Curry Funeral Home, WV, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV (2026)

02/26/2026

Kenneth “Justin” Stewart was born on October 21, 1981, and passed away after a short illness on February 24, 2026, at the age of 44.

Justin was raised by his aunt, JoEllen Brogan (Jeff Elswick), who loved and cared for him as her own son. Their bond was one of deep devotion, guidance and unconditional love that shaped the man Jusitn became.

He is survived by his brother, Tony Stewart (Rebecca Wood); his nieces, Allie Stewart and Emma Wood; his cousins who were raised alongside him as brother and sister, Calvin Brogan (Norma) and Melissa Chandler; his cousins, Manina Taylor (Kevin), Brittany Griffith (Brent), Allison Henck (Grant), Jeffery Allen (Heather), Kayce Taylor, Beckett Griffith, Brinley Griffith, Bailey Griffith, and aunt, Joyce Brunty.

Justin had a deep love for creativity and self-expression. He was an avid painter. He also loved gaming with friends, salsa dancing and acting. His joyful spirit, artistic soul and passion for living left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His memory will be cherished by those who loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

02/26/2026

Sharon K. Childress, 81, of Alum Creek

It is with profound sadness and tender love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, precious grandmother, and the heart and monarch of our family, Sharon K. Childress, 81, of Alum Creek.

Sharon was suddenly called home into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, February 25th. Her absence leaves a void in our hearts that this earth can never fill, yet we rejoice in knowing she is at peace in her heavenly home.

Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She spent cherished years in Germany faithfully supporting her husband during his military service before returning to the United States to build a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and community. She worked tirelessly for the State of West Virginia and continued her life of service by loving God and loving people with her whole heart.

A devoted matriarch, Sharon was the steady foundation of our family. She poured her life into those she loved, always placing others before herself. Through her faith and her many God-given talents, she expressed love in countless thoughtful and detailed ways — whether through a carefully chosen gift, a warm meal, a beautifully organized gathering, or a quilt stitched with prayer. Every touch bore her signature of excellence and care. Her organizational skills were impeccable, and her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and cherished tradition.

Sharon was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she served joyfully for many years, especially through the Quilting Ministry. Through this ministry, she shared not only her talent but her heart, blessing many with tangible expressions of God’s love.

She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Roger Leroy Childress, who preceded her in death. She was a loving and steadfast mother to her son, Darin, and a treasured mother-in-law to Amanda. Her greatest earthly joy was being “Grandma” to her precious granddaughters, Maleigha Rachelle and Jadalyn Nicole. She was also a devoted godmother to Tonya Gillispie and Chris Childress, holding each of them close in her heart.

Sharon cherished her close relationships with her brothers Bill (Barbara) and Gary; her sister, Ellemay Richards; her nieces and nephews Brenda and Brian; and her extended Childress family, including Lyle (Deenie), Gary (Naomi), Uncle Glenn, and Greg Childress. She treasured each cousin, nephew, and loved one, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger Leroy Childress; her parents; her sister Ellemay Richards; her sister-in-law Barbara Richards; her niece Sara Styer; Edith Childress, who passed at birth; her cherished mother- and father-in-law Roy and Elisa Childress; and Lula Bell Childress.

Funeral service will be 1:00pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Don Biram officiating. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Sharon will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Cunningham Memorial Park. Though we grieve deeply, we find comfort in knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church Quilting Ministry, 1401 Washington Street West, Charleston, WV 25387.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

02/24/2026

Lodema Isabelle [Kopp] Hale, 102, of St. Albans, WV, went home to be with her Saviour on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Yes, we sorrow, but not as those who have no hope. As believers, we will see her again! (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Lodema was born on June 5, 1923, in Fairview, Kansas, to Arthur Raymond Kopp and Sylvia Isabelle Kopp. After graduating from Leavenworth High School, Lodema worked for eleven years at the Forum Cafeteria in Kansas City, Missouri. She also attended Kansas City Bible College.

At the age of twenty-seven, Lodema was invited to attend a Youth for Christ meeting where she heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. Having already been troubled about her eternal destiny, the Holy Spirit's conviction of her lost condition led her to place her complete trust in Christ.

