Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service

09/14/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Walter Norris “Jr. Jack” Richardson, who departed this life peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on February 5, 1935, in Pamplin, VA, he was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, and enduring love. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Mildred Richardson, with whom he shared a beautiful marriage of 57 years.
He retired from B&W with over 30 years of service. After retirement he worked for Pamplin Exxon until 2017. Junior was a member of Piney Ridge United Methodist Church, Piney Ridge Hunt Club and The Pamplin Wrecking Crew. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force.
Junior lived a life grounded in his faith and his family, leaving a legacy of strength, humility, and benevolence. He found joy in the simple things such as watching hay be cut or timber being logged, an ice-cold Pepsi or a slice of something sweet, and especially a well-played round of golf. On the course, as in life, he played with patience, focus, and a sense of humor. Though we grieve his passing, we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife in eternal peace. His spirit will live on in every family gathering, every prayer said at the dinner table, and every sunny day on the green.
He is survived by his loving children, Darrell Richardson and wife, Tina Richardson, Debbie Cheatham and husband, Ray Cheatham; four grandchildren, Hunter Cheatham and wife, Lauren, Ashley Stevens and husband, Logan, Darren Richardson, and Joshua Richardson and wife, Jasmine; two great grandchildren, Silas Cheatham and Oliver Stevens; brother, Randolph Richardson and wife, Beth; sister, Sandra R. Burge; two sisters-in-law, Carol Richardson and Gloria Richardson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Richardson and Edward Talton “Dick” Richardson; and three sisters, Louise Wood, Virginia Pritchard, and Margaret Garrison.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Irene Broggin, Deborah Brooks, Adam Scott, Babcock Manor, Centra Hospice of Farmville, and Diann Pickett for their love, care and concern for Junior.
A celebration of Junior’s life will be held 11am, Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Piney Ridge United Methodist Church, with Pastor Eric Hernandez officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 pm, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Robinson Funeral Home and other times at the residence.
Those wishing to make memorial donations please consider Piney Ridge United Methodist Church Building Fund, C/o Mary Tolley, 1043 Little Cub Rd, Pamplin, VA 23958 or American Cancer Society, C/o Sharon Mobley, PO Box 1084, Appomattox, VA 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/12/2025

Melvin Gray Coates, 87, of Concord passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the husband of Rebecca Ferrell Coates.
Born in Gladys, VA on January 17, 1938, he was the son of the late Peyton Coates and Nellie Cunninham Bryant. He was a member of New Concord Presbyterian Church. Melvin was an avid sportsman and especially a great fisherman. He served his country as a Navy Pilot in the United States Navy. Melvin loved gardening. He enjoyed sharing his free produce stand at his driveway.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Paula Coates Hunter and husband, Howlett, Clarence Coates and wife, Wanda all of Concord, and Kimberley Coates Warrington and husband, Tim of Creedmoor, NC; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Peyton Coates “Pete”.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmie Coates; and a granddaughter, Molly Sullivan.
A memorial service will be held 2pm, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at New Concord Presbyterian Church with Rev. Shelton Miles officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial donations to Daily Bread Food Pantry, Lynchburg, VA https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TX6CA2J3YYJVA or By His Hands Food Pantry, c/o Rocks Baptist Church, 393 Rocks Church Rd, Pamplin, VA 23958.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/10/2025

Jo Anne Catlett Martin, 90, of Appomattox passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at her residence. She was the wife of J. Gordon Martin for 70 years.
Born on November 16, 1934, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Marvin Foster Catlett and Corrine Coleman Catlett. Jo Anne taught in Buckingham and Appomattox School Systems until she retired at the age of 70. She taught at every level of education from elementary through high school. Jo Anne graduated from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Administration. After starting her teaching career she received her Masters of Education from Lynchburg College. She was a member of Mt. Comfort Methodist Church where she was very involved with United Methodist Women at the district level. She was a member of Appomattox Garden Club, American Legion Auxiliary Post #104, and was very active in Virginia Education Association. Jo Anne was a caregiver to her mother and brother prior to their deaths.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, Stephanie Coleman and husband, Phillip, Millicent Martin, and Timothy Martin; and two grandsons, Drew Coleman and Tatum Martin.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Mark S. Catlett.
A funeral service will be held 2 pm, Friday, September 12, 2025, at Mt. Comfort Methodist Church with Pastor Wyatt Cudd officiating. Burial will follow in J.W.C. Martin Family Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at her residence.
Those wishing to make memorial donations please consider J.W.C. Martin Family Cemetery, c/o Kris McFadden, Treasurer, 183 Hampton Lane, Gladstone, VA 24553.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/08/2025

