Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel

11/23/2025

Don’t forget to mark your calendars! Our Community Remembrance Event will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 6pm at the Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, 828 Front Street, Lovingston, VA 22949.
Our families, friends and community are encouraged to join as we commemorate and celebrate the lives of all we have recently lost.
We know how difficult the holidays can be after the loss of a loved one, and we sincerely hope that you can join us to celebrate their memory this holiday season.
If you plan to attend, we ask that you please call us at 434-263-4097 or register at www.WellsSheffield.com under the resources tab in the Community Events section.

11/23/2025

On November 21, 2025, high on a mountain surrounded by family and friends, Thelma Frances Simpson departed for her heavenly walk with Jesus Christ.

Frances was born in Smoot, West Virginia, on September 30, 1936 to the late Claude and Elanore DeCatur. She is also predeceased by her husband of over 70 years, Silas “Billy” Simpson, and by two children, Jerry Wayne Simpson, and Barbara Sue Snead.
Frances and Billy were married October 4, 1952. There are two surviving children, Russ (Karen) and Curtis (Darla), and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Ann Cooper of Troy, Virginia.

Over the course of her life, she had many jobs. She was a devoted wife and mother, exuding strength in body and mind. Along with her husband and children, she owned and operated Billy’s Fruit Stand for over 35 years. Frances and Billy also started a property rental business which is still ongoing.

Frances and Billy loved their vacation home in Colonial Beach, VA, where they fished on their boat in the Potomac sound, while watching sunrises and sunsets. No day would be complete without taking Chico, then Katie on a golf cart ride along the shores of Colonial Beach.

Over the course of her lifetime, Frances was known as a matriarch of Nelson County, offering wisdom, kindness, and life advice to all who came. She was a loving soul to all who met her.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Roy Boone for his kindness in being with the family in a time of need. We would also like to thank the many doctors and nurses at the University of Virginia’s hospital, who offered compassionate care. In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Joe Hall, and Dr. Craig Slingluff, for their unwavering assistance navigating the day-to-day care and advice.

Funeral services will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 with family greeting at 12 PM, followed by service at 1 PM with Pastor Tyler Lucas officiating with interment, following at the gravesite in Ridgecrest Baptist Church Cemetery. Special music will be performed by Gracelyn Bride.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to IronDogScar a nonprofit for UVA Cancer research benefiting Dr. Craig Slingluff, P.O. Box 145 Lovingston, Virginia 22949, or online at IronDogScar.org.

Family and friends may sign the virtual guestbook at www.wellssheffield.com.

Arrangements by Wells Sheffield Funeral Chapel Lovingston, VA (434) 263-4097.

11/21/2025

David Lee Miller, 80, died peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, in his home.
He was born on October 17, 1945, a son of the late John H and Anna E Miller of Schuyler, VA.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Mark A. Miller.
Surviving are his siblings: John and wife, Mary Lynn of Copley OH; Daniel and wife, Tricia of Waxhaw NC; Rhoda of Crozet VA; Martha and husband, Dale Swartzentruber of Dallas NC; Paul and wife, Kimberly of Linville VA and Timothy and wife, Lisa of Schuyler VA.
David loved music and played piano by ear. He provided a strong bass voice in his younger years while singing with his family. For years he was a regular at Saunders Brothers where people loved to hear him perform gospel music. In the last 10+ years, he played piano regularly at his church, Woodland Baptist Church, including weekly chapel for the children's school. Along the way, he earned the nickname “The Piano Man of Nelson County.”
David enjoyed feeding and watching the birds as well as chance meetings with other woodland animals. He was a part of his church men’s group, who were like brothers to him.
He retired from Nelson County Public Schools where he worked in maintenance.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Woodland Baptist Church, 4434 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Arrington VA, on December 13, 2025, at 11 AM, with lunch and visitation following the service. Inurnment will be private with family.
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

11/20/2025

Doris Marie Smith, born April 22, 1939, in Washington DC, passed from this earth to her eternal reward on November 19, 2025, at her home in Newmarket, VA surrounded by her family.
Doris loved God, loved others, and loved her family. Everyone who knew Doris, knew they were cared about and loved by her. Doris grew up in Alexandria, VA and at the age of 16 married the love of her life, Jesse Smith. Doris and Jesse (who preceded her in death in 1994) enjoyed their married years living in Manassas Park, VA, where they raised their 3 children; Royce Smith, Karen Goodnough (James), and William Smith (Susan).
Doris worked many years for High’s Dairy, being promoted through the years to the position of store manager. Doris retired in 1992. Doris got tremendous pleasure from sending and receiving cards. She never missed sending cards to her loved ones. After her retirement Doris filled her time with being the caregiver for her husband, Jesse for the year prior to his death, 2 years for her mother, Fern Hunt, and for the lifetime of her son Royce. This was her greatest joy and accomplishment. Doris provided transportation for Royce and several of her friends to church, the grocery store, and medical appointments. Doris was the “chauffeur of champions”.
Doris moved to Newmarket, VA in 2023 to live with her daughter, Karen and family, where she remained until her passing. Doris died at home under the care of her family and Legacy Hospice following a short illness.
Doris leaves behind her children Karen Goodnough (James), William Smith (Susan), 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild, her sister, Dottie Blandford, a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents John E. Hunt and L. Fern Hunt, her siblings Arnold Hunt, Juanita Phillips, and Larry Hunt, her husband Jesse Smith, and her son Royce Smith.
The viewing will take place at Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel located at 828 N. Front St., Lovingston, VA, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 12noon - 1pm.
The funeral will be immediately following. The burial will take place in the family cemetery in Shipman, VA.
In honor of Doris, we request that those in attendance wear something red, her favorite color.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, Virginia (434-263-4097).

