Latest / Eastern Kentucky Newspapers / Manchester Enterprise - 12.19.25

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Manchester Enterprise - 12.19.25 · Eastern Kentucky Newspapers

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Speaker 1: Now we turn to the Manchester Enterprise to read news
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from and around Manchester. Your reader today is Janet. We
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will begin with the edition dated December seventeen, twenty twenty five,
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which the publishers have donated to RADIOIF as a reminder.
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RADIOI is a reading service intended for people who are
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blind or have other disabilities that make it difficult to
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read printed material. The first front page headline is former
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clayman arrested in child exploitation case. Sizemore accused by KSP
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in online sting, faces ten to twenty years in prison.
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It's a staff report of Enterprise News. A former Clay
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County man was arrested Monday evening following an undercover investigation
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by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch. On December eighth,
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twenty twenty five, at approximately five fifty two pm, KSP
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officers took William David Seismore, twenty, into custody on a
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felony charge involving child sexual abuse material. According to investigators,
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the arrest stemmed from an ongoing Internet Crimes against Children
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ICAC operation. Detectives began monitoring Sizemore after discovering he was
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allegedly attempting to procure a minor online. KSP reports that
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the activity was identified through undercover electronic efforts aimed at
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detecting individuals seeking to exploit children through digital platforms. The
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investigation led to an interview with Sizemore on December eighth,
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during which authorities obtained additional evidence. Equipment believed to have
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been used in commission of the crime was seized and
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transported to the KSP Forensic Laboratory detailed analysis. Officials say
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the case remains active as further examination and investigative steps
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continua size More is charged with one count of procuring
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or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means,
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a Class B felony under Kentucky law. The offense carries
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a potential penalty of ten to twenty years in prison
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upon conviction. Following his arrest, he was lodged in the
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Laurel County Detention Center. KSP encourages anyone with information related
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to online exploitation of children to contact law enforcement immediately,
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emphasizing that continued vigilance from both investigators and the public
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is critical in combating cyber based crimes against miners. The
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next front page headline is Remembering a leader. Beloved Mentor
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Abner passes. A staff report Clay County is grieving loss
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of one of its most influential spiritual and community leaders
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following the passing of Pastor Doug Abner, a mentor, encourager,
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and driving force behind some of Eastern Kentucky's most impactful
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faith based and anti drug initiatives. Abner played a pivotal
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role in launching the Clay County March against Drugs in
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two thousand and four, working alongside fellow pastors including Ken
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Bowen of Manchester Baptist Church and Operation Unite leaders Karen
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Kelly and others to confront the region's growing drug epidemic.
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The march gained nationwide attention and became a catalyst for
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the creation and growth of Operation Unites grassroots coalitions. Quote
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he was just a man filled with the Holy Spirit,
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and you could sense that he was a man of God,
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someone we could follow close, quotes Bolan said. Following the
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success of the initial march, Abner and Bolean expanded their
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efforts well beyond Clay County, helping communities across Kentucky and
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the nation organize similar events aimed at fighting addiction through faith,
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unity and action. Quote. We went everywhere helping communities organize
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marches against drugs, Bolan said. Quote, but after the success
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of our march, we got together and said that we
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would never ever take credit for anything any success we
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had in what we've been doing over the past years.
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Close quotes. In recognition of their leadership and spiritual revival efforts,
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Abner and Bolan received the Tony Turner Award in two
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thousand and seven at the East Kentucky Leadership Conference for
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their dedication to addressing the drug epidemic through faith based outreach. Quote.
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God put Doug and I together, Bolan said, quote God
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did at all. We were just sort of instruments in
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God's hands. Close quotes. Abner also played a critical role
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in strengthening Operation Unites faith based movement, which continues to
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serve Kentuckians impacted by substance abuse. Quote. We would not
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have had a faith based movement if it were not
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for Doug, say Karen Kelly, former director of Operation Unite.
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Quote he was really our spiritual adviser, our conscience, and
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he would always tell us when he felt like we
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could do things better. Close quotes. Kelly said, Abner's influence
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extended beyond organizations and events to the lives of individuals
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struggling with addiction. Quote. There are people alive today who
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found recovery, who found treatment, who got the help they
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needed solely because of Doug Abner. Close quotes Kelly said.
