Perry Timothy “Timmy” Barrett, 68, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on September 13, 1956, a son of the late Perry Barrett and Evelyn Coleman Barrett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Cathy Barrett and a brother, John T. Barrett. He is survived by daughters, Melissa Barrett Meador (Brian Brown) and Emily Barrett; grandchildren, Ashlyn McKinney (Ricky); Aaron McKinney (Kayley); Sam Meador; sister, Sue Dooley (Travis); sister-in- law, Dianne Barrett; nieces, Cindy Perdue (Terry); Tracy Dooley; Michelle Hampton (Ray); Alasia Wood (Steve); and special friend, Cindy Carter. Per his wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

William Warren “Bill” Crank, Sr., 75, of Lynchburg, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. He was born in Norfolk, VA on July 15, 1950 a son of the late, Otis Lee Crank and Dorothy Bennett Crank. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Crank Medrow, (Nyle) and his granddaughter, Stephanie Dickinson. Bill’s passion was restoring Hot Rods and was a lifetime body and fender man, working in Lynchburg, Norfolk and finishing his career in Madison Heights. He is survived by his 1st wife, Bonnie Gaines Cofer, (Marshall); his 2nd wife, Nancy Smith; his children, Melissa Crank-Dillon; Elizabeth Joyner (Ben); W.W. Crank, Jr. (Mary); Jennifer Crank-Harris (William); step-daughter, Kathy Catron; grandchildren, Tiffany Odom, Casey McKee, Dustin & Justin Bell, W. W. Crank, III, Kattie Dickinson and Bryan Dickinson; step-granddaughter, Lexie Catron; Uncle and Aunt, William H. “Bill” Crank and wife, Pat; Many nieces and nephews and cousins. A special thanks for their help and care; Will White and Rod Bryant of Custom Machine, Mary Davis, Joe Arano, Mary and Wesley Wright, ICU and B 4th Floor Staff at Lynchburg General, Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Yellow Branch Baptist Church, 8395 Wards Rd. Rustburg, VA 24588, with Rev. Tim Wilde officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

