Naomi Deer

Aug. 6, 1931-Feb. 15, 2015

Naomi Ruth Herald Deer passed away at King’s Daughters Medical Center on Sunday, Feb. 15 ,, 2015, unexpectedly.  Naomi was born on Aug. 6, 1931 in Lawrence County, to Nellie Burns (Davidson) Herald and Alonzo B. Herald from Floyd County, Kentucky, where Nellie was a traveling nurse who worked for Lawrence County General Hospital, in Ironton. Naomi is survived by her husband, Gerald Homer Deer, whom she married on July 22, 1950. Naomi graduated from Ironton High School with the class of 1950. She also attended classes at Ohio University. Southern. Naomi was born in the home of George and Adaline Burns of Ironton.  She was a secretary for the Rock Hill Local School District, and retired as a secretary for the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library where she helped developed the genealogy department.

She was preceded in death by her two children and a grandson, Vicki Lynn Deer Brooks Allen and Gerald Anthony Deer and Eric Anthony Deer.  She is survived by five grandchildren, Bethany Hope Reed (Respiratory Therapist at Mount Carmel West Hospital) and Allison Ruth Brooks (Jessica Kirkpatrick) who is currently an instrumental music teacher for the Columbus City School District, both of Columbus, Ohio, Jeremy Lee Deer (Construction/Plumbing at Thompson Construction and Utilities) who resided with her, James Heath Garrett Deer (C and B Marine), both of Ironton, and Joshua David Deer (Sports Athletic Coach), of Naples, Florida. She has two great grandchildren, Landon Vincent Anthony and Levi James Garrett Deer of Ironton.

Naomi was a strong and participating member of the Lawrence County Historical Society, where she started the original Woodland Cemetery Historical Walk, as she focused on the history of the cemetery and the historical people of Ironton. She also had a love of writing historical stories, which were published weekly in the Ironton Tribune paper. She has also been referenced and credited in writings about Lawrence County.

Naomi’s immediate family would like to thank the people who have sat with her and us, and all the thoughts and prayers given. Our grandmother was smart, funny, stubborn, caring, and the most amazing wife, mother, and grandmother anyone could have. She never met a stranger and was well respected in her community. She, along with our grandfather, made sure that us grandchildren never wanted for anything. One thing that this family has known and has grown up with is love.

Naomi’s funeral will be at O’Keefe Bakers Funeral home in Ironton on Thursday.  Public visitation is from 10am-1pm. Funeral is at 1 p.m. with Tim Throckmorton, officiating. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery.

 

 

Woodrow Holbrook

Nov. 28, 1916-Feb. 12, 201

Woodrow “Woody” Holbrook, 98, passed away Thursday, Feb. 12 2015, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland. Born Nov. 28 1916, in West Prestonsburg, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Walter Holbrook and Julie Howard Holbrook. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Marie “Bobbie” Vass Holbrook and a sister, Minerva Cooley. Woodrow was a former Division  Supervisor at Appalachian Power Co. in Beckley, W.Va. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ironton, and previously held many positions in the Methodist church of Beckley, West Virginia. He was also a Mason in the lodge in Stone, Kentucky. Survivors include a son, Walt Holbrook and wife Gail of Ironton; two granddaughters, Amy Bittner and husband Adam, and Ashlie Winters and husband Lonnie; and two great-great grandchildren, Van and Lola Bittner. Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. Friday at Carter Funeral Home in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, with the Rev. Wayne Young officiating. Burial will be in the Holbrook Cemetery, Prestonsburg. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. Friday until time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church  of Ironton, 101 N. Fifth St. Ironton, OH. 45638.