Byrum-Parr Funeral Home, Inc., 7661 Patrick Henry Highway, Roseland, VA (2025)

11/25/2025

John Edward Morse was born on May 14, 1943, in Charlottesville, Virginia to the late John L. Morse and Lucille Toliver Morse. He was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 20, 2025, fighting the good fight until the very end.

John accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Little Zion Baptist Church in Arrington, VA.

Affectionately known as Johnnie Boy, he received his education from the Nelson County School System and went on to have a robust professional life. First, he was a skilled woodworker and craftsman at Paul Victorius Framing Shop, then most notably worked as one of the first computer operators for Virginia National Bank. After retiring from the bank, he spent his days working for Charlottesville City Schools until he retired for a second time.

A man of many talents, Johnnie loved working with his hands and tinkering in every way imaginable. To say he was a lover of cars was an understatement. He was an avid collector, challenging himself to break down and rebuild engines, sometimes rotating between 10 cars at a time and filling the yard with a mess of nuts, bolts and all kinds of car parts. He also loved style and would design and tailor his own suits, and would even sew and make items for his family home.

Johnnie found joy in family, close buddies and those special nephews who always made an effort to spend quality time with him. He was loved and had his way of showing love in return—like making you watch his favorite Western movies over and over again.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father John, his mother Lucille and his sister Mary Loving. He leaves to cherish his memory his ex-wife but lifelong best friend Marjorie Morse of Charlottesville, VA, two daughters Shellamont Rose (Samuel) of Raleigh, NC and Nicole Tyler of Charlottesville, VA, three sons ElCarlos Morse and DeCarlos Morse of Jersey City, NJ and Ronriquez Morse of Faber, VA, his two sisters Geneva Martin of Charlottesville, VA and Betty Martin of Arrington, VA, two brothers Thomas Morse (Loretta) of Lynchburg, VA and William Morse (Sinathe) of Charlottesville, VA, as well as his 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 1 pm Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home with burial to follow in Little Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Viewing/visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

11/19/2025

George “Billy” Leonard Smith, (86),departed this earthly life on Sat., Nov. 15, 2025. He was a son of the late George and Ethel Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Timothy Smith; (2) daughters, Glenda Smith, Martha Canada; a sister, Libby “Beck” Coyle.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Hester Canada Smith; a son, Wallace (Saundra) Smith, Madison Heights, Va.; (2) grandchildren, Cecelia Leftwich, Washington, DC; Nicholas Dodson, Lynchburg, Va.; (2) great grandchildren, Elijah and Harlem of DC; a special ‘little fella’, Cairo; (4) bonus grandchildren; (20) bonus great grandchildren; (6) bonus great great grandchildren; (2) sisters, Eleanor Campbell, Mahalia Smith; (1) brother, James Smith; a sister in law, Mary (Robert) Sandidge; a brother in law, Claude Canada; other relatives including nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held 1 pm, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Viewing/visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

11/17/2025

George Leonard Smith “Billy”, 86, of Amherst, departed this life on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

A funeral will be held 1 pm Saturday, November 22, 2025 at St. Mary’s Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Viewing/visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Full obituary to be posted soon.

11/11/2025

Elaine Carrie Braxton, 66, of Arrington, departed this life on Friday, October 31, 2025 in Charlottesville. Born March 29, 1959, she was a daughter of the late John Myers and Susan Louise Thompson-Myers.

Elaine had many special interests, from reading, coloring, and best of all, spending time with her family. She was a beloved wife and aunt, but enjoyed being a mother and grandmother to her nieces and nephews, loving and raising them as her own.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved husband of 45 years, Walter R. Braxton; sisters, Nancy McClendon, Vivian Diggs, and Shirley Myers; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert “Butt” Myers, and William “Billy Boy’ Myers, and sisters, Slinda “Linda” Loving, Daisy Toliver, Patricia “Tricia” Essex, and Queen “Queenie” Myers.

A Celebration of Life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home by Rev. Marvin Smith.

11/10/2025

Mary Marshall Niday, 62, of Roseland, died Monday, October 27, 2025 at the University Medical Center in Charlottesville. Born in Albemarle County, March 1, 1963, she was a daughter of Ella Mae Johnson and the late Charlie I. Johnson Sr.

