1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1949); Page 57; WV Archives Web Site.
Gleason Douglas Bowles; age 21; born and living at Iaeger, WV; single; married on 3 Nov 1949
at Iaeger, WV; Thelma Farris Beavers; age 21; born and living at Iaeger, WV; single.
2. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #73-041618; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Gleason Douglas Bowles; age 45; born 3 Sep 1928 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; 8th
grade education; living at Box 385, Iaeger, WV; son of Luther Graham and Eula (Blankenship)
Bowles; married on 14 Sep 1973 in Grundy, VA; Darlene Sue beavers; age 24; born 1 Jul 1949 in
WV; single; this is her 1st marriage; 4 yrs HS education; living at Iaeger, WV; daughter of _____ and
Thelma Ferris Beavers.
3. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Gleason Douglas Bowles, 91, of Mile Branch passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020 at his residence."Gleason was born September 3, 1928 in Wilmore, WV, a son of the late Luther Graham and Eula Blankenship Bowles. He was a United States Army Veteran of WWII, a coal miner for 39 years, and the last surviving member of his original family. Gleason was an avid hunter and loved to be out in the mountains with his lifelong hunting buddy, Leonard Shirley; he was a member of the Two Rivers Conservation Club. Gleason loved four wheeling, singing and playing his guitar, sitting on his front porch swing, a good coon dog, and the many sweet treats from the ladies who spoiled him. Gleason was a member of the Mile Branch Church of the Living God; serving the Lord was his greatest joy and he wanted everybody to go to Heaven with him. Gleason’s best saying was “There are no bad days, just good days and better days.”
"In addition to his parents Gleason was preceded in death by three sons, Mickey, Gerald, and Joey Bowles; two daughters, Marietha Bowles and Lynn Lowe; three brothers, Jessie, Jasper, and Cyres Bowles; and five sisters, Audrey Bowles, Myrtle Babe Fraley, Thelma Doll Walker, Annie Bowles and Ethel Clemmons..
"Survivors include his loving wife Darlene Bowles of the home; children, Rhonda Poirier of Statesville, NC, Donna Holton of Mt. Airy, NC, Connie Lowe and husband Gary of Iaeger, Phillip Bowles and wife Kimberly of Statesville, NC and Wendy Martin and husband Michael of Olin, NC; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two special nephews, Jacob and Ronnie Bowles; the mother of eight of his children, Thelma Blankenship; numerous other children who fondly referred to him as Uncle, Pa, and Mayor; and a host of additional family and friends.
"The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for all their care.
"Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 17, 2020 at 1 o’clock with Reverend Danny Bowles and Reverend John Wheeler officiating at the Mile Branch Church of the Living God parking lot in Mile Branch. Burial will follow in the Bowles Cemetery at Mile Branch where military graveside rites will be conducted by the VFW post #1144.
"Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
"In following the CDC guide lines we ask that social distancing be observed.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV, is assisting the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.com."
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1949); Page 57; WV Archives Web Site.
Gleason Douglas Bowles; age 21; born and living at Iaeger, WV; single; married on 3 Nov 1949
at Iaeger, WV; Thelma Farris Beavers; age 21; born and living at Iaeger, WV; single.
2. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #71 007608; Ancestry.com Web Site.
William Ray Lee; age 53; born 24 Jun 1917 in AL; divorced; this was his second marriage; living at
Iaeger, WV; son of James Fred and Elizabeth Ada (Manshardt) Lee; married on 19 Mar 1971 in
Grundy, VA; Thelma Farris Bowles; age 37; born 21 Aug 1933 in WV; divorced; this was her second
marriage; living at Iaeger, WV; daughter of John and Sara (Lester) Beavers.
3. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #80-037141; Ancestry.com Website.
Billy Gene Blankenship; age 43; born 2 Aug 1934 in WV; divorced; this is his 4th marriage; last
Marriage ended 25 Mar 1980; 8th grade education; living at Box 668, Iaeger, WV; son of Willis and
Stella (Facello) Blankenship; married on 14 Aug 1980 at Grundy, VA; Thelma Ferris Lee; maiden
name Beavers; age 46; born 21 Aug 1933 in WV; divorced; this is her 4th marriage; last marriage
ended 25 Mar 1980; 10th grade education; living at Box 668, Iaeger, WV; daughter of John and
Sarah (Lester) Beavers.
4. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Thelma Farris Blankenship, 90, of Iaeger, WV, passed away Friday, April 5, 2024, at her home."Thelma was born August 21, 1933, in War, WV a daughter of the late John and Sarah Lester Beavers.
"Thelma was a member of the Iaeger Church of God and a devoted prayer warrior. She was a hard worker with her last employment being at her daughter’s restaurant “Lynne’s Pizza” where she was known for the meals and delicious coconut pies and peanut butter cakes. She was great cook and she also worked for the McDowell County Board of education as a cook for several years.
"Thelma was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
"In addition to her parents Thlema was preceded in death by five brothers: Moody, Luther, Daniel, Jessie and John Jr. Beavers; four sisters, Addie Beavers, Zella Mae Mullins, Rosie Love and Mildred Davis; five children, Mickey, Gerald, Marietha, Joey, and Lynne.
"Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Darlene Bowles of Olin, NC, Rhonda Poirier of Statesville, NC, Donna Helton of Mt. Airy, NC, and Connie Lowe of Salisbury, NC; Special Grandson, Kevin Kirk who was her caregiver for several years; friend, Gary Lowe, who helped out a lot. Special nieces and nephews; Rita (Roscoe) Miller, Speedy (Teresa) Auville, Hershel (Anna) Davie; Grandchildren, Phillip (Kimberly) Bowles, Wendy (Michael) Martin, Sean (Casey) Poirier, Robin Poirier Townsend, Chrystal Andrigo, Brandon (Michelle) Rowe, Mandie (Craig) Kalista, and Jeffery Bowles. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special Friends; Brenda Morgan, Jean Mullins, and Hazel Lowe.
"Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 2 o’clock, with Reverend Danny Bowles and Reverend Jimmie Justus officiating at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV. Burial will follow in the Bowles Cemetery in Mile Branch, WV. Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.
"Friends may visit with the family Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV with an evening service at 7 p.m.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"
1. 1940 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Barkers Ridge District; E.D. 55-3; taken on 9/10 May 1940; page 81B;
Image 76 of 96; Household #628.
Listed as Lake Lester; age 8; born in WV; 1st grade education; attending school; lived in same house
on 1 Apr 1935; adopted son of William F. Lester.
(Believe this may be Lacy Ed Lester)
2. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 18; WV Archives Web Site.
Lacy Ed Lester; age 21; born in Bud, WV; single; living at Marianna, WV; son of Ralph
Bogle and Rebecca Lester; married on 12 Apr 1952 at Mullens, WV; Mary Iva Cook;
age 17; born and living at Windom, WV; single; daughter of A. Elmer and Addie Cook.
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 18; WV Archives Web Site.
Lacy Ed Lester; age 21; born in Bud, WV; single; living at Marianna, WV; son of Ralph
Bogle and Rebecca Lester; married on 12 Apr 1952 at Mullens, WV; Mary Iva Cook;
age 17; born and living at Windom, WV; single; daughter of A. Elmer and Addie Cook.
1. Stafford Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Donna Sue Hite, 47, of Federal Way, WA passed away on Friday, September 16, 2016 at Tacoma General
Hospital, Tacoma, WA. She was born on January 7, 1969 in Mullens, WV a daughter of the late James
Andrew and Norma Mae Salyers Hite, Jr. She is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include a niece
Jessica Fields of Federal Way, WA; a sister Judy Karen (Jerry) Sammons of Skin Fork; a brother Jimmie
Archie (Teresa) Hite of Pineville; and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held
at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 23, 2016 in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV with
Rev. Silas Mullins, Jr. officiating. She will be laid to rest in Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. Friends
may gather with the family from noon until time of service on Friday, September 23, 2016 at the funeral
home..."
1. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"O give thanks unto the Lord: for He is good for his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 136:1. Cathy Ann
Browning, 57, of Toledo, OH, departed this life on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Regency Hospital,
Toledo, OH. She was born on July 13, 1959 in Welch, WV a daughter of the late Lensay and Ruby Adkins
Adams. She attended Ieager Welch School. Cathy became a housewife and mother to six children. Her
favorite things to do were going to church, bible study, working at the church and she loved to drink coffee.
