1. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Clayton Roberts
Birth Date Dec 1968
Residence Date 2012-2020
Address 65 Savannah Dr
Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Postal Code 24879
Second Residence Date 1999-2000
Second Address Rr 80
Second Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Second Postal Code 24879
Third Residence Date 1995
Third Address Rr 16
Third Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Third Postal Code 24879
Fourth Residence Date 1995-2018
Fourth Address Po Box 105
Fourth Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Fourth Postal Code 24879"
1. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Rita Gay Roberts
Birth Date Oct 1974
Residence Date 1993-2020
Address Po Box 105
Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Postal Code 24879
Second Residence Date 1997-1999
Second Address Rr 80
Second Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Second Postal Code 24879
Third Residence Date 1996
Third Address Rr 16
Third Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Third Postal Code 24879
Fourth Residence Date 2019
Fourth Address Po Box 3
Fourth Residence Raysal, West Virginia, USA
Fourth Postal Code 24879"
2. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Rita Gay Roberts, 51, of Raysal, WV passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at her home."Rita was born October 27, 1974 a daughter of the late George Wilson and Mary Ellen Sweeney Honaker. Rita was a homemaker; a loving wife, mother, and grandmother; she enjoyed sewing and taking care of her dogs and cats.
"In addition to her parents was preceded in death by her aunt, Carol Stanley.
"Survivors include her husband, Clayton Roberts of the home; one daughter, Ashley Honaker of Bluefield, WV; brothers, Micheal Honaker of Jolo and Billy Honaker of Welch; grandchildren, Jacklyn and Honda; sisters-in-law, Molly Blevins and Connie Deskins both of Atwell and Polly Payne; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Payne of English, Kenneth Blevins and Everett Deskins both of Atwell, and Carter Lester of Estep Ridge; special nephews, Ryan and Matthew Deskins of Atwell, WV; special babies, Ethan and Braylynn Deskins both of Atwell; and her fur babies, Romeo and Blaze.
"Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 11 o’clock with Reverend Roger Hale and Brother Ryan Deskins officiating at the United Church of God on Atwell Mountain. Burial will follow in the Deskins Cemetery on Atwell Mountain. Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.
"Friends may visit with the family Saturday, January 10, 2026 after 6 o’clock at the United Church of God on Atwell Mountain; evening services will be held at 7 o’clock.
"The family extends a special thanks to all her Amedisys Hospice Nurses.
"Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger is assisting the family.
"Online condolences may be sent to the family at fanningfuneralhomes.com"
1. U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Earnest Everette Reed
Gender Male
Death Age 69 [69]
Birth Date 31 Mar 1943
Residence Place Avondale, West Virginia
Death Date 5 Jan 2013
Death Place Avondale, West Virginia
Burial Date 10 Jan 2013
Burial Place Atwell, WV
Spouse Ellen"
1. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #73-038722; Ancestry.com Website.
George Wilson Honaker; age 22; born 11 Apr 1951 in Welch, WV; single; this is his 1st marriage;
1yr HS education; living at Jolo, WV; son of Paul and Jennie B. (Hagerman) Honaker; married on
6 Aug 1973 at Lebanon, VA; Mary Ellen Sweeney; age 16; born 15 Mar 1957 in Welch, WV; single;
this is her 1st mariage; 7th grade education; living at Bradshaw, WV; daughter of Dillard and Sythia
(Atwell) Sweeney.
2. U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-Current; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Mary Ellen Sweeney Reed
Gender Female
Death Age 64
Birth Date 15 Mar 1959
Birth Place Bradshaw, WV
Residence Place Bradshaw, WV
Death Date abt 2023
Burial Date 3 Jan 2024
Obituary Date 1 Jan 2024
Spouse Earnest Everette Reed
Child
Rita Gay Roberts
Michael Paul Honaker
Billy Ray Honaker
Siblings
Patsy Jewell
Essie Ball
Lassie Hess
Marvin Sweeney
Hessie Ball
Carol Roberts"
3. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by The Kentucky Hill Hunter; 30 Dec 2023.
"Mary Ellen Sweeney Reed
Birth 15 Mar 1959
Death 29 Dec 2023 (aged 64)
Burial Shortridge Cemetery
Atwell, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 262670030"Additional Information Posted:
"In loving memory of Mary Ellen Sweeney Reed, 64 years of age of Bradshaw, WV, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023 at her home with her family by her side. Born March 15, 1959 in Bradshaw, WV, she was the daughter of the late Dillard and Synthia Atwell Sweeney."Mary enjoyed her flowers and playing video games with her son and spending time with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister.
"She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
"In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Earnest Everette Reed, brother Marvin Sweeney, sisters Lassie Hess, Essie Ball, Patsy Jewell, Hessie Ball, and Carol Roberts.
"Survivors include her companion George W. Honaker of Bradshaw, WV; daughter Rita Gay Roberts and husband Clayton of Raysal, WV; sons Michael Paul Honaker and wife Cassie Jean of Three Forks, WV, Billy Ray Honaker, Sr. of Welch, WV.
