grandson MacKenzie Lamrock; great-grandchildren Iris Lamrock and Gabe Lamrock; sister Claudette “DeeDee” Umlor; brother Kim Kort; special friend Sharon Stoots; and many extended family and friends to mourn her passing.
In keeping with Karen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving Karen’s family.

James Patrick “Pat” Houghton
James Patrick Pat” Houghton, 91, of Coos Bay, OR, passed away February 25, 2024, at his home.
Pat was born June 25, 1932, in Charleston, WV, a son of the late James Patrick Houghton, Sr. and Lula McClain Houghton. Pat was raised on Morrison Ridge, near Sutton, WV and graduated from Sutton High School with the class of 1951.
Upon graduating from high school Pat enlisted in the air Force in 1952 and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1972. Shortly after retirement he joined the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon where he worked for eighteen years until retiring.
In addition to his parents Pat was preceded in death by three sisters; Geneva, Edith and Ann, his daughter Kay and three wives.
He is survived by two children; Ed and Cheryl, both of Oregon, grandchildren and great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on April 13, in Oregon.

Brenda Sue Argabrite Dobbin
Brenda Sue Argabrite Dobbins, 68, of Duck, entered into the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
She was born in Gassaway on November 27, 1955, to the late Ledra and Mabel Brady Argabrite.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Argabrite, stepson, Rick Dobbins.
Brenda retired with 41 years of service from the State of WV. She worked at the Assessor’s Office, the Department of Motor Vehicles and she also worked at Clay Nursing Home as Activities Director. She enjoyed listening to Christian music and truly enjoyed being outdoors tending to her flowers and mowing her yard. She was a Christian by faith and a member of Elk River Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Kent Dobbins; twin sister, Linda Shafer and husband, Ronnie; sisters, Susie Campbell and husband, Rick, Jackie Greenleaf and husband, Shorty, and Anna Margaret Cadle; brother, Jack Argabrite; stepdaughter, Lisa “Shelley” Cottrill and husband, Dennis; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Diane Cole; and Maltese, Katie Poo.
Brenda’s funeral was 1 P.M. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Pastor Joe Bob Truman officiating.
Interment was in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.
Visitation was 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.
Special thanks to WV Caring, Sarah Vaughan, and Cristy Mullins for their compassionate care of Brenda.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com

Emogene (Spencer) Smith
Emogene (Spencer) Smith, 89, of Servia, WV, went on to be with the Lord Thursday, April 11, 2024, at home, surrounded by all her family.
Born September 1, 1934, at Strange Creek, WV. She was the oldest daughter of the late William Holbert and Edith Spencer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack Allen Smith, and siblings, William Jennings (Newt) Spencer and Clemotene Evelyn Mullins.
Emogene is survived by her sister Betty Gill; five children, Michael & Chris Smith of Hillsboro, Molly & Mike Chapman of Servia, Debra & Kevin Ballard of Weaverville, NC, Judy Smith of Gassaway, and Jeffrey (Ted) & Sherry Smith of Servia; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many true friends and neighbors.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday April 16, 2024, at Wilson Smith Funeral Home in Clay, WV. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 12:00 -1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Joe Bob Truman officiating. Burial will follow at Chapman Cemetery, on Cemetery Road, Flat Fork, WV.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at carlwilsonfuneralhome.com
Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Smith family.

Matthew Eric Stewart
Matthew Eric Stewart, 45 of Cairo, WV. Passed away at this residence March 31, 2024.
He was born in Roane County, the son of Nolan Stewart and Teresa McCumbers.
A 1997 graduate of Wirt County High School.
He attended North Fork Baptist Church, and was owner and operator of Matt Stewart Logging of Cairo.
He enjoyed farming, hunting, and playing in the mud.
In addition to bot his parents, he is survived by his wife Angela Stewart, children Colton Stewart (Alyssa Smith) and Olivia Stewart, sister Tracy Nelson (Shannon) and aunts and uncles Kathleen McCumbers, Charlene (Charles) Stewart, David (Greg) and Annabelle McCumbers, Lynn McCumbers and a large extended family and many friends.
He was proceeded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Diannah Stewart and Jerry (Clyde) and Gladys McCumbers; uncle Roger Stewart and Aunt Catherine Stewart.
Private services were held at Matheny Whited Funeral Home of Elizabeth, WV on April 3rd. Memorial donations can be made to Riding in Faith (Horse Riding Club) 484 Trap Run Road, Walker, WV 26180.