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

04/02/2026

Dr. Oren Lee Thornhill, 78, of The Villages, FL, left his earthly body to be present with his Savior on Monday, March 30, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee & Louise Gillispie Thornhill and sister, Darleen.

He was a lifelong resident of Alum Creek, WV, and a 1966 graduate of George Washington High School. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. He had a lengthy career for the State of WV and ending as an auditor for the Governor’s Office. For more than 50 years he was a professional marquetarian with his artwork being displayed in many state government offices and as far away as Japan. Another favorite hobby of his was playing the harmonica especially with his club at the Villages. He and Sandy also enjoyed playing pentanque with their friends at the Pentanque Club.

Later in life in his 50’s Oren answered God’s call on his life to preach and be a pastor that truly loved his flock. Currently he attended and considered Ruth Community Church as his home church. He went back to school earning a Doctorate Degree in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra D. Thornhill, son, Christopher Lee (Chasity) Thornhill, granddaughters, Reese and Ashton Thornhill (his two grandbabies were the love of his earthly life). He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Luella Moore.

Service will be 1:00pm Monday, April 6, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastor Gene Pauley officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, WV. Family & friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to your local Hospice.

03/30/2026

Lori Lynn Casto, 56, of Alum Creek, WV, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026, at home. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Bruce McDaniel, father, Gary Dale Casto, and brother Gary Dale Casto, Jr.

Lori was a manager at Wendy’s at Southridge for 20 years and a 1988 graduate of Duval High School. She enjoyed reading and movies and loved being a mother, and entertaining at parties, Christmas and giving gifts.

She is survived by her children, Sarah Rice and her husband, Eliu Espinosa, James Rice and Samantha McDaniel, mother, Dottie Casto-Kelley and granddaughter, Amilya Miles.

There will be no services.

03/28/2026

Rondy Perdue, 78 of Ashford, passed away peacefully at home on Friday March 27, 2026. He was a retired coal miner having worked for Orlandi Coal Company and Southern Appalachian Coal Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hyla and Raymond Perdue; brothers, Jimmie, Terry, Mutt, Donnie and Bob Perdue; sisters, Carolyn Williams and Linda Cain.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Teresa Perdue; daughter, Donna Bowles and husband Sean. The hearts of his life; his grandson Corey Bowles (Alyssa), granddaughter, Bryleigh Bowles and fiancé Joey Runion. Brother, Darcey Perdue; sisters, Becky Kirk, Darlene Long (Freddie), Glenna Graley (Teddy); several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Rondy is also survived by his five buddies that he loved spending time with and dearly loved; Carter, Luke, Kaysen, Aidan, and Posey.

Graveside service for Rondy Perdue will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday March 31, 2026, at Holstein Cemetery, Dartmont. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service at the cemetery.

03/28/2026

Bill Hansford Holstein JR died on Friday, March 20th, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Bill was born in Charleston, WV to Bill Hansford Holstein SR and Cleo Ruth Holstein. He was known for his kindness and quiet humor, qualities that made him deeply loved by all who knew him. Bill found great joy in his work as a school bus driver for Mingo County, where he was a trusted member of the school system ensuring the safety and welfare of all children on his bus. He enjoyed telling his own children about the students he saw daily, sharing stories of the creative children he got to meet. Bill had a lifelong love for Star Trek, attending conventions and getting to meet his favorite actors, including building an amazing collection of their signatures. He had the opportunity to share these adventures with his granddaughter. He was a lifelong fan of the Rams. More importantly, Bill was an amazing older brother, father, son, uncle, and community member.

He is survived by his brother, A. Charles Holstein, his daughter and son-in-law Sylvia and Frank Felitsky, his son Joseph Holstein, his beloved granddaughter Genevevie, his other cherished grandchildren, and his very dear cat Chekov, his best companion. He is missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek.

Funeral service will be 11:00am, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Barker Cemetery, Ashford, WV.

03/22/2026

Eula Francis Pauley, 95, of South Charleston, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Eula lived a long and generous life marked by loyalty, kindness, and quiet strength.

