Obituaries for December 24, 2009

James E. Aistrop

James Estes Aistrop, 82, of Stuarts Draft, passed away on Dec. 14 at his residence with his family by his side.

James was born on July 15, 1927, in Nelson County, a son of the late Frank Lacy and Laura Turner Aistrop.

He served in the Army from 1947 until 1950. He retired from DuPont in 1985 after 35 years of service.

In addition to the love he shared with his family, he had a passion for coon hunting and trout fishing.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William A. and Frank Lorenza Aistrop; two sisters, Evelyn A. Woodson and Ruby Legion Aistrop; and a son, Larry Wayne Aistrop.

Left to cherish his life are his wife of 60 years, Mary Agnes Simpson Aistrop; and their children, Joyce Terry of Stuarts Draft, Kathy Colley and her husband, David, of Stuarts Draft and David Aistrop and his wife, Ronda, of Middlebrook.

He was also loved by 12 grandchildren, Christina and Robby Terry, Nathan and Chelsey Aistrop, Jeremy Leach and his wife, Nicole, Brandon Leach, Courtney Leach, Travis and Taylor Colley, Bryan Wayne Romaine and Melinda Corbett; four great-grandchildren, Serenity Ashytn, Jacob, Justin and Brandon Corbett.

Our love for this great husband, father, and grandfather will go on everlasting.

Active pallbearers were David Aistrop, Jeremy Leach, Brandon Leach, Todd Coffey, Scott Lunsford and Josh Marshall. Honorary pallbearers were family and friends.

A funeral service was held Dec. 17 at the Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, with the Rev. John McDonald officiating. Interment followed at the Rock Spring Cemetery in Faber.

The family received friends Dec. 16 at the funeral home and all other times at the family’s residence.

Arrangments by the Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel of Lovingston.

Doris F. Brown

Doris “Dottie” (Fitzgerald) Brown, 62, wife of Lester E. “Les” Brown of China Clay Road, Stuarts Draft, passed away Nov. 29 at her residence.

Mrs. Brown was born on August 4, 1947, in Nelson County, a daughter of the late Ottis Owen and Eula (Coffey) Fitzgerald.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by a brother, Roger L. Fitzgerald; and a sister, Madeline F. Rhodes.

Dottie retired from Genicom in 1998 with 32 years of service as the stock room clerk, attended Mountain Top Christian Church in Love, and was a member of the Augusta County Eagles Ladies Auxiliary 4129. Dottie enjoyed singing karaoke and loved spending time with her sisters, to whom she was very close.

In addition to her husband, who she married on July 3, 2004, Mrs. Brown is survived by a daughter, Denise M. Welcher of Fishersville; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Florine M. Painter and her husband, Herman, of Lyndhurst, Ruthie F. Dedrick and her husband, Freddie, of Stuarts Draft, Libby A. Dameron and her husband, Freddie, of Waynesboro and Edith F. Stinnett of Lyndhurst; two grandchildren, Daniel and Dalton Welcher; three stepsons, Paul M. Brown and his wife Frankie of Waynesboro, Phillip T. Brown and his wife Michelle, of North Carolina, and Mark E. Brown and his wife, Stephanie, of Staunton; six step-grandchildren, Katie and Alex Brown, Hannah and Aaron Brown and Amber and Zach Brown; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many many close and special friends also survive.

Funeral services were conducted Dec. 3 at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Fishersville by pastors Richard Peters and Bill Johnson. Burial followed at the Mountain Top Christian Church Cemetery in Nelson County.

The family received friends Dec. 2 at the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory or other times at her residence.

Active pallbearers were Paul Brown, Mark Brown, Phillip Brown, Mike Rhodes, Paul Painter and Danny Painter.

Honorary pallbearers were nieces and nephews attending the service.

It is suggested that those desiring please make memorial contributions to the Mountain Top Christian Church, P.O. Box 228, Lyndhurst, VA 22952-0228; the American Cancer Society, 1920H Medical Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22801; or the Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 260, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at http://www.coffmanfu

neralhome.net.

Nelson Edward Brown

Nelson Edward Brown, 45, of Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, departed this life on Dec. 2 at his residence.

A funeral service was held Dec. 5 at the Elk Hill Baptist Church in Wintergreen, conducted by the Rev. Sheldon Payne. Burial was at a later date.

Lewis Funeral Home is in charge of the service.

Ardia Virginia Pless Bumgarner

Ardia Virginia Pless Bumgarner, 83, completed her earthly journey on Dec. 13 at Fairmont Crossing in Amherst. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, the Rev. William Hugh Bumgarner of Pleasant View.

