1. "The Heritage of McDowell Co, WV; 1858-1995"; 1995; McDpwell Co, WV Historical Society"; Page
120; "Carla Cline" article; submitted by Caria Cline, Panther, WV.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1959); Page 47; WV Archives Web Site.
Murton Ronald Lockhart; age 18; born and living in Panther, WV; married on 17 jan 1959 at Cub
Creek, WV; Johnnie Marie Phillips; age 16; born at Iaeger, WV; single; living at Panther, WV; with
consent of Robert and Marlene Lockhart, parents of Murton Ronald Lockhart; and Carl and Zelphia
Phillips, parents of Johnnie Marie Phillips.
3. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Johnnie Marie Phillips Lockhart Wolfe, 81, of Iaeger, WV went to her Heavenly Home Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV."Johnnie was born in 1942 a daughter of the late Ray Carl and Zelphia Bailey Phillips. Johnnie was a retired secretary of 35 years at Iaeger Jr. High School which was just one of the jobs she performed during her life time. Johnnie was of the Baptist Faith and loved going to church at Calvary Baptist Church in Iaeger; she loved her church family unconditionally and loved singing in the choir, in which her voice was absolutely beautiful. Johnnie had several hobbies, she loved singing, writing poems, working crossword puzzles, shopping and traveling. Family was the most precious thing to her; Johnnie’s happiest moments was when she was surrounded by her family.
"In addition to her parents Johnnie was preceded in death by two loving husbands, Ronald Lockhart Sr. and Frank Wolfe; two brothers, Luther Phillips and David Phillips, and two sisters, Patricia Abram and Elizabeth Phillips.
"Those left to cherish her memory are her two precious children, daughter, Pam Guella and husband Butch of Roderfield, and son, Ronald Lockhart II and fiancée Penny of Bull Creek; one brother, Billy Phillips and wife Sherrie of Chapmanville and one sister, Tammy Lowrance of Oak Hill; grandsons, Trey Lockhart of Charleston and Blake Lockhart of Bluefield; granddaughters, Melissa “Meme” Stone and husband Bubby of Roderfield and Courtney Siers of Ghent; one great granddaughter, Chelsea Davis and husband Ed of Roderfield and one great grandson, Seth Stone of Roderfield; great-great grandbabies, Rylin, Harper, Cambry, Everleigh, Hunter and Kendall; and her second family in Rock Hill SC.
"Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 11 o’clock, with Reverend Daniel Dean, Pastor Randall Dority and Billy Phillips officiating at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park at Bluewell, WV. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
"Friends may visit with the family Tuesday evening, January 2, 2023 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the Lockhart/Wolfe family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"
1. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #67 030315; Ancestry.com Website.
Alfred Eugene Lewis; age 39; born in Elkins, WV; divorced; one previous marriage; Colored; hospital
orderly; living at 105 Wilson St, Bluefield, WV; son of Brice and Lottie Virginia (Lewis) Lewis; married
on 19 Aug 1967 in Pearisburg, VA; Retha Abbington Horton; maiden name Retha Marie Abbibgton;
age 39; born in Gary, WV; divorced; 1 previous marriage; nurse; Colored; living at Box 177, Kimball,
WV; daughter of William Judson and Selena Belle (Wright) Abbington.
Retha Marie aka Wright Abbington
1. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Adkin District; Alpheus; taken 16 Apr 1940; Page 85A;
Household #83.
Listed as Retha Abingdon; age 18; born in WV; 2 yrs HS education; lived in same place on 1 Apr
1935; single; Negro; in household of father, William J. Abbington.
2. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Gary/Ream; taken 4 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 8; Dwelling #49.
Listed as Retha Abbington; age 27; born in WV; widow; Negro; lodger; in household of Charlie E.
Holland, with two children.
3. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License #67 030315; Ancestry.com Website.
Alfred Eugene Lewis; age 39; born in Elkins, WV; divorced; one previous marriage; Colored; hospital
orderly; living at 105 Wilson St, Bluefield, WV; son of Brice and Lottie Virginia (Lewis) Lewis; married
on 19 Aug 1967 in Pearisburg, VA; Retha Abbington Horton; maiden name Retha Marie Abbibgton;
age 39; born in Gary, WV; divorced; 1 previous marriage; nurse; Colored; living at Box 177, Kimball,
WV; daughter of William Judson and Selena Belle (Wright) Abbington.