11/10/2025

David Alan Taylor, 64, a dutiful Marine Veteran and longtime resident of Afton, VA, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64 on November 7, 2025.
Born on January 25, 1961, David proudly served nearly two decades in the United States Marine Corps, retiring with honor. His service included a prestigious assignment with HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron. Following his military career, he worked for over 30 years at Allied Concrete in Charlottesville, VA.
David will be remembered for his commitment to his work, his coy but sarcastic humor, and his dedicated loyalty to those he held in high regard. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors, Nascar, hunting, fishing, playing his odds with the lottery, and relaxing in the evenings with a Louis L'Amour book in the company of his sister, Pat.
He is survived by his children: Matthew Taylor (Karen) of Arrington, VA, Michael Taylor (Brooke) of Fishersville, VA, and daughter Kelly Moser of Staunton, VA. He was a grandfather to Brenden Moser, Jeremiah Taylor-Pearson, Jameson Taylor, Timmy, Heather, and Matt. And great-grandfather to Tommy, Levi, Bella, Nevaeh, Dakota, and Ellayna. He is also survived by his many siblings, Robin Fitzgerald (Darrell), Linda Taylor, Patricia Lawhorne (Johnny), Tom Taylor (Leslie), Tim Taylor, April Lusk (Brock), and Nicolle Thompson (Marc), along with a slew of nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Taylor and Dolly S. Bradley, his brother Steve Taylor, his nephew Christopher Graves, and niece Jennifer Whitlock.
Service Information:
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
If anyone so chooses, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a charitable donation to the American Heart Association, or buy a lottery ticket in his memory.
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434) 263-4097.

10/28/2025

Henrietta (Penny) Alvina Geelan, 86, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 in Charlottesville, VA. Penny was born October 6th, 1939, the youngest daughter of four children of Henry and Irma Brettmann, in Nyack, NY. Penny was proceeded in death by her husband Timothy, her sisters Eleanor, Gloria, her brother Fredrick, and her grandson Sean.
Penny was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and a friend to many in New York, New Jersey and Virgina. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Chris Anne and Russell Hein, Lee and Stacey Geelan, her grandchildren Bryan, Alyssa, and Stephani, great grandchild, Connor and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She worked as a waitress at the local Friendly’s restaurant, as a receptionist at several doctors’ offices, taught nursery school at Young World Day School, a Girl Scout Troop leader, and a Sunday school teacher at Pascack Valley Bible Church in Hillsdale, NJ.
Penny and Tim retired to Nelson County, VA in 1997 from Woodcliff Lake, NJ where they built a home in Shipman. She joined the Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston, VA, where she taught Sunday School and Awana Club Cubbies for many years. She was very involved in county events and attended every Board of Supervisors meeting she could.
She enjoyed spending time traveling to visit her family and friends in California, Florida and Vermont. She also traveled to Arizona, Israel, Brazil and Europe.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Tyler Lucas and Pastor John Campbell officiating.
The family will receive friends one half hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cavalry Baptist Church, Hospice of the Piedmont, the Salvation Army or World Vision.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

10/03/2025

Cynthia Renee Hill, 54, of Nellysford, VA, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 surrounded by love.

Cindy was born on October 9, 1970 and married to William Hill on November 25, 1994.

Cindy was more than a wife, mother, sister, and friend. To know her was to feel joy, be comforted, and laugh until your sides hurt. She loved unconditionally. When she spoke to you, she had a way of giving warmth and light to any conversation. Even if she was mad, you knew she wouldn’t judge you.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Bill, her children, Myranda (Clayton) Simonin, Caitlin Hill, Kristin Hill and Jason Hill, her two grandchildren, Abigail and Jackson, and her sister, Susan Franklin. She will also be deeply missed by countless friends, who consider her family.

Above all, Cindy will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her loyalty, and the love she poured into the lives of everyone around her. We will miss her daily, but we will also carry her with us in our memories, in our laughter, and in the quiet moments when we feel her near.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at the Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel in Lovingston, Virginia. In Her honor, we invite all who loved her to come together, share stories, and keep her spirit alive.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hill Family to help with this unprecedented dark time while the family grieves.

Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434) 263-4097.