Her favorite color was purple. While living in Fremont she attended Church of God of the Apostolic Faith
and True Light Pentecostal Holiness Church. Cathy's pastors were Bishop A. Roberts and District Elder
Sylvester Awls. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a brother-in-law Darrel Lester. Those
left to cherish her memories are six children Bishop Lee Bowling, Jonathan Bowling, Keith Bowling, Kevin
Bowling, Renee Steele and Lacey Steele; brothers and sisters Junior Browning of Vansant, VA, Nick (Sue)
Adams of Brenton, Terry (Wanda) Adams of Short Pole, Bucky (Patricia) Adkins of Bassett, VA, Tina Lester
of Long Pole, Sherry (Felix) Steele of Short Pole, Myrtle (Eddy) Bailey of Long Pole, Linda Meadows of
Ieager; four grandchildren Gage and Zyler Blankenship, Johnathan and James Lewis Bowling; a
brother-in-law Teddy Meadows and fiancé Jamie Sturgil; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving
family and friends. Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, October, 4, 2016 at the Jeremiah
House of Faith, Hanover, WV. Burial will follow in the Bailey Cemetery, Long Pole, WV.,,,:
2, FindAGrave.com Web Site; Bailey Cemetery, Panther, McDowell Cop, WV; submitted by
Pattie Greene; 3 oct 2016.
Cathy Ann Adams Browning; born 13 Jul 1959; died 21 Sep 2016; buried here; no grave marker photo
shown; obit with personal photo posted.
1. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Panther; taken on 7 Apr 1930; Page 178A;
Family #109/109.
Listed as Lensey Adams; age 8; born in WV; in household of father, Arthur C. Adams.
2. U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Lensay Burge Adams
Race: White
Birth Date: 18 Nov 1921
Birth Place: Panther, West Virginia, USA
Residence: Corinne, Wyoming, West Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Occupation: Bob Smith
Weight: 135
Complexion: Ruddy
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Red
Height: 5 9
Next of Kin: Arthur Adams
Household Members:
Name
Lensay Burge Adams"
3. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #71 031736; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Lensay Byrge Adams; age 49; born 18 Nov 1921 in WV; divorced; this was his second marriage;
7th grade education; living at Box 55, Freeman, Mercer Co, WV; son of Arthur Clark and Lydia
(Bailey) Adams; married on 16 Aug 1971 at Grundy, Buchanan Co, VA; Grace Cline; age 30; born
WV; divorced; this was her second marriage; 1 yr HS education; living at 1416 Franklin Street,
Bluefield, WV; daughter of William and Belle (Kerns) Browning.
4. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: Lensay Birge Adams
[Lensay B Adams]
[Lindsey Adams]
SSN: 233309894
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 18 Nov 1921
Birth Place: Panther, West Virginia
[Ponther|]
Death Date: Jan 1994
Father: Arthur C Adams
Mother: Lydia Bailey
Disability Status: Disability denied - no record of type.
Claim Date: 13 Mar 1969
Type of Claim: Original SSN.
Notes: Sep 1941: Name listed as LENSAY BIRGE ADAMS; 13 Mar 1969: Name listed as LENSAY B ADAMS; 08 Feb 1994: Name listed as LINDSEY B ADAMS"
5, FindAGrave.com Web Site; Bailey Cemetery, Panther, McDowell Cop, WV; submitted by
David A. Swiger; 16 Jan 2012.
Lensay Berge Adams; born 18 Nov 1921; died 23 Jan 1994; buried here; no grave marker photo shown;
"Inscription: CPL US MARINE CORPS WORLD WAR II".
1. Kentucky, U.S., Birth Index, 1911-1999; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name: Berlin Reed
Date of Birth: 16 Oct 1940
Birth Place: Floyd, Kentucky, USA
Mother's Name: Geneva Elam
Volume Number: 104
Certificate Number: 51697
Volume Year: 1940"
2. Logan Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1961); Page 82; WV Archives Website.
Berlin Reed; age 21; born in Floyd Co, KY; single; living at Lorado, WV; son of Bert and Geneva
(Justice) Reed; married on 4 Nov 1961 at "Place Not Available"; Gwendolyn Bailey; age 19; born and
living in Lorado, WV; single; daughter of Newsom and Nellie (Manley) Bailey.
1. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Linda Reed, 64, of Hanover, WV, passed on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Williamson Memorial Hospital,
Williamson, WV. She was born on January 1, 1952 in Logan, WV a daughter of the late Barbara A. Ellis
Tomblin. In addition to her mother she is preceded in death by her grandparents Willie and Winnie Ellis; and
step-son Newsome Reed. Survivors include her husband of 45 years Berlin Reed; a brother Donald (Velma)
Smith of Belton, TX; five children Glenna Woods of FL, Melody Smith and fiancé Samuel Shrewsbury of
Barkers Ridge, Patty Reese and fiancé Miniard McClellan of Logan, Bert Reed and wife Cindy of NC and
Marshall Reed and fiancé Jamie Saylor of Ikes Fork; special friend Mildred Taylor; her beloved cat Tom Reed;
fourteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and a host of other loving
family and friends. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, September 29, 2016 in the Chapel of
Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV with Rev. Clarance Blankenship officiating. She will be laid to rest
in Highland Memory Gardens, Logan, WV. ..."
1. Logan Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1958); Page 65; WV Archives Web Site.
Jesse Woodrow Momack; age 35; born in Holden, WV; single; living at Oceana, WV;
son of Robert and Jennie (Cook) Womack; married on 7 Mar 1958 at Pecks Mill, WV;
Mildred Louise Topping; age 35; born in Monitor, WV; widow; living at Pecks Mill, WV;
daughter of Martin and Bernetta (Ratliff) Collins.
1. Logan Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1958); Page 65; WV Archives Web Site.
Jesse Woodrow Momack; age 35; born in Holden, WV; single; living at Oceana, WV;
son of Robert and Jennie (Cook) Womack; married on 7 Mar 1958 at Pecks Mill, WV;
Mildred Louise Topping; age 35; born in Monitor, WV; widow; living at Pecks Mill, WV;
daughter of Martin and Bernetta (Ratliff) Collins.
2. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Mildred Louise (Gig) Womack of Oceana peacefully departed this world for a far better one on Sunday,
October 2, 2016. Born on April 18, 1921, in Yuma, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Martin
(Daddy Martin) Collins and Bervetta (Mommy Bird) Ratliff Collins. She grew up in Mill Creek, West Virginia,
the place she always called “home.” She was a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II, helping to build
airplanes in Baltimore, Maryland. Gig was a member of the Oceana Freewill Baptist Church, being very
active in the Ladies Auxiliary during the 1960s and 1970s. She was a gracious, giving person who would help
anyone who asked. But, her greatest gift was being a devoted coal miner’s wife, an adoring mother to her
children, whom she often referred to as “my life,” and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother.
Mamaw Womack was never too busy to find something special for a visiting great-grandbaby to take home.
She loved family gatherings when all of her children could be together and, as long as she was able, she
always prepared an outstanding feast, being an excellent cook. Her whole life was dedicated to her family.
She loved bird, butterflies, clocks, writing poetry, and anything yellow. She was a true friend to those who
were blessed to call her one; she loved much and was much loved in return. Fiercely independent, she was
keeping her own house and driving her own car in her ninety-fifth year. She represented the best of the
Greatest Generation and of simpler times long past. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, by
her brothers, Elmer (Tom), Jerry, Jesse and Sterling Collins, by her sisters, Elva (Sis) Richards and Pearl
Barker, by her first husband, Gilbert Topping, and her second husband, Woodrow Womack, by her daughter,
Gujuan Kelly, and her son Jerry Topping, and by her granddaughters, Gujuan Conley, Karri Topping, and her
grandson, Micah Topping. Those left to cherish her memory and eagerly await the eternal reunion are her
children, Randall Topping and wife Brenda, Rodney Topping and wife Diane, and Jesse Womack and
companion Mitzi Mitchell, all of Oceana, and Mark Womack and wife Terri, of Bluefield, WV; her sisters,
Katie Emory and Eunice Coburn, of Huntington, Marguerite Jones, of New Haven, CT, and Jean Sutphin of
Whitehouse, TN; ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; plus a host of nieces, nephews, relatives
and friends. In honor of her wishes, there will be an immediate burial with no services. Interment will be at
the family cemetery at Mill Creek, Logan County, WV. ..."