Following her salvation, Lodema experienced a transformation in her priorities, especially regarding the qualities she sought in a husband. Praying for a spouse who genuinely loved the Lord, she soon attended a Bible conference at Winona Lake, Indiana, where she met Frank Hale, a widower with two young daughters. After corresponding, Frank and Lodema married the following spring. Their marriage became the foundation for a large, Christ-driven family, now numbering 112 members, many of whom serve the Lord across the country and world.

Lodema was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved hosting family get-togethers. When everyone was getting ready to return home, she would say, “Let’s pray one for another.” Her family will always remember her love of ice cream, bananas, ice cream, Wendy’s, and ice cream.

Most of all, Lodema was known for her unwavering faithfulness to the Lord. She loved using her street address - 2723 - to tell others about her salvation, as she would say, “I was born in ’23, and when I was 27, I was born again.” She faithfully attended Cross Lanes Bible Church for over forty-five years. During this time, she served as secretary for her Sunday School class and often wrote notes of encouragement to others. Going to church was the highlight of her week.

Lodema loved singing about her Saviour! In addition to always having Christ-honoring music playing in her home, she played the piano for the Gospel hymn sing-along at Hansford Senior Center for well over thirty years. She was known for asking anyone who came to visit in her home to sing a song.

Being a faithful reader of God’s Word, she had many favorite verses. One of the last things she was heard to speak clearly was, “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20) In addition to her Bible, Lodema loved reading testimonies of other Christians. Dr. Walter Wilson was one of her favorite preachers, and she would often describe him as “the best soul-winner.”

Lodema is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Kopp and Sylvia Kopp; her husband, Frank Hale; her five brothers; and three daughters, Patricia Slaven, Katherine Hale, and Naomi Greenlee.

Lodema is survived by her daughters, Frances (Frank) Hardin of Culloden and Rachel (Jim) Harkins of Troy, NC; son, James (Cindy) Hale of St. Albans; twenty grandchildren; sixty-two great-grandchildren (and one on the way).

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all family members who helped with Mom’s care in recent years. We also extend special recognition to Glenna, Terry, and Michelle for loving Mom like their own, and to the Genesis Dunbar Center for their devotion to the care of Lodema, who was affectionately known by the full staff as “Miss Lodema”. They took good care of her, thank you.

We also say thank you to Cross Lanes Bible Church, who visited her at home and at the care center, sent her flowers regularly, along with other gifts, sang, read scripture and for answering calls from her at all hours. That meant a lot to the family. And lastly, thank you to the Hubbard Hospice House for giving comfort and care to her and ministering to the family in so many ways.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Her funeral service will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Cross Lanes Bible Church with Pastor Ben Edwards officiating. Visitation will be from 11am-1pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to Cross Lanes Christian School or Hubbard House.

02/20/2026

Brenda Escue of Sod, WV, passed away on February 19, 2026, after courageously battling an extended illness.

She had a fierce sense of right and wrong, a deep love of her grandchildren, and a cookbook collection that would rival any library.

Brenda was a caregiver, sales representative, and a real estate agent. Later in life she gave freely of her time, serving as a board member of a local utility.

She delighted in travel and cooking. Her thoughts were centered on serving God. Brenda was a member of the Church of Christ at South Charleston.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Jonathan, children Julie (Charles) Abbott of Galveston, TX, Eric (Linda) Blankenship of Charleston, WV, and Christian (Danielle) Escue of Chattanooga, TN, five beautiful grandchildren, three sisters and one brother.

Memorial service will be 2:00pm, Sunday, February 22, 2026, at South Charleston Church of Christ with Minister Louis Watts officiating. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

02/17/2026

Evelyn Pauline Kessinger, 78 of Nitro, passed away on Sunday February 15, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston.

Evelyn was a 1965 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. She was a former employee of Brewer and Company. She loved tea parties, comedy movies, and reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Louise Smith; her sister and best friend, Nancy Zagst: brother, Charles Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Victor Kessinger; daughters, Michelle Taylor (Alan), Noelle Phillips; sons, Mark Kessinger (JoAnn), and Jeff Kessinger. Grandchildren; Sheridan Newman, Tyler Young, Blake Newman, Bailee Kessinger, Savannah Moore, Brady Kessinger, Chase Phillips, and Olivia Kessinger. Great Grandchildren; Cassius Adkins, Blair Adkins, and Joslynn Moore. Evelyn is also survived by two sisters; Linda Bailey and Debbie Haynes.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at 6:00 PM Friday February 20, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.curryfuneralhome.org. Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV, has been caring for families since 1950.

