JUANITA GILLESPIE MASCARO
Juanita Charlotte Mascar, 75, formally of Shinnston WV and Charlotte, NC passed away January 28, 2017 in Ocala, Florida.
She was born July 3, 1941 in Parsons, WV, the middle child of Hazel and Maxine Taylor Gillespie.
In 1963 she married Sam Mascaro, who preceded her in death January 6, 2016. Also preceding her in death were her parents, one brother Roger Gillespie and brother-in-law James Garrett.
She is survived by two sons, Frank (Kendra) Mascaro of Charlotte, NC and Greg (Traci) Mascaro of Ocala, Florida; one sister, Garnet Garrett, Clarksburg, WV; two brothers, Howard Gillespie, Ohio and Roy-Bo (Pat) Gillespie, Ohio. Once again our chain is broken; seven grandchildren, Whitney, Sammie, Bodhi, Madison, Mason, Keaton and Sadie; sister-in-law Angela Crites of Bridgeport, WV; eight nieces, six nephews (who lovingly called her Nee-Nee), numerous cousins and her dear “sister in heart” Priscella Bray of Shinnston, WV.
Juanita was a 1960 graduate of RW High School. She was a terrific cook and was noted for her delicious hot dog chili and her meatballs and sauce. A devoted mother, she supported her sons in all their sports endeavors and was an avid fan of WV and Kentucky.
Her request for cremation was honored. Rest in love dear one.
Roberts Funeral Home, Ocala, Florida.
GERALDINE MARIE FLOWERS
Mrs. Geraldine Marie Flowers, 88 years of age, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV.
She was born April 27, 1928, in Clarksburg, WV, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Hattie Walters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl N. Flowers, in 2002, and her son, Charles Flowers, in 2009.
She is survived by her daughter, Deirdre “Dee Dee” M. Flowers of Bridgeport, WV; two granddaughters, Maya and Ella Flowers; seven nephews, Andy Moore (Holly), Brad Moore (Jeanne), Randy Roberts, Larry, Les and Lee Walters, and Russ Carter; six nieces, Kitty Fryman (the late Donn Fryman), Cathy Moots (Mike), Gina D’Angelo (Bill), Donna Moore, Diana Dickson and Jerry Carter; and multiple great- and great-great-nephews and nieces, all of whom she loved very much. She was known affectionately to some of them as “Aunt Chicken.”
After losing her parents at a young age, she was raised by Clarence and Margarite Jones, who preceded her in death. Although their relationship was never legally made official as parents and child, to her they became her parents and her children’s “Papaw” and “Mamaw” until their deaths. She was also preceded in death by her two siblings, Larry Walters and Jean Jeppson, and her niece, Nancy Moore Roberts, who was like a daughter to her.
Jeri was a 1946 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Clarksburg. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and helped establish All Saints Choir. When the church was building ira current facility, she and her husband “Doc” served as fundraising chairpersons.
“Doc” and Jeri enjoyed spending vacations at their home on Hilton Head Island. They cheered on the blue and gold of the West Virginia Mountaineers. She was a member of Bridgeport Country Club and was the Women’s Golf Champion for two years. She made a difference in the community by volunteering for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and Clarksburg League for Service. She helped bring the first Hospice to Harrison County and shared her musical talents with the Madrigal Singers of Clarksburg. She loved to paint and considered herself an amateur artist.
She will be missed by her family and friends and remembered for her huge heart and love for others. Jeri never knew a stranger and was often heard saying, “I just love people!” Her most important role was that of loving wife, mother and grandmother. No one could deny that her grandchildren, Maya and Ella, were her proudest joy.
DANNY JOE ELDER
Danny Joe Elder, 72, passed away December 3, 2016.
He was preceded in death by parents Willard Oris and Ruth Elder, wife Mary Lou, brothers Lee, Rick, Steve, and Carty and sister Shirley.
Danny is survived by children, Peggy (Todd) Frasure and DJ (Donita) Elder; grandchildren, Brittany Phillips, Tony Pastorek, Ali Pastorek, Morgan Frasure, Daniel Jr. (Brook), Renee, Justin and Savanna Elder; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings June (Katie), Tom (Rose), Carla, Bob, Dave (Mary), Jack (Barb), Dennis, Bill (Nancy), John (Dean) and Cecil (Jane).
