Jeryl S. Bryant, Sr., 82, of Vinton, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020. He was born on October 31, 1937 a son of the late Harry Jason Bryant and Mary James Bryant. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters, Louise Gordon, Hortense Spencer, Eunice Woodson, Audrey St. Clair, Nancy Gray, Onita Bryant, and twin, Joann Pace; and son-in-law, Tommy (Joe) Tribbett, Jr. Jeryl was an employee of N&W railroad from 1953-1992. He was a self-employed painter and a medic in the Army Nation Guard. Jeryl had beautiful flower beds he continuously worked in and he loved Nascar, Ford motor sports, country music, square dancing, and watching Hee Haw. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda D. Bryant; children, Jeryl S. Bryant, Jr. and wife, Donna, Kelly Tribbett, Kecia Bryant and Chris Hyde, Tonya Epperly and David Wheeler; sister, Edna Falls; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four spoiled dogs. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Mountain View Cemetery, 1401 Mountain View Rd, Vinton, with Rev. Terry Hodges officiating. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Main Street location, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford. Flowers are appreciated or in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the S.P.C.A., Angels of Asissi, or your local animal shelter. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Norma “Jean” Moore Mitchell, 86, of Goode, passed away Monday, July 27, 2020. She was born on October 21, 1933 to the late Kahle and Ruby Moore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James V. Mitchell; and a son, James K. Mitchell. In 1967, she and her husband brought their two boys to Goode and established Mitchell Family Farms. Her boys were her pride and joy. Jean was an incredible woman. She loved her family fiercely and without conditions. She was a woman of many talents who will be remembered for her sense of humor and quick wit. She was an avid reader and you could always find her at the kitchen table reading a good book. She will be greatly missed. Jean is survived by her son, David (Lisa); devoted sister, Sammie Flannagan (Hobert); four grandchildren, Chrissy Richey (Sean), Jessica Walker (Daniel), Jamie Frank (Jon), and Amanda Schmitt (Jason); nine great-grandchildren, Daniel, Ajay, Nathan, and Kayla Walker, Devon and Tyler Richey, Addy and Lilly Jean Frank, and Nora Jean Schmitt. She is also survived by three special nieces, Kay and Becky Flannagan and Patti Wood (Keith). A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Goode Rescue Squad. Please visit www.burch-messier.com for condolences. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736

Mary Katherine Meisel Key, age 77, passed away peacefully in her home on July 24, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Hugh Dennis Key, and their three children, Miranda (Keith) Willis, Brian (Tammy) Key and Heather (Jon) Snead.  Mary was born to Edward and Dorothy Meisel and raised in Midland MI, along with her beloved sisters Nancy (Will) Roberts and Laura (Steve) LaLonde. Mary treasures and was treasured by her sisters, her children, and especially her eight grandchildren –Kaeden Stewart and Mckenna Willis; Brianna, Zach and Alex Key; and Cabel, Nick and Sam Snead. Mary touched us every day with her gentle nature and positive outlook on life, overcoming chronic pain to bring a kind smile, words of encouragement, and a helping hand for her friends and family. Always active in her community, Mary freely shared her uplifting spirit — through song with the Trinity choir and Silvernotes choral group, discussions with her Bible study group and as a longtime member of the Moneta Red Hats Club.  Mary was also a regular at the YMCA in Bedford where she participated weekly in water aerobics. Hugh and Mary enjoyed travel together, and often joined trips with Road Scholars that took them all over the world, bringing those cultures to light for Mary and satisfying her intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas and ways of life. All of us who knew Mary know how much she enjoyed passing time with her knitting.  In addition to sharing her creations as gifts for family and friends, her generous nature brought her to creating knit caps for newborns, scarves for young children and caps for soldiers that were donated to multiple groups. Mary graduated from University of Michigan as a registered nurse. She started her nursing career in Charlottesville Va, where she met and married her husband Hugh, and even after leaving her hospital-based nursing career behind, Mary continued to keep her RN status current for many years thereafter.  After living in nine states together, Hugh and Mary settled in Moneta, Virginia, where they have lived happily for the last 13 years.   Mary and Hugh found their spiritual home in Trinity Ecumenical Church in Moneta, where she will find her eternal resting place of peace. A celebration of life service will be held when there are no longer restrictions on group gatherings. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Christian Ministries. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Letha Ann “Lea” Simpkins, 78, of Bedford, died Wednesday, July 22, 2020. She was born in Bedford, VA on August 25, 1941, the daughter of the late Fulton Wright Fuqua and Ruth Craig Fuqua. Lea was a lifelong resident of Bedford County. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and a beloved teacher; retiring from Bedford County Public Schools. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Gardner Simpkins, Jr.; three daughters, Sydney S. Schatz, Courtney S. Garner and husband Dennis, Hunter Simpkins and husband Patrick Gustin; grandchildren, Olivia and Eric Garner; and many cousins. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. Dawn Compton officiating. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

