Juanita Dean Holdren Mitchen

Posted on April 15, 2026April 17, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Juanita Dean Holdren Mitchen, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Bobbie Mitchen; her parents, Nathan Holdren and Nettie Hensley Scott; two sons, Danny Mitchen and David Mitchen; and two brothers, Johnny Holdren and Lloyd Holdren.

Juanita worked as a private duty caregiver at Bedford Memorial Hospital for many years. She also provided care for several people in her home, including her dear husband. She had a passion for helping others, enjoyed life and loved everyone. Juanita loved the Lord and served him faithfully as a member of Sedalia Baptist Church for 70+ years. She served as music director, as a member in the church choir, and worked with the youth for 50 years.

She loved music, especially gospel, and her husband and she sang in a gospel and bluegrass band, performing at churches and community events. Juanita loved her family and loved cooking for family gatherings.

Juanita leaves behind her four children, Rebecca Harrison (Daniel), Ronald Mitchen (Stephanie), Robert Mitchen (Rosa), and Lisa Rood; ten grandchildren, Melissa Harrison, Frank Mitchen (Brittany), Timothy Mitchen, Tommy Mitchen, Adam Rood, Erin Andrews (Jared), Hannah Smith (Randall), Nita Hawkins (Tyler), Cassie Jones (D.J.), Chris Frost (Samantha); thirteen great-grandchildren; and a great-great granddaughter on the way. Also, she has many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr Brian Buchanan, Dr Thomas Neal, and Centra Hospice for their love and care to Juanita.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Sedalia Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Jones and Rev. Ken Bledsoe officiating. Burial will follow in the 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.

Landyn Lee Burnette

Posted on April 10, 2026April 12, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Landyn Lee Burnette, age 2, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away at home on Friday, April 10, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.

Landyn was a precious and deeply loved little boy whose life, though brief, was filled with love, laughter, and playing. He had a way of lighting up a room, whether through his sweet smile, or the sound of his giggles – he found joy in the smallest moments, he loved playing outside and being doted on by those who adored him. He shared the kind of pure, innocent love that only a child can.

Born to Brian and Brittany Burnette, Landyn was lovingly raised and cared for by his grandmother, Nancy Burnette – his Granny, who he adored and had an unmistakable bond with, along with his aunt and uncle, Ena and Keith Burnette.

He was surrounded by love and a family who cherished him, who all developed special bonds with him. His 3-year-old brother Kaiden, cousins Logan and Avery, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends will be forever changed by the enormous impact Landyn had on their lives.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Carilion Children’s Hematology/Oncology department, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Ronald McDonald House, and the compassionate nurses at Good Samaritan Hospice. They are also deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and generosity from friends, family, and the community, who stood beside them throughout Landyn’s courageous journey.

Landyn will always be remembered for the happiness he brought into the world. His sweet smile, and laughter will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, with Rev. Danny Holdren officiating. Burial will follow in Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at Walnut Street Chapel.

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

David D. Weidner, Jr.

Posted on April 3, 2026April 6, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

David D. Weidner, Jr., 91, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, LuAnne Weidner; three children, Julie Weidner, Roanne Shipman, David M. Weidner; four step-children, Howard (Willy) Bennett, Angela Rice, Mitzi Weidner, Melissa Baker; and his beloved dog, Oreo.

David did not wish to have a funeral or visitation and the family is honoring his wishes.

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

Elvin “Buddy” Eugene Williams, Jr.

Posted on April 3, 2026April 4, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Elvin “Buddy” Eugene Williams Jr., 65, of Bedford, peacefully departed this world on Friday, April 3, 2026. Buddy found enjoyment watching the Dallas Cowboys play and talking about old times with his family. He was born in Salem, VA on January 9, 1961. He was preceded in death by his father, Elvin Williams Sr. and his dear sister, Patricia Parrish. He leaves behind fond memories for his mother Diane Wooldridge; a sister, Lori Wright (Ben); a very special niece, Traci Brads (Ryan); and nephews, Jimmy Dehart and Billy Hyler. Private Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Roger Dale Overstreet

Posted on April 1, 2026April 3, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Roger Dale Overstreet Sr., 73, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was born in Bedford, VA on October 26, 1952 a son of the late, Ishmael and Nettie Overstreet. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Elaine Overstreet; four brothers, two sisters, a grandson and a great-granddaughter. He is survived by a daughter, Tiffany Overstreet (Jeremy); two sons, Roger Overstreet, Jr. and Timmy Brads (Andrea); nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, friends and a special thank you to Dennis and Pat for staying by his side till the end. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026 in Peak Church Community Cemetery with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Barbara (Bobbi) Lee Smith

Posted on March 30, 2026April 3, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Our beloved mother, Barbara (Bobbi) Lee Smith formerly of Culpeper, VA peacefully departed our world on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Bedford, VA.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Smith (Culpeper, VA); husband, Jimmy L Smith (Fredericksburg, VA); one brother, James Smith (Orange, VA); son, Michael L Kellison (Fredericksburg, VA); and three grandsons, John W. Jenkins Jr, (Culpeper, VA), Victor J Remlinger (King George, VA), and Mathew A Coder (Fredericksburg, VA).

She is survived by her four daughters, Tammy L Jenkins and Terri P Vermillion both of King George, VA, Tracy M Brill of Rocky Mount, NC, Tonni A Brill (Tony Brill) of Big Island, VA, one brother, Gary P Smith of King George, VA; and twenty grandchildren/great grandchildren.

She will remain greatly loved and will be missed by her family and friends. Praise God she has gone to be with her maker.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford VA.