1. 1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Bradshaw; taken 8 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 19; Dwelling #139.
Listed as Wallace Brondon, (sic, Brandon); age 36; born in OK; married; ventilation worker in coal
mine; head of household.
2. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #66 040439; Ancestry.com. Website.
Wallace Eugene Brandon; age 53; born in Cole Co, OK; widowed; one previous marriage; coal miner;
living in Jolo, WV; son of Walter and Nellie (Carr) Brandon; married on 10 Nov 1966 in Buchanan Co,
VA; Della May Mullins; maiden name Baker; divorced; one previous marriage; living at Jolo, WV;
daughter of Charlie Lincoln and Meda (Mullins) Baker.
3. FindAGrave.com Website; sunmitted by Patty Greene; 19 Jul 2018.
"Wallace E. Brandon
Birth 14 Sep 1913
Death 29 Jul 1988 (aged 74)
Burial Tom Sparks Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 191498279"Additional Information Posted:
"Inscription PFC, US Army Air Corps, World War II "
1. 1930 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; taken on 29 Apr 1930; Page 218B; Image
35 of 42; Family #286/287.
Listed as Dellie Baker; age 6; born in WV; in household of father, Charles L. Baker.
2. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Paynesville; E.D. 24-58; taken on 9 Aug
1940; Page 1143A; Image 47 of 60; Household #349.
Listed as Della Mae Baker; age 16; born in WV; 8th grade education; not attending school; lived in
same house on 1 Apr 1935; in household of father, Clarles L. Baker.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1941); Page 57; WV Archives Website.
Clarence Mullins; age 19; born and living at Paynesville, WV; divorced; married on 24 May 1941 at
Welch, WV; Della Mae Baker; age 17; born and living at Paynesville, WV; single; with consent of
Meda and Charlie Baker, parents of Della Mae Baker.
4. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #66 040439; Ancestry.com. Website.
Wallace Eugene Brandon; age 53; born in Cole Co, OK; widowed; one previous marriage; coal
miner; living in Jolo, WV; son of Walter and Nellie (Carr) Brandon; married on 10 Nov 1966 in
Buchanan Co, VA; Della May Mullins; maiden name Baker; divorced; one previous marriage; living
at Jolo, WV; daughter of Charlie Lincoln and Meda (Mullins) Baker.
5. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Patty Greene; 19 Jul 2018.
"Della Brandon
Birth 2 Feb 1924
Death 6 Mar 1997 (aged 73)
Burial Tom Sparks Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 191498323"
1.1950 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Bradshaw; taken 10 Apr 1950; Sheet Number 73; Dwelling #163.
Listed as James Christian; age 22; born in WV; married; truck driver for retail merchant; head of
household.
2. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #12635; Ancestry.com Website.
James Alexander Christian, Jr; age 45; born 12 Jun 1926 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage;
1 yr HS education; living at Box 185, Bradshaw, WV; son of James Alexander and Bertie (Simmons,
sic, Sims) Christian; married on 10 Jun 1972 in Buchanan Co, VA; Juanita Sparks; age 23; born 15
Jan 1949 in WV; single; this is her 1st marriage; 4 yrs HS education; living at Box 54, Jolo, WV;
daughter of William J. and Offie Mae (Pruitt) Sparks.
1. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #12635; Ancestry.com Website.
James Alexander Christian, Jr; age 45; born 12 Jun 1926 in WV; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage;
1 yr HS education; living at Box 185, Bradshaw, WV; son of James Alexander and Bertie (Simmons,
sic, Sims) Christian; married on 10 Jun 1972 in Buchanan Co, VA; Juanita Sparks; age 23; born 15
Jan 1949 in WV; single; this is her 1st marriage; 4 yrs HS education; living at Box 54, Jolo, WV;
daughter of William J. and Offie Mae (Pruitt) Sparks.
2. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #87-009083; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Columbus Landon Serra; age 50; born 1 Mar 1936 in WV; divorced; this is his 3rd marriage; last
marriage ended 26 Aug 1986; 12th grade education; living at Box 189, Bradshaw, WV; son of
Alexander and Cora Lee (Hunt) Serra; married on 14 Mar 1987 in Buchanan Co, VA; Juanita
Christian; maiden name Sparks; born 15 Jan 1949 in WV; divorced; this is her 2nd marriage; last
marriage ended 14 Ag 1984; 12th grade education; living at Box 844, Bradshaw, WV; daughter of
William J. and Offie Mae (Pruitt) Sparks.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1954); Page 196; WV Archives Website.
Vance Cathem Peck; age 24; born in Zanesville, OH; single; living in Zaleski, OH; married on 24 Dec
1954 in Berwind, WV; Betty Jean Christian; age 20; born and living in Berwind, WV; single; with
consent of W.D. and Nora Christian, parents of Betty Jean Christian.
2. Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Bettie Jean Christian [Bettie Jean Peck] [Bettie Carman] [B Carman]
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 1 Sep 1934
Birth Place Berwind McDo, West Virginia [Berwind, West Virginia]
Death Date 15 Aug 1990
Father William D Christian
Mother Nora E Osborne
SSN 232528701
Death Certificate Number 019675
Notes Mar 1951: Name listed as BETTIE JEAN CHRISTIAN;
Mar 1955: Name listed as BETTIE JEAN PECK;
08 Jul 1988: Name listed as BETTIE JEAN CARMAN;
22 May 1998: Name listed as B J CARMAN"
1. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Savannah Trosper; 4 Jan 2019.
" Jackson Riley Christian
Birth 12 Aug 1851
Tazewell County, Virginia, USA
Death 12 May 1929 (aged 77)
Buchanan County, Virginia, USA
Burial Harlan Blankenship Cemetery
Wolford, Buchanan County, Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 195799636"Additional information Posted:
"Jackson Riley Christian was born August 12, 1851 in Tazewell County, Virginia to his father Thomas Scaggs Christian of Sinking Waters and mother Anna Elizabeth Christian (Altizer) of Tazewell County, Virginia. He married his wife Lavicey (Vicy) Christian (Asbury) in January of 1875, and then had their children George Christian, William Rufus Christian, Mollie Christian, Mary Elizabeth Christian, Thomas Harvey Christian, Riley Washington Christian, Perry Albert Christian, Joseph L. Christian, James Walter Christian, John Quincy Adams Christian, and Nannie Bell Christian. Jackson Riley died May 12, 1929 in Buchanan County, Virginia."
1. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by Terry; 21 Jun 2020.
" Lavicey “Vicey” Asbury Christian
Birth 13 Mar 1857
Tazewell, Tazewell County, Virginia, USA
Death 1904 (aged 46–47)
Burial Harlan Blankenship Cemetery
Wolford, Buchanan County, Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 211677520"
1. Evans-Calfee Funeral Services; Pineville, WV; Posted Obit.
"Sharon Kay Kessler, age 62 of Pineville WV gained her wings December 23rd, 2023. She was born April 18th 1961, and was the daughter of the late John and Kathryn Bennett Ruff. Mrs. Kessler loved all of her family and friends like no other, she loved watching and making TikTok’s, loved to sing, and she was also of the Pentecostal faith. She loved family time and family gatherings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Wilson Kessler, 2 sisters Lisa Vance, and Denise Vance, also a son Wilson Ruff. Those left to cherish her memories include; a sister Frances Lewis of Hinton WV. Her five children: Katheryn (Carl) Chapman of Aiken SC, Misty (Pete) Kessler of Aiken SC, Eddie (Peggy) Kessler of Pineville WV, Jacklyn (Mike) Medlin of Elgin SC, and ex son in law Dewayne Feldman of Aiken SC, Robert (Maria) Kessler of Pineville WV. Adopted children include ; Darrell Vance , Micheal Vance, and Andrew Ruff. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews two very special ones (Billy, Bruce Bennet) as well as 21 grandchildren who she loved more than life. In keeping with her wishes she will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date."
1. 1900 Census, Mercer Co, WV; Rock District; taken 5 Jun 1900; Page 210B; Family #70/70.
Listed as George W. Tilly; age 2; born in Jul 1897 in WV; in household of father, Lee A. Tilley.
2. 1910 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Elkhorn District; taken 10 May 1910; Page 252B; Family #474/475.
Listed as George Tilley; age 13; born in WV; in household of father, Lee A. Tilley.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1914); Page 357; WV Archives Website.
