https://www.givensfuneralhome.com/

Givens Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Woodrum Street, Pearisburg, VA (2026)

04/27/2026

There was no one in the world quite like Jerri Lynn Stump. Known for her colorful character and unique experiences, you may have seen her saving bald eagles on the side of the road or helping her customers find the best deals at the local Tractor Supply where she worked. Jerri was a likable ol’ country girl with a heart of gold. She left an impression everywhere she went and had a great sense of humor. In her younger days, she was a talented softball player, and a phenomenal barrel racer. She loved her animals, had quite the green thumb, loved a good deal, and was an outstanding cook. If you saw her outside of work, she may have been on an adventure with her granddaughter she called Bug, or she was with her husband Dusty, who even through it all, never left her side.

Above all, if you knew Jerri, you knew she fiercely loved HER girls, especially her granddaughters. To say that Jerri is loved and will be missed is an understatement. She brought more joy and laughter to this world than she will ever know. She was a loyal, hardworking, and strong woman. She taught those principles to her daughters and granddaughters, and her love and legacy will live on.

Jerri knew the Lord and was Baptized by her granddaughter Reece last year, along side of her daughter Casie, and granddaughters Sara and Abby. We know this isn’t a goodbye, it’s and “I’ll see you later” but it sure still hurts.

Jerri is survived by her husband Dusty Stump, (daughter) Casie and Jeremy Hall, Sara, Abby, (daughter) Jessie and Alex Webb, Reece, (parents) George and Patsy Reece, Brad, Carlee, Chevelle, Maddie, Charish and Andy, Danielle, Kai, Leo, Gavin, Haven, Kora, Jo, Deric and Mary, Ella, Holly, Mason, and Wyatt.

She is preceded in death by her beloved grandparents Irene and Clyde, by her favorite horse Heda, and by Homer, Cyrus, and Norma-Jean, the 3 best dogs known to man.

The family is choosing to do a memorial service and celebration of life instead of a funeral service. We will share the date as soon as we can and hope many of y’all come.

04/27/2026

Sylvia Melvin Duncan, 82, from Pembroke, Virginia went home to be with the Lord surrounded by family on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Born in Mechanicsburg, Virginia on January 20, 1944, to the late Frank Melvin and Lottie Hardy. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, Jerry D. Duncan; sister, Pauline Taylor; and brother, Larry Melvin.

She is survived by her daughter, Darlene Lambert of Pembroke, VA.; and son, Donald Sparks (Michele) of Troutman, NC. Her grandchildren, Jason Stafford of Pembroke, VA.; Tanner Lambert (Reganne) of Kodak, TN.; Aaron Sparks (Charity) of Statesville, NC.; Kaitlyn Sparks (Arthur, fiancé) of Troutman, NC.; and step grandchildren. Her great grandchildren, Fulton Lambert, Clara Jade Lambert, Walker Lambert, Nora Sparks, and Emerson Sparks.

She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Straley Melvin (Doris) of Auburndale, FL.; Bonnie Gusler (late - Dennis) of Dublin, VA.; Joyce Gardner (Mike) of Mocksville, NC.; Marvin Melvin (Susie) of Dublin, VA.; as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Always extended family, sisters-in-law, Gay Miller (Albert) of Rocky Gap, VA.; Drema Tolley (Joe) of Narrows, VA.; Debbie Sikoli (David) of Narrows, VA.; Della Raines of Christiansburg, VA.; and brother-in-law, Rick Sparks (late - Debbie) of Roanoke, VA.

Sylvia actively participated in a variety of golf leagues throughout the year and anytime the sun was shining you could find her and Jerry at their home golf course of Castle Rock. If she wasn’t on the golf course she was inside bowling where she participated in several leagues throughout the years. Sylvia was a long-term member of Castle Rock Baptist Church.

