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Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 317 W Main Street, Bedford, VA (2025)

11/28/2025

Andrea Marie Lauer Miller, 61, of Bramwell, WV, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2026. She was born in Oelwein, Iowa on July 5, 1964 a daughter of the late Vernon Herbert Lauer and Linnea Morton Lauer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Joseph Miller, Jr.
She is survived by her son, Benjamin William Miller; brother, Paul Lauer (Marsha); and sister, Jennifer Lauer (Sandy).
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

11/26/2025

Nancy Carter Brooks Flowers, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025 at her residence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Bennett Flowers.
She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Bennett Flowers, Gail Flowers Schofield and husband Edward John Schofield; and her grandson, Tayler Mitchell Andress; and step-grandson, Christopher Edward Schofield.
Per Nan's wishes her service will be private.
Arrangements by Burch and Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, VA.

11/25/2025

John Charles Breedlove, 86, of Big Island, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. He was born in Saltville, VA on January 14, 1939 a son of the late Charlie Elvert Breedlove and Nanny Hutton Breedlove. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Dobyns Breedlove; brother, Marvin Breedlove; and sister, Beulah Bryant.
He is survived by his children, Stephen Breedlove and friend, Judy Reynolds, Lynn Breedlove and wife Beth, Pam Williams, Terry Breedlove and wife Rhonda, Timmy Breedlove and wife Stephanie; sisters, Marie Arnold, Peg Roark; ten grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ken Bledsoe officiating.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Big Island Emergency Crew.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

11/17/2025

Lucienne Blanche Bowden, age 98, of Moneta, VA, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was born on January 30, 1927, in Neiuwpoort, Belgium, on the coast of the North Sea. During WWII, she met Gussie Bowden, her husband, and the father of her seven children. On December 18, 1948, he brought her home to the United States with their 18-month-old baby, Ingrid.
Lucienne was a very courageous, loving, and hard-working woman. Her life was an inspiration to many. We will never forget the many stories of her life in Belgium. What a historic treasure! She endured tragedy with a fighting spirit, and she would always remind us that she had no regrets in her life. She fiercely loved her family and, selflessly, with an abundance of love, made huge sacrifices for them. We remember her today. We celebrate her long life, but most of all, we celebrate her new life. She lived tirelessly, laughed heartily, and loved completely.
Entering Heaven’s gates, she was reunited with her mother, Marie Vandan Abele, her brother, Roger Doom, her children: Roger Franc Bowden, Jerry Lee Bowden, William Bernard Bowden, David Paul Bowden, and Katherine Faye Updike. She was also reunited with four of her grandsons, Aaron Padgett, Brandon Bowden, James W. Keith, and James Foster III (Spike). What a beautiful reunion it was!
She lovingly waits for her family members to join her in a Heavenly celebration. She leaves behind her daughters, Ingrid Bowden Woodford Elkins (Mickey), and Brenda Lee Bowden Padgett (Brent).
God blessed Lucienne with many grandchildren who will one day reunite with her: Teresa Woodford Gilliam, Heather Foster Garrett (Carter), Brian Woodford (Donna), Charla
Woodford Schubert (Hans), Shawn Bowden (Donna), Jessica Bowden Fielder (James), Michael Bowden (Tasha), Trey Padgett (Emily), and Jordon Padgett. Lucienne was also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
This poem beautifully expresses her life and dedication to all whom she loved and all who loved her.
“The Life That I Have” by Leo Marks
The life that I have is all
That I have
And the life that I have is
Yours.
The love that I have of the life
That I have is
Yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have.
A rest I shall have,
Yet, death will be but a
Pause,
For the peace of my years
In the long green grass
Will be yours and yours
And yours.
A celebration of life will be held at Quaker Baptist Church, 4665 Chestnut Fork Road, Bedford, VA 24523, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 pm. After her celebration of life, there will be a private burial service for the immediate family only.
Instead of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Angels of Assisi.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

11/13/2025

Tonya Joy Terry, 53, formerly of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025. She was born on December 8, 1971, in Bedford, Virginia.
Tonya dedicated her life to caring for others, spending the majority of her career at the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg. Her compassion and devotion to her residents were unmatched—she treated each one as if they were part of her own family. Her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit touched countless lives throughout her years of service.
Tonya’s love for animals, especially her cats, was one of her greatest joys. Even during her final months, she spoke often of them and made sure they continued to receive the same love and care she always gave them. Her beloved cats—Taffy, Bumper, and Sunny—were graciously taken in by Humane Animal Partners of Wilmington, Delaware, who have provided them with safe and loving care. In gratitude for their kindness, the family asks that donations be made in Tonya’s memory to this organization, in honor of her lifelong love for animals. Please use the link provided below to make your donation. https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E195176&id=107
Tonya is survived by her loving parents, Mickey and Wanda St.Clair Hensley of Bedford; her brothers, Bo Terry (Brooke), Tony Moon (Katrina), Jimmy Terry (Christina), and Chris Terry (Krista); her sister, Hailey Terry; and many cherished nieces and nephews—including her beloved niece, Grace Terry, with whom she shared a very special bond. She is also survived by her uncles, James St.Clair, Steven St.Clair, Michael St.Clair; and aunt, Robin Terry Purvis.
She is also lovingly remembered by her longtime friends, Melissa Worrell Payne, Jeff Wood, Jenny Boxler, Sharon Wright and Priscilla Rodeffer, whose steadfast friendship brought her much laughter, comfort, and joy throughout the years. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and coworkers.
Tonya’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her—for her unwavering kindness, her resounding laughter, and the deep love she shared so freely with both people and animals.
A celebration of Tonya’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

