Pender Lee Smith, Jr., 84, of Emporia, Virginia died on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Pender was born on April 2, 1932 in the Brink area of Greensville County and was a life-long resident.

Farming was in his blood, and never was he happier than when he was on a tractor or combine on his farm. He was also a partner in PL Smith and Sons Peanut Warehouse. Pender was loved by many and had friends near and far. He had a winning smile and never met a stranger. Pender had a warm laugh and quick wit. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, bird watcher, gardener, and loved to do woodwork in his shop on the farm.

Pender was married to the love of his life, Jo Anne Hancock for 62 years. Together Pender and Jo could be found spending time with friends and family; often going out to eat, dancing, or just visiting.

Pender was active in church, civic, and community organizations. He was a Christian and was a member of the Forest Hill Baptist Church. There he served as a Trustee, Deacon, and was on numerous committees over his 60 year membership. Pender was a charter member of the Brink Ruritan Club where he was a past president and secretary. Pender was on the Greensville County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and served as treasurer. He was also a member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Peanut Advisory Committee. For many years Pender served on the Greensville County Farm Committee.

Pender was preceded in death by his parents, Pender Lee Smith and Virginia Harrell Smith, and his beloved son, David Smith. He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Hancock Smith; sister, Alice Smith Bivins (Billy Joe); brother, Alfred Smith (Christine), sisters-in-law, Alma Lanier of Roanoke Rapids and Hazel Welch of Pinehurst; special niece, Angela Fanney (Rick) of Smithfield; and many other much loved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Forest Hill Baptist Church, Skippers, VA. at 2:00 pm followed by interment in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the cemetery fund at Forest Hill Baptist Church, c/o Michael Ferguson, 5070 Brink Road, Emporia, VA 23847. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com

Jagdish R. Patel of Emporia, Virginia passed away on Friday, March 24, 2017.  Jagdish was born on June, 28, 1943 in Gujarat, India and married Saroj Patel on April 20, 1968. He emigrated from India in 1968 to attend Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania where he received a Master of Business Administration.  Jagdish and Saroj moved to Emporia where they became, for the last 38 years, prominent contributors to the hospitality industry and local community. His beloved wife, Saroj, predeceased him in 2012.  Jagdish is survived by his three daughters, Alpa, Nisha, and Leena, and five grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Woody’s Funeral Home, 1771 N Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23229, (804) 288-3013.  Private ceremony to follow.

Donna Rae Bozard, 66, of Skippers, passed away, Monday, March 27, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Curtis and Louise Bozard and was also preceded in death by three brothers, John, Robert and Billy Bozard. She is survived by her son, William Bozard; two grandchildren, Robbie and Connor Bozard; sisters, Mary Balmer, Marcy Woodruff, brothers, Keith Bozard, Mike Bozard and Jeffrey Bozard. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1 at Faith Baptist Church where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Alfred A. Allen, 82, of Emporia, a retired farmer, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Gordon Allen; an infant daughter and daughter Vicky T. Allen- Pearce; four brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his son, Todd B. Allen and wife, Kristie and his daughter, Lisa A. Fox and husband, Jett; three grandchildren, Marcus Allen, Katie Whitehead and husband, Stuart and Keith Harrell; two sisters, Josephine Covington and Esther Allen and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wants to convey their heartfelt appreciation to longtime caregivers, Becky Presson and Karen Drummond and the staff and nurses of New Century Hospice. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at Owen Funeral Home, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 31 at High Hills Baptist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to High Hills Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 296, Jarratt, Virginia 23867. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Josephine Allen Covington, 85, widow of Gordon Covington, passed away, Friday, April 7, 2017. She is survived by her daughter, Jo Gale Covington, goddaughter, Nancy Turner and husband, Joey and their children, Debra, Dwayne and Robbie and their children, Allysa, Jamison and Mallory; one sister, Esther Allen and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held graveside 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017 at Fountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church social hall following the service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Mrs. Clyde M. Daniels, 87, of Emporia, widow of Charles R. Chuck” Daniels, passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert “Pudding, Jr.” Matthews and Glenn Thomas Matthews and a sister, Mary Lynn Norsworthy. Mrs. Daniels is survived by a son, Charles R. “Todd” Daniels, Jr.; two daughters, Leslie Jo Lee and Terri Lynn Link and husband, Wayne; seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter; three sisters, Virginia Lee Harrell, Patricia Ann Moseley and Louise Matthews “Sister” Allen and a number of nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment in Greensville Memorial Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Charles “Charlie” Lee Phipps, age 84, of Lawrenceville, VA passed away April 12, 2017.  He is the son of the late Rufus and Helen Pearson Phipps and is preceded in death by his brothers, Marvin Phipps and Otis Phipps; his sister, Bernice Singleton; and long time companion, Georgia V. Revis. He is survived by his daughters, Bridgette M. Phipps (Frankie) of Jacksonville, FL and Starr M. Phipps of Lawrenceville; his sons, Dwight V. Phipps (Jacqueline)  of Fort Myers, FL and Vaughn L. Phipps (Linda) of Greensboro, N.C.; his sisters, Evelyn Collins (Perry) of Hampton, VA, Maurice Grahm (Thomas) of Hampton, VA, Velma Phipps of Emporia, VA, Helen A. Robinson (Bill) of South Hill, VA, Claudette Lundy of Emporia, VA; a special niece, Marcia James (Dennis) of Norfolk, VA; a host of nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law, Nannie Mae Powell (John) of Lawrenceville, VA; his brother-in-law, Amos Singleton (Bernice) of Lawrenceville, VA; his adopted son, Woodrow Wilson of Hampton, VA; his grandchildren, Mark David Phipps and Sheena Phipps; five great grandchildren; a special great uncle, Elbert Green of New Jersey; and a special friend, William Jones, Jr. of Lawrenceville.  The family will receive friends at the home of Starr Phipps on Thursday evening.   A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 14951 Governor Harrison Pkwy., Lawrenceville, VA  23868.  Memorial contributions may be made to Brunswick Literacy Council, P.O. Box 891, Lawrenceville, VA  23868. Williams Funeral Home, Lawrenceville will be handling the arrangements.