02/16/2026

Mark Douglas Thaxton, 71 of South Charleston, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday February 15, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

Mark was a former quality control inspector at Volkswagen and South Charleston Stamping & Manufacturing in South Charleston. He was the Pastor of Mt. Tabor Church of God and was the Chaplain at Thomas Memorial Hospital for many years. He loved the outdoors and rebuilding gravelys and tractors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Betty Thaxton; sister, Bonnie Stewart; brothers, Roger and Randy Thaxton; niece, Jennifer Thaxton; and step-son, Harold Kuhn.

Mark is survived by his wife, Louise Kuhn Thaxton; nieces and nephews, Robbie and Beth Stewart, Stevie and Heather Thaxton, Tina and Christian Hill, Jason Stewart, and Jeff Reed and aunts Opal Payne and Kathy Reed. As well as great-nieces and nephews, Aden and Owen Thaxton, Stanton Hill, Lilly Green, and Chelsea Coffman.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday February 21, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Jody Pauley officiating. Burial will be in Thaxton Family Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 PM at the funeral home.

Special thanks to Mark’s friends Butch and Darlene Shultz and Sammy and Linda Oyler.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Tabor Church of God, 2413 Dry Ridge Road, St. Albans, WV 25177.

02/16/2026

Elizabeth “Betty” Rose Means, 78 of Yawkey, WV passed away peacefully on February 14,2026 surrounded by her loving family. Betty was proceeded in death by her husband Robert (Bobby) Means; parents, Walter and Mabel Webb; grandson, Jacob Allen Neal Craddock; 9 brothers and 1 sister.

Betty was a former member of Joes Creek Baptist Church, a Christian for 50 years and a retired Kanawha County Custodian and Caregiver.

Betty was known for her love of God, her beloved husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved gardening and being outdoors.

She is survived by her children, Mark Wilson and Misty (Jimmy) Hinton. Betty leaves behind a legacy of love in her 6 Grandchildren, Tyler (Kaila) Wilson, Caitlan Wilson, Whitney Morrison, Caleb (Destiny) Craddock, Isaac (Julia) Craddock, and Noah (Maddie) Craddock. As well as her Great- Grandchildren; Lily Wilson, Jayce Morrison, Paislee Wilson, Rockson Morrison, Madelyn Graley, Hadlee Wilson, Leila Craddock, Wylder Wilson, Oakley Craddock, Ruby Wilson and Bella Wilson . She also leaves behind numerous Nieces and Nephews, all whom she deeply loved.

A private service for family will be held on February 19, 2026 at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV with Pastor Andy Gillenwater officiating. Betty will be laid to rest at the Means/Webb cemetery in Yawkey West Virginia.

02/15/2026

The incomparable — and perfectly imperfect — Kermit Lyle Lawson of Charleston, West Virginia, sank his final putt on the 18th green Wednesday, January 28, 2026… and with a grin on his face, advanced to Hole 19.

He is survived by his adoring and steadfast wife of 64 years, Connie Rae (née Rhoades); his two proud and resilient sons, John Lawson of Charleston, West Virginia, and Rick Lawson of Huntington, West Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida; and his son‑in‑law (and bonus son), Rusty Hefner, also of Huntington, West Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida.

Family isn’t defined only by blood, but by love, loyalty, and the people who show up for you throughout life. And by that measure, Dad’s family is even bigger than the one listed in the records. Janie Spencer-Turley and her daughter Leah held a special place in his heart — not as friends, but as family in every real and meaningful way. To Dad, Janie was another daughter, and Leah a granddaughter he adored. And the rest of us feel exactly the same. Their love, constancy, and presence enriched his life beyond measure.

Kermit loved his wife. He loved his sons. He absolutely worshipped his beloved Boston Terrier, Jodie. But perhaps the passion that accompanied him through every season of his life was the game of golf — and the deep camaraderie he shared with the many friends who joined him on fairways, greens, and the occasional questionable lie.

