Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, 828 Front St, Lovingston, VA (2025)

08/28/2025

Helen Jeanette (McCans, Uehrke) Nay
Helen Jeanette Nay, loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on August 26, 2025 at her home in Roseland, Virginia.
Helen was born in Osceola, Illinois in 1929 to Archie and Una McCans. She and her family survived the great depression by growing a large garden, canning their harvest and having chickens for meat and eggs. Even though times were hard, Helen and her siblings had a good childhood filled with laughter and love. Helen remembers walking with her dad to the general store and he might get her a bottle of coke and take it home to sit by the radio and listen to a baseball game.
After high school graduation, Helen went to work for a doctor in a neighboring city. It was there that she met George Uehrke who would become her husband and the father of her only child, Sharon. After George’s untimely death in 1956, Helen and Sharon faced life together as they would until her death.
Helen loved to travel and did so whenever she could. Her many adventures included fishing trips to Canada, a mule ride down the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon, exploring the Atlantic seashore, a train trip from Michigan to Seattle Washington and back and many trips through the western United States. She particularly loved to see whatever types of wildlife the areas had to offer such as buffalo in South Dakota, bears in Yellowstone Park and alligators in the swamps of Florida.
Another of Helen’s passions was sports which she followed right up to the end. She looked forward to watching UofM and Detroit Lions football, Michigan State basketball, the Little League World Series and the Olympics. A particularly special day in her household was the Sunday of Memorial weekend when everyone would sit with her and watch the Indianapolis 500 mile race.
But, of all her great loves, Helen loved her family the most. As a mother, she supported her daughter as a mentor and a trusted friend. Helen lived with Sharon for many years as her health declined and their bond was extremely strong. But, Helen shined even brighter when her grandchildren came along. She babysat, attended all of their school functions and sporting events and was there if they needed a shoulder to cry on. Helen would tell anyone that asked about her grandchildren that hers were the best, the brightest and the most beautiful! In the past few years, Helen added three great grandchildren to her family and even though she was separated from them by many miles, she thought of them daily and loved them so very much.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Sharon Grace (John Smith); her granddaughters, Sarah Courtney and Rebecca Magett (Erin) and her grandson, Christopher Stankus; her great grandchildren, Chris Stankus, Jada Stankus and Mia Stankus as well as a number of special nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Archie D. and Una V. McCans; her sisters, Marguerite (Carl) Walker, Dorothy (Art) Kurzrock, Arlene White and her brother, “Mac” (Ira) McCans.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/27/2025

Martha Mayo Harville, 70, passed away suddenly at her home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on August 8, 2025. She was the daughter of John William Harville and Katharine Manry Harville.
Besides her parents, she is predeceased by a sister, Nancy Harville Gomez. Survivors are brothers John William (“Billy”) Harville, Jr., and Edward Hunter Harville, along with nine nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.
Martha was born on June 27, 1955, in Virginia. She lived her childhood in Lovingston, Virginia, and attended Nelson County Public Schools there. She received her degree in American Studies from The University of Mary Washington and her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Florida State University. She worked at public libraries in Chesterfield County and the city of Fredericksburg and in Petersburg Public Schools as a school library media specialist. This led her to become school library media specialist for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), serving in base schools in Germany, Japan, and Jacksonville, North Carolina (Camp Lejeune).
Martha loved books and travelling. She shared her love of reading and learning with many students through the years. She visited many places, including Egypt, Morocco, Japan, and many European countries. She had a thirst for learning and new adventures. Martha loved to laugh, and she always attended her class reunions in Nelson County, the place where she felt most at home.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Wells-Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, at 2:00 p.m. A private dispersal of her ashes will be held at a later date.

