Garnett Scott, Sr., 67 of Forest, died Saturday, December 28, 2019. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on June 5, 1952 a son of the late Ercy Lee Scott and Shirley Schrader Scott. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Ercy Lee Bondurant and a brother, Paul Scott. He was a cabinet maker and was co-owner of Scott’s Cabinet. Garnett is survived by his wife, Linda Sandidge Scott; son, Garnett Scott, Jr. and wife Shauna; grandchildren, Mason, Aidan, Phoenix, and Scarlett; brother, Tommy Scott and wife Clara; and a sister, Sherriel Howard. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Frances Stevens Burton, 91, of Bedford, died Friday, December 27, 2019. She was born in Bedford, VA on January 10, 1928 a daughter of the late James Elmer Stevens and Mattie Overstreet Stevens. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a step-son, Mike Burton. She was retired from Sam Moore Furniture. Frances is survived by her husband, Jack Eugene Burton; daughter, Mary Heck and husband Ray; sons, Charles Avera and wife Janet, Curtis Avera, Harold Keesee and wife Kay,  Carl Stanley and wife Laura, Henry Stanley and wife Connie; brother, Morris Stevens; sister, Nancy Orange and husband Jesse; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; step-daughters, Arlene Stamper, Sandra Spradlin; step-sons, Barry Burton, Tony Burton; and numerous other family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, with Pastor Phillip Kelley and Chris Burch officiating. Burial will follow in Timber Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Monday, at Burch-Messier Walnut St. Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Ward Forrest Lindsey, 97, of Evington, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, December 27, 2019. He was born October 10, 1922, to the late Felix and Ethel Lindsey in Des Moines, Iowa. Ward enlisted in the Army on January 12, 1943; He was in Company F, 320th Infantry 35th Division and fought battles in Normandy, Rhineland and Northern France. He was decorated with 3 bronze stars for heroic achievement, heroic service, and meritorious service in a combat zone as well as the Army Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active service to the Army. He rode with General Patton across the Atlantic and took great pride in fighting with one of the greatest Army Generals of all time in both France and Germany. Ward returned home in January of 1946; shortly afterwards he met and married the love of his life and together they raised four sons in Des Moines, IA. Ward was an excellent craftsman and earned a living as a carpenter for over 66 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, marksman, sport enthusiast and bowler. He loved his family above all else and often hummed the song What a Friend we have in Jesus while he worked. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Delores, whom he married August 10, 1946 shortly after returning from WWII. Ward is also survived by his four sons, Dan of Lynchburg VA, Jim of Des Moines IA, Gary of Des Moines IA, & Greg of Rustburg VA; seven grandchildren, David Lindsey of Orlando FL, Dawn Johns of Lynchburg VA, Debbie Lindsey of Evington VA, Sarah Lindsey of Des Moines IA, Brian Lindsey of Des Moines IA, Brooke Bales of Hartford IA and Margaret Ann Tesdall of Story City, IA.; eleven great-grandchildren, Sgt. Jessica Johns, Jacob Johns, Jasmine Johns, Jaimie Johns, Austin & Lindsey Hahn, Caleb & Emma Lindsey, Uriah & Isaiah Bales, & Michaela Tesdall; and one sister, Lois Miller of Lancaster PA. A graveside service will be held in late January, 2020 at Virginia Memorial Park in Forest, VA. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

 

 

