Obituaries for the week of March 20

Staff Reports
Published: March 19, 2008

Dorothy Bryant Bradley
Dorothy Bryant Bradley, 84, of Lovingston died on March 15.
Born Feb. 5, 1924 in Nelson County, she was a daughter of the late Clarence W. (C.W.) Bryant and Ora Williams Bryant. She was the wife of Andrew Manson Bradley, who preceded her in death. She was a member of Woodland Baptist Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Holly B. Carter and husband Randy of Lovingston, Connie B. Gates and husband Charlie of Staunton; three sons, Jerry A. Bradley and wife June and David Carroll Bradley and wife Linda, all of Lovingston, and Andrew W. Bradley and wife Sylvia of Madison Heights; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held March 19 at the Woodland Baptist Church in Colleen.  Interment followed in the Woodland Memorial Park in Colleen.

Carl Elmo Bryant
Carl Elmo Bryant, 72, died on March 10.
Born in Buckingham County on Aug. 1, 1935, he was a son of the late Jesse James Bryant Sr., and Frances Burks Bryant Moore. He was a member of the Appomattox Pentecostal Holiness Church and a retired construction worker for Whitehurst Construction Company.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Freda and Bo Cothran of Spout Spring; five grandchildren, Kim Dolph and husband, Ryan of Appomattox, Charles W. Moore Jr. and wife, Tiffany of Madison Heights, Candi Hamilton and husband, Wayne of Appomattox, Brittany Busby and husband, Brian of Savannah, Ga., Jefferi Moore and Rebecca Cothran, both of Spout Spring; five great grandchildren; two brothers, W. Franklin Bryant of Richmond and Bernard G. Bryant of Appomattox; and a half-sister, Susan M. Childress of Appomattox.
He was preceded in death by a son, Carl Jeffery Bryant and a brother, Jesse James Bryant Jr.
Funeral services were held on March 13 at Robinson Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Bryant Family Cemetery.

Thomas Edward Callaham Sr.
Thomas “Tom” Edward Callaham Sr., 59, of Forest, died on March 14.
He was preceded in death by his father, William C. Callaham, a son Gary Lee Callaham and a brother Calvin Callaham.
He is survived by his mother Sallie Lee Callaham of Forest; a son, Thomas Edward Callaham Jr.; three sisters, Barbara West (Gabriel), Linda Jackson (John H.) of Madison Heights, and Virginia Brown of Forest; two brothers, William Callaham of Goode and Alfonza Calloway of Pound; a granddaughter, Sharnita Carter; a great-granddaughter; a grandson Tyler Oneal Hamlet of Lynchburg and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was conducted on March 17 at St. John Baptist Church. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Emmett L. Canada
Emmett L. Canada, 72, of 192 Norfolk Avenue, Amherst, died on March 10.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1935 to the late Ernest B. and Lula S. Canada.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, John Ernest and James Canada and two sisters, Bertha Davis, and Mamie Campbell.
He is survived by one son, Lawrence Canada; two brothers, Walter (Ruth) Canada, and Hargis (Jessie) Canada; two aunts; one uncle; grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was conducted on March 15 at St. Mary’s Baptist Church. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Elizabeth Webb Ryland Groner Humphrey Cecil
Elizabeth “Libby” Webb Ryland Groner Humphrey Cecil, of Covesville, died on March 10. She was the wife of Donald Cecil.
She was born on Nov. 11, 1924 in Kansas City, Miss. and was the only child of Robert Knickerbocker Ryland and Alice Webb Ryland. She was a graduate of Sweet Briar College where she earned a degree in Chemistry. She lived in Honolulu, Ha. from 1954 to 1967. She worked in the Marine Biology Laboratory of the University of Hawaii, she was a supporter of the Honolulu Symphony and a member of the Junior League. She was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Hawaii School for Girls in 1964, and her oldest daughter Laurie was in the first graduating class of the school in 1967. All of her other four children were born in Honolulu.
She moved to Lynchburg in 1967 because of the failing health of her husband, Frederic, who was still dealing with complications from injuries sustained while serving in North Africa during WWII. He passed away not long after.
She was active at St John’s Episcopal Church and a member of the Alliance Francaise. She taught French at Holy Cross in Lynchburg before moving to Charlottesville in 1976 to do graduate work in French at the University of Virginia.
In Charlottesville, she was President of the Venable Neighborhood Association and was invited to speak on national network news concerning the issue of the University’s ban on the Easter celebrations. She was a bed assignment clerk for the University Hospital, where she met her current husband, who was a bed assignment clerk on weekends and holidays for 30 years as well as being a French teacher in the Charlottesville City schools.
She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Robert Ryland Humphrey.
She is survived by her husband and their children, Laurie Groner Tillett (Edward) of Danville, Mary Anne Celeste Humphrey of West Palm Beach, Fla., Heidi Elizabeth Louise Humphrey Larum (Nikolas) of Virginia Beach, Harold Theodore Humphrey (Lori) of St Louis, Miss., William Brian Cecil of Charlottesville, Katherine Branner Cecil Von Canal (Marc) of Palm Bay, Fla., and Daniel Eric Cecil, of Charlottesville; 13 grandchildren: Ryland (1Lt, USMC) and Kelly Drennan, Elizabeth, Nikolai, Gavin, Hannah, Katherine, Patrick,Gideon Larum, Lillian and Charlotte Humphrey, and Julia and Arianna Von Canal.
Funeral services were held at Cove Presbyterian Church in Covesville on March 13.