Eula retired from Cabot Oil & Gas after more than 35 years of dedicated service. Following her retirement, she poured her time and energy into caring for her family. Fiercely loyal and immensely kind, Eula touched the lives of all who knew her.

Eula was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Caroline Blake Pauley; sisters, Mary Alice Hess, Ruth Duvall, Amy Griffith, and Monna Jean Griest. She is survived by her brothers, Lowell Pauley and Elmer Pauley; sister, Betty Ann Pauley; and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her.

Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston, with Pastor Gene Pauley officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Hubbard Hospice House of Charleston, WV, for the compassionate care provided to Eula and her family in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Eula’s memory to HospiceCare at www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/.

03/19/2026

Donald Gene “Donnie” Pauley, 70, of Sod passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at home.

Donnie leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and a deep unwavering love for his family and the Lord. Being remembered for his warm spirit, quick wit, stories and great jokes that brought joy and laughter to friends and family. He will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Seth & Agnes Graley Pauley; brother, Roger Pauley and sister, Christine Holt.

Donnie is survived by his daughter, Krista Pauley (Jeremy); son, Donald, Jr. (Emily); brother, Ronald (Alma Lou) Pauley, Glen Pauley; sister, Sharon (George) Hughes; grandchildren, Nikki Jones, Tessa Buckner, Skylar Orcutt, Tirany Pauley, Jayda Pauley, Damien Pauley; great grandchildren, Addisyn, Hudsyn, Ember, Braxton, Sa’kius; and longtime friend, Brian Williams.

Funeral service will be 3:00pm, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Pastor Sherry Shamblin officiating. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

03/19/2026

Rocky Baire, 67, of South Charleston, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Lincoln Drive-Valley Center. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Haden & Mary Magdalene Baire, Mom, Greathel, and brother, Elvis Lee.

Rocky loved the Lord with all his heart and so looked forward to seeing Him face to face. Rocky was a member of Briar Creek Baptist Church,

He is survived by his siblings, Junie (Buddy) Kirk, Bawfurd Baire, William (Donna) Baire, Joyce (Danny) Pauley, Hazel (Terry) Rabel, and Mary (Barney) Johnson. He is also survived by many cousins that he loved dearly.

Service will be 1:00pm Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Sisk officiating. Burial will follow at the Brounland Cemetery, Alum Creek, WV.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

03/17/2026

Peggy Sue Hart, 73, of South Charleston passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at home.

Peggy was a homemaker. She loved to cook and bake and was known for her beautiful cakes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Lola Breedlove Hicks; sister, June Prouse; and brothers, Frank, Jr., Johnny, and Sonny Hicks.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Tony Evans; brother, Billy Hicks; sisters, Judy Turley and Vicky Casto; children, Sandy Blankenship and Billy Ray Rose; grandchildren, Tyler, Haley, Hunter, and Anthony; and great grandson, Braylon.

The family will host a memorial of life in the spring.

03/13/2026

Lawrence Newsom, 90, of Charleston passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at home with his wife and daughter by him.

He was Born to Tolby & Martha Newsom in Pike County, KY. At 14, his family moved to Boone County then to Charleston in 1960.

Lawrence boxed for several years in the Golden Gloves Boxing Tournaments, winning almost all of his matches. He worked as a furniture and automobile upholsterer. He had his own shop for 7 years before becoming disabled.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Charlotte; daughter, Theresa Starcher (Rob); grandchildren, Jessica Scarberry (Mike), Corey Starcher (Ashley); great grandchildren, Lincoln Johnson, Jackson Starcher, Ridge Scarberry, and Monroe Scarberry; sisters, Mabel Dodrill, Anna Mae Williams (Jr.); and several nieces and nephews.

We want to express our thanks and gratitude to the nurses at CAMC 3rd floor South for all their excellent care and compassion to him and our family. Also, a special thanks to Hospice for their care in the final days. We could not have been treated any better.

