Marjorie Faye Johnson, 68, of Bedford, died Friday, April 19, 2024 peacefully with her children by her side.  She was born in Bedford on August 19, 1955 a daughter of Floyd Jasper Johnson and his wife, Thelma of Bedford and the late Mary Ann Crunkleton Johnson.  In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Lora Padgett (Frank) and her dog, Baby Girl.  In addition to her father she is survived by her children, Michelle Lynn White (Ricky); Jason Christopher Roberts (Ashley); Carmen Elizabeth Roberts (Vincent Woolfolk); her grandchildren, Stacie Moss, Kayla Roberts, Tanya Moss, Christian James, Ahmari Woolfolk, Isabella Woolfolk; her great grandchildren, Bryson, Ella, Kairyn, Jace, Kayden; her sisters, Gina Hession; Julie Lascell (David); three step-sisters; her aunts, Eleanor Bishop (Eddie), Doris Johnson and Sylvia Johnson; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Michael Khol officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.  Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA  24523.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford

James (Jim) Edward Shauberger, 77, of Smith Mountain Lake, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024.  He was born December 27, 1946 in Erie, PA to the late Edward Casper and Mary Yochim Shauberger. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Katherine “Kay” Cornelius Shauberger, of 52 years; his sons, Edward Graham Shauberger of Hardy, VA and Steven Jeffrey Shauberger (Keri) of Anacortes, WA; grandchildren, Eli James Shauberger and Colby Quinn Shauberger of Anacortes, WA.  He is also survived by sisters, Sally Stafford (Dwight) of Oklahoma City, OK and Nancy Reed of Jones, OK; brother, David M. Shauberger (Candace) of Norman, OK; and nieces, nephews and cousins.  Also surviving Jim is treasured friend, Christopher Tice (Becca) of Nashville, TN, who he considered his third son. Though born in Erie, PA his family moved frequently due to his father’s job with General Electric.  He entered Bishop Miege High School in Kansas City, KS and while there his photographic career began shooting high school sports.  His family moved to Norman, OK during his sophomore year and he continued working as a photographer for the Norman Transcript and the Oklahoma Daily newspapers.  After high school, he enrolled in the University of Oklahoma studying Math and Marketing. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During his undergraduate studies, he worked as a photographer for the Associated Press, Chief photographer for the Oklahoma Daily and started his own commercial photography business.  His sophomore year he enrolled in the Navy ROTC program.  Upon graduation, as a “Distinguished Naval graduate”, he was commissioned Ensign U.S. Navy and reported immediately as an Unrestricted Line Officer to the fleet.  He served on USS Davidson (DE/FF 1045), USS Albert David (DE/FF 1050) and USS Chilton (LPA 38).  His billets were First Lieutenant, Gunnery Officer, Navigator, Assistant Engineer, and Chief Engineer.  Jim joined the Navy to see the world and did with tours in Vietnam, the Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean / South America.  He loved being at sea, driving ships, and visiting ports all over the world. As Navigator, he loved the stars at sea and did several Pacific transits with just celestial navigation. While stationed in Norfolk, VA, he met his future wife, Kay and they were married in July 1972. After active duty, they moved to Norman, OK for graduate school and he taught Photography and Photojournalism at the University of Oklahoma.  Upon receiving his MBA in Finance, Jim worked as an Account Executive and Photographer for Alderman Studios in High Point, NC.   In 1978, he and several other employees were hired away to start a commercial printing company (Modern Graphic Arts) for the St Petersburg Times in St. Petersburg, FL. In 1981, Jim founded Jim’s Photo Shack, a large retail photographic and optics store.  The store catered to serious amateur and professional photographers and was one of the largest astronomy stores in the Southeast selling to individuals and institutions.  Jim also taught photography and astronomy to local schools and clubs. After 22 years, the store moved to Smith Mountain Lake, VA in 2002 as “Scopes & Stuff” and liquidated its inventory over three years. In 2002, it was named the “Most Innovative Lake Area Business” by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce. Jim retired for the first time in 2005 only to go back to work for Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2007 as the full time Events Manager. He was responsible for events such as the Annual Wine Festival, the BASS Tournaments, SML Business Expo, Rockin’ Brews & BBQ, and the Chili festival. He retired again at age 67 and lasted 6 months before accepting the role of Inn Manager for Halesford Harbour Inn.  Within two years the inn was a consistent 5 star reviewed Trip Advisor gold property. Jim finally really retired at age 72 from full time work to enjoy life and Smith Mountain Lake. Jim was an Eagle Scout and continued as a BSA Merit Badge Counselor for 40 years.  He also taught photography and astronomy in schools, libraries, and clubs all his life.  His hobbies were photography, astronomy, fishing, hunting, sailing and skiing. Jim was an active member of Trinity Ecumenical Parish where he served as a Presbyterian Elder and as Parish Council President. During Covid, he served on the “Stream Team”, providing an online ministry at TEP. He still ran cameras during TEP services and events until the end of 2023. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish on April 27, at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr, Moneta, VA 24121.  Jim never met a stranger and his greeting was always, “Hi – I am Jim and welcome!” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

