Linda Diane Webber Lester of Appomattox, VA passed away at Lynchburg General Hospital on September 30, 2024. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on January 6, 1948. Linda was the daughter of the late Ruby Baldwin Deacon and Clarence Edward Webber. She was the wife of the late Joseph Junior Lester. She is survived by two brothers: Clarence Webber Jr, Larry Webber; three sisters: Laura Hogan, Lillian Tillman (Rose), Virginia Farlow (Pumpkin); her 4 children and a daughter-in-law: Roberta Lynn Goin, Ruby Diane Goin, Penny Rose Cofer, Robert Henry Mayhew and his wife Candice. She had 6 grandchildren: Earnest Reynolds III (Junior) and his wife Kristen Reynolds-Fields, Horace Reynolds (Boo) and his wife Lora Bowling, Richard Reynolds (Ricky), Lillian Goin, Jamie Goin, and Bailey Mayhew; and 4 great-grandchildren: Kori Reyn Fields, Kaya Reyn Fields, Zoey Reynolds, and Reign Reynolds. Linda was preceded in death by her late husband Joseph and a son-in-law, Earnest Reynolds II (Ernie). At Linda’s request, she will be cremated. Condolences, memories and prayers can be sent to 5886 Old Courthouse Rd, Appomattox VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dennis Michael “Mike” Jarels, 73, of Big Island, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024. He was born in Roanoke, VA on May 1, 1951 a son of the late Dennis Jarels and Nellie Green Jarels. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Agee; sisters, Sandy Overstreet, Linda Jarels; and brother, Danny Jarels. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines. Mike loved fishing, mowing grass (or maybe just riding around on his mower) and having breakfast at H & H with all of his friends and playing pool. He enjoyed many family vacations fishing in Nags Head, hanging out with fellow veterans at the American Legion Post and taking trips to motorcycle rallies. He really loved to eat and never gained a pound. In his younger days he spent many nights drag racing down Overstreet stretch. If he blew the engine during those races, he would drag the car away, rebuild the motor and return the next night. Mike is survived by his wife, Sandy Angus Jarels; daughters, Dayna Miller (James), Kalenna Jarels; sons, Dennis Michael Jarels, Jr., Cory Agee; grandchildren, Koddie Staples (Paige), Brittany Peterson (Michael), Elisha Jarels, Dakota Jarels, Alayna Jarels, Briana Atwell, Darick Miller (Brittany), Jacob Miller, Lilly Agee, Nikolas Agee, Grayce Agee; brothers, Bobby Jarels, Rodney Jarels; sister, Ellen Coronado; six great-grandchildren; and his faithful and jealous canine companion, Roxy. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Ian Minielly and Pastor Phil Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 16. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

With his wife and youngest son by his side, The Honorable Richard Stewart Miller died peacefully September 27, 2024, in Lynchburg, VA. Richard was born December 23, 1936, in Lynchburg, VA.  He was predeceased by his parents, the late Caroline Woods Maury Miller and Andrew Leslie Miller, his mother and father in-law, Martha Lee Jones Farmer and Charles Henry Farmer. Richard graduated from E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg, VA in 1955, and from Lynchburg College in 1959.  He graduated with honors (McNeil Honor Society) from the University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law, with a juris doctorate degree in 1962. He was also a member of Delta Theta Phi fraternity. After passing the bar, Richard’s first job as a young attorney was in Richmond, VA with Heberle & Bambacus.  In 1963, Richard accepted a position with Williams, Robertson, & Sackett in Lynchburg, VA. In 1965, he and Frank Shepherd began a law partnership, ultimately leading to Richard’s private practice, housed in the Krise Building on 9^th Street in downtown Lynchburg. In 1981, he was appointed District Court Judge and sat on the bench until 1985 when he was appointed Lynchburg Circuit Court Judge where he presided until his retirement in 2001.  Judge Miller always held a reverence and respect for the law and ruled fairly and impartially.  He would rule stridently if a person – especially a child or an animal – was harmed maliciously. Announcing his retirement from the Circuit Court in 2001, The News and Daily Advance wrote that during his tenure as a judge, he never spoke to the press, other than to say, “No comment”. Richard’s interests included wine collecting, and in the early 70’s he began accumulating his collection. About this time, Richard began his love for gourmet cooking.  