August 25, 1954 - November 8, 2023

W. David McPherson, Sr., 69, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Rosa McPherson; daughter, Laura Russo; sons, David McPherson, Jr. (Bridget) and Wayne McPherson (Krystal Arnold); nine grandchildren, Joseph Russo, Alyssa McPherson, Zamari Turner, Noah McPherson, Marek Bates,  Dylan Diehm McPherson, Elijah McPherson, Kellan Arnold and Willow McPherson; five great-grandchildren, Zayd, Jodecy, Paris, Naomi and Nylah; five sisters, Marie Webber, Dawn Martz (Brian), Debbie Kay Divers, Darlene Macintosh, BettyJo McPherson and her son, Billy Joe McPherson; a brother, Johnny McPherson (Nit) and many special nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 14 at Zion Baptist Church, 974 Zion Church Rd, Emporia, VA 23847. 

February 18, 1929 - September 26, 2023

Stuart Kiser Moore, 75, was born on June 14, 1948 to William Henry Moore and Virgie Hobbs Moore of Skippers and passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Diane; sister, Frances Pope; brothers, Jimmie Moore, Albert Moore and Tommy Moore.

Stuart loved spending time with his family more than anything. He was a wonderful father who instilled many cherished values in his children while raising them in a Christian home. His children fondly recall him teaching them respect for others, work ethics, and the importance of family. He loved hunting, antiquing, and playing with his best friend, Pepper, his dog. He was also a collector of antique bottles and spent many hours searching through old trash piles looking for them. He was well known in his community for his carpentry work making all types of items for family and friends such as chairs, swings, bird house, wooden trays, and many other treasures. He also refurbished old furniture and loved every minute of bringing it back to life. Stuart has always been a hard worker, growing up working on a farm. He went to work at Georgia-Pacific in Emporia, Virginia March 10, 1966 where he was promoted to supervisor before his retirement. He remained there for 46 years and made many lifelong friends and was loved and respected by many. After his wonderful retirement, he spent lots of time enjoying family functions that included celebrating birthdays for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Stuart is survived by three sons, Brad Moore (Leisa), Andy Moore (Christy) and Scotty Moore (Crystal); daughter, Tammy Phillips (Lane); step-children, Missy Bullock (Brian) and Jim Bolton (Melissa) and a bonus son, Jimmy Moore, Jr.nine grandchildren, Amanda Hall (Chris), Emily Dawn Moore, A. J. Moore, Harley Moore Simms (Nick), Henry Moore, Jenna Mitchell (Steven), Elizabeth Allen (Brandon), Forrest Jenkins and Ivy Jenkins; five step-grandchildren, Courtney Sampson (Dustyn), Matthew Bullock (Ciara), Cameron Bolton and Austin Bolton; sister, Nancy Turner (Joey) and a brother, Tony Wayne Moore (Donna).

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 16 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 17 at Zion Baptist Church, 974 Zion Church Rd, Emporia, Virginia. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church, c/o 2755 Rolling Acres Rd, Emporia, Virginia 23847.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Lois Leeds Starke Grizzard, 90, of Jarratt, VA went to meet her Lord and Savior on June 1, 2023.  She joins her husband, Franklin Lee Grizzard who died in 2016.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson E. Starke and Minnie O. Starke and great grandson, Lyle Hayes Grizzard.   She is survived by her son, Michael L. Grizzard; her daughters, Pamela A. Grizzard,  Tina Grizzard Autry and her husband, Jerry; grandchildren, Michael Lee Grizzard, II and his wife, Kristen, Matthew Nelson Grizzard and his wife Alison, Chase Stewart Autry and his wife Amber, Stephanie Blair Anderson and her husband Tyler;  6 great grandchildren, Kellan Michael Grizzard, Violet Jane Grizzard, Alden Lee Grizzard, Linden Joah Grizzard, Faxon Lee Autry and Sutton Jane Anderson.  Lois is also survived by her sisters, Pauline S. Adams and Carolyn S. Ankermiller.

Lois was a member of High Hills Baptist Church and Main Street Baptist Church where she held many positions.  She was a devoted Christian and was always thinking of others and finding ways to help.   She was a born leader and a woman of many talents such as seamstress, office manager, Girl Scout Leader, bus driver, babysitter, grocery store owner, and many more.  Anything that needed doing, she would figure it out.  She was very independent and could accomplish anything she set out to do.   She was instrumental in forming the Brunswick Academy Theatre and enjoyed working with the students on all the plays.

