Wise, Va.-Ricky Lynn Hopkins, 65, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at his home.
He was a lifelong resident of Wise, Va. and a graduate of J. J. Kelly High School. Ricky worked at Wise-Appalachian Regional Hospital until its closure in 1998. He then worked in maintenance for UVA-Wise for over 25 years. Ricky was a good friend to many and was well respected.
Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Wanda (Hurd) Hopkins.
He is survived by a sister, Judy Jones of Wise, Va.; his brother, Gregory Hopkins of Wise, Va.; and many friends.
Ricky requested cremation and a graveside service will be announced at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Johnsonburg, Pa./Wise, Va.-Rita Kay Kent, 69, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Chestnut Grove Home for Adults in Dryden, Va.
Born in Fairfield, Ill., lived most of her life in Johnsonburg, Pa., and had lived in Virginia for the past five years. She was pastor of Church of Believers in Johnsonburg, PA. She loved to read, baking, crocheting, and watching true crime shows. She touched every life she had a chance to meet.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Miles Gilbert Kent; her first grandson, Donald Lee Rollan; and her parents, Clifford Dale Frazier and Beverly Lavonne (Porter) Frazier.
Surviving are her children, Beverly Kay Rollan (Shane) of Fairfield, Ill., Brandy Jean Schmitz of Johnsonburg, Pa., Nicole Ann Kent of Wilcox, Pa., Crystal Renee Hollabaugh (Ryan) of Wise, Va., and Jason Miles Kent of Kane, Pa.; grandchildren, Sara Ann Zepeda (Manny), Jonathon Michael Rollan (Sarah), Andrew Ryan Frederoski, Zackery Lee Schmitz, Deborah Marie Hill (John), Jacqulin Ireene Thornton-Schmitz, Elizabeth Faith Hubbard, Christian Miles Cherry (Julia), Marlee Nicole Cherry, Jaiden Ryan Hollabaugh, and Dean Michael Hollabaugh; several great grandchildren; two brothers, Dale Lee Frazier (Cathy) of Fairfield, IL. and Frankie Joe Frazier of Dix, Ill; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are private, per Rita’s wishes.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Kent’s family.
To view the obituary online or offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Cynthia Louise Lane, 79, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Lee Health and Rehab in Pennington Gap, Va.
Born in Norton, Va., she was raised in Bluefield, Va., and had lived in Big Stone Gap for most of her life. She proudly served as a U. S. Marine. She was a teacher’s aide at Powell Valley Primary School. She loved childcare at home and caring for her famiiy. She was a frequent visitor to Dollywood and loved everything to do about Dolly Parton. She was a member of East Stone Gap Baptist Church, where she served as leader of the children’s church for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos Daniel Belcher and Alma Louise (Mullins) Belcher.
Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Charles E. “Bo” Lane; daughters, Melanie Lane Zylawy (Thad) of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Tammy Henderson (Ed) of Roanoke, Va. and Cindy Swinney (Chad) of Big Stone Gap, Va.; seven grandchildren, Kiersten Lane, Ezekiel Owens (Kacie), Liam O’Reilly, Sam Austin, Ann Marie O’Reilly, Brennan O’Reilly and Trenten Swinney; three great grandchildren, Rylie Simerly, Ronin Simerly and River Farmer; two brothers, Walter “Tubby” Belcher (Barbara) of Fort Worth, TX and Danny Belcher (Karolyn) of West Fargo, ND; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, Va. Funeral services will follow with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.
The graveside service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11:00am at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, Va. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home to travel to the cemetery at 10:20am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Louise’s memory to East Stone Gap Baptist Church, PO Box 100, East Stone Gap, Va.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Lane family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Sondra Elaine (Witt) Fisher, 81 passed away with her daughter and son-in-law by her side at their home in York, SC on November 14, 2024.
