Constance Louise Margerum “Connie” Whalen, age 96, of Clifton Forge died Thursday, October 15, 2026 in Covington, Virginia surrounded by her family. She was born August 28, 1930 in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to the late William Henry Margerum and Helen Blanche Gillan Margerum McSparran. She was a homemaker and a lab tech for Hercules, Inc. Connie was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, an Alleghany County and JRTC board member for years, a substitute teacher, and a volunteer at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center. She enjoyed helping at the Clifton Forge food pantry and loved quilting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Joseph Whalen, Jr. She is survived by two daughters, Jacki White (Stephen) of Lexington, Amy Cathcart (Richard) of Covington; four grandchildren, Thomas White of Radford, Mary Shingler of Charlottesville, Abby Shingler of Clifton Forge, and Joseph White of Lexington. In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1:00PM in the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Father Dan Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until time of service. A private interment will be held in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Low Moor. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the recovery of Harlan and Lelian Nicely in c/o Chase Nicely, 725 Lowell Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422.

Sandra Marie Helmintoller Broughman, age 79, of 1710 Main Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at her residence. Sandra was born on April 15, 1947 in Clifton Forge to the late Robert Vernon Helmintoller and Mildred Geneva Reid Helmintoller. She retired as a Clerical Specialist for Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville, but also worked for many years at Alleghany Regional Hospital in Low Moor, Virginia. Sandra is survived by her daughters, Melanie Myers Walton (Allen) and Shannon Myers Overton (Scott Rowan); a brother, Vernon Wayne Helmintoller (Carol); four grandchildren, Jeramie S. Jefferies (Sara), Alan Jefferies (Tamara), Morgan Diane Myers, and Brandon David Overton; and five great grandchildren, Realynn, Autumn, Easton, Jayse, and Gaitlin. In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated. A private gathering will be held for the family at her home place. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Alleghany Humane Society. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com

Emma Jean Cauley Shanks, age 93, of 1824 Indian Draft Road, Millboro, Virginia died on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. Emma Jean was born on May 5, 1933 in Warm Springs, Virginia to the late Everette and Ruth Harding Cauley. She was a self-employed hairdresser and a lifelong member of Windy Cove Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, and cooking, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and serving others. In addition to her parents, Emma Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Davis Shanks; three brothers, Everette Cauley, Jr., Earl Cauley, and Linwood Cauley; a sister, Mary Frances Cauley Martin; and a son-in-law, Jay Higgs. She is survived by two daughters, Wanda Higgs of Bridgewater and Amy Coleman (Jeff) of Charlottesville; a son, Garry Shanks (Jo Ann) of Millboro; a sister, Elinor Cauley Fridley of Augusta Springs; eight grandchildren, Tim Poe (Tonya), Jon Higgs (Jessi), J W. Higgs (Kim), Jimmy Higgs (Stephanie), Julie Wagoner (Mike), Justin Shanks (Cara), Leah Duesterhaus (Andrew), and Tyler Coleman; seventeen great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and her special companion, “Shep”. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Windy Cove Presbyterian Church, Millboro Springs, with Reverend Con Sauls officiating. Interment will follow in Windy Cove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tim Poe, Jon Higgs, Justin Shanks, Tyler Coleman, T. J. Poe, Clayton Wagoner, Camden Wagoner, and Mike Shanks. The family will visit with friends on Friday afternoon, from 12:00 Noon until the time of service, at the church. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Windy Cove Presbyterian Church, 102 Windy Cove Road, Millboro Virginia 24460. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com