Big Stone Gap, Va.-Jean B. DeVault, 86, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center.
She was born and raised in Jonesville, Va. She had lived in Big Stone Gap since 1980. Jean graduated with her BA from Clinch Valley College and later with her M.Ed. from Virginia Tech. She was a middle school reading specialist with the Wise Co. Public Schools. Following her retirement from the WCPS, she taught for several years at the Flatwoods Job Corp. Jean was the pianist for the Andover Community Church in Andover, VA, where she loved sharing her talents with the congregation.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Henry DeVault; her daughter, RuVonda Adkins; son-in-law, Chris Adkins; her parents, John Wiley and Mary Angeline (Woodard) Bonham; brother, Jack Bonham and an infant brother, John Wiley Bonham, Jr.
Surviving are her grandson, Jonathan Morefield; brother, Wayne Bonham (Debbie) of Jonesville, Va.; sister, Kay Jenkins, Englewood, OH; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial graveside service will be conducted Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Woodard Cemetery, Rte 719, Glenda Eldridge Dr. Jonesville, Va. with Pastor Tom Ely.
Please meet at the cemetery by 2:45pm.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Ms. DeVault’s family and friends.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.-Donald Ray “Buster” Clark, 86, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Johnson City Medical Center.
He was born on January 10, 1939 in Keokee, Va. to Edward “Ed” Clark and Ruby Smith Clark. Don attended Keokee High School. He worked for Westmoreland Coal Co. and Paramont Coal Co. for over 40 years. Don loved being an active member of the Deep Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Dryden, Va. He loved football and NASCAR. Don was a man with a generous heart and never met a stranger. His outgoing personality will be remembered by all that knew him.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his siblings, Debbie, Delmer, Garney, Eddie “Red” and Virginia.
Surviving are his loving wife of 58 years, Linda Clark; sisters-in-law, Freda Bishop and Barbara Boggs; special nephew, Andrew Bishop (Jenny) and their son, Adam Bishop; siblings, Doug and Pat Clark, Mike and Teresa Clark, Connie Bryant, Wilma Clark, Irene Clark and Patricia and Gary Pennington; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Dennis Carden; and sisters-in-law, Juliet Clark, Tena Clark and Roxie Clark.
The family will receive friends 5:00pm -7:00pm Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 7:00pm with Pastor Rick Phillips and Pastor Paul Davis officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Glencoe Cemetery. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 11:30am to go in procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be: Andrew Bishop, Adam Bishop, Roger Bishop, Tom Fisher, Kenneth Kelly and Don Snodgrass.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Deep Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 149 Deep Springs Church Road, Dryden, VA 24243.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Clark family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Salem, VA-Bobby Jene Ruth, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House in Roanoke, VA.
He was born in Gate City, VA, to the late Robert (Bud) and Eddie May (Edna) Mathews Ruth.
Bob grew up in Big Stone Gap and enlisted in the Air Force. After leaving service, Bob worked as a millwright, installing and maintaining machinery in several factories in Virginia, West Virginia, and Louisiana. He also worked as a welder on several construction projects on the Virginia Tech campus and retired from the maintenance department of Volvo Trucks in Dublin, Va.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, his half-sister Betty Ketron and his son in-law Craig Waters.
He is survived by his daughters from his former wife, Peggy; Kelly Sowder and her son, Cody (Rachel); Cynthia Waters and her daughter Victoria; his step-son Jeff (Lisa) Miles and their children Drew (Payton), Jack (Nathalie), Abbey and Sarah. The family is very appreciative of all of the love, care and support provided by his special friend, Linda Cunningham, until her passing in January 2023. The family would like to thank Dr. Brooks and the staff of the Blue Ridge Cancer Center for taking care of Bob during his illness, the staff at the Joseph C Thomas Center in Salem and the Good Samaritan Hospice staff.
There will be a private family service at a later time at Glencoe Cemetery in Big Stone Gap. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Gilliam Funeral Home. Those wishing to make a donation in Bob’s memory to the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House, 4751 Cove Road NW Roanoke, VA 24017.

