Tributes

Spc. Julian Lee Guthrie Berisford; Loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother and Proud American Soldier of Benwood, WV, formerly of Moundsville died a Hero on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in Pakitika Province, Afghanistan while proudly defending his country. He was born June 13, 1984 in Wheeling, WV, son of Shelley Guthrie, of Moundsville, and Jule Berisford, also of Moundsville. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 2002; attended West Liberty State College; PIA of Pittsburgh; and enlisted in the US Army in 2007. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. He was deployed to Afghanistan in March of 2009 and was serving on his 1st Tour of Duty. Julian enjoyed fishing and hunting, and most of all spending time with his family & friends .He was a huge Mountaineer Fan; an amateur guitarist; and he loved listening to music, especially The Beatles. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Moundsville. Julian was a friend to everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John “Ed” and Phyllis “Boots” Glendenning Guthrie; and an uncle, Scott E. Guthrie; and his paternal grandfather, Junior Berisford. In addition to his parents, survivors include his Loving, Dedicated wife, and soul mate, Gina Marie Yankovich Berisford, who he married on December 31, 2007; and their beautiful baby girl, Mya Jean Berisford; who he adored; both were the love of his life. Also surviving are his aunt and uncle, Kelly and Randy Foster of Benwood; who loved him as their son; a cousin, Randi Jo Chavanak, who loved him as her brother, her husband; Rob, and their daughter, Gracen Marie, all of Benwood; his mother in law, Susan Ventura of Washington, PA; his father-in-law, Mike Yankovich and his wife, Christy of Washington, PA; a brother-in-law, John Yankovich and his wife, Amanda of West Alexander, PA, his father’s wife, Jill Berisford of Moundsville; paternal grandmother, Norma Carroll of Moundsville; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends including his best friends, Michael Baker of Moundsville, Eric Buzzard of McMechen; and friend and comrade, Spc. Jordan Martinez currently stationed in Anchorage Alaska. Family will receive friends on Saturday from 6-9pm and on Sunday from 12-3 and 6-9pm at the Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, 400 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville where funeral services and “A Celebration of His Life” will be held on Monday at 11:00am with Pastor Rob Berk officiating. Interment will be held on “their private family lot” on Fisher’s Lane, Benwood where full Military Graveside Honors will be conducted by the US Army. Memorial contributions may be made in Memory of Julian, for their daughter, Mya Jean Berisford, c/o Marshall County FCU, 910 Third St., Moundsville, WV 26041.

Tributes

Berisford, Julian Lee Guthrie

November 4, 2009