Obituaries

Cheryl Ann Mathis Preston, 64, of Prichard, WV. passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at her residence. Cheryl was born May 27, 1959 in Huntington a daughter of Joyce Mathis and the late Taylor Mathis. She was formerly employed with Zim’s Bagging Company as a shipping and receiving manager. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a beloved brother Anthony Mathis. She is survived by her beloved husband Jack Preston; precious mother Joyce Mathis; brother and sister-in-law Mark Mathis (Heather); sister and brother-in-law Anita Eddy (Ross); several nieces and nephews; step-daughter Jackie Preston and step-grandchildren Danielle Ryder (Cody) and Thomas Napier. Graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. September 2. 2023 at the Preston Ridge Cemetery on White’s Creek Road with Pastor Tom Baisden officiating. There will be no visitation or procession to the cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Ron J. Smith, of Huntington WV, passed away August 17, 2023. Ron was born on July 11th, 1943 the son of the late Jack I. and Georgia Davis Smith. Ron was also preceded in death by siblings, Mr. Carl Smith of Prichard WV, Mrs. Hazel Olson of MIchigan, Ms. Lois Romans of Ceredo WV and Mrs. Gwendolyn Thompson of Prichard WV. He was also preceded in death by great-nephew; Jason D. Spence of Ceredo, WV. Ron is survived by sisters, Mrs. Betty Beckley of Prichard WV, Ms. Phyllis Hewlett of Ceredo WV and brother, Roger Smith of Prichard WV. In addition, Ron survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children; all of whom he cherished. Ron was a retired antique dealer. His fondest memories were of times he and his late partner, Steve Chapman, spent traveling the East Coast buying and selling their fabulous antiques. He especially enjoyed the years they had the shop on 5th Avenue in Huntington, WV. Ron also enjoyed his work with the Mountain State Center in his latter years. The family would like to thank Ron’s friend and neighbor, Frank, for all his help during Ron’s illness. There will be a graveside service on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Newman-Hatten-Ferguson Cemetery on Centerville, Prichard WV at 11am. In lieu of flowers; the family requests donations to Lawrence Co. Kentucky Animal Control or the animal welfare league of your choice.

Pearley Frazier, 88, of Kenova, WV. passed away Monday, August 14, 2023 at his residence. Pearley was born November 16, 1934 in Fort Gay a son of the late Barney and Edith Marshall Frasher. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a retired electrician from Armco Steel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce Ilene Frazier and numerous siblings. He is survived by his children Terry Frazier (Bev), Bambi Frazier and Kristie Cyrus (Eddie); he had a host of loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Graveside service will be conducted at noon, Saturday, August 19. 2023 at the Christian Cemetery on Big Hurricane Creek Road. There will be no visitation or procession to the cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

William Aaron Mullens, 51, of Kenova, WV passed away Monday, August 7, 2023 at his residence. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Daniels, officiating. Inurnment will follow in Dock’s Creek Cemetery. He was born December 14, 1971 in Atlanta, GA. a son of Pastor Larry and Helen Skeens Mullens. He was preceded in death by his Paternal grandparents Dr. H.S. Mullens and Lillian Mullens; Maternal grandparents William Riley and Della Mae Smith Skeens; uncle Robert T. Mullens and numerous other family members. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother and sister-in-law Scott Alan Mullens (Carrie); special cousin, Beverly Bailey; a friend since elementary school, Kenneth Hatten; his fur baby Willie and his good friend and neighbor Betty Wilson. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, Saturday at the funeral home. “Absent from the body present with the Lord, Corinthians 5: 8”, our precious son, we will see you soon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Fred M. Sparks, 95, of Kenova, WV passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted 12:00 P.M. Monday, August 14, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Canterbury officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. Fred was born April 12, 1928 in Clifford, Ky. a son of the late Charlie and Jane Peters Sparks. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kenova, 67 year member of the Blue Lodge #715 F & AM Rush, Ky. He was a 32nd Degree Mason Covington, Ky., El Hasa Shrine Ashland, Ky., Horse Traders Rush, Ky. and a Kentucky Colonel. Fred was a retired Signal Maintainer with the N & W Railroad with 38 years of service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers Proctor L. Sparks, Clyde B. Sparks and Homer Mack Sparks and one sister Elsie Sparks Conn. Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years Thelma Jean Marcum Sparks; daughter Vickie Ann Sparks Mays; son, Fredrick Bruce Sparks; grandchildren Stephanie Ann Mays and Christopher Mays (Abby); three great-grandchildren Callie, Bree & Bode Mays; several nephews and nieces and a sister-in-law Pat Sparks Friends may call one hour prior to the service Monday at Rollins Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Atha Melissa Mayo Mills, of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Kenova, W.Va. passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 8, 2023 just one month shy of her 71st birthday. Atha was born on September 8, 1952 to Hershel V. and Emma L. Cunningham Mayo. Atha was a very proud “Wonder” and West Virginian, having graduated from Ceredo-Kenova High School in 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, N. Richard Mills, Sr. the morning of her senior prom. Five years later they welcomed their first child, Jennifer and then their son, Richie, followed two years later. Atha was a very faithful member of Kenova United Methodist Church, having taught Sunday School, served on various committees and volunteered in any way possible. Atha loved children and put that love into action by caring for some very special children that she held near and dear to her heart; “Courtney, Derek, Gabbie, Avery, Griffey, and Levi.” She also shared her love and caring with countless children during her time as a preschool teacher with The Training Station Preschool as well as her time with Playmates Childcare of Kenova. Atha was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel V. Mayo and Emma L. Cunningham Mayo; her loving husband of 32 years, Noah Richard Mills, Sr.; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends she considered family. Atha is survived by her children, Jennifer Edwards, and Richie Mills, and her son-in-law, Steve Edwards; grandchildren, Riley Jean Mills, Kennedy Ferguson and Noah Edwards; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Doug (Lisa) King, Jimmy (Connie) King, Paul (Jo) King, Darlene (Oz) Kazee and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Atha was born an only child, but held tight to and cherished her friendships both old and new. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kenova United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 503 15th St. Kenova, W.Va. 25530 or Queen City Hospice, 4605 Duke Dr. Suite, 220, Mason, Ohio, 45040. The family would like to thank her loving and faithful friends, the residents and staff of The Glen Senior Living Community, as well as Queen City Hospice for their love, friendship and unmatched care; everyone should feel as loved, appreciated and cared for as Atha surely did in the last few days of her life. Pallbearers will be, Doug King, Jimmy King, Paul King, Dustin Edwards, Ben Butler, Ken Workman, and honorary pallbearer, Michael Hibbard. Visitation will be conducted on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Kenova United Methodist Church with Rev. Andrew Tennant, Rev. Lindsay Thorp and Chaplain Bonnie Bohn officiating. Burial will follow in Woodmere Cemetery. The service will be live streamed on Kenova United Methodist Church Facebook Page. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