Please consider donations in Martha's memory to the Children's Defense Fund at childrensdefense.org

Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/22/2025

Mary Annie Walker Rodgers, born on February 4, 1951 to Joseph William Walker and Flora Doss Walker of Tye River passed away on August 22, 2025 at her home in the care of her daughter-in-law, Susan Rodgers.
She was preceded in death by her parents and the father of her sons, Mark Rodgers.
She is survived by her three sons, James Marcus Rodgers, III (Patty), William Prosper Rodgers (Janice) and Andrew Dale Rodgers (Susan); grandchildren, Jamie (Brett), Jack, Lia, Georgi, Joey (Brittany), Lanie (Michael), Jacob, and Hunter; four great-grandchildren, Tanner, Maddie, Ellie, and Rosie. She is also survived by her companion, Anthony Dale Irving.
She retired from Nelson County Public Schools after 41 years of service as a bus driver. She was passionate about driving and had plans to return as a substitute before her diagnosis in July 2024 with Glioblastoma. She fought a courageous battle.
The family extends their gratitude to the Hospice of the Piedmont, family, friends, and neighbors for all their love and support.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway
Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 .
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Amherst Cemetery in Amherst with Pastor Raymond Rowley officiating.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/21/2025

G. Jean Robinson, Lynchburg, Virginia
Family surrounded Jean Robinson when she passed on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the age of 91 years old.
Jean Robinson was born on March 1, 1934, in Faber, Virginia. She will be remembered for her love of bowling, traveling, cats, and socializing with her family and friends.
She is predeceased by her daughter, Janet Lei Perkins.
She is survived by her granddaughters: Jeanette (Shawn) George, Jacki (Larry) Dening and great granddaughter: Kinsey Dening, nephews: Billy Simpson, Michael (Patsy) Simpson, and nieces: Barbara Thompson and Mary (Ray) Ramsey.
A graveside service will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and Cemetery, 14654 Thomas Nelson Hwy, Lovingston, VA 22949, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society in her name.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/19/2025

June Akers Simpson
June 12, 1939 – August 16, 2025
The Lord showed mercy upon June and called her home on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Born into a loving and hardworking family, June (affectionately known as “Junebug”) was the daughter of Emily Reinhart (Fechtmann) Mather and Percy DeWitt Mather, who were married on March 12, 1937. The Mather family lived on a dairy farm in East Moriches, Long Island, before relocating to Mattituck in 1955. They began selling milk under the Woodlawn Dairy name and later became proud owners of their own operation, Mather Dairy. It was truly a family effort—June and her sisters, Joan, Joyce, and Jane, often helped deliver milk door to door, occasionally sneaking in a joy ride in the milk truck.
June met her first husband, Thomas Adie Akers, at the Strawberry Festival while he was stationed at a Long Island Air Force base. They married in August 1959, and soon began a life filled with love, family, and global adventures. They welcomed their son, Thomas Adie Akers II, in July 1960, and daughter, Donna Lynn, in 1964. When Tom was stationed overseas, June courageously flew to Turkey with their two young children to join him—a bold move that led to unforgettable memories. While living abroad, June learned some Turkish, rode a camel, walked in the River Jordan, toured the Holy Lands, and made a home in a new and unfamiliar land.
The Akers family later moved to California, Minnesota, and finally settled in West Virginia near Tom’s family. There, June worked at the Alderson Federal Prison Camp for Women, famously known as the facility that housed Martha Stewart. Always passionate about learning, June later attended Marshall University and earned her degree in Library Science. She found great joy in her work as she helped open the Alderson Library, and she also cherished her time singing in the church choir.
In 1990, June moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where she met her second husband, Randolph “RE” Simpson, at the University of Virginia. Their love story began at a local singles club where June boldly asked RE to dance while his date was in the ladies' room. They were married for 35 beautiful years. Together, they enjoyed camping, fishing, biking, and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains on their motorcycles. At the age of 60, June surprised everyone—especially RE and her children—by taking a motorcycle class and purchasing a hot cycle of her own. She and RE rode to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and took road trips across Florida, Tennessee, and the Badlands of South Dakota.
June is survived by her beloved husband, RE Simpson; her son, Dr. Thomas Adie Akers II, and his wife Kathy, along with their children, Nate and Kristen Akers; her daughter, Donna Akers Casanave, and husband Paul; and her grandchildren, Angela (and husband Zac Stilwell), Karly (and husband Jonny Phillips), and Paul “PJ” Casanave. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Finnley Thomas and Regan Adie Stilwell. She is also survived by two sisters, Jane Mather Armbrust and Janis Mather Gordon.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel in Lovingston with Pastor Ely Guzman officiating.
Interment will follow in Ridgecrest Baptist Church Cemetery in Lovingston.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/17/2025

