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Obituaries
The Blossom Box
Garrett and Beverly Lee, Owners
Kim Horner, Manager of the Blossom Box
Your loved one never leaves our care. We own and operate GFH Crematory, Inc in Big Stone Gap. We are the Exclusive Providers for Wise and Lee Co.
(276)-523-1112
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Gary L. Richardson
February 6, 2025
Keokee, VA – Gary L. Richardson, 78, went to be with the Lord on February 6, 2025. Born in Tennessee, he lived most of his life in Keokee, VA. He worked for the former Fraley’s, Inc. as a surface miner. He loved watching baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves. Spending time with his family was Gary’s biggest joy. They attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Conda & Hazel Richardson; his brother, Bill Bailey; his daughter, Vanessa Randolph and his nephew, Scott Richardson.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois Richardson; his daughter, Nicole Proffitt (Gene) of Church Hill, TN; his grandchildren, Tiffany Lawson (Adrian) of Wise, VA, Melanie Moore (Corey) of Church Hill, TN and Robbie Randolph (Hannah) of Pennington Gap, VA; his great-grandchildren, Briann, Bentley, Sadie, Owen and Weston; his brother, Ronald Richardson (Willie) of Keokee, VA and several other extended family members.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Monday, February 10, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W. Big Stone Gap, VA.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA with Pastor Bill Hughes officiating.
Graveside services will follow at Lee Memorial Gardens, Woodway, VA. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Richardson Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Roger Dale McKinney
January 31, 2025
Big Stone Gap, VA – Roger Dale McKinney, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, January 31, 2025. He was born November 6, 1944 to Brown and Hazel McKinney. He was a 1963 graduate of Gilbert High School in Gilbert, WV and served his country in the U.S. Army. Roger was the owner/operator of Roger Trucking LLC for over 40 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Brown McKinney; his brother, Ralph McKinney and his sister, Patty Chandler.
Roger is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice McKinney; their children, Brian McKinney (Kristi), Brad McKinney, Brandi Light and Pam (Steven) Mullins; their grandchildren, Kaeli McKinney, Gracy McKinney, Taylor McKinney, Stralley McKinney, Bella Bascopé and Marissa, Jacob, Mia and Jackson Mullins; his mother, Hazel McKinney; his brothers, Eddie McKinney (Beverly) and Terry McKinney (Cathy); his sister-in-law, Deanna McKinney and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 12:00noon-1:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W, Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 1:00pm with Pastor James Holcomb officiating.
The graveside service will follow at Glencoe Cemetery, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family members will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the McKinney Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Carl Robert Bishop
January 28, 2025
Big Stone Gap, VA – Carl Robert “Cannonball” Bishop, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Appalachia, VA and lived in Big Stone Gap most of his life. He was a proud U. S. Marine, having served in Vietnam. He was a coal miner with Westmoreland Coal Company with 25 years of service and a member of the U.M.W.A. He loved watching sports on TV and making his daily rounds to visit with family and friends. Robert’s family was his pride and joy, and he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to spend time with them. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Jay and Violet Myrtle Adams Bishop; and his siblings, Cecil Jay Bishop, Jr. and Terry Jay Bishop
Robert is survived by his children, Chad Bishop (Mandy) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Greg Bishop (Angie) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Karla Bishop (Brian Prichard) of Somerset, KY and Doug Bishop (Christy) of Greeneville, TN; his siblings, Lois Thomas of Commercial Point, OH, Gloria Early of Sebastian, FL, Brenda Bishop of Big Stone Gap, VA and Larry “Cornbread” Bishop of Big Stone Gap, VA; his grandchildren, Brittany Hubbard (Brandon), Kristen Clark (Anthony), Brock Dishner, Kamron Bishop, Braxton Bishop (Hannah), Mia Bishop (Jordan Jones), Brook Robinette, Taylor Bishop, Makayla Shult (Dustin), Laci Bishop (Trey Robertson), Bailey McIntyre, Drake McIntyre, Maddox Bishop and Jaxen Bishop; his great grandchildren, Layla Clark, Ava Hubbard and Emberlyn Robertson and several nieces and nephews. Robert is also survived by his companion, Edna Sharon Congleton and her sons, Jason Congleton and Gary Congleton (Dawn). Robert had a special bond, over the years, with his U. S. Marine brothers.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1:00-3:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will begin at 3:00pm with Cotton Gardner officiating.
