Galax Gazette Tuesday, September 04, 2001 Edward Atkins, 84 Edward Atkins, 84, of Independence, a resident of Grayson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Independence, died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2001, at the center. He was born Sept. 19, 1916, in Fries, the Summerfield Community, to Paul and Sallie Boyer Atkins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Lee Catron Atkins. Survivors include two brothers and sisters-in-law, Munsey and Avalee Atkins of Galax and Roy and Marian Atkins of Fries; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna Mae and Eugene Luper and Myrtle and Willie Bruce Jones, all of Fries; a son-in-law, Ernest "Buster" Cox of Independence; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral was held Friday at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with burial in the Summerfield Cemetery. The Rev. Fred E. Jennings officiated.Memorial contributions may be made to the Independence Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 607, Independence, Va. 24348. ====== Patricia Gardner Cilli, 49 Patricia Gardner Cilli, 49, of West Melbourne, Fla., formerly of Carroll County, died Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001. Survivors include her husband, Bill Cilli of West Melbourne, Fla.; a son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Theresa Brent of Melbourne, Fla.; her parents, Kenneth and Betty Gardner of Hillsville; two brothers, Mike Gardner and Doug Gardner, both of Manassas; a sister, Dianne Gardner of Kauai, Hawaii; her grandfather, Sug Brandscome of Hillsville; and three grandchildren. A memorial service was held Saturday at Gladesboro Lutheran Church with burial in the Gladesboro Cemetery.Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the Gladesboro Lutheran Church, c/o the Rev. Duane Steele, 7726 Snake Creek Road, Hillsville, Va. 24343. ========= Janet Lee Shelton, 57 Janet Lee Shelton, 57, of Charlottesville, formerly of Carroll County, died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2001, at her home. Survivors include her husband, Aaron L. "Smokey" Shelton of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Shelton and John Howell of Ruckersville; a son, Robert D. Shelton of Miami, Fla.; her mother, Clara Faye Jenkins Beamer of Fancy Gap; two brothers and a sister-in-law, J. Rudolph and Judy Beamer of St. Albans, W.Va., and Raph T. Beamer of Fancy Gap; and two grandchildren. A graveside service will be held today, Monday, at 11 a.m. at Good Hope Cemetery, Fancy Gap.Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. ======== John Howard Austin, 85 John Howard Austin, 85, of Galax, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2001, at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Caudell Austin; two sons, Robert Nelson Austin and William Howard Austin; and a sister, Annie Austin Patton. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Arneta Williams Austin of Roanoke; grandchildren, Sherry Leigh Austin of the home, Dr. Dana Elizabeth Austin of Arlington, Texas, and Richard Howard Austin of Springfield; one great-granddaughter; three great-grandsons; one stepgreat-grandson; two nieces; and three nephews. A memorial service was held Saturday at Gladeville United Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Mark Kilbourne officiated.Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.