Name of Deceased: Rev. Thomas Howard Pacer
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, December 18, 1873..
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

REV. THOMAS HOWARD PACER
It was the deepest regret that we learned only on Sabbath last, the decease of the gentleman whose name is at the head of this article, and who was formerly pastor of the Mt. Tirzeh Baptist church in this village. This event occurred at the residence of his son-in-law, John H. Thompson, at Drakes Branch on Tuesday the 2d inst. Mr. Pacer was a native of England, but came to this country many years ago, and settled first in Canada. He subsequently held pastoral relations at the West and in New York State. He came to this county about the year 1859, assuming the pastoral charge of Mt. Tirzeh church, and subsequently of Ash Camp, at Keysville, which relations, we believe, he held during the war.
Through all the dark and trying period of our history, he was faithful to his trusts, and has doubtless gone to meet the reward of one who has proved himself "faithful over few things."
As a preacher, he was solid and instructive, and his ministrations under most discouraging circumstances are gratefully remembered. As a father he was affectionate, as a friend true, and as a citizen respected and honored.
His diseases has been lingering and at times painful, but in several visits we have ever found him cheerful and sustained by christian hope. His remains rest in the cemetery in this village. 


Name of Deceased: Mrs. Alice Foster Palmer
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA,  Thursday, January 10, 1963.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

RITES HELD FOR MRS. PALMER, 92
Funeral services for Mrs. Alice Foster Palmer, 92, of Drakes Branch, were held Saturday Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. at the Palmer family cemetery, with burial there. She died Thursday, Dec. 27.
Survivors are two stepsons, Virgil Palmer, of Richmond, and Walter Palmer, of Victoria; two step-daughters, Mrs. Ola Shope and Miss Daisy Palmer of Richmond; a sister, Mrs. C.F. Childress of Petersburg; a brother, Sampson Foster, of Petersburg and 12 grandchildren.


Name of Deceased: Allie B. Palmer
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, January 26, 1939
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

ALLIE B. PALMER
Funeral services for Allie B. Palmer who died at his home near Aspen, on January 14, were held at Staunton River Baptist Church on Sunday, January 15.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Malissa Conner Palmer, and the following daughters and sons:  Mrs. Albert Marston of Roxboro, N.C.; Mrs. Douglas Claybrook of Brookneal; Dave and Bernard Palmer of Aspen; also by three sisters. Mrs.Thomas Scott  Mrs.  of Keysville; Mrs. Melvin Burgess of Asheville, N.C.; Mrs. Jeff Akers of Columbus, Ohio; and four brothers, Roach and Walter Palmer of Knoxville, Tenn., and Luke and Edward Palmer of Brookneal.
The services were conducted by Rev. F.G. Cabiniss, pastor of the church.


Name of Deceased: James H. Palmer
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, October 25, 1928.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: DEATH OF MR. J.A. PALMER
Mr. James H. Palmer was born in Joe Davis County, Illinois, June 5, 1868, and passed away after a few hours illness of paralysis at his home in Cullen on Sunday morning, October 14th.
When one year of age, the family moved near Madison, Wisconsin, and Mr. Palmer was reared amid the beautiful hills of that State. As a youing man he learned telegraphy and followed that occupation for years, working for the Northwestern and C.B. and Q. Railway in the east. In 1898 he went to North Dakota and two years later married Miss Sabra M. Saunders, of Dickinson, N. Dakota.
Mr. Palmer held many positions of trust with the Northern Pacific Railway but after 13 years of service he had to seek a warmer climate on account of his wife's delicate health. So he came to Virginia. After a few years spent on a farm in Bedford county, he again took up railway work with the Virginian, coming to Cullen as agent for that road. He won many friends by his honest, courteous manner, and his sudden passing has cast a gloom over our little village. Mr. Palmer was a member of the Cullen Baptist Chuch and the Faithful Workers Bible Class, also St. Johns Lodge, No. 144 A.F. and A.M. and the O.R.T.
The widow and three sons, Lyle, Lester, and Philip are left to mourn the loss of a kind, affectionate husband and father. Five brothers and three sisters also survive him. Three brothers and sisters-in-law came from Wisconsin and North Dakota to be present at the last sad rights. The funeral was held at the church Wednesday, at 12:30. Services conducted by the pastor, Rev. G.A. Harris. The Masons having charge at the grave. The ? quartet from Concord, sang several appropriate selections, and the casket beautiful with choice flowers, was born by six brother Masons to its resting place in the Cullen Cemetery. In this first break in the family circle, Mrs. Palmer and children have the sympathy of all.


Name of Deceased: Mrs. Addie Denton Pankey
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, June 11, 1964.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

SERVICES FOR MRS. ADDIE D. PANKEY
Mrs. Addie Denton Pankey, 61, of Farmville, died Saturday. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Cora Lee Morton of Keysville; and four brothers, Monroe Denton of Oglethorpe, Ga., Luther M. Denton of Keysville and Marvin and Melvin Denton, both of Andersonville, Ga.
A funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Abilene, with burial there


Name of Deceased:  Barbara Ann Panzino
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald Ray McKinney

Barbara Ann Panzino, age 65, of Drakes Branch, VA, passed peacefully at her home on Monday, March 20, 2017. She was a native of New Jersey. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Panzino Sr. and Helen Panzino; and a brother, Frank Panzino, Jr. She is survived by a brother, Mike Panzino of New Jersey; and a sister, Holly Corrion of Drakes Branch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2017, in Trinity Gospel Church Cemetery, Drakes Branch, VA. The family will receive friends at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.


Name of Deceased: Charles Craddock Paris, Jr.
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, February 10, 1966.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

SERVICES TODAY FOR CHARLES C. PARIS JR.
Charles Craddock Paris, Jr., 71, of Randolph, a retired farmer, died Tuesday. He is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Mary P. Hammersley and Miss Sallie A. Paris, both of Randolph, and Mrs. Susie P. Moore of Saxe and Mrs. Kate P. Baden of Gretna. A funeral service will be held today (Thurs) at 2 p.m. in Hermon Presbyterian Church, with burial there


Name of Deceased:  Wyatt B. Paris, Jr.
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Smithville, VA., Thursday, November 2, 1899
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

Death of Wyatt B. Paris
We learned on the night of the 24th inst. of the sudden death of Wyatt B. Paris jr., at the residence of his mother near Randolph, in this county.  We understand that he has for some time been a sufferer from a disease of the heart, a sudden attack of which, as we understand, was the cause of his death.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt B. Paris sr., a well known and extensive farmer, who resided on a portion of the lands once owned by John Randolph.  He was brother of Andrew B. Paris, who some thirty years ago was acting treasurer of the county, and subsequently went to San Bernardino, Cal.  His brother Wyatt was some years with him in that State and was for a time in some official capacity in the southern portion of that State.  After the death of his brother he returned to his old home here, where he has since resided.  We have understood that he was making arrangements to assume the business establishment of W.W. Vest at Randolph, which his sudden death has now interrupted.  We sympathize deeply with his aged mother and many friends in this sudden bereavement.


Name of Deceased: Mr. W.B. Paris, Sen.
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, May 7, 1874.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

SAD MORTUARY RECORD - It becomes our sad duty to announce the decease of one of our oldest and most respected citizens, Mr. W.B. Paris, Sen. Mr. Paris died at his residence on Staunton river, near Roanoke Station, on Thursday morning last, April 30th. His funeral was attended on Friday, by a large concourse of neighbors and friends.


Name of Deceased:  Larry Grey Parnell
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on Apr. 22, 1933
Departed on Apr. 8, 2015 and resided in Keysville, VA.

Larry Grey Parnell, 81, born on April 22, 1933, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. He retired from The Town of Farmville, VA. He was a veteran serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Larry lived life to the fullest and had a love for Nascar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Estel and Effie Parnell; his wife, Dora Meadows Parnell; and his step- daughter, Carolyn Mae Tharpe.
He is survived by his son, Rodney Parnell and companion, Debbie Lewis; daughter-in-law, Lisa Parnell all of Keysville, VA; three grandchildren, Brycen Parnell of Keysville, VA, Cindie Wade Stoots (Gary) of Charlotte C H, VA, Beverly Wade Hughes of Roxboro, NC, five great-grandchildren, Jasmine Vaughan of Clover, VA, Tristan Wade and Josephine Hughes of Roxboro, NC, Blake Stoots and Brooke Stoots of Charlotte C H, VA; and longtime friends, Raymond Page, Kaye Lacks, and Ronnie Forrest all of Keysville, VA. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, with interment to follow in the Keysville Baptist Temple Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, on Friday, April 10, 2015, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased: Benjamin Dodd Parsons
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, November 24, 1955.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

RITES HELD FOR B.D. PARSONS
Benjamin Dodd Parsons, 60, of Charlotte Court House, a pharmacist, died Saturday. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Essie Elliotte Parsons; two daughters, Mrs. Holmes Randolph Grimm, Jr., of New Market, and Mrs. Robert Goff, of Brookneal; four brothers, Harry A. Parsons, of Richmond; Henry R. Parsons, of Wylliesburg; Willie W. Parsons, of Cullen, and Thomas Young Parsons, of San Diego, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Lucy Cobb, of Victoria; Mrs. Emma Bailey, of Phenix; Mrs. Bessie Parsons Owen, of Wylliesburg, and Mrs. Marie McKinney, of Richmond, and two grandchildren. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Monday at The Village Presbyterian Church, Charlotte Court House, with burial in the church cemetery.