Military rites, by the U. S. Marine Corp. Honors Team and local V.F.W. and D.A.V., will precede the service.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Bishop Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Deretha Ann Baker
January 26, 2025
Big Stone Gap, VA - Deretha Ann Baker, age 71, passed peacefully at home Sunday, January 26, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Deretha was a devout Christian of the Holiness faith. She was very proud of becoming a nurse, and she worked at Lonesome Pine Hospital, St Mary’s and for Home Health. She made many friends during her career and was known to make people laugh. After she retired she enjoyed spending time with her family and going to the lake with her husband John and their fur babies; Bell & Gismo.
She was the first-born daughter of the late Kermit & Virginia Adams. She was also preceded in death by her baby brother Christopher Adams and her sister-in-law Vera Adams.
Deretha is survived by her husband John C. Baker of 53 years (this Feb 12th); her three daughters, Dana (John) Snodgrass, Sherry (Keith) Davis, & April Baker; her grandchildren, Brandi Smith, Tori (Bobby) Lane, David Snodgrass & Abby Snodgrass, and her great grandchildren, Brentley Maggard, Liam Smith, Bexley Maggard, Hayven Lane, & Lanceston Lane.
She is also survived by her siblings, Ronald (Ann) Adams, Freddie Adams, Jackie (Kim) Adams, Gale (Linda) Adams, Sheila (Jimmy) Qualls, Melinda (Robert) Clark, and Cindy (Steve) Holmes and her brother-in-law Gerald Litton, all of Big Stone Gap, as well as a host of nieces, nephews & friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Jimmy Qualls officiating.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Baker Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Mary Ellen Thompson
January 24, 2025
Coeburn, VA/Big Stone Gap, VA – Mary Ellen Thompson, 80, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Heritage Hall, Wise, VA.
Mary was a native of Coeburn and had lived in Big Stone Gap since 1970. She loved flower gardening and cats. She was dedicated to her family. She was a Christian, always giving of herself to the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her son, James Mullins; her parents, James and Lola (Bevins) Bates; her sister, Margaret Bates and her brother, Gerald Bates.
Mary is survived by her children, Rebecca Ellison (Clayton “Skip”) of Newport, TN, Wesley Thompson (Annie-Pier) of Big Stone Gap, Darrel Mullins and Jeff Mullins; her siblings, Nancy Carol Wilkinson of Chilhowie, VA and Bobby Lee Bates of Coeburn, VA; her grandchildren, Jessica Wines (Brandon), Jonathan Bowman (Destiny) and Jacob Thompson; her great-grandchildren, Ty Wines and Lacey Bell Bowman; several nieces and nephews and the father of her children, Willard Harold Thompson.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. Funeral services will follow at 7:00pm with Rev. Tom Williams officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 12:00noon at the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Skip Ellison, Wesley Thompson, Jacob Thompson, Jonathan Bowman, Brandon Wines and Ty Wines will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Thompson Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Nathan "Frank" Franklin Adams
January 14, 2025
Norton, Va. - Nathan “Frank” Franklin Adams, 55, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Norton Community Hospital. Born in Macon, GA, he lived in middle Tennessee most of his life. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a manager for Title Max and he liked cooking, his pets, fishing and was a serious car enthusiast.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cora Nita Adams.
Frank is survived by his wife, Alycia Adams and his father, Henry Franklin Adams of Macon, GA.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Adams Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Barbara Ann Gibson
January 10, 2025
Big Stone Gap, Va.-Barbara Ann Gibson, born on July 9, 1938, in the mountains of Appalachia, passed away peacefully at her home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, on January 10, 2025.
