PORTSMOUTH - Catherine Isabel Bazemore, 88, died Feb.7, 2009, in Lynchburg. She was the wife of the late George William Bazemore.
Isabel was born July 15, 1920, in Portsmouth, the daughter of the late Daniel Edward Suter and Dora Mise Suter. She was retired from the Naval Electronic Command and was an active member of Cradock United Methodist Church. She also was Past Worthy Matron of Victory Chapter No. 16 OES and was a member of the Cradock Women's Club and the Pilot Club. She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Chilton and her husband Tom of Lynchburg and Patricia Niesen and her husband Roger of Portsmouth; her son, Bill Bazemore and his wife Diane of Orange Park, Fla.; eight grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren, and four great- great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday and all other times at 475 Water St., Apt. No. 205. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. in Cradock United Methodist Church with the Rev. Frances Craig officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make memorial donations to the Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 22712 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or to the Cradock United Methodist Church, 24 Channing Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23702. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
 

HAMPTON -"Mother ~No friend so near to me, no comrade so true, no pal half so dear to me ~ Mother, as you ~ No love half so sweet to me, no heart so fine as the love and the heart of you ~ Mother O' Mine!" Elaine Weller Belding began her long journey in Plankinton, South Dakota on March 14, 1915. The daughter of the late Leroy and Edith Weller, she attended Dakota Wesleyan College and taught elementary school for five years prior to marrying Dean Belding, whom she had know since the first grade. As newlyweds, they moved to Virginia where Dean had the promise of a job in Portsmouth. Together, they raised three children and built a life together that lasted 57 years. She read nursery rhymes, played games and sang funky little songs to her children. Elaine loved music and had a sweet alto voice, which she lent to several church choirs. She was an avid reader and instilled in her children a lifelong love of books and reading. She was a loving wife, a devoted and proud mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. When her children were older, Elaine returned to work as a special education teacher eventually retiring from the Chesapeake Public School system. Always interested in learning something new, willing to meet new people and experience new possibilities, Elaine moved to the retirement community of Warwick Forest in 1999 after her husband's death. She joined Warwick Memorial Methodist Church and the Ardelle Lett Circle and formed many new friendships while living on the Peninsula. Even as her health slipped away she was looking forward to the celebration of her 94th birthday and the beginning of the summer concerts at Fort Monroe. Her journey finally ended on January 29, 2009. We know that she has reunited with her dear husband, Dean and her darling daughter, Susan Saunders and that they are enjoying a good hot cup of coffee and a funny joke. The family extends a special "thanks" to the kindness and tender care given by the doctors, nurses and staff who kept her going in the face of numerous health challenges. She will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind ~ her daughter, Karen Belding of Hampton; son, Jon Belding and his wife, Yvonne; granddaughter, Laurie Metzger and her husband, Rob; grandson Todd Belding; and great-granddaughter, Madison Metzger, all of Portsmouth. If you so desire, in lieu of flowers you may remember Elaine with a donation to your local Food Bank, the American Cancer Society, 11835 Canon Blvd., Ste.A-102, Newport News, VA 23606 or the National Kidney Foundation, NKF of the Virginias, Inc., 1742 E Parham Rd, Richmond, VA 23228. Arrangements are under the care of W. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home. Interment will be held at 11 AM, Friday, February 20 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 3920 Airline Blvd., Chesapeake, VA. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 22 at 3:30 PM at Burton Hall, Warwick Forest Retirement Community, 1004 Old Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, Va. 23602 View an online tribute and post condolences on our online guestbook at Legacy.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Ester Massey Brantley, 89, died Feb. 13, 2009, in Suffolk. A native of Nash County, North Carolina, she was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church and its Ruth Sunday School Class. She cherished her church family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jarvis L. Brantley and 12 brothers and sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Patsy Golden and husband John of Suffolk; two sons, Carroll Brantley and wife Jean and Duke Brantley and wife Betty, all of Chesapeake; a special sister, Gladys Setliff of Chesapeake; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. T.M. Frye. Burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Drs. Thomas Harrington and Robert Accettola and their staffs for all of their care and assistance. We also wish to thank all the staff at Bon Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PENSACOLA - Myrle W. Yaun, 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jan. 29, 2009. Myrle was born in Branchville, S.C., (Orangeburg County), and had resided in Pensacola since April 1985. She was a charter and active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and Hope Circle of United Methodist Women and a member of Victory Chapter No. 16, Order of Eastern Star, Chesapeake, and Past Matron. She was a past member of Branchville U.M. Church, Branchville, S.C., Asbury U.M. Church, Charleston, S.C., Cradock U.M. Church, Portsmouth, Baylake U.M. Church, Virginia Beach.She was past president of South Carolina Conference Young Adult Fellowship and an organizer of Marable Young Adult Class, Cradock U.M. Church. She was active in her community PTA and Band Parents, Scouts, Red Cross volunteer and church activities. Her hobbies included cooking, gardening and sewing.She was preceded in death by her parents, Dove Lee and Eugenia Thompson Westbury; her husband, William Warren Yaun Sr.; two brothers, Donald and D.C. Westbury; a sister, Carrie W. Russell; daughter-in-law, Helen Tew Yaun. Myrle is survived by her son, retired Col. William Warren Yaun Jr. and wife Darla of Alexandria, Va.; a daughter, Joan W. Bamette, Smithfield, Va.; sisters, Elizabeth W. McInnes of Charleston, S.C., Annelle W. Rickenbaker of Orangeburg, S.C., Mildred W. Baker of Harleyville, S.C.; six grandchildren: Teresa Y. Taylor of Matthews, N.C., Sharon Y. Tiller of London, Ky., William Warren Yaun III of Oak Ridge, Tenn., Tamara R. Munford of Ivor, Va., Cynthia B. Weger of Fairfax, Va., and Thomas Bamette of Smithfield; 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. On Wednesday at 11 a.m., a memorial service will be held in Branchville United Methodist Church, Branchville, S.C., followed by burial in Sardis U.M. Church Cemetery, Branchville. Ott Funeral Home, Branchville, is serving the family. A memorial service was held in St. Luke U.M. Church at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. Rose Lawn Funeral Home served the family in Pensacola, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke U.M. Church Bldg. Fund (for a Family Center); or Coventry Hospice, Pensacola, Fla.; or Branchville U.M. Church, Branchville, SC 29432; or your favorite charity.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Carl M. Rose, 94, departed this life peacefully on Feb. 19, 2009. Mr. Rose was born Feb. 4, 1915 in Hyde County, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Jeptha and Armeda Sadler Rose. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Edna Smith Rose of Hertford, N.C.; sisters, Janie Mae Deal of Portsmouth, Willie Bell Rose of Hyde County; and a brother, William Facitt Rose of Princess Anne County. Mr. Rose was raised on a farm in Princess Anne County. He was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth. He co-owned and operated Turntable Grocery in Cradock for 18 years. He later retired from Yorktown Naval Weapons Station after 20 years of service. Mrs. Rose's agricultural youth led him to his gardening activities during his retirement. He truly loved working in the field and sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He cultivated and distributed a variety of fresh vegetables, but was most proud of his "collard patch" through which he acquired many new friends and acquaintances. Those he loved and left behind are his sons, Carlton J. Rose and his wife Mary Sawyer Rose of Portsmouth, Dannie C. Rose of Portsmouth, Donnie M. Rose of Suffolk; grandchildren, Carol Rose Whitehurst and husband David of Virginia Beach, Carlton J. Rose Jr. and his wife Kathy of Monroe, Mich., Christine Rose Worrell and her husband Bobby of Portsmouth, Dawn Rose Provost and her husband Leonard of Suffolk, Sam Rose and his wife Tasha of Newport News, Adam Rose of Newport News, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of loving relatives and friends. Mr. Rose was an active member of Alliance Church in Portsmouth. He was a member of the senior men's Sunday school class as well. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a kind and loving father, and a true friend to others. Family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, 5201 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth. A celebration of Mr. Rose's life will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Alliance Church, the Rev. Palmer L. Zerbe presiding. Burial next to his beloved wife Edna in Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Alliance Church, 5809 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

VIRGINIA BEACH - Nancy Wright Parker, 61, of the 300 block of Arctic Crescent, died Feb. 27, 2009, from lung disease complications. Born in Portsmouth, Oct. 13, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Ebram Byrd Wright Sr. and Mamie Lee Wright. She was in the first graduation class of John Yeates High School in 1966, Driver, Va. She was an administrative assistant for Public Works at Norfolk Naval Shipyard until retirement in 1991. Her first love was horses but not to be surpassed by beachgoing and photography. Playing paddle ball with her husband, Dennis, was a favorite past time during the summer until she could no longer be in the sun. She was a lifelong Southern Baptist and loved to sing the old gospel songs. She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Dennis A. Parker; three brothers, E.B. Wright Jr. of Portsmouth, Edward S. Wright Sr. and his wife Beverly of Chesapeake and Ronald Lee Wright Sr. of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; six nephews, one niece, four great-nephews and four great-nieces. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Greg Brenson. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the National Jewish Medical Research Center, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

Joseph P. Morgan III NORFOLK - Joseph P. "Joey" Morgan III, born Oct. 9, 1970, to Joseph and Anna Morgan, departed to eternal life unexpectedly March 3, 2009, in the arms of his loving brother. A native of Portsmouth, he attended Cradock High School until he was involved in an automobile accident in 1988. After being hospitalized for a year and home schooled, he returned to school and graduated from Manor High. Although he was locked in a body that wouldn't respond, Joey never gave up hope that he would one day walk again. He was an inspiration to all who met him and loved sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, and shopping online. We never knew what we would find in his mailbox. UPS and FedEx knew him well. Joey was predeceased by his father, Joseph P. Morgan Jr. He is survived by his mother, Anna Kimble Morgan; his brother, best friend and caregiver, Herbert K. Morgan; sister-in-law, Nichole Morgan; and nephews, Jacob and Jackson Morgan. A graveside service will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in Olive Branch Cemetery by Pastor Tim Robertson. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, today from 7 to 8 p.m. Joey is no longer trapped in his body, but is now walking and talking with his Dad. Joey is free at last. Rest in peace. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Charles Lee Tartte, 77, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2009. He was a native of Irwin, N.C., and a Coast Guard veteran. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Minnie and Charles Tartte and his sister, Bobbie Thompson. He is survived by his sister, Brenda Gould and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk. The family will receive friends in the Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, today from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be made atwww.lovingfuneralhome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Evelyn Matthews Prince, 89, passed away peacefully March 13, 2009, in her home. She was a native of Gates County, North Carolina, and a daughter of the late John and Donnie Matthews. She was a member of Cradock Baptist Church for more than 59 years, WMU, Gleaners Sunday school class, the Road Runners, and the Beazley Senior Citizens. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl R. Prince; two sisters, Hazel Parker and Lucille Burton; and two brothers, Kermit and Alton Matthews. She is survived by her daughter, Kay Prince Sykes of Chesapeake; a son, Wayne Prince and wife Carole of Suffolk; two sisters, Etheleen Ward and husband Walter of Chesapeake and Virginia Dare Matthews of Suffolk; six grandchildren, Scott Holland, Laurel Andrews and husband Ryan, Barry Sykes, Monte Sykes and wife Yai, Christopher Prince and wife Maggie, Kimberly Sykes; and 10 great- grandchildren, Caroline, Savannah and Noel Holland, Kelcey, Caelyn, Faith, Mattie Grace and Brayden Andrews and Chloe and Luke Prince. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today in Cradock Baptist Church by the Rev. Rob Edwards and Pastor Jim Woodland. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family received friends in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to Cradock Baptist Church. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

PORTSMOUTH - William Atkinson Anderton, 80, of Leavell Road, died March 21, 2009, in a Suffolk nursing home. A native of Emporia, he was predeceased by his parents, William and Clyde Anderton and his in-laws, William and Nellie Stephens. Mr. Anderton was a retired salesman, having worked for several freight companies. He was a charter member of the Ambassador Club and Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club, was a former Mason, and an Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Terry J. Anderton; sister, Frances Forrest; brother, Gene Holland and wife Pat; sister-in-law, Shirley T. Kelly; seven nieces, Pamela Kuntz, Erin Cullers, Cindy Ranallo, Jeanne Anderton, J. Denise Didio, Beth Gardner and Linda Anderton; two nephews, G.H. Anderton Jr. and James J. Kelly Jr.; and 23 great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Gene Primm. A visitation with family and friends will be at the funeral home the hour before the service. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

Marjorie Ruth Cunningham, 90, of Sun City Center, passed peacefully in Sun City Center on March 4, 2009. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, March 16, 1918 and retired as a bookkeeper with the U.S. Navy in resales in Portsmouth, VA. She was a member of Ruskin Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge of South Hillsborough, VFW, Ladies’ Auxiliary of VFW, NE REA and MOAA. She enjoyed travel, cruises, music, dancing, entertaining, sewing and crafts. She is preceded in death by her husband, William G. Cunningham, U.S. Navy, Arlington National Cemetery; and a son, William E. Cunningham. Survivors include her daughter, Yvonne C. Olsen (Melvin); daughter-in-law, Patricia Cunningham; five grand­children, Eric, Bryan, Mark, Amy, Christopher; and four great grandchildren, Gweniviere, Gabrielle, Gavin and Caleb. Those who wish may make contributions in Marjie’s memory to: Elks of South Hillsborough #2672, P.O. Box 1209, Ruskin, FL 33575. She will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Lewers Funeral Home.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Terry Jean "PeeWee" Anderton, 80, died March 24, 2009, in a Portsmouth hospital. A native of Dunn, N.C., she was predeceased by her husband, William A. Anderton; parents, William and Nellie Stephens; and in-laws, William and Clyde Anderton. Mrs. Anderton was a retired office manager with AT&T, loved the beach and was an avid reader. Survivors include one sister, Shirley T. Kelly; nieces and nephews, Michael Schrammel, Pamela Kuntz and husband Gene, Erin Cullers and husband Arthur and James J. Kelly Jr. and wife Eva; great-niece and great-nephews, Brooke, Jacob and Jimmy; nieces and nephews, Cindy Ranallo, Jeanne Anderton, J. Denise Didio, Beth Gardner, Linda Anderton and G.H. Anderton Jr.; sister-in-law, Frances Forrest; and brother-in-law, Gene Holland Anderton and wife Pat. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Gene Primm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com. 
 

