VES Supporters Will Take Fight To Court

Supporters of Virgilina Elementary School are gearing up to take their fight to keep the 102-year-old community school open to court.
Virgilina Mayor John Youngk said school supporters, angered by the Halifax County School Board's refusal Monday night to alter its decision to close the school, feel they have exhausted all other possible avenues.
"This is such a gross violation of our rights that it (a court fight) is inevitable," Youngk said.
"We've held back and held back and held back and been treated this way.
"The people we're talking about are so upset at the School Board members that they don't want to wait for the election," added Youngk.
"We've bent over backwards to get this Board (the School Board) to communicate with that Board (the Board of Supervisors) and work out something that was equitable and reasonable. We're just beyond that now."
Youngk said Virgilina residents could hinge their court fight on the agreement made with the school board in which the school board agreed to keep the school open if the enrollment for this coming year reached 120 students.
Virgilina residents felt they had met that agreement. However, the School Board, after reviewing enrollment applications and out-of-zone transfer requests, ruled Virgilina did not reach its goal of having 120 bonafide students and voted to close the school.
Youngk said legal counsel has been consulted and that attorneys have indicated the Virgilina residents have a case.
"The counsel we have gotten is that we've got solid ground for two different lawsuits," Youngk said.
"I'm assuming two cases will come out of this that will be hinging on the issue that deals were cut and they (the School Board) didn't honor the agreement."
Charter School
"Right now we don't have the option of getting a charter school because the School Board voted a couple of years ago to forbid any schools from applying for a charter," Youngk said.
The Virgilina mayor claimed that VES supporters have support from state officials for such a move.
"We've got support from the state government and they think that a bill could go through this year that could actually force the School Board to allow us to apply for a charter," Youngk said.
An Offer
The Board of Supervisors met with the School Board for the better part of an hour and a half Monday night trying to lock in on the School Board's reasoning for closing VES.
An attempt by Board of Supervisors chairman David Martin to reverse the decision failed.
Martin suggested the $21 million in capital improvement funds it has been seeking and enough money to maintain VES in exchange for the "favor" of keeping VES open.
The Board of Supervisors chairman asked the School Board "If we give you the money for the debt service on the $21 million and add a reasonable amount to continue maintenance on Virgilina Elementary School, could you grant us the favor on economic viability and quality of life issues and keep the school open?"
"Personally, I'd say no," responded School Board chairman Patricia Nelson.
"They're two separate issues."
The only School Board member to acknowledge the offer was Carl Furches, a long-standing advocate of keeping the school open.
"If you get the money, I'll gladly spend it," said Furches.
"You give us the money and I'll go along with you 100 percent."
When asked by a reporter if she got the Supervisors' message they are holding the $21 million hostage over Virgilina Nelson replied,"Maybe a couple of Board members did. I couldn't say it was the whole Board. I think there are few that are considering that."
Then, when asked if she felt that way, Nelson said, "I think they tried to do that when they asked us if we would approve keeping Virgilina open with a $21 million guarantee of capital. But this Board didn't choose that option."
G.C. Ratliff, Virgilina's representative on the School Board, and School Board member Steve Anderson said they felt the same way.
"I think it (the proposal) was floated as formally as you could informally float something, which, I think, is wrong," said Ratliff.
During the meeting Anderson asked Martin what the difference is in this proposal and the one that Supervisors made some 18 months ago.
"The difference is we haven't decided what to do with the debt service on the $21 million," said Martin.
"It's no secret that some people on the Board (Board of Supervisors) want to consider the plans for that money relating to future closure of schools when looking at that decision."
"The reason for my question," Anderson said, "is that 18 months ago when you came before this Board you said you wanted to work together and that you wanted to do all of the things that were necessary to have all education on an equal footing in Halifax County.
"Today, nothing has happened to lead us in that direction," added Anderson.
"So, my question is again, what is going to happen differently here tonight that didn't happen in the past 18 months?"
Martin replied, saying "When I made that statement I was optimistic that other members of the Board (of Supervisors) would see it necessary and prudent to fund education and give you the money that you asked for to do some things, raise teacher salaries and fix things that are broken.
"I'm still optimistic about being able to pass the debt service for your capital improvement loan," added Martin.
"I think a common-sense tax increase is needed right now. I think we've been under funding services and education for years.
"I would ask you not to come to us with a lean budget," continued Martin.
"Continue to come to us with a budget you see is reasonable and progressive and then let us fight over it and make a decision on the funding. I haven't backed off a bit of what I said."
The proposed county budget carries no tax increase.
Nelson, noting school system needs such as roof repairs, better pay for teachers and other capital needs and that Supervisors are not planning to raise taxes, said that Supervisors saying they will come up with the money if VES is reopened is illogical.
