A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home

12/30/2025

TAMMY RENA MILTON, 60, of Dublin, VA, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Lewis Gale Medical Center-Salem. She was born June 1, 1965 in Pearisburg, VA.

Tammy was a caregiver who especially loved her family and friends. She loved all flowers and being outdoors. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her step-father, Norman Linkous and a special sister-in-law that she considered her sister, Karen Woodyard Davis.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Lisa & Scott Henley and Christina Wright (Tiffany White); 5 granddaughters and 2 grandsons; her mother, Alberta Linkous; her brother, Gilbert Davis; her sister, Shelia Davis (Richard Miller); aunts and uncles, Larry Davis, Jerry & Rachel Davis and Linda Davis; a special niece and caregiver, Sheena Martin; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service is planned for Friday, January 2, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Goshen Cemetery with Paul Nester officiating.

Tammy’s family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/22/2025

JOYCE HARMAN KING, 81, of Bland, VA, passed away on December 22nd, 2025, at her home, surrounded by some of the people that she loved the most.

She was born on November 9th, 1944 in Bluefield, W.V., the daughter of the late Charles Woodrow and Ruby Hancock Harman.

She was raised in Bastian, VA, surrounded by the love of her siblings. Joyce was a graduate of Rocky Gap High School where she graduated Valedictorian.

Joyce enjoyed spending time with her husband, children and her very special grandchildren. Joyce also enjoyed spending time with her sisters. Joyce was a very devoted mother and grandmother; never missing any events in their lives. Her favorite past times were attending the Daytona 500 with Tommy every July and taking trips with her grandbabies, especially to Myrtle Beach.

Madyson and Jared also recall many nights sitting on the couch watching Hallmark movies and eating potato soup while their papaw was out of town. Jared will always remember learning to cook family recipes with Mamaw, especially peanut butter balls and sausage balls. Madyson will also always remember Mamaw being able to walk on stage and pin her at her nursing school pinning ceremony.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Ruby Harman, her special sister, Freda, and her brothers, Jim Harman and Jerry Harman.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 57 years, Thomas King; her children, Rusty King and Dusty King (Patrick Parah); her special grandchildren, Jared King and Madyson Dodson; her sisters, brother-in -laws, and sisters-in-law’s, Marcia Dehart (Wayne), Donna Hall (Richard), Janet Cullop (Larry), Susie Patton (Randy), Ferne Hooper, Linda Harman, and Debbie Harman, Brenda King, Phillip King, Judi Barron and Barbara King; and many special nieces and nephews.
Also left to cherish her memory is special family friend Kristina St. Clair.

The family will receive friends at A. Vest and Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, from 12pm-2pm on December 30th, 2025; services to follow at 2pm with Rev. David Wall and Pastor Jamie Pennington officiating.

The family will have a private graveside service following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinsons.org in memory of Joyce.

The King family would like to thank everyone that has been with them and prayed for them during this very difficult time.

The King family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/17/2025

MARGARET BEATRICE MOYE HARMON, 90, formerly of Dublin, VA, has gone to her permanent home with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, on Monday, December 15, 2025.

She was born November 9, 1935 in Staffordsville, VA, the daughter of the late John Lee & Julia Elizabeth Rose Harrell Moye.

She was always very strong in her faith in the Lord, never wavering, but standing firm the entire course. What a faithful servant and godly woman she has always been.

In times of trouble, she would say “Let go & Let God.” She put her faith in God and trusted him. To her, God, family and faith were her whole world.

The joy that she found in even the smallest things makes you appreciate everything that God has provided us with.

She loved God, family and cooking for the holidays. Holidays were especially important to her. She enjoyed cooking for her family, making the house smell so good. She made every person feel so special. In the patriotic holidays, she loved and respected her country and president and prayed for them both.

She was the Rummy Queen. She loved to play and most often won every game.

She was the most loving person in the world. No matter what you did, she loved you anyways. She loved everyone and made many friends.

