MASON, Thomas Kent “Tom”, 75, of Goode, Virginia went into the arms of Jesus to Heaven on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, while sleeping and being cared for by Hospice House, Bedford, Virginia. 

He lived and embodied his calling from Father God, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.  His calling included daily intercessory prayer for his family, his church, Thomas Road Baptist Church and its staff, his community, state and nation. 

He was a devoted, faithful, respectful, protective and loving husband to Bonnie Gaynelle Bruce Mason for 35 years and father during those years to Corrie Alexa Mason Barrick (Andrew), Meredyth Alyssa Mason, Lance W. Byrd (Annie), Leah Mason Virgin (Brad); and grandfather to Hallie Drew Barrick, Mason Byrd, Miles Byrd, and Jackson, Joshua, and Jada Marie Virgin. 

Beloved and respected by his fellow Schrader Bridgeport employees he served from 2009 to approximately 2025 with time away for medical leave.  He designed and helped to build automated assembly applications to manufacture automotive parts for a worldwide industry.  Mechatronic Engineering and mentoring young Engineers was his specialty evidenced in his ownership of MMB Automation, Inc., and Mason Manufacturing Services, Inc., both of Maryland, whose customers included Orbital Sciences, Siemens of Newport News, Siemens of Italy, Ford of Michigan, Federal Mogul, GORETEX, Dentsply, and others to support his family. He volunteered to minister to inmates and teach The Bible with a Jail and Prison ministry, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, serve on the vestry and pray and study God’s Holy Scriptures of the Bible with men’s groups at church. 

Tom was the son of Kenneth Joseph Mason and Irma Doris Eide Mason.   He was a sibling to Jim, Stuart, Pam and Christy.  Growing up, Tom loved being with his cousins, the Johnsons and Masons as well as the “across the street” neighbors, the Corbin family of Wausau, WI.  He spent summers as a child in Eagle River, WI enjoying golf and watersports.  Tom studied engineering and fine arts at the University of WI at Milwaukee graduating to use the skills he attained there (where he built kilns, worked in pottery and welded sculptures) to work in a naval shipyard reading blueprints and welding! As a Patriot, Tom researched truth to protect and effectively pray for his family and nation. Maintenance and driving his Audi TT was a shared enjoyment with his wife.  Generous with his time, he attended family reunions with Bonnie’s cousins on her mother’s side, the Phillips family. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Thomas Road Baptist Church Pate Chapel. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon.

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

Ellen Lou Simpson Deane, 69, of Bedford, VA, passed away unexpectedly on November 26, 2025, following a fall outside her home. Born on March 24, 1956, Ellen grew up in Independence, VA, the daughter of Claude Fulton Simpson and Annie Bernicie (Bea) Simpson.

Ellen was a graduate of Tusculum College (University) in TN, a place where her lifelong love of learning and the arts flourished. She later made Bedford her home, embracing the area’s beauty, people, and history.

Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Claude Fulton Simpson Jr., and by the love of her life, Denis Deane, whose memory she carried with her every day. She is survived by her two sisters, Elizabeth Jane (BJ) Millar (Moe) and Sally Ann Simpson, both of Roanoke, VA; her three nieces, and an extended circle of cousins whom she adored.

A woman of curiosity, creativity, and deep compassion, Ellen loved to travel and had a special fondness for the theater. She enjoyed quilting and crafting, especially to gift to others. She was a natural with children and teenagers, and spent many years teaching special education and drama. Ellen was also a dedicated Master Gardener, known for nurturing both plants and people with care. She loved to have a good time with her friends, family, and people she met along the way!

No services are planned at this time.

If you wish to honor Ellen’s memory, please consider supporting Little Otter Flower Farm in Bedford, a place she cherished, or contributing to your local arts community—reflecting her enduring love of creativity, connection, and growth.

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

John Charles Breedlove, 86, of Big Island, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born in Saltville, VA on January 14, 1939 a son of the late Charlie Elvert Breedlove and Nanny Hutton Breedlove. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Dobyns Breedlove; brother, Marvin Breedlove; and sister, Beulah Bryant.

He is survived by his children, Stephen Breedlove and friend, Judy Reynolds, Lynn Breedlove and wife Beth, Pam Williams, Terry Breedlove and wife Rhonda, Timmy Breedlove and wife Stephanie; sisters, Marie Arnold, Peg Roark; ten grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ken Bledsoe officiating.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Big Island Emergency Crew.

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

Nancy Carter Brooks Flowers, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025 at her residence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Bennett Flowers.

She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Bennett Flowers, Gail Flowers Schofield and husband Edward John Schofield; and her grandson, Tayler Mitchell Andress; and step-grandson, Christopher Edward Schofield.

