Recent Obituaries and Guest Books

Russell A. Anthony "Mickey" Peacefully on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, Russell A. Anthony entered into eternal rest at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Dorothy A. Carter Anthony. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 15, in Landover, Md. He will be laid to rest at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at Forest Hill Burial Park in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Allen "Johnny" Austin George Allen "Johnny" Austin, 72, of Lynchburg, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at his residence. He was the husband of Phyllis Wade Austin for fifty-five years. He was born February 23, 1941, in Lynchburg, the son of the late George Wallace Austin and the late Gladys Faulkner Austin and was also preceded in death by two sisters, Margie A. Martin and Ruby A. Burnette. Johnny was a retired foreman for Burruss Land and Lumber Company, where he worked for 46 years and was a member of the Mt. View Church of God. Johnny had a special love for baseball at an early age and pitched a no-hitter in the Babe Ruth League, where he played for two years. His pitching hand cast is in the Hall of Fame. He never knew a stranger and made friends easily with anyone he would meet. In addition to his wife, Johnny leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Sheila A. Martin and her husband, Allen, of Forest; a very special granddaughter, Blair Alyse Brooks, who was the light of his life; his special pet Boo Boo, who he loved dearly; three sisters, Verla A. Lloyd, Shirley Wooldridge and Carolyn Franklin and her husband Joey, all of Lynchburg; and one brother, Dixie Austin of Lynchburg. A funeral service will be conducted 12 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 a,t Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Lonnie Wickard officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the funeral home and other times at the residence. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Centra Hospice for their wonderful care.

Julia Simpson Beverly Julia Simpson Beverly departed this life Thursday, May 9, 2013, at her residence in Madison Heights. She was born April 7, 1951, in Charlottesville, Va., the daughter of the late Baldwin and Julia Simpson. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Veronica Lynn; sister, Vivian Simpson; and brother Hawthorne Simpson. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and loving husband, Frank Beverly Jr.; two loving children, Stephanie M. Beverly of Madison Heights, Va., and Jermaine F. Beverly of Charlottesville, Va.; one brother, Burnard (Debra) Simpson of Charlottesville, Va.; one uncle, David (Ann) Winston of Charlottesville, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Saunders and Loretta Beverly; two brothers-in-law, Thomas (Patricia) Beverly and Harry (Liz) Beverly; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. The interment will be held at the Christian Aid Cemetery in Amherst. The family will receive friends at the Davis-Turner Funeral Home, 1016 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, from 6 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.com. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.

George Ulric "Mickey" Brooks Jr. 78, of Williamsburg passed away Monday, May 13, 2013. He was born October 19, 1934, in Sycamore, Va., the son of the late G.U. Brooks Sr. and Vera White Brooks. He was preceded in death by a sister, Vera Colucci. Mickey is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Blankinship Brooks; two sons G.U.Brooks III and H. Vincent Brooks; a brother, Ray B. Brooks and wife, Sharon; and cousin (or "second brother"), D. T. LeFew Jr. and wife, Barbara. Upon his mother's passing, he went to live with his aunt, Vivian B. LeFew, in Lynchburg, Va. He graduated from E. C. Glass High School where he was voted friendliest in his class, and served as band president and lead drummer. He spent three years as a Naval Hospital Corpsman before attending Lynchburg College. George was a Boy Scout leader, member of the Jaycees, Rotary Club, and Salvation Army where he was named Southeastern Division Man of the Year. He began his professional career with Blue Cross, moved to real estate, and ultimately began his own business cleaning carpets. In addition to his sense of humor, he was known for his dedication to volunteering, ministering and encouraging those in need. Mickey was devoted to his Savior, his family and his fellow man. He was a member of Victory Christian Fellowship in Lynchburg and Williamsburg Christian Church in Williamsburg. He left quite a legacy...much more than any of us will ever know. A celebration of his life will take place 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at Williamsburg Christian Church on John Tyler Lane. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Salvation Army as this was his . On line condolences may be shared at www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net.

Reverend Jack Lee Brooks Sr. The Reverend Jack Lee Brooks Sr., 74, of Forest, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at his residence. Born January 21, 1939, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Mosby Herman Brooks II and the late Beulah Lloyd Brooks Ayers. Brother Jack, as he liked to be called, loved to spread God's word. He truly loved people and was faithful to visit the sick and shut-in. Jack preached the word of the Bible and worked diligently for Christ for more than fifty years. Brother Jack retired as the Pastor and Founder of Calvary Cross Baptist Church after thirty-eight years of dedicated and faithful service. He loved the Lord, his family and friends, and especially the members of Calvary Cross Baptist Church. He was a kind, loving man who would do anything for people and would go the extra mile to help those in need. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; his children, Cindy McKinney and husband Johnny, Regina Scott and husband Marty, Debbie Allen and husband Sid, Joy Strickfaden and husband, Kirk, Jack "Skipper" Brooks Jr. and wife Janet, James "Terry" Brooks and wife, Fran, and Pam Moore and husband, Danny; thirteen grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, Jimmy Brooks, Mosby "Boogie" Brooks Jr., LeRoy Ayers, and Don Ayers Sr.; a sister, Patsy Simonton; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. A funeral service will be conducted 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Calvary Cross Baptist Church by his good friends, the Rev. Thomas Tuggle of Mocksville, N.C., the Rev. Ken Hall of Danville, Dr. Melvin Campbell of Lynchburg, and the Rev. Earl F. Clarkson Jr. of Madison Heights. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery by the Rev. H.C. Bowman. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Gideon's International.

