Vanita Charline Palmer, age 82, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 4, 2025, at her residence in Pratts, Virginia. Born on October 8, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Charles Cline and Eugenia Gable Cline. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Tommy Palmer; her brothers, Lonnie Gregg Cline and Larry Cline; her sister, Paula Butler; and her stepdaughter, Shelly Palmer. Charline was the devoted wife of the minister at Fairview Christian Church in Hood, Virginia, where she found a second home and a cherished church family. In the fall of 1992, she and Tommy left behind their roots in Oklahoma and Texas to begin a new chapter in Virginia—one filled with enduring friendships and a community that embraced them as family. Charline was very active in the community, participating in church activities as well as the local book and birthday clubs. She could be found every Sunday at the back of the church greeting and hugging all who attended. Her favorite vacation spot was Myrtle Beach SC where she spent countless hours as Tommy’s chauffer driving the golf cart. Before settling in Virginia, Charline was an educator, earning her degree from the University of North Texas. She spent years shaping young minds before transitioning into hospitality, managing the renowned Carriage House Restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas. Her passion for serving others continued at Cardinal Home Center and Yoder’s Country Market in Madison, where her warmth and radiant spirit touched countless lives. Charline is survived by her stepdaughter, Shawna Van Noy, and granddaughter, Brooklyn Van Noy, both of Texas; her nephew Todd Butler and wife Diane; her niece Julia Butler Watson and husband Tommy; her nephew Cody Cline and wife Stephanie; and her niece Courtney Palmore and husband Billy Palmore, all of Texas. She is also survived by her aunt Anita Still of Oklahoma; cousins Joy Murphey of Texas and Carol Losee of New York; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Fairview Christian Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Christian Church, P. O. Box 19, Hood, Virginia 22723.
Marie Ann Bowles, 67, of Frederick, MD., passed away on July 29, 2025, in Frederick, MD. She was born on April 21, 1958, in Orange, VA, and was a daughter of the late Harry Gilmore and Pearl Carpenter Quarles. She is survived by her daughter, Demetria Bowles, of Woodbridge VA, a son, Phillip Bowles, of Sterling, Va., a brother, William Quarles, of Harrisburg, Pa., and three grandchildren, Leeyah Bowles, Christinia Carroll, and Alexandria Carroll, and one grandchild, Naomi Foster. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Orange, with interment to follow in Westview Cemetery. Rev. John Reid will officiate. The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the funeral home.
Charles Otterbein Layman, affectionately known as “Charlie”, of Troy, Virginia, claimed the promise of resurrection on Monday, August 4, 2025. He was surrounded by loved ones and holding the hand of his beloved bride of 71 years, whom he affectionately knew as “Honey.” Born in the Mountain Valley community of Rockingham County, Virginia on February 11, 1930, Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Herman L. and Ruth Miller Layman; sisters, Doris Jean Locker and Betty Jane Layman; and son, James Webb Layman. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruth Webb Layman, and their children: Charles Alan Layman (Julie); Lester F. Layman (Penny); Barbara Jean Layman (Kellie); Betty Layman Witt (Mike); grandchild Courtney Layman (Sarah); and great grandchildren Jaymes and Etta Milston. He was “Uncle Charlie” to numerous nephews and nieces, and had many devoted friends. Charlie was a faithful employee of the United States Postal Service for 34 years, including 13 years as the Postmaster of Gordonsville, 22942. He coached young men in the Gordonsville Little League for many years. Charlie served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a life member of Gordonsville VFW Post 7638, now Louisa Post 8947. He served his long-time community of Orange County as Gordon-Barbour PTA President, on the Orange County Public School Board, and the Board of the Rappahannock Service Authority. He was a long-time member of the Jefferson National Bank Advisory Board of Gordonsville. For the last 27 years, he and Ruthie lived in Fluvanna County, where he was an active member of the Three Chopt Ruritan Club, and with her, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. For over 70 years, Charlie was an active servant leader in the United Methodist Church, by his faithful prayers and presence, and generous service and gifts at Forest Hill, Gordonsville and Zion churches. He served as treasurer of the Charlottesville District of the UMC for several years. He leaves a legacy of community service, demonstrating a love of neighbor as prescribed by the Gospel. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 am at Zion United Methodist Church, 1674 Zion Road, Troy, VA 22974. The family will receive guests for an hour prior to the service, which will be followed by a Zion “Celebration of Life” reception. In lieu of flowers, Charlie requested your gifts be made to charities and non-profits that better the quality of life in your community.
