John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory Welcome to John M. Oakey & Son - Salem's only locally owned and operated funeral home providing prof Since 1866, John M.

Oakey & Son has provided caring service to Salem and Roanoke Valley families. We are proud to be an independent, family-owned firm and that our name is one that so many have come to trust over the years. Don't make the mistake of thinking all funeral homes are the same. We pride ourselves on providing caring, personal attention. It's the kind of attention reserved for friends and neighbors. We are Salem’s only locally owned funeral home.

Bertie Rucker ConnerBertie Rucker Conner, 105 of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.Sh...
02/11/2026

Bertie Rucker Conner

Bertie Rucker Conner, 105 of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

She was born on June 10, 1920, in Roanoke County, daughter of the late Joseph Cefus and Lillie Mae Bryant Rucker. In addition to her parents, Bertie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy Allen Conner, and four of her children, Darlene Yates, Melvin Conner, Danny Conner, and Gloria Mounts.

Bertie's faith in the Lord was very evident in her everyday life. She was the oldest member of Masons Cove Church of the Brethren where she taught Sunday school for 40 plus years. She was always thankful for all of God's blessings in her life. She retired from Valleydale Meat Packing after numerous years of faithful service, but beyond her faith in Christ, her love for family shined brightest.

Family remaining to cherish her memory includes her children, Shelva Spence, Larry Conner, Ricky Conner (Freda); 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Marsha Conner; and son-in-law, Danny Mounts.

The family will welcome friends for a period of visitation on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2 until 4 p.m. and again from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem.

Funeral services to honor Bertie's life will be conducted on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Hilton Jeffrey's will officiate.

Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, in Roanoke.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Conner family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Bertie Mae Conner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Veola BentleyElvia Veola (Boyd) Bentley, of Salem, Va., passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. She was born on Novembe...
02/10/2026

Veola Bentley

Elvia Veola (Boyd) Bentley, of Salem, Va., passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. She was born on November 4, 1939, making her 86 years, 3 months, and 5 days old.

She was the daughter of the late Noah Boyd and Rosalene (Cantrell) Boyd. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by brothers, Ralph Boyd, Alonzo Boyd, Lacy Boyd, Michael Whitt, and twin infants; and sister, Fannie Anthony.

Surviving include her children, Randy Bandy and wife, Sandra, Bill Bandy and wife, Tammy, and Kathy Simmons and husband, HD; grandchildren, Melissa Walker, Samantha Lephew and husband, Willie, Faith Brown, and Amber Austin; numerous great-grandchildren including one great-grandchild she had raised his whole life, Seth Ewing; brothers, Jessie Boyd and wife, Charlotte, Don Boyd and wife, Peggy, Noah Boyd Jr. and wife, Carrie, and Richard Whitt and wife, Carolyn; and sisters, Dollie Horn and Dovie White.

Family members and friends may come together to celebrate Veola's life on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel located at 305 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Va. The visitation will begin at 12 p.m. and the service at 1 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke, Va.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

View Veola Bentley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Edna Jean (EJ) Chavis Garrett BrownEdna Jean (EJ) Chavis Garrett Brown, 80, of Roanoke Va., passed away February 8,2026,...
02/09/2026

Edna Jean (EJ) Chavis Garrett Brown

Edna Jean (EJ) Chavis Garrett Brown, 80, of Roanoke Va., passed away February 8,2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born March 9, 1945, in Yukon, Mo., to Cleve and Meta Chavis, she was the eldest of four daughters. EJ grew up in Pekin, IL. After completing secretarial school in 1964, EJ moved to Washington D.C. to take a job as a secretary for the CIA. She moved to Roanoke Va., in 1975 with her husband and two daughters.

EJ was a long-time member of the American Business Woman's Association and served on the board of the local chapter. She was the "Avon lady" in North Lakes for most of the 1980's and won many awards for sales every year. After going back to school, EJ earned her bachelor's degree from Averett University in 1993. EJ was a talented seamstress and made many of her own clothes and her daughters' clothes, even if they preferred she didn't.

EJ always had a green thumb and became a Master Gardener in 2010. She spent countless hours in her garden and greenhouse and never met a plant she didn't love. EJ loved to travel and went to each of the 50 States at least once. Egypt was her bucket list destination, and she travelled there in 1999. She also traveled to Japan and Hong Kong with her sisters. EJ loved nothing more than spending time with her kids, grandkids and cats.

EJ was preceded in death by her parents, Cleve and Meta Chavis; her ex-husband, Wayland Garrett and her beloved cats, Cheech, Kitty Biscuit and Yikes.

EJ is survived by her daughters, Sue Ellen Welch (Chris) of Roanoke Va., and Mary Ann Gober (Kevin) of New Castle, Va.; grandchildren, AJ Beard (Isaac) of Roanoke Va., Emily Priddy (Leo) of Christiansburg Va.,, Riley Moore of Roanoke Va. and Brandon Gober of New Castle Va.; sisters, Coleen Tarvin of Havana, Ill., Elaine Parod (John) of Austin, Texas, Diane Cloud of Sun City, West Ariz. and her nieces and nephew.

