Joan Louise Hawk lived a life defi ned not by ease, but by endurance, generosity, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to others.

Born on September 8, 1938, in Kitzmiller, Maryland—a small coal mining town—Joan learned early what it meant to carry more than her share. At just 11 years old, after her father was killed in a coal mine accident, she stepped into a role far beyond her years.

As the oldest of fi ve children, she cared for and helped raise her siblings while her mother worked, forming the foundation of a lifelong commitment to family, hard work, and quiet sacrifi ce. As the descendant of an Italian immigrant, she carried forward a deep-rooted belief in perseverance and making one’s own way.

That strength and devotion carried into a marriage that would have reached 67 years this September with her beloved husband, William “Bill” Hawk, who turns 95 the same month. Their marriage was not only long, but deeply rooted—built on steadfast loyalty, shared responsibility, and a quiet understanding that endured through every season of life. Together, they created a home that was constant and welcoming, a partnership defi ned less by words and more by daily acts of care, mutual respect, and unwavering presence. In one another, they found both an anchor and companionship, and their devotion to each other set the foundation for the family that grew around them. Joan’s home was her domain, and within it she created something special out of the everyday. She was a gifted baker, cook, gardener, pickler, and preserver— skills that were less about craft and more about care and love.

No one ever left her house hungry, and few visits were brief. A simple stop-in often turned into an entire evening, as her warmth and persistence made it nearly impossible to say no. Feeding people was how she loved them. And while she could handle just about anything, there was one exception: snakes! Her well-known fear of them sometimes became a source of gentle teasing over the years, though it never stopped her from tending her garden— just with a bit more vigilance and a watchful eye.

Though she came from humble beginnings, Joan never forgot what it meant to struggle—and she never hesitated to help someone else through it. Her generosity was boundless, often putting others’ needs ahead of her own. She gave because it was who she was, not because she had excess to spare. Joan also gave something less visible but even more enduring to her children: opportunity. A familiar phrase was that each generation should create more opportunities for the next.

Joan took immense pride in seeing her oldest son go into the family business, and the opportunity for the others to go to college. To her children, she offered unwavering support and a powerful example, instilling in them the drive to build more, reach further and to open doors that might not have otherwise existed. Her work ethic was constant; she was rarely still, always moving between the kitchen, the garden, and whatever needed tending that day. In that motion, she shaped not only a home, but the people within it.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wolford “Bud” Perando, Alden Perando, and Dale Perando, and is survived by her sister, Eva Mae (Perando) Clary.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Hawk; her fi ve children, in birth order: William Douglas Hawk and his spouse Karen, their children, Harley and his spouse, Allison, their children, Bentley, Cheyenne and Scarlett; Jessie and her children Brady and Hailey; Wynee Elizabeth Hawk and her son Harrison Hawk; David Edwin Hawk and his spouse, Katie, their children Jackson, Henry, his spouse Cath, and Madison; Mark Andrew Hawk and his spouse Wendi, their children Kasey and Austin; and Christina Madeline Hawk, her spouse Juan Carlos González Gómez, and her children Hannah and Caroline Hicks; including numerous nieces and nephews. She is further survived by one very loyal companion, the golden retriever she and Bill shared, Buddy, who rarely left her side.

To her family, she was our fi rst call, our steady hand, and the one who made a house feel like home. We will carry her lessons, her strength, and her love forward in the way we care for each other. And though our table will never quite be as full without her, we know she would expect us to keep feeding each other anyway.

A memorial service will be held at Maysville Volunteer Fire Department, 10326 Lunice Creek Highway, Maysville, WV, on April 18, 2026, at 12 p.m. Family and friends are invited to lunch immediately following the service.

In lieu of fl owers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to Hospice of the Chesapeake, https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/ donate-now/.. Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome.com (4-14-26)

Richard Francis Curran, age 89, of Maysville, W.Va. passed away at his home surrounded by family on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Born March 9, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pa., he was a son of the late Robert and Mae (Welsh) Curran. Richard married Edna Joan Curran who preceded him in death July 22, 2023. He was also preceded in death by one son, Richard “Ricky” Curran; one brother, Robert Curran; and two sisters, Joan DiDonita; and Mary Cashman. Mr. Curran graduated from North Catholic High School in Philadelphia and joined the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Desert Storm working as an aircraft mechanic.

