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Givens Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Woodrum Street, Pearisburg, VA (2025)

09/04/2025

James “Jimmy” Odell Harry 78, of Fishersville, VA, formerly of Pearisburg, VA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Jimmy was born on October 2, 1946, in Pearisburg and was a son of the late James Otis Harry and Margaret Louise Butler Harry. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth “Bubby” Harry and a sister, Brenda “Sissy” Harry.

Jimmy grew up in Pearisburg, graduated Giles High School in Pearisburg in 1965, and then joined the U.S. Air Force later that year. After his service in the military, he went to work for the Leggett’s Department Store starting in Pearisburg, then working in many different locations including Luray, Covington, Lewisburg, WV, Waynesboro and retiring from the Staunton, VA store. In Jimmy’s later years he took up golf, where he loved playing and watching it on TV.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith Ann White Harry of Fishersville, VA, 1 daughter, Angela Harry of Roanoke, 1 son, Sheldon Wade Harry (Kelly) of Roanoke, 3 grandchildren, Jackson (Caitlin), Haley, Paige and 3 great grandchildren, Kira, Amelia and Alice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday September 12, 2025, at 2pm at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, VA.

09/04/2025

Angela Caryn Painter Gautier; Angel, Daughter, Wife, and Mommy returned to being an Angel on September 3, 2025, from Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke. Caryn is sadly missed by her husband Justin Gautier and three children: Theia Rose(7), Hilda Faith(5)and Titus Knox(17 months) and her parents Dr. Conley and Carolyn Webb Painter, all of Pearisburg. Her in-laws missing her are Alvin and Patty Gautier, Jim and Mary Gautier all of Narrows and sister-in-law Amanda Caudill(Richard) of Pearisburg. She is also mourned by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. She is preceded in death by her late grandparents Jim and Annie LaFon Webb and the late Luther and Vada Worrell Painter.

Caryn was a graduate of Giles High School and Wittenberg University of Springfield, Ohio and considered herself a lifelong learner. When she received the diagnosis of cancer, she immediately became her own advocate to learn about the disease and treatments and her mission became one of encouragement for lifestyle choices for prevention.

Caryn has many special friends and became known as having a special place in her heart for her animal friends.

A visitation time to honor her life will be at Givens Funeral Home on Saturday September 6, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held Sunday September 7, 2025, at 2:00pm at New Valley Fellowship, 200 Roberta St. Narrows Va. with Pastor Kevin Weaver officiating with family interment to follow on Monday AM.

09/04/2025

Donna Sue Higgs, 59, of Pearisburg, VA., passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born on May 8, 1966, in Pearisburg and was a daughter of the late Harvey Lee Higgs and Elsie Ann Caldwell Higgs. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Teresa Higgs Neice.

Donna was a 1984 graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg. She was a former supervisor of the Virginia Department of Transportation with 32 years of service. Donna was an avid crafter, specializing in making wreaths for family and friends, but her most joy in life, was playing with her “Ellie Belle.”

She is survived by her significant other of 20 years, David Fields of Pearisburg, daughter, Jessica Renee Duncan (Jacob) of Pulaski, 2 step daughters, Pepper Wilson of Rich Creek, Melissa Biggs of Pulaski, 2 brothers, Stanley Higgs (Kathy) of Pearisburg, Mark Higgs (Lee) of Narrows, 1 sister, Julia Diane Higgs of Pearisburg, 8 grandchildren, Alexis, John and Shelby Biggs, Emma and Sarah Lucas, Luke and Leia Duncan her “Angel Baby” Ellie Duncan, 2 great grandchildren, Landon Christian, Owen Duncan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11am at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with Charles Henderson officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm at the Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg.

09/01/2025

Larry Ross Houchins 71, of Pearisburg has moved from his earthly residence to his heavenly mansion prepared by the Master. His move was made on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at UVA Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Larry is now singing in the Heavenly Choir and walking the streets of gold with his parents, Homer Roscoe Houchins and Avis Shrewsbury Houchins and his brother Gerald Wayne Houchins. We know there was a glorious celebration and reunion upon his arrival.

Larry was born in Pearisburg on September 11, 1953, and was a lifelong resident of Pearisburg. He was a proud Spartan, graduating from Giles High School in the class of 1971, and later attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Larry worked 29 years for Celanese in Narrows, then for Hercules in Radford and retiring from Volvo in Dublin. While working he was sent to Canada, Mexico and Australia numerous times to do training of other employees.

