Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service

03/13/2026

Al Martin, 83, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026. He was born November 4, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, a son of the late Edward Martin, Sr. and Jessie Martin. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Edward Martin, Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jean Martin; and his daughter, Julie (Darrell) Mayhew; his sister, Linda (Buddy) Whatley; and several nieces and nephews.
Al served in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia. While visiting his brother in Virginia Beach, he met the love of his life, Jean, and married her two weeks later. They moved to Larchmont in Norfolk, Virginia where they resided until they retired to Bedford, Virginia.
Al was a salesman for Empire Machinery& Supply and worked construction on the weekends. When he wasn't working odd jobs, he loved going deep sea fishing with his buddies, bringing home his catch of the day and telling tales of the one that got away. He also enjoyed entertaining friends and neighbors with oyster roasts and crab feasts, when they were in season.
However, most people will remember him for his love of fine art and antiques. Another one of his hobbies was going to garage sales on Saturday mornings. With his coffee, newspaper, and map in hand, you never knew what treasures he would find and bring home. As a guest in our home, it was mandatory to visit his workshop for a little show and tell about his latest project restoring a piece of furniture or the latest addition to his many collections.
After retiring to Bedford, Al traded in his fishing poles for a John Deere, taking pride in his yard and gardens. He still went to garage sales on Saturday mornings and enjoyed tinkering in his workshop. He loved spending time with his family, dogs, and grand-dogs, which is why in lieu of flowers, in his memory, please consider making a donation to the Bedford County Animal Shelter. Needless to say, Al will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the first responders of the Bedford County Fire and Rescue Squad.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/12/2026

Melanie Clark Hodges Munsterman of Lynchburg, Va, passed into the Arms of God
on January 18, 2026. She is predeceased by her mother, Sheila Viar Clark.
She is survived by her daughter, Christen Hodges (Angus); beloved grandson, Waylon; father, Jerry Clark, Sr. (Madeline); brother, Jerry Clark, Jr. (Ivonne); and two aunts, Sandra Clark (Favorite Aunt) and Connie Clark.
Melanie attended Timberlake Christian School for 10 years and graduated from Heritage High School. She then pursued a career in Nursing and graduated from Virginia Baptist School of Nursing. She held many jobs in the Nursing Profession as a Nurse. She attended Jordan Baptist Church in Lynchburg. She was well loved by her family, and she loved them very much. She will forever be loved and will always be in our hearts!
At the request of the family all arrangements were private.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford VA, 540-586-7360.

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03/11/2026

With great sadness we announce the passing of Frank Anthony Ernandes, who was born into eternal life on March 5, 2026, after a brief illness. Frank was a giant in the defense industry. An Electrical Engineer with two Master’s Degrees, he specialized in radio frequency applications in the Aerospace field. He was well known to top military brass both at home and abroad, and once had a business meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He traveled the world extensively in his long career, which was capped by his responsibility for the design and construction of critical modules on the spacecraft that landed the Curiosity rover on Mars. In his later years, Frank collaborated with his son Tim to establish, manage, and run WSLK: the lake radio station, and Discover Smith Mountain Lake Magazine. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a devoted family man, a devout Catholic, a true patriot, and a man known for his generosity. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Gisela Ernandes, and four sons: Timothy (Jo-Ann), Kenneth (Sharon), Gregory (Ingrid), and Christopher (Pamela), six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Marie Ernandes, his brother Joseph Ernandes, and his sister, Anna Carlsen, as well as his nephew, Kevin Carlsen, and his grandson, Alexander Ernandes. A Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, on Monday, March 16th, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church, immediately prior to the Mass, starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.