A special thank you to her devoted caregivers, Shawn Michaels, Joyce Lynch and Barbara Lynch. Also, with Hospice of Va. Christina Richardson, Erica Robinson, Candace Joyner and Julie Mills. Lois was so used to taking care of others that during these last months, she had a hard time accepting help from others.  

Graveside services will be held on 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at High Hills Cemetery, Jarratt, Virginia. The family will receive friends at Mrs. Grizzard’s home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to High Hills Baptist Church, P O Box 296, Jarratt, VA 23867; Main Street Baptist, 440 S. Main St. Emporia, VA 23847; or Hospice of VA 2235 Staples Mill Rd, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230.

March 15, 1957 - April 10, 2023

JoAnn R. Darden, 66, of Emporia, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Robbins.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Horace A. Darden; two daughters, Lisa Wells (Justin) and Laura Wright (Josh); four grandchildren, Hannah, Tyler, Emma and Luke; her mother, Alice Zimmerman; two brothers, David Robbins (Jo) and Rodney Zimmerman; sister, Cheryl Doyle (Keith) and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive fiends 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 14. Interment will follow at First Christian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church Cemetery, 427 Ruritan Dr., Emporia, Virginia 23847. 

Donald "Bear" Epps, 74, of Jarratt, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023. He was the son of the late John C. and Virgie Seymour Epps and was also preceded in death by two brothers, Roger "Kicky" Epps and Larry Epps.

Bear is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Epps; son, David Epps (Kelly); daughter, Brandy Epps (Amber); granddaughter, Jordyn Epps; brother, Wayne Epps; two sisters, Carolyn Stainback (Tommy) and Marie Shumate and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, February 19 at Zion Baptist Church where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Interment in the church cemetery will immediately follow.

James Henry "J.H." Taylor, 69, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023. He was the son of the late Irwin and Lucille Taylor.

J. H. is survived by his wife of 48 years, Delia Bennett Taylor; his daughter, Alison L. Phillips and husband, David; grandsons, Brantley Barker Phillips and Taylor Chase Phillips; his sister, Romine Taylor Braswell and husband, Dennis; numerous nieces and nephews and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alton and Ida Jean Bennett.

J. H. loved taking care of his horses, attending races, spending time with his family, watching his grandsons play ball and hanging out with his friends.

The family will receive friends 12 – 2 p.m. Monday, January 30 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia followed by the funeral service at 2 officiated by Pastor Greg O'Berry. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad or to the Greensville Volunteer Fire Department or Top Hand Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Brandy Lynn Moss (age 37) departed this life on January 22, 2023. She was preceded in death by her daddy Neal Moss, her maternal granddaddy Majer Gay, her paternal grandparents Romie and Carrie Moss, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. 

She is survived by her mama Pam Moss (Paul), her brother Brent Moss (Rebekah) and her nieces Addy and Blair whom she adored with all of her heart, her stepbrother Paul Banner Jr. (April), several nieces and nephews, her grandmother Joyce Majer and step grandfather Bob Majer as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. She also leaves behind a special dog named Bentley and too many cats to mention, but she loved them all. 

She was employed with DFI Systems as a Quality Assurance Manager.

The family will receive friends 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 26 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia followed by the funeral service graveside 2 p.m. at Emporia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Worship Center of Emporia, 4908-10 East Atlantic St., Emporia, VA 23847.

It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Ruth Evelyn VanCleave. Born Ruth Buchanan. Rusty  as she was known by her friends and family passed peacefully after years of battling Alzheimmers. She is now with Her Father Wiiliam, Mother Bessie, Husband Reid, Son Bill,and several of her Brothers and Sisters who went before.She is survived and will be Missed by Her Granddaughter Chrystal,  sisters Jean and Phyllis, Her Brother Calvin and his wife Sandra and all her VanCleave and Buchanan family members.

 Rusty led a full life with a large family, of coming from a family of six Sisters and two Brothers and then marrying into an equally large family of six Brothers and two Sisters.She was Born Jan 6 near  Bowling Green Virginia, to William Buchanan and his wife Bessie.She grew up helping with Farm work, and helping to care for the siblings younger than herself. She attended CT Smith High School then met Reid VanCleave. He became her husband of over 50 Years,She followed Reid around  Army Bases over the World and found a love for Germany and the people there.When Reid retired from the Army they settled in Richmond Virginia. with visits to Iowa and the VanCleaves. She worked for the Auditor of Public Accounts for the Commonwealth of Virginia until she too retired. and donated some of her time to the local DAV.