Fall Branch, TN – Leah Marie Hicks, 85, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, TN. She was born in Monroe, LA and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from N.E. Louisiana State University with a B.A. in Business Education and a minor in English. She attained her Master’s in Business from V.P.I. and State University. She taught for over 40 years in Wise County School System and Mountain Empire Community College. She loved to read. She was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Elizabeth (Gillum) Laing; step-mother, Ila Mae (Stringer) Adams Laing; brothers, Walter “Bunny” Laing, Richard Adams and Woodrow “Bud” Adams; and a sister, Susan George
Leah is survived by her husband of 51 years, William R. “Bill” Hicks; her children, Amy Rae Hicks of Kingsport, TN and Richard A. “Ricky” Johnson (Heather) of Fayetteville, WV; her siblings, Sydna “Libby” Bougeré of Hendersonville, TN and Sheryl Anderson (Lyn) of LaFayette, LA and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:00am at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner officiating. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery by 10:50am.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Leah Hicks.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Dryden, VA – James Albert White, 52, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, TN. Born in Gary, IN, he lived in South Carolina and Big Stone Gap for all of his adult life. He was a roofer and a short order cook of which he loved to do. He loved fishing and being in the outdoors in general. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Barbara (Wright) White and sister, Margaret Kathleen Redding.
James is survived by his siblings, Dianna Bentley (Derrick) of Gray Court, SC, Barbara Massey (Greg) of Greenville, SC, Raymond White, Jr. of Florida and Anthony White of Big Stone Gap, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of James White.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Michael Dwayne Kilgore, 79 of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on October 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.
Mike was born in Exeter, VA and attended Appalachia High School. Mike spent most of his life on Skeens Ridge in Big Stone Gap, VA
Mike proudly served in the Vietnam War as an E-6 SSG in the Echo Company, 8th Air Mobile Calvary, 2nd Battalion, First Air Cavalry Division from 1969-1970. Recon Platoon Sargent/Heavy Weapons 1968-1970. He was a recipient of 2 Bronze Stars/with “V” Device/First Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army Accommodation Medal with “V”Device/First Oak Leaf Cluster, Three Air Medals, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry/ with “V” Device, and many Presidential citations. He was also awarded a congressional recognition certificate of honor for the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration for service from the US House of Representatives presented by Diana Harshbarger.
Mike continued his education after coming home from Vietnam. He pursued his engineering degree at Milligan College. He also furthered his education by taking courses in Industrial Mining at ETSU, MECC, The University of Tennessee, The University West Virginia & The University of Kentucky.
Carrying forward 3 generations in the coal industry Mike’s passion was in mining. He was an Engineer specializing in Industrial Engineering for Westmoreland Coal Company. When the company closed, he continued his mining career with Simmons Rand in Regional Management for Sales and Service, later when Long Airdox acquired the company he served as a Regional Marketing and Sales Manager, He retired from DBT America/Bucyrus where he also served in Regional Marketing & Sales.
Mike was a member of the American Mining Institute of Industrial Engineering, He served as the Vice President and President of both the Westmorland Coal Company-Stonega Veterans Association and Virginia Mining Institute, He served as Trustee for VFW Post #5715 in Big Stone Gap, VA, where he was also a member of the Honor Guard. Mike was also a member of the DAV Post #45 in Big Stone Gap, VA, 1st Air Cavalry-Silver Saber Division, Vietnam Veterans of America and the American Legion, Tenn Post 0003.
His favorite thing was watching his grandson Brantley grow up and play sports. Mike loved to shop and travel, he was an avid golfer, a big college football and basketball fan, he loved to cheer on the Alabama Crimson Tide & the Kentucky Wildcats. He also enjoyed writing and researching his family history.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Florence Kilgore, and siblings, Clarence “Eddie” Kilgore, Frederick Allen Kilgore and sister Julia Lynn Jackson.
Those left to cherish and carry on his legacy are his Loving Daughter, Stephanie Kilgore Reed, Son-in-Law Todd Reed, and the Joy of his life, his precious grandson Brantley Michael Reed of Telford, TN; Beloved Brother, Patrick Kilgore, Appalachia, VA, Former spouse of 46 years, Deborah Kilgore, Big Stone Gap, VA, and several nieces, nephews and cousins he loved dearly.
Mike was baptized and had given his life to Christ. He took his last breath with his family, Stephanie, Debbie & Todd, holding his hands. Life comes full circle, through good times and in turbulence, LOVE ALWAYS WINS!
We salute you and you will Never Be Forgotten, Until we meet again.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm for a private time of visitation, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W, Big Stone Gap, VA. Funeral services will follow at 7:00pm with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner, Jr. ministering. Funeral services will also be private.