SERVICES HELD FOR B.D. PARSONS
Funeral services for Benjamin Dodd Parsons were held Monday afternoon, November 21, at ? o'clock in the Village Presbyterian Church, Charlotte Court House, with Mr. R.R. Ramsey officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Charlotte C.H., with Masonic Rites, conducted by Robert Marshall of Victoria, Grand Lecturer for the State of Virginia.
Active pallbearers were W.E. Daniel, R. Page Morton, W.H. Smith, Jr., T. Roy Adams, Clarence Vassar, and William Rogers. Members of St. John's Lodge, Charlotte Court House, and surrounding lodges were flower bearers.
Mr. Parsons was born in Charlotte County on April 13, 1895, the son of the late Susan Roxie Shelton and Robert Treadway Parsons. he spent his entire life in Charlotte Court House. For a number of years he was associated with W.G. Williams the firm of Williams and Parsons, druggists. He later bought out the partnershi, and operated Parson's Drug Store until about a year ago. He was a member of the Village Presbyterian Church, St Johns Lodge No. 144, and the Royal Arch Chapter in Victoria.
In 1924 he married Miss Essie Leigh Elliotte of Charlotte County, who survives him. He also leaves two daughters, Mrs. Holmes Randolph Grimm, Jr., of New Market and Mrs. Robert Goff of Brookneal; two grandchildren, Holmes Randoph Grimm, III and Ann Spotswood Grimm; four sisters, Mrs. Lucy Cobb, of Victorias; Mrs. Emma Bailey, of Phenix; Mrs. Bessie Parsons Owen, of Wylliesburg, and Mrs. Marie McKinney, of Richmond (rest is unreadable)
(The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, December 1, 1955 Submitted by: Bea. Adams King)


Name of Deceased: Charles Jackson Parsons
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, February 14, 1907.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

IN MEMORIAM
Charles Jackson Parsons, our beloved brother, was called on high January 27th, 1907, at his home near Wardsfork, at the age of 26 years. He is survived by his wife, one little daughter, father and mother, three sisters, four brothers, and a large circle of friends, to mourn their heavy loss. During the last two months of his life, he was greatly afflicted and suffered much; but the grace of patience and endurance shone brightly through the days of darkness and the nights of gloom.
Our dear departed brother knew that the end was near, and feeling that he had given abundant proof of his faith in God, he said "I am ready to go; I have no fear of death." What a comfort to our sorrowing hearts to realize that our brother is resting in the arms of Jesus. He called al his relatives and friends to his bedside to bid them farewell. Death came like a gentle sleep. Why should we wish you back, when thou art from earth's cares, labors and sorrows free!
"You have gone to your home, In that beautiful land with its mansions of gold; You have passed o'er the river of death, And are safe in the heavenly fold; The wearisome toll, the suffering care, That burdened you night and day, Like as a dream and a shadow passed Rejoicing on your way.
You have gone, to your home, From all wanderings here, To that clime where they wander no more With your loved ones Who have passed unto rest,
You are standing with glorious bands on the shore, Sorrow and strife, and proneness to err, The pain the sickness once you bore, Like as a dream and a shadow passed, And never shall they trouble you more.
You have gone to your home, and your trials are over; All your journey is ended below; And freed from all cumbering weight, All sin will never trouble you more; Tears that we shed in our sorrowful hours, The fears and the doubts that molest, Like a dream and a shadow are past, Now you've reached your bright home with the blest."
Tendered by a sister.
February 4th, 1907

IN MEMORIAM
MR. C. J. PARSONS, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. S.T. Parsons, died at his home Wardforks Mills, Sunday night, 7:30 o'clock, Jan. 22, 1907, in the 27th year of his age.
For nearly two months he had suffered with the consumption, and his family and friends entertained little hope of his recovery, the end nevertheless came finally somewhat as a shock.
He expressed his willingness at several times to die, and called his loved ones to his bedside to bid them good bye. He leaves a wife, child, parents, sisters, and a brother, with a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.
His remains were laid to rest at the family burial ground Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. We miss him. O! so much! Yet we know he is at rest; free from all temptation, pain and sorrow, and we shall meet him again on the resurrection morn. For Christ has said: "I am the resurrection and the Life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
A FRIEND
February 2d, 1907
(The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, February 7, 1907 Submitted by: Bea. Adams King)


Name of Deceased:  Edward Eugene "Gene" Parsons
Source:  Robinson Funeral Home, Appomattox, Appomattox Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Beatrice A. King

December 30, 1924 - January 06, 2018
Edward Eugene “Gene” Parsons, 93, of Oakville Road, Appomattox, died Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Lorena St. John Parsons for 67 years.
Born in Pennington Gap, Lee County, Va., he was the first and last living child to the late Mary Kathleen Stapleton and John Rhea Parsons. He was a World War II Navy Veteran and retired from Burlington Industries in Drakes Branch. After retirement, Gene enjoyed refinishing furniture.
In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Roland Parsons and wife, Betty of Holly Springs, N.C., Reid and Carol Parsons and Rhenda Parsons Hamlett all of Appomattox; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Tonya Parsons of Cary, N.C., Stacy Parsons Hackett and husband, Brent and their daughters, Laurynn and Brenley all of Appomattox, Damon Parsons and wife, Aimee of Forest, Chase Parsons of Charlotte C.H., Jesse Parsons Perrone and husband, Dana of Gum Springs, Va., Rebecca Hamlett of Appomattox, and Aaron Hamlett of Amherst; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Brown Parsons of Randolph; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant son; a son, Randall O. Parsons; a brother, Wayne Parsons; and three sisters, Sue Parsons Hancock, Dorothy Parsons Carter, and Marie Parsons Jackson Kirby.
A graveside funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Rusty Small at 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 9, 2017, in Concord Baptist Church, 202 Taro Rd., Cullen.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 8, 2018 from 2 until 5 at his home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to Cornerstone Christian Academy Building Fund, PO Box 897, Appomattox, VA 24522; Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 485, Appomattox, VA 2455; or Heart of Worship Ministries Building Fund, 254 Plain Run Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com


Name of Deceased:  Frederick Marshall Parsons
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Frederick Marshall Parsons of Drakes Branch, VA died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in Richmond, Va. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy Hamilton Parsons. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Greg Lewis of Chester, VA, grandsons, Dylan Lewis of Chester, VA, Todd Lewis of Seattle, WA, granddaughters, April Lewis of Colonial Heights, VA, Katelyn Lewis of Chester, VA and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Courtney and Lena Parsons, sister, Grace Mohr all of Lynchburg, VA and nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Atkins of Richmond, VA.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 2:00 at the Drakes Branch Presbyterian Church Cemetery with a family gathering at Drakes Branch Presbyterian Church following. The Browning-Duffer Funeral home in Keysville, VA is in charge of the arrangements.


Name of Deceased:  Randall Odell Parsons
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald Ray McKinney

Randall Odell Parsons, 57 of Randolph, Va. went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Randall is survived by his wife of 34 years Debbie Brown Parsons; his children, Randall Chase Parsons and Jesse Parsons Perrone Dana. Randall is also survived by his father, Edward Eugene Parsons, mother, Lorena St. John Parsons, two brothers, Roland Parsons Betty, Reid Parsons Carol, sister, Rhenda Parsons Hamlett Al. He was preceded in death by an infant brother. Randall lived a simple life close to home. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and Debbie enjoyed growing daylilies and the business they created. The family wishes to thank all of his family, friends and neighbors who were so caring during his battle with cancer, thank you, Praise God.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Bethel Baptist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery, Phenix, VA. The family will receive friends at the home, 636 Adams Road, Randolph VA. 23962 on Friday, April 28, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.


Name of Deceased:  William T. Passmore
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, May 28, 1943
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

WILLIAM T. PASSMORE DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Funeral services for William T. Passmore, 82, of Pleasant Grove were conducted Sunday at 4 p.m. at the grave in the family cemetery, by Rev. S.G. Harwood, assisted by Rev. W.E. Taylor, pastor of Tussekiah Baptist church.
Mr. Passmore's death occurred Friday night at his home, following  a long illness.  He was a lifetime resident of Pleasant Grove, having been born at the place of his death on March 2, 1861.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Alice S. Passmore; two sons; L.L. and G.G. Passmore, of Keysville; three daughters, Mrs. R.E. Williams, of Victoria, Mrs. T.H. Hart and Mrs. S.H. Trammell, of Meherrin; twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild.


Name of Deceased:  Hilda Jefferson Paulette
Source:  Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Appomattox, Appomattox   Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

Born: January 03, 1926
Died: October 24, 2015
Hilda Jefferson (Tootsie) Paulette 89, of Hunter Street, Appomattox died Saturday October 24, 2015 at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Hilda was born in Charlotte Co., Va. January 3, 1926 a daughter of the late Ola Bennett Jefferson and Faber Blaine Jefferson, Sr. Hilda was a graduate of Randolph Henry High School and Phillips Business College . She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Red House and was employed in the office of Appomattox Garment Co. for 26 years. After her retirement, she was the Apartment Manager for Lee-Grant Apartments for 15 years.
Hilda is survived by her five children, Dwight Minifee Paulette, Jr. and wife Lucy of Blacksburg, Valerie Paulette McCraw and husband, Henry of Forest, Kay Paulette Wrenn of Clifton Forge, Fay Paulette Selz and husband, Lannis of Spout Spring, and Bennett Wayne Paulette and wife, Gina of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Marian Jefferson Carter of Lynchburg; three brothers, Melvin Jefferson and wife, Lorena of Richmond, Faber Jefferson, Jr. of Richmond, Brantley Jefferson of Farmville; a sister in-law, Hilda Carter Jefferson of Lynchburg.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Jefferson Smith, a brother, Carey James Jefferson, and a son-in-law, Curtis Edward Wrenn. 
Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 at Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery, Red House, officiated by Dr. Chris King.


Name of Deceased:  Opal Lee Jones Paulette
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald Ray McKinney

Opal Lee Jones Paulette of Farmville, Virginia, passed away on April 20, 2017. She was born in Galax, Virginia, on December 17, 1939, to the late Homer W. and Helen B. Jones.
Opal moved to Charlotte Court House, Virginia, as a teenager where she attended Randolph-Henry High School and graduated from Mayfair Beauty College. She married Andra Wallace Paulette on April 21, 1957, and dedicated the next sixty years to being a wife, mother, and her most treasured role of grandmother. Opal was a talented seamstress, beautician, cook, and gardner and all who know her were blessed with her crafts, gift baskets, and care packages. And there was always room for one more at her kitchen table. She was also a successful business woman and a founding member of Jon-Paul Enterprises, Inc., a family owned business.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Linda Jones Ferrell; and her beloved granddaughter, Emily Blair Cook.
She is survived by her husband, as well as a son, A.W. “Buddy” Paulette, Jr. Orie Zaklad; a daughter, Brook Paulette Cook Randall Cook; a granddaughter, Hannah Grace Cook; five brothers, Keith H. Jones Joy and Kolen S. Jones Beverley of Chesterfield, and Kenneth W. Jones Laraine of Keysville, Kurtis R. Jones Cindy and Kermit E. Jones Rhonda of Charlotte Court House; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 23, 2017, at the Farmville United Methodist Church with interment to follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to one of the following organizations:
Prince Edward County Rescue Squad
500 Doswell Street
Farmville, VA 23901
Charlotte County Rescue Squad
P O Box 330
Keysville, VA 23947
Hampden-Sydney Volunteer Fire Department
P O Box 328
Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943.
The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, Virginia, is in charge of the arrangements.