"All of this and you're saying you're not giving one cent tax increase for this year and you're willing to pay for it (keeping VES open), that is illogical in my mind," said Nelson.
Some Supervisors argued that the body has been responsive to the needs and requests of the school system as it pertains to local funding.
"The message we have gotten from the Board of Supervisors is spend as little money as you can, we give you more than enough, we're not going to give you anymore," said School Board member Alan Gravitt.
"That message is inconsistent with the message we're going to pay the cost, we want to keep this school open, we want small schools, we want small teacher-pupil ratios.
"If it's good to have a small school with 120 students at Virgilina, then it's good to have one in South Boston, it's good to have one in Halifax," continued Gravitt.
"If that is the size school that you want to fund, you need to reach down in your pockets and into the pockets of these people sitting out here and tell them the truth, that we're going to have to tax you a whole lot more.
"When we go about our building program, we can go back," added Gravitt.
"We won't consolidate, we'll deconsolidate. We'll take C.H. Friend or Sinai and cut them up into three schools. We'll build more schools if that is what you really want. But that's not the message we're getting."
One of the things the Board of Supervisors was most interested in was any plans the School Board may have to close any other schools as part of a planned capital improvements project, particularly Wilson Memorial Elementary School which is another small school.
Nelson told the Supervisors that there are no plans on the table to close Wilson Memorial Elementary School.
"I can't say it won't ever happen," Nelson said.
"It's not in any formal plan of any kind. Wilson Memorial is not on the agenda for closing."
As far as the proposed next phase of the School Board's capital improvements program is concerned, Nelson told the Supervisors that the only change foreseen at Halifax Elementary is making the school a K-3 school.
She noted no changes are planned for C.H. Friend or Washington-Coleman Elementary School.
"It is a goal of the School Board to build a new Washington-Coleman School for the Town of South Boston."
At the end of the night, nothing appeared to have been accomplished between the two boards.
Anderson said he felt little good came out of the meeting that turned to a verbal point and counterpoint sparring match between the two boards that neither side won.
"We accomplished what I thought we would accomplish," Anderson said.
"There was not going to be any change in the vote. It (the meeting) just gave us an opportunity to tell them where we were and for us to answer any questions they had.
"It's good to have dialogue," Anderson added, "so, from that standpoint, it was positive.
Anderson noted the School Board is not going to change its position with regard to VES.
"As long as this present Board is sitting, nothing is going to change," he said.
"In a year from now, if there is a new Board, then the issue will probably be revisited. But, until that time, unless that happens, then nothing is going to change."
Ratliff agreed.
"I think all of the Board members have made their decision and I think they would stick to it if you voted again and again and again," Ratliff said.
"I really think what it comes down to is who the citizens want in charge of the school system and do they want us to run every decision through the Board of Supervisors. I don't think one Board should organize against another."
Fireworks erupted after the Board of Supervisors left the meeting with the School Board to hold a budget meeting at 7 p.m. in Halifax.
After Youngk spent several minutes reiterating to the School Board how it had violated its agreement with the Virgilina residents and imploring the body to reverse its decision, Scottsburg resident Estella Hudson spoke.
Hudson, who had intended for her remarks to be heard by the Board of Supervisors but had to settle for the School Board, supported the action of the School Board.
"We understand the emotional attachment because would feel the same way," said Hudson who has a child attending Scottsburg Elementary School.
"But the reality is the rest of the children in Halifax County deserve the same benefits that a small community school would offer. However, the estimated cost for providing funding for small 150-student schools would be in excess of $80 million."
Hudson said as a parent and a taxpayer she would not object to the Virgilina school building being given to the Town of Virgilina to be used as an educational facility at the expense of the Town of Virgilina.
"I do object, however, to my tax dollars being used to fund what is essentially a private school," she said.
Youngk interrupted Hudson on at least two occasions, standing up and walking up to the podium where Hudson was speaking.
He alleged figures she cited to the School Board to uphold her points on various issues as being lies.
Nelson, the School Board chairman, had cut off Youngk's attempts to interrupt Hudson and attempted to restore order to the meeting.
"I don't think that being a jerk allows you to stand up and speak anytime you want," Gravitt fired at Youngk.
"We listened to you politely."
South Boston attorney Bill Greer entered the fray.
As the School Board tried to restore order and continue the meeting, Greer and Youngk grabbed the microphone and Greer launched a tirade at the School Board.
The microphone was turned off on Greer and Greer became increasing agitated as sheriff's deputies stepped up to help the school Board restore order to the meeting.
Greer ranted against the School Board vowing to the members of the School Board they all would be defeated.
Glaring at the deputy standing next to him, Greer yelled at the School Board, "Arrest me and I'll write a letter from the Halifax County Jail."
Greer left the podium at that point without being arrested.

