OBITUARIES

Portia Rena Walls, age 63, of Nippa, KY died Friday June 7, 2024. She was born March 17, 1961 in Chicago, IL to the late Ebel Walls & Joann Heinrich. Portia is survived by 2 daughters; Natasha (Joe) Miller of River, KY & Heather Ratliff (Tyler) Terdoslavich) of Tutor Key, KY, 6 brothers; Arther Walls of GA., Ruben Walls of GA., Eric Walls of SC., Gary Walls of GA., Brad Walls of Prestonsburg, KY & Roland Heinrich of Boons Camp, KY, 2 sisters; Cathy Ratliff of East Point, KY & Annie Bowen of Wittensville, KY, and 4 grandchildren; Chelsea & Isaac Miller, Jaycob & Jase Stambaugh. A memorial service is scheduled for 12 noon Saturday June 15th 2024 at the Ramey Branch Gospel Church with Paul Michael Ratliff officiating.

 

Harry Kenneth Kennard, age 74, of Flat Gap, Kentucky, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024. Harry was born May 15, 1950 in Johnson County, Kentucky, son of the late Oscar Kennard and Oma Jayne Kennard.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila Faye Kennard, daughter, Mona Flanary, and two brothers, Donald Edgar Kennard and Franklin D. Kennard. He is survived by his wife, Melster “Ludy” Kennard; two sons, William Oscar (Debra Farris) Kennard of Flat Gap, Kentucky and Brian Kenneth (Autumn) Kennard of Florence, Kentucky; one step-son, Gary (Amy) Collins of Pikeville, Kentucky; one step-daughter, Kimberly Morton of Richmond, Kentucky; two brothers, James Kennard of Springboro, Ohio and Douglas Oscar Kennard of Franklin, Ohio; one sister, Neva Murray of Winchester, Kentucky; one grandson, Brayden Kennard; and two step-grandchildren, Lanna and Riley Collins. Time of Reflection will be conducted Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Jones-Preston Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to:

 St. Jude’s Children Hospital

262 Danny Thomas PL 

Memphis, TN 38105

 

Gloria June Tackett Stephens, age 88, of Ivel, KY, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at her residence.  She was born July 10, 1935, in Wheelwright, KY, a daughter of the late John and Ethel Evelyn McKenzie Little.  She was a self-employed owner and operator of dress shops. When Gloria’s parents passed away when she was only 2 years old her aunt and uncle; Inis McKenzie Robinson (Tivis) Little, took her in and raised her. She is survived by two sons; Steve (Theresa) Tackett, Winchester, KY and Greg (Sandy) Tackett, Stanville, KY, daughter-in-law; Gwen Tackett, Ivel, KY, five grandchildren; Brooke MaShay Tackett (Brad) Sorgi, Amanda (Morgan) Campbell, Adam (Katie) Tackett, Jordan (Cara) Tackett, Derek (Taylor) Tackett, seven great grandchildren; Ian Campbell, Kendall Sorgi, Kylie Sorgi, Micah Campbell, Lila Tackett, Mia Campbell and Liam Tackett and special friend: Ed Stewart. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents who raised her, first husband, Clyde Tackett, second husband; Grover Stephens, son; Clyde “Buzzy” Tackett, three brothers; Johnny Little, Jimmy Little and Willard Little, one sister; Doris Evelyn Stewart, three half siblings; Thomas, Abe and Mildred. Funeral service will be conducted Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Tackett Family Cemetery, Grethel, KY, visitation is after 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, under direction of the Hall Funeral Home, Martin, Kentucky.