 

Richard Monte “Zane” Nance, 88, of Bedford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at his residence due to kidney failure. He was born in Crumpton, MD on July 18, 1935 a son of the late Richard Estes Nance and Florence Marie Biddle Nance. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dicksie Martin; and sister-in-law, Becky C. Nance. He joined the military at the age of 18 serving for a total of 13 years in the United States Air Force and the United States Army as a radio operator and he finished out his working career with the National Park Service in maintenance. Zane was a man of many skills and talents. One of his favorite hobbies was panning for gold in Buckingham County. He could build most anything out of wood including a coffee table from half of a tree. He loved metal detecting, engraving guns, leather work making gun holsters. He shared his love and knowledge of horses with his daughter. Zane was a good cook and loved nothing more than sharing a meal with family and friends. He will be greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts. The family would like to thank DaVita Dialysis, especially Ashley Steen for their love and care for Zane. Also, his hospice team for their care and compassion. They would also like to thank Dwayne Tucker and Bobby Roberts for being such good friends and doing all they did for him. Per his request, no services will be held. Zane is survived by his wife, Debbie Phillips Nance; daughter, Melody Dooley (John “Topcat”); granddaughters, Zana Smith (Scott), Jordan Overstreet (Wesley); great-granddaughter, Delaney Poff (Jonathan); devoted brother, Parker Biddle Nance; mother-in-law, Myrtle Phillips; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Phillips, Randy Phillips; nephews, Mike Martin (Vicky), Lance Martin (Tina); nieces, Dayna McKendree, Terrie Dort; and two special friends with whom he shared many life stories and cups of coffee, Buddy Haydon, Marvin Tucker. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-73

Frances “Butch” Thompson, 80, of Coleman Falls, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. She was born in Hominy Falls, WV on September 29, 1943. She leaves to honor her memory, sons, Clifford Craig Wilson, Harlan Brett Wilson; daughters, Angela Linkous (Lloyd), Megan Brent (Richard); grandchildren, Savannah Watson, Timothy House (Krystie), Brittany Wilson, Hailly Sines; great-grandchildren, Evan Watson, Jaelyn House, Emily Watson, Keeley Reed, Ja’Kari Tanner, Ja’Kaycen Tanner; special friends, Shelby Buford, Steve Coleman, Brenda Wiles, Irma Whorley, Preston Flowers. Special thanks to her hospice nurse, Janet Nuckles. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Mary Lou Phillips Tsoleas, 89, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024. She was born on February 8, 1935 in VA a daughter of the late Adrian Earl Phillips and Doris Hunt Phillips. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Tsoleas; son, George Tsoleas; and sister, Barbara Hines. She is survived by her son, Ted Tsoleas; granddaughter, Kate Tsoleas; brother, Lynwood Phillips (Zandra); and special friend, Jack Foster.  Her special caregiver, Shawnee Hinkle. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Greenwood Cemetery with Hunter Phillips officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

John Nick Hicks, 71, of Bedford, passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s in which he was able to remain at home. He was born in Bedford, VA on July 8, 1952, a son of the late John Reid “Jack” Hicks, Jr. and Edith Creasy Hicks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a niece, Edie Hicks Martin. He was retired from the National Park Service and also enjoyed fighting wildfires for them.  John was a good man with a quiet nature. He could build or fix anything and enjoyed camping and trail riding with his horses and he loved the Peaks of Otter. John is survived by his wife, Lisa Hicks; son, Nick Hicks, grandson, Noah Hicks; step-son, Timmy White; brother, Don Hicks and wife Debie; brothers-in-law, Kenneth McKinney, Jeff McKinney, Steve McKinney and wife Brandi, Phillip McKinney and wife Becky; special niece, Mya McKinney, and special cousin, Sue Creasy Payne. The family would like to thank his hospice nurse, Mary Bare and hospice aide, Christina Overstreet as well as his caregivers, Darlene Fox and Mya McKinney for their love and care for John. A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at his residence, 1423 Rebel Yell Ridge, Bedford with Phillip McKinney officiating.  Memorials may be made to the Friends of Bedford County Animal Shelter 906 Ebenezer Rd.  Amherst, VA  24521. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-73