George W. Tilly; age 18; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; farmer; living in Switchback, WV; son of
Lee and Nancy; married on 26 Sep 1914 in Maybeury, WV; Molly Hughes; age 22; born in Pulaski
Co, VA; single; daughter of Carney and Missouri; person giving information, Lee Tilly.
4. McDowell Co, WV; WW I Draft Registration Card #4846; 12 Sep 1918; Ancestry.com Website.
George Washington Tilley; age 20; born 18 Jul 1898; living at Switchback, WV; driver (probably
mules); for Extra Pocahontas Coal Co, Switchback, WV; nearest relative, Molly L, Tilley, Switchback,
WV; short; medium build; black eyes and brown hair.
5. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Elkhorn District; Powhatan Village; taken 3 Jan 1920; Page 130A;
Family #59/59.
Listed as George Tilley; age 24; born in WV; married; trainee in power house; head of household.
6; 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; McDowell; taken 15 Apr 1940; Page 1006;
Household #358.
Listed as George Tilley; age 28?; born in WV; 2nd grade education; lived in same place on 1 Apr
1935; coal loader in coal mne; head of household.
7. McDowell Co, WV; WW II Draft Registration Card # T-2062; 16 Feb 1942; Ancestry.com Website.
George Washington Tilley; age 42; born 14 Jul 1898 at Lick Branch, WV; living at Landgraff, WV;
employed by Vera Pocahontas Coal Co, # 3 mne, Landgraff, WV; name of person who will always
know address, Molly Tilley, Landgraff, WV; 5'2" tall; 130 lbs; gray eyes; brown hair; ruddy complexion;
ends of two middle fingers off on left hand.
8. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 447; WV Archives Website.
George W. Tilley; age 54; born in Maybeury, WV; divorced; living at Davy, WV; married on 9 May
1952 on Peters Branch, WV; Viola McPeak; age 40; born in Northfork, WV; widow; living at Davy, WV.
9. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate # '63 016812; WV Archives Website.
George Washington Tilley; age 65; born 14 Jul 1898 in WV; divorced; retired coal miner; living at
Kimball, WV; son of Lee and Nancy (Taylor) Tilley; died 23 Nov 1963 in Stevens Clinic, Welch, WV;
due to cerebral anoxia with cor pulmonale and chronic pulmonary emphysema
(probably "Black Lung" disease); buried 26 Nov 1963 in Belcher Cemetery, Blizzard Mtn, WV;
informant, Mrs. Lula Taylor, Detroit, MI. (Can not locate "Blizzard Mtn"; This is probably Belcher Mtn
Cemeteries, atop moutain between Kimball and Maitland, McDowell Co, WV.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1914); Page 357; WV Archives Website.
George W. Tilly; age 18; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; farmer; living in Switchback, WV; son of
Lee and Nancy; married on 26 Sep 1914 in Maybeury, WV; Molly Hughes; age 22; born in Pulaski
Co, VA; single; daughter of Carney and Missouri; person giving information, Lee Tilly.
2. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Elkhorn District; Powhatan Village; taken 3 Jan 1920; Page 130A;
Family #59/59.
Listed as Mollie Tilley; age 21; born in WV; married; in household of husband, George W. Tilley.
3; 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; McDowell; taken 15 Apr 1940; Page 1006;
Household #358.
Listed as Mollie Tilley; age 39; born in VA; no education; lived in same place on 1 Apr 1935; in
household of husband, George W. Tilley.
1. 1900 Census, Mercer Co, WV; Rock District; taken 5 Jun 1900; Page 210B; Family #70/70.
Listed as George W. Tilly; age 2; born in Jul 1897 in WV; in household of father, Lee A. Tilley.
2. 1910 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Elkhorn District; taken 10 May 1910; Page 252B; Family #474/475.
Listed as George Tilley; age 13; born in WV; in household of father, Lee A. Tilley.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1914); Page 357; WV Archives Website.
George W. Tilly; age 18; born in McDowell Co, WV; single; farmer; living in Switchback, WV; son of
Lee and Nancy; married on 26 Sep 1914 in Maybeury, WV; Molly Hughes; age 22; born in Pulaski
Co, VA; single; daughter of Carney and Missouri; person giving information, Lee Tilly.
