Meadows of Dan High School Alumni

07/19/2026

Joe Cockram, Class of 1959, passed away July 17, 2026.

Mr. Joseph Melvin Cockram, age 85 of Wytheville, VA passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026. He was born in Meadows of Dan, VA on July 10, 1941, to the late Lawrence Melvin “Tig” Cockram and Loula Mae Alderman Cockram. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Cockram.

Joseph taught mathematics at Wytheville Community College. He was a proud and loving father, grandpa and great grandpa.

Surviving are his sons; Joseph Bret Cockram, Heath Cory Cockram and Scott Gavin Cockram; four grandchildren; one great grandson; and six nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Mr. Cockram will be held on Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 P.M. in the Alex Cockram Family Cemetery with Pastor Terry Martin officiating. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

06/30/2026

Ralph Lee Barnard, Class of 1958, passed away June 29, 2026.

Ralph Lee Barnard, 87, of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the evening of June 29, 2026. Fittingly, Ralph's life came full circle—he was born on January 4, 1939, on the Barnard family land in Meadows of Dan, and it was there, surrounded by the place and people he loved most, that he peacefully passed away.

For more than eight decades, Ralph built a life defined by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and humble service to others. While additional details of his education and early career will be remembered by his family, those who knew Ralph knew him as a man who could seemingly do anything. He was a master plumber, carpenter, electrician, brick mason, mechanic, and craftsman whose knowledge and work ethic earned the respect of everyone around him. There was rarely a problem he couldn't solve or something broken that he couldn't repair.

Ralph devoted many years of service to the Patrick County School System before later working in maintenance for Tri-Area Community Health. Following the tragic fire that destroyed the original Meadows of Dan Elementary School, Ralph was entrusted with supervising the construction of the new school—a responsibility that reflected both his skill and the confidence others placed in his character. Through his work, he quietly helped shape the community that he loved.

His legacy, however, extends far beyond the buildings he helped construct. Alongside his beloved wife, Hope, Ralph helped establish the Backpack Program in Meadows of Dan, providing food and essential supplies to local schoolchildren in need. He never sought recognition for his kindness. Instead, he demonstrated his love through countless acts of service, always ready to lend a hand wherever one was needed. His generosity touched countless lives, and the impact of those quiet acts of compassion will continue for generations.

Ralph was a man of deep Christian faith. His relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation upon which every other part of his life was built. He faithfully loved his Savior, cherished his wife Hope, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to his family, church, friends, and neighbors. Though often a man of few words, his steady presence, gentle humor, and unmistakable laugh brought comfort and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He found great happiness outdoors, especially while fishing and enjoying God's creation. Ralph also proudly served as the first Fire Chief of the Meadows of Dan Fire Department when it was established, voluntarily serving his community in that role, and as a member of the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club for many years. Additionally, he was a member of the Patrick County School Board for several years.

Ralph is survived by his loving and devoted wife Hope Belcher Barnard, his daughter Debbie Lee Barnard, two grandchildren Robin Lee Hancock and John Lucian Belcher, as well as his great-grandchildren Avery Lee Hancock and Mason William Hancock. He’s also survived by his step-children Damon (Sussanna) Moore, Regina Moore Scott and Sheldon (Kay) Moore, as well as his step-grandchildren T.W. Moore and Stephanie Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lucian Elbert and Hazel Barnard, his sister Betty Jean Goad, his infant brother, his great-grandson Colton David Hancock, and his step son-in-law James Scott.

Those who knew Ralph will remember not only what he accomplished, but who he was—a faithful servant, a dependable friend, a devoted husband and family man, and a man whose hands were always busy helping someone else. His life was a testimony that love is most clearly seen through humble service, steadfast faith, and quiet sacrifice.

While his absence leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of those who loved him, they rejoice knowing that his faith has become sight and that he now rests in the presence of the Savior whom he faithfully served throughout his life.

Funeral services for Mr. Barnard will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Harris Chapel Church with Pastor Marcus Wood officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Barnard-Terry Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meadows of Dan Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 830, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master." — Matthew 25:23

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Moody Funeral Services provides complete funeral services in Dobson, NC. Call us today for pre-planning or custom planning options

06/18/2026

Brenda Terry Owens, Class of 1963, passed away June 17, 2026.