Name of Deceased: Charles Welford Payne
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: Rites Held For Welford Payne
Charles Welford Payne, Sr., died Wednesday, April 6th, in a Durham, N.C. hospital. He was 57. Graveside services were held friday afternoon at Halifax Memorial Gardens with the Rev. James R. Rowles presiding.
Mr. Payne, a retired merchant of Halifax, was born in Guilford County, N.C., a son of the late Carl Evans Payne and the late Luberta Gossett Payne. He was married to Doris Yarborough Payne and was a member of the Beth Carr Baptist Church in Halifax. He was also a World War II veteran.
Surviving are; his wife; one son, Charles W. Payne, Jr., of Halifax; his step-mother, Mrs. Carl E. Payne of Halifax; two sisters, Mrs. Carol Chester of Roxboro, N.C. and Mrs. Katherine McNeill of Greensboro, N.C.; three brothers, Elmo and Sturgis G. Payne, both of Halifax and W. H. "Bill" Payne of Virgilina; and two grandchildren. Welford Payne, with his parents and brothers and sisters, lived in Saxe for a great number of years before moving to Halifax.


Name of Deceased: Lelia Payne
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, May 3, 1979
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: RITES HELD FOR MRS. LELIA PAYNE
Mrs. Lelia F. Payne of Brookneal, Va., died April 26, 1979 in Lynchburg Marshall Lodge Hospital. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Mildred Robinson, Mrs. Julia Hill, Mrs. Lucille Fisher and Mrs. Sylvester Gitten of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sons, Mr. Hugh Payne and Mr. James Payne of Brookneal, Va. and Mr. George L. Payne of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 45 grandchildren; three daughters-in-law; three sons-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 30, at 3:00 p.m. from Hat Creek Baptist Church, with the Rev. John E. West conducting the service. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were by the Jeffress Funeral Home of Brookneal, Va.


Name of Deceased:  Joseph Lazarus Pearson
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, Va., Thursday, July 13, 1944
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

 Joseph Lazarus Pearson Buried at Ash Camp

Funeral services for Joseph Lazarus Pearson, aged 85, were held at Ash Camp Cemetery, Keysville, June 29, Rev. G.H. Boyd of the Methodist Church conducting the services.
The deceased was a resident of Goldsboro, N.C., until 1910, when the family moved to the present home near Keysville.  He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary Elizabeth Deane of Goldsboro, who preceded him to the grave in 1917.  Five children survive this union, as follows:  Mrs. Luby Edwards of Greensboro; J.H. Pearson, of Richmond; Mrs. H.A. Tuggle and O.R. Pearson, Keysville, and E.P. Pearson, of Altavista.  Several years later he married Miss Virginia Perrow of Concord, Va.  Three daughters survive this union, who are Mrs. Roy Overstreet and Mrs. Wilbur Dowdy of Newport News, and Mrs. E.L. L. Wheeler of Keysville.  Also one sisters, Mrs. Dan Bulla, of Wilmington, N.C., and two brothers, J.R. Pearson, of Goldsboro, N.C., and T.O. Pearson, of Memphis, Tenn., with seventeen grand children and five great grand children.
The fllwing were pallbearers; Thomas Hogan, Raleigh younger, P.B. Thompson, E.M. Arvin, H.D. Peters, H.L. Wheeler and Floyd Garrett.
The honorary pallbearers were Lewis V. Pettus, L.J. Yeaman, Hogan Waddell, G.E. Garrett, L.P. Sheppard, Hubert Clark and Dick Epperson.
Flower bearers: Raymond Pearson, Reginald Pearson, Dan Pearson, Kathryn Pearson, Mary Tuggle, Helen Sue Tuggle, Billy Tuggle, Thomas Younger, Ruth Morgan, Robert Perrow, Mrs. Mason, Ruby Dowdy and Olaf Waddell.


Name of Deceased: Arthur C. Pennell
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, June 5, 1975
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: SERVICES FOR ARTHUR C. PENNELL
Arthur C. Pennell, age, 75, of Keysville, died in the Farmville Hospital, May 22, 1975.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ellen Lyles Pennell; four sons, Monroe and Willie Pennell of Phenix, David Pennell of Victoria, Mack Pennell of Blackstone; three daughters, Mrs. Margaret Nash of Burkeville, Mrs. Rosie Thomas of Keysville, Mrs. Polly P. Tuck of Randolph; one brother, Adam Pennell of North Carolina; three sisters, Mrs. Clarence Wilmouth of Charlotte C.H., Mrs. Gertie Wilmouth of Keysville, Mrs. Linda Smith of Keysville; seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Browning Funeral Home, Keysville, Va., with interment at Ash Camp Baptist Church, Keysville, Va. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Charlotte County Rescue Squad.


Name of Deceased: Howard L. Perkins
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, October 18, 1928
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: HOWARD L. PERKINS
Howard L. Perkins died recently at his home in Halifax county, near Perth. Had he lived until March 21, he would have been 82 years old. His wife, who was Miss Lou Toombs, preceded him to the grave over twenty years ago. He is survived by one daughter, Miss Sallit Perkins, and one son, Willis Perkins, who made their home with their father. The following sisters and brothers survive: Miss Mollie Perkins and Putta Perkins, of Halifax county, and Mrs. Sallie Lloyd of Saxe.
The funeral service was conducted Wednesday afternoon by Rev. R.S. Booker and the interment was made in the Perkins family cemetery near Childrey Church, where the deceased had been a member. The pall bearers were: Labon DeJarnette, Henry DeJarnette, John Davis, A.R. Hendricks and R.O. Rudder


Name of Deceased: J. W. Perkinson
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, January 10, 1929
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: J. W. PERKINSON
Mr. J.W. Perkinson, of Wylliesburg, Virginia, died January 2, 1929 of pneumonia at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A.M. Harrison, 2328 Stuart Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Perkinson was planning to spend a few months with his daughter in Florida after visiting in Richmond. He is survived by the following children: H.M. Perkinson, of Amarillo, Texas; Mrs. J.C. Chaney, of Tampa, Florida; Mrs. A.M. Harrison and Miss Evelyn Perkinson, of Richmond; N.L. Perkinson, of Wylliesburg and Mrs. N.N. Pettus of Finneywood. His body was brought to Randolph Friday morning and interment was made in the family plot in Wylliesburg. The pallbearers were as follows: D.W. Hamilton, W.H. Hamilton, W.L. Jones, A.G. Perkinson, D.C. Jackson, C.B. Hoyle, Honorary: R.R. Layne, R.E. Moore, W.J. Fitz, C.P. Robey, P.J. Adams, G.W. Newcomb, S.E. Spaulding, S.C. Newcomb, J.R. Newton, C.H. Roberts, A.R. Newton, J.R. Baughan, A.H. Wilson, W.N. Pettus, C.B . Robertson, Sr., C.B. Robertson, Jr., and W.R. Johnson. Services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. Ernest G. Ross, assisted by Rev. W.F.F. Little.


Name of Deceased: Lillian M. Perkinson
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, May 10, 1928
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: DIES NEAR WYLLIESBURG MRS. LILLIAN PERKINSON
Mrs. Lillian M. Perkinson died on Tuesday 2:00 a.m. at her home near Wylliesburg, after an illness of several months, aged 50. She was the wife of J.W. Perkinson, who survives her. The remains were interred in the Baptist cemetery at Wylliesburg on Wednesday, services being conducted by Rev. F.M. Dick.
The deceased was the fourth wife of J.W. Perkinson and a most estimable woman. She was before her marriage, Lillian Murrah, of Anderson, S.C.; and leaves one brother, T.A. Murrah, of Union, S.C., and one sister, Mrs. Alice M. Bailey, of Anderson, S.C.


Name  of Deceased:  Christina Phyllis Petersen
The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home Website
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on May 8, 1936
Departed on Sep. 28, 2014 and resided in Phenix, VA.
Christina P. Petersen, 78, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2014. She was born in New Jersey. Christina is preceded in death by her husband, George Petersen. She is survived by her sisters, Joan Dombroski, Andra Palendrano, and Barbra Brower, all of New Jersey; her brother, Dean Edward and Jennifer Steppe of Virginia; two children, Gail and her husband John Hargrove of Virginia, and Wade Petersen of New Jersey; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews. Christina was retired from Thomasville in Appomattox, and is known for her gardening, cooking gourmet foods, love of life, family, and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.
There will be a gathering where she lived with Cindy Longerbeam on October 28, 2014, at 3 p.m., for information call 434-665-5545.


Name of Deceased: Mrs. Lucy Pettis
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, May 8, 1873.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

In Bacon township, May 2d, of consumption, after a long illness, Mrs. Lucy, wife of John Pettis, age about 35 yrs.


Name of Deceased: Charlie Pettus
Newspaper: The Southsied Messenger, Keysville, VA, June, 2012.
Submitters Name: Donald R, McKinney

Mr. Charlie Pettus, age 96, of Red Oak, Va. entered eternal rest Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Halifax Regional Hospital, South Boston, Va. Mr. Pettus was born in Charlotte County, Va. April 15, 1916 to the late Jordan and Mary Pettus. He attended Charlotte County schools and was a member of Salem Baptist Church in Red Oak. He was formerly employed at Morgan Lumber Company.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Pettus was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Mae Mosley, and three children; Susan Garrett, Cornell and Leon Pettus. Cherishing his memory are two daughters;  Pearl Wooden (Raymond) of Clover, Va. and Mary Ann Brooks of Red Oak; three sons, Ronnie Pettus (Annette) of La Plata, Md., Leroy Pettus (Dorothy) of Washington, DC and Charlie Pettus, Jr. (Terussell) of Red Oak; 26 grandchildren, 60 great-grand-children; one sister, Lizzie Mae Smithson of CIarkvi11e, Va., one brother-in-law, Joshua Carden of Scottsburg, Va. and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Charlie Pettus were conducted Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Salem Baptist Church, Red Oak, with Rev. Roger Allen officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.  The family received friends Monday evening at the funeral home.  Arrangements were by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, Va.