Carrol E. Dunn, Jr., 83, of Yale, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017. He was the son of the late Carrol E. and Lillian H. Dunn. A Virginia Army National Guard veteran, he was an avid turkey hunter and pilot. He was a charter member of Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club and a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church. Carrol, Jr. is survived by his wife, Vivian Owen Dunn; two sons, Chris Dunn and wife, Shannon and Doug Dunn and wife, Penny; six grandchildren, Tyler, Emily, Ashtyn, Holden, Olivia and Benjamin and a number of nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 21 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com . 

Franklin H. Myrick, 84, of Emporia, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017. He was the son of the late Walter S. and Maggie B. Myrick. He was also preceded in death by his eight brothers and sisters. Mr. Myrick is survived by his wife, Dorothy Myrick; two sons, Homer Myrick and wife, Janie and Joseph Myrick and wife, Deborah; three daughters, Lillian Jones and husband, Raleigh, Agnes Whitehead and husband, Jimmie and Rhonda Myrick Popa and husband, Philip; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 27. Interment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

James Cecil Davis, “J.C.” or “Uncle Dave”, 86, of Southampton County, passed away April 28, 2017.  He was the son of the late James & Lorena Davis of Cleburne, Alabama.  He was preceded in death by his sister Clara Benefield and two brothers, I.R. and Ray Davis.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth “Ann” K. Davis; brother-in-law James L. Kelly of Prince George; sister-in-law Betty G. Edwards of Franklin (Jimmy); brother-in-law Frank Kientz of Jarratt and several nieces and nephews.  Having no children of his own; he was a beloved uncle to his wife’s five nieces, Lynn Shearin, Susan Grigg, Judy Hoyle, Pam Harris and Linda Pace.  He enjoyed spending time with his great nephews; Charles Grigg, Brett Harris, Hunter Harris, Davis Harris, R.J. Hoyle, Tom Hoyle, and Luke Pace and great nieces Elizabeth Grigg and Abby Pace.  J.C. was a surveyor for the Woodlands Department of Union Camp in Franklin for 37 years.  He served in the United States Navy from 1950-1954 as a Gunner’s Mate.  A graveside service will be held 2pm Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

H. Benjamin Vincent, Sr. (Benny), 84, of Emporia, Virginia died on Saturday, April 29, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Branch W. Vincent, Jr. Benny was a graduate of Greensville County Public Schools, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia and was an active member of the Theta Chi Fraternity on campus. He graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from T. C. Williams School of Law in Richmond, Virginia, and opened his private practice in Emporia, Virginia in 1957. Later, he was elected to the position of Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Emporia and County of Greensville, Virginia, which he served with distinction for many years. During that period, he was privileged to argue before the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Supreme Court for the United States of America. Benny served as a member and counsel to the Greensville County Zoning Board, counsel to the Board of Supervisors for Greensville County, General Counsel to the Board of Directors of Citizens National Bank and on many other committees and boards throughout the years. After his tenure as Attorney for the Commonwealth, he returned to private practice and served his community actively for the remainder of his years, where his well-known humor and easy camaraderie with members of law enforcement and the legal community were legendary. Benny loved children and founded the first Little League Football Program in Emporia. He coached the “Blue Team” and with much help from friends, was able to form a league of 4 teams that competed with each other. His kids called him “Mr. Uncle Benny”, which he loved. It was one of the most cherished accomplishments of his life. Benny loved all sports, was an avid golfer and played baseball, football and basketball in high school and later played first string on the Hampden-Sydney College basketball and tennis teams. He also participated in many of the intramural sports offered at college. He was a die-hard, loyal fan of the Washington Redskins. Benny is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth Blake Vincent (Betty), and two sons, H. Benjamin Vincent, Jr. (Emmy Morgan) and Branch Anthony Vincent (Debbie Yeattes Burke); four grandchildren, Blake Anthony Vincent, Lauren Morgan Epps, William Taylor Burke and Kelly Ann Burke and one great-grandchild, Vera Madison Burke. The family will receive friends from 7:00pm until 9:00pm on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Echols Funeral Home Chapel, 806 Brunswick Avenue, Emporia, Virginia. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 2:00pm in Echols Funeral Home Chapel. The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com