He loved to entertain friends, family, and neighbors – especially selecting a wine from his cellar which paired well with his meal.  Richard loved the Three Stooges, the movies To Kill a Mockingbird, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; all types of music – Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Blood, Sweat, & Tears, plus classical; TV shows The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Frasier, Law & Order, Andy Griffith, and Downton Abbey; the New York Yankees and the former Washington Redskins, and his beloved Timberlake.  He was quite vocal about politics and steadfast in his convictions. Richard also loved the many cats that graced his home (and one unruly Schnauzer) and was truly heartbroken with each animal’s passing.  Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Lee Farmer Miller, and his 4 sons; Richard Stewart Miller, Jr. of Midlothian, VA, Patrick Charles Andrew Miller of Richmond, VA, John Stewart Miller II (Christina Cavallo) of Falls Church, VA, and his youngest son and caretaker, Mark Saunders Miller of Lynchburg, VA. Richard is also survived by his 5 grandchildren; his only granddaughter, Caroline Gardner Miller, and grandsons Richard Stewart “Max” Miller III, John Stewart “Jess” Miller III, Charles Anthony Miller, and Matthew Stephen Miller.  Richard is also survived by his sister, Andrea Maury Miller Webb and her husband, David, and their children and grandchildren; In addition, he is survived by his best friend, The Honorable Norman K. Moon, plus many cousins, including a childhood cousin more like a brother, John Robert Feagans. A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or to the SPCA.  The family would like to thank Mark Miller for dedicating the last 7 years of his life to the loving care of his father & mother, plus the staff at Westminster Canterbury, including Skyelar & Wendy.   If you find yourself in Lynchburg at the Dahlia, raise a glass and toast to a life well lived in honor of our father, grandfather, husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Richard Stewart Miller.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Samuel Henry Parsons was born in Lynchburg, VA on May 31, 1949, the second son of Edward and Elisabeth Parsons. He left this earth on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 surrounded by his family. Sam was a Renaissance man. He was horseback from a young age, breaking colts and working local cattle ranches, most notably Black Watch Farm in Forest (now Ivy Hill). He and his family trained and showed Tennessee Walking Horses along the east coast. He graduated from Holy Cross High School, then joined the Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam conflict (Oorah!). His heart then took him out west where he ran hunt camps, worked cattle ranches and attended West Texas State University. Returning home, he attended Virginia Tech, majoring in creative writing. He wrote articles for western magazines, local newspapers, and even published a few of his own short story collections. Sam was well read and could discuss almost any issue ongoing. His memory was impeccable with locations and people’s names. He was also extremely funny although a lot of his jokes were corny. He was a quick judge of a person’s character. Animals had his heart, including his current pups Houston and Cameron and Dixie the cat. His professional career was in real estate, first working at Smith Mountain Lake in the early years, selling property by boat. He then moved to Lynchburg where he owned a tropical plant business and continued to sell unimproved property and farms as well as land tracts he bought and subdivided for resale. He was in the livestock business until his death. He took special pride in producing top quality cattle and never scrimped on what it took to do that. Sam never met a stranger. He did not light up a room, he commandeered it. He was known for always wearing his cowboy hat. You never had to wonder what he was thinking, and, in some cases, you did not like it (didn’t change it though). He loved his country, the constitution and his family with all his soul. He is survived by his former wife, Ginger Parsons and the mother of their son, William Samuel Parsons and his wife Sarah. His current wife, Dee Parsons; and his stepsons, whom he treated as his own also survive him; Josh Grinnan and his wife Christina and Zac Grinnan and his wife Chelsea. He is further survived by his brother, Ed and wife Susan, niece Beth Parsons Bird and husband John and their children, Holland and Harrison.  