Larry's passion and favorite sport was hunting, but also enjoyed biking, golfing, skiing, white water rafting and recently kayaking. He loved being in the woods spending quiet time meditating, reflecting on his life and talking with God. He loved music and God blessed him with a beautiful tenor voice which he loved sharing by singing in his church choir, Giles Community Choir, at weddings, funerals and many other venues.

Those left to cherish their love and memories and celebrate his extraordinary life are his sons, of whom he was extremely proud. Cole Ross Houchins and wife Olivia and Dr. Beau Reese Houchins and Fiancée Elena Cantwell all of Richmond, and Vince Gallo of Blueridge. His grandchildren, Kallie and Olivia Gallo and his latest, Clara Grace, who brought much joy and was the apple of his eye.

Survivors also included his brothers, Rodney Houchins and girlfriend Diane Bradley, of Pearisburg and Frank Six and wife Jane of Chester. Also, Larry's partner, companion, best friend, caregiver and beloved girlfriend of over 19 years, Terry Dunford. His aunts Gladys Lucas, Pembroke and Rita Shrewsbury, Bluefield and many family members and friends.

Larry loved and was loved by his family of the heart, Dr. Michael and wife Dreama McMahon and family and Rose Dunford whom he loved as his second Mom.

A time to gather in celebration of Larry's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Pembroke, visitation will be 6-8pm on Tuesday September 2, 2025, with the funeral from 1-2pm on Wednesday September 3, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his church, Shady Grove Church, 392 Walkers Creek Valley Rd., Pearisburg, VA 24134 or to a charity of your choice.

Special thanks to Larry's angels (his name for them), 10th floor, Oncology Unit of Carilion Medical Center of Roanoke, Dr. Mock of Blue Ridge Cancer Center and Dr. Findel, Oncology Department Carilion Medical Center and numerous friends who lifted him up in prayer throughout his entire medical struggle. He was extremely grateful for each and every one. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

08/24/2025

Michael Lee “Mike” Perdue, 73 of Pearisburg, VA., passed away after a brief illness on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on August 2, 1952, in Bluefield, WV., and was a son of the late Bonnie Lee Perdue and Flora Bell Lewis Perdue. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Perdue and a sister, Caroline Perry.

Mike was a tradesman by heart. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix. He also loved being outdoors. Mike loved all older and antique vehicles of all makes and models.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Crystal, his children, Leslie Billips (Jonathon) of Statesville, NC, Michael Lee Waddell (Robin) of Statesville, NC, Shane Perdue (Cheyanne) of Pearisburg, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Jimmy Lee Perdue (Donna) of Bluefield, WV, Richard Dale Perdue of Bluefield, WV and 2 sisters, Linda Duff (Pete) of Bluefield, WV and Ruth Bates of Statesville, NC.

As per his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no service.

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

08/09/2025

Virginia Mason Wyatt, 80, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away on July 26, 2025. Virginia was born on February 24, 1945, and was the daughter of the late Daniel “Web” Mason and the late Virginia Duy Mason of Pearisburg, Virginia.

Ginger, as she was known by friends and family, grew up in Giles County, VA. Ginger attended Giles County High School, followed by earning at BS in Geology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. It was during her time at VPI that she met her future husband, Henry Wyatt. After his discharge from the US Army, they settled in Lynchburg, VA. They were later separated and divorced in 1980.

She had a love of horses that she never outgrew. Her most animated moment in life occurred in 1973, watching Secretariat win in the Kentucky Derby. Ginger developed a knack for crafts after taking up pottery as a hobby. She learned how to work with porcelain, creating accessories for miniature doll houses. She even created a porcelain doll with a replica of the inaugural gown worn by the First Lady of Virginia Eddy Dalton, which Ginger presented to her.

Ginger is survived by her two sons: Harold Wyatt of Chambersburg, PA and John Wyatt of Springfield, VA. Ginger also had three grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Bernard Mason, her sister-in-law Louise Mason of Christiansburg, VA and her nephew Robert Mason of Blacksburg, VA. She most recently resided at the Heritage Hall in Big Stone Gap, VA.

A memorial service is planned for 12:00pm August 23, 2025, at the Givens Funeral Home at 110 S Woodrum Street in Pearisburg, VA. Her remains will be interred at the French-Mason Family Cemetery in Pearisburg, VA.

