Margie Lynne Mayhew, 67, passed away peacefully in her home on July
31, 2024 in Montvale, VA. She was born on June 2, 1957 in Iaeger, WV
a daughter of the late Joseph Chester Lester and Ruth Cline Lester. In
addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Dickie
Lester, Sr.; and sister, Mickie Lester. An honors graduate of Baileysville High School, Margie devoted her life to helping others. A graduate of VA Western Community College LPN program, she worked and cared for veterans at the VA Hospital in Salem, VA. Margie was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and nurse and loved by many others. She enjoyed watching Disney movies, camping, fishing, a good cup of coffee, and being around family and friends. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Ann Keene (Jim), Maggie Church; brother, Nickey Joe Lester; sons, Adam Lester, Ryan Lester; daughter, Evamae Loving; grandchildren, Joseph Lester, Jordan Lester, Nicholas Lester, Jacob loving; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Samantha Elodey Ellen Bittler, 7/17/24 – 7/25/24. She is survived by her mom and dad, Angel and Z.J. Bittler; brother, Willard Bittler; and many extended family. Our little minnow entered this world early and with a bang. She was welcomed into heaven by her Papa, P-Paw, and aunt Sam. We would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and chaplains at UVA NICU for their care and respect of our faith. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Tree of Life Ministries, 2812 Greenview Dr, Timberlake, VA 24502 with Pastor Gabrielle Gerling officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

John Paul Taylor, Jr., aged 82, passed away on July 25, 2024, in Forest, VA. John was born on March 27, 1942 and grew up in Appomattox, VA.  He dedicated 25+ years of his career to Automated Conveyor Systems in Lynchburg and he also served honorably in the UnitedStates Army Military Police Corps in Germany from 1964 to 1965.  John was known for his passion for bluegrass and traditional Appalachian music. He played guitar for most of his life, but was especially talented at upright bass. That said, he played and owned probably every other stringed instrument at some point. He was in a variety of bands, played regularly at the Floyd Country Store, and even played music for local retirement facilities. He also enjoyed paddling rivers, wandering the mountains, and exploring cemeteries for genealogy with his wife Barbara. He had a wide network of friends who he visited often and he was always available to help them whenever needed. He seemed to know a little bit about almost everything and never forgot who he lent something to. His strong opinions were balanced by a huge heart, making everyone he was close to feel loved and important. He will be missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife of 24 years, Barbara; daughters, Laura Johnson (Branden) and Andra Clay (William) from his previous marriage; stepsons, Michael Bradley (Abby) and Daniel Bradley (Jordan). His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Emily DeWald (Henry), Parker Grayson Clay, Ariel Clay, Daniel Clay, Ian Clay, Sophia Clay, Liza Bradley, and Liam Bradley. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace Taylor, and his sister, Kathryn Ramsey. A family celebration of life will be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Faith Fellowship Veterans Ministry, 100 Wirtz Rd., Wirtz, VA, 24184 honoring John’s connection with his fellow veterans. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Michael James Stoddard, 53, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024. He was born in Torrington, CT on July 1, 1971 a son of the late James William Stoddard and Roberta Connor Stoddard. Michael proudly served his country in the United States Navy; retiring after 20 years of service. He was employed at Southern Flavoring. He is survived by his two sons, James William Stoddard II, Samuel Truman Stoddard; mother of his children, Nicole Stoddard Minnis; and his fiancé, Holly Croft. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jesse Jacob “Jake” Barger, 88, of Bedford, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 19, 2024.  He was born in Natural Bridge on June 25, 1936 the son of the late Jesse Woodrow Barger and Fannie Pearl Harris Barger.  Jake graduated from Natural Bridge High School and then joined the Marines. After his service to his country, he attended Randolph Macon College in Ashland, VA.  where he played football, thus starting a long running streak of attendance to the oldest rival game in Virginia; Randolph Macon – Hampden Sydney. Jake attended a consecutive 61years cheering “Go Jackets”. He then taught school where he also was a coach of several sports for 13 years.  Leaving the teaching profession, he began a career with Blue Cross Blue Shield as a regional sales manager for the next 20 years. Upon retirement Jake enjoyed traveling to watch his grandchildren play in their multiple sports and adventures. He was an avid golfer and collector of various things, and also found time to race a car or two. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and sang in the choir. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Barger.  Jake is survived by his wife of 68 years, Judith Anne Crawford Barger; a son, Patrick Barger (Renae); a daughter, Elizabeth Page, (Mark); five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sister, Jane Brookman; his brothers, Joe Barger (Linda) and Jerry Barger (Sarah); a sister-in-law, Martha Barger; a brother-in-law, Jim Crawford (Jo); numerous nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church, 947 Lyle Street, Bedford.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church, 947 Lyle Street, Bedford with Rev. William Owsley and Rev. Vernon DeLong officiating.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

