Obituaries

Virginia Sasser, age 84, of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Tuesday January 27, 2026, at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born May 17, 1941 in Whitley County, KY to the late Cal and Cleo Lee Jones. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Bobbi Gail Willis; two grandsons, Justin Hatfield, Brad Hatfield; and two brothers, Floyd Jones, Dewey Jones. She is survived by two daughter, Kim Hatfield of Hamilton, OH, Tanya Baird (Kenny) of Williamsburg, KY; six grandchildren, Kendra Corriveau (Ron), Krystal Peters (Chad), Heather Frazier (Thomas), Haley Phelps (Colton), Jimmy Perry, Maddie Baird; eleven great-grandchildren, Jack Kent, Levi Frazier, Braylon Phelps, Caleb Perry, Beau Phelps,...

Kirby Lawson, age 83, of Williamsburg, KY, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Williamsburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born July 29, 1942 in Whitley County to the late Ewell and Melinda Lawson. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Lawson; three sons, Keith Lawson, David Bowman, Robert Bowman; one daughter Carol Ann Caddell; two sisters, Dorothy Partin, Dora Lawson; and two brothers, Narvie Lawson, Arlie Lawson. He is survived by seven children, Judy Watson of Gulf Shores, AL, Juanita Smith of Sidney, OH, Michael Bowman (Khrista) of Sidney, OH, Lorene Bitsy Swanson (Anthony) of Williamsburg, KY, Tracy Lawson (Pam) of Williamsburg, KY, Linda...

Sherri Lynn Crawford Skidmore, age 77, of Woodbine, Kentucky, passed away on January 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 23, 1948, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to the late Ivan Lee Williams and Grace Tolson Elkins, and was raised in Wasilla, Alaska. First and foremost, Sherri was a devoted mother and grandmother. Family was the center of her world, and she poured her love, strength, and care into those she held dear. She was known for her determination, resilience, and the belief that there was very little she could not accomplish once she set her mind to it. Throughout her life, Sherri wore many hats and...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rucella Faye Rose, 79, on January 24, 2026. Born on August 25, 1946, in Eagan, Tennessee, Rucella was a beacon of warmth and love, bringing joy and comfort to all those who were fortunate to know her. She served as a devoted member of the Gatliff Freewill Baptist Church for over 58 years, her spiritual strength and steadfast faith serving as an inspiration to many. Rucella was an accomplished quilter, her nimble fingers weaving together intricate patterns that mirrored the colorful tapestry of her own life. Each stitch was a testament to her patience and creativity, each quilt a warm embrace...

Lonnie Lee Foley, born September 15, 1950, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, passed away on January 24, 2026. He was a beloved member of the community, known for his steadfast dedication to public service and unwavering love for his family. Lonnie was a devoted employee of the Whitley County Board of Education, where he served faithfully as a security officer for over 39 years. His dedication to public safety also extended to his roles with the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office and the Williamsburg City Police. In addition to his professional roles, Lonnie served his community as a Constable in the 1st District for over 30 years, as well as a US Army Veteran....

Elizabeth Ann Sanders, age 93, of Troy passed away January 25, 2026 at Story Point in Troy, Ohio. Ann is now in Heaven being reunited with those in her family and others she knew in Christ who are already there. She was born November 5, 1932 in Lily, Kentucky. She graduated from Lily High School in 1950 where she was the salutatorian of her class. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1953 with a degree in commerce teaching typing, shorthand and accounting. She started her career working in the office of US Steel, a coal mining company in Lynch, Kentucky. In 1955 she was hired (over the phone) and taught...

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Shawn Michael Carter, 58, a humble, loving, and cherished member of our community. Born on July 2nd, 1967, in Benson, Arizona, Shawn lived a life full of compassion, humility, and a deep love for his family and friends. His life was a testament to the power of kindness, empathy, and an undying dedication to the people he cherished. He leaves behind an unfillable void but also countless memories of laughter, wisdom, and love that will forever remain with us. Shawn is survived by his loving wife, Angela Carter of Williamsburg, KY; his children, Joshua Carter (Amber), PJ Carter (Taylor), Brian Kirby (Sadie),...

Billy W. “Bill” Byble, age 75, of Corbin, Kentucky departed this life on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Baptist Health Hospital in Corbin. He was born November 15, 1950, in Corbin, Kentucky to the late William Robert Byble and Kathleen Byble. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Byble of Corbin, Kentucky; four children, Vincent Byble of Corbin, Kentucky, Angela Gambrel of London, Kentucky, Bridgette Jones and husband Bart of London, Kentucky, and Nick Byble and wife Ashley of Spring Hill, TN; seven grandchildren, Shelby Gambrel, Jaxon Williams, Elizabeth Byble, Phillip Gambrel, Caleb Byble, Declan Jones, and Isaac Byble; he is also survived by one sister, Joyce Bowling of London, Kentucky;...

Betty Veach, age 72, of Williamsburg, Kentucky passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Baptist Heath Corbin. She was born May 6, 1953, in Jellico, Tennessee. Betty is preceded in death by her father, Lewis Byrd; mother, Nell (Marion) Jeffers; brothers, Robert, Herman and L.C. Byrd; sisters, Maggie Byrd, Ann Farmer, and Sallie Miller. She is survived by husband, Andrew Veach; son, Dale Byrd and wife Wanda; daughter, Jessica Veach; grandchildren, Abbi, Hunter and Levi Vanderpool, and Jayden Wilson; step-grandchild, Calvin Woods; step-great-grandchildren, Arabella and Remington Woods; brother, Joe Byrd; half brothers, Tim Byrd, and Tony Byrd; sisters, Nannie Veach, Maxine Elliott, Janice James; half-sisters, Ennie Powers, Jessie Hansford, Vivian Creager;...

Bob Barnhill, age 82 of Williamsburg, Ky., passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 at his home. He was born August 19, 1943 in Whitley County, Ky. to the late Drexel and Mattie Lovitt Barnhill. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Caddell and Hester Helton Barnhill; one son, Kenneth Barnhill; one sister, Shirley Barnhill Monday; two brothers, Danny Barnhill, and Arlis Barnhill. He is survived by two children, Glenna McCullah (Eddie) of Williamsburg, Ky., Robert Barnhill of Corbin, Ky; seven grandchildren, Jennifer McCullah, Justin McCullah, Brittany Barnhill, Michael Barnhill, Kelsey Dobson, Jody Dobson, Rose Barnhill; four great grandchildren, Aubri Mays, Isaya Adams, Lukas Adams, Gillian McCullah;...