The cherished daughter of Marie and Charles Golden, Barbara brought warmth and laughter to all who knew her. She shared a loving marriage with Bailey Gibson and together they were blessed with their beloved daughter, Monique Gibson. After 25 years together, Barbara was widowed. In her later years, she found love and companionship once more with Ted Collins, whose steadfast presence enriched her life with comfort and care.
Barbara felt a special love with her stepson Michael Bailey Gibson and his wife Carolyn, as well as their daughter Elle Bailey, lovingly named in honor of Barbara’s late husband. Her life was further brightened by her Godson, Jonathan Hall, who lovingly called her “Momma B.” Their special bond brought Barbara immense pride and joy.
Barbara’s passion for dance blossomed into an extraordinary career spanning nearly five decades. Alongside her sister, Bettye Davis, she co-founded Barbette's School of Dance—a haven where countless students discovered confidence and artistry under Barbara’s inspiring guidance. Her dedication to teaching left an enduring legacy that shaped generations of dancers and fostered lifelong friendships.
A devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Barbara also held fond memories of worship and friendship at East Stone Gap United Methodist Church.
Known for her gift of heartfelt conversation and infectious humor, Barbara had a remarkable ability to uplift others. Her laughter filled every gathering with warmth and left those around her with treasured memories.
Barbara Ann Gibson lived a life filled with grace, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing beauty in the world. Her memory will remain a source of solace and inspiration for all who loved her.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony is being planned by Monique Gibson along with Barbara’s adopted family Karen, Gary, and Jonathan Hall so that all who knew Barbara may gather to honor her remarkable memory. Details will be shared as plans are finalized. May Barbara’s legacy continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all she touched.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Gibson family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Hattie Regina Johnson
January 10, 2025
Big Stone Gap, VA – Hattie Regina Johnson, 70, went home in the arms of her savior after a courageous battle on Friday, January 10, 2025. She attended church at Appalachia Pentecostal Church. She loved to work puzzles, collect dolls and watch the Baltimore Orioles.
She was preceded in death by her father, Buster Johnson and mother, Helen Johnson; her brothers, Stanley Johnson, Wendell Johnson and Randy Johnson and her sisters, Ora Christian and Donna Johnson.
Regina is survived by her sisters, Sandra Campbell (Bob), Carrie Griffin, Shelia Clark (Norman), Betty Rhoten (Dave) and Patsy Stanton (Roger); her brother Jeff Johnson (Crystal) and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W, Big Stone Gap, VA. Funeral services will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Greg Sergent officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home to leave in procession at 10:20am. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Holston Valley Medical Center for their special care of Regina.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Regina Johnson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Judy Ann Leach
January 3, 2025
Kingsport, TN/Big Stone Gap, Va.-Judy Ann Leach passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2025, at her home in Kingsport, Tennessee, just a month shy of her 78th birthday.
Born to the late Harold and Gladys Heiberger on February 23, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Judy moved and grew up in various locations with her family while her father served in the U.S. Air Force. She married Ronald Citarell and they had three children: Ron, David, and Lynn.
Judy was known for her infectiously positive attitude and generous disposition. She devoted her career to serving others as a Dietician Assistant at Lonesome Pine Hospital. She was an active and passionate supporter of the Special Olympics of Kingsport, Salvation Army and the Hope Haven of Kingsport. Judy loved spending time gardening. She attended services at First Christian Church of Kingsport.
Judy is survived by her sister, Cindy Wilson, her three children: Ron Leach (DeeDee), Dave Leach (Shannon), and Lynn Washington (Michael), her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Avenue W., Big Stone Gap, Va.
Graveside services will be 10:00 am on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens with Ron Leach officiating. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 9:50 am.
In lieu of flowers and in accordance with Judy’s wishes, please consider making a donation to Hope Haven of Kingsport, P. O. Box 7152, Kingsport, TN 37660.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Leach family.
To view the obituary online or offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Sally Louise Vaughan Gibson
January 6, 2025
Big Stone Gap, VA - Sally Louise Vaughan Gibson, 88 entered through the gates of heaven, January 6, 2025. She was born May 18, 1936, in Mayking, Kentucky to the late John Ed and Pearl Sturgill.