03/10/2026

***UPDATED WITH NEW SERVICE DATE***
John N. Bradley, Jr. passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 78, after a two-week stay at Lynchburg General Hospital. John was the son of John N. “Jack” Bradley, Sr. and Mildred Bradley (née McCullough). He lived in Bedford, VA for his first sixteen years, before moving to Northern Virginia when his mother accepted a position with Fairfax County Public Schools.
John worked as an employee at IBM for twenty-five years before taking an early retirement. After that, he continued working with IBM on a contractual basis, as well as beginning to work with sound engineering and installation, a business that evolved out of volunteer work he did for the church he attended at the time.
After attending college in New Mexico, and living in Centreville, Virginia; Rochester, Minnesota;
and Marietta and Roswell in Georgia, John returned to his hometown of Bedford, Virginia in
2007. John was an active member of his local and church communities wherever he found himself
throughout his life. He was on the Board of Directors at the Sedalia Center, and did construction
work for Habitat for Humanity, until medical issues and treatment slowed him down in late
2019. He nonetheless continued volunteering at his church (Word of Life in Bedford) doing
audio engineering, and being active in the community.
John is survived by his son John Bradley, and daughter Teresa Bradley, his sister Suzannah
Kuhns, his dear friend Mary Lee Nance, as well as several cousins, nephews and nieces of
various removes. He was well loved, and will leave a perceptible empty space in his community.
A memorial service is planned for John on the afternoon of Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 pm at
Word Of Life church in Bedford, Virginia. Word of Life church is located at 912 Burks Hill Road,
Bedford, VA 24523.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/09/2026

Barbara Jean Lee Mattie, 72, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was born in Summit, NJ on May 13, 1953 a daughter of the late Floyd Henry Lee and Mary Bakker Lee. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Erika Mattie; and her brother, Richard Henry Lee.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, James Kenneth Mattie, Sr.; sons, James Kenneth Mattie, Jr. (Courtney), Andrew Lee Mattie (Susie); grandchildren, Lindsey Mattie, Alexander Mattie, Avery Mattie; and sister, Patricia Lange.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Bart Hogge officiating. Burial will follow in Peaks Church Community Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Thursday and Friday at Walnut Street Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/05/2026

Thelma Arthur Johnson, 87, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. She was born in Bedford, VA on August 12, 1938 a daughter of the late Charles Kent Arthur and Pearl Moran Arthur. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William Arnold Hale; and her second husband Floyd Jasper Johnson.
She was a longtime member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church.
Thelma is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Ricketson, Terryl Moring (Tom), Kelly Harmony (Daniel); grandchildren, Holly Turner (Daniel), Brooke Levens (Michael), Megan Moring, Zack Harmony (Sarah), Taylor Harmony (Jacob); great-grandchildren, Madelyn Turner, Katelyn Turner, Magnolia Levens, Grayson Levens, Kennedy Harmony; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-daughters.
The family would like to thank Bedford County Nursing Home, Centra Hospice, and her in home caregivers for their care of their mom.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/02/2026

Anita "Sharon" Ireland Keesee
July 24, 1955 - February 26, 2026
Sharon Ireland Keesee, beloved wife, devoted bonus mother, cherished grandmother, talented artist, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Sharon was the heart of her home — a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Curt Keesee. Together they built a life grounded in love, strength, and commitment. She embraced her role as a bonus mom wholeheartedly, loving as her own and giving freely of her time, wisdom, and heart.
Affectionately known as the “craziest grandma ever,” Sharon found her grin her grandchildren. She filled their lives with fun, warmth, and unforgettable memories. Her laughter was contagious, her hugs were comforting, and her love was steady and unconditional.
Sharon was also a gifted and talented artist. She had a remarkable eye for detail and a creative spirit that shined through everything she touched. Whether working with paint, pencil, or craft, she had the ability to bring beauty to life and turn simple materials into meaningful works of art. Her artwork reflected her personality — thoughtful, vibrant, and full of heart. Many of her creations will remain treasured keepsakes for her family, serving as lasting reminders of her talent and the love she poured into every piece.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eli Washington Ireland and Jo Ann Gregory Ireland.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Curt Keesee; her bonus children, Samantha Jennings (Jeff) and Curtis Keesee III (Tiffany); her seven grandchildren, Casey Rice (Nathan), Joshua Jennings, Tara Jennings, Sean Jennings, Haley Keesee (L.J.), Dakota Keesee, and River Keesee; and one precious great-grandchild, Oakley Richardson.
She is also survived by her brother, Jacky Ireland (Donna); her niece, Amanda Ireland-Desmond; her nephew, John Ireland and his wife Susan; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Landon, Riley, and Eli; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.
Though her earthly presence is gone, the love and creativity she poured into her family and her art will continue to guide and comfort them. Her spirit lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the strength of her family, and the beautiful pieces she leaves behind.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Arrangements are currently being finalized and will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

