Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Charlene Nevada Jones, born July 28, 1933 in Glen Jean, WV to the late Inez (Minnis) Jones and Frank Crawford. She died on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after a lengthy illness, at the age of 92.

Charlene grew up in WV and after graduating from high school, moved to New York City to work. She later moved to Niagara Falls, NY, where she worked at Veterans Hospital and Niagara Falls Memorial as a medical transcriptionist. There she married George Saunders, her husband of 41 years with whom she raised her family until his death in 2002. George had affectionately nicknamed her “Shockey” which some still use today.

Charlene, during her time in Niagara Falls, found her love for Jehovah and was baptized as a Jehovah Witness in 1974. She has been a pioneer for well over 25 years.

Charlene, in 2006, returned to WV where she married Howard Leftwich, August 11, 2006. The love and faith they shared inspired Charlene to continue in her pioneer work.

Charlene’s happiest times were when she could talk about the truth going door to door, shopping at the Goodwill, walking her dog, Danger, and being with her family and the friends. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued through her kindness.

Charlene had a deep love for people, most of all her family; she was especially close to her sisters, nieces and nephews, who were always there for her. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who they lovingly called Gran.

Charlene, in addition to her parents, was predeceased by siblings, Jessie Raymond Jones Jr, Harold Nacomas Jones and Mary Francis Taylor.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Howard, children, Vincent George Saunders (aka Peppi), Rodney (Lori) Saunders, Michael Ray Saunders, Michele Renee (Duke) Brundidge, and Christopher Leftwich; stepdaughter, Kerri Simmons Leftwich; sisters, Carol Jones, Joretta Thompson and Jacqueline Penn; grandchildren, Amber Marie Saunders, Vincent David Saunders, Nicole Christine Saunders, Brianna Renee Brundidge, Kemmora Simmons, and Ava Jean Leftwich; seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Charlene will be truly missed by all that knew her. We love you.

Service will be 12:00PM Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St, Beckley.
Burial will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens 2150 Pea Ridge Road Oak Hill.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.