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

Frances G.. Underwood

Posted on March 29, 2026March 31, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Frances G. Underwood, 88, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026. She was born in Bedford Va on November 17, 1937, and was a daughter of the late Carl and Louise Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl “Buck” Gray and Randy Gray; and her sister, Jean Bowden.

Frances devoted her life to her family and her many friends. While she held many roles throughout her life, the one she treasured most was being “Granny” to her grandchildren—and to the many children others lovingly entrusted to her care. She had a special gift for hospitality, always welcoming visitors with freshly baked desserts and a warm cup of coffee. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, James L. Underwood; her sister, Doris G. Williams of Boonesboro; her sister-in-law, Shirley Barger (Chris); three daughters, Deborah Horner (Don), Janet Buttram (Jimmy), and Laura Mitchell (Alan); four grandchildren, Corey Buttram (Cash), Carly Whitener (Adam), Jamie Looney (Rosie), and Joey Looney (Molly); and three great-grandchildren, Neve McDonough, Johnathan Looney-Wilson, and Paige Whitener.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Burial will follow in Peaks Church Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In keeping with Frances’s warm and welcoming spirit, casual and comfortable attire is encouraged as family and friends gather to celebrate her life.

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

James W. Hafey

Posted on March 27, 2026March 30, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

James W. Hafey of Wirtz, Virginia, passed away on March 27, 2026. He was born May 6, 1949, in York, Pennsylvania, a son of H. Charles Hafey and Margaret Plitt Hafey. He is survived by his wife, Jan Hafey; his children, Michael Hafey (Sally) and Patricia Breton (Tyler), and grandchildren; Kailee and Hannah Hoffman and Thomas John Hafey. He also is survived by his sister Lynn Freitag (Chuck) and brother Dan Hafey (Robin) and his sisters-in-law Patricia Gallagher (Buddy) and Shirley Spangler (Tom) and his brother-in-law Tom (Karen) Brett and many nieces and nephews.

Jim’s career spanned from working in his family’s beverage business, G. F. Plitt & Son in York, Pennsylvania, to working for Great American Insurance Company in Windsor, Connecticut and later for St. Joseph Residence in Enfield, Connecticut.

Jim was a devoted family man. He loved entertaining his children and grandchildren and seeing them through their years of sports and scouting.

He enjoyed sailing, biking and camping. He was an Eagle Scout and led Mike and other young men to achieve their Eagle Scout rank. He cheered Trish in her swim, softball and soccer teams and Mike in his soccer, baseball and football seasons.

Jim was also devoted to his faith as an active participant in Holy Family Church in Enfield, Connecticut. He served as a lector and assisted with funeral Masses.

He served his community through the St Vincent de Paul Society and to the local Pro-Life community.

Jim’s family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Runk & Pratt at Smith Mountain Lake for the kind and loving care given to Jim in the last two years of Jim’s life. We are also grateful to Medi Hospice for the comfort and support given to Jim and his family during the last few months of Jim’s life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA. Burial will directly follow the Mass in the Church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00.

A time of gathering and sharing memories, with lunch provided, will be held immediately following the burial. It will be held in Morrow Hall (lower level of the church). All are welcome to join the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Christian Ministries in Moneta (smlgives.org) or to Bedford Pregnancy Center (bedfordpregnancy.org/donate) or to Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121.

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

Janice Faye Carter Perkins

Posted on March 23, 2026March 25, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Janice Faye Carter Perkins, 79, of Bedford, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 23, 2026. She was born in Smyth County, VA on May 19, 1946 a daughter of the late Kenneth Grundy “KG” Carter and Cora Crewey Carter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Wanda Barnette, Les Johnson, Janavee Buchanan, John Carter, and Jim Carter.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles Glen Perkins; children, Lisa Wilson, Bobby Perkins (Kristy); grandchildren, Carter Ellis Wilson, Riley Elizabeth Wilson, Matthew Vadin Perkins, Andrew Eden Perkins, Kadi Josephine Perkins, Bejamin Zakia Perkins, Isaiah Luke Perkins; and her sisters, Carole Stavitski (Bill) and Gilda Schlesinger (Bob).

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Lighthouse Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith and Rev. Bart Hogge officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Harvest Free Will Baptist Child Care Ministries, P.O. Box 259, Duffield, VA 24244. www.harvestccm.org

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

Benjamin (Buck) S. Irby

Posted on March 23, 2026March 25, 2026 by ydCNlJLJby

Benjamin (Buck) S. Irby

February 22, 1941 — March 23, 2026

Benjamin (Buck) S. Irby, age 85 of Gretna, died March 23, 2026, at his residence. Born on February 22, 1941, in Pittsylvania County, he was the son of the late Robert Hugh Irby and Willie Florence Bailess Irby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Reva, Odessa, and Evelynn Irby, Vera Hall, and Naomi McGhee; and six brothers, Robert, Hugh Paul, Enek, Timothy, Sam and Dwight.

He is survived by his ex-wife Lorene Irby; one son, Steve Irby (Robyn Weeks); and two daughters, Bonnie Eubank (Gary Hogan), and Jennifer Mitchell (Barry Chism); two granddaughters, Crystal Curtis (Chris Curtis) and Brandee Eubank Alexander (Quanta Alexander); two great-granddaughters, Emilee Curtis ( Cole Anderson) and Erin Curtis; one great-grandson, Kaydn Alexander; one great-great grandson, Waylon Anderson; one sister-in-law, Barbara Coffey Irby; and also many nieces and nephews and their children.

There will be no services, but the family will receive friends and family at his residence on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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