Will Coleson Allen, 49, of Buena Vista, died on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Augusta Health.  He was born in Lexington on March 13, 1975, a son of Carol Faye Burch Allen of Buena Vista and the late Gary Clinton Allen. In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife, Shannon Bane Allen; a daughter, Kelsey Montgomery (John); a son, Matthew Allen; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Montgomery and Wesley Montgomery; his brother, Seth Allen; his uncles, Joey Hartless (Dilly), Wayne Hartless and Larry Burch; a special niece, Courtney Roberts; and many other family and friends.  Worldly goods and material things meant nothing to Will, family and friends was everything.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at First Brethren Church, 100 E. 29^th Street, Buena Vista, with Pastor Mike Hamilton officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Rockbridge Memorial Garden.  Casual dress, come as you are.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Mary Louise Hodnett, 72, daughter of the late James and Olive Pillow passed away May 29, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris Parker Hodnett and survived by her sons, Steven Crawford II (Sharon Clark), and John Hodnett (Sarah); Michael Hodnett, Todd Hodnett (Amy); her sisters, Avis Pillow and Tanya Nixon (Russell), and ten wonderful grandchildren. Mary Lou loved her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was a loving and supportive daughter, sister, wife, mother, and aunt and will be deeply missed. A private funeral service will be held at New Chapel Church cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Nellie I. Catlett, 80, of Lynchburg, departed this life on May 28, 2024 after receiving her invitation to dine with the Lord at His grand dinner table. Nellie was retired from the Lynchburg Training School and hospital after exemplary service for 32 years. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Vernon L. Catlett; and her son, Wesley M. Catlett. Nellie is survived by her son, Reggie and his fiancé, Patricia; as well as loving daughters-in-law, Sally Bowman, Lena Catlett; two grandchildren, Zachary Catlett, Autumn Rose; three great-grandchildren, Kade Holmes, Season Tweedy, Seanna Frank; two brothers, Clarence Irvan, Buck Irvan; and lifelong friend, Charlotte Dickerson. A celebration of life will be held at Harvest Baptist Church at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Phillip Ashby Seamster, 57, of Montvale, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on August 8, 1966 a son of the late William Ashby Seamster and Jewel Elrod Seamster.mHe was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, loved 80’s rock and roll, and enjoyed muscle cars; especially Mopar. He loved to eat and was always up for trying new foods. Phillip was a big jokester and prankster. He loved his children and his grandchildren. Phillip is survived by his wife, Cindy Saunders Seamster; daughter, Leslie Seamster Nichols (Dennis “D.J.”); son, David Anthony Seamster; grandchildren, Scarlet Nichols, Madelyn Seamster; brothers, James Seamster (Belinda), Darryl Seamster (Joyce); sister, Karen Howard; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., on Monday, June 3, 2024, at Bellevue Community Center, 4051 Goode Station Road, Goode, VA 24556. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Donna Sue Rider Aliff, 69, Montvale, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday May 22, 2024.  She was born in Bath County VA on January 26, 1955 a daughter of the late Norman Elmo Rider and Mary Keyes Wade.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad Griffin Aliff (Bud); dad, Warren Franklin Wade, and brother, Curtis L Rider. Donna was a faithful active member of Victory Baptist Church in Spout Spring VA until her health wouldn’t allow her to be.  She loved to cook, read recipe books, and start her day off with bible devotions. Daily Donna could always be found sitting on the porch reading in her rocking chair. Donna could always be counted on to take care of her family members in their moment of need.  Donna had a heart of gold and knew few strangers. Donna’s favorite titles were “Mom” and “Grandma”. She is survived by a daughter, Heather I. Willoughby and husband David; son, Curtis W. Cadd and wife Teresa; grandchildren, Hunter D. Willoughby, Leslie Cadd; brothers-in-law, Dave Aliff (Norma), Tommy Bolick, Raymond Aliff (Brenda); sister-in-law, Nancy Aliff; nieces; Catherine Minnix (Jeff), Evelyn Luck, Traci Aliff, Angela Robertson (Jason), Addie Burns, Dawn Marie Moore (Michael, Amanda Bliss (Jeremy); nephews, Tim Aliff, Mike Aliff; and many great-nieces and nephews. Special friends Mike and Sharon Smith and Dale and Crystal Moore. A special thanks from the family to all her nurses (5 west & 6 west) and mobility team at Lewis Gale these individuals were more than employees and will never be forgotten. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am., on Tuesday May 28, 2024, at Montvale Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Pastor Bill Mitchell officiating. The family will receive family and friends at the church after the graveside. Arrangements by Burch Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Alma Claudene Honaker Cassell, 85, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. She was born in Keen Mountain, VA on May 25, 1938 a daughter of the late Belford Honaker and Pinkie Matney Honaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin James “Jim” Cassell; brother, Jack Honaker; sister, Bevelene Hale; and great-grandson, Jasper Featherston. She is survived by her three sons and their wives, James Cassell (Phyllis), Charles Cassell (Lisa), Gregory Cassell (Linda); grandchildren and their spouses, Britani Cassell, Zachary Cassell, Kari Davis (Brian), Alexander Cassell, Jaime Hill (Jonathan), Carly Featherston (Tarvaris); great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Olivia, Tanner, Carson, Tripp, Camdyn; sisters, June Horne (Ken), Pam Lewis; and many great-nieces and nephews and grand dog, Copper. A special thanks to our niece, Kay Street and husband, Homer. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford, with Rev. Larry Ross and Rev. Danny Holdren officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Monday, May 27, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Disabled American Veterans or Bedford Humane Society. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736