"She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley Honaker, Isabella Honaker, Kelsey Knuckles, Billy Ray Honaker, Jr., Stephanie Mullins, Gabreil Honaker and Cameron Honaker; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and beloved niece Patricia Lynn Shultz and husband Allan of Roanoke, VA.
"Funeral service for Mary Ellen Sweeney Reed will be held at the Jesus Church of Bartley in Bartley, WV, Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 12:00 noon with Pastor Pete Woods officiating. Burial will follow in the Shortridge Cemetery on Atwell Mountain, Bradshaw, WV.
"Active pallbearers will be her family and friends.
"The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday after 6:00 p.m. with evening service to be held at 7:00 p.m.
"The family of Mary Ellen Sweeney have entrusted the care of their loved one to Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy, VA."
1. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License # 85-005806; Ancestry.com Website.
Robert Lee Combs, Jr; age 48; born 20 May 1936 in NC; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 9 Feb 1975; 3 yrs college education; living at Box 104, Matheny, WV; son of Robert
Lee and Sarah Tennie (Darnell) Combs; married on 22 Feb 1985 in Pearisburg, VA; Martha Jane
Church; maiden name Bowman; age 43; born 17 May 1941 in WV; divorced; this is her 2nd
marriage; first marriage ended 30 Nov 1984; 3 yrs college education; living at Box 848, Rockview,
WV; daughter of William Grant and Helen Marie (Buchanan) Bowman.
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1959); Page 207; WV Archives Website.
Clyde Wesley Church; age 22; born at Basin, WV; single; living at Rockview, WV; son of Harvey and
Anona Church; married on 20 Dec 1959 at Pineville, WV; Martha Jane Bowman; age 18; born in
Mullens, WV; single; living at Matheny, WV; daughter of William Grant and Helen Marie Bowman.
2. Giles Co, VA; Marriage License # 85-005806; Ancestry.com Website.
Robert Lee Combs, Jr; age 48; born 20 May 1936 in NC; divorced; this is his 2nd marriage; first
marriage ended 9 Feb 1975; 3 yrs college education; living at Box 104, Matheny, WV; son of Robert
Lee and Sarah Tennie (Darnell) Combs; married on 22 Feb 1985 in Pearisburg, VA; Martha Jane
Church; maiden name Bowman; age 43; born 17 May 1941 in WV; divorced; this is her 2nd
marriage; first marriage ended 30 Nov 1984; 3 yrs college education; living at Box 848, Rockview,
WV; daughter of William Grant and Helen Marie (Buchanan) Bowman.
3. FindAGrave.com Wesite; submitted by David Adkins; 21 Apr 2021.
"Martha Jane Combs
Birth 17 May 1941
Kopperston, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Death 17 Apr 2021 (aged 79)
Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia, USA
Burial Stewart Cemetery
Matheny, Wyoming County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 225922890"Additional Information Posted:
"Martha Jane Combs, 79, of Matheny, WV passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Bowers Hospice House, Beckley, WV. She was born on May 17, 1941 in Kopperston, WV a daughter of the late William Grant and Helen Marie Buchanon Bowman. Martha was owner of the Blue Angel Designs. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children Clyde Church second husband Robert Combs partner Bob Sims a sister Jeanette Price a son William Edward Church a grandson Jeremy Smith and a great grandson Hayden Stewart. Those left to mourn her passing are her three children Angela (Tony) Chroussis of Broad Run, VA, Clyde (Angie) Church, Jr., and Christina (Adrian) Spickler of Nitro ten grandchildren Andrea Jenkins, Megan Long, Heather Cook, Thomas Church, Samuel Church, Patrick Church, Willie Smith, Danielle Grimsley, Bradley Massey, and Joel Lynch six great grandchildren Tahsawna Campbell, Anona Church, Ridley Church, Atticus Church, Damon Smith and Alana Smith two siblings Billy Cook of Welch, and John Bowman of Matheny and a host of other loving family and friends. Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, April 23rd in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV with Rev. Louis Arnold officiating. In keeping with her wishes she will be cremated following the service and laid to rest in Stewart Cemetery, Matheny, WV. Friends may gather with the family from 1 pm until time of service on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wyoming County Council on Aging or Bowers Hospice House.'
1. Virginia, U.S., Birth Records, 1912-2015, Delayed Birth Records, 1721-1920; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Clyde Wesley Church
Birth Date 7 Apr 1966
Birth Place Hampton, Virginia, USA
Certificate Number 1966019510"
2. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name Clyde W Church Jr
Birth Date Apr 1966
Residence Date 1993-2020
Address Po Box 402
Residence Matheny, West Virginia, USA
Postal Code 24860
Second Residence Date 1996-2005
Second Address 1723 Silom Rd
Second Residence Westmoreland, Tennessee, USA
Second Postal Code 37186
Third Residence Date 1996-2001
Third Address 1723 Siloam Church Rd
Third Residence Westmoreland, Tennessee, USA
Third Postal Code 37186
Fourth Residence Date 1996
Fourth Address 19239 Fuller Heights Rd
Fourth Residence Triangle, Virginia, USA
Fourth Postal Code 22172"
1. Email from Melissa Friend Witt; 14 Jan 2026.
"... Dad (Robert Hayes (Bob) Friend)
dob: Nov 4, 1927
dod: May 1981
he was buried in the Friend family cemetery in Clendenin
Dad was also previously married.