Sondra was of Christian faith and was a member of West End Baptist Church in Big Stone Gap, VA for many years before moving to South Carolina to be with her daughter and son-in-law. She was married to Glenn Daniel (Danny) Fisher for 55 years. Sondra was a devoted wife, a protective and loving mother, adoring grandmother and great-grandmother, a meticulous homemaker, and a caring sister. She enjoyed cooking, painting, fishing, and being on the banks of the Powell River. She also took pleasure in collecting items that would make her home more beautiful (Nana called them “sissy things”). Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Sondra will be most remembered for her strength, protective nature, conviction, hard work, and primarily her love for her family.
In addition to her parents Sherman Witt and Margaret Worley Witt, she was preceded in death by her husband Danny Fisher; her sisters Margie Slaughter and Shirley Davidson.
She is survived by her daughter Denise (DeeDee) Fisher Leach and her husband Ron; granddaughter Morgan Leach Baker and her husband Nathaniel; her two great-grandsons, her soon-to-be born great-granddaughter; her sisters Mary Jane Upchurch, Sally Hamilton, Margaret Lewis, and Diana Cumbo; and multiple nieces and nephews.
A small private gathering for the family will be held in accordance with Sondra’s wishes.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Fisher family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Appalachia, Va.-James Edward “J. E.” Morris, 71, of the Derby Community, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va.
He was a 1971 graduate of Appalachia High School. J. E. worked for Piggly Wiggly for several years as a butcher, A & A Security with the rank of Captain for many years and worked as a security guard for the Norton Bottling Co./Pepsi for five years. He had a passion, his whole life, for model cars. He, also, loved his guns, country and was a true patriot. He attended Derby Methodist Church.
J. E. was preceded in death by a daughter, Nina Irene Phillips; his parents, Richard Pearl Morris and Eliza (Mullins) Morris; siblings, Bob Morris, Bill Morris, Sue Phillips, Jack Morris and Theda Carroll.
Surviving are his wife of 24 years, Paulette Gibson Morris; two sons, Richard Pearl Morris (Daretha) and James E. Morris (Mystie); step-daughter, Tabitha Estep (Michael); grandchildren, Alex Phillips (Jamie), Austin Phillips (Courtney), step-grandchildren, Colton Estep and Blake Estep; great grandchildren, Derek James, Valerie Diane and Lucas Jasper; sister, Judy Donovan; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 12:00pm – 2:00pm Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor David Rose officiating.
Entombment service will follow at the Glencoe Cemetery Mausoleum.
Family will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Derby Methodist Church, 1746 Derby Road, Appalachia, Va. 24216.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Morris family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Joyce Sargent Vaught, 89, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Heritage Hall Healthcare in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Joyce was a 1953 graduate of Big Stone Gap High School and graduated from the Indiana Business College. She worked for the Civil Service of the U. S. Government in the Pentagon, for the U. S. Army and U. S. Air Force. Joyce also worked with the Internal Revenue Service. Her last position was a secretary for the National Guard. In total, Joyce served 54 years with the U. S. Government before retirement. She was a member of the Temple Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Ind. and attended the Heritage Church of God in Big Stone Gap.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Vaught; and her parents, Broten and Lucy (Wampler) Sargent.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Joann Maxwell Edens of Big Stone Gap, Va.; her nephew, Glennis Maxwell, Jr. and his wife, Angie, of Kingsport, Tn.; and special caregivers, Julie Thacker, Bob Brummitt and Pam Vanover.
The family will receive friends from 11:00am -1:00pm Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 1:00pm with the Rev. Jimmy Qualls and Rev. Tom Williams officiating.
Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Vaught’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Pound, Va.-Paul David Kennedy, 67, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Pikeville (Ky.) Medical Center.
He was born and raised in Norton, Va. He attended school at J. I. Burton High School. He started working with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Norton in the early 1970’s, totaling 47 years of employment, in which he was involved with maintenance and construction. He had great interests in motorcycles, fishing, carpentry work and fixing anything he was able to work with. He was a Christian.
David was preceded in death by his wife, Susan Alice (Hall) Kennedy; and his parents, David Fletcher Kennedy and Faye (Gilbert) Carr.