03/02/2026

Patricia Lynn Bragg, 55, of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born in Fairfax, VA on February 15, 1971, a daughter of the late Ronald Lee Bragg, Sr. and Vanessa Adale Lyons Bragg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Lee Bragg, Jr., and her best friend, Tiffany Burnette Hamilton.
Trish was employed with Vinny’s Italian Grill in Moneta for 10.5 years, where her warm smile and kind spirit made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She truly never met a stranger — only friends she hadn’t made yet. Her heart was generous beyond measure. She helped others quietly and selflessly, often without being asked and even when she herself had very little. Giving was simply who she was.
She lived life to the fullest, finding joy in the simple moments, laughing loudly, loving deeply, and embracing every day with strength and resilience. Her presence lit up a room, and her compassion left a permanent mark on the lives she touched.
Above all else, her daughter, Brianna Faith Bragg, was the center of her world and the greatest love of her life. Being a mother was her proudest role and most cherished blessing. Everything she did was rooted in her love for Brianna, and that love was unwavering, fierce, and unconditional. The bond they shared was unbreakable.
She is survived by her daughter, Brianna Faith Bragg; her cousin, Darlene Costanzo; her extended family, Nancy Burnette, Kaiden Burnette, Keith and Ena Burnette, Kevin and Carrie Burnette.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Jessica Berger officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

02/27/2026

***Service Reminder***

***Rescheduled*******
***Updated Service Date***

Dr. Diane Louise (Failor) Rowell, 69, of Moneta, Virginia (Bedford County), passed away unexpectedly at 12:02 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from injuries sustained in a tragic motor vehicle accident on the evening of January 12, 2026.
Diane was born on February 9, 1956, in Washington, D.C. From the time she was just four years old, Diane knew she wanted to become a doctor—and she pursued that calling with unwavering determination, grit, and purpose. She accomplished her lifelong dream while raising three young children through medical school, a reflection of her strength and perseverance, and the depth of her devotion to both family and service.
At just 17 years old, Diane met the love of her life, Joe Rowell, Sr., while working as a gift wrapper at Hecht’s Department Store. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family. Joe preceded her in death in 2023.
Diane obtained her Associate in Science from Sandhills Community College in 1979, her Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University in 1982, and later earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in 1989. She completed her residency training with Carilion at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1991, and was board certified in Family Medicine. She later became board certified in Emergency Medicine through ABPS in 2016.
Following residency, Diane began practicing in Stuart, Virginia, where she served the community as an Emergency Room physician and helped strengthen and build emergency services within Patrick County as its Operational Medical Director. She later worked at the Farmville Centra Southside Community Hospital's Emergency Department, and in 2012, began her long-term service at the Martinsville Emergency Department, where she continued working full-time until her untimely passing.
In 2005, Diane also opened a primary care practice in Bedford, Virginia, where she compassionately cared for generations of families and patients. She worked there full time until she sold the practice in 2023, shortly after the death of her beloved husband. Even then, she continued serving the Bedford community part-time while remaining deeply committed to her work in Martinsville.
Diane dedicated her life to caring for others—her patients, her coworkers, her friends, and her family. Across decades of service, she touched countless lives through her compassion, kindness, humility, strength, and tireless advocacy for those in need. She fought hard for her patients and loved ones, and her impact as a physician and a woman of integrity will never be forgotten.
Outside of medicine, Diane found joy in the peaceful beauty of home in the countryside. She loved gardening, spending time with her cats and dogs, taking walks on the farm, and watching over her chickens. She was truly the heart of her family—their rock—steady, devoted, and deeply loved.
Diane was preceded in death by, not only her husband, Joe, but also her mother, Lucille Failor; her older brother, George Failor; and her younger brother, Lodi Failor.
She is survived by her children, Joe Rowell, Jr., Robert Rowell (Darcy), and Leah Franks (Jerry); and her cherished grandchildren, Noah Franks and Katelynn Franks. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Martha Jo Rowell, who still lives on the farm, and many other extended family members, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable life and career.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bedford Humane Society.
Arrangements are being handled by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W Main St, Bedford, Virginia 24523.

