Lucy Maude Morris, 97, a life-long resident of Evington, passed away August 29, 2023 at her home. An open house celebration of her life will be held at Evington Methodist Church (corner of Colonial Hwy, RT 24, and Church Lane) on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Bring a snack to share if you wish.  (You know she loved a good snack!) Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Christopher Darrell Reynolds, 53, of Thaxton, VA, passed away on August 29th, 2023. He was born in Roanoke, Va. on April 21, 1970. Chris was the son of Sara Barbour Fowler. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tony Reynolds; who welcomed him with open arms.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by brothers, Rodney and Glen Reynolds; sister, Tara Sheets (Todd); nephews, Dustin (Duck) Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, Grayson Sheets, Griffin Sheets; niece, Jennifer Stokes; and love of his life & caregiver Tonya Nance.  Many thanks to Pastor Roy Burton & the staff of Centra Hospice in Bedford for such wonderful support, kindness & care.  The family is confident Chris is racing his Suzuki GSXR on the golden streets of Heaven, pain free.  A celebration of Chris’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Hortense Coffey Kennedy, 95, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023. She was born on April 16, 1928 a daughter of the late Dillard Emmett Coffey, Sr. and Linda Sanderson Coffey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold David Kennedy.  She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Glass and husband, John.  A private burial service was held in Greenwood Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ann Brent App, 89, passed away on August 28, 2023 peacefully in her sleep cared for lovingly at the Elms. Ann grew up in Lynchburg where she graduated from E. C. Glass High School. This was the start of her career as an author and editor of The Critic, E. C. Glass’ student publication. Ann went on to earn degrees from the University of Richmond, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia. Ann retired from teaching in Richmond and Lynchburg Public Schools as well as spending ten years working for the NATO Dependents’ Schools of Normandy, France and Vicenza, Italy. Ann volunteered with the Lynchburg Humane Society, Central Virginia Community Services and the Dante Alighieri Society of Virginia. She was also an advocate for live jazz performances in the Lynchburg area as well as a huge fan of Rene Marie, a friend and jazz artist. Ann also loved singer Andrea Bocelli. Ann was the daughter of Casper Jesse App and Mildred Brent App. She was preceded in death by her brother James App of Bethesda, MD. Ann is survived by two nephews, Lawrence and Patty App of Ormond Beach FL and Joel App of Gaithersburg MD; and by a niece, Cynthia App Owen of Lenoir, NC; as well as three longtime friends, Aline Bowles, Wendy Wood and Linda Mitchell, all of Lynchburg. Ann was a teacher, a librarian, an author and an entrepreneur. She loved her family and friends but most of all she loved CATS. On October 1, 2023, a Remembrance service will be held as part of the 10:30 Sunday Service at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lynchburg, Monument Terrace Steps. Following the service Ann’s ashes will be placed in the Scatter Garden, Old City Cemetery, Taylor Street. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Leslie “Wallace” Roark, 90, of Lynchburg, died on Saturday, August 26, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jan Roark; and his two sisters, Nancy R. Parker, and Katherine R. Holt.  Wallace was born May 6, 1933 in Brookneal, a son of the late Leslie William and Beulah B Roark. He formerly owned the Brookneal Department Store in Brookneal and Lynchburg Jobbing House in Lynchburg. He graduated from the University of Richmond and was a Veteran Officer of the US Army. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  Wallace is survived by two sons, Leslie “Les” William Roark II and wife Ella of Lynchburg and Charles B Roark of Martinsville, VA; a niece, Pam; and three nephews, Greg, Ron and Zeb. He also leaves a special cousin, John Tonkins; special friend, John Burton of Halifax; his card buddies at Oakwood Country Club; and neighbors, Morgan, George and Mack – thank you for your friendships.  The family would like to thank Gretna Health & Rehab for their compassionate care.  A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Pastor Dennis Roberts officiating. Visitation 1 hour prior to service.  