Obituaries

Constance Louise (née Swartz) Pilkerton, born January 26, 1943, in Washington DC, died on July 24, 2025, at Culpeper Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Connie was predeceased by the love of her life, Franklin A. Pilkerton, Sr. They shared 56 years of marriage. Connie grew up in suburban DC and was a proud 1960 graduate of High Point High in Beltsville MD. It’s there that she met her sweetheart, Frankie. They enjoyed raising their young family, entertaining family and friends, bowling, dancing, playing cards, and community service. Connie worked as a clerk and then secretary for the US Department of Agriculture and was a Girl Scout troop leader in Beltsville and Madison VA. In Madison, Connie and her husband were the proprietors of the Wolftown Mercantile from 1976-1982. She briefly managed a Hallmark store before landing the job she loved, office manager for David DeViese, DDS in Madison where she diligently tended the books, the patients, the stats and the dentist with great care and efficiency, a perfect role that suited her love of service and organization. Connie stated her strongest values were raising her children, and her connections to God, family and friends. She would do anything for others and was very giving, often caring for family in need. Despite multiple health challenges in later life, her love for and belief in God were steadfast and strong. Deeply saddened by the loss of many family members and a true child of the fifties, TV and music became consistent companions enjoying cooking, genealogy, sitcom, family movie and game shows to learn and laugh with. She loved the oldies, classic country and all things Elvis, and on Fall Sundays, you could find her cheering the Washington Commanders. Connie will be remembered always by her children: Sherril (Je]) Martz of Wolftown, Jerome of Madison, Frank Allen Jr of New Market, Anita (Hylon) Pilkerton-Plumb of Lancaster PA, Timothy of Wolftown, and stepdaughter, Peggy Ann (Mark) Billdilli of Mesa AZ. Also surviving are grandchildren Nicole (Shawn) Rose of Remington, J. Scott Martz of Wolftown; Theron and Arlo Plumb of Lancaster PA; Dale (Kristi) Richardson, Jr of Mesa AZ, Wesley Richardson of Gold Canyon AZ, Jamie (Colin) Harris of Cottonwood AZ; Jamie Vedock- Riddle of Frederick MD and Thomas Riddle of Parkersburg WV; brother-in-law, Aubrey Pilkerton of Deltaville; and sister, Jeanne Swartz of Lewes DE. Connie’s extended family and her love for many cousins, nieces and nephews was abundant. She adored you all. Connie is preceded in death by her parents Henrietta Mae Heim and Jerome J Swartz, a member of the Maryland House of Representatives; daughter, Laverne Riddle; daughter-in-law Sue Dodson Pilkerton; brother, Thomas (and wife Rebecca) Swartz; and numerous beloved sisters and brothers in law. The family would like to thank the caring staff while at home, and at Dogwood Village and Culpeper Memorial CCU. Favorite causes included Our Lady of the Blue Ridge Catholic Church, veterans’ organizations, and Alzheimer’s research. A donation to one of these causes is welcome. In honor of Connie, you might call or visit a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while. She loved to stay connected with people. That was her way. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Our Lady of the Blue Ridge Catholic Church in Madison with Father James Bruse officiating. Interment will be in St. Isadore Catholic Church Cemetery in Orange, Va. The family will have a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison.

Nellie Marie Weakley Jewell was transported to her heavenly home on Friday, July 25, 2025. Born on June 25, 1945, Nellie was the daughter of Curtis and Ruby Weakley of Madison. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Southard, of Rixeyville, her grandson, Dillon Southard (Seana), and great-granddaughter, Rowan, of Charlottesville. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Dodson (Donny) of Brightwood, brother John Weakley (Karen) of Midlothian, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Freida Pounds, her husband, Roy Junior Jewell, and her son-in-law, Roger Lee Southard. Nellie was a devoted Christian and attended Sunnybrook Gospel Chapel and Fellowship Baptist Church for most of her life. She was a kind and caring neighbor and friend to many. She had read her Bible from cover to cover three times. Nellie worked for many years at Aileen and later Cintas in Culpeper. She was an avid reader and gardener, and she enjoyed caring for her fur babies. At family gatherings, she was famous for her delicious green beans and funny storytelling. Nellie and her sister, Freida, enjoyed attending auctions at Willie’s in Ruckersville and going out for pizza at Vinny’s. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. A graveside funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 am., at Fairview Cemetery in Culpeper. Pastor Teddy Cave will officiate. Preddy Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements.

