Reverend James Everette Compton, Jr., 90, died peacefully in his sleep, at home, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. 

Jimmy was born and raised in Richmond, VA.  He was the son of James Everette Compton and Frances Elizabeth Frost, both from Richmond, VA.  Jimmy graduated from John Marshall High School; attended and graduated from Lynchburg College, where he sang in the Lynchburg College Choir and was a member of the Track Team. He then attended and graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky.  Following Seminary, he served as Minister at multiple churches throughout Virginia, as well as Florida.  He later served as Parish Life Minister and was ultimately elected Pastor Emeritus at Bedford Christian Church.  Jimmy enjoyed singing in the Bedford Christian Church choir; watching the birds at the feeder; cooking; and especially working in the garden. 

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his oldest sister, Barbara Pitts; daughter, Rhonda Roberts Cheek; grandson, Eric Nichols; son-in-law, Jimmy Taylor; and daughter-in-law, Nannette Compton.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Wooldrige Compton; his two sons, Everette Compton and Russ Compton; and two sisters, Frances Smith and Margaret Waymack, both of Richmond, VA.

Jimmy shared Nancy with her children, Gypsy Roberts Nichols, Bobby Roberts (Jan), Susan Roberts Taylor (Jimmy), Rhonda Roberts Cheek (Jeff) and Donna Roberts Sexton (Tim); 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 more yet to come. 

During his many years of ministry (1957 – 2025) Jimmy touched many people, all of whom loved him and his way of making them feel special.  In return, Jimmy and Nancy received many blessings and lots of love.  He was a giving person and would help whenever and wherever help was needed.

Special love and gratitude to Jimmy’s “Buddy” and Caretaker, Rosa (“Macie”) Carson; and Westminster Canterbury Hospice.

Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 1, 2025 followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Bedford Christian Church, with Dr. Rev. David Walton officiating.

Suggest any donations be made to Bedford Christian Church Building Fund. 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford, VA 24523.

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

Albert Lorent, 91, of Moneta passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was born on June 12, 1934. He was the son of the late Walter Lorent and Bridget Pogorelski Lorent.

Albert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a retired businessman and enjoyed fishing and volunteering at Lake Christian Ministries for over 27 years.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ulicki Lorent, and is survived by his son, Steven Lorent; daughters, Kathy O’Malley and husband Richard, Carol Lorent, Diane Whalen and husband Brian, and Susan Tuck. He will be missed and loved by his 15 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers a Memorial donation may be made to Lake Christian Ministries 13157 S. Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 with Father Nixon Negparanon celebrating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-536-7360.

David Benjamin Scheffer, 78, of Goodview, died on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from pneumonia. He passed away peacefully and painlessly in the early morning.

David was born on September 7, 1947 and was the 4^th of 6 children born to the late Benjamin and Mary Ellen Scheffer in Patterson, NJ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara Ellen Scheffer; and three siblings, Sally Hemion, Raymond Scheffer, and Maryellen Durfee.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Verna Loraine Scheffer; son, David L. Scheffer; granddaughter, Skyla M. Chisom; sister, Candyce Scheffer; brother, Scott Scheffer; and many nieces and nephews.

David served in the United States Army National Guard Reserves in Tome River, NJ. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved fishing and camping. He also loved playing cards, ping pong, darts, and listening to music with family and friends and was always ready to have a good time. He was a great caring man and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be missed.

David requested no memorial services and would just like to be remembered with fondness and humor. His family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.

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

“Tata Bug”

Taylor Brooke Viar, 26, of Lynchburg, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, October 16, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.  She was the wonderful mom of two precious boys, Montana Lee Viar and Waylon Scott Dudley.  She was the beloved daughter of Andrew L. Viar III and Christie W. Viar. 