Danny worked at Rocky Fork Country Club in Gahanna, Ohio. He enjoyed working outside and working on cars. He was an avid country music lover. Danny loved being around his grandkids and family.
The service will be Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lumberport Baptist Church in Lumberport, WV, located at 1403 Main Street, Lumberport, WV 26386.
RENEE HANDLEY PODESTA
Renee Handley Podesta, 55, of Clarksburg, lost a courageous 5 year battle with cancer on December 7, 2016. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
Renee was born on June, 20, 1961, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, to Don and Betsy Handley of Enterprise.
She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1979. She attended Fairmont State University pursuing a degree in business. She was involved in multiple small business ventures. Renee was the owner and accountant for Philip’s Restaurant and was also the business manager for Muriale’s Restaurant for years. Renee will be deeply missed by her husband, Philip Podesta; three sons, Andrew (Rachel) Sabo, Anthony Podesta and John Michael Podesta; her sisters, Carla (Todd) McCay, Monica (Brian Wright) Handley; brothers, Don (Missy) Handley, Doug Handley; sisters-in-law, Sheri Handley and Celeste Podesta; and brother-in-law, Stephen Podesta. Nay Nay, as he affectionately calls her, also leaves behind her precious grandson, Xander Sabo, whom she adored. She will also be missed by several nieces and nephews that she cherished, aunts and uncles that loved her, as well as her dogs, Trixie and Willy, who never left her side.
She was preceded in death by her in-laws, Tony and Thelma Podesta; grandmothers, Mary Catherine Roscoe and Dorothy Handley; and grandfathers, John Roscoe and Otis Handley.
Renee was loving and caring towards anyone she met and touched many lives. She was a GIVER, always making sure everyone had what they needed. If you have a way to make a positive impact on someone else’s life, please do so in Renee’s memory.
The family would like to thank Hospice nurse Lori Layne for the caring and compassion that she showed not only Renee, but the entire family.
BETTY TAYLOR WAGNER
Betty Taylor Wagner, 79, of Douglas Dairy Road, Bridgeport, passed away Wednesday afternoon, December 7, 2016, in the United Hospital Center.
She was born in Clarksburg on September 11, 1937, a daughter of the late Harvey Lee Taylor, Sr. and Mary Virginia Carter Taylor.
On September 23, 1955, she married Kenneth G. Wagner, who preceded her in death on October 4, 2003.
She is survived by four children, Mary Ann Zieglar and her husband Anthony, Dilliner, PA, Donna Goldsmith and her husband David, Bridgeport, Sheri Green and her husband Steve, Summerville, SC, and Kenneth “Dusty” G. Wagner, Jr. and his wife Janice; five grandchildren, Jennifer Underwood and her companion Jerome Thomas, Bridgeport, Adam Wagner, Bridgeport, Katy Wagner, Wheeling, Ashley Zieglar, Dilliner, PA, and Luke Goldsmith, Bridgeport.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by two brothers, Richard E. Taylor and Harvey “Bud” Taylor; and a sister, Patricia Posey.
Betty was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1955. She had worked as a seamstress at Maidenform, had worked at the Bridgeport Civic Center as a housekeeper, and had done alterations with Stone & Thomas and Elder Beerman, from where she retired.
She loved to sew and enjoyed cooking for her family. She was Methodist.
RUTH ELLEN WALSH
Ruth Ellen Walsh, 91, formerly of Spelter, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016.
She was born in Clarksburg on September 25, 1925, a daughter of the late Charles Patrick and Mary Virginia Mulvaney Callahan.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John Thomas Walsh, Sr., whom she married on October 21, 1946, and who preceded her in death on November 21, 1996.
Surviving are four sons, John “Tom” Walsh, Jr. and his wife Deb of Frederickburg, VA, Richard Walsh and his wife Deb of Elkins, Charles Walsh and his wife Anna of Clarksburg, and Martin Walsh and his wife Joan of Fairfield, OH; three daughters, Sarah Anagnos and her husband George of St. Charles, MO, Patricia Powell of Bridgeport and Marianne Strugarek and her husband Bill of Spelter; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Catherine Reeves and her husband William of Maryland.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having also been preceded in death by one son, James Michael Walsh; one grandson, Martin Joseph Walsh; four brothers, James Callahan, twin brothers, Hurbert and Charles Callahan, and Robert Callahan; and two sisters, Marie Zuchowski and Genevieve Cockrell.