Brenda Jean Jackson Ryder, 68 of Radiant, Va., went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2025. She was born on December 20, 1956 to the late William “Bill” Jackson and her grandparents, Waverly and Minnie Jackson. Brenda lived and grew up in Madison. She lived a few other places, but never going to far from home. In her later years, she came back to her beloved Madison. She spent and found comfort in taking care of others. She never met a stranger and would always make everyone feel welcome and right at home. Jean loved animals, especially her dogs and cats. She worked many years for Badger Powertan, Bonnie Plants, and Nimbus Records. Her greatest job was caring for her senior citizens in Madison County. She was a loving, caring, beautiful person. Anyone could call on her day or night and she would be there. She dearly loved hearing Pastor Jeff Shifflett deliver the Lord’s Word. She enjoyed Sunday drives, Tastee-Freeze and visiting with family and friends. She loved every holiday and would decorate the house and the yard, which brought her so much joy. One of her greatest pleasures was sending special cards that she would hand pick for her family and friends. Another great accomplishment was receiving her GED. She leaves behind to mourn her loss, the love of her life, Warren Shifflett. Warren loved and took care of her 28 years. She loved going to listen to him play music and was his biggest fan. She also leaves behind three children, Liz Herring and husband Greg, Manika Ryder, William “Hootie” Cowgill; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; very special cousins, Teresa Shaver, Bonnie Hurt, Lois Berry. Also many family and special friends. Billy and Pauline Clatterbuck, Bob and Barbara Berry, Angel and Phil Durham, Linda and Henry Sturgell, Rob and Katy Cannon, Ethel Jenkins, Nancy Wood, Beverly Jenkins, Janet Meade, Mary Lou, Cheryl Deane, Janet Carpenter, Deborah Jenkins, Durlene Dodson, Tyler Berry, Robbie Berry, Jean Nicholson, Joyce Kilby. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and prayers given to the family. But most of all, we would like to give our Father in Heaven all the glory and praise for allowing us to share and love the life of our beautiful Brenda. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Fairview Christian Church Cemetery conducted by Pastor Jeff Shifflett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Preddy Funeral Home, 59 Edgewood School Lane, Madison, Virginia 22727. Preddy Funeral Home in Madison is in charge of arrangements

Elizabeth (Libby) Sims Byers, 90 of Ruckersville passed away peaceably at her home on Friday July 25, 2025. She was the daughter of the late John (John Buck) Sims and Sylvia Tudor Sims. She is survived by sons Charles J. Byers Jr. and Eddie Byers and wife Brenda who she called her daughter and Charles (Pete) Vernon who was as her own son. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ashley Wright, Amanda Nelson (Abe), Michael Wright (Hattie), Kari Byers-Keegan (Tommy), Erin Adcock (Kurt), Sydney Walters and Taylor Walters and 16 great grandchildren who she loved dearly. She is also survived by her beloved sister and friend Nancy Rogers of Marietta, GA and by multiple nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Charles J. Byers Sr., her son Daniel (Danny) Byers, her daughter Mary Wright and by two brothers, Virgil (Bucky) Sims and an infant brother Charles Robert Sims; and great-granddaughter, Faith Marie Keegan. She was a faithful and loving wife, mom, Nana, sister and friend. She spent much of her adult life caring for others including her parents, her in-laws and multiple aunts and uncles. Her family is very thankful to God that until the final week of her life, she was able to take care of herself with minimal assistance from others. She was so accustomed to tending to the needs of others that it was difficult for her to be on the receiving end of assistance. We grieve her passing but are thankful for an eternal hope found in the Lord Jesus Christ. The family will receive friends at the Preddy Funeral Home in Madison on Tuesday evening, July 29 from 6 PM until 8 PM. A homegoing service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday July 30 at 11 AM. Her son, Eddie Byers and her great-grandson, Daniel Nelson will officiate. Interment will be in Ruckersville Community Cemetery.