Peggy Sue Riner 67 of Gordonsville passed away Friday August 1, 2025, at her residence. She was born January 1, 1958, in Norton, Virginia and was the daughter of the late James Chester Hill and Virginia Lee Hill. She is also preceded in death by a son, Marvin Kelly Pugh and a brother, Charles “Chucky” Hill. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Allen Riner; sons, Floyd Alex Pugh, Jacob Lee Pugh, Harry Steven Riner; brother, James Chester Hill; sisters, Carolyn Blackman, Brenda Martin and Terry Gallinger and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren that called her MEMA. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville is assisting the family.
Danny Burl Cloninger, 73, of Unionville, passed away on August 1, 2025, in Louisa. He was born on April 7, 1952, in Riverside CA, and was the son of the late Aubrey Burl Cloninger and NeOpal Louise Irvin Cloninger. Also, predeceased by his brother Gordon Cloninger. He is survived by three daughters, Amber Cloninger, April Verling, and Emily Amos; brother, Troy Brooks; sister, Barbara Lopez; and grandchildren, Daniel Verling, Kyle Verling, Rebecca Verling, Brandon Verling, Kacee Dovell, Morgan Amos, Chloe Amos, Zoe Amos, and Killian Amos. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Troy Edward Dyer, 55 of Madison, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at UVA Culpeper Hospital. He was born on September 30, 1969 to the late Gene Edward Dyer and Della Mae Woodward Dyer. Also preceded in death by a special friend, Jimmy Murray. He is survived by his daughter, Casey Ann Dyer Myers; brother, Ivan Neal Dyer; nephew, Hunter Blankenbaker; grandchildren, Gracelyn Ann Myers and Madeline Renee Myers; special friends, Gary Deal, Todd Atkins, Page Gallihugh, Jim Leonard, Tucker Clark, Tom McCoy, David Nicholson, and John Dewey Murray. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Etlan Cemetery with Pastor Dan Yowell officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison.
Betty Jean Woodward, 74 of Rochelle, Va. passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Greene Acres in Stanardsville, Va. She was born on March 26, 1951 to the late John Wesley Weakley and Eula Florence Weakley. She is survived by her husband, Carl Matthew Woodward; daughters, Cathy A. Worley and husband Chris of Rochelle, Donna S. Dodson and husband Wesley of Reva; son Jerry M. Woodward and wife Marcy of Ferrum; brothers, Melvin Lee Weakley and wife Mary of Brightwood, John Wayne Weakley of Syria; sisters, Nancy Lee Broyles of Nethers, Elizabeth Ann Woodward of Banco, Connie Lou Corbin and husband Bruce of Madison, Alice Marie Woodward of Criglersville; grandchildren, Joshua T. Breeden and wife Julia of Ruckersville, Dylan T. Breeden of Gordonsville, Nancy L. Perkins and husband Shamar of Madison, Kimberly D. McCloud of Rochelle, Kristin A. McCloud of Reva, Jerry M. Woodward, Jr. and wife Sara of Ferrum, Samuel W. Woodward and wife Hanna of Criglersville, Khloe B. Woodward of Ferrum, Daniel H. Woodward of Ferrum; and 8 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison with interment in Criglersville Cemetery. Pastor Josh Shifflet will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the funeral home.
Gladys Marie Beahm Nicholson, 82 of Brightwood, Va., passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at her home. She was born on January 3, 1943, to the late John Will Beahm and Lillie Pearl Nicholson Beahm. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ross Nicholson; son, Donald Craig Nicholson; numerous siblings. Gladys was a member of Thoroughfare Bible Church. She was loved by so many people; she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Wendell (Wendy) Boone and husband Martin; son, Dennis Charles Nicholson and wife Savilla; grandchildren, Sarah Nicole McCarley and husband Matthew, Derek Craig Nicholson and Ashley Turner, Rachel Boone Dove and husband Zachary, and Kaylan Michelle Boone and Bradley Goolsby; great-grandchildren, Jade Marie McCarley and Jace Gage Turner; sister, Mabel Beahm Clore and husband Buck. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Madison with Pastor Ethan Stanley and Pastor Neal Warner officiating. Interment will be in Thoroughfare Bible Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Thoroughfare Bible Church, 3823 Thoroughfare Road, Culpeper, Virginia 22701.