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

08/03/2025

Richard Alan Scott passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 60. He was born on December 24, 1964, in Pearisburg, Virginia, to the late Alvie Edward Scott and Zuelema Trout Scott. Rick had been battling heart problems for a few years. He lived in the Asheville, North Carolina area for 20 years and worked as an HVAC Tech until his health declined. Rick enjoyed football, talking about football, and was knowledgeable about the players and their stats. He also enjoyed building and painting model cars.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother David Rayner Scott. Rick’s memories will be carried on by his family. He is survived by his son, Richard Alan Scott, Jr. of Charlotte, NC, brother, Michael Scott of Dallas, NC, Niece, Melissa and Shane Hawkins, nephew, Mark and Jessica Scott of Ranlo, NC, Timothy Scott of VA., uncles and aunts, Bobby and Barbara Scott of Prices Fort, VA, Denny and Tammy Scott of Elliston, VA, Roy Scott of Pembroke, VA, Tony Reed of Princeton, WV., and Marie Hubbard of Three Rivers, MI.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., a visitation will be held at Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, VA. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Tony Reed officiating. The interment will follow the service at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, VA.

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

07/25/2025

Arthur Maximillian Pfister, Jr., 81, of Pearisburg, VA, passed away on July 16, 2025, at home surrounded by his beloved family. Born August 31, 1943, in Queens, NY, Artie lived a life of adventure — from childhood road trips along Route 66 to traveling the world with his wife, Sheila, and their children Jennifer, Brian, and David. A Clemson grad and U.S. Army veteran, he settled in Southwest Virginia in 1977, building a mountainside homestead where he raised his family. He had a great love of the outdoors, homesteading, and backroad exploring.

He worked for the Virginia Tech Horticulture Department in farming research for 20+ years before retiring. Artie was also very involved with his children’s upbringing and extracurricular activities through Boy Scouts, Giles Co. Soccer League, Holy Family Catholic Church, and SHARE program.

Artie’s legacy lives on in his wife, Sheila; children Jennifer (Michael), Brian (Jennifer), and David; grandchildren Mark and Mia; and his brother Glenn. He will be remembered for his love of travel, gardening, hiking, and storytelling — and for inspiring everyone around him to seek out the next great adventure. His family invites friends to honor his memory by exploring a new trail, sharing a great meal, or simply taking the scenic route. A private family graveside service will be held on his beloved farm.

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

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arthur Maximillian Pfister, Jr., please visit our flower store.

06/27/2025

Jane Lyons Hester Cecil passed away peacefully from this earth on June 26, 2025, following an extended illness. She was surrounded by loving and cherished family and friends. Jane was born on August 5, 1955 to Carl Wilson Hester and Kathleen Lyons Hester, of Fries, Virginia. She was always grateful to have been raised in this cozy town nestled on the idyllic New River. Jane attended Fries Schools and was a member of the Fries United Methodist Church. She later attended Emory and Henry College and received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Radford University. Beginning her 22-year career in education, Jane served as counselor at an alternative school in Pearisburg, Virginia. She later taught biology and psychology at Giles High School, where she would meet her future husband, Johnny, a native of Pearisburg. Johnny and Jane both like to tell the story of how they met on the banks of Big Stoney Creek on the first day of trout fishing season, standing around a roaring bonfire, enjoying the new spring and the laughter of friends. Neither could have known at the time that they had indeed met “the love of their life.” After marrying, Jane and Johnny moved to Pikeville, Kentucky, where Jane taught at Millard High School for 17 years. She always kept close the memories she shared with colleagues and especially with her students. She loved her students and held a special place for them in her heart. In recent years, Jane and Johnny moved back to their home state of Virginia, (Bristol), and enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting very special new ones. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Hester and Kathleen Lyons Hester. She is survived by her beloved husband of 39 years, John Jacob Cecil, of the home and two brothers whom she adored: Carl Roderick (Rocky) Hester (JoAnn) of Dalton, Georgia and Monty Joe Hester (Jackie), of Radford Virginia. Also surviving are three brothers-in-law: William (Bill) Cecil (Dorisia), Fred Cecil (Karen), and Tony Cecil (Penny). Dear nephews and nieces surviving are Jennifer, Nathan, Robin, Mark, Laura Marie, Emily, Taylor and Will. Great-nieces and nephews are Will, Ella, Patricia June, and Oliver. The service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service at 427 E Main St, Abingdon, Va. 24210. Visitation will be from 1:00 - 2:00 with a celebration of life to follow. Interment will be held at Chapel of Memories Mausoleum of Forest Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, ocrahope.org.The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to all those who helped Jane on her cancer journey, particularly Dr. Tamara Musgrave of Ballad Health, Dr. Laura Havrilesky, Dr. Emma Rossi, Kim Nolte, PA and all the nurses and staff at Duke University Cancer Center. A very special thanks to all the amazing staff at Ballad Health Hospice (Bristol), especially to nurse Carrie Mullins. All of you are forever in our hearts.The Cecil family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Services, Abingdon, Virginia. 427 E. Main Street 276-623-2700.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jane Hester Cecil, please visit our flower store.