Irene Hamlet Holley
Irene Hamlet Holley, 87, of Lukin Rd., Pamplin, died on March 12. She was the wife of the late Taz Clarence Holley.
Born in Charlotte County on Feb. 18, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Alfred Martin Hamlet and Florence Elder Hamlet. She was a member of Elon Baptist Church and retired after 28 years as machine operator for Phillip Morris.
She is survived by two sisters, Ester Fulcher Price of Pamplin and Lillian H. Womack of Colonial Heights; a son-in-law, John Boettcher of Farmville; two grandchildren, Denise E. Evans and Shawn L. Evans both of Pamplin; four step-grandchildren Jonathan K. Boettcher (Wendy) of Drakes Branch, James M. Boettcher (Kim) of Farmville, Crystal B. Hamlett (Elwood) of Charlotte C.H., Carolyn B. Hudson (Rick) of Farmville; two great-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Holley Boettcher and two brothers, Roy Hamlet, and Ray Hamlet.
Funeral services were held on March 17 at Elon Baptist Church. Burial was in Maury Cemetery in Richmond.

Roy Dillard Johns Jr.
Roy Dillard Johns Jr., 46, of Madison Heights, died on March 11. He is survived by his devoted friend and former wife, Charlotte Cheatham Johns of Spout Spring.
Born Jan. 28, 1962 in Amherst County, he was the son of Roy Dillard Johns Sr. and Ressie Gertrude Johns, both of Madison Heights. He attended Amherst County Public Schools and was a member of the Monacan Indian Nation. He was a heavy equipment operator, formerly with F.L. Showalter and was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Mission.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Reed Johns and Luther and Cammie Johns.
He is also survived by one step-daughter, Heather Cheatham of Spout Spring; grandmother, Carrie Mae Branham of Amherst; two sisters, Kathy Murphy and her husband, William of Amherst and Alease Martin and her fiancé, Bryan Short of Madison Heights; one brother, Jason Johns and his wife, Belinda of Amherst; three nephews; and two nieces.
A funeral service was conducted on March 14 at Whitten Monelison Chapel. Interment followed in St. Paul’s Episcopal Cemetery.