Olive Mae Norman Pillow, of Rustburg, Virginia born on May 22, 1927 in New Hampshire went to rest eternally in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and love. She was a strong, stubborn, fiercely independent woman. Olive loved big band music, bird watching, plants, sports, reading and children. She worked as a telephone operator at Bell Atlantic, Central Accounting, and Rustburg Elementary Schools both in Campbell County Virginia, after retirement she volunteered at Lynchburg General Hospital. To quote her favorite man, “I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway, but more than this, I did it my way. Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention, I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exemption. I planned each charted course, each careful step along the by way. But more, much more than this, I did it my way” (Frank Sinatra) The family would like to thank her daughter Avis for the endless hours she spent caring for and tending to all her needs the last 3 years. Along with all other family members that stepped in and helped, and a special thanks to Tabatha Minnick for the time she cared for her and thank you to Centra Hospice for the kindness and support they provided. She was preceded in death by her dad, Robert Hiram Norman; her mom, Avis Nettie Brooks Norman; her sister, Nettie Avis Norman Grant; her brother, Robert Hiram Norman, Jr.; her husband, James Paul Pillow, II; her son, James Paul Pillow, III; and her son in law, Morris Hodnett. She leaves behind her daughters, Mary Louise Hodnett, Avis Nettie Pillow, Tanya Renee Nixon (Russell Nixon); granddaughter, Lauren Nixon Marshall (Travis Marshall) (Levi, Mason, Elizabeth); grandson, Blake Nixon; granddaughter, Amaya Nixon (Tyler Garbee); grandson, Nicholas J. Pillow; adopted son, Roddy McDaniel; along with many other grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. The family will accept visitors at her home on Thursday, April 11, 2024, during the hours of 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. There will be a private service to honor her by the family. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Dementia Society of America. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Sam J. Overstreet, 86, of Bedford, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 5, 2024. He was the son of the late Samuel Overstreet and Annie Hubbard Overstreet. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Brads Overstreet; and grandson, Matthew Alexander Overstreet. Sam retired from Sam Moore Furniture and then worked over 20 years for Bedford County. He is survived by his sons, Michael Overstreet and wife Christina. Russell Overstreet and wife Wendie; daughter, Tracy Witt; grandchildren, Joshua Overstreet and wife Anjulea, Taylor Overstreet, Samuel Overstreet, Corey Witt, Kayla Witt; great-grandchildren, Austin Puckett, Camden Byer, Ava Overstreet, Avery Overstreet, Aquilla Freeman, Anyla Freeman, Jillyan Overstreet, Archer Overstreet, Justyce Overstreet and great-grandbaby Overstreet due in September. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy, Shirley, Alice, Mavis, Mary; and brothers John and Stewart. A graveside Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Holyland Cemetery with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Arrangements by Burc-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

 

Donna Jean Walters, passed away at Lynchburg General Hospital on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Donna was born in Roanoke, Virginia on May 16, 1959. She was a beloved mother of 2 sons, Willie Walters (Lauren) and Matt Deba. Donna wed her husband, Darrell “Mickey” Walters in Roanoke on March 6, 1992 and they had just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary this year.  Donna was also a cherished sister to Melissa “Missy” Lasley; and a wonderful aunt to her three nieces, Anastasia Johns, Heather Alewine, Diamond Adams, and all of their children. Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Jean Payne Johns Anderson; her father, Oscar Jefferson Johns; and her brother-in-law, John Lasley. Donna loved people, and she would befriend anyone who was willing to chat with her. She was devoted to the care of all animals, especially her own three fur babies. She enjoyed going on car rides with her husband and visiting her friends and family. Donna was also very invested in her family lineage and was proud of her Cherokee heritage. She spent years researching her family tree, tracing her relatives all the way back to the 1600’s.  Donna battled several chronic illnesses throughout the last 25 years. Her strong will and tenacity allowed her to consistently beat the odds her doctors would give her. While she ultimately succumbed to her long battle with liver disease, she persevered with dignity and grace until her last moments. Donna was an amazing woman, mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and more to so many people. She will forever be loved and missed.  A celebration of life will be held at 706 Pinecrest Avenue, Bedford on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Thomas Ervin Allen, 71, of Roanoke VA, went to be with the Lord and all his loved ones, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Lee Allen and Dorothy Mae Austin Allen. Tommy is survived by two daughters, Dana Faye Allen Starnes of N.C. and fiancé Kevin Clark of N.C., Jessica Marie Allen Robertson of Hardy VA and husband William Robertson II; one grandchild, Christian Robertson (Tommy’s pride and joy); and three sisters, Deborah Baker, Thelma Beyke, Becky Allen Comer. Also leaving behind relatives from Roanoke and Bedford VA, aunts, uncle & lots of cousins, and nephew’s and niece’s. Tommy enjoyed going to yard sales,flea markets Collecting Antiques. He loved fishing but most of all his two daughters and his grandson. He will be deeply missed. Forever in our hearts and always on our mind’s. Day by day we will let go of this heartbreaking loss and we will never let go of all our lasting memories. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.