Obituaries

James “Jim” Alan Mitchell, age 82, went peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior Monday, January 17, 2022.

Jim was born August 7, 1939 in Weston, West Virginia to the late Voyle and Amy Linger Mitchell. He graduated from Jane Lew High School in Jane Lew, West Virginia in 1957. Jim eventually moved to Huntington, West Virginia where he initially went to work at Union Boiler and then later for Pritchard Electric at Ashland Oil retiring in 2001 as a laborer for the Union Local 1445.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and camping all of his life. The outdoors, in his mind, was only made better when shared with family. As such, one of the great joys of his life was Three Brother’s Camp that he acquired with brothers Howard and Charlie Mitchell in Valley Head, West Virginia which saw a host of family and friends over the years and where he spent much of his retirement. His family very much looks forward to continuing this legacy in his honor for generations to come.

Jim is preceded in death by brother Eugene Mitchell and his wife Isabel, sister Katie White and her husband Ralph, sister Geraldine Taylor and her husband Floyd, sister Linda Barker and a brother-in-law Glenn Maley.

He is survived by sister Shirley Maley , brother Howard (Doris) Mitchell, brother Thomas (Lana) Mitchell, brother Charles (Roberta) Mitchell and brother-in-law Jerry Barker. He is also survived by his four children James (Joanna) Mitchell, John (Hillary) Mitchell, Sherry (Ken) Ward and Lisa Ward as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who fondly knew him as “Pampaw”.

Prior to moving to Huntington, Jim attended Wayside Southern Baptist Chapel in Buckhannon, West Virginia and was baptized in the Buckhannon River at Sago in July 1974. It is with this blessed assurance that his family celebrates his life. Services will be at ReClaim Church in Huntington, West Virginia at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 29, 2022 with Pastor Corey Adkins officiating. The family will be accepting guests starting at 11 a.m. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Christopher Austin Jones

January 17, 1995-January 14, 2022, Hurricane, WV
Graduate of Spring Valley High School, 2013
He was currently studying Digital Forensics at Marshall University

Parents: Christopher J Jones and Cathy Jones (Step Mother)
Paula Vega (Mother) and Dr. Michael Vega (Step Father)
Siblings: Lauren Vega (Step Sister), Evan Vega (Step Brother), Evan Bailey (Step Brother)
Grandparents: Jim and Connie Jones, War, WV
The late Paul and Doris Morrison (Barboursville, WV)
The late Elmer and Mary Vega, (South Point, OH)

Most importantly, Austin had a deep love for his whole family and cherished the times they could be together. His dad Chris, has always been his “best man”, “his rock”, and “workout buddy”. His mom Paula, has always been his ray of sunshine, source of encouragement, and spiritual guidance. Michael, always gave him direction in life and taught him the joy of cycling. Austin and Lauren always shared a special bond together, giving each other support and advice from across the world or just across the river. Austin always cherished his time with Evan Vega from the time they were young playing soccer together to just last week playing corn hole. Austin was so excited to see Alexis Schoessow (Evan’s Vegas Fiancé) to join the large Vega Clan. Austin shared many childhood experiences with Evan Bailey and loved his nephew fiercely. Austin loved growing up and spending time on the river with his many cousins and siblings.

Austin’s passions, as many know, were continuing his education, staying physically fit, and enjoying time with his friends and family. He had a soft spot for any child who needed a role model and took time out of his day to play with the children of friends and family.

He was always making everyone laugh, his quick wit and sense of humor was legendary, never one to mince his words, always keeping it real. Austin’s motto was “ ‘I am’ is greater than ‘I was’. Each day was a new beginning, a chance to chart a new course. He protected and supported the people he loved unconditionally. He gave himself the grace to become a better man. He did not let his past define him and he had so many goals to achieve. Mostly though he had so much love to give.

We will miss his infectious smile, ability to brighten the room, and his intense love for his friends and family.

He is now in the arms of his heavenly father. We can only imagine the welcome he received when he was greeted by his grandmother Doris who couldn’t wait to meet her grandson.