Private military graveside services, accorded by American Legion Post 3, 265 Honor Guard, for family members and close friends will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 1:00pm at Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Drive, Mountain Home, TN. Those serving as pallbearers will be Vietnam Veteran Comrades, Pat Kilgore and Todd Reed, led by Brantley M. Reed.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Michael Kilgore.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Coeburn, Va.-Chester Dale Dingus, 72, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn.
He was a lifelong resident of Coeburn, Va., but lived for a short period in Indiana. He was a Front Desk Receptionist for several local hotels/motels in the area. He loved flower gardening, acrylic painting and his cats.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Dingus; two brothers, Darrel Dingus and Tommy Dingus.
Surviving are his special friend, Linda Bailey; and close friends, Gary and Kristi McCarthy, and their son and Chester’s nephew, Brantlee.
Arrangements are private.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Chester Dingus’ friends.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, VA-Brenda Joyce Dorton, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, entered the arms of her Savior and eternal rest surrounded by love on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Known for her radiant spirit, timeless style, and kind heart, Brenda brought light and laughter wherever she went. Her presence filled every room with warmth, and her love for family and friends was felt deeply by all who knew her.
Brenda was born in Wise County, Virginia, on September 6, 1951. For 41 years, she faithfully served the Big Stone and surrounding communities through her work at Lonesome Pine, the old clinic, and countless hours of volunteer service as a phlebotomist. Her compassion and gentle touch brought comfort to so many, leaving a legacy of care and kindness that will never be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Geneva “Bunny” Lawson and Don Lawson, and her sweet dog, Buddy. Brenda is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Larry Dorton; her loving daughters, Alicia Taylor (Michael) of Johnson City, TN, and Michelle Slemp (Mark) of Afton, TN; and her brother, Terry Lawson (Darlene) of Big Stone Gap, VA. Also surviving are her beloved nieces Heather Storie (Mike) and Kaycee Arnold (Brandon), both of Big Stone Gap, VA, and her nephew Zachary Rogich (Kaylee) of West Virginia.
Brenda was the proud and adoring “Mamow” to her grandchildren — April Taylor, Olivia Slemp, Ian Taylor, Elizabeth Jennings, Ella Storie, Owen Bishop, Walker Arnold, Brayden Storie, Eli Rogich and Ronan Arnold — who were her greatest joy. She also had a special place in her heart for her loyal dog, Bella, as well as her beloved “grand dogs,” Banjo and Sam, who brought her endless happiness and companionship.
Brenda will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her joyful laughter, and the way she made everyone feel special. Her kindness, generosity, and strength touched countless lives, and her legacy of love will continue to shine through her family and all who were blessed to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in every shared memory, every smile, and every act of kindness inspired by her beautiful soul.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Monday, October 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Appalachia, 401 Kilbourne Ave., Appalachia, Va 24216. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Nick Brewer officiating.
Burial will follow at Glencoe Cemetery in Big Stone Gap.
Pallbearers will be: Mike Storie, Brandon Arnold, Zachary Rogich, Ian Taylor, Jake Gosnel, and Mark Slemp. Honorary pallbearers will be: Owen Bishop, Walker Arnold, Ronan Arnold and Michael Taylor.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Dorton family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Christy Ann Myers - 11/09/1978-10/12/2025
Christy Ann Myers, 46, of Duffield, VA passed away at her home on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Christy was born in Ypsilanti, MI in 1978 to Robert and Elizabeth (Bledsoe) Myers. Christy was a licensed massage therapist and a certified nurse’s aide. She always wanted to be outdoors, specifically camping and canoeing. More than anything, Christy loved spending time with her family and being a mother to her children.
Christy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Elizabeth Myers and is survived by her daughter, Lexi Myers of Wise, VA, daughter, Elizabeth (Liz) Myers, son, Connor Curtis both of Appalachia, VA, partner and father of her children as well as her biggest supporter, Dylan Curtis of Appalachia, VA and sister, Patience Myers of Ohio.
Services will be private and Gilliam Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, VA will be in charge of arrangements.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Christy Myers.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Big Stone Gap, Va.- John Alex Baker, Sr., 79 passed away on October 14, 2025 with his family by his side.