Name of Deceased:  Lydia Margaret Wilkerson Pettus
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Lydia Margaret Wilkerson Pettus died peacefully in Keysville, Virginia on August 11, 2015 at the age of 82.
Lydia is survived by her husband, Walter Harold Pettus, daughter Jamie Lisa Gay Pettus of Portland, Oregon, and her siblings, Jane Harring of Venice, Florida and George Wilkerson of Mechanicsville, Virginia, as well as her beloved pets, Sport and Precious. She is preceded in death by her son Phillip Dale Pettus as well as her siblings James Wilkerson, William Wilkerson, Charles Wilkerson, Eunice Bridges, Elizabeth Toombs, and Rose Sturgeon.
Lydia was born on January 17, 1933 in Chase City, Virginia to Thomas and Lola Gay Wilkerson. She married Harold in 1951 and they spent the next 64 years together. After moving to Drakes Branch, Lydia began working for the extension office. She later went to work for Burlington Industries and then for the Post Office in Charlotte Court House, Virginia where she enjoyed working as a clerk, until she retired in 1992. Lydia and Harold welcomed two children into their home, and their house was known as the place to go to for Lydia’s fabulous homemade pizza. Her children remember her as firm and responsible yet also full of spunk and often with a mischievous glint in her eye. She took her job as ‘Mom’ very seriously, and was someone her children could always count on, whether she agreed with them or not. She is remembered by her sister Jane as someone who never did anything bad was always ‘prissy’ and the good girl and they had a playful banter throughout their childhood together.
Lydia was a great cook and often spent countless hours preparing just the right meal for her family or for the many church potlucks she went to throughout her life. She was described by a friend as “the best mistress of ceremonies anyone ever saw” and loved planning weddings and events, relishing in arranging flowers, schooling others on the proper etiquette, and doing her best to make the weddings she organized the best memories the bride and groom could hope for. She was always involved in her community, and often volunteered to tutor students, was a lifelong member of the Drakes Branch Women’s Club, and played bridge, which she was passionate about, all her life. She was an active and dedicated member of Drakes Branch Presbyterian Church, serving as the church treasurer and took on whatever role was needed with perseverance, dedication and generosity.
A funeral is scheduled for Sunday, August 16 at 3:00PM at Drakes Branch Presbyterian Church, with a viewing beforehand at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Lydia’s life. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased: William H. Pettus, Sr.
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, December 5, 1907.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

IN MEMORIAM
William H. Pettus, Sr.
This gentleman, who was a native of Mecklenburg county, Va., died at the home of his son, Wm. H. Pettus, jr., at Drakes Branch, on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 1907. As we learn, he was in the seventy-first year of his age, and he has been for some time in an enfeebled state of health. He was formerly an active business man, and engaged successfully as a commercial traveler. He had a large business acquaintance, and was highly respected for business capacity, integrity, and a generous and helpful disposition which won for him many friends. As a confederate soldier, Mr. Pettus at first enlisted in Company A, of the 3rd Va. Cavelry, but desiring more active service, at his own request he was transferred to Gen. Morgan's command in Kentucky, where he served gallantly, received several wounds, and being taken prisoner suffered from small pox contracted in a northern prison.
His remains were taken to Chase City and interred at Woodland Cemetery. He leaves a widow and three children; a son Wm. H. Pettus, Jr., cashier of the branch bank at Drakes Branch, and two daughters, Mrs. Alex. Watt, of Richmond, and Mrs. Ramsey, of Spartenburg, S.C.


Name  of Deceased:  Hixie Elizabeth Philbeck
The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home Website
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on Feb. 16, 1921
Departed on Aug. 2, 2014 and resided in Williamsburg, VA.
Hixie Elizabeth Wallace Philbeck, age 93, of Williamsburg, VA, formerly of Keysville, VA, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2014. She is survived by two sons, Roger L. Philbeck and wife, Ann of Raleigh, NC, Carey "C.P." Philbeck and wife, Ann of Providence Forge, VA; four grandchildren, Eric Philbeck, Robert Philbeck, Mike Philbeck, and Brian Philbeck. Hixie is preceded in death by her husband, John Pierce Philbeck.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home Keysville, VA, with interment to follow in Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery Drakes Branch, VA. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased: Herbert Ward Phillips
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch VA Thursday, April 28, 1955.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

RITES HELD FOR H.W. PHILLIPS
Funeral services for Herbert Ward Phillips, 79, a retired railway conductor, were held Sunday at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home in Richmond, with burial in Keysville cemetery.
Mr. Phillips died April 22 in a Richmond Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Pauline Landrum Phillips; two sons, Lieutenant-Commander Horace E. Phillips, of Alexandria, and Herbert O. Phillips of Lynchburg; a brother, L.B. Phillips, of Keysville; two sisters, Mrs. Walter H. Ward, of Keysville and Mrs. Eunice Redd, of Farmville and four grandchildren.


Name of Deceased: Walter Picket
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, November 6, 1873.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

IN MEMORIAM
Died, in Danville, Oct. 18, 1873, at the age of seven years, three months and eighteen days, Walter Picket, son of Wm. H. and Mary Ann Millner, and grandson of Rufus and Martha Palmer.
It was sad and unexpected news which announced to us the death of little Pickett. He was such a noble and interesting child, so amiable and affectionate, that he was a favorite with all who knew him and, young as he was, he was really missed when he went off to Danville on a visit to his grandparents, Mr. J.C. and Mrs. Susan Millner, at whose house he died.
Little did we think that the next time we should see him, it would be when brought home in his little coffin, pale but beautiful even in death!
The most vivid recollection we have of him, is the earnestness and apparent interest with which he listened to a discourse preached by the pastor of his church to the children one Sabbath afternoon, not very long before he left for Danville. The preacher was showing how special was God's care for little children, from the text "It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones should perish." And Pickett's attention and seriousness would have convinced any one that he felt a personal interest in what was said to him. His fondness for the Sabbath school and for religious instruction gave bright evidence that he belonged to that blessed class of whom Christ said - "these little ones which believe in me."
And this little christian persevered unto the end. His Sunday School teacher writes; "I too, deeply feel the stroke so unexpectedly sent upon us; dear little Picket had won a place in my heart not often attained to by many; his sweet winning manners, honorable and upright conduct, combined with his clear intellect, could not fail to attract; and he was truly a lovely child.
He came to Sabbath School regularly when well, and belonged to my class; was always attentive and seemed thirsting to gain knowledge.
When he was taken sick I spoke to the class about it and when he died I sought to impress the sad lesson upon the other members of his class and while I spoke to them of the vacancy made among them, and of how my own heart was wrung with grief, their hearts also melted, and several of them wept. I have not the slightest doubt that, today, his voice is mingling with other bright angels or to the praise of Him who said "suffer little children to come unto me."
Those of us who knew little Picket could have expected no other conclusion; than this to a life which gave such early indications of childlike piety and a conscientiousness which marks the subjects of a grace which not only pardons but "teaches us." And we have no doubt of his being taken to his Savior, and his, "angel will always behold the face of our Father which is in heaven."
How confidently, therefore, can we tell those who mourn his loss, to "sorrow no, even as others which have no hope. For, if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him."


Name of Deceased: Mr. Elroy Pillow
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, November 1, 1928.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

ELROY PILLOW KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT
Mr. Elroy Pillow, the second son of Mr. Walton Pillow, of near Red House, was found dead under his car Sunday night on the road between Red House and Roller Hill. He was out alone so it is not known just how this happened but when he was found the car was turned over and his dead body was entrapped under it. We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. A few weeks ago Mr. Pillow had the misfortune to lose a barn of tobacco by fire, and the old house known as the old Grinshaw home.


Name of Deceased: Taralynn Poindexter
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, January 21, 1954.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

CHILD DROWNS IN STAUNTON RIVER
Funeral services were conducted Sunday for an 18 month-old Long Island girl drowned Saturday afternoon in the shallow waters of the Staunton River near her home.
The child, Taralynn Poindexter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Robinson Poindexter, was believed to have toddled out of the fence enclosed yard of her home and gone down to the river.
It was reported that Mrs. Poindexter noticed her child missing from the yard about 3 P.M. The mother hurried to the river, which was about 150 feet away, and found the child floating in shallow water. Physicians were called to the scene, but their efforts to save the child failed. The youngster is survived, in addition to her parents, by one brother, Cole Robinson Poindexter, 4 years old.


Name of Deceased:  Bertie Harvey Pollard
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on Apr. 13, 1916
Departed on Mar. 1, 2014 and resided in Keysville, VA.
Bertie H. Pollard of Keysville, Va. passed on March 1, 2014 to be with her Lord. She was born in Charlotte County, Va. April 13, 1916 to the late Rawley Cleveland Harvey and Lillian Brightwell Harvey. Bertie was married April 8, 1950 to the late Grayden A. Pollard. She was a longtime member of Ash Camp Baptist Church where she was a pianist, Sunday school teacher, and member of the choir. Bertie was the last of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by two sisters; Evelyn Locke and Josephine Harvey and four brothers: Edgar Harvey, Bernard Harvey, Clifford Harvey and Benjamin Harvey, Sr. Bertie is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Lucy P. Harvey, many friends and a dear friend, Elizabeth Shook. Bertie's poems, stories, and unique sense of humor will be missed by all but lovingly remembered.
Family visitation will be Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville. The funeral service will be held at Ash Camp Baptist Church Monday March 3, at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow at the Ash Camp Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Ash Camp Baptist Church, 8687 Church Street Keysville, VA 23947, or to the charity of your choosing. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of the arrangements


Name of Deceased: Phyllis Evans Pollard
Newspaper:  The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va., May 10, 2008 
Submitters Name: Donald R. McKinney

Phyllis Evans Pollard, 57, of Randolph Street, Phenix, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2008. She was the wife of Carson Wayne Pollard. 
Mrs. Pollard was born in Charlotte County, June 4, 1950, the daughter of Janie Childress Evans of Phenix and the late Howard Samuel Evans. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and a school bus driver for the Charlotte County School System.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two daughters, Christie P. Knight and husband, Chris, of Madison Heights, and Kimberly P. Wallace of Phenix; three grandsons, Will, Tyler and Caleb Knight; one step-grandson, Dakota Wallace; two brothers, Dean Evans of Phenix, and David Evans of Brookneal; and one sister, Linda E. Spinks of Smith Mountain.
A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2008 at Bethel Baptist Church by the Rev. Elton McDowell and the Rev. Gary Sims with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal, and other times at the residence. 


Name of Deceased: Joseph Estes Ponton
Newspaper:
The Southside Messenger, Keysville, VA., February 16-22, 2012.
Submitters Name: Donald R. McKinney

Joseph Estes Ponton, age 81, of Cullen, Va., passed away on Friday, February 10, 2012. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Korean Conflict. Joe is survived by his wife, Shelby W Ponton; two sons, Lee Ponton and wife, Jeanette, of Red Oak, Va., Joseph "Chip" Ponton III and wife, Betty, of Salem, Va.; four step-daughters, Betty Richardson and her husband, David, of Pamplin, Va., Wanda Beagle and her husband, Wayne, of Keysville, Va., Bonnie Sorrells and husband, Steve, of Forest. Va., and Lisa Womack and her husband, Jerry, of Lynchburg, Va.; nineteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 13, 2012 at Spring Creek Baptist Church, with interment in the Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, Saxe, Va. The family received friends from Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the Hospice Staff and Oncology Department of Centra Health for their exceptional care. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The Browning-Duffer Funeral, Home in Keysville, Va. was in charge of the arrangements.


