Obituaries for Jan. 25, 2012

Mayo McComb Clarkson

Mayo McComb Clarkson, 89, of Arrington, died Jan. 19 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in Nelson County on June 15, 1922, he was a son of the late Frank Clarkson and Ruby Hamilton Clarkson.

He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, had been employed for 42 years with Newport News Shipbuilding as a design section manager, was a mentor for the students at Tye River Elementary School through the S.A.V.E. program and was also a member of Bethany United Methodist, in Norwood.

He is survived by a son, George Clarkson and his wife, Joanne, of Piney River; a daughter, Molly Gerke and her husband, Kenneth, of Nellysford; sisters-in-law, Frances Quinn and Ethel Fainter, of Piney River; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Agnes Quinn Clarkson; brother, William “Bill” F. Clarkson; and sisters, Annie Tucker and Dorothy Clarkson.

A funeral service was held Jan. 21 at Byrum-Parr Funeral Home by the Rev. James Siddons with burial following in Amherst Cemetery. The family received friends Jan. 20 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roseland Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 39, Roseland, VA 22967; the Piney River Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 28, Piney River, VA 22964; or to the charity of your choice.

Robert Paul Mitchell

Robert Paul Mitchell, 58, of Greenville, S.C., husband of Susan Poole Mitchell, died Jan. 19 in Greenville. Born in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late James Drury Mitchell and Linda Brockman Hatcher.

Mr. Mitchell was employed with U.S. Lumber and was a member of Southside Fellowship.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Molly Mitchell and Sullivan Mitchell, both of Greenville; a son, Miles Mitchell and wife, Molly, of Hawaii; a brother, Jay Mitchell and wife, Valerie, of Appomattox; two sisters, Carolyn Hartsoe and husband, Ray, of BelAir, Md., and Nancy Williams and husband, Richard, of Amherst; and three grandchildren, Bailey and Taylor Atkinson and Marilyn Ford.

Visitation was held Jan. 21 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, in Greenville, with the funeral service following at Downtown Chapel. Burial was in Graceland East Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Southside Christian School in memory of Paul Mitchell, 2211 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

H. Courtney Powell Sr.

Harry Courtney Powell Sr., 93, of Faber, died Jan. 15 at Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on May 21, 1918 in Columbia, S.C., a son of the late Harry Hudson and Amanda (Jenkins) Powell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Reva Wilson (Agnor) Powell; two brothers, Marvin J. Powell and Grattan M. Powell; and a sister, Dorryce P. Clontz.

Courtney was a retired machinist, engineer, farmer and owner of Powell Machinery Inc. As an ordained minister for over 30 years, he served first as pastor of Mt. Shiloh Baptist, of Faber, and then Fox Memorial Baptist Church, in Scottsville, where he was serving as pastor emeritus at the time of his death. Courtney was very active in building his community. He was one of the founders of the Faber Volunteer Fire Department, employing his engineering skills to design and fabricate much of the original equipment. He was instrumental in the founding of the Nelson County Rescue Squad and served in various capacities including president and crew member. Courtney was also a member of Rockfish Masonic Lodge #108, A.F. & A.M. for over 60 years and had served as District Deputy Grand Master. His last office was as chaplain of the lodge. In the last years of his life, he provided volunteer chaplaincy services at local nursing homes.

Survivors include a son, Dr. Harry C. Powell Jr. and his wife, Joyce, of Shipman; a daughter, Sara Powell Aldridge of Faber; seven grandchildren, Emily P. Schollian, Amanda A. Schamp, Robert A. Aldridge, H. Stuart Aldridge, Graham W. Aldridge, Colin G. Powell and Elizabeth A. Powell; six great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was conducted Jan. 18 at Fox Memorial Baptist Church by the Rev. Randy Golladay. Burial with Masonic Rites followed in Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville. The family received friends Jan. 17 at Thacker Brothers Funeral Home in Scottsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Faber Volunteer Fire Dept., Rockfish Masonic Lodge Scholarship Fund, Fox Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund or the Nelson County Rescue Squad.

Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.