Mary loved gardening and working with her hands. She had been a master gardener for Mr. and Mrs. Agelesto of the Rockfish Valley Foundation for many years.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by three daughters, Emily Ann Niday of Roseland, Jessica Robin Niday (Antwon Paige) of Blacksburg, and Devin Marie Breighner (Sammie) of Fluvanna; two brothers, Kauffman “Dick” Johnson of Roseland, and Charlie I. Johnson Jr. of Roseland; one sister, Pearl J. Kirt (Robert) of Afton; her grandchildren whom she loved and cherished, Matthew, Charlie, Orlena (Laney), Samantha, Ashleigh, Mia, and Mykal, and a long-time friend and companion, Henry Lee of Faber.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Katherine Jones, and Ella Mae Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

10/30/2025

Sherman Giles departed this life Friday October 24, 2025, at his residence in Hanover County. Born in Nelson County on August 24, 1955, he was the son of the late Pauline Harris Giles and the late Walter Giles.

Sherman attended Nelson County Public Schools and is known for his years of dedication in career as a Brick Layer. Sherman also served on the choir for many years at Oak Union Baptist Church and volunteered as parking valet for the church where he took great pride in his work. He was a member of Little Zion Baptist Church when he left Nelson County Va, and later moved his Membership to Oak Union Baptist Church of Charlottesville. Sherman was a tough, but gentle and loving person. He had a contagious sense of humor that made others couldn't help but love him even more. Everywhere he went little did Sherman know, he made a friend and brightened someone's day. Sherman enjoyed being around family and friends, watching his shows and cracking jokes just to get a smile from everyone.

Sherman leaves to cherish his wife Jannie Giles of 48 years, and his son Lorenzo Giles and wife Canan Giles of, Hanover County, VA; three grandchildren, Zion Seaberry, Aiinday Giles, Adanya Giles; brothers, James Russell Giles of Greensboro, NC; Ronnie Walter Giles and Wife Carlitha of Nelson County, VA; Roy William Giles of Nelson County, VA; Mark Anthony Giles and wife Angela of Amherst County, VA; sisters, Gail Pauline Whalan and husband John of Nelson County, VA; Gwendolyn Pendleton and husband Ricky of Amherst County, VA; Annie Chambers Cheryl Giles and Renee Giles, all of Nelson County, VA; sisters-in-law Nancy and Jay Dennis of Charlottesville, VA; Mary Smith of Charlottesville, VA; Carolyn Brice of Nelson County, Va; brothers-in-law Abraham Smith of Nelson County, VA; Clinton Smith and Lisa White of Charlottesville, VA; Johnny and Grace Smith of Louisa County, VA; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Family and Friends.

Sherman is preceded in death by his mother Pauline Harris Giles, his father; Walter Rudolph Giles, a brother; Carl Edward Giles and two sisters Lynn Giles Thompson and Debbie Gilles.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home by Pastor Frank Alexander. Burial will follow in New Mount Memorial Garden. Viewing and visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

10/16/2025

Geraldine Howell Aho passed peacefully at Lynchburg General Hospital on October 11, 2025. Born on March 5, 1953, in Washington, D.C., at Walter Reed Hospital to the late Moss and Arlene Lewis Howell.

Her brother Jack Howell, sister, Elva Howell Thompson, and brother Dove Howell preceded her in death.

Geraldine grew up in Madisonville, Virginia, and left school in the sixth grade to help her family on the to***co farm. In 1997, she obtained her GED and then received her CNA license. She worked at Uniform First, AJD Hat Factory, One Stop Mart in Farmville, and as a CNA for Home Health.She enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Steven McTyre (Amy) of Arrington, VA and Kevin McTyre (Andrea) of Herico, VA, Grandchildren Alexis McTyre, Austin McTyre, Steven (DJ) McTyre Jr., Dakota McTyre, Liam McTyre, and Keegan McTyre, sister-in-law Peggy Howell, and nieces Debbie Howell and Pam Howell Patterson. The family would like to thank Fairmont Crossing Health and Rehab for the care and love they gave Geraldine over the last three years. They would also like to thank Dr. Karina Lupo, Palliative Care, and the staff on D35 at Lynchburg General Hospital for their care. In addition, thanks to Amherst County Public Safety for their care of Geraldine and her family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Roseland Rescue Squad, 7745 Patrick Henry Highway, Roseland, VA 22967, by Rev. Raymond Rowley.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the American Cancer Society.