Ruth Saunders Purvis peacefully departed this world on August 12, 2025, surrounded by family at the age of 96.
Ruth is survived by her four children, Dr. Edward Sanford Purvis (Ellen) of South Boston, John Rayburn Purvis (Jenny) of Beaverdam, Elizabeth Purvis Shepard (Chris) of Shipman, Martha Purvis Smith (Shane) of Spotsylvania; nine grandchildren, Virginia Cook (Kevin), Martha Cassidy (Ryan), Jessica Vance (Geoff), Joey Purvis (Hannah), Rachael Brown (Charles), Sanford Shepard, Delia Shepard, Forrest Smith, and Evelyn Smith, and eight great grandchildren, Teddy, Charlotte, Daelan, Shepherd, Noelle, Thacker, Daisy, and Conway; sister,Betty Walker, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
She was preceded in her passing by her devoted husband of 65 years, John Edward Purvis, her parents, John Raeburn Saunders and Julia Elizabeth Turpin Saunders Bethel, and her brother, John Raeburn Saunders, Jr.
Ruth was born on October 2, 1928, in Tyro, Virginia. She had happy memories of swimming in the Tye River with John and Betty and loved listening to the radio with her father. Her Aunt Susie taught her to read, and she spent many hours enjoying a good book. After graduating from Fleetwood High School in 1944, she moved to Lynchburg, where she graduated from business college and worked as a secretary at Craddock-Terry. She moved back to Nelson County to her family’s home at East Branch and worked as a secretary at Piney River Plant. It was there that she met John Ed, and they married in 1954. She and John Ed lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where he was stationed with the United States Air Force and where she worked as a legal secretary. In 1957, she and John Ed moved back home to Nelson County to begin raising a family. After being a homemaker for many years, Ruth returned to work outside the home and enjoyed working at Peoples Bank in Lovingston, the Nelson County Clerk’s Office, and with Circuit Court Judge Robert Goad.
Ruth was a member of Jonesboro Baptist Church in her youth, and she and John Ed were members of Nelson United Methodist Church. She loved the pastor, Dr. Edwin Clever, and called the members her church family. Over the years, Ruth volunteered in numerous ways, including as a Sunday school teacher and as a Girl Scout Brownie troop leader. Ruth was also always willing to keep the home fires burning while John Ed attended his many meetings.
Ruth loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and was always supportive of her children and their families. She also loved being the daughter-in-law of Daisy and Sanford Purvis and was as devoted to them as they were to her. Like her mother, Liz, her aunts Susie and Dell, and her sister Betty, Ruth was an excellent cook. The family has many fond memories of delicious meals and good times with the Saunders and Purvis sides of the family. Ruth became legally blind in the second half of her life and adapted remarkably to her limitations. She truly had a place for everything and everything in its place.
Ruth was blessed with her own family, a church family, a Nelson County family of friends to her and John Ed, and in her last year, a family at Fairmont Crossing of staff and fellow residents. The family would like to thank all of you for your love and support over the years. We will all greatly miss her.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the fellowship hall at Nelson United Methodist Church.
A funeral service will be held after at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Nelson United Methodist Church.
Interment at the Purvis Family Cemetery will be after the funeral service.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Nelson United Methodist Church Building Fund or Emanuel Youth Mission.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/13/2025

Hope Gwen Grant, 54, departed this life on August 12, 2025 surrounded with love of family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cooper; sisters, Deborah, Robin, Wanda and daughter, Samantha Tyree.
She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, James Grant, Jr.; her children, Cody Grant (Skylar), Alix Grant, and Jordan Grant (Kenzie) as well as grandchildren, Lillyana Rose, Kaiden Osborne, Cypress and Tobias Grant.
Hope was known for her feisty spirit and loving heart. She loved her family and friends fiercely. Small, but mighty she became an intrical part of many lives and was affectionately known as Mom, “Aint” Hope, Nanny Hope, Grummy, and GG.
Her love of life and fun shines brightly in those she leaves behind.
A private burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 immediately followed by a Celebration of Life service at 849 Williamstown Road, Shipman, Virginia 22971.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/07/2025

Ruby Vernelle Woodson Wood of Shipman, Virginia, peacefully entered into eternal rest on August 5, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on June 20, 1947, to the late William “Andy” Woodson and Vernelle Culvahouse (Dallas), Ruby’s life was a beautiful testament to love, hard work, and unshakable faith.

