By Bruce Wilkins
Neat and articulate, the young man had a laptop computer, cellular phone, fax, and a written business plan to systemically cut into his competitors' market share.
Unfortunately, for the aspiring businessman, his strategic plan failed to foresee one important obstacle: the Tri-County Regional Drug Task Force.
During a Friday night raid on an apartment in Westside Village, police arrested four people on felony drug distribution charges. The suspected ringleader is Altimont Mark Wilks, 27, of Brooklyn, New York, who is facing FBI fugitive warrants in Maryland for attempted first degree murder and assault with the intent to commit murder, police said.
Wilks has reportedly been living for the past six months in the apartment of Nicole Younger and is suspected of trying to gain total control of the local crack cocaine and marijuana drug markets throughout the entire county, according to Sgt. Richard S.B. Pulliam of the task force.
"This is a case of someone who is certainly criminally sophisticated in the sense of setting up a drug operation on a business-like basis," stated Sgt. Pulliam after the 11 p.m. arrest. "The fact that he goes by the street name of 'Corleone' (from Mario Puzo's Godfather series) obviously shows his intentions."
Wilks, who reportedly has 15 aliases, was charged with felony counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony; possession of a firearm while possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute; and a misdemeanor count of possessing a scanner while in the commission of a felony.
Twenty-four-year-old Younger, who rented the apartment, was charged with felony counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to distribute marijuana; and a misdemeanor count of possessing a scanner while in the commission of a felony.
Also arrested was Dwayne Andre Jones, 22, of Brooklyn. He was charged with felony counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
The remaining subject arrested was Louis Agner III, 24, of Brooklyn who was charged with felony counts of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute; conspiracy to distribute cocaine; and conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Jones and Agner are believed to be "employees" of Wilks who come to Halifax County from time to time, according to Sgt. Pulliam.
In addition to computers, pagers, a fax machine, and various software, police found in his upstairs bedroom a stunning array of other items, including a bullet-proof vest, a Russian-made set of night vision goggles, throwing knives, police scanners, a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and a .38-caliber stainless steel revolver.
Also seized was a half-ounce rock of crack cocaine valued at approximately $1,400, about $400 of marijuana, digital scales, and over $3,000 in currency, according to the investigation.
A rental car which was used by the subjects was also searched.
Perhaps most chilling of all, police pointed out, were composition books which contained an in-depth business plan to gain control of the local drug market and hand-written lyrics to rap songs which included passages about killing police.
One book found in the bedroom was entitled The Mafia Manager, which contained the tag line of "A Guide to the Corporate Machiavelli."
Prince Machiavelli was an Italian politician, considered his century's master of doubling-dealing and craftiness.
Wilks' alleged "business plan" contains language indicative of street terminology. Its very first written goal is, "Snatch up all sales (all levels)."
"We believe that Wilks saw Sinai, as well as the rest of Halifax County, as practically wide open after the big bust (Operation Fall Harvest) earlier this year," Sgt. Pulliam explained. "He was the big horse (left) in town."
Wilks had been living in Danville, but after meeting Younger, moved in with her at the Westside Village Apartments, "to set up shop," Sgt. Pulliam said.
"After the roundup, the local market was kind of in disarray, with a lot of independents working on their own, answering to no one else," Sgt. Pulliam explained. "He obviously wanted to change that."
The second written goal of Wilks' business plan was to "Bring heads onto the block." This presumedly means to get the "crackheads" (crack addicts) who had starting selling on their own to support their habits, to become subservient to Wilks' impending umbrella operation, Pulliam pointed out.
"His message to other dealers in the area was pretty simple: 'You're either with me, or you're against me,'" Sgt. Pulliam said. "And if they chose to be against him, then he was going to use force to whip them into line."
Another goal in the business plan was of a technical communication nature. Setting up an elaborate system of communication in the form of pagers, cellular phones, fax messages, and even e-mail on computers was central to his plan.
"We even found a portable power pack that is used for laptop computers and other communication devices while operating from a vehicle," Sgt. Pulliam said.
Despite the cultured nature and electronic sophistication of the suspects, agents of the task force conducted the arrest with the utmost in caution and security.
"We had word from the FBI that Wilks had said he would never be taken," Sgt. Pulliam said. "So, when we decided to hit the apartment, we took all manner of precautions."
Centermost to that precaution was the use of the newly-formed tactical response team of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department. The nine-person unit, dressed in full military-styled gear including hoods and goggles, burst into the apartment and made all four arrests without incident.