10/07/2025

On the evening of Tuesday, September 30, 2025, our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Deacon, and Friend returned to God.

Samuel Joseph Waller, Jr, affectionately known as “Sammy Junior” was born in Lynchburg, VA on March 2, 1943, but lived most of his life in Amherst County. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. From an early age, he was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Baptist Church and served for many years as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, church clerk, and was the oldest deacon in the church. Sam understood the meaning of hard work and spent most of his career as a Deputy for the Amherst County Sheriff Department.

Our family would like to extend a deep appreciation to his providers at Centra Health, Fairmont Crossing Health and Rehabilitation Center, University of Virginia Dialysis- Amherst, Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, Alston Transportation, and everyone who has provided care and comfort to Sam in recent years. As a family, we will be forever grateful for the support and kindness shown.

Sam is preceded in death by his mother, Sally Waller; his father, Samuel Waller, Sr., and his older sister, Theresa Jessie Waller.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Marie Allen Waller; his daughters Sueanne Toliver, Suzanne Allen, and Theresa Wilson and her spouse George Wilson; his grandchildren, Lisa Allen, Sheree Allen, Marvin Toliver, Jr. and his spouse Kimberly Gilbert, Kendall Wilson and his spouse Abigail Wilson, Alyssa Mathews and her spouse Todd Mathews, and Michael Wilson; his great grandchildren E’Mya Jones, Abrielle Toliver, Laila Jones, Sophia Toliver, and Ashton Moss.

The funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at St. Mary’s Baptist Church at 187 Indian Creek Rd, Amherst, VA 24521. Final viewing will occur one hour prior to the service. The family will not be receiving visitors at the home, but will hold family visitation time at St. Mary’s Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to support the family would be deeply appreciated. Your generosity and support during this time means so much.

10/05/2025

William Abraham Bowling, 98 of Arrington, departed this life on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in Nelson County, September 15th, 1927, he was a son of the late Dennis Bowling and Dilly Murphy Bowling. He joined Little Zion Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member.

William was well known throughout the county, recognized by many as a dedicated and skilled farmer with a deep love for animals. Over the years, he raised pigs, cows, and chickens, and owned horses for much of his life. He especially enjoyed giving children pony rides. He took great pride in his farm and found true joy in sharing the fruits of his labor during the harvest season with family and friends.

In addition to farming, William held full-time positions with several companies, including DuPont, and various construction firms. He was also known for providing transportation for fellow workers to and from job sites. He later retired from Buffalo Forge after 17 years of dedicated service.

William will be fondly remembered as a smart businessman with a lively personality who truly enjoyed the company of others. He was a great storyteller, and one of his favorite sayings was, “Be particular.” He will be deeply missed by people of all ages.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three devoted daughters, Debra Jean Bowling of Arrington, Linda Moon (Richard) of Charlottesville and Patsy Nesbitt (Herb) of Charlottesville; three grandchildren, Michael Harmon (Chelsea), Ashley Henderson (Antwan) and Brianna Nesbitt; three great-grandchildren, Maya and Chloe Harmon and Aiden Henderson; one sister-in-law, Verine Bowing of Maryland; one brother-in law, Walter Martin of Arlington, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and close friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Jane Elizabeth Martin Bowling, a union of 67 years; son, Elmo Bowling; daughter, Carolyn Napper; grandson, Tyler Nesbitt; brothers, Denwood, Daniel, and Jacob, and sisters, Eva, Virginia, Jennie, Josie, Rena and Lucy.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home by Rev. Robert Meredith with burial to follow in Little Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

10/05/2025

Darrell Jon Lang, 81, of Shipman, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Lynchburg. Born in Portsmouth, OH, April 13, 1944, he was a son of the late Glenford and Myrtle Buskirk Lang.

Darrell Jon Lang was a man devoted to God, family, and country—a motto he lived by daily. He often reminded his loved ones, “Put God first, don’t let Him down and learn your Bible.”

At a young age, he answered the call to serve, enlisting in the United States Navy and specializing in electronics. His career flourished, rising to the rank of Intelligence Naval Officer. Over the course of 30 years of honorable service, he dedicated himself to protecting his nation and served in many places across the globe, including Greece, the Philippines, Panama, Vietnam, and Spain.

