Deleva Iris Brown

Deleva Iris Brown, a thoughtful and loving soul, born on December 14, 1945, in Siler, Kentucky, passed away on October 16, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Deleva leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
She is survived by her devoted husband of over 45 years, Jesse Brown; and her loving children, Anita Spicer of Williamsburg, KY. and Jesse Brown and wife Brenda of Corbin, KY. Her five grandchildren, Jessica Caddell, Patricia Bray, Kailey Brown, Hailey Brown, Bailey Brown, and special grandchild, Jaydon. Deleva was also a proud great-grandmother, to Clayton Young, Dalton Caddell, Colton Caddell, and Jayden Caddell. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Lois Shupe, Janice (John) Creager, and Jennifer (Carl) Morgan.
Deleva was preceded in death by her parents, Walter William Shupe and Minnie Hocker Hudson; her step-father, Frank Childers, her daughter, Otilla Louise Bray; and her siblings, Ronnie Shupe, Wayne Shupe, and Glenda Ball.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Green Lewis

Green Lewis, born on June 10, 1937, in Harlan, KY, and a resident of Rockford, Illinois, left us too soon on November 5, 2023.
Known for his unwavering devotion to his family and his unmatched work ethic, Green was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom to all who knew him. A machinist by profession, Green dedicated many years of his life to Atwood Machine Company. Despite his professional commitments, what mattered most to Green was being the best father and friend anyone could ever hope to have.
As William Shakespeare once said, “No legacy is so rich as honesty,” and Green’s legacy is one of unwavering honesty, love, and dedication.
Green is survived by his sons, John (Tamara), Calvin (Kathy), and Jack (Rose); his grandchildren, David, Cierra, Dustin, Derrick, Brandy and Jack Jr; and his siblings, Larry Lewis, Harmon Lewis, Lois Bryant, Mable Anderson, and Mary Rossellott. Each of them cherished Green’s warmth, wisdom, and enduring love for his family. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing.
Green was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mossie Lewis; and his beloved wife, Ruth Lewis.
Funeral service will be Friday, November 10, at 11:00am at Croley Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at the Piney Grove Cemetery in Canadatown.
As we lay Green to rest, let us remember his life not with sorrow but with gratitude for the love and wisdom he shared with us. As Helen Keller said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
We encourage everyone who knew and loved Green to share their fondest memories and photographs on his memorial page. In these shared stories and images, Green’s legacy will continue to live on, a testament to a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Out & About Kentucky Style: Elmer Patterson Lawrence – USS Oklahoma Dec. 7, 1941

It’s a time of year when many of us reflect on what has transpired over the past months. I for one have developed a philosophy when it comes to writing, and it is really quite simple.

I want to write about what I think readers will enjoy. This column marks the twenty-first year. I know. I can’t believe it either. Two hundred and fifty-two columns have covered so much ground from one end of Kentucky to the other, that I can’t possibly remember them all.

Or can I? There are times when I review columns of the past and, yes, I remember them all. Some, more than others, have drawn me in emotionally, while there were a few that leaned toward straight line facts, information, and general reporting.

This month’s column is different. It reverts back to something that took place last July 22, at a rural country church in Barren County, Kentucky.

Even though I never knew Navy Seaman 1st Class Elmer Patterson Lawrence, when Bowling Green resident Bernard Lawrence called and gave me the back story on the sailor. He was more than a sailor who had died at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was family.

My grandmother on my dad’s side was a Lawrence, and although I didn’t know his story at the time, I knew about the battleship USS Oklahoma and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Several years ago I visited the memorial. It’s probably the quietest place I’ve ever been where there has been a large crowd. The respect for the 2,390 who died that day is unparalleled.

Seaman Lawrence was one of 429 who died on the USS Oklahoma, and after returning from sea duty only two days before the attack, most of the crew was asleep in their bunks below. He was 25.

The first Japanese torpedo struck at 8:08 a.m., followed by seven more strikes on the Oklahoma. Twelve minutes later the ship capsized. Total darkness and twisted steel rendered any escape or rescue non-existent. Thirty-two survived. The nearby USS Arizona lost 1,177 sailors.

But here we were on the warm July day at Shiloh General Baptist Church in Railton, Kentucky. After years of detailed complex DNA testing, the Navy had made sure Elmer P. Lawrence would be coming home. Being family, I felt an obligation, a duty to be there. After all, he had given his all.

Driving the backroads, it soon became evident my wife and I were getting close. American flags in front yards along the way in manicured lawns was further evidence of the respect for Seaman Lawrence his “home folks” still had.  It had been a long trip for him.