At the tender age of 14, Ruby met the love of her life, Billy Wood Sr., and together they built a life filled with devotion, family, and grit—working side by side in the logging woods and hayfields of Nelson County. Their love story was the kind that lasted a lifetime. Ruby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy, whose memory remained a constant in her heart.

Nearly 50 years ago, Ruby found her second home at Sunny Mountain Store. What began as a job blossomed into a legacy as she became the heart and soul of that little country store, eventually owning it for over 25 years. “Momma Ruby,” as the community lovingly called her, was more than just a storekeeper; she was a friend, a confidant, and a second mother to many. Even after selling the store, Ruby continued to pour her heart and soul into its success, staying connected to the place and people she loved.

Ruby was known for her fierce independence, her sharp wit, and her unmistakable feisty spirit. She never shied away from speaking her mind, always with a twinkle in her eye and a heart full of love. Ruby’s sass and strength were a big part of her charm—if you knew her, you knew that fire inside her never dimmed.

She was the eldest of her siblings, having been preceded in death by her parents, William “Andy” Woodson (Eloise) and Vernelle Culvahouse (Dallas), her husband Billy Wood Sr., her brothers Bo Woodson (Susie) and Ronald Woodson, her sister Helen Ward and niece Sarah Woodson. She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward including Siblings Grover Woodson, Joan Davis, Lois Knapp, William Woodson, and Shirley Woodson.

Her greatest pride was her family. Ruby’s legacy lives on through her children: Billy “Pete” Wood Jr. (Nikki), Frances Wood, Dallas Wood (Lynnette), and Gloria Tolbert (Jason); her grandchildren: Billy III “Bud” Wood, Dallas Jr. “DJ” Wood (Melanie), Christopher “Nick” Wood, Cody Tolbert, Elizabeth Deel, and Jacob “Jake” Tolbert (Rachel); and her great-grandchildren: Waylon, Dalton, and Luna Wood; Wilson and Gunnar Wood; Abigail Wood; Macie Deel; and Sadie and Justin Tolbert.

She also shared a special bond with her beloved niece, Beverly “Dee Dee” Kanary, and her treasured cousin, Mariann “Peewee” Smith.

Ruby also had a cherished four-legged companion, her cat “Little Bit,” who never left her side. Little Bit was her constant shadow, her comfort, and her quiet friend, bringing joy and companionship.

In her final months, Ruby faced life’s journey with the same grace, grit, and feisty spirit that defined her. Her favorite words, spoken with a knowing smile, became her mantra:

“Don’t worry about me. Me and God got this. I will be OK.”

Ruby’s unwavering love, her firecracker personality, and her deep faith have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was a rock, a matriarch, a friend, and a light in the lives of many. Though she has gone to her heavenly home, her legacy of kindness, resilience, and sass will forever live in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Family will greet friends starting at 3:00 pm Saturday August 9, 2025 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Lovingston VA.

Service to follow at 4:00 pm officiated by Rev. Dr. Mike Fitzgerald.

Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/07/2025

Francis “Frank/Frankie” Marion Browning, 78, of Nellysford, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at his residence.
He was born May 26, 1947 in Shipman, Virginia (Nelson County) a son of the late Alexander and Frances Stevens Browning.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary and Lukie Browning and his sisters, Sandra Dale Fulcher and Brenda Wood.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Browning; his sons, Tyler Browning and Jaime Canales; his daughter, Nicole Canales; grandchildren, Max Bensing and Dominique Hernandez and wife, Molly; and his extended family, David and Alicia Christenson, John and Esther Melendez, Veronica Saavedra and George Parra.
Frank loved his brothers and sisters in Christ dearly. Frank was a gentle and loving servant of the LORD. His kind spirit touched so many hearts and lives. His music will forever live in our hearts. We thank God that Frank is in heaven and has joined the Heavenly chorus and will forever praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston with Pastor Jeffrey Campbell, Pastor John Campbell and Pastor Nathan Williams officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials take the form of contributions to Calvary Baptist Church Kitchen Fund, 8408 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Lovingston, VA 22949 or Clifford Baptist Church, 635 Fletchers Level Rd., Amherst, VA 24521.
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

