Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service Burch-Messier Funeral Home was founded in 2005 by Chris Burch and John Messier. Their passion for f

Virginia Anne Bain Pearson, 88, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Lynchburg, VA. Born on April 19, 1937, in ...
02/26/2026

Virginia Anne Bain Pearson, 88, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Lynchburg, VA. Born on April 19, 1937, in Petersburg, Va, she was the daughter of Boyd and Ethel Bain of Farmville, Va.
Virginia is survived by her children, Ellyn Bain Mullis (Brad) of Statesville, NC, Anne Boyd Cox (Larry) of Evington, Va, William Lee Pearson of Hot Springs, Va; and Alice Virginia Pearson of Lynchburg, Va. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Reamey of Richmond, Va; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her beloved dog, Star; and her cherished cats, Creamy and Oliver.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Lee Pearson and her son, Harold Bruce Pearson.
Virginia graduated from Farmville High School in 1955 and began her higher education at Westhampton College at the University of Richmond. In 1956, she transferred to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy, where she was the first female student ever admitted to their pharmacy program. She met her husband Harold when they were students in pharmacy school. After her first year, her passion for helping others led her to transition to VCU’s Nursing School. She paused her studies to marry Harold in 1958, and she then raised their five children. Years later, with unwavering determination and a love for caregiving, Virginia returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lynchburg College in 1984. She also received a Master’s Degree in Education and Counseling from Lynchburg College in 1994.
Virginia began her nursing career in 1984 as a Registered Nurse at Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH), working in their Emergency Room and cardiac step-down unit. After a few years, she transitioned to working as a psychiatric nurse on the adult psychiatric unit and the child/adolescent psychiatric unit, both at VBH. In the early 1990s, she joined Lynchburg General Hospital as an ER mental health evaluator while also working at The Assessment Center, which provided outpatient mental health evaluations. Her dedication to mental health care continued when she then became a nurse at Centra’s Piedmont Psychiatric Center. Virginia retired after two decades of compassionate service in nursing and mental health care within Centra’s hospitals and facilities.
Virginia had a lifelong love for gardening and flowers. Her talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements brought joy to many. An avid reader with an insatiable appetite for books, she often immersed herself in multiple books at once. Her faith was also an important part of her life—she grew up attending Episcopal churches in Petersburg and Farmville before joining St. John’s Episcopal Church upon moving to Lynchburg in the late 1950s.
A woman of grace and compassion, Virginia touched countless lives with her kindness and selflessness. She was a beacon of hope to all who knew her. Her gentle spirit extended beyond people to animals as well—her pets were among her greatest joys. Active in her community, Virginia was a member of The Women’s Club of Lynchburg and the Ragged Robin Garden Club, where she served as both secretary and president. She also was a volunteer at Old City Cemetery and passionately loved their beautiful roses and flowers.
Virginia’s life will be celebrated at 12:30pm on March 6, 2026. The service will be held at the Old City Cemetery chapel, which is located at 401 Taylor Street in Lynchburg Va. In her memory, floral tributes are welcome, or donations may be made to Old City Cemetery.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dorothy "Dottie" Jeanette Hicks Ellis, 79, of Bedford, VA, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, surrounded by th...
02/25/2026

Dorothy "Dottie" Jeanette Hicks Ellis, 79, of Bedford, VA, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the daughter of Gerone and Elizabeth Hicks and was born in Hot Springs, VA. Dottie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her 3 children, grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, who will always remember her love and devotion. She is survived by her children, Diana (Donald), Debbie (Randall) and Amy (Paul); her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Diana’s Family - Zach (Shani) and Zara, Riley (Seanti), Bailey (LJ), Chesney and Cameron; Debbie’s Family - Trevor (Abbey) and Winnie, Austin (Kendra), Andy (Maddie), Haley and Tyler; Amy’s Family - Ashly (Jacob) and Carson, Wyatt and Wade, Morgan (Lane) and Liam and Mason, Christopher and Nolan, and Brooke; her sister, Shirley and her brother Jim (Betty); and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Mary. The family would like to give thanks to Centra Hospice for their excellent care of Dottie. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 3 pm at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ester “Marie” Tyree Layne, 87, of Forest, VA went to be with her Lord & Saviour on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. She was b...
02/25/2026