Teri Catron Pierce, 66, wife of Chris Pierce, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at her residence in Lake City. Mrs. Pierce was born on June 7, 1958, in San Diego, California, daughter of the late Frank Edward Catron and Gaynelle Ayers Catron. She was a cook with IGA, enjoyed cooking and was known for her biscuits and macaroni and cheese. Teri loved God, could play the piano and guitar by ear. She enjoyed visiting her home in Virginia, was outgoing, kind-hearted and was always willing to help others. Mrs. Pierce loved visiting the animals at the zoo and loved her fur babies, Skittles, Piper and Skipper. Surviving are her husband of 23 years, Chris Pierce of Lake City; children, Eric (Tiffany) Roach of Scranton, Beth Roach and Joshua Pierce, both of Lake City, Danielle (Matt) Ashkettle of Florence; grandchildren, Zoey Stevens of Florence, Briley Webb of Scranton, Gunner Wilkes of Florence; sisters, Barbara (Calvin) Brunk of Bedford, VA, Marijo (Bo) Fulcher and Bonnie Woods, both of Moneta, VA; special niece, April Tucker of Thaxton, VA; special nephew, Bubba Brunk of Bedford, VA and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Pierce was preceded in death by her brother, James “Bo” Catron; mother-in-law, Jackie Pierce; and brother-in-law, Joey Pierce. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Monday, January 27, 2025, at Carolina Funeral Home, Scranton. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Barnhardt Baptist Church Cemetery, 1033 Brittle Street, Stewartsville, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Florence Humane Society, 1434 S. McCurdy Road, Florence, SC 29506.  Virginia arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Cynthia (Cynde) Rapp Boyer 71, of Bedford, VA passed away on Saturday, 01/25/25 surrounded by family members and close friends. Cynthia is survived by her son, Jonathan, daughter, Samantha, daughter-in-law Amalia, grandchildren Sophia and Nicholas, and long-time companion Michael Attkisson and their dog Coco. She was blessed with many more close friends that also loved her dearly, exemplifying the type of person she was and the impact she had on others. In addition to Momma and Yia Yia, she was also affectionately known as Momma B, Booyay, Rapp, and Pink. Others know her as the Pickle lady and the warm and friendly face at Emerson Creek Pottery Shop. She was as thoughtful and loving as she was lively and bold, she “never knew a stranger” and was friendly with everyone. Her superpowers consisted of extreme selflessness, humility, thoughtfulness, and resiliency. Few could match her strength and resourcefulness. Cynthia faced her cancer head on, embracing what God sent before her without complaint. She grew up in Roanoke, VA and Baltimore, MD, transitioning to Charleston, SC where her children were born. She eventually made her way back to Virginia, and spent the last twenty years enjoying the solace and the peace of the countryside in Bedford, VA. True to form, Cynthia did not wish to have a funeral or a celebration of life, instead she humbly sought to quietly return to the Lord. We cherish the place she has in our hearts. May her memory be eternal! Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Anna Delores Durham Severs 81, of Bedford VA peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after a beautifully lived life. She was right where she wanted to be at her home in Bedford VA with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by her side in the weeks and days prior to her death. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Henry Durham and Anna Elizabeth Loveman Durham; her husband of 45 years, Joel Severs II; grandson, Teddy Allen King; great-granddaughter, Lauren Ann Severs; and her siblings, Charles Duncan, James Durham, Robert Durham, William “Bill” Durham, Doris Wills and Loretta Hatch. She is survived by her six loving and devoted children, Joel Severs III and Karen of Bedford VA, Dwain Severs and Trish of Hardy VA, Dondi Severs and Kellie of Buchanan VA, William “Billy” Severs and Theresa of Bedford VA, Deeann Powers and Phillip of Bedford VA, and Bobby Jo Alston and William of Bedford, VA. She also leaves behind eighteen grandchildren and their spouses, Eric/Kathy, Sabrina/Ronald, Joel IV, Rebecca/Christopher, Joshua/Mackenzie, Kristopher/Christine, Caileb/Chelsea, Shawn, Amanda/Malcolm, Amy/Chase, Bill/Tiffany, Kristina, Nathan/McKinzee, Jazlyn/Trace, Ashley, Noah; twenty-eight great grandchildren with two more on the way, Alyssa, Hayden, Georgia, Colt, Nevaeh, Everitt, Emily, Jameson, Adelaide, Gauge, Layne, Ridley, Stiles, Emma, Nova, Maria, Malcolm, Maddox, Gavin, Jase, Zayd, Daklynn, Abel, Jaxon, Lacee, AnnaLynn, and Raelyn; and one great-great-grand child, Oliver. She is also survived by one remaining sibling, Nancy Birtell of Rustburg, VA; sisters-in- law, Roney Beal (Rich), Linda Severs, and Nancy Severs all of NJ; as well as a host of nieces and nephews to cherish her memory. Anna was born in Mount Holly, NJ on March 13, 1943. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age at Camp Keswick which she attended with her friend Nancy Anderson. Her faith was a staple in her life. She was married at the age of 16 and began her family whom she loved and adored. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. She enjoyed spending time with her family throughout the years and loved hosting cookouts, various celebrations, and holiday gatherings. Anna and Joel moved their family from NJ to VA in 1976 where she helped her husband run a private security business (Bedford Security) for many years in addition, she was employed by Sam Moore Furniture where she retired after 30 years of service. She did not retire for long and found a place at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital for an additional 10 years until she retired for the second time. After retirement she enjoyed traveling, drives on the parkway and spending time with her family. At the age of 63 she decided to go back to school to obtain her GED as this had always been a goal of hers. She opted to put her education on hold once she married and began having children however, she always strived to show her family that you can do anything that you set your will to accomplish. Anna was a hard worker with a kind and gentle spirit. To know her was to love her. She had great faith and worked hard to love and treat others the way the Lord commanded her to. She was a wonderful, strong mother/grandmother who was always there when needed offering support, wisdom, prayers, forgiveness, grace, and love in abundance. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, love, strength and a strong work ethic. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on through those that she loved. The family would like to extend a special thanks to friends Linda Nelms, Sylvia Hall, Cathy Neas, as well as Lynda Quinn and Jennie Payne with Good Samaritan Hospice and their team. The family asks that you join them for a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Mount Olivet Southern Baptist Church located at 2933 Mount Olivet Rd Bedford, VA 24523 to honor Anna’s life and legacy. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Roy Elwin May, 92, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Born in Willemstad, Curacao on Nov. 29, 1932, he was the son of Otmar May and Johanna Chin-Ten-Fung May. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings and by his grandson, Colin Rooney. Roy was the devoted husband of Irene May, and the father of Karin May Rooney (Alec), Steven May (Marisa) and Terence May, by whom he is survived. He is also survived by his grandchildren Katherine Mandzak (Michael), Felicia May, Nielan May, and Eadric May, and by his sisters Elvie and Joyce. Roy was educated in the Netherlands and made his living as an electrical engineer, coming to the United States from the country of Suriname with his family in 1980. He lived in Chattanooga, Tenn., Palmetto, Fla. and finally in Bedford.  He was a steady and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Along with being with his family and traveling with them, his favorite pastimes were working on his automobiles and repairing electronics.  Wij zijn heel dankbaar voor jou, Pa, en zullen je altijd herinneren.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on February 1, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-5886-7360.