John “Johnny” Wyatt Dunn was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. He was born on April 21, 1967, to the late Frank Lawrence Dunn, and Elsie Lee Parker Guill Dunn Franklin. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his brother, Duane L. Dunn; sister, Sharon G. Simmons; and two special nephews, Jacob Anderson and Caleb Brown-Prettyman. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Dunn; daughter, Kassie Dunn; son, Keith Dunn (Alex); five grandsons, Caleb, Luke, Brayden and Easton Dunn, Colt Anderson; granddaughter, Skylar Dunn; nephew, Cody Anderson; five brothers, Frankie Dunn (Christina), Leslie Dunn (Audrey), Craig Dunn (Pearl), Randy Guill, and Dennis Guill (Brenda); two sisters, Sherrena Shupe (Wayne), and Lisa Green (Randy). He is also survived by numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. Johnny was a graduate of Heritage High School in 1986, where he also met his high school sweetheart, Lisa, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. He retired as a mechanic, a skill he learned early on, working on his 1965 Chevy Impala. Many special friends knew him from backyard football and softball games over the years growing up in Fairview Heights. His pure talent and love of music were undeniable and singing in “Hateful Bones” brought him immense joy over the years.  “Poppa” Johnny was dearly loved by his grandkids, and he loved his family beyond measure. He never met a stranger, and his unique wisdom often led others to call on him for advice. People were always happy to see Johnny. His witty sense of humor brought laughter to all, and he always encouraged everyone to “SHARE THE WORLD, IT’S A GREAT BIG PLACE”. We invite all who cherished Johnny to join us in a ceremony of remembrance at Jordan Baptist Church (3708 Parkwood Ave, Lynchburg, VA) on Saturday, July 27, 2024. The family will receive guests starting at 11:00 am. Special friend, Pastor Stewart W. Mitchell will be officiating the funeral at 12:00 pm, with a reception to follow in the church hall.  Please come as you are to remember a life that was truly a gift to us all.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Johnny’s wife and teenage daughter to help relieve financial burdens over the next few months. Your support is greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Cheyanne Rae Taylor, 19, of Bedford, passed away, Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital from injuries she received in an automobile accident.  She was born in Bedford on February 17, 2005. She was preceded in death by maternal grandfather, David Orange; paternal grandmother, Ann Vaughn; uncle, Michael Taylor. Cheyanne is survived by her Mom and Step-dad, Jessica and Ryan Johnson; Dad, Jason Taylor; brother, Tyler Bunnell; sister, Adrianna Wilson; maternal grandmother, Deborah Updike Loveday (Daniel); paternal grandfather, Russell Taylor; maternal great-grandmother, Rosa Adams; many very special uncles and aunts, Emmett and Shannon Mitchell, Rosanna Taylor, Tommy and Eva Updike, Gary and Linda Mayhew.  Cousins and best friends, Ethan Mitchell, Malizabeth Langhorne and Hailee Langhorne; many other cousins, extended family and countless friends.  Cheyanne had a smile that would light up a room. The world is a better place because she was in it. She will be so missed by many but her legacy will continue as she was a LifeNet donor which allowed her organs to be donated so that others may live.  Her departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her deeply in her wide-network of community. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Harveys Creek Church of Christ, 1374 Harveys Creek Rd, Moneta, VA 24121 with Rev. Tyler Adkins officiating.  Burial will follow in Leftwich Cemetery.  A reception will be held following the graveside at Huddleston Church of God of Prophecy, 1022 Winona Ln, Lynch Station.  In lieu of flowers please consider contributions toward funeral expenses.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

Barbara Jane Connelly Wheeler of Gladys, passed away July 8, 2024 in Lynchburg. She was born in Lynchburg on January 1, 1946, a daughter of James Alva Connelly, Sr., and the late Ada Mae Jackson Connelly. In addition to her father, Barbara is survived by her brother, James A Connelly, Jr. (Ava), three grandchildren, Haley Schaener (Jasyn), Kendyl Wheeler and Cameron James Wheeler; one great-granddaughter, Riley Whetton. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Tom. She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Wheeler. The family would like to express their gratitude to her special cousin, Linda McConnell, for the care and support she provided to Barbara. As per Barbara’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.