John Delvin Keith, 64, “Yankie John” of Gordonsville, Virginia, passed away on July 23, 2025, at his home surrounded by his wife Beth Jackson, family and his fur baby Penny. Born on March 31, 1961, he was the son of Leroy Keith and Pearlena Donahey. He was preceded in death by his biological father Leroy Keith. John is survived by his wife Beth Jackson; his mother Pearlena Donahey and stepfather Richard Donahey; his son Jeremiah Keith and wife Laura, his son Ian Keith; his daughter Jessica Petrowski and husband Walker; his stepsons, Josh Stokes and Ash Kolodner; his illegitimate sons, Jason Ewers and Wayne Wood. He was also survived by his grandchild Elijah Tubbs; his brother Robert Keith and wife Ruth; his Brother Erick Keith and wife Kimmie; his sister Denise Salamon and husband James; his sister Jill Bienz; along with eleven nieces and nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews. For 26 years, Yankie John (intentional spelling) served as a leader in the Minutemen Motorcycle Club (MMC). Through the Minutemen, he helped donate funds to people in need through Poker Runs, Chilli Cook Offs, annual Toy Drives, raffles and other events all in the effort to support his community and help people in need. John loved motorcycles and his “Brothers” in the MMC. He was a highly respected, and admired man whom many looked to as a father, brother, mentor and role model. The Minutemen will be carrying on his legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to: The Minutemen Motorcycle Club 48 Mountain Crest Dr Stanardsville, VA 22973 All contributions directly impact the local community and help the MMC to continue his legacy of giving back and helping those in need as John wanted. There will be no services at this time but a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Anthony Burton “Tony” McDaniel, 72, of Brick Church Road, Orange died on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville. Tony was born on September 15, 1952, in Charlottesville and was the son of the late Haywood Earl McDaniel and Maxine Elliott Branham McDaniel. Tony is also predeceased by a brother Grant McDaniel; a sister Jean Brown; and numerous nephews. Tony is survived by his wife of 51 years Beverly Davis McDaniel of Orange; a daughter Taylor McDaniel of Orange; a son Anthony McDaniel II and wife Tracy of Gordonsville; two grandchildren Ayden McDaniel, and Liam McDaniel; best buddy Macon; one brother Earl McDaniel and wife Sue of Orange; and three sisters Barbara Cook, Margaret Lamb, and Betty McGhee all of Gordonsville, and sister-in-law, Brenda McDaniel, of Orange. A memorial funeral service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Preddy Funeral Chapel, Orange. Donna Crider will officiate the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Louisa SPCA, 18 Sacred Heart Ave., Mineral, VA. 23117. The family will receive friends immediately after the memorial service at the funeral home. Luncheon to follow at the Orange Town Office, 235 Warren Street, Orange.

Darlene Claire Shefton-Nixon, 74, of Newton Street, Orange ,died on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. She was born on December 29, 1950 in Washington, D. C. and was the daughter of the late William and Agnes Shefton. Darlene is survived by her husband Alcono E. Nixon of Orange; a daughter Robin Duncan of Orange; a brother Kenny Shefton of Maryland; and a sister Theresa Whitaker of Maryland. A memorial service may be held at a later date. Preddy Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Arnette M. White, 69, of Henrico, Virginia, transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Born in Louisa County, September 25, 1955, she was the daughter of the late G. Ellen Washington White and the late J. Clyde White. Arnette was overflowing with humility and compassion; and she loved to serve. She served her country by enlisting in the United States Air force. She also honored God and served Him in her most important role as pastor of her beloved congregation, the Union Grove Baptist Church (UGBC). She led the congregation for the last 14 years and was the founder of a special group – Da’ Senior Center with whom she shared deep respect, love, and laughter. She also supported programming for the youth at the church, always yearning for them to learn more about Christ and be successful in their endeavors. Her educational background helped fuel these initiatives. God prepared Arnette for her role as servant and pastor. She accepted Christ in her early years and joined the Heritage United Church of Christ in Baltimore where she was then living. After her military service, she completed her bachelor’s degree in education at the University of North Dakota. Arnette’s master’s degrees in both divinity and patient counseling helped to equip her with additional skills to meet the needs of the congregation. Her connection with her Baltimore family, particularly George and his mom, Diana, was mutually endearing as they supported Arnette in her ministry at UGBC. Arnette was full of love and laughter. Her hobbies included fishing, cooking, eating seafood and listening to gospel music. In her younger years she was the family photographer. Arnette loved spending time with her family. She loved her family, and they loved her. Arnette was preceded in death by many loving family members, brothers; Randolph, Clarence, Wayne, Demetris, and Alex White; and sisters; Claudette W. Holland, Carolyn W. Childs and Joyce W. Johnson. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, three sisters, Lucille Lebough (Michael), of Goochland, Charlotte White, of Buckingham, and Lisa White-Murrill (Anthony), of King George; two brothers, G. Wesley White, of Richmond and Garry White, of Elkins, WV; and a host of nieces and nephews, including her beloved nieces Devin, Samara, Skylar, and Jessica, with whom she had a special bond; and her baby sister Lisa, they were sisters by birth and friends by choice, Felecia Williams, her second best friend because Christ was her first; godmother Ruth Norris, and numerous cousins and friends. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Union Grove Baptist Church.

Edward Allen Riner, 75, or Gordonsville, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Born on September 11, 1949, he was the son of the late Edward Willie and Anita May Riner. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Jason Lee Riner. Edward is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ann Riner; his sons, Michael Edward Riner (Nikki), of Pennsylvania, and Gary Allen Riner, of Gordonsville, Virginia; his brothers, Steven Haywood Riner and Frankie Riner (Paula); his grandchildren, Brennon Catherman, Brandon Riner, Christopher Lucas, Brittany Riner, and Morgan Merchant; and his great-grandchild, Lili Merchant. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on September 13, 2025, at the Riner Family Home.