"I think that tactical team did an outstanding, professional job," commented Sgt. Pulliam. "I'm sure the subjects instantly knew that to put up any opposition would not only have been futile, it would have been very stupid."
The quickness of the raid was such that only a small amount of drugs were flushed down an upstairs toilet, he added. "The county is lucky to have a local team like this which could help out in any number of situations," Sgt. Pulliam said.
In addition to the Tri-County Drug Task Force and the Halifax County Sheriff's Department, other participating law enforcement agencies included the South Boston Police Department, the Halifax Police Department, and the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
A drug-sniffing dog team of Camp #23 of the Virginia Department of Corrections was also utilized during the raid.
"Another key factor in these arrests is the help we have gotten from some local citizens," Sgt. Pulliam said. "They are vital to our efforts."
All four suspects are currently being held in the Halifax County Jail, pending their arraignment. Wilks is being held without bond, since he was also arrested under the fugitive warrants from the FBI.
The drugs, weapons, money, and other equipment were confiscated as evidence, while several television sets, video cameras, and stereos were held for possible forfeiture, since they are believed to have been purchased with drug proceeds, police said.
"I guess, to them, we were kind of like the Grinch, rather than Santa Claus," reflected Sgt. Pulliam. "But, we have reason to believe they've been naughty this year."
The repeal of the car tax will pass in some form.
That is Delegate W.W. "Ted" Bennett's assessment of Governor-elect James Gilmore III's popular campaign centerpiece, and Bennett will vote for it.
"As far as I am concerned, on the car tax the people have spoken," said the Halifax delegate.
The General Assembly opens January 14.
However, across the state local governments are already demanding they be reimbursed for the tax revenues lost if the tax is repealed, as well as the growth factor they had counted on to swell their treasuries.
The Gilmore campaign promised to do away with property tax on personal cars and trucks valued at $20,000 or less.
In that same vein, Bennett said there were "some equities that have got to be worked out."
Gilmore has proposed more state aid to towns, cities and counties to make up for the loss of the car/truck personal property tax.
Bennett is a member of a special study committee for the House and Senate which held public hearings statewide, toured farms and heard from experts and environmentalists on the issue.
The committee is expected to make recommendations to the General Assembly on whether it should tighten up environmentally.
"At the January 15th meeting we are to vote on recommendations. There will be some changes," predicted the legislator.
Possible changes include permitting. Currently the law requires inspection of swine farms every five years, Bennett anticipates stepping up requirements for annual inspections.
On setbacks, Bennett said the localities are in control. However, he said it is true that through the Right to Farm Act localities "cannot employ conditional use permits except setbacks in Agricultural I (A-I) zones.
An Agriculture-Residential 1 District could ban all hog farms or have public hearings for conditional use permits the same as for industry, explained the delegate.
Bennett's goal: "To protect the environment but not make it impossible to make a living."
Bennett sees no comparison between North Carolina's well publicized swine industry problems and Virginia's industry.
"We have not had that degradation here and we will not," said the delegate, pointing to the balance between economic and environmental interests.
"We are asking both sides to help us work together to achieve a balance," he continued. "It is a tough issue. I do know technology is evolving every year, as we speak, to make it safer and safer, and we will get there in time."
One example, phytase, a food additive to reduce phosphorus in waste. It is very expensive, said Bennett, who hopes the industry will absorb the cost and put it in food they provide for swine operations.
"I think the vote that occurred in South Boston, if that stands, is absolutely the worst thing that could happen. I would urge them to rework it," said Delegate W.W. "Ted" Bennett of the county/South Boston boundary adjustment proposal breakdown.
South Boston Town Council voted to institute annexation proceedings following the failed town/county meeting last week.
"I think consolidated services is an absolute must," continued Bennett. "It doesn't mean we have to agree in every detail within this boundary adjustment, but it does mean they need to agree to agree on all the details on one unified system. Particularly on water/sewer and 911.
"That is the theme you have heard from all the voices at every public hearing, the common theme, and they need to listen to the people," said the delegate.
"We have such tremendous educational needs here. It is staggering," he added. "We need to focus on our educational needs, not the size of our boundaries."
"I do know that what is happening is hurting my ability in Richmond to get us some significant dollars," said the delegate, who is particularly concerned about the Continuing Education Center's expansion into a college presence here.
In the political arena, Bennett said he was "very much for proportionate representation on all the committees in the House and Senate between Democrats and Republicans."
"I would very much like to see agreement worked out between the leadership of both parties for proportional representation."
