Mar 8, 2010

Lynda Susanne (Frailing) Benningfield, 61, of Moneta, died on March 4, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

In the early minutes of that morning while the earth was still dark, she left behind the cancer that stole her breath away, and began her new life in the glorious light of Gods loving arms. Although she is gone, she will continue to inspire us to give our love generously to those we cherish, and to always reach out to those who need to be cherished. This she did her entire life, for she understood and never wavered in her commitment to the greatest commandment: Love one another.

Born in Appleton, WI, she moved to Maryland/Northern VA in the late 60s where she met and married her best friend and soul-mate, Jerry. Together they lived in numerous states, including Puerto Rico, before retiring to SML in 1994.

Here she passionately indulged in her favorite pastimes - gardening, and nurturing her family and friends. Whatever she planted IN the earth always grew with strength and beauty. Those she cared for ON the earth likewise grew through her strength and beauty. She was a Franklin County Master Gardener, a former Moneta Garden Club officer, past president of the United Methodist Women, and a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Moneta, wherein she worked tirelessly as a faithful disciple, studying Gods Word and spreading His love to all she met.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert H. Frailing.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Jerry; her daughter Wendy and husband Tray Arthur, grandsons Rob and Jon Alexander, and step grandsons Brandan and Chase Arthur, all of Rocky Mount; her mother Shirley Frailing of Hortonville, WI; two sisters, Mary Beth and husband Frank Schreiter of Hortonville, WI, and Jamie and husband Tom Kapellan of New Holstein, WI; three brothers, John and wife Judy Frailing of Moneta, Joe Frailing of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Jeff Frailing of Milpitas, CA; sister in law Betty Sammons of Louisville, KY, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Bethlehem UMC, Building Fund, PO Box 458, Moneta, 24121, or Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, 24018.

Mar 8, 2010

ROCKY MOUNT - Arthur Aaron Clements, 84, died Wednesday, March 3.

Survivors include his wife, Lillie Clements; daughter, Audrey Dudley (Charles) of Moneta; son, John A. Clements (Ann) of Rocky Mount; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruby Meadows, Ethel Cooper and Lucille Holland, all of Rocky Mount; and brother, Joe Clements (Helen) of Roanoke.

The funeral will be conducted today (Monday, March 8) at noon from Morningside Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. Kirby Whitfield. Burial will be in the Clements family cemetery.

Stanfield Mortuary Service is in charge of arrangements.

Mar 8, 2010

Charles Allen Heath passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2010. He was born in Richmond County, NC on July 7, 1951, to the late Hughes C. and Grace N. Heath.

He retired from Carter Machinery in Salem, VA, volunteered with the Martinsville High School Athletic Program and at the Martinsville Speedway.

He is survived by his wife Pamela V. Heath; children, Richard J. Heath and Robin of Pink Hill, NC, Cassie L. Heath of Richmond, and Tina M. Lewis of Deep Run, NC; grandchildren, Heather Heath, Taylor Heath, T.C. Lewis and Hailey Lewis; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold R. and Janet Heath of Chesapeake, and Jerry F. and Janet Heath of Charlotte, NC; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara Ann (Heath) and ABﾠBrown of Crewe, and Linda Kay (Heath) and Jimmy Land of Huntersville, NC; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from Lynch Conner-bowman Chapel, 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010 with Pastor Rick Poland officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family will be receiving friends Monday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral home, 140 Floyd Ave., Rocky Mount. www.lynchconner-bowman.com

Mar 8, 2010

Geraldine Bell Switzer Shell, 70, of Franklin Co., died Thursday, March 4, 2010 at her residence.

Born October 28, 1939 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Mary Emaline Linkswiler Switzer and William Oliver Switzer. She was a retired nurse and being a master gardener, she loved flowers, nature and the outdoors.

In addition to her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas M. Switzer and Bill Switzer; and a sister, Darlene Hollie.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Michael Wayne Shell; two daughters, Gerri Parker and her husband, Kenny of Sydnorsville and Gina Phelps and her husband, Brian of Harrisonburg; five grandchildren, Jacob Bush and his wife, Jennifer of Hampstead, NC, Jimmy Hagy and his wife, Tosha of Sydnorsville, Amanda Maish and her husband, James who is now deployed in Iraq, Logan Phelps and Megan Phelps both of Harrisonburg; five great-grandchildren, Breanna Hodges, Elizabeth Hodges, Sarah Hodges, Dustin Browning and Annabelle Hagy; one brother, Richard W. Switzer and his wife, Beverly of Roanoke; and special pets Dawg and Kitty Mama.

Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Pethood Clinics, 18401 Virgil H. Goode Hwy, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. A graveside service was conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 6, 2010 in Franklin Memorial Park with Chaplin Rick Poland officiating.

To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mtn. Lake, 721-9375.