Danny Gray White, 61, of Emporia passed away on September 10, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Roberta White. He is survived by his sister, Donna White Massey (Buck); his brothers, Randy White (Janet), Donnie White (Sara), and Ronald White (Frances); his nieces and nephews, Carly Krolak, Lindsay Bradley, Brooke White, Corey White, Carter White, Ty White, Alec White, Patricia White, and Ronnie White and many close friends. Danny was a graduate of Virginia Tech, President of White’s Shoe Store, Officer of Village View, and a member of Emporia Rotary. A funeral service will be held 1pm, Tuesday, at Echols Funeral Home Chapel followed by interment in Greensville Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at Village View immediately following the interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Village View, c/o Nancy Ferguson, 108 State Street, Emporia, VA 23847. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com

Ann F. Pearson was born January 2, 1948 to Gilbert and Lillie Pearson and died Sept. 16, 2016.  She grew up in Emporia  She was a proud member of the class of 1966 of Greensville County High School before she graduated from Radford College. She was a charter member of Zeta Tau Alpha at Radford.  Ann taught school in Nottoway County for several years before becoming a warehouse manager for   Phillip Morris until she retired to become the #1 babysitter for the Watson family.  She loved the Red Hatters and the Atlanta Braves.  She is survived by her mother Lillie E. Pearson, sister Gay Taylor  and husband Melvin, two nieces; Patti Watson and husband Rick, Allison Travis and husband Walker and nephew Robert Taylor.  She is also survived by 3-great-neices and 2-great nephews, Jordan Watson, Taylor Watson, Tanner Watson, Lily Travis and Lauren Travis, who were the joys of her life.  Ann also leaves behind many cousins and cherished friends. A visitation will be held Sunday 3:00 to 4:00 at Main St. United  Methodist Church with service to follow at 4:00 P. M. in the church,  with interment to follow at Emporia Cemetery. Donations can be made to her favorite charity, the Golf Society of Radford College c/o Jennie Allman , 1148 Ivy Hill Drive, Forest, Va., 24551.  Condolences may be sent to www.echolsfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Joyce Brady Taylor, 78, of Drewryville, passed away on Saturday September 17, 2016. She was the widow of the late Henry Thomas Taylor, Jr.; a native of Prince George County, Joyce was the daughter of the late Nelson Dabney Brady and Lucy Alma Watson and stepfather Emil Popoczy. She is survived by two daughters, Sherry Dale Taylor of Prince George and Debbie T. Wilmouth of Chester; son, Henry “Tripp” T. Taylor, III and wife, Tara of Black Creek; grandchildren, Amanda Arnold and husband, Mark, Brady Temple Taylor, Corey H. Wilmouth, Kinsey W. Taylor, Thomas Taylor, Zoe Mathis and husband, William, Alaina Schools, Merea Taylor and Micah Taylor; four great-grandchildren, Devin Pittman, Austin Pittman, Brayden Arnold and Courtlyn Arnold; one sister, Phyllis Brady Warren and husband, David L. of Disputanta. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 21 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 22 at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church, Drewryville, Virginia with interment to follow at Drewryville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Drewryville Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

Elton Lee Powers, age 65, of Skippers, VA passed away September 19, 2016.  He is the son of the late Marvin and Susie Mae Powers.  He is survived by his wife, Donna Marie Powers; three sons, Brian Powers and wife Ginger, Jonathon Powers and Nathan Powers; three grandchildren, Destiny, Joshua and Kaylee; two sisters, Vivian Finney and Brenda Phillips and husband Cecil; and his brother, Wayne Powers and wife Janet.  Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Friday at Williams Funeral Home, Lawrenceville, Va. with interment at Zion Baptist Church, Skippers, Va.  The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.wmsfhva.com.