Name of Deceased:  Robert Severn Ponton
Newspaper:  The Southside Messenger, Keysville, Va., week of August 22-28, 2013
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Robert Severn Ponton went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at the age of 69. He was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Ponton, and is survived by his mother Avis Severn Ponton of Lynchburg, Virginia; his wife Lucy Bates Ponton of Drakes Branch, Virginia; his son Robert Severn Ponton, Jr. and his wife Desiree of Overland Park, Kansas; his son Charles Bates Ponton and his wife Sarah of Charlottesville, Virginia; . grandchildren Adam, Kevin, Sadie, Charlie, and Murrie; and one sister Margaret Ponton Shorter and her husband George W. Shorter of Roanoke,
Virginia; a niece Page Tozier of Roanoke, Virginia; nephews Brent Shorter of Houston, Texas; and Jonathan Shorter of Fairfax, Virginia; a great-niece and great-nephews; and father-in-law Frank W. Bates. Bob also leaves behind Amanda Henry Hurt, loyal friend and employee for twelve years, who always encouraged him in the Lord. Amanda held a special place, like a daughter, in Bob's heart.
At the age of 31, while attending a men's retreat in Leesburg, Florida, Bob accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, the most significant moment of his life.
He lived out his faith through serving as a member and deacon of Drakes Branch Baptist Church, as a member of Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship of America, and as a founder of Charlotte County Operation Blessing.
Friends celebrated his life and home-going at a memorial service on August 18, 2013, at Drakes Branch Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Drakes Branch Baptist Church, P. O. Box 192, Drakes Branch, Virginia 23937 or Patrick Henry Family Services, P. O. Box 1398, Brookneal, Virginia 24528.


Name of Deceased: Ruth Virginia Ponton
Newspaper: Charlottesville Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Va.,  August, 13, 2009. 
Submitters Name: Donald R. McKinney

Ruth Virginia Ponton, 100, of Madison, died Tuesday, August 11, 2009, at Autumn Care of Madison. She was born October 1, 1908, in Ontario, Virginia, the daughter of the late George Edwin Ponton and Sarah Brown Ponton. She was also preceded in death by four sisters, Mary P. Bass, Alice B. Ponton, Hattie L. Ponton and Willie P. Eddins; and three brothers, George Hamilton Ponton, Thomas Gregory Ponton and John Robert Ponton Sr. She is survived by nieces and nephew, Betty Gear, Louise Gear and John Robert Ponton; and other relatives and friends.
Ms. Ponton was an elementary school teacher for many years and retired as the Principle at Ficklin Elementary School in Alexandra, Virginia. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Ontario and was a member of Madison Garden Club.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2009, at Preddy Funeral Home of Madison with interment at 3 p.m. at Ashe Camp Memorial Cemetery in Keysville, Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Car Baptist Church, P.O. Box 44, Madison, VA 22727 or the Madison County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 868, Madison, VA 22727.


Name of Deceased:  Mrs. Myron W. Poore
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, February 15, 1940
Submitter:  Bea Adams King

 Last Rites Held For Mrs. M.W. Poore

Mrs. Myron W. Poore, died at her home near Keysville Saturday morning after an illness of more than a year.  Funeral services were held at the residence at 2 p.m. Wednesday, with interment in the family cemetery at the home. Surviving are her husband, M.W. Poore; two daughters, Mrs. Ralph McMartin of Rensselaer Falls, N.Y.; and Mrs. Howard Backus of Heuvelton, N.Y., and a son, Alton Poore of Keysville.


Name of Deceased: Levi G. Potter
Newspaper:
The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, May 9, 1907.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

IN MEMORIAM
LEVI G. POTTER
God in His infinite wisdom saw fit to take from us by death, on Nov. 15th, 1906, our brother, Levi G. Potter, aged 84 years, 9 months and 15 days. He was born in New York, and joined the Baptist church when he was fourteen years old. He was true to his trust in his Savior. With his family he came to Virginia in 1874, and soon united with the Mt. Zion church, in which he labored faithfully for several years. After the organization of Friendship church, several of his boys joined the church, and, he came by letter. He had his imperfections, as all of us have, but he was faithful unto the end. He was a close student of God's word. He believed in prayer meetings and Sunday School work. He was a liberal contributor to every good cause. He stood in the front rank of those contributing to our new house of worship. It was a comfort to his friends to hear him quote the Scriptures on his dying bed. He died in strong faith in the Saviour; his sainted wife had passed into rest some years before. He leaves five sons, one daughter, and a host of friends to mourn his departure; but we mourn him not as one lost but gone before.
By the grace of God, we bow in humble submission to His will, and do hereby express our sense of loss, and our appreciation of and respect for our departed brother, and our sympathy with the bereaved family.


Name of Deceased: Archie G. Powell
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, April 13, 1978
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

Obit: RITES HELD FOR ARCHIE G. POWELL
Mr. Archie G. Powell, age 83, of Keysville, died Sunday, March 26, 1978 in a Farmville nursing home. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie N. Powell; three daughters, Mrs. Reba Clark of Keysville, Mrs. Lillie Jenkins and Mrs. Bessie Hensley, both of Richmond; five sons, Keister Powell of Cologne, Va., Hugh, Walter, Norman and Edward Powell, all of Richmond; one brother, Henry Powell of Engleswood, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Lou Watts of Keysville and Mrs. Emma McIver of Greensboro, N.C.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 1978 from Browning Funeral Home, Keysville with interment in Ash Camp Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte County Rescue Squad.


Name of Deceased:  Kelly W. Powell
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on Oct. 30, 1920
Departed on May 26, 2015 and resided in Keysville, VA

Kelly W. Powell, age 94, of Keysville, VA, a retired tobacco farmer, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. He was born to Archer L. and Annie Dalton Powell on October 30, 1920, in Burkeville, VA. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 58 years, Norma W. Powell; his brothers, "Tip" and "Pete" Powell; and sister, Gladys P. Yeatts.
Kelly served in the Army during WWII at the Army Hospital in Trinidad. He loved bluegrass music, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. After retiring from farming, he worked for Chesapeake Corporation for a number of years and then raised a big garden each year, producing the best tomatoes in Lunenburg County!
Kelly is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Glen) Hutchinson of Keysville, VA; son, Kelly C. (Brenda) Powell of Keysville, VA; grandsons, Todd (Jennie) Hutchinson of West Point, VA, Ryan Powell of Keysville, VA; and granddaughter, Grace-Kelly (Eddie) Pyle of Keysville, VA; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends and family members. 
Family night will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2015, in Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Keysville, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Charlotte County Rescue Squad would be appreciated. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased: Mary Ashby Powell
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, June 9, 1955.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

RITES HELD FOR MRS. MARY POWELL
Mrs. Mary Ashby Powell, 75, died Monday at Saxe at the home of a son, Major Powell. A graveside funeral service was held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Fork Baptist Church, Scottsburg. In addition to Powell, she is survived by four sons, Sam, Luther, and Nat Guill, of Saxe, and Addie Guill of Clover; a daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Grove of Halifax, and a brother, Joe Ashby, of Scottsburg.


Name of Deceased:  Virginia Louise Preston
The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home Website
Submitted By
:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on May 6, 1925
Departed on Nov. 4, 2013 and resided in Keysville, VA.

Virginia Louise Preston, age 88, of Keysville, VA, died November 4, 2013. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Elmer Griffith and Lawrence Hurt; one brother, Dayton Hicks; three sisters, Hattie Seats, Annie Mae Ringley, and Mary K. Campbell; and one granddaughter, Dena Lacks. She is survived by her husband, Sydney B. Preston; four children, Frances Phaup, Tony Griffith, Janie Greene, and Steven Campbell; brothers, Oscar Hicks, Jerry Hicks, Leroy Hicks, and Bennie Hicks; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Virginia loved God, her family, her church, and her music. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2013, at Meherrin Baptist Church. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased: John Archie Price, Sr.
Newspaper: The Southside Messenger, Keysville, VA, January 19-25, 2012.
Submitters Name: Donald R. McKinney

John Archie Price, Sr., age 76, of Charlotte C.H., VA, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2012. He is survived by two children, Leslie Price Lafoon and Matthew Price; five grand-children, Hailey Samford, Savannah Price, John J. Price, Kyle Price and Eli Price; one brother, William Price; one sister, Marie' Price Doss. He was preceded in death by a son, John A. Price, Jr.
A graveside funeral service was held at Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in the Concord Baptist Cemetery, Charlotte C.H., Va. The family received friends at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville on Monday, January 16th• The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, Va. is in charge of all arrangements.


Name of Deceased: Elizabeth Lee Priddy
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, June 6, 1946.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

MRS. ELIZABETH LEE PRIDDY BURIED AT KEYSVILLE MONDAY
A burial service for Mrs. Elizabeth Lee Priddy, who died Saturday at the Southside Hospital in Farmville after two weeks' illness, was held Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the family cemetery at Merry Oaks, with the Rev. J.A. McKenry in charge. Mrs. Priddy was born August 3, 1877, at Furman, Ala., the daughter of Lovard Lee and Eliza Nash, and received her education at Judson College, Ala.
She came to Keysville in 1899 to teach in Virginia Home School, a boarding school for girls. In 1903 she married J. Herbert Priddy and had lived in Keysville since. After Mr. Priddy's death in 1921, Mrs. Priddy again entered the teaching profession in the high school in Keysville, as English and Latin instructor, later serving as principal of the high school, transferring to the county-s consolidated high school, Randolph-Henry, as senior English instructor. This year rounded out 30 years of work with the county school system. She was retiring at the end of this school term on June 12 to shape into book form the notes she had made in recent years on the history of the county. In 1909 Mrs. Priddy organized the Keysville Woman's Club and was its first president. The club joined the Federation of Women's Clubs through her efforts the year after its organization. In 1928 the club established a scholarship fund to aid the high school graduates. In recognition of her years of service with the youth of the county, it was named the Elizabeth Lee Priddy Scholarship Fund and is still active, aiding one high school graduate each year.
Mrs. Priddy was a member of the Keysville Methodist Church and active in all phases of church work. For 29 years she taught the women of the church school and her class bears the name Elizabeth Priddy Bible Class.
Her only son, Washington Priddy, who was a bombardier, was killed in action in 1944 over Holland. She is survived by one daughter, Mry Clyde Crutchfield, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; one granddaughter, Betsy Crutchfield; one brother, Howard Nash Lee, of Alabama; several nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Stella Thomas, of Richmond, and Mrs. Viola Rogers, of Oxford, N.C.
The Keysville graded school was closed from 10 a.m. until noon on Monday. School buses carried the senior class from Randolph-Henry High School to Keysville, to attend the service.

