JEANETTE C. AINSWORTH
Jeanette Therese Coe Ainsworth, a resident of Ararat, died on February 24, 2018, at the age of 91.
She was born in Jersey City, N.J., on June 17, 1926, the first of three daughters of James A. and Gertrude Clark Coe. Her early years were spent in the family bungalow on Yetman Avenue in Tottenville, Staten Island, N.Y., where her family had moved in the early 1930s. She attended Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic School and later St. Peter’s High School in New Brighton, Staten Island.
After graduation from high school in 1939 and a brief period working for the B & O Railroad Office in New York City, she traveled west to marry her long-time boyfriend, Charles H. Ainsworth Sr. They wed at the Church of the Holy Ghost, Denver, Colo., on February 22, 1944, beginning a marriage that would last 53 years. After her husband, who was then serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, was deployed overseas, she returned to her parents’ home in Tottenville.
Following her husband’s return from his service in the Pacific, they both focused on their construction of their new home together in Robertsville in rural Monmouth County, N.J., beginning in 1950, accomplishing most of the actual construction on their own.
The Cape Cod style home became their anchor and base for the next 38 years; it was the first home of their six children, a place where the gardening, harvesting, canning and freezing of food was an annual occurrence; it was the center for large family Thanksgiving celebrations prepared by Jeanette, and a place of memories that included music lessons, 4-H Clubs, neighborhood gatherings and the occasional raising of ducks, chickens, horses and dogs.
In the late 1950s a promise Dr. Ainsworth and her husband, Herb, had made to each other in their youthful courtship came to fulfillment—the pursuit of advanced education. Despite the challenges of parenting a large family, and the birth of their fifth child in 1959, Jeanette accompanied her husband and enrolled in a B.A degree program at Rutgers University in 1960. Both completed their degrees in 1968; Jeanette proudly graduated with a perfect average and a major in English. Inspired by professors and encouraged by her husband, she continued her education, achieving both MA (1970) and PhD (1979) degrees in comparative literature, again with perfect grade point averages.
While completing her own academics, she was also engaged in a full-time teaching position in Rutgers University college program for adults, who like herself, had returned to school later in life to complete their degrees. Balancing career and family life, she became an inspiration for many adults, as well as for her children, all of whom completed bachelor degrees and in some cases, advanced degrees as well.
From 1972 to 1980, she served as assistant coordinator and instructor in the Rutgers Open University Humanities Program and served as acting coordinator of the program in 1976 and 1977. With the coordinator, she planned, developed, wrote, edited and tested the Rutgers Open University course and text, Basic Concepts in the Humanities.
In 1980 Dr. Ainsworth became assistant professor of English and taught basic writing, business writing and analytical reading courses. In 1981 she obtained funding for and established the University College Writing Center and became its director, selecting, training and supervising the staff, and preparing special programs of study for underprepared students.
In 1985 Dr. Ainsworth retired, followed shortly thereafter by her husband. Acknowledging that their once rural community in New Jersey that they loved so much had developed a strong, suburban feel, they began to seek once again the tranquillity of a rural environment. Their search resulted in a move to Ararat in 1988.
Retirement also meant that there was time to travel to places about which they had often dreamed. Among their trips were visits to Barbados in 1993, Bonaire in 1994 and 1995, and travels in England in 1986 and 1995, where they were able to explore some of the genealogical origins of the Ainsworth Family in Cocky Moor, also known as the Parish of Ainsworth, and Smithills Hall near Bolton.
Dr. Ainsworth is survived by her sister, Joan Marie Fenner (Edenton, N.C.); three daughters, Jean Marie Manfra and her husband Howard, (Newton, N.J.), Dr. Dorothy Marie Ainsworth and her husband Dr. Steven Eicker (King Ferry, N.Y.), and Samantha Ann McDonald and her husband Paul McDonald (Raleigh, N.C.) and two sons, Charles H. Ainsworth Jr. and his wife Dr. Maryan W. Ainsworth (Old Greenwich, Conn.) and Robert J. Ainsworth and his wife Nancy L. Ainsworth (Stella, N.C.); five grandchildren, Sean Mendres (Newton, N.J.), Amber Mendres-Smith and her husband Russell Smith (Chester, Md.), Clark E. Ainsworth and his wife Andreza S. Ainsworth (Sao Paolo, Brazil), Robert J. Ainsworth Jr. and his wife Holly M. Ainsworth (Fuquay-Varina, N.C.), and Charles D. Ainsworth and his wife Jennifer Ainsworth (Raleigh) and one great-grandchild, Lena Jean Smith (Chester).