11/12/2025

Marvin N. Suter III (Flash), 71, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on November 7, 2025. He was born on November 27, 1953, to the late Virginia S. Suter and Marvin N. Suter Jr.
Marvin was a devoted father, grandfather, and dedicated truck driver who took great pride in caring for his family. He was a proud member of The Sons of Confederate Veterans and found joy in the open road, his truck, and collecting trinkets that reminded him of his many travels.
He is survived by Roberta Suter; his sons, Nicholas Suter (Carissa) and Mark Suter (Carly); his cherished grandchildren, Daniel (Leah), Abigail, Connor, Colton, Rhett, and Ellie; his dear longtime friends Mike (Catman) and Sharon Graham; and his two sisters.
Marvin’s love, strength, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

11/08/2025

David Bruce Hunter, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital’s Cardiothoracic ICU with family by his side. Bruce is leaving behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, and devotion to family. Born in Lynchburg, VA, on December 24, 1947, to David Jett Hunter and Annie Eleanor Morrill Hunter, Bruce graduated from E.C. Glass in 1965. He began his career as a police officer in Petersburg and Prince George, VA. Then joining Meredith Burda in followed by R. R. Donnelley, retiring in 1993 after 24 years of service as their Human Resources Manager. Bruce was also a dedicated entrepreneur, owning and operating several businesses in Virginia and North Carolina, including Karen’s Corner, Mr. Suds Carwash, and Mystic Carpet Outlet.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judith Hunter Terry. He is survived by his siblings: Barry Hunter (wife Bev) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Diane Hunter Clark (husband Bob) of Mexico.
Bruce’s legacy continues through his three children: Quentin Hunter (wife Rachel) of Haughton, LA; A. Cole Hunter (wife Anna) of Kernersville, NC; and Brandy Hunter-Biehl (husband Sean) of Rocky Mount, NC. He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Jessica Britt of VA, Chelsea Britt Whitehurst (husband Adam) of NC, Krista Hunter of VA, Cameron Hunter of SC, Hannah Hunter Russell (husband Nathan) of FL, and Adam Hunter of LA, Samuel Biehl of NC and Ray Cox of LA; and two great grandchildren, Kalani Britt of VA and Liam Cox of LA.
Bruce will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will be forever treasured.
The family would like to offer a special thanks the entire staff for the personalized care given to Bruce during his time in the Cardiothoracic ICU.
A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date by the children.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Centra’s Rosemary and George Dawson Inn in Bruce Hunter’s memory.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

11/08/2025

Shirley Long McDaniel, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Bedford, Virginia. Born in Christiansburg, she was the beloved daughter of William Barnett Long, a World War I veteran who served in the Company B, 163rd Infantry, and Virginia Florence (Walters) Long. She was the cherished granddaughter of Jeremiah Myers Walters and Cora Belle Early.

A descendant of the Early family of Virginia, Shirley inherited the southern strength and spirit of her mother Florence. Through family stories, the legacy of notable ancestors were preserved with the likes of Confederate General Jubal Anderson Early, whose nickname was “Lee’s Bad Old Man” and was known for his fiery temper and aggressive battlefield tactics that played a key role in the 1864 Valley Campaign, leading daring raids into Maryland and threatening Washington, D.C. The Early family of Virginia left a lasting imprint on Virginia and the South, contributing to its military, political, and journalistic landscape. One of its members, Stephen Tyree Early, served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s White House Press Secretary from 1933 to 1945, shaping presidential communications and journalistic relations. Their legacy has been documented in works such as The Family of Early, Which Settled Upon the Eastern Shore of Virginia, written by Ruth H. Early of Lynchburg, Virginia.

After graduating from Christiansburg High School, Shirley moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a clerk. She later returned home and married Donald L. McDaniel of Radford, Virginia, who preceded her in death. Together, they settled in Bedford, Virginia where Shirley lived for over five decades and raised three children: Don McDaniel, Carol Broesamle, and Rhonda Arthur (husband Tim Arthur). She was a devoted grandmother to Timothy Arthur, who carries forward her legacy.