The church parking lot was full. State Police cruisers, motorcycles with attached American flags were lined up near the front. Navy Seamen out of Norfolk Naval Base were there, too. Outfitted in dress whites meant to me this was a special day. The motorcycles belonged to a special veterans group who escorted the hearse, carrying Elmer Lawrence’s flag draped coffin, from Brandenburg, Kentucky to the church.

Inside the cushioned wooden pews were packed. People were there who had no family attachment helped fill the small church. Songs were sung, “God Bless America,” and it seemed even more appropriate when the last words, “home sweet home” reached our ears.

A recording of the Navy’s “Anchors Away,” followed the motorcycle vets walking in pairs to the coffin with some saluting, but all touching the flag.

Relatives, even though they didn’t know him, spoke about Seaman Lawrence. One said, “Thank you God for sending us heroes.”

When the church portion of the re-burial concluded the entire congregation, and others standing in the parking lot, followed the coffin being carried by the white-clad sailors to the nearby cemetery. Family, friends, and those there just to pay their respects walked slowly, heads bowed in silence, as the coffin finally reached its final resting place after all these years. It had been duty, honor and sacrifice. Seven sailors, in well-trained precision each fired three volley rounds as would be expected for the return of Elmer P. Lawrence. Then as a final ceremonial tribute a lone bugler played TAPS, signifying it was indeed the end of the day.

Bernard Lawrence, who first called me about the reburial, is a distant relative. But what does “distant” mean, how close or far removed. It really didn’t matter.

The re-burial of Elmer Patterson Lawrence was something more than special. Although I may forget some of the hundreds of columns and stories I have written, I’ll never forget this one.  By the way, my middle name is also Patterson.  It’s a small world isn’t it?  But, after all we’re family.

Note:  Other reburials from Pearl Harbor.

Fireman 2nd Class Martin D. Young, age 21, Hawesville; Machinist Mate Ulis C. Steely, 25, Corbin; Seaman 2nd Class Howard S. Magers, 18, Merry Oaks, Kentucky.

There’s no excuse, get up, get out and get going!  Gary P. West can be reached at westgarypdeb@gmail.com.

 

‘Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine,’ coming to Corbin on Nov. 17

If you like your community theater along with your dinner, then you are in luck as the Millstone Community Theatre Guild is bringing a performance to Corbin on Friday, Nov. 17, and to London on Saturday, Nov. 18.

“Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine,” which was written by Michael Bruce, will be performed at Grace on the Hill in Corbin on Nov. 17, and at the London Community Center on Nov. 18.

Directed by former long-time Whitley County High School drama teacher, David Sweet, this deliciously clever comedy takes place around the head table of a banquet room where guests, and you the audience members, are expecting a dinner theatre show.

Suddenly, the audience is witness to the murder of the guest of honor, Eleanor Van Heusen, who was not well-loved. Of course, all the characters have their motives for murder.

“To find out whodunit, order your tickets right away and join us for an evening of fun, laughter, and delicious dinner,” Millstone Community Theatre Guild wrote in a release.

Attendees are asked to order their tickets by Nov. 10 at millstonetheatre.com.

A spaghetti dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. each night. The cost is $25 for the meal and the show.

This family friendly show is suitable for ages 10 and up.

The play is one that Sweet is quite familiar with. His Whitley County Colonel Players at Whitley County High School performed it in 2019.

 

There should be two state championships awarded in high school volleyball in KY

Before I get started, let me first congratulate the Whitley County Lady Colonels volleyball team on an outstanding two-year run in 2022 and 2023. A combined 60 wins, back-to-back 50th District championship titles, back-to-back 13th Region championship titles and back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association state championship tournament. (more…)

 

W’Burg man who shot at mother ruled competent to stand trial

A Williamsburg man, who allegedly shot at and attempted to rob his mother during a January incident that led to a day-long manhunt, has be ruled competent to stand trial.

Brady Bowman, 25, appeared in Whitley Circuit Court for a competency hearing Monday afternoon, which was held privately behind closed doors due to the confidential medical information that was discussed during the hearing.

Despite the hearing being held privately, the Whitley County Circuit Court Clerk’s office has confirmed that the evaluating physician who worked with Bowman at the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center deemed him competent and a ruling of competency has been made by the court.

A follow-up court date is currently scheduled for Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.

On the morning of Jan. 6, Bowman’s mother placed a 911 call from a neighbor’s residence stating that Bowman had tried to rob and her before then shooting at her.

