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 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, 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

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.