Cynthia Ann Brown HURT - Cynthia Ann Brown, 60, of Hurt, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Centra Hospice House in Lynchburg. Born June 2, 1952, in Lynchburg, she was a daughter of Calvin Brown and Olene Mayhew Brown of Hurt. Cindy was a member of Midway Baptist Church and was an employee of Abbott Labs. She was a 1970 graduate of Gretna High School and enjoyed spending time with her cat "Rosco". Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2013, at Midway Baptist Church by the Rev. Lynn Marstin. Burial will follow in Gretna Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the residence of her parents, Calvin and Olene Brown, 117 West Spencer Road, Hurt. The family suggests memorials be made to Midway Baptist Church, 2136 Midway Road, Gretna, VA 24557 or to Centra Hospice House, 4413 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503. Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.

Oscar Duvall St. Clair, Jr. Oscar Duvall St. Clair, Jr. 75, of Lynchburg passed away Sunday, May 12, 2013 at his residence. Born in Campbell County on July 27, 1937 he was the son of the late Oscar Duvall St. Clair, Sr. and Della Ferguson St. Clair and was the husband of Martha Proehl St. Clair. Mr. St. Clair was a member of Beulah Baptist Church, The Woodman of the World and Falling River Country Club. He was a foreman for Montague Betts Company and was retired plant manager for Lynchburg Steel and Specialty Company in Monroe. In addition to his wife, Martha, he is survived by two sons, Kenneth Dale St. Clair and his wife, Renee and Timothy Glen St. Clair and his wife, Rebecca all of Lynchburg. A daughter Diane St. Clair Williams and her husband, Thomas of Gladys. Four grandchildren, Justin, Haley, Chandler and Cameron. Two sisters, Fay Bush and Maxine Clark and her husband, Preston all of Lynchburg. A sister-in-law, Jannette Carroll and her husband, Fred. A brother-in-law, Merlyn "Whitey" Proehl. He was preceded in death by a son, Roger E. St. Clair. The family would like to send a special thanks to Duvall's many friends and family who stood beside him during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local volunteer rescue squad or fire department. A Celebration of Duvall's life will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Diuguid Waterlick Chapel on Timberlake Rd. with the Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Carroll of Central Baptist Church in Rockville, Md. Officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM today, May 14, 2013 at the funeral home. Condolences may be made to diuguidfuneralservice.com. Diuguid Funeral Service and Crematory, Waterlick Chapel, 237-2722, is assisting the family.

Royal C. Claytor Royal C. Claytor of Lynchburg departed this life on Friday, May 10, 2013, at his residence. He was born September 30, 1953. A graveside service will be held 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013, at the Baptist Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to comfuneral@aol.com. Community Funeral Home directing

Cora Eleanor Cobb February 6, 1932 - May 6, 2013 Resident of Pamplin City Cora Eleanor Cobb, 81, died Monday, May 6, 2013, at Trinity Mission of Farmville, Virginia, following a lengthy illness. Born February 6, 1932, in New York City to William Crosby Cobb and Margaret Elizabeth Haeseker, Cora spent her early years in New York, New Jersey, and Wellesley, Massachusetts. She graduated from Wellesley High School in 1949, and later earned degrees from Northeastern University, Simmons College, and the University of Colorado. A gifted mathematician and programmer, Cora worked in aerospace and data processing. During her happy years in Pamplin, she fulfilled a lifelong dream when, using the pen name Caroline Crosby, she published her psychological thriller The Other Covenant (Vow of the Seven). Cora married John Daniel Hruza in Boston, Mass., in June 1958. They moved that year to Southern California (Topanga and then Thousand Oaks), where their sons, Steven Anton, Eric Alan, and Karl Andre were born. Their son Eric Alan was born after they relocated to Denver. Cora and John moved from Denver to Pamplin City in 2006. They joined the congregation at St. Anne's Church, where, in 2008, they renewed their wedding vows. Cora valued the friendships she made among fellow writers in the area and while helping at the Pamplin Depot Library. Cora was predeceased by her parents, William C. and Margaret E. Cobb; her son, Eric, and her husband, John. She is survived by her dear sons, Steve (Susan), Karl (Debbie), and Eric; her dear sister, Margaret Dastrup; and her wonderful grandchildren, Andrew, Anthony, Alexandra, Stuart, Katie and Lauren Hruza. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, and many cousins. You are invited to join the family for a memorial service at two o'clock in the afternoon Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 415 Oakleigh Avenue, Appomattox, VA 24522. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation in Cora's memory to St. Anne's or to a .

Richard William Crist Jr. Richard William Crist Jr., 41, of Bedford, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2013. He was born October 1, 1971, in Lynchburg, a son of the late Richard William Crist Sr. and is survived by his mother, Nancy Schley Crist of Rustburg. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Alice Schley, and William and Lillian Crist. Richard graduated from Brookville High School, in 1989, and went on to receive two associates' degrees from CVCC, specializing in Criminal Justice. He enjoyed sports and had many hobbies, baseball cards, coin collecting, and fishing, to name a few. He loved animals, and had two special dogs, "Rocko", and "Chloe". He was a member of Mead Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors also include his fiancee, Beth Philbrick, and her children, Joey and Todd Philbrick, of Bedford; his sisters, Sharon Crist Rakes and husband, David, of Forest, and Carolyn Crist Burgess and husband, Titus, of Altavista; special friends, for over 20 years, William Hudson of Lynchburg and Chris Burch, of Roanoke; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2013, at Fort Hill Memorial Park, by the Rev. George Hatmaker.