Arthur Wyche Allen, 80, widower of Shirley Prince Allen, passed away Saturday, Oct 1, 2016. He was the son of the late Bernie Beck Allen and Carrie Taylor Allen and was also preceded in death by two sisters, Irma Lee Allen and Ida Wrenn and four brothers, Milton Allen, S.T. Allen, Luther Allen and John Allen. He is survived by a son, Dale Allen; daughter Anita Wong; two grandchildren, Jason Wong and Kevin Allen and fiance’, Tonia and her children, Zoe, Makayla, Payton, Owen and Ethan, a great-granddaughter, Alyssa “Sugar Girl” Allen; two sisters, Josephine Covington and Esther Allen; a brother, Alfred A. Allen and a number of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday, October 3 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 4 at Forest Hill Baptist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hill Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

William Stratton Finch, 60, of Emporia, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Barbara R. Finch; two sons, Anthony W. Finch and wife, Devin and Jordy Finch; daughter, Leigh Ann Lewis and husband, Nick; three grandchildren, Bryce, Steven and Camryn; brother-in-law, James J. Rawlings and his faithful canine companion, “Snickers”. Mr. Finch was preceded in death by a son, Lynn S. Finch. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 5 at Zion Baptist Church, Skippers, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Greensville Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

William F. “Bill” Whitehead, Sr., widower of Audrey Allen Whitehead passed away Friday, October 7, 2016. He is survived by a son, William F. “Billy” Whitehead, Jr. and wife, Shirley of Prince George; daughter, Kathie W. Little and husband, Allen of Skippers; grandchildren, Shirley Yeary and husband, James, William F. “Will” Whitehead, III and wife, Tracey, Corey Whitehead, Kimberly Hafey and husband, Brad and Megan Jones and husband, Ryan; great-grandchildren, KelseaRoussell, Christian Roussell, CailaAluisio and husband, Jordan, Bryannah Whitehead, Miranda Whitehead, Wyatt Whitehead, Rachel Kidd and Ethan Kidd; one great-great-grandson, Cayson Grant Hudgins; a brother, Walter C. “Bubba” Whitehead and wife, Carolyn; a sister, Audrey Doenges and husband, Gary and special friend, Bernice Childress. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 11. Interment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lakewood Manor, 1900 Lauderdale Dr., Richmond, Virginia 23238. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

Sam Billy Barnes Sr. made his final Journey home today, October 18th 2016. Sam Billy is survived by his 3 children, Dale B Rhodes, Sam "Billy" Barnes Jr. and wife Vickie, Kimberly Creech-Mitchell and four grandsons, Kent Christopher Trader, Anthony R. Hux, Kyle A. Barnes and wife Megan, Rodney K. Mitchell and wife Tiffany and 7 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Capron Cemetery in Capron Virginia at 1pm on Friday, October 21, 2016. Arrangements by Williford Funeral Home, Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Gladys Moore Hobbs, 89, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson A. Hobbs; brother, Ervin Earl Moore and wife, Frances and a step-grandson, Aaron Spence. Mrs. Hobbs is survived by two daughters, Linda Hobbs Hawkins and husband, Glenn and Brenda “Bootsie” Spence and special friend, Troy Reickard; four grandchildren, Hayes Hawkins, Melanie Poteat (Matt), Joanna Lane (Richard) and Stephen Spence (Jennifer); great-grandchildren, Kaylin Hawkins, Summer Hawkins, Gabrielle Jean, Sheridan Poteat, Landon Poteat, Cole Poteat, Lauren Jenkins, Aaron Lindquist, Levi Lindquist and Mattie Spence; a brother, Dennis Moore (Glenda) and a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 29 at Main Street Baptist Church in Emporia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Main Street Baptist Church, 440 S. Main St., Emporia, Virginia 23847. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Edward Payne Harrup, 77, of Emporia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 29, 2016. Born October 3, 1939, he was the son of the late Surry and Anna Harrup and was also preceded in death by four siblings, Helen Kuhlman, Ida Mae Barnes and Johnny and Crawford Harrup. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Molly; two sons, Payne, Jr. (Lisa), Dennis (Amy); adopted daughter, Brenda Romines (Olin); four grandsons, Brian, Eddie, Jacob and Elijah; granddaughter, Tina Cranmore (Ron); great-grandson, Chayton and great-granddaughter, Kele. Mr. Harrup was retired from American Bakeries (Merita) and was a man who loved his family. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 2 at Word of Life Assembly of God Church where the family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:30. Interment will follow at Emporia Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

