It is with great sadness that the family of Valerie H. Totty of Big Island, announce her passing on August 31, 2024, at the age of 65. Valerie will lovingly be remembered by her family; daughter and son-in-law, Kasey and Jason Wiederhold; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda & Larry Whorley; brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Lynn Halsey; sister and brother-in-law, Vickey and Bo Draper; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Valerie was predeceased by her parents, Albert & Virginia Halsey of Big Island, VA; and her brother, Joe Halsey, also of Big Island. A private family service will take place later this year. Memorial donations in Valerie’s name may be made to her church: Corner Stone Baptist Church, 106 Williams Store Rd. Monroe, VA 24574. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Kendall Sydnor, Jr. died unexpectedly at his farm in Bedford County on August 28 , 2024. He was a proud native of Lynchburg, Va., the oldest child of Grace Pittard Sydnor and A. Kendall Sydnor. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1961 and then received his Bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College in just three years. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. Kendall was a master of telling stories of old Lynchburg and Southside Virginia, as well as having a lifelong interest in other cultures. He enjoyed travel experiences throughout his life, including Korea, Puerto Rico, Brazil, parts of Europe, across the United States, and several trips to Africa with mission groups. When visiting places, he liked to buy a round-trip bus ticket and ride the whole loop so that he could see the entire city at little cost. Everywhere he went, he had a unique knack for figuring out how he could help people. He was generous with his time and often changed his own plans to help a relative, a friend, an employee, or a passer-by resolve a problem. He helped adults learn to read, taught teens to drive a manual transmission, offered work to those who needed it or wanted to learn to work with their hands. He shared stories every step of the way. He was cool under pressure. Once when he was working as Branch Manager of the Central Fidelity Bank in Boonsboro, the bank was robbed at gunpoint. Kendall, hopeful that there might be fingerprints, even convinced the robber to throw his keys back to him as the robber fled with the cash. (The fingerprints didn’t pan out, but everyone went home safely.) After working in banking, Kendall joined his father in the family business of manufacturing concrete block and masonry materials at Lynchburg Block, Virginia Dunbrik Company. He managed that business for several decades until it was sold. Throughout all these years, Kendall enjoyed living in the country and he was an excellent steward of the land. As his many friends and neighbors know, it was a memorable sight to see him on his tractor, wearing his big hat and giving a jovial wave. He had quite an appreciation for antique machinery, loved a bargain, and always had a joke to share. Family was foremost in all of Kendall’s thoughts and actions. He was a fine son, a wonderful father, and a good Christian. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Kit, for 51 years and is survived by her as well as their daughter Jennifer Fessler (Adam), granddaughter Lily Fessler, his sisters, Granville Sydnor Hill (Fred) and Judith Sydnor McNeel, his nieces and nephews, and a legendary number of cousins. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1022 Floyd Street, Lynchburg, Va.; Reception to follow in the church’s fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to the historic Presbyterian Cemetery, of which Kendall was a board member, or the Westminster Canterbury Foundation. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Douglas Oliver Bays, 79, of Bedford, VA went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 23, 2024 with his daughters by his side. Doug was born on January 25, 1945 in Bedford, VA to the late Garland Morgan Bays, Sr. and Myrtle Moore Bays. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Everette Bays and Morgan Bays, Sr.; two sisters, Doris B. Creasy and Frances B. Sublett; brother-in-laws S.B. Creasy and Harvey Crouch. He is survived by his three daughters, Cindy Bays, Tammy B. Lawhorne (D.W.), and Stephanie Bays (Dale); one son, Barry Bradley; grandchildren, Justin Eubank, Jordan Eubank, John Cash, Maegan Cash, Karia Caldwell, Cassidy C. Cannon (Tyler), Camryn Caldwell, Kendall Caldwell, Daniel Bradley; step-grandson, Chase W. Lawhorne; great-grandchildren, Eli Eubank, Edith Cash, Dalton Bradley; step-great grandson, Chase Lawhorne; brother, G.M. Bays, Jr. (Rosella), sister, Betty B. Crouch; many nieces and nephews; and a girlfriend, who was very special and dear to his heart, Patricia Ayers. Also very close and bestest friends, Tom (T.W.) Witt and Tommy Turner. Doug was owner and operator of Doug’s Hi-Performance Parts shop in Bedford, VA. He was also a farmer, always working hard to carry on the tradition of the Bays family farm in North Bedford County. Many people have referred to Doug as a “Legend” in drag racing. “The Man”, a “Hero” and “Superman”. He had a passion for drag racing, something that he took seriously. Always working hard to “get the win” and he did just that! Drag÷racing since the age of 15, he won many races and championships over the years with cars he called “Bits & Pieces”, “Bocephus” and the most well known “Rat’s Nest” at the New London Dragstrip, Eastside Speedway, Rockingham Dragstrip and Bristol Dragway, just to name a few. In 1981, he placed 8th in the World in the International Hot Rod Association. He spent most every weekend on the dragstrip with the adoration of his children following along, leaving them with so many memories to brag about and to cherish. He mentored many fellow drag racers and was well loved in the sport. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and golfing. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Mary Katheryn Newton, 59, of Madison Heights, VA gained her angel wings on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Mary was born on December 18, 1964, in Lynchburg, Va. Kathy was full of love, laughter, and found joy in the comfort of her family and friends. She loved music, dancing, playing bingo, and living her life to the fullest. She had a way of making life brighter for those around her. She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Martin; and her brother, Tony Martin. She is survived by her lifetime partner, Steve Newton, Sr.; her son, Steve Newton, Jr. (Janet); her daughter, Chelsea Newton; her stepdaughter, Amy Roark (Christopher and Makayla); her grandchildren, Skyler Newton, Aaron Sandidge, and Serenity Sandidge; her mother, Hazel Childrey; her two sisters, Connie Woodroof and Shelby Reed (John); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and family. She loved you all dearly. A celebration of her life was held at her home on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Joyce Lee Ware Maddox received her angel wings on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, and went to join her husband, Hilton Swanson Maddox; parents, Robert Alver and Audrey Davis Ware; brother, Joseph Radford Ware; and sister, Betty Ware Curl, in heaven. Joyce is survived by her daughters, Deborah Leake (Robert) and Teresa Dix (Roy); her grandchildren, Tyler and Lindsay Leake, and Jesse (Michelle) and Hailey Dix; her sisters, Barbara Gallagher (Pat) and Carolyn Wagner (Jim); nieces and nephews Bryan (Wendy) Gallagher, Jack Curl Jr., Joann Ware, Whitney and A.J. (Anna) Wagner, and numerous other relatives. Joyce was a member of Lakewood Baptist Church, serving as the treasurer for many years. She loved God and her church family. She loved books, gardening, birdwatching, but most important to her was spending time with family and friends. Joyce was always quick to help others, always offering her support and a listening ear. Known as “sweet thing” in her early years by her family, she genuinely was a “sweet thing” throughout her life. She will be missed by many and remembered for her kindness and loving nature. Joyce was a hard, resolute worker and earned a master’s degree in administration while working full-time and raising two children. She had an extensive and rewarding career in the banking sector in various capacities, and her last career was working as a publisher, then owner, of Warwick House Publishing. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Lakewood Baptist Church, 2469 Sunburst Rd, Evington, VA 24550. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Joyce’s memory be made to “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” (by contacting your local library), the Park View Community Mission, or Lakewood Baptist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Benjamin Graham Gibson (Ben/Benji) passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024 in Roanoke. Our home parish, Resurrection Catholic Church, is undergoing renovations so a Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta. Our family will receive friends before, beginning at 10 a.m., and a reception will follow in the fellowship hall. The service will be live streamed at facebook.com/ResurrectionCatholic. In addition to us, the parents whom God blessed and entrusted, Ben is survived by his beloved grandparents, Wayne and Sandra Gibson of Motley and Jack and Mary Kuhn of Moneta, plus many special uncles, aunts and cousins, and his true love, Cydni Verhoeff of Rocky Mount. Ben was our Y2K baby, born on December 31, 1999, making every New Year’s Eve celebration uniquely special. From a young age, Ben was an old soul with a strong sense of independence. He became an avid reader early on, and was passionate about trains, Legos and computers. By the age of 12, he had built his first computer and quickly became the go-to IT expert for family and friends, always ready to help solve any technical issue. In kindergarten, Ben came home excitedly one day, saying he couldn’t wait for first grade. When we asked why, he explained it was because that was when he could become a Cub Scout. He joined and spent the next 12 years learning invaluable life lessons, acquiring diverse skills, making lifelong friends and embarking on unforgettable outdoor adventures. He and his Grandpa Jack built Pinewood Derby cars together, with their focus always on creating the most imaginative design rather than competing for the fastest time. In 2017, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. As Ben grew older, his interests expanded to include history, current events, politics, international relations, gaming, music, architecture and space. We affectionately called him “Bencyclopedia” for his extensive knowledge across a wide range of topics. He was always the person you wanted on your trivia team. Ben also had a passion for travel, and we shared countless memorable trips together, exploring everything from bustling major cities like New York, Boston and Seattle to awe-inspiring national parks, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and his favorite, Yosemite. After graduating from Franklin County High School in 2018, Ben moved to Richmond to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. He thrived in the vibrant heart of the city, broadening his cultural experiences and forming friendships with people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. It was also in Richmond that Ben rescued the sweetest, most adorable cat. Eevee was an extremely loyal companion and the source of much comfort during difficult times. In 2022, Ben moved back and completed his associate’s degree at Virginia Western Community College. He had been accepted to Roanoke College, where he planned to pursue a degree in political science with a focus on international relations. It was also during this time that he reconnected with his 8th-grade sweetheart, Cydni, whom we adore and will always cherish. As she beautifully expressed: “When we reconnected after high school, I found the key to my own soul. I have never felt as understood by someone as he made me. He taught me how wonderful love can actually be. … His intense willpower and sense of adventure led to a life full of experiences and stories. He always knew what to say and was eager to share his passions and interests with others. I will greatly miss how brilliant, charming, loving, and caring he was. I will forever miss my corresponding puzzle piece.” Of course, Ben had his flaws. He could be stubborn, headstrong and argumentative, and he was slow to forgive. But to us, he was perfectly imperfect. We will deeply miss his text messages filled with funny memes, breaking news and quirky facts. We will miss hearing his instantly recognizable “Barry White” voice. Ben was baptized, received his sacraments, and grew up in the youth faith formation program at Resurrection Catholic Church (the best Catholic Church in Moneta). We find comfort in our belief that he is now with Jesus, Mary and all the angels and saints. We will keep our eyes lifted in worship to the Lord, knowing we will see Ben again. By God’s grace, we will live the rest of our days on earth with our hearts set on Heaven. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Ben’s name to Lake Christian Ministries, an organization where he volunteered as a kid. LCM provides essential resources such as food, clothing, household items and crisis financial aid to those in need in the Smith Mountain Lake region. Contributions can be made at lakechristianministries.org. Our whole family is profoundly grateful for the love, prayers, support and kindness we have received. Your generosity has made a huge difference in helping us navigate our grief, and we will spend our lives paying it forward in honor of our boy. Andie & Chris Gibson Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360