Sally loved attending church and was a member of the Appalachia Pentecostal Church for over 50 years. She loved cooking for family and friends and church events, sewing, reading her Bible and canning fruits and vegetables, including her delicious lime pickles. She was a cook at Appalachia Elementary School and a volunteer Ombudsman for Mountain Empire Older Citizens for several years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Johnny Vaughan, Sr.; her second husband, Silas M. Gibson; her sister, Sarah Clark and her brother, Johnny Sturgill.
Sally leaves behind a daughter, Debbie Collier (Jim) of Mooresburg, TN; a son, Johnny Vaughan, Jr. (Janice) of Elizabethton, TN; grandchildren, Jaclyn Gilliam (Jason) of Mount Carmel, TN, Danielle Vaughan of Chandler, AZ and Amanda Vaughan of Vancouver, WA and six great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the workers at The Laurels, who were so good to her. They would also like to thank the nurses and hospice team at Wilcox Hall, who made her last days comfortable.
The family of Sally Gibson will receive friends and family on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA from 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 pm with Rev. Roger Barker officiating. Mike Clark, Charles Sturgill, Jim Collier, Ronnie Bishop, Lester Bowman and Gary Thompson will serve as pallbearers.
Graveside services will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Sally Gibson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Barry Cheryl Aistrop
January 3, 2025
Big Stone Gap, Va.-Barry Cheryl Aistrop, 78, passed away and was peacefully redeemed by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 3, 2025 at his home in Big Stone Gap, VA.
Barry was born in Appalachia, VA, where he grew up, attended school, played football and lived most of his life. He was a retired coal miner (Arch of KY), U. S. Air Force Veteran, and a longtime member of Appalachia Pentecostal Church. He was a skilled craftsman that liked to make coal carvings, paint pictures, restore old bicycles with his brother Rodney and was gifted with the ability to work on most anything. He loved spending time with family and friends at cookouts, family get-togethers and other events.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Winnie Aistrop; brothers, Darrel, William, and Rodney Aistrop; sister, Shelia Kilbourne; nieces, Cathy Kilbourne and Monica Lane; nephews, Little Phillip Kilbourne and Brian Ball; brothers-in-law, Phillip Ralph Kilbourne and Frank Ball.
Barry is survived by wife, Bobbie Aistrop; children, April (David) Davidson, Appalachia, VA; Barry (Amy) Aistrop, Keokee, VA; and Matthew Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA; grandson, Cody Davidson, Appalachia, VA; sisters, Dana Ball, Big Stone Gap, VA, Geneva (Ralph) Hamilton, Big Stone Gap, VA; brother, Bige (Judy) Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA; sisters-in-law Phyllis Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA and Betty Aistrop, Big Stone Gap, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
Due to inclement weather, the family will receive friends 11:00am - 1:00pm Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave., W., Blg Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Randel Blair officiating.
Military rites, by the Shaw AFB Honors Team and local VFW and DAV posts, will be accorded at the funeral home.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Aistrop family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Marla Lynn Bush
December 30, 2024
Appalachia, Va.-Marla Lynn Bush, 50, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.
Marla was a 1992 graduate of Appalachia High School. She had served as a Registered Nurse at Lonesome Pine Hospital for over 20 years and then at Wallen’s Ridge State Prison for over five years. Marla enjoyed watching her nephews and niece participate in baseball and softball. She was a Christian.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marlene Bush, maternal grandparents, Aaron Price and Myrtle Price, paternal grandparents, Woodrow Bush and Gladys bush
She is survived by her father, Larry Bush of Appalachia, Va.; sister, Lorri Stidham (Chris) of Appalachia, Va.; nephews, Aaron Stidham and Austin Stidham, both of Appalachia, Va.; and a niece, Emily Stidham of Appalachia, Va.
The family will receive friends and family Wednesday January 1, 2025 from 5:00 P.M to 7:00Pm. Funeral service will follow with Pastor Josh Tompkins officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted 11:00am Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 10:20am to go in procession to the cemetery.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Bush Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.