A reception of family and friends will be on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke, VA. from 1:00 - 2:00 PM with a celebration of life service by Pastor Gary Poff at 2:00 PM. There will be a grave side service at Birchlawn Memorial Gardens in Pearisburg, VA. following the celebration of life.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Denise and the nurses team at Good Samaritan Hospice, our neighbor and friend, Donna Mabry, special niece, Drema Taylor, for their service and care to the family, and Pastor Gary Poff and the Castlerock Baptist Church family for all their prayers and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Good Samaritan Hospice, 4751 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017, or Castle Rock Baptist Church, PO Box 127, Pembroke, VA 24136

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

04/26/2026

Betty Justice Smith Basham was born on June 7, 1928 at Hardy, Kentucky, to Timothy and Blanche O'Brien Justice. She is survived by one brother, Bob Justice of Hollywood, Florida; and four children, Janet Smith Francis, Pearisburg, VA; Tim (Kathy) Smith, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; Jim (Cindy) Smith, Crosslanes, West Virginia; and Chris Smith, Burbank, California; five grandchildren: Sharon (Tom) Zuckerwar, Steve (LeeAnn) Francis, Staci (Ed) Koester, Lori (Ryan) Blair and Eric Smith; and four great-grandchildren, Avery Zuckerwar, Alex Zuckerwar, Noah Blair and Audrey Blair; and a very dear friend and caregiver, Carrie Jessie, who helped her for eleven years.

Betty was only 50 days shy of her 98th birthday on June 7th. She loved nothing more than the good Lord above and her family: children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, brothers, parents, nieces and nephews. She thought her four children were the greatest "kids" in the world.

Some facts about Betty: she was an avid Chinese Checkers champion; she often asked couples in the family "Do you ever go out bowling or dancing? --like it was 1953. Betty was opposed to drinking any kind of alcohol. She could turn anything you said into one of her church hymns. She loved to cook and loved singing in the choir at Chattaroy Baptist Church for more than 40 years.

Betty was loved by many and will be remembered as a wonderful mother, friend, and Christian. As she stands before God, she will hear: "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

04/13/2026

Doris Jean Albert Bostic, 92 of Ripplemead, VA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 13, 2026, at her home. Jean was born on February 20, 1934, in Pembroke, VA., and was a daughter of the late Amos Lee Albert and Jewell Elizabeth Phlegar Albert. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bobby” Bostic, 1 sister, Helen Hutchinson (Garland), 2 daughters, Gloria Ann Lucas (Mike), Elizabeth Faye Sfalos (Bob)

Bobby & Jean were high school sweethearts and were happily married for 64 years. They loved their family & church & centered their lives around that. They started Giles Auto Parts in 1968 and enjoyed over 35 years of successfully serving the community and treasured friendships they made there. They lived in Ripplemead their entire married life and treasured their friends and neighbors. Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and became affectionately named “G.G.” with her first great grandchild. She loved her family wholly and always told each how much they meant to her. She was a crafter and quilter. She crocheted hundreds of Teddy Bears to donate to children over the years and made over 100 quilts she gave to family and those in need. She had a giving heart and made a point to do something nice for someone each week. She will be lovingly remembered and missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Patsy J. French of Pearisburg, 1 sister, Nancy Lynn Hewitt of Salem, 7 grandchildren, Renee Williams (Edgar), Robert Andrew French (Mary Ellen), Christopher Williams, Jeremy Williams (Ruby), Billy Lucas (Ashley), Cody Lucas, Bobby Lucas (Jessica) and 5 great grandchildren.

As per her wishes, there will be a private family service Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg, VA., with the Rev. Clay Holt officiating with entombment following in the Birchlawn Abbey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, a charity of your choice or as Jean would say, take someone to lunch.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

03/07/2026

Edna June Sutherland Journell, 96 of Narrows, VA., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. June was born on June 12, 1929, in Clintwood, VA and was a daughter of the late Noah Linden Sutherland and Edna Phoebe Counts Sutherland. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ennis Rakes, 2 sons, Coy Lynn Rakes and Jimmy Journell and 4 brothers and 9 sisters.