Born in Canton, N.C., on Sept. 9, 1926, Ardia attended Mars Hill and Wake Forest Colleges and received bachelor of arts and masters of education degrees at Lynchburg College. She taught in the Amherst County Public Schools and retired as an elementary school principal in 1974. She then worked tirelessly with Friends of the Library to establish the Madison Heights Branch of Amherst County Public Library. Afterward, she enjoyed traveling with a small group of her friends known as “The Loafers” to destinations throughout the Unites States and Canada, including Yellowstone, Nova Scotia and Branson, Mo. Ardia was an instrumental leader in the construction of the first Habitat for Humanity House in Madison Heights. She faithfully supported the ministerial work of her husband in the churches he served as long as she was physically able.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey Lee and Donnie Heatherly Pless, and her brothers Nolan, Norman and Jack Pless.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Donna Jean Bumgarner Massie, and her husband, Harold, of Madison Heights; a son, Alan Hugh Bumgarner, and his wife, Terry, of Monroe; five grandchildren, Courtney M. Maxfield of Paducah, Ky., Emily M. Greenstreet and her husband, Jon, of O’Fallon, Ill., Mary Ellen M. Bryant and her husband, Michael, of Madison Heights, Matthew Ryan and Jacob Alan Bumgarner of Monroe; and five great-grandchildren, Hugh James, Clara Jayne, Sydney Harold, Eli Owen Greenstreet and Chloe Simone Maxfield.

The family received friends Tuesday at Madison Heights Baptist Church and during other times at the Bumgarner residence at 136 Carpenter Road in Monroe.

A celebration of Ardia’s life was conducted by the Rev. John Ragland, assisted by the Rev. Charles Stinson, on Wednesday at Midway Baptist Church, Amherst County. Interment followed in Allwood Cemetery.

The family deeply appreciates the outstanding efforts of the entire Fairmont Crossing staff and especially the Fox Run “family” for the loving attention, dedicated care and comfort given to Ardia over the past four years.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider Midway Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, is serving the family.

Walter Elmore Crawford

Walter Elmore Crawford, 85, of Charlottesville, died Dec. 14 at his home.

He was born in Ivy on Feb. 16, 1924, a son of the late Thomas W. and Elsie Mae Ray Crawford. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Thelma Thompson; three brothers, Leonard Crawford, Clifford “Buster” Crawford and David Crawford.

He was a hard-working, loving husband and father. We all love him so much and will miss him every day until we see each other again.

He worked many years at the concession stand at the Ridge Drive-In Theater and as a mail contractor for the United States Postal Service. He loved the outdoors, especially working in his garden in the summer and cutting wood in the winter. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was wounded in action and received two Purple Hearts for his service in Italy during World War II. It was there that he met his bride of 63 years, Elia Magherini Crawford.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Gloria Wood and her husband, George; two sons, Michael Crawford and his wife, Lisa, and Felix W. Crawford, all of Charlottesville; one brother, Alvin Crawford of Crozet; a former sister-in-law, Ramona and a sister-in-law, Corradina Tironi and her husband, Ed; three grandchildren, Greg Wood of Charlottesville, Angela Wills and her husband, Shawn, of Faber, and Jessica Crawford of Charlottesville; one great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Wills of Faber, who was his ray of sunshine and brought a smile to his face every day; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service was conducted Dec. 17 at Holly Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Derek Koolman officiating.

The family received friends Dec. 16 at the Teague Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank those who provided care, Martha Jefferson Hospital and staff, Sentara Healthcare and Legacy Hospice. A very special thank you for the love and care shown by his dedicated care givers, Mary, Sue and Vickie. They made it possible for him to remain at home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Legacy Hospice, 675-180 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

Friends may sign a guest register at teaguefu

neralhome.com.

Martha Pettyjohn Hudson

Martha Pettyjohn Hudson departed this life Dec. 10 at her residence in Arrington. She was born Sept. 15, 1952, in Amherst County, to Loyd R. Pettyjohn and the late Nellie M. Pettyjohn.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son, George E. Hudson Jr.; one brother, Lloyd W. Pettyjohn; one sister, Phyllis D. Carter; and a grandson, Damien I. Hudson-Sandidge.

She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of the Pine Hill Baptist Church in Arrington, where she served faithfully until her health failed. She was educated in the Nelson County school system and was employed at Sweet Briar College until she became disabled. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, loved to cook, enjoyed fishing and working in her flower gardens.

Martha leaves to cherish her memories a loving father, Loyd Pettyjohn (Estelle, friend) of Roseland; a loving and devoted husband of 41 years, George E. Hudson Sr.; a loving daughter, Alicia Hudson-Sandidge (Dwight) of Amherst; one grandson, DeVante’; three brothers, Willliam L. Pettyjohn (Stella) of Front Royal, Charles L. Pettyjohn (Susan) of Harrisonburg and Donnie W. Pettyjohn (Terri) of Howie, Ind.; one sister, Alice Miles (A.J.) of Lynchburg; a loving godson, Onrico L. Robinson of Amherst; a mother-in-law, Geneva Cox (Calvin); and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was conducted Dec. 13 at Pine Hill Baptist Church, Arrington, with the Rev. Aaron Wade officiating and the Rev. Curtis Hedgeman as eulogist. Interment was in the Pine Hill Garden of Peace Cemetery. Her remains were in state at the church prior to the service. The family received friends, and the cortege assembled at 188 Morse Lane.

Condolences may be e-mailed to . Community Funeral Home is directing.

