Judy Faye Overstreet, 72, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born in Bedford, VA on November 27, 1949 a daughter of the late Ishmael and Nettie Overstreet. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Pat Overstreet, Sr.; sons, Pat Overstreet, Jr.  (Shane), Larry Overstreet (Sheree), Dennis “Sockeye” Overstreet (Jenny); brother, Dale Overstreet; two granddaughters, Katie Overstreet, Brandy Eckart (Matt); and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 3, 2022 at Peaks Church Community Cemetery with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Joseph James “Papa” Hancock, Sr., 78, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. He was born in Pamplin, VA on August 11, 1943 a son of the late Charles Hubert Hancock and Virginia Baldwin Hancock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Worrell Hancock. He was retired from Wheelabrator Abrasives. He is survived by his son, Jay Hancock; daughter, Jennifer Carter; granddaughter, Vanessa Carter; grandson, Jesse Hancock and his mother, Angie Huppert; great-granddaughter, Daria Carter; sisters, Cheryl Martin, Audrey Boley and husband Jimmy; nephews, Allen Worrell, Wayne Worrell; special friend, Michael Sipes; and his dog, Taylor Bear. A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Family will receive friends an hour and a half prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Barbara Bierbower Bierer, 88, of Bedford passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. She was born in Hopwood, PA on June 19, 1933 a daughter of the late Robert Elsworth Bierbower and Reba Blaney Bierbower. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph William Bierer; and a brother, James Bierbower. She attended South Union Hopwood School before the family moved to Uniontown in 1941 and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1951. Barbara was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Co, from 1951 to 1959. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Uniontown, PA and then joined Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford where she helped with Sunday School and Bible School. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, serving as Circle Leader and Treasurer. She also served with Joe as Financial Secretary form 1989-1997. Barbara is survived by her children, Charles Bierer and wife Karen, John Bierer, David Bierer, Sara Bavely; grandson, Travis Bierer; and great-grandson, Walker Bierer. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Main Street Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Greer officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Stephen Blake “Steve” Maddox, 70, of Monroe, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on June 5, 1951 a son of the late Alfred Marshall Maddox, Sr. and Mary Burley Maddox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Alfred Maddox, Jr. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a retired truck driver for the United States postal service. Steve is survived by his wife, Tamera Casto Maddox; brother, Bill Maddox; sisters, Violet Blankenship, Jewel Newman and husband Mark; son, Jonathan Maddox; daughter, Kimberly Casey (William); four grandchildren, Kayla, Jessica (Brandon), Gary, Madalyn; two great-grandchildren, Houston, Oakleigh; mother-in-law, Truly Casto; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church, Big Island, VA with Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. A meal will follow the burial in the church fellowship hall. It is recommended that masks been worn to the services. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Martha Amelia Crenshaw Bermudez, 96, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. She was born in Richmond, VA on January 2, 1925 a daughter of the late John David Crenshaw and Mary Henderson Crenshaw. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Ernest Bermudez; sisters, Betty, Helen; and brothers, Carl and Desmond. She was a member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Martha was an avid gardener, antique collector and loved sports. She is survived by her children, George E. Bermudez, Jr. and wife Leona, John Gerard Bermudez, Joseph Wayne Bermudez and wife Irene, Rose Marie Kirby and husband Charles, Manuel Bermudez and wife Pam; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church Cemetery with Deacon Barry welch officiating. A special thanks to the staff at Bedford County Nursing Home for the love and care given. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jack Claudius Johnson, Jr., 86, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2021. He was born in Bedford, VA on October 7, 1935 a son of the late Jack Claudius Johnson, Sr. and Ruby Vassar Johnson. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and he was retired from Rubatex. Jack is survived by his wife, Carol Witt Johnson; children, Kim Hedrick and husband Joey, Jacki Overstreet and husband Terry, Lori Grant, Misty Brewbaker and husband Richard; step-sons, Terry Watson, Todd Watson and wife Amy; brothers, Harvey Johnson and wife Patty, William Johnson; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Pecks Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Sheehan officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to Pecks Baptist Church in his memory. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Alice Elizabeth Hampton, age 80, of Lynchburg, VA walked into the Kingdom of Heaven on Dec 24, 2021, Christmas Eve to have a glorious celebration with precious family who were waiting to greet her at Heaven’s Gate. Winner of the award as the oldest to live in our family history. She had an abundant character and was full of life – very much loved by her family and friends. Alice raised a grandson Joshua D Hampton who became the center of her world.  Technologically savvy – she created her own successful wig online store and co-owner of Image Maker Salon and Wig Studio, Forest VA. Her faith in God helped her to survive the passing’s of a much-loved husband of 50 plus years, Gerald Hampton Sr. in 2012, her son, Gerald Hampton Jr. in 2013 and her grandson Chase Slayton in 2018. Reflecting, thankfully through the surge of Covid we chose to live life as a family unit by continuing to have contact and not separation due to the fears of this world. Family vacations, travel and family dinners of happy moments were shared and will be wonderful memories and Blessings to those of us left behind. Alice is survived by and will be sadly missed by her daughter, Alice “Nicki” Mohler; grandsons, Ryan Slayton and wife Melissa, Joshua Hampton, Eddy Slayton and wife Kristin; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Cayden, Lily, Owen; sister, Gloria Jean Palmer and husband Vince; extended family members; and doting friend, Cathy Barlow. For we were all family and Alice was our matriarch. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Burch and Messier Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford VA with Pastor Vestal Moore officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lynchburg Daily Bread or Bethany United Methodist Church, Rustburg. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Douglas L. Johnson, a lifelong resident of Bedford, VA went home to be with Jesus on December 22, 2021 at the age of 80. Douglas is survived by his two loving sons, Kevin and Eric Johnson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Floyd, beloved wife, Sandra and brother, Duane. Douglas was born in Bedford on June 16, 1941. He was a devoted husband and father. He worked at Sam Moore Furniture for 40+ years. All who knew him will remember his warm smile and willingness to help anyone in need. He was a passionate and proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Douglas also enjoyed fishing and was an animal lover. He took in many stray animals and gave them the love and care they deserved. Douglas will be deeply missed by all his family, friends, and those that knew him. Due to Covid, the family requests no personal visits at this time. In lieu of flowers, Douglas would have encouraged you to consider donating pet food or other supplies to Bedford Animal Hospital located at 1064 Centerville Rd, Bedford, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Darren Robert (Bob) Lohr, 64, of Bedford, VA passed away Monday, December 20, 2021. Bob was born in Amherstdale, WV on October 20,1957 to the late Curry Mark Lohr and Genevieve (Robinson) Lohr. He was predeceased by his older brother David Mark Lohr. Bob is survived by his daughters, Ruby Lohr and Melissa Lohr Riner; grandchildren, Daniel and Maddie Lohr; nieces, Pamela McGarity, Stacey Lohr, Christina Crosby and their families. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Brookhill Wesleyan Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Troy Arthur Rice, 58, of Thaxton, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021. He was born in Topeka, KS on March 4, 1963 a son of the late Theodore Rice and June Keck Rice. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lisa Landrey Rice; five children; five grandchildren; and one sister. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at Thaxton Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Krantz officiating. In lieu of flowers he would have encouraged you to consider a donation to the Bedford Pregnancy Center or Samaritan’s Purse. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.