Obituaries

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Jai (Jeanette) Sturgill who entered peacefully into eternal rest and the loving arms of her Lord and Savior. She was born December 21, 1942 to the late Luther and Ollidene Caudill. Jai was preceded in death by her sister…

Herbert Dewayne Madden, 64, a cherished friend, father, and brother, passed away on February 7, 2026, at SOMC in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was born on April 23, 1961, in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he spent much of his life surrounded by the love and warmth of family and friends. Herb’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven…

Margaret Ann White, 86, formerly of Wheelersburg, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the Rosemount Pavilion. Born on June 23, 1939, Margaret’s life was one dedicated to her loved ones and her faith, making lasting memories as a devoted homemaker. Margaret was a proud member of the Truth Tabernacle in Wheelersburg, where she found…

Carolyn Jean Dawson, 78, of Minford passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at SOMC Hospice. She was born December 20, 1947 in Scioto County, a daughter of the late Raymond Fredrick and Dorothy (Royster) Dummitt, was a beautician, and attended Minford Church of the Nazarene. She had a deep love for travel – especially going…

Roy Herbert McKinney, 83, of Reynoldsburg, a former Minford area resident, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at The Grove, a memory care center in Columbus, Ohio. He was born January 31, 1943 in Minford, a son of the late Charles and Alma (Cordle) McKinney, and worked in many roles including owed a mechanics shop,…

Brian Dale Williams, 58, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026. He was born on May 10, 1967 and was a 1986 graduate of Minford High School. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Williams; his mother, Norma Williams; and his brothers, Lonnie Williams Jr. and David Williams. He is…

Helen Mildred Burke, 96 years old, longtime Portsmouth resident passed away on February 3, 2026. She was a cherished daughter to the late Martin and Mildred (Nee Moore) Murphy, born in Charleston, West Virginia, on May 11, 1929. She began her earthly journey with a spirit full of warmth, kindness, and creativity that touched the…

Christopher D. Payne, 53, of Lucasville, passed away February 7, 2026 at Southern Ohio Medical Center after a long and hard-fought battle with diabetes. He endured dialysis treatments while striving to regain the life he loved. He was born October 4, 1972 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Danny and Lena Payne. Along with his father, he…