Anna Wood passed away peacefully at her home on December 26, 2019. She was surrounded by the love of her family and the light of her faith. She was an exceedingly young 67 years of age. Anna was a deeply beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, nana, aunt, and friend. In the span of her life, she was capable of any endeavor or adventure. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, massage therapy, bowling, crafting, lunches with friends, whitewater river rafting, shopping, photography, hanging at the beach, travel, and above all – people. While her talents were many, she was never happier than in the pursuit of helping someone else. The lives that she touched and the lessons that she taught are too numerous to count. She is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her sweet mother, Anne; her stunning daughters, Jennifer and Nannette; two excellent son-in-laws, Stan and Todd; her three brilliant grandchildren, Kayla, Ella, and Will; her best friend and sister, Jenny (and Melvin); her loving brother Ben, (and Patricia); her loving brother, Steven (and Rae); her dear sister, Yvonne; adored nieces and nephews; and so many fantastic friends. Please join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Salem United Methodist Church in Bedford, Virginia. There will be a period of visitation with the family starting at 2:00pm; the service commences at 3:00pm; and a catered supper will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Salem United Methodist Church building fund or the New Hope United Methodist Church from her hometown of Hertford, North Carolina. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Robert Jackson Clary had his heavenly homecoming December 23, 2019.  He was 78. Robert was born on June, 26 1941 to the late Henry H. & Lottie Jones Clary. Robert loved working for WW Novelty a job he had for over 40 years. Robert was truly a people person, never met a stranger and was loved by so many. He loved God, his family, was an active member of Liberty Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and was an usher. Robert loved his church, known to all as a kind, generous man with a heart of gold. Robert also loved working outdoors and fishing. He is preceded in death by 7 brothers and 4 sisters; Stanley L., Charles S., Thomas P., Thomas H., Thornton and Rufus Clary , Sam Baird, Lizzie Bottoms, Queen Moss, Dora Tolbert & Ester Jones. He is also preceded in death by his 2 son n laws Jerry L. Dalton and Joey Barker. Robert is survived by his wife, Phyllis Frazier Clary of the residence. His children, Randy Clary & wife Lucille of Amelia, Va.; Shelia Barker & Johnny of South Hill, Va., Mike Roark & wife Jennifer of Bluffton, SC., and Kathy Dalton of Gretna, Va. Robert had 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Robert’s celebration of life is scheduled at Liberty Baptist Church 84 Nickland Dr, Evington, Va. for Saturday December 28th at 1:00 pm with graveside services following. The Family visitation will be at 11:00 am prior to service at Liberty Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Robert’s life. Prior to Saturday the family will be at the residence 127 Penual Ln. Altavista, Va. Reverand Jeff Chapman and Reverand Zane Kramer will officiate the service. Burch -Messier Funeral & Cremations, Bedford Va are assiting the family, we are so grateful for Chris for all his help. The family would like to thank all the caregivers and many friends for all their help during his care both in the nursing home and at home.

 

Bryan Paul Adams, 45, of Bedford, died Saturday, December 21, 2019. He was born in Granite City, Illinois on August 10, 1974. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines Corps for four years. He was employed at Glenwood Oil Company and served as a member of the Moneta Rescue Squad and Bedford Life Saving Crew. During his stay at UVA Hospital, Ashley Paige was his favorite nurse. Bryan is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kimberly Andrews Adams; father and step-mother, Paul and Cheryl Adams; children, Dustin Adams and fiancée Katherine, Morgan Aud and husband Dayton, Logan Adams; grandchildren, Sophia Smith, Mason Adams, Navi Adams, Leo Aud; sister, Kristie Myers; step-brother, Michael Brooks; and step-sister, Shannon Vaughan. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2019 at Bedrock Community Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523 to help with the cost of his funeral services. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360. 

 

Joyce Barbara Wingfield Bingham, 89, of Lynchburg, peacefully passed from earth December 20, 2019, at Lynchburg General Hospital.  She fought a very long and courageous battle with her heart and cancer.  Born May 28, 1930, in Appomattox, VA, she was the daughter of the late Zelia Page Jones Wingfield and James Julian Wingfield.  She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband, Floyd Everett Bingham.  She was also preceded by both a sister, Betty W. Witt and a brother, Richard (Dick) Wingfield. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Susan Page Bingham, of Lynchburg.   She is also survived by two brothers, James Ray Wingfield and wife, Mary Vance Wingfield, of Appomattox, and Frederick Charles Wingfield of Madison Heights, as well as many loving nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. Joyce was educated at Appomattox High School, Radford College, Columbia University, and the University of Virginia.  She retired as a teacher from Amherst County Schools in 1995. Given the gift of music, Joyce shared her talent with generations of students during her lifetime. She touched many lives and continued to stay in touch through the years. Her first love was band, and she was a pioneer in the field as a female marching band director. Appomattox High School never had a band until Joyce returned home from college and built one from nothing herself, purchasing instruments with her own money to make sure students had them to play in the band.  She loved every minute spent as their marching band director. Each day was a new adventure as Joyce found something joyful in everything and everyone.  Her laughter and sense of humor will long be carried by those who love her and miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of 4th floor oncology at Lynchburg General Hospital as well as the doctors and staff at the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke heart surgeons. Honoring Joyce’s wishes, the graveside service will be private. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