 

Ruth Ann Taylor (80 years old), of Prestonsburg KY passed away on (June 11th 2024) after a long battle with cancer. Ruth Ann was born on June 8th 1944 to Kent Toombs and Ruth Fugate in Oak Hill West Virginia. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker, with various jobs in retail throughout her life. She became saved and baptized at Highland Freewill Baptist Church in 1982. She became a member, along with her husband, at Tom Moore Freewill Baptist Church in 1995. Ruth met her husband in Cleveland Ohio while working as a nanny. They went on to have three children together, Kenneth Austin, Baby Boy Taylor (deceased at birth 1963), and Betty Jo Taylor (Davis). They blended their families together with three sons from Donald’s previous marriage, Don Taylor Jr, Ron Taylor (1959-2014), and Clinton (1961–1974). In 1997 Ruth retired from Walmart and spent her time taking care of her grandchildren, officially adopting their granddaughter Leigh Ann Taylor, in 1998. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, stepsons Ron and Clinton, and granddaughter Allyson Blair Davis. She was the last remaining sister out of her two brothers (Donald and Joe) and five sisters (Bonnie, Shirley, Betty, Linda and Karen) Ruth is survived by sons Don Taylor Jr (Dianne), Kenneth Austin Taylor (Juanita), one daughter Betty Taylor Davis (Barry), and adopted daughter/granddaughter Leigh Ann Taylor. Grandchildren Amanda Adkins (Brad), Clinton Joseph Taylor, and Allyson Blair Davis.  Ruth was also blessed with six great grandchildren, Justin Taylor, Kenneth Ryan Taylor, Jordyn Adkins, Kendon White, Jaxson Adkins and Addison Adkins Ruth left behind a host of nieces and nephews.  The Taylor family became to be more than just “in laws” throughout her life. She was grateful to have the love and support of so many of her husband’s family members throughout her married life and beyond. She adored her mother-in-law Jettie, and her many sisters and brothers-in-law along with their children. Her nephew Wes, his wife Marie and their family always held a special place in her heart. Funeral service will be conducted Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, burial will follow at Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonsburg KY. Visitation begins at 6:00 pm Wednesday June 12th, under direction of the Hall Funeral Home, Martin KY.

 

James Edward Mosley, age: 77 of Hindman, Kentucky, went to be with our Lord on June 5, 2024 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on April 14, 1947 in Knott County, Kentucky to the late Cephus and Ola Slone Mosley. He was the Husband to Jacqueline Slone Mosley. James leaves to mourn his passing his Wife: Jacqueline Slone Mosley; Daughter: Kristin Brooke (Chad) Conley; Son: Nathan Dean (Trisha) Jacobs; Grandchildren: Jaimie Nicole (Mikey) Teegardin, Gavin Dean Jacobs, Madison Lynn Jacobs and Jamesyn Grace Conley; Great-Grandchildren: Diesel Duramax Coal Teegardin, Revlynn Axelee Grace Teegardin and baby on the way, Camber Lilly Lane Teegarden; Sisters: Loraine Holliday, Betty Abner, Dorothy (Junior) Ritchie and Flossie Davis; Daughter-In-Law: Bonnie Hylton Mosley; Brother-In-Law: Kevin Dean Slone; Sisters-In-Law: Kathleen Slone Click, Madeline (David) Slone and Eddis Jane Mosley; A host of Nieces, Nephews, Great-Nieces and Nephews and Special Friends. James was preceded in death by his Son: James Darrell Mosley; Dad and Mom: Cephus and Creola Mosley; Siblings: Ellis (Rose) Mosley, William Taulby (Louise) Mosley, Lovella Mosley, Elise Mosley Napier, Alonzo Mosley, Noris Mane Graver and Leroy Mosley; Father and Mother-In-Law: Vernon and Elveda Slone. Funeral Services for James Edward Mosley will be held on Sunday June 16, 2024 at 2 PM at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home Chapel in Hindman, Kentucky with Ronnie Robinson and Eugene Thacker officiating. Visitation will begin on Friday June 14, 2024 from 6 PM-10 PM at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home in Hindman, Kentucky with services at 7 PM with Roger Hicks and Curtie Hall Officiating and Saturday June 15, 2024 from 6 PM-10 PM at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home in Hindman, Kentucky with services at 7 PM with Greg Mullins and Jim Fields officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain Memory Gardens in Hindman, Kentucky.

