John William Smith, 88, of Forest, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, February 28, 2025.  He was born in Salisbury, MD on September 21, 1936 a son of the late Edward Washington Smith and Lottie Williams Smith. John served his country in the U.S. Army.  He was a retired public-school teacher in New Jersey for many years and was a member of Faith Community Church in Forest.  He is survived by his wife, EthelAnne Smith; a son, David A. Smith (Diana); a daughter, Debra A. Carter; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; his sister, Virginia Carter (John); his sisters-in-law, Josephine Smith and Gloria Smith; and several nieces and nephews.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Forest Community Fellowship Church, 1517 Thomas Jefferson Rd.  Forest, VA with Rev. Jeff Whitt and Rev. Joanne Newman officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. at the church.  Following the service there will be a reception in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Christine Ashwell Ayers, 78, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. She was born in Bedford County on May 26, 1946 a daughter of the late Dewey James Ashwell, Sr. and Ozella Creasy Ashwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Willie Giles Ayers; mother-in-law, Flossie Jones Ayers; and grandson, Coty Wade Meador. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Grady Giles Ayers; children, Tamara A. Davenport (Steve), Trista A. Robertson (Mark), Timothy G. Ayers (Freda); grandchildren, Kelsie Davenport (Ben), Logan Davenport, Cayle Meador (Justin), Tahner Ayers; great-granddaughter, Brynlee Delong; and brother, Dewey James Ashwell, Jr. (Carol). The family would like to give special thanks to Heartland Hospice for their care of Christine. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Calvary Chapel/Smith Mountain Lake, 15267 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston with Rev. Buz Offenbacker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Heartland Hospice, 7806 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Harford Allen Burks, Jr., 82, of Big Island passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. He was born in Alleghany Regional Hospital on May 10, 1942 a son of the late Harford Allen Burks, Sr. and Alma Powell Burks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve and Larry Burks; and a sister, Cheryl Day. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Allen served in Korea and in the Vietnam War; where he received a purple heart. He was retired from Georgia Pacific. Allen is survived by the love of his life of 52 years, Barbara Coleman Burks; two daughters, Monica Farmer (Tony), Janet Lee; two sons, Doug Underwood (Pat), M.R. Underwood (Laurie); his Army brother, Melvin “Sonny” Knepp (Sue) of PA; sixteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 106 Williams Store Road, Elon, VA with Rev. Dr. Monty Fox, Rev. Peyton Fitzgerald, and Rev. Mark Cheatham officiating. Burial will follow in Big Island Baptist Church Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 16 and Post 54 along with the Patriot Guard Riders. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Yvonne Mae Kehler O’Brien

May 26, 1936 — February 23, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Yvonne O’Brien, a woman whose life was a beautiful reflection of love, grace, and devotion. She departed this world on February 23, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Yvonne was born in Ashland, PA. She moved to Philadelphia after marrying her high school sweetheart, Edward O’Brien. Before locating to Lynchburg in 2018 to be near family, she resided for in Avon, Connecticut for 40 years. Yvonne was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a proud grandmother — roles she embraced with unwavering dedication and boundless warmth. Her family was the center of her world, and she created a home filled with laughter, comfort, and unconditional love. A wonderful cook, she had a gift for bringing people together around the table, where her delicious meals became the backdrop for countless cherished memories. Whether it was a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, her dishes were always made with love. Beyond her family life, Yvonne was a true fashionista. She had an eye for style and a love for shopping. Her impeccable taste was matched only by her generous spirit, often picking out the perfect gifts for those she loved. She was more than a wife, mother, and grandmother — she was a friend to many. Her kind heart and compassionate nature drew people to her, and she cultivated lifelong friendships that were as strong as they were genuine. Her legacy of love, warmth, and kindness will forever be a part of her family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Edward O’Brien; son, Edward John O’Brien (Christina); daughter, Michele Shaffer (Chip); grandchildren, Eddie O’Brien (Stephanie), Shane O’Brien (Missy), Aidan O’Brien, Dalen O’Brien, Ashley Nelson (Miles), Rachel Shaffer; great-grandchildren, Maddie Nelson, Barrett Nelson, and Tanner McCulloch; and sister-in-law, Marie Harfeld; and a wide circle of family and friends, especially Bud & Cathi Chamberlin, who will miss her deeply. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, March 7 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Lynchburg, VA. The family will receive visitors at 11:00 followed by Mass at 12 noon. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Memorial Service for James Robert Cheatham  

Saturday | March 1, 2025 | 2:00 PM EST 

(Visitation before and after)  

 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 

652 Riverbend Rd  

Altavista, VA 24517 

 ZOOM ID: 85196659403  

PASSWORD: John1125 

 Edward Carr, officiating  

Kingdom Songs: He Will Call and Be Steadfast, Immovable!  