If necessary, Bennett said he would give up his seat on one of those committees where disproportionate numbers are seen.
Bennett dubs "the main issue" on his General Assembly agenda the future of public education.
It is a commission he chairs and a subject that obviously stirs deep passion.
"The thrust is the new Standards of Learning passed by the state Board of Education. That is a significant change. It means that all children will have to pass Algebra I and either Algebra II or geometry plus two of three standard sciences and advanced English in order to get a high school degree.
"The bar has been raised from five feet to seven feet," said the delegate.
Bennett said the high standards reflect the liberal arts tract with nothing done for vocational education or the fine or performing arts.
"Basically, a college tract minus perhaps one subject. And that is the high expectations piece," he added.
Students will be tested against those standards and will not graduate if they do not pass. "That is the accountability piece with kids," said Bennett.
The delegate said accountability for schools is also part of the new thrust.
"Seventy percent of kids have got to pass all those subjects," began Bennett. "If they don't for a period of three years, the school loses its accreditation."
Achieving the new school standards for students and for schools is the objective.
A review of the 1997 Literacy Passport Test success, a three-part English, math and science test at the sixth grade level, suggests the hurdle.
Only 30 percent of schools in the state had 70 percent of the students successfully pass the test the first time, according to Bennett.
Patrick County, the former home of current Halifax County Supt. of Schools Dennis Witt, scored Number One in the state with 94.5 percent.
Pittsylvania County scored 62 percent, Halifax County 64 percent and neighboring Charlotte County, 69 percent. Charlottesville, the home of the University of Virginia, scored 49 percent.
"Research and experts say if it doesn't happen in the classroom between teacher and student, it doesn't matter what you do," emphasized Bennett. "It does not matter how much money you throw or how high you set the standards."
With the new standards, the delegate said science and math will be taught to some kids for the first time at a higher level.
Class content and the teachers ability to teach are crucial.
"We know more in the last 10 years about how kids learn," said the delegate. "Research shows most kids, more than two-thirds, learn from example, concrete hands-on. So one conclusion of the Commission, a recommendation that within the next three years we provide help for 60,000 of Virginia's 80,000 teachers."
Many teachers were taught other methods of teaching during their college training, explained Bennett.
"Research shows spending money on staff development works," said Bennett.
"If it doesn't happen positively in the classroom ... Get teachers training and resources and good leadership.
"Virginia is the fifth worst state in terms of teachers teaching out of their field of study," observed Bennett.
The Commission also will recommend reinstituting the program of lead teachers in math, science, technology, English and social studies over a 10-year period, starting with math and science.
Bennett said the goal is to try to have one teacher in each school subject proficient in content and teaching strategies to help other teachers. (The program was dropped during the 1992 recession budget cuts, according to the delegate.)
"The Commission is saying we need high standards and accountability," said Bennett. "Kids trapped in schools with 33 percent Literacy Passport success like Charles City County, that is obscene."
Legislators think the new programs can duplicate in Southside the success of Northern Virginia schools. "The teachers in Northern Virginia are trained to do this," said the delegate. "The richer divisions are already doing this.
"If we don't do it, our future, economically, is bleak. We have got to succeed educationally to remain viable in Southside."
Educational statistics on Halifax County show 47 percent of residents 25 years or older do not have a high school diploma, noted Bennett, which is in dramatic contrast with Fairfax County where 48 percent of residents have a college degree.
"There, high tech jobs have gone unfilled," said Bennett of Fairfax.
The delegate worries about the Southside's future, particularly about tobacco's future ...and the high percentage of its residents not earning high school diplomas.
"We are not in the running for better jobs. Industry seeks an educated, trainable workforce with a committed community. Education fits hand-in-glove with economic development," added the delegate.
"The stakes are quite high, not just for the schools, but the entire community. The whole community must get behind its schools."
Bennett was first elected to the General Assembly in 1989 and has completed his fourth term. He was re-elected in November of this year.
Bennett, a Democrat, serves the 60th District in the House of Delegates.
An armed robbery of Moore's Country Store on U.S. 58, located about five miles west of South Boston, occurred Friday night, according to the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
Two masked men, one with a green ski mask and the other with a navy blue mask, entered the store at about 8:30 p.m., robbing a clerk of an undetermined amount of money, police said.
No injuries occurred. The subjects fled on foot behind the store and whether they had a vehicle or not was not immediately determined, police said.
They were described as two white males in their twenties, one of whom had some visible facial hair. They were both of medium build, from 5'8 to 5'11" tall and dressed in blue jeans, according to Deputy Jim Lucia.