Cecil Heber “Sonny” Breeden Jr., 77, of Williams Drive, Orange died on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville. Sonny was born on May 18, 1948 in Charlottesville and was the son of the late Cecil Heber Breeden Sr. and Margaret Branham Breeden. Sonny is survived by his wife Joan Legge Breeden of Orange; a daughter Sabrina Henshaw and husband Frankie of Ruckersville; a son Don Breeden and wife Jan of Gordonsville; three grandchildren Austin Henshaw and wife Heather, Hunter Henshaw, and Tyler Breeden and wife Joanna; three great grandchildren Avery Henshaw, Remington Henshaw, and Guinevere Breeden; several nephews; a brother Ricky Breeden and wife Debbie of Myrtle Beach; and best friend Snowball. Sonny was a fixture of the Orange County community, known to many simply as “The Mayor of Madison Road,” a title lovingly given by his wife—not for politics, but for the big smile, friendly wave, and genuine warmth he showed to everyone he met. For 49 years, Sonny owned and operated Madison Road Barbershop in Orange. More than just a place to get a haircut, his shop was a gathering spot where conversations flowed freely, laughter echoed, and friendships were built. He never met a stranger. To Sonny, every person in his chair was a friend. Before barbering, Sonny's first love was horseback riding. After a serious accident in 1974 left him with lasting injuries, he faced years of complications. But in true Sonny fashion, with grit and determination, he crossed a major item off his bucket list by getting back in the saddle about nine years ago. He also had a deep love for antique cars and could often be found at car shows, admiring the classics and chatting with fellow enthusiasts. More recently, he could be seen riding around on his electric trike, always waving, always smiling. His CB handle was “Razor Man”—a nod to his trade and sharp wit. But more than anything, Sonny was a family man. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. His life was built on love—for people, for his craft, and for the family he cherished above all. Sonny leaves behind a community that will miss his presence, a family that will carry on his love, and a legacy of kindness that will not be forgotten. In lieu of a memorial service the family will receive friends on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Preddy Funeral Chapel, Orange. Burial will be private. Preddy Funeral Home, 250 West Main Street, Orange, VA. 22960 is assisting the family.
Donald “Wayne” Tatum, 69, of Madison, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on July 29, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. Wayne was born on August 11, 1955, to John William Tatum and Jean Ann White Tatum. A lifelong resident of Madison, he spent his life doing what he loved — working the land. He poured his heart into every crop he planted, every field he tended, and every harvest he brought in. Soybeans, corn, and hay weren’t just crops to him — they were a way of life. He found peace in the quiet evenings, riding through the fields and watching them grow, season after season. Wayne was a true farmer through and through, with a sharp eye for business. He was always buying and selling — whatever the land or the market called for — and he had a way of making a deal with both wisdom and grace. He served his community with humility and strength, including roles as President of the Madison Farm Bureau and the Orange-Madison Co-op, and as a board member on numerous local organizations. In his younger years, he supported his family through farming, trapping, and hard work — with a passion for golf, travel, hunting, trapping, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. Wayne also served on the Board of Elders at Walker’s Chapel, where his steadfast faith was evident to all who knew him. In the final year of his life, at age 69, he made a public profession of his faith and was baptized — a powerful testimony of his love and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. His family takes great comfort in knowing he is now healed, whole, and walking with Jesus in glory. Wayne was married to the love of his life, Terri Lynn Tatum, whom he affectionately called “Terr,” on August 12, 1977. Together they built a home filled with laughter, grit, and unconditional love. He was the proud father of three children: Stacie Lynn Tatum (Timothy Breeden), Wendy Marie Tatum Carannante (Maurizio Carannante), and Stephen Wayne Tatum (Libby Tatum). Wayne also cherished his grandchildren: Sierra Coleman (Chris Ramey) and their daughter Miley Ramey, Hayley Coleman, and Jayden Coleman; Hannah Carannante and Antonio Carannante; and Channing Tatum and Cameron Tatum. He is survived by his mother, Jean Tatum; his brother Johnny Tatum Jr.; and his sister Donna Aylor. He was preceded in death by his father, John William Tatum; his sister-in-law Sandra Tatum; and brother-in-law Ronnie Aylor. His extended family and countless friends will miss him dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been his 70th birthday, August 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Renback Barn in Madison, Virginia, with Pastor Jeremiah Pent officiating. All who knew and loved Wayne are warmly invited to join in remembering a life well lived and a man deeply loved. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, Walker’s Chapel in Madison, VA, or Mountain View Chapel in Rochelle, VA, in honor of Wayne’s life and faith. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Lori Duggins, for the loving care she gave. They are also deeply thankful to Hospice of the Piedmont and to all the friends, neighbors, and extended family who offered love and support along the way. Wayne’s legacy of strength, service, faith, and love will live on through all who were blessed to know him.
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