Ester “Marie” Tyree Layne, 87, of Forest, VA went to be with her Lord & Saviour on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. She was born in Virginia on July 23, 1938 a daughter of the late Jesse William Tyree and Louise Vaughn Tyree.
She was saved in September of 1962 and worked in the ministry at Thomas Road Baptist Church for 30 years and was in the Moral Majority. She also worked for TD Thornton at Progress Printing. Marie was a good mother and wife. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress and she had a wonderful life because Jesus came into hers.
Marie is survived by her husband of 68 ½ years, Marvin Larry Layne; children, Marvin L. Layne, Jr. (Michelle), Cheryl Kane (Barry), Jeff Layne (Brenda), Stephen Layne (Michelle); grandchildren, Amber Layne, Jessie Hemric (Brett), Holly Ballowe (Thomas), Anthony Bourn, Megan Hudson (Andrew), Camden Layne, Jack Layne, Riley Layne; great-grandchildren, Autumn Hemric, Colton Hemric, Kendall Hemric, Logan Ballowe, Levi Ballowe, Landon Ballowe, Gabriel Bourn, Harper Bourn, Ocean Layne, Ella Layne, Liam Hudson; sisters, Myrtle Jennings, Marian Williams; brothers, Russell Tyree and Preston Tyree.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in the chapel of Virginia Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, VA with Rev. Danny Smith officiating.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frank “Richard” Ashman, 80 of Bedford VA, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026.Born October 11, 1945 in Philadelphia...
02/23/2026

Frank “Richard” Ashman, 80 of Bedford VA, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Born October 11, 1945 in Philadelphia PA. Eldest son of the late Frank J. and Marian E. Ashman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dean C. Ashman.
He is survived by his brother, David M. Ashman and wife Janet; sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Ashman Anderson; sister-in-law, Barbara Mitchell; four nieces; five nephews; and 23 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Richard served four years in the Air Force, a Vietnam veteran. He lived several years in St. Petersburg Florida where he loved the warmth and sunshine.
He was an entrepreneur. Richard’s special interests were a drummer, an artist, photographer, and loved cooking gourmet foods.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Here to help through difficult times with honest pricing and respectful service.👉 See services & contact us today. 540-5...
02/23/2026

Here to help through difficult times with honest pricing and respectful service.
👉 See services & contact us today. 540-586-7360

Rita Thompson 82, of Bedford, Virginia passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Rita who was born in Kanahwa, West Vi...
02/23/2026