Patsy Claud Sledge of Emporia, VA died on May 11, 2017.  Patsy grew up in the small community of Drewyville, VA.  She was the retired office manager of Emporia Foundry.  She was an avid reader, gardener, and tennis player, and she loved the Outer Banks and fishing.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie Vance Claud, Helen Fisher Claud; and her brother, Gene Arnold Claud.  She was the widow of David Lee Sledge.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Leslie Vance Claud, Jr. and wife, Sandra; two daughters; Kathryne Harrison Turner and husband, Steve; Pamela Harrison Crichton; three granddaughters, Kaycee Claud Ackaway, Kirsten Juliette Crichton, and Kathryne Jane Crichton; and three great grandchildren, Niko, Nori, and London. 

The memorial service will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church in Drewyville, VA. The family will receive friends following the service at the reception in the church social hall. 

The family encourages that donations be made to Thomas Memorial Baptist Church in lieu of flowers. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Robert “Jake” Watson, 80, of Emporia, passed away Friday, May 12, 2017. Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Vela Watson; sisters, Ann Lynch, Flossie Harrup, and brothers, Floyd “Dickie” Watson (Margaret) and Michael Jones (Patricia). He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joyce Clements Watson; sons, Jacob Derek Watson (Malissa) of Homosassa, FL, Rob Watson (Lisa) of Morehead City, NC and Keith Watson of Emporia, VA; daughter, Vickie Allen (Robert) of Emporia, VA; nine grandchildren; a sister, Judy Moore (Larry) of Richmond, VA and also his wonderful friend and caregiver, Sarah Smith. Mr. Watson retired from Virginia Department of Transportation as maintenance superintendent for Greensville County after 43 years service. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, May 15 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Greensville Volunteer Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

James Wesley “Bootsie” Harrell, 72, of Jarratt, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017. He was the son of the late Gordon Bryant Harrell, Sr. and Nora Gilliam Harrell and was also preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Ann Clapper and his brothers, Gordon B. Harrell, Jr. and Leon “Fuzzy” Harrell. Bootsie was a member of Lebanon United Methodist Church and had been an avid outdoorsman and particularly loved squirrel hunting and life on the farm. He loved his family and was noted for his knowledge of the Civil War especially the local history. He is survived by a number of nieces and nephews and a large extended family including his special friend and caregiver, Martha E. Bradley; sister-in-law, Virginia M. Harrell and devoted first cousin and friend, Ronnie Bell. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 18 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. A graveside funeral will be held at a later date at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lebanon United Methodist Church, c/o Lou Harrell, 25123 Blue Star Hwy., Jarratt, Virginia 23867. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Benjamin “Uncle Benny” Veliky, 85, widower of Erma Jean Veliky, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017. He was the son of the late John and Anna S. Veliky and was also preceded in death by three brothers, John Veliky, Jr. , Paul Veliky and Charlie Veliky. He is survived by two sons, Tony Veliky and wife, Betsy and Stewart Veliky; daughters, Connie Marshall and husband, Michael and Wanda Dunlow and husband, Clinton; grandchildren, Crystal Jones and husband, Danny, Cyndal Perkins, Heather Veliky, Andrea and Lance Marshall, Eric and Leslie Veliky and Brooke and Blake Dunlow; three great-grandchildren, Zoe, Ryleigh and Bryant, a sister, Margaret Dianis and a number of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 22 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 at St. John Lutheran Church with interment to follow at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 1351 W. Atlantic St., Emporia, Virginia 23847. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Mary Delbridge Taylor, 74, of Emporia, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2017. She was preceded in death by a son, William Chris Jarratt and a sister, Lucille Ogburn. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley J. Gill and husband, Henry; son, Michael E. Taylor and wife, Nicole; grandchildren, Michael Gill, Amanda Gill, Casey Fender and husband, Nathan, Leslie Gill Edwards and husband, Chuck, Bryan Gill, Christy Taylor, Nick Taylor, Katie Taylor and fiancé, Zach Liles and Samantha Grizzard and Josh Jarratt; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Albert Delbridge, Jr.; two sisters, Frances Taylor and Julie Finch and a number of nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Sweetie. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 24 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, May 25. Interment will follow at Emporia Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 310 N. Main St., Emporia, Virginia 23847. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