Brenda Terry Owens
Unconditional love. It is something we all hope to receive, yet rarely give. Brenda Terry Owens was the epitome of unconditional love. Regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, she loved you with her whole heart. Her smile and her immeasurable empathy extended far beyond what this tiny mountain woman could have ever imagined.

Brenda Terry Owens was born to Arley and Geraldine Terry on August 22, 1945, in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The middle of five children, Brenda lived a childhood of farming, laughter, and family. She had a deep love for her childhood home in Meadows of Dan, recounting cherished memories of fried apple pies, quilting, and music. After graduating from Meadows of Dan High School in 1963, she attended Draughon Business School in Winston-Salem, where she earned her degree with highest honors in keypunch and office machines. Later, she worked at a telephone company as a long-distance operator. In Winston-Salem, she lived in a boarding house where the girls lived upstairs and the boys lived downstairs. One boarder mentioned his cousin in the Air Force whom he wanted to introduce to her. Jerry Owens stepped into her life in January of 1964, and they never parted until her passing sixty-two years later. Undoubtedly…true love.

Once settled in Mount Airy, Brenda and Jerry raised their two children, Shannon and Shelli, in what the children often refer to as a golden childhood. Brenda worked tirelessly at Proctor Silex, Pine State, York Oil, Amerigas, and Northern Hospital until her retirement. Upon retirement, she spent her days tending to and educating her only grandchild, Nevan Owens. He will always be her greatest joy. As a mother and grandmother, Brenda met each challenge with a smile and a quiet introspection that humbled those around her.

Brenda's church family began at Lambsburg Baptist and later moved to Fellowship Baptist of Mt. Airy. She took such care to love each of her Sunday school sisters. Little cards of affirmation and support are what the women of Lambsburg and Fellowship will remember most. Brenda was a devout Christian woman and the ultimate prayer warrior. Even after her paralysis, she knew she could still support her brothers and sisters in this world through prayer. It was ceaseless.

Brenda Owens passed away peacefully on the morning of June 17th, 2026, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home of Dobson. Her family was by her side until the end. During the last two years of in-home care, she and the family came to cherish her nurses and countless aides from Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. A very special friend, Betty Willard, also helped support and care for Brenda in her final years. All who came into contact with Brenda immediately felt the love and joy that emanated from this tiny woman, and all were changed by her.

Brenda was preceded in death by both her parents and a sister, Janice Harmon. She is survived by her husband, Jerry; children Shannon and Shelli; grandson Nevan; sisters Jackie (Nash) Lawson and Aleta Elvin; and a brother, Sheldon (Marie) Terry.

As you walk through this world, Brenda would want you to remember that it merely takes a smile, a nod, or a note to truly…quietly…shift the very nature of someone's life. Unconditional love. It is what we all hope to feel. Brenda Terry Owens was everything unconditional love was meant to be.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home of Dobson PO Box 325, Dobson, NC 27030. The family is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday June 21, 2026, at 2:00pm at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Airy with Pastor Drake Phillips and Dr. Jonathan Casstevens officiating. The family will receive friends at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday from 1:00 – 2:00pm. A private committal service will be held at Skyline Memory Gardens.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

06/14/2026

Here are the photos from the Meadows of Dan Alumni meeting and dinner held on May 23, 2026.

06/02/2026

Sharon Shelor Helms, Class of 1967, passed away My 28, 2026

Mrs. Sharon Shelor Helms, age 77 of Patrick Springs, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026 at her home. She was born in Patrick County on November 4, 1948 to the late Elroy Calvin Shelor and Erma V. Banks Shelor. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Helms was preceded in death by an infant brother and a sister, Betty Combs.

Sharon graduated from Meadows of Dan High School. She received her Bachelors degree from Radford University and a Masters degree from Virginia Tech. She taught home economics at Patrick County High School for 13 years and worked for Virginia Tech Corporate Extension as an agent for 20 years. Sharon enjoyed reading, golfing, sewing, traveling, especially to the beach, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Helms is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Lee Helms of the home; two sons, John Helms of Stuart and Brett Helms of Stuart; a grandson, Andrew Helms; a brother-in-law, Wayne Combs; and a niece, Cynthia Combs Allen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

05/25/2026

Rhoda Bowman, Class of 1961, passed away May 22, 2026.

