Botetourt Funeral Home

12/17/2025

Ossie Ripley Wheeler Williams

Ossie Ripley Wheeler Williams, 88, of Buchanan, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bill Wheeler and George Williams; parents, Lucian and Sallie Ripley; daughter, Doris Ann Denton; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. JW Welch; brothers, Robert and Sammy Ripley; and sister, Brenda Ripley.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sue and Bobby Smith; Cynthia Law; and Lee Ann and Jason Wright; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Eva Ripley; nephews, David (Denise), Michael, and Stephen (Cathy) Ripley; special friend, Donna Stevens; and loads of cousins.

Visitation will be held from 2-3pm with funeral services at 3pm on Friday, December 19, 2025 in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Woolridge officiating. Interment will follow in Lithia Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfh.com.

View Ossie Ripley Wheeler Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/16/2025

Lawrence Toliver, Sr

Deacon Lawrence Edward Toliver, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, peacefully answered his Savior's call on December 11, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on December 9, 1937, in Fincastle, Virginia, to Edward and Bertha Burrell-Toliver, and was the youngest of eight children, all of whom preceded him in death.

Lawrence joined Lapsley Run Baptist Church early in life and later became a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Amsterdam. When that congregation merged with Cloverdale Baptist Church to form Spirit of Unity Baptist Church, he continued his faithful service there as a deacon.

He attended school at Academy Hill in Fincastle, Virginia. Upon graduation, Lawrence enlisted in the United States Army, serving a combined six years of active and reserve duty as an electric generator motor repairman. During his military service, he advanced rapidly from Private to Enlisted Rank 4. He completed basic training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was deployed on a tour in France. On January 14, 1960, he received an honorable early separation following overseas service.

On January 16, 1965, a day filled with hope and promise, Lawrence married his beloved wife, Jean Clarice Taylor. Together they built a home rooted in unconditional love, laughter, and steadfast support. They shared sixty years of marriage, walking through life side by side until his passing.

Lawrence's deep love for family extended into his professional life. As a manager at Howard Johnson's Restaurant, he employed and uplifted many families and friends, creating meaningful opportunities during a pivotal time for those he hired. He was an equity-minded, socially responsible, empowerment-driven leader, compassionate, inclusive, and committed to second chances. A mentorship-oriented manager and community-centered employer, Lawrence was a benevolent leader positioned by God to provide stability and opportunity for others, as well as for his own family. His spirit of generosity and provision became a foundation for many.

Those blessed to know Lawrence remember him as far more than a respected manager. He was also a devoted family documentarian who found joy in recording everyday moments and milestones. A keeper of memories, he intentionally captured the faces, voices, and laughter of those he loved. Nostalgic and sentimental, he understood the value of preserving moments for future generations.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy include his wife, Jean Clarice Toliver; five sons and three daughters-in-law: Vincent Coston (Saundra), Lawrence Toliver, Jr. (Cynthia), Michael Byrdsong, Elton Toliver (Hanna), and Gene Toliver; one daughter and son-in-law, Tanya Jones (Johnnie "Jay"); nine grandchildren: Evannie, Karryssa, Trey, Demetri "DJ," Alina, Aesia, Morgan, Alexander, and Xavier; two great-grandchildren, Lilly and Nathan; nephews: Richard, Douglas, Arnold, Stanley, Chris, Thomas, George, Michael, Charles and John Patterson; nieces: Jackie, Sharon, Tilly, Deborah, Edna, Martha, Audrey, Carrie and Eva; and a host of cousins, great and great great-nephews and nieces; one brother-in-law Alvin (Patricia) Smith; two sister-in-laws Patricia Brown and Esperanza (Peyton) Burrell; Special Nephews: James (Jimmy) Toliver, Orlando (Lee) Toliver and Kelvin Toliver; Special Friends: George "Wendy" Warren, The Clay brothers, Douglas Smith, Robert Johnson, John Blaney, and Robert "Bobby" Johnson

With deep gratitude, the family acknowledges Terry and Deborah Richie, whose friendship and steadfast support held a special place in Lawrence's life.

The family will receive friends at Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Highway, Buchanan, VA. 24066 on Friday December 19, 2025 from 6 to 8pm. Homegoing Services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 beginning at 12 Noon at the Spirit of Unity Baptist Church, 193 Updike Lane, Roanoke, Virginia 24019. Interment with Military Honors will be in Greenfield Cemetery. Online Condolences may be made at botetourtfh.com or 540-254-3000.

View Lawrence Toliver, Sr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/12/2025

Mildred Sellers service update

A graveside service will be held at Haymakertown Cemetery on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 2 pm with Pastor Danny Barham officiating.

12/12/2025

Constance Wilmore

Constance "Connie" Irvine Wilmore, 76, of Buchanan, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce Alfred Irvine and Peggy Ann Irvine; sisters, Linda Dabney and Virginia "Jenny" Hamilton.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Jessica Falls, and David and Stacey "Billie" Falls; grandchildren, Hannah, Lilly, Myles, Jessamyn, Ariana, Aydien, and Korben; sister, Shirley Painter (James); brother, Bruce Irvine, Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held from 4-6pm Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfh.com.

View Constance Wilmore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

David Calvano

David Jay Calvano, 67, passed away surrounded by love on December 10th, 2025. Born on December 6, 1958, in Orlando, Florida, David lived a life full of adventure, connection, and heart. Though he traveled the world and collected experiences from every corner of it, he always found his true home in Hollywood, Maryland.

