Pamela C. Poole, fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, was born into eternal life on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Loreto, December 10, 2024; 58 years old. Beloved wife of the late, Robert K. Poole and the daughter of the late, David and Mildred Kelly. Mother of Christine Kelly Poole, dear sister to Nola Beach (Nestor), Theresa Arambula (Sergio), Lilli Winstead (Tony) and David Anthony (Tony) Kelly.  She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews. Pam, Bobby and Kelly lived in Thaxton, Virginia where Pam was a homemaker for many of those years. She served at Holy Name of Mary in several capacities. The last few years she was employed at IAA with her dearest friend Mike Connor. Her greatest love was her husband and daughter. She loved cooking, preparing meals for others and collecting butterflies. She volunteered at Spirit FM, making butterflies for cancer patients for many years. She will be missed by many friends. The family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and support given by Centra Bedford Hospice to Pam and her family.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, December 13, 2024 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with Father Nixon Negparanon celebrating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

 

 

 

 

Mary Rebecca McCauley Wilkerson, 63, of Bedford gained her angel wings Monday December 9th, 2024. She passed peacefully as she took her last breath in this world and her first one in Heaven. Mary was born July 28, 1961. She is preceded in passing by her father, James Samuel McCauley Jr., her mother, Rebecca Howell McCauley, and her brother, Stephen Lewis McCauley. Her in-laws, John Michael Wilkerson and Gladys Mildred Wilkerson.  She’s now watching over her husband of 44 years Michael William Wilkerson, her daughters, Clair Wilkerson Morck (Wesley) and Stevie Ann Roberson (Ryan), her granddaughters, Caroline James Morck, Rebecca Kathryn (Kate) Morck, and Peyton Elsie Roberson. Sister, Ann McCauley (Tom), brother, John McCauley (Trisha). Sisters-in-law, Mary Thompson (Jimmy), Trish Childress, and Faye Eubank (Dave). Numerous nieces and nephews. Mary never met a stranger and showed compassion and kindness to everyone. She had a passion for animals and flowers. The family would like to personally thank Dr. Temeles, the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Good Samaritan Hospice, Dianne Nichols and Bedford Memorial Hospital for exceptional care. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Bedford Baptist Church.  A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Thursday, December 12, 2024 at Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Khol officiating.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

 

Judith Ann (Zasadny) Phillip of Moneta, VA, devoted wife of Pete Phillip, passed away peacefully at her home on Smith Mountain Lake on December 6, 2024. She was a loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Judy was born on July 1, 1948, in Wyandotte, MI, the daughter of Walter Joseph Zasadny and Angeline Mary (Trela) Zasadny. She graduated from Mount Carmel High School and Western Michigan University, and she later earned her CPA certification. Judy and Pete married in 1969 in Wyandotte, MI. As they spent time living in several different states, Judy formed new friendships through her work, her children’s schools and activities, and most of all through her and Pete’s shared passion–sailing. She is remembered for her kindness, gentleness, bravery, and generosity.  Judy and Pete moved to Smith Mountain Lake, Franklin County, VA, in 2005. Judy enjoyed sailboat racing and cruising, kayaking, snow skiing, baking, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, VISA Yacht Club, Blackwater Yacht Racing Association, and Smith Mountain Lake Democrats.  Judy is predeceased by her parents, her brother Tom Zasadny, and sister Joanne Kistulenetz.  Judy is survived by her husband Pete Phillip; daughter Marcie Phillip Porter (Jeffrey), Durham, NC; son Andrew Gordon Phillip (Emily), Marietta, GA; grandchildren Cyrus Michael Porter, Eliza Grace Porter, Hugo Gordon Phillip, and Lydia Rose Phillip; and sister Jeanette Zasadny, Bedford, VA.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, at 11 am with visitation starting at 10 am, at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta, VA 24121 with Fr. Sal Anonuevo celebrating.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SML Good Neighbors (www.smlgoodneighbors.org). Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