 

Shirley Rae Ferguson, 88, of Kenova, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington. She was born May 7, 1935 in Huntington a daughter of the late Ralph and Flora Ferguson Holland. She was a cashier at Tri State IGA. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Earl Ferguson; her daughter, Sheree Lynn Armstrong; a son-in-law, Greg Frisby and sister, Billie Stewart. Shirley is survived by a son, Billy R. (Melody) Ferguson; a daughter, Pamela Frisby; son-in-law, Terry Armstrong; sister, Carol (Thurman) Slone; brother, Gary (Jina) Holland; brother-in-law, Tom Stewart; six grandchildren, Phoenix (Dannie) Dyer, Jamie (Melissa) Ferguson, Crystal (Mark) Jackson, Christopher Frisby, Lindsay (John) Tatum and T.J. (Tara) Armstrong; seven special great grandchildren, Raelyn, Jenna, Julia, Addison, Ellie, Irelynn and Faith. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. A funeral service will begin at 3 with Rev. Dave Cardwell officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Rollinsfh.com.

Bill Dwain Maynard, 84, of Proctoville, Ohio died Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va. He was born February 20, 1939 in Wayne, W.Va. a son of the late James and Ruth Stephens Maynard. He worked for the US Government as a welder and mechanic. He was a US Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War and a lifetime member of VFW 1064. American Legion Post 93 Kenova will conduct military rites. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Poole Maynard and two brothers. He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Kelly (Adam) Jordan; one son and daughter-in-law, Mark (Carrie) Poole and grandchildren, Carly Harkless, Garrett Jordan, Scott Poole, Hunter Jordan and Alex Poole. Visitation will be from 11 to Noon on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. A funeral service will begin at Noon with Eulogist Adam Jordan officiating. Burial will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, North East in Grayson, KY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Rollinsfh.com.

Lisa Aliff Pennington, 56, of Huntington, WV. passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 in St. Mary’s Medical Center. She was born November 12, 1966 a daughter of the late Denver Leon Aliff and the late Gail Adkins Giles. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death two brothers Denver Leon Aliff, Jr. and Troy Lewis Aliff. Survivors include four children Reba Lynn Aliff, Felicia Aliff-Douberley (Barney), Eldonna Pennington (Brian) and Viola Pennington; grandchildren Anthony, Gloria, Jaylin, Christopher, Hunter, Kiley, Mya, Ava, Whitney, Lisa and one great-grandson on the way. She is also survived by her siblings Lynn Woods, James Aliff (Jennifer), Denise Clagg (Mark), Tara Aliff (Larry Zerkle); Lisa’s life partner Michael Ruley and a special Sheilla Wallace. A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. with a service to follow at 7:00 P.M. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

John Raymond Daniels, 96, of Catlettsburg, Ky. passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 at Woodland Oaks Healthcare Center. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home with Minister Luke Goulds officiating. Entombment will follow in Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens. John was born June 23, 1927 in Catlettsburg a son of the late John Raymond and Florence West Daniel. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army during WWII and an Elder with the Ceredo Church of Christ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Alvanna Faye Daniels; four sisters Doris Mae Daniel, Irene Crum, Faye Hayes and Phyllis Stafford; one brother Clarence Lambert and daughter-in-law Joyce Daniels. He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in law Gary Daniels, Phillip Daniels (Ruth) and Dean Daniels (Hope); grandchildren Joy (Tony), Gary, Ryan (Kim), Michele, Jennifer, Stephanie, Scott (Amanda) and Sarah (Rob) and sixteen great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.