Roma Vance

Roma Vance, 70, of Ironton, went home to be with her lord on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, at the King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Ky., with her family at her side.

She was born on April 8, 1943, a daughter of the late Ethel Wilson Harbolt and the late Oakley Harbolt. Roma was a loving mother, a member of the Ironton Moose Lodge and of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers, Harland, Buckey and Billy Harbolt; and two sisters, Chola Ross and Maddie Ellen Harbolt.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Phil at home; three daughters, Lynn (John) Townsend of Kitts Hill, Tammy Harbolt Unrue (Richard Bunker) of Ironton, and Gwenda Vance at home; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two nephews she raised as her own, Abby Ross and Ralph (Duane) Ross of Ironton; a sister-in-law, Gail Adkins; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday with Pastor Willard Blankenship officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Wilgus Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Friends and family may share condolences and memories on the Facebook page for the Brown Funeral Chapel.

The family has entrusted her care to Brown Funeral Chapel.

 

 

Rosella Pierson

Rosella Pierson, 88, of Ironton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at a local health care facility. The Ironton native was born Oct. 28, 1925, the daughter of the late Oscar and Rose Martin Murnahan. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Pierson.

Mrs. Pierson attended Hanging Rock School, was a homemaker and of the Nazarene faith.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Lloyd Elroy Pierson and George Pierson; a daughter, Reba Lykins; and eight brothers and sisters, Charles Murnahan, Oscar “Joe” Murnahan, Nancy Matney, Emma Jean Vulhop, Hazel Brooks, Mabel Fyffe, Mary Massie and Lillian Murnahan.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, James “Bo” and Goldie Pierson of Ironton; son, Ernie Pierson Jr. of Ironton; daughter, Rose and John Gillum of South Carolina; and daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Keith Akers of South Point.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Hanging Rock Cemetery with Elder John Sturgill officiating. There will be no public visitation. Phillips Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

 

Scott Vegas Carter

Scott Vegas Carter, 58, of Ironton died Aug. 17, 2013. A homegoing celebration will be at Triedstone Baptist Church at noon Wednesday.

 

Gordon Mason Jr.

Joseph Gordon Mason Jr., 87, of Ironton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at his residence after a short illness. The Tralee, W.Va., native was born June 17, 1926, the son of the late Joseph Gordon and Marquerite Hughes Mason. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Rowe Mason.

Gordon was a graduate of Mullens High School in Mullens, W.Va., and of Marshall University, where he received his bachelor’s degree and met his wife. He was a U.S. WWII Army veteran who served in Japan and was a businessman for Ashland Oil, retiring in 1989 after 36 years with them. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ironton, a treasurer of Tiger Clan in the 1970s and a season basketball ticket holder and Big Green Club member at Marshall from 1946 until his death. He was on the board of directors from 1995 until 2012 at the First Peoples Bank of Mullens, W.Va.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Mason Bentley; and a sister, Ruth Mason Hart.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Mark Baker of Ironton; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Gordon III and Tracy Mason of Cincinnati; brother, Pat Mason of Winchester, Va.; son-in-law, Rick Bentley of Ironton; grandson and granddaughter, JG and Mary Page Mason of Cincinnati; and granddaughter, Mariah and her husband Mat Nierman of Columbus.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home with Dr. Wayne Young officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery and visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Ironton Food Pantry, 101 N. Fifth St., Ironton. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

John Raymond Febo

After a year long battle with cancer, John Raymond Febo of Andover, Minn., formerly of Ironton, passed away at his home on Aug. 16, 2013.

John is survived by two sons, Ryder Febo of Minneapolis, Minn., and Nicholas Febo and wife Jen Febo of Houston, Texas; and two granddaughters, Veronica and Avery Febo of Houston. He is also survived by a loving partner, Mary Stearly of Andover; parents Noah and Lelia Gambill of Ironton; two brothers, Steve Febo and family of Ironton; Doug Gambill and family of Columbus; three sisters, Robin Catignani and family of Nashville, Tenn.; Shelia Chasteen and family of Wheelersburg; Christi Crabtree and family of Ironton; and many nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life time John acquired many friends that loved him dearly. With his warm smile and contagious laughter, John captured the hearts of many. John will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The hole in our hearts will heal but the void in our lives can never be filled.

The family is planning a memorial service for John that will be held at a later date.