Norton, Va. - Nathan “Frank” Franklin Adams, 55, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Norton Community Hospital. Born in Macon, GA, he lived in middle Tennessee most of his life. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a manager for Title Max and he liked cooking, his pets, fishing and was a serious car enthusiast.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cora Nita Adams.
Frank is survived by his wife, Alycia Adams and his father, Henry Franklin Adams of Macon, GA.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Adams Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Barbara Ann Gibson, born on July 9, 1938, in the mountains of Appalachia, passed away peacefully at her home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, on January 10, 2025.
The cherished daughter of Marie and Charles Golden, Barbara brought warmth and laughter to all who knew her. She shared a loving marriage with Bailey Gibson and together they were blessed with their beloved daughter, Monique Gibson. After 25 years together, Barbara was widowed. In her later years, she found love and companionship once more with Ted Collins, whose steadfast presence enriched her life with comfort and care.
Barbara felt a special love with her stepson Michael Bailey Gibson and his wife Carolyn, as well as their daughter Elle Bailey, lovingly named in honor of Barbara’s late husband. Her life was further brightened by her Godson, Jonathan Hall, who lovingly called her “Momma B.” Their special bond brought Barbara immense pride and joy.
Barbara’s passion for dance blossomed into an extraordinary career spanning nearly five decades. Alongside her sister, Bettye Davis, she co-founded Barbette's School of Dance—a haven where countless students discovered confidence and artistry under Barbara’s inspiring guidance. Her dedication to teaching left an enduring legacy that shaped generations of dancers and fostered lifelong friendships.
A devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Barbara also held fond memories of worship and friendship at East Stone Gap United Methodist Church.
Known for her gift of heartfelt conversation and infectious humor, Barbara had a remarkable ability to uplift others. Her laughter filled every gathering with warmth and left those around her with treasured memories.
Barbara Ann Gibson lived a life filled with grace, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing beauty in the world. Her memory will remain a source of solace and inspiration for all who loved her.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony is being planned by Monique Gibson along with Barbara’s adopted family Karen, Gary, and Jonathan Hall so that all who knew Barbara may gather to honor her remarkable memory. Details will be shared as plans are finalized. May Barbara’s legacy continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all she touched.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Gibson family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Hattie Regina Johnson, 70, went home in the arms of her savior after a courageous battle on Friday, January 10, 2025. She attended church at Appalachia Pentecostal Church. She loved to work puzzles, collect dolls and watch the Baltimore Orioles.
She was preceded in death by her father, Buster Johnson and mother, Helen Johnson; her brothers, Stanley Johnson, Wendell Johnson and Randy Johnson and her sisters, Ora Christian and Donna Johnson.
Regina is survived by her sisters, Sandra Campbell (Bob), Carrie Griffin, Shelia Clark (Norman), Betty Rhoten (Dave) and Patsy Stanton (Roger); her brother Jeff Johnson (Crystal) and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W, Big Stone Gap, VA. Funeral services will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Greg Sergent officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home to leave in procession at 10:20am. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Holston Valley Medical Center for their special care of Regina.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Regina Johnson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Kingsport, TN/Big Stone Gap, Va.-Judy Ann Leach passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2025, at her home in Kingsport, Tennessee, just a month shy of her 78th birthday.
Born to the late Harold and Gladys Heiberger on February 23, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy moved and grew up in various locations with her family while her father served in the U.S. Air Force. She married Ronald Citarell and they had three children: Ron, David, and Lynn.
Judy was known for her infectiously positive attitude and generous disposition. She devoted her career to serving others as a Dietician Assistant at Lonesome Pine Hospital. She was an active and passionate supporter of the Special Olympics of Kingsport, Salvation Army and the Hope Haven of Kingsport. Judy loved spending time gardening. She attended services at First Christian Church of Kingsport.
Judy is survived by her sister, Cindy Wilson, her three children: Ron Leach (DeeDee), Dave Leach (Shannon), and Lynn Washington (Michael), her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue W., Big Stone Gap, Va.
Graveside services will be 10:00 am on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens with Ron Leach officiating. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 9:50 am.
In lieu of flowers and in accordance with Judy’s wishes, please consider making a donation to Hope Haven of Kingsport, P. O. Box 7152, Kingsport, TN 37660.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Leach family.
To view the obituary online or offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA - Sally Louise Vaughan Gibson, 88 entered through the gates of heaven, January 6, 2025. She was born May 18, 1936, in Mayking, Kentucky to the late John Ed and Pearl Sturgill.
