On Sunday, December 31, 2023 God called his loyal and Faithful Angel home to Heaven. Born on May 1, 1933 to the late John Samuel and Clara Hicks McConville. Sadie was the eldest of ten children. Sadie was preceded in death by her husband Lester; daughter, Cindy; son, Tony; sisters, Peggy Hensley and Janie Stinnette; and brothers, Preston and Henry McConville. Sadie retired from Lynchburg City School food service. She was a long-time member of Pleasant View Baptist Church until her illness. Sadie loved to cook, work in her garden, enjoyed bird watching and serving her Lord. She is survived by her daughter, Mary; son, Glenn Scott (Roxanne); grandchildren, Robert Williams of Niceville, Florida, Amy Anderson of Lynchburg, VA, Nicole Arthur of Winston-Salem, NC, Jonathan (Lisa) Harris of Tampa, Florida, Matt (Nora)Harris and David Harris of Lynchburg, VA; great-grandchildren, Jay Anderson, Maleah Arthur, Jessie Arthur, Bradley Weaver, Lexi Harris, Ari Harris, Sequoia Boudreau, Leilani Harris and Adonis Harris; great-great grandchild, Sofia Arthur; two sisters, Alma Fisher and Ann Fariss; three brothers, Sam, Robert and Allen McConville. Sadie is also survived by a very special family member, James Lee. The Family would like to thank the Hospice Staff, Volunteers and Roma Fuqua for their physical and spiritual care of Sadie during her illness. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Pleasant View Baptist Church with a Memorial Luncheon following the service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Robin Ann Bowden Martin was born on June 25th, 1963 to parents Rodney Garrett Bowden and Mabel Hortense Mattox Bowden. Both of whom waited her arrival in heaven. She was a licensed Health Insurance Professional and General Ledger book keeper with Croft Insurance Services and was secretary for Mt. Olivet Southern Baptist Church for many years. Robin was married to Jeffrey Neal Martin for the last 18 years. Through the good times and the bad times. She has 2 exceptional sons. Her oldest is Byrchel Poskas III, also known as BJ. In her own time, Robin accepted his wife Angela Osborne Poskas, as a daughter more than a daughter in law. BJ blessed Robin with 3 granddaughters (Rebekah Faith Poskas, Jenna Grace Poskas, Isabella Helen Poskas), 1 grandson (Isaac Byrchel Donald Poskas), and 1 bonus grandson she loved just as much as the others (Hayden Lee Osborne Maurer). Her youngest son is Kristopher Garett Poskas. While everyone else called him Kris, he will always be Kristopher to her. As a younger brother should, he followed in the steps of his older brother. He blessed Robin with not only another daughter in law she saw as a daughter, Taylor Kiser Poskas. Kristopher also blessed her with 3 granddaughters (Aubrey Claire Poskas, Hannah Elisabeth Poskas, and Marah Kathryn Poskas), 1 grandson to grace the world in May 2024 (Jackson Mattox Poskas) and 1 bonus grandson that she loved as her own (Brayden Nathaniel Guinn). Robin grew up with sisters who helped shaped her, support her, teach her, but also learned from her (Margret Carter, Vicky St Clair, Tammy McFall, and Yelear Holdren). The same would be said about her brothers (Rodney Wayne Bowden, Danny Bowden, and Sandy Bowden). Her life touched these people, her family. But it did not stop there. Her life blessed the countless friends she made throughout her life. Her life much like a candle in a dark room, showed brighter more days than not. On December 28th, 2023, her candle went out from this world and has been relit in her place prepared for her by where she drew her faith from, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing Robin, the way that I do, she loved the music of church but did not like singing. So, I’m sure she has convinced the angels to give her a room to fix robes while the others sing. Robin left memories and stories here with us to share with each other. As a way to keep her with us. There will be days her family will struggle with her not being here. There will be days her family will rejoice about her life. Robin Ann Bowden Martin is a sister, a mother, a wife, and a friend that will be forever missed. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Mt. Olivet Southern Baptist Church with Rev. J.R. Graybill officiating.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.