 

Bemas Ray Noble, age 48 of Mousie, Kentucky. Passed away on Saturday May 25, 2024, in Mousie. He was born on November 16, 1975, in Hazard, Kentucky to the late Roger Noble and Ida Mae Ritchie. Bemas is survived by his Son- Justin Noble; Brother- Jimmy Shepherd, Sisters- Renae Sturgill, Reanna Shepherd; Nieces & Nephews- Joshua Sturgill, Zachary Sturgill, Weston Sizemore, Katelynn Sturgill, Kelsey Sturgill and Rachel Sizemore. A Host of Loving Family and Friends. Bemas is preceded in passing by his Father- Roger Noble; Mother- Ida Mae Ritchie. Memorial Service will be 12Noon-3PM, Sunday June 16, 2024, at the Nelson Frazier Funeral Home Chapel in Hindman, Kentucky. Bemas will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Under the professional care of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, Hindman Chapel.

 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the beloved matriarch of our family.

Hazel C. Shepherd, more commonly known as Mom, Mamaw, or Auntie Hazel, age 90 of Van Lear, formerly of David, entered into the embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June, 11th, 2024. She was born May 16, 1934, in Lawrence County to the late Forest and Laura Music Childers. On June 15, 1957, in West Liberty, she married Arlen E. “Paddlefoot” Shepherd who preceded her in death on July 17, 2006. In addition to her parents and husband she is preceded in death by two daughters: Peggy Sue Shepherd and Glenda Joyce Ousley; two brothers: Billy Roger Childers and John Childers; two son in laws: Richard Dean Butcher and Danny Ousley. She is survived by her son Arlen Shepherd Jr., her daughters Carletta Raye (Ray) Fraley and Tammy Arlene Butcher. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren: Rachael Ousley, Laura Danielle (Michael) Ousley Sizemore, Bradley Forest (Jessica) Shepherd, Abby Grace Shepherd, Jessica Nicole (Jeremy) Jarrell, Nathaniel Ray (Alexandria) Fraley, Richard Neal (Emily) Butcher, and her devoted caregiver, Hannah Butcher. She leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren: Austin, Savannah, Chase, Wyatt, Kayleigh, Karli, Hunter, Jase, and Elias as well as her three great- great-granddaughters: Emma, Addy, and Persephone. She is also survived by her brother Glen Mac (Jackie) Childers and her sister Rue Hemmie (the late Charles) Hager. Hazel served the Lord for decades whether it be through singing, worship, testimony, or cooking for a church dinner, her love and devotion spanned across three churches over the years: Middle Creek Baptist Church, Third Avenue Free Will Baptist Church, and lastly, she was a member of the Abbott Creek Free Will Baptist Church. While her age and health prevented her in later years of regular attendance, her heart and mind were always with her brothers and sisters in Christ. We are grateful to Pastor Phillip Ramey for always being there for her over the years. Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of Sister Margaret Drake and the “Hour of Harvest” broadcast. In her words, that was the only church she was able to attend regularly. She was a faithful viewer every evening, never missing an episode. She was proud of the years she spent as the head cook at Clark Elementary. She was loved and adored by all of the students and faculty for the love she poured into each and every meal she prepared. To this day members of her family are asked for the chili and peanut butter spread sandwich recipe along with many others. Aside from her work at Clark school, she cooked and labored tirelessly for her family. She cooked many meals, not to mention her famous cakes, fudge, and candy that she would send home with anyone who visited her. If you left her house hungry, it was definitely your fault. When asked for her candy recipe she would happily give it, but in the words of her family, you can’t use a measuring cup for love.

