Vernon Sylvester Silvers

Vernon Sylvester Silvers left his family on June 16, 2026 at his home. He was known as Vernon, Doc, Daddy, Pap and Opie to family and friends.

Vernon was raised in the Sleepy Creek area, where he lived for most of his 94 years.

He began working at age 15 at the Aulabaugh Tomato Factory and often talked about the long hot days spent picking tomatoes. He later worked for John Reddick Orchards in Sleepy Creek, where he frequently recalled the first time he was put into a truck to make deliveries to Mt. Jackson, Va. He had barely been more than 15 miles from home, so this was a big deal to him. He was also proud of the trip he made to Chambersburg, Pa., taking his father with him. In the early 1960s, he went to work at Hepburn Orchards in Hancock, Md., where he remained until his retirement.

Daddy loved to tell stories about the young men working their first jobs, the migrant workers laboring in the heat of peach-picking season and lighting smudge pots to keep the apples from freezing in the spring. In retirement, he was happy to get back on the tractor to haul apples for Mountain View Orchards. His greatest joy, besides his children and grandchildren, was raising hogs.

He and his brother Raymond “started in the hog business” when Daddy was just 13 years old and Raymond had returned from World War II. He raised Duroc hogs for many years before changing to another breed. He was known for having 600-800 pound hogs come butchering day each Thanksgiving.

Daddy married the love of his life, Shirley Stotler Silvers, in 1953, and they spent 73 years together. They were proud of their six children: Terry Silvers (Dorthy), Dawn Lutman (Gary), Johnny Silvers (Brenda), Cindy Crone (Jerry), Alice Jo Henry (Steve) and Audrey Morris (Art).

Mom and Daddy’s house was the home base, or compound, where their nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson gathered for meals, games and lots of laughter. All spent many hours on the porch with him watching for deer and hummingbirds.

Daddy had a quick sense of humor and loved to laugh and tell stories. In later years, he enjoyed taking car rides around the area, always making one last stop before home to get ice cream.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lemuel and Ella Ellen Reed Silvers; siblings Sadie Clark, Elwood Silvers, Henry Silvers, Raymond Silvers and Hazel Clark, and a beloved daughter-in-law, Linda Silvers.

Graveside services were conducted on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Mahnes Chapel Cemetery, 223 Mahnes Church Lane, Berkeley Springs with Dwight Fox officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vernon’s memory may be made to the Berkeley Springs Lions Club, c/o Lyn Goodwin, 177 Zenith Drive, Hedgesville, WV 25427.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

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Timothy Eric Clark

Timothy Eric Clark, affectionately known as Timmy or Birddog, after a long battle with CMT and throat cancer passed away peacefully at his forever home in Berkeley Springs on June 17, 2026.

He was 66 years old. He was surrounded by his loving wife Lynn and his four legged kids.

He was preceded in death by mother Glenda Clark; grandmother Daisy Clark; grandfather JoDan Clark; uncle Earl Clark; aunt Geneva Peyton and cousin Patti Peyton Cole.

He leaves behind his wife Lynn and their four legged kids; brother Mike Cooper his wife Pam and their son Austin; his niece Tiffany Sines, her husband Jamie and their three sons J.J., Gavin and Collin; nephew Chad Cooper his wife Liz and their sons Cole and Emmett; brother Joey Cooper, his wife Tammy and daughter Kelsy Ann; brother Jeff Cooper and his sons Devon and Brett; Aunt Dottie Clark and her daughters Amy and Casey; cousins Cheri Peyton Larson, Laurie Rebecca Peyton, Nancy Peyton Schulte and Kathy Marie Peyton; stepdaughter Nicole Shewbridge; grandsons Brian Jr, Tristin, Liam and great granddaughter Raven; sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Ray Varkalis and daughter Crystal; brothers from another mother Mark Barnes, Brete Stocks and wife Tina.

He grew up in Brunswick Md., where after he graduated he settled into heavy equipment operation.

He enjoyed camping, hunting and the outdoors with his brothers. In his later years he raised chickens, guinea, turkeys, pigeons and rabbits. He was a licensed rabbit meat dealer in the state of West Virginia.