PORTSMOUTH - Maudie Faye, 86, went to be with the Lord March 23, 2009. She was born April 3, 1923, to the late Reid Sexton and Mary Sexton formerly of Marion, Va. She had been a member of the Portsmouth First Pentecostal Holiness Church for more than 60 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Faye. Left to cherish her memory are a daughter, Eileen Starling of Florida; a son, Robert R. Faye and wife Nancy of Chesapeake; a stepdaughter, Jeannie Booth of Jackson, Miss.; a sister, Florence Funk and husband Wayne of Marion, Va.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Portsmouth First Pentecostal Holiness Church by Pastor Don Caskie and Pastor Nelson Fields. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, today from 6 to 8 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

SUFFOLK - Lucia P. "Lucy" Bastinelli, 88, formerly of Portsmouth, went home to be with the Lord March 26, 2009. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:28). She was a native of Newport, R.I., born the daughter of the late Leonardo and Theresa Pignatelli. She was predeceased by her husband, Alfred Bastinelli Sr. Lucy retired after 20 years as a school crossing guard for the Portsmouth Police Department. She was a member of Open Door Church and a former member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bowers Hill. Lucy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Ben Chappell of Suffolk; sons and daughters-in-law, Al Bastinelli Jr. and Sue of Honey Grove, Texas, Peter and Susan Bastinelli of Norfolk; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Alexandrina Impellitteri of Middletown, R.I.; numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, with the Rev. Tony Peaks and the Rev. Dr. Jim Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may join the family Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the funeral home and other times at the Chappell residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Blessing, CBN Center, 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463 or the Mid-Atlantic Teen Challenge, 9296 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23607. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Elizabeth Lunette Bragg Smith, 92, passed away March 27, 2009. A native of Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Mamie and Robert Bragg. She was also predeceased by her husband, James Allen Smith; son, James Thomas Smith; two brothers and one sister. She was a bus driver for Norfolk County and the City of Chesapeake as well as an avid duckpin bowler. Elizabeth was a member of Grace Bible Church. She was a former member of Taylor Road Baptist Church and Believer's Church where she sang in the choir. She is survived by her son, Robert Smith of Suffolk; two grand-children, Troy Rapoport and her husband Steven of Suffolk and Michael Smith and his wife Sharolyn of Chesapeake; five great-grandchildren, Sam and Julia Rapoport and Jacob, Adam and Hannah Smith. A celebration of life service will be held in Grace Bible Church of Chesapeake, 4210 Dock Landing Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321, Tuesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Pete Lopresti officiating. A private burial will held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Friends may join the family in Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Rob's Drive, Suffolk, for visitation Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Suffolk Chapter, 604 Constance Woods Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Walter Brinton Moncrief, 78, passed away March 28, 2009. He was a native of Portsmouth and was the son of the late George and Margaret Moncrief. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Caffee Moncrief and a son, George Michael Moncrief. Survivors include his four sons, John Brinton Moncrief and wife Adele of Chesapeake, Walter David Moncrief and wife Melody of Jacksonville, Fla., Bruce Scott Moncrief and wife Susan of Roanoke, Va., and James Barry Moncrief and wife Becky of Jacksonville, Fla.; nine grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and longtime friend, Myra Creecy. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Olive Branch Cemetery by the Rev. Mitchell Harrison. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Albertine Turner Boush, 90, of the 500 block of Westmoreland Ave., died April 7, 2009, in a Portsmouth hospital. A native of Charleston, S.C., she had retired from the State Division of Forestry. Survivors include two daughters, Joan B. Guard and husband Carmon J. of Chesapeake and Verna Rae Zerkle and husband A. Fred of San Jacinto, Calif.; a brother, Rev. Raymond Turner and wife Betty Lou of Newport News; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Aldersgate United Methodist Church by the Rev. David R. Drinkard. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Emily Green Retirement Home. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on 4/9/2009
 

PORTSMOUTH - George Augustus Bonner Sr., 88, passed away April 10, 2009, in his residence. He was a native of Huntsville, Ala., and was a son of the late Rufus and Lillian Bonner. He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran holding the Silver and Bronze stars. He retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a general foreman in Shop No. 31, and was a member of Cradock Presbyterian Church where he held positions as the treasurer, a deacon and a trustee. He was a fellow member with the Portsmouth Moose Lodge No. 898 and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter No. 339. He was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn R. "Jean" Bonner. He is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca "Becky" Yaeckel of Portsmouth and Elizabeth "Betsy" Brown and husband Steven of Chesapeake; a son, George A. "Bud" Bonner Jr. and wife Laura Dunn of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren, Amy Geabhart, Jake Yaeckel and Wes Brown; two stepgrandchildren, James and Jennifer; three great-grandchildren, Shae, Seth and Luke; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Scott and Caitlin; and his dear friend, Bernice Deal. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Don McLean. Entombment will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Cradock Presbyterian Church. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on 4/11/2009
 

PORTSMOUTH - Gweneth I. Vick, 93, of the 500 block of Westmoreland Ave., died April 12, 2009. A native of Dinwiddie County, Petersburg, Virginia, she was the widow of Grady L. Vick. Survivors include a son, Patrick M. Horan and wife Deadri of Portsmouth; a stepson, Gary Vick and wife Allison of Mikado, Mich.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Biltmore Baptist Church by the Rev. T.M. Frye. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

PORTSMOUTH - James Wallace Allman, 91, of Warren Drive, died April 24, 2009, in his home. A native of Rowan County, North Carolina, he was predeceased by his wife, Fannie Viola Allman; a brother, Tommy Allman; and two sisters, Pauline Fisher and Jeannette Lee. Mr. Allman retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard Shop 31, Inside Machine Shop and was a member of Alexander Baptist Church and the Churchland Masonic Lodge No. 276. Survivors include five children, Judy Eanes of Piedmont, S.C., Linda West and husband Larry of Richmond, John W. Allman and wife Linda of Portsmouth, Trennie Grubbs and husband Charles of Suffolk and David Allman and wife Kathy of Portsmouth; six sisters, Bernice Benfield of Salisbury, N.C., Nell Robinson of Portsmouth, Brownie Brown of China Grove, N.C., Naomi Sides of Mebane, N.C., Jerrie Sides of Timberlake, N.C., and Darlene Cosner of Portsmouth; one brother, Samuel B. Allman Jr. of Rockwell, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Gene Primm. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 3 until 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bon Secours Hospice of Maryview. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com .
Published in The Virginian Pilot on 4/25/2009
 

CHESAPEAKE - Mildred Sawyer Hobbs, 85, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2009 in a local hospital. She was a native of South Mills, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Wannie and Elva Sawyer. She was a member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church and was predeceased by her husband, Weston Daniel Hobbs Sr.; and a daughter, Kay Frances Neal. She is survived by her two daughters, Shirley "Terry" Neal (Dee Remick) and Jackie Gasparini (Gene), all of Portsmouth; a brother, William Irvin Sawyer (Liz) of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Lynda Ward (Billy Ellsworth), Robert J. Lowe Jr. (Keely), Nicholas Gasparini and Daniel Gasparini; and three great-grandchildren, Ayden, Emma and Jackson Lowe. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens by the Rev. David Parker. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 6/6/2009
 

TOANO - Thelma New, a resident of Toano, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2009. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew, her daughter, Dorothy Hall, and her great-great- granddaughter, Madison McCaleb. Left to celebrate her memory are her son, James New and his wife Brenda, her daughters, Linda Holland and her husband Tony and Joy Sue Evans and her husband, Bobby; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and three and a half great-great-grandchildren. Thelma, a wonderful homemaker, was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg. A service will be held Monday, June 8, at 1 p.m. in Nelsen Funeral Home, followed by interment in Williamsburg Memorial Park. Online condolences may be registered at www.nelsencares.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 6/6/2009
 

SUFFOLK - Janet Pierce Eure, 76, died June 4, 2009, in Sentara Obici Hospital. Born in Windsor, Va., she was the daughter of Mary A. E. Pierce of Suffolk and the late Gibson J. Pierce and widow of James McDonald Eure. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Carolyn Pierce Godwin, Fannie Pierce Jubenville, Jerry Pierce Powell and her niece, Karen Linda Pierce. Janet began working in banking in 1963 with The Farmers Bank of Nansemond as secretary to the president, continuing on and retiring from SunTrust Bank in 1983 and Resource Bank in 1998. She was a member of Credit Women International, Suffolk chapter and held various offices at the local and state levels. A member of Providence United Methodist Church, Janet was a member of its United Methodist Women and served in many capacities on the Administrative Board. She was chairman of the last building addition program. Besides her mother, she is survived by her brother, R. Percy Pierce, his wife Josephine; sister, Barbara Pierce Piland, her husband Franklin; brother-in-law, Ben F. Powell; nephews, Richard P. Pierce Jr., Brian D. Powell, wife Kelly; nieces, Mona Piland Rawls, husband Steve, Wanda Pierce Prescott, husband Frank, Heather G. Gerni, husband Darren; great- nephews, Neil Shea, Zachary Pierce, Stephen Prescott; great- nieces, Carolyn Rawls, Gabrielle Rawls, Michelle Prescott, Meghan Powell, Amanda Dalton; great-great-niece, Zaylie Kitchen and numerous cousins. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. in R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory by the Rev. Lisa Blackmonson. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. Memorial donations may be made to Providence United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3109 Providence Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com. The family would like to thank the staff of the Lake Prince Retirement Community for taking care of Janet.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 6/6/2009
 

Portsmouth - Minnie Lipscomb Riley of Mayfair House, born March 22, 1917, and affectionately known by her family and friends as "Baba," departed this earth June 11, 2009, to be with her heavenly father; youngest son, Gregory L. "Rusty" Riley; husband, Edward W. "Bill" Riley Jr.; parents; two sisters; and two brothers. Minnie and her husband Bill ran Riley's Grocery Store on Elm Avenue in Parkview. When the store closed, she went to work for Portsmouth General Hospital emergency room billing department until her retirement.
She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth. "Baba" leaves to cherish her memory a son, Edward W. Riley "Pat" Riley III and wife Mary of Corolla, N.C.; a daughter, Dorothy R. "Mike" Taylor and husband Don of Chesapeake; four grandchildren, Michele (Bob) Graupmann and Todd Taylor of Chesapeake, and Sean (Kris) and Scott (Dianna) Taylor of Portsmouth; and 12 great-grandchildren, Mallory, Lauren, Jay, Collin, Corbin, Abbey, Ryan, Kirsten, Patrick, Shane, McKenzie and Ian. Baba, you were our rock and now have gone to heaven on the "wings of angels." There you will suffer no more.
We love you. At her request, she will be cremated and her ashes spread along with Bill and Rusty on the beaches of North Carolina. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church Sunday, June 14, at 4 p.m. Friends may join the family immediately following the service in the church social hall. Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. The family wishes to thank the staff of Mayfair House, and Mary from Heartland Hospice, for their wonderful care of our "Baba." Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is handling arrangements. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Cleon Taylor Hightower, 94, formerly of Amherst Drive, went to be with our Lord Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Maryview Nursing Center, Suffolk. She was born Jan. 22, 1915, in Warsaw, N.C., to the late Perry and Mary Lou Rivenbark, and retired after 31 years with Portsmouth Public Schools as the school dietician at Hodges Manor Elementary. Cleon was preceded in death by her first husband, Johnnie A. Taylor and Wallace Hightower, her second husband and four younger brothers. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Melva Jean Brantley and husband Carroll of Chesapeake; a brother, Edward Rivenbark of Newbern, N.C.; three grandchildren, Karen Scott and husband Christopher, Kevin Brantley, and Kelly Brewster and husband James; and four great-grandchildren, Lauren, Jacob, Justin and Jason; and two sisters. She was a charter member of Alexander Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. Many who knew her adopted her as their "Nana." A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Archie "Chip" Corbin. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. The family wishes to thank her doctors and the staff of Maryview Nursing Care Center for their care and devotion. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 6/28/2009
 

Portsmouth - Mamie Belle Farmer Maynard, 95, of the 100 block of Maupin Ave., passed away Saturday, July 11, 2009. She was a loving mother and grandmother and an excellent baker of pies, cakes and other desserts. Mamie was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph F. Maynard. She is survived by two sons, Ronald C. Maynard and Lance G. Maynard and wife Nary; a sister, Hilda Hines; two grandchildren, Lance G. "Rusty" Maynard and wife Melissa and Cheryl Ann Webb and husband Johnny; and three great-grandchildren, Brian and Sean Maynard and Trish Anne Webb. A funeral was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. T.M. Frye. Burial was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family received friends at the funeral home Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. and all other times at 3149 Reese Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23703. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Margaret Reid Burchett, 89, passed away at home July 18, 2009, while surrounded by her loving family and friends. She joined her beloved husband of 55 years, Dewey H. Burchett Sr. in their heavenly home. Born in Snowhill, N.C., on Dec. 2, 1919, she moved to Portsmouth in the early 1940s where she married and made a loving home for all who had the blessed experience of sharing life with her. She was a devout Christian and a member of West Park Church of Christ. She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Dewey H. Burchett Jr. (Naomi), Larry W. Burchett (Linda), Barbara L. Byrd (Joseph), Vickey B. Sumner (Bert), and Rosie B. Joyner (Joe); nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Dot Lightbody (Larry); and many very special nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the special people in her life she lovingly referred to as Aunt Effie's kids. Her door was always open. She became widely known for her "go further dishes" as her loving, generous heart believed there was "always room for one more." During her lifetime, she was an excellent cook and seamstress; she was a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher, PTA member, and an avid fan of her grandchildren's sporting events. Her greatest joy in life was sharing time with her family which included Sunday dinners, family trips, and nurturing the many children she cared for throughout her lifetime. Always known to put others first and herself last, her presence in our lives will be greatly missed. Through her family and friends, she left a legacy of love, memories and wisdom that have forever made our world a better place. Mama, Grandma, Meme, sister, aunt and friend...you will forever be in our hearts. A funeral will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in West Park Church of Christ, 936 Cherokee Road, Portsmouth, by Mr. Keith Lewis. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, today from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the church. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Hayes Louis Whiddon, 90, of the 100 block of Francis St., passed away Sunday, July 26, 2009, in his residence surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 25, 1918, in Donalsonville, Ga., to the late Jesse and Amanda Whiddon. Louis retired as a pipe coverer and insulator supervisor at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 30 years of service. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 69 years, Wyolene Whiddon; a daughter, Janice Piquette; three sons, Louis Jr. and wife Elaine, James and wife Brenda and Robert and wife Crystal; a brother, Claude Ray Whiddon; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Greg Brinson. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pinecrest Baptist Church. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

NORFOLK - Ronald Lynn "Ron" Light, 60, passed away Aug. 12, 2009, in his home. A native of Virginia Beach, he was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam. He was predeceased by his mother, Annie Joynes. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Ann Light; his father, Robert E. Light of Chesapeake; a stepson, Michael P. Gaffney of Pittsburgh; three brothers, Robert E. Light Jr., Daniel T. Light and Phillip W. Light; and three stepgrandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Indian River Chapel, with the Rev. Ernest L. Trueblood officiating. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com
 

Dr. James Judson Booker III, 68, of Wytheville, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2009. He was the son of the late James J. Booker Jr. and Margaret James Booker. He graduated from Deep Creek High School, received his undergraduate education at the University of Richmond with a BS in Chemistry, his medical degree from the University of Virginia, and finished his residency at Norfolk General Hospital. From 1970-1972 he served in the United States Air Force at the USAF Wildwood Dispensary in Kenai, Alaska, attaining the rank of Major. He started his private practice in Wytheville, Va. in 1973. He held numerous positions in the community, including Chief of Staff at WCCH, Chairman of the Board of Directors at WCCH, member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Chairman of the Carilion Advisory Committee, Member of the Board of Directors for Carilion Medical Group, Member of the Board for the Wythe-Bland Community Foundation, and member of the Board of Directors at First Century Bank. He was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. He had a special interest in agriculture, owning a successful livestock operation for many years, and more recently developing an interest in the American Holly Tree. In 2006 he cofounded Wythe Innovations, a shop offering specialized landscaping, construction, and horticultural services. He is the author of a newly-released book taking a light-hearted look at the practice of medicine, and the humanity and humor inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. He is survived by his wife, Miriam Booker, of Wytheville; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Tom Sproule, of Radford; son and daughter-in-law, James Judson, IV and Cristina Booker, of Winter Haven, Fla.; sister, Elizabeth Booker Wilson, of Richmond; grandchildren, Thor Sproule, Mason Sproule, Madeline Booker; nephew, David Wilson, of Bethesda, Md. Celebration of life will be Sunday 2 p.m. at the St. John's Episcopal Church conducted by the Rev. David Rose. Visitation for patients, friends, and family will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Booker at 3205 W. Ridge Rd., Wytheville, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall St., 19th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10005; (800)533-2873 or to the Dr. J.J. Booker III Scholarship Fund c/o Wytheville Community College Educational Fund, 1000 E. Main St., Wytheville, Va., 24382. Arrangements by Grubb Funeral Home.

