Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory - Rocky Mount

02/11/2026

Black History!

Black History Fact: Mr. Lawrence H. Hamlar was the first black member and soon became the first black President of the Roanoke City School Board. Check back tomorrow for another black history fact about Mr. Lawrence H. Hamlar. City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government

02/11/2026

Black History!

Black History Fact: Mr. L. H. Hamlar's first major contribution in the Roanoke Valley was working with the biracial committee of white and black business leaders. The twelve members proceeded to desegregating peacefully without event, lunch counters, movie theaters etc. in Roanoke in the 1960s. Proudly, they successfully handled Roanoke's sensitive desegregation problem prior to the Federal Government passing major Civil Rights Legislation.

02/02/2026

❄️ School Closing Information

FCPS Families:

Franklin County Public Schools will be CLOSED on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

🗓️ Tuesday Schedule:

• Instruction: Code V (Virtual Learning Day). Students should check their designated platforms for assignments and/or plan on communication from their teachers
• Staff: ALL CODE 12 Personnel should report by 9:00 am

02/01/2026

Cornelia CeCe Coles, 58, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered eternal rest on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Born on March 18, 1967, in Bedford, Virginia, CeCe was the cherished daughter of Connie Ray Lee Sr. and Alice Lee, who welcomed her home to heaven. CeCe was the heart of her family

02/01/2026

Happy Birthday Ms. Ruby Penn. We hope you enjoy your special day! Ruby Penn Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory - Roanoke

02/01/2026

❄️ Weather Update & School Closing Information

FCPS Families:

After a week of battling snow and ice, portions of our beautiful county received up to 6 additional inches of snow from Friday night through Saturday afternoon.

To ensure the safety of our students and staff while road conditions improve, Franklin County Public Schools will be CLOSED on Monday, February 2, 2026.

🗓️ Monday Schedule:
• Instruction: Code V (Virtual Learning Day). Students should check their designated platforms for assignments and/or plan on communication from their teachers
• Staff: ONLY ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL are to report.
• Report Time: Essential staff should arrive at 12:00 PM (Noon) to begin snow removal operations.

Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the snow from inside! ☕🧣

01/30/2026

Herman Matthew Via, 83, of Callaway, Virginia, was born February 13, 1942, to the late Roosevelt Via and Zola Dawson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his stepfather, William “Red” Dawson; his brother, William “WT” Dawson; and his sister, Dorothy “Vann” Paige.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory - Rocky Mount, 195 Maple Avenue, Rocky Mount, VA. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, VA. Live Streaming will be available from the Hamlar-Curtis website. Click "View Live Streaming Here" at the top of the screen, then select "Facebook Live Stream - Rocky Mount". The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will be in the Via Family Cemetery, 211 Custers Ridge Road, Boones Mill, VA. A repast will be held at First Baptist Church. Condolences may be sent to www.hamlar-curtis.com or info@hamlar-curtis.com.

01/29/2026

FCPS Families:

Due to continued issues with road conditions across our county, Franklin County Public Schools will be Closed - Code V (Virtual Learning Day) for Friday, January 30, 2026.

Meals will be available to all Franklin County Public School students for pick up from three locations tomorrow in a drive-through format from 12 - 2 pm: Boones Mill Elementary, Rocky Mount Elementary, and Glade Hill Elementary.

01/29/2026

FCPS Families:

Due to continued issues with road conditions across our county, Franklin County Public Schools will be Closed - Code V (Virtual Learning Day) for Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Meals will be available to all Franklin County Public School students for pick up from Rocky Mount Elementary School or Glade Hill Elementary School in a drive-through format.

01/28/2026

Change of location for Mr. Herman Via, Sr. Celebration of Life Service!!

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory - Rocky Mount, 195 Maple Avenue, Rocky Mount, VA. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, VA. Live Streaming will be available from the Hamlar-Curtis website. Click "View Live Streaming Here" at the top of the screen, then select "Facebook Live Stream - Rocky Mount". The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will be in the Via Family Cemetery, 211 Custers Ridge Road, Boones Mill, VA. A repast will be held at First Baptist Church. Condolences may be sent to www.hamlar-curtis.com or info@hamlar-curtis.com.

Herman Matthew Via, 83, of Callaway, Virginia, was born February 13, 1942, to the late Roosevelt Via and Zola Dawson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his stepfather, William Red Dawson his brother, William WT Dawson and his sister, Dorothy Vann Paige. He is

01/28/2026

FCPS Families:

Franklin County Public Schools will be Closed - Code V (Virtual Learning Day) for Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Meals will be available to all FCPS students for pick up from Rocky Mount Elementary School.

01/28/2026

Congratulations!

A hidden gem in Franklin County is set to be featured on the online show "America's Best Restaurants" later this week.