She worked hard to provide for her family, setting an example for everyone to follow. Her jobs were never easy. She always performed at the highest of standards. Her employers loved her work ethic and never wanted to see her leave the job. She retired from Wolverine after 17 years of service.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Harmon and her sisters, Nancy Kingrea and Catherine Runions.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters & sons-in-law, Judy & David Carter, Cyndy Harmon, Alesia & Steven Davenport and Billie & David Hall; her beloved grandchildren, Chris Richards, Dawn Perry, Justin Carter, David (“Bubby”) Carter, Karen Carter, and Zachary Hall; her great-grandchildren, Cierra Richards, Rowan Richards, Amber Carter, Austin Carter, Blake Carter, Addison Carter, Julia Perry, Carter Goerlitz, Tristan Agee, Jackson Hall and Carson Hall; her brother, Dale Moye; her sister, Barbara Atkins; and several nieces, nephews and special friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 19, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with her son-in-law, Steven Davenport officiating. Burial will follow in Staffordsville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until service time, 12:00 P.M.

The Harmon family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/15/2025

RITA JEAN SARGENT, 61, of Wytheville, VA, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Carrington Place, Wytheville.

She was born November 9, 1964 in Bluefield, WV, the daughter of the late Richard and Delores Wright.

Rita attended Mechanicsburg Christian Church in her younger years. She enjoyed doing crafts and loved to paint and draw. She especially enjoyed her outings with her sister.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Curtis and Delores (“Dolly”) Jean Walker Wright, her brother, James E. Wright and her nephew, Todd Simmons.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters & sons-in-law, Courtney & James Belcher and Natasha & Tyler Epperson; her beloved grandchildren, James Belcher, Jr., Lucy Belcher, William Belcher, Jace Epperson and Aria Epperson; her brother & sister-in-law, Dwayne & Marlene Wright; her beloved sister & brother-in-law, Debra & Steve Scott; her nieces and nephews, Amber O’Shields, Rebecca Gearren, Stefany Jones, Amanda Scott, Donald Wright, Richard Wright and Trevor Newman; several special great-nieces and great-nephews; and her friends from Carrington Place.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with Pastor Brian Consley officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 P.M. until service time, 6:00 P.M.

She will be buried at Mountain Field Cemetery, privately, on a later date.

Rita’s family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/15/2025

WANDA BARKLEY SNYDER, 83, of Staffordsville, VA, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025.

She was born April 24,1942 in Roanoke, VA, the daughter of the late Roger Emmett & Nedra Eloise Echols Barkley.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughter & son-in-law, Betsy & David Midkiff.

Per her wishes, Wanda will be cremated. No public services are planned at this time.

Wanda's family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/14/2025

DOROTHY RUTH STAFFORD PEYTON, 88, of Christiansburg, VA, went to be with her Lord she faithfully served on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 13, 1937 in McDowell, WV, the daughter of the late John Ellis & Oma Bailey Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and her spouses.

She was a wonderful Mom and Nana to us all. She lived her life for HER Jesus. She was spiritual matriarch for her family, friends and anyone that asked for prayer. She was a spiritual warrior till the very end. Anyone that knew her not only knew her faith but saw her live it out. Love covered all: she poured her love on all of us everyday of her life. She will be missed terribly by all that knew and met her.
Momma, this is not goodbye; this is see you later on the Golden Shore.
*This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
*I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phillipians 4:13)

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sharon Oliver, Karen & Gary Martin, Daniel & Dana Stafford, April Peyton Collins, and Paul & Rhonda Peyton; her beloved grandchildren, Heather (Christa) Caldwell White, Shellyn (Adam) Lafon, Kristi ( Phillip) Thorpe, Tyler Martin, Brooke (Steven) Nichols, Luke Stafford, Mat Stafford, Abigail (Isaiah) Slawter, Michael Collins, Kalynda (Collin) Lasek, Kaitlyn Collins, Ally (Justin) Smith and Tanner Allison; 10 great-grandchildren; her nieces, Rebecca Arney, Dorothy Nelson and Nancy French; and special friends, Pat Lewis and Amanda Snipas.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with Simuel Oliver Lewis, III, officiating. Burial will follow in Staffordsville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 P.M. until service time, 2:00 P.M.

Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Stafford, Luke Stafford, Paul Peyton, Justin Smith, Tyler Martin and Michael Collins.

The family wants to give a special thanks to all with Good Samaritan’s Hospice mom loved each person who cared for her. Special thanks to her caregivers, Amanda Snipas, Kim Brunner and Ginny Stoner.