George William Albach 75, of Huddleston, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Lynchburg General Hospital surrounded by his four beloved children. He was born on Saturday, November 4, 1944 in Bayonne, NJ, the firstborn son of the late George Albach and Mary Albach. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Linda Albach. George was the owner of Property Damage Appraisers for 23 years, a successful franchise he started in his barn located on his 121-acre property, which he lovingly named Sharaman Farm. Prior to moving south and living out his very own American dream, he lived in Toms River, NJ, and owned and operated Grove Auto Body Shop located in Ocean Grove, NJ. Surviving are his two sons, George T. Albach of Danville; Geoffrey C. Albach and wife, Katherine of Huddleston; two daughters, Amanda Henderson and husband, Scott Henderson of Arlington; Sharon Brown and husband, Jonathan Brown of Huntersville, NC; two brothers, Carl Albach and wife, Alexis of Central City, KY; Tom Albach of Huddleston; a sister, Mary Arnold and husband, Ray of Weatherford, TX; nine grandchildren, C.J., Kaitlin, Mason, Gray, Quinn, Ashton, Adelyn, Miller and Clara; and two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Colton. A celebration of life gathering will be held at the family’s farm, time and date are TBD. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Leslie C. Kidd, 66, of Concord died Monday, July 20, 2020. He was born in Nelson County on July 16, 1954, a son of the late Willie Cabel Kidd and Mildred Coffey Kidd. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a half-brother, Elwood Kidd; and nephew, Jimmy Nelson Kidd. Leslie is survived by one son, Chris Kidd of Concord; two daughters, Krystal Kidd and Tammie Kidd of West Bend, WI; six grandchildren, Corey, Selena, Alexis, Alayna, Kyra, and Kyndra Kidd; one brother, Cecil Kidd of Madison Heights; three sisters, Ursula Martin of Amherst, Nancy Coleman of Madison Heights, Shirley Marsh of Appomattox; numerous nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Timothy Greer. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Fort Hill Memorial Park. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jerry Glenn Sines, 59, of Bedford, died Monday, July 20, 2020. He was born in Bedford, VA on September 20, 1960 a son of the late James Edward Sines, Sr. and Annie Overstreet Sines. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, James Sines, Jr.  Jerry is survived by his son, Dewayne Sines and wife Katie; daughter, Tabitha Sines; sisters, Lisa Sines, Tina Conway, Ann Hamilton and husband Billy, Shelby Overstreet, Anna Hoffman; brothers, Curtis Sines, Douglas Hoffman and wife Heather; fourteen grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with John Sines, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Timber Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Katherine Parker Barlow, 86, of Bedford departed this life Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Oakwood Health and Rehab. She was born in Bedford, Co September 13, 1933 to  the late Oscar B. and Nannie M. Parker. Katherine was also preceded in death by her husband, John D. Barlow; grandchild, Brandy Barlow, Five sisters; Four brothers; Two sisters-in-law; Two brothers-in-law. She is survived by her children, Cathy Barlow, Deborah Barlow, David Barlow and wife Kim, Linda Barlow, Pamela Adams and husband Frank, and Johnny Barlow; Seven grandchildren; Eleven Great-grandchildren; Two sisters; Three brothers; Four sisters-in-law; One brother-in-law; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank the Nurses, CNA’s, and Doctors at Oakwood Health and Rehab and Centra Bedford Hospice for their excellent care, and love given to our mother. Thank you will never be enough for all you have done for her. The family would like to thank everyone for all of there prayers, kindness, love, visits, gifts,and well wishes shown to our mother while she was at Oakwood. She genuinely enjoyed each and every one. May God continue to bless you all. A Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 20, at Western Light Baptist Church Cemetery Bedford, with Rev. James E. Johnston, Jr. officiating. Family will receive friends 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA 24523.  Burch Messier Funeral Home, 317 West Main Street, Bedford (540-586-7360) is assisting the family.  

