May 22, 2013

ROCKY MOUNT - The funeral for Aubrey Dempsey “A.D.” Kennedy, 65, who died Friday, May 17, was conducted Monday, May 20 from Flora Funeral Chapel by Rev. Mark Griffith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oleta and Thomas Hagy; stepson, John Akers Jr.; and sister, Linda Davis.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Kennedy; children, Michael Kennedy, Michael Collins (Caitlin), Tracey Dixon (Floyd Jr.), Nichole Shively and Rebecca Clark (Marshall Jr.); 13 grandchildren; and siblings, Theresa Clemons (Glenwood), Mark Hagy, Dwight Hagy (Terry) and David Hagy (Shelia).

Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center was in charge of arrangements.

May 22, 2013

ROCKY MOUNT – Ja’Marion Ty’Keise Holland, infant, died Sunday, May 19.

Survivors include his mother, Erica Lynn Holland; father, Reggie Traynham; siblings, JaeQuan Martez Holland, Jayleen Ty’Reece Carroll and Adrianna Nakia Carroll; grandparents, Teresa Holland and Ray Brandon; and great-grandparents, Shirlene and Otha Holland.

The funeral will be conducted today (Wednesday, May 22) at 10 a.m. in Byrd Lane Cemetery.

Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.

May 22, 2013

Wilfred (Billy) Carlysle Light Jr., born March 2, 1929 and passed away peacefully on May 11, 2013. Mr. Light was preceded in death by his mother, Kate Givens Light, father, Wilfred Carlysle Light Sr., and sister Edith Light Shelor.

He graduated from high school in Check, Va., served in the United States Air Force and attended National Business College, in Roanoke, Va. He began his career with C & P Telephone Company and worked in the industry for 39 years. He is remembered for his generous spirit and witty sense of humor. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He is survived by daughter, Alicia Light Jones and her husband, Lucian (Louie); daughter, Millicent (Millie) Light Sweeney; granddaughter, Rhiannon A. Leebrick and her husband, Caleb; granddaughter, Sarah S. Newton and her husband, Scott; two grandsons, Aaron V. Sweeney and William (Liam) C. Sweeney; two great grandchildren, Maebel C. Leebrick-Johnson and Wyatt R. Newton; his sister, Alice Garrett and her husband, Buddy; numerous nieces and nephews; former wife, Patsy Coen Light; beloved caregiver and friend, Mary Helen Shockley; and his cherished pets.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Trinity Mission in Rocky Mount, VA.

Visitation will be held Sunday May 12, 2013, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Oakey's Funeral Home South on Brambleton Avenue. The funeral will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Oakey's Funeral Home South on Brambleton Avenue. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made the Floyd County Humane Society.

May 22, 2013

Herbert Earthel “Butch” Sowers, Jr., 65, of Glade Hill, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 at his residence in Franklin County. He was born on April 27, 1948 in Vinton, a son of the late Herbert Earthel Sowers, Sr., and Mary Davis Craig Sowers.

Butch was a member of Vinton Baptist Church and New Life Church. He was a graduate of Ferrum College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was very active with the Vinton Rec. Department and the Franklin Co. Rec. Department.

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Jean Mitchell Sowers; four daughters, Theresa Sowers, Holly Erica Alls, Summer Dee Sowers-Kemp and husband, Herbert Kemp, Jr., Megan Renee Foley and husband, David; seven grandchildren, Shayna Alls, Joshua Alls, Shaun Macklin, Jr; Skyler Kemp, Cadence Kemp; Sean Foley, Samuel Foley; one brother, Craig Douglas and wife, Cindy; one sister, Judith Leigh Stinnette and husband, Wayne; one half-sister, Deborah Smith; three half-brothers, Richard Sowers, Anthony Sowers and Johnny Sowers. Also numerous nieces nephews and many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to, Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 24092.

A celebration of Butch’s life will be conducted at Vinton Baptist Church on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 3:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 PM. To send condolences online please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mountain Lake, (540)-721-9375.

May 22, 2013

WIRTZ - Jean Whitlock, 72, died Sunday, May 19.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger L. Whitlock; parents, Louin and Avis Garman; brothers, Mickey and Bobby; and grandson, Justin Whitlock.

Survivors include her children, Roger "Woody" Whitlock II, Maria Whitlock and Kevin Whitlock (Bethany); grandchildren, Jeannie, James, Bryan, David,

Katie, Adam and Michael; seven great-grandchildren;

and siblings, Teddy, Patricia, Jane, Joan and Rita.

The funeral will be conducted today (Wednesday, May 22) at noon from Halesford Baptist Church by Rev. Melvin Harris. The family will receive friends one

hour prior to the service at the church.

Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.