Born to her parents as a precious preemie, Taylor grew up to be an avid horse lover of all sizes and breeds.  Prior to her illness, she spent her spare time riding her horse “Shadee” followed by mentoring and teaching others about horses.  Some of her other hobbies included beach trips, rides on the parkway and celebrations with her family and friends, especially on birthdays and holidays.  Fall was her favorite season as she loved all the pumpkins and all things pumpkin spice.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather’s, Hubert “Roger” Wilkes and Andrew L. Viar, Jr.    In addition to her children and her parents, she leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Brookelyn Lee Viar; two amazing grandmothers, Sandra B. Wilkes and Kathryn P. Viar; her aunt and uncle, Greg & Michelle Wilkes; her “Aunt” Kym along with many special cousins and other family members.   

Taylor shared part of her life with Trevor Dudley, whose presence marked an important chapter in her journey.  Later, Taylor met the love of her life Brandon Mitchell.  He loved and spoiled her endlessly and gave her a wonderfully normal life despite the battle she was fighting.  He loved her unconditionally.

The family is so grateful for the doctors, nurses and staff at UVA who took care of Taylor over the last month giving her exceptional care while in the Neurological ICU.   

A Celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Center Point Community Church with Rev. William Clark officiating.  The church is located at 1177 Timber Ridge Road, Bedford, VA.  24523.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and following the service at the home of Greg & Michelle Wilkes located at 105 Field Brook Place, Forest, Virginia 24551.

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

James Leroy Parrish, 87, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2025. He was born in Bedford on July 29, 1938 a son of the late Trisha Parrish.

He loved bowling, playing baseball, playing rook, fishing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Milton Parrish; daughters, Teresa Witt (Eugene), Renee Meador (Tim), Penny Abbott (Mike); grandchildren, Shana Witt, Brian Witt, Brandon Mitchen (Carissa), Greg Meador (Chelsea), Jon Andrews, Sam Abbott (Kristin), Tiffany Clark, Jamie Giles (Cory), Cadence Clark, Bently Clark; sister, Kathy Mabe (Gerald); mother-in-law, Nancy Bryant (James); and ten great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, with Rev. William Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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

Patricia Zamjohn “Patty” Lloyd, 68, of Bedford, died Friday, October 10, 2025.  She was born in Schenectady, NY on March 17, 1957 a daughter of the late Richard Francis Zamjohn, Sr. and Beverly Ann Bissonette Zamjohn Terry.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-father, Robert Samuel Terry, first husband, Greg Gilhuly, and her brother, Richard Francis Zamjohn, Jr.; her nephew, Hunter Davis.  

Patty was a retired Physician Assistant with Centra Health and was an active member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church.  She loved golfing, motorcycle riding, pool time with the kids and was an avid gardener.

She is survived by her husband, John David Lloyd, two daughters, Andraya Barger (Michael) and Erin Compton (Bobby); step-children, David Lloyd (Jackie); grandchildren, Aeric Barger, Shirley Barger, Ada Compton, Nora Compton, Bobby Compton, Austin Lloyd and Alysa Lloyd; her sisters, Karen Cifala-Soper (John), Trina Dodge (Harry), Michelle Davis (Scott); many nieces and nephews.   

A funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 am on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with Father Nixon Negparanon and Father Salvador Añonuevo celebrating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

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

Richard “Ricky” Howell Brown, 47, of Moneta, Virginia, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on October 3, 2025. Born March 22, 1978, he was the son of Connie B. Brown and the late Pamela Mitchell Brown and lived most of his life in Big Island, Virginia. Ricky was the devoted husband of his loving wife, Jennifer, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Mitchell Brown; his paternal grandparents, Ashby and Evelyn Brown; his maternal grandparents, Byrd and Pat Mitchell; and his beloved dog, Ginger. Ricky is survived by his wife and caregiver, Jennifer Doss Brown; his father, Connie B. Brown (and his companion, Joan Manley); his sisters, Elizabeth Eggleston, Susan Brown, and Tracy Burton; three nieces, one nephew, and three great-nieces; and his cherished dog, Sweet Pea. Ricky will be remembered for his ability to make others laugh. He had a deep love for bluegrass music, model trains, hunting, and fishing. He also dedicated many years of service as an EMT with the Big Island Emergency Crew, where he served his community with compassion and skill. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  at the Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street Bedford with Chris Brown speaking. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe, organized to help cover the cost of Ricky’s funeral and final expenses.  You can use the following link: https://gofund.me/53f73e66c.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home.