He was in management at the Acme Supermarket and later worked at ShopN-Save in Petersburg. He was Roman Catholic by faith.

He is survived by three sons, Steven Curran of Levittown, Pa., Matthew Curran of Levittown and Philip Curran of Maysville; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In honoring Richard’s wishes his body has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home. (4-14-26)

Linda Mae Borror, age 82, of Petersburg, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center, Petersburg.

Born May 17, 1943, in Madison, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Sr. and Mary Alice (Crites) Hedrick. On December 30, 1962 Linda married Doug Borror Sr. who preceded her in death July 8, 2024.

Linda was a 1961 graduate of Petersburg High School and attended Gordon Chapel United Methodist Church. She worked a variety of jobs over the years, including the Dairy Queen, a dry cleaning business, Bonds Jewelry, an aide at Head Start, and lastly at South Side Depot. Linda was a member of the Homemakers Club, Grant County Historical Society, and a 4-H Club leader, where she had also been a 4-H All Star.

She is survived by two sons, Matthew Borror of Kingwood and Doug Borror II of Landes; two sisters, Shirley Simon of Moorefi eld and Mary Barger of Petersburg; one brother, Raymond “Buck” Hedrick Jr. of Petersburg; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was Monday, morning, April 13, in the Basagic Funeral Home chapel, Petersburg, with Eddie Mullenax offi - ciating. Interment was in Old Stable Cemetery, Landes. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home. (4-14-26)

Lorraine “Beverly” Evans, age 84, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home in Dorcas, W.Va.

She was known for her generosity, her wise counsel, her lively spirit, and her devotion to her faith and family. Beverly was born in Dorcas, on April 15, 1941, to parents Fred and Pearl Riggleman. She attended Petersburg High School, where she excelled as a student, and after graduating in 1958, she attended Potomac State College and West Virginia University to pursue degrees in education.

After completing her studies, she went on to teach in Maryland for several years before returning to Dorcas with her husband, Allen Evans, where she taught for over 30 years at South Branch Career and Technical Center in Petersburg, W.Va. An avid antique collector, Beverly loved to peruse various markets and shops in search of unique items. Her love of fl owers and gardening brought her much joy, as did her fondness for the piano and crossword puzzles.

Beverly is survived by her loving husband, Allen Evans; daughter Allison Evans; brother, Billy Riggleman (Sandra); sister, Anna Lee (Riggleman) Henning; granddaughter, Isabella Wood; great-grandson, Gunner Wood; foster son, Rick Cooper; and numerous nephews, nieces, greatgrand nephews and greatgrand nieces who loved and adored her dearly.

A funeral service was Monday afternoon, April 13, at Elkhorn Chapel in Dorcas, with Pastor Glenn H. Vance Jr. offi ciating. Interment was in the Sites Cemetery, Dorcas.

In lieu of fl owers, memorial contributions may be made in Beverly’s memory to Grant Memorial Hospice, 100 Hospital Drive, Suite 2, Petersburg, WV 26847 or to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements were by Schaeffer Funeral Home, Petersburg, W.Va.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.schaefferfuneralhome.com. (4-14-26)

Naomi Michael, 98, of Brandywine, W.Va., passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, W.Va.

Born December 13, 1927, in Brandywine, she was the daughter of the late Timothy L. Toliver Hoover and Nellie Lona Hoover.

Naomi worked at Brockway and JCPenney and attended Brandywine Christian Church. She had a passion for sewing and made clothes for her siblings and nieces. She loved to sing and play the guitar and would often invite large groups of friends to gather at her home where they would spend hours enjoying good food, fellowship and music together.