Supes Seek School Plan

Supervisors are seeking a specific plan for the School Board's Phase II school building program.
The action came Monday evening following an earlier meeting with the School Board.
Supervisors also renewed their request that Virgilina Elementary School not be altered until the building program is addressed by the Board.
While it was a consensus to seek a specific plan for Phase II capital improvements, a similar resolution failed just moments before in a tie vote. A tie kills an issue.
"You can't tell the School Board what to do, but you control the money," Supervisor R.E. "Dickie" Abbott told his board.
Action came when Virgilina Mayor John Youngk sought supervisors' response to the School Board's Capital Improvements request.
He urged supervisors to make sure "that the county was on board for the plan" before releasing about $21 million in capital funding for schools.
Youngk asked for a plan for elementary schools, noting the one "huge high school," adding there was sentiment for decentralization of schools.
"We have exhausted every means to work with the School Board," he said, adding that legal action would be the next step.
Youngk noted that VES and community school supporters had gathered over 1,300 signatures, which is getting close to 10 percent of the voting population. "The petition stands on its own," he added.
Youngk suggested $200,000 be cut from the School Board budget, the amount that is required to keep VES open.
"I think they (School Board members) have ignored everything we have told them," said Supervisor Lottie Nunn.
Supervisor James Edmunds sought confirmation that Halifax, Washington-Coleman and C.H. Friend Elementary schools, among others, would not be closed by the School Board.
"I will not move until we know the future on schools," he said.
However, Edmunds said that he wanted "to make sure that whatever we decide (to do) that we do not hold (school) repairs hostage."
One supervisor, Tom West, suggested the school superintendent visit every club and organization in the county and explain the School Board's plan.
ED-4 candidate for supervisor Doug Bowman, who was at the meeting to address economic development issues, asked supervisors how they would pay the debt service on a $21 million capital improvements project for schools with no tax increase.
County Administrator Joe Morgan advised that the debt service would be two years out.
Budget Hearing
Supervisors will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, June 30, to further review the proposed $68.5 million budget before final approval that evening.
The proposed budget carries no increase in the current 42 cents per assessed $100 real estate rate or the $1.76 personal property tax.
The proposed industrial machinery and tools tax per assessed $100 valuation - based on 50 percent of original capitalized cost - is $1.26.
During the public hearing Monday night, Marcia Harris once again challenged the budget.
Harris sought answers to the status of an Agricultural Marketing Center, telling supervisors it would be helpful for those with feeder calves to sell.
She also challenged Industrial Development Authority budget figures.
"They pay no rent," she said.
However, IDA director Scott Morris challenged several of Harris' points yesterday.
The IDA owns its building but not the land, which it leases, he explained.
Morris also rebutted the Harris charge that one IDA member leases to small businesses the IDA turned down.
"We have not refused anyone," said Morris.
She also questioned a $5,000 bonus budget figure for the director. She also charged that one company with 80 jobs had eyed Halifax County but had moved to Durham.