Surviving are his son, Adam David Kennedy of Pound, Va.; siblings, Alice Weaver (John), Kingsport, Tn., Bill Kennedy (Lisa), Fincastle, Va. and Teddy Kennedy (Lea), Pound, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted 1:00pm on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, Va., with the Rev. Wayne Thomas officiating.
Pallbearers will be: Gavin Kennedy, Marty Robinson, Eddie Kennedy, Tim Agee, George Hunnicutt, Jr., and John Weaver. Honorary pallbearers will be: Teddy Kennedy and Bill Kennedy.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Kennedy family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA – Thomas William Beason, 73, left this earth to be with Jesus, surrounded by his wife and children, on November 1, 2024 at Lee County Community Hospital, Pennington Gap, VA.
Thomas was of the Christian faith and was saved April, 1998. He loved the Lord and told all who would listen about Him. He attended Liberty Freewill Baptist and Faith Hope United Church. He enjoyed his family, hunting, horse shoes, gardening, NASCAR, friends and watching deer, bear and other wildlife in his own backyard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. and Dorothy June DeBoard Beason; his brothers, Kenneth Beason, Nick Beason, Sam Beason, and Jackie Charles Beason and his sisters, Doris Beason Vaughn, Suzan Beason Garrett and Joyce Beason Vaughn.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan Beason; his children, Christopher Beason of Big Stone Gap, VA, Cynthia Orange (Hank) of Big Stone Gap, VA and Carmella Clark (Chris) of Keokee, VA; his grandchildren, Zachary Balthis, Riley Orange and Logan Clark and his siblings, Benny J. Beason (Linda) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Debbie Gilley (Dennis) of Big Stone Gap, VA and Charles R. “Robbie” Beason (Leslie) of Pennington Gap, VA.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 7:00 with Pastor Michael Meade officiating.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Thomas Beason.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

We bid farewell to Betty Sue Harding, 82, of Big Stone Gap VA, a true friend and beacon of God’s light, who departed from this world on October 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.
Betty walked through life with a gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone she encountered with an unforgettable grace. She will be most remembered by her humble voice and her eagerness to pray with anyone at any time. She was full of grace and love. Betty was someone that would give advice and would lend an ear to anybody who needed someone to talk to. She was a light that shined for Christ everywhere she went. Truly a selfless woman who had a heart of gold. Betty was born on March 5, 1942 in Wise Co. VA. She has been a dedicated member of Full Gospel Church in Jesus Name for more than 40 years. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved, especially her sister Joann and son Johnny.  
Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, Echol Ramey and Eliza “Helen” Ramey; daughter-in-law, Brenda (Phillips) Ramey; brother, Allen (Bub) Ramey and sister-in-law, Brenda Ramey, brother-in-law, Johnny Bishop, niece, Sherry Ramey; nephew David Ramey; and many others whom have passed away.  
Betty is survived by her son, Johnny Ramey; granddaughters, Nickie McCoy (Demetri) and Holly Hoback; three great granddaughters, Haven White, Haylee White and Heidi White; great-great grandson, Kipton Rose; and one sister and best friend, Joanne Bishop. She is also survived by two nieces, Darlene (Bishop) White and husband Josh and Rebecca Laney (Trevor); special great niece, Maddy Laney; nephew James (Red) Ramey and wife Karen; great niece Alison Ramey and great nephew, Carter Ramey and many more extended family.  
The family would like to invite anyone that knew and loved Betty to attend a Celebration of Life with them on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. and if anyone has any kind words and would like to share them or any memories, it would be greatly appreciated.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA - Mary Alice Cole, 85, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Norton Community Hospital in Norton, VA.
Mary was a lifelong resident of Big Stone Gap and East Stone Gap, VA. She was a graduate of East Stone Gap High School, where she excelled in basketball. She worked at East Stone Gap Elementary School and Central Supply for a few years before moving to Powell Valley Middle School for over 20 years. She loved to quilt, work jigsaw puzzles and work at East Stone Gap Baptist Church Help Center where she served as the bookkeeper and general overseer. She was a member of East Stone Gap Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Worley and Alice Carter Stidham; her husband, Walter Cole; her daughter, Pamela Hearl; her sons, Timothy Walter Cole and Charles Anthony Cole; three brothers and five sisters.