Sally loved attending church and was a member of the Appalachia Pentecostal Church for over 50 years. She loved cooking for family and friends and church events, sewing, reading her Bible and canning fruits and vegetables, including her delicious lime pickles. She was a cook at Appalachia Elementary School and a volunteer Ombudsman for Mountain Empire Older Citizens for several years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Johnny Vaughan, Sr.; her second husband, Silas M. Gibson; her sister, Sarah Clark and her brother, Johnny Sturgill.
Sally leaves behind a daughter, Debbie Collier (Jim) of Mooresburg, TN; a son, Johnny Vaughan, Jr. (Janice) of Elizabethton, TN; grandchildren, Jaclyn Gilliam (Jason) of Mount Carmel, TN, Danielle Vaughan of Chandler, AZ and Amanda Vaughan of Vancouver, WA and six great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the workers at The Laurels, who were so good to her. They would also like to thank the nurses and hospice team at Wilcox Hall, who made her last days comfortable.
The family of Sally Gibson will receive friends and family on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 pm with Rev. Roger Barker officiating. Mike Clark, Charles Sturgill, Jim Collier, Ronnie Bishop, Lester Bowman and Gary Thompson will serve as pallbearers.
Graveside services will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Sally Gibson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Barry Cheryl Aistrop, 78, passed away and was peacefully redeemed by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 3, 2025 at his home in Big Stone Gap, VA.
Barry was born in Appalachia, VA, where he grew up, attended school, played football and lived most of his life. He was a retired coal miner (Arch of KY), U. S. Air Force Veteran, and a longtime member of Appalachia Pentecostal Church. He was a skilled craftsman that liked to make coal carvings, paint pictures, restore old bicycles with his brother Rodney and was gifted with the ability to work on most anything. He loved spending time with family and friends at cookouts, family get-togethers and other events.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Winnie Aistrop; brothers, Darrel, William, and Rodney Aistrop; sister, Shelia Kilbourne; nieces, Cathy Kilbourne and Monica Lane; nephews, Little Phillip Kilbourne and Brian Ball; brothers-in-law, Phillip Ralph Kilbourne and Frank Ball.
Barry is survived by wife, Bobbie Aistrop; children, April (David) Davidson, Appalachia, VA; Barry (Amy) Aistrop, Keokee, VA; and Matthew Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA; grandson, Cody Davidson, Appalachia, VA; sisters, Dana Ball, Big Stone Gap, VA, Geneva (Ralph) Hamilton, Big Stone Gap, VA; brother, Bige (Judy) Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA; sisters-in-law Phyllis Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA and Betty Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Due to inclement weather, the family will receive friends 11:00am - 1:00pm Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Blg Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Randel Blair officiating.
Military rites, by the Shaw AFB Honors Team and local VFW and DAV posts, will be accorded at the funeral home.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Aistrop family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Appalachia, Va.-Marla Lynn Bush, 50, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.
Marla was a 1992 graduate of Appalachia High School. She had served as a Registered Nurse at Lonesome Pine Hospital for over 20 years and then at Wallen’s Ridge State Prison for over five years. Marla enjoyed watching her nephews and niece participate in baseball and softball. She was a Christian.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marlene Bush, maternal grandparents, Aaron Price and Myrtle Price, paternal grandparents, Woodrow Bush and Gladys bush
She is survived by her father, Larry Bush of Appalachia, Va.; sister, Lorri Stidham (Chris) of Appalachia, Va.; nephews, Aaron Stidham and Austin Stidham, both of Appalachia, Va.; and a niece, Emily Stidham of Appalachia, Va.
The family will receive friends and family Wednesday January 1, 2025 from 5:00 P.M to 7:00Pm. Funeral service will follow with Pastor Josh Tompkins officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted 11:00am Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 10:20am to go in procession to the cemetery.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Bush Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.- Michael E. Bentley, 68, passed away on December 24, 2024 at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, Tn.
Michael was born in Wise, Va. and lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap, Va. He was an avid hunter and fisherman spending many hours in the mountains and on the riverbanks.
Michael as preceded in death by his parents, Eugene “Shang” and Maclene (Collier) Bentley and daughter, Lindsay Bentley.
He is survived by his grandson, Cameron Boatwright; brother, Tony Bentley (Patricia) of Wise, Va., and sister Cassia McCoy (Terry) of Big Stone Gap , Va., nephews, Brandon McCoy (Megan) and Anthony Bentley (Annie) and nieces Erin Phillips (David) and Whitney Vanover
(Dan).