He married his soul mate Lynn Beachley of Jefferson Md., in 2017. In 2020 they moved into their forever home in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

He donated his body to science.

Friends and family will gather for a Celebration of his Life to be announced at a later time.

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Sharon Lee Bishop, 75, of Berkeley Springs, died Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Winchester Medical Center.

Full obituary will be announced in The Morgan Messenger.

Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs.

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1946-2026

Darlene Himes Manzano, 79, of Winchester, Va., passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Darlene was born in Winchester in 1946. She was the daughter of the late Frederick Leon Himes and Lucille Wachter Himes, both of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

Darlene loved to be outside in the bright sunshine. Her favorite place in the world was the back deck of her house overlooking the woods where she could watch the resident deer and groundhogs. She also loved to travel, taking frequent cruises to Florida and the Caribbean.

Darlene graduated from John Handley High School and attended Randolph-Macon Women’s College. She worked for many years in men’s and women’s fashion at the Bell’s Clothing store, which is still a fixture of Winchester’s downtown historic district. She also taught English at John Handley High School.

After a serious illness in the late 1970s, she rebuilt her career starting with Joel Stowe’s Coldwell Banker real estate firm where she was the office manager and virtual den mother to a collection of rambunctious real estate salesmen. After several years there she began her long federal career working for the Small Business Administration in one of the few unclassified offices on the notoriously secretive Paris Mountain installation. Her office focused on helping small businesses recover after natural disasters. During the final years of her federal career she joined the U.S. intelligence community, doing work of which she was immensely proud.

She is survived by her son Richard Joseph Manzano, Jr. and his wife Melissa Ann Mioni, as well as her favorite grand-dog Jazz.

The Manzano family would like to thank the selfless and caring staff at Commonwealth Senior Living’s Memory Care Unit, as well as the staff and volunteers of Gentiva Hospice for their dedication in caring for Darlene’s needs before and during her passing.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Omps Funeral Home on Amherst Street in Winchester, Virginia.

Please visit obituaries ad tribute wall at ompsfuneralhome.com.

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Larry Joe Field

1942-2025

Larry Joe Field died May 12, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.

He was born on October 25, 1942 in York, Neb., to Joe and Jeanne Field and was raised in Grand Island, Neb., and always called GI home as he traveled the world.

Larry joined the U.S. Navy during his senior year at Grand Island High School and proudly served his country for 30 years, traveling throughout the world during his distinguished military career. Retiring as a Command Master Chief, Larry’s assignments included service aboard the USS Brenner, USS Fox, USS Concord, USS Duluth, USS Halsey and USS Robinson. He also participated in a personnel exchange tour aboard the West German destroyer FGS Bayern. His shore assignments include duty in Guam, service with the swift boats in Vietnam, Great Lakes, Ill., Monterey, Calif., and Newport, R.I. He retired in 1990 as an instructor and Battalion Chief at Navy Education and Training Center.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Larry and Joanne retired to Berkeley Springs, W.Va., where he was active in the Masonic fraternity and enjoyed practicing martial arts.

Larry was married several times but his wife Joanne Payne won the prize for patience and they shared 28 years before she passed in 2011.

Although Larry never had any children of his own, he helped with Joanne’s four and four from a previous marriage and positively impacted countless young folks whom he mentored throughout his Navy career.

He later moved to Weatherford and Ft. Worth, Texas where he found many new friends, neighbors and plenty of poker players to keep him busy.

Larry is survived by his sister, Barbara McConnell; two half sisters; his niece Lori (Charlie) Shockley; his nephew Will McConnell; their children and grandchildren; special cousins and many dear friends who became family including Martha Iben, Kevin Bladow and his cherished fur baby Abbi.

Larry was immensely proud to earn the honor of burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Although a backlog at the cemetery resulted in a delay of over a year, he will be laid to rest with full honors on September 21, 2026 at 11 a.m.

We are honored to invite Larry’s family, friends, shipmates and loved ones from around the world to join us as we celebrate his life, service and legacy.

