Sylvia J. Kendall, 75, passed peacefully at her home on March 26, 2024, from a rare brain disorder called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.  Sylvia was born in Bedford, VA, on September 16, 1948, to Virginia and Wesley Kendall.  She is survived by sisters, Kaye Kendall Crosby, Annette Kendall, and her friend of 70 years and eventual sister, Gayle Robertson Hightower, after Virginia Kendall married Jack Robertson.  Sylvia also leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, special first cousins, devoted friends, and beloved fur babies. Sylvia graduated from Liberty High School, Mary Washington College, and received her Master of Taxation Degree from Georgia State University, which began her career as a CPA.  Sylvia was a talented pianist, seamstress, and an advocate for feral cats.  She could be seen nightly at the Boonsboro Kroger feeding kitties behind the dumpsters. At Sylvia’s request, there will be no public services.  If you wish to honor her memory, please consider making a donation to the Lynchburg Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

Barbara Ann Hamby Phillips, 81, of Moneta, passed away at her home on Saturday, March 23, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Beanie; sisters, brothers; grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and her dog, Johnny. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Phyllis Christine Martin Ferguson, 84, of Rustburg, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024. She was born in Appomattox, VA on January 7, 1940 a daughter of the late Eldridge Coleman Martin and Evelyn Davidson Martin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Ollie J. Davidson and Dorothy Farmer Davidson whom raised her; and her siblings, Terrell Martin, Joyce Jackson, and Betty Brooks. She was a retired charge nurse at Central Virginia Training School. Phyllis is survived by her two sons, Ollie J. “Jeff” Ferguson (Patricia), Thomas Edward Ferguson; daughter, Debra Daugherty(Richard); brother, Albert Martin (Nancy); sister, Dorothy Hood; grandchildren, Waylon Ferguson (Nici), Amanda Ferguson, DerekFerguson; great-grandchildren, Gavin and Hunter Ferguson. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Fort Hill Memorial Park with Pastor Kim Logan officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Eleanor Mae Parker Overstreet, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024. She was born in Bedford, VA on June 1, 1937 a daughter of the late Elijah Parker and Ada Carter Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glen William Overstreet; brothers, Winston “Wink” Parker, Kenny Parker, Tommy Parker, Jack Parker, Graham Parker, Price Parker; and son-in-law, Tommy D. Goff, Sr. She loved her family very much and was a hard worker.  She was a caregiver and was known for her love of sitting on her front porch. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia Goff; son, Marty Ruff; grandchildren, Amanda Goff (Malibu), T.J. Goff, Subrinna Ruff; great-grandchildren, Kyndall Goff, Riley Goff; sister, Judith Heck, Mary Amos (Marvin); numerous step-children and step-grandchildren, and many numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Bedford County Nursing Home staff for taking such great care of “Granny Mae”. Family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m., at Peaks Church Community Cemetery with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating.   Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-736

Michael Ray McGuire, 60, of Roanoke, passed away on Wednesday, March 20th 2024, after a sudden illness. He is survived by his mother, Marleen; wife, Regina; their children, Victoria, Stephanie, Tiffany, Richard; and multiple grandchildren. No services will take place, as Michael requested, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Glenna Catherine Lafon Reed, 96, of Bedford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. She was born in Virginia on September 8, 1927, a daughter of the late Clyde Alphonzo Lafon and Bessie Smith Lafon. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Benjamin Reed, Jr.; daughter, Lynda Martin; brother, Warren Lafon; grandson, Bobby Miller; and great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Long. Glenna retired from Rubatex with 33 years of service. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister and was strong in her faith. She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Lafon; sister, Thelma Mayhew; sons, Charles B. “Benny” Reed, III (Peggy), Jerry A. Reed; grandchildren, Mary Swedberg, Stephanie Moir (Barry), Nicholas Reed; great-grandchildren, Ashley Jones (Robert), Amber Dudding, Holli Stewart (Joshua), Heidi Moir, David Matthew Dudding; and fifteen great-great-grandchildren. Special thank you to her son, Jerry Reed for his loving care of his mom at home for many years. Thank you also to Berkshire Health and Rehab staff and her great-granddaughter, Ashley Jones for her care of Glenna and to her many friends and church family that came by to visit her. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Monday, March 25, 2024 at New Beginnings Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Richard Kingrea and Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Burial will follow in the Church of the Great Shepherd Cemetery, 1937 Shingle Block Road, Bedford, VA 24523. 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.