 

 

Carolyn Elizabeth Fulton McBride, 78, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Radford, VA on December 21, 1945 a daughter of the late Luther McLean Fulton and Irene Mastin Fulton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Eugene McBride. She loved God and tried to do everything to please Him. She was very dedicated to her family and always tried to help others. Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Donna Anderson (Bill), Tamela McBride (James Rae); grandchildren, Allen, Jason (Amanda), Amber (Brandon), Brittany, Tiffany, Steven (Emily); great-grandchildren, Alayna, Braxton, Aubrey, Elias; and sister, Cindy Gallimore (David). A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Tabernacle Church of God, 14577 Big Island Highway, Big Island, VA 24526, with Rev. Sam Jones officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Fairview Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Avenue, Roanoke, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

 

Dennis Lee Morandy, Husband, Father, Brother, Friend & Opa.  Born February 9, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Dennis passed from Parkinsons on December 1, 2024.  He leaves behind the love of his life Deanna Lani Easterling Morandy, three children: Jodi Vawdrey (Darin), John Morandy (Susan) and David Morandy (Krystal), 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  He was proceeded in death by his father David Clarence Morandy and Mother Audrey Leitz Morandy. He and his siblings; Claire Geddes, David Morandy & Susan Bendig were raised in Salina Utah and Salt Lake City Utah.  He graduated from North Sevier High School where he played baseball and lettered in wrestling. He married Kathleen Williams on November 2, 1962, and later divorced.  He married his soul mate Deanna Morandy on January 8, 1977, and they were married for 47 years. Dennis attended Salt Lake Business College and the University of Utah.  When he graduated, he went to work for the Utah Department of Transportation writing programs that calculated the height and how the roads should be. His computer programming took him all over the world.  He worked in Hawaii for the US Government programing aviation software systems, then installed those programs in Saigon Vietnam during the war.  He worked at the Nevada Test Site near Las Vegas, and they spent several years in Holland.  He ended his career at Genworth Financial as an IT Manager. Dennis was very easy-going and never complained.  When asked how he was doing he usually responded, “I’m great”, even after the Parkinsons disease made simple task very difficult.  He loved to travel and over the last few years he really loved boxing at the Y with his friends at “Rock Steady”.  Dennis was patient, witty and compassionate and will be deeply missed.  We want to thank the entire community, friends and family that provided support over the last several years, especially Jim Tisdale & Donna Tovey who quit traveling full time to stay in Virginia and help Deanna and Dennis. A Celebration of Life will be held at Unity in the Seven Hills Church, 3522 Campbell Ave Lynchburg, Virginia 24501on Sunday December 15th at 1:00 p.m.

 

 

Harold Wayne Holt (Wayne), passed away at his home on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Wayne was born in Petersburg, VA on December 3, 1942 son of the late Harold and Willie Holt. He grew up in Brookneal, VA graduating from William Campbell High School and Lynchburg College; where he excelled in all sports, especially basketball. Wayne started teaching in 1965 at New London Academy, then Brookville High School. After 15 years, he left to begin his next career with Campbell County Recreation Department where he retired. He loved being a teacher and considered the time with his students an adventure. Continuing at the recreation department kept him involved with the community and sports. The loves of his life were his family and his El Cabrito’s and golfing buddies. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra P. Holt; two sons, Todd and Jason Holt; two grandchildren, Oliver and Cannon Holt; two grandchildren of the heart, Lily and Max Goettler. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Ann and her husband Buddy, and their son, Troy; and numerous cousins and friends. At his request, there will be no services. To honor Wayne’s memory, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 1022 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 or Timbrook Library, 18891 Leesville Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Online condolences can be made at www.burch-messier.com Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

 