Georgianna Shorter “Ann” Covington, 84, of Pamplin passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at her residence. She was the wife of the late John Howard “Johnny” Covington for 60 years.
Born in Lynchburg on June 28, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Charles R. Shorter, Sr. and Ella Mae DeFord. She worked at the Shoe Factory in Farmville and Thomasville Furniture. She was a member of Madisonville Presbyterian Church. She was a loving grandmother and enjoyed cooking and gardening.
Georgianna is survived by two children, Stephanie C. Hodges and husband, Lester and Charles “Charlie” H. Covington; two grandchildren, Monica H. Bennett and husband, Dalton and Derick Hodges and wife, Erin; three great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Hadley, and Colyer Bennett; and numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece, Sharon K. Hix.
In addition to her husband, and parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Charles R. Shorter, Jr.; two sisters, Kathleen Shorter Kress Jacobs and Mary Elizabeth Shorter Lee; and four brothers-in-law, Walker Covington, Ralph Kress, Jim Lee, and William Jacobs.
A graveside service will be held 11am, Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Swan Family Cemetery, 3539 Swan Rd, Pamplin, with Pastor Robert Wilson officiating.
The family will receive friends following the service at Walkers Evangelical Presbyterian Church and other times at the home of Lester and Stephanie Hodges.
The family would like to sincerely thank Debbie Thompson for the loving care she provided, as well as Centra Hospice of Farmville especially Diann and Daisy.
Those wishing to make memorial donations please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Pamplin Fire Department, PO Box 1099, Pamplin, VA 23958.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/06/2025

Donald Lee Drinkard, 80, of Appomattox, VA, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the loving husband of the late Josephine Piskorik Drinkard.
Born in Appomattox, VA, on August 30, 1945, he was the son of the late Virginia Elizabeth Martin and the late Howlett Fuller Drinkard, Sr. He was a member of Trinity Methodist Church.
He is survived by one brother, William Clifton “Cliff” Drinkard of Appomattox, VA; four nephews, Tony Drinkard, Jay Poss (Jan), and Allen Poss (Kristine), and Ben Martin (Melinda); and three nieces, Kimberly Neighbors, Nita Moore (Darrell), and Robin Martin (Dan).
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Arlene D. Poss (Mike McGregor) of Texas; one brother, Howlett Fuller Drinkard Jr. (Arlene); and one niece, Sherl Lynn Almond.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 pm, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church in the Family Life Center.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.

09/05/2025

Mary Anne Moore High, 68, of Appomattox passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at her residence. She was the wife of the Derreke Vincent High.
Born in Charlotte County, Va, on February 19, 1957, she was the daughter of Sarah Hancock Moore and the late Jerry Moore. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church. She was a 1975 graduate from Randolph Henry High School. Mary Anne worked as an LPN at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Brookneal, Lynchburg Health and Rehab, and Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by her son, Joshua Lee Hamlett.
She was preceded in death by a son Jeremiah Franklin Hamlett; and brother, David Eugene Moore.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Monday, September 8, 2025, at Midway Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Kesler and Pastor Joey Anthony officiating.
Those wishing to make memorial donations please consider the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/04/2025

Lewis Kirk Harris, 68, of Appomattox passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the husband of Linda Harris.
Born on September 7, 1956, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Crawford Watts “Doc” Harris and Dorothy Megginson Harris. He worked as a truck driver for 48 years. Kirk was a great woodworker, and he loved to make people laugh.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Erica Harris and husband, Daniel Tedesco; brother, Johnny Harris and wife, Elizabeth “Liz” of Appomattox; two nieces, Nikki Beckner and husband, Mike of Roanoke, and Stephanie Harris of Rustburg; and many cousins.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the home of Nelwyn and Arthur Morris, 4734 Horseshoe Rd, Appomattox, VA 24522. This will be a time for family and friends to gather and honor Kirk’s life by sharing memories.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family,

Kinckle Robinson Manager Welcome and thank you for visiting our web site. Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service has been serving Appomattox County and adjacent communities since 1947. Our staff is here to guide you in arranging a personalized and meaningful funeral or cremation service to hono

09/04/2025

Lori Lee Wooten, 61, of Appomattox formerly of Richmond, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Born in Lynchburg, VA on April 22, 1964, she was the daughter of Dorothy Fowler Wooten of Appomattox and the late Robert Jackson Wooten, Jr.
She was a graduate of Appomattox County High School and Radford University. Lori was a retired probation officer with Chesterfield County. She had special interests in Walk to Emmaus, Bible study, Pearl Girls, Caring Canines, and was a die-hard cowboy fan.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Dee Ann Wooten and fiancé, Ed Bower; aunt, Linda W. Jamerson; her canine friend, Tux; and special friends, Sam, Leigh, Brenda, Jill and “BFF” Beverly Krause.
A memorial service will be held 1 pm, September 19, 2025, at Liberty Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Rusty Small and Pastor Shawn Franco officiating.
The family will receive friends following the service in the church.
In lieu of flowers please consider making memorial donations to Caring Canines, P.O. Box 337, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/04/2025