Her parents were the late James A. (d. 1981) and Gertrude C. (Clark) Coe (d. 1987) of Blairstown, N.J. She was also predeceased by her husband, Charles H. Ainsworth Sr. (d. 1997), her sister, Miriam Loyola Coe, known as Sister Mary Andrew of the Sisters of the Presentation, Tottenville, (d. 1971), and her fourth child, James Douglas Ainsworth (d. 1967).
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at 15 Park Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT 06870. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Charlotte, NC Chapter.
Interment will take place on Friday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. at the Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent, in Monmouth County, N.J.. A memorial service will be scheduled in the coming weeks at The Fellowship Church in Ararat.
JAMES E. BAUM SR.
James Edwin Baum Sr., 87, of Mount Airy, N.C., passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Surry County, N.C., on January 20, 1931, to the late Everett and Blannie Hiatt Baum. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Brown Baum; a stepson, David Scales; and a brother-in-law, Howard Fleming.
He was retired from Quality Mills – Cross Creek, and was a member of Willow Hill Moravian Church. He proudly served our country in the United States Navy.
He is survived by a son, James Edwin Baum Jr. of Mount Airy; stepdaughters, Carol Scales and Jayne Pittman; stepsons and spouse, Lloyd Scales and Terri of Ararat and Merlin Scales of Mount Airy, and Brenda Scales of Ararat; three grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis Fleming of Mount Airy; and a brother and sister-in-law, Harry Baum and June of Waynesboro.
The family received friends at his home Sunday, February 25.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mayberry Four Paws, 125 Skyview Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030.
Arrangements were by Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
PAUL BURKS
Paul Burks, 85, of Spencer and formerly of Kimball, W.Va., passed away Monday, February 19, 2018, at Martinsville Health and Rehab.
Born December 31, 1932, he was the son of the late Willie Burks and Rinda Green Burks.
Paul was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed gardening and working around the house. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He lived in McDowell County until he relocated to Spencer in 2003.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Willie Burks Jr.; a grandson, Paul D. Burks Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Krystal Burks.
Leaving to cherish his memories are: his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Virginia L. Gentry Burks of the home; three sons: Paul D. Burks of Spencer, and Jeffery Allen Burks and wife Beth and Randy Lee Burks and wife Rebecca, all of Martinsville, one sister, Onie Lester of Keystone, W.Va.; one brother, Fairly Burks of Ararat; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.
Services were conducted Friday, February 23, at Widener Funeral Home Chapel in Northfork, W.Va. with the Rev. Tommy Belcher and the Rev. Bill Richardson officiating. Entombment was at Roselawn Memorial Garden Mausoleum, Princeton, W.Va.
Serving as pallbearers were family and friends.
MARY S. FASANO
Mary “Irvine” S. (Reynolds) Fasano, of Norwood, Mass., passed peacefully into glory on Friday, February 16, 2018, at the age of 95.
Born in Patrick Springs, Mary grew up on a farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and graduated first in her high school class. She attended National Business College in Roanoke.
Her career included clerk at the FBI, as well as office manager and receptionist for her husband’s dental practice in West Roxbury, Mass. After retirement, she was a part-time clerical assistant at the Norwood Fire Department. Mary taught Sunday school at the United Church of Norwood for many years.
Her great joy in her later years was sending texts, messages, cards and emails to loved ones, whom she prayed for daily. She was thoughtful, generous and kind.
She was a daughter of the late Hassie T. Reynolds and Mildred (Fulcher), and beloved wife of 66 years of Dr. David Fasano.
She was the devoted mother of David R. Fasano of Norwood, Ann Capper and her husband Steve of Corning, N.Y., and Jane Robbins and her husband Barry of North Brookfield, Mass. She was the loving “Nana” of Rosemary Mingle and her husband Kyle, Sarah Jane Capper, Joseph Capper, Ruthann Langdon and her husband Casey, and Eliza Jane Harrington; and the dear sister of Elva Burgchardt, Mae Holoman, Dae Williams, Sue Smart, Drue Hurd, and the late Ivis Hutcheson and Buddy Reynolds. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was Saturday, February 24, in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St. (Rt. 1A), Norwood. Interment was private.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary’s memory to the United Church of Norwood, 595 Washington St., Norwood, MA 02062.
BRENDA J. QUESINBERRY
Brenda Jean Quesinberry, age 52, of Meadows of Dan, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
She was born on December 17, 1965, in Norfolk. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Kathryn Dezort Boyd; an infant brother, Bryan Boyd; an uncle, Fredrick Frank;” and an aunt, Nora Frank.