Time stood still the day his grandsons were born, Walker Samuel, Elliot Thomas and Tate William. He survived the past three years simply from the motivation of spending more time with them. He will be greatly missed; his loss leaves a huge void in the Parsons and Grinnan world. No one will fill your boots, Sam. A gathering celebrating Sam’s life will be held at a future date. He had many charities, and our mailbox is full of the gifts sent out by them due to his generosity. If you wish, make a donation to your favorite charity in Sam’s name. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

George B. Bower, 90, passed away at Franklin Health & Rehabilitation in Rocky Mount, Virginia on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. George was born the second youngest of four children to Earl and Zita Bower on April 16, 1934 in Kingston, Pennsylvania.  He spent his childhood years in Pennsylvania, two years at Fort Knox in Kentucky when he was in the Army, some time in Wilmington, Delaware, and then while working in Washington, D.C., he met Maria “Tini” (Philippi) at a church-sponsored young adult club and within just three weeks, before Tini had to return home to Holland, they were engaged.  They married on October 22, 1963 in Valkenburg (the Netherlands). Tini and George started their marriage in a small apartment in Chevy Chase, MD.  In 1966 they moved into a home in Sterling, VA where they raised their daughters.  A job change for George took them to Maryville, TN in 1990 and then in 2000 they moved to their final location of Moneta to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren.  They were married for 59 years until Tini’s death in December 2022.  He was so devoted to his wife and her family that he did whatever was needed to ensure that Tini could visit her family in Holland about every two years. All throughout his life, George was a devout Catholic, even attending seminary before determining that God had other plans for him.  Even with three children of their own, he and Tini became foster parents in 1976 and spent 14 years caring for an incredibly diverse group of children, from two-week old infants to a 17-year-old girl.  When he and Tini lived in Tennessee, he visited residents at nursing homes that had no one else to spend time with them.  Later in life, they were very involved with church life at Resurrection as well as volunteering at Lake Christian Ministries in the food pantry.  He also helped call Bingo at Runk and Pratt.  George’s life is so hard to reduce to just a few paragraphs.  He will be remembered for his wonderful smile, his sense of humor, his love of music of all types, laid back attitude, making lots of lists, a sweet tooth, and his love for getting his family (both immediate and extended) together.  He planned almost every reunion for his side of the family and spent countless hours writing and sharing chronicles of his life, including organizing lots of photos into albums and flash drives for his daughters. He loved all his family, but particularly being a Pop-Pop to his grand-children.  He also enjoyed eating pastries, reading romance novels, watching Hallmark movies and the Gilmore girls (he became a real softie as he got older), following Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and he was always meticulously organized.  Even after so many medical setbacks and hospitalizations, he never gave up and loved doing physical therapy and the hugs and smiles he received from his favorite staff members at Franklin Health. George is survived by his three daughters, Zita Barree (Michael), Elisabeth Ward (Nathan), and Rose Bennett (Robert), his sister Margaret Koiro, and his five grandchildren, Augusta, Jared, Stefan, Allison and Nicholas. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Resurrection’s temporary location, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, on Thursday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m.  A reception will follow the burial. Burch-Messier Funeral Home in Bedford is assisting the family.  To send condolences, please visit https://burch-messier.com/.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donations to Lake Christian Ministries. 