09/17/2025

Henry A. Hughes, 95, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, in Faber, Virginia. Born on March 19, 1930, in Virginia, Henry lived a long and meaningful life marked by service, dedication, and a deep connection to his community.
Henry proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Missouri during the Korean War, contributing to the defense of his country with honor and commitment. After his military service, he embarked on a successful career with several prominent companies, including Dupont, General Electric, and Genicom. His professional journey reflected a strong work ethic and adaptability across diverse industries.
A man of faith and community spirit, Henry was a devoted member of Rockfish Valley Baptist Church since 1933. He served on numerous committees over the years, offering his time and energy to support the church’s mission and its members. His presence in the congregation was a source of strength and kindness to many.
Outside of work and service, Henry found joy outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who cherished time spent in nature. Gardening was another of his passions, a quiet pursuit that brought him peace and satisfaction. He especially loved sharing the fruits of his garden with friends and family.
Henry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally. He is survived by his loving sister, Shenandoah Hamilton of Waynesboro, Virginia; his daughter, Andria Mullin; and his son, Henry Hughes II. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Nadreen Ferguson (Nick), Omar Khalaf, Alana Hughes, Devin Hughes (Katie), and Mandy Dudley; six great-grandchildren: Tre Linkous, Brianna Linkous, Alyssa Linkous, Kamden Ferguson, Evie Hughes, and Abbey Hughes. One great -great grandchild Blakley Harris. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins including Lon Rhoades, Roger Hamilton, Thea Gibson, Anne Youell, Cheryl Martin, Nina Martin, and Chris Martin. Henry’s life was enriched by many special friends, among them Walter Martin, Sherri and Paul Davis, Daryl Martin, Dianne and Dickie Folsom, Dave Thomas, and Mike and Janie Friedlein, Doug Ponton and many others.
His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him—through family ties, friendships, church fellowship, and shared pastimes. May his memory bring comfort to those whose lives he touched.
The family extends special thanks to the Hospice of Piedmont team and to Adam Meredith for spending precious moments with Henry in prayer and conversation.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Rockfish Valley Church, Wintergreen Fire department or the Hospice of Piedmont.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Rockfish Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Nellysford with Pastor Daryl Martin and Pastor Adam Meredith officiating.
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

09/17/2025

Rexford Dale Roberts, Sr., 90, of Alexandria, Virginia passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at his residence.
He was born on January 13, 1935 in Virginia, a son of the late Spurgeon M. Roberts and Christine Viola Johnson Roberts.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Imogene Pugh Roberts, four brothers, Paul Roberts, Gene Roberts, Claude Roberts and Arnold Roberts.
“Rex” was a Metro Transit Mechanic and a United States Army Veteran.
He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Hisey of Alexandria, Virginia; his son, Rexford D. Roberts, Jr. of Pensacola, Florida; a sister, Shirley Pugh of Shipman, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel in Lovingston with Rev. Clyde Mawyer, Jr. officiating.
Interment will follow in the Roberts Family Cemetery in Shipman.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

09/16/2025

Patsy Virginia Phillips Higginbotham, 99, of Afton passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025 at River Edge Rehab and Nursing Home in Waynesboro, following a short illness.
She was born March 7, 1926 the youngest of the 11 children of John Bailey and Sallie Rittenhouse Phillips of Glenthorne in Nellysford.
In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Fred E. Higginbotham; brothers, John, Joe, Zach, Juddy, and Freddie Phillips; sisters, Ruby Eisinger, Annie Clark, Elizabeth Lyborger, Louise Wade, and Dorothy Revercomb; all of her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and over a dozen nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her daughter and only child, Bettina Higginbotham (Larry Loving) of Afton; grandsons, Grant Rose of Woodbridge and Darren Rose of Charlottesville and numerous nieces and nephews.
Patsy was a teacher for 27 years at Rockfish Valley Elementary School with 26 of those years being in 3rd grade. She was the last surviving member of the Rockfish Valley High School graduating class of 1943. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1973 from Madison College after attending summer classes for 8 straight years while teaching 3rd grade on a teaching certificate during the regular school term.
Patsy was a talented seamstress, knitter, artist, and an avid cat fancier. She donated to multiple charities, in particular the VFW in honor of Fred’s military service. She was a friend to many, a stranger to none, and most of all a very loving and devoted grandma.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025 at the Rockfish Valley Baptist Church and will be officiated by Pastors Adam Meredith and Billy Coffey, with eulogy delivered by Grant Rose.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

09/16/2025

Andrew Harold Stillman, 66, of Shipman passed away on September 9, 2025.
He was born on July 3, 1959 in New York City, a son of the late Herbert R. Stillman and Judith Sadowsky Stillman.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Lynn Stillman; his daughter, Casey Stillman (Levi Hipp); his step-daughter, Ananda Kablack; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

Wells Sheffield Funeral Chapel provides complete funeral services in Lovingston, VA. Call us today for pre-planning or custom planning options

09/12/2025

Sarah Purvis Davis, 78, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away on August 29, 2025.
She was born January 27, 1947 in Shipman, Virginia a daughter of the late Cecil Elmo Davis, Sr. and Eleanor Grace Purvis Davis.
She attended Nelson County High School and was a member of the class of 1965. She was also a United States Army Veteran.
She is survived by her brothers, Cecil Davis, Jr. (Kathy) of Madison Alabama, Mike Davis (Debra Moyer) of Palmyra, Virginia and Joey Davis of Shipman, Virginia as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).