Mary is survived by her son, Charles Walter “Junior” Cole, Jr. and his wife, Connie; her grandchildren, Seth Hearl, Mark Wagner, Christopher Cole, Tyler Cole and Jessee Cole; her great grandchildren, Haley, Trevor, Hannah, Roman, Ivan, Kennedy, Sebastian and Benjamin; Angie Miller, Kayla Hughes and Alli Miller, who Mary regarded as her own, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at East Stone Gap Baptist Church. The funeral will begin at 1:00pm with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.
Graveside services will follow at Riverview Cemetery in East Stone Gap, VA. Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Mary Cole.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Glena Sue Cornett Slemp of Big Stone Gap, Va. entered into His glory on Monday, October 28, 2024. She was born in Cornettsville, Kentucky, January 23, 1942. She graduated high school from Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Va. and went on to graduate from Radford College. She was a veteran teacher who retired with 35 years in the classrooms of Powell Valley Primary, Weber City Elementary, Dungannon Elementary and in Prince William County, Virginia schools. She was an active member of the Seminary United Methodist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Cornett and Ida Dorton Cornett, and by her husband of more than 50 years, Harry Lee Slemp. She is also preceded in death by her sisters, Gloria Hatton and Ann Sherman.
She is survived by her four children, Chris Slemp (Samantha) of Hurricane, W.Va., Shelia Slemp (Max) of Temple Hills, Md., Mark Slemp (Michelle) of Afton, Tn., and Ashley Held (Scott) of Jonesborough,Tn. Also surviving is a special niece, Rebecca McPheters. She was the loving “Granny” of six grandchildren, Travis, Hank, Olivia, Savannah, Quinlan, and Juna and three great-grandchildren Danny, Nevaeh, and Callie. She also loved her “granddogs” Champ, Banjo, Gunner, Jessie, and Blanche.
Granny also wished to acknowledge a handful of “honorary grandchildren” who brought her great comfort and happiness; Daphne, Sawyer and Vivian Davis, Emily Kydora, Berkley and Jaxon Parrott, Benton Stidham, Ella and Brayden Storie, April and Ian Taylor, and Raegan Wroblewski.
Sue enjoyed cooking and was well known for her fried pies, fruitcakes, and various jellies, jams, and candy. She also enjoyed antiques and worked part time at the Country Porch in Lee County, Va. She was an avid traveler and during her life visited all 50 states.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Rochelle Maxwell officiating. Special music will be provided by Tim White.
Burial will follow at the Slemp Family Cemetery in the Seminary Community.
Pallbearers will be: Travis Slemp, Hank Slemp, Quinlan Held, Joel Davis, Corey Davis, Brandon Parrott, Danny Slemp, and Patrick Doyle.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA - Lee Ander Harris, 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.
Lee served his country as a veteran of the US Army, and also served his community by dedicating nearly 30 years as a member of the Big Stone Gap Fire Dept.
Lee was always known as a hard worker and owned or co-owned several businesses. However, Lee found his success through the many relationships he shared with friends and colleagues who will always cherish the memories and conversations they experienced with him. Lee loved being outside playing softball, snow skiing, river rafting or a playing a good game of cards with his buddies. Most of his relationships were formed around Lee’s favorite past time as he was an avid golfer and loved spending time on the course with friends.
Lee is survived by a host of family and friends and most importantly his life partner, who cared for him tirelessly during his illness, MaDonna Sturgill.
Special thanks to Donnie and Sue Sturgill and the members of the Big Stone Gap Rescue Squad, Bryan Watson, Dan Gibson, and Brain Blanton for their care and support.
As requested, Lee will have a private military service on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Gilliam Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap.
Gilliam Funeral Home is honored to care for the family and friends of Lee Harris.