. Wendell Bruce Hammond, Jr., age 94, of Florida, formerly of Covington, died November 3rd, 2026. He was the husband of the late Joy Colleen Pearson Hammond to whom he was married for 57 years. Mr. Hammond was born August 10, 1932 in Middletown, OH, the son of the late Wendell Bruce Hammond, Sr. and Maude Stacy Hammond. He attended Lemon-Monroe High School where he graduated with honors. He attended Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. After graduating he moved to Covington, where he worked for Westvaco for fifteen years before transferring to Owensboro, KY where he worked for eight years. Wendell then moved his family to Oregon where he was employed by Willamette Industries for twenty-six years before his retirement in 1997. Wendell and Joy then moved to Naples, FL in 2000 to enjoy retired life. Wendell was of the Presbyterian faith and attended McAllister Memorial Presbyterian church while living in Covington. Mr. Hammond is survived by son, Wayne Bradley "Brad" Hammond of Salem, OR; three granddaughters, Sarah Hammond Bingham of Independence, OR, Alexandria Joy Hammond of Independence, OR and Hillary Nicole Hammond of Salem, OR; two step-grandchildren, Chris Keown and Stephanie Holland, both of Oregon; four great grandchildren, Nora Virginia Bingham, Wendell Arthur Stephens , Dorothy Evelyn Stephens and Harriett Michael Stephens, all of Independence, OR; a sister, Treva Mae Schiff of Bartlesville, OK; two brothers, Jack Hammond of Eagle Rock, VA and Larry L Hammond of Middletown, OH. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Hammond was preceded in death by a son, Wendell Bruce Hammond, III and two brothers, Jerry D. Hammond and Thomas R. Hammond. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Moss officiating. Interment will follow in Carter Cemetery. The pallbearers include Adam Bingham, Isaac Pullin, Cole Peterson, Shaun Hammond, Tripp Hammond and Travis Hammond. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Hammond's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Sarah Bayne Sams, age 76, of Mount Jackson, formerly of Covington, died peacefully Sunday, November 1, 2026, in Woodstock, VA. She was the wife of the late Michael Grey Sams who preceded her in death in 2025. Sarah was born November 10, 1949, in Covington, the daughter of the late Claude Willis Bayne and Madge Hughes Bayne. Sarah dedicated her life to her career as an elementary school teacher for 35 years. She shared a love of learning and her Spanish skills with students in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Sarah retired from Ashby Lee Elementary in Mount Jackson in 2010. In addition to being a strong advocate for childhood education, Sarah was a lover of animals of all species and often turned to nature as inspiration in writing prose and poetry. Sarah is survived by her sisters, Deborah Bayne Russell of Charlotte, North Carolina, Rebecca Bayne Roelfson of Mesa, AZ, in-laws, Steve and Robin Sams of Covington, Virginia as well as nieces Mageara Cameron-Spell of Burbank, California, Emmalea Johnston of Johnson City, Tennessee, and two nephews, David Russell of Charlotte, North Carolina and Travis Long of Wilsall, Montana. In addition to her parents and her husband, Sarah was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Michael Sams, her twin sister, Sandra Bayne Griffith, and niece, Jamie Russell Brower. A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date. The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to your local animal shelter or rescue or: The Humane Society of Shenandoah County, PO Box 173, Woodstock, VA 22664 Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Sarah's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Mr. Emory Clarke Hinkle Jr., age 92, died Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Shelia S. Strauss Hospice House, Roanoke, Virginia. He was the husband of the late Lois Jean East Hinkle. Mr. Hinkle was born October 24, 1934, in Alleghany County, Virginia, the son of Emory Clark Hinkle Sr. and Carrie Ellen Baker Hinkle Humphries. A lifetime resident of Covington, he was a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1952. In April 1954, Emory enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served four years on active duty, attaining the rank of Communications Technician First Class (CT1). Following boot camp at Bainbridge, Maryland, he was selected for Communications Technician school in Imperial Beach, California. He also attended Russian language school. Amid the mounting tensions of the Cold War era, he served as a cryptologist overseas in Guam then in the Philippines before returning stateside to Charleston, South Carolina. There Emory continued to serve in signals intelligence until he completed his active duty and returned home to Covington. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve until March 1962. In October 1963, Emory attended the consecration service for the newly constructed Parrish Court Methodist Church. Miss Lois Jean East, the church organist, sang a special solo for the occasion. She was a former classmate. After the service, he complimented her on the music. They were married in that church on December 5, 1964. Emory spent the majority of his career in the storeroom at Hercules, retiring after more than thirty-two years when the company was sold to AET. He continued to work at AET for four more years. In his early retirement, he volunteered at the Brian Center nursing home for many years. He also traveled to the Holy Land, a journey he had long dreamed of making. Emory had a beautiful tenor voice. Often accompanied at the piano or organ by his wife Lois, his powerful voice filled various local churches and chapels until declining health kept him at home. Emory was a longtime and active member of Faith Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and with the Men of Faith. He also sang as a member of the local gospel group Redeemed for several years. In addition to his parents and his wife of sixty years, Mr. Hinkle was preceded in death by his dear sister, Ruth Carol Hinkle Knighton. Mr. Hinkle is survived by his son, Glenn Allen Hinkle (Stephanie) of Covington; his daughter, Elaina Beth Hinkle Cole (Wayne) of Marietta, Georgia; his grandson, Jackson Clarke Hinkle (Maddi) and children, Sadie Lynn Hinkle and Lillie Sage Hinkle; his grandson, Austin Lee Hinkle (Courtney Hall) and children, Kyion Wayne Hall, Aubree Lauren Carroll, and Carter Allen Hinkle; and his niece, Susan Knighton Smith. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Price officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Jackson Hinkle, Austin Hinkle, Ron Seabolt, Doug Shires, Steve All, Daniel Seay, Dan Fey, and Howard Nicely. Honorary pallbearer will be Mike Wade. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Faith Baptist Church, 311 Jackson Drive, Covington, VA 24426. Loving Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for our beloved friend and extended family member, Emory Hinkle. To view his memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Holly Ashley Crupper, 43, was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and so much more. Tragically taken far too soon in a fatal crash, Holly’s life came to an unexpected end, leaving behind a family and countless loved ones who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Holly was a woman with a heart of gold, someone who could light up a room and make the people around her feel loved. She was the kind of person who loved fiercely, cared deeply, and gave so much of herself to others. Her love was not limited to her family; she opened her heart to so many people throughout her life. She was not only a mother to her own children but a second mother to many of her children’s friends. She was someone people could turn to, someone who would answer the phone, offer comfort, and make sure the people she loved knew they were never alone. Holly loved until her very last breath, and that love will never be forgotten. Above all else, Holly was a mother. She leaves behind her four beloved children, Karmen Abney, Hailey Nisewaner, Steven Leigh, and Robby Leigh, who will forever hold a piece of her in their hearts. She was also a proud grandmother to her precious grandson, Braxton Hallet, who held a special place in her heart. For Karmen, one of the most unforgettable moments of her life was the day she made Holly a grandmother. Although Holly may have initially been in disbelief and a little upset, Braxton quickly became her little man, a love she carried with her until her last breath. That memory will forever be treasured as a reminder of the special bond they shared and the beautiful love that connected three generations. The loss of a mother means losing so much more than a parent. It means losing the voice you could call whenever you needed someone, the hugs that made things feel better, and the person you believed would always be there to answer. For those who loved Holly, there will now be an emptiness where her laughter, her voice, her embraces, and her presence once were. There will be moments when the instinct to call her remains, when a memory brings tears, and when the world feels a little less bright without her in it. Holly was a daughter to Becky Crupper and Joseph Crupper, a sister to Sherie Crupper and Kelly Crupper, and a cherished member of a family that loved her dearly. She also leaves behind countless extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched in ways that words could never fully express. Though Holly’s life was taken far too soon, the love she gave will continue to live on through her children, her grandson, her family, her friends, and every person who was blessed to know her. Her life was a reminder that love is not measured by how long someone stays with us, but by how deeply they touch our hearts while they are here. There are no words that can make losing Holly easier, and no obituary could ever fully capture the woman she was or the impact she made. She was the greatest woman in the world to those who loved her most, and her absence will be felt for a lifetime. The world may have lost a beautiful soul, but the memories, lessons, laughter, and love she left behind will remain forever. Until we meet again, Mom. I will miss your hugs, your voice, our conversations, and knowing I could call you anytime and hear you answer. I wish we had more time. I wish you could have stayed longer. You were taken far too soon, and there will never be enough words to explain how much you meant to me. Thank you for being my mother, for loving me, for loving my little man, and for being a mother to so many others who needed you. I will carry you with me in everything I do, and I will make sure your grandson knows how deeply his grandmother loved him. You loved until your last breath, and I will love you for the rest of mine. Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten. A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Saturday November 7, 2026, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Holly's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com

Our beloved mother, Shelby “Shellie” J. (Meeks) Manspeaker of Brentwood, TN passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on May 19, 2026. Born and raised in Covington, VA, Shellie was the daughter of Alvin T. and Theora “Johnnie” Meeks. Shellie was the beloved and devoted wife of George S. Manspeaker. Married in Covington on June 25, 1960, George and Shellie spent their lives together until his death in December, 2022. Shellie was quiet and unassuming. A country girl at heart, she raised her three children (Steve, Robyn and Scott) all while moving around the world and serving her nation as an Air Force spouse and, more importantly, devoted mother. Shellie was the backbone of the family. She managed eight moves, living in seven different states, as well as Germany, all while keeping her three children in tow. Shellie loved traveling and discovered many places she loved, but her heart never left Virginia! Shellie is survived by her brothers Alvin T. “AT” Meeks Jr. and Charles B. “Bucky” Meeks; children Stephen (Trish) Manspeaker, Robyn (Brad) Snyder, and Scott (Kim) Manspeaker; and grandchildren Tyler Manspeaker, Gracey Manspeaker, Megan Manspeaker, Morgan Manspeaker and Gavin Manspeaker. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 18, 2026 from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Hollenbeck officiating.. Local arrangements will be handled by Loving Funeral Home; to visit Shellie's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com

Mr. Jerry Lee Mayberry, age 83, of Covington, died Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Alleghany Health and Rehabilitation. He was the husband of Rhonda Webb Mayberry. Mr. Mayberry was born May 18, 1942 in Iredell County, NC, the son of the late Virgil Lee Mayberry and Sue Price LaRue. He was a graduate of Gibsonville High School. and was a graduate of Elon College. Mr. Mayberry served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. During his working career, he was employed by several businesses including the former Hercules, Inc, Greenbrier Military School, Camp Shaw-Mi-Del-Eca, Boys Home, Inc and as a delivery driver for Motion Industries. Jerry enjoyed hunting and being outdoors. In addition to his wife, Rhonda, Mr. Mayberry is survived by his children, Chris Mayberry (Kristal), Allison Mayberry, Jodi Mayberry; grandchildren, Whitney, Destiny, Stephen, Christopher, Forrest and Aire; great grandchildren Maverick, Hunter, Peyton, Wade, Hadley, Kingston and Princeton; brothers, Hascal Mayberry of Statesville, Nathan Mayberry of Statesville and Rodney Mayberry of South Carolina; sisters, Margaret M. Miller of Statesville, Leigh M. Hobbs of Statesville, Jeanette Wilhelm of Statesville, Joyce M. Jones of Statesville and Phyllis Mayberry of Statesville; son-in-law, Jeff Hartless; brother-in-law, Avery Webb (Maggie); aunt, Martha Ann Lancaster of Greensboro; nephews, Teddy Mayberry and Jason Mayberry; niece, Melinda Mayberry; a number of extended family including his cousins in North Carolina and Florida; godson, Bobby Via; as well as a many