06/16/2025

Rodney Paul White, 66 of Newport, VA., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Rodney was born on October 19, 1958, and was a son of the late Charlie Kanode and Iva Jean Hudson White.

Rodney was a 1977 graduate of Giles High School in Pearisburg and was a member of Mountain View Methodist Church of Guinea Mtn. Rodney never met a stranger and loved talking to everyone.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Stacey Anne Wilkinson-White of Newport, his daughter, Carly White of Newport, 2 brothers, Bruce White (Paula) of Rich Creek, Keith White of , 2 sisters, Kim W. Cumbee of Pearisburg, Tina Munsey (Kelley) of Pembroke, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

As per Rodney’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that you consider making a donation to Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, VA, Ronald McDonald House in Roanoke or to help offset funeral expenses.

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

06/16/2025

Caleb Owen Taylor, 36, of Pembroke, Virginia was received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, June 13, 2025. Caleb was born on December 27, 1988, in Blacksburg, Virginia, and was a son of Anna Wilson Taylor of Pembroke (he was a proudly self-proclaimed Momma’s Boy his whole life) and the late James Dwight Taylor. Besides his mother, he is survived by his brother, Jared Taylor, of Pearisburg, aunts Donna Wilson, Patti Taylor White, and Teresa Wilson; uncles David Wilson (Kristi), Earl Wilson (Melanie), Dow Taylor (Pam); cousins Kristen White Throckmorton, Lauren White Underwood, Brittney Wilson Whittaker, Ryan Wilson, Kaitlin Wilson, Ethan Wilson, Mindy Wilson Patsel, Dulcie Morris Conley, Rachael Taylor, Ethan Taylor; his four-legged buddy, Hank. Caleb is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Earldine Wilson Little; paternal grandparents John and Doris Taylor; aunt, Sonja Taylor Morris and uncle, Andy Wilson. Also preceded in death was his faithful furry companion, Watson.

He used the connections he made in game, at work, and in life with friends to shine the light of Jesus in places that light may have never touched otherwise.

There was no game that Caleb wouldn’t play. From board games to Xbox and every console in between, he wanted to have the best gaming experience available. He was a huge Marvel fan and was very proud of his full sleeve tattoo that reflected his love for that universe. Caleb was one of the biggest Metallica fans you could ever meet, and recently got to see them perform at Cassell Coliseum. He also enjoyed playing music and was exceptionally gifted with his acoustic and electric guitars.

Caleb was employed by Virginia Tech for ten years and was proud to serve as a dispatcher with the Virginia Tech Police Department for the last five years. He was an avid gamer and had many friends across the world. If you were lucky enough to call Caleb friend or family, you knew you had something. He was a huge personality. His faith was strong, he loved the Lord, and he is in Heaven today. We miss him already. We will always love him. We will see him again.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 3pm at the Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead where he was a member, with Pastor Shahn Wilburn officiating. The family will receive friends at the church 2 hours before the service, from 1–3pm.

Memorial donations may be made to the Giles or Pulaski County animal shelters.

The service will be livestreamed on the Riverview Baptist Church youtube channel at youtube.com/riverviewtoday.org

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

06/02/2025

Margaret Phlegar Pack, 102, of Rich Creek, VA., went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2025, at the Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Rich Creek, VA. Margaret was born on May 3, 1923, in Giles County, VA and was a daughter of the late Emmy Dan Phlegar and Maggie Link Johnston Phlegar. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Donald Preston Pack and 4 sisters, Jewell Albert (Amos), Hazel Meredith (Marshall), Viola Fleeman (Horton) and Geraldine Stevers (Marcus). She was a member of the 7th Day Adventist Church in Pearisburg. She enjoyed cooking and sharing of meals with family & friends. She loved kids and enjoyed taking care of them. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, great great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 1PM at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with the Pastor Shahn Wilburn officiating with a private burial following in the South West Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Chapel one hour before the service from 12 – 1pm. The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.

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