Per Nan’s wishes her service will be private.

Arrangements by Burch and Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, VA.

Peter VanDieren Behrens, 71, of Bedford, passed peacefully in his home with his best fur buddy Mac on Sunday, November 16, 2025. He was born in Salzburg, Austria on January 10, 1954 the son of the late Robert H. Behrens and Helen Kindler Behrens.

He is survived by his only son and best friend, Bobby Behrens and his daughter in love Jessica Behrens; his brother, Eric; and sisters, Yvonne, Diane, and Christina.

No services will be held.

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

Lucienne Blanche Bowden, age 98, of Moneta, VA, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was born on January 30, 1927, in Neiuwpoort, Belgium, on the coast of the North Sea.  During WWII, she met Gussie Bowden, her husband, and the father of her seven children.   On December 18, 1948, he brought her home to the United States with their 18-month-old baby, Ingrid.

Lucienne was a very courageous, loving, and hard-working woman.  Her life was an inspiration to many.  We will never forget the many stories of her life in Belgium.  What a historic treasure! She endured tragedy with a fighting spirit, and she would always remind us that she had no regrets in her life.  She fiercely loved her family and, selflessly, with an abundance of love, made huge sacrifices for them.  We remember her today.  We celebrate her long life, but most of all, we celebrate her new life.  She lived tirelessly, laughed heartily, and loved completely.

Entering Heaven’s gates, she was reunited with her mother, Marie Vandan Abele, her brother, Roger Doom, her children: Roger Franc Bowden, Jerry Lee Bowden, William Bernard Bowden, David Paul Bowden, and Katherine Faye Updike. She was also reunited with four of her grandsons, Aaron Padgett, Brandon Bowden, James W. Keith, and James Foster III (Spike).  What a beautiful reunion it was! 

She lovingly waits for her family members to join her in a Heavenly celebration. She leaves behind her daughters, Ingrid Bowden Woodford Elkins (Mickey), and Brenda Lee Bowden Padgett (Brent). 

God blessed Lucienne with many grandchildren who will one day reunite with her: Teresa Woodford Gilliam, Heather Foster Garrett (Carter), Brian Woodford (Donna), Charla Woodford Schubert (Hans), Shawn Bowden (Donna), Jessica Bowden Fielder (James), Michael Bowden (Tasha), Trey Padgett (Emily), and Jordon Padgett.  Lucienne was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. 

This poem beautifully expresses her life and dedication to all whom she loved and all who loved her.

“The Life That I Have” by Leo Marks 

The life that I have is all

That I have

And the life that I have is

Yours. 

The love that I have of the life

That I have is

Yours and yours and yours.

A sleep I shall have.

A rest I shall have,

Yet, death will be but a

Pause,

For the peace of my years

In the long green grass

Will be yours and yours

And yours.

A celebration of life will be held at Quaker Baptist Church, 4665 Chestnut Fork Road, Bedford, VA 24523, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm.  Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 pm.  After her celebration of life, there will be a private burial service for the immediate family only. 

Instead of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Angels of Assisi.

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

Tonya Joy Terry, 53, formerly of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025. She was born on December 8, 1971, in Bedford, Virginia.

Tonya dedicated her life to caring for others, spending the majority of her career at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. Her compassion and devotion to her residents were unmatched—she treated each one as if they were part of her own family. Her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit touched countless lives throughout her years of service.

Tonya’s love for animals, especially her cats, was one of her greatest joys. Even during her final months, she spoke often of them and made sure they continued to receive the same love and care she always gave them. Her beloved cats—Taffy, Bumper, and Sunny—were graciously taken in by Humane Animal Partners of Wilmington, Delaware, who have provided them with safe and loving care. In gratitude for their kindness, the family asks that donations be made in Tonya’s memory to this organization, in honor of her lifelong love for animals. Please use the link provided below to make your donation. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E195176&id=107

Tonya is survived by her loving parents, Mickey and Wanda St.Clair Hensley of Bedford; her brothers, Bo Terry (Brooke), Tony Moon (Katrina), Jimmy Terry (Christina), and Chris Terry (Krista); her sister, Hailey Terry; and many cherished nieces and nephews—including her beloved niece, Grace Terry, with whom she shared a very special bond. She is also survived by her uncles, James St.Clair, Steven St.Clair, Michael St.Clair; and aunt, Robin Terry Purvis. 

She is also lovingly remembered by her longtime friends, Melissa Worrell Payne, Jeff Wood, Jenny Boxler, Sharon Wright and Priscilla Rodeffer, whose steadfast friendship brought her much laughter, comfort, and joy throughout the years.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and coworkers. 