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Beyond his work with Operation Unite, Abner's influence reached far
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beyond Clay Camp. Following the release of the documentary Appalachian Dawn,
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which chronicled the spiritual and social transformation taking place in
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Manchester and Clay County, Abner traveled across the United States,
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premiering the film at churches and civic organizations. His mission
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was to encourage communities to reclaim their future through prayer,
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faith and unity. Those who knew Abner personally describe him
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as a pastor, mentor, encourager, and warrior for faith. Quote.
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I am forever thankful for Pastor Doug Abner and God
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placing him in my life, wrote Deborah Curry Davis. Quote.
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He has been my pastor for over two decades and
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the covering for one voice. He finished his earthly race
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much too early for me, but Heaven celebrated and welcomed
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him home. Close quotes. Another soldier and warrior, safely home,
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wrote Carolyn Larrikee. Quote those who stay to fight on
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will not be left comfortless. The Father will see to it.
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Close quotes. Quote his vision transformed a city, shared Priscilla Weaver.
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Quote thank God for his testimony and commitment to carry
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out the will of God. Close quotes. Others recalled Abner's
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deeply personal impact. Quote. I loved Doug and I'll never
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forget him and all he helped me through, wrote Tammy Smith.
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Quote many prayers for Linda, Jennifer and all the family.
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Close quotes. Quote he was a great man of faith,
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added Judy Van Derven. Quote I'm sure he heard those words.
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Well done. Close quotes. Former inmate Ricky Bunch credited Abner
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with changing the course of his life. Quote he came
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to minister to us from nineteen teen ninety nine to
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two thousand and three. Bunch wrote, quote I'm where I
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am at today because of him pastoring a church. Love
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him so much, close quotes. Tom Klein remembered Abner's humility
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and sense of humor. Quote, Doug was a good man,
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Klein said. Quote he helped me get things organized in
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Corbin I'll sure missus wisdom. It's not a goodbye, but
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us see you in a little while. Close quotes as
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Clay County mourns the outpouring of love affects the profound
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legacy Doug Abner leaves behind one rooted in faith, unity, service,
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and transformation. His influence will continue to resonate in the
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countless lives he touched and the community he helped shape.
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The next front page headline is Maker's Mark founder gives
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vision of area. A staff report Maker's Mark Founder Bill
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Samuel and Todd Spencer, executive chairman of Doe Anderson, recently
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visited Manchester at the invitation of one Clay County. Alongside
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leaders from one Clay County, Senate President Robert Steyers, and
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representatives from Ousley and Jackson Counties, they participated in a
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meeting to explore a bold, collaborative vision for eastern Kentucky.
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Doe Anderson is a nationally respected advertising and branding firm
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known for shaping some of the most iconic, purpose driven
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brands in the country, including Maker's Mark. Its involvement signals
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both credibility and long term strategic thinking. The visit focused
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on how a tri County partnership could intentionally leverage the
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region's natural assets, culture, and communities to elevate outdoor adventure
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tourism while preserving the authenticity it defines the area. During
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their time in Manchester, the group discussed strategies for creating customized,
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experience driven tourism that goes beyond traditional marketing. The focus
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was on storytelling, placemaking, and visitor experiences that are rooted
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in local identity, whether through trail systems, waterways, music, food history,
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or small town hospitality. Samuels and Spencer shared insights on
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building destination brands that feel genuine and memorable, emphasizing that
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today's travelers are seeking connection, not just attractions. Local and
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regional leaders agreed that a coordinated approach across Clay, Alsley,
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and Jackson Counties presents a powerful opportunity. By working together
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rather than competing, the counties can create a seamless visitor
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experience that drives l lower stays, higher spending, and sustainable
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economic growth while preserving the character and pride of the communities.
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Leaders also noted that this tri county effect could serve
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as a model for the broader Appalachian region, with plans
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to expand the collaboration to additional counties over time. Thoughtfully.
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The last front page headline is Thrived Together, new initiative
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formed to support most vulnerable for Clay and Laurel Counties.