If industry wants to come to the Industrial Park they must have 100 jobs, Harris said.
Morris also challenged Supervisor James Edmunds' gift of land as a county park through the Halifax Educational Foundation.
That challenge brought a quick reply from Edmunds.
"You insinuated it is not a free gift, and it is a 100 percent free gift to the county," he said. "It is being held in HEF in trust to allow for grant funding," which he said had resulted in two grants, a VDOT and VCR grant, for the park.
"And I resent the fact someone did not do their homework" before saying that, he added.
The county administrator said the deed had been prepared by attorney Bill Watson and appraised twice in preparation for seeking matching funds.
Also during the public hearing, Eugene Moorefield asked supervisors for a status report on a grant for improvements to Volens School.
Supervisor Abbott said that the funding was being sought through the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. "We will find out," Abbott promised.
Laura Craft told supervisors that the large garbage containers at Major Hart's property were too high and difficult for some residents to use.
Jim Davis asked supervisors to replace the dumpsters behind the Mary Bethune Complex.
"I realize (the dumpsters need to be moved during) the softball (tournament), but I don't see why they can't go back after the tournament. It is certainly a convenience for the taxpayer," he said.
The dumpsters have been removed to allow paving of the complex prior to a softball tournament scheduled this month, but some county officials have said they will not be replaced.
David Martin, chairman of the Board, said that the site is in his district and said that Public Works Director and Litter Prevention/Recycling Coordinator will seek a convenient site.
Martin also said "one reason not to have it there is because it is the chief place of doing business for Halifax."
Following the public session, Abbott said that he thought the IDA was well funded. He also said he thought there were numerous opportunities to cut the county budget.
Brenda Fincher, representing the Library Board, thanked the supervisors for its proposed funding.
Fincher said that 90 percent of the funding would go to salaries, allowing raises for the first time in two years.
High Plains Public Hearing
Only one speaker, High Plain Sappony Tribal Director Dante Desiderio, spoke during the public hearing seeking a Resource Center grant.
Supervisors approved the request to apply for $100,000 in Virginia Community Development Block Grant funds for the High Plains Community Development project.
Sources of other funds for the project include $113,730 from USDA Rural Development and $25,000 from Sappony for a total project cost of $238,730.
It is projected 12 low-income employees will be allocated from a federal Americorp program to service the needs of Indian tribes throughout the state, of which six low and moderate income employees will be hired from the local area and work directly out of High Plains.
Appointments
Supervisors authorized the following appointments Monday night, William Fizgerald, Donnie Green and Thomas Hudson to the Land Use Development Task Force.
Mark Thackston and William Royster Jr. were named to the Danville Community College Board.
Julian Harrison was reappointed to the Southside Community College board.
The Board reappointed Joan Hines and Pamela Murphy to the Library Board, with two Board slots unfilled.
All six members of the Southside Regional Partnership were reappointed.
Supervisor William Fitzgerald was reappointed to the Social Services Board, leaving one vacancy.