Tonya’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her—for her unwavering kindness, her resounding laughter, and the deep love she shared so freely with both people and animals.

A celebration of Tonya’s life will be held at a later date.

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

Shirley Long McDaniel, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Bedford, Virginia. Born in Christiansburg, she was the beloved daughter of William Barnett Long, a World War I veteran who served in the Company B, 163rd Infantry, and Virginia Florence (Walters) Long. She was the cherished granddaughter of Jeremiah Myers Walters and Cora Belle Early.

A descendant of the Early family of Virginia, Shirley inherited the southern strength and spirit of her mother Florence. Through family stories, the legacy of notable ancestors were preserved with the likes of Confederate General Jubal Anderson Early, whose nickname was “Lee’s Bad Old Man” and was known for his fiery temper and aggressive battlefield tactics that played a key role in the 1864 Valley Campaign, leading daring raids into Maryland and threatening Washington, D.C. The Early family of Virginia left a lasting imprint on Virginia and the South, contributing to its military, political, and journalistic landscape. One of its members, Stephen Tyree Early, served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s White House Press Secretary from 1933 to 1945, shaping presidential communications and journalistic relations. Their legacy has been documented in works such as The Family of Early, Which Settled Upon the Eastern Shore of Virginia, written by Ruth H. Early of Lynchburg, Virginia.

After graduating from Christiansburg High School, Shirley moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a clerk. She later returned home and married Donald L. McDaniel of Radford, Virginia, who preceded her in death. Together, they settled in Bedford, Virginia where Shirley lived for over five decades and raised three children: Don McDaniel, Carol Broesamle, and Rhonda Arthur (husband Tim Arthur).  She was a devoted grandmother to Timothy Arthur, who carries forward her legacy.

Shirley was also preceded in death by her sisters Charlotte Linkous and Barbara Sumner. She is survived by her sister Lena Mae Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the residents and staff of Bedford County Nursing Home for their compassionate care and friendship in Shirley’s final years and Centra Hospice.

A graveside service to honor Shirley’s life will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, November 11, at 2:00 PM.

Services are entrusted to Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 540-586-7360.

Marvin N. Suter III (Flash), 71, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on November 7, 2025. He was born on November 27, 1953, to the late Virginia S. Suter and Marvin N. Suter Jr.

Marvin was a devoted father, grandfather, and dedicated truck driver who took great pride in caring for his family. He was a proud member of The Sons of Confederate Veterans and found joy in the open road, his truck, and collecting trinkets that reminded him of his many travels.

He is survived by Roberta Suter; his sons, Nicholas Suter (Carissa) and Mark Suter (Carly); his cherished grandchildren, Daniel (Leah), Abigail, Connor, Colton, Rhett, and Ellie; his dear longtime friends Mike (Catman) and Sharon Graham; and his two sisters.

Marvin’s love, strength, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. 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.

David Bruce Hunter, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital’s Cardiothoracic ICU with family by his side. Bruce is leaving behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, and devotion to family. Born in Lynchburg, VA, on December 24, 1947, to David Jett Hunter and Annie Eleanor Morrill Hunter, Bruce graduated from E.C. Glass in 1965. He began his career as a police officer in Petersburg and Prince George, VA. Then joining Meredith Burda in followed by R. R. Donnelley, retiring in 1993 after 24 years of service as their Human Resources Manager. Bruce was also a dedicated entrepreneur, owning and operating several businesses in Virginia and North Carolina, including Karen’s Corner, Mr. Suds Carwash, and Mystic Carpet Outlet.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judith Hunter Terry. He is survived by his siblings: Barry Hunter (wife Bev) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Diane Hunter Clark (husband Bob) of Mexico.

Bruce’s legacy continues through his three children: Quentin Hunter (wife Rachel) of Haughton, LA; A. Cole Hunter (wife Anna) of Kernersville, NC; and Brandy Hunter-Biehl (husband Sean) of Rocky Mount, NC. He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Jessica Britt of VA, Chelsea Britt Whitehurst (husband Adam) of NC, Krista Hunter of VA, Cameron Hunter of SC, Hannah Hunter Russell (husband Nathan) of FL, and Adam Hunter of LA, Samuel Biehl of NC and Ray Cox of LA; and two great grandchildren, Kalani Britt of VA and Liam Cox of LA.

Bruce will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will be forever treasured.

The family would like to offer a special thanks the entire staff for the personalized care given to Bruce during his time in the Cardiothoracic ICU.

A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date by the children.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Centra’s Rosemary and George Dawson Inn in Bruce Hunter’s memory.

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