Mildred Ruth
Driskill Kiger
Mildred Ruth Driskill Kiger, 94, of Lynchburg, died on March 11. For 66 years, she was the wife of the late Edward Clark Kiger.
Born Oct. 25, 1913 in Appomattox County, she was the daughter of the late Clem Watkins Driskill and the late Anna North Driskill. She was formerly employed at Leggett’s Dept. Store and Vaughn’s Motor Co. After graduating Lynchburg General Hospital School of Practical Nursing in March 1970, she was employed at Lynchburg General Hospital and Guggenheimer Nursing Home as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was a member for many years at the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren and in later years was a member of Beulah Baptist Church.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Edward Clark Kiger Jr.; a grandson, Troy D. Kiger; two brothers, Frank W. Driskill and Orville H. Driskill; two sisters, Chessie D. Ferguson and Estelle D. Goodwin; three half-brothers; and five half-sisters.
She is survived by two sons, Louis S. Kiger and wife Jane of Lynchburg and Dr. David T. Kiger and wife Linda of Forest; one daughter-in-law, Ruby Kiger of Madison Heights; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; six great grandchildren; seven step-great grandchildren; and eight step-great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted on March 13 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. Private entombment was in the Fort Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Walter Carrington
Mays Jr.
Walter “Jimmy” Carrington Mays Jr., 67, of Evington, died on March 11. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Dorothy Layne Mays.
Born March 6, 1941 in Bedford County, he was the son of the late Walter Carrington Mays Sr. and the late Thelma Ayers Mays.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Evington and had retired from the Campbell County School System where he was employed for 22 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children, Bryan Ruhland of Evington, Wayne Mays of Lynchburg, Jimmy Mays of Madison Heights, Chris Mays of Evington, Denise Garrett of Rustburg, Debbie Fielder of Madison Heights and Tammy Bryant of Rustburg; twelve grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and two sisters, Shirley Rice and husband J. W. of Rustburg and Jean Tuggle and husband Eugene of Rustburg.
Funeral services were conducted on March 13 at the First Baptist Church of Evington. Interment followed in the First Baptist Church of Evington Cemetery.

Kathrine Holbert Ogle
Kathrine Holbert Ogle, 70, of Gladstone, died on March 10. She was the wife of L.R. Ogle.
Born Aug. 16, 1937, she was raised in Kodak, Tenn. and was the daughter of the late Ernest and Florence Holbert. She was a former employee of General Electric and K-Mart. She was a member of French Broad Valley Baptist Church in Kodak, Tenn.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Ogle and a brother, Glen Holbert.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters, Marlene Holliday and husband, Jon of Amherst, Janet Ferguson and husband, Milton and Vanessa Angus and husband, Manuel, both of Gladstone; one sister, Betty H. Riley of Kississimme, Fla.; nine grandchildren, David Huber, Jamie Huber, Kevin Huber, Crystal Burks, Michael Gunter, Kelli Mays, Katie Franklin, Jason Angus, and Daniel Angus; and 17 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service was conducted on March 12 at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

Maurelia Ford Ragland
Maurelia Ford Ragland, 70, died on March 12. She was the wife of the late Bernard Wilson Ragland Jr.
Born Feb. 19, 1938 in Lynchburg, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence B. and Louise Witt Ford.
She is survived by a son, Barry W. Ragland and wife, Beverly, of West Palm Coast, Fla.; a daughter, DeRhonda (Kay) Conner and husband, James A., of Madison Heights; three sisters, Janice Banton, Jean Blankinship, and Shirley Smith and husband, Mike, all of Lynchburg; three brothers, Lawrence D. Ford, Kenneth Ford and wife, Joyce, both of Madison Heights, Minor P. Ford and wife, Blanche, of Lynchburg, and a grandson, James W. Conner and wife, Beth, of Madison Heights.
Private family services will be conducted at a later time.