June grew up in Dixon County, VA. She was a longtime member of the Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead. She was a former employee of the Sears Store in Bluff City and the MacArthur House in Narrows. She loved touring the United States on bus trips with her husband for many years. She enjoyed horseback riding and cooking for the many family reunions. She loved the company of her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

June is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bernard Nelson Journell of Narrows, daughter-in-law, Nena Adams of Narrows, daughter, Kathy J. Evans of Pearisburg, 4 grandchildren, Cody Journell (Amber), Kyle Evans (Amber), Duane Rakes (Amber), Carson Journell (Kaitlin), 8 great grandchildren, Shanna, Grayson, Emma, Finnley, Teagan, Rheya June, Jaxson, Ellora Lynn, 2 great great grandchildren, Beau and Lane, 1 sister, Ann S. Reynolds of TN and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 4pm at the Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead with Pastor Shahn Wilburn officiating. The family will receive friends at the church 1 hour before the service from 3 – 4pm.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

03/07/2026

Louise Petty Johnston, 94 of Pearisburg, VA, was born March 26, 1931, and passed away on March 4, 2026. She was a graduate of Bramwell High School in Bramwell, West Virginia and Bluefield Business College in Bluefield West Virginia. She met and married Robert Goode Johnston in Bluefield, West Virginia and lived in Pearisburg, Virginia for over 65 years.

While on this earth, Louise chose to be a true and faithful servant of God. She was a member of Pearisburg Presbyterian Church and served her church in numerous ways including fulfilling the roles of elder and choir member. In the Pearisburg community, she served as the President of Pearisburg Woman’s Club and a member of the local garden club. Louise especially enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society.

Most of all Louise loved and cherished her family. She tirelessly served her husband, Bob, and her children, Alan, David, and Mary Lou. Her seven grandchildren loved their visits with Grandma and fondly remember beach trips, storytelling festivals, and back porch swinging with her.

Louise is known for her love of flowers and at one point having her own greenhouse. She enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren. She often included her grandchildren in quilt design, color selection, and materials. Many of us will remember the hundreds of delicious pound cakes that Louise made for family, friends, and church gatherings. Louise enjoyed leading the family's annual applesauce production. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Goode Johnston, her parents, Ella and Ga***rd Petty, her brothers, Bain Patterson and Durwood Patterson, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Annie Belle and King Johnston. Louise is survived by her children, Alan Johnston (Peggy), David Johnston (Vicki), Mary McSwain (Tim), and seven grandchildren, Bobby Johnston, Taylor Johnston, Anna Weir (Boston), Will McSwain (Danielle), Jake Johnston (Kathleen), Annabelle McSwain, and Kate Johnston.

Memorials may be sent to Pearisburg Presbyterian Church (114 Easley Street Pearisburg, VA 24134) or Warm Hearth Foundation which supports the Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg, Virginia. Donations can be mailed to 2387 Warm Hearth Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2pm at the Pearisburg Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Steve Darr officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 – 7 pm at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

03/02/2026

Helen “Margie” Margaret Meredith Scott, 94 of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at her home. Margie was born on July 19, 1931, on Doe Creek, Pembroke, VA and was a daughter of the late Raymond Leonard Meredith and Mary Brown Williams Meredith. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, James Burnett Scott, sister, Elise Dowdy, Joann Eaton, and 2 brothers, Sonny Meredith and Floyd “Bud” Meredith

Margie was a graduate of the Pembroke High School, (Corn Cutters), and was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pembroke. She was a retiree of the Celanese Corp in Narrows with 48 years of service. She was a blessed wife, mom and mammaw.

She is survived by her son, Darrell W. Scott of Pearisburg, granddaughter, Amanda P. Duncan of Pearisburg, 4 great-grandchildren, Tyler Duncan, Tayler Duncan, Layla Anderson, Leigha Anderson, 2 sisters, Dorence Simpson of VA Beach, Carol Jean Morrison (Sammy) of Barboursville, WV and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 2:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pembroke, VA. with Bishop Michael Long with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6 – 8 pm.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the ACG Hospice Care Team and to the nurses, especially, Stephanie Cable and Marsha Merritt.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

03/01/2026

Robert Straley French, 74 of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Robert was born on February 4, 1952, in Princeton, WV., and was a son of the late Ralph Waldo French and Rosa Lee Hill French. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Jerry Wayne French, Ralph Waldo French, Roger Lee French and Ronald Lane French.

