John Wayne Robertson Sr. passed on September 27, 2025 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center at the age of 61. He was born August 14, 1964 to parents Joan Edith Terry and Rainard Wayne Robertson. 

Johnboy was a roofer and also did some construction. He had a big heart and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He loved fishing and rock music. He had stage 4 lung cancer and was fighting all the way to the end. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Bruce A. Terry. 

He is survived by his son, John W. Robertson Jr.; daughters, Tiffany N. Robertson, Tabitha V. Robertson, and Ashley C. Robertson; grandchildren, Phoebe, Chevy, Gabe, Lucas, Serenity, Cataleya, and Abigail, sister: Cathy Young; brothers, Kenneth E. Terry (Bonnie), James Robertson (Courtney), Peter Robertson and Ronald Robertson; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family and friends; and fiancé, Melanie Sarks. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date; his children will keep everyone informed. 

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Nancy Elizabeth Turner Sumner, 78, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. She was born in Massachusetts on August 18, 1947 a daughter of the late Robert Turner and Vivian LeClair Turner.

She was a retired registered nurse having worked at Virginia Baptist Hospital for 27 years where she taught Lamaze and assisted in the delivery of many babies over the years. Nancy also worked at Bedford Memorial Hospital in labor and delivery; as well as being a home health nurse. Nancy raised horses, enjoyed sailing the seas, traveling, and loved to cook. She also volunteered at the Shepherds Table.

Nancy is survived by her son, Jason Sumner (Mary Beth); and grandson, Austin Sumner.

A funeral mass will be said at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Stephanie Lynn Chambers Nichols, 51, of Bedford passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025 at VCU of Richmond after a long battle of health issues.

She was born in Bedford, VA on July 26, 1974 the daughter of the late Manning Edward “Red” Chambers, Sr. and Mary C. Chambers.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her sisters, Mary C. Shomate and Tammy A. Ferrell.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Mack Roy Nichols, Jr.; sons, Roy Nichols, Cody Nichols, Jesse Nichols; daughter, Michaelynn Shaver and husband Randall; sister, Tina M. DeWitt and husband, Jimmy; brother, Manning E. “Ed” Chambers and wife, April; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Randy, Natalie, and Dakota; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Raymond Franklin “Frank” Beahm, 95, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. He was born in Lorton, VA on June 9, 1930 a son of the late Luther Amos Beahm and Ethel Amanda Crupper Beahm. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Josephine Bartlett Beahm.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Frank was full of faith and enjoyed being a part of Emmanuel Baptist Church (Alexandria), Hales Ford Baptist Church (Hardy), and currently a member of Bedford Baptist Church. He was a member Liberty Masonic Lodge # 95 A.F. & A.M., Martha Washington Chapter # 42 Order of the Eastern Star, and The Harmoneers. Frank loved His Lord and his family and was known for his jokes, singing and clowning.

Frank is survived by his daughter, Linda Beahm, MD; his son, Bradley Beahm and his wife, Jeanine; grandchildren, Eli Fraley, Nathan Fraley, and Lt. Kevin Beahm and his wife, Maeghan; great-grandson, Rhodes Everett Beahm; great-granddaughter, Annelise Ruth Beahm; and Donna Sherwood, who is as close as a daughter.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Melvin Harris, Rev. Dr. Miriam Dakin, and Rev. Dr. Dawn Compton officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with military honors given by American Legion Post #16. The service will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/IOScRsu-kX0?feature=share

The family would like to thank Centra Bedford Hospice and the staff of the Bedford Hospice House for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to The Friends of Bedford Hospice House, P.O. Box 985, Bedford, VA 24523.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

William “Willie” Thomas Cofflin, 65, of Lynchburg, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Born on January 14, 1960, Willie was the son of the late Charles and Evelyn Cofflin.

Willie was a talented bricklayer and a hard worker who did not shy away from manual labor. He had an “ear” for music, just like his father and brother, Chubby. He enjoyed playing guitar and fishing. His work ethic, musical talent, and love of fishing will live on through his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Charles (“Chubby”) and Michael; and his sister, Bonnie.

Willie is survived by his brother, David; his daughters, Lisa (Joey Taylor) & Theresa (Doug Harris); his son, Willie; and seven grandchildren, Callie, Cole, Jack, Charlie, Ray, Cora, and Benny.

