Akers-James Funeral Home

01/11/2026

Darwin "Don" Adkins

Darwin “Don” McKinley Adkins, 74 of Cocoa, FL formerly of Logan, WV left his earthly home for Heaven on December 20, 2025.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and servant leader, he was born June 13, 1951 in Logan, WV to the late Darwin and Carol Rose (Chaffins) Adkins. Don grew up in Logan, where he proudly graduated from Logan High School. Those years helped form lifelong values and shape his character, most importantly his love of family that defined his life.

Don proudly served in the United States Navy for 23 years rising to the rank of Lieutenant. During his distinguished military career, he was active in both submerged and surface warfare, serving his country with honor, discipline, and dedication.

Following his retirement from the Navy he devoted the next 31 years of his life to ministry as Pastor of the Christ Central Church in Cocoa, FL. Throughout his years of service he faithfully fulfilled many roles including elder, teacher, counselor, missionary, leader, and Chaplin of the Asbury Retirement Community in Cocoa, FL for 7 years. His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith deeply impacted his congregation, and all who sought his guidance. His family was the center of his life and one of his greatest joys.

Outside of his calling and career he found joy in simple adventures, especially ATV adventures on rugged back roads with his family that were always filled with moments of laughter, stories, and lasting memories. Don will be remembered for a life marked by service, faith, humility, fun, and love. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the contagious faith he shared.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his youngest brother, Delbert “Dinky” Adkins. Don is survived by his loving wife, Brenda (Chambers) Adkins; his children, Chad Adkins (Tara), and Stacy Puett (Vic); his grandchildren, Ashley King (Josh), Kaley Adkins, Abby Elkins (Griffin), Jack Pruett, and Allison Adkins, who proudly serves in the United States Navy, continuing a family legacy of service; his siblings, Amanda Hicks, Tom Adkins, Wanda Conley, Tracy Adkins, and Juanita Adair, all of West Virginia; his beloved dog, Puka, who he was deeply fond of, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don was laid to rest with military honors January 7, 2026 in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL. A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Justice Christian Church, Justice Addition, Logan, WV with Chad Adkins officiating. A dinner reception will immediately follow.

View Darwin "Don" Adkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/03/2026

Luther C. Burgess

It is with a heavy heart we announce Luther Carl Burgess Sr, 84 of McConnell, WV went home to be with the Lord Friday, December 19th, 2025, peacefully at his home.

He was a humble and simple man who we had the pleasure to call our Paw Paw Luke. Born on March 15th 1941, he was the son of the late Okey Burgess and Alice Dale Harless. You could often find Luther fishing with his grandkids, gardening, watching baseball, or fixing things around the house. He had a gift for mechanics and a heart full of love for his family, especially his wife Janet. His son and his grandkids were his pride and joy. Luther loved the Lord with all his heart and we know he ran into the arms of Jesus.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Burgess (Hensley); his sister, Ruth Ogden (OH); his son, Luther Carl Burgess Jr. (Stephanie); granddaughters, Hannah Rachman (Stephen), Amiliah Bradley (Chance), and Camryn Burgess; great grandsons, Troy Suggs and Noah Bradley along with several other close family members.

Honoring his wishes the family will have private services just as Luther would have wanted.

View Luther C. Burgess's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Joseph H. Justice

Joseph H. Justice was born on January 10, 1946, and was sent to his eternal home on December 31, 2025. Joe was a soft-spoken man whose life was centered on his family and church. He was a gifted mechanic, welder, and carpenter. He was mostly self-taught and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed his years working on equipment at several different strip mines and was a UMWA retiree. He served many years in leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joe loved music, especially when playing guitar with his older brother John. He spent his adult life in the Pecks Mill area, but his heart was always in the stories he told of growing up in the "hollers and hills" of Dingess, WV.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and F***y, and brother Jim Justice.

Joe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bernieda; son, Joseph B. (Myra) Justice of Proctorville, OH; daughter, Jennifer Baisden of Pecks Mill, WV; son, Jared (Lori) Justice of Pecks Mill, WV; grandchildren, Justin Cales (Cynthia), Kayli Baisden, Samuel Justice, Emma Justice, Andrea Justice, and great grandsons Navier Carter and Jackson Cales. Joe also had a special fondness for his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Carolyn (Dennis Porter), Melody (Julius) Kirk, Marsha (Benny) Williamson, brothers-in-law Elmer Lee Damron and Dana Damron, along with many nephews and nieces.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pecks Mill, WV on Saturday January 3, 2026, with visitation at 1 p.m. and memorial service at 2 p.m. with burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Dr. Daniel Wright.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.

