James ‘Jack’ Myers age 96 passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at his home in Gretna, VA. He was born on October 15, 1923 in News Ferry, VA on the Myers Family Farm in Halifax County. He was the son of the late William Madison Myers Sr. and Minnie Kate Boaze. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Shelton. Also, he was preceded in death by five sisters and eight brothers. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Myers is survived by five daughters and one adopted son; Edith Clark and Ralph of New Bern NC, Deborah Lunsford and the late Wayne Lunsford of Virgilina, VA, Donna Myers of Danville, VA, Jackie Hamlett and Bobby of Providence, NC, Sue Hailey and Roy of Blairs, VA and Rex Neal and Pat of Gretna, VA. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. There are many beloved nieces and nephews. Mr. Myers was an longtime employee of Jefferson Pilot Insurance Company. In his retirement years, he had a big Antique Clock Business at his home which he worked up until he became sick in March 2019. Mr. Myers was a proud WWII Army Veteran, having served in the 17th Airborne Division Paratroopers 513th Company G. He was a Prisoner of War in Germany. He never spoke about his service years until the last year of his life. A Memorial Service will be at Christian Tabernacle Church in Callands, VA on February 22, 2020. There will be visitation for friends and family at 10:00 a.m. and the service to be conducted by his friends, Pastors Roy Parker, L.W. Adams, and Tim Hayes at 11:00 a.m. For memorials, please consider a charity of your choice. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

Leigh Ann Doninger, 51, died peacefully at her home away from home, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center in Rocky Mount, VA on January 29, 2020, with her family at her side.  Leigh was born to Garrett & Carol (Kinlan) Doninger in Bryn Mawr, PA on August 27, 1968, and grew up in Westchester, PA and West Long Branch, NJ.  A devout Catholic, she graduated Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, NJ and then earned her Bachelor’s degree from The College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station, NJ.  Following her heart and passion for educating and helping young children, Leigh began a teaching career while also obtaining her Master’s Degree in Education from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. While Leigh lived most of her life in New Jersey, she did adventure to Southern California for a few years and spent her last 10 years in southwest Virginia. Blind to differences, Leigh lived a full life accepting and caring for others. A quiet servant, her humbleness, patience, generous spirit, forgiving heart, and kindness lifted others up while she quietly stepped back. Leigh’s strong will consistently guided her beyond limits others placed on her, she thrived on challenge and kept a mindset from a very young age of “I can do it myself”.  When not serving others, Leigh enjoyed old TV shows, the Sunday comics, crafting (especially for those in need!), and her pets (Patches & PJ). Leigh continued a strong faith throughout her life as a communicant at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA, and St. Francis of Assisi in Rocky Mount VA. Leigh is survived by her parents, her brother Christopher (Gina) Doninger of San Diego, CA; her sister, Susan (Stephen) Keller of Purcellville, VA; and her beloved two nieces (Erin & Avery) and three nephews (Charlie, Ryan, and Jackson).  She is also survived by her aunt and uncle, and cousins in New Jersey and North Carolina. The family wishes to express our gratitude to the nurses and staff at Red Oak Assisted Living, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center and to the nurses of Carilion Clinic Hospice Care for the loving care that they provided to Leigh. Visitation will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA at 10 AM on Thursday, February 6, 2020 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM.  Interment will follow immediately in the church cemetery.Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Edith Mae Brads Overstreet, 72, of Bedford, died Saturday, January 25, 2020. She was born in Bedford County, on November 11, 1947 a daughter of the late Russell Brads and Stella Hensley Brads. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Eastridge; and a grandson, Matthew Overstreet. She is survived by her husband, Sam Junior Overstreet; sons, Michael Overstreet and wife Christina, Russell Overstreet and wife Wendie; daughter, Tracy Witt; grandchildren, Joshua Overstreet and wife Anjulea, Taylor Overstreet, Samuel Overstreet, Corey Witt, Kayla Witt; great-grandchildren, Austin Puckett, Camden Byer, Ava Overstreet, Avery Overstreet, Aquilla Freeman, Anyla Freeman, Jillyan-Caroline Overstreet, Archer Overstreet; brothers, Vincent Brads and wife Jean, Gene Brads and wife Louise; sisters, Maggie McFaddin and husband Kenny, Mary Minnick, Phyllis Zeigler; numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Precious. A funeral service will be held 2:00, Wednesday, January 29 at New Beginnings Pentecostal Holiness Church, with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. A burial will follow in Holy Land Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Clyde Elwood Johnson, Sr., 86, of Bedford, died Friday, January 24, 2020. He was born in Bedford, VA on December 13, 1933 a son of the late Charlie Payne and Elizabeth Johnson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, George Johnson, Kenneth Brown, Nelson “TT” Brown, Robert Brown; and a sister, Edith Williams. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for twenty years, serving in the Korean conflict. Clyde is survived by his wife, Mary Campbell Johnson; his children, Linda Faye Johnson Swain, Clyde Elwood Johnson, Jr. (Teresa), Chynia Renee Johnson, Dawn Yvette Marshall (James); grandchildren, Shirelle Johnson Claybaugh (Ethan), Amber Marshall Staten (Kyle), Erica Marshall, Christopher Marshall; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Johnson, Camden Johnson, Dallas Johnson, Avah Staten; sister, Lillie Mae Keene (George); niece, Georgette Boyer (Glen); and a host of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