Mrs. Walsh was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Clarksburg, and was a telephone operator with C&P Telephone and part-time receptionist for H&R Block. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Shinnston and a member of the former Holy Family Catholic Church in Spelter, where she was a member of the Holy Family Altar Society and former president. Ruth was also a member of the Harrison County Senior Citizens Spelter Satellite.
DONNA JEAN FARON
Donna Jean Faron, 81, of Lumberport, departed this world to sit at the right hand of the Lord on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the home of her son, Carl Morris, of Morgantown.
She was born February 2, 1935, in Lumberport, daughter of the late Casey and Hazel Lorraine McCormick Swiger.
Donna is survived by her three sons, Carl and Cindy Morris of Morgantown, WV, Homer and Denise Morris of Norfolk, VA, and Howard and Cathy Turnbaugh of PA; two daughters, Diana (Katie) and Junior Elder of MD, and (Alice) Jeannie and Danny Greynolds of Lumberport, WV; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one sister, Glenna Swiger of Morgantown; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Carl Morris, Jr., who passed on December 15, 1980; one son, Rick Turnbaugh; infant daughter; two brothers, Melvin and David Lee Swiger; and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Swiger.
Donna retired from the Department of Health and Human Resources and was a lifelong member of Tenmile Baptist Church. She was a volunteer at the Lords Pantry at Tenmile and served as an elections auditor for many years.
WILLIAM H. BROOKS, JR.
William H. Brooks, Jr., age 90, of Clarksburg, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, after a short illness.
He was born February 20, 1926, in Huntington, WV. He is the son of the late William and Ida Brooks.
William was preceded in death by his wife, Salome, who passed away on December 21, 2003, after 47 years of marriage, and his son, Nicholas H. Brooks, and his brother, Charles Brooks.
William is survived by his son, William Charles Brooks (Carmen) of St. Albans, WV; daughters, Debra E. Lorenz (Richard) of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, Diane E. Boggs (John) of Parkersburg, WV; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
William proudly served his country in both the Army and the Air Force. He was retired from the United States Post Office.
He enjoyed the outdoors and traveled extensively during his retirement years. He lived a full-active life, was a good man and was loved by his family, friends and anyone who met him.
GEORGE LYNN SHAW
George Lynn Shaw, 55, of Kincheloe, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016, at his residence.
He was born April 23, 1961, in Haywood, son of the late Leonard Franklin Sr. and Thelma Nuzum Shaw.
George is survived by his wife of 17 years, Kimberly Huffman Shaw; one daughter, Jessica Lynn Shaw of Clarksburg; one son, Joshua Allen Shaw of Clarksburg; one stepson, William J “Pudge” Hoover and partner, John Ridgeway of Oak Point, TX; one stepdaughter, Kristin N and Danny Nicholson of New Milton; 11 grandchildren; two brothers, Okie Roger and Frances Shaw, Boyd Shaw all of Spelter; four sisters, Geneva Ann Headley and companion, Larry Lucas of Wolf Summit, Betty Lewis of Haywood, Wanda Fuller of Grafton, Freda and John Shingleton of Grafton; four sisters-in-law, Tammy Wyss of Beckley, Brenda and Garry Morris of Oak Hill, Melinda Bush of Lost Creek, Elizabeth Lilly and companion, Rick Wallington of Beckley; a special nephew, Tom and Charlene Lewis of Wadesboro, NC; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Gypsy and Jack.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Leonard Franklin Shaw, Jr.; one sister, Vera Lee McAtee.
JUDY D. MCGARY
Judy D. McGary, 68, of Bridgeport, passed away Friday morning, December 9, 2016, in Ruby Memorial Hospital.
She was born June 3, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, a daughter of the late Fred and Lexie (Gregory) Cogar.
She is survived by her companion of 18 years, Melvan Lantz, Bridgeport; her daughter, Susie Heater, Clarksburg; and her son, Fred (Tiffany) McGary, Stonewood; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; her sister, Charlotte Dunlap, Good Hope; her brother, Gary Cogar, Moundsville; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dolly Floyd.
Judy retired as a captain in 2002 as a dispatcher with the Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services with over 23 years of service. She had also been a long-time volunteer with Harrison County EMS and the Anmoore Fire Department.
Judy was a very giving person and was family-oriented, and she would bend over backwards to help someone in need.
Because she always loved children, contributions in Judy’s memory may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105; or Ronald McDonald House, 841 Country Club Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505.