Richard George Kay, Jr., 87, of Big Island, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. He was born in Chicago, IL on May 2, 1937 a son of the late Richard George Kay, Sr. and Amelia Majewski Kay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Bernice’s daughter, Belinda Watson; sister, Judith Kay Witt and husband Dick; nephews, Mark Kay, Rev. James Greene; and niece, Carolyn Kay. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army as military police during Vietnam. He was an active member of Chestnut Hill Freewill Baptist Church. Rich loved nature and being in the outdoors, especially the mountains and he loved his family and his furry dog, Rascal. He is survived by his wife, Bernice Goff Floyd Kay; Bernice’s daughters, Pamela Thornhill (Jim), Sheri Phillips (Kendall), Melissa Lee (Chris); brother, Robert Kay (Alicia); nieces, Kim Greene, Elizabeth Hunt (Shane), Tracey Kelly (Darren), Antenella Roberts; nephews, Michael Witt (Andrea), Martin Witt, Mitchell Witt; and many other family members and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Chestnut Hill Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Betty Ann Little Tucker, 81, of Evington, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2024. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on July 30, 1943 a daughter of the late Robert Alfred Little and Betty Cox Little. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard N. Tucker; daughter, Nancy Owens; brother, Jimmy Little; and sister, Mary Tucker.  “Granny” as everyone knew her was a tough spirit, who was loved by many. She loved to watch her John Cena and didn’t miss any opportunity to watch her wrestling shows every night of the week. She was small in stature but didn’t mince words. She is tearing up the dance floor now smiling down.  If you met Granny one time, she was your Granny the rest of the time, with strong and tough love.  We will miss you dearly.  We love you!  She is survived by her daughters, Doris Dalton (Mike Wright); Kathy Winebarger (Wayne); grandchildren, Dale Dalton (Christa), Phillip Dalton, Chasity Winebarger, David Winebarger, Shanna Owens, Cheyenne Brown; sister, Louise Tucker; and seven great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Tucker Family Cemetery, 1063 Camping Spring Road, Lynch Station, VA with Rev. Stewart Mitchell officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Maryland Levene Spencer, 82, of Forest, Virginia, went peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on September 13, 2024. Born in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee on August 7, 1942 to Thomas McKnight and Frieda Quillen McKnight. Maryland spent most of her childhood near Detroit, Michigan. On December 7, 1963, she married the love of her life, Bruce G. Spencer, Jr., whom she met while attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Bruce and Maryland recently celebrated sixty years of marriage. He survives, along with their three sons, Bruce (Denise) Spencer III of Normal, Illinois, Steven (Rhonda) Spencer of Taylors, South Carolina, and Dennis (Michelle) Spencer of Forest, Virginia. Also surviving are Maryland’s siblings, Claude (Sharon) McKnight, Robert McKnight, JoAnne (Austin) Hoffman, all of Michigan; several dear nieces and nephews; along with Maryland’s ten grandchildren; four grands-in-law; and two great-grandchildren. Maryland is preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Francis and Alvin Booth; two brothers, Dennis “Butch” McKnight and Thomas McKnight; and daughter-in-law, Karen Spencer. Along with raising her boys, Maryland owned a house cleaning business for many years and was always an active member of her local church. She especially enjoyed entertaining and baking for others, and gifted many loaves of her famous poppyseed bread, the recipe for which has been shared many times over. In recent years, she was wholly devoted to her pets, including her sweet kitties, Mocha Latte and Mr. Boots, but most of all, her tiny, beloved Chihuahua and constant companion, Willow. Friends and loved ones are invited to share in celebrating Maryland’s life and offer condolences at an informal drop-in gathering at the Spencer family home in Forest on Saturday, October 12, 2024 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Family members are invited to come early at 10 a.m. for a brief time of special remembrance and praise.   Immediate family will gather for a private burial at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Herman Willis Doss, Sr., 85, of Bedford County, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024 surrounded by family.  He was born in Pittsylvania County Virginia.  He was predeceased by his mother, Willie Odell Doss; his granddaughter, Erin Lynn McKinney; and his youngest son, John Henley Doss. Herman is survived by his beautiful, loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Eula L. Doss; five of his six children, Patricia McKinney (Aaron), Linda Darkow (Scott Sr.), Donna Armstrong “Dee Dee” (Steve), Herman Doss Jr., Bill (Pat), and Catherine Doss, Cathy; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great- granddaughter, and another due in November.  He had many titles in the family, Honey, Herman, Daddy, Dad, Papason, Pops, Grandpa, Ginks, Pop Pop and Pappy.  He gladly answered to them all. Herman proudly served in the United States Navy.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy as an E6, Herman served on the Norfolk Police Department as a Police Officer, after leaving the police department he started his own business, Doss Refrigeration.  When he retired, he moved back to the mountains of Virginia and opened his business “Ginks Gun Shed”, in 2023 he closed the gun shop and retired for the final time. As a father he patiently taught his children to drive a stick shift vehicle using an old 1948 Willys Jeep as well as many other necessary life skills needed to prosper.  He also taught them to help others in need.  For many years there was always someone extra living in the house that he took under his wing until they were ready to fly away.  The house was always open to anyone in need with room at the table for a home cooked meal and a warm bed if needed.  He took pride in teaching everyone gun safety and how to shoot.  Teaching hunting skills and putting them on the right tree stand for a successful hunt.   He loved teaching his grandchildren how to mill wood on his sawmill and how to use the tractors to till the big gardens and plant and harvest the vegetables he grew, as well as how to stir their sweet iced tea with their finger to make it colder, but his favorite subject to share with everyone was his never-ending knowledge about his favorite hobby, guns and ammunition. The family would like to say Thank You to the wonderful Doctors, Nurses and Assistants at the Veterans Hospital in Salem Virginia, The Alan B Pearson Cancer Center in Lynchburg Virginia and the Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Comfort Care Unit in Virginia, for the outstanding care given to Herman during his battle with cancer. Services will be private.  Donations in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD  21741 or online at donate.cancer.org. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kaylee Michele Carter, 10 months old, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 in Charlottesville, VA at UVA. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on November 2, 2023.  She is the daughter of Jamie Lee Wayne Carter and Rachel Maria Staub Carter. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her two sisters, Chloe and Autumn Carter.  She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Michele Ferguson. She is also survived by grandparents, Bobby and Gale Duggins of Lynchburg, VA, Fred and Ann Staub Marlboro, NJ and James Ferguson of Bedford VA. Kaylee is also loved by her many aunts, uncles, cousins and many others.  Kaylee bought so much joy, laughter, love to all who she met. Her infectious smile lit up the room. She had so much love to give.  We would like to thank everyone who cared for our daughter Bedford Centra Medical Group and University of Virginia Hospital PICU team.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM at Holy Name of Mary on Monday September 23,2024, with Fr. Nixon Negparanon celebrating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford. (540) 586-7360. 

