Drewie Lonza DeJarnette, Jr., 76, of Forest, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was born in Halifax, VA on October 24, 1948 a son of the late Drewie Lonza DeJarnette, Sr. and Maggie Maddox DeJarnette. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debra Gail DeJarnette; son, Daniel DeJarnette (B.J.); special grandson, Jacob Campbell; grandchildren, Brent Hutchins, Candace Hatley, Gabrielle Lozano, Frisco Lozano; sister, Juanita Tyree; and nine great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Pisgah Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Larry Ross officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dorothy Anne Lucky Blanco, 88, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025. She was born in New York City, NY on June 8, 1936, a daughter of the late Joseph Lucky and Mary Simon Lucky. She is survived by her cousin, Ellie Frances Ghobrial (Samir), nephew, John Reinwald (Maggie); and great nieces, Tamara and Shelby Reinwald. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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.

 

Stephanie Faye Brown Anders, 50, of Goode, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on April 13, 1974 a daughter of Wanda Dooley Brown and the late William Curtis Brown, Jr. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandfather, Roy Dooley; and her three children, Destiny, Cheyenne, and Skylar. In addition to her mother, Wanda Brown she is survived by her grandmother, Mae Dooley; brothers, Daniel Brown (Cassie), Rodney Brown; nieces and nephews, Darien (Jesse), Dallas, Katlyn, Trinity, Miranda, Kira, Kalen, Kallianne, Liam, Luke; great-nephew, Ollie; good friend, Beth Moore; sister-in-law, Becky Martin; and many friends and other family members. No services will be held. 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.

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.