Shirley Lorraine Sisson, age 72, of Appomattox, Virginia, went home to join family, friends, and our heavenly father on September 23, 2024. She passed peacefully with loved ones by her side. Shirley was born April 17, 1952, in Somerville Massachusetts to William and Lorraine (Brown)Sisson. Shirley was a devoted mother to, Maureen Baker-Wendling, Shirley Esterbrook, Fred Baker, Tracie Burchett and Allyse Bosquet. Sister to William Sisson III. Beloved aunt to Keri-Ann Maslowski, Darlene Demont and Luauna Demont. Great Aunt to Olivia Hoffman. Treasured grandmother of Jericho, Megan, Kerrigan, Nicholas, Melody, Brody, William, Joshua, Alyssa, Keira, Cyrus, Zoey, Nessa, Haven, Piper, Mykaela, Jolievette, Evangeline and Kaillen. Dearest great grandmother to Marianella, Isla, Damien, Kaythverli, Lincoln, Sterling, and Raidence. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lorraine (Brown) Sisson and her sister, also known as her best friend in the world Luauna Demont. Shirley was known for her one-of-a-kind infectious laugh, homemade gifts, her shockingly red hair before it turned gray and her hatred of the New York Yankees. Shirley once went to Yankee stadium dressed in her finest Red Sox gear. Shirley loved picking fruits, if it could be canned, she would pick it. She also enjoyed listening and dancing to the oldies while she baked breads, cakes, and cookies for her loved ones. She loved plants, she would give them all names and talk to them every day. She was an avid reader on anything Stephen king and James Patterson. While she was not cleaning, spending time with family, baking or picking fruit she would fill her hours with her favorite crime shows like criminal minds, NCIS and of course Texas Ranger. In Shirley’s early years, she worked as a candy striper in the Holy Ghost hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her love of helping others did not stop there. Shirley went on to be an essential part of the startup of Lifeline at the Malden Hospital while still volunteering. Shirley went back to school while being a full-time time mom. Her dedication, perseverance and stubbornness paid off and she landed her dream job in pediatrics where she worked for over twenty years. She loved her work, patients, and the doctors she worked with. She never complained about work and always worked overtime to make sure there was no patient left behind. While she was not working, she was coaching her children’s sports teams she even started a girls softball league so her daughters could play. Mom, aunt and nana of many, you will be greatly missed, and we love you most. Until we see you again on the golden streets of Heaven, we will hold your memory in our heart and take solace in knowing you are no longer in pain. A celebration of life will be held at Journey Ministries, 382 Little Bear Lane, Spout Springs on Saturday September 28^th, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Stan Butler, 77, took his final bow on Friday, September 20, 2024. The son of the late Albert Andrew “Pete” Butler, Jr. and Genevieve Nacelli Butler, he was a 1965 graduate of Lane High School in Charlottesville, VA. Following his first attempt at college (including failing at architecture [“drawing was never (my) strong suit.”] and biology [“Saturday classes are for nerds”]), he proudly served in the Navy aboard the USS Borie (DD-704). He then returned to college with an attitude adjustment and successfully earned his B.S. degree from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce in 1972. During his tenure at Lane High School, he joined a group of buddies (including Ronny Pugh, Larry Shifflett, Warren Shifflett, Randy Thomas, Jerry Maupin, Vic Velle, Wayne Wingfield, and Jim Marshall) and formed bands called The Skyliners and The Detours which led to many illustrious gigs including proms, variety shows, The Cavalier parties, and one-night-only frat house concerts. Eventually, they worked their way up into backing up legendary R&B group The Drifters, Roy Orbison, Tommy Roe, and at one point, Brenda Lee (whom Stan had choice words about for the remainder of his life). One of his greatest joys was getting back together with The Detours (with the wonderful addition of Gary Bibb, Tom Bibb, Pete Carey, and Allen Ponton) after nearly 30 years and performing for several class reunions. After graduating from UVA in 1972, he came over to Bedford to stay for “a short time,” but couldn’t run away. After landing a job at Piedmont Label (now Smyth Co.), he worked his way up the ladder, eventually becoming Vice President – CFO, and retiring after over 40 years. Stan loved education so much, he returned to