Meet the Ritchie & Johnson Staff

The staff of the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor desires to provide top-notch, caring service in the funeral arrangement and celebration of the life of your loved one. Our personal connection to the community encourages us even more to serve you with professionalism and heartfelt understanding.

Lennie Powell was born in Glen Jean, WV to the late Dr. Helen Marie (Taylor) Powell. He is a 1971 graduate of Mt. Hope High School, Mt. Hope, WV and has a degree in Mortuary Science. Lennie joined the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor in 1974 as a talented apprentice under the tutelage of the founders, William O. Ritchie, Sr. and James F. Johnson, Sr. As a licensed mortician, Lennie is a member of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

He has been married to Louise Ambler Powell, a schoolteacher with the Fayette County School System, for almost 40 years and is the proud father of daughter, Lindsay, who currently works with him and his sister toward pursuing a degree in Mortuary Science. He also has a son, Leonard “Ty” II, who serves the city of Mt. Hope as Councilman and Asst. Chief of the Fire Department and is employed as a Highway Technician with the WV Virginia Parkways Authorities. Lennie is also the brother of co-owner, Cheryl; grandfather of Marleigh K. Powell and his “Grandpups” Andy and Diamond.

Although his humble spirit would not allow him to tout his own accomplishments, according to his sister, he is the Michael Jordan of Restorative Art. Moreover, she says that his excellent artistry can also be found in his delicious array of culinary delights.

When his schedule permits, he can sometimes be found on the greens.

Cheryl was born in Glen Jean, WV and is a 1977 graduate of Mt. Hope High School, Mt. Hope, WV and a 1982 graduate of Beckley College, with degrees in both, Mortuary Science and Business Administration.

She developed an interest and passion for the funeral business watching her older brother, Lennie and served her apprenticeship at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Inc. At the age of 23, Cheryl became the first black female licensed mortician (funeral director and embalmer) in the state of West Virginia. From the age of 24, she has served as the licensee-in-charge of several area funeral homes, before becoming co-owner of the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Inc., Beckley, WV. Cheryl is a member of the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

One of Cheryl’s most cherished and strongest influences in her life was her mother, the late Dr. Helen Marie (Taylor) Powell. She treasures her relationships with other close family members also: her brother, co-owner, “Lennie” Powell, her sister-in-law, Louise Powell, her niece, Lindsay Powell, nephew, Leonard Powell II, and her great-niece, Marleigh Powell.

Lindsay has been an employee of the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor since 2009. She attended Marshall University and is currently pursuing her degree in Mortuary Science following in the footsteps of her dad and aunt, the co-owners of Ritchie & Johnson. Lindsay is a member of the United Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Hope.

Kenneth is a life-long resident of Beckley. He began his employment with Ritchie & Johnson in 2003.  He has one daughter and one grandson and is a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Beckley. He enjoys washing cars and listening to music.

Vanessa began employment with the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor in January of 2015. She is a mother, grandmother, and a member of Heart of God Ministries in Beckley. Vanessa enjoys singing in the choir and helping the elderly.

Raymond, a resident of Glen Jean, WV, has worked with the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor for several years. He is a 1971 graduate of Mt. Hope High School, where he coached for 12 years. Raymond also graduated from WV State College and WVSU College of Graduate Study and has degrees in Physical Education and Health Safety. He was inducted into the WVSU Football Hall of Fame in 2017. He retired from the Raleigh County School System with 35 years of service and is a member and Trustee of United Missionary Baptist Church,Mt. Hope.

Evangelist Janet Hairston is a member of Heart of God Ministries, Beckley WV. She is the wife of Elder Gary Hairston, the mother of three and grandmother of three, and is a licensed evangelist who is committed as a Sunday school teacher, church clerk and Pastor of Hosanna Outreach Ministry. Additionally, she is the director of a Nursing Home Ministry that faithfully serves Raleigh and Fayette counties.

Sunday Morning Meditation can be heard at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday at WWNR 620AM 101.1FM.

The gentle guidance of ushers is a worthy part of the service. They are often underestimated yet so important.

From left to right:
Mrs. Barbara Leftwich, Mrs. Delores Robinson, and Mrs. Diane Ray