John Thomas Barrett, 76, of Bedford, a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024. He was born in Bedford on November 5, 1948 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. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his loved ones, his strong work ethic, and his deep passion for technology. John dedicated many years of his life to public service, retiring from Bedford County after a long and successful career as the Director of the 911 Communications Center. He was a lifetime member of the Bedford Life Saving Crew, where he proudly served as Captain, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to helping others in times of need. He was also a member of the Bedford Christian Church. John’s legacy is defined by his devotion to family, his service to his community, and his love for those around him. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and the joy he brought to everyone he met. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dianne Parker Barrett; daughters, Michelle Hampton (Ray), Alysia Wood (Steve); grandchildren, Anna Belle Barrett, Henry Hampton, John Wood, Jacob Wood (Hannah); great-grandson, Tatum Wood; sister, Suzanne Dooley; and brother, Tim Barrett. Per his wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Karen Marie Carter Ayers, 51, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024. She was born in Bedford on December 25, 1973 a daughter of Alfred Russell Carter, Sr. and Sandra Ayers Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Alfred R. Carter, Willard George Carter, Jr.; and sister, Debra Ann Carter. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Nathen Ayers; and sisters, Linda Carter Yetter and Elizabeth C. Witt. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Lori Lynn Witt Jamison, 65, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024. She was born in Bedford, VA on May 1, 1959 a daughter of the late Oswell Howard Witt and Faye Virginia Hughes Witt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Jamison; and brother, Timothy Lee Witt. She was a dedicated employer at the Stop In/Shell Station for over 20 years and she was well loved by many in the community. Lori is survived by her daughter, Cheri Carter (Kevin); granddaughter, Kayley Carter; sisters, Alice Wood (Dennis), Lisa Campbell (Danny); brother, Dennis Witt (Shona); and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Quaker Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., on Monday, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Sandra Ruth Smith, 54, of Evington, died on Friday, December 27, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Mount Kisco, NY on December 22, 1970 and was the daughter of the late Harry and Joan Mazurak. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Mazurak. She loved the beach and having Halloween parties. The holidays were always the best and she hardly took a photo by herself. She will be missed. She is survived by her husband, Calvin Smith II; one son, Joshua Smith and his wife, Trinity; her twin sister and sidekick, Cynthia Speake and her husband, Jeff; nephew, James Speake; her father and mother-in-law, Calvin Smith and Linda Smith; brother-in-law, Thomas Smith; many other family and friends; and her dog, Carly; which she loved so much. The family would like to give special thanks to Scott and Wanda Tate, Sierra Panter and Jarrod Reger. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., at her twin sister’s home, 1415 Ranch Lane, Forest, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Association. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Madge Katherine Peek Messer, 96, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully, Friday, December 20, 2024 at her residence. Madge is in Heaven now, where she has longed to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Kansas on September 11, 1928, a daughter of the late Irvin Earl Peek and Violet Banhart Peek. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William Archable Messer; daughter, Sharon Rose Williams; sons, Danny and Ray Messer; brothers, Glenn Peek, Earl Peek, and Bonnie Peek; sisters, Ruth VanGilder and Carol Hail; and granddaughter, Shannon Saucier. Madge is survived by her daughter, Susan Marie “Susie” Craig and her husband, Lyle, whom she loved and basically lived in their home for the last 20 years; her grandchildren, Jay Miller, Timmy Williams (Kitty); Candy Wills (Kyle), D.J. Messer (Crystal); Tony Messer; her sister, Dory Calendrino; many cherished great-grandchildren. Madge was mama and grandma to many other loved ones. A graveside service celebrating her life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 at Dale Memorial Park, 10201 Newbys Bridge Rd. Chesterfield, VA 23832 with Rev. Marsha Baxter officiating. In lieu of flowers please consider Heartland Hospice, 7806 Timberlake Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Elsie Lee Goff Andrews, 84, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. She was born in Bedford, VA on July 17, 1940 a daughter of the late Owen Silas Goff and Ruth Wilson Robertson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Aubrey Andrews; daughter, Cortrina Johnson; brothers, Delmas Goff, Lawrence Goff, Winford Goff, Tommy Goff, Ted Goff; and sister, Patsy Weatherford. She is survived by her granddaughter, Ashley Johnson; and two sisters, Jeanette and Judy. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday January 2, 2024 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kenneth Bledsoe officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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.

Gregory Scott Hobson, 70, of Bedford, died Sunday, December 8, 2024 in Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  He was born in Oklahoma on December 17, 1953 a son of the late J.C. Hobson and Thomasina Jackson Hobson.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Derrick DeHart.  He is survived by his daughters, Allyson DeHart, Stacy Scott and Melanie Evans; grandchildren, Isaac and Payton Scott, Cyara, Bailey, Everest and Finland DeHart, Delany and Sadie Evans; his sister, LeeAnn Lewis (Jeff); his ex-wife, Diane Hobson; beloved friend, Dan Pelletier.  He was the proprietor of Home Pest Control in Houston, Texas.  He attended Houston Baptist University and Liberty University where he earned various degrees in History, Anthropology and Bible Studies.  He was an avid member of the Combined Caesarea Dig in Israel.  The University of Maryland in the U.S. and Haifa University in Israel combined efforts to excavate Caesarea Maritima, which has biblical significance.  He was instrumental in recruiting volunteers and attending numerous digs.  He enjoyed metal detecting Civil War sites in Virginia and West Virginia.  We will all miss his sense of humor.  Services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.