08/01/2025

William (Billy) H. Smith July 8, 1936 – July 28, 2025
William "Billy" H. Smith of Shipman, Virginia, entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord at his home on Monday, July 28, 2025, following a long illness. He was lovingly cared for by Hospice of the Piedmont, his devoted wife Dean, his daughter Sherry and the family’s dog, Lakota.
Born on July 8, 1936, in Washington, D.C., Billy was the son of the late Clifford Howard Smith and the late Lorrine Bunch Smith Terry. He was raised in Washington, D.C. by his maternal grandparents, Leonard and Myrtle Bunch, alongside a special aunt, Pauline Miller, who held a dear place in his heart.
Billy was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, six stepbrothers, four stepsisters, three half-sisters, and one half-brother.
A man of many passions, Billy held deep affection for his beloved deceased dogs—Cherokee, Cheyenne, and Ginger—and lived life with boundless enthusiasm. He loved traveling, attending car shows, enjoying music and dancing, telling jokes, and embracing new adventures. Always the extrovert, Billy never met a stranger and was quick to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors. Whether visiting shut-ins or offering rides to church or the store, his kindness knew no bounds. His hobbies included road trips across the country, camping, swimming, playing billiards, bowling, and enjoying card games.
Billy’s career as a skilled brick mason and subcontractor reflected the pride he took in craftsmanship and hard work. He was an active member of Fairmount Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Trustee, Usher, and former Groundsman. He also served in civic life as a member of the Jaycees in Waldorf, Maryland.
Billy leaves behind a legacy of love through his wife, Dean of 67 years and 10 months; daughter, Sherry Fitzgerald (David) of Tyro, VA; and son, Ken Smith (Elaine) of North Fort Myers, FL. He was the proud grandfather of Alexis Smith (Ben) of Cape Coral, FL; Austin Fitzgerald II (Rachael) of Lynchburg, VA; Sascha Smith (Eric) of Waynesville, NC; and Alexandra Wilson (Luke) of Lovingston, VA.
His great-grandson, Connell Thompson of Richmond, VA, brought him much joy. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Herr (Bob) of Alexandria, VA; half-sister, Alice Perry of Faber, VA; half-brothers Steve Terry of Amherst, VA, and Roy Terry (Debbie) of Easley, SC; half-sister Brenda Gooden of Schuyler, VA; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, and spiritual leaders from Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, as well as Dr. Stephen Schmitz and his team at Afton Family Medicine in Afton, VA.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Fairmount Baptist Church in Shipman, VA, followed by a fellowship meal at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Billy’s memory to:
• Fairmount Baptist Church P.O. Box 115, Shipman, VA 22971
• Hospice of the Piedmont 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

07/31/2025

SHIRLEY JATHOLEE SHAFER HARVEY–NELSON COUNTY, VA.

Born March 26, 1923, died July 29, 2025. Shirley was born in West Virginia to Raymond Brown Shafer, who died when she was three, and Helen Hill Shafer. Shirley spent many of her early years in the homes of relatives in Buena Vista, Virginia. It wasn’t easy and the grit earned from that upbringing during the Great Depression was reflected in her oft stoic demeanor she presented throughout her life.

Some of Shirley’s fondest memories were from her younger adult years spent in Richmond with her girl friends while they toiled in the by-gone, but then-necessary, profession of telephone operating. It was during this time that she met a pilot who professed his love for her and, to prove it, sent her a photo of one side of his plane on which he had painted “Shirley.” Another suitor, a navyman, Lewis Carlton Harvey, scoffed and told her to ask for a photo of the other side.

Having won her over, on September 30, 1945, Shirley and Carlton wed. They had two children, Ronald and Janet, who they raised on Davis Creek amidst the family’s apple orchard in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Nelson County. On any given day, Shirley could be heard ringing the black dinner bell for the men to come in from the fields to enjoy the lunch she had prepared. She was a hard worker, but especially for W.T. Harvey & Sons Orchard Packinghouse in Lovingston, Virginia. There, Shirley did a little bit of everything. She graded apples and peaches, answered phones, stenciled baskets, made box tops, and even served as bookkeeper. But on Sunday afternoons, Shirley and Carlton, Ronald and Janet, and all of the uncles, aunts, cousins, and anyone else from the community who wanted to come along, would join together at “Papa” W.T. Harvey’s home. Those gatherings became a hallmark and were cherished by many.

