Sylvia J. Kendall, 75, passed peacefully at her home on March 26, 2024, from a rare brain disorder called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Sylvia was born in Bedford, VA, on September 16, 1948, to Virginia and Wesley Kendall. She is survived by sisters, Kaye Kendall Crosby, Annette Kendall, and her friend of 70 years and eventual sister, Gayle Robertson Hightower, after Virginia Kendall married Jack Robertson. Sylvia also leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, special first cousins, devoted friends, and beloved fur babies. Sylvia graduated from Liberty High School, Mary Washington College, and received her Master of Taxation Degree from Georgia State University, which began her career as a CPA. Sylvia was a talented pianist, seamstress, and an advocate for feral cats. She could be seen nightly at the Boonsboro Kroger feeding kitties behind the dumpsters. At Sylvia’s request, there will be no public services. If you wish to honor her memory, please consider making a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Eleanor Mae Parker Overstreet, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024. She was born in Bedford, VA on June 1, 1937 a daughter of the late Elijah Parker and Ada Carter Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glen William Overstreet; brothers, Winston “Wink” Parker, Kenny Parker, Tommy Parker, Jack Parker, Graham Parker, Price Parker; and son-in-law, Tommy D. Goff, Sr. She loved her family very much and was a hard worker. She was a caregiver and was known for her love of sitting on her front porch. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Goff; son, Marty Ruff; grandchildren, Amanda Goff (Malibu), T.J. Goff, Subrinna Ruff; great-grandchildren, Kyndall Goff, Riley Goff; sister, Judith Heck, Mary Amos (Marvin); numerous step-children and step-grandchildren, and many numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Bedford County Nursing Home staff for taking such great care of “Granny Mae”. Family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m., at Peaks Church Community Cemetery with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736
Delores Fern Taylor Gunnoe, born on October 31, 1935, in Charleston, West Virginia, entered eternal life on March 13, 2024. She attended Airline School before working with Eastern Airlines, the American Red Cross, and C&P. In 1965, Fern and her husband Charles Dewey Gunnoe established Gunnoe Sausage Company in Bedford County, VA. She was a founding member of Brookhill Wesleyan Church and was a beloved Bible Study leader. She relished her involvement in Women’s Aglow International, where she played an active role as a speaker and leader. Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Bessie (Summers) Taylor; siblings, Janet Lockhart, Robert Taylor, Susan Sheets, and Nancy McCandless. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Payne; her husband of 64 years C. Dewey Gunnoe; her daughter, Cynthia Gunnoe (Jim Messier); sons, Chad (Marji) and Craig (Marti); and grandchildren, James, Mariel, Arianna, Erik, Thomas, Katya, Chloe & Taylor. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Brookhill Wesleyan Church with Rev. Brian Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brookhill Wesleyan Church, 1043 Cifax Road, Forest, VA 24551 or Women’s Aglow International, P.O. Box 1749, Edmonds, WA 98020. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Susan Coe Epperly, 82, of Montvale, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She was born on April 19, 1941 in Roanoke, VA a daughter of the late Carl Coe and June Worrell Coe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dennis Epperly; and sister, Shirley Templeton. She was a graduate of Longwood University and University of Virginia where she received her master’s degree. Susan was a retired educator, having taught science and physical education; also coaching girls’ basketball and field hockey. She enjoyed reading, shopping, and crosswords. Susan was an active member of the coloring and book club at the Montvale library. Her family was very important to her; she loved them and enjoyed spending time with them. She is survived by her son, Steven Dennis Epperly (Cindi); sisters, Norma Kate Cochran, Mary Combs (Rodney); brothers, Franklin Coe (Brenda), David Coe (Linda), Richard Starr, Charles Starr (Shirley); and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Epworth Methodist Church with Rev. Tracy Terry officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Salvation Army or RAM House (Roanoke Area Ministries); both of which were very important to Dennis and Susan. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.