MRS. ELIZABETH E. PRIDDY
Whereas God in His infinite wisdom has taken to himself our dearly beloved member, Mrs. Elizabeth Priddy, the entire membership of Trinity Methodist Church of Keysville has suffered a great loss in the passing of an honored member, teacher and co-worker and Whereas Mrs. Priddy endeared herself to the church and community by her godly life, her friendly spirit, her abiding and faithful interest in all the work of the church and Sunday school teaching the Ladies Bible Class for a period of more than twenty years, therefore be it.
Resolved, That we extend to her daughter and family and all her relatives, our heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement, and commend them to Him who is able to comfort and sustain them.
Be it Resolved further that in sorrow and affectionate remembrance the Methodist Sunday School place upon its records this memorial as a tribute to this godly servant and that a copy be sent to the daughter and to the Virginia Methodist Advocate and to the Charlotte Gazette.
MRS. CHAS. W. HAWTHORNE
MRS. F.I. HANMER
Resolutions Committee
(The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, June 6, 1946 Submitted by: Bea. Adams King)

Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has seen fit to remove from our midst our beloved friend and teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Lee Priddy, who departed this life June 1, 1946, be it therefore,
Resolved, That we, the officers and members of the Elizabeth Priddy Bible Class of the Keysville Methodist Church to bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father "Who doeth all things well." That we extend to her devoted family and other loved ones, our heartfelt sympathy and commend them to the comforter of all who mourn.
That we spread a copy of these resolutions in the minutes of the Bible Class, a copy be sent to the family and a copy be sent to the Charlotte Gazette.
PEARLE W. NEALE, Pres.
Elizabeth Priddy Bible Class,
Keysville Methodist Church


Name of Deceased: Hugh Coleman Priddy
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, January 30, 1964.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

H.C. Priddy Dies;
State Official, 55

Hugh Coleman Priddy of 510 N. Sheppard St., Richmond, died at a Richmond hospital on Monday, Jan. 27.  Mr. Priddy was the son of the late J. Coleman Priddy of Keysville, Charlotte County.
He is survived by his wife, the former Miss Catherine Brooking of Orange, and his mother, Mrs. Allie Harvey Priddy of Keysville.
Mr. Priddy was Deputy Treasurer of the State of Virginia, where he had been employed for the past 32 years.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 12 o’clock from the Sutherland-Brown Funeral Home, with graveside rites at the family cemetery in Keysville at 3:00 p.m.


Name of Deceased:  J. Coleman Priddy
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch. Va., February 18, 1943
Submitters Name:  Bea Adams King

J.  Coleman Priddy, 75, for 32 years sheriff of Charlotte County, died at his home in Keysville Wednesday night.  He was stricken February 5 with a cerebral hemorrhage.
Mr. Priddy was born February 3, 1869, at Priddy’s Quarters in Lunenburg County, three miles north of Keysville, the son of William K. and Lucy Carter Priddy. He received his education in Charlotte County and at Eastman’s Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He returned to Charlotte County and was with his brother-in-law, John H. Ingram, in the mercantile business at Charlotte Court House.
In 1907 he moved to Keysville and was connected in the mercantile business with the late George O. Pettus and W. E. Hailey, former member of the House of Delegated from Charlotte County.
In 1911 he was appointed sheriff by the late Judge Hundley, when Sheriff Charles A. Osborne, former State purchasing agent, was elected treasurer of Charlotte County.
Sheriff Priddy was re-elected each term by a large majority, serving as sheriff for 32 consecutive years; he was a politician of the old school, a personal friend of each voter.
Sheriff Priddy was chairman of  the Charlotte County Draft Board during World War I, a member of Virginia State Sheriffs’ Association, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Ruritans and a trustee of the Keysville Methodist Church, of which he was an active member until the time of his death.  In September 1906, he was married to Miss Almira Harvey, daughter of Henry W. Harvey and Sue Raine Harvey of Charlotte County.
His biography was written by Bruce in the History of Virginia, published by the American Historical Society.
Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, Hugh Coleman Priddy, who is connected with the office of the State Treasurer, Richmond; two sisters, Mrs. Mattie P. Ingram, of Keysville, and Mrs. Russell Thompson, of Emporia; one brother, Landrum Priddy , of Meherrin; a number of nieces and nephews, one great-great-nephew, and one great-great niece.
Funeral services will be held in the Keysville Methodist Church at two o’clock Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. I. H. Hagar, assisted by Rev. J. F. Rushing and Rev. H. S. Morgan, burial will be in the family cemetery at his home.
The active pallbearers were:  H. D. Peters, P. F. Garland, F. A. Davis, F. I. Hanmer, L. V. Pettus, E. M. Arvin, L. B. Dickens, and J. S. Brookes.


Name of Deceased:  Lawrence Priddy
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday,
September 7, 1944
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

Former Keysville Citizen Dies In Miami, Florida
Burial services for Lawrence Priddy, age 70, who died at his home in Miami, Florida, September 3, were held at his home in Miami at 4 p.m. Tuesday.  Mr. Priddy who was born and reared in Charlotte County was the son of H.T. Priddy and Lavania Watkins Priddy, a graduate of VPI.
In 1900 he accepted his first position in Richmond, later going to New York, where he made a name for himself in the insurance world.
He is survived by his wife, of Miami, Florida, one daughter, Lt. Montague Priddy with the Red Cross overseas, one son, Lawrence Priddy, Jr., of Washington, D.C.; four sisters, Mrs. Mae Harvey, of Keysville; Mrs. C.W. Carter, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Mrs Edward Hodges, El Paso, Texas; Mrs. Wallace White, Los Angeles, California; two brothers, Edgar Priddy, of Memphis, Tenn., and Walter Priddy of Wichita Falls, Texas.


Name of Deceased:  Robert T. Priddy
Source:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, February 25, 1932
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

The passing of Robert T. Priddy at his home in Keysville, December 20, last, removed from the County one of its most beloved and successful citizens.  "Marse Bob" as he was familiarly known to his intimate friends, had been ill for several months, and his passing was largely due to his advanced age.  Born October 21, 1845, the son of John D. and Mary E. Priddy, he had rounded out his 86th year.  As a lad of 17 he was called home from Randolph-Macon College to take up arms in defense of his beloved southland.  He enlisted early in '61, and along with the flower of young manhood of the county, he joined the Staunton Hill Artillery.  This company was organized and equipped by Charles Bruce of Staunton Hill. This company took part in many of the major engagements of the Civil War.  Robert T. Priddy, along with thousands of others laid down his arms when General Joseph E. Johnson surrendered at a point near Durham, North Carolina, now most appropriately marked by a beautiful shaft erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy.
After returning home the object of this sketch decided to enter the peaceful pursuits of the mercantile business in his home town, Keysville.  On October 27, 1868, he was married to Lavinia A. Watkins, the daughter of Thos. E. and Susan E. Watkins.  His wife preceded him to the grave by only about a year.
Robert T. Priddy's success in the mercantile business was phenomenal.  His success was no doubt largely due to this upright dealing with the public, his splendid business judgment, and his tireless energy, all of which he inherited by precept and example from a most frugal father.  "Landlord" Priddy, who was known in his day as one of the most successful business men in Southside Virginia.
After a successful mercantile career, Robert Priddy decided to retire to a farm, and it was fitting that he should purchase a part of his wife's ancestral homeplace.  This land came into possession of the Spencerfamily by a grant from George III.  Here he built a beautiful home and reared an interesting family of boys and girls.  Tiring of the farm, he disposed of his farming interest some ten years ago and removed to Keysville, to spend the remainder of his days.  He passed away within the shadow of his boyhood home, and was laid to rest in the family cemetery by the side of his departed loved ones.
Robert T. Priddy, the son, grew up and possessed all of those wonderful characteristics with which his father was endowed. As the twig is bent so the tree will grow, and Robert Priddy grew like the Cedars of Lebanon, tall and straight and strong.
The deceased leaves a brother, Charles W. Priddy of Norfolk, a sister, Mrs. L.A. Bailey of Keysville, and the following children: Mrs. C.W. Carter of Winston-Salem, N.C., Mrs. May Harvey of Keysville, Mrs. Wallace P. White of New York, Mrs. Edward Hodge of El Paso, Texas, Mrs. Norma Dhuy of New York,Ernest Priddy of Newport News, Lawrence Priddy of New York, Edgar Priddy of Memphis Tenn. andWalter Priddy of Wichita Falls, Texas.
How fitting that the chariot of the King should swing low for him just as the hush of God's Sabbath Day came to a close.  The glory of the winter was hovering over the earth as that shadow which men call death silently crept across his pillow.
All men leave this world, but some are dragged out of it, and they go like cringing cowards, madly clutching at every briar and bramble, and jutting spur of jagged rock, as resistless forces push them over the crumbling verge into that destiny of darkness, which they themselves, have dared.  Others there are who are led out, of it, and their going is with the solemn majesty of the sons of God.  Such was the departure of the man of whom I write.  He was led out by the hand of God's veiled angel and on the outermost rim of this earthly life he stood like a prince in the presence of his guide, and unabashed waved his hand in majesty farewell to a world that had neither feared nor dishonored him.
He shrank from the limelight, smitten by its intolerable glare.  The city and crowded streets depressed him.  He was born among the hills and loved them.  To live among such surroundings, where he could hear the mocking bird singing among the cedars, listening to the partridge calling to its mate across the field of green, surrounded by friends and loved ones, was life indeed.