Published in the Roanoke Times

PORTSMOUTH - Willie F. Dail, 89, of Portsmouth, went to be with the Lord Friday, Sept. 11, 2009. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, V. Kathryn Dail. Surviving are his daughter, Robyn A. Dail; a son and daughter-in-law, Paul W. and Toni N. Dail; and a sister, Lucy Dail Fulger. Mr. Dail was a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired planner at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He served for 53 years as a Sunday school teacher at Fairview Heights Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Fairview Heights Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Ozell Whitaker Faulkenberry, 90, formerly of the 4900 block of Portsmouth Blvd., went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, while surrounded by her family and friends. She was born March 15, 1919, in Ellijay, Ga., to the late Frank and Myrtle Whitaker. Ozell was a member of the Red Hat Society, and was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Columbus J. Faulkenberry; a sister, Betty Whitaker; and two brothers, F.C. and Buford Whitaker. Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Frankie Hope Pelton and Susan Joy Dunlow and husband Willie; four grandchildren, Willie A. Dunlow Jr. and wife Heather, Christie H. Boyd and husband Michael, Rebecca Towe and husband Phil, and Chad D. Dunlow and wife Tara; and seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, Michael, Paige, Kathryn, Hailey and Madison. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Mausoleum Chapel at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, by the Rev. Gary Vaughan. The family will receive friends in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, today from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
 

VIRGINIA BEACH - Sylvia Feldman Zucker passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 2, 1917 to the late Sarah and Sam Feldman. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Max and her two brothers, Andy Farrell and Sidney Feldman. Mrs. Zucker's life work was guided by her desire to expose special children to learning and working situations to develop each individual to its fullest potential. In 1961, she was hired as executive director of the Peninsula Association for Retarded Citizens. She began with a fundraising Hope Fund of 16 cents from her own pocket. With hard work, state and federal grants and civic groups and private donations she built the Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Regional Center. Through her acquaintance with the family of Chester Carlson, inventor of Xerox, she raised the funds to begin construction of the facility which housed a preschool, vocational center, residential cottages and summer camp. This campus was a memorial dedicated to Mrs. Doriss Carlson's mother, Sarah Bonwell Hudgins. In addition, Mrs. Zucker was fortunate to have board members who were dedicated and supported her every endeavor. Upon her retirement in 1978, the Administration Building was named in her honor. Mrs. Zucker is survived by a daughter, Pearl Taylor and her husband Richard and a son, Roy Zucker; four grandchildren, Shawn Taylor Zelman and her husband Jeff, Stephanie Lichty and her husband Jeff, Jason and Lauren Zucker; seven great- grandchildren, Jay, Abby, Molly and Joshua Lichty and Taylor, Sawyer and Skylar Zelman. The funeral will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Chevra Thilim Cemetery on George Washington Highway and Frederick Boulevard officiated by Rabbi Michael Panitz. The family will have the Meal of Consolation at the home of Stephanie and Jeff Lichty, 2537 Nestlebrook Trail, Virginia Beach. Shiva will be observed at the home of Pearl and Richard Taylor, 2834 Loveliness Court, Virginia Beach, Wednesday evening, Thursday and Friday. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Foundation, 1 Singleton Drive, Hampton, VA 23666 or Temple Israel, 7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505. Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyer.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Yvonne P. Ellington, 93, died Friday in Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. She was born in North Carolina to the late Edgar and Rosa Green Powell. Yvonne was a longtime resident of Portsmouth and a member of Esther Chapter No. 37 Order of the Eastern Star since 1949. She was a faithful member of Cradock United Methodist Church. Mrs. Ellington is survived by a son, Wayland Ellington Jr. and his wife Dr. Beverly Ellington; a granddaughter, Sara Ellington, all of Phelps, N.Y.; two nieces, Ruby Gentry and her husband the Rev. Dr. Jack Gentry of Winston- Salem, N.C., and Jean Swanson of Baskinridge, N.J.; two nephews, Dr. Edgar Hickman and his wife Junie of Columbia, S.C., and Thomas Hickman and his wife Karen of Rock Hill, S.C. A funeral and Eastern Star service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Jack Gentry and the Rev. Joanne Swanson Henley will be officiating. Friends are welcomed to come to the funeral home today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for viewing; the family will not be present. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eastern Star Home, 4101 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com
 

SUFFOLK - Charles Stephen "Charlie" Sullivan, 62, of Bennett's Pasture Road, died Oct. 24, 2009, after a brief illness. Charlie is survived by his adored wife and soul mate of 36 years, Margaret D. "Peggy" Sullivan. He leaves two beloved children: a son, Matthew P. Sullivan and a daughter, Amanda E. Sullivan; a cherished granddaughter, Adriana, whom he affectionately called his "sweet baboo;" and a brother, Mark, of Hallowell, Maine. First and foremost a dedicated family man, Charlie devoted his life to building a safe and nurturing environment for those he loved. A devout congregant of St. Therese's Parish and a tireless volunteer for charities and youth sports organizations, Charlie's enthusiasm and loyalty touched the lives of all who knew him. A Portsmouth native, Charlie was the son of the late Charles A. and Mildred D. Sullivan. A 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, as captain of the debate team he led the school to a state championship. In 2003, he retired as an information technology specialist at SUPSHIP/NAVSEA Portsmouth after 38 years of federal service. Charlie was Past Exalted Ruler and Lodge Secretary of BPO Elks No.82 and Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 418. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by the Rev. James Gordon at 7 p.m. Wednesday in St. Therese's Catholic Church. A reception will follow in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maison Fortune Orphanage in Hinche, Haiti in care of St. Therese's Church, 4137 Portsmouth Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23321 or to a charity of choice. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is assisting the family. "God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful. He always takes the best." (traditional Irish prayer)

Chesapeake - Rosemary Ballard Crouch, 86, of the 4100 block of Dock Landing Road, passed away Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 in her residence. Born Feb. 16, 1923 in Athens, W.Va., Rosemary was a member of Alexander Baptist Church and retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after many years of service. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph N. Crouch. She is survived by a daughter, Cheryl A. Crouch Lungren; two sons, Niles M. Crouch and wife Margaret and Patrick L. Crouch and wife Deborah; three grandchildren, Kimberly M. Crouch, Elliott N. Crouch and Ariel L. Crouch; and two great-grandchildren, Anne and Parker. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Gene Primm. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society

Rush Taylor Allison PORTSMOUTH - Rush Taylor Allison, 98, of E. Pollux Circle, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2009. He was a native of Saltville, Va., a retired electrician from Norfolk Naval Shipyard and a member of Central Baptist Church. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine Mills Allison; a son, David T. Allison; and a sister, Dauskey Wilson. He is survived by two sons, F. Wayne Allison and Curtis Ray Allison, both of Portsmouth; one sister, Ruby Rodgers of Chesapeake; one brother, Otis Allison of Litz, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great- grandchildren. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, in Greenlawn Memorial Mausoleum Chapel by the Rev. Gary W. Harley. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to say a special thanks to Maryview Nursing Care Center, Bon Secours Hospice and Emanuel Pentacostal Holiness Church in Dry Fork, Va. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 12/7/2009
 

PORTSMOUTH - Dorsey Robert Slaughter, born Aug. 25, 1911, died Dec. 29, 2009. He was a native of Person County (Roxboro), North Carolina, the son of the late Samuel Newton and Martha Leah Chandler Slaughter and preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years and one month, Pattie Lucretia Bullock Slaughter, and his son, Robert Gene Slaughter, retired U.S. Army major. Mr. Slaughter retired as a machinist from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after having worked for Gary Steel, Bemis Bag Company and the Navy Yard during World War II. Born into a large family and living longer than any other member of his family as far back as recorded (1732), he enjoyed guitar music, gospel songs, photography, writing, camping out during his retirement years with his wife and grandchildren and also traveling from coast to coast marveling at the beauty and wonder of God's Creation. After the death of his beloved wife, Pattie, he moved to Currituck, N.C., to reside with his son and daughter-in-law having made Portsmouth their home for more than 60 years. Mr. Slaughter was a member of Alexander Baptist Church in Chesapeake and a former member of Highland Baptist in Portsmouth and Tabernacle Baptist in Norfolk. Throughout his many years since becoming a Christian on April 27, 1944, he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, director for the Brotherhood/Baptist Men's Association, and was involved in other missionary and evangelistic endeavors including conducting services in the Norfolk and Portsmouth Jails, the Union Mission (Norfolk). He was a member of the Gideons International, attended Norfolk School of the Bible. While serving under the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, he traveled with other Baptist men to the Midwest to teach and work on the Indian reservations. Family members left to cherish and honor his memory are his son, retired U.S. Army Major Samuel Ray Slaughter and his wife Carolyn Hall Slaughter and their children, Debra Carrier and her son, U.S. Army CW3 David Carrier (wife Angelique), Timothy and his daughter, Savannah, and Anthony, all residing in Tampa, Fla.; his daughter-in-law, Catherine Hope Saunders Slaughter, widow of Robert Gene, and their four children, Robert "Rob" Slaughter II, Linwood, and his children Stephen, Sterling and Stephanie Abate and her husband Walter and their two children, Stacey and Tyler, Kenneth Dorsey Slaughter (wife Beth Smith Slaughter) and his children, U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Slaughter, Jennifer, Elizabeth "Lizzy" and James Robert, and Jonathan Hope Slaughter and his wife Donna Stegner Slaughter and their son, Jordan; also one brother, Buryl Lloyd Slaughter of New Bern, N.C.; and one sister-in-law, Minnie Bullock Turner of Tarboro, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. George R. Presson and the Rev. Frank Thigpen. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior the service. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all other healthcare professionals for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorsey's memory to the Alexander Baptist Church Building Fund, 4316 Pamela Court, Chesapeake VA 23321 or to The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis at www.coalitionforpf.org. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Charles R. Shires, 48, died Jan. 9, 2010, in a Portsmouth hospital. Survivors include one son, Nathan Shires of Baton Rouge, La.; parents, Charles and Judy Shires of Chesapeake; one sister, Linda Farlow and husband Jeff of Chesapeake; two brothers, Ralph Baker of Smithfield and Bobby Baker of Chesapeake; several nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. in Greenlawn Mausoleum Chapel. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is handling arrangements. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

PORTSMOUTH - Maggie W. Justice, 89, of the 400 block of Beacon Road, died Jan. 12, 2010 in her home. She was predeceased by her husband, Garfield Justice Sr. and a son, Keith Justice. Mrs. Justice was a member of Portsmouth First Pentecostal Holiness Church, attended Living Waters Christian Fellowship, Chesapeake, and was a member of the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. She was well known for her excellent cooking, sewing, drawing and quilting. Survivors include one daughter, Janet Salas and husband Robert of Suffolk; two sons, Garfield Justice Jr. and wife Priscilla and Jason Justice and wife Carla, all of Portsmouth; one sister, Josie Gresham of Clinton, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Valericia Justice of Portsmouth; seven grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and two great- great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held Friday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. in Living Waters Christian Fellowship by the Rev. Nelson F. Fields. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, today from 6 to 8 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Brenda Gayle Eaton Cahoon, 61, passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in a local hospital. She was a native of Portsmouth and the daughter of the late Joe and Margaret Munds Eaton. She was a member of Highland Biltmore Baptist Church and was predeceased by a son, Freddie A. Cahoon II. She is survived by her husband, Freddie A. Cahoon; two daughters, Brandi Howerton and husband Kenneth and Allison Sands and husband Brian; three sisters, Frances Baucom and husband Tony, Marilyn Culbreth and Sandra Allen; two brothers, Albert Eaton and wife Debbie and Jerry Eaton; 10 grandchildren, Timothy, Morgan, Hannah, Kaleigh, Kenneth, Maggie, Nathan, Daniel, Emma and Matthew. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. T.M. Frye. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Thomas Hawkins Acra Jr., 74, of the 1500 block of Myrtle Ave., passed away Jan. 24, 2010 in Chesapeake. A native of Chesapeake, he was the son of the late Thomas Acra Sr. and Elizabeth Stevenson Acra. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired as a computer technician with Unisys and was a member of Rosemont Christian Church. He is survived by his wife, Bernice F. Acra; a daughter, Virginia Acra Arrington and her husband Robert of Moyock, N.C.; two brothers, Robert S. Acra Sr. and William B. Acra, both of Chesapeake; a brother-in-law, Robert E. Fisk; two stepgrandchildren, Nicole Zaletel and Bobby Arrington Jr.; two stepgreat- grandchildren, Gavin and Steven Joseph; several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St., Norfolk. Graham Funeral Home, Greenbrier Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Allzwell Assisted Living, 130 Great Bridge Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320. Please share a memory with the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.com.
 

VIRGINIA BEACH - Naomi Pritchard Sawyer, 91, left this earthly plane Feb. 4, 2010. She was born in Pasquotank County, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Johnnie C. Pritchard and Grace Brite Pritchard. Mrs. Sawyer was also predeceased by her husband, Alfred B. Sawyer Jr. She was a member of Park View Baptist Church, a past Matron of Victory No. 16 OES, past president of Women's Club of Cradock and a member of Elizabeth River Artists. Her graciousness and generosity will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Surviving Mrs. Sawyer are her daughter Beverly Wayne of Virginia Beach; a sister, Evelyn Walker of Florida; grandson, Brian Russell and his wife Terri; and two great-grandsons, Benjamin Conner Russell and Zachary Patton Russell, all of Richmond. A celebration of Naomi's life will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Mausoleum Chapel at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Neil Sasser and the Rev. Aaron Britton officiating. The family will receive friends at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, today from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences and Naomi's guestbook may be signed at www.lovingfuneralhome.com
 

CHESAPEAKE - On March 6, 2010, Mrs. Rosa Baber Herron, 84, stepped into eternity and freely breathed in the splendor of heaven. She is at home with her Jesus at last. Mrs. Herron was born in 1925 in Albermarle County, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Harry Wilson Baber and Lucy Viola Craig. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Mitchell D. Herron Jr.; a son-in-law, Bill Rudd; five brothers, Lawson, Early, Buford, Clyde and Billy Baber; and one sister, Jean Hamilton. Mrs. Herron was a bus driver for the Chesapeake School System for more than 30 years. She was a longtime member of New Temple Grove Ministries of Chesapeake. Left to cherish her memory are two devoted daughters, Joyce Rudd and Carolyn Pegram and a son-in-law Charles Pegram; four granddaughters and their husbands, Sherry and Kenny Hicks, Laurie and Frank Poe, Michelle and Tracy Sawyer and Lisa and Brian Brown; nine great-grandchildren, Zack, Nick and Jordan Hinson, Caroline and Lilly Poe, Dustin Brown, Madeline Sawyer, Staci Hicks and Benjamin Markey. She also leaves a sister, Doris Gentry; a brother, Irvin Baber; a special friend, Benny Allison; her church family and especially Pastor John and Connie McDonald. A celebration of life service will be held at Snellings Funeral Home, George Washington Highway Chapel, Tuesday, March 8, at noon with Pastor Paul Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held today, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to New Temple Grove Ministries Building Fund, 3972 S. Military Hwy., Chesapeake, VA 23321 or a charity dear to your heart.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Reginald Wilder, 49, passed away peacefully March 8, 2010.
Reggie was born and raised in Portsmouth where he attended Cradock High School and was a star athlete.
Reggie was a loving brother, son, father, grandfather and friend.
Homegoing services will be held at New Mount Olivet Baptist Church Portsmouth March 12, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Corprew Funeral Home is in charge.
 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. - William A. Honaker, 87, died Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Formerly of Portsmouth, he had been a Bonita resident since 1980. He was born April 24, 1922 in Mount Hope, W.Va., the son of Hettie (nee Lively) and William Anderson Honaker Sr. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and worked as a civilian for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth until his retirement. He was an active member of the Lee County Sheriff's Department VOICE program for the last 14 years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Naples. Mr. Honaker is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ellen A. (nee Adams) Honaker; his children, Pamela (Eric) Bodger of Southampton, England and William A. Honaker Jr. of Bonita Springs; and sister-in-law, Rita Adams of Bonita Springs. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 30, at 2 p.m. at Shikany's Bonita Funeral home, 28300 Tamiami Trail S., Bonita Springs, (239) 992-4982. Relatives and friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Boy's Ranch, FL 32064.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on March 27, 2010
 