4. McDowell Co, WV; WW I Draft Registration Card #4846; 12 Sep 1918; Ancestry.com Website.
George Washington Tilley; age 20; born 18 Jul 1898; living at Switchback, WV; driver (probably
mules); for Extra Pocahontas Coal Co, Switchback, WV; nearest relative, Molly L, Tilley, Switchback,
WV; short; medium build; black eyes and brown hair.
5. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Elkhorn District; Powhatan Village; taken 3 Jan 1920; Page 130A;
Family #59/59.
Listed as George Tilley; age 24; born in WV; married; trainee in power house; head of household.
6; 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Northfork District; McDowell; taken 15 Apr 1940; Page 1006;
Household #358.
Listed as George Tilley; age 28?; born in WV; 2nd grade education; lived in same place on 1 Apr
1935; coal loader in coal mne; head of household.
7. McDowell Co, WV; WW II Draft Registration Card # T-2062; 16 Feb 1942; Ancestry.com Website.
George Washington Tilley; age 42; born 14 Jul 1898 at Lick Branch, WV; living at Landgraff, WV;
employed by Vera Pocahontas Coal Co, # 3 mne, Landgraff, WV; name of person who will always
know address, Molly Tilley, Landgraff, WV; 5'2" tall; 130 lbs; gray eyes; brown hair; ruddy complexion;
ends of two middle fingers off on left hand.
8. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 447; WV Archives Website.
George W. Tilley; age 54; born in Maybeury, WV; divorced; living at Davy, WV; married on 9 May
1952 on Peters Branch, WV; Viola McPeak; age 40; born in Northfork, WV; widow; living at Davy, WV.
9. McDowell Co, WV; Death Certificate # '63 016812; WV Archives Website.
George Washington Tilley; age 65; born 14 Jul 1898 in WV; divorced; retired coal miner; living at
Kimball, WV; son of Lee and Nancy (Taylor) Tilley; died 23 Nov 1963 in Stevens Clinic, Welch, WV;
due to cerebral anoxia with cor pulmonale and chronic pulmonary emphysema
(probably "Black Lung" disease); buried 26 Nov 1963 in Belcher Cemetery, Blizzard Mtn, WV;
informant, Mrs. Lula Taylor, Detroit, MI. (Can not locate "Blizzard Mtn"; This is probably Belcher Mtn
Cemeteries, atop moutain between Kimball and Maitland, McDowell Co, WV.
1. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1916); Page 419; WV Archives Website.
Hezekiah Craighead; age 22; born in Mercer Co, WV; single; laborer; living at Premier, WV; son of
James and Emma; married on 20 feb 1916 at Premier, WV; Viola Cecil; age 19; born in Mercer Co,
WV; single; daughter of D.E. and D.J.
2. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1921); Page 28; WV Archives Website.
James K. Johnson; age 36; born in Wayne Co, WV; single; miner; living at Premier, WV; son of Sim
and Emma; married on 27 Aug 1921 in Welch, WV; Viola Craighead; age 22; born in Mercer Co, WV;
single (sic, previous marriage); daughter of Dan and Lanney.
3. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1927); Page 191; WV Archives Website.
Sam McPeak; age 42; born in Patrick Co, VA; widowed; timberman; living at Premier, WV; son of
Buford and Sarah; married on 15 Jan 1927 at Welch, WV; Viola Johnson; age 26; born in McDowell
Co, WV; widow; daughter of D.E. and D.J. Cecil.
4. McDowell Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 447; WV Archives Website.
George W. Tilley; age 54; born in Maybeury, WV; divorced; living at Davy, WV; married on 9 May
1952 on Peters Branch, WV; Viola McPeak; age 40; born in Northfork, WV; widow; living at Davy, WV.
5. McDowell Co, WV; Deasth Certificate # '56 015911; WV Archives Website.
Viola Tilley; age 59; born 12 Jul 1897 in Premier, WV; married; living at Davy, WV; daughter of Dan
and Elaney (Thompson) Cecil; died 16 Sep 1956 in Welch Emergency Hospital, Welch, WV; due to
decompensated caediac insufficiency with chronic cardiac pulmonatis and probable uterin cancer;
buried 19 Sep 1956 in Big Jenny Cemetery (Davy, WV); informant, Buford H. McPeak.