Normie Witt Looney, 83, of Montvale, died Monday, August 10, 2020. She was born in Montvale, VA on December 4, 1936, a daughter of the late Hubert B. Witt and Elsie Roop Witt. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Witt. Normie loved her family and animals. She is survived by her sons, Ralph Looney and wife, Joyce, David Looney and wife, Belinda, Gerald Looney; daughters, Carol Stackpole and husband Doug, Sharon Ammons; brother, Sam Witt and wife, Kim; sister, Betty Wallentine, sister-in-law, Gail Witt; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews and caretaker, Savannah Renfro. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2020 at Walnut Grove Union Church Cemetery, 6867 Pike Road, Montvale, VA with Pastor Marvin Wedner officiating. Family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jane Whorley Markham, 67, of Big Island, died Monday, August 10, 2020. She was born on May 12, 1953 a daughter of the late George Herman Whorley and Viola Whorley. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers. She is survived by her husband, John Wayne Markham; daughter, Ashley Markham; and a son, Jason Markham. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Larry Ross officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Elizabeth “Ann” Carter Payne of Bedford passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020. She was born in Bedford County on August 17, 1944, daughter of the late Oren A. Carter and Rachel Spradlin Carter. God gained a soldier, yes that’s right a soldier. Even though Ann was never in the military, she was always fighting a battle. Whether it be with friends, a family member or her long history of illness, Ann continued fighting. Ann was known for her braveness, stubbornness and never giving up once she set her mind to it. Even until her last days on earth she never gave up without a fight. We will always cherish memories and use Ann’s strength to guide us through each and every day. She will be remembered by her determination, strong willpower, and her love for her family. Ann was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, & friend. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Thomas; sons, Charles (Pumpkin) Clark and Michael Carter; two grandsons, Noah and Nicholas Thomas; granddaughter, Emily Steen; three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Conner and Parker; three brothers; three sisters and one deceased sister; and dear friend Edward (Mann) Gilmore; and a host of special friends. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 NIV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 A graveside service will be held at Holy Land Cemetery for immediate family only. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360. 

It is with great sorrow and sadness we announce the departure of our beloved father, son, brother and friend, Billy Wayne Hailey, 40 of Hurt, VA on Friday, August 7, 2020. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on March 27, 1980.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Mann Hailey. He was a gentle, easygoing soul who will be greatly missed by all those who loved him dearly. His memory will be cherished and treasured forever. Billy is survived by a son, Caiden Hailey; father, Wayne Hailey; two sisters, Donna Thacker and husband, Rodney, Peggy Hailey; two nieces, Autumn Thacker, Fiona Johnson; and one nephew, Jordan Harris. He also leaves behind a special aunt, Peggy Hailey Johnston; special friends, Roy “Dad” Barnard and Stoney “Brother” Owens. The family would like to give special thanks to Edward and Shirley Compton for their affection. The family will have a service at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.