Linda Whorley Turpin, 61, of Big Island, VA passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Arthur H Whorley and Minne F Whorley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Brenda Wright; and her uncles, Conious, Jesse, and Lawrence Whorley. She is survived by her husband, Robbin Turpin; her son and best friend, Bobby Behrens (Jessica); her daughter, Melissa Crouch; granddaughter, Sapphire Stoneberger; brother, Mack Whorley, and sister, Hazel Burnette.  No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Thomas Henry Powers, 82, of Montvale, died Friday, September 6, 2024 in Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  He was born in Bedford on September 9, 1941 a son of the late Auville Thomas Powers and Edna Johnson Powers.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lynwood Powers and his son, Gary Norman Powers.  He was a member of Bedford Christian Church and a U.S. Air Force Veteran.  Thomas is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Connor Powers; a son, Sean Eric Powers (Heather); his daughter, Erin Michelle Davis; five grandchildren, Teal Shephard (Nate); Christopher Powers (Rachel); Amythest Davis; Jade Jenkins (Josiah); Olivia Brown (Jarrett); nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Connie Powers; many nieces and nephews.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2024 at Bedford Christian Church with Rev. Dr. David Walton officiating.  Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Bedford Christian Church, 1928 Moneta Rd. Bedford.  Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be made to the Bedford Christian Church Building Fund.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

Jenny Lee Wade Mason, 92, of Forest, died Thursday, September 5, 2024 in Oakwood Manor. She was born on September 5, 1932 in Campbell County a daughter of the late Claytor Terrell Wade and Leezette R. Jennings Wade. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Albert Mason; her children, Terry L. Mason (Cindy); Michael A. Mason (Brenda); Kent L. Mason. Being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was a blessing for Jenny. She worked at the Busy Bee Daycare and was a cafeteria worker at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Jenny is survived by her grandchildren, Zane L. Mason (Amber); April Mason Stevens (Jacob); Michelle Mason; Chris Mason (Nina); five great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held 12:00 noon, Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Fort Hill Memorial Park. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

Lee Richardson Thornton, 87, of Hurt, died Monday, September 2, 2024 in Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born on April 22, 1937 a daughter of the late James Lee Richardson and Lorene Torrence Richardson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Lee Thornton; her daughter, Tara Lee Dunnam; her sister, Eleanor Richardson Moore (Dr. Lorie Wilson Moore). She was a member of Hurt United Methodist Church and was retired from Erricson. Lee is survived by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Thornton; four great-grandchildren, Skylar Fox, Tygir Gillispie, Kairi Schaefer and Thadius Schaefer; nieces and nephews; a special friend, Richard Gallier. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.