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12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to an end, we’d like to sincerely thank all the families that entrusted us with the care of their loved ones this year.

We hope that everyone has a safe and Happy New Year.

12/29/2025

Romell Faye Mitchell

Romell Faye (Mann) Mitchell, age 79, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Logan Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

She was born on October 15, 1946, to the late Frank and Beulah Mann.

Romell was a 1964 graduate of Logan High School and later earned a Regents Bachelor’s Degree from Bluefield State University. She devoted more than 56 years of service to Logan Regional Medical Center, where she worked as Director of Information Systems and Executive Administrative Assistant. Her dedication, professionalism, and loyalty left a lasting impact on her workplace and colleagues, many of whom she considered family.

Romell was a faithful member of West Logan Church. She loved attending church, participating in various ministries over the years, and spending time with her family and friends, all of whom she cherished deeply.

Those left to cherish her memory include her two sons, Billy Mitchell of Logan, WV, and Jamie Mitchell of Jacksonville, FL; two granddaughters, Tara (Josh) Preece of Lenore, WV, and Skylar Mitchell of Charleston, WV; her brother, Jim Mann, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Mann of Abingdon, VA; her daughter-in-law, Kim (Maynard) Mitchell of Lenore, WV; her niece, Brandi (Mann) Hopkins of Louisville, KY; great-nephews Logan and Gavin Hopkins and great-niece Molly Hopkins, all of Louisville, KY; and her step-daughter, Stephanie (Mitchell) Ryan of Man, WV. She is also survived by a host of other friends and members of her extended work family.

Romell will be especially missed by a group of dear friends whom she loved as family: Sue Ann and Krysti McMillen of Logan; Jack and Judy Logan of Chapmanville; Mary Jeffrey of Justice Addition; Junior and Mary Vance of Garrets Fork; and Justin Turner of Logan.

In keeping with Romell’s wishes, cremation has taken place. As her favorite season was spring, guests are invited to wear colorful clothing in celebration of renewal and life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Romell’s memory to West Logan Church, 809 1st Ave., Logan, WV 25601. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Akers-James Funeral Home, located at 832 Old Logan Road, Logan, WV.

View Romell Faye Mitchell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/27/2025

Gregory “Doc” Baisden

Gregory “Doc” Baisden, age 69, of Verdunville, WV, passed away at his residence on December 26th, 2025. Born on August 20, 1956, at Holden Hospital in Holden, WV, he was the son of the late John Ed Jr and Nina Baisden.

Doc was preceded in death by his beloved eldest brother Claude Edward Baisden Sr. and his grandparents John Ed Sr and Norma Baisden, and Claude and Mary Maynard. He is survived by his brother Dennis Baisden of Verdunville; nieces Sarah (Cebern) Blankenship of Holden, WV, Stephanie (Charlie) Bledsoe of Ona, WV; nephews Claude “Bucky” (Kim) Baisden of Logan, WV, Chase (Christy) Olson of Rochester, MN. He also leaves behind his cherished great-nieces and great-nephew Emily Dillon, Ashley Bledsoe, Patty and Luke Blankenship, Doc is further survived by special cousins Debbie (Bob) Baisden-Fields and Brandie (Ralph) Perry, who were a big part of his life as well as numerous family members, loved ones and furry friends.

Doc was a graduate of Logan High School in 1974. He dedicated more than 50 years to the coal mining industry as a skilled blaster, drill operator, and coal truck driver with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). He is known for his hard work and deep knowledge of the industry.

Outside of his career, Doc was a passionate collector of fi****ms and had a love for classic cars. He found great joy in spending time with his family and loved ones. Doc was a man of simple pleasures, and his warmth, generosity, and easygoing nature left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Doc will be laid to rest at one of his favorite spots “out on the hill”, a place where he could find peace, surrounded by his loved ones who have gone on before him.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 12 pm Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Akers-James Funeral Home. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 pm Tuesday December 30 in the Alvis Maynard Family Cemetery at Dunlow, WV with Minister Ralph Perry officiating.

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12/25/2025

As we celebrate the holiday season with our families, let us take a moment to remember those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

12/23/2025

Rachel Joice Smith

Rachel Joice (Justice) Smith, 97 of Whitman, WV passed away December 20, 2025, at Trinity Healthcare Services of Logan.