Brenda took great joy in her community and demonstrated that joy through her involvement in many community groups such as: Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, Meadows of Dan Community Association (vice president), Meadows of Dan Christmas Parade (sole creator), Vesta Community Club, Meadows of Dan Revitalization, Patrick County Planning Commission, Meadows of Dan Folk Fair, Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club and Pancake Days.
She will be remembered for her great smile, wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh and her willingness to help where ever she could. Her greatest joy was her family and she truly loved being a Memaw.
She is survived by her husband, Roger Quesinberry of the home; sons, Lee Walton and wife Karen of Stuart and Adam Martin of Dry Pond; one stepson, Michael Gray of California; grandchildren Kaden Gray, Seth Gray, Brody Gray, Jonathan Walton, Karoline Walton, and Happy Madison Martin; father and stepmother, Homer and Mary Boyd of Meadows of Dan, one sister, Dyan Handy and husband Ronnie of Meadows of Dan; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service was held Sunday, February 25, at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor John Franklin officiating. Burial was private.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Vesta Community Center, c/o Margaret Clifton, 5263 Jeb Stuart Highway, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
JESSIE J. THOMAS
Jessie James “Jay” Thomas, age 88, of Dobson, N.C., passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Surry Rehab in Mount Airy, N.C.
He was born in Patrick County on February 2, 1930, and was a son of the late Jessie James Thomas and the late Senica “Sindy” Vernon Thomas. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Childress Thomas; a son, Roger Thomas; sisters Merle Hull, Helen Nichols and Lillian Hall; and brothers, Harold Thomas, Zeb Thomas and Cliff Thomas.
He was a retired tobacco farmer and a member of Double Creek Church of Christ, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II.
Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy Thomas of Pilot Mountain, N.C., Mark Thomas and Tim and Cindy Thomas, all of Mount Airy, and Michael and Kim Thomas and Charlie Thomas, all of Dobson; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Opal Thomas of Mount Airy; special niece, Opal Belton of Dobson; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was conducted Tuesday, February 27, in Double Creek Church of Christ Cemetery by the Rev. Roy Miller.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Double Creek Church of Christ Cemetery, c/o Joyce Hardy, 646 Double Creek Rd., Dobson, NC 27017.
MOIR R. VAUGHN
Moir Ray Vaughn, age 78, of Stuart, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Sovah Health in Martinsville.
He was born in Patrick County on October 24, 1939, to the late Moir W. Vaughn and Sally Dollarhite Vaughn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Vera Burnette, Ellen Handy and Stella Gusler; and two brothers, Willie and Cecil Vaughn.
Ray served in the U.S. Army and was of the Primitive Baptist faith.
Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Eva Haden Vaughn of the home; one son, Tim Vaughn and fiancé Misty Smith of Martinsville; one daughter, Sharon Vaughn of Roanoke; two grandchildren, Claire and Matthew Vaughn; one great-grandchild, Liam Arthur; one sister, Jane Lawson of Richmond; three brothers, Herman Vaughn of Stuart, Cotton Vaughn of Collinsville and Leon Vaughn of Stuart; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 26, at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Elder Edward Bowman, Elder Milton Gunter, and Pastor Tim Woods officiating. Burial was in the Patrick Memorial Gardens with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans’ Memorial Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
RICHARD I. WYATT
Richard Ira Wyatt, age 67, of Martinsville, passed away on February 20, 2018.
He was born on February 25, 1950, to the late Ira Bane Wyatt and Maude Evans Wyatt. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, one brother, Joseph “Joe” Wyatt; and three sisters, Mary L. “Patsy” Branson, Carol Sue “Susie” Armstrong, and an infant sister, Peggy Wyatt.
Richard was an United States Army veteran and was a proud truck driver.
He is survived by four brothers, William “Bill” Wyatt and wife Mary of Patrick Springs, Jerry Wyatt and wife Donna and Jimmy “Jim” Wyatt and wife Debbie, all of Martinsville, and Larry Wyatt and wife Holly of Chilhowie; two sisters, Ann Kendrick and husband Kenny West of Stuart, and Janie Gillespie of Chilhowie; one sister-in-law, Martha C. Wyatt of Patrick Springs; and a brother-in-law, Gary Armstrong of Chilhowie; two special little friends, Brooklyn and Logan; two children, Richard Wyatt and wife Beth of Chelsea, Ala., and Savannah Wyatt of Houston, Tex., and Isaac Wyatt of Houston, Tex.; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Saturday, February 24, at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Richard Wyatt Memorial Fund, c/o Moody Funeral Home, P.O. Box 307, Stuart, VA 24171.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