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1955-2026

Debra Ann Shambaugh, age 71, of Great Cacapon, W.Va., died on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at her home in Magnolia, W.Va.

Born April 3, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Marion A. and Essie Brown Shambaugh.

Debbie was a graduate of Paw Paw High School.

She was a vibrant free spirit who danced to the beat of her own drum. Her happiness was living simply, nestled deep in the beautiful woods of Magnolia. She loved hunting and watching wildlife. She was a special aunt to many and made the time spent with her memorable. She will be forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her brother, Luther “Jock” Shambaugh (Dotty) and many nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Sandra “Sue” Shambaugh and three brothers, Marion “Joe” Shambaugh, Floyd “Cook” Shambaugh and Marvin “Dean” Shambaugh. All services will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

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Melvin J. Shives, Jr.

1932-2026

Melvin J. Shives, Jr. (Jimmy), born September 5, 1932, died June 9, 2026, he was the son of Melvin and Rosella Shives of Needmore, Pa.

He was married to Doris Wagner on June 2, 1952.

Jimmy was owner and operator of Shives Excavating and Shives Building for sixty-seven years.

Surviving are his children Rebecca (Tom) Dase of Needmore, Alvin (Peggy) Shives of Needmore, Christopher (Debbie) Shives, of Needmore, Timothy (Jenny) Shives of Warfordsburg, and Rose Shives; Sandy Shives – daughter-in-law of Berkeley Springs; Eight surviving grandchildren, Steven (Anna) Dase, Brian (Tammy) Shives, Amanda (Danny) Kyne, Curtis (Kayla) Spade, Anthony (Jolene) Shives, Chase Duckwall, Lynn Shives, and Megan (Brad) Smith; thirteen great-grandchildren, Autumn, Noah, Kaitlin, Schadoh, Leangel, Brent, Gaven, Abby, Austin, Brady, Adryan, Laken and Camden; three great-great-grandchildren, Owen, Bennett, and Vivienne Barnhart, and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. Surviving brother, Barry Shives, of Little Rock, S.C., Sonja Stotler and Carol Wertman of Hagerstown.

In addition to his parents, and Doris Shives on January 29, 2023, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Gene and Dale Shives; one sister Patricia Shives; one grandchild Stacy Barnhart; and one son Wallace Shives.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. with two-hour prior visitation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3738 Resley Rd., Hancock, MD. Pastor Kenneth Stottlemyer officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, P.A.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneral home.net.

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Roy Bobby Hovermale

1936-2026

Roy Bobby Hovermale was born December 11, 1936 on Highland Ridge in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. He passed from this life into his forever eternity on June 4, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones. He was under the care of Dr. Andrew Berens and had daily care from his granddaughters, Buffy, Ashley and Amarie, along with a few special employees, family and friends.

He was a devoted husband of 71 years and is survived by the love of his life, Betty Lou McCoy Hovermale. He was a loving father to his children, Cindy Hovermale and Wesley McCoy. He was preceded in death by his three other children and a son-in-law, Theresa Ferguson, Kim “Hoppy” Hovermale, Denise Omps and David Omps. He was also preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Hovermale and Elsie Viola Hovermale, along with all of his siblings, Melvin Hovermale, Carl Hovermale, Janie Sirbaugh, Mamie Stotler, Mazie Orndorff and Connie French. He has 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and all the kids and families he brought into his home to offer his love and guidance.

Roy was a past master and 50 year member of Deford Lodge #88 A.F. & A.M. in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. He was an Ali Ghan Shriner. He was a past worthy patron of Berkeley Chapter #77 Order of the Eastern Star. He was a long-standing member and lifetime supporter of Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He was a 36 year member of the WV Farm Bureau.

Roy worked for Western Union and General Motors. In 1965 he bought a small gas station on the corner of Rt. 9 and 522 and built it into the pillar of the Berkeley Springs community. He was a Christian and loved his Finding Grace church family. Some of his favorite past times were going to his cabin to mow and get his “John Deere Therapy.” He took all of his grandchildren out to the cabin and taught us all how to work hard and built our foundation for the future. He loved hunting camp at the cabin with his buddies, but in his later years his hunting time was with his great granddaughter Amarie. He enjoyed going on rides to the cabin to go fishing with his great grandson Colby. He also looked forward to his rides every evening with his best friend Jimmy. He enjoyed NASCAR races and loved his chocolate milk.

