Frankie Lee Rector Latimer, 88, of Bedford, VA, passed away peacefully and entered her heavenly home February 6, 2025. At the time of her death, she was a resident at Spring Oak/Elks Home of Bedford. She was preceded in death by her dear and devoted husband of 51 years, William Robert Latimer, Jr. (“Bobby”); as well as parents, William Letcher Rector and Dossie Irene Davis Rector; brothers, Ira Gene, Earl, Wesley, William Jr., Charlie Rector; and sisters, Bonnie Calloway and Corrina Nance. Born February 11, 1936, in St. Charles, Lee County, VA, Frankie grew up in Roderfield, WV, later moving to Roanoke, then to Bedford upon marriage. She considered herself a lifelong resident of Bedford. Frankie had 32 years of distinguished service with Bedford Circuit Court, progressing from court stenographer to Circuit Court Deputy Clerk at time of retirement. Until restricted by poor health, Frankie was an active member of Bedford Presbyterian Church and Bedford Professional Women (BPW), where she served two terms as president. She also was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE) Lodge #2844. Additionally, she volunteered with Bedford Christian Ministries and Smith Mountain Lake Homes Tour. A devoted wife and mother, Frankie will be remembered as friendly and outgoing — never net a stranger — as well as for her kind heart, strong work ethic, and devotion to God and family. She loved spending time on Smith Mountain Lake, not only boating and skiing, but also teaching others to ski. After retiring, she and Bobby enjoyed traveling in their RV, visiting all but four states.  Frankie is survived by her loving son, William David Latimer (Emelia) of Bedford, whose unfailing care sustained her through years of declining health.  Also surviving are David’s step-children, Josephine Henniger and Harald Henniger; step-grandchildren, Emilya Grace Henniger and Jada Henniger; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family extends their appreciation to the staff at Spring Oak / Elks Home of Bedford. In lieu of flowers, they request donations to Bedford Presbyterian Church and James River Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. John Salley officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday, at Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Yvonne Rose Cox, 100, of Forest, VA passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She was born in Davy, WV on May 5, 1924 a daughter of the late Lincoln rose and Ellen England Rose. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cox. She was a retired bank teller and she was a wonderful sister and was like a mother to her sisters and brothers. Yvonne is survived by her sisters, Carole Stitt (Tracy), Sandra Franklin (Sidney), Janice Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Love and Truth Community Church, 3135 Fort Ave., Lynchburg with Rev. Ron Cannon officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frances Mahone Cox, 94, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025. She was born in Arrington, VA on February 8, 1930 a daughter of the late Otey Nelson Wright and Louise Higginbotham Wright. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Mezick Mahone; her second husband, Vincent McMillian Cox; and brother, James Nelson Wright. She was a retired secretary from Linkhorne Middle School. Frances is survived by her daughters, Brenda Mahone Stubbs, Barbara Mahone Jones; grandchildren, Samatha Fitzgerald (AJ), Valerie Catlett, Amanda Stubbs, Graham Jones (Jessica), Catherine Perry (Donovan); great-grandchildren, Curt Wade (Samantha), Frankie Breeden-Walton (Matt), Andrew Walton (Katelyn), Rebekah Walton (Tyler Lucado), Addie Shaffer, Ethan Shaffer, Gavin Shaffer, Hunter Catlett, Lily Catlett, Juliana Jones, Elias Jones, Arielle Perry, Alivia Perry, Ace Perry; and great-great-grandchildren, Bella Wade, Dawson Walton, Waylon Walton, Mason Walton. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Spring Hill Cemetery, 3000 Fort Avenue, Lynchburg with Rev. Dr. David Walton officiating. Family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., on Friday, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Association. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.