She told police that she was in her living room on her sleeper sofa when Bowman came in “high on methamphetamine,” armed with a rifle and demanding that she give him all of her credit cards. When she refused, Bowman allegedly fired at her, barely missing. After allegedly attempting to shoot his mother, Bowman was reportedly seen fleeing the scene by multiple witnesses.

According to Whitley County Sheriff’s Lt. Wayne Bird, who provided testimony during Bowman’s preliminary hearing in January, evidence of the gunshot was found near the sofa, which he said entered the wall in a downward trajectory and went through two walls into Bowman’s room.

During an investigation in the home, Bird said police found a safe, which Bowman’s mother opened for them. Inside, were several guns, according to Bird, including a .308 rifle that he said had been modified “on an assault rifle platform.” Police also allegedly found scopes, multiple fully-loaded magazines, a variety of ammunition and survival gear. Bird said they also located a bandolier full of ammunition and marijuana plants hanging/drying inside the home.

More information was later developed that Bowman had fled his mother’s home in a vehicle, which police began searching for. Bird said that later that day, police located the vehicle near Little Wolf Creek Road and attempted to perform a traffic stop, though Bowman sped away and into a driveway before fleeing into the woods on foot.

K-9 units were then dispatched to help search for Bowman. During the search, police located a backpack believed to belong to Bowman. Bird stated that it was full of “everything you would need to survive in the woods for a week or longer.”

A Kentucky State Police helicopter was used to search the area where Bowman fled, which detected a heat signature coming from a tree stand up in a mountainous area, where Bowman was eventually found just after 11 p.m. the same day. According to Bird, there were several heaters in the tree stand where Bowman was found.

Bowman was indicted in February on charges of first-degree wanton endangerment, attempted murder, first-degree robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He currently remains jailed in the Whitley County Detention Center.

 

Cumberland River Green Dot Corbin, W’burg Photo Contest 2023 now taking submissions

Consider this question. “What would you like to see change in your community to make it a safer place to live?” Now think about how to answer that question using your cell phone camera.

Organizers of the Cumberland River Green Dot Corbin and Williamsburg Photo Contest 2023 would like to see your pictures answering this question. If you do so, then you might win a prize.

“Join our Photovoice project and use photography to share your perspective on community safety, strengths, needs, and aspirations. No special skills or equipment are required. Just your cellphone camera and your unique viewpoint as a community member,” Cumberland River Green Dot wrote in a Facebook post.

Organizers said that there are a few things to think about when taking photos to answer this question.

• Take a photo that shows an example of community togetherness or neighborhood support that makes you feel safe. What does this photo represent about your community?
• Take a photo of something that could be improved to enhance quality of life. What changes do you suggest?
• Take a photo that represents what young people need to thrive in your town. Why is this important for youth?

A caption for the photo should be included in the submission email. You may only submit photos for either Corbin or Williamsburg, but not both.

Photos will be judged based on age categories, including: elementary school age, middle school age, high school age, college age up to 25 years old, and adults. The top three winners in each age category will be chosen.

All photos will be mounted through PicForms and will be given to the participant at no cost to the participant. Photos will be given to participants after a display photo show. There will be two photo shows, one in Corbin and one in Williamsburg.

Photos will be made into a presentation that can be shown to different groups.

Winning photographers will receive a free photography class.

The deadline to submit photos is Dec. 15.

For more information about the contest and a complete list of rules, email greendotyall@gmail.com.

 

Deleva Iris Brown

Deleva Iris Brown, a thoughtful and loving soul, born on December 14, 1945, in Siler, Kentucky, passed away on October 16, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Deleva leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
She is survived by her devoted husband of over 45 years, Jesse Brown; and her loving children, Anita Spicer of Williamsburg, KY. and Jesse Brown and wife Brenda of Corbin, KY. Her five grandchildren, Jessica Caddell, Patricia Bray, Kailey Brown, Hailey Brown, Bailey Brown, and special grandchild, Jaydon. Deleva was also a proud great-grandmother, to Clayton Young, Dalton Caddell, Colton Caddell, and Jayden Caddell. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Lois Shupe, Janice (John) Creager, and Jennifer (Carl) Morgan.
Deleva was preceded in death by her parents, Walter William Shupe and Minnie Hocker Hudson; her step-father, Frank Childers, her daughter, Otilla Louise Bray; and her siblings, Ronnie Shupe, Wayne Shupe, and Glenda Ball.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Waunita Sowders Kearney