He will be remembered for his caring spirit and the way he looked out for those around him. He taught us that, no matter how great or small, we always have something to give. He is at peace now in a place where he catches a big fish with every cast and his guitar always stays in tune. May his memory be a blessing that reminds us to show care and compassion towards everyone around us.

A memorial service will be held in Lynchburg at Campbell Avenue Baptist Church, on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Ron Nickell officiating.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kenneth E. Lotts, Sr. of Bedford, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025. He was born on June 18, 1948 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late, Gene Lotts and Annie Hartless Lotts. Kenny was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Ann C. Monteith Lotts, and his brother, Buck Lotts. He is survived by his son, Kenneth E. Lotts, Jr.; daughter, Trish McDilda; son-in-law, Robbie Wilcher; his grandchildren, Tabitha Phillips (Shannon) and Pamela Krantz; great-grandchildren, Ashton Krantz and McKenzie Phillips; brother-in-law, Robert Monteith (Juanita), nephews; William Monteith, Allan Monteith and Robert (Bobby) Monteith Jr.; and nieces, Cathy Jenkins, Donna Clark and Debbie Monteith and numerous cousins. Kenny was beloved by so many who knew him. Memories of family get togethers; which were initiated by Kenny with loved ones has left countless recollections of which will be cherished for their lifetimes. We could always count on Kenny for anything; and we all knew it. Kenny will live on in the hearts and memories of the countless individuals that meant so much to him. We will continue to hold on to the great hope that we will see him again one day when Christ returns. A visitation for friends and family will be held at 6:00-8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with a Memorial Service beginning at 7pm with Rev. Ray Lyons officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frederick Morris Collins of Goode, Virginia, went to be with his Lord & Savior peacefully Tuesday morning, September 16, 2025, at his residence.  Fred had received the Lord in his heart in 1967.  He was born November 3, 1941 in Coleman Falls, Virginia.  He was a son of the late William Lester Collins & Lessie Mae McFadden Collins.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Elizabeth Abernathy Collins, a brother, Ernest Collins, sisters Evelyn Sexton, Mary Ann Palmieri and Mildred Collins.  He has one surviving sister, Joyce Dickens of Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

He retired at the age of 76 from Advance Auto in Bedford, Virginia for 26 years where he made so many loving friends and coworkers.  Fred had worked at Peaks Motors, DuVall Motors, Virginian Ford and he owned his own garage for 9 years.  He served in the bus ministry at Thomas Road Baptist Church and lived in different states for over 5 years with his family.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sandra Burford Collins for 29 years.  They were remarried in 2021.  He is survived by his four children, sons Wayne Collins, Joshua Collins and wife Jennifer, daughters Lisa Arthur and husband Richard, Linda Phelps and husband Beryle; a stepson, Vince Abernathy and wife Sarah and their children.  He had four grandchildren, Rodney Weeks Jr and wife Diana, Michael Arthur and Lindsay Perry (and Lindsay’s daughter Lilah Perry), Matthew Arthur and wife Kelsey and Sam Collins.  He had 2 great grandchildren, Kamryn Weeks and Tanner Weeks.  He had many nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held at Timber Ridge Baptist Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Rd, Bedford, VA 24523 on Friday, September 19, 2025.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m.  His burial and final resting place will be at Virginia Memorial Park in Forest, Virginia.

The family is asking in lieu of flowers donations be given to Timber Ridge Baptist Church (3234 Timber Ridge Rd, Bedford, VA 24523), or Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center (1701 Thomson Dr UNIT 200, Lynchburg, VA 24501) or Centra Hospice (1621 Whitfield Drive Bedford, Va 24523). 

The family would like to thank everyone for the wonderful care from those agencies and the great nurses and doctors at the cancer center.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Rhonda Ann Ward (née Darby), born on November 3, 1954, in Iaeger, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Bedford, Virginia. She was 70 years old.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Matthew Ward and his wife Cindy Ward, Rebecca Ward, Darrell Ward and his wife Taylor Ward. Rhonda was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren, grandsons, Adrian Ward and Landon Ward, and granddaughters, Rowan Ward and Emberly Ward; each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” This passage reflects the peace she now rests in and offers solace to those mourning her loss.

Rhonda’s memory will live on through the lives she touched with her quiet strength and enduring love. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.