Name of Deceased: William K. Priddy
The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA., Thursday, January 26, 1905

Submitted by:  Bea Adams King

IN MEMORIAM
William K. Priddy
On Sunday, Jan. 22d, 1905 at 3 o'clock, p.m., the mortal remains of the late William K. Priddy were laid to rest in the old Briery Church Cemetery, in the presence of a vast concourse of relatives and friends. Notwithstanding the fearful condition of the roads, his friends came for miles to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory, and seldom has a larger crowd been seen at a country burial.
The subject of our sketch was the son of Robert and Nancy Priddy, of Henrico Co., Va., in which county he was born Jan. 20, 1830.  he died on Friday night, at 9 o'clock Jan. 20th, 1905, the anniversary of his birth, of bronchial pneumonia, after an illness of only one week.
Mr. Priddy was the youngest of four sons and the last one left, his brothers having all preceded him to the grave.  He was the only one that served in the Confederate army.  He joined the Staunton Hill Artillery at its organization, and served in that command until the close of the war.  He was a good and gallant soldier, and much beloved by his comrades in arms.
Mr. Priddy was married to Miss Lucy A. Carter, of Prince Edward County, on Oct. 19th, 1854.  Eight children were born to them of who six survive, four sons, J. Coleman Priddy, of Charlotte C.H., Landon and Wm. H. Priddy, of Farmville, and Robt. W. Priddy, of Pr. Edward County; and two daughters, Mrs. John H. Ingram, of Charlotte C.H. and Mrs. Russell Thompson, of Richmond; all were present at his bedside except Mrs. Ingram, who is sick at a hospital in Richmond.
Mr. Priddy was a kind and affectionate husband, a loving and devoted father, and a faithful and true friend; everybody that knew him loved him.  He was generous to a fault; big-hearted, charitable, of lavish hospitality, and was never known to refuse aid or help to any one in need; he would of truth deny himself to help others.
He was a member of Briery Presbyterian Church, and had been for 15 or 20 years, and was a consistent and devoted member.  His pastor, Rev. Hugh Henry, officiated at the funeral assisted by Rev. Mr. Powell, of the Methodist church.  The beautiful Confederate flag of H.A. Carrington Camp, C.V., (of which the deceased was a member.) covered the casket.  The pall-bearers were W.G. Williams, C.A. Osborne, Polk McCraw, Chas. Redd, J.D. Morton and Fennell Redd.
One who knew him.


Name of Deceased: Annie Friend Proctor
Newspaper:
The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, February 10, 1955.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

RITES HELD HERE FOR MRS. ANNIE FRIEND PROCTOR
Final rites were held here on January 21 for Mrs. Annie Friend Proctor, widow of Thomas Albert Proctor, who died on January 17 at the home of her son, Burwell in Schenectady, N.Y.
Services were conducted by the Rev. Charles Stewart, rector of Grace Episcopal Church. Burial was in the Proctor Family cemetery at "Locust Grove", where many relatives and friends gathered to express their love and esteem. Pallbearers were D.Q. Eggleston, J.C. Smith, Thomas Bouldin, J.W. Daniel, O.O. Tucker and Gordon Paulett.
Mrs. Proctor was born on July 11, 1869 at "Pine Grove" and was the second daughter of William G. and Sallie Friend. She attended Sunnyside School in Clarksville and was a life long member of Grace Episcopal Church. Having spent most of her life here, in later years she lived with her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Ralston in New Hope. She was honored and beloved by three generations of descendants. From youth she possessed the charm of rare humor, kindness and active faith in God. To know her was indeed to love her. Through the more than 80 years of her full life her faith grew in strength and courage as she grew old beautifully.
She is survived by three sons, Thomas A. Proctor, Seattle, Wash.; Burwell Proctor, Schenectady, N.Y.; William Proctor, Louisville, Ky.; two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Ralston, New Hope and Mrs. Ann Watkins, Baltimore, Md. She had seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

PROCTOR FUNERAL HERE FRIDAY
Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Friend Proctor, widow of Thomas Albert Proctor, who died Monday night in Schnectady, N.Y., will be held here at Grace Episcopal Church at 11 A.M. Friday, January 21, with burial in the Proctor family cemetery at "Locust Grove" near here. Mrs. Proctor was born and reared at "Pine Grove" Charlotte County and lived here in the county most of her life. She was a communicant of Grace Episcopal Church.
She is survived by the following children: Thomas A. Proctor, Jr., Seattle, Wash., Burwell Proctor, Schenectday, N.Y., William Proctor, Louisville, KY., Mrs. Margaret Ralston, New Hope and Mrs. Anne Watkins, Baltimore, Md.
(The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, January 20, 1955 Submitted by: Bea. Adams King)


Name of Deceased:  Mary Martin Pryor
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on Oct. 15, 1929
Departed on May 16, 2014 and resided in Drakes Branch, VA.
Mary Martin Pryor, age 84, of Drakes Branch, VA., passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, May 16, 2014.
She is survived by her only son, Ronald Pryor of Drakes Branch, VA.; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews in Virginia and North Carolina.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2014, in Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, Saxe, VA. The family will receive friends at her home in Drakes Branch, VA. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA., is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased:  Mildred Barnes Francisco Pryor
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Heaven opened its’ pearly gates today and welcomed another Angel, our Mom, Mildred Barnes Francisco Pryor. Mom passed away on November 1, 2015. She was born Mildred Louise Barnes on October 11, 1929, to Annie Marie Dissler Barnes and Willie Barnes of Emporia, VA. She is predeceased by our father, Harold Durwood Francisco and our Step Father, Hunter Jackson Pryor. She is survived by one brother, Willie W “Bee” Barnes, Farmville, VA. Mildred and Harold had four surviving children, Kenneth Francisco Debbie Midlothian, VA, Janice Francisco-Reulbach, Powhatan, VA, Keevin Francisco Amy, Keysville, VA, and Vernon Francisco of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Mom had seven grandchildren, Amy Francisco, Ashley Fee Dustin, and Katie Francisco, all of Richmond, VA, Lauren Francisco Carwile Seth of Keysville, VA, Landon Francisco, Farmville, VA, Travis Francisco Missy, Keysville, VA, and Tiffany Berkley Jon Randolph, VA.
She had six great-grandchildren, Brenden and Bryson Francisco, Keysville, VA, Gavin Valania, Randolph, VA, Brady Smith, Landon and Brooks Fee, all of Midlothian, VA. Five nephews, Charles Barnes Wanda, Ft Mitchell, VA, Ronnie Barnes Linda, Charlotte Court House, VA, Wayne Melton, Mary Lee, Powhatan, VA, Donald Campbell Carol, Keysville, VA, and Jimmy Francisco, Virginia Beach, VA; and one niece, Karen Burch Lewis, Saluda, VA, as well as many other great-nephews and nieces.
Mom worked as a homemaker, in addition to retiring from BB&T Bank in Farmville, Va. She was one the hardest working women we knew and she made sure her children embraced that philosophy and knew the meaning of hard work. We lived on a self-sufficient farm, raised tobacco, hay, cattle, vegetable gardened, and worked our land. Our parents taught us the value of hard work, even though at times we didn’t understand why we had to work so hard. She loved gardening, her flowers, decorating, entertaining, Bluegrass music, and loved Christmas. Christmas was her favorite holiday as her house was always decorated beautifully for the holiday festivities. She always enjoyed having the family at the house and cooking a great meal and of course, opening presents. She will always be remembered for her “Sweet Tea” in a pickle jar, her infamous coconut cake and her Werther’s candies for the grandchildren, especially for Landon. Mom would often talk about Landon sneaking next door asking if he could have some Werther’s candy and “sweet tea” and she loved to see him come over and visit. He would get his drink and candy and then run back across the field home.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015, 1:00 pm at Union Grove Baptist Church where she was a long-time member with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation for friends are welcome in our home at 356 Union Grove Road, Keysville, VA from 3:00 until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2015.
RIP MOM, we love you and will miss you dearly. Your work on earth is done. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.


Name of Deceased:  Catherine Snell Pugh
The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home Website
Submitted By:  Donald R. McKinney

Born on Feb. 19, 1929
Departed on Nov. 18, 2013 and resided in Charlotte Court House, VA.

Catherine "Kitty" Snell Pugh, age 84, of Charlotte Court House, Virginia passed away, Monday, November 18, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Olney Elliott Snell and Ida Dinwiddie Hancock Snell. Catherine is survived by her children, Joanne Pugh Brown (Nathan), Travis D. Pugh (Fay), Gary G. Pugh (Helen), Eddie G. Pugh (Sherrill); two grandchildren, Sarah Catherine Pugh and Joseph "Joey" Pugh. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Newman Pugh.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013 in the Rough Creek Presbyterian Church, with interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2013. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of the arrangements.


Name of Deceased: Mrs. DeLoca Pugh
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, June 9, 1955.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

MRS. DELOCA PUGH DIES AT HER HOME
Mrs. DeLoca Pugh, 64, widow of Samuel H. Pugh, died Monday at her home at Rough Creek, Charlotte County. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Claude Shaw, of Tripoli, Africa, and Mrs. Sammy Clay and Mrs. Hugh Harkness, both of Phenix; a brother, Joel H Banton, of Lynchburg; three sisters, Mrs. Fannie Wright, of Smithfield, and Miss Martha Banton and Mrs. L.T. Butler of Lynchburg, and seven grandchildren.


Name of Deceased: Douglas Pugh
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, March 16, 1939
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

DOUGLAS PUGH BURIED FRIDAY
Douglas Pugh, 65, died at his home near Rough Creek, Thursday morning, March 9, following a long illness.  Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon at Rough Creek Presbyterian Church by the Rev. C.H. Watts.
He is survived by his wife and 11 children, three sisters, Mrs. J.M. Martin, Mrs. Henry Thornton and Mrs. W.M. Peake, all of Charlotte County, and four brothers, Sylvester, Norman, Samuel and Hugh Pugh, also of Charlotte County.


Name of Deceased: Sylvester T. Pugh
The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, April 16, 1959
Submitted by:  Bea Adams King

Rites held for Sylvester T. Pugh
Sylvester T. Pugh, 74, of Charlotte Court House, died Tuesday at his home.  A funeral service was held Wednesday at Rough Creek Presbyterian Church with burial there.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Gladys M. Pugh; three sons, Harvey, Ray and Joseph Pugh, all of Charlotte Court House; two daughters, Mrs. W.E. Minix of Lynchburg and Mrs. Thomas Martin of Serling; two brothers Norman Pugh of Charlotte Court House and Hugh Pugh of Phenix, and a sister, Mrs. W.M. Peak of Rough Creek.