William F.  Davis “Bill”, age 78 of Timberlake, husband of Linda H. Davis went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 23, 2020.  He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Born on June 26, 1941 in Danville VA, he was the son of the late Jewel Leonard Davis and Lois Scearce Davis.  In addition to his wife Linda Hill Davis, he is survived by one brother Rayburn Davis and wife Ann Davis of Danville, two children Blake Edward Davis and wife Laura Knight Davis of South Carolina, Anthony Todd Davis and wife Laura Kay Davis of Lynchburg, 5 grandchildren Camryn, Coltin, and Cassie Davis of South Carolina, Amory and Caelyn Davis of Lynchburg. After his service in the Navy, Bill enjoyed working and cared for the people he worked with, but since retirement his favorite past-time was spending time with family and grandkids.  He enjoyed sports, car shows, & Nascar, but especially loved traveling the countryside with his wife of 51 years.  He will be truly missed by those who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday Jan 26, 2020 at Forest United Methodist Church at 1150 Burnbridge Rd, Forest VA.  In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Pearson Cancer Center or American Cancer Society. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family during this time.

Dennis Wesley Brown, 64, of Roanoke, VA, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. Dennis worked as a videographer for WSLS for many years and WDBJ for over 25 years. He was a professional photographer and photographed many beautiful scenic pictures and weddings. Dennis was a volunteer Fireman at Mount Pleasant for many years in his youth. He loved the outdoors, riding his motorcycle, along with camping and fishing. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dolly Duke Brown Wood and Marvin E. Brown. Surviving to cherish his loving memory are his children, James Brown, Nickolas Brown, and Lauren Brown; mother of his children Teresa Robertson Brown; siblings Douglas Brown (wife Cheri), Susan Brown Parr (husband Tommy), Ann Brown Gause and all of their families. A private service for Dennis will be held by immediate family and close friends at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kevin Wayne Edwards, 58, of Lynchburg, died Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He was born in Bristol, TN on June 25, 1961 a son of the late Priscilla Edwards.

He is survived by his children, Kristen Miller, John David Edwards, Sierra Edwards, Joseph Edwards; mother of his children, Tamara Caissie; mother and father-in-law, Bill and Bonnie Picking.

A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Tree of Life Ministries, Lynchburg, with Rev. Keith Vinson officiating. Burial will follow in the Tree of Life Cemetery in Altavista. Family will receive friends from 2:30 – 3:00 at the church.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Patricia Gale Gross Morgan, 72, of Bedford, died Saturday, January 18, 2020. She was born in Bedford County on February 18, 1947 a daughter of the late Clyde Edward Gross and Mary Wheeler Gross. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Walter Morgan. She is survived by her daughter, Vanessa Morgan; sisters, Charlotte Stavrakis and husband Frank, Deborah McGuire; aunt, Shelvye Foutz; step-son, Mark Morgan; several special nieces and a nephew; and many dear special friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Bob Johnson went home with Christ on January 18, 2020.  He was a member of Halesford United Methodist Church, under Rev. Kelvin Edwards, Sr.  Bob served for 21 years in the Navy, and could fix almost anything mechanical or electrical.  He loved kittens and bottle fed 2 cats, but somehow, we ended up with 10+ cats at one time, some of whom slept with us, which Bob reveled in.  He suffered from strokes, starting in March, 2009, and in September, 2011, had a stroke that put him in a wheelchair, and put him on a feeding tube.  He kept his faith in God and his sense of humor, whatever the trial, attending church, going to movies, Adult Day Care, or suffering with wife Betty’s cooking.  He could roll his eyes and sigh until the end of his life, especially when Betty said, during a movie or TV show, “Look, it takes a woman!  See, she saved the day!”  Bob was a loving, though at times, sarcastic, husband, father and grandfather.  Bob was a regular at the VA Emergency Room, where he was always treated with respect, dignity and humor, and we are grateful to them.  The family gives thanks to God, who got us through this 10-year journey, and all who prayed for us and are still praying for me!!  The family also thanks the VA, especially Primary Care Clinic II, Dr. Lentz and Nurse Sarah, to the VA Respite Department, Optical Doctors, Podiatry Doctors, Hospice Department, PCU, Health Benefits, with Jennifer and Holly, to all that provided excellent care and support.  The family would also like to thank Bedford Adult Day Care for all their help and support.  Thank you to Burch-Messier Funeral Home for your help in fulfilling Bob’s wish to donate his body to science.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Halesford United Methodist Church, 1601 Lakewood Forest Road, Moneta, VA, 24121, or Bedford Humane Society, 829 Ole Turnpike Road, Bedford, VA 24523.  The Celebration of Life will be at Halesford United Methodist Church, at the address above, at a date TBD.