David grew up as a waterman on the waters of the Patuxent River and the Gulf of Mexico, spending countless days alongside his brothers, sister, and lifelong friends. Those times on the water, filled with hard work, laughter, and camaraderie, shaped his character and instilled in him a deep appreciation for friendship, family, and the simple joys of life along the water, whether it's in Southern Maryland or Southwest Florida.

He spent many years traveling the world, working for the State Department, building connections, and experiencing cultures across the globe. The relationships he formed during these travels were treasured and enduring; he nurtured them throughout his life, keeping in touch and remaining a constant presence in the lives of the people he met abroad. Upon returning home, he dedicated his talents and expertise to Naval Air Systems Command and the Pentagon, leaving a lasting impact through his commitment and service.

He was a devoted and proud father to his children, Victoria Lynn Calvano, David Eric Calvano, his wife Samantha, as well as his loving stepson, Adam Patrick Duffy, who were the center of his world. His love for them was unwavering and unconditional and consistent through every season of life. Becoming a grandfather brought him even greater joy. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren: Oliver David Vrba, Ariana Maria Vrba, Bella Grace Moll, John Leone Calvano, and Jay-Thomas Carmine Calvano. To each of them, he offered the same boundless love, pride, and gentle encouragement. His face lit up at the mention of their names, and they were truly the light of his life.

He is further survived by his siblings: Stephen Mark Calvano and his wife Laura; Daryl Wayne Calvano and his wife Carol; and Karen Lynn Thompson and her husband Mendell. Also survived by his beloved aunt Marjorie Maddox-Horton. Family was the foundation of David's life, and he carried each of them close to his heart no matter what part of the world he was in. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Bruna, a loyal companion who brought him daily joy and comfort.

David will be remembered for the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him, with his friendship, his generosity, his compassion, and his unwavering support. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, for offering love without condition, and for bringing joy and laughter into every room he entered. His kindness, warmth, and genuine heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He joins his mother, Anna Maddox-Calvano; his father, Ralph Calvano; and his beloved uncles, Sam Maddox, and John (Jack) Maddox, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and family that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He lived fully, loved deeply, and will be forever missed.

View David Calvano's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/08/2025

Eric Vincent Roberts

Eric Vincent Roberts, 60, of Buchanan, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, David Roberts, mother, Jo Ann Crider, and step-father, Erwin Crider.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Kristi Bierer; grandson, Walker Bierer, sister and brother-in-law, Kendra and Mike Williams; and special friend, Allison McCullouch.

Funeral Services will be held 2pm Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfh.com.

View Eric Vincent Roberts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/06/2025

Kathryn Simpson

Kathryn Peery Simpson, 78, of Troutville, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025. Kathryn was born on June 10, 1947, in Eagle Rock, VA. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Peery, Sr. of Eagle Rock.

Kathryn is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Simpson; daughter, Melissa Walters (Faith); son, Michael Simpson; sister-in-law, Janice Wright; nephew, Randall Wright (Lisa); niece, Cindy Metheny (Scott); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Kathryn's life will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 11 a.m. at Mill Creek Baptist Church, with Pastor Danny Quirin officiating. The family will receive friends an hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Mill Creek Baptist Church building fund or the Botetourt Resource Center. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfh.com or 540-254-3000.

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12/05/2025

Service Reschedule: Please note due to the weather, we are rescheduling Mrs. Seller's service from tomorrow to Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Visitation at noon and service at 1pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

12/05/2025

This is exactly why we don’t go into cemeteries when there’s snow on the ground. Folks think a couple inches is no big deal and will at times get frustrated with us but imagine if this were to happen around here. We try our best to respect our family’s wishes and the ones we have already buried.

"Breaks my heart": A man mourning his wife and parents at a cemetery said crews drove heavy machinery over graves and damaged headstones https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/12/05/cemetery-crews-allegedly-drove-heavy-machinery-over-graves-damaged-headstones-breaks-my-heart/

12/04/2025

We are blessed with the opportunity to have the fallen hero’s tree in our foyer this year. Thanks to Sirens and Salutes for all the stars from first responders, k9s, veterans, and border patrol. Come by and see it and get your calendar.

12/02/2025

The Virginia Funeral Director's Association has made us aware of a scam and we want to pass along this info to our Families.
Several families and clients of funeral homes have reported receiving phone calls from individuals falsely claiming that insurance funds cannot be released until after a death certificate has been filed. The caller then pressures the family to make an immediate “deposit” to expedite the process. DO NOT DO THIS, call us first.

12/02/2025

Mildred Sellers

Mildred Billie Haymaker Sellers, 86, of Troutville, VA, passed away on November 27, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otho Adam Haymaker and Lillie Elizabeth Huffman Haymaker; husband of 38 years, William Francis Sellers; and sons, W. Allen Sellers and Michael Sellers.

Mildred is survived by her daughter and special friend, Patricia Cobb and Tom Smith; son, James Sellers; grandchildren, Travis Sellers, Jessica Sellers, Adam Cobb, Chayna Sellers, Jayden Sellers, and Issac Sellers; sister, Geneva Hutchinson; and best friend, Shirley Chamberlin.

A graveside service will be held at Haymakertown Cemetery on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 2 pm with Pastor Danny Barham officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com or 540-254-3000.

View Mildred Sellers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.