Joi Whitmore
Galax, Virginia
Joi Darlene Whitmore age 64 of Max Meadows Virginia passed away Tuesday February 10 2026 in the Lewis Gale HospitalPulaski. Joi was born in Maryland on March 22 1961 to Theodore Hardesty and Verdel Willie Pearl Handley Luster. In addition to her father TheodoreTed Luster she is survived by her husband Harlan Whitmore of Max Meadows Virginia son Seth Whitmore of Richmond Virginia daughter and soninlaw Arielle Whitmore Crowder and Brandon of Max Meadows Virginia three grandchildren Sylvia Theodore and Oliver Crowder sisters and brotherinlaw Yvonne Royal Yavette Luster both of Maryland Melodye Gills and David of Phoenix Arizona host of nieces nephews and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held later for Joi with the date time and place to be announced.
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James "Jime" Ellington
Galax, Virginia
James JimE Ellington passed away peacefully in his cabin on Monday February 9 2026. Known locally as the California Hippy or Cat Daddy Jim was a colorful and unforgettable character. Born and raised in Northern California he moved to Galax in 2016 after surviving significant health challenges determined to start fresh and live life on his own terms. Jim enjoyed reading sciencefiction discussing conspiracy theories and riling up the locals with his liberal Buddhist ideas. He was rarely seen without a cup of coffee and cigarette hand. A kind and generous soul he adored his feral cat Jerry and never missed a chance to brag about his nieces nephews and his soninlaw Johnny Vegas to anyone willing to listen. One of Jims lifelong dreams was to build his own cabin and in Galax he made that dream a realitythough not very successfully. Fortunately he also helped guide his grandson John…
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