1. Douglas Mortuary; Welch, WV; Posted Obit.
"Teresa Craft, 70, of Big Bend, WV, entered her heavenly home on November 12th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones."Born on June 28, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Clara Mowdy. Teresa lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and a giving heart. She fulfilled her calling by helping others and always showing God’s love and compassion. Whether it was a warm meal, helping hand, or prayer; she gave her time without hesitation.
"Teresa was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. The love for her family was evident in all she did. Teresa was a pillar in her church and community, having served as TBPTA secretary for over 50 years and TBPCA for 20 years. She was also an aide for the McDowell County Board of Education for 40 years and Chairman for Davy Community in Action.
"In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 38 years, Robert Craft. She was survived by one daughter, Tara Chaffins and husband Freddie of Twin Branch, WV; and three sons, Ralph “Skeeter” Craft and wife Melissa of Big Bend, WV, Robert “Bobby” Craft of Virginia, and William “Billy” Craft and companion Tammy of Big Bend, WV.
"Also left to cherish her memories are one sister, Julie Hale, of Davy, WV; one brother, Brian Mowdy and wife Alicia of Welch, WV; and fifteen grandchildren Aleah Auville and husband Garrett; Zachary Chaffins; Hunter Craft and wife, Bethany; Abigail Gorsky and husband Ethan; Michah Craft; Makaylee Craft, Chance Craft and wife Tawny; Chase Craft; Olivia Craft; Cheyenne Craft, William Craft, Makayla Craft, Cody Rambo, Mark Alexander; Amanda Alexander; eleven great grandchildren; and one on the way who will carry her love of legacy forward.
"Those who were blessed to know Teresa will remember her for her gentle spirit, contagious smile, and love for helping others. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
"Funeral services will be conducted Monday, November 17th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Twin Branch
Pentecostal Holiness Church in Twin Branch with Reverend Andrew Walker officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Bluewell, WV. Friends may call at the church Sunday after 6:00 pm. Pallbearers will be family and friends."The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com"
1. 1900 Census, McDowell Co, WV, Sandy River District, page 247A, Family #145.
Listed as Walter Cooper, age 11 months, born in Jun 1900 in WV, in household
of father, David Cooper. How could he be 11 months old in June of 1900?
2. Virginia, U.S., Marriage Registers, 1853-1935; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Walter Cooper
Race White
Marriage Age 21
Birth Date abt 1900
Marriage License Place Buchanan, Virginia, USA
Marriage Date 13 Apr 1921
Marriage Place Buchanan, Virginia, USA
Person performing the Ceremony L W Compt
Parent 1 David Cooper
Parent 2 Louvena Cooper
Spouse Grace Wimmer
Occupation Farmer "
1. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1995"; 1995; Edited by Dr, Thomas C.
Hatcher; Geneva Steele; Sandra Long and Christine Carr McGuire; "Nancy and Tommy Wimmer";
Article; Page 263; submitted by Nancy Wimmer, Bradshaw, WV 24817.
2. Virginia, U.S., Marriage Registers, 1853-1935; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Grace Wimmer
Marriage Age 18
Birth Date abt 1903
Marriage License Place Buchanan, Virginia, USA
Marriage Date 13 Apr 1921
Marriage Place Buchanan, Virginia, USA
Person performing the Ceremony L W Compt
Parent 1 Guss Wimmer
Parent 2 Melvina Wimmer
Spouse Walter Cooper"
1. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Astrid Ivy Bailey, 3 months old, of Glen Rogers, WV went home to play in God’s playground on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, WV. She was born on August 12, 2025 in Beckley, WV a daughter of Paul Henry Madison and Breanna Danielle Vanmatter Bailey of Glen Rogers. In addition to his parents, those left to cherish her memory include two brothers Bjorn and Faelan Bailey, and a host of other loving family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 6 pm on Monday, November 17th in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV. Friends may gather with the family from 5 pm until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV."
1. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"James Robert Lucas, 75, of Glen Fork, WV, passed away Monday, November 10, 2025 at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley, WV. He was born June 7, 1950, in Mullens, WV to the late Giles Clifford Lucas and Myrtle Oretta Short Lucas. James worked as a West Virginia coal miner for 36 years and was a proud member and participant in the UMWA Local 1713. He was a muscle car enthusiast, always looking to barter the next good deal, and loved to spend time with his family. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Lucas grandson, Houston Lucas, sisters, Sarah Philyaw, Rosalie Cook, and Susan Kearney, and brother, Thomas Lucas. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 20 years, Eva Lucas, son, Ray Lucas, daughters, Hope (Kevin) Thompson and Jennifer (Nathan) Francis, step-sons, Robert (Misty) Lafferty, Stephen (Lilly) Lafferty, and Joseph Lafferty, grandchildren, Cory Lucas, Austin Francis, Savannah Lucas, and Clarice Francis, great- grandchildren, Aiden Francis and Kinslee Blankenship, brother, John (Melissa) Lucas, Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17th in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV with Pastor Bill Goode officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Ravencliff, WV. Friends may visit from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, November 16th, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to The Doug and Lucy Bowers Hospice House for the compassionate care and kindness shown to James. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV."