Obituaries

James “Jimmy” Curtis Jackson, 67, of Huntington, W.Va. passed away March 4, 2026 at his home. He was born May 29, 1958 a son of the late Ralph “Rusty” Jackson and Helen Cyrus Jackson. Jimmy worked for the City of Kenova for over 20 years as an EMT and firefighter. He also worked as a dispatcher for the Kenova Police Department for several years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country. Growing up in Kenova he attended Ceredo Kenova High School and was a friend to many. In addition to his parents Jimmy was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sunny Nicole Hackworth; one sister, Debby Hazlett and one brother, Danny Jackson. Those left behind to keep his memory alive are daughters, Amber Jackson, Grace Jackson, his youngest daughter who was his constant companion growing up, Jillian (Makayla) Jackson and Jillian’s mother, Lorraine “Lori” Jackson. Also surviving are two sons, Damon Perry and Greg Thompson; two bonus daughters, Crystal and Rachel; two special nieces, Tammy and Stephanie; a beloved grandson, Jace and his loving companion and friend, his chihuahua, Ellie. Jimmy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com. Continue reading “James “Jimmy” Curtis Jackson”

Ethel Eileen Facarazzo, 64, of Prichard, W.Va. passed away February 27, 2026 at her home. She was born April 27, 1961 in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Wondell Hayton and Nancy Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her stepmother Mary Hayton; a brother Jerry Dale Hayton and a sister Toni Lynn Gebauer. She is survived by her loving husband Dominic “DJ” Facarazzo, brothers James, Wondell, TH, and Scott Hayton; one sister Donna Smith; half-sister Jill Curlis; stepbrothers Rick and Mike Adkins, three nephews, four nieces, many great nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Hayton Family Cemetery in Prichard, W.Va. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Debbie Sue Hazlett, 74, of Huntington, WV, passed away February 12, 2026, at her home. She was born August 30, 1951,in Huntington, WV. daughter of the late Ralph and Helen Jackson. She was retired, having worked many years designing and installing closets for Closetmaid. She was a member of the Hernando United Methodist Church in Hernando, Florida, where she often acted and sang in shows with her granddaughter. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Mack Hazelett, and one brother Danny Randall Jackson. She is survived by one daughter Tammy Jackson (Walter Ross), one brother James “Jimmy” Jackson, one beloved granddaughter Stephanie Kathlene Weiford and her fiancé Thomas Andrew Hays, and best friends Hazel Powell, Barbara and Arnold Adkins. There will be no services. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Mabel JoAnn Belcher Avis, 86, of Kenova, W.Va. passed away February 18, 2026 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington, W.Va. Joann was born September 26, 1939 a daughter of the late Henry Beecher and Gladys Belcher. She was a graduate of Man High School and spent her life caring for her beloved family. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John D. Avis, Sr.; one son, John D Avis, Jr. and his wife, Kathy; one granddaughter, Jordan Hannah Duhamell and her husband, Dominica; a great granddaughter, Brooke Duhamell; a sister, Ruth Graham of Dayton, Ohio and a brother, Mackie Belcher of, Low Ash, Buffalo Creek in Logan County, W.Va. JoAnn was a 50 year member of the Catlettsburg Harvest Church of God, Catlettsburg, KY. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A graveside service will be conducted on Monday, February 23, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Spring Valley Memory Gardens, Huntington, W.Va. There will be no visitation or procession to the cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

 

Ileta Hoosier Willis, born June 5,1934 went to see her Lord and family in Heaven, February 15, 2026 at the age of 91. She was the daughter of the late George and Eltha Hatten Hoosier. Also preceding her in death were her husband, Ernest “Bill” Willis; daughter, Tina Prince; granddaughter, Brandi Davis; grandson, Chipper Willis; sister, Rose Ellen Osborne and three infant siblings. She is survived by her sons, Ernie and Susie Willis of Kenova, W.Va., with whom she has made her home for the last ten months; Scott Willis, Tim and Angie Willis; and a son-in-law, Alphrey Prince, all of Prichard, W.Va. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren who called her “Granny” and the rest of her family and friends. In addition she is survived by a special nephew, George Osborne; cousin, Nellie Jordan and her son, Steve Salyers; and her very best friend, Viola Bentley. Ileta will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be conducted on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. when her funeral service will begin with Rev. Scott Byard officiating at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Nell Lorraine (May) Brumfield, 98, of The Woodlands in Huntington, WV, formerly a longtime resident of Ceredo, WV, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026.