 

Delores Fern Taylor Gunnoe, born on October 31, 1935, in Charleston, West Virginia, entered eternal life on March 13, 2024. She attended Airline School before working with Eastern Airlines, the American Red Cross, and C&P. In 1965, Fern and her husband Charles Dewey Gunnoe established Gunnoe Sausage Company in Bedford County, VA. She was a founding member of Brookhill Wesleyan Church and was a beloved Bible Study leader. She relished her involvement in Women’s Aglow International, where she played an active role as a speaker and leader. Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Bessie (Summers) Taylor; siblings, Janet Lockhart, Robert Taylor, Susan Sheets, and Nancy McCandless. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Payne; her husband of 64 years C. Dewey Gunnoe; her daughter, Cynthia Gunnoe (Jim Messier); sons, Chad (Marji) and Craig (Marti); and grandchildren, James, Mariel, Arianna, Erik, Thomas, Katya, Chloe & Taylor.  A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Brookhill Wesleyan Church with Rev. Brian Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brookhill Wesleyan Church, 1043 Cifax Road, Forest, VA 24551 or Women’s Aglow International, P.O. Box 1749, Edmonds, WA 98020. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Susan Coe Epperly, 82, of Montvale, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. She was born on April 19, 1941 in Roanoke, VA a daughter of the late Carl Coe and June Worrell Coe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dennis Epperly; and sister, Shirley Templeton. She was a graduate of Longwood University and University of Virginia where she received her master’s degree. Susan was a retired educator, having taught science and physical education; also coaching girls’ basketball and field hockey. She enjoyed reading, shopping, and crosswords. Susan was an active member of the coloring and book club at the Montvale library. Her family was very important to her; she loved them and enjoyed spending time with them. She is survived by her son, Steven Dennis Epperly (Cindi); sisters, Norma Kate Cochran, Mary Combs (Rodney); brothers, Franklin Coe (Brenda), David Coe (Linda), Richard Starr, Charles Starr (Shirley); and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Epworth Methodist Church with Rev. Tracy Terry officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Salvation Army or RAM House (Roanoke Area Ministries); both of which were very important to Dennis and Susan. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert Anson “Bob” Fowler, 86, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024. He was born in Pittsburg, PA on September 18, 1937 a son of the late Anson Richard “Slim” Fowler and Carrie Zeiler Fowler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice K. Fowler; and brother, Norman Richard Fowler (Virginia “Ginny”). He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. Robert is survived by his three sons, Brad Fowler (Cheryl), Craig Fowler (Kristi), Daniel Fowler (Janine); and grandchildren, Hannah, Emilie, Rachel, Meagan, and Sammy. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Dawn Compton officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Main Street United Methodist Church or American Legion Post #54, 231 W. Depot St., Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Sandra Sue Hanna-Garrison, known to all as Sandy, went to be with her Lord on March 9, 2024. Sandy is survived by her husband, Darryl Garrison; three children, Sandy Lin Vaglio (Mike), John Edward Cooper, Jr. (Linda), Jennifer Cooper Hughes (Ryan); stepdaughter, Amanda Jill Garrison; and her grandchildren, Jordan Leigh Brown, Hanna Kathryn Cooper, Emma Grace Cooper, Cooper Lee Hughes, Coleman Walker Hughes, and Shane Kennon. She is also survived by her older sister, Margaret Zimmerman; her twin sister, Linda Trent (Don); nieces and nephews, Amy Stottlemyer (Ryan), Steve Johnston (Rebecca), Joe Trent (Melanie), Christi Trent, Simone Rivera, and Jamie Rivera. Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Hilda Hanna; sister, Shirley Williams; brother, James Hanna; grandson, Austin Brown; and niece, Katie Rivera. Sandy was born on July 30, 1950, in Richwood, West Virginia. And, like her birth state, she was sometimes wild yet always wonderful! She had an amazing sense of humor that she passed to her children and grandchildren. Sandy was a woman of service. From her professional work at Centra Health to Bedford Primary School to Bedford Social Services, Sandy was always helping others. In her free time, she supported the Bedford Free Clinic and volunteered with the youth at her Church. Sandy touched many lives, offering warm friendship and support to all. She never met a stranger and was happiest when in service to others. Sandy will be remembered for her love of God, her warm and generous spirit and how she did everything with love. Friends and family may join us on March 16, 2024, at Main Street United Methodist Church, 212 East Main Street, Bedford, VA for a visitation at 2:00 followed by a memorial service at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Stepping Stones Childcare Tuition Fund at the church above. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.