Rachel LeWarne Turpin, 92, of Big Island, died Wednesday, December 18, 2019. She was born in Prince Edward County, VA on August 23, 1927. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Judson Turpin. She was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years. She was a bus driver for Bedford County Public Schools for 35 years. Rachel is survived by a daughter, Darnell Byers and husband Jimmy; son, Dennis Turpin and wife Sheila; grandchildren, Julie Baty and husband Herb, Selena Phillips and husband Kevin, Lindsey Nichols and husband Johnathan, D.J. Turpin and wife Lauren; great-grandchildren, Sydney, Carter, and Allie Phillips, and Sadie Rose Turpin. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Following the service, a meal will be served in the church fellowship hall and everyone is encouraged to bring a covered dish to the church. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Hunting Creek Baptist Church. The family would like to thank the staff at Oakwood Manor for the wonderful care they gave to Rachel. Memorials can be made to Hunting Creek Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Fund, 15455 Big Island Hwy, Big Island, VA 24526. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

 

Harold Rucker Newman, 58, of Roanoke, died Wednesday, December 11, 2019. He was born in Bedford, VA on March 2, 1961 a son of the late John Lee Newman and Rachel Stanley Newman. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, James Newman, Thomas Newman, Gerald Newman, Joe Newman; and a sister, Bernice Newman. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lori Lewis Newman; daughter, Teresa Frances Owens and husband Kenneth; sons, Jeffery Allen Newman and wife Constance, John Rucker Newman and wife Jessica; grandchildren, Katherine Lewis, Randy Owens, Jeffrey Newman, Jr., Justin Owens, Savannah Owens, Allen Newman, John Newman, Jr., Hayden Newman, Cecil Newman, Nicholas Newman, Jayse Newman; great-grandchildren, Mikah Rabb, Kamiah Rabb; and a brother, Benjamin Newman. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Monday, December 16, 2019 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. A visitation will be held 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Lucille St. Clair Caniff, 100 years of age entered the gates of Heaven on Monday, December 9, 2019. She was born on April 13, 1919 and was the last surviving daughter of S.C.B. St. Clair and Eula White St. Clair. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Floyd E. Caniff; and ten sisters. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Connie Scarrow and husband Jim; niece, Jane Moore (JT); two nephews, Dale Wheeler, David Wheeler; all of whom she loved as if they were her own children. Also surviving are two great-nieces, Jenny Moore, Christina Wheeler; three great-nephews, John Moore, Shane Wheeler, Gabe Wheeler; and two great-great nephews, who were the light of her life as well as Oreo, her cat. Lucille was born and raised in the home built by her Papa and remained there for all but six years of her life. Working as the Candy Counter Sweetheart at a Ft. Lee PX during WWII, she met the love of her life and followed his assignments for the next few years. A lifelong member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School and VBS for many years. According to her wishes, which she made well known, her funeral service will be a closed casket service. She always said “Give me the flowers while I live” so instead of flowers the family would like to suggest that you give a flower to any shut-in you know or make a donation to your favorite charity. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2019 at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Pastors Ben Sturgis and Bill Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. We wish to say a special Thank You to Amedisys Hospice and Home Health for the care and attention given her over the past 4 years and to Shady Grove Fire and Rescue. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.