Shirley was also preceded in death by her sisters Charlotte Linkous and Barbara Sumner. She is survived by her sister Lena Mae Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the residents and staff of Bedford County Nursing Home for their compassionate care and friendship in Shirley’s final years and Centra Hospice.

A graveside service to honor Shirley’s life will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, November 11, at 2:00 PM.

Services are entrusted to Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 540-586-7360.

11/04/2025

Dr. David Arthur Gladwell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, & friend died on Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Northern Neck of Virginia where he had lived for the last year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Brownie Beryl and Arthur Lee Gladwell and his sister, Nancy Gladwell Ritchie.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth); by his son, David Andrew (Drew) and his wife, Sarah and their daughter, Charlsie Wrenn Gladwell; and by his daughter, Lee Ann DeHart Gladwell Kontos and her husband, Gregory Edward Kontos and their children, Adelaide Marian and Samuel Kenneth.
Dave's idyllic childhood in Lewisburg, West Virginia was the beginning of a long and happy life. He went to Marshall University before enrolling at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN.
He had a successful Optometry practice in Bedford until his retirement in 2014. He was devoted to his patients.
As everyone in Bedford remembers, Dave was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed that hobby with several friends for over forty years. With an interest in everything related to fishing, he collected antique fly rods, antique fishing tackle, and antique advertising for fishing tackle. He tied all of his own flies and when fishing he carried what he would need to match the hatch that day.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to the National D-Day Memorial.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

10/31/2025

Albert Lorent, 91, of Moneta passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025. He was born on June 12, 1934. He was the son of the late Walter Lorent and Bridget Pogorelski Lorent.
Albert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a retired businessman and enjoyed fishing and volunteering at Lake Christian Ministries for over 27 years.
Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ulicki Lorent, and is survived by his son, Steven Lorent; daughters, Kathy O’Malley and husband Richard, Carol Lorent, Diane Whalen and husband Brian, and Susan Tuck. He will be missed and loved by his 15 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers a Memorial donation may be made to Lake Christian Ministries 13157 S. Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 with Father Nixon Negparanon celebrating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-536-7360.

10/30/2025

Reverend James Everette Compton, Jr., 90, died peacefully in his sleep, at home, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Jimmy was born and raised in Richmond, VA. He was the son of James Everette Compton and Frances Elizabeth Frost, both from Richmond, VA. Jimmy graduated from John Marshall High School; attended and graduated from Lynchburg College, where he sang in the Lynchburg College Choir and was a member of the Track Team. He then attended and graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. Following Seminary, he served as Minister at multiple churches throughout Virginia, as well as Florida. He later served as Parish Life Minister and was ultimately elected Pastor Emeritus at Bedford Christian Church. Jimmy enjoyed singing in the Bedford Christian Church choir; watching the birds at the feeder; cooking; and especially working in the garden.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his oldest sister, Barbara Pitts; daughter, Rhonda Roberts Cheek; grandson, Eric Nichols; son-in-law, Jimmy Taylor; and daughter-in-law, Nannette Compton.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Wooldrige Compton; his two sons, Everette Compton and Russ Compton; and two sisters, Frances Smith and Margaret Waymack, both of Richmond, VA.
Jimmy shared Nancy with her children, Gypsy Roberts Nichols, Bobby Roberts (Jan), Susan Roberts Taylor (Jimmy), Rhonda Roberts Cheek (Jeff) and Donna Roberts Sexton (Tim); 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 more yet to come.
During his many years of ministry (1957 – 2025) Jimmy touched many people, all of whom loved him and his way of making them feel special. In return, Jimmy and Nancy received many blessings and lots of love. He was a giving person and would help whenever and wherever help was needed.
Special love and gratitude to Jimmy’s “Buddy” and Caretaker, Rosa (“Macie”) Carson; and Westminster Canterbury Hospice.
Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 1, 2025 followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Bedford Christian Church, with Dr. Rev. David Walton officiating.
Suggest any donations be made to Bedford Christian Church Building Fund. 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford, VA 24523.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

10/28/2025

David Benjamin Scheffer, 78, of Goodview, died on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from pneumonia. He passed away peacefully and painlessly in the early morning.
David was born on September 7, 1947 and was the 4th of 6 children born to the late Benjamin and Mary Ellen Scheffer in Patterson, NJ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara Ellen Scheffer; and three siblings, Sally Hemion, Raymond Scheffer, and Maryellen Durfee.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Verna Loraine Scheffer; son, David L. Scheffer; granddaughter, Skyla M. Chisom; sister, Candyce Scheffer; brother, Scott Scheffer; and many nieces and nephews.
David served in the United States Army National Guard Reserves in Tome River, NJ. He enjoyed being outdoors and loved fishing and camping. He also loved playing cards, ping pong, darts, and listening to music with family and friends and was always ready to have a good time. He was a great caring man and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be missed.
David requested no memorial services and would just like to be remembered with fondness and humor. His family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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