Wendy Jeneise Gordon, born July 26, 1976, died on Oct. 31 at Southside Regional Hospital in Petersburg, Va. Wendy leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Teresa Wray Welsh, of Emporia; father, Phillip W. Gordon and stepmom, Beverly of Lake Gaston, NC.; daughter Kelly Finn of Louisburg, N.C.; the love of her life, Ricky Blythe of Stony Creek, Va; and faithful canine Cracker as well as a host of aunts, uncles and cousins that she loved very much. She was predeceased in death by her grandparents, Robert H. "Bobby" Wray and Edla Hobbs Wray; and Robert and Marie Gordon, of Emporia. Wendy faced many challenges in her 40 years. She had medical issues from childhood and suffered a brain injury in her early 20s. But she had a heart of gold and loved everyone, especially children and the elderly. The family will receive visitors Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m., at Echols Funeral Home. A graveside funeral will be held at 11 a.m., at Emporia Cemetery on Brunswick Ave., with Pastor Brad Barbour officiating. Pallbearers will be Tally Pernell, John Mise, Chris Clarke, Nicholas Hobbs, Robbie Wray, and Brian Lindsley. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Wrenn, Ernest Bailey and Kiser Robinson. In lieu of flowers the family is accepting donations for the funeral. Send donations to Teresa Welsh, c/o Independent Messenger, 111 Baker St. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com.

Melvin Temple “M.T.” Leonard, Jr. 59, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin T. Leonard, Sr. and his sister, Deborah Leonard Morris. He is survived by his wife, Alicia Wolanski Leonard; step-son, Alex Bojko (LaRayGraner); his mother, Hazel Ann Leonard; brother, Charles G. Leonard and wife, Helen and brother-in-law, Joshua J. Morris. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 4 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 5 at Centenary United Methodist Church, 303 S. Braxton Ave, Jarratt, Virginia. Interment will follow at Salem United Methodist Church, 19312 Templeton Rd, Carson, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Lucille Fox Kelly Gibson, 89, of Emporia, passed away Monday, November 1, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. “Bob” Kelly; two brothers, Jethro W. Fox and Ryland C. Fox; and a sister, Virginia Fox Bowen. Mrs. Gibson is survived by her daughter, Sharon Kelly Phillips Daniels; grandson, Matthew Dalton Phillips; granddaughter, Caitlin Fox Phillips and a number of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. A graveside funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, November 4 at Greensville Memorial Cemetery where the family will receive friends prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Adams Grove Baptist Church, 24463 Adams Grove Rd., Emporia, Virginia 23847. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Milton Thomas “Tommy” Crewe, 84, of Emporia, Virginia, was born on June 8, 1932 and passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016. Tommy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Cash Crewe, his two sons, Jeff and wife, Dina of Suffolk, VA and Jerry and wife, Paige of Emporia; his grandchildren, Austin Crewe of Emporia, Emily Cyr and husband, Jordan of Aiken, SC and Morgan Crewe of Harrisonburg, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Rose Tripp of Birmingham, AL and by special nephews, Trent Crewe of Wytheville, VA and Ron Crewe of New York City; also by nephews and niece, Barry and Allan Trippe and Rosanne Nichols of Birmingham, AL. Mr. Crewe was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Virginia Crewe and his brother, T. Guy Crewe. Tommy was devoted to his wife and children. He was a father who was always there for every event in his family’s life and was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was the owner of City Auto Supply for 24 years. Tommy was proud to be honored recently with the Ruritan Forever award by his MeherrinRuritan Club. He was blessed to have had a loving and supportive family and many great friends. Tommy was known for his generous heart, wonderful sense of humor and incredible work ethic. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank his caregivers, RegenaDeloatch, Jean Miller, Doretha Carrington, Annie Lee, Clara Edwards and many others for their wonderful care of Tommy during the past 14 months. Special thanks to the staff of Crater Community Hospice. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. Sunday, November 27 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 28 at Monumental United Methodist Church where Tommy was an active member for 75 years. Interment with military honors will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. If you choose, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the church or to MeherrinRuritan Club. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com.

