MHC Obituaries, PO Box 5146, Martinsville, VA (2025)

12/18/2025

Obituary For Isaiah Hughes
On Wednesday, December 17,2025, Isaiah Hughes, 22, of North Carolina peacefully transitioned from this life. He was born in Eden, NC on July 10, 2003, the son of Anthony M. Hughes and Courtnee Manns Hughes.

Isaiah was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Allen J. Hughes and Carolyn G. Hughes.

Isaiah was a member of Refuge Temple Ministries. He was a graduate of Salem Baptist Christian School class of 2022. After Isaiah graduated from high school, he enrolled at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with an expecting graduation date of May 2026.

Those left to cherish his memory includes his parents, Anthony M. and Courtnee Manns Hughs of Pfafftown, NC; maternal grandparents, Joe L. and Mary A. Barner of Preston, VA; and a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at Refuge Temple Ministries, 205 Clearview Dr., Martinsville, VA with Bishop Alan Preston, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, family and friends may come by the funeral home to sign the register book between the hours of 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.

12/18/2025

Eleanor Carol Combs
October 21, 1940 - December 14, 2025

Eleanor Carol Combs, age 85, of Reidsville, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. She was born on October 21, 1940, to the late James William Lee Wirt and Lucy Myrtle Eanes Wirt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Keith Combs and Homer Robert Sebastian; her daughter, Dianne Carol Stone; her brother, Bernard Wirt; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Wirt.

Eleanor was a member East Side Baptist Church. She worked for many years as a school bus driver, a role in which she took great pride and responsibility. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, sharing meals together, and giving of her time through her involvement with the Salvation Army. Family was central to Eleanor’s life, and she valued time spent with loved ones above all else.

Left to cherish her memory are son, Homer Robert Sebastian; her grandson who she raised as a son; Pete Stone (April); her grandchildren, Kimberly Clark and John Stone; her step-grandson, Stevie West; her step-granddaughter, Ann Jones; her great-grandchildren, Haylee Clark, Tanner Mayberry, and Kacey Mayberry (Ben); along with three step great-grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren; her brother, Wesley Wirt; her sister, Naomi Robertson (Charlie). She is also survived by special friends, Nancy Harrell, Doris Martin, Barbara Perry, and Cheryl Tudor.

A funeral service will be on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 2:00pm at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel with Preacher Gene Davis, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 1:00pm at Henry Memorial Park.

12/18/2025

Billy Manns
August 24, 1947 - December 15, 2025

Billy Manns, age 78, of Danville, Virginia, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was born on August 24, 1947, to the late Jessie Mae Manns.

Billy worked many years at Southern Finishing. Known for his outgoing personality, Billy enjoyed fishing, having a good time, and was fondly known for his ability to make people laugh and enjoy life.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Lisa Oritz, Lapoo Manns, Erica Waller, and Angela Waller; his numerous grandchildren; his brothers, James Manns (Nancy) and Charles Manns (Toni); his sisters, Mary Ann Barner (Jimmy) and Carolyn Manns (Bob); and a host of other family members and friends

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00pm at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel.

12/18/2025

Thomas "Bud" Bruce
August 2, 1967 - December 16, 2025

Thomas “Bud” Bruce, 58, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Sovah Health–Martinsville. He was born on August 2, 1967, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late Thomas Lee Bruce and Betty Sue Pagans.

Tommy honorably served his country in the United States Army National Reserve in the 81st Infantry. He had a remarkable love for youth and a genuine desire for them to feel seen, valued, and loved. This passion guided much of his life’s work and ministry.

For many years, Tommy was employed as a Security Guard at Bassett High School, where he made a lasting impact on students and staff alike. He also served as an assistant coach at both Bassett High and Fieldale-Collinsville Middle Schools, assisting with special teams. His dedication to mentoring young people extended beyond athletics, as he faithfully served as a Youth Leader, teaching children’s ministry and leading over 100 youth to Christ.

Tommy was an ordained deacon and a devoted member of Community Fellowship, where his service and faith were evident in all that he did.