Hospital Celebrates 50 Years Of Service

Celebrating 50 years of service to the community, Halifax Regional Hospital unveiled a mural and cut a birthday cake Monday during a recognition ceremony in Leggett Auditorium.
Recollecting the early days, CEO Chris Lumsden recognized the early leaders in the effort to establish the hospital, including the late James Edmunds.
Mr. Edmunds would always focus on patients, the employees, nurses and recruiting doctors, Lumsden told the crowd at the ceremony.
Dr. William Hagood Jr., chief of staff when the hospital first sought its accreditation, recalled following in the inspector's footsteps as he made his rounds.
His and Dr. Allen Fuller Sr.'s attention to detail became legend at the hospital, prompting this query, according to Dr. Hagood.
"How are we going to do anything in this hospital with Bill Hagood and Allen Fuller looking over our shoulder?"
During the ceremony, Lumsden commented on the dramatic growth in the health care facility over the past half-century.
He pointed out that the hospital opened the doors with approximately one-tenth the 500 beds it currently boasts.
Pointing out other indicators of the growth of the hospital, Lumsden said the doors were opened with only 36 employees.
"Today, we have over 800 serving a multi-county area," he said proudly.
In 1953, the hospital numbered 12 physicians, and has over 100 today.
But employee statistics only tell part of the story.
"In 1953, we had over 3,000 patient encounters," Lumsden said. "Last year, we had 70,000."
At its inception, the hospital cost $1 million to build, according to the CEO.
"Half of that was raised by the citizens of Halifax County," he said. "Today, our assets total over $100 million."
Lumsden credits such exponential growth to a simple formula:
"Our mission is to care for the health care needs of the people," he said. "And we are still locally owned and governed."
But he added that the human touch is the primary reason for Halifax Regional Hospital's successes.
"Our people, employees and volunteers represent the reason for the success of Halifax Regional Hospital," he said.

Halifax Man Guilty Of Eight Related Cocaine Charges

A 19-year-old Halifax man pleaded guilty Monday to eight separate cocaine-related charges, during a bench trial in Halifax County Circuit Court.
Jeremiah Lee Dwain Womack's guilty pleas came as the result of a plea agreement with the Commonwealth.
Judge Leslie M. Osborn convicted Womack of seven indictments charging Womack with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Judge Osborn additionally convicted Womack of an indictment charging Womack with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to court records, Womack conspired to distribute cocaine between November, 2002 and February 13, 2003, and possessed cocaine with intent to distribute seven times between November 27, 2002 and January 18, 2003.
Womack was remanded to custody to await sentencing in the July court term.
· Donald Kelly Ferrell, 26, of South Boston, was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison for possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance.
Judge Osborn suspended all but four years and nine months of Ferrell's sentence, conditioned on Ferrell's good behavior for two years.
The court ordered Ferrell to be placed on probation for one year following his release.
· Richard Lee Torian, 45, of South Boston, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison for possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Judge Osborn suspended all but one year of Torian's sentence, conditioned on his good behavior for 10 years, and ordered him to be placed on probation for one year following his release.
The court ordered Torian to submit to random drug tests, and suspended Torian's operator's license for six months.
The court ordered Torian to pay restitution in the amount of $250 to the Drug Task Force.
· Howell Watkins Trent Jr., 42, of South Boston, was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for a third offense of assaulting and battering Carol Trent.
Judge Osborn suspended all but two years and two months of Trent's sentence, conditioned on Trent's good behavior for five years, and ordered him to be placed on probation for one year following his release.
The court ordered Trent to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs, to submit to random drug tests, and to take all prescribed medications.
· Christopher Deon Easley, 20, of Halifax, entered a plea of no contest Monday to an indictment charging him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Easley also entered a plea of no contest to indictments charging him with misdemeanor assault and battery and felony obstruction of justice.
Easley's pleas were part of a plea agreement with the Commonwealth.
The court ordered Easley be evaluated for the Detention and Diversion Center Programs prior to sentencing in the July court term.
· Fred T. Torian, 46, of South Boston, was denied first offender status Monday and convicted on an indictment charging him with cocaine possession.
Judge Osborn sentenced Torian to three years in prison, suspending the entire sentence, conditioned on his good behavior for three years.
Judge Osborn also sentenced Torian to a $50 fine for a misdemeanor offense of being intoxicated in public.
The court ordered Torian to be placed on probation for one year, effective immediately, and to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs.
Torian's operator's license was suspended for six months by the court.
· Joann Marie Crews Walker, 43, of Brookneal, was sentenced Monday to two years in prison for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
The court ordered Walker to be placed on post release supervision with Halifax-Pittsylvania Court Services for six months, and set an appeal bond for Walker in the amount of $2,500.
· Tommy Cox, aka Gary Thomas Cox, 20, of Lynchburg, had his first offender status revoked Monday, and was convicted of cocaine possession.
Judge Osborn sentenced Cox to five years in prison, and suspending all but 60 days, conditioned on Cox's good behavior for five years, effective immediately.
The court authorized weekend jail service for Cox and ordered him to be placed on probation for one year, effective immediately.
· John Oliver Watkins III, 20, of South Boston, was convicted Monday of cocaine and marijuana distribution.
The Commonwealth nol prossed an additional marijuana distribution charge against Watkins.
The court ordered Watkins be evaluated for the Detention and Diversion Center Programs before sentencing in the July court term.
Watkins is free on bond until that time.
· Ronnie Eugene Snead, 43, of Chase City, was convicted Monday of a probation violation.
The court revoked 30 days of Snead's previously suspended prison sentence, and ordered Snead to undergo drug counseling and treatment.
· Samantha E. Wade, 33, of Nathalie, was convicted Monday of a probation violation.
The court revoked 30 days of her previously suspended prison sentence, and authorized weekend jail service.