Beyond his military career, Darrell poured himself into his community and family. With his wife of 37 years, Lita Lang, he found joy in gardening and preparing home-cooked meals to share with loved ones. With his late wife, he gave countless hours to community service—volunteering at food pantries, serving as an active member of the Nelson County Republican Committee, and teaching at Nelson County High School, where he inspired generations of students.

Darrell was a loving father who cared deeply and encouraged his family to always do their best. He was especially a guiding light for his daughter, Jackie, who proudly followed in his footsteps of service.

To his family, students, and all who knew him, he was a role model of perseverance and faith. He never quit, and he instilled this lasting lesson:

“Through dedication and courage, you will break the glass ceiling and redefine what’s possible.”

He is survived by his oldest daughter, Patricia Jo (Lang) Murguia of Virginia Beach; son, Theodore Wesley Lang Big Lake, AK; youngest daughter, Jacqueline Bibar Lang of Tyro; grandchildren, Chris Murguia, Marnie Murguia, Daniel Murguia, Sadie Murguia, Elizabeth Lang, Anabelle Lang, and Nikolai Lang; one great-grandson, Leo Murguia; nephew, Earl McNulty; sisters-in-law and brothers -in-law, Josephine McNulty, Alice Lang, Bella and Able Sexton, Chris and Clarita Leffakis, and his best friend, Jim Macky.

In addition to his parents, he was welcomed in heaven by his brother, Duane Lang, and his cherished wives, Penny and Violeta.

We invite you to join us in honoring his life on Friday, October 17th, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Woodland Baptist Church with Pastor Greg McCormick officiating. A military service with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a future date.

09/29/2025

Clarence Edmond Campbell Jr., 94, of Rustburg, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025 at his home. Born in Tyro, August 7, 1931, he was a son of the late Clarence Edmond Campbell Sr. and Bucy McLion Hatter Campbell.

Clarence was a United States Air Force veteran and had been a machinist for Babcock and Wilcox, retiring after more than 30 years. He had a love for “tinkering”, repairing and inventing, and especially enjoyed sailing in his free time.

He is survived by sons, David L. Campbell (Kathy) of Gladys, and Lester G. Campbell (Tina) of Rustburg, and grandchildren, Ian A. Campbell, Daniel L. Campbell, and Karen E. Campbell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elsie Katherine Woody Campbell; son, Gary Campbell; brothers, Lester Campbell, Harold Campbell, William Campbell, and Harry Campbell, and sisters, Christine Holman, and Anne Blanks.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2025 in Woodland Baptist Church Cemetery by Pastor Greg McCormick.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your charity of choice.

09/09/2025

Joyce Lee Giles. 62, of Madison Heights, departed this life on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Fairmont Health and Rehab Center in Amherst. Born in Charlottesville, November 30, 1962, she was the daughter of the late William McKinley Essex and Hazel Marie Toliver Essex.

Joyce was a licensed Drug and Substance Abuse Counselor and Mental Health Behavior Specialist. She was an active member of Tree of Life Ministries in Campbell County. Joyce served as a Greeter/Usher until her health declined.

Joyce loved her family and kindred. She was especially blessed and honored to be “Auntie” to her nieces and nephews. She was also blessed to be a grandmother and great-grandmother, to Makiah and Kai Kai, respectively. Joyce loved the Lord and her prayer has and always shall be, “Lord, Your will be done.”

She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, Walter Edward Giles; her brother, Aaron Walter Essex; her sister, Rev. Dr. Hazel Annette Diggs; three sisters-in-law, Samantha White Essex, Diane Giles, and Diane Allen Essex; two nephews, Herschel Diggs and Isaiah Essex; two nieces, Terise White Essex and Jessica “J.J.” Johnson; a great nephew, Malachi Herschel Diggs; two brothers-in-law, Eddie Giles, and Wayne Giles; a special and loving mother-in-law, Deaconess Jessie Toliver; one grandson, Walter Makiah McDaniels; one great-granddaughter, Kai Kai McDaniels and her mother, Alaina; a special friend and adopted daughter, Letitia “Tee Dee” Murphy, and a host of other relatives, kindred, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Edward Giles; her brother, William McDonald Essex “Mack”, and her brothers-in-law, Sam Hersey Diggs, and Nathaniel Giles.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home by Minister Mary Diggs, officiating, and Pastor Ray Kingrea, eulogist. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Viewing begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Byrum-Parr Funeral Home, Inc.

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