Rita Thompson 82, of Bedford, Virginia passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Rita who was born in Kanahwa, West Virginia. She was one of 9 siblings. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Donald and Erma Burdette. She was also proceeded in death by her husband, Russell J. Thompson; and her oldest son, David Thompson. She was the devoted wife to Russell Thompson for 48 years until his death in 2012. She also lost her baby girl, Mary Anne at birth. A loss which she never truly stopped grieving, but now they are both together in the arms of Jesus.
She began life’s journey in the mountains of West Virginia, where she met Russ and they began a life together raising their two children, David Keith Thompson and Joe Thompson. They moved to Ohio in those early years to find work that wasn’t in the coal mines. Later they moved to Louisiana for job opportunities, and the family would agree that Louisiana were some of the best times of their lives. Her son Joe who was born 2 1/2 months premature and was partially blind at birth and then lost his sight at the age of 15. Rita and Russ both devoted their lives to the education and bringing up of their son. They were determined that he would grow up like any other child. She drove a bus for the state school for the blind, and paved the way for equality in the public school system for blind children. Even though her son was blind that did not mean he got off easy. She was harder on him than any other children. It made him the man he is today. A husband, father and now Papa. Later the family would move to North Carolina, and in 1985 to Bedford VA.
She had many different jobs, but her favorite was being Mawmaw to her two grandsons. She would spend many days in her garden and yard making it beautiful and passing her knowledge and love onto her family.
She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Joe and Wanda Thompson of Bedford, VA; a daughter in law, Gaby Thompson; grandsons, Scott Thompson, Jonathon Thompson and wife Hannah with their two children Emmaleigh and Grayson of Amherst, VA; and granddaughter, Michelle Baumann.
A special thanks to the many care givers who cared for Rita in the recent past. Especially the staff of the Bedford Hospice house. These past months were made special by them, and she was very grateful.
The family and friends of Rita Thompson hold onto the truth that she accepted Christ as her savior on December 4, 1994. She is now at peace in her heavenly home.
Services were held at bedside.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Eddie Blankenship, who left us on Saturday, February ...
02/19/2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Eddie Blankenship, who left us on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Born on January 21, 1953, he lived a life filled with love, joy, and positive influence. His spirit, wisdom, and kindness will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Joseph leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory. His legacy will be carried on by his devoted daughter, Amy Kerr; his caring brothers, Wayne Blankenship and Cecil Blankenship; and his beloved sisters, Sherry Sullivan and Kathy McDowell. Joseph's joy in life was never more evident than in his role as a grandfather. His grandson, Shelton Blankenship; and his granddaughter, Alexis Davis, will forever remember the lessons and love he shared.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Pauline Blankenship. His respect and adoration for his parents were evident throughout his life and their influence shaped the thoughtful and considerate man that he was.
Those wishing to honor Joseph's memory are welcome to join us at a Celebration of Life service. It will take place on February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at New Beginnings, 751 Blue Ridge Ave., Bedford, VA 24523. As we share stories and memories of Joseph, we will remember not just that he died, but that he lived, and that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
The family would like to express their gratitude for your sympathetic thoughts, prayers, and messages of comfort during this difficult time.
We encourage those who knew and loved Joseph to continue to remember and celebrate his kind spirit, his open heart, and his everlasting commitment to his family. He will forever remain in our hearts.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Pauline Ann Dooley Wood, of Bedford, passed away, Saturday, February 14, 2026. She was the daughter of the late, Herber...
02/16/2026

Pauline Ann Dooley Wood, of Bedford, passed away, Saturday, February 14, 2026. She was the daughter of the late, Herbert Paul Dooley, Sr. and Mary Christine Noell Dooley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Howard Wood; brothers, Lemuel Dooley, H.P. Dooley, Jr., and sister, Ruth Dooley McCown.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristy Milton (Craig); grandson, William Milton; her brothers, Ralph Dooley (Jewell), Allen Dooley, Jack Dooley, Conrad Dooley; her sisters, Lenore Burger, Roberta Settlemyre, Helen Dooley (David Hawkins) and sister-in-law Nancy Dooley. Ann is also survived by brother-in-law Raymond Wood, sisters in law Mae Brookshier, Frances Stanley, Joyce Blankenship, Evyleen Wood, Sheree Wood, Dorothy Wood, many nieces and nephews, and her special caregivers, Annette Spinner and Renay Willis.

Ann was born in Stewartsville, VA and was a lifelong resident of Bedford County. She retired from People’s Furniture. She was a member of Bedford Baptist Church, Bedford Professional Women, and a founding member of the Keep Bedford Beautiful Commission.

The family would like to give thanks to Bedford County Nursing Home and Centra Hospice for their excellent care of Ann.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Friday, February 20, 2026 at Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Bedford Professional Women, P.O. Box 316, Bedford, VA 24523

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Teresa Joan Sacco Love, 81, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born in Pennsylvania on Nove...
02/12/2026

Teresa Joan Sacco Love, 81, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born in Pennsylvania on November 6, 1944 a daughter of the late Joseph Sacco and Teresa Ducsay Sacco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Anderson Love; sons, Scott Wayne Hickman, Dwayne Hickman; brother, Mark Sacco; and sister, Judith Sacco.
She was a member of Bedford Christian Church and a long-time volunteer at Bedford Memorial Hospital gift shop.
She is survived by her grandson, Trevor Scott Hickman; daughter-in-law, Kim Hickman; brother, Henry Sacco; and sister-in-law, Barbara Sacco.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Bedford Christian Church with Rev. David Walton officiating.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Address

317 W Main Street
Bedford, VA
24523

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+15405867360

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category