Robert grew up in Princeton, WV and was the 4th of 5 sons. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. He loved cooking and entertaining at family gatherings, where he enjoyed hosting horseshoe competitions. He was “Ninja Bob” to his grandchildren. He was a U.S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam war, was an assistant manager at Cheds store in Pearisburg, worked at Rich Creek Provision, Radford Arsenal, and several other establishments, before retiring from Walmart. He was always a hard worker and perfectionist; he was a member of the Pearisburg First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patsy Jean Bostic French of Pearisburg, son, Andy French (Mary Ellen) of Pearisburg, daughter, Renee Williams (Edgar) of Pearisburg, 4 grandchildren, Kaylie French, Joel Williams, Ryan French and Brooklyn French and a special cousin, John Wilkinson

A private family service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/22/2026

Our mother, Norma Jean Johnston Chafin, 89 of Pearisburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on February 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born November 26,1936 in Radford, VA, she was the daughter of the late Luther Paul and Anna Farmer Johnston.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Harold Eugene Chafin; her daughter, Teri Eppling; her grandson, Geoffrey Allen; her sister, Sallie J. Moore and husband James A. Moore and brother-in-law Clinton Johnston.

Those left to cherish her love, faith and memory include her three surviving children: Sheree Williams (Mike), Steve Chafin (Cindy), Janet Millirons (Morgan) and son-in-law Ricky Eppling. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Josh Allen, Seth Davis (Venessa), Adam Eppling (Beth), Shay Davis, Andrew Eppling (Michele), Anna Morgan Kirk (Devin), Kyle Chafin (Beth), Elise Chafin (Justin), Eli Millirons (Alea); as well as 15 great-grandchildren: Nolan, Miles, Sylas, Sadie, Lyla, Stella, Oliver, Stockton, Libby, Banks, Colby, Brewer, Elly Jean, Draper and Lainey. In the last moments of her life, she reminded her family and friends of one more great-grandchild- a baby girl on the way.

She is also survived by her sister, Brenda Mutter (Melvin); former daughter-in-law Sandra Lucas; sister-in-law Carolyn Johnston and numerous nieces and nephews.

Norma Jean was raised on the family farm in Eggleston, VA and graduated from Eggleston High School in 1954. She and Harold made their home in Pearisburg, where they raised their four children and later spent their golden years faithfully attending their children’s and grandchildren’s many activities.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church since 1965, Norma sang in the church choir.

She will be remembered for her famous boiled custard and brownies, her years as a dedicated employee of Celanese, her love of card games with friends and family, and her joy in hosting family gatherings. After her retirement, she enjoyed her card-playing friends – Dottie Perdue, Ann Mulheren and Shirley Stafford, sharing fond memories around the table. She cherished her friendship with her lifelong friend and neighbor, Amy Lucas.

A special blessing to Norma and to her entire family was her grandson, Josh, who dedicated nearly three years of his time as her primary caregiver.

Her life was a testament to faith, family and unwavering love, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Pearisburg First United Methodist Church, 1101 Valleyview Drive, Pearisburg, VA with Pastor Clay Holt officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/09/2026

Michael Lance Dickerson, 43, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on January 30, 2026, at the home of his mother. Michael was born on June 10, 1982, in Blacksburg, VA and was the son of Marian Jeanette Dickerson. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Millard and Violet Dickerson and his uncle Danny Dickerson.

Michael was a graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg. He love spending time with his family and friends and never met a stranger. An avid Va Tech fan, he spent many times going to the ballgames with his uncle Danny and uncle and aunt Stevie and Tina and his friends. He enjoyed the outdoors with his son, taking him fishing and enjoyed taking his son to the beach. He also enjoyed spending many wonderful time with his grandfather Millard and grandmother Violet.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jay Trad, son, Andre Dickerson, stepson, Andrew Murray, aunt, Mary Carol Dickerson Gray, all of Pearisburg, uncle and aunt, Stevie and Tina Dickerson of Blacksburg, uncle Samuel Gray of WV, cousins, Ashley Dickerson and Sierra Dickerson both of Radford, favorite cousin, Sienna French, special friends, Jeremy Hundley, T. Peoples, Joey Northington, Jimmy Justice and his furry buddies.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2pm at the First Baptist Church, 152 Ballard St., Pearisburg, VA. The family will receive friends 2 hours before the service from 12 – 2pm at the church.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/07/2026