Elaine Minnick Tyree
Elaine Minnick Tyree, 78, of Madison Heights, died on March 12. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Albert M. Tyree.
Born July 24, 1929 in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late C. C. Minnick and the late Ruby Gray Minnick. She was formerly employed at the Craddock-Terry Shoe Co. and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Candice Elaine Tyree; one brother, V. C. Minnick; two sisters, Dot Bass and Barbara Wingfield.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Marshall Tyree and wife Nancy and Marvin H. Tyree and wife Regina both of Madison Heights; one daughter, Robin C. Tyree of Madison Heights; four granddaughters, Stefanie Yancey and husband Barry, Lindsay M. Johnson and husband Kelvin, Amanda E. Tyree and fiancé Chris and Brigitte T. Wilson and husband Mark all of Madison Heights; two great grandchildren; one brother, Clayton L. Minnick and wife Phyllis of Concord; and friends.
Funeral services were conducted on March 15 at Whitten Monelison. Interment followed in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Alberta Blankenship Campbell, 81, died on March 16. She was the wife of the late Russell Lee Campbell.
Born Sept. 10, 1926, in Grundy, she was a daughter of the late Lewis and Mary Ratcliff Blankenship. She was a member of Piney River Baptist Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Mary R. Ogden, and husband, Keith, of Amherst; three sons, Mitchell A. Blankenship and wife, Donna, of Warsaw, Ind., Patrick L. Campbell and wife, Bonnie, of Roanoke, and Randall R. Campbell and wife, Sharon, of Appomattox; a sister, Eunice Sloan and husband, Roger of Warsaw, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Andy and Robin Blankenship, Rusty and Cason Ogden, Taylor Campbell, Brice and Ashely Campbell; four great grandchildren and friends.
She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Honaker and Ollie Ramsey and seven brothers, Walter, Elmer, Herbert, Mack, Robert, Carlos and Herman Blankenship.
Funeral services were conducted on March 18 at Driskill Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in the Amherst Cemetery.

Ralph Tyrone Dendtler, 60, of Madison Heights, died on March 12.
Born on Oct. 8, 1947, in New York, N.Y., he was a son of the late Ralph Anthony Dendtler and the late Evelyn Alberta Mills Dendtler.
In youth, he was educated at the Holy Rosary Catholic School. He graduated from the Alexander Hamilton Vocational and Technical High School and received top honors upon graduating from Tidewater College’s Commercial Driving program. He was a member of the St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church; he also contributed to the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church as a member of the Usher Board.
While married to Artis, his wife of 39 years, he worked at the Zarkin Machine Company, the Brooklyn Union Gas Company, and drove a New York City Yellow Cab. In Virginia, he worked at the Lynchburg Foundry and as an owner operator truck driver at Huss Incorporated.
He is survived by his wife, Artis King Dendtler; two sons, Troy Orlando of Jackson, Tenn. and Juan Lamar of Madison Heights; one daughter, Antoinette Caprice of Philadelphia, Penn.; three grandchildren, Ashlyn Dendtler of Amherst, Donovan Dendtler of Farmington, Minn., and Nicholas Dendtler of Madison Heights; four siblings, Denise Lee of Ithaca, N.Y., Pamela and Camille Dendtler of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Malcolm Dendtler of Lynchburg; his step-mother, Marguerite Dendtler of Martinez, Ga.; his sister-in-law, Vanessa King of Winchester, Tenn.; his brother-in-law, Abraham Lee of Ithaca, N.Y.; four nephews; five nieces; three aunts; two great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services celebrating his life were conducted on March 17 at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Martha (Peggy) Turner Morris, 81, died on March 14. She was the wife of Leroy Morris.
Born July 16, 1926 in Amherst County, she was a daughter of the late Albion Linwood and Mary Mallory Turner Sr.
She was a graduate of Longwood College, an employee of America Cyanamid until its closing, also worked at the Ambriar Florist and Claudia’s Florist, and was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church.
She is also survived by a daughter, Mary Morris Coates and husband Mike; a granddaughter, Mary Ellen Van Houten, all of Amherst; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Albion Linwood Turner Jr. and a sister, Anna Marie Turner.
Graveside services were conducted March 17 at the Amherst Cemetery.