 James was affectionately known by many names – Jim, Jimmy Lee, Dad and Poppy. Born in 1944 in Eureka, CA, Jim was very young when the family moved to Virginia. At 19, in March of 1963, Jim was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On September 18, 1965, he married the love of his life, Sandy, and by 1984, they had three sons, Chris (wife: Kim), Blake (wife: Jessi) and Ryan. Jim has four beautiful grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa, Violet and Scarlett.  Jim is also survived by his brother, Chuck Cheatham (wife: Phyllis), and his sister, Joanne Burgess (husband: Alan); his brother-in-law, KP (wife: Jane), and four sisters-in-law, Becky, Lynn, Cleo (husband: Henry), and Lois (husband: J.B. Viers).  Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hazel Cheatham, his brothers, Frank Jr. and Kenneth Cheatham, his brother-in-law, Wayne Hedrick, and two sisters-in-law, Nella Moore and Bernice Blankenship.   Jim was a natural born salesman, a big man with a gregarious personality who loved talking – even in his sleep – and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed music and playing the guitar, watching Westerns, traveling and camping with his family, and keeping track of the best greasy spoon in every town he ever passed through.  He was huge in life and we will miss his presence every day for the rest of ours. The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for the many calls, texts, visits, meals and gifts. Thank you for the prayers and the encouragement. Thank you for walking our pups. Thank you – truly – for showing up. We’ve felt the love and support and ‘the peace that surpasses all understanding.’ (Php. 4:7)  For much needed hope and encouragement, please visit JW.org.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Johnny Woodrow Overstreet, 65, of Roanoke, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was born in Bedford, VA on June 1, 1959 a son of the late Ernest Clifton Overstreet and Lillie Williams Overstreet. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, April Overstreet; grandson, Blake Overstreet; three sisters, Betty Messier, Lelia Stevens, Pam Chilton; and one brother, Ernest Clifton Overstreet, Jr. He is survived by his daughters, Raigan D. Overstreet, Priscilla G. Overstreet; sisters, Geraldine Martin, Cathy Overstreet; grandchildren, Sharon, Destiny, Lillie, Diamond, Ashley, Kennedi, Lincoln, Ford; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jason Edward Holt

January 25, 1968 – February 16, 2025

Jason passed away at his home on Sunday, February 16, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on January 25, 1968 the youngest son of Wayne and Sandra Holt. To know Jason was to know a rare and remarkable man. Quoting one of his closest friends, Ed Ward “He was a unique soul that did things his way.” He was predeceased by his father and is survived by his mother, Sandra; and his older brother, Todd.  Also surviving him is his former wife, Jennifer Holt and his two children, Oliver and Cannon Holt of Memphis, TN. It would only be fitting to include his MESS OF BONES band members, friends and fans. The family would like to acknowledge Jason’s Centra Hospice Team for their professional care and support. A special Thank You to Sabrina, Nisha and Laurel for their Kindness and Love. At Jason’s request, there will be no services. To honor Jason’s memory, he would ask that you live your life your way! Please visit www.burch-messier.com for online condolences. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Drewie Lonza DeJarnette, Jr., 76, of Forest, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was born in Halifax, VA on October 24, 1948 a son of the late Drewie Lonza DeJarnette, Sr. and Maggie Maddox DeJarnette. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debra Gail DeJarnette; son, Daniel DeJarnette (B.J.); special grandson, Jacob Campbell; grandchildren, Brent Hutchins, Candace Hatley, Gabrielle Lozano, Frisco Lozano; sister, Juanita Tyree; and nine great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Pisgah Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Larry Ross officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.