After her age interfered with her standing in front of a hot stove she never sat idly. She would read her Bible for hours, proud of how many times she read it all the way through. To keep her mind sharp, she would work countless word search books and work a 300 piece puzzle every day. Later on she developed a passion for making beaded necklaces. Her family would travel everywhere trying to find her new beads, designs, and the right necklace string she desired. The joy she got making these necklaces did not compare to the joy she shared in giving away all the necklaces she would make. When she was in the hospital having open heart surgery, she gave a necklace to every member of her care team as a thank you for taking such good care of her. Anytime she went anywhere she always looked her very best. Always coordinating her outfits the night before. We can attribute a lot of her appearance to her longtime friend Edna Meadows. She visited her shop once every week since 1971 to get her hair styled to perfection. We want to give a special thanks to our friend, Cathy Havens, for loving and caring for Mamaw as she did. She always could give us peace of mind that Mamaw was in good hands whenever we needed to leave the house. We are given immeasurable comfort in the thought and knowledge of her testimony and the life she lived that she is in the presence of her Heavenly Father in no more sickness and at peace. We wish to thank each and every one of you for the thoughts, prayers, and acts you have shown during her sickness and want you to know that she loved each and every one of you. The family will be receiving visitors any time after 10 am on Friday June 14, 2024. Funeral services will be conducted at 12 Noon Saturday June 15th, 2024, in the chapel of the Nelson Frazier Funeral Home Prestonsburg, KY with Phillip Ramey officiating.

 

Sandy Tackett, age 54 of Beaver, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Pikeville Medical Center, Pikeville, Kentucky. She was born May 2, 1970 in Pikeville, Kentucky to the late Marvin Eugene Flannery & Dona Hall Flannery. She was the wife of Ken Tackett. Along with her husband she is survived by her Brothers: Jimmy (Lois) Flannery & Jerry (Jennifer) Flannery both of Harold, Kentucky; Sister: Betty (Freddy) Compton of Allen, Kentucky; Sister-in-law: Bridgette Flannery of Beaver, Kentucky; Special Great Nephew: Nicholas Thacker. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter: Baby Girl Tackett & Brother: Udale Flannery. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her. Visitation will begin Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 7pm at the funeral home with special singing services and will continue all day Thursday, June 13, 2024 with services at 7pm. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11am at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home, Martin, Kentucky with Darrell Newsome, Mike Newsom & Elijah Justice officiating, Burial will follow at Davidson Memorial Gardens, Ivel, Kentucky.

 

 

Thomas Thornsberry, age 71 of Topmost, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024 at Hazard ARH, Hazard, Kentucky. He was born January 25, 1953 in Kite, Kentucky to the late Arnold & Lucinda Parks Thornsberry. He was the husband of Celia Hall Thornsberry. Along with his wife he is survived by his Sons: Bradley (Tina) Thornsberry of Pippa Passes, Kentucky & Travis Thornsberry (Shanley) of Salyersville, Kentucky; Grandchildren: Tyler, Landon, Connor, Vada, CD & Teanna; Brother & Sister: Hubert Thornsberry of Kite, Kentucky & Oga Church of Minnie, Kentucky; Best Friends: Earl Thornsberry & Bobby Vanover. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his Brothers & Sister: Buddy Thornsberry, Warner Thornsberry & Renia Stanfield. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Visitation will begin Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 6pm at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11am at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home, Martin, Kentucky with Old Regular Baptist Ministers officiating Burial will follow at Ben & Nevada Hall Cemetery, Topmost, Kentucky.

 

Melvin Jessie Bailey 43 of Kermit, WV; passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Tug Valley ARH Hospital of South Williamson, KY. He was born on September 13, 1980 in South Williamson, KY; he was a son of the late Lois Brewer and Jessie (Elsie) Bailey of Long Branch Road, Lovely, KY. He was a carpenter by trade and of the Freewill Baptist Faith. Jessie is survived by his son, Jacob Bailey of Belfry, KY, brother, Justin (Tiarra) Bailey of Marrowbone, WV, and sisters, Melissa (Michael) Gess of Warfield, KY and Cindy (George) Jude of Lovely, KY as well as numerous extended family and friends. Visitation will be from 4-8pm Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Mullins Family Funeral Home with funeral services will be on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1:00pm with George Jude officiating. Burial will follow in the Family Cemetery of Lovely, KY. Family requests donations to be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses. Mullins Family Funeral Home is honored and privileged to be serving the family of Melvin Jessie Bailey.