CHESAPEAKE - Sarah Aylitta Hoover, 87, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2010, in her residence. She was an art teacher for 22 years and enjoyed writing poetry. She was a member of Point Harbor Community Church. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Donald E. Hoover; two daughters, Sheila P. Singleton and Janet P. Winters, both of Portsmouth; a son, Larry Pritchard of Toano, Va.; a stepdaughter, Gloria M. Arvey of Baltimore, Md.; four grandchildren, Cristal Bass of Portsmouth, Steven K. Pritchard of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeffrey T. Pritchard of Charleston, S.C. and Matthew D. Winters of Seneca, S.C.; three great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Linda H. Ryder and Barbara Casto. A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 15, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Pastor Tom Tuttle. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association , P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - William Berkley Ferguson, 94, of the 4400 block of Sunray Ave., passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2010. He was a native of Southampton County and was predeceased by his wife, Doris Mae Ferguson and a daughter, Joan Walter. He was a retired shipwright in shop 64 of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, a member of Lake Drummond Masonic Lodge No. 178, charter member of Asbury United Methodist Church and was a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Creasy and her husband Frank of Chesapeake, Susan Chapman and her husband Bob of Concord, N.H.; one son, William A. Ferguson and his wife Carolyn of Chesapeake; two sisters, Nell Ewell of Chesapeake and Nancy Try of Williamsburg; five grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 16, in Greenlawn Mausoleum Chapel by Pastor Karen Whitehurst. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

NORTH CAROLINA - Gilbert Cullen Ladd, 78, of Lake Gaston, went to be with the Lord Friday, April 2, 2010. A native North Carolina, Gilbert retired from the Cargill Grainery in Chesapeake and was a proud Marine Corps veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Hailey Ladd; his wife, Phyllis J. Ladd; and a grandson, James R. Samek. He is survived by two sons, George J. Samek and wife Jamie, and Michael L. Samek and wife Barbara; a sister, Janice Moore and husband Frank; a brother, Grady Ladd and wife Frances; a granddaughter, Michelle Reynolds and husband David; and a great-grandson, Johnny Lee Samek. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 5, in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens by Dr. James P. Rushing Jr. and the Rev. Jerry Greco. The family will receive friends at the grave on Monday, as there is no set visitation time at the funeral home. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is handling these arrangements. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

PORTSMOUTH - Estelle Boone Trexler, 83, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010. She was a native of Wake County, North Carolina and was the daughter of the late Philmore and Gertrude Boone. She was predeceased by her husband, Curtis Anthony Trexler; a son, Curtis Anthony Trexler II; three sisters and six brothers. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Hernandez and husband Reynaldo; two sons, Jack Ellis Trexler and wife Ann and Kenneth Lee Trexler and wife Diana; three sisters, Esther B. Oakley of Windell, N.C., Lucille B. Green of Cary, N.C. and Carolyn B. Willoughby of Chesapeake; six grandchildren, Tony, Rey Jr., Tammy, Christina, Skip and Tim; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great- grandchild. A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot from March 23 to March 25, 2010
 

WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. - Benjamin Franklin Potts, 87, passed away at home, Thursday, April 15, 2010. He was born Jan. 11, 1923 in Statesville, N.C., to Walter and Mary Potts. Benjamin proudly served in the Navy during World War II. Benjamin enjoyed many things, but most important was his family and his church. He will be sadly missed by a son, Kenneth (Lita) Potts of Lakewood, Calif., and a daughter, Linda (Hank) Boardman of Mission, Texas; six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is now in the arms of the Lord with his beloved wife, Mabel of 67 years. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Melbourne, 3301 Dairy Road, Melbourne, FL 32904 or Vitas Hospice, 4450 West Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32904. A funeral will be held Wednesday, April 21, at 2 p.m. at Fountainhead Funeral Home, Palm Bay, Fla.
 

Portsmouth – Johnny Allen Lambeth, 64, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2010 in a local hospital. He was a native of Portsmouth and was a member of Freebird Van Club and Suffolk Moose Lodge #141.
He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Davis and husband Jimmy; his parents, John and Ruth Lambeth; a sister, Joyce Allison and husband Curtis; two nieces, Tammy Denmark and husband Mike and Amy Parrish and husband John; and a great niece, Cassidy Parrish.

A funeral service will be held 1 P.M. Thursday, April 29, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Nina Grace Williams Pittman, 89, went home to be with the Lord May 7, 2010. She was born May 21, 1920 in Sladesville, N.C. She was the daughter of the late Dallas and Florida Williams and was predeceased by her brother, Wilbur Williams. She was a past member of Victory Boulevard Church of Christ where she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir and was a member of the Loyal Workers. She was a past member of Brentwood Garden Club. For the past 20 years, she was a member of Geneva Park Church of Christ. She was on the Ladies Auxiliary Board at Roanoke Bible College in Elizabeth City, N.C., where she was also dorm mother during the Christian Service Camp for Children. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Capt. Rufus Cecil Pittman; a son, Ronnie C. Pittman; two daughters, Ellan P. Smithwick and her husband Billy and JoAnn P. Reynolds and her husband Robert; five grandchildren, Amber Hester and husband David, Heather Pittman, Billie Jo Darden and husband Tyler, Bobby Jo Smithwick and Christopher Reynolds; seven great-grandchildren, Austin Pittman, Taylor Grace Hester, Ann Tyler Darden, Lilly Darden, John Tyler Darden IV, Aaron Joseph Smithwick and Kennedy Smithwick who were the sunshine of her life; her best friend, Audrey Briggs; and a special daughter-in-law, Brenda Woolard. The family would like to thank Chesapeake Hospice for their loving care and compassion during this time, Francine Timm for her loyalty, care and tenderness she gave our mother and Rhonda Woods for caring for our mother for the last four months. Rhonda showed her so much compassion, care and love until the end. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 9, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by Dr. William A. Griffin. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mid-Atlantic Christian University at 715 North Poindexter St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909 or Geneva Park Church of Christ at 2509 Gilmerton Road, Chesapeake, VA 23323. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Millard Calvert Taylor, 89, of the 200 block of Ashburn Road, died May 30, 2010 in a Portsmouth hospital. A native of Portsmouth, he was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth Frances Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a retired budget analyst with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Portsmouth, the treasurer of VFW Cradock Post, a stamp and coin collector, and a Navy veteran of World War II and Korea. Survivors include his wife, Barbara S. Taylor; one daughter, Carol Ann Koon and husband Larry of Richmond; one grandson, Christopher Lee Koon of Richmond; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Vilma Ballance of Oceanside, Calif. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, June 2, at 3 p.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery by the Rev. Karen Whitehurst. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church. www. SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

CHESAPEAKE - Walter Carl Ganey, 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior June 9, 2010. Born in Wilmington, N.C., Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Carrie Ganey; son, Carl Ganey; grandson, Tommy Roe; and two loving sisters. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Geneva Justice Ganey; three loving daughters, Jackie Madrigal and husband Bobby, Cindy Horton and husband Robert, Sandy Tester and husband Gary; son, Bobby Lewis; seven grandchildren, Jackie Delk, Paul Madrigal, Jeff Crowe, Kimberly Crowe, Traci Ratanataya, Chad Tester and Katie Lewis; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Walter attended CC Camp in California and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Westhaven Baptist Church, 56-year member of Washington-Lafayette Lodge No. 176, and a retired boilermaker of Local 45 out of Richmond. Daddy loved their Nags Head cottage, fishing with family especially his grandchildren, and his many days on the golf course. The family wishes to thank his caregiver, Barbara Byrd, the staff of Sentara Health Care, hospice and his physical therapist Kim. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Monday, June 14, at Westhaven Baptist Church, 4900 Caroline Ave., Portsmouth, with Pastors Traci Powers and Larry Ryals presiding. Burial with Masonic rights will follow Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is handling arrangements.
 

CARRSVILLE - J. Richard Forehand, 57, passed away June 15, 2010. He was born in Edenton, N.C., the son of the late Ruth Perry Forehand and Melvin Spurgeon Forehand. He was also predeceased by his grandparents, John and Ella Mae Nixon Perry, to whom he was very close. Richard worked as a mechanical engineer and was a self-employed HVAC-R technician. Richard is survived by his wife of 32 years, Shirley S. Forehand; sons, Chris D. Bass, Michael R. Gomer, and John M. Williams; five grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Thomas Bunch, Melva and Hugh West; nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Friday, June 18, at 2 p.m. at Nansemond Suffolk Cemetery with Chaplain Dick Dinges officiating. Friends may join the family today from 7 to 8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , Suffolk Chapter, 604 Constance Woods Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www. parrfuneralhome.com. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Damle and staff, Dr. Archie and staff, and Heartland Hospice for the loving care they showed.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Mildred Vann Bracy, 89, of Afton Parkway, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010 in a local hospital. She was born Nov. 24, 1920 in Conway, N.C., and was affectionately known as "Woody." Mrs. Bracy retired as a clerk from W. T. Grant Dept. Store and was a member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hobeart F. Bracy; and a son, James Bracy. She is survived by a daughter, Phyllis Gregory and husband Mark; a son, Bobby G. Bracy and wife Peggy; a daughter-in-law, Gail Bracy; two brothers, Dan and Walter "Pop" Vann; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; four special family members who were like her own children, Mitzi, Walter, Rachel and Caleb; and many other extended family and friends. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Fred Williams. Entombment will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Ellen Earlene Wise, 68, went to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 23, 2010. Mrs. Wise was born in Portsmouth, the daughter of the late Catherine Jeanette Lilienthal and Elmer E. Ricks. Mrs. Wise was a member of Western Branch Community Church where she was a worship leader and member of the choir. Mrs. Wise attained her associate degree in nutrition and took courses in sign language so she could communicate with all the children in her school. She was a member of the Virginia School Food Service Association. She worked more than 30 years as a cafeteria manager for the Portsmouth Public Schools where she was an organizer and strong supporter of implementing the breakfast and summer feeding programs. Mrs. Wise was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 50 years, Steve Wise Sr. She is survived by her children: son, Steve Wise Jr. and Sachi; daughter, Catherine Wise; grandchildren, Paula, Trevor, Tyron, Steve III and Craig; and two great-grandchildren, Sasha and Jah. Also surviving Mrs. Wise are her sister, Julia Sugg and a brother, E.E. "Butch" Ricks. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to her caregiver and good friend, Maria Brooks. A funeral to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Western Branch Community Church with Dr. Jim Wall officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for an hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake. Memorial donations in Mrs. Wise name may be made to your local foodbank. It was her goal to never see a child go hungry. Online condolences and Mrs. Wise guestbook may be signed at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.
 

Mary Alice Salmon Kay, 88, passed away at her home on June 30, 2010 in the loving care of her family.
Born May 4, 1922 in Moore County, NC, She was the daughter of the late Ella Harrington Doughty and Davis R. Salmon, Sr.
Mrs. Kay was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Leroy F. "Speed" Kay. They were married in a double wedding ceremony at the Virginia Dare Hotel in Elizabeth City, NC on October 2, 1940 and made a wonderful life and family together thereafter.
Also predeceasing her were her parents, brother Gilbert Salmon, and sisters Thelma Townsend and Edna McCartney.
She is survived by brother Davis R. Salmon, Jr. and wife Janie of Pinehurst, NC, daughters, Pat Kay Key and husband Jim of Burlington, NC, and Mary Kay Baldauf and husband Rick of Columbia, SC. Surviving also are grandson Jim Key II and wife Ruth of Durham, NC, and granddaughters Patti Key of Huntersville, NC, Mary Pat Baldauf and Beth Baldauf of Columbia, SC, great grandchildren Jay and Rachel Key of Durham, and a host of loving nephews and nieces.
Mrs. Kay was a long-time member of Cameron Baptist Church in Cameron, NC, where she and her late husband "Speed" were honored in 2008 for their love and service through the years. She was a former member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA. During that time, she was Associational GA Director of Portsmouth Baptist Association for many years. Her GAs and Cradock High School students were very special to her.
Mrs. Kay retired from Moore Regional Hospital in 1995 after years of loving service, where she touched countless lives in many ways. She loved her job, and she loved the people she worked with even more.
Mrs. Kay had friends and family throughout the United States, and she loved to keep in touch through cards, calls and later through her blog and Facebook page as well. She was known far and wide for her thoughtfulness, her sense of style and her love of all things pink.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday July 6, 2010 in the Sanctuary at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC.
Funeral Services will be held on at 1 p.m. on Saturday 3 July at Cameron Baptist Church, 593 Carthage Street, Cameron, NC, with the Rev. Dr. Wayne Greene officiating. A viewing will precede the service at Noon. Burial will follow at Cameron Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following in the Fellowship Hall at Cameron Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to Cameron Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 155, Cameron, NC 28326; Harmony Care Hospice, 100 Ashland Park Lane, Suite K, Columbia, SC 29210; or United Way of the Midlands, 1800 Main Street, Columbia, SC.
The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Farrell Collins and staff of Pinehurst, NC, Dr. Bradley Word and staff in Columbia, SC, the nursing staff of the 8th Floor Averyt Wing at Palmetto Baptist, all of the wonderful home care givers with Harmony Care Hospice and all of those involved in her care over the past several years.   See Photos
 

SUFFOLK - John Gerald "Jerry" Parker, 79, of Driver Lane, died July 10, 2010 in a Norfolk hospital. A native of North Carolina, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Lippard Parker and a daughter, Debra Parker. Jerry was the retired owner/operator of Parker's Exxon on Taylor Road. He attended Beech Grove United Methodist Church, was a minor league baseball player, an avid fisherman, bowled in several bowling leagues, and an Army veteran. Survivors include two daughters, Dena Parker Kozoyed and husband David of Suffolk and Donna Parker White and husband Darrell of Chesapeake; one sister, Dorothy Irwin of Portsmouth; and three grandchildren, Danielle White and Chad and Cassie Kozoyed. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 13, at 3 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Garland Hines. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and staff at Sentara Heart Hospital. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

MOYOCK - Timothy Willard Dodge, 39, died July 12, 2010. Mr. Dodge was born in Portsmouth to Harold Dodge and Barbara Brittingham. He was a member of New Life Christian Fellowship of Currituck. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda Dodge of Moyock; son, Tyler Dodge; stepdaughters, Kaitlyn Sweeney and Megan England; father, Harold Dodge and wife Jean; and mother, Barbara Brittingham and husband Robert. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home, Twiford Chapel, 929 Battlefield Blvd. South, Chesapeake. Memorial services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the New Life Christian Fellowship of Currituck, 4134 Caratoke Hwy., Barco, N.C., with Pastor Dan Bergey officiating. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyer.com

Mary Lillian Spence, 93, of Chesapeake, died Wednesday, July 7, 2010. A native of Baltimore, she was the widow of Robert Earl Spence Sr. She was also predeceased by a sister, Helen Foy. Mrs. Spence was an active member of Brent-Lox Baptist Church where she played the piano on a regular basis. Survivors include a daughter, Dianne Spence Ferebee and husband Ralph of Chesapeake; a son, Robert E. Spence Jr. of Venice, Fla.; a sister, Margaret Canning of Westminster, Md.; five grandchildren, Skip Ferebee and wife Pattie of Williamsburg, Tracy F. Millard and husband Andy of Chesapeake, Dawn F. Lemon and husband Shawn of Williamsburg, Sidney S. Money and husband Tristan of Berkeley, Calif., and Shel Spence and wife Stephanie of Roswell, Ga.; and 10 great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 10, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by Pastor Rick Beachum. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home the hour prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Brent-Lox Baptist Church or a hospice. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Louise Ragland Presnell, 89, a former and longtime Portsmouth resident, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2010, in Virginia Beach. She was a native of Grandy, N.C., and was predeceased by her parents, James Victor and Minnie S. Ragland and her late husband, Willie Graham Presnell. She was a charter member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for more than 20 years. Survivors include her son, Thomas G. Presnell of Virginia Beach; one sister, Margaret Tenbrink of Albuquerque, N.M.; one brother, Billy E. Ragland of Painter, Va.; two grandchildren, Donna Nunneley and her husband Timothy, Daniel G. Presnell; and one great-granddaughter, Skylar Nunneley. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 21, in the Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. David Parker. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Doris N. Berry, 79, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2010. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church. Mrs. Berry was the widow of the late Russell A. Berry. She was predeceased by her parents, Ella and Johnnie Needham. She is survived by a daughter, Janet Parker and husband Larry; a son, C. Wayne Berry and wife Priscilla; a sister, Eunice Armstrong Wood and husband Harold; a brother, Horace Needham and wife Charlotte; grandchildren, Tracy Royster and husband Jonathan, Jay Parker and wife Veronica, Alyssa Getz and husband Kevin, Alana Boyce and husband Chris, Wayne and Brandon Berry; great-grandchildren, Alexus Parker, Kiersten Parker, Ethan Boyce, Cooper Royster, soon-to-be baby Getz; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 19, at Pinecrest Baptist Church by the Rev. Tom Potter. Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.Sturtevant FuneralHome.com
 