Per EJ's wishes, no funeral services will be held. EJ's ashes will be scattered at Big Creek, Yukon, Missouri by her family.

In lieu of flowers, EJ requested donations be made in her name to The Parkinson's Foundation or the Franklin County Humane Society.

View Edna Jean Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Donald Eugene QuarlesDonald E. "Donnie" Quarles, 76, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tue...
02/09/2026

Donald Eugene Quarles

Donald E. "Donnie" Quarles, 76, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Born May 30, 1949, to the late Geneva E. Secrist and Ryman Quarles, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Joey Secrist and Gary Quarles; as well as a sister, Kathy Secrist.

Donnie served in the United States Air Force before having a career in operations management. He was highly respected among his colleagues for having a strong work ethic, integrity and leadership which gave him the reputation of being a great boss. Donnie married the love of his life, Carol, when he was just 20 years old and was devoted to her until the moment he died, and they certainly lead by example. Donnie was adored by his grandchildren who especially enjoyed his silly sense of humor. Donnie was a huge baseball fan (NY Yankees) and he loved VA Tech football. He was especially proud of his two children who both attended and graduated from VA Tech.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56 years, Janet Carol Quarles; son, Jason and his wife, Jenny; daughter, Terri and her husband, Mike; grandsons, Sam, Matthew, Michael and Emmett; granddaughter, Ellery; sisters, Anita Duggan and June Meador, and adored sister-in-law, Sue Arrington and her husband, Johnny. Also, many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held to honor Donnie on April 9, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his "work", the Adult Care Center of the Roanoke Valley, 2321 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Donald Eugene Quarles's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Vito “Don Vito” MarlettaVito Marletta, 87, of Salem, Virginia, but formerly of Miami, Florida, New Jersey and Sicily, pa...
02/07/2026

Vito “Don Vito” Marletta

Vito Marletta, 87, of Salem, Virginia, but formerly of Miami, Florida, New Jersey and Sicily, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026. Born November 20, 1938, in Regalbuto, Sicily to the late Domenico Marletta and Carmelina Ingrassia, he is also preceded in death by his grandmothers, Angelina Ingrassia and Francesca Marletta.

Vito was a captivating, contagious and colorful soul, not just in personality, but in style, from his eyewear down to his shoes, he stood out with vibrance that couldn't be matched. From dancing to cooking, he was always smiling, telling a story and enjoyed sharing his culinary talents with all around him. Known to have a little Sprite in his wine, and to never miss an opportunity to take a selfie, he truly lived his life to the fullest. In fact, he could have been in the running for the "most interesting man in the world." He will be immensely missed by family and friends.

Those remaining to cherish his memory is his son, Dominic Marletta and his wife, Nicole; granddaughter, Gabriella Marletta; brother, Salvatore Marletta; and niece, Melissa Marletta.

The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Interment will be held privately in Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com

View Vito (NMN) Marletta's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

James Edward Morris IIIJames Edward Morris, III, 78 years old, of Roanoke County, passed away on January 15, 2026.He was...
02/06/2026

James Edward Morris III

James Edward Morris, III, 78 years old, of Roanoke County, passed away on January 15, 2026.

He was the son of the late James Morris Jr. and Margaret Estelle Morris from Lynchburg, Virginia. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Cornelia Thomas; and brother, LaVera Morris.

For many years, James worked at the General Electric Plant in Lynchburg, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where communication products are manufactured, e.g., two-way FM radio and car-telephone systems for vehicles, portable two-way radios, industrial paging systems, microwave, multiplex, tone, and data transmission systems.

Later, he moved to Roanoke County and worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation in Salem, Virginia (VDOT), which oversees maintenance and construction on the state-maintained highways, bridges, and tunnels in Culpeper, Staunton, Salem, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Bristol. James retired after working for VDOT for 37 years, and he made lifetime friends while working there.

Finding the words to describe James is immensely difficult. He never met a stranger, meaning he was friendly to everyone, and his laugh was contagious. He was known for touching the lives of the people he encountered and the compassion he cherished with his wife, family, and friends.

