By Holly Kozelsky
They say that death comes in threes.
Over the past couple of weeks, the loss of people who were widely known and liked in our community hit three – but then the count kept going.
But if we’re counting, chances may be that you’ve had a loss (or more) among your family or friends as well, leaving a black shroud of mourning for sure across our area.
Auctioneer and community benefactor Charles Williams passed away on April 25. He was the longtime companion of Horsepasture Supervisor Debra Buchanan, and where you’d see one, you’d see the other.
Mostly likely, you’ve seen him handing over $1,000 checks each winter to the organizations he supported with both his time and his money. Community-minded and involved, Charles helped keep Horsepasture vibrant and safe, and the county beyond it.
Two days later, John McCain, who may have been our area’s last surviving World War II veteran, went on to his reward. The 99-year-old always had a pleasant greeting whenever you’d run into him. “I’m glad to see you,” you’d say, and he’d chuckle as he replied, “I’m glad you are still seeing me.”
He owned and operated Spic-N-Span Cleaners, with the most fun logo in the business: “You wear, tear and mess ’em; we clean, repair and press ’em,” he’d remind you with a chuckle.
May 4 was a date that struck shock and sorrow into many people’s hearts. Kim Barto, only 42 years old and the mother of a little girl, Isobel Meeks, died. Shortly after her graduation from UNC-Asheville, Kim was full of life and vitality as she covered the area as a Bulletin news reporter and worked behind the scenes with Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival.
Alas, things change; she went on to work for the Henry County Enterprise, and then Martinsville High School and the community colleges in Martinsville and Danville. She was involved with several local organizations. Kim loved her daughter, and she loved cats.
It is fitting that Bishop Joe Gravely, a fine writer, had written his own obituary, which was published on May 10.
“I made a promise to the Lord longer than I can remember that I would serve him because of his mercy that He extended to me and only He truthfully knows that I have kept my promise,” his obituary states. And indeed. Those of us who had the blessing of knowing him most assuredly knew him in a grand way.
He was the first black man to become a nursing instructor in Virginia, and he taught nursing in various capacities, including that he started Patrick & Henry Community College’s nursing program and developed First Aid CPR classes.
He labored to save not just lives but souls. Bishop Gravely was the founding pastor of New Jerusalem Apostle Church and was involved with a great many religious organizations. Many of his articles ran in the Martinsville Bulletin and other media. He was the chaplain for the Martinsville Police Department and aftercare grief coordinator for Wright Funeral Service.
However, his greatest light, perhaps, shone through in one-to-one. He’d give you guidance and pray with you. His words hit just where you needed them.
Then it was Big C — Cory Barley — the Krispy Kuts barber who not only made people look good but also gave his services free to children and young men in need of a haircut and of encouragement and advice. The inspiration to many was just 46.
Helen Carter Hensley, 97, passed away on May 8. Helen Hensley was just absolutely precious. She was the living embodiment of the term “gracious Southern lady.”
Her husband, Dick Hensley, was the heralded Martinsville High School football coach, and she fully supported him and the Bulldogs. She also pursued her own interests, across book clubs, garden club, heritage organizations, Piedmont Arts and more. The delightful minutes she recorded as secretary of meetings were a pleasure to read.
Though she seemed to be the living embodiment of conservatism, she fully embraced and supported her daughter, Mary Helen Hensley, in her writings and talks about metaphysical gifts Mary Helen said she had experienced since childhood. Mary Helen talks about being able to see dead people and prophetic dreams. In 2021, the mother published her own book, “His Own Simple Gift,” which she had written 71 years before.
“But you left out so-and-so,” you may be thinking, as you read this.
And you’re right. These were just those who were more in the public eye. I spent 18 years writing for a newspaper, and those were people I have written many articles about, with the exception of Kim, with whom I worked in the newsroom (and for a while we did various exercise programs together, with Pam Preston, and wrote columns about the experiences).
Loss is a constant in life, but our community has had more than its share lately.