Fannie McDaniel (no other info)..."
1. Email from Melissa Friend Witt; 14 Jan 2026.
"...starting with my mom: Carol Jean (Church) Friend
dob: July 30, 1934
dod: Mar 28, 1988
buried Milam Family Cementary, Barkers Ridge, Wyoming County, WV"
2. Wyoming Co, WV Web Site, Cemeteries, Barker's Ridge, Milam.
http://members.aol.com/jlcooke2/cemetery.htm
Carol J. (Church) Friend; born on 30 Jul 1934; died on 28 Mar 1988;
"Daughter of Anona and Harvey"; buried in Milam Cemetery, Barker's Ridge
Cemetery, Wyoming Co, WV.
Robert Hayes "Bobby" Friend Jr
1. Email from Melissa Friend Witt; 14 Jan 2026.
"...Bobby (Robert Hayes Jr.) is correct
dob 10/24/1957
dod 6/22/10..."
1. Email from Melissa Friend Witt; 14 Jan 2026.
"... Melissa Dawn (Friend) Witt
dob: 1/2/1964
(my ex) Steven Eric Witt
dob 4/10/1962
3 kids:
Douglas Austin Witt dob 09/15/1986
son: Gauge Eric Witt dob 6/20/2008
Ashton Rae Witt dob 09/14/1990
Colleen Renae Witt dob 5/27/1994
not married: John Vandergrift
3 boys: Domenik Wyatt Vandergrift dob: 4/7/2014
Malachi Leon Vandergrift dob: 4/29/2015
not married: Antonio Pitcock
Kian Michael Chrenshaw dob 10/15/2016
Steve and I had the 3 kids, but he has another daughter, halfsister to my kids
Kaylee Witt dob April 1995..."
1. Email from Melissa Friend Witt; 14 Jan 2026.
"... Melissa Dawn (Friend) Witt
dob: 1/2/1964
(my ex) Steven Eric Witt
dob 4/10/1962
3 kids:
Douglas Austin Witt dob 09/15/1986
son: Gauge Eric Witt dob 6/20/2008
Ashton Rae Witt dob 09/14/1990
Colleen Renae Witt dob 5/27/1994
not married: John Vandergrift
3 boys: Domenik Wyatt Vandergrift dob: 4/7/2014
Malachi Leon Vandergrift dob: 4/29/2015
not married: Antonio Pitcock
Kian Michael Chrenshaw dob 10/15/2016
Steve and I had the 3 kids, but he has another daughter, halfsister to my kids
Kaylee Witt dob April 1995..."
1. Email from Melissa Friend Witt; 14 Jan 2026.
"... Melissa Dawn (Friend) Witt
dob: 1/2/1964
(my ex) Steven Eric Witt
dob 4/10/1962
3 kids:
Douglas Austin Witt dob 09/15/1986
son: Gauge Eric Witt dob 6/20/2008
Ashton Rae Witt dob 09/14/1990
Colleen Renae Witt dob 5/27/1994
not married: John Vandergrift
3 boys: Domenik Wyatt Vandergrift dob: 4/7/2014
Malachi Leon Vandergrift dob: 4/29/2015
not married: Antonio Pitcock
Kian Michael Chrenshaw dob 10/15/2016
Steve and I had the 3 kids, but he has another daughter, halfsister to my kids
Kaylee Witt dob April 1995..."
1. Wyoming Co, WV; Marriage Records; Vol #__(1952); Page 46; WV Archives Website.
Bobby Estel Bailey; age 18; born and living in Lamar, WV; single; son of Estel and Nova Bailey;
married on 20 May 1952 in Crumpler, WV; Genalee Kelly; age 17; born and living in Herndon, WV;
single; daughter of Ivan and Verlie Kelly.
2. Stafford Funeral Home; Lynco, WV; Posted Obit.
"Mary Genalee Arnold, 90, of Beartown, WV passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 8, 2026. She was a daughter of the late Ivan Kelly, Sr. and Verlie Milam Kelly. Genalee was a witty, loving woman who never lost her sense of humor. She loved the Lord, going to church, and especially singing the old hymns. She attended the Beartown Methodist Church. The joy of her life was her six sons who she wholeheartedly supported in all their life endeavors. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband William Arnold, sons Steve and David Bailey, sisters Mildred, Carmen, Peggy, Bonnie, and Lily, brothers Gene, Basil, and Jimmy, and her Stepmother, Hattie. Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Kerry, Kelly, Shane, and Ivan, Jr. “Cephas”, grandchildren Shannon, Tashina, Kyle, Seth, Mark, Heather B., Destiny, Justin, Heather C, Tom, Sam, Summer, and Page, great-granddaughter, Harper, and daughter-in-law Susan Bailey. In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home."