One of the subjects was armed with a small caliber revolver, according to the investigation.
Virginia Department of Corrections Officer Sherwood Forlines and his tracking dog "Boats" were called to the scene to search the area. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Investigator J.R. Hicks and Deputy Lucia.
In other cases:
· A felony charge of grand larceny was filed Saturday against Dorothy Evon Sydnor, 42, of Saxe, according to the Halifax County Sheriff's Department.
Sydnor was charged with the theft of a 1987 Isuzu owned by Willie Mae Jones, according to the investigation. She was released on bond pending her preliminary hearing in the Halifax County General District Court on January 16.
Sydnor was arrested by Deputy S.A. Jennings.
· Lalita Williams, 36, of Sinai and Nicollete Williams, 25, of South Boston were each charged with a misdemeanor count of assault and battery of Francis M. Morton.
The alleged incident occurred Saturday night and they were arrested by Cpl. S.T. Moser and Deputy S.A. Moore.
They were each released on bond pending their trials in the Halifax County General District Court on February 20.
· Pamela L. Davis, 41, of Halifax was charged Friday with a misdemeanor count of larceny of two weapons which belonged to Larry Easley, police said.
She allegedly stole a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber rifle last Thursday, according to the investigation.
Davis was arrested by Sgt. T.E. Logan.
· Gary Wilson, 36, of Clover was charged with a misdemeanor count of stealing a Huffy bicycle from the Winn-Dixie Store in Centerville. The alleged incident occurred on November 22 and he was arrested on December 19, police said.
Wilson was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County General District Court on January 16. He was arrested by Cpl. S.T. Moser.
Four groups active in securing new industry have warned that the annexation stalemate between South Boston and Halifax County could "cause grave harm to the economic prospects of the entire area....."
Talks between the town council and the board of supervisors broke off last week when supervisors demanded that certain services be consolidated as a condition to approving the town's annexation proposal.
The stalemate and the "anticipated lawsuit will have a negative effect on economic development for years to come," they said.
The four groups who issued the statement were the Halifax County and South Boston Industrial Development, the Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.
An annexation lawsuit lodged by South Boston would "impose a substantial defacto tax increase " on all citizens, the statement read.
The full statement follows:
"The boundary dispute between South Boston and Halifax county has graduated to an issue that, if unresolved, will cause grave harm to the economic prospects of the entire area and its citizens.
"Industry, both new and existing, and the jobs and tax revenues they produce, can be lost. The current stalemate, and the anticipated lawsuit will have a negative effect on economic development for years to come.
"Additionally, the costs of this litigation will impose a substantial defacto tax increase on all citizens in the area, county and town residents alike, and could easily escalate into millions of dollars. These are monies that will be diverted from our schools, our roads, our public services.
"Accordingly, we believe it is imperative that the elected representatives of the involved localities return to their discussions and come to a fair conclusion that resolves the boundary adjustment issues.
"Further, we believe that the potential for significant economies and efficiencies may exist through consolidation of redundant programs or services, and we encourage both the town and county to embrace a firm commitment, and timetable, to study, and implement where advisable, such consolidations."
A South Boston man was arrested early Sunday morning after a leading police on a chase from Wilborn Avenue in South Boston to Rt. 360, several miles west of Halifax, according to Lt. H.B. Rice of the South Boston Police Department.
Lewis D. Chandler, 25, was spotted driving a 1987 Chevrolet by SBPD Officer M.B. Lawhorn, who knew Chandler was driving on a revoked license, Lt. Rice said.
Lawhorn turned around and attempted to stop Chandler at 12:40 a.m., but Chandler sped northwards on U.S. 501. With Lawhorn and other officers in pursuit, Chandler turned west on Green's Folly Road, then north on Rt. 654 at Sinai.
Chandler then turned west on Rt. 360, ran through a parking lot and a gravel road, then got back onto Rt. 360. He finally stopped for police near the intersection of Rt. 832, Lt. Rice said.
Chandler was charged with driving under the influence, driving on a suspended operator's license, and driving to elude police officers, according to the investigation.
He was released on bond pending his trial in the Halifax County General District Court.
The South Boston Police were assisted by officers of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department, the Virginia State Police, and the Halifax Police Department.
A former employee of the Clover Power Station was convicted Friday in the Halifax County Circuit Court of grand larceny of a cash box.
Dainon Maurice Green, 20, of South Boston was convicted of stealing the box, which contained $564.42, from the desk in a third floor office, according to testimony.