Marvin Eugene Ware, born in Amherst County on October 25, 1928, passed away on July 9, 2020 at Lynchburg General Hospital.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Virginia Ware, two brothers, Bill Ware and Jerry Ware, a sister, Ella Mae Maynard, a daughter, Debbie Thomas, a son, Lloyd Holloran, and daughter-in-law, Valerie Holloran.  He is survived by his wife, of 52 years, Audrey Ware, his children, Donna George (Doug) of Carmel, CA; and Patty Moore (Mike), Keith Holloran (Jan), Rickey Holloran, Mike Templeton (Deborah), and Lawrence Holloran, all of Lynchburg.  In addition, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  Marvin was passionate about truck driving and loved being on the road.  He retired as owner-operator of Commercial Trucking in 2009.  He also enjoyed hunting and camping.  Our heartfelt thanks to Lynchburg General Hospital and the staff of the Pulmonary Unit and STICU, as well as UVA Dialysis center staff who took such special care of him.  Those wishing to make memorial contributions, please consider, CASA of Lynchburg, Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center, or your charity of choice.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Burch-Messier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Telsie Charles Haga, 87, of Bedford died Tuesday, July 7, 2020. He was born in Whitetop (Grayson County, VA) on February 3, 1933, a son of the late James Virgil Haga and Clyde Gamble Haga . Telsie was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hazel Norris Haga; three sisters and eight brothers. Telsie was a member of Bedford Baptist Church, the Liberty Class and the Joyful Singers.  He was a proud Army Veteran who served during the Korean War from 1950-1953.  Telsie was a kind and gentle soul who loved the Lord, his family and his country. Telsie is survived by son, Lamie Haga and wife,  Pam of Pine Mountain, GA; daughters, Leigh Anne Carroll and husband, Barry of Bedford, Sandra Jones and husband, Nelson of Amherst, VA; grandchildren, MaryAnn Jones and husband Dr. Kyle Meikle of Baltimore, MD; Holly Jones of Lynchburg, VA, Dennis Haga of Asheboro, NC, Chelsea Foust and husband, Jordon of Thomasville, NC, Laura Leigh Haga of Athens, GA, Sarah Anne Carroll of Richmond,VA, Nelson Carroll of Roanoke,VA, Lamie Carroll of Kansas City, Missouri, Emily Carroll of Richmond, VA; great-grandchildren, Mary Beth Foust, Braxton Foust, Brennan Foust, Bethan Meikle-Jones, Malcolm Meikle-Jones; Sisters-in-law, Grace Haga of Whitetop; Helen Haga Deathridge of Richmond, Tommie Haga of Maryland; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.  A graveside memorial service will be held 9:00 a.m. Monday morning, July 13, 2020 at the columbarium at Oakwood Cemetery off of Park Street with Dr. David L. Henderson officiating. Face Coverings are required at the service, and we will be practicing social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please consider Bedford Baptist Church www.bedfordbaptist.org or Bedford Area Hospice 1621 Whitfield Dr. Bedford, Va. 24523.  Arrangements by Burch Messier Funeral Home, 317 West Main Street, Bedford (540-586-7360) is assisting the family.