Our special friends in heaven

.....You've left footprints on our hearts forever. Thank you for changing our lives with your love, laughter and smiles. You enriched our lives by being the special person God created you to be. Thank you for teaching us how to live, laugh and enjoy the very simpliest of things in life. Til we meet again in heaven.........we miss you and love you.

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sova5 > Shirley Roberson died Saturday July 11th after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 65 years old. Shirley found a loving sponsored placement home with James and Sherry Shiflett-whom she called her mom and dad. They stayed by Shirley's side all the way to the end. She couldn't have found a better "home" to spend the rest of her life. Her favorite sports in Special Olympics were bowling and bocce.

sova5 > Gene Arnold died Monday, April 6, 2009. Gene was a devoted director of Area 13 Special Olympics. He died very quickly from a brain disease. He gave so much to Special Olympics. Many of you will remember him from our soccer tournaments and our track meets.

Gene was admired by his family, friends and colleagues for his devotion to community service. One of Gene's passions was to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs. He tirelessly worked as Area 3 Coordinator of Special Olympics, which includes the counties of Albemarle, Orange, Fluvanna, Louisa, and the City of Charlottesville.

His goal was to reach every individual with special needs in his area and get them involved in a sport.
The last 15 years of Gene's life were enriched by the friendships with individuals with special needs and their parents and caregivers. When Gene found out he was unable to volunteer because of his illness, he told Jeannie, "I wanted to do more."

I will miss Gene tremendously! Gene has a wife, Jeannie, a son Joe, and an adopted daughter, Patty, who are in Slpecial Olympics.

sova5 > Doug lived at the Greenville Avenue Group Home. The only sport he really enjoyed participating in was bowling.

sova5 > Lisa Doyle died Sunday, February 17, 2008 at her home. Lisa and her husband Ricky were GREAT supporters of our local Special Olympics. For years, Lisa and Ricky lined up ALL of the entertainment for the Fall Fest and stayed up all night , both nights, to do security. Lisa loved the athletes. She was always making comments on what an inspiration they were to her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and her children....we know Lisa is in the best place ever!

sova5 > JC McGann lived at the Bonnie House with a wonderful family of friends. He loved bowling.

sova5 > Nathan Luke Counter went home to Heaven peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2006. He was born January 20, 1976 in Connecticut. Having always invested into life his very best, he fought a challenging illness with all his strength, right up to the finish line. Nathan graduated from Union-32 High School in East Montpelier, Vermont in 1997. He has been employed since that time at Vector Industries in Waynesboro. Since Nathan’s great love was for books and reading, he also became a Volunteer at the Staunton Public Library. He was an active participant in Special Olympics, winning medals in swimming, basketball, and bowling. Nathan was a member of Foursquare Gospel Church in Fishersville, as well as the Special Olympics Choir. He was dearly loved by all who knew him, warming hearts with his winning smile and his caring, thoughtful nature. Nathan Luke Counter leaves behind a legacy of caring deeply for his fellow man and family and a genuine heart of love for Jesus Christ, his Savior. He is now dancing with the Angels. Nathan was 30 years old.

sova5 > Gail Campbell
Gail passed away in January of 2005. She was 57 years old. Prior to living with the McDorman family in Waynesboro, Gail lived at Bonnie House in Stuarts Draft. She loved animals and children. She enjoyed making pot holders, watching the Discovery Health Channel and Animal Planet. Her favorite dessert ws a cone of buttercream ice cream! Gail also loved talking and visiting with her father and sister when she was able. We miss you Gail!

sova5 > Mark Howdyshell lived at Fidura Home in Staunton. Mark participated in bowling and the choir. He was also a very special friend to the people of ARC. Many years ago, Mark bagged groceries at one of the stores in Staunton. He also had a special love for the police.

Shirley Roberson died Saturday July 11th after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 65 years old. Shirley found a loving sponsored placement home with James and Sherry Shiflett-whom she called her mom and dad. They stayed by Shirley's side all the way to the end. She couldn't have found a better "home" to spend the rest of her life. Her favorite sports in Special Olympics were bowling and bocce.