In his personal life, Tommy enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family. He was also enjoyed watching sports, from Wrestling, Basketball, and Football where he was an avid fan of the L.A. Rams and took great pride in cheering on his favorite team.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years, Donna L. Bruce; two daughters, Kaitlin C. Bruce and Adrienne Hubbard (Sean); five grandchildren, Eyan Hubbard, Seth Hubbard, Lily Barton, Jacy Barton, and Hana Barton; his brother, Robert Bruce (Tammy Lee); his niece, Lauren Bruce; his mother in law, Bonny Lee Burnette; two beloved fur babies, Dana and Declan and a host of other family members and friends.

Tommy will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his heart for youth, and the love he poured into his family and community. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel.

12/18/2025

Geraldine Burnette Williams
January 30, 1941 - December 17, 2025

Geraldine Burnette Williams, age 84, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at her home. She was born on January 30, 1941, in Floyd, Virginia, to the late Orby Burnette and Effie Burnette. In addition to her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by her sisters, Louise Wimmer, Kathleen Ashby, and Learline Hall; her brother, Wayland Burnette, Sr.; and her sisters-in-law, Violet Hubbard and Gail Flippin.

Geraldine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a faithful member of Oak Level Baptist Church, where she loved the Lord and enjoyed reading her Bible. A dedicated homemaker, Geraldine took great pride in caring for her family and home. She spent many years caring for children in her home. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafts, baking, spending time with her family, and working in her flowers. Above all, Geraldine deeply loved her children and cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 65 years, Riley G. Williams; her two daughters, Darnell Boyd (Victor) and Beverly Keaton (James); her five grandchildren, Brandie Taylor (Will), Kaitlyn Draper (Bradley), Hunter Boyd, Alanna Keaton (John), and Olivia Keaton; and her great-grandchildren, Luke Taylor, Allie Taylor, Oaklynn Draper, and Levi Draper. She is also survived by her sister, Hilda Underwood; her sisters-in-law, Vera Wood, Essie Holt, and Joan Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends; and with special thanks to Loretta Justice.

Geraldine will be remembered for her gentle spirit, strong faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Henry Memorial Park at 1:00pm with Pastor Tim Wood, officiating.

12/18/2025

Dina Michelle Carter, 61, of Bassett, Virginia, transitioned to her heavenly home Sunday, December 14, 2025. She was born December 25, 1963, in Martinsville, Virginia to the late Clarence Perkins and Jacqueline Martin Perkins Brim.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry Wayne Carter; niece, Jacqueline Savannah Perkins; aunt, Constance “Cleo” Martin, uncles, William Martin, Sam Rogers Martin, Thomas D. Martin, paternal grandparents, Ada and Isaac Perkins, Sr. and maternal grandparents Robert Saunders Martin and Daisy Savannah Martin Johnson and Tyler Johnson.

Dina was of the Christian Faith and a joined New Bethel Christian Church at an early age. She was an industrious worker and had a wonderful work ethic which she passed along to her children. She worked at Bassett Superior Line for over ten years. She was an avid watcher of TV game shows and home improvement shows. Dina enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing a gaming system with CeCe. She had a loving and caring spirit and loved her family and friends dearly, especially her darling grandchild.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Constance Caroline Carter; son, Darryl Eugene Carter; sister, Constance Perkins Hairston; grandchild, Surianna Carter, aunt, Wanda Sue Green ( Wayne) , uncle Eugene Martin ( Mary) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins ,extended family and friends.

A service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. A visitation will be held one-half hour prior to the service. A floating visitation will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.

12/18/2025

Sharon Bernadette Price Obituary
Sharon Bernadette Mills Price, 76, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully Monday, December 15, 2025. She was born November 12, 1949, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late Lorenzo Mills and Gertrude Perkins Mills.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Novella Hairston and brother, Lorenzo Mills.

Sharon was a devoted member at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses and enjoyed teaching others about the hope of God’s Kingdom. She enjoyed life to the fullest and making memories with her family and friends. She loved to visit different orchards and pick her own apples, oranges and other fruits and vegetables. She loved her cats and enjoyed listening to music and dancing whenever she could. She especially loved gathering her family and friends around for a good cookout or driving up into the mountains to enjoy spending quality time with them. She dearly loved all of her family and friends, including her spiritual family, and always held them close to her heart.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Sonya Price Tarpley (Jeff); son, Allen Roderick Price (Tiffani); sister, Norma Jean Gebo (Bob); granddaughter, Ieisha Price; beloved nephew, Lynn Muhammad; great niece, Brandi Perkins; beloved cousin, Sherry Giles; best friend, Sandra Turner; and many extended family and friends.