 

KAREN MARIE DOSS

May 15, 1949 – January 18, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Karen Doss; after her courageous and grace-filled battle against stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Karen’s love and caring devotion for her family and precious pets filled her life with joy. She fought hard, endured so much, but never complained, and only hoped it would give her one extra day with all of them. Karen’s strong, unwavering faith, the miraculous power of God along with the prayers and support of so many, truly sustained her these past four years. Karen was born in Coatesville, PA, the oldest daughter of Ken & Betty Buffington, and lived there the first part of her life before relocating to Lynchburg, VA in 2001, where she married her husband of 23 years, Jim Doss, and later retiring from Lynchburg Dental Center. Karen leaves behind to cherish her memories: her husband, Jim; his daughter, Anita Gillespie (Bill); sons, James (Nichole) and Chris (Lynn) and their families; her daughters, Jodie Rice (Keith) and Amy Fidler (Josh); her grandchildren, Jeremy Berry, Tanner Flinn, twins Claire and Lilly Fidler, Taylor Smith; her great-grandchildren, Savannah and Spencer Berry, Aaliyah Middleton; her sister, Bev Foster (Jimmy); her brother, Bruce Buffington (Janet); niece, Lyndsey Buffington; nephew, Army Major Matthew Buffington (Gwen, children Emily and Danielle); and her living cousins and friends. Her family is deeply grateful to the Centra Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center and all the devoted people there who helped fill Karen’s final years with love and compassionate care. Per Karen’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502. She leaves these thoughts: “I will miss you all and I have been blessed to have been. a part of your lives. I will be waiting for each of you at Heaven’s gate.”Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please visit burch-messier.com

Elizabeth Frances Holdren Davis, 77, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. She was born in Bedford on July 6, 1947 a daughter of the late Glenn Holdren and Ethel Craig Holdren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Davis. She is survived by her children, Timothy Searles (Pat), Michele Naglak (Steve), Carmen Mawyer (Michael), Karla Powell (Harley); sisters, Charlotte Bryant, Vickie Wilder; brother, Eddie Holdren; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Ray Kingrea officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Yvette Maxine Whalen Seamster, 57, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. She was born in Canandaigua, NY on August 22, 1967 a daughter of the late Robert Maximillian Whalen and Carolyn Gendron Whalen. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Gregory Whalen and Timothy Whalen. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Nichols; son, Tyler Bannister; siblings, Ernie Whalen (Carolyn), Ted Whalen (Sara), Shona Witt (Dennis), Peter Whalen (Irene), Jason Whalen (Jennifer); life partner, Paul Allen Weese, Jr.; and four grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Mount Hermon Baptist Church Cemetery, 3931 Otterville Road, Bedford, with Rev. Bart Hogge officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Earnest Earl “Peewee” Carter Jr., 78, of Bedford, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025. He was born in Bedford on September 13, 1946, a son of the late Ernest Earl Carter, Sr. and Edith Owen Carter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Phillips; and nephew, Robert Earl “Robby” Miller. In addition to his past full-time jobs providing for his family, he dedicated many years of his life to public service. He was an active member for the Bedford Vol Fire Department for 25 years earning lifetime membership. He also volunteered his time with the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. Due to health issues, he retired from volunteer work and was praised by Sheriff Mike Miller saying “He was a pillar of the community”. He also loved his fellowship with Grace Memorial Baptist Church. Peewee’s legacy is defined by his love for his family, service to the community, and friends he met in every area. He is survived by the love of his life for 56 years, Margaret Bowden Carter; daughters, Becky Dooley (Butch), Cheryl Stanley (Devin); son, Robert Carter (Christi); grandchildren, Dexter Wright (Davon), Ariel Stanley-Reed (Matthew), Jonathan Carter, Dylan Stanley (Jessica), Bryan Carter (Janey), Harley Ashman (Kyle) and Hannah Carter; great-grandchildren, Maliha, Brayden, Jamie, Kymberlynn, Allona, Adalyn, Charlotte, Ellie Mae and one on the way; niece, Crystal Miller Walker; and so many special friends. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Mt. Olivet Southern Baptist Church, 2933 Mt. Olivet Road, Bedford with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Southern Baptist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.