CHESAPEAKE - Mabel Odell Williams, 94, of the 2300 block of Springdale Road, died Aug. 7, 2010 in a Chesapeake hospital. A native of Norfolk County, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roy A. Williams; parents, William C. and Ethel Hollowell McCoy; and a son, Roger G. Williams. Mrs. Williams was a retired dental assistant with Dr. Marvin J. Resnick, a member of Grace Bible Church, and an avid cook. Survivors include one son, R. Wayne Williams and wife Ernestine of Suffolk; daughter-in-law, Mary L. Williams of Newport News; five grandchildren; and five great -grandchildren. A funeral will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Sam Floge. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Bible Church, 4210 Dock Landing Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

CARROLLTON - Hazel Isom Jennings, 83, of Bush Creek Circle, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, in Portsmouth. A native of Fries, Va., she was a member of and taught Sunday school at Fairview Heights Baptist Church. She was a charter member of the Cradock Womens Club, a member of the Carrollton Womens Club, and a member and past matron of Victory Chapter No. 16, Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include her husband, Robert "Bob" Marshall Jennings; a daughter, Ann Jennings Montney of Carrollton; a granddaughter, Julia Montney; three great-grandchildren, Clarissa, Ian and Matthew Saunders; several nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel, by the Rev. Fred Williams. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fairview Heights Baptist Church or Carrollton Church of God. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Winifred Wrenn Moore, 92, of Morris Street, passed away Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010 in her residence. A native of Brunswick County, Virginia, she was owner of the Cradock Fabric and Yarn Shop in Afton Square and later retired as a TV hostess from Portsmouth General Hospital after 18 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howell A. Moore. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara M. Curling and husband Luther of Chesapeake and Sandra M. Quinn and husband Dennis of Suffolk; three sisters, Elsie Clarke and Marjorie Sheppard, both of Portsmouth and Christine Ferguson of Emporia; a brother, Harless Wrenn of Las Vegas, Nev.; three grandchildren, Douglas and Donna Varner and Dawn Provost; and two great-grandchildren, Ellie and Gracie Provost. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home the hour before the service. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - Milton H. Moore, 87, passed away peacefully Oct. 7, 2010. He was predeceased by his first wife, Tessie Price Moore. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joy Strickland Moore; his son, Milton J. (Bucky) Moore and wife Susan; his daughter, Judith M. Roberston and husband Jon; a stepson, Chris Griffin and wife Tina; a stepdaughter, Beth Butcher and husband Scott; seven grandchildren, Tracie Robertson, Jean Connely, Carl Moore, Katie Butcher, John Campbell, Sara Butcher and Kristen Griffin. He retired from N&W Railroad. He was a founding member of the Tidewater Western Riders and also an auctioneer at various auction houses in the area. He was a wonderful, loving, caring man. He is at peace with the Lord now. The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Stine. A memorial service will be held at Snellings Funeral Home, George Washington Highway Chapel, Sunday at 2 p.m. with Pastor David Parker and the Rev. Fred Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Heart Association
 

Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) - May 29, 2002

SUFFOLK - Walter William Loulies Jr., 58, of the 2800 block of Manning Road, died May 27, 2002, in Norfolk. A native of Portsmouth, he was the son of the late Walter W. Loulies Sr. and the late Helen Fredberg Loulies. He was a retired poultry farmer and a member of Alliance Christian Church.
Survivors include his companion, Nancy Stack of Suffolk; estranged wife, Mary Ann Loulies of Portsmouth; a daughter, Kimberly Ritter of Portsmouth; two sons, Bobby Loulies and wife Debbie of Chesapeake, and Tim Loulies of Portsmouth; a sister, Gloria Holland of Portsmouth; and four grandchildren, Joshua Barker, Jeremy Ritter and Greg Skeels and Brittany Loulies. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Earl Freeland. Cremation will follow the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today. The family will also be at 2333 Wildwood Road, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Alliance Christian Church youth group.
 

Shirley Winters VIRGINIA BEACH - Shirley "Nikki" Winters, 42, passed away peacefully Nov. 6, 2010. Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Deanna Cobb; father, M. John Winters Jr.; and brother, Chandler Cobb. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Virginia Beach Community Trust, Virginia Beach DHS (Dental Fund), and Developmental Services at 297 Independence Blvd., Pembroke 6-Suite 218, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to www. altmeyer.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on November 9, 2010

Note: At this time Johnny (12-8-2010) is in rehabilitation due to a stroke. A card of encouragement would really lift his spirits. His address is
Room 472 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital 1060 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
 

PORTSMOUTH - Sonya Beamon Lumber passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert C. Lumber of 55 years. Her other survivors include her brother, James F. Beamon; three daughters, Denise Campbell (Bruce), Terry Lumber and Peg Seriani (Rich); her five grandchildren, Robert C. Poffenbarger, Brooke Poffenbarger Daugherty (Lucas), James D. Poffenbarger, Deanna L. Campbell and Carey L. Campbell. There are four great-granddaughters, Madison Nicole Tuck, Sonya Taryn Poffenbarger, Sydney Joelle Tuck and Mia Dulce Poffenbarger; and two nephews, Jimmy Beamon and Rick Beamon. She was a native of Portsmouth and attended Cradock High School. She was active in the PTA and the band parents of Churchland High School, was an assistant Girl Scout leader with Troop 70. She was a talented and creative homemaker for her husband and children. A graveside service will be held Monday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suffolk. The family will receive friends at Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Girl Scouts of the Tidewater Council. Condolences may be made to the family at www.snellingsfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on December 18, 2010

PORTSMOUTH - Joseph A. Gould Jr., 70, passed away Dec. 8, 2010 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his children, Tyrann N. Taylor, Michael J. Gould, Troy R. Gould; grandsons, Jason K. Taylor and Ryan I. Gould. He will be missed by all who know him. The last few months have been some of the most challenging, sad, happy, rewarding times for Joseph Allison Gould Jr. Also known as, Joe, Joseph, Joe Cool, Tri-Joe, The blond guy in the bucket truck working on traffic lights in Portsmouth. He was a cook in the Army, served in the National Guard during the Ash Wednesday Storm, retired from the City of Portsmouth serving as a traffic engineer/electrician. Joe surfed in Nags Head many summers, was a master tri-athlete who won many awards. The completion of the Iron Man in Hawaii was one of those many accomplishments. Through his life, he was humble, modest, vain, frugal, dependable, disciplined... We will miss him so much. The family is grateful for the support and love given to them in many ways from everyone including the Twiddy & Company Realtors of the Outer Banks. A celebration of life and time of remembering will be held at Joe's home Saturday Feb. 26, starting at 2 p.m. The family suggest memorial contributions to the Surfrider Foundation-Outer Banks Chapter, P.O. Box 1576, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 or to the Bon Secours Hospice. Loving Funeral Home handled the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on January 3, 2011

Portsmouth -  Nancy McConihay Kincaid, 92, expired Jan. 15, 2011. A native of Clifton Forge, Va., she was predeceased by her husband, Forrest O. Kincaid. She is survived by her son, Forrest "Mac" Kincaid and his wife Gloria B. of Portsmouth; grandson, Gregory Kincaid and his wife Susan and their children Taylor and Aidan; grandson, Jeffery Kincaid and his wife Mary and their children Joseph, Elizabeth and Katelyn.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Frances Craig. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one's favorite charity. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on January 20, 2011

CHESAPEAKE - Irene Anderson Casteen, 89, of the 2300 block of Wildwood Road, passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 in her residence. She was born Jan. 15, 1922 in Shelton, Wash., and was a founding member of the Portsmouth Alliance Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, John T. Casteen Jr. Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons, John T. Casteen III and wife Betsy, Timothy E. Casteen and wife Ruth and Dennis P. Casteen and wife Janet; a sister, Joyce Gochenauer; 12 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, in The Alliance Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Doug Ellenberger and the Rev. Palmer Zerbe. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private in Olive Branch Cemetery. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is assisting the family with these arrangements. Also, the family would like to thank her caregivers, Tova Spruill, Celia Stansbury, Lucille Bright and the staff at Chesapeake Regional Hospice for all their care and support. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on January 25, 2011

PORTSMOUTH - Doris Louise Brown Merritt, 88, passed away Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011. Born Nov. 18, 1922 in Portsmouth, she was the daughter of the late James and Versie Brown. Doris was a member of Portsmouth Christian Church and Senior Regent in the Women of the Moose, volunteered at Portsmouth General Hospital and the Meals on Wheels program, and was also a former Brownie troop leader. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Merritt; her son, James B. Merritt; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Allen. She is survived by three daughters, Shirley Hudson and husband Walter, Doris Gibson, and Joy Bell and husband Kevin; a nephew, Harry Walters; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Richard Laslo. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m. The family would like to thank Sentara Nursing Care Center, Portsmouth and Mrs. Merritt's nurse, Ebony, for all their care and support. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on February 4, 2011

SUFFOLK - Margaret L. Geabhart, 92, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. She was born in the Deep Creek section of Norfolk County, reared and lived in the Highland Biltmore area in Portsmouth for 50 years and lived for 40 years in the Bennett's Creek area of Suffolk. Margaret was a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of the Alliance Church and a former member of Western Branch Baptist and Highland Baptist churches, all of Portsmouth. Her kind and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew her. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, William and Luna Sears; her husband of 62 years, Ralph V. Geabhart; three brothers, Wilbur Sears, Charles Sears, Edwin Sears; and a sister, Mildred Hall. Left to cherish her memory is her son Ralph V. Geabhart Jr. and wife Sandra of Suffolk; her grandchildren, Leslie Johnson and husband Mike of Greenville, N.C., Ralph V. Geabhart III and wife Beth of Suffolk; her great-grandchildren, Brenna Pagans and Luke Geabhart; and her sister, Virginia Hanes, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in the Alliance Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Doug Ellenberger. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alliance Christian School, 5809 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701. The family would like to thank the loving staff at Dominion Village and Heartland Hospice for all their devotion and care. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on February 21, 2011

PORTSMOUTH - Connie Mercedes Hough, 97, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011. She was a native of Trinidad, Colo., and was a retired secretary from the Portsmouth Public School system. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Black “Jimmy” Hough and a daughter, Sharon Hough Myers.
She is survived by her daughter, Connie Hough Hammon of Portsmouth; a son, Dickey Hough and wife Patricia of Conyers, Ga.; nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at Meadowbrook Memorial Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.Sturtevant-FuneralHome.com.

PORTSMOUTH - Joseph Stanley Livesay Jr., 83, of Marsh Wren Circle, died Saturday, March 12, 2011, after a short illness, in Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center, Norfolk. He was a member of the Virginia Bar Association for more than 60 years. Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Livesay; two daughters, Dr. Jean Marie Oliver and husband Clint of Portsmouth and Mary Ellen Brennan and husband John of Fairfax Station, Va. A funeral will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 14, at Simonsdale Presbyterian Church, 5016 Vick St., Portsmouth, and the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and a reception will follow the service at the church fellowship hall. Burial will be Tuesday in H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery, Mathews, Va. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth, handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Simonsdale Presbyterian Church, 5016 Vick St., Portsmouth, VA 23701 or Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless, 600 Williamsburg Ave, Portsmouth, VA 23704.


Published in The Virginian Pilot on March 13, 2011

BURKEVILLE - Catherine Jane Farleigh, 69, a resident of Hickory Hill Retirement Community in Burkeville, died Saturday, May 14, 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Trina Crawford of Richmond; granddaughter, Leigh Ann Crawford of Portsmouth; three brothers, Floyd R. Farleigh of Richmond, Thomas R. Farleigh of Amelia, Daniel L. Farleigh of Burkeville; stepsister, Laura D. Glasscock of Victoria; stepmother, Dolores V. Mullens of Burkeville, and many loving nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life for close family members will be held at a later date.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 17, 2011
 

LYNCHBURG - Wyolene Whiddon, 91, of Fox Crest Drive, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born Feb. 12, 1920 in Fort Valley, Ga., to the late Shellie and Alma Irene Philmon; and was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg. Wyolene was married 69 years to her loving husband, the late Hayes Louis Whiddon, both were longtime residents of Portsmouth. Those left to cherish her memory are a daughter, Janice Piquette; three sons, Louis Jr. and his wife Elaine, James and his wife Brenda, and Robert and his wife Crystal; a sister, Lillian Burnette; three brothers, Dan "Layton" Philmon, Tom Philmon and Floyd Philmon; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Tom Potter. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is handling these arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory FM (WRVL), 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 19, 2011

 CHESAPEAKE - Gertrude Spivey McClenney, 83, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2011. She was a native of Raeford, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Charles and Eunice Spivey. She was a member of Good News Baptist Church and was predeceased by her husband, Jessie H. McClenney and a son, Gary H. McClenney. She is survived by her son, Steven McClenney and wife Darleen; seven grandchildren, Lorri Kane, Joel McClenney, Rachael Costadoni, Dawn Sutton, Adam McClenney, Dennis McClenney and Jessie McClenney; 11 grandchildren and one great- grandchild. A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2, at Good News Baptist Church by Pastor Walt Coles. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 31, 2011

CHESAPEAKE - J. Francis "Frank" Smith Jr., 80, went to be with the Lord Saturday, June 11, 2011. Born Dec. 29, 1930 in Palatka, Fla., Frank was predeceased by his parents, Joseph F. and Lillie Green Smith Sr. and two dearly loved aunts, with each of whom he once lived, Pearl Price (Harry) and Alta Hinson (Pete). He was a graduate of Granby High School and attended William & Mary Extension (now Old Dominion University) and VPI. He was in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War and was employed at Henry Walke Co. and Empire Machinery, where he was store manager. Frank loved to play or watch sports of all kinds, especially football, and liked to ski, play golf and tennis. He was a charter member of Covenant United Methodist Church and remembers some years of hot times cutting the grass and being active in the Men's Work Parties, as well as being active in community and political activities. Frank loved people, especially young people, and was always ready to help or teach them something. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Bruce Anderson Smith; sister-in-law (whom he held as his sister), Elizabeth Joan Callahan of Portsmouth; a number of nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved, William "Bill" Baker (Donna) of Suffolk, Susan Schumm (William) of Portsmouth, Laurie Gayle Anderson of Portsmouth, Niel Baker of Portsmouth, Charles Callahan (Margaret) of Chesapeake, John Callahan (Betsy) of North Carolina, Royce Anderson of Portsmouth and David Anderson of North Carolina. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, June 14, at 11 a.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Frank Jennings. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502 or Covenant UMC Building Fund, 2004 Dock Landing Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on June 12, 2011

