Patricia Joy Hamilton Short, 81, of Bedford, died Thursday, March 23, 2023 in Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born in Baltimore, MD on September 15, 1941, a daughter of the late Charles Francis Hamilton, Jr. and Etta Linnie Jacobs Hamilton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Ashton Short. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Fred (Sonny) Short; a daughter, Valerie Eckroth (Tim); a son, Vince Short (Shawn); grandchildren, Aeneva Eckroth, Alden Short and girlfriend, Dragana; Jarrett Short and fiancée, Amanda; Alainey Drane (Jacob); great grandchildren, Journey Short and Charlie Drane.. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at New London Church, 12371 E. Lynchburg Salem Tpke, Forest. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home.

Aurelia “Faith” Eubank Hackworth, 57, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on August 14, 1965 a daughter of Opal Hensley Eubank and the late Lewis Guy Eubank. Faith was a hairdresser at Advanced Hair Fashions. In addition to her mother, Faith is survived by her daughter, Autumn Hope Hackworth; aunts, Deanna Slaughter, Mona DeWitt, Zenda Eubank, Freda Easterly; uncle, Cecil Eubank, numerous cousins, and all of her friends and clientele that she considered her family. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bedford Hospice. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ronald Lee Rood, 73, of Big Island, went to be with the Lord on March 22, 2023 at his home with his family by his side.  He was born in West Virginia on February 7, 1950 a son of the late Bill and Velma Rood.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William Jackson (B.J.) Rood, brothers, Paul Atkins and Glen Rood; and a sister, Barbara Atkins.   Ron is survived by his wife of 22 years, Lisa Mitchen Rood; two sons, Adam Rood and Justin Rood; his mother-in-law, Juanita Mitchen, sister-in-law, Rebecca Harrison (Daniel); brothers-in-law, Ronnie Mitchen (Stephanie); Robert Mitchen (his friend, Rosa) and a host of nieces and nephews.  Ron loved bluegrass music, singing and playing his guitar and often played for his wife to sing in church.  He loved spending time with his family.  Ron also loved to cook and he enjoyed good food.  A funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, with Rev. Larry Ross and Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating.  The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ernest Dewey “Blue” Markham, 77, of Big Island, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023. He was born in Bedford, VA on January 10, 1946 a son of the late James Leonard Markham and Ola Wilson Smith. We also remember his siblings, Frank, Lewis, Edith, Marie, and Barbara. He retired from Georgia Pacific and he enjoyed all of his special bear hunting friends. Blue is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Emma Jean Branch Markham; daughter, Debbie M. Burks and husband Ken; son, Trampas Markham and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Aimee Casey and husband Zack, Kandace Burks and fiancé Hunter, Samantha Jimick and husband Spencer, T.J. Markham Jr., Dustin Markham, Kyle Bowyer; great-grandchildren, Addy, Ryland; sister, Delores “Punkin” Wilson and husband Riley;  sister-in-law, Bessie Markham Christian; brother-in-law, Brent Campbell; brothers and sisters-in-law, David Branch, Rosie Rice, Velma Simpson and husband Eddie, Sherry Byers and husband Gary, Barbara Branch, Liz Branch; and many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., on Friday, at Hunting Creek Baptist Church followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Tracy Leigh Phipps Trinidad was born (January 15, 1971) and raised in Burtonsville, MD. Tracy attended Paint Branch High School, where she excelled in academics, sports, community, and leadership. She was captain of the Pom Squad, played softball, basketball and maintained a very high GPA while working at Brass Duck Restaurant & Phillips Crab House in Ocean City, MD. Tracy’s academic focus was always supporting Human Rights throughout her collegiate studies at University of Maryland majoring in International Studies, and then finishing her degree at Florida International University (while working at Outback in Miami, FL.) Tracy pursued a master’s degree at American University in International Affairs / South America (spoke Spanish, French, a little Russian) , and was a researcher and Associate Producer at Cronkite Ward & Company and a statistician supporting the U.S. Government. Tracy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1998 while filming a Discovery Channel show. Tracy married Will Trinidad in 1999. Tracy gave birth to son Antonio Jack (AJ) in 2001 and Walker Clemente in 2005. Tracy’s MS progressed but her faith and optimistic spirit never wavered. She was on the TYSABRI medication AND WORKED EVERY DAY TO BE THE BEST PERSON SHE COULD BE. Tracy moved back with her parents at Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia in 2008 and joined the Resurrection Catholic Church. Because of her MS medication, the JC virus was able to attack her brain and a diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) occurred in 2013, which had a 100% mortality rate at that time. The doctors gave her a life expectancy of 3 months. God worked his many Tracy miracles and Tracy’s determination grew stronger to be cured. With the unwavering love and support of family and friends, Tracy valiantly fought this disease and MS for another ten years, while always maintaining a positive outlook, kind demeanor and grace filled soul. Tracy went to be with our Creator on 18 March 2023 and in her final act of grace and generosity, she donated her body to science to help researchers map future treatments. Tracy Leigh Phipps Trinidad is survived by her loving mom, Gail Phipps, sons AJ (21), Walker (17) and sisters; Liz Coppa, Kelly Phipps, Carla Langjahr, and Lauren Sanders; and many other family members and caring and appreciative friends. As one of her friends said “Tracy has inspired so many of us with her infectious kindness, love of life, and deep faith. Though we are grieving the loss on this side, heaven just got even better!” Every Morning she greeted her family with a radiant smile and the words “Happy, Happy, Happy”. Try it. It might make your life better. Donations can be sent to the National MS Society or Resurrection Catholic Church. A memorial mass will be said at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March, 23, 2023 at Resurrection Catholic Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jane Tucker Durham Hume of Lynchburg, Virginia, formerly of Columbia, Kentucky, entered into her heavenly home on March 17, 2023, after an extensive battle with cancer.  