Born in Pike County, KY, he spent most of his life in there, then lived in Florida for several years and has been a resident of Big Stone Gap for the past four years. He was a heavy equipment operator on strip mines, and taught heavy equipment classes in Kentucky. He was part of the family owned business, Baker’s Air and Heat. He was a musical genius, he sang and played guitar. His favorite thing in life was teaching Bible truth. He was a member of the Pennington Gap Congregation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents Crockett and Delphia (Anderson) Baker and also several siblings.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Debra Baker, Big Stone Gap, Va.; children, John Baker, Jr. (Halley) of Big Stone Gap, Va., Heather Black (Lamont) of Sarasota, Fla. and Sarah Griffith of Titusville, Fla.; siblings, Leonard Baker of Rhode Island, Silvan Baker of Kentucky and Edna Mae Baker of Kentucky; grandchildren, Jacob Griffith, John Baker, III, Benjamin Baker, Samantha Baker, and Jackson Frieberg.
The service for Mr. Baker will be held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Pennington Gap, Va. at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of
John Baker.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Lillian Samantha Bishop Legg, 101, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.
Born on September 12, 1924 in Clinchport, Virginia, Lillian was the fourth daughter in what would become a family of six girls and two boys. Raised on a family farm, her birth was a memorable event: delivered at home with the assistance of a midwife while her father was out working the fields. He returned for lunch to find her mother in bed and was surprised to discover his newborn daughter, whom they named Lillian Samantha Bishop.
At the age of 16, Lillian married Morgan Legg, and together they built a life filled with love and family. They welcomed five children: Jerry, Verden, Morgan Jr., Lesia, and Myra. Lillian and Morgan established Legg Ford Sales and they actively served the community for many years until his passing on May 13, 1982.
Lillian’s family grew extensively over the decades, and she took great joy in her descendants. She was the mother of her five children, Granny to 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Family and friends from across the country – including Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, Texas, California, Ohio, Idaho, and Missouri- gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday just a year prior, a testament to the strong bonds she fostered.
A woman of deep faith, Lillian often expressed gratitude for her blessings and encouraged others to join in prayer. In her own words from her centennial celebration, she reflected on a life of family, hard work, and devotion; “The Lord has blessed me all these years and I must thank Him most of all for His goodness.”
Lillian is proceeded in death by her mother and father, James Conley Bishop and Elva Jane Reed Bishop; her husband, Morgan Walker Legg; five sisters, Edith Vaughan, Otelia Still, Loretta Galotta, Lila Fritz, Janette Kappleman; and one brother, James C. Bishop, Jr. Also proceeded in death are two sons, Jerry Delmar Legg and Roy Verden Legg.
Lillian is survived by her son, Morgan Walker Legg, Jr. (Sondra), Lesia Legg Estep (Eugene) and Myra Legg Puleo (Philip) along with many other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from 11:00am-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap on Monday, October 13, 2025. The funeral will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor Travis Jenkins ministering.
Entombment will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Mausoleum, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Grandsons and great grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice in support of family and community causes. Lillian’s legacy of love, resilience, and faith will endure through the generations she cherished.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Lillian Legg.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Cordova, TN/East Stone Gap, VA-Cleda Irene Lawson, 87, of Cordova, Tennessee passed away on October 2, 2025, after a short illness.
Cleda was born on March 10, 1938, in Norton, Virginia to the late Quillen and Addie Bledsoe. Cleda was a 1958 graduate of East Stone Gap High School and Salutatorian of her class. She began her career in 1958 at the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. She was Secretary in BAT “A Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training” in the Department of Labor and in 1960 was selected “Miss Department of Labor” in the Queen of the Government” contest. After 36 years, she retired from The Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. Cleda enjoyed working in the yard and visiting friends and neighbors where she lived for over 50 years in Upper Marlboro, Maryland before she moved to Cordova, Tennessee to be closer to family. Cleda was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Cleda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, George Lawson, 3 sisters, Nannie Hood, Dovie Johnson, Gay Nell Bolling, and 3 brothers, John Bledsoe, Howard Bledsoe, and Bill Bledsoe.
Cleda is survived by her youngest sister, Jean Stepp of Bartlett, Tennessee. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who dearly loved her and will miss her.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00am at American Legion Cemetery, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, with Pastor David Bledsoe officiating.
Please meet at the cemetery by 9:45am.
Pallbearers will be: Gary Bledsoe, Darryl Bledsoe, David Bledsoe, Rob Blevins, Cokey Dorton and Eugene Stepp.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Lawson’s family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.