The family will receive visitors beginning Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 1:00-6:00 pm at 935 Blankenship Road, Apt. 12, Martinsville, Virginia. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the many kindnesses shown in thoughts, prayers, and deeds during this time.

Wright Funeral Service &

Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.

12/16/2025

Steven Richard Ball, 44, of Bassett, VA passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was born on October 24, 1981, in New Jersey, to Roger Alan Ball and Diane Nicholson Ball. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Betty Nicholson of Havertown, PA, and David and Joan Ball of DeRuyter, NY.

Mr. Ball was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Martinsville. He possessed a deeply service-oriented heart and lived out his passion through unwavering dedication to numerous county rescue squads. He graduated from Fieldale-Collinsville High School in 2000. He was a proud graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Class of 2004. He later served as a medic for the Martinsville Sheriff’s Office Jail and a K9 Deputy and Lieutenant for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. He attended and graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in 2018. He served as a VSP General Instructor and assisted as a medic for their Office of Medical Services. He had just recently been promoted to Senior Trooper. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Steven had a passion for cars.

He is survived by his parents, Roger Alan Ball and Diane Nicholson Ball.

A memorial service will be held at Victory Baptist Church, in Fieldale, Virginia, on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Larry House officiating. The family will accept guests two hours prior to the service. Honors will be rendered by Virginia State Police Honor Guard at the conclusion of services.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory – Martinsville is serving the Ball family. Online condolences can be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.

12/15/2025

Franklin Lee Alley, age 55, of Fieldale, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born with a generous heart and a steadfast spirit, Franklin built a life defined by loyalty, hard work, and the joy he found in the people he loved. He spent more than 15 years working for Wilson Quarries, where he was known for his strong work ethic and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Franklin shared 31 cherished years of marriage with his devoted wife, Lori Alley, and together they created a family that was the center of his world. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Babcock (Michael Iseman); his son, Kenneth Alley; and his beloved grandchildren, Abbigail Babcock and Blake Iseman, who were the absolute lights of his life. Franklin fought long and hard to stay with them, driven by a love that never wavered.

He is also survived by his siblings, William Skeens (Kim), Raymond Alley (Shawn), and Mattie Bray, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Lee “Buddy” Alley and Bonnie Alley, whom he loved deeply and carried with him in memory throughout his life.

He loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing with his family. In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and found peace in the woods and on the water. No matter where he went, Franklin had a way of making people laugh—his humor, warmth, and big-hearted nature made every room feel lighter.

Franklin’s loyalty, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered forever by those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the deep devotion he gave so freely.

May he rest in gentle peace.

Online condolences at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com

Collins Funeral is respectfully serving the Alley family.

12/15/2025

Mrs. Annie Cockram, age 82 of Bassett, VA passed away on December 10, 2025 at her residence after a decline in health.
Mrs. Cockram was born on June 1, 1943 to Lincoln Cockram and Susie Worley Cockram. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Rufus William Cockram and a sister, Rosie Cockram Turner. She was of the Baptist faith. She worked 5 years at J.D. Bassett. She was a hard worker and stayed at home most of her life and raised 5 children. She enjoyed her animals, flower graden and growing vegetables. She loved spending time with her family especially on the holidays. She enjoyed writing to her pen pals that lived in other states. She loved making quilts, sewing and she loved God and anyone she met.

She is survived by two daughters, Loretta Hubbard (Donald Shifflett), Marlyn Cockram, three sons, Julius Cockram, Willie Cockram (Vickie Brown), Carlray Cockram, two grandchildren, Brittney Hubbard Dollarhite ( Tyler) and Deanna Hubbard (Kevin Tilcock), one great grandchild, Saila Dollarhite, two nieces, Linda Strothers (Tommy, Mary Ann Turner and one nephew, Robert Turner.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Hwy, Bassett, VA. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Jonathan Conner Cemetery, Meadows of Dan, VA.

Online condolences at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com

Collins Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Cockram family.