James was a professional trumpet player known for playing Taps at Military funerals with dignity in honor of a veteran’s service and commitment to their country. He also played his trumpet with a band called Rockin’ Rhythms in his teenage years. James loved walking in the local region, riding his bicycle to the Greenway and Mill Mountain, where he met many friends along the way. James' life drastically changed after having a silent heart attack in September 2015, and became homebound due to his health. Through the help of God, the Lord used Pastor Jonathan Falwell of Thomas Road Baptist Church to transform his life. James thoroughly enjoyed watching Pastor Jonathan's Sunday service program on television every week and was tremendously blessed by it.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 46 years, Alice K. Morris; daughters, Vonda (Aaron) Payne, Oterra (Vannie) Parker, and Kimberley Rice; stepsons, Donald Wayne Sowers, Jr. and Clinton Morris Jr.; sister, Monica Doyle; brother, Phillip Morris; sister-in-law, Anna (Carl) Lambert; grandchildren, Tiffany (William) Diggs, William Richardson, Ryan Monteleone, John Monteleone, Tre Monteleone, and Joshua (Karla) Morris; step-grandson, Clinton Morris Jr.; 5 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him including Sonya Myers, Hanna St. Claire, Patrick Tackle, Don Artherhults, Donald and Tammy Campbell, Barbara Beavan, Ann Thorne, and Rick Hoosier.

The celebration of his life will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel located at 305 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Virginia. The family will receive friends with a viewing beginning at 1 p.m. The funeral service will then begin at 2 p.m. Pastor Johnathan Falwell of Thomas Road Baptist church in Lynchburg, Virginia, will officiate. Interment will follow at the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens gravesite in Roanoke, Virginia.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

View James Edward Morris III's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Alvin CaseyAlvin Casey, a rugged soul who embraced life's trials and revelries, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb...
02/05/2026

Alvin Casey

Alvin Casey, a rugged soul who embraced life's trials and revelries, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026. Born to Bessie Ward Casey and Albert (Bud) Casey in Russell County, Virginia, Alvin crafted a life rich with resilience, marked by the harsh yet beautiful Appalachian Mountains that he called home.

Though Alvin's formal education ended early, his curious mind found solace in documentaries and westerns, igniting a thirst for knowledge in his own unique way. He also loved Willie, Waylon, and Merle and was a rebel at heart. A coal miner by trade, Alvin worked tirelessly, navigating the demanding and often unforgiving life beneath Virginia's mountain surface.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debra Burke Casey, who left this world 16 years prior, and his son Timothy (Jake) Dwayne Casey, whose life was tragically cut short in 1992.

Alvin is survived by his daughters, Dr. Bessie S. Brown of White Stone, VA, and Rebecca E. Musick of Raven, VA, alongside his sons, Elvin Casey, who bore the name of Alvin's cherished twin brother, and James Matthew Casey of Richlands, VA. Treasured grandchildren include Cora Ann Newton of Florida, Amanda Sweeney of Richlands, VA, Heath Levi Brown and wife Maddie of Mount Sidney, VA, Hannah Marie Brown of Blacksburg, VA, Jesse Dwayne Casey of Richlands, VA, and Logan Russell Musick of Raven, VA. His legacy is carried forward by his cherished great-grandchildren: Ashton and Elijah Sweeney, Carter Magnus Newton, Ellie Grace Casey, and the eagerly awaited baby girl Brown, due in April 2026.

Alvin was a man of complexities, his life marked by struggles that affected those he loved most. Despite the challenges, he extended what compassion and grace he could muster, a testament to the tough yet tender nature instilled in him by the mountains he roamed. His journey is a poignant reminder that love, though sometimes overshadowed by life's hardships, endures through the generations he leaves behind.

As his family and friends gather to celebrate his life, they hold close the lessons of endurance Alvin imparted, ensuring his spirit remains a guiding force in their hearts. May he rest in peace, reunited with those he loved, as his journey continues beyond this earthly realm.

With keeping of the wishes of the family, all services will be private.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Casey family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Alvin (NMN) Casey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Robert W Minter
02/03/2026

Robert W Minter

View Robert W Minter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Flim Edward SansonFlim Edward Sanson, 76, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.Born Friday, July 1, 1949, in Sutton,...
02/02/2026

Flim Edward Sanson

Flim Edward Sanson, 76, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Born Friday, July 1, 1949, in Sutton, WV, to the late Claton Eskerd Sanson and Lona McCourt Sanson.

Left to cherish his memory are the "Love of his Life, forever and always." Brenda Sanson.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Flim Edward Sanson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Patricia Sue Ho**erPatricia Sue Edwards Ho**er, 70, of Salem, Va., passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was born...
02/01/2026

Patricia Sue Ho**er

Patricia Sue Edwards Ho**er, 70, of Salem, Va., passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was born on November 6, 1955, to the late Susie Gross and Alfred Edwards. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Stacy Ho**er; sister, Diana Harmon and husband, William; and a brother, Alfred Edwards, "Jr.”

Left to cherish her precious memory include her daughter, Erin Hartberger; grandchildren, Zackariah White and Desireé White (Max); siblings, Lisa Edwards (Wes Thompson), Robert Edwards and Rebecca Shannon Niece, Michael Edwards, and James Homer Edwards; Niece and beloved “partner in crime” Halie Carter, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews; and former husband and special friend, Jerry Ho**er.

A celebration of her life will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Brambleton Center, 3738 Brambleton Rd., Roanoke, Va., 24018.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

View Patricia Sue Ho**er's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, VA
24153

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

+15403895441

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