Harold Michael Craig, 76, of Big Island, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was born in Welch, WV on January 30, 1948 a son of the late Vernon Otha Craig, Sr. and Sadie Hughes Craig. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vernon Craig, Jr.; sisters, Norma Hall, Erma Meade, Maggie Craighead, Emilie Sigmon; and special nephew, Joe Craighead. Harold was a member of Bedford Church of God and was retired from Rubatex and Bedford Supply. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lena Dooley Craig; sons, Michael Anthony Craig (June), Clifford Wayne Craig (Melissa); daughter, Charity Love Craig (Tony Johnson); grandchildren, Christina Craig, Tiffany Keener, Stephanie Craig, Darrius Johnson, Nevaeh Johnson, Braiden Craig; step-grandchildren, Kaylee Blevins, Ashley Blevins, Riley Blevins; brothers, Rodney Craig, Danny Craig; several nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

 

Connie Mae Hylton passed away on November 20, 2024 at her sister’s home in Goode, Virginia after losing her battle with ovarian cancer. Connie was a very strong woman and fought this disease with everything she had until the end. Connie attempted to live her life to the fullest and enjoyed anything adventurous including kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, running. She participated in many runs, bike races and triathlons. She was an avid proponent for dog rescue and fostered many homeless dogs until they found their forever homes. Anyone who met Connie realized very quickly what a wicked sense of humor that she had and she could make most people laugh easily. She was a generous person and always looked for ways to help people. Connie was born in Radford VA on July 19, 1965 and was the last member of a family of six including three sisters Debbie Mason, Donna Crawley and Karren Hylton. Great adventures were had by these four girls. When Connie was born, her father was nearing the end of his military career which would take the family to Colorado before returning to Virginia. Connie began her adult life with a degree in computer programming, which took her to northern Virginia. After a short career in that field, she decided to join the army where she received medical training, and soon after leaving the army went to school to become a doctor of internal medicine. During this training she would live in Virginia Beach and Harrisburg PA. Her desire was to help the most needy people with her training, and she soon settled to practice medicine in the small mountain town of Clifton Forge Virginia. Soon after settling in Clifton Forge, Connie was joined by her 18-month-old great nephew, Christopher Phelps, whom she raised as her son. They enjoyed many adventures together and spent much time in the Outer Banks towns of Duck and Corolla-her favorite places in the world. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Clive William Hylton and Anna Christine Hylton as well as beloved brother-in-law Ronald K Mason. She leaves behind her son Christopher Phelps (CJ), her three sisters, beloved nieces and nephews and many special friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to April Feury and Sheree Morris for their ongoing support through the years in helping Connie balance work and life as a single parent. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

 

 

Ruby Lee Wilcher Heck, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. She was born in Fincastle, VA on October 10, 1938 a daughter of the late Herbert Wilcher and Nannie Jones Wilcher. She was retired from Rubatex. Ruby is survived by her son, Stuart Wayne Whorley; daughter, Alice Stevens; grandson, Chris Orange; brothers, Leo Wilcher, Dickie Wilcher; and sister-in-law, Gerlene Wilcher. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Danny Holdren officiating. Burial will follow in Peaks Church Community 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.

Kenneth Edwin Wheeler, Sr., 86, of Goodview, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born in Thaxton, VA on January 9, 1938 a son of the late Warner H. Wheeler and Minnie Creasey Wheeler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Arlene Wade Wheeler; sons, Barry Eugene Wheeler, Donald Wayne Wheeler; and grandson, Brandon Michael Wheeler. He is survived by his sons, Kenneth Edwin Wheeler, Jr. (Kimberly), Michael Lynn Wheeler (Dana); grandsons, Kenny Wayne Wheeler (Tasha), Travis Lynn Wheeler (Piper); step-grandchildren, Jason Fitzgerald, Dustin Brinkley, Nikki Martin; and great-grandchildren, Renee, Tyler, Landon, Sam, Alanis, Luna, Brianna, Alexander, Eleanor, June, Daisey, Vera, Floyd, and Laken. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Shady Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Lewis Brandon and Rev. Bill Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.