Barbara Gayle Allen Lindsey, 56, of Phenix VA, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2022 at her home. She was born on March 10, 1966. Barbara enjoyed decorating her yard and growing flowers. She is survived by her three children, Crystal Wong of Nathalie VA, Ashley Wimbish (Derrick) of Cumberland VA, and Cody Allen of Phenix VA; and seven grandchildren, (Crystal) Cloe, Chase, Lawrence, Everett, (Ashley) Derrick, Colton, and Waylon. A special thanks to her best friend Jack Pillow of Phenix and Gloria Carter of Appomattox. The family will accept friends and family on January 7, 2022 at Barbara’s home, 4606 Pillow Road Phenix, VA 23959. Come any time between 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. to visit with the family and have refreshments. Any flowers will be received at the same address. Casual dress is fine. “Where do I take this pain of mine, I run but it stays right by my side, so tear me open and pour me out, there’s things inside that scream and shout, And the pain still hates me, so hold me until it sleeps” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
William Ezra Brown, Sr., 92, of Evington, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022. He was born in Hickory, North Carolina on December 24, 1930 a son of the late Clifton Odell Brown and Braskie Hicks Brown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Angie Johnson Brown; two sisters; and three brothers. William proudly served his country in the United States Army; serving during the Korean War. He is survived by his children, Vickie Newman; William E. Brown, Jr “Bill”. and wife Diane, Valerie Hunter; ten grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and sisters, Faye Brittain, Dolly Lail, Dorothy Hedrick, and Ruby Auton. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Diuguid Funeral Home, Waterlick Chapel with Carlton Duck officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Diuguid Funeral Home. Military honors presented by American Legion Post #16. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Maria Hubertina Bower, 88, of Moneta, VA passed away peacefully, after a short illness, at her home on December 15, 2022. Maria, known as “Tini” was born to Leonardus and Anna Philippi on July 11, 1934 in Valkenburg, the Netherlands. When she was only six years old, the German soldiers invaded her hometown until the Americans liberated it in 1944. Tini and her family came to know many Americans during the liberation which helped her accept a position as a governess for a foreign diplomat in the United States when she was in her 20’s. She lived in Chevy Chase, MD and one night, she met George Bower at a church-sponsored young adult club. Within just three weeks, before Tini had to return home, they were engaged! They married on October 22, 1963 in Valkenburg. Tini and George started their marriage in a small apartment in Chevy Chase, MD. In 1966 they moved into a home in Sterling, VA where they raised their daughters. A job change for George took them to Maryville, TN in 1990 and then in 2000 they moved to their final location of Moneta. In every place, Tini took a house and turned it into a home. She made friends no matter where she went and took the time to get to know people and truly care for them. She loved throwing parties where she was always the center of attention, commanding the room. She was also the ultimate host and tour guide for visiting relatives and friends. Tini lived her life as a true servant of God. Even with three children of her own, she became a foster mother in 1976 and spent 14 years caring for an incredibly diverse group of children, from two-week old infants to a 17-year old girl. As she said at the time, “You feel so sad that you can’t do more, but I hope all the love will help.” While living in Tennessee at the age of 62, Tini decided she wanted to become a U.S. Citizen and was sworn in on September 19, 1996. She always took her right and ability to vote seriously. In Moneta, Tini and George were very active in the Lake Christian Ministries food pantry for many years. They were both raised in the Catholic faith and faithfully attended and served in various capacities at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. Tini’s life is so hard to reduce to just a few paragraphs as she was larger than life! She loved her family, particularly being an Oma to her grand-children, doing puzzles, reading romance novels, gardening, putting pepper on almost everything she ate, the catfish and Sunday breakfasts at Hot Shots, making and eating Wiener schnitzel, and sitting on her front porch in the mornings drinking a cup of coffee. Tini LOVED her coffee. She also enjoyed making many trips back to her hometown and showing off her family. Even though she lived in the United States, Tini was very close with her family in Holland, including all her nieces and nephews. Tini is survived by her husband George, her three daughters, Zita Barree (Michael), Elisabeth Ward (Nathan), and Rose Bennett (Robert), and her five grandchildren, Augusta, Jared, Stefan, Allison and Nicholas. A memorial service for Tini will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Resurrection Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donations to Lake Christian Ministries. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Andrew Bernard (Bernie) Croft went to be with his Lord on December 13, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Born June 19, 1940 to William Bryan Jennings Croft and Frances Reynolds Croft. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Yates Croft. He was father to Tony Croft (Laurie), Bernie Croft (Cheryl), Scott Croft and Eric Croft (Cindy). He leaves six grandchildren, Ryan Croft, Ashley Croft, Andrea Croft, Tori Croft, Christian Croft and Madison Croft, all of whom he adored. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marie Dye. Bernie was big brother to Phyllis Croft Nattsas (Steve), Shirley Croft Abbott (Reid), William Earl Croft (Maria) and Audrey Croft Laughlin (Arnold) all of whom survive. Bernie was a great sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. Before becoming ill, he traveled extensively. He visited all of the continental United States including Alaska. He was retired from Babcock and Wilcox, Mt. Athos, after many years of service. He was active in his community as part of the Jaycees and the Goode Ruritans. He also taught gun safety courses at our local community center. He was a loyal and faithful member of Norwood Baptist Church. The family is grateful to Bernie’s daughter-in-law, Cheryl for her faithful service in his care. The family also thanks Cindy Carter for her excellent care of their parents. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Norwood Baptist Church with Rev. Sam Stump officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