She led a full life and has been missed by many as Alzheimer took her away over the years.

She would not want flowers, unless you plant them for yourself. To remember Her, say a Prayer, Love your Family, help a Veteran.

The funeral service will be held graveside at Mt Calvary Cemetery 1400 S Randolph St.  Richmond Va 23220 at 11 am Friday Dec 30th at Mt Calvary Cemetery 1400 S Randolph St.  Richmond Va 23220. 

July 28, 1944 - December 26, 2022

Mr. Bernie Lee Justice, 78, of Emporia, passed away Monday, December 26, 2022.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Ann Justice; granddaughter, Fallon Justice; brother, George 'Doc" Justice; sisters, Betty J. Phillips (Milton) and Annie Manning; nephew, Patrick Wesolowski.

Funeral services will be private. 

Thelma Wray Faison, 88, of Emporia, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022. Mrs. Faison was preceded in death by her husband, James Aubrey Faison and also all nine of her older siblings.

Mrs. Faison is survived by her daughter, Sandra F. Seward (Ronnie); grandsons, Jason Walters (Christina) and Joey Seward (Shannon); five great-grandchildren, Jami Leigh Walters, Seth Walters,  Zakkery Seward, Aubree Seward and Raylen Walters; a special nephew Kelly Edwards (Carol) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held graveside 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at First Christian Church Cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church, 427 Ruritan Dr., Emporia, Virginia 23847. 

Nannie Powell Woodruff, of Jarratt, VA received her eternal wings on November 30, 2022 at the age of 101. Nannie will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Nannie was the daughter of James and Mattie Powell. She was the widow of Arthur L. Woodruff and preceded in death by her granddaughter Tina Gordon; son-in-law Pete Gordon; sisters Mamie Powell, Virgie Mitchell, Emma Wrenn, and Lorraine Hellums; sisters-in-law Edna Moorefield and Audrey Blackman.

She is survived by her siblings Jessie Axselle, Anne Clarke, Shirley Suits, Allen Powell, and Linwood Powell; sister-in-law Anita Harrell; her daughters, Nancy Bell (Ronnie), Pat Gordon, Linda Barnes (Donnie); her grandchildren Jeff Bell (Ina), Keith Bell (Josh Sessions), Ashley Rogers (Lee), Holly Stacy (Charles), and Jill Stech (Jason); her great-grandchildren Will Stacy, Hannah Stacy, Ashton Rogers, Reed Rogers, Blake Bell, Cody Bell, and Connor Stech; her step-great-grandchildren Dawson Dunlow (Bobbie Lynn) and Jon Williamson.

She loved to play cards, bingo, and make “Nannie biscuits'' for all. She was a devoted member of Centenary United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. Sunday, December 4th at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, VA. The funeral service will be held Monday December 5th at 1:00 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church, 303 Braxton Ave. Jarratt, VA followed by interment at Cedarwood Cemetery at Roanoke Rapids, NC at 3pm. The family would like to thank Dr. Shaival Kapadia, Dr. Michael Matherlee, and the employees of Affinity Hospice and The Bloom Retirement Center for their loving care. A special thank you to Nurse Wendy McCoury. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Centenary United Methodist Church in memory of Nannie at 19051 Andrews Road, Stony Creek, VA 23882.

November 08, 1951 - November 28, 2022

James Frederick Paulson, 71, of Skippers, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022.

Jim served in the Army and was stationed in Korea on the DMZ zone. After an honorable discharge, he immediately began working at the VA counseling other veterans. He found his calling working with veterans and their families at the McGuire VA hospital and did so until his retirement. Later in his career he was blessed to learn how much He had indeed helped people as they would approach his wife and tell her how Jim had saved their life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Paulson; children, Quentin, Tyler and Austin Paulson and Kristina & Brad Owens; grandchildren, Noah and Justin Paulson, Sebastian and Brogan Owens and Ellie and Declan Owens; sister, Karen Hagen and two devoted friends that helped out whenever needed and were as close as brothers, Edward Miles and Ernest Bevier.

At his request, there will be no service. The family will have a small gathering at a later date.

