Catherine “Jean” Roberts Beard, 79, of Bedford VA died Wednesday, February 24, 2021. She was born in Covington, VA on January 10, 1942, a daughter of the late Lawrence Talman Roberts, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Newcomer Roberts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Nancy R. Fitzgerald and Loretta R. Jones. Jean was retired from Rubatex and Bedford County Public Schools. Left to cherish her memory, a daughter, Melinda J. Beard Crouch (Ronnie); grandsons, Christopher W. Crouch, Brandon M. Crouch; sister, Dot Miller (Randy); brothers, Larry Roberts (Debbie), Richard Roberts (Sherry); brothers-in-law, Wayne Fitzgerald, Gerald Jones; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Terry Lee Thomason 61, of Vinton, Virginia, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, February 19, 2021. Terry is survived by his long-time partner, Clarice Roberson; Daughters, Traci Vest and Sonya Thomason; sons, Dexter Thomason and Randy Thomason; sister, Wanda Terry; brother, Calvin Thomason; and numerous others, including grandchildren, family, and friends. Terry is preceded in death by his mother, Lois Higgins; his father, Carl Dexter Thomas Jr.; Son, Samuel Morgan Thomason; and two sisters Debra St. Clair and Brenda Price. Terry fought an excruciating battle with many illnesses including COPD and Cancer. He was a very private person and was not often open about his struggles. His family misses him terribly, but is comforted in knowing that his mind and his body are no longer fighting one another. Terry was extremely funny, caring, and enthusiastic. Before this debilitating and invasive disease took over, he enjoyed a cold beer, good music, delicious food, spending time with friends and family, and spending time outdoors. Due to the current global pandemic, we will not hold a public memorial ceremony at this time. 
Michael P. Roberts passed away peacefully on February 18, 2021 at the age of 68. He was born on August 24, 1952 in Norfolk, VA to parents Virginia and Alexander Roberts. He attended Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, VA and entered the United States Army following graduation and later became a certified welder. Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and could often be found in his boat along with his wife fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. He grew up in Chesapeake, VA and later moved to Big Island, VA and attended Tabernacle Church of God with his wife until his health declined. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Alexander Roberts; sister, Andrea K. Conway; aunt and uncle, Lucille and Dewey Harrell. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 43 years, Denise Roberts; daughter, Kristin Snead and husband, Jason Snead; and granddaughter, Cay Snead; son, Jason Roberts; and grandchildren, Trayce and Vann; cousins, Allen and Billy Harrell; and many friends. Due to the pandemic the family will have a memorial service at a later time. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Anne Marie (Morrissey) Wright, daughter of William & Irene Morrissey, born in Brooklyn, New York March 9, 1934, died peacefully February 12, 2021. A homemaker in the absolute best sense of the word, she was described right up until the end by all who met her as lovely and sweet. Recently predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Harold Wright. She is survived by her seven children, Michael (Fran), Beth Halsey (Bill), Theresa Slason (Shawn), Susan Calsetta, Deborah Coughlan (Kevin), David (Joanne), and Laura Stankiewicz (David); seventeen grandchildren, Paul, Emily, Thomas, Michelle, Elizabeth, Stephen, Julia, Danielle, Alex, Ryan, Eric, Brian, Kimberly, Daniel, Mark, Joseph, and Nicole, and two great-grandchildren, Georgiana and Shawn; all of whom were the joy of her life. Also survived by her sister, Irene Reda and pre-deceased by brother, Thomas Morrissey. Funeral Mass and Memorial celebration to be postponed until gathering together is a viable option. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home. 
Elsie Marie Graham Hatcher, 89, of Bedford, died Tuessday, February 9, 2021. She was born in Bedford on May 27, 1931, a daughter of the late, George Wesley Graham and Marguerite Hardy Graham. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Courtney Valentine Hatcher, Jr.; and her brother, Wesley Graham. Elsie loved her family dearly and had a tremendous love for animals, having rescued over 100 in her lifetime. She is survived by her sons, Robyn C. Hatcher; Mark W. Hatcher and his wife, Caroline; four grandsons, Todd Hatcher and wife, Kim; Cody Hatcher and wife, Karen; John Hatcher and wife, Becca and Orry Hatcher and fiancée, Nicole; two great-grandsons, Sam Hatcher and Logan Hatcher; her sister, Laura Graham Beniger and husband, Ben; her nephew, Steven and his wife, Tammy and their two children; her brother-in-law, Johnny Hatcher and his wife, Teresa. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor may be made to the Bedford Humane Society, 829 Ole Turnpike Dr. Bedford, VA 24523. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, with Rev. June Carpenter officiating. Masks and social distancing will be required. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Walnut St. Chapel, 540-586-7360.
James Robert Koons, 73, of Big Island, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021. He was born in Jersey Shore, PA on March 17, 1947, a son of the late Donald Edmund Koons and Mabel Wilson Koons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Florence Daugherty Koons; and siblings, Martha Koons, Donny Koons, William Koons, Louis Matthew. He loved his family, brothers, sisters and his church family. He was a Christian man that loved the Lord God and was faithful until the end. Bob Lauver you have been a blessing to my dad and we thank you. He is survived by his children, Helen Walters, James Koons, Jr., Robbie Showers, Rachel Lucas; siblings, Kenny Koons, Raymond Koons, Jacky Koons, Tommy Koons, Dale Koons, Judy Miller, Mary Ellen Getgen; eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.