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Senate President Robert Steivers, Republican from Manchester and Senator Brandon Storm,
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Republican from London joined Volunteers of America Mid STATESVOA and
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God's Pantry Food Bank for the launch of Thrive Together,
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a new food initiative supporting the most vulnerable in Clay
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and Laurel Counties. This fifty thousand dollars initiative is made
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possible thanks to a combined investment from CBS Health and
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One Clay County and anonymous investors. The Kentucky Beverage Association
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is lending their support by providing in kind donations of water. Quote.
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I'm grateful for the opportunity to support a local effort
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that directly serves the most vulnerable in our community, said Steivers. Quote.
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This combined fifty thousand dollars investment reflects our collective commitment
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to lifting up our neighbors, taking care of families, and
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ensuring that no one in our community is left out.
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When we collaborate, we create lasting impact, and I'm proud
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to be a part of that work. Close quotes. Quote.
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When you strengthen food distribution in rural communities, you strengthen
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everything around it, said Storm quote. Thrive Together puts resources
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exactly where they're needed and gives families dependable support during
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the time when costs continue to rise. I appreciate our
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partners for stepping up, and I'm proud stand behind an
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initiative making a measurable difference here at home. Close quotes.
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THEA Mid States will coordinate a community based response that
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strengthens food distribution where the need is greatest. Quote. This
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is what it looks like when a community steps forward together,
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when healthcare partners, local leaders, nonprofits, government leaders, and neighbors
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join forces. Close quotes said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO
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of VOA Mid States. Quote. We call this initiative Thrive Together,
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because that is the future. We believe in a future
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where no senior wonders how they'll eat, no child goes
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to bed hungry, and every family has the dignity of
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food security. Close quotes. Thrive Together will support the Clay
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County Senior Citizen Center's meal delivery program. The center currently
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delivers meals to one hundred thirty one seniors. With this
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new support, the center will expand routes to serve twenty
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five additional seniors and provide five meals a week to
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fifty children along those delivery paths. The initiative will distribute
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eighteen thousand dollars to nine local Gods Pantry food bank
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sites across Clay in Laurel Counties to ensure families have
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steady access to nutritious food close to home. Thrive Together
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will also assist ninety clients in VOA's recovery and housing programs,
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providing them with reliable, healthy food as they work to
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rebuild their lives. Quote. CVS Health is proud to support
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this healthy food pantry pop up and stand alongside our
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neighbors who make Kentucky strong, said James Sharp, lead Director
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Government Affairs for CVS Health. Our dedicated employees at over
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seventy retail pharmacy locations throughout Kentucky were committed to bringing
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accessible care, trusted support, and healthier opportunities to the families
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we serve close Quotes Quote one, Clay County is very
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proud to partner with Volunteers of America in support of
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this initiative here today, said my Quite, executive director of
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One Clay County quote. One Clay County is dedicated to
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making a difference and today is just another step in
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that direction for us close quotes. With the current funding,
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Thrive Together will feed community members in need for up
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to two months. The organizations are seeking partners who can
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help make this initiative a long term, sustainable solution in
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Clay and Laurel Counties. Next, we turned two obituaries. Carlo Burns,
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aged ninety one, passed away on Friday, December twelfth, twenty
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twenty five, at the Saint Joseph Hospital in London, Kentucky.
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He was born Monday January twenty nine, nineteen thirty four,
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in Clay County, Kentucky, to Luther and Laura Roberts Burns.
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He was a member of Mill Street Church of Christ.
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He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Katherine Caldwell Burns,
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and his children, Charlotte Brewer and husband Ted, Carla Treadway
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and husband Scott, Sheila Hurd and husband Billy, Lisa Hamilton
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and husband Todd, Teresa Willoughby and husband Brent, fourteen grandchildren
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and twenty two great grandchildren. Also surviving as one sister,
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Alma Maxey. He is preceded in death by his parents,
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Luther and Laura Burns. These brothers and sisters Eunice Burns,
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Leslie Burns, Edna Smith, Audrey Pagor, Matilda Woods, George Burns,
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Clay Burns, Astor Burns, Maxie Burns and Ruth Cope. Funeral
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services for Carlo Burns were conducted on Wednesday, December seventeen,
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twenty twenty five at the Romanger Funeral Home Chapel. Ted Brewer,
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Billy Hurd, Todd Hamilton and Brent Willoughby officiated. Burial followed
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and the Manchester Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to the
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Romanger Funeral Home. Doug Abner, aged seventy eight, passed away
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on Tuesday, December ninth, twenty twenty five, at his home.