She was born February 27, 1928, at Asco, WV to the late Albert and Julia Ann (Hawks) Justice. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Elbert T. Smith Jr.

Rachel attended Welch High School where she graduated with a general diploma, which was rare during the depression and in that area. She worked as a telephone operator in Logan until she met Elbert at a church picnic and they got married on January 1, 1950. Rachel loved to sew and at the age of 5 her mother gave her some fabric, and she made a dress for herself without a pattern. She would make beautiful drapes and valances and would sew for people to earn extra money. She also made red velvet cakes and pumpkin rolls to sell for extra money and would be very busy during the holidays filling her orders for pumpkin rolls.

She is survived by her only living brother, Lowery Justice of Bland, VA; daughters, Julia Ann (Michael) Crum of Logan, and Linda Kay (Donald) Ashworth, who resides in a nursing home in Dunbar, WV due to her dementia. Julia and Michael’s family includes Joanna, Dug, and Jason Hampton of Pearisburg, VA, Michael W. Crum Jr. of Roanoke, VA, Michelle and Linzy Sanders of Roanoke, VA; Linda’s family includes Crissy (Ricky) Smyrdel of Charleston, WV April (Joshua) Stewart of Nitro, WV, and Kimberly (Terance) Williams of Dunbar, WV. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Logan Church of the Nazarene on Dingess Street in Logan, where she was a member. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in her memory be made to the Logan Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 1410 Logan, WV 25601

View Rachel Joice Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/02/2025

Melissa Leigh Mullins

In loving memory of Melissa Leigh Mullins, 46 of Holden, WV.

Melissa was born on January 17, 1979 and went home on November 30 2025 to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Abighail Hamlet; grandparents, Louise and L.D. Hensley and Marvie and James Mullins.

Those left to cherish her memory, one daughter, Kennedy Hamlet of Huntington, WV; her mom, Brenda Mullins and dad, Benny Mullins; her stepmom, Dreama Thomas-Mullins; one sister, Sara Epperhart (Eric Epperhart) of Holden, WV, and two step brothers, Zachary and Tyler Adkins. Along with her nieces and nephews, Allyson, Carlee, and Bentley Meade and Tinsley Epperhart all of Holden, WV.

Melissa was a 1997 graduate of Logan High School. She was a light in everyone’s life and a moment was never dull in her presence. Being a mom, aunt, sister, and daughter were her greatest joys. Melissa lived a life full of laughter, loud music, and The Golden Girls on a loop. To know her was to love her and the time we were all given to love her was a gift.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December, 4 2025, at Akers-James Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 11am until time of the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Bentley Meade, Eric Epperhart, Mickey Frankum, John Mullins, Zackary Adkins, and Tyler Adkins.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.

View Melissa Leigh Mullins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we hope that everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/26/2025

Leah Rae Browning Conley

Leah Rae Browning Conley, 84 of Chapmanville, WV passed away peacefully November 25, 2025 at Logan Regional Medical Center with her family by her side.

She was born April 21, 1941 at Verdunville, WV the daughter of the late Clyde and Della Maynard. In addition to her parents Leah was also preceded in death by her husbands, Rayburn Browning and Lee Conley.

Leah attended Maryetta United Baptist Church for many years and was loved by many who knew her. She loved it when the kids would come to her house in Prom clothes to take pictures with her. We hope that she is enjoying her cheesecake every day.

She is survived by her brothers, James Tillman (Debbie) Maynard, and Pat Maynard; sisters, Bonnie (Harold) Kovach, and Jeanetta Elkins. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special people, Jason, Amber, Leland, Payson Anderson, and Gabe Conley.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Akers-James Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services Sunday at the funeral home. There will be a private burial in Highland Memory Gardens on Monday, December 1, 2025.

In lieu of flowers or food, donations should be made to the organization or church of your choice in her name.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.

View Leah Rae Browning Conley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/26/2025

Rita Spriggs

Rita Spriggs, 97 of Switzer, Wv departed this life Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Logan Regional Medical Center.

She was born June 15, 1928, in Massachusetts to the late Cecilia and Walter Ryzinski. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, George L. “Larry” Spriggs.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, David L. Spriggs, Michael P. Spriggs, and Mark K. Spriggs; 5 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2025 at Akers-James Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Butcher officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pecks Mill, WV. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.

View Rita Spriggs's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.