college (this time Averett University) to earn his MBA in 1995. Around the same time, he was a member of the first group to be elected to the Bedford County School Board where he proudly represented District 7 for two terms. During his “spare time,” Stan was an active volunteer with several organizations, including the Jaycees and the Lifesaving Crew of Bedford (and not the “Life Savers Crew” as one of his children called it as a tot). He coached Little League football (the Road Devils and the Bulldogs), recreational soccer, and served many years as an armchair quarterback for his beloved Wahoos. Stan was a member of Pecks Baptist Church where he participated in the praise band and choir in addition to serving as an AWANA leader, Youth Group assistant leader, and an assistant Sunday School teacher. He was also an incredible lover of the arts, serving as President of the 1^st Board of Directors of Little Town Players. During his nearly 50-year tenure there, he held leading or supporting roles in shows such as Bye Bye Birdie, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Camelot, Kiss Me, Kate, Oklahoma!, and Wizard of Oz, where he played the Cowardly Lion to his future wife’s Dorothy Gale. Prior to and after his final role in 2015, he served as stage manager for director and longtime friend Karen Hopkins for numerous comedies. In 1983, while serving another term as President of the Board, he had the privilege of accepting from President Ronald Reagan the President’s Volunteer Action Award for the Arts and Humanities on behalf of Little Town Players. Stan was active in several aspects of putting a show together – as long as it didn’t involve using power tools, which he was encouraged not to handle. He, along with Denis Deane (who excelled in using power tools), were awarded the inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award from Little Town Players in 1985. Over a quarter of a century later, Stan became the fifth recipient of the Lifetime Volunteer Award. He remained active in LTP for the rest of his life, serving as Treasurer until his passing. In addition to his parents, Stan is predeceased by his son, Nicholas. He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Lisa, daughters Kathy Rogers (Jeff), Elizabeth (Michael Colby), and Susan (Nay Clark), daughter-in-law Nina, brother-in-law, Chuck Gibbs, sister-in-law, Julie Carr, mother-in law, Frances Self, father-in-law, Hildery Gibbs, and six grandchildren: Ashlyn, Raquel, Ella, Indy, Vera, and Willow. He loved spending time at Sandbridge Beach with his family, drinking pina coladas, enjoying cracking open crab legs, sunning on the deck, and always missing spotting the dolphins.  “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” – The Wizard of Oz.   A service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Pecks Baptist Church in Bedford, Virginia with Pastors Bryan Sheehan and Brandon Palmer officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Town Players, PO Box 437, Bedford, VA 24523 or Pecks Baptist Church, 1020 Pecks Road, Bedford, VA 24523.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Margaret Ellen Bowyer, age 82, of Bedford, Virginia went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, September 19, 2024 surrounded by her children. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Pastor Jason Cook officiating. Surviving are her children, Joseph Terry Overstreet (Jacki), Wanda Kay Pilkinton (Gary), Adam Stewart Overstreet, and Rebecca Wood Boyd (Seth); four brothers, John Wayne Bowyer, Thomas Harry Bowyer (Patsy), Charles Richard Bowyer, Jr. and David Clarence Bowyer; five sisters Barbara Allen Smith, May Belle Drake, Ann Thackery (Maxx), Elizabeth Bowyer Dooley (Eric) and Effie; two special cousins Joyce Hennessee and Rodney Caldwell; grandson, Brandon Scott Johnson (Laura) and a very special great-grandson Dylan Scott Johnson. In addition to her deep love for her children, her television was her church. She listened to a select few preachers and televangelists every Sunday morning forbidding anyone to call or visit while she was having church. Until she became ill, she was very active in the trap-spay/neuter-release for feral cats in the Bedford community. Only she had trouble with the release part of the program as they became a fur-ever part of her family. She enjoyed gardening especially for the benefit of the birds and butterflies. She always said the bird’s songs in the early morning was heaven’s choir. We will miss her terribly. In lieu of flowers, Momma would ask that you please make a donation in her memory to the animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.