Mark Stephen Farley, 57, of Bedford VA., passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Mark was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on May 8, 1966 a son of Jackie Nelson Orange and the late Howard Farley.  In addition to his mother, Jackie Orange, Mark is survived by his children, Matthew (Natalie), Melinda (Chris), Michael (Myah); his 5 grandchildren, Iris, James, Wesley, Victor, Gabriel; sister, Beth (Darrell); brother, Skip (Maureen), and his dog, Zilla. Mark was a Frederick County Maryland highway maintenance employee before retiring and moving to Bedford. There will be no services per his request. Arrangements by Burch Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

Argy Lee “Joe” Hager, Retired Major, USAF, 91, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024. Joe was born and raised in West, VA on August 21, 1932 where he was living and working in the coal mines. In 1949, he enlisted in the military as a senior in high school. He met the love of his life in Glee Club, Arbutus Mae “Boots” Steele, and she was the mother of his five children. Joe and Boots were married Aril 3, 1951. Sadly, she passed away on April 20, 2011. Joe was also preceded in death by his son, Ronald Lee Hager; and daughter, Rhonda Elaine Hager (Darragh). He is survived by his daughter, Roxanne Janece Hager of Altavista; sons, Richard Wayne Hager of FL, Roger Dale Hager of Altavista; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held on April 19, 2024 at Bedford Baptist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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

In loving memory of Richard Allen Kidd, JR, a man whose zest for life and unwavering spirit touched the hearts of all who knew him. Allen’s journey on this earth may have ended, but his legacy lives on in the memories we hold dear. Allen began his journey in Lynchburg at Belvac, where he dedicated himself to his craft. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike. Later in life, he transitioned to the maintenance department at Heritage Green, where he continued to make a difference. He was a man of determination. His favorite saying, “Kidd Can,” donned his license plate and encapsulated his indomitable spirit. Allen believed that with determination and resolve, one could achieve anything. He set out to conquer challenges, never backing down from adversity. His legacy reminds us that obstacles are merely stepping stones on the path to success. Allen’s impact extended far beyond his immediate family. His work family, bound by shared goals and camaraderie, held him in high regard. His relatives and close friends cherished his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support. To the little ones in the family, he was simply “Grandpa”, a source of warmth and laughter. Allen had a flair for style, often seen in his beloved western boots and hats. He loved to fish, finding solace by the water’s edge.  His evenings were accompanied by vodka and water, his beloved pets, and the world news in the background. Country music was the soundtrack of Allen Kidd’s life. The twang of guitars and heartfelt lyrics resonated with his soul. And who could forget his mornings with Don Imus? The television and radio shows provided both entertainment and thought-provoking discussions, and Allen was an avid fan. Allen’s legacy lives on through the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave. May his memory inspire us to embrace each day with the same enthusiasm and resilience that he exemplified. Allen you’ve left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we’ll forever carry your spirit with us. His saying, “It’s a crazy world, and I’m a happy guy,” resonates with all who knew him. And indeed, Allen could do anything he set his mind to. In honor of Allen, let us raise our glasses, tip our hats, and celebrate a life well-lived. May his spirit continue to inspire us all. “Kidd Can” – and so can we. Rest in peace, you will be missed. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

 

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.

 

Brandon Wayne White, 36, of Roanoke, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was born in Roanoke, VA on January 16, 1988 a son of Teresa Wood Cooke and the late Leslie Wayne White. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Maurice H. “Rabbitt” Wood; paternal grandparents, Robert E. and Ann K. White; aunt, Vickie W. Harris, uncles, Phillip Wood; Bob White; and special friend, TSG Joshua “Josh” Kidd. Brandon was a chef and was employed at Lucky in Roanoke. He had a love for music; especially playing his electric guitars. He enjoyed painting (many paintings he made for family and friends, skateboarding, wake skating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and building Lego models. Brandon lived to make the people in his life smile, if not with the paintings he made for them, then by the outrageous outfits and Halloween costumes he wore and his constant joking around. He is survived by his mother, Teresa W. Cooke; brother, Matthew McCroskey; half-brother, Wesley White (Leah); half-sister, Sara Sweigart (Kris); grandmother, Elsie M. Wood; niece, Abigail Sweigart; nephew, Brody Sweigart; several cousins, great-aunts, and great-uncles; many friends; and his dog Matilda (Matti). A gathering of friends will be held at a later date. 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.