The Fudge Lady, Annie Marie “Doodle” Robbins Smith, 82, of Gaston, NC died Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Mrs. Smith was born in Wilson County, NC the daughter of the late William Hansel Robbins and Daisy Bass Robbins. She was also preceded in death by her husband Romie B. Smith a granddaughter, Tammy Lynn Cooke, a half-brother Russell Robbins and a half-sister, Prudie Mae Webb and a grand-dog Phoebe Branch.

Mrs. Smith, retired from Prillaman Chemical of Suffolk, VA. She served as pastor of The Church of Jesus Christ, 116 Emry Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC from Sept. 2002 until present.  She served her community in numerous ways, being an active participant in Relay for Life from 1997 until present serving as chaplain, accountant and team leader, and being an active member of the Pilot Club from 1976 until present serving in numerous offices and was Pilot of the Year 1982-1983 and 2012-2013.

Surviving are: three daughters, Elaine DeBerry, and her husband Ronald, Connie Pernell and her husband David and Melody Branch and her husband Michael, all of Gaston, NC; a sister, Madie Higgins of Gaston, NC; three grandsons, William “Bill” Allen Cooke, Jr. and his wife Robin, Michael Ray Cooke and Jason Everette Pernell and his wife Amy, all of Gaston, NC., great grandsons William “Will” Allen Cooke, III, Christopher “Ryan” Cooke, Andrew “Drew” Everette Pernell all of Gaston, and Michael “MJ” Ray Cooke, Jr. of Emporia, VA., two step grandsons, two step granddaughters, seven step great grandchildren, special adopted granddaughters Gracie and Jamie Clements, beloved  grand-dogs Autumn, Bella, Remington, and Snow Branch.

The family will receive at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, from 7:30 to 9:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 2:30 PM, in the funeral home chapel, with Mr. Ricky Jordan and Mrs. Judi Hux officiating. Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery, Roanoke
Rapids, NC.

The family request memorial donations be made to: The Pilot Club of Roanoke Valley, P. O. Box 971, Roanoke Rapids, NC  27870.          

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.wrennclarkehagan.com

Alfred Titus Hobbs, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 23, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Alfred was born, and raised, in Emporia, VA.  He was 74 years old.  Since 1974, he has been a well-known building contractor in Emporia and the surrounding counties.  Alfred was very particular about his work and he took great pride in trying to satisfy each and every one of his customers.  He was an active member of Main Street Baptist Church and he was involved in numerous local charitable organizations.  He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Peggy, son Chris, daughter Sherri, step-son Chris, step-daughter Tara, their spouses, Stephanie, Juri, Susan and Joey and seven grandchildren, Bailey, Olivia, Claire, Jackson, Anna, Cooper, and Sloane.   He is also survived by his loving sister Peggy and her husband Ernest, his brother-in-law Kiser Robinson, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred T. Hobbs, Sr. and Lucy Bradley Hobbs, sisters Edla Hobbs Wray and Louise Hobbs Robinson.  A gathering of friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 25^th at Main Street Baptist Church in Emporia, VA.  The funeral service will also be held at the church at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 26^th.  A private graveside service will be held immediately following the funeral.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Main Street Baptist Church, 440 S Main St. Emporia, VA  23847 or the Emporia Greensville Humane Society, 113 Baker St., Emporia, VA  23847.  Williams Funeral Home, Lawrenceville will be handling the arrangements.  

Charles Wilson, 58, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017. He was the son of the late Benjamin F. Wilson, Jr. and Eunice Walton Wilson. He is survived by two sons, Joshua Wilson and girlfriend, Megan Gillespie and Joseph Wilson and wife, Brittany; daughter, Amanda Stone; sister, Wanda Wilson and husband, William Jordan; brother, Wayne Wilson and wife, Melanie and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 26 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held graveside 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27 at Pelham United Methodist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Helen Newsome Woodruff, 83, of Emporia, VA passed away on May 26, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank G. Newsome and Pearl Wallace Newsome and her husband, George Leroy Woodruff. Visitation will be held Tuesday, 1pm, in Echols Funeral Home Chapel followed by a funeral service at 2pm. Interment will take place in Emporia Cemetery immediately following the service. Condolences may be sent to www.Echolsfuneralhome.com