In lieu of flowers Wallace’s family ask that you consider memorial contributions to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 Langhorne, Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kenneth Lee Stanley, Sr., 84, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023. Per his wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert Charles “Bobby” Hudson, 67, of Lynchburg, passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 24, 2023. He was born on January 30, 1956 to Marie H. Dalton and the late Charles E. Hudson, Jr. He was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School and served his country in the United States Army.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother, Mark Hudson and fiancé Nanci Tucker; daughter, Amber White (David); son, Marty Canfield (Sarah); and grandchildren, Ryleigh White, Nevin White, Peyton & Madelyn Canfield. The family will be accepting visitors anytime on Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday September 3rd at the residence of his mother, Marie, 204 Paulette Circle, Lynchburg, VA 24502.  Any contributions can be made to the COPD Foundation, Lynchburg Humane Society, or the American Heart Association.  Robert CharlArrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Carroll White “C.W.” Mitchell, 76, of Rustburg, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on June 30, 1947 a son of the late Henry Lewis Mitchell and Erma White Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Kenneth Bobbitt; and brother-in-law, Alfred Tyree, Jr.  He was raised in Amherst County and graduated from Amherst High School and attended CVCC. He proudly served his country serving in the United States Navy and he retired from Property Management & Development. C.W. is survived by his children, Theresa Mays (Craig) of Monroe, Hollie Ashwell (Sherman) of Thaxton, Scott Mitchell (Crissy) of Madison Heights; six grandchildren, Colby Mays, Justin Mays (Alexandra), Julia Ashwell, McKayla Ashwell, Landon Mitchell (Bailey), Alex Mitchell; four great-grandchildren, Paisley, Lakynn, Waylon, Cameron; and sister, Robin Tyree of St. Augustine, FL.  Per his request, a private family memorial will be held. Those wishing to make memorials please consider The National D-Day Memorial, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Michael John Shea, age 59, of Bedford, Virginia, died on August 23, 2023 from ALS. He was predeceased by his parents, Natalie Shea and John Shea. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Katy; and his children Sadie, Maeve, and Jack. He is also survived by his siblings, Barbara Pote (Rob), Maura Sackett, Suzanne Gay (Keith), Daniel Shea (Bonni); and numerous beloved brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. Mike graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 1989. He worked in restaurants in Roanoke, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard before joining Meriwether Godsey in Lynchburg in 1997. As an integral part of the company, he held Executive Chef and Director positions at various locations until he resigned in 2020 due to his illness. Mike’s greatest joys were the meaningful connections and memories created through food, music, and nature that he shared with his family, friends, and colleagues. Mike’s unwavering optimism and gratitude for life’s simple pleasures was a guidepost for his family and loved ones, not just during his illness, but throughout his entire life. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the many loving kindnesses shown by so many during the last few years. Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to IAmALS.org/give and RadioParadise.com/support. A celebration honoring Mike’s life will be held in Spring 2024. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Caryl Jean Makofske Bettez, 63, of Bedford, passed away at home in the company of her loved ones on August 20, 2023 at 3:02 AM. Caryl loved and was beloved by many and her loss is felt deeply in every space she inhabited. She was born in Freeport, Long Island, New York, on August 27, 1959, the youngest daughter of Leonard Victor Makofske and Florence Lorraine Makofske, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Martin Amory Bettez, who she met while riding a white horse; their four children, Michael Allen Bettez, Christopher Andrew Bettez, Katelyn Adele Bettez, and Megan Augusta Bettez; her grandchildren Zachary Alexander Heptinstall, Christopher Matthew Bettez, Olivia Lorraine Bettez, Clara Isabelle Bettez, Brenna Nicole Bettez, and Camber Adalynn Bettez; and her two sisters, Kathleen Bischoff and Patricia Erlandsen. Caryl loved the beach, starting with Jones Beach where she grew up. She kept American Bashkir Curly horses in New Hampshire during the early years of her marriage, loved snowmobiling, and made friends with everyone she met.  ​In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Vasculitis Foundation https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.