Waunita Sowders Kearney, 94, the widow of William R. “Dick” Kearney, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning November 5, 2023.
Waunita was born on August 1, 1929, in Stanford, KY to the late John T. and Bertha Ellen Blankenship Sowders. She was a retired Medical Technologist and X-ray Technician.
In 1951, she married the late William R. “Dick” Kearney, and they enjoyed almost 60 years together until his passing in 2011.
Waunita had a love for butterflies, music and enjoyed raising orchids.
She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, KY where she faithfully served on various committees and sang in the church choir until moving to Richmond in 2011 where she attended First Baptist Church of Richmond, KY.
Survivors include her daughter, Alice (Dan) Welsh of Owensboro; her sister, Barbara Sowders of Richmond; her nephews, David (Fran) and Paul (Lynn Dee) Sowders; and her beloved caregivers Jennifer Hall and Lisa Perkins of Richmond; as well as many other friends and family members.
She was preceded in death by one brother, John T. Sowders Jr. of Richmond.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Private burial will be at the Highland Cemetery in Williamsburg, KY.
Care Cremation and Funeral Service in charge of arrangments.

 

Anne Klein Hoskins

Anne Klein Hoskins passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023.
Anne was born October 6, 1934 to George E. and Ethel Carlisle Klein of Warrington, PA.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Springer Hoskins; a son, Jim Hoskins; and a sister, Joan Goschke.
She is survived by her son, David Hoskins (Jodie) of Corbin; daughter, Caryn Hoskins Overbey (Warren) of Charlotte, NC and daughter, Mary Anne Hoskins of Austin, TX.
She is also survived by six grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Carlisle Overbey (Evan Babcock) of Glen Ridge, NJ, Katherine Hoskins of Queens, NY, Caroline Overbey Abelson (Daniel) of Philadelphia, PA, Mack Hoskins (Amanda Wells) of Nashville, TN, Callie Quillen (Jake Stines) of London, KY, Connor Quillen of Corbin, Beatrice Abelson, James Overbey-Babcock and Jack Stines. Also surviving are her brother, George Klein (Charlotte) of New Britain, PA, sister, Mary Badman (Jim) of Rocky Mount, VA, brother-in-law, Richard Goschke of Rapid City, SD, sister-in-law Margaret Hoskins Fuqua (Ralph) of Knoxville, TN, and several nieces and nephews.
Anne trained as a nurse at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, PA. Intending to work and travel around the United States, she took a job at the Miner’s Hospital in Harlan, KY intending to stay a year or two and then move to another part of the country.
After laughing at the adage that, if you dip your feet in the Cumberland River you will marry and never leave Harlan County, she met Springer Hoskins at Harlan Presbyterian Church and was married April 18, 1958!
She did leave Harlan when Springer sold the Harlan Daily Enterprise and the family moved to Corbin where Springer was the Managing Editor and President of The Corbin Times-Tribune.
In both Harlan and Corbin, Anne was deeply involved in the church and community, directing the children’s choir in both Harlan and Corbin, serving as a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout den mother, on the boards of the Southeastern Kentucky Fine Arts Association; The Corbin Community Backpack Program, which sends bags of food home with needy children and youth; the Carnegie Center of Corbin where she served as treasurer until the end of September; the Corbin Library Board; and The Baptist Health Corbin Foundation. She also served as an elder at Corbin Presbyterian Church.
Anne’s love of gardening was well-known, with iris, daffodils and daylilies being her specialty. Her love of growing flowers led to a love of arranging flowers. For many years, she provided most of the flowers for Sunday worship services at Corbin Presbyterian Church and for weddings and special events for families and friends She became certified as a judge for flower shows and judged shows across Kentucky, the United States and even in South America and South Africa. Anne was active in The Garden Clubs of Kentucky locally, regionally and served as president of the Garden Club of Kentucky from 1995-1997.
Closest to Anne’s heart of late had been providing food for those in need, through the Corbin Backpack Program and by stocking White Flag Ministry’s food box next to First Baptist Church in Corbin. She sometimes drove there twice a day to fill the box. Consider buying a little extra the next time you grocery shop and stocking the box in memory of her!
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 11, at 3:00 pm at Corbin Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.
She will be interred alongside her husband and son at Pleasantville United Church of Christ Cemetery in Chalfont, PA at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Corbin Backpack Program, the Southeastern Kentucky Fine Arts Association, The Carnegie Center of Corbin, or Corbin Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements by Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages of condolence may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.