HC Collegiate Upends Gate City

By JOE CHANDLER

Halifax County Collegiate managed only four hits against Gate City in Monday night's home opener but it proved to be enough as Collegiate downed Gate City 6-1.
The win was the second in a row for Collegiate over Gate City as the local squad bounced Gate City 3-2 last Thursday night in Greensboro, NC.
It ran Collegiate's record to 3-1-1 for the season.
Justin King and Justin Smith combined efforts to hold Gate City to six hits.
King allowed a hit and a walk in the two innings he pitched with Smith going the rest of the route.
Mike Priest led the Collegiate batting effort with a 2-3 effort at the plate.
Chet Clayton and Nick Haglar had a hit each.
Halifax jumped on top quickly with leadoff batter Nick Thompson reaching base on a walk and Dabney Cosby reaching base on an error.
Despite the fact that Gate City retired the next three Halifax batters in order, Thompson and Cosby scored to put Halifax up 2-0.
Halifax added two more runs in the bottom of the third inning.
Clayton walked with one out and Haglar followed with a base hit to put two runners on the sacks.
A two-RBI hit by Priest gave Collegiate a 4-0 cushion.
Gate City scored its run in the top of the fifth inning with a one-out single followed by a two-out double to make it a 4-1 score.
Halifax put the game away with two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to make the 6-1 count.
Thompson, the leadoff batter, walked and moved to second on a sacrifice by Cosby.
Clayton singled and scored Thompson for Collegiate's first run of the inning.
A two-out single by Priest plated Clayton to give halifax its final five-run margin.
Collegiate put the lid on the contest with some good defensive play in the top of the seventh inning.
Gate City's leadoff batter walked and a base hit and another walk loaded the sacks.
Things went downhill quickly for Gate City.
Barwick, Gate City's fourth batter in the inning, flied out to center field for the first out.
The runner on third base tagged up and ran for the plate but Thompson, with a perfect throw from centerfield to catcher Kenneth Day, nailed the runner at the plate for the second out.
And, on an ensuing play, Priest, the Collegiate third baseman, pegged a throw to second baseman Joe White to nail the Gate City's next lead runner and end the game.
In last Thursday's contest against Gate City in Greensboro, NC, Gate City jumped on top by picking up a run in both the bottom of the first inning and the bottom of the third inning to gain a 2-0 lead.
Halifax got back into the fray in the bottom of the sixth inning when Jason Jones and Priest walked. Jones scored when Gallagy reached base on an error to make it a 2-1 game.
Collegiate wrestled the game away from Gate City with two runs in the top of the seventh inning.
Mabe walked and a double by White put runners on second base and third base.
A single by Jody Nelson later in the inning plated White and a double by Cosby scored Nelson to put Collegiate on top.
Collegiate had four hits in the game, three of which came in the seventh inning.
Priest had a base hit for Collegiate in the top of the fourth inning.
Lefthander Ben Edwards hurled the first five innings for Collegiate, fanning six batters and allowing eight walks.
Priest came to the mound for the last two innings and fanned all six batters he faced.
Halifax County Collegiate will be back in action Thursday night when it travels to Greensboro, NC to face Burlington.
Collegiate will square off against Gate City again here Friday night in an 8 p.m. game at the Halifax County High School field.
And, on Saturday, Collegiate is scheduled to face Exchange Club from Greensboro, NC here in a doubleheader scheduled for an 11 a.m. start.

