All Obituaries

Charlene Danielle Edwards, 54, passed away Thursday, May 25th, at SOMC ER. Charlene was born September 5, 1969 to Charles Lewis and Doris Edwards . She was welcomed into her new life in heaven by her parents and four siblings : Lenora Edwards , Donald Edwards, Chris Garnett and Sean Garnett. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Maxwell Edwards, and four siblings: Micha Edwards, Melody Jordan, Anna Lisa Jordan, and Joyce Laco. Charlene also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and...

Melissa Lynn Lowder, 47, of Wheelersburg, died Thursday, June 1, 2023 in Washington Courthouse, as a result of a vehicle accident. She was born June 26, 1975 in Portsmouth, to Charles Stephen and Kathy (Queen) Maggard of Wheelersburg. Melissa worked as a Nursing Assistant, she loved to gardening and being outdoors. She is preceded in death by a sister, Trish Maggard, a granddaughter, Aryah Crace, her grandparents, Oral P. Maggard, Arthur and Alma Queen, and her aunts, Connie Phipps and...

Ellis Craft, 78, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at SOMC. He was born January 27, 1945 in Portsmouth, to the late Strother and Fannie (Stevens) Craft. Ellis loved working on cars and trucks, he loved taking trips to the casino, and he was an avid painter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all 13 of his brothers and sisters. Ellis is survived by two sons, Daniel Craft of Portsmouth and James Craft (Cindy) of Portsmouth, a daughter, Heidi Copley (Andrew) of...

Zelma A. Starrett, 83 of Portsmouth passed away Monday, May 22, 2023 at SOMC Hospice. Zelma was born August 31, 1939 in Ashland, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Enoch and Clara Major Collier. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Neil "Danny" Starrett; a sister, Joann Wright, and a brother, Donald Collier. She formerly worked at Williams Manufacturing, Kenricks, and Jim Dandy Restaurant. She was active as a volunteer at Vern Riffe School, and enjoyed her family and...

Pauletta A. Elswic-Collins of Portsmouth, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on Friday, May 5th, 2023 at the age of 59 years young.  She was born August 21, 1963 in Portsmouth to the late Paul A. Elswic and the late Frances M. Cayton-Elswic-Madden.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only brother, Arthur Elswic, as well as a granddaughter, Jurzi Monroe.   She was very proud of, and is survived by three children,...

Jeffery A. Moore Sr, 66, of Rarden, died Friday, May 5, 2023. He was born February 24, 1957 in West Union to the late Ronald Moore and Fannie (George) Moore of West Portsmouth.  He was a retired Corrections Officer at SOCF and enjoyed driving a truck after his retirement.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kim Emmons.  Jeff is survived by his wife, Christina Montavon Moore, a son, Jeffery Moore Jr. (Amanda), two daughters, Ashley Benner...

Duane Alan Wales, 59, of Portsmouth, died Saturday, April 29, 2023 at his home. He was born July 13, 1963 in Portsmouth to the late Roger Wales and Sharon (Crabtree) Hart. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his stepfather, Douglas Hart. Duane is survived by his son, his pride and joy, Derek Roger Wales. Also surviving are his siblings Danny (Sarah) Wales, Jodi (Andy) Pierron, John Wales, Chrissy (Steven) Phillips, and his step siblings Shane Dunham, Jeri Treadway, Chris...

Therese “Tara” Ann Marie Gemperline, 68, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at SOMC.  She was born June 24, 1954, in Portsmouth, to the late Albert and Mary (Chandler) Gemperline. Tara was a florist for many years, until she became a radio personality and Programming Director for 104.1 WPAY in Portsmouth. Her start in radio came as a dispatcher for the Minford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., where she subsequently became the first woman to join the...

Barbara Elaine Scott, 58, of Portsmouth, died Monday, April 24, 2023 at SOMC Hospice surrounded by her loved ones. Our mother Barb did not know a stranger, everyone who knew her loved her. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy in life. She was a mother, sister, grandmother, and a friend to so many. Barb will be missed by all. She was born March 6, 1965 in Portsmouth to the late James and Dorothy (Montavon) Scott. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Annis...

James D. Kricker, 89, of Portsmouth, died Friday, April 14, 2023 at Hillview Retirement Center.  He was born February 27, 1934, in Portsmouth, a son of the late Louis T. Kricker, Sr. and Jean (Fairtrace) Kricker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Mary Kricker, two brothers, Louis T. Kricker, Jr. and George E. Kricker.  He is survived by a niece, Kristina (Kricker) Kovas, a nephew, James E. Kricker (Diane), and a great-nephew, Ryan Kricker,...