She was born August 6, 1951 to O.A. “Cotton” and Frances Durham, who preceded her in death. She was a teacher for 50 years in both Kentucky and Virginia, she loved watching children learn and grow.  For several years she served as a representative with the Kentucky Education Association (KEA) and the National Education Association (NEA).  She was a graduate of Western Kentucky University and a member of Phi Mu fraternity.  While living in Kentucky, she was a member of the Columbia Baptist Church, becoming a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church after relocating to Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Hunter & Joyce Durham.  She is survived by one daughter, Amy Durham Kidd; and two grandchildren, Hayley Durham Kidd and Zachary Alden Kidd, all of Appomattox, Virginia.  She is also survived by one niece, Stacey Wilson (Mark); and one nephew, Robb Durham (Virginia), her dear friend, Sheila Roach, as well as a host of other family and friends.  Cremation has been selected with interment to be held in Columbia, Kentucky at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude, the Croft family announces the passing of their loving mother, Antonia (Jean) Yates Croft. After a long and courageous battle with paralysis, she went to be with her Lord on March 17, 2023 and is now reunited with her beloved husband of 60 years, Andrew (Bernie) Croft. Jean was born July 17, 1943 and preceded in death by her parents, Anton (Tony) David Yates and Nellie Wingfield Yates as well as two sisters, Louvenia Wheat Harris and Dorothy Wheat Overstreet. She is remembered with love by her four sons, Tony Croft (Laurie), Bernie Croft (Cheryl), Scott Croft and Eric Croft (Cindy).  She leaves six grandchildren, Ryan Croft, Ashley Croft, Andrea Croft, Tori Croft, Christian Croft and Madison Croft, all of whom she was so very proud.  She is also survived by her sister, Marie Yates Dye and her sisters-in-law, Phyllis Croft Nattsas (Steve), Shirley Croft Abbot (Reid), brother-in-law, William Earl Croft (Maria), her sister-in-law Audrey Croft Laughlin (Arnold) and many nieces and nephews. Jean grew up, married and raised her family in the Goode/Cifax area and was known and loved by many. She will be remembered for her straightforward honesty and her great generosity.  She worked in finance all of her adult life.  Upon retirement, she loved to just get in the car with Bernie and be surprised about where they would end up on their adventures.  She was a devoted and faithful member of Norwood Baptist Church. The family is grateful to Cindy Carter for the loving care, affection and companionship she always gave and especially since we lost Bernie a few months ago.  We are also grateful to Brenda Hill for the years of faithful service in caring for Jean and to Mary and the whole Hospice team for their kindness and gentle care.  There are no words that can adequately express the blessing that these caregivers have been to Jean. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 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 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Bedford Hospice House or Norwood Baptist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dorothy (Dottie) Ann Letoile, 90 years old, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Dottie is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Rob, her four children, Lisa Sayers, Shelley Goodwin (Doug), Kim Flournoy (Rob) and Robert Letoile Jr.  She was Meme to her seven grandchildren, Lyndsey Farmer, Courtney Wills, Carly Suter, Luke Goodwin, Abbie Flournoy, Tyler Flournoy and Kathryn Letoile and to her nine great-grandchildren who she loved dearly. Dottie was born in Haverhill, MA on October 5, 1932 to Maurice & Gladys Mansur.  She spent most of her life in Hampstead, NH where she and her husband both grew up and raised their 4 children.   They moved to Bedford, VA in 2007 to be closer to family. Dottie was an avid crafter and enjoyed spending time surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We also want to thank all of the staff at Bedford County Nursing Home.  They have gone above and beyond and we are forever grateful. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Judy Gayle Witt Tuck, 67, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023. She was born in Bedford, VA on February 26, 1956 a daughter of the late Clarence Johnson Witt and Anna Johnson Witt. She is survived by her sons, Harley Powell and wife Karla, Benjamin Tuck and Crystal Whiley; grandchildren, Brooke Tuck, Luke Tuck, Callie Ann Tuck, Brittany Ponder, Hailey Powell, Blaze Powell; great-grandchildren, Tucker Mitchell, Emmett Snead, Aislin Ponder; brother Jeff Witt; and sister, Deb Carlson. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. The family asks that you join them for food and fellowship immediately following the service at 578 Blue Ridge Avenue, Bedford, Westgate Shopping Center.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Thomas Preston Fuller, 67, of Lynchburg, died Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Lynchburg General Hospital.  He was born in South Boston, VA on March 18, 1955, a son of the late William Preston Fuller and Virginia Davis Fuller.  He is survived by his siblings, William Lee Fuller and wife, Carolyn; JoAnn Fuller Brantley; Charles Earl Fuller and wife, Patty.  Per Thomas’s wishes he was cremated and there will be no services. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.