He stole the box while a secretary had left the room momentarily, according to the investigation. The incident occurred at noon on February 4.
Halifax County Circuit Court Judge Charles L. McCormick III ordered a presentence report on Green pending his sentencing in the March term of court.
Green is currently being held in the Danville City Jail on other charges.
In other cases heard last week:
· Steven Michael Shelton, 33, of South Boston was convicted of felony counts of forgery and uttering a check drawn on the account of his employer.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was convicted after an examination of the $100 check which was written on January 3.
A presentence report was ordered for the March term of court when Shelton will be sentenced. He was released on bond pending the hearing.
· Giles Zorro King, 17, of South Boston was convicted Friday of a misdemeanor count of trespassing and petit larceny from the South of Dan Elementary School.
He was originally charged with felony counts of breaking and entering and grand larceny, but those charges were reduced during his trial. The incident occurred on June 13 and he was arrested on September 2.
King was sentenced to 12 months in jail on each count with all but the six months he has already served suspended. The suspended sentence is on condition of his good behavior for a period of two years.
Three people were seriously injured in a collision which occurred Saturday morning on U.S. 501, near the intersection of Rt. 610, according to the Virginia State Police.
Lawrence Thomas Jones, 27, of Halifax apparently fell asleep while driving a 1987 Ford northbound on U.S. 501. His vehicle crossed the centerline and struck head-on a southbound 1994 Mercury driven by Alicia Wilson Conner, 24, of Nathalie, police said.
Jones' vehicle then became airborne and struck a 1974 Datsun pickup truck driven by Ronald Lee Guy, 43, of Nathalie, according to the investigation.
All three drivers were injured and all three vehicles were declared total losses, police said.
The Ford driven by Jones came to rest in a yard owned by Hugh G. Loftis, causing about $200 in damages to the yard, according to the investigation.
The 11:50 a.m. incident is still under investigation by Virginia State Trooper D.T. Conner.
A single-vehicle collision occurred Sunday afternoon on Rt. 360, two-tenths of a mile east of Rt. 654, police said.
Jessica Leigh Daniel, 16, of South Boston was eastbound when she lost control of a 1988 Honda, ran off the right side of the road, and struck a tree.
She and a passenger, Katherine Marie Vaughan, 17, of Virgilina were injured. The vehicle was declared a total loss after the 2:20 p.m. wreck.
The incident is still under investigation by Virginia State Trooper R.C. Compton.
Mrs. Mary Newcomb Oliver of South Boston died Sunday, December 21 at her home. She was born in Halifax County November 26, 1922 and was 75 years of age. She was married to the late Bernard James Oliver and was a member of Southside Baptist Church.
She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Buck Weatherford of South Boston; and two grandchildren, Leigh Ann and Mary Caitlin Beale Weatherford of South Boston.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Don Bryant conducting. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight from 7:00 until 8:00 and other times at the home of her daughter, 1026 Avondale Drive, South Boston.
For memorials please consider the Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 875, South Boston.
Mrs. Earnestine Pointer Harris of Alton died Saturday, December 20 at Danville Regional Medical Center at the age of 67.
She was born in Halifax County April 15, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Mr. Samuel E. Pointer and Mrs. Eliza Brandon Pointer.
Mrs. Harris was married to the late Mr. George E. Harris Jr. and was a member of the Greater Brandon Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by one daughter, Ms. Brenda Harris of the home; five sons, Mr. George Harris of South Boston, Mr. William Harris of Ringwood, N.J., Mr. Willie Harris of Milton, N.C., Mr. Samuel Harris of the home and Mr. Ernest Harris of Danville; one stepson, Mr. Leonard Whitlock of Astoria, N.Y.; four sisters, Mrs. Ada Wenstley of Alton, Mrs. Mary Brandon of Brown Summit, N.C., Mrs. Juanita Brewer and Mrs. Louise Sparks, both of Alton; five brothers, Mr. Mack Pointer of New York, N.Y., Mr. John Pointer of Turbeville, Mr. Lark Pointer of Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Elijah Pointer and Mr. Samuel Pointer, both of Alton; 19 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four daughters-in-law; one step daughter-in-law; ten sisters-in-law; and four brothers-in-law. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Cameron Harris.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Greater Brandon Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased, 1065 Brandon Chapel Road, Alton.
Kim Elizabeth Long of Halifax died Saturday, December 20 at Medical College of Virginia, Richmond. She was 23 years old.
Miss Long was the daughter of J. Frankie Long and Nina S. Long. She was a member of Dan River Baptist Church.