Mary Magdalene MacMichael (Mary Mac, Miss Mary) was born on April 19, 1931. Mary passed to her heavenly home on Sunday, May 19 surrounded by her adopted family, the Burke family.  Mary was preceded in death by her son Samuel (Sammy) and husband, Harry.  She is survived by her son, Bill Connolly and two granddaughters Jennifer Smith and Megan Davis as well her many friends.  Before moving to the area, Mary worked at the City of Cleveland Water Department testing water. Mary was a humble and nurturing person. She had a great sense of humor and wit. Mary had a love for animals and took care of many who found their way to her home. Mary was well loved by many members of the Smith Mountain Lake community.  Mary was always willing to help no matter how big or small the task.  Mary was a faithful communicate of Resurrection Catholic Church.  She worked tirelessly anywhere she was needed.  Mary laundered and ironed the linens and vestments for the sacristy.  For each Memorial Day, Mary honored all those that served in our Armed Forces by placing an American flag on their grave. Mary will be missed by those who were lucky to know her. Services will be held on Thursday, May 30th at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m.  The service will be live-streamed on the Resurrection Catholic Church Facebook page.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m.  A Reception will follow in the Marrow Hall of Resurrection Catholic Church. Please join us to celebrate her life. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Mary Jane Adams, 70, of Big Island, VA passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024. She was born in Williamsburg, VA on December 21, 1953, the daughter of Edna Lucille Goff and the late John Posey Adams. In addition to her father, Mary was preceded in death by her son, John Ronnie Wilson; her sisters, Sandra Blair, and Joann Camden; and her step-father, Lawrence Goff.  Mary spent many years of her life as a devoted caregiver, first to her family, and later sitting with elderly patients, and most recently as a caregiver to her mother. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her life companion, Jared Farmer; her grandson, John Paul Wilson; her sister, Donna Wright (Kevin); and several beloved nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Thursday, May, 16, 2024 at the Tabernacle Church of God in Big Island with Rev. Sam Jones officiating. A burial will follow in the Hunting Creek Baptist Church cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. MarArrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frances Nona Taylor Butler was born on June 1, 1935.  On May 11, 2024, God called her home to join her Heavenly Father. She was one of fourteen children born to Lewis and Mary Katherine Taylor in Shenandoah, Va.  She worked from a very young age sewing and cleaning for local families.  She spent many years working at the Blue Bell plant in Luray, which was a source for then USA made Wrangler jeans. She met Thomas Butler when she was a teenager and from there would start a love affair that endured until his passing in 2015.  Seven children were born into the family.  Years later, grandchildren and great grandchildren joined the tribe. Mom could crochet like her mother and made many beautiful dollies and table scarves.  She could also cook the best macaroni and cheese and her coleslaw would make you weep.  Her beautiful yard is a witness to her green thumb.  She could stick a rock in dirt and it would produce a gorgeous flower. After Dad passed, Mom lost her passion for many things.  When the Covid pandemic struck the country and Mom was isolated, the effects of dementia started to pull her away from us.  She fought the hard fight and is now rejoicing with Dad and her family in heaven. She is survived by three sisters, Shirley, Mary and Doris Jean; her children Carolyn (John), Ed, Dee (Sam), David (Patti) and Crystal.  She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas, her son Charles and daughter Sue Ann (Mike).  Also surviving her are her grandchildren Karen (Harold), Dustin (Crystal), Jeremy (Marcia), Carrie, Kelly, Kathy Jo (Dwayne), Pamela (Kenneth), Rebecca (Justin) and Zachary, Josh (Christina), Zack (Chelsea), Will (Sarah), Christina, Leslie, and David Alan along with numerous great grandchildren. A private remembrance was held with close family, friends and caretakers.  Her remains will be buried next to her husband in Evergreen Cemetery, Luray, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Edna Louise Bilyeu Shaffer, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Bedford Memorial Hospital in Bedford, VA.  She was born October 20, 1937, in Springfield, TN to parents Will and Edna Bilyeu (Moore).  Louise attended Woodland Street Elementary School and later on Springfield High School. At 18 she joined the Army WACS where she was trained as a medic and met her future husband, Alvin D. Shaffer. They were married a little over a year later and moved to Baltimore, MD. There she worked as a home maker until her four sons were raised, Dr. Barry D. Shaffer, Dr. Michael B. Shaffer, Dr. Mark A. Shaffer and Daniel L. Shaffer. Later on, she worked as a private caregiver and also as a CNT at Medford Lees Nursing Home. Louise, or “Mutt” as she was known to her sisters growing up, had a zest for life, only to be surpassed by her love for God and dedication to her faith, her friends and most importantly, her family. She loved to volunteer, first with Seeing Eye Guide Dog foundation, then with Prison Fellowship and finally as area coordinator for Angel Tree. She also went on mission trips to Guatemala, Germany and Russia. She spent any spare time she had going on adventures with her sons, grandkids and family or friends. She loved the outdoors, camping, going to the lake, reading, crafting, sewing, thrifting and going to yard sales, amongst many other things. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin D, Shaffer, Willie James Bilyeu (brother), Tommy Wayne Bilyeu (brother), Mary Sue Bilyeu (sister) and Wanda Bilyeu Keith (sister).  She is survived by her four sons and their wives, her sisters, Ruth Bilyeu Adams, Barbara Jean Rawls and Shirley Bilyeu Carroll. She also leaves many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many cousins. Family, friends and those whose life she has touched are invited to watch an online Celebration of Life. The time and link will be posted on all her sons Facebook pages. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you send donations in her honor to Wounded Warrior Foundation, whose link will also be posted on her sons FB pages. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.