Bonnie Kaye Jordan, 73, passed away peacefully in her home on December 27, 2023 in Rustburg, VA. She was born on October 24, 1950 to the late Perry & Margaret Jordan in Lynchburg, VA. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Staples (Amy) of Rustburg, and Oden Hanecamp of Rustburg, and her daughter Amy Childress (Calvin) of Hurt; her brothers, Sonny Jordan (Karen) of Lynchburg, Clyde “Jim” Jordan of Lynchburg, Les Jordan (Rhonda) of Concord; and sisters: Sis Wooldridge (Donovan) of Huddleston, Janice Schmitt (Joe) of Evington, & Margaret Pribble (Paul) of Evington. She loved to crochet afghans and make chocolates and hard candy. She was a beloved grandmother, “Nanny” to her 5 grandchildren (Brooklyn, Brandy, Kaitlin, Justin, & Lauren) and 7 great grandchildren (Jax, Tripp, Landon, Adelyn, Cullen, Haven, & Juniper). She is preceded in death by her brother, James Jordan; son, Joseph Daniel Staples; and daughter, Kristie Staples Adkins. A memorial service will be held on Sunday December 31, 2023 at Altavista Baptist Tabernacle (302 Frazier Rd. Altavista, VA) at 2 pm officiated by Pastor W.L. Pillow. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford is assisting the family.
Mary Belle Garraghty Harrell, 85, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023. Belle was married September 1, 1962, to Lemuel David Harrell, her soul mate. From that union she always believed she grew both spiritually and intellectually. Belle was born on December 29, 1937 the second child of James Howard Garraghty I and wife, Janie Moseley Wilkerson. She was the sister of Janie Garraghty Jordan and James Howard Garraghty, II. She was the granddaughter of (maternal) Robert Winston Wilkerson and his wife, Virginia Moseley “Monie” Krantz Wilkerson, and (paternal) James Farmer Garraghty and his wife, Alice Belle Cocke Garraghty. In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Howard Garraghty II. Belle is survived by her sister, Janie Garraghty Jordan; sister-in-law’s, Dorothy Harrell Barger (Ray), Kathy A. Garraghty, Linda M. Johnson; special cousins, Dawn Tinsley Arrington (Barry), Marianne Garraghty Wydner (John) and numerous other cousins; her niece, caregiver, and friend, Wanda Garraghty Morris (Wayne), and other nephews and nieces, including Amanda Garraghty (Amanda), Michael Garraghty (Dana), Tony Garraghty (Teresa), Randall Garraghty (Julie), James Howard Garraghty III, Tony Brookus (Nicole); and numerous great and great-grand nieces and nephews. On the advice and with the support of her father, Belle became a public-school teacher. Because she loved to read, she chose high school English as her field of study and finished Lynchburg College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature-Speech-Writing. Later, as the desire or need arose, she did graduate work at, among others, George Washington University, American University, and the University of Virginia. Belle began her teaching career at Altavista High School, Altavista, VA. After her marriage and moving to Arlington, VA she taught journalism, creative writing, and English 9-12 at W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA. She remained there for 25 years, serving as department chairman for half of that time. After her retirement from Fairfax Co. Public Schools, Belle did further graduate work in clinical counseling and the teaching of English as a Second Language. She then taught ESL to adult refugees from Vietnam and South and Central America. She also became responsible for developing the English component of a team effort to combine academic and vocational goals for youth-at-risk. After her second retirement, Belle volunteered in a literacy program for English as a Second Language for students in Arlington, VA; and later in Campbell Co., VA. She pursued interests in stained glass, ceramic doll reproduction, needlework, gardening, and genealogical research. She published three books of abstracts of Bedford Co., VA will books, became certified by VPI as a Master Gardener, and served as officer of several historical and lineage societies. Belle requested that her cremains be placed alongside those of her husband in the William Lockett Wilkerson Cemetery, also known as the Mountain Cemetery on Wheat’s Valley Road in Bedford Co., VA. William Lockett Wilkerson being her great-great-grandfather. She also requested that there be no viewing or funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to academic scholarships at the University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA or Bethany United Methodist Church, Forest, VA. A private graveside service will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586 
Donald (Donnie) Marvin Campbell, 80, of Bedford, VA passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023. Donald was born on January 31, 1943 to Marvin and Georgia Campbell. After graduating from Montvale High School, he joined the United States Army. While having a few different jobs and starting his own Concrete finishing business, his main passion was always farming which he did everyday up until the last few weeks of his life. Another huge part of Donald’s life was being social and going out to eat, which anyone who knew him probably participated in. He also enjoyed watching his grandson River play football, baseball and watching his granddaughter, Ivy dance. Donald was also a member of several local organizations including the Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Donald is survived by his son, Donald (Donnie) Campbell Jr., his wife Michelle and their two kids River and Ivy; brother, John Campbell, his wife Carol and their daughter Lora; half -brother, Steve Campbell his wife Monique and their two kids Georgia and Isaiah; his ex-wife Sandra Campbell; two cats, Rambo and Missy; friend, Dennis Edwards and many more. A private celebration of life will be held for his immediate family and friends. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Our beloved and devoted Daddy, Stephen Allen Worley, 72, of Hurt, VA departed this earthly life on Saturday, Dec 23, 2023 at 5:08 a.m., surrounded by loved ones and with his daughter holding him close, after a long battle with muscle dementia, at his home in Lynchburg, VA. Stephen, a native of Lynch Station, VA, was born October 13, 1951 in Lynchburg, VA to the late Richard Crawford Worley and Dorothy Mae Preas Worley. He was preceded in his departure by his brother, Michael Scott Worley. Stephen is survived by his beloved daughter, Teresa Mae Worley of Lynchburg, VA and her mother, Betty Ann of Campbell Co, they maintained a lifelong relationship. His beloved son, Christopher Allen Worley (Carly), and his mother and also longtime friend, Sandy Worley, all of Bedford, VA. Betty Ann and Sandy deserve acknowledgement for their dedication to Steve’s children and their respect for him and each other. Which was truly a blessing for him and his children. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Four stepdaughters, Melissa Merritt (John), Terri Cheek (Mark), Bobby Boyd (Mike), Jennifer Peterson (Kevin), 7 step grandchildren, his brother Richard (Dickie) Worley, 2 sisters, Patricia Martin and Elaine Wilson, a Maternal Aunt, many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Stephen graduated from Altavista High School in 1970. He owned and operated his own business, A-1 Home Improvement, he took extreme pride in his work. He enjoyed trips to the beach with family, Bluegrass trips with friends. He loved playing Bluegrass music with Eddie Gill and many friends over the years, playing his Upright Bass (Myrtle or Lucille) electric bass/guitar, and guitar and singing. He also loved vintage cars, restoring them and going to car shows with his son. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with his family and close friends. He also loved home cooked, country meals. Stephen’s family would like to thank Hospice Care, his Hospice CNA, Angela, his Occupational Therapist from early in his illness, Sarah. A very special thank you to his Caregiver, Sandy Cyrus and her family for the devotion, love, care, support, kindness, compassion, grace and dignity given and shown to Stephen during his illness. The commitment, dedication, and devotion shown by her and her family made it possible to keep Stephen home throughout his journey so that the promise of no hospital or nursing home could be honored. There are no words of gratitude big enough. The amazing team that supported him and his family made it possible to keep him home and safe. Priceless. The family would like to say thank you for all the kind words and love expressed during this time. Final arrangements are being taken care of by Burch-Messier (540-586-7360) of Bedford, Va. Thank you to all that have donated to help with expenses so far. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Stephen’s Life held on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. until…. Family, friends, memories, music, food and lots of love, all together at: The Traveller, 3763 Peaks Rd, Bedford, VA 24523. For any questions or information on arrangements, donations, etc. reach out to Teresa or Chris through Facebook.
Charles Moore Comer, 68, of Lynchburg, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023. He was born in Bedford, VA on November 14, 1955 a son of the late Clarence Moore Comer and Emily St. Clair Comer. He was a retired brick mason; which he was the owner of the business. Charles is survived by a daughter, Katherine Allen; son, Clifton Comer; mother of his son, Patsy D. Comer; two sisters, Joyce Coleman (Earl), Linda Sue Witt (Mike); four grandchildren, Kaden Comer, Jacqueline, Timothy, and Todd Allen; one great-grandson, Theodore; and two nephews, Brian and Brandon Witt. Per his request no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Hilton Swanson Maddox went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 22, 2023. He was born in Pedlar Mills, VA on May 15, 1937, the son of the late Frederick Swanson Maddox and Ethel Tomlin Maddox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Williams, and brother, Warren Maddox. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Ware Maddox; daughters, Deborah (Robert) Leake, Teresa (Roy) Dix; grandchildren, Tyler Leake, Lindsay Leake, Jesse (Michelle) Dix and Hailey Dix. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Paughf. His family will miss him and his unwavering love. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Lakewood Baptist Church, 2469 Sunburst Road, Evington, VA 24550. Final arrangements are incomplete. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Juanita Cortez Creasy, 99, of Bedford and formerly of Norfolk, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. She was born in San Antonio, Texas on May 5, 1924, a daughter of the late Manuel Cortez and Jusa Ramirez Cortez. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert Dill; daughter, Dolores “Dee” Creasy Garner; and brothers, Jesus Cortez (Irene), Resundo Cortez; and father and mother-in-law, Nick Creasy and Annie Sprouse Creasy. She is survived by her children, William Dill, Sue Creasy Payne (John), Loxley P. Creasy, Jr. (Mi); daughter-in-law, Janice Dill; sister-in-law, Alicia Carter; eleven grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Appomattox Health & Rehab, especially her adopted daughter and nurse, Sabrina Jones. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with John Payne, Jr. 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.