She is survived by her parents of Halifax; a sister, Cindy Long of Halifax; her maternal grandmother, Estelle Sparks of Spruce Pine, N.C.; and her fiance, Kenneth Ayers. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jamie Franklin Long; her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Long; and her maternal grandfather, Robert Sparks.
The funeral will be held at Dan River Baptist Church Wednesday, December 24 at 11 a.m. with Dr. Dennis Knight officiating. Burial will take place in the First Cross Roads Baptist Church cemetery in Turbeville.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home tomorrow night from 7:00 until 8:30 and at other times at her home, 1073 Holly Court, Halifax.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MCV Pediatric Pulmonary Center, c/o Dr. Greg Elliott, 401 N. 12th St., Richmond, VA 23298.
Jasmine Maria Jones, infant daughter of Melissa Sue Palmer and Nelson Junior Jones of Nathalie, died Friday, December 19 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Survivors include her parents; her sister, Kimberly Marie Jones of Nathalie; her maternal grandparents, John and Sue Palmer of Gretna; and her paternal grandmother, Lena Childress of Nathalie.
Graveside services for the infant will be held Tuesday, December 23 at
2 p.m. at the Gretna Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Lamb conducting.
Mrs. Cecil Carr Saunders of Scottsburg died Thursday, December 18 at Duke Medical Center. She was born in Halifax County November 3, 1938 and was 59 years of age.
Mrs. Saunders was the daughter of Mr. Lacy Carr and Mrs. Elnora Womack Carr and was married to Curtis Odean Saunders. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the Woodmen of World Camp 136.
Survivors include her mother, Elnora Womack Carr of South Boston; one sister, Helen Carr Atkins of South Boston; and one brother, Carvin T. Carr of South Boston.
Funeral services were held yesterday at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Brooks conducting. Burial took place in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of her mother, Elnora Carr, 319 Edmonds St., South Boston.
Audrey Conner Ingram, 72, of Nathalie died Friday morning, December 19 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of Ellis Jones Ingram.
She was born in Halifax County February 20, 1925, the daughter of the late John David Conner Sr. and Mary Lou Wilbourn Conner. She was a member of Clover Bottom Baptist Church and a retired employee of Bassett-Walker Company.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Ingram is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Ellis J. Jr. and Emma Ingram of Sword's Creek, Charles and Jackie Ingram of South Boston, David and Gloria Ingram of Gladys; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Hilda and A.V. Martin of Republican Grove, Clara and Everett Fariss of Scottsburg, Mary I. Gregory of Duluth, Ga.; one brother, John David Conner Jr. of Nathalie; one sister, Agnes Anderson of Nathalie; ten grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Clover Bottom Baptist Church by the Rev. H.V. Conner with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
The family will be at the residence.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Brookneal Rescue Squad, or Clover Bottom Baptist Church.
Loid Andrew Hodnett of Dinwiddie County died December 29. He was a native of Pittsylvania County and was the son of the late Leslie Andrew and Pearl Tucker Hodnett.
Mr. Hodnett was a retired civil service employee from Ft. Lee, a member of Elm St. Baptist Church and the Dinwiddie Industrial Development, and a former member of Dinwiddie Rescue Squad, Dinwiddie Board of Supervisors and Petersburg Dinwiddie Airport Authority.
Survivors of Mr. Hodnett include his wife, Leetha J. Hodnett; son, Todd B. Hodnett and wife Gailyn of Dinwiddie County; daughter Vicki D. Hartman and husband, William of Hopewell; grandson J. Clay Bent of Hopewell; and sister Geneva Burton of Nathalie.
Funeral services will be conducted today at 1 p.m. in the Petersburg chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son. Interment will be in Southlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Elm St. Baptist Church or the Kidney Foundation.
Clarice Loftis Thompson of South Boston died Saturday, December 20 at Halifax Regional Hospital. Born January 21, 1903 in Halifax County, she was the daughter of John Martin Loftis and Fannie Thomas Loftis. She was married to the late Calvin Arthur Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson was a retired school teacher in the Halifax County school system and a member of black Walnut Baptist Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Frances L. Thompson of Cluster Springs, three nephews and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Arthur Thompson, and one sister, one half-sister, and five half-brothers.
The funeral was held at Black Walnut Baptist Church yesterday with the Revs. Grover Stevens and Mark Blair officiating. Burial took place in the Merritt Family Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Reaves on Cluster Springs Road, South Boston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cluster Springs Volunteer Fire Department.