Name of Deceased: Dr. William Thomas Pugh
Newspaper:
The News, Lynchburg, Va., Saturday, June 8, 1968.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

FUNERAL SET TODAY FOR DR. W.T. PUGH
Graveside services for Dr. William Thomas Pugh will be conducted at 1 p.m. today at Spring Hill Cemetery. Dr. Pugh, well-known Virginia surgeon and sportsman, died Friday at his home, 1555 Link Road, after a long illness.
Born Aug, 18, 1902, in Madisonville, he was the son of Walter Sydnor and Eula Douglas Jennings Pugh. Dr. Pugh received the BS degree from Hampden-Sydney College in 1923 and the MD from the Medical College of Virginia in 1930.
During World War II he was a colonel in the Medical Corps and served as commanding officer of the 199th General Hospital in France. Dr. Pugh began the practice of surgery in Lynchburg in 1932 with the late Dr. Elisha Barksdale. He was later associated with Dr. J.E. Haynsworth and Dr. Phillips R. Bryan. At the time of his death he was senior member of the Pugh, Haynsworth, Hill and Owen team of surgeons, with offices at 1801 Thomson Road.
Known for his human approach and his skill as a surgeon Dr. Pugh kept abreast of the times with an avid interest in new developments in the field of surgery. He was a member of the Virginia State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, Piedmont Medical Association, American College of Surgeons and the Lynchburg Academy of Medicine.
Active in civic, church and cultural affairs he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was a former deacon, and was on the board of trustees of Hampden-Sydney College and a member of the Miller Home Board, and was a former member of the State Game and Inland Fisheries Commission, to which he was appointed by former Governor William M. Tuck. Last Sunday, Dr. Pugh received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award from his alma mater at the graduation. Hunting and fishing were his hobbies and his recreation. Dr. Pugh was a member of Bob White Lodge, Kappa Alpha social fraternity and Phi Chi, fraternity. Dr. Pugh's marriage to the former Frances Yates Kendig of Kenbridge, took place Aug. 16, 1941. In addition to his widow, Dr. Pugh is survived by a son, William Arthur Pugh and twin daughters, Susan and Sarah Pugh of Lynchburg; a brother, James Jennings Pugh of Madisonville and two sisters, Mrs. McChesney Crawford of Covington and Mrs. Russell Carwile of Madisonville.


Name of Deceased:  William T. Pugh, Jr.
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Smithville, Thursday, December 21, 1899
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

IN MEMORIAM
WILLIAM T. PUGH, JR.

Died, at his home at Madisonville, early on the morning of Sunday, December 10, 1899, William T. Pugh, Jr., the youngest son and child of Capt. Wm. T. and Mrs. P.H. Pugh, at the age of 18 years.
The circumstances attending the death of this young man render it at once perculiarly sad and afflictive.  In his strong and early manhood, with every promise of an active, useful life, he is suddenly taken from parents home and friends, and carried to the tomb!  We understand that on the Thursday previous, while riding on a loaded wagon toward Pamplins, becoming chilled he attempted to jump off to the ground, but caught his foot in some way and fell on his head.  Assistance was rendered, and on being taken to his home, under treatment he appeared to revive, and it was hoped that no very serious results would follow.  On Saturday, as we have learned, he spoke of being able to attend church on Sunday.  During the night, however, he became delirious and as stated, in the early morning he died.
He was a young man of high moral character, and had recently united himself with the Centenary M.E. Church. He possessed a most fillial and gentle disposition, was obedient and loving as a son, a considerate and affectionate brother, and genial, frank and courteous with all his associates and friends, his sudden death is a severe and grievious affliction in which they have the deep sympathy of a large circle of warmly attached and sorrowing friends. May He who directs all our affairs, without whose notice not even a sparrow falls to the ground, and who alone can sustain us in our hours of need, comfort and support the bereaved ones.
A large gathering of sympathizing friends attended the funeral services, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Mr. Williams, whose words on the occasion were most tender appropriate and consoling, as he dwelt on the thought that the passing of our loved ones to the other side the river but makes the thought of Heaven to be the sweeter.  Willie was laid to rest in the family burial plot.


Name of Deceased:  Willie Pugh
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Smithville, VA., Thursday,
December 14, 1899
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

Death of Willie Pugh
It is with great regret that we learned on Monday that Willie Pugh, son of Capt. Wm. T. Pugh, of Madisonville, met with a fatal accident on Saturday the 9th.  He was on a loaded wagon going to Pamlins and was thrown backward off the load, injuring his head. Surgical assistance was rendered him and it was thought his injuries would not prove serious.  On Sunday morning he was preparing to attend church, when he suddenly became delirious, and in a short time death ensued.


Name of Deceased: Mrs. Thomas G. Pullen
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA, Thursday, February 24, 1955.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

MRS. PULLEN DIES AT 89 IN ARLINGTON
Mrs. Thomas G. Pullen, 89, mother of Maryland's Superintendent of Schools, widow and daughter of Methodist ministers in Virginia and Maryland and herself a widely known church worker, died in Arlington Saturday.
The daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. John W. Hilldrup, she was born in Buckingham County, Va. She married the Rev. Thomas G. Pullen at Smithfield, Va., in 1886. Both her husband and her father held pastorates in Virginia and Maryland. He was pastor at Drakes Branch many years ago, and son now superintendent of Maryland Schools was born here.
After her husband died in 1925, she became secretary of the Methodist Women's Missionary Society for the Charlottesville District of the Virginia Methodist Conference, a job she held for 15 years.
Her five surviving children are Dr. Thomas G. Pullen, Jr., Maryland Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Edwin M. Eastham, of Rappahannock County; Mrs. Franklin Dabney Eastham, of Arlington; Professor J. Powers Pullen, of Danville; the Rev. Richard G. Pullen, of Lawrenceville, and William E. Pullen, vice president of the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, Baltimore. Other survivors include two sisters, Mrs. G.N. Abbott, of Richmond, and Mrs. W.H. Spencer of Washington; and one brother, John W. Hilldrup, a judge in Tennessee.
A funeral service was held at the Methodist Church in Flint Hill, Rappahannock County, on Monday afternoon. Mrs. Pullen was buried beside her husband in the churchyard.


Name of Deceased:  John B. Purcell
Newspaper: 
The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday,  January 10, 1946.
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

John B. Purcell Died At Henderson Wednesday
J.B.Purcell, 74, died at Maria Parham Hospital at Henderson, N.C., early Wednesday afternoon after an illness of several months. Funeral services were held from the home near Townsville, N.C. Thursday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. J.S. Kennison, pastor of Nutbush Presbyterian Church and Rev. E. Norfleet Gardner, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Henderson.  Burial was in Nutbush Church cemetery.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Annie Thomas Purcell; five daughters, Mrs. Forrest Stainback of Henderson, N.C., Mrs. Helen Riggan of Townsville, N.C., Beulah Purcell of Raleigh, N.C., Mrs. Kate ?isley of Jonesboro, N.C., and Mrs. Ruby Dean of Greensboro; a son, John Baldwin Purcell, Jr., of Townsville; a brother William V. Purcell of Drakes Branch and three sisters, Mrs. C.M. Broocks of Drakes Branch, Mrs. E. (B.) L. Haskins of Lynchburg, and Mrs. W.S. Gregory of Roanoke.


Name of Deceased:  William Vernon Purcell, Jr.
Source:  Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, Charlotte Co., VA.
Submitted By:  Bea Adams King

Born on May 28, 1925
William Vernon Purcell, Jr. of Drakes Branch, age 90, passed away at his home October 30, 2015. The son of the late William Vernon Purcell, Sr., and Ruth Hatch Purcell, William spent his lifetime as a dairy farmer in Charlotte County, Virginia. He was a member of our Greatest Generation and served his country during WW II in the U. S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Crux in the Pacific Theater. His loyalty and commitment to his country and community was evident, serving as a member of the Charlotte County Farm Bureau for over 47 years, and president for 31 years, president of Charlotte County Ruritan Club, and as a Master Mason of Saint John's Masonic Lodge 144 AM and FM for greater than 65 years. He was chairman and board member of the Charlotte County Soil Conservation Board and lifelong member of the Lebanon United Methodist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, Lucille Blanks Purcell; a son, Dr. William V. Purcell, III of Powhatan, VA; a daughter, Ruth P. Williams and son-in-law, Wayne Williams of Mechanicsville, VA; two grandsons, Jeremy N. Williams and wife, Jaymi of Ashland, VA; Andrew V. Williams and wife, Amy, two great-granddaughters, Rebekah Anne and Gracelynn Ruth, all of Mechanicsville, VA; a sister, Harriet P. Garrett of Charlotte Court House, VA; two sisters-in-law, Doris B. McNeny and husband, Thomas of Richmond, VA and Rachel B. Dickerson and husband, Gerald of Concord, NC; nieces Becky and Wendy; nephews, Sam, Lee, Rod, Jeri, and other great nieces and nephews who all enjoyed spending time at the farm.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, November 1, 2015, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2015, at the Lebanon United Methodist Church, with interment in the Purcell Family Cemetery at his beloved Oak Hill Farm in Drakes Branch. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of the arrangements.

Name of Deceased:  Paulina Elizabeth Puryear
Newspaper:  The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch, VA., Thursday, February 29, 1940
Submitted By
:  Bea Adams King

 Died Thursday evening, May 13, after a lingering illness, borne with Christian faith and patience, Mrs. Paulina Elizabeth Puryear, wife of Dr. R.R. Puryear, and a member of the Wylliesburg Presbyterian Church.  The burial took place Saturday evening, the funeral sermon being preached by Rev. H.A. Brown.  Mrs. Puryear was a daughter of the late Albert G. Green, a ruling elder of Briery church, where she was a member, and a Sabbath school teacher, at the time of her marriage in 1851.  After the war Mr. Green removed to Texas.


Name of Deceased: R. Ollie Puryear
Newspaper: The Charlotte Gazette, Charlotte Court House, VA, Thursday, February 2, 1905.
Submitters Name: Bea. Adams King

A SAD AND FATAL ACCIDENT
A telegram from Spencer, N.C., on the 27th Jan., announced the sudden instant death of R. Ollie Puryear, one of the best known and experienced engineers on the Southern Railway. He was running No. 23 mail from Danville, running fifty miles an hour, when leaning from cab looking at tract near Reagle, two miles from his home at Spencer, he was struck by the mail crane which delivers the mail beg, and sunk back upon his seat dead. The colored fireman took the train to Spencer. There members of the R.L.E. and other local societies took charge of the body for burial at Greensboro. Mr. Puryear was highly esteemed by his brother engineers and the people of Spencer, at which place he leaves a wife and two children.
Mr. Puryear was the second son of late L.C. Puryear and Mrs. M.R. Puryear, now of this village, and a brother and three sisters who mourn this sudden and sudden loss. The heartfelt and earnest sympathy of this entire community in this sad and sudden bereavement is extended to his afflicted relatives.