A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home

03/10/2026

Don't assume someone's okay just because they're not falling apart in front of you. 🖤

03/10/2026

BRENDA GAIL CLARK RUSSELL, 71, of Roanoke, VA, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born March 26, 1954 in Pearisburg, VA, the daughter of the late Alfred & Ruth Clark.

Brenda was outspoken and would tell you exactly what was on her mind. She loved to cook and watching the Waltons and Little House on the Prairie.

She was a caring and giving person who would give to others even if it was here last. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Leonard & Ruth Elizabeth Martin Clark, her daughter, Belinda Meade, her sister, Evelyn Clark, her brother-in-law, William “Butch” Street and her niece, Shannon Street.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Joshua Meade, Michael Ferguson, Timmy Ferguson and Bobbie & Brianna Meade; her beloved grandchildren, Cierra Harmon, D’Amya McClanahan, Michael D. Ferguson, Karter Meade and Kairo Meade; her great-grandchild, Braylen Brooks; her siblings, Wayne & Julia Clark, Vicky Street and Jeffery & Michelle Clark; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, with Pastor Brian Consley officiating. She will be buried at the Clark Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 P.M. until service time, 2:00 P.M.

Brenda’s family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

03/10/2026

JEFFREY DALE (“ROONEY”) D***S, 69, of Bastian, VA, went home to be with the Lord he so faithfully served on Monday, March 9, 2026, at his earthly home, surrounded by his family.

Jeff was born June 7, 1956 in Bland County, the son of the late Wallace & Frances D***s.

Jeff was a devout Christian. When he received the Lord and was saved, he made noticeable changes to his life. He was a proud member of the Bailey’s Chapel at Round Bottom church where he served as superintendent and as the main speaker for many years. His faith was strong and unwavering.

Jeff loved hard. His first love was for the Lord, then for his family and a very close third was for his pet companion, “Bandit.” He was a devoted husband and father but his pride and joy was his grandchildren.

He had a big sense of humor and always had jokes. He was a 1975 graduate of Rocky Gap High School where he was a star basketball player who held many state records for years.

Jeff loved going for rides, listening and singing to gospel music and enjoyed selling items in his Flash Sales.

Jeff’s life was a life well lived filled with faithfulness, diligence and stewardship. There is no doubt he was welcomed into Heaven by his Savior saying Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter into the joy of your lord.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parent, Wallace Eugene & Frances Virginia Ball D***s, his brother, William D***s, his sister, Pauletta D***s and his very best friend, Steve Black.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 50 years, Cheryl Blankenship D***s; his daughter, Alice D***s; his son & daughter-in-law, Joseph & Christine D***s; his beloved grandchildren, Abigail D***s, Landon D***s and Maggie Paisley; his sister, Emma (“Sissy”) D***s; a special adopted son, Jerome Browning; a very special caregiver, Brandy Stowers and his best friend, his special cat companion, “Bandit.”

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home Chapel, White Gate, with Pastor Don Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Bastian.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 P.M. until service time, 2:00 P.M.

The D***s family is in the care of A. vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

03/10/2026

I wrote this because many people discover that grief is very different from what they expected.

And if it helps someone you care about understand grief a little better, feel free to share it.

Gary Sturgis
Author: ‘SURVIVING GRIEF - 365 Days A Year’

03/10/2026

Maybe this will help.
~Beautiful Ramblings

03/07/2026

BETTIE VEST MOREHEAD, 87, of Bland, VA, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at her home. She was born May 20, 1938 in White Gate, VA, the daughter of the late Samuel & Gracie Vest.

Bettie was a hard worker and an avid gardener. She loved all flowers. She enjoyed country music. She enjoyed sewing and liked to read.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Jenner & Gracie Virginia Holt Vest, her husband, Rodney Keith Morehead, her brother, David Vest and her sister, Alice (“Jenny”) Townley.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Lisa & James Ferris, Michael Morehead and Todd Morehead; her sisters, Clara Bell and Martha Burnette; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated and there are no public services planned. She will be laid to rest at the Stinson Cemetery at a later date.

The Morehead family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.

03/07/2026

03/07/2026

the hardest walk 💔

03/07/2026

The road curves quietly
through the dark hills,
stretching farther
than the eye can see.

Some nights it feels endless,
a path lined with memories
that rise like mist
along the edges.

I walk it slowly,
carrying the weight
of every moment
we once shared.

Sometimes a small sign appears—
a familiar song,
a photograph,
a voice remembered.

Those moments feel like lanterns
glowing softly in the distance,
guiding my steps
through the quiet miles.

And though the road continues
beyond what I can see,
love walks beside me
every step of the way.

—Missing You Always

03/03/2026

Larry Edward Crane of Bland, VA. passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026 at his home. Born in Radford, VA on April 10, 1950, he was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret Smith Crane and was one of three children. Larry was a devoted brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness and gentle presence...

03/01/2026

Maybe this will help.
~Beautiful Ramblings