MIDLOTHIAN - Jane H. Farleigh, beloved wife, mother and friend died Aug. 1, 2011. She was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer in January 2011. Her husband, children and daughters-in-law were at her bedside when she died. Mrs. Farleigh was the daughter of U.S. Navy Captain and Mrs. William O. Hudson II of Oyster Bay, N.Y., and the eldest of seven children. She is survived by her four brothers and two sisters; her husband, Floyd R. Farleigh; her four children, Thomas K. Farleigh II, Jeffrey H. Farleigh, Ashley E. Farleigh, William R. Farleigh and their families including nine grandchildren, all who live close to the family home in Midlothian. She was born in Devils Lake, N.D., Dec. 19, 1944 but being the daughter of a submarine captain she moved from coast to coast with her family as her father changed duty stations moving and living in the military communities of Connecticut, Rhode Island, California and Virginia. In 1962, her father was transferred to Norfolk Naval Submarine Base. It was during this tenure, and while attending Old Dominion University, she met and married her husband of 47 years who was a U.S. Marine officer stationed at Marine Barracks, Little Creek Naval Air Station. While attending ODU, she pledged Pi Beta Phi Sorority and began a lifetime commitment to Pi Phi. After her marriage, she and her husband moved to Charlottesville, Va., for a six month period and then settled in Richmond, Va., in 1965. In addition to supporting her husband, rearing four children and pursuing a career as a Realtor, she managed to serve 10 years in the Westwood Junior Woman's Club with two terms as president. In 1975, the club honored her by choosing her to be the Official Hostess Contestant for the National Tobacco Festival. She was past president of the Richmond Alumnae PanHellenic Association (1972-74), an affiliate of the National PanHellenic Conference, the umbrella organization for women's sororities throughout the United States. She volunteered with the Association for the Study of Childhood Cancer (ASK) for more than 25 years and served as chair for the annual Gala Fundraiser, the primary money raising event. These funds were used to support the Children's Cancer Center at the Medical College of Virginia. Her memberships in Pi Beta Phi lead her to the Elizabeth Kates Foundation and their tireless work to help rehabilitate the inmates of the Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland, Va. She was a member for 25 years and served as president of the foundation for two years. She continued to chair the annual Kates Day Event to raise funds for VCCW until her illness forced her to resign. She was also a member of the Woman's Tuckahoe Club. In 2010, she co-hosted the annual Easter Event but was unable to continue her participation in 2011. She was surrounded by good friends all her life. She took great pride in being a member of Les Amies; an 11-member women's group in Richmond whose bonds were more like "sisters" than members. This association of friends, inspired by their having met during their Westwood Junior Club days has lasted for more than 30 years. The support and love for each other exhibited by these women have has never been more apparent than during her illness. Also, she was an avid supporter and participant in her Huguenot Hundred Garden Club and of course, her monthly Bunco group. Both of these activities brought much fun and laughter into her life. The greatest joy in her life was born out of her love for family. Above all else she was a wife and a mother. Nothing else in her life made her happier than fulfilling that role. Her love of family extended beyond her own, having married a VMI graduate and having two of her sons in the Class of '87 and '89. Her last formal gathering was the 50th reunion of the Class of '61. She loved the VMI family and they loved her back. She looked forward to inviting anyone who shared her affection for the VMI Spirit to her home to meet her friends and neighbors. Nothing pleased her more than hosting an event in her home, be it an after-game football party or a scrumptious holiday affair. Jane Hudson Farleigh was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Above all else, she was a lady. She will be missed but never forgotten. The family will be hosting a celebration of life from 5 until 8 p.m. EDT Monday, Aug. 8. The event will be held at the Westwood Club, 6200 W. Club Lane, Richmond, VA 23221. (804) 288-6028. Flowers will be accepted by the Westwood Club on or before Aug. 8.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on August 5, 2011
 

PORTSMOUTH - Mildred Sarah Shelton Harris, 96, passed away peacefully at Linden Hall, Friends Home in Kennett Square, Pa., on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. During her final weeks she was surrounded by members of her family along with the wonderful and caring staff of Linden Hall. Her sweet smile and loving presence will be greatly missed by all! Mrs. Harris was born in Danville, Va., on Nov. 30, 1914. In 1933 she married Carroll Nelson Harris (deceased), also of Danville. The couple moved to Portsmouth in 1941 where Mr. Harris was employed as a planning engineer at Dixie Veneer Corporation and Mrs. Harris was a homemaker and community and church volunteer. They were happily married until Mr. Harris' early death in 1954. Prior to moving in April of 2006 to her daughter's home in Kennett Square, Pa., Mrs. Harris resided for 65 years in Portsmouth. Throughout her life, Mrs. Harris served others and was a model of selfless giving and service to others. She was employed by the Navy Exchange in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for more than 20 years during which time she supervised, mentored and served as a role model for other employees. Throughout her life she was a devoted Christian and an active member of the Cradock United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, was active in numerous committees, taught Sunday School and served as superintendent for many years. She was a tireless volunteer for many years at the Brentlox Nursing Home and an active member of the Beazley Senior Citizens Center and the Eastern Star, Victory Chapter 16. She had many friends of all ages, and never hesitated to help a friend in need. Her favorite hobby was ceramics and over the years she made and gave away many beautiful ceramic pieces to family and friends. These pieces have since become treasured keepsakes for many. Her greatest joy was her family and she traveled extensively to be with them, support them as they raised their families, and impart her love of the Bible and model unconditional love. Mrs. Harris is survived by a son, Carroll Nelson Harris Jr. (Elaine) of Southport, N.C., and a daughter, Jewell Harris Thacher (Jim) of Kennett Square. She is also survived by two sisters, Helen Shelton Thompson of Axton, Va., and Mamie Shelton McKee of Memphis, Tenn., and one brother, Edwin Shelton (Bonnie) of Midlothian, Va.; three granddaughters, Kimberly Harris Drummonds of Chesterfield, Va., Lindsey Thacher Michelini (Jay) of Evanston, Ill., and Shannon Thacher Crawford (Robert) of Falls Church, Va., and one grandson, Carroll Nelson Harris III (Deb) of McCordsville, Ind.; three great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons. A private memorial service will be held this week at Linden Hall. In addition, a Celebration of Life service to be held in Portsmouth is being planned for a later time. In death, as in her life, she sought ways to help others. In the hope of helping others, she donated her body to the Humanity Gifts Registry of Philadelphia, Pa., for anatomical study and research. It was her hope that anatomical study would lead to a cure for lupus and osteoporosis so that others would not have to suffer as she did in her last years. Memorial donations may be made in her name to The Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org or the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org. Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square, Pa.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on August 17, 2011
 

CHESAPEAKE - Lyle Delane Hoy, 74, of Treemont Court, died suddenly May 24, 2011. He was predeceased by his father, Elmer L. Hoy and his first wife, Phyllis C. Hoy. He was retired from the U.S. Navy as master chief as well as from Fleet Technical Support Center at the Naval Base, Norfolk. Survivors include his wife, Catherine (Kitty) Hoy; his mother, Clara Pike Hoy of Colfax, Iowa; a son, David E. Hoy and wife Christel of Suffolk; a daughter, Vivian J. Cottingham and husband Jim of Chesapeake; two sisters, Lila Main and Connie Carlyle, both of Colfax; six grandchildren, Sandra Whitten and husband Manny, James Cottingham II, Eileen Cottingham, Victoria Cottingham, Orion Hoy and Collin Hoy; and three great-grandchildren, Alex, Austin and Justice. He also had stepchildren, who thought of him like a father, Rachel Ann Perry and husband Mark, Jimmie R. Stanton Jr. and wife Deanna, Arlene P. Sumner and husband John and Duane D. Stanton and wife Lori; plus numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at Deep Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Ernest Myers officiating. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Martha Jane Carter, 90, passed away Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 at Parson's Care Center in Chesapeake. Mrs. Carter was born in Richwood, W.Va., on Jan. 30, 1921 to Isaac and Georgia Sparks. She grew up in Richwood and in Covington, Va., but spent most of her life in Portsmouth, moving there in 1941. Mrs. Carter is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Graham Meredith Carter; and by her five children, Jo Bennett (Doug Hummer) of Falls Church, Va., Gloria Stevens (Gary) of Kingsville, Ohio, Judy Prado (Jimmy) of Chesapeake, Janet Vann (David) of Portsmouth and Rusty Carter (Sharon) of Williamsburg. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one niece; three nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold Leroy Bennett and by her siblings, Beulah Wood, Isie McClung, Dennis Sparks, Mildred Ward and Mary Deacon. Mrs. Carter was an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver. She loved to cook and was known for her best-ever homemade pies and heavenly chocolate fudge. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and crocheting and was the Mom of "Mom and Me" original crafts for several years with her youngest daughter, Janet. She was an eager shopping buddy, a best friend, and an ardent supporter to her devoted family. Her greatest pride and joy was her large and loving family. She was a dedicated and caring wife and mother and will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. T. M. Frye. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Contributions may be made in Martha's memory to the Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011 or to Parson's Residential Care Center, 1005 Deep Creek Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23323. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on August 24, 2011
 

PORTSMOUTH - Gloria Penny Brett, 89, passed away Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011. She was a native of Wilmington, N.C., and was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Sudie Penny. She was predeceased by her husband, Claude William Brett. She is survived by her two sons, Jim Brett and wife Sharon and Bill Brett and wife Mary Lane; two brothers, Bill Morgan and Charles Penny; four grandchildren, Adam Brett, Page Brett, Tracy Barr and Jamie Moniak; and seven great-grandchildren. A private service will be held at a later date. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Union Mission Ministries at P.O. Box 3203 Norfolk, VA 23514-3203. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

PORTSMOUTH - Johnnie Glenn Adams, 92, of Kelly Drive, died Sept. 2, 2011 in a local nursing home. A native of Anniston, Ala., he was predeceased by his wife, Ella Ruby Adams, and a daughter, Katherine Jane Albus. Mr. Adams retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard with 25 years of service, and was a self-employed electrical contractor, J.G. Adams and Son. Survivors include two sons, Walter Glenn Adams and Steven Gray Adams; one sister, Sarah Thrower; one brother, Harold Adams; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Tony Thrower. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or a favorite charity. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com. 

Published in The Virginian Pilot on September 11, 2011
 

PORTSMOUTH - John Linton West, 93, passed away Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. He was a native of Portsmouth and was the son of the late John and Mary West. He was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and Tidal Wave Masonic Lodge. He was predeceased by his wife, Ida
Mae West and a grandson, John Pierce. He is survived by his three daughters, Judith Mustard, Brenda Ponton and Sandra Bunch and husband
John; a sister, Evelyn West; three grandchildren, Kenny Mustard and wife Carol, Keith Mustard and wife Billie Jo and Candace Ponton; and three
great-grandchildren, Ella Mae, Joshua and Anika Mustard. A funeral will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Sturtevant Funeral Home,
Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Michael Reaves. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral
home today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association .
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

CHESAPEAKE - On a beautiful fall evening, Oct. 7, 2011, in Virginia Beach, Ruby Allison Rodgers, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children. Ruby was born on Feb. 6, 1920 in Saltville, Va., to the late Thomas and Gussie Allison. She was the wife of the late Henry A. Rodgers and together they retired as the owners of Ocracoke Variety Store on Ocracoke Island N.C., which they operated throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Ruby was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt. She was a member of Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, the Rachel Sunday School Class, and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 173. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Shelby J. Webster and husband Frank of Virginia Beach, Gary W. Lester and wife Robin of Chesapeake and Teresa R. Councill and husband Robert of Chesapeake; stepchildren, Shirley R. Cartwright of Virginia Beach and Calvin Rodgers and wife Sue of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Frank Webster Jr. and wife Katie of Hampton, David Webster and wife Wendy of Virginia Beach, Stephen Lester and wife Liz of Suffolk, Karen Kirkpatrick and husband Tim of Suffolk, Brittany Lester of Chesapeake, Darryl Marston of New Hampshire, Robin Hirsch and husband Chuck of Virginia Beach and Bryan Marston of Virginia Beach; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Marty O. Allison of Lutz, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Thomas V. Whelan for his unwavering care and support for which we will be forever grateful and Dr. Nancy Allison for her compassion and devoted care in recent weeks, and to the nursing and hospice staff at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Virginia Beach. The family will receive friends today, Oct. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 1485 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. A funeral will be held Wednesday, Oct. 12, at noon at Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, 4392 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorial donations may be made to Thalia Lynn Baptist Church or Hope Haven. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com. 

Published in The Virginian Pilot from October 10 to October 11, 2011
 

Norfolk - Kathleen Horton, 88, died on November 11, 2011.
She was born on July 31, 1923 in Barton Sea Grave near Kettering, Northants, United Kingdom. She came to the United States on the Queen Mary in February 1946 as a war bride to join her husband in Wise County, VA. They later moved to Norfolk, where she retired from the cafeteria at the Ford Motor Company.
She was the widow of Radford M. Horton and is survived by a son, Jack Horton and wife Ann; 2 daughters, Andrea Jones and Judy Bateman and husband Bobby; 10 grandchildren, Kathleen, Rhonda, Stephanie, Lesley, Shannon, Tara, Wiley, Melody, Casey and Sara; 16 great-grandchildren; and extended family in the United States and the United Kingdom.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 at 4 pm at Princess Anne Commons Community Room, corner of Baxter Road and Princess Anne Road, Va. Beach. You may sign the guest book online at www.pilotonline.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on November 16, 2011
 

Portsmouth - Mike Matovich, Sr., 89, passed away on Dec 2, 2011. He was born in Johnstown, PA on Aug 12, 1923. He was predeceased by his wife Betty. He joined the U.S. NAVY in 1942 and retired after 27 years of service. He was on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVB 42, when she made her shakedown cruise. He was also on the USS Wasp CVA 18, when she collided with the USS Hopson. After his naval service Mike retired from the GE plant in Suffolk.
Surviving children are, Michael Matovich, Jr. (Linda), Patricia Molleen (Raymond) and Michelle Smith of Roanoke; grandchildren, Ty and Chris Molleen and Lyndsey Cain; six great grandsons; two sisters, Betty Baron of Fayetteville, NC and Amelia Kondas of Johnstown, PA.
A graveside service will be held 11 A.M. Tuesday, December 6, at Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel Monday from 7 - 8:30 P.M. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on December 5, 2011
 

COLUMBIA - Richard James Baldauf, 69, of Forest Acres, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and faithful companion, Gizmo. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Bradley W. Smith and the Rev. L. Craig Wilkes. The family will receive friends in the Adult Reception Hall at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at 5:30-7:30 p.m. and immediately following the service on Thursday. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Mr. Baldauf arranged for his body to be donated to the Carroll A.Campbell Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory to help improve the care and treatment of patients suffering from devastating neurodegenerative diseases.
Born in Painesville, Ohio, he was a son of the late Clarence William and Mary Ellen Bruce Baldauf. He lived in Texas and Virginia before moving to Greenwood, where he was graduated from Lander College with a B. S.
degree in Business Administration. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and was employed as a District Network Manager by United Telephone of the Carolinas before moving to Columbia in 1987 to work in the administration of Gov. Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. He retired from the State Energy Office in 2007. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church.
As an active participant in the Greenwood community, Mr. Baldauf was a member of the Lander College Business Advisory Council, the Greenwood High School Advisory Council, the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He served as chairman of People for Parks, Board Trustee and Division Chair for United Way and a founding organizer of Leadership Greenwood. He was actively involved with the Greenwood Community Theatre, Greenwood County Museum and St. Mark United Methodist Church.
He was a former chairman of the Greenwood County Republican Party, a member of the county committee and a delegate to numerous county and state conventions. He was a former Vice-chairman of the 3rd Congressional District GOP. Mr. Baldauf was a Co-chairman of the Salute to Two Presidents dinner in 1983 honoring President Ronald Reagan and Sen. Strom Thurmond and a member of the Re-elect Thurmond Committee in
1984. He was a member of the Governor's Task Force on Citizen Participation in Education.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Kay Baldauf; daughters, Mary Pat Baldauf and Elizabeth Anne "Beth" Baldauf, all of Columbia. Also surviving are brothers, William Baldauf of Dayton, Ohio, Raymond Baldauf of Pittsboro, N.C., Benjamin Baldauf of Tacoma, WA., Bruce Baldauf of Parma, Ohio, Stephen Baldauf of Columbus, Ohio; sisters, Esther Underwood of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Rose Moore of Concord, Ohio, Mary Prise Strzelczyk of Williamsburg, VA, Ruth Ann Yokie of Cordova, TN; and special friends, Mary and Scott Elliott of Columbia and their children, John Douglas, Frannie and Will. He was predeceased by his brother, Clarence Matthew Baldauf of Chapel Hill, N.C.
Memorials may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047, Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory, 19 Hagood Avenue, Suite 806, MSC 250510, Charleston, SC 29425 or Fairfield County Animal Adoption Center, P.O. Box 60, Winnsboro, SC 29180.
The family is deeply grateful to Dr. Bradley Word and staff in Columbia, the Care Team at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, faithful friends and visitors from First Presbyterian Church, the wonderful home caregivers with Harmony Care Hospice and all of those involved in his care over the past several years.
 