He left us with a great deal of wisdom, but the lesson he repeated more than any other was this: “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Over the years, those words have proven true time and time again.

But today, we hope these words are wrong. Because we can see him now on the most beautiful course imaginable — sunshine over his shoulder, breeze at his back — raising a cold beer and saying, “Well done, boys. Well done.”

02/12/2026

James Richard “Rick” Dunlap, 76, of Sod went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at home.

Rick was a member of and deacon at Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church and was a former member of the gospel group, Canaan Land Boys. He was a 1967 graduate of Duval High School. He was a member of Local 970 Painters Union and retired from St. Frances Hospital in 2015 with 30 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Billy” Dunlap and Thelma Phelps Torman; son, Richard Dwayne Dunlap.

Rick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy McCallister Dunlap; daughter and son-in-law, Marketta and Joey Collins; son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Andrea Dunlap; 4 grandsons, Adam (Audra), Nick (Kate), Micah, and Malachi; 4 great grandchildren, Chloe, Aiden, Ezra, and Asa; sister, Lillian (Dwayne) Gibson and Kathy (Bobby) Powell.

Funeral service will be 2:00pm, Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastors Mark Ruby, Richard Ruby, and Kurt Dragoo officiating. Burial will follow at Samson Cemetery, Garretts Bend. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

02/12/2026

Flora (Judy) Ann Connery, 86, of Red House, formerly of St. Albans, went home to be with her Savior, and to be reunited with her husband, Fred, on February 11, 2026.

She was born on July 19, 1939, to Leonard and Essie Crisp. Her husband, Fred, preceded her in death by seventeen days. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Butch and Barry Crisp, and her granddaughter, Emeri Connery.

She is survived by her only sister Lois (Jean) Johnson; her daughter Jo Barker (Doug), grandchildren Elliott Stevens, Savannah Corns, and Noah Barker; son Fred Connery, Jr. (Dianne), grandchildren Madison Trace, Klint and Kyle Connery; son, Dan Connery (Charles Kiriakos); great grandchildren Violet and Asa Corns, Boone Barker, Mason and Camden Trace, Chase Connery, and one on the way.

She was a graduate of Eastbank High School. She was a teacher at Faith Christian Church in St. Albans. She worked alongside her husband, Fred, in his various ministries, including founding and building Peoples Baptist Church of Scott Depot. She loved working with children in school as well as in church. Her heart was happiest in being a homemaker, which was evident if you ever stepped inside her home.

She loved her family fiercely, and her greatest love was her husband, Fred. You never saw one without the other. Theirs is a love story for the ages. Her heart did not want to be where he wasn’t, so she went to be with him.

There will be no services at this time.

02/10/2026

Timothy Allen Bell, 76, of Charleston, WV, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman & Ruth Eskew Bell, brothers, Tony Bell and Terry Bell, and sister, Karen Gray.

Tim was owner of Bell Mechanical, Inc., in Dunbar, and a U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam. He was an avid drag racer and antique car enthusiast, an active member of the Alum Creek Lions Club and a 1968 Graduate of George Washington High School.

He is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Ricky) Stivers, son, Terry Shannon Bell, grandson, Rhomas Stivers, granddaughter, Gabi Stivers, sister, Joyce McAllister, and ex-wife, Timmyle Bell. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and special friends, Kenny Lewis, Derick Foster, Ronnie Bell, Gary Smith, and Leonard Codispodi.

Service will be 10:00am Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, WV.

Visitation will be from 6:00pm – 8:00pm pm Friday, February 13, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home.

02/09/2026

Sandra Lou “Sandy” Burgess, 63, of Alum Creek, WV, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, WV. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Burgess, son, Jonathan Burgess, and parents, George Morgan & Martha Baire Holstein.

Sandy was a homemaker and former day care worker at Heart & Hand. She loved to shop and to spend time outside with her animals.

She is survived by her daughter, Crystal Jones, grandchildren, Alexis Jones (Chase Dorsey) and Jonathan Jones, great-granddaughter, Charlotte Dorsey and brother, Danny Morgan.

Service will be 1:00pm Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home with Chaplain Ray Witmer officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service.

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