Saturday January 22nd
Visitation from 10am-12 noon
Service to honor Austin’s life 12:00 noon -12:45
Lewis Memorial Baptist Church
5385 West Pea Ridge Road
Huntington, WV 25705
*In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to
Christopher Austin Jones Memorial Fund
(I Am>I Was)
c/o Wesbanco
823 Eighth Street
Huntington, WV 25705

 

Evelyn Irene Ross Waller,83, of Huntington, W.Va. passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the Huntington Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born July 22, 1938 in Huntington, W.Va. a daughter of the late Floyd and Mamie Mae Tucker Ross. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Clyde Waller and a sister Betsy Withrow. Survivors include two sons Randy Waller (Tina) and Steve Waller (Gina); two grandchildren Alisha Waller and Stephen Waller; brother Don Ross and sister Milda Justice (Glen). There will be a memorial gathering for friends and family 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. Friday, January 21, 2022 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Phyllis Gaye Merritt Mahon, 78, of Kenova, W.Va. loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away Monday January 10, 2022 at her home. She was born October 6, 1943 in Wayne, W.Va. a daughter of the late Thomas and Della Dyer Merritt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, David and Craig Mahon and one sister, Irene Dyer. Phyllis had worked for Big Bear Grocery where she was the manager of the Sweet Shop. She also was a self employed house keeper who worked for many people who became her extended families. The family would like to express a special thanks to Larry and Cheryl Tweel for the kindness they showed to Phyllis. Cheryl, who became like a sister, spoke with Phyllis daily. Phyllis would go above and beyond to help her friends, coworkers and family. She loved her family, enjoyed spending time with them, and would do anything she could for them. She is survived by her husband, Hallie Mahon; her children, Sherri (Vincent) Blatt and Thomas (Tammy) Mahon. She was a loving Ninny to Tyler (Renee) Blatt; a loving Mamaw to Michael and Rachael Mahon, Natasha (Ricky) Passarelli, David (Jennifer) Chapman and Andrew (Cynthia) Chapman. She was a loving great grandmother to Braxton and Ariana Frazier and Grant and Ava Chapman; a sister, Wilda Jean Maynard; her very special nephews, Keith (Kim) Maynard, Jeff Maynard, Jarod (DeeAnn) Maynard and a host of special friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Park Circle Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Jeffers officiating. Visitation will be two hours before the service. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her church, the charity of your choice or by paying it forward to a stranger because that’s what she would love. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

PATRICIA KAY MACHIR of Louisa, Ky., passed away Monday, January 10, 2022. She was born December 8, 1943, a daughter of the late William Franklin and Violette Somerville Machir. Pat graduated from Point Pleasant High School and attended Huntington Junior College. She was retired from the Lawrence County Health Department where she was a smoking cessation counselor. Pat was recognized by the State of Kentucky for her work with the awareness of the dangers of tobacco and how important it was for her clients to understand the need for smoking cessation. Many who successfully completed the smoking cessation program would thank her for her help. She loved animals and had a great desire for rescuing them. She was a member of Kenova United Methodist Church where she started the Email Prayer Chain Ministry. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one sister, Carol Sue Patterson. She is survived by her son, Tim (Amanda) Knopp, daughters Michelle Pemberton, Trisha (Andy) Scott and grandchildren Jacynn Pemberton, Ryann Pemberton and Bill Walker Scott; sister Deborah Hickel (Mike Harlow); special friend and father of her children, Tom Knopp and a host of friends and church family. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 7:30 p.m. with Pastor Randy Maynard officiating at Kenova United Methodist Church, Kenova, W.Va. Graveside service Thursday, January 13, 2022, 11 a.m. at Suncrest Cemetery, Point Pleasant, W.Va. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lawrence County Humane Society, PO Box 1331, Louisa, KY 41230 or AARF Ashland Animal Rescue Fund, 12365 Kevin Ave., Ashland, KY 41102. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfhcom

Donnie Nelson Joseph,70, of Prichard, W.Va. passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted noon Friday, January 14, 2022 at the Kenova Church of Christ with Brother Chris Stevens officiating. Interment will follow in the Ward-Lewis Cemetery. He was born April 11, 1951 in Lancaster, Ky. a son of the late Emery and Georgia Lee McDaniel Joseph. He retired from the Wayne Wal-Mart. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Gary Lee Joseph. Survivors include his beloved wife of 50 years Loretta Ward Joseph; son Randall Patrick Joseph (Sonya Mayo Joseph); daughter Susan Renee Parks (Dwayne); son Phillip Matthew Joseph (Mindy Hunt Joseph) and daughter Angela Maria Adkins (Jeremy); eight grandchildren Kaitlin Shay Joseph, Miranda Lee Joseph, Levi Patrick Joseph, Kayla Renee Parks, Kyle Alexander Parks, Andrea Marie Bockway (Chase), Alexis Paige Adkins and Annabelle Grace Joseph; three great-grandchildren Jaxon Chase Bockway, Olivia Jayne Bockway and James Kenneth Bockway. He is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Roger & Regina Ward; David & Diana Nelson; Betty & Ronnie Arnoldt and Beverly & Lewis Lemons; cousins Freda Shilot; Allen Day and Julienne Abney; uncles Earl Tankerlsley and Curtis Tankersley and a host of other family members. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the church. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Edward Oneal Adkins, 82 of Kenova, WV,  went to be with The Lord on Friday January 7, 2022.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy, sister, Loretta Earl (Bill), son, Greg Adkins (Suzanne), daughter, Kim Maynard (Johnny), and stepdaughter Kelli Halstead-Herr (Anthony).  He was Pawpaw to 5 grandchildren, Kecia, Kaytlin, Jonathan, Thomas, and MaKenna, as well as 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Talmer and Grace Martin Adkins, brother, Cletis Adkins, and sister Recie Erwin. He retired from Transfab Inc./Terrell Industries after 40 years in 2001. He was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Culloden.  He was a member of the Northeastern Kentucky Game Association.  He was an avid hunter, loved running his rabbit dogs, and was a Master Gardener.  Funeral will be Monday, January 10, 2022 at 1pm at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, WV.  Service by his Pastor, and brother-in-law Claude Spurlock, with visitation 1 hour preceding.  Burial will be at Docks Creek Maple Hill Cemetery following the service.

David Hayes Watts,72, of Huntington, WV. passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky. Funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova with Brothers Jackie Nelson, Wornie Meeks and Don Maynard officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites being given by the American Legion Post 93 Honor Guard. David was born August 9, 1949 in Huntington, a son of Mary June Phelps Watts and the late Caudill Hayes Watts. He was a veteran having served in U.S. Army and was a member of the Prichard United Baptist Church. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a daughter Christina Marchelle Watts. In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife Phyllis Nelson Watts; son, Glendon Watts; daughter and son-in-law Sarah Jack (Geary Jack II); brother, Paul Watts; two sisters and brothers-in-law Alice Gail Dowis (Bob) and Kelly Laney (Jerry) and six grandchildren Alison, Angela, Andrew, Alexandrea, Geary and Nolan. Friends may call two hours prior to the service. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

Kevin Howard Fisher, 61, of Kenova, W.Va. passed away December 29, 2021 in Huntington, W.Va. at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Kevin was a beloved, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was born in Parkersburg, W.Va. on December 1, 1960 a son of the late Kenneth Howard Fisher, Jr. and Gloria McQuinn Looney of Wayne, W.Va. Kevin was a graduate of C-K High School, Class of 1979 where he played basketball for the Wonders. He was a technician contractor working for the EPA. He loved to fish and being outdoors. He could fix anything you needed, enjoyed wood working, and was an avid Duke basketball fan. Kevin loved his family including his siblings, daughter and especially his grandson. He is survived by his daughter, Keisha Randolph, her husband, Shawn and the apple of his eye, Charles Jett Randolph who lovingly called him Poppy, all of Proctorville, OH; his brothers, Kirk Fisher of Durham, NC and Kent Fisher of Memphis, TN; his sisters, Karen (Greg) Webb of Wayne, WV and Kim (Geno DeLaini) Fisher of Durham, NC and many nieces, nephews, exceptional lifelong friends and special friend, Silvia Olivares. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Howard Fisher, III. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2022 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Kenova with Pastor Scott Byard officiating and Cory Sargent and Mark Adkins assisting. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.