Samantha Nicole King, 23, of Prospect, VA passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was the wife of Alfred Okinyi.
Born in Lynchburg, VA on October 12, 2001, she was the daughter of Allen Booth Nash, Jr. and wife, Glenna, and the late Rebecca Lynn Wilson.
In addition to her father, she is survived by six siblings, Kaitlyn Tomlin Jacobs, Whitney Nichole Burley and Logan Layne, Savannah Marie McFadden and husband, Jonathan, Kendall Allen Nash, Dakota Allen Lane Nash, and Anna Marie Nichole Nash; maternal grandfather, Johhny Hamlett, paternal grandfather, Allen Booth Nash, Sr. and wife, Jane; paternal grandmother, Belinda Gail Nash Martin; aunts and uncles, Tracey and Sheila Wilson, Renee and Anthony Mann, Brandy Lynn Kinne and husband, Jerry, Roger Thompson, Duane Thompson, and Julie Thompson; and foster parents, John and Jan Hirtz.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm, September 13, 2025, at Robinson Funeral Home.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Kendall Whirley for her dedication and help to Samantha throughout her life.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Robinson Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/02/2025

James Hudson Mann, Sr., 81, of Altavista, VA, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Diane Johnson Mann.
Born in Pittsylvania County, Va, on March 22, 1944, he was the son of the late Lucy Francis Mann and the late Hubert Hudson Mann. James was affectionately known by his grandkids as BePaw. He worked as a truck driver known by his CB handle Swamp Fox and then retired from Westvaco after 30 plus years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Jeanie Jones of Evington, VA, Raymond Mann and wife, Julie of Johnson City, TN, Sean Mann of Altavista, Va, and James Mann II and wife, Stacy of Concord, VA; eight grandchildren, Meghan Harter and husband, Gerry, Ashton Haag, Makenna Haag, Ashley Cozart and husband, Justin, Emily Mann, Evan Mann, Torri Bower, and Sean Gregory Mann; two great-grandchildren, Max and Lacey; one brother, Tony Mann of Henderson, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Shannon Mann; four siblings, Louise Doss, Mabel Matuskowitz, Pauline Stafford, and William Mann.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, September 5, 2025, at his residence, 61 Levonne St, Altavista, Va, 24517.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.

09/01/2025

Josephine Martin Morris passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 94. She was the wife of the late Robert Jennings Morris.
Josephine, whose given name was Dorothy Josephine, was born on November 18, 1930. She was the only child of the late Dorothy and Joe Martin of Beckham, Virginia. Josephine was a graduate of Appomattox High School and Phillips Business College. She was a former employee of Conner Produce and Central Fidelity Bank. She also assisted in operating the Martin-Morris family grocery store in Beckham, Virginia. Josephine was a faithful member and Sunday School teacher at Trinity Methodist Church in Concord, Virginia.
She is survived by three children, Ronnie Morris and his wife, Peggy of Huntersville, North Carolina, Carolyn Bondurant and her husband, Tommy of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Melanie Ranson and her husband, Chris of Concord, Virginia; six grandchildren, Kristen Sloan and her husband Chris, Brian Morris and his wife Bridget, Ashley Wiggins and her husband Kris, Katie Morris, Jacob Ranson and his wife Whitley, and Abby Ranson; five great grandchildren, Haidyn and Adee Sloan, Palmer Wiggins, Bennett Morris, and a great grandson due in February.
She was preceded in death by one grandson, Bobby Morris.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Babcock Manor and Centra Hospice of Farmville for their compassionate care.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am, Friday, September 5, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Wyatt Cudd and Rev. John Flood.
The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private family service of committal will follow in Rebecca Cemetery.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions please consider Rebecca Cemetery, c/o Charles Martin 67 Stonewall Rd., Concord, VA 24538.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com

09/01/2025

Betty Lou Carter Peterson, 67, of Appomattox, VA, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 29, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Nelson County, VA, on August 8, 1958, Betty Lou was the beloved daughter of the late Clifford and Hallie Carter of Gladstone, VA. She was one of nine siblings, and is survived by four of them: Patricia Robertson, Cynthia Fagan (Tom), Paul Carter (Cindy), and Michael Carter. She was also a cherished aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty Lou is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, William Charles Peterson Jr., and her five children: Charlie Peterson III, Tim Peterson (Lara), Dianne Erb (William), Shannon Benton (Josh), and Jessica Jordan (Colya). Her legacy continues through 12 loving grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Stephanie, William Jr., Ellie, Tyler, Josh, Brian, Ryan, Gray, Sean, Braxton, Marissa, Ahnah, William Erb III, Logan, and Charlee Grace.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Carter; four brothers, Lee Carter, Clifford Carter Jr., Jim Carter, and Frank Carter; granddaughter, Kolya Rae; and mother-in-law, Evelyn L. Peterson.
Betty Lou had a passion for cooking, gardening, and connecting with people—something she enjoyed deeply through her work at the Appomattox Inn and Suites. Known for her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit, she touched the lives of many and brought joy to all who knew her. She was deeply loved and will be missed more than words can express.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Grace Hill Baptist Church, officiated by Reverend Michael Duncan.
The family will receive friends following the service.
Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.