Joann Bumgarner

Our dear Mother, Joann Runyon Bumgarner, on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, slipped from this temporary, earthly home to spend eternity in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are comforted knowing that she is in His presence now and reunited with so many of her loved ones and especially with her husband and our Daddy, Jesse Bumgarner, who departed 29 years ago. Mother was born on September 30, 1932, to Ad and Hattie Runyon of Cora. She was one of seven children born to them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ad and Hattie Runyon, known to everyone as simply "Ma" and "Pa" and her siblings, Emily Hanners (Midge), George Runyon, Grady Runyon, Hazel Webb, and Myrtle Wheeler and by her son-in-law, Dennis R. Brownning.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sandra K. Burns (Sandy) and her husband, Geary Burns of Teays Valley and by Diana L. Browning of Holden. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Brent A. Burns of Charleston, WV, Kelley Tenille Burns of Teays Valley, Ryan A. Browning (Natalie) of Danville, WV, and Robyn D. Adkins (Mike) of Holden. She had 7 great grandchildren, Jessi Yuhas (Nate) of Whitman, WV, Kaitlyn Vance (Will) of Holden, WV, Emma Noel Crouch of Teays Valley, Emily and Ella Browning of Danville, WV, and Nate and Ian Burns of Charleston, WV. She had 2 great-great grandsons, Braxton Scott Rainwater, and Matthew Vance of Holden. She is also survived by her brother, Carl Runyon of St. Albans, WV. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Mother retired after working over 40 years at the Holden Post Office as a postal clerk. She enjoyed all the people she met and made many friends through her work, and she enjoyed a lifelong friendship with her boss the Postmaster, Larry Randan. They truly became family.

She was a member of the 5 & 6 Holden Freewill Baptist Church where she had sung in the choir and was part of the Ladies Prayer Group.

The family would like to express their appreciation to everyone who said a prayer, provided food, sent a card, made a phone call or in any way assisted with her care. We are especially grateful to Sarah Mabel Marcum Miller and Marie Watson, Shelli McNeely and Donna Davis for the many hours and days they were caregivers.

The family is also appreciative of all the care that Mother received from Trinity Hospice of Chapmanville beginning in March. Their assistance was so very helpful.

Visitation will be from 11 :00 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Chapel of Akers James Funeral Home with the funeral service following visitation at 1 :00 p.m. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Her pastor, Larry Light, will deliver the message. Mother made her decision to follow in the footsteps of Jesus many decades ago and if you haven't made the decision yet, we know she would encourage you to do so. The time is short, and He is coming back encourage all you know to be ready to meet Him.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Akers James Funeral Home in Aracoma is in charge of all the arrangements.