obituaries

WEST PORTSMOUTH- Mary Agnes Arnett, 89 of West Portsmouth, died Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Minford Retirement Center. She was born December 27, 1933 in Portsmouth to the late Paul William and Helen M. Hilbert Weber.

CANTON, GA-Mrs. Nancy Schisler McSweeney, 76 of Canton, GA passed away on February 14, 2023. Nancy was born and grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio. She graduated from PHS where she enjoyed cheerleading and socializing with her friends. Nancy graduated from Fugazzi Business College which led to a career in retail sales management including the bookstore at Sue Bennett College and Dress Barn in Canton, GA. She was an avid supporter of U.K. sports, especially basketball (Go Wildcats!). Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Earnest Schisler and Anna Kathryn Wamsley Schisler, her husband of fifty-two years, Gene (Rocky) McSweeney, her nephew, Kirk Robinson and stepdaughter, Kelli McSweeney. Nancy leaves behind her sister, Sue Schisler Robinson (Howard) Day, sister-in-law, Mary Conley, Daughter, Stacy McSweeney Irwin, three grandchildren; Jesse, Noah, and Alexia as well as stepson, Jeffrey McSweeney. Those who knew her, loved her and will miss her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes!

WELLSTON - Perry D. Brafford, of Wellston, Ohio, died peacefully at home Sunday, February 5, 2023 after a long battle with glioblastoma. He was born October 25, 1959 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Delmas and Betty (Payton) Brafford. He was pastor at Freedom Chapel in Wellston, Ohio. Perry is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Bonnie (DeBord) Brafford, two sons, Joshua Brafford and Brandon (Sarah) Brafford, and three grandchildren, Courtney Brafford, Tucker Brafford, and Payton Brafford. He is also survived by his siblings, twin sister Sherry (Steve) Staten, Kelly (Doug) Surratt, Scott (Jamie) Brafford, sisters-in-law Mary Fife and Lola (Bobe) Moore, brother-in-law Jack DeBord and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Delmas Brafford and Betty (Payton) Brafford, mother-in-law Tamery DeBord, and brother-in-law Rick DeBord. Perry touched many lives, first and foremost as a husband, proud father, and papaw, but also as a pastor, chaplain, mentor, and friend to many throughout the years. Though always ready to spend an afternoon outdoors fishing, visiting with family and friends, or enjoying music, his life’s passion was serving the Lord and his congregation. Perry’s ministry began at North Moreland Christian Baptist Church, where he was ordained into the Ohio Valley Association of Christian Baptists. He first pastored at Jackson Number 10 Christian Baptist Church in Jackson, Ohio, then returned to serve as assistant pastor at North Moreland before becoming pastor at Hannah Road Church of Christ in Christian Union in Mansfield, Ohio. He then came to Freedom Chapel, where he was privileged to serve the congregation for the last 14 years. Perry was deeply grateful to all those who have been supportive during his long illness, and his family shares in that gratitude. He left this life with a wealth of wonderful experiences and memories made with those he loved and sits now with his Savior and the author of his favorite verse, Revelation 21:7, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he will be my son.” The family will receive friends Friday, February 10 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at D.W. Swick Funeral Home in Sciotoville. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Mark Hardin and Eli Duduit officiating and Jeff Dickens in song. Interment will follow at White Gravel Cemetery in Madison Township. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peace Valley Youth Camp via PayPal: CByouth or by check made out to “Christian Baptist Youth” c/o Amber Gleim, 5549 Kentland Ave, Portsmouth, OH 45662. Online condolences may be left at www.DWSwickFuneralHome.com.

MCDERMOTT-Henry Floyd Wright, 86 years old, of McDermott, passed away peacefully on December 12th, 2022, while in Hospice care. He was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on July, 16, 1936 to his mother, Nancy Palmer and his father, Henry Wright.

LUCASVILLE - Luther Harry Coburn, Jr., 82 of Lucasville, a former Rubyville area resident, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 at SOMC Hospice. He was born July 29, 1940 in Ashland, Kentucky, a son of the late Harry and Mildred Mae Canter Coburn. He was a retired school teacher from Wheelersburg Local Schools, owner and operator of Red Feather Kennels in Rubyville and attended Christ’s Brethren Church in Rubyville.

LUCASVILLE - David Richard Hobbs, 72 of Lucasville, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Hill View Retirement Center in Portsmouth. He was born on July 18, 1950 in Traverse City, Michigan to the late James Arthur Hobbs, Sr. and Daisy Francis Hamlin Hobbs. Surviving are his children; Richard Don (Bobbi Jo) Hobbs of West Portsmouth, Michael Wallace of Portsmouth and Bridget (Mark) Puckett of Minford; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren on the way; adoptive daughter, Vanessa Clark of McDermott; siblings, Donald (Carolyn) Hobbs of Lucasville, William (Lita) Hobbs of Lucasville, Randy (Nan) Hobbs of Lucasville, Barbara Stevens of Lucasville, Sue (Jim) Throckmorton of Lucasville and Nancy Zickgraff of Hillsboro. In addition to his parent, David was preceded in death by one grandson; Dartanian Michael Wallace; siblings, Roger Hobbs, Michael Hobbs, James Hobbs, Jr., Larry Hobbs, Ronald Hobbs and Carol Ramsey.

RARDEN - Lorena Copas, 91, of Rarden, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Arrangements are in the care of Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway, OH.

LUCASVILLE - Lon “Joe” E. Spradlin, 78, of Lucasville, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at his residence.

WHEELERSBURG - Linda Harr Wallace, 75 of Wheelersburg, Ohio passed away December 1, 2022 in KDMC in Ashland, Kentucky. She was born in Greenup County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Anna Brown Harr and Anthony “Dick” Harr. She was a 1965 graduate of the McKell High School, worked at the Williams Shoe Factory and later retired from Big Lots in Wheelersburg.

LUCASVILLE - Luther Harry Coburn, Jr., 82 of Lucasville, a former Rubyville area resident, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 at SOMC Hospice. He was born July 29, 1940 in Ashland, Kentucky, a son of the late Harry and Mildred Mae Canter Coburn. He was a retired school teacher from Wheelersburg Local Schools, owner and operator of Red Feather Kennels in Rubyville and attended Christ’s Brethren Church in Rubyville.