John Roy Mays

John Roy Mays, 71, of Lynchburg, died Dec. 9. He was the husband of Barbara Nash Mays for 44 years.

Mr. Mays was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Nelson County, a son of the late Richard Mays and Florine Lawhorne Mays. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army. He was retired from Lynchburg Foundry, where he was machinist. He was a member of Leesville Road Baptist Church, where he loved being an usher. He thoroughly enjoyed gardening, mainly because he loved sharing his produce with friends. He enjoyed reading and watching old TV westerns. His favorite pastime was sitting on the front porch in his rocking chair and watching the traffic go by.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Pamela Talmage and husband, Steve, of Greenville, S.C., Jeff Mays and wife, Bonnie, of Christiansburg and Ricky Mays and wife, Rhonda, of Lynchburg; his grandchildren, Brooke Castillo and husband, Raul, Kristen Cooley and husband, Chase, Stephen Talmage, Lyndsie Mays, Aaron Talmage, Trevor Mays, Laci Mays and Caitlin Mays; his great-grandson, Holden Cooley; and his sisters, Margaret Mays of Amherst and Dorothy Stinnett of Lynchburg.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert Mays, Thurman Mays and Wade Mays, and two sisters, Lillian Beal and Arlene Hodges.

The family received friends Dec. 11 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A funeral service was conducted Dec. 12 at Leesville Road Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Brooks and Dr. Carl Deimer officiating. Interment followed in Virginia Memorial Park. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 16.

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the Campbell County Rescue Squad and the Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department for always answering when they called.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department, 2801 Waterlick Road, Forest, VA 24551, or Leesville Road Baptist Church, 18059 Leesville Road, Evington, VA 24550.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.tharpfuneralhome

.com.

Lucille F. McDaniel

Lucille Frances McDaniel, 77, of Afton, died on Dec. 8 at the Augusta Health.

She was born Dec. 27, 1931, in Rockingham County, a daughter of the late Michael Randall and Georgia Frazier Randall. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd A. McDaniel Sr., and a brother, Amos Randall.

Surviving her are three daughters, Debbie Helmer and her husband, Mick, of Ilion, New York, Diane Carter and her husband, Jimmy, of Afton, and Mary Jorgensen and her husband, Thomas, of Greenwood; seven sons, Ronnie McDaniel and his wife, Carolyn, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ray Randall of Richmond, Donnie McDaniel and his wife, Sally, of Virginia Beach, Lloyd McDaniel of Cumberland, Lary McDaniel of Chesterfield, Gary McDaniel of Afton, and Joseph McDaniel of Afton; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Lillian Mace of Grottoes, Irene Lam of Grottoes, and Reva “Tedy” Allen of Grottoes; and one brother, William Randall and his wife, Hazel, of Elkton, Virginia.

A graveside funeral service was held Dec. 11 at Holly Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Paul Secord officiating. There was no formal visitation.

The family suggests that any desired memorial contributions be made to the Wintergreen Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 711, Nellysford, VA 22958.

Friends may sign the guest book at http://www.hil

landwood.com.

James ‘Jimmy’ Lester Miles

James “Jimmy” Lester Miles of Faber, passed away on Dec. 11 at UVa Medical Center.

Jimmy, as he was affectionately known as, was born on March 8, 1952, to the late Goffrey Miles and Louisa M. Carrington Miles.

Those left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Talecia Morton of Woodbridge; a son, James Miles of Faber; brother, Goffrey Miles and his wife, Helen; four sisters, Helen Lee of Richmond, Pauline Page and her husband, Herbert, of Faber, Eula Johnson and her husband, Curtis, of Trenton, N.J., and Elizabeth Mickens and her husband, Calvin, of Petersburg; a brother-in-law, George White of Camden, N.J.; a special niece, Angela Jones of Faber; a special nurse, Monique Rogers of Charlottesville Rehab; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral was held Dec. 16 at Locust Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Ernie Morse officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

James was in state at Locust Grove Baptist Church prior to the funeral service.

Expressions of condolences may be sent to http://www.Davis-Turner.com.

Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.

Thomas Winfred ‘Winks’ Ponton

Thomas Winfred “Winks” Ponton, 90, of Charlottesville, died Dec. 16, at Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born Dec. 3, 1919, in Nelson County, he was the son of the late Aaron Thomas and Betty North Ponton.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Lillie Mae Allen Ponton (2002); three sisters, Eunice P. Sheffield, Ethel (Pete) Currier, and Madie P. McCauley, and two brothers, Leland and Edward Ponton.

He was a district distribution clerk for the Charlottesville post office with 25 years of service and a World War II Army veteran.

He is survived by his son, Allen Thomas Ponton; granddaughter Amy Jo Ponton Charron and husband Mark and three great-grandchildren, Dalton Lillian Charron, Aidan Tyler Charron and Hunter Thomas Charron all of Charlottesville.

A graveside service was held Dec. 20, at Monticello Memory Gardens in Charlottesville with the Rev. John P. Campbell officiating.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel of Lovingston.