As his health faded and he wasn’t able to do much, his joy came from sitting in his picture window waving and blowing kisses to his customers and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Warm Springs Middle School, 271 Warm Springs Way, Berkeley Springs, WV with Pastor Jack Hiles and Pastor Kenny Mason officiating. Burial with graveside masonic rites provided by Deford Lodge #88 A.F. & A.M. will be in Highland Cemetery, Berkeley Springs, WV.

The family will receive friends at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 1-3 and 5-7 p..m. The funeral home will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be an Eastern Star memorial service provided by Berkeley Chapter #77 Order of the Eastern Star on Wednesday evening at the funeral home at 7 p.m.

A reception will be held after the burial at Roy & Betty’s cabin, 607 McHenry Lane, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. which is off Posey Hollow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Finding Grace Church, 66 Honey Crest Court, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, Highland Ridge Cemetery Association, c/o Brenda Ruddell, 404 Sugar Hollow Road, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 or to Deford Lodge #88 A.F. & A.M., 20 Swallow Court, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

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Nannie Mae Spears

1933-2026

Nannie Mae Spears (Cameron), 92, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away on June 1, 2026, at Allegany Health in Cumberland, Md.

Born on November 14, 1933, in Front Royal, Va., she was the daughter of the late Scott Glenn Cameron and the late Brucie Mae Mahoney Cameron.

Nannie was a God-loving woman and attended Love Assembly of God Church in Berkeley Springs. She enjoyed arts and crafts and coloring pictures to give to others. Her favorite pastimes included playing bingo and shuffleboard.

She deeply loved her family, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nannie could be strong-willed, hardheaded, and set in her ways, but she was a loving woman who cared deeply for her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Sharon Watts of Okeechobee, Fla., sons James “Butch” Riley and his wife Sissy of Longs, S.C., Billy Riley and his wife Sally of Salisbury, Md.; Bobby Spears and his wife Tracy of Hagerstown, Md., David Spears and his wife Jennifer of Oldtown, Md., and Ronald Spears of Berkeley Springs, W.Va. Nannie is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren including 2 on the way and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Y. Rhea Spears, six brothers, James Cameron, Albert Cameron, Henry Cameron, Webb Cameron, Delaney Cameron, and Linwood Cameron and two great-grandchildren, Hunter Ray Campbell and Nellie Lynn Summerford.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., with Pastor Dave Kidwell officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery, 522 South, Berkeley Springs, W.Va. The family received friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to wear something red in memory of Nannie, as this was her favorite color.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

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Aaron Matthew Barker

1978-2026

A superhero has passed. Aaron Matthew Barker went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Born April 15, 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, he was the son of the late Johnny E. Barker, Jr. and the late Linda Kay (Clingerman) Barker.

Aaron was full of life and was involved in Special Olympics and was also in a bowling league.

He worked at Berkeley Club Beverages, Jr’s Supermarket and East Ridge.

He loved the beach, monster trucks, fishing and watching The Dukes of Hazard, WVU, WWE, CHIPS, ALF, and Charlie’s Angels.

In 1993, he received a kidney transplant from his Dad.

Surviving is his brother, Keith E. Barker and wife Traci, nieces Alexis and Kat, nephew LCPL Barker, Chase, special uncle/brothers Jeremy Mills, Jakob Furley, Brett Truax, E2PFC Dehaven, Gavin, Codey Christy, Brad Maconaughey, LCPL Holliday, Michael and many others.

Services were conducted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Berkeley Baptist Church, 172 Winchester Grade Road, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., where the family received friends from 11 a.m. until service time. Pastor Joey Giles officiated. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Pallbearers was LCPL Barker, Chase, E2PFC Dehaven, Gavin, Jakob Furley, Codey Christy, Brad Maconaughey, Brett Truax, Rick Goldizen, Adam Puffinburger and LCPL Farnsworth, Kase.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.

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