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He was born Monday November seventeen, nineteen forty seven, in
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Manchester to Squire Bill and Buena Bromley Abner. He is
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a retired minister and belonged to the Community Church. He
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leads to mourn his passing his wife, Linda Brown Abner
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and his daughter Jennifer Cooney and husband Paul. His grandchildren
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Luke Cooney and wife Lynette, Drew Cooney and wife Robin,
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and Kate Cooney and Cassidy. Two great grandchildren, Elis and Claire.
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He is preceded in death by his parents, Squire Bill
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and Buena Abner. Funeral services for Doug Abner were conducted
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on Friday, December twelve, twenty twenty five, at the City
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of Hope Church. Reverend Rick Curry and Reverend Monroe Roberts officiated.
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Burial was held on Saturday, December thirteen, twenty twenty five,
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at the Manchester Memorial Gardens. Earl Bowling, known as mud Turtle,
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seventy seven of Manchester, Kentucky, passed away Friday, December twelve
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at Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Earl was born
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in Batteau, Kentucky, on May twenty eight, nineteen forty eight,
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a son of the late Otis and Mary Magdalen Henson Bowling.
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He was a member of Burning Springs Church of God.
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When Earle could not attend church due to sickness, he
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was visited many times by Pastor Roy Lane Woods of
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Garrett Holiness Church. He is survived by his wife, Brenda
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Dixon Bowling of Manchester. He is also survived by his
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two daughters, Susan Woods and husband Benny, and Sharon Jackson
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and husband Glenn, both of Manchester, as well as his
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grandchildren Earl Glenn Jackson, Noah Woods and Faith Woods. By
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his great grandchildren Jonah, Jacob Hunter, Becca and Lonzo. By
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his brothers and sisters, Otis Bowling Junior of Manchester, Roy
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Bowling and wife Sandy of Manchester, Beatrice Sandquist of Rockford, Illinois,
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Bernice Collins of Manchester, and Loreen Hubbard and husband James
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of Manchester, and by his sister in law Wanda Bowling
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of London. In addition to his parents, Earl is preceded
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in death by his grandson Jonah Brian Woods, as well
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as his brothers DJ Bowling, Vernon Bowling and Delbert Bowling.
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Services for Earl, known as mud Turtle, will be held
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at two pm on Wednesday, December seventeenth at Britain Funeral Home,
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with Roy Lane Woods and Paul Mitchell officiating. Burial will
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follow in the Goose Rock Cemetery. Visitation for Earl mud
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Turtle was held at six pm on Tuesday, December sixteen
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at Britain Funeral Home in loving memory of Earle. Earle
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was a man who loved deeply and lived faithfully. His
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greatest joy was his family and friends, and his greatest
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devotion was to the Lord. He served with a sincere
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and steady heart. No matter where he was or what
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season he was in, Earl let his light shine quietly, humbly,
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and consistently, pointing others to God by the way he lived.
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He loved being outdoors and hunting when he was able,
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finding peace in God's creation. Those moments reflected who he
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was at his core, a man and who appreciated the simple,
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honest gifts of life. Though Earle was a little man
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in stature, he lived a very big life. In the
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eyes of his children and grandchildren, he was larger than life.
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He was their hero, their caretaker, their playmate, their protector,
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their safe place. Whatever they needed, Earle rose to meet
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it with love and patience. Earle was a devoted and
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loving husband for fifty eight years. Every day he tried
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to make those around him feel loved, valued, and secure.
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His marriage was a testimony of commitment, perseverance, and enduring love,
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a reflection of the faith that guided his life. Above all,
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Earle loved the Lord. His faith was not just something
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he spoke about. It was something he lived through kindness, service,
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and quiet strength. He showed others what it means to
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walk with God. Now Earle rests in the presence of
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the Savior he loved, Sae dearly, free from pain, free
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from struggle, whole and at peace. Though his absence leaves
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a deep ache, his legacy remains carried forward in the
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lives he touched. The love he gave and the faith
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he modeled so faithfully, Earl's life mattered, his love enders,
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and his light will never be forgotten. Mona Bird, aged
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seventy seven, passed away on December eleventh, twenty twenty five.