Nell was born on April 28,1927, in Kenova, WV. She was a proud graduate of Ceredo-Kenova High School, where she fondly remembered her time as a majorette in the school band. Nell received her Undergraduate and Masters Degrees from Marshall University, and enjoyed a 20-year elementary education teaching career.

She was married to her beloved husband, Glenn Earl Brumfield, for 65 years. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, faith, and community. Glenn preceded her in death.

Nell is survived by her three children: G. David Brumfield of Hurricane, WV; James W. Brumfield (Anne), of Durham, NC; and R. Lynn (Brumfield) Adkins (Jerry), of Lavalette, WV. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Madeline Powell (Joseph), Houston, TX; Chris Brumfield (Shannon), High Point, NC; Jennifer Erwin (Matt), Richmond, VA; Mary Kathryn Souto (Lee), Durham, NC; Gretchen Adkins (Chris), Greensboro, NC; and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Nell greatly enjoyed playing golf and cards, attending the Marshall Artist Series, and faithfully supporting Marshall University football and basketball—both home and away—alongside her husband and dear friends. After Glenn’s passing, she continued attending games, maintaining the traditions they loved together.

She was active in her community, serving on the Ceredo Beautification Committee and volunteering as a docent at the Huntington Museum of Art. Nell was also a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Kenova, where her faith remained an important and guiding part of her life.

The family wishes to offer special acknowledgment and heartfelt thanks to Barbara Ragland for her years of tireless devotion to Nell’s care, health, and happiness. The family also thanks April Scaggs, as well as the entire staff of The Woodlands for their compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at the Rollins Funeral Home, 1822 Chestnut Street, Kenova, WV, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 noon, wiith services to follow at 1:00 p.m. Internment will follow at the Woodmere Cemetery in Huntington at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Nell Brumfield to the Marshall University Foundation, Inc., 519 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, 25703. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Josie Mae Merritt, passed away January 31, 2026 in the home that she loved so very much. She was born February 4, 1939, the daughter of Clyde and Vesta Graham. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Merritt; a son Randy Thompson and a son-in-law, John Daniels. She is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Roger) Nelson and Kimberly Daniels; two step daughters, Marsha (Bill) Keyser and Janice (Larry) Disk; six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; neighbors, Todd and Keri Davis that were like family. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Bernard Wilson Skean, 74, of Kenova, WV peacefully passed away on January 28, 2026. Bernard, known lovingly as “Bernie” was born on July 17, 1951 at Rife Hospital in Kenova and was raised by his parents Irena and stepfather Glen Irons. In life, he served our country faithfully as a Master Mechanic in the Navy for 18 years. The Navy fostered a lifelong love for aviationexemplified through his personal love of flying and constructing aircrafts in his spare time. His enthusiasm for flying could only be matched through his love of music. He could be heard playing music with his band “The Country Boys” at the former diners known as “The Chatterbox” in Kenova and “Dorthey’s” in Steptown. It was not uncommon to hear the twang of his guitars and banjos any day of the week, playing the melodies ofanything from Johnny Cash to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bernie was the foundation of his family, personifying what it means to give your life to your loved ones. The workday never ended, and neither did the love for his family. He will be greeted in Heaven by his mother and father, his brothers Franklin and Gary Skean, his eldest daughter Crystal, and his beloved wife Ida Carol. In life he is survived by his daughters Courtney (Rhodney Kholer) Skean, Julia (Pat) Maloney, and Debra Freeman, his grandchildren Mackenzie Reffitt, Michael Reffitt, Hayden Wright, Parker McComas, Preston Tolliver-Skean, Zion Burnes, Malachi Burns, and Naomi Burnes, and his great-grandchildren Riley Reffitt, and Bentley Wright. He is also survived by many friends, fellow service members, bandmates, and loved ones who will forever sing a song and share in his memory. Continue reading “Bernard Wilson Skean”

Aught Kenneth “Ken” Walker, 91, of Huntington, WV. passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at his home. Ken was born March 5, 1934 in Huntington, WV. son of the late Aught and Lilly McGinnis Walker. He was retired from the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Freda Fuery Walker; son Jeffrey Scott Walker; grandson John Kenneth (JK) Walker, II.; sister Gail Patricia Tweel and brother David M. Walker. He is survived by two sons John Kenneth “Kenny” Walker (Kim) and Dwayne Walker (Kathy); granddaughter Lacey Walker; grandson Stephen Walker; five great-grandchildren Beckham, Bronson, Bristol, Sawyer and Lennix and his beloved dog Griz. In keeping with his request all services will be private with interment taking place in the Walker Family Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.