“We love you and thanks for being our mom! ”

Dorothy’s family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

JANE WINGARD BLESSING, of Bastian, VA, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Benjamin & Verdie Hutto Wingard and her sisters, Alice Brickhouse and Shirley McLemore.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of over 42 years, John D. Blessing, Jr.; her sons & daughters-in-law, Trey & Tiffanie Adkins, Brandon & Kristen Blessing and Zackery & Christina Blessing; 6 beloved grandchildren; and her sister & brother-in-law, Susan & Cliff Ray.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Green Valley Community Church, Bastian. Burial will follow in the Green Valley Community Church Cemetery.

Jane’s family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 A.M. until service time, 12:00 P.M.

The Blessing family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

12/10/2025

Some days the sadness grows like a storm cloud 🌧️
Other days it rests quietly on my chest 🌫️
There is no right way to feel this broken 💔
No handbook for surviving love that ends too soon 🖤

A single blue flower rises through the haze 🌸
Soft but strong, delicate yet unbroken 💞
Just like the part of me still holding on 🌙
To every memory you stitched into my heart 💫

People say I should be positive, be strong 🍃
But strength isn’t always loud or bright 💭
Sometimes it’s just choosing to keep breathing 💙
Even when the world feels unbearably heavy 🌌

I’m allowed to feel the ache, the anger, the longing 💔
Because feeling deeply means I loved deeply 🌹
And even in my darkest hours, I know this truth:
Being human is how I keep you close 🕊️

— Silent Tears For You

12/10/2025

DR. BARBARA (“BARBIE”) RENEE BUCKNER, PhD, 52, of Bristol, TN, gained her wings and finally got to fly above the Earth’s atmosphere when she died suddenly at her home and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

She was born August 25, 1973, in Wyandotte, MI, the daughter of James, Jr. & Rita Buckner.

Barbie had a thirst for knowledge and sharing it with others. She graduated as Valedictorian of the Rocky Gap High School Class of 1991. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lee University and her Master’s Degree from Tusculum College. Barbie achieved her PhD from the University of Louisville.

Barbie taught at Bradley Central High School for 21 years where she also served as Student Counsel sponsor and in 2007 was named the East Tennessee Grand Division Teacher of the Year.

She received the 2013-14 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship and served as an Education and Human Resources, Office of the Assistant Director at National Science Foundation (NSF). Barbie then went on to work as an Educator Professional Development Specialist at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center.

Barbie was currently a Community Engagement Coordinator at NASA Langley Research Center and Adjunct Faculty member at Bryan College, Lee University and Louisiana State University.

She spent numerous summers volunteering at Church of God Youth Camps in VA, GA, NC, OH and TN where she touched the lives of thousands of children.

Those who knew Barbie admired her brilliance, her humility, and her unwavering love for the Lord. Her faith in Jesus Christ guided every step of her journey and shone through in the way she treated others with kindness, grace, and compassion. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Barbie was preceded in death by her grandparents, James (“Motendee”) Buckner and Lula Sloan Harden and Frank, Jr. (“Wimpy”) and Elizabeth (“Neg”) Williams Bradshaw.

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, James M., Jr. & Rita Gail Bradshaw Buckner, Bland, VA; her sisters, Hope Buckner Cimino (Tim), Bluff City, TN, and Jenny Buckner, Bland, VA; her niece, Faith Yonce Sullins (Dylan), Bristol, TN; her nephew, Samuel Yonce (Mikaylee), Cape Carteret, NC; special great-niece by heart, Chelsea Sullins; her 5 great-nephews, the light of her world, Frankie Sullins, Mo Yonce, Finn Sullins, Gideon Yonce and Fitz Sullins; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, special friends, former students and colleagues from around the world.

The family will receive friends in visitation at Bastian Church of God on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00P.M. until 7:00 P.M.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Bastian Church of God with Pastor Cliff Bowman and Dr. Travis Bradshaw officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery where the Civil Air Patrol will provide Color Guard rites.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Barbie’s honor to The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, https://arsl.memberclicks.net/index,php?option=com_mcform&view=ngforms$id=2051390 #/ or the Civil Air Patrol National, https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/giving.

The Buckner family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.