She is survived by two sons, Paul Bolton Jr. (Mary Jane) of Brandywine and Richard Bolton (Judy) of Petersburg, W.Va.; nine grandchildren, Donnie Bolton, Stacy Bolton, Joni Lee Bolton, Billi Jo Bolton Swauger, Rhonda Ketterman, Tammy Johnston, Clark Lambert, Daniel Lambert and James Edward “Eddie” Propst; a number of great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Preceding her in death were the father of her sons, Paul Bolton Sr.; her husband, Ershel Ray Michael; two brothers, Roy Hoover and Herbert Hoover; and fi ve sisters, Velma Gillispie, Bessie Smith, Mary Baldwin, Beulah Propst and Leola Snyder.

A funeral service was Saturday afternoon, April 11, in the Kimble Funeral Home chapel, Franklin. Interment was in Pine Hill Cemetery, Brandywine. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome. com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin. (4-14-26)

Kenneth Wade Vance, age 83, of Baltimore, Md., passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at his home.

Born August 13, 1942 in Onego, W.Va., he was a son of the late John Alonzo Vance and Elsie Mallow Vance. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Opal Berg, Violet Kimble, Faye Chewning and Arvella Turner; and two brothers, Guy Vance and Eldon Vance. Kenneth was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bernice (Hedrick) Vance; three daughters, Cynthia Berg (Rusty) of Maysville, W.Va., Debra Vance (Marshall Beeman) of Halethorpe, Md. and Laura Wizbicki (Steve) of Severn, Md.; three grandchildren, Bethany (Russ) Drake, Kenny Semmont and Wesley Berg (Lynsey); four great-grandchildren, Zachary Berg (Rylee), Liam Drake, Aubrey and Carley Berg; and two great-greatgrandchildren, Braylon Alt and Harper Berg.

Kenneth retired from General Motors in Baltimore after 30 years. He also worked at various jobs even in his 80s. He always kept busy tinkering with anything with a motor. His passion was enjoying time with his family at the cabin and traveling. Kenneth was an avid hunter. He was a member of Linthicum Baptist Church.

A funeral service was Friday afternoon, April 10, at the Schaeffer Funeral Home chapel, Petersburg, with Pastor Shannon Earle offi ciating. Interment was in the Mallow Cemetery, Riverton, W.Va.

Condolences to the family may be left at www. schaefferfuneralhome. com. (4-14-26)

Susie Mae Thompson, 71, of Riverton, W.Va., passed away Monday, March 30, 2026.

Born May 4, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Roy Thompson and Iva Jane Bennett Thompson. She had fond memories of attending the Dixie Schoolhouse and was a 1972 graduate of Circleville High School. Susie was a farmer, enjoyed having pets and was a member of the Pendleton County Farm Bureau. She treasured the time she spent and the friends she made while dining at The Gateway Restaurant and Golden Lanes. She had a passion for helping others.

On March 6, 2018, she married John E. Hicklin, who preceded her in death on September 13, 2021.

She is survived by nieces and nephews and her fur baby, Sarah Grace.

Family and friends will be received Tuesday, April 7 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Kimble Funeral Home, Franklin. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, in the chapel of the Kimble Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Lambert offi ciating. Interment will be at North Fork Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome. com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home, Franklin, W.Va. (4-7-26)

Orville Lee Whetzel, age 82, of Stafford, Va., passed away Thursday morning, April 2, 2026, in Bowling Green, Va.

He was born on May 15, 1943 in Moorefi eld, W.Va., the son of the late Harold Crossland and Vernie Whetzel. Orville was a member of the Stafford Church of God and as a Christian, he was always spreading the Good News with everyone he met. He was employed with Lockhead Martin and General Electric for several years, until his retirement.

He is survived by three sisters, Helen Baker of Moorefi eld, Kathy Parsons of Fisher, W.Va. and Betty Carroll of Montgomery; one brother, Tony Crossland of Moorefi eld; two sons, Billy Reed of Petersburg, W.Va. and Clint Whetzel of Stafford; one daughter, Buffy Farber of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Orville was preceded in death by one brother, Bobby Whetzel; two sisters, Mary Alt and Arvella Crist; and two grandsons.

In honoring Orville’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a funeral service will be held at a later date at Found and Sons in Frederick, Va.

Obituary compliments of Basagic Funeral Home, Petersburg. (4-7-26)