https://www.givensfuneralhome.com/

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

06/09/2026

On June 5th, 2026, Richard Thomas Legard left this world to join his family, friends and pets who had left this world before him and prepared the most joyful reunion ever imaginable. I can’t say I am not a little jealous, but I know that one day we will all be together again and have that same joy.

Richard was born on February 6, 1953, in Pearisburg, VA to the late Robert Hope Legard and Edith Redmon Legard. He graduated from Augusta Military School and New River Community College. He retired from Volvo after more than 30 years, but continued to work at Norton Transport in Dublin, Va, where he did what he loved best. Be around people, solve problems and fix things and most of all drive big trucks. He was quick to make friends and always knew exactly who to call to ask a question or get what he needed to get the job done. You would never hear Richard say “That ain’t my job,” and would dive headfirst into any project or problem and see it through to the end.

Helping people was his priority. Whether someone needed kind words of encouragement, help with a problem or even financial help, Richard was there for anyone needing help. On February 1st, 1978, he joined the Giles Rescue and Lifesaving Squad where he spent over 48 years helping people. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sherry Stafford.

He and Sherry were married in 1985, and for over 40 years lived a fairy tale life of fixing up their old home, old cars, and old truck. His pride and joy was the 1973 Peterbilt that together they turned it into a rolling masterpiece. On YouTube, search for Richard Legard-Rolling CB interview from Big Rig Videos

Richard was predeceased by his parents, brother Robert Hope Legard and father-in-law, Joe Stafford. He is survived by his wife Sherry, sisters, Kaye Thurman of Georgia, Mary Waldrop (Hank) of Florida and Bill (Sara) of Florida. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betsy Stafford, brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Robin Stafford, all of Pearisburg. He also leaves behind his very best friend, David and Sandy Akers of Narrows. He also leaves behind his beloved pets, Diesel, hunter, mike, Carol and Krissy who gave him so much joy and comfort.

Per Richard’s wishes, there will be no services, but a private family gathering at a later date.

He wanted to be remembered as a helper to all and to honor his memory, please consider a donation to the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad in his memory.

My dear, this is not a goodbye, but a see you again one day

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

06/05/2026

Kim Anthony O’Farrell, 69 of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at his home. Kim was born on May 4, 1957, in Pearisburg, Va., and was a son of the late Frank Bernard O’Farrell, Sr. and Genevieve Mildred Lafon O’Farrell.

Kim was a 1975 graduate of Giles High School, and a graduate of New River Community College. He retired from Corning in Blacksburg after more than 20 years of service. He enjoyed long walks by the river with his dog, Maggie. He loved the outdoors, whether it was hiking in nature or golfing with his friends. He remained active in the lives of his grandchildren, taking joy in celebrating each of their milestones.

He is survived by his wife, Dora Alice Sexton O’Farrell of Christiansburg, 2 daughters, Kimberly O. Bugle (Brian) of Manassas, April D. Nicholson (Reid) of Christiansburg, 6 grandchildren, Addison, Reilly and Avery Bugle, Abbey, Micah and Caroline Nicholson, brother, Frank B. O’Farrell, Jr. (Geri) of Utah, sister, Robin K. O’Farrell of Pearisburg, special cousins, Nancy Clowers of FL, Brenda Bostic of Paint Bank, VA and his beloved dog, Maggie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Kim’s name be made to the Giles County Animal Shelter, 678 Green Hollow Rd., Pearisburg, VA. 24134

As per Kim’s 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.

05/15/2026

Carolyn Jean May Keffer, 56 of Pearisburg, VA., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at her home. Carolyn was born on September 18, 1969, in Pearisburg, VA. and was a daughter of the late Levi May and Norma Jean Perkins Walters May.

Carolyn also known by friends and family as CJ. CJ and Keith have been married 40 years. Always by each others side. CJ has worked at a few different jobs throughout her life. Such as Hardee’s, Wendy’s, Grants, and Heritage hall nursing home. She was a hard worker and always gave it her all. But her most important roll was being a mom and mawmaw, she loved her kids, but loved all of her grandkids even more! CJ loved her family. She never missed a family get together. Any time the family gathered she was there. For the last year you could find her on her aunt Tia’s porch every Saturday night. Where everyone ate and did some front porch sitting. She cherished those moments! As we cherish those moments we got to spend with her! She was an amazing woman that worked hard, and loved harder! She loved all of her family including her “daddy” Ricky (Helen) Walters, Aunt Tia, Uncle “Shultz”, Buttons (Angie) Perkins, and “Robert Earl” Bobby Anderson. All who knew CJ loved her. She had a big heart, and always cared about others before herself. If she told you she loved you she meant it. She is missed by so many, but her story will still live on through those that loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Keith Keffer of Pearisburg, daughter, Adrieanna Keffer of Pearisburg, 2 sons, Bryan K. Keffer (Tammy) of Pembroke, Zach T. Keffer (Amanda) of Pearisburg, 9 grandchildren, Adien Keffer, Xander Keffer, Kylie Keffer, Major Keffer, Savanna Keffer, Michael Keffer, Haley Keffer, Dominic Jones and Dakota Jones.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, May 18, 2026, at 1pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with the Pastor Cathy Higgs and Charles Henderson officiating with burial following in Mountain View Cemetery (Guinea Mtn), Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home 1 hour before the service from 12 - 1 pm.

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

05/08/2026

Dennis Arnold Rampey, 86 of Pearisburg, VA., passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Arnold was born on September 27, 1939, in Easley, SC, and was a son of the late Dennis Houston Rampey and Edna Ida Kelley Rampey. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Lynch Rampey, 1 son, Denny A. Rampey

We would all love to have one more opportunity to grab a cup of coffee and sit in the living room and listen to Arnold tell us stories from his life. His ability to recall people and events was as remarkable as his ability to find the humor in nearly every situation. He never met a stranger and he was always there for you when you needed him. The world has lost not only a loving, caring, and hard working friend and father; but also all the memories that he loved to share.

He is survived by, 3 sons, Brent Rampey (Amanda) of Chesterfield, MO, Bryan Goodwin of Christiansburg, Bill Godwin of Decatur, TX, 1 daughter, Alvina Bagwell of Greenville, SC, 4 grandchildren, Logan Rampey, Brittney Dills, Nathan Rampey, Elliot Rampey, daughter-in-law, Mellissa Rampey and 2 sisters, Lib Porter of Pickens, SC and Judy Addis of Greenville, SC.

A Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 4pm at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg with the Rev. Clay Holt officiating with burial following in the Fairview Cemetery in Narrows, VA.

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

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.

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