 Elizabeth City - Gene R. "Whitey" Newbern, 76, of Elizabeth City, N.C., died Thursday January 26, 2012. He was born in Portsmouth, Va. to the late Curtis and Mildred Newbern and was married to Earline S. Newbern of the home. Gene was a Marine who served his country in the Korean conflict, and worked as a fireman for the Craney Island Fire Department.
Including his wife, Mr. Newbern is survived by his sister Betty Gale Stephenson, brothers; Curtis Lee Newbern Jr., William Sumler Newbern, and Robert Alvin Newbern, and seven nieces and five nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Carol Sue Woods, and his brother Marvin Russell Newbern.
A funeral service will take place Monday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m. at Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church st, Elizabeth City, NC, with the Rev. Boyce Porter officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends after the service at Monteros restaurant, 414 McArthur dr. Elizabeth City, NC, 27909. Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the Newbern family. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on January 28, 2012
 

Virginia Beach - Ruth Pond Parker Clark, 94, a former long time resident of Portsmouth passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2012 in Danville, Va. She was born on April 14, 1917 in Roanoke, Va., and was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mamie Pond; her husband, Donald H. Clark; and her son Floyd Parker Jr.
She is survived by a daughter in-law, Janet Parker Chauncey; two step-sons Dennis and Ronald Clark; six grandchildren, Jeff, Mike, Dean, and Danny Clark, Floyd Parker III, and Dana Parker Bolding; eight great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 3, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd.
Chapel by Chaplain Bob Chauncey. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on February 29, 2012

Tribute to Mrs. Parker by Bernie Kirsch ('57)
 

Murfreesboro - John D. Lambeth Jr., 91, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Kindred Trans Care and Rehabilitation Center in Ahoskie. He had been preceded in death by his parents, John D. Sr., and Annie Rose Lambeth, a son, Johnny Allen Lambeth and two sisters.
Originally a native of Richmond, Va., he and his family relocated to George, N.C. and remained in the area for his lifetime. He was retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard with 35 years of service as an Electrician and served in the National Guard Reserves. He was a member of Meherrin Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, was a 32 degree Master Mason, was Past Master of the Churchland, Va. Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years who he fondly called "Doll Baby", Ruth White Lambeth of their home; one daughter, Joyce L. Allison and her husband, Curtis, of Portsmouth, Va.; three granddaughters, Amy L. Parris and husband, John, Tammy L. Denmark and husband, Mike, and Teresa L. Davis and husband, Jimmy, all of Portsmouth; and one great-granddaughter, Cassidy Nicole Parrish of Portsmouth, Va.
The family will receive friends in the Meherrin Baptist Church Social Hall on Monday, March 12, at 1 p.m. and his Graveside Service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Town of Murfreesboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that anyone wishing to share a memorial gift, please do so to the Alzheimer's Association , Eastern NC, 373 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway is in charge of arrangements and online condolences can be shared at www.bridgersfuneralhome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on March 11, 2012
 

Chesapeake - Eloise Taylor Blake, our beloved "Granny", went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 1, 2012. She was born January 10, 1924 in South Mills, NC to the late Agnes and Linwood Taylor. She was a member of New Creation United Methodist Church, Aldersgate Campus in Chesapeake and the Golden Rule Sunday School class.
She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Victory Chapter. She is predeceased by her sweet husband, W. Dave Blake, our "Pops", and her great grandson, William K. Hjeske.
Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Lois Marie Cartwright of South Mills, NC; her son, Willam "Bill" D.
Blake, Jr. and wife Lou; a daughter, Joyce Strickland and husband Michael; grandchildren, Angel Brown (Randy), Mary Lou Hjeske (Gary), April Amory (Kevin), Tracie Blalock (Barak), Susan Prendergast (Jed), Karla Cobb (Tim), and Mike Stephens; 13 great grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Harrington for his extraordinary care.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 5, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. David Drinkard and Rev. John Corson. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6:30 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Endowment Fund at New Creation UMC, 4320 Bruce Rd. Chesapeake, VA 23321 or to Windsor Baptist Church, P.O. Box 498. Windsor, VA 23487.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on April 3, 2012
 

Virginia Beach - Frank Bryant, 92, died peacefully after a short illness on April 18, 2012. He was born in Courtland, Va. on February 24, 1920 to William A. and Bessie Kitchen Bryant. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Glenelle; two sons, Frank Jr. and Curtis (Kim); two daughters, Randi Strutton (Ray) and Lauren Finley (Steve); seven grandchildren: five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Zeaulene Sykes and Bess Sheldon; and countless nieces and nephews.
Frank joined the Navy in 1938 and served in the South Pacific during WWII, where he helped with salvage operations at Pearl Harbor. He rose through the ranks to become a commissioned officer, who served in the medical service corps. His final duty station was at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Va. He retired from the Navy in 1961 as a Lt. Commander to pursue a career in business. He spent the last thirty-three years of his life as a master gemologist who owned and operated Bryant GemLab in Norfolk. He was a Freemason and was a founding member of Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation, which he enthusiastically supported until his death.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 24 at 2 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home on Independence Blvd. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at Bayside Baptist Church on Pleasure House Road in Virginia Beach.
Condolences may be offered online at www.hollomon-brown.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation, 4510 Twin Pines Road, Portsmouth, VA 23703.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on April 21, 2012
 

Chesapeake - Randolph W. Pritchard, 93, joined his loving wife Harriet, of 65 years, April 21, 2012. A native of Portsmouth , he was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Portsmouth , for more than 50 years.
Mr. Pritchard was a veteran of World War II and received an Honorable Discharge March 15, 1946. Mr. Pritchard received many commendations during his service, including a bronze star. He was retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 30 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mamie and Abner Pritchard, and brother, Joseph Pritchard.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters; Grace Pritchard Abers and husband, Jim, Margaret Pritchard Radford and husband, Paul, and Julie Pritchard Woodard and husband, Lynn; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Pritchard is also survived by his sister-in-law, Margaret Jones and husband, Richard, as well as other loving relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Episcopal Church, Portsmouth . Memorials may be made to The Book of Remembrance, Trinity Episcopal Church or to the Portsmouth SPCA.
We wish to thank Dr. Kevin Wilson, and his loving nurses, Liz May and Shelley Swindell for their exceptional care. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot from April 22 to April 24, 2012
 

HAMPTON - Maya Jamillah Rucker White answered God's call at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Maya was born on Nov. 27, 1979, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Rona...ld K. Rucker and Agnes E. Abston.
She graduated from Eisenhower High School (Rialto, Calif.) in 1997 before matriculating to Hampton University where she majored in Marketing and graduated with honors in 2001.
On Saturday, May 19, 2012, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jamillah Loren White.
She is survived by her husband, Derek Lorenzo White Sr.; children, Derek Lorenzo Jr., Denae Michelle, and Tiffani DeMaya; parents; and siblings, Iman Butler, Etsuko Rucker, Nancy Rucker, and John Rucker.
A homegoing service for Maya and Jamillah will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2500 Chestnut Ave., Newport News. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will begin at 1p.m. Friday at the funeral home and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7p.m. Mother and daughter will lie in state two hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, an educational fund is being set up for the White Children, Those who wish to contribute please contact the family for further information.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. View and post condolences online.
 

Portsmouth - Bertha Lader Howe Jamison, 88, died May 27, 2012. A native of Portsmouth, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Alson W. Howe and James Jamison; and six siblings, William Lader, Albert Lader, Adolph Lader, Milton Lader, Annie Butler and Louise Stevenson. Mrs. Jamison was a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Jeanette Galuska and fiancé Jay Clarke; a granddaughter, Dawn B. Griggs; a sister, Irene Galbreath; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend, Garland Lewis, who loved her dearly.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 30, at 11 a.m. in Meadowbrook Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel on Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice . www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com 

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 28, 2012
 

Stafford - Allen L. D. Edwards, 88 of Stafford, Va. left his earthly home on June 11, 2012 to join his parents Melvin and Ada Edwards, his siblings Levy, Smithy, Don, Howard, Handy, and Louise. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Clarice W. Edwards, two daughters and their spouses Gail Baker (Alan) and Deanna House (Harold), five grandchildren Jason House (Julie), Daniel House, Dana House Fox (Derek), Shawn Baker (Chrissy) and Brandy Baker, seven great-grandchildren Daniel, David, Jacob, Jena Amanda, Patrick and Tyler, two sisters Esther Richardson and Thelma Butner, sister-in-laws Virginia Stephenson and Rhoda Hendren (Don) plus a host of nieces and nephews. "Dee" retired from Virginia Transit Company running charter trips where he loved telling jokes and singing along with his passengers. They loved him and would often request him to be their driver on their next excursion because they had so much fun.Until five years ago when he moved to Stafford due to ill health he had been a lifelong resident of Portsmouth and member of Alexander Park Baptist Church. The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to Medi Home Health & Hospice of Fredericksburg, Va. particularly his nurses Louda,Cathy, Renee and Chaplain Randy Allensworth.A funeral service will be held on Thursday June 14, 2012 at 11 a. m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, 5201 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth, Va Chapel by Rev. T. M. Frye. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (Lewy Body Dementia), P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090. 

Published in The Virginian Pilot on June 14, 2012
 

WILLIAMS, FRANCES SHEALOR, age 73, of Blacksburg passed away Thursday, June
14, 2012 at Lewis-Gale Hospital- Montgomery. She was born in Blacksburg on June 14, 1939 to the late James Fred and Beulah Allen Shealor. She was preceded in death by her twin brother, James Fred Shealor, Jr.; and two sisters, Alice Martin and Fannie Criner.
Frances was a devoted mother, grandmother, and dedicated to her entire family. She was patriotic, born on Flag Day and married on Pearl Harbor Day.
As a U.S. Air force wife, she enthusiastically supported her husband for more than 27 years in a variety of roles.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, T.O. Williams, III of Blacksburg; one son and daughter-in-law, T.O., IV (Tommy) and Betsy Williams Of Christiansburg; two grandchildren, Leslie Alexandra Williams and Sarah Leigh Rimer; One brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Bonnie Shealor of Blacksburg; one sister, Ettie McCoy of Blacksburg; Special niece and husband Sheryl and Scott Bagg; and many other nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 pm Monday, June 18, 2012 at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr., SW, Blacksburg. A celebration of her life will be conducted Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 11:00 am in the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church with Rev. Gary Schroeder officiating, a reception following, and interment later in the West View Cemetery.
 

Portsmouth - - Rubie Evelyn Asble, 97, died July 30, 2012. A native of Jarvisburg, NC, she was predeceased by her husband, Henry F. Asble, Sr.; son, Henry F. Asble, Jr.; and a great-grandson, Jacob Mutter. Mrs. Asble was a member of Portsmouth First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Carol Morgan and husband William of Spotsylvania, VA; three grandsons, Michael Martin, Paul Martin and Charles Mutter Jr.; and six great-grandchildren, Courtney Martin, Andrew Martin, Madison Martin, Charles Mutter III, Lainey Mutter, and Elizabeth Mutter.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. Paul K. Matthews. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home the hour before the service. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com 
Published in The Virginian Pilot on August 2, 2012
 

Bernice Bunn Decker, 95, a long-time resident of Portsmouth, VA, passed away at The Oaks of Lynchburg on Monday July 23, 2012. She was born on August 12, 1916, the youngest of ten children to John Council Bunn and Laura Porter Bunn in Newsoms, VA.
After marrying Clyde, her cherished husband of 70 years, she moved to Portsmouth. Bernice was very involved in the life of her community, her church, local schools and she often brought home blue ribbons from her garden club. She was always the life of the party at family gatherings and loved to make people laugh. Tiny and feisty, she once told her only child, Deanna, that she hoped when her children grew up, they would move to Japan so she would know how her mother felt that the granddaughters were either in New York or Germany. That did not stop her from visiting. She once stayed with them for five months.
Survivors include her daughter, Deanna Hester, and her husband Carl of Lynchburg; two granddaughters, Sara Michelle Nay and husband David of Monument, CO and Emily Grace Gambone and husband Anthony of Richmond, VA; Seven great-grandchildren, Kieran, Axel, Markus and Marya Nay and Mia, Lucas and Jonah Gambone.
A Celebration of Bernice’s Life will be held at a future date, probably in September in Portsmouth, VA.
The family would like to thank the Oaks of Lynchburg, Seven Hills Hospice and Dr. Richard Miller for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Centenary United Methodist Church, 3312 Cedar Lane.
 

Husband to Peggy Neese-Reese ('60)

CARL MARION REESE, JR., 69, of Louisville, passed away Wednesday, May 2,
 2012 at his home.
 He was a U. S. Navy veteran of Vietnam. He had retired from Bridgehaven
 Health Services and a member of the American Legion Post #229.
 Preceded in death by his son, Carl M. "Marty" Reese III.
 Survivors include his wife, Peggy L. (Neese) Reese; two daughters, Beth
 Reese (Kevin) and Pam Siers (Kevin); two stepsons, Mike Cotton and Roy
 Cotton (Carol); a brother, Greg Reese; and nine grandchildren.
 Funeral services were held at the Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway
 with burial in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY.
 Online condolences to www.owenfuneral home.com
 

Mother to Ronnie Bost ('62)

Chesapeake - Pauline (Polly) Menscer Bost, 92, passed away Sunday November 25, 2012, at Golden Living Center in Portsmouth, VA. She was a member of Alexander Baptist Church and was originally from Statesville, NC. She is survived by two sons, Ronnie and wife Jane of Richmond, VA and Dennis of Suffolk, VA; A granddaughter Shelly Keller and husband Marshall and a great granddaughter Lindsey Keller of Newport News, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband F.E. Bost. Viewing is available from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday November 27 at Loving Funeral Home, 3225 Academy Avenue, Portsmouth, VA. Memorials may be given to the charity of choice . Interment will be in Statesville, NC.Published in The Virginian Pilot on November 27, 2012
 

Father to Porkchop Kennedy (’63) 

Portsmouth - Lester Kennedy, 92, died October 23, 2012 in the Churchland House. He was predeceased by his wife, Arlene W. Kennedy; parents, Gertrude and Perry P. Kennedy; and seven brothers, Doc, Cecil, Chester, Onus, Jack, Shorty, and Alton Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy was a retired Senior Chief Damage Controlman in the U.S. Navy. A veteran of WWII, he was a Pearl Harbor survivor, USS Lexington survivor in the Coral Sea Battle, and served on the USS Wisconsin during the Korean War. He was active in the D.A.V. Chapter 41 and the Fleet Reserve. His second career was as a forest ranger with the Virginia Division of Forestry where he fought fires in the Dismal Swamp and elsewhere, and taught and entertained school children as Smokey the Bear. Mr. Kennedy was a member of Cradock Baptist Church and Portsmouth Masonic Lodge #100. After retirement, he became an avid gardener and won several Yard of the Month and Yard of the Year Awards in South Loxley.
Survivors include one son, Jackie "Porkchop" Kennedy and wife Margaret of Chesapeake; one sister, Eunice Collier of New Boston, TX; three grandchildren, David, Jacqueline and Leslie; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews who all adored him.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1 PM in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. David Phillips. Burial with military honors will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 7-8 PM. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on October 25, 2012
 

Chesapeake - C. Nancy Frost Morris born on January 12, 1925, passed away on November 19, 2012. Nancy was surrounded by family and died peacefully at her loving granddaughter's home, Becky Woods.
She is survived by two sons, Jackie (Martha) and Johnney (Libby); grandchildren, Natasha, Nolan and Becky and eight great-grandchildren; extended family; Steve, Scott and Bryan Fletcher and their families.
A special thanks to her friend Jean Smith and Hardees' friends, where she was known as the "pie lady."
Memorial will be held at a later date.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on November 25, 2012
 