12/15/2025

IN THE CARE OF
Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home
Linda Kay Clark France
August 8, 1954 – December 10, 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude for her beautiful life, the family of Linda Kay Clark France announces her passing on December 10, 2025, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA. Linda was 71 years old and a resident of Bassett, Virginia, where she built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and faith.

Born August 8, 1954, in Lexington, Virginia, Linda was the cherished daughter of Melvin Linwood Clark Sr. and Virginia Joanne Spence Clark. A proud graduate of Bassett High School’s Class of 1972, she carried the friendships and lessons from her school years throughout her life.

Linda was, above all, devoted to her family. She leaves behind her loving husband of 47 ½ years, Barry France, and her sons Jonathan France (Sarah) and Jordan France (Jamie), both of Martinsville, Virginia. Her greatest joy was being “LaLa” to her grandchildren Westyn White, Gabbie France, Greyson Scott, Macy France, and Henley France, each of whom lit up her world. She is also survived by her siblings Melvin L. Clark Jr. (Vicki), Kenneth R. Clark (Jennifer), George F. Clark (Andrea), Timothy “Tim” W. Clark (Dianne), Carol C. Darnell (Greg), and brother-in-law Mike France (Carol). She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Rickey L. Clark and Anthony “Tony” R. Clark. In addition to her family, she leaves behind cherished friends who became family and brightened each day of her life.

Linda’s life overflowed with love for simple joys — knitting gifts for loved ones, cheering on her sons at their sporting events, pulling for her favorite sports teams, playing cards and bingo with friends, and delighting in long, peaceful hours at the beach collecting shells and listening to beach music. Holidays were her favorite time of year, and she poured her heart into decorating her home and making gatherings magical. Her caring nature, quick wit, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know her.

Her strong faith sustained her through life’s challenges and guided the love she gave freely to others. Linda had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and at home — whether through a shared laugh, a thoughtful gesture, or a quiet moment together.

A funeral service celebrating Linda’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Pocahontas Baptist Church, 120 Bassett Heights Rd., Bassett, VA, with Reverend Susan Spangenberg officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins. Burial will follow at Henry Memorial Park in Oak Level, VA.

The family will also receive friends at her home after the burial, 309 Ridgewood Rd. Bassett, VA 24055. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, or to the Bassett Volunteer Fire Department 3735 Fairystone Park Hwy, Bassett, VA 24055.

Pallbearers: Westyn White, Spencer Clark, Zachary Clark, Nicholas Clark, Benjamin Smith, Cory Childress

Honorary Pallbearers: Gabbie France and Greyson Scott

Above all, we will remember Linda’s kindness, laughter, and deep devotion to her family. To know her was to love her, and her light will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched.

Online condolences at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com

Collins Funeral Home is respectfully serving the France family.

12/15/2025

Obituary For Elder Edward N. Holland
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Lord in His Infinite wisdom saw fit to call from labor to reward Elder Edward Holland 98, of Fisher Farm Rd., Martinsville. He was born in Franklin County, VA on June 17, 1927, to the late Jack Holland and Mary Victoria Woods Holland.

In addition to his parents, Elder Edward Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Nannie Williamson Holland; one daughter, Melissa “Jackie” Gravely; six sisters; Grace Gibbens, Mary Smith, Lizzie Thaxton, Ann Harvey, Florence Jones and Ida Kidd, and eight brothers, James Holland, Earnest Holland, Basil Holland, Millard Holland, Hubert Holland, Alex Holland, Clarence Holland and John Robert “Pete” Holland.

Elder Edward Holland was founder and Pastor of St. Peter Evening Light Holiness Church, Martinsville, VA for many years. His life was marked by kindness, generosity and dedication to his beloved family and church community. He retired from the city of Martinsville after many years of dedicated service. Later, he founded Holland's Curb/Gutter and Concrete business.

Elder Edward Holland leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and resilience through his devoted daughters, Vanessa H. Millner (Harvey) of Martinsville, VA and Victoria Holland of Greensboro, NC; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; care giver, Lula Hairston of Martinsville, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville with Bishop Alan Preston, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Dr., Martinsville, VA.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa and Harvey Millner, 165 Henry Via Dr., Martinsville, VA. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.

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