Funeral service will be 1:00pm, Monday, March 16, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Hewitt officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Memorial Park, South Charleston. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

03/10/2026

Sharon Sue “Sissy” Dunlap, 78, of Sod, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

She was a 1965 graduate of Duval High School, and a member of McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church were she faithfully taught Sunday School for 47 years. She was a volunteer coordinator at McCorkle Community Outreach Center where she enjoyed helping people.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Avis & Lucille Griffith and husband, Gary D. Dunlap.

She is survived by her caregivers, her brother, Melvin Griffith (Kathy) of Sod and her sister, Marcia Meeks of Winfield.

“Aunt Sissy” is also survived by her nephews, whom she loved as her own, Timmy, Gail, & Katley Thaxton of Griffithsville, Brandon Bentley of Fraziers Bottom, Brent, Brittany, Beckett, Brinley, & Bailey Griffith of Alum Creek, Travis, Melissa, Dain, & Ava Bentley of Fraziers Bottom, Marty & Kanden Griffith of Sod, and Jason & Kristie Bentley, Logan & Wyatt of Georgetown, DE; niece, Regina Young.

Sharon was blessed to have many lifetime friends, but Debbie Hedrick and Brenda Flowers faithfully provided much needed weekly transportation to Dialysis on Fridays for 3 years. She also leaves behind her furbaby, “Paco” who will miss sleeping on her lap.

The family would like to thank everyone who sent cards, came by to visit, and most of all for your prayers.

Funeral service will be 1:00pm, Friday, March 13, 2026, at McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church, Sod with Pastor Isaiah Hatfield officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Sumerco. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to McCorkle Community Outreach Program, 13 Ely Fork, Sod, WV 25564.

03/08/2026

Billy Joe Taylor 74 of South Charleston, WV left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior after a long illness on March 4, 2026. Joe was a kind, giving individual who lived his faith by example, and who dearly loved the mountains and taking day trips with his wife Nancy.

Joe was born April 17, 1951, to the late Harold Joseph Taylor and Glenna Tudor Taylor.

In addition to Joe’s parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved parents-in-law Rev. Eldon and Ella Fitzwater, brother in-laws Rev. Mike Fitzwater, Rev. Robert Mullins, and Mark Lanham.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church of St. Albans where he served as Deacon and Trustee for many years as well as Sunday School Superintendent. Recently, Joe attended Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek, prior to his illness.

Joe was a 1972 and 1985 graduate of WVU Tech in Montgomery, WV. He retired from Union Carbide and Mullen Plumbing. Joe was the former owner of Taylor Heating and Cooling.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Nancy, and son B.J. Taylor (Kris). Siblings Brenda Walton (Ron), and Debbie Mullins. Sister in-laws Janet Dunlap (Dennis), Jackie Lanham, Phyllis Fitzwater and Mary Fitzwater and special niece Katie Fitzwater as well as many loving nephews, nieces and friends who will greatly miss him.

The family would like to extend special recognition and heartfelt thanks to Donald Gillespie, who was always there when help was needed; to his devoted caregiver, Pam Dolin; and to close friend, Kelly Mitchell. Also, a forever sense of gratitude to Thea Evans who was pivotal in getting Joe back to WV from Cleveland after his surgery. Special thanks to Pastor Daniel Dent and his church for all the prayers, cards, and lunches every Tuesday and Evangelist friend Doug Day for all the prayers that went up for Joe across the country.

Service Details – Officiating will be Air Force chaplain, Capt. Matt Lanham and assisting will be Pastor Daniel Dent of Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek. Visitation will be Friday, March 13 from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services, Saturday, March 14 at 11am at Curry Funeral Home, with entombment to follow at Graceland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of Charleston.

03/08/2026

Marcella “Tootie” Egnor Holbrook, 85, of Sod, died March 7, 2026, after a long illness.

She was a Christian and went home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Tootie was preceded in death by her husband, Jerrell Holbrook and her sister, Anna Jean Barker.

She is survived by her brother, Carl Egnor and sister, Ruth Egnor; children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Service will be 1:00pm, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, with Pastor Billy Silva officiating. Burial will follow at Madison Memory Gardens. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Curry Funeral Home, WV

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