Obituaries

Carlton Wayne Cole

Carlton Wayne Cole, 66, of 2191 Denniston Road, Alton, died June 22 at his home.
Mr. Cole was born in Halifax County on March 12, 1937, the son of Henry David Cole and Dorothy Conner Cole. He was the grandson of Walter and Thurisa Conner, and was married to Elizabeth Franklin Cole.
He was a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, former owner of South Boston Livestocks and present president of the downtown South Boston Farmers Market.
Survivors of Mr. Cole include his wife; his mother; one son, David Earl Cole of Roxboro, N.C.; one daughter, Gloria C. Bauer of Clarksville; one stepson, William F. Hatcher of Alton; one stepson-in-law, Donald Neal Wilkerson of South Boston; two grandchildren, Ruthie and Teddy Bauer, both of Clarksville; two step-granddaughters, Beth Throckmorton of Scottsburg and Stacy Stephens of Roxboro; one step-grandson, Aaron Stephens of Roxboro; and one sister-in-law, Mae Layne and her husband, Stewart, of Richmond. He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Sandi Wilkerson.
Memorial services for Mr. Cole will be held today, June 25 at 11 a.m. at Shady Grove United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Davidson officiating.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston, or Shady Grove United Methodist Church.

Goldie Hutchinson Crocker

Goldie Hutchinson Crocker, 81, of Point Harbor, N.C., died June 21 at Duke Hospital.
Mrs. Crocker, a native of Wise County, was the widow of George Amber Crocker and the daughter of the late Charles Bascom Hutchinson and Pearl May Peters Hutchinson. She was a former secretary in the War Department of the Pentagon, and a member of Hebron United Methodist Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Bettie May and husband, Scott Fisher of Norfolk, Catherine Lee and husband, Bobby Whitlow, of Clover, and Judith Ann Schneider of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; two sisters, Bonnie Ellis of Kingsport, Tenn. and Madeline Snead of Richmond; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson.
Funeral services for Mrs. Crocker were held June 24 at 2 p.m. at Twiford's Memorial Chapel in Elizabeth City, N.C. with the Rev. Herbert Hemingway officiating. Burial followed in West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Millie Ardelia Hall Gomes

Millie Ardelia Hall Gomes, 89, formerly of Scottsburg, died Saturday, June 21 in Philadelphia, Pa.
Mrs. Gomes was born in Halifax County on July 25, 1913, the daughter of the late Jesse and Millie Johnson Hall. She was married to the late John M. Gomes and was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Her survivors include her daughter: Jerline Davenport and husband, John, of Philadelphia; two grandchildren and one great-grandson.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 28 at 1 p.m. at the Piney Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Whitfield Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.

Mary Bryant Johnson

Mary Bryant Johnson, 85, of Durham, N.C., died June 17.
Mrs. Johnson was a native and lifelong resident of Durham, daughter of the late William Henry Bryant and Mary Caulk Bryant. She was married to the late Walter Frank Johnson, and was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Walter Johnson of Upland, Calif., William Johnson and Robert W. Johnson and wife, Brenda, all of Durham; one daughter, Susie J. Eubank and husband, Samuel H., of Clarksville; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson was also preceded in death by two sons, Ray and David Johnson.
Funeral services were held June 20 at 11 a.m. at Hudson Chapel with the Rev. Hugh O'Shields officiating. Burial followed in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

James Howard Majors

James Howard Majors, 85, of 1048 Billy's Lane, Halifax died June 22 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
Mr. Majors was born in Halifax County on August 21, 1917, the son of Howard Majors and Oranda Thaxton Majors, and was married to Carrie Green Majors. He was a member of St. Paul CME Church, a member of Masonic JOPPA Lodge #21, 31-year employee of Brooklyn Navy Yard, and was also a retired employee of Veterans Hospital in Queens, N.Y.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Shelia Hartfield and Patricia Majors, both of Queens, and Lois Maynard of Bronx, N.Y.; three sons, Edward Majors of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ronald Majors of Edison, N.J. and Warren Majors of Halifax; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ann Florine Logan of Queens.
Funeral services for Mr. Majors will be held tomorrow, June 26 at 2 p.m. at Jeffress Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Halifax Memorial Gardens.
The family is receiving friends at the home.

Moses Edward Miller Sr.

Moses Edward Miller Sr., 59, of 2022 College Street, South Boston died June 22 at his home.
Mr. Miller was born in Halifax County on September 14, 1943, the son of the late Barkley Miller and Annie Lee Graves Miller. He was a member of Five Fork Baptist Church and was a retired employee of the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Survivors include three sons, Moses E. Miller Jr. and Lamonte B. Miller, both of Halifax and Stanley Strange of South Boston; three sisters, Hazel Logan of South Boston, Lil Sykes of Chesilhurst, N.J. and Sallie Kate Farmer of Brooklyn, N.Y.; one brother, Benjamen 'Tony' Miller of Silver Spring, Md.; two granddaughters; two grandsons; and a devoted friend, Aileen Harrison of South Boston. Mr. Miller was preceded in death by one daughter, Shaunice Miller.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, June 26 at 11 a.m. at Five Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Moses Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family is receiving friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home this evening, June 25, from 6:00 until 7:00, and other times at the home.

Garland B. Newton Sr.

Garland B. Newton Sr., 70, of 1120 East Oak Hill Drive, Halifax, died June 23 at his home.
Mr. Newton was born in Halifax County on March 29, 1933, the son of Addie B. Newton and Gertrude C. Newton, and was married to Ruby L. Newton. He was a member of North Fork Baptist Church, the VFW and American Legion.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, Garland B. Newton and wife, Dorothy F., of Halifax, and Keith R. Newton and wife, Christy G., of South Boston; one daughter, Sandy N. Waller and husband, Randy, of South Boston; four grandchildren; one brother, Waverly Newton of South Boston; and one sister, Olivia N. Glass of Hampton.
Graveside services for Mr. Newton will be held this evening, June 25 at 7:00, at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Military Rites. The Rev. Bill LaWall will officiate.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Halifax County Cancer Association, PO Box 875, South Boston, or Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston.

Nancy Elizabeth Whitlow

Nancy Elizabeth Whitlow, 77, of 1228 Fenton Street, South Boston died June 16 at her home.
Ms. Whitlow was born in Halifax County on July 15, 1925, the daughter of John Henry Whitlow and Sallie Adams Whitlow.
Survivors include one brother, David Whitlow of Charlotte, N.C.; one sister-in-law, Dora West Stubblefield of South Boston; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Mrs. Whitlow will be held at a later date.