Rissie Dunford

Rissie (Elizabeth) Wellman Dunford, age 91, of Bluefield, passed away peacefully at Glenwood Park Nursing Facility on Thursday, August 31st, 2023.  

Rissie was born on December 7, 1931 in McComas, WV. She was the daughter of the late Virgil and Bessie Wellman. Rissie was a devout Christian and most recently attended Deliverance Temple Church in Brushfork, WV.   She blessed many through her years of singing in various groups.  Aside from her various church activities and singing groups, Rissie also enjoyed in past years local women’s social activities and watching professional baseball on tv.  Rissie also worked at Maidenform in Princeton, WV.  She was married to her husband Don Dunford for 56 years prior to his death and had missed him greatly since his passing.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Donald Dunford; Brother, Burl Wellman; and Sister, Joyce Devor.  

Survivors include:

Sister: Ellie (and husband William) Polce of Asheville, NC

Brothers:  W.D. (and wife Louvina) Wellman of Green Valley, WV;  Larry (and wife Diane) Wellman of Green Valley, WV; Bobby (and wife Barbara) Wellman of Bluewell, WV; Ronnie (and wife Sandra) Wellman of Spanishburg, WV; and Charles (and wife Bonnie) Wellman of Bluefield, VA.  

Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews Caregivers that cared for her many years in her home

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 9:00 AM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV (Bluewell) with Pastor David Kirby officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Princeton, WV. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Friends may call from 8:00 – 9:00 AM prior to the funeral service.

The family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Glenwood Park Nursing Facility and Amedisys Hospice of Bluefield for the loving care she received.