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She was born on November twenty seven, nineteen forty eight,
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in the Oneida, Kentucky, to Margaret Sandlin Hicks and Clyde Hicks.
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She leaves to mourn her passing two sons, Randy Bird
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and wife Melissa and Ricky Bird and wife Peggy, all
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of Manchester, her brother Jerry Hicks, her sister Barbara Jean Hicks,
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all of Manchester. She is survived by six grandchildren and
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nine great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her
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dad and mother Clyde Hicks and head Margaret Hicks, as
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well as her husband, Ralph Bird and her son Rodney Bird.
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Services promoner were held on Tuesday, December sixteenth at Britain
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Funeral Home, Tim Ball officiated. Burial followed in the Ball Cemetery.
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It is with heavy hearts that we announced the passing
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of Jean Maxine Henson, a loved mother, faithful child of
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God and doting mammal. Jean, age eighty three, departed this
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life on December tenth, twenty twenty five, at her home
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in Lexington, Kentucky. Gene is survived by her children, Chester
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Henson junior spouse Lisa of Lagrange, Kentucky, Carlow known as
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Doc Henson of Lexington, Kentucky, Clover Henson of Louisville, Kentucky,
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Tina Fuller spouse Stephen of Lexington, Kentucky, Patricia Henson of Columbia,
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South Carolina, Morelea Tran spouse Michael of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Mary
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Henson spouse Robbie of Lexington, Kentucky, and Cedric Henson of Lexington, Kentucky.
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She is the loving mamma to twenty two grandchildren and
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fifteen great grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her passing
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a sister, Bob Fullwood of Lexington, Kentucky, and brothers Herbert
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known as Dabber Philpott of Manchester, Kentucky and Harold known
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as Buddy Boy Fullwood of Lexington, Kentucky. She is survived
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by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Jane
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is preceded in death by her spouse, Chester known as
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Chess Henson, senior children Ramon Henson and William Henson, parents
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William Oldie Philpott and Glasgow BERTA. Fullwood, and her brother
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Russell known as Tiny phil Pott. Funeral services will be
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held at one pm on Saturday, December twenty twenty twenty
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five at Britain Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends
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will be at eleven. A. M. Jesse Kemp will be officiating.
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Burial will immediately follow at Birch Cemetery. Jean will be
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remembered for her devotion to God, her love, warmth, humor
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and kind spirit. Shirley Cobb Swafford eighty two of London, Kentucky,
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passed away Saturday, December thirteenth, twenty twenty five at Hospice
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of Lake Cumberland in Somerset, Kentucky. She was a devoted
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and loving mother to Kyle, who often joked about being
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the favorite child, and his wife Deanna of London, as
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well as a mother to the late Walter Craig Swofford.
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She was a cherished sister to Treaty Cobb mcnight and
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her husband Joe Glen Cobb and Sandy Cobb Lewis. She
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was a loving sister in law to Jeanie Rice and
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husband Carl Ray, Joan Brown and husband Ray, and a
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proud and loving grandmother affectionately known as Nana to her
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two grandchildren, Austin Clay Swafford and Macy Joe Swofford. Shirley
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was a part time owner of Swofford's Furniture in Manchester, Kentucky,
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where she spent forty two years dedicated to the family business.
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Some of her most treasured memories were made raising her
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two boys, tending to her garden on East eighty, working
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on puzzles, reading her favorite books, and spending every single
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weekend with her grandchildren during their younger years. Shirley left
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this world with a hope of everlasting comfort for her family,
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and with joyful anticipation of being reunited in heaven with
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her beloved husband Joe and her cherished son Craig, who
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always need have to light up a room. Graveside services
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for Shirley Fay Cobb Swofford will be conducted Thursday December eighteen,
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twenty twenty five, at twelve noon at Cumberland Memorial Gardens,
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with Anthony Lovett officiating. There will be no visitation. London
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Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. This concludes
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the reading of the Manchester Enterprise. Your reader has been Janet.
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Now please stay tuned for continued programming and on behalf
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of everyone here at Radio. I thank you for listening
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and we hope you have a good day.