Juanita Ann Rowsey Denton, 81, of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on September 1, 1943 a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rowsey. She is survived by her son, Derek Denton; daughter, Donna Keesee (Richard); grandchildren, Breigh Campbell (Kevin), George Cash, Jason Keesee (Rose); and great-grandchildren, Rilynn Campbell, Kaycen Campbell, and Ambria Keesee. A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. After the visitation the family will continue to visit at the home of Breigh Campbell. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Month: March 2025
Billy Dean Owens, 84, of Rustburg, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was born in Grundy, VA on September 3, 1940 a son of the late Clyde and Maggie Owens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Hogan Owens. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and he retired from B & W as a night shift plant manager. Billy is survived by his daughter, Karen Peters (David); and granddaughters, Kelsi Whitlow (Jason) and Anna Peters (Kyle). Per his request, no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
After a long illness, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Bennies, age 66, of Hardy, Virginia. Peter departed this world on March 27, 2025. Born on December 26, 1958, Peter was known for his love of working with his hands especially on cars, the outdoors and his passion for life and travel. At an early age, Peter joined the US Navy and then worked in the construction field in multiple positions throughout his early life. Later in life, he owned an auto parts store in North Carolina and a Self-Storage facility in Myrtle Beach where he retired from in 2018. Pete would help anyone in need. He was a hard worker and a dedicated family man as well as a friend to all who knew him. Peter’s kindness and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory live on in the hearts of those he touched. Peter was predeceased by his father, Hubert Bennies and sister, Tamara Bennies. He also leaves behind his wife, Mary Ellen (nee Szeliga) Bennies; his son, Christopher P. Bennies; his mother, Ilse Nytra (nee Kuhnhenn); his brother and sister-in-law, Gerard and Sheri Nytra, his brother-in-law, Fred Szeliga; and many other relatives. Rest in peace, Peter. May God’s perpetual light shine upon you. A service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Rachel Tolley Snead, 83, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025. She was born in Bedford, VA on November 16, 1941 a daughter of the late Clarence Tolley and Willie Goff Tolley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Ricky Eugene Snead, Ronnie Dale Snead; and brother, John Tolley. She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Murray; grandchildren, Samantha Snead, Sabrina Murray; sister, Audrey Minnick; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Roger P. Sarazin, 85, a resident of Smith Mountain Lake, passed away on March 19, 2025. Roger was born in Woonsocket, RI on January 3, 1940. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Yvette Lebrun Sarazin. Roger loved to sing and entertained residents of Runk & Pratt weekly. The residents enjoyed singing along with Roger and his karaoke machine. Early in their life together Roger and Yvette enjoyed camping and bowling. In his later years his passions were putting together many, many puzzles, karaoke, saying the rosary and enjoying life at Runk and Pratt. He was a proud member of the Teamster’s Union for 60 years and won many truck driving awards during his career. He was a member of the 3rd degree Knights of Columbus and Resurrection Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Church at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 27, 2025 with Fr. Nixon presiding. A rosary will precede the mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Church Columbarium. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
With heavy hearts, we announce that Michael “Mike” Garrett, 67, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was an amazing father, brother, partner, friend to many, hard worker, and animal lover, taking the best care of his fur babies and furry grand babies. He is survived by his daughter, Carly Garrett and her husband Chris Worley; his brother, Patrick Garrett; and his lady friend of 25 years, Rose Kirsche, her 2 daughters, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Douglas Garrett Jr., James Garrett; his parents, Douglas Garrett Sr. and Marie “Babe” Garrett. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter Inc., The American Cancer Society and St. Jude. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to be announced. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Delores Ann “Deann” Guill Mayberry 1967-2025
Delores Ann “Deann” Mayberry, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on March 10, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on March 27, 1967, in Lynchburg, Virginia, she was the daughter of Berta Mae Guill, and the late Warren Eugene Guill. Deann was a beloved presence in the lives of those who knew her. She treasured spending time with family and friends, especially her cherished grandchildren. An avid pool player and a passionate singer, Deann brought joy to those around her and loved her family unconditionally. In addition to her mother she is survived by her husband, Joseph “Reno” Mayberry; her children, Stephanie Reynolds (Alex), Shelly Mayberry, and Lukas Mayberry (Kinsley); her grandchildren, Zachariah, Klayton, Myranda, Sophia, Randi, Owen, and Harrison; stepmother, Elaine Guill; her siblings, Darlene Doss, Donna Hensley (Buck), David Guill (Suzanne), Derick Guill (Donna), Robin Powell (Gene), and Scott Carson. She is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as special close friends whom she considered her family. Deann was preceded in death by her father, Warren Eugene Guill; stepsister, Amanda Guill Layne; nephew, James David McDilda and dear friends Janice Garrett, David Hudnall and Lee Garrett. A memorial service to honor Deann’s life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Yellow Branch Baptist Church, located at 8395 Wards Road in Rustburg, Virginia. The family will receive friends at the church immediately after the service in the fellowship hall. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360
Linda Marie Lawson Padgett, 74, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. She was born in Roanoke, VA on August 24, 1950 a daughter of the late Lindsey Arle Lawson and Dorothy Epperly Lawson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Jeannie Bishop and Margaret Beard. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Randolph Macon “Randy” Padgett; children, Randolph Macon Padgett, Jr., Jack Padgett (Jill), Michael Wayne Padgett; grandchildren, Marisa Danielle Padgett, Patrick Padgett, Paige Padgett, Tristin Jones, Ayden Padgett, Alexis Padgett, Ezra Padgett; great-grandchildren, Sophia Grace Perez, Collin Wade Padgett; sisters, Betty Musser (Allen), Patricia Lawson; and brothers, Ronnie Lawson (Mary), Roger Lawson (Leah); and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford with Rev. Bart Hogge officiating. Burial will follow in Peaks Community Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Patricia Jean Hamlett Coleman, 80, of Lynchburg, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on January 21, 1945 a daughter of the late Gilmore Franklin Hamlett and Christine Jennings Hamlett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Magann (Danny). She is survived by her daughters, Shannon Shupe (Rick), Lynn Downey (Mark); son, Frankie Peery (Jennifer); grandchildren, Dane Shupe, Edan Shupe, Megan West (Nate), Miranda Sowell (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Ruby Sowell, Afton Sowell, Emmett West; nephews, Stephen Magann; and numerous other family and friends. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Mack Thomas Starkey, Sr., 74, of Lynchburg, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Centra Hospital. “Big Mack” was born on June 13, 1950. He was the son of Ruth Farmer and James “Bud” Farmer. Mack worked in the conveyor industry until he retired. He is survived by two sons, Mack Starkey Jr. “Little Mack” of Altavista and Joshua Starkey of Wilmington N.C. He also leaves behind a brother, David Farmer, Hurt, VA. He was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as his brother, Earl Farmer. Per Mack’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to someone. Call a friend or relative you haven’t reached out to recently. Visit a shut-in or nursing home resident. Forgive someone. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.