James Edward Faidley, Jr., 76, of Covington, passed from this earth on Thursday, April 9, at Lewis Gale Medical Center, Salem, Virginia. Jim was born August 18, 1949, son of the late James Edward Faidley, Sr., and Margaret Homer Faidley. He was also preceded in death by a half sister, Sondra Hover Fullmer, and a nephew, David Fullmer. He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Marlene Reynolds Faidley, their son, Byron Edward Faidley, and his fiancé, Mackenzie Brooks. Also, his nieces Kathy Sparks and Christine Scheffler, and Marlene’s niece, Marcy Thompson, and their families. Jim graduated from Alleghany County High School, Class of 1967, Bridgewater College, Class of 1971, and the Medical College of Virginia, School of Pharmacy, Class of 1975. He began his career as a pharmacist with Peoples Drug in Richmond. He returned to this area as a pharmacist and store manager of Thrift Drug, located at Mallow Mall. He was a staff pharmacist, and later Director of Pharmacy, at Alleghany Regional Hospital. Jim returned to retail pharmacy, working at CVS in Covington. After retirement, he continued to work part time for several clinical and retail pharmacies throughout Virginia and West Virginia, most recently at Alleghany Family Pharmacy in Covington. Jim was an active member of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he previously served as a choir member, adult Sunday school teacher, Elder, and Clerk of Session. He was also active in leadership with the Boy Scouts of America, through the Stonewall Jackson Area Council. He and Byron attended two National Scout Jamborees together. Jim said he enjoyed working, and had just completed the required continuing education credits needed to renew his license, on Palm Sunday. He was a great sports enthusiast, having played baseball, football, and golf, beginning at a very young age. He was happiest when sitting at a football game, especially if he was watching the Washington Redskins at FedX Field, with Byron, and his nephew David. The family will visit with friends at Loving Funeral Home on Monday, April 13, from 5 to 8 pm. A graveside service will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, April 14 at 2 pm. In lieu of any food or flowers, the family suggests that memorial tributes be made to McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church, the Alleghany Humane Society, or the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Historical Society. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Jim's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Mrs. Bonita (Bonnie) Laughorne Patterson, age 82, of Covington, died Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Brian Center Nursing Care, Low Moor. She was the wife of the late Ernest (Pat)Lee Patterson, Sr. Mrs. Patterson was born August 25, 1943 in Covington, the daughter of the late Rader N. Laughorne and Cynthia Stinnett Laughorne. A lifetime resident of this community, she was a graduate of Covington High School where she was a cheerleader. During her working career, Bonnie was employed as a clerk by the former K-Mart and the former Peebles for a number of years and also worked at area schools in the cafeteria and Whiteys One Stop. Mrs. Patterson was an active member of McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Women of the Church, a circle member and enjoyed singing in the choir. Bonnie was a friend, leader, great listener and role model, teacher and supporter. In her spare time, Bonnie enjoyed watching movies and cooking, spending time with her Senior Friends-LOA, enjoyed bird watching, flower gardening and meeting with friends for lunches. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, Conner and Abby. Mrs. Patterson is survived by a son, Stacy Shannon Patterson and wife, Kelly of Covington; a stepson, Ernest Lee Patterson, Jr.; two grandchildren, Conner Neil Patterson and wife, Felicity and Abigail (Abby) L. Patterson; a sister, Kathleen L. Loan and husband, Jerry of New Castle; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Patterson was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Laughorne Jamison and a niece, Cindy Casto. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, April 2, 2026 at McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jim Moss officiating, assisted by Rev. Doug Hollenbeck. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tony Smith, Michael Ratliff, Robbie Howard, Tony Taylor and Conner Patterson. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 7:00 P.M. until 8:30 P.M. at Loving Funeral Home. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Bonnie's 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

Donald Hamilton Baker of Lancaster, SC passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, surrounded by his family ending a wonderful life well lived. He was 91 years old, born in Sweet Springs, WV but lived most of his life in Covington, VA. In 2019, he and his wife moved to South Carolina to be closer to their children. Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Gaylor Baker of 68 years and their children; daughter, Dana Baker of Lancaster, SC and son Michael Baker (Matt Knox) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Campbell of Union, WV and Doris Rowan (John) of Toledo, OH and a brother, Bob Baker (Janet) of Covington, VA and a host of nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Schumaker Baker and his father, Russell Hamilton Baker, and a sister, Betty A. Baker. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mountain View Cemetery in Sweet Springs, WV, with Jamie Bibee Lloyd and Linda Trumbo officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, PO Box 68, Van Wyck, SC 29744 or to Via Health Partners Palmetto Region-Fort Mill, 1061 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 130, Fort Mill, SC 29707. The family would like to thank Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region), especially Sam, Melissa, Nicole and Star for the care they provided the past four months, and to Senior Helpers, especially Mary and Brie for their attentive care.

Donald Hamilton Baker of Lancaster, SC passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, surrounded by his family ending a wonderful life well lived. He was 91 years old, born in Sweet Springs, WV but lived most of his life in Covington, VA. In 2019, he and his wife moved to South Carolina to be closer to their children. Donald retired from Hercules in 1996, with 32 years of service. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Covington, VA, where he served as a Deacon, a member of the search committee and a member of the Berean Bible class. He was also a volunteer with Men of Mission. His hobbies included gardening and woodworking. He was an avid Baltimore Orioles and Indianapolis Colts fan. After moving to South Carolina, Donald and Mary joined Van Wyck Presbyterian Church where Donald quickly developed friendships that seemed like lifelong friends. Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Gaylor Baker of 68 years and their children; daughter, Dana Baker of Lancaster, SC and son Michael Baker (Matt Knox) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Campbell of Union, WV and Doris Rowan (John) of Toledo, OH and a brother, Bob Baker (Janet) of Covington, VA and a host of nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Schumaker Baker and his father, Russell Hamilton Baker, and a sister, Betty A. Baker. A service to celebrate the life of Donald Baker was at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, 5140 Old Hickory Road, Lancaster, SC 29720. The family received friends following the memorial service. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mountain View Cemetery in Sweet Springs, WV, with Jamie Bibee Lloyd and Linda Trumbo officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, PO Box 68, Van Wyck, SC 29744 or to Via Health Partners Palmetto Region-Fort Mill, 1061 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 130, Fort Mill, SC 29707. The family would like to thank Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region), especially Sam, Melissa, Nicole and Star for the care they provided the past four months, and to Senior Helpers, especially Mary and Brie for their attentive care.

Kyrie Isolde Leilani Aldridge, age 12, of Covington, died Sunday, June 23, 2024, at her residence. Kyrie was born February 15, 2012 in Roanoke, the daughter of Lindsay Wenona Aldridge. A sweet and loving child, she enjoyed being at Covington Middle School and truly loved everyone there including her friends, bus driver, bus aide, office personnel, staff, school nurse and all of her teachers. in her spare time, she enjoyed being on her tablet, watching action movies and playing with her dog, Pepper. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Kyrie is survived by her mother, Lindsay Aldridge and fiancé, Chandler Gearhart; two aunts; an uncle; and two cousins. Kyrie was preceded in death by her grandmother and grandfather. A memorial service will be conducted 4:00 P.M. Saturday, August 3, 2024, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Hollenbeck officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to see update memorial service information and to view Kyrie's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.