Lois B. Gaskins, 91, of Capron, widow of Arthur D. Gaskins, passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Eva C. Butler. Numerous nieces and nephews survive her. The funeral service will be held graveside 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 30 at Drewryville Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Thomas Memorial Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Julia KeiRideoutSprouse, 86, of Emporia, widow of Berry Rideout and Clyde Sprouse died November 28, 2016, peacefully at home.  She retired from Continental Telephone Company with over 30 years of service and was a life time member of Saint Richard’s Catholic Church. She is survived by two sisters, Bessie Smith of Hopewell and Ann Newsome of Emporia, and sisters in law, Audrey Kei and Katherine Kei of Emporia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceeded in death by her parents, Vendel and Bessie Kei; brothers, Vendel, Jr., Steve, Joe, Johnny, Paul, Sandy and Charlie Kei; sisters, Elizabeth Suess, Sue Tucker, and Mary Riegel. A funeral service will be held Friday, 2 p.m. Friday, December 2 at the Owen Funeral Home Chapel, 303 S. Halifax Rd where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

James E. “Jimmy” Brown, 50, passed away Friday, December 2, 2016. He is survived by his son, Zachary; mother, Janie Brown; sister Debbie Pearce and husband, Randy; niece, Brittney Pearce; girlfriend, Stacy Webb and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A beloved father, son, brother and companion, Jimmy was greatly loved and will be missed. He was plant manager at First Energy Corporation for over 25 years; President of Jarratt Hunt Club, a member of Jarratt Volunteer Fire Department; a past member of Jarratt Town Council and a member of Purdy Baptist Church. The family will receive friends 2–5 p.m Sunday, December 4 at Jarratt Volunteer Fire Department. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, December 5 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, Virginia. Interment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Jarratt Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 562, Jarratt, Virginia 23867 or to Boy Scout Troop 232, 614 E. Lane Dr., Emporia, Virginia 23847 or to Jarratt Hunt Club, 583 Scotland Dr., Jarratt, Virginia. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Florence “Flo” Bernard, 74, widow of William E. “Bill” Bernard passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016. She is survived by her daughters, Janice Randof (Gary Nolf), Patricia Simmons (Jeff); sons, James William Edson, Jr. (Rosa), Richard Edson (Margarita) and Robert Lee Edson (Ana); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and her beloved canine companions, Fern, Missie and Sadie Mae. Mrs. Bernard was a member of Forest Hill Baptist Church where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, December 9. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-7:30 Thursday, December 8 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Gene Marshall Johnson, 74, of Midlothian, formerly of Emporia, passed away on December 14, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Ann Faison Johnson; daughter and son in law, Amy and Jimmy Parks; son, Jay Johnson; grandchildren, Abby and Marshall and special brother in law and wife, Bobby and Sandy Faison. He served as the 8th Director of the Virginia Department of Corrections, appointed by Governor Mark Warner in October 2002 and reappointed by Governor Timothy Kane in January 2006. During his 45 years of distinguished service, he was known for his commitment to the agency. A funeral service will be held 1pm, Monday, at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 2341 Winterfield Road, Midlothian, VA 23113. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, 1pm, at Greensville Memorial Cemetery, 1250 Skippers Road, Emporia, VA 23847. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Employee Assistance Fund, Attn: Barbara Reyes, Department of Corrections, P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, VA 23261. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com

Helen Poole Gibson, 77, of Emporia, passed away on December 18, 2016. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lori Peirce and is survived by her sons, Tony Gibson and wife Debbie, David Gibson and wife Norma, Michael Gibson and friend Jeanette, and Timothy Gibson; sister, Gale P. Moore, 1 brother, William B. Poole & wife Lori; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, 11am, at Concord Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com