02/27/2026

***Service Reminder***

***UPDATED WITH RESCHEDULED SERVICE INFORMATION***
Roger Ernest Schneider, 91, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. He was born in East Orange, NJ on September 19, 1934 a son of the late Ernest Wilhelm Schneider and Anna Lundberg Schneider.
He was a proud Air Force veteran. Roger loved wood working and he was a master wood crafter. He was a retired teacher and he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dawn Savannah Schneider; children, Carrie Collin, Donna Anufriyev (Aleksey); grandchildren, Alexander Anufriyev, Natalie Anufriyev, Michael Anufriyev; and brother, Stanley Schneider (Katherine).
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Longwood Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Ross Gilfillen officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Greenwood cemetery with Air Force military honors.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

02/26/2026

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02/26/2026

Virginia Anne Bain Pearson, 88, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Lynchburg, VA. Born on April 19, 1937, in Petersburg, Va, she was the daughter of Boyd and Ethel Bain of Farmville, Va.
Virginia is survived by her children, Ellyn Bain Mullis (Brad) of Statesville, NC, Anne Boyd Cox (Larry) of Evington, Va, William Lee Pearson of Hot Springs, Va; and Alice Virginia Pearson of Lynchburg, Va. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Reamey of Richmond, Va; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her beloved dog, Star; and her cherished cats, Creamy and Oliver.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Lee Pearson and her son, Harold Bruce Pearson.
Virginia graduated from Farmville High School in 1955 and began her higher education at Westhampton College at the University of Richmond. In 1956, she transferred to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy, where she was the first female student ever admitted to their pharmacy program. She met her husband Harold when they were students in pharmacy school. After her first year, her passion for helping others led her to transition to VCU’s Nursing School. She paused her studies to marry Harold in 1958, and she then raised their five children. Years later, with unwavering determination and a love for caregiving, Virginia returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lynchburg College in 1984. She also received a Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling from Lynchburg College in 1994.
Virginia began her nursing career in 1984 as a Registered Nurse at Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH), working in their Emergency Room and cardiac step-down unit. After a few years, she transitioned to working as a psychiatric nurse on the adult psychiatric unit and the child/adolescent psychiatric unit, both at VBH. In the early 1990s, she joined Lynchburg General Hospital as an ER mental health evaluator while also working at The Assessment Center, which provided outpatient mental health evaluations. Her dedication to mental health care continued when she then became a nurse at Centra’s Piedmont Psychiatric Center. Virginia retired after two decades of compassionate service in nursing and mental health care within Centra’s hospitals and facilities.
Virginia had a lifelong love for gardening and flowers. Her talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements brought joy to many. An avid reader with an insatiable appetite for books, she often immersed herself in multiple books at once. Her faith was also an important part of her life—she grew up attending Episcopal churches in Petersburg and Farmville before joining St. John’s Episcopal Church upon moving to Lynchburg in the late 1950s.
A woman of grace and compassion, Virginia touched countless lives with her kindness and selflessness. She was a beacon of hope to all who knew her. Her gentle spirit extended beyond people to animals as well—her pets were among her greatest joys. Active in her community, Virginia was a member of The Women’s Club of Lynchburg and the Ragged Robin Garden Club, where she served as both secretary and president. She also was a volunteer at Old City Cemetery and passionately loved their beautiful roses and flowers.
Virginia’s life will be celebrated at 12:30pm on March 6, 2026. The service will be held at the Old City Cemetery chapel, which is located at 401 Taylor Street in Lynchburg Va. In her memory, floral tributes are welcome, or donations may be made to Old City Cemetery.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.