After Hurricane Camille ravaged Davis Creek and Nelson County in 1969, Shirley and Carlton moved to Colleen, Virginia. It was at this home that many meals were enjoyed around the family table, holidays were celebrated, and laps were swam in the backyard pool, which remained ensconced with roses, sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, and whatever else Carlton’s whim was that season.

Shirley was a lifelong member of Oak Hill Baptist Church, where she served as superintendent of Vacation Bible School for many years. She even drove a school bus to bring children to Oak Hill–ensuring they could attend and instilling in their young minds the power of prayer in the process. After Cartlon’s death, Shirley avoided large gatherings, including at Oak Hill, but she always had her well-worn and cherished Bible close by and enjoyed spending her days listening to church services from home.

Later in life, Shirley was dubbed “MaHarvey” by her grandson. That nickname, like the memory of her held by her loved ones, persists. Shirley’s memory, unfortunately, did not. Slowly over the course of her final years, she no longer remembered many aspects of her life, people included. But she held on to those that meant the most the longest. She remembered her mother. She remembered her husband and her son. She remembered Janet, who remained her faithful caretaker. “Shirley,” “Mother,” “MaHarvey,” “Mrs. Harvey,” was loved.

Shirley is survived by: her son, Ronald (wife Beth, predeceased); her daughter Janet (husband Mike Vestal); her grandaughter, Susan (daughter of Ronald and Beth,wife to Ed Wanderer, and mother of Joshua, Ruth, and Dibora); her grandaughter, Christy (daughter of Janet and Mike, wife to Bill Martin, and mother of Harrison and Anna); and, her grandson, Paul (son of Janet and Mike). Upon marrying Carlton, Shirley acquired many brothers and sisters: she is predeceased by brothers-in-law Lynn, Douglas, Richard, and Clyde Harvey and sisters-in-law Margaret Harvey Hill and Doll Harvey Jackson; she is survived by sisters-in-law Annie Dee Harvey Kauffman and Virginia (Ginger) Harvey (wife to Clyde). She is survived by many friends, new and old, as well as extended family.
During her last years, Shirley was a resident of Rosewood at Greenbrier in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The family acknowledges and appreciates the dutiful care she received there and is grateful to Alan for the many things he did for her during that time. Thank you.

In honor of Shirley Harvey’s life, there will be a graveside service at Woodland Baptist Church Cemetery in Arrington, Virginia, on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:00am.
Family and friends may sign her virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

07/30/2025

Gary Ray Taylor of Arrington, VA went home to be with the Lord on Saturday July 26, 2025.
Gary was born on March 4, 1954 in Lynchburg Virginia, to the late James Edward Taylor and late Dorothy Gray Cash Taylor Davis.
Gary graduated from Amherst County High School in 1973 and from CVCC in 1975. He worked as a machinist at the Lynchburg Foundry until his retirement in 2001.
Gary had a love for the outdoors from the mountains to the ocean. He was a diehard UVA and Redskins fan (win or lose) he was a true fan. He had a larger than life laugh and never met a stranger. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, his friends and his neighbors. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. He will be dearly missed by those that loved him. Gary was a member of Clifford Baptist Church and attended Piney River Baptist Church as a child where he gave his life to Jesus. We rest assured that he is home with the Lord, resting in the arms of Jesus. No more pain and body perfected.
Gary is survived by his two children: Emily Eagle (Jason) of Amherst, VA and Andy Taylor (Jordan) of Nelson, VA and three grandchildren: Ford, Carley and Drew. He is survived by his brother Terry Taylor of Lowesville, VA and nephews Travis Taylor (daughter Sophia) and Jay Taylor (Pali) (Son Dylan and daughter Riya). His close friends are Clyde and Susan Mawyer, Walter and Kathy Farmer, Kenny and Carolyn Adams and Sarah Wood and many more.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 1:30pm at Clifford Baptist Church. The family will receive visitors from 11:30am until 1:30pm at Clifford Baptist Church prior to the service.
A private burial service will be held.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hunters for the Hungry https://donate.nra.org/donate or WOW (Wall Opportunities and Wishes) 157 Dillard Rd, Madison Heights, VA 24572 or Venmo at
Family and friends may sign his virtual guestbook at www.WellsSheffield.com
Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).

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