Family and friends will gather at 11:00am on Saturday, December 28, 2024 in the New Hope Assembly of God Fellowship Hall in Big Stone Gap, Va., to celebrate the life of Michael Bentley.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Michael Bentley.

Knoxville, TN – Richard Michael Young, 56 passed away at home on Sunday, December 15, 2024. He was a hard-working man who enjoyed doing for others, going to the casino and putt-putt.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Eddie” Young, Sr. and Jane P. Young.
Richard is survived by his wife, Lori Wade Young; his children, Amanda Young Smith (Aaron), Richard E. Young, Lauren Mullins (Josh Perryman) and Nicolas “Nic” Mullins (Gracie); his grandchildren, Kyler, Daylen, Savannah and Ariana Smith and his brother, Charles “Chuck” Young. He is also survived by a very special group of nieces and nephews as well as close friends and family.
Richard requested cremation. A graveside and memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Richard Young’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – James Allen Southard, 82, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at his home. He was born in Dickenson County, but had lived in Wise County most of his life. He had been a coal truck driver for many years. Mr. Southard served in the U.S. Air Force. He was very knowledgeable and enjoyed discussing the history of coal in our area.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Vincent Falante; parents, Will Ray and Pauline (Scott) Southard; his brothers, Tom and Robert Southard and his sisters, Katherine Howard, Phyllis Gilliam and Bookie Southard.
James is survived by his wife, Beulah Southard; his children, Jimmy Southard (Amy) of Rogersville, TN, Theresa Gail Southard of Kingsport, TN and Paul Douglas Southard of Nicklesville, VA; his grandchildren, Christopher Southard, Greyson Southard, Tony Falante, Brianna Southard, Maddie Southard and Drayden Southard; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, November 15, 2019, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. Services will follow in the chapel with Glenda Flanary officiating. Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of James Southard.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.

Big Stone Gap, Va./Wise, Va. – Paul Hensley, 78, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at his daughter’s residence.
He was of the Christian Faith. He retired from the Department of Social Services with 26 years of service. He also was employed by Quesenberry’s for 15 years. He served his country in the Army where he fought in the Vietnam War and was twice awarded the Purple Heart. He was a member of the DAV Chapter 56, where he served as Commander numerous years, and was a member of the VFW 4301.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Bertha Hensley; several siblings; his first wife, Lois Jane Hazelwood Hensley and his second wife, Freida Beverly Hensley.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (William, Jr.) Harvey and son, Jessee (Susan) Large; five grandchildren, Paul Harvey, Jared (Arietta) Harvey, Zachary Harvey, Jason (Sugar) Edwards and Larry (Kaitlyn) Edwards; seven great-grandchildren, McKinzee Addington, Raelynn Harvey, Blakely Harvey, Katherine Edwards, James Edwards, Luke Edwards and Maggie Mae Edwards; and an honorary grandchild, Lucy Deel. Paul also had several special people in his life, Mona Ervin, Audra O’Donnell, Jesse Barker and Regina Couch.
The family wished to express special thanks to the members of the Valley Fire Department, CenterWell Home Health, MSA Hospice and Dr. Ronald Sheppard.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va. Funeral services will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Kenneth Sturgill officiating.
Military graveside rites, by local VFW and DAV posts and the Virginia Army National Guard Honors Team, will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:00am in Laurel Grove Cemetery, Norton, Va. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave at 10:15 in procession to travel to the cemetery.
Paul Harvey, Jared Harvey, Zachary Harvey, McKinzee Addington, Tyler Coots and Jessee Large will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Hensley, William Harvey, Jesse Barker, Dustin Begley and Shane Begley.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Paul Hensley.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.- Ralph Junior Isom, 59, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Middlesboro-Appalachian Hospital in Middlesboro, KY.
Ralph was born in Whitesburg, Ky and lived most his life in Big Stone Gap. He worked for Equitable Resources. He loved riding his motorcycle, carpentry, camping and four wheeling. He was a Christian.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus and Oma (Sturgill) Isom and an infant sister, Betty Marie Isom.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Lynn Isom; his children, Wes Isom (Shauni) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Brittany Leann Perry (Cory) of Big Stone Gap, VA and Cassie Isom of Morgantown, WV; his siblings, Patsy Mullins, Alice Faye Ingle, Ruby Caudill, Barbara Sue Brock, Georgia Isom, Roger Isom, Johnny Isom and Donnie Isom; his grandchildren, Preston, Jasmine, Madison, Braydon, Emma, Wesley and Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Johnny Isom, a brother, officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11:00am in American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 10:30am to go in procession.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Isom family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.