Mrs. Rhoda Bowman Lyons Marshall, age 82 of Ararat, Virginia passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Twin County Reginal Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Marshall was born in Patrick County on November 2, 1943, to the late Robert Bowman and late Rosa Marshall Gwynn Bowman Largen. Rhoda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Surviving is her husband of 60 years, Clayton “Bill” Marshall; son and daughter-in-law, Billy Marshall and Sandy; two grandchildren and their spouses, Evan Ray Marshall and Jessica, Heather Marshall Wilson and Joe; two great grandchildren, Finley Ray Wilson, Foster Lee Wilson; and a sister, Nancy Hill. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Marshall was preceded in the death by her first husband, David Lyons; two brothers, Earl Gwynn, Lester Gwynn, two nieces, Vickie Long, Connie Gwynn; and a great niece, Melissa Davis. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Private interment will be held at Doe Run Baptist Church Cemetery. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Twin County Regional Hospital for the loving care shown to Mrs. Marshall during her illness. The family would also like to thank the friends and family for the love, prayers, and support shown to them. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Doe Run Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 903 Doe Run Road, Ararat, Virginia 24053. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.

05/24/2026

Thanks to everyone who worked to make our meeting a success! The food was good and it was nice seeing everyone who attended.

05/22/2026

Mrs. Essie Elna Hubbard Hughes, age 85 of Patrick Springs, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Stuart Community Hospital. She was born in Patrick County on October 26, 1940, to the late Walter Ethan Hubbard and Mattie Elizabeth Agee Hubbard. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hughes was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ernest Garland Hughes; an infant son; two sisters, Janie Brammer and India Williams; and five brothers, Clayton, Harlie, Wayne, Melvin “Pete”, and Earnest Hubbard. She was a member of Critz Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities, and enjoyed missionary work. She was a graduate of Meadows of Dan High School and had retired from First National Bank with 40 years of service. Essie was a devoted community member who generously gave her time volunteering with Patrick Springs Park and Recreation, where she also served as president. She contributed her leadership and passion to several organizations, including the board of directors for R.J. Reynolds Memorial Hospital, the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, and as treasurer for the JEB Stuart Rescue Squad. In May 1990, she was honored as Mother of the Year by the Patrick Springs Ruritan Club. Essie found great joy in traveling and treasured moments spent with her grandchildren and family, who were most dear to her heart. Her proudest accomplishments were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of kindness and dedication.

Mrs. Hughes is survived by a daughter, Kathy Dalton (Gary) of Stuart; a son, Perry Hughes (Dianne) of Stuart; five grandchildren, Corey Meador (Brad) of Vinton, Sarah Sawyers (Justin) of Brentwood, Tennessee, Erica Nowlin (Chris) of Summerfield, North Carolina, Kara Pilson (Elliot) of Stuart, and Morgan Morrison (Preston) of Stuart, Virginia; and eight great-grandchildren, Cale Meador, Jace Meador, Emmett Nowlin, Elizabeth Sawyers, Jacob Sawyers, Wesley Pilson, Wyatt Pilson and Archer Morrison.

A funeral service for Mrs. Hughes will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Critz Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Morrison and Pastor Allan Vass officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Critz Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 99, Critz, Virginia 24082, or to Conners View Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Barry Fain, 459 Woodland Drive, Stuart, Virginia 24171. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart has been entrusted with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.

05/14/2026

Meadows of Dan High School Alumni annual meeting will be on May 23, 2026, at the Medows of Dan Elementary School Cafeteria. Doors will open at 5 PM, Bring your favorite dish for the covered dish dinner that will begin at 6 PM with the meeting to follow, Any student that attended Meadows of Dan High School is welcome to join us for the dinner and meeting. For more information, call Betty Banks at 276-692-6504.

03/08/2026

Eugene Scott, Class of 1955, passed away March 5, 2026.

View Drewey "Eugene" Scott's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.