Cheryl, more affectionately known as Sherry, passed peacefully after a long and difficult battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy on January 29th, 2026. She was 66years old. Sherry was born October18,1959 to the late Charles Edward Hawk Jr. and Evelyn Blackwell Hawk. Left to cherish her memory are her siblings, Pamm Bryant (David), Gwendolyn Hawk, and Charles “Chuck” Hawk (Cindy). Her children, Jessica Bryant Gwaltney (Wesley), Laurran Bryant Shoemaker (Scottie), William Hunter Edward Arrington (Samantha Carter), as well as grandchildren Brynna Shoemaker, Alaina Gwaltney, Ella Gwaltney, and Amelia Arrington. Mom was known for her many passions, careers and hobbies throughout her life. She worked as a school bus driver in both Goochland and Powhatan counties off and on for 30 years. She was a 911 dispatcher in Goochland County for nearly 10 years. Her love for helping others through EMS gained her the honor of life member with Manakin Company 1 Volunteer Fire and Rescue. She was also very proud of her volunteer work for Girls Dixie Youth Softball. She served in local, district and state director roles, and was most recently inducted into the Dixie Youth Softball Hall of Fame. Mom’s hobbies included being active and always on the go. She did not know how to sit still for very long. She was an active and accomplished bowler. She enjoyed gardening, being in the sun, and earlier in life, tending the cattle and other critters. She was known to collect strays of both the animal and human variety, as she welcomed and nurtured them both. Mom didn’t care where you came from as long as she thought she could help you out. Mom didn’t miss a family function or good party. She wasn’t afraid to make an appearance and jump right into any situation. Although, she would probably be a little late carrying a mug of Pepsi, which was her most humorous, predictable trait. The family is beyond grateful for the care given to her by the staff at Heritage Hall Rich Creek, Carilion Hospice, as well as her private caregiver, Cassie. They became her family for the past three years, and their generosity and kindness will not be forgotten. Arrangements will be Saturday, February 7th, at 3:00pm, Elpis Christian Church, Maidens, VA. There will be a celebration of life service followed by a floating reception in the church fellowship hall. Contributions can be made to the Heritage Hall Resident Fund, Rich Creek, Virginia

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

02/05/2026

Shelia Gail Johnson, 64, of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Shelia was born on April 28, 1961, in Pearisburg, VA. and was a daughter of the late Larry Leonard Graham and Lindy Ellen Meadows Graham. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Graham, father-in-law, Donald R. Johnson, mother-in-law, Charlotte Jennelle.

Shelia was a member of New Village P.H. Church in Staffordsville. She loved spending time with all of her family and kids, playing bingo, sewing, playing cards and spending time at the lake with her sister. She was known as “Mawmaw Shelia,” to the many family and kids that she babysitted.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Donald “Don Johnson” W. Johnson of Pearisburg, son, Daniel W. Johnson (Kristin) of Pearisburg, 2 grandchildren, River Johnson, Kinsley Frazier, 1 sister, Cindy Raines, 2 brothers, Donald Graham (Missy) of Narrows, Eddie Graham Peterstown, WV, sister-in-law, Leeanna Bland of Pearisburg, 2 nieces, Audrea Bowers (Scott), Christina Richardson, 4 nephews, Ryan Taylor, Jeffery Graham, Matthew Graham, Brian Keith Brown, great nieces and nephews, Alydia Bowers, Brock Bowers, (Brianna & kids), Trent Bowers, (Bella & kids), very special extended family, Billy and Megan Clark and their kids and Steven and Cindy Fisher and their kids and special little buddy, Matthew “Cooter” Brown.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:30am, at the Givens – Riffe Funeral Chapel in Narrows, VA., with Pastor Todd Carr officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 1 hour before the service, from 10:30 – 11:30am.

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Service in Narrows, VA, (540) 726-2442; online at riffefuneralservice.com.

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