students that he mentored including Lonnie Dillard, Tony Thurston and Willie Brooks; and numerous friends including Steven Butler, Pat Loving and Robert Hoke. In addition to his parents, Virgil and Sue Mayberry, Mr. Mayberry was preceded in death by a daughter, Stacey Webb Hartless; grandchild, Morgan Wallace; brother, Teddy Mayberry; a niece, Sherry Mayberry and his good friend, Burl Higginbotham. A memorial service will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Friday, November 13, 2026, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Edith Snedegar officiating. Loving Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for longtime friend, Jerry Mayberry; to view his memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com

Mr. Paul Michael (Mike) Bodkin, age 74, of Clifton Forge, died Friday, October 10, 2025, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke. Mike was born, June 13, 1951 in Clifton Forge, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Wright Bodkin and Mildred Hicks Bodkin and his younger brother, Steve Bodkin. Mike is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elizabeth Tucker Bodkin. They were married on the Summit of Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway in September, 1987 which required special permission by the U.S. Government to hold their wedding there. For years, they hiked to the Summit in celebration of their anniversary. This year they celebrated with a nice dinner at the local restaurant. Mike is also survived by his step-daughter, Cherie Brown of Covington; his step-granddaughter, Autumn Vallandingham, her husband, Jacob, and step- great grandson, Harrison, all of Ohio. Also, a niece, Sherry Dawson, a great nephew, Myca Simmons and his hunting buddy and great niece, Jessah Levisay. Mike was a graduate of Covington High School and the former Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. He served his country with the United States Air Force and was based at OSAN AFB, Korea for a year. Mike served 28 years as coordinator for Hunters for the Hungry in the Covington area. Mike was an avid hunter and after reading about the feeding program in our local newspaper, he contacted David Horne and staff about serving this area. They agreed. In addition to his most recent duties of coordinating delivery dates and sites, he initially drove to the processing area in Amherst and transported the venison to the Salvation Army in Covington. In recent year, deliveries have been made to Covington where Mike would assist in distribution to the Salvation Army as well as food banks at some area churches. Mike's wish would be that the generous benefactors who have supported this feeding program will continue to do so. Mike had always been an outdoor person. His employment with U.S. Forest Service was a perfect fit, whether he was trekking through the woods painting boundary lines and marking timber or busy at Lake Moomaw at Coles Point, where he was permanently assigned during the busy recreational season. He was responsible for conducting state-required water tests, fee collections and supervising employees in the League of Older Americans in their immaculate upkeep of the beach and surrounding areas. He was also responsible for upkeep and repair of the facilities of the campgrounds and reporting of needed major repairs. He also assisted the numerous campground hosts with their needs and made many new friends over the years. Mike also maintained a close relationship with Smokey Bear who delighted the young campers on weekends. His wife, Elizabeth, a volunteer assistant often helped with handing out goodie bags and translating messages from Smokey since he never spoke. His career with the U.S. Forest Service eventually ended after he was seriously injured in an on-the-job accident in 2011. In accordance with his wishes, Mike has been cremated. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Friday, November 14, 2025, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. David Brown officiating.. The family will receive friends on Friday afternoon following the service. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Bodkin's memorial tribute page and to get service updates, please visit www.lovingfunralhome1913.com

