Hopewell News

Clara Long Altman
Clara Long Altman, 91, passed away Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, at Magnolia Manor in Smithfield. Born in North Carolina, Clara lived most of her life in Chesterfield County in the Enon community. Clara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved gardening and enjoyed painting on canvas.
Preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, O’Neal Altman; her daughter, Peggy Elmore; a great-grandson; four brothers; and three sisters, Clara leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Sandra Gartner, and husband, Jack, of Clermont, Fla., and their children, Lara (Burleson) Gartner of Chicago, Ill,m and Steve Gartner of Clermont, Fla.; and her son-in-law, David L. Elmore. Other survivors include one grandson, two granddaughters, and eight great-grandchildren
A graveside funeral service will be conducted 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in Bermuda Memorial Park, Chester, with the Rev. Lawrence Biermann officiating.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Enon Volunteer Fire Dept., 1920 E. Hundred Road, Chester, Va. 23831 or to the charity of one’s choice
Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.

William Eugene “Gene” Garner
William Eugene “Gene” Garner, 75, of Hopewell, died Sept. 22, 2009.
He was born in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. Mr. Garner was a 1952 graduate of Hopewell High School and was retired from civil service at Bellwood. He served in the U. S. Army, the Army Reserves and the National Guard.
Mr. Garner was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Alice Baynor Garner.
Surviving are his wife Betty Fields Garner of Hopewell; two daughters, Michele Rouff of Monument Beach, Mass., and Stephanie Kelly and husband, Jeff Schlueter also of Monument Beach, Mass.; and three grandchildren.
The family received friends Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 from 7-8:30 p.m.. in the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 (today) at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Sharon Stells, pastor of the House of Prayer, Chester, assisted by the Rev. Frank Wiggins, rector of St. James Catholic Church officiating. Interment will be in Appomattox Cemetery. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com

Joseph Warren Smith
Joseph Warren Smith, 44, died Sept. 20, 2009 in a tragic car accident.
“Joey” was born Nov. 16, 1964, in Hopewell to Thomas Richard Smith, Sr. and Alta Ruth Ange Smith at John Randolph Hospital. He was extremely proud to be a member of Millwright Union Local 1402, what he called, “God’s chosen few.” He also was a member of the Church of Christ and enjoyed a good hard day’s work.
His heart was warm and kind and he has left us far too soon. Joey loved his Mom and Dad, his wife, his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed making friends and sharing life stories. He always told a good story and was a gentle man with a natural gift for making us laugh. He will be missed greatly by his family and everyone who knew him.
Joey is survived by his wife, Lisa Reny Smith; sons, Denis Smith and James Smith; daughters, Heather Ward and Melissa Smith Martin; son-in-law, Brandon Martin; sister, Wanda Smith Witherspoon; brothers, Thomas R. Smith Jr., Larry Smith, and Kyle Smith; and five grandchildren.
The family received friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 at Nelsen Funeral Home 214 N. 6th Ave., Hopewell. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. (today) Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 at Cameron Avenue Church of Christ, Colonial Heights, with Mark Dailey officiating. Interment will be private.