Gail Woodruff, 39, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022. She is survived by her parents, mother, Tammy Pernell Simmons (Donnie); father, David V. Woodruff, Sr.; brother, David Woodruff, Jr. (Melanie); two nieces, Caitlin Woodruff and Brylie Woodruff; two nephews, Christian Woodruff and Brantley Woodruff and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 12 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Mrs. Frances Virginia Mise Seward, of Jarratt, born April 30, 1928, went to be with The Lord on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. She was a retired CNA and a dedicated member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Wilson Seward, Sr.; two daughters, Martha Ann Seward and Virginia Arleen Seward Leasburg; and son, Irvin Eugene “Gene” Seward.

Mrs. Seward is survived by three sons, James Wilson Seward, Jr. (Diane) of Zebulon, NC, Benny Leon Seward (Rita) of Lawrenceville, VA and William Roy ‘Billy” Seward (Gail) of Jarratt, VA; daughter-in-law, Betty Veliky Seward also of Jarratt; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Jarratt Volunteer Fire Department or to Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

November 12, 1932 - October 21, 2022

Stanley N. Pair, 89, of Emporia passed away Friday, October 21, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Glen and David Pair and was also preceded in death by his brother and three sisters.

Mr. Pair was the longtime manager of Vogue Cleaners in Emporia and after retirement he worked in convenience stores.

Mr. Pair is survived by his wife, Peggy O. Pair and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 25 with a memorial service for his son, David. Private interment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Main Street Baptist Church or to Calvary Baptist Church.

October 10, 1939 - August 18, 2022

Faye Justice, 82, of Emporia, passed away, Thursday, August 18, 2022. She is survived by her husband, George W. “Doc” Justice; daughters, Kay Kershner (Michael), Lynn Howerton, Patricia Justice; son, George W. “Bubba” Justice, Jr. (Frances); six grandchildren, Daniel Wayne Harris, Eric Lee Harris, Nicole Grizzard, Michael Kershner, Jr. (Becka), Christopher Floyd and Justin Floyd; five great-grandchildren, Colton Grizzard, Carley Grizzard, Carter Grizzard, Caylynn Grizzard and Archer Kershner and a brother, Carstin.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Theresa Myers for the care and devotion shown to Faye and her family during her illness.

The family will receive friends 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday, August 22 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will follow graveside 2 p.m. at Greensville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Kindred Hospice, Petersburg, Virginia.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

June 4 1943-August 8, 2022

Mr. Thomas C. “Sonny” Seward, passed away Thursday, August 11, 2022. He was the son of the late Joseph C. and Edna Kirkland Seward, and was also preceded in death by  his loving wife of 42 years, Linda Seward; brother, Bobby Seward and three sisters,  Ella Balliew, Peggy Pearson and Ruby Norville.

Sonny was a retired long haul truck driver (owner-operator). He was an avid fisherman, whose favorite fishing spot was the Meherrin River where he spent many hours fishing with his lifetime best friend, Charles Sasser.

Sonny is survived by daughter, Tammy  Cottee (Frankie); two sons, Ronnie Seward (Sandra) and Andy Seward; four grandsons, Joey Seward, Jason Walters, Hunter Cottee and Mason Seward; granddaughters, Emily Cottee and Elizabeth Seward; four great-grandsons, Zakkery Seward, Seth Walters, Raylen Walters and Landon Cottee and two great-granddaughters, Jami Walters and Aubree Seward.

The family will receive friends 12:30-1:30 Sunday, August 14 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia 23867. The funeral service will be held graveside also on Sunday, August 14 at Greensville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Ronald McDonald House (https://support.rmhc.org). 

January 28, 1949-July 28, 2022

Mr. Alfred Lee Lynch, 73, of Doodlum, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2022. He was the son of the late Lawford and Ruth Lynch.

Alfred was a member of Purdy Baptist Church. He was a U. S. Air Force veteran and a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections and later worked in the sporting goods department at Wal-Mart. He was a Boy Scout leader and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Alfred is survived by his loving wife, Martha W. Lynch; son George Michael “Mike” Lynch (Janet); daughter, Martha Michelle Sowards (Cody); grandchildren, Madison Lynch, Hailey, Ally and LeAnna Sowards; brother, Charles Nicholas “Nicky” Lynch (Joyce); sister, Evelyn “Ebbie” Vick (David); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax St., Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Grace Church, 9986 Purdy Rd., Jarratt, Virginia. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. 

September 13, 1946 - July 9, 2022