Mr. William Lewis Tingler, Jr., age 75, of Covington, died Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Hospice House, Roanoke. Mr. Tingler was born June 26, 1949 in Covington, the son of the late William Lewis Tingler and Eva Persinger Tingler. William served his country as a member of the United States Army during Vietnam. He was employed as a member of the maintenance crew by Stop In Food Stores. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles. Mr. Tingler was survived by his fiancée, Linda Tucker Helmintoller, two sons, Scott Tingler of Roanoke and Jared Wolfe of Covington; a daughter, Eva Wiseman of Covington; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted at 6:00 P.M., Friday, March 14, 2025, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Tingler's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Covington Resident, MeadWestvaco Retiree and Decorated Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, Dies At Age 78 Marvin Nelson Scott, 78, of Covington, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Lewis Gale Alleghany Hospital, Low Moor, Virginia. Born September 18, 1946 in Alleghany County, he was a son of the late Bret and Lula Frances (Reynolds) Scott. Marvin was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and friend. Prior to retirement, Marvin was employed by MeadWestvaco Company, where he was a faithful employee for over 30 years. He was a U.S. Marine veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam War and rising to the rank of Lance Corporal. For his honorable service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, President Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Sharpshooter Medal. In previous years, Marvin was a member of the Covington Fire and Rescue Department. As an avid outdoorsman, he greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was most fond of animals and rescued many over the years. Those who knew him best will remember him for his generous ways, his willingness to give the shirt off his back to someone in need, and the thoughtfulness to help those less fortunate. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Monica Leigh Scott; granddaughter, Erin Nicole Keogh; great-grandson, Lucas Daniel Hensley; brother, Donald Norwood Scott; and sister, Nancy Scott Simmons. Survivors include his two daughters, Melissa Ann Huffman and husband, Timothy, of Waynesboro and Jacqueline Scott Brady and husband, Richard, of Stuarts Draft; grandchildren, Ashton Brooke Watts, Dustin Scott Hensley, Alexis Devan Wood, Tara Kathryn Linkenhoker, Brette Lynn Clark, and James Cole Hoover; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Warren Harrison Scott and wife, Becky, of Covington; sister, Evelyn Knick and husband, Jack, of WA; the mother of his children, Carol A. Scott of Stuarts Draft; close friend, Peggy Urban of Covington; and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in the Chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Pastor Adam Watts officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Angels of Assisi online by visiting www.angelsofassisi.org/donate-now/ or the American Red Cross online by visiting www.redcross.org/donate/.. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.

Beverly Williams Simpson, born January 30, 1953, in Alleghany County, Virginia, passed away in her home on February 11, 2025. A lifelong resident of Alleghany County, Beverly dedicated over 40 years to nursing. She completed the RN program at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in 1974 and later earned her BSN from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2000. Her committment to caring for others extended beyond her profession, as she was an active volunteer at Mountain View Elementary School and deeply involved in her church community. Beverly found joy in spending time with her family and friends, reading, and giving back to those around her. She will be remembered for her kindness and dedication to both her loved ones and her community. She was preceded in death by her mother, Freda Cale Williams. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Donnie Simpson of Covington, VA; daughter Kelly Hitt and husband Josh Hitt of Princeton, WV; son Brian Simpson of Covington, VA; father Haze N. Williams of Hot Springs, VA; sister Robin Hale of Bedford, VA; brothers Anthony Cale of Covington, VA and Robert Cale of Hot Springs, VA; four grandchildren, Bryce Simpson, Jaci Simpson, Cole Simpson, and Andrew Hitt; nephews and nieces Jonathan Hylton and wife Michele Hylton, Chris Dutton and husband Dave Dutton, Mike Hylton and wife Angie Hylton; Great-nieces and nephews Jonathan Hylton, Kaleb Hylton, and Emory Hylton. She also leaves behind her beloved pets- Tigger, Momma Cat, Sidewinder, and Oreo. A family organized memorial service will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 at noon at Emory United Methodist Church with Reverend Lynn Wright and Lay Speaker Frank Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Beverly's memory to the Covington Rescue Squad or the Alleghany Humane Society. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mrs. Simpson's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com