Portsmouth - Mary Frances Moore Hester, 98, died peacefully December 25, 2012. She was born in Hurdle Mills, N.C., the second of ten children, June 18, 1914, the daughter of Fitzhugh Lee and Bera Mae Bradsher Moore. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Carl Egbert Hester, Jr.; four brothers, Hassell Moore, Alvin Moore, Gilbert Moore and Robert Moore; and four sisters, Lorena Shoe, Ida Matthews, Annie Lee Bowes, and Nancy Painter
Born into the traditions of the Primitive Baptist Church, she became a Methodist after marriage. She was a member of Cradock and later Centenary United Methodist Church where she was a dedicated choir member. True to her mother's influence and her farming roots, she was an avid gardener and long time member of the Sterling Point Garden Club.
She is survived by two sons, Carl Egbert Hester III and wife Deanna of Lynchburg, Virginia and James Michael Hester of Portsmouth; a brother, Dewey L. Moore and wife Turid of Roxboro, NC; five grandchildren, Michelle Nay and husband Dave of Monument, CO, Emily Gambone and husband Tony of Richmond, VA, David Hester and wife Mary of Bushy Fork, NC; Benjamin Hester and wife Mary Kate of Richmond, VA; and Joshua Hester of Brooklyn, NY: great-grandchildren, Kieran, Axel, Marcus, and Marya Nay; Mia, Lucas, and Jonah Gambone; Nicholas and Gilbert Hester (David); and Noah, Lindsey, and Lily Grace Hester (Benjamin).
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Cassy, Luc, Payton, and Brinley Yoder of Portsmouth; Jack and Toni Sturdevant; and the staff at Elite Eldercare of Newport News for their loving care giving, friendship and devotion to Frances. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mary Lindsey Hester children's library at Centenary United Methodist Church, 3312 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, Virginia or the charity of your choice .
Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements. Plans for a memorial service are pending and will be announced at a later date.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on December 28, 2012
 

Portsmouth - Frank B. Kirsch Jr, 97, of Shoreline Drive, died December 15, 2012. He was a Portsmouth native, (9-15-1915) son of the late Frank and Nellie Kirsch. His wives, Nelda Barnes Kirsch and Katherine Brittingham Kirsch; his brothers, Jimmy and Joe; and sisters, Helen, Patricia, and Peggy predeceased him.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy K. Reynolds and husband, H. K. "Buddy" Reynolds of Zebulon, NC; two sons, Michael and wife Carolyn Allen Kirsch of Portsmouth and Bernie and wife, Donna Stewart Morris of Virginia Beach; eight grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and twenty-three nieces and nephews. Katherine's son, Dr. William L. Hunter Jr. and wife Helena of Annapolis, MD and her daughter, Katherine H. Gottlieb, and husband Steven of Atlanta survive him.
Mr. Kirsch graduated from Wilson High School in 1932, and received an Associates Engineering Degree from the University of Virginia in 1954. After 38 years service, he retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1976 as a Production Controller in the Planning Department.
Father Chris Hess will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's Catholic Church at 10 am on Thursday, Dec. 20. Burial will be in St. Paul's Cemetery, and a reception for friends will follow at 4105 Duke Drive.
A visitation will be held at Sturtevant Funeral Home, 5201 Portsmouth Blvd. Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 7-8 p.m. Please visit www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com for more detailed obituary information. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Christmas Fund, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 4560 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, another charity of your choice, or plant a tree in Frank's memory.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on December 18, 2012
 

Mother to Mike('63), Donna ('58), Lynn('60), & Edie ('67) Tilley

Portsmouth - Evelyn Cain Tilley, 92, died December 24, 2012 in her home. A native of Bladen County, NC, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Edward Tilley; and two daughters, Donna Carlisle and Lynn Waff. Mrs. Tilley was retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and was a member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church.
Survivors include one daughter, Edie Tilley of Portsmouth; one son, Michael E. Tilley and wife Mary of Suffolk; one sister-in-law, Evelyn B. Cain of Bladenboro, NC; eight grandchildren, Troy Anselmo, Keith Anselmo, Whitney Woody, Shannon Holifield, Todd Kleinschmidt, Michelle Keller, Chad Kleinschmidt and Kenyon Taylor; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, Dec. 26, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens by Pastor Ronald Hester. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on December 27, 2012
 

PORTSMOUTH – Hazel Hammond Fowler, 87, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2013.
Hazel was a native of Bladenboro N.C., the daughter of the late William and Daisy Hammond. She was retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Judy Casarotti (Michael); son, Kenneth Bass (Barbara); three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Joanne Black, Janice Wine (Frank), and Gail Novack (Dennis); and brother, J.D. Hammond (Lou). Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Sarah Straley and Betty Tyler (Joe); and her brothers, Jack Hammond and William Hammond.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, Portsmouth. The family wishes to thank Parsons Residential Care Center for their care of Hazel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be registered at www.bwfosterfuneralhome.com. 

Published on the B. W. Foster Funeral Home website
 

Portsmouth - Claire Lunardon Waters, 89, died March 15, 2013. Born in Sesser, Illinois, she was a first generation American, daughter of the late Frank and Mattia Pesavento Lunardon of Asiago, Italy. Mrs. Waters was a retired claims representative with the Social Security Administration and a World War II WAVE. She was a member of Cradock Presbyterian Church, Victory Chapter #16 O.E.S., Cradock Women's Club, and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Assoc.
Survivors include a daughter, Lynn Waters Carwell and husband Glenn Carwell, M.D. of Virginia Beach; son, John Waters and friend Renee Murphy of Dixon, IL; brother, Frank Lunardon of Dixon; sister-in-law, Olga Mae Wallace of Pinetown, NC; three grandsons, Will Chapman and Boyd Chapman and wife Elizabeth of Washington, DC, and Staff Sgt. David Waters of Dixon; granddaughter-in-law, Heather Chapman of Vero Beach, FL; three great-grandchildren, Morgan and Connor Chapman and Sara Waters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 19, at 1 PM in Cradock Presbytereian Church by the Rev. Don McLean. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel on Monday from 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Refuge. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on March 17, 2013
 

Chesapeake - Inez V. Bratton, 93, of Canal Dr., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, in a local hospital.
Born in Martin Co., NC, she was a Clerk at Lawrence Pharmacy for 64 years. She was a lifetime member of Women of the Moose. She was the widow of Hubert James Bratton, and was also preceded in death by five brothers, Ashley, Travis, J.C., Warner and Howard Vick.
Inez is survived by two sons, Mahon Earl Cofield (Charlotte) and Ronald E. Cofield (Donna); sister, Grace Everett; six grandchildren, Melinda Corbett (Jimmy), Jay Cofield, Michael Boyd (Christi), Dana Abdella (Tim), Rusty Lupton and Rusty Lewis; six great-grandchildren, Jamey and Matt Corbett, Michael, Paige and Katherine Boyd, Timothy Abdella. She is also survived by a host of special nieces, nephews, friends and her Lawrence Pharmacy family.
The family will receive friends at Snellings Funeral Home, George Washington Highway Chapel, on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.snellingsfuneralhome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on February 7, 2013
 

Joy Ann Lewis was born September 5, 1945 and left this world March 27, 2013. Joy's life purpose was to raise her family with unconditional love and support. A beloved wife to Charlie; a dedicated mother to Lori, Michelle, and Mark; a cherished Grandmother to Megan, Stefan, Travis, Genessee, and Madalynn; and a loyal friend to countless, her devotion was unparalleled. Joy was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Lorraine and is survived by her immediate family as well as her brother Keith, sister-in-law Diane, and nephews Chris, Cory and their respective families. For many years, Joy worked as a Communications Specialist for various Public Safety agencies including: Orange County Sheriff's Office, Orlando Fire Dept., Orlando Aviation Authority, UCF Police Dept., and ORMC Air Care. Joy's kind and generous spirit will be missed eternally but remembered by all and celebrated at her home on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 4-7 PM. Please visit www.joylewis.weebly.com for more details, call Chief Charlie Lewis for website password.
Express Condolences at orlandosentinel.com/obituaries

Published in the Orlando Sentinel on April 2, 2013
 

Portsmouth - Katherine Lee "Kitty" Leary, 101, passed away Monday, April 8, 2013. She was born in Richmond, VA to the late Issac and Helen Lee. She was a retired librarian for the City of Portsmouth and was a member of Cradock Women's Club. She was an accomplished artist whom received many awards for her paintings. Her paintings are displayed at Ronald McDonald House, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Beach Library and many in private collections. She participated in Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show for 41 years. She is predeceased by her husband Wilbur T. Leary and a son, William Leary.
She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Smith; two sons, Thomas R. Leary, Sr. and Richard L. Leary and wife Eleanor; five grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Maryview Nursing Care Center for all the love and support they gave to Katherine.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 12, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by Chaplain Chuck Levitt. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on April 10, 2013
 

Chesapeake - Patricia A. Snell, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 27, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 28, 1938 in Portsmouth, VA. She was the daughter of Virginia Dare Woodard and Joshua Samuel Woodard, Sr. and loving wife of Ellis "Bill" Snell, Jr. As a Majorette she led the band down High St. She graduated from Cradock High School, where she met the love of her life Bill and was married for 58 years. She was the Executive Secretary for Boyd Corp. and owner of Sugar Plum Dolls. She was a longtime member of Brent-lox Baptist Church. She enjoyed fishing and reading on Hatteras Island, and her happy place was on the back porch in the swing overlooking the Pamlico Sound. Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband, Ellis E. Snell, Jr.; mother, Virginia Dare Woodard; Brother, Joshua S. Woodard, Jr. and his son Jason Samuel Woodard; son, Kevin Ellis Snell wife Dara Snell and their son Josh Snell; daughter, Cheryl S. Lepore husband Dr. Michael A. Lepore, Jr. and their children, Kristen and Michael Tyler Lepore; son, Timothy Samuel Snell wife Amanda B. Snell and their children, Samuel and Leah Snell. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 30, at 11 a.m. in the Snellings Funeral Home, George Washington Highway Chapel with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends tonight at the funeral home from 6-7:30 pm. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snellingsfuneralhome.com. 

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 29, 2013

Note: I have been unable to find this individual in any Cradock yearbook. Therefore, I do not know which graduating class to list her with.
 

Wesley Howard Toler -  Wesley passed away at his Manassas home on March 24, 2013 at the age of 76, surrounded by loved ones. Wesley proudly served the U.S. Air Force and devoted 34 years of service to the federal government Department of Transportation. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane McGee Toler; father, George Howard Toler; and wife, Martha Ellen Toler. Wesley is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sue Carol Toler; brother, Charles Darryl Toler; five children, Victoria, Charles, Todd, Joy, and Samantha; fifteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The family welcomes friends to attend a memorial service held in his honor at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Buckhall United Methodist Church in Manassas, VA, with a celebration-of-life reception to follow. A private graveside service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at a later date. The family welcomes flowers; however, a memorial donation made to Buckhall United Methodist Church or  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital  in his name would be an enduring honor to Wesley. For more information visit: www.bakerpostfh.com.

Published in The Washington Post on March 28, 2013
 

Virginia Beach - Ernestine Williams Nix, 91, formerly of Portsmouth, passed away July 4, 2013.
Mrs. Nix, a native of Durham, N.C., was a member of Cradock Baptist Church, Cradock Women's Club, Cradock Music Club, and Joie de Vivre Book Club, Virginia Beach.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 72 years, Bryant G. Nix; three children, Ernestine "Teena" Wise, Bryant G. Nix, Jr., and Karen N. Grauzlis (Robert J.); grandchildren, Erin Bracy (Michael), Teena Anderson (Bob), Bryant G. "Trell" Nix III, Claude E. Nix II (Megan), Russell C. Nix, Nancy G. Behram (Steve), Robert J. Grauzlis, Jr., Meghan M. Grauzlis; and 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a special cousin, Jeune Grum man, numerous nieces and nephews, her nurse, Sydney Brooks, and a longtime special friend, Ann Eastes. She was predeceased by a son-in-law, Michael Wise, and two grandchildren, David W. Grauzlis and Kendall L. Grauzlis.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 8 at Cradock Baptist Church, 96 Afton Parkway, Portsmouth. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church social hall. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is assisting the family. Condolences may be registered at www.bwfosterfuneralhome.com. 

Published in The Virginian Pilot on July 6, 2013
 

Chesapeake - Elaine Cline Simpson, 63, died June 22, 2013. A native of Kannapolis, NC, she was the daughter of the late Vance H. and Edna Wilson Cline. Elaine worked in the office of E.V. Williams Paving Co. and was a member of Deep Creek United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Joe F. Simpson; two daughters, Jessica Lee Herrin and husband David, and Courtney Lynn Harris and husband Brian, all of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, Jaylin, Trenton, Leah and Lucas; and a brother, Larry Cline of Portsmouth.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 26, at 11 AM in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. E. Clifton Whitlock. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7-8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ALS Association, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com 

Published in The Virginian Pilot on June 24, 2013
 

Portsmouth - Etalee Geraldine Cowan, 89, went to be with her Savior on Monday, August 12, 2013. She was born in Pangburn, AR to the late Cynthia and John R. Williams, Sr. She retired from General Electric with 20 years of service as an instructor and was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She is predeceased by her five brothers and sisters, Lloyd Williams, Elbert Williams, Johnnie Williams, Lila Reaves and Irene Walker.
She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Bragg and husband Braxton; two sons, Frederick Cowan and William R. Cowan and wife Auleen; a brother, Billy G. Williams and wife Janice; eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is handling arrangements.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Aug. 14, 2013
 

Portsmouth - Harvey Russell Ackiss, 86, of Portsmouth, VA, passed away November 27, 2013. He was predeceased by his parents, Roger R. and Elizabeth (Lizzie) T. Ackiss and his sister, Jean Davis. Survivors include his wife Lora Kay Schultz Ackiss, his sister Edna Earl Truss, his brother Bobby Warren Ackiss and wife Jean Ackiss, three sons F. Paige Ackiss and wife Becky H. Ackiss, Phoenix S. Ackiss, and George E. Schultz and wife Deborah C. Schultz, his daughter Gwen E. Schultz, his grandchildren Vere' L. Schultz and wife Mallorie K.
Schultz, Kyle R. Schultz, Christopher A. Schultz, Karen E. Ackiss and April C. Sherman, and three great grandchildren.
He enlisted in the Merchant Marines as a troop carrier. He was a member of the Sea Scouts. He retired from NAS Oceana receiving numerous awards including the highest Civilian Service Award which was presented to him by the Honorable U.S. Senator (ret) G. William Whitehurst. He was a founding member and President for 12 years of the Oceana Credit Union. He also designed and carved their logo. Harvey was a world class carver, winning numerous awards including the World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition. He also was a carving instructor. He was honored by the Carvers of the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild with a plaque displayed at the VA Beach oceanfront. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.
Friends will be received at Loving Funeral Home on Monday, December 2nd from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Service will be held at Loving on Tuesday, December 3rd at 12:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , the American Heart Association , or the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.
 

Richard Lawrence Kane, 68, of Charlottesville passed away at his home Tuesday, April 16, 2013.He was born in Washington D.C. on August 19, 1944 to the late Felix and Mary Emily Kane.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Janice and four loving children; Mike and his wife Lisa Kane, Jenifer Kane and her husband Rodney Ellis, Tonya Gromkoski, John Gromkoski and his fiancé Brynja. Richard is survived by seven grandchildren; Sam, Charlotte, Elaine, Ben, Jonah, Natalie, and Heather. He also is survived by his ex-wife Sara and her husband Bob. He will be missed by many extended family and friends.
Richard will always be remembered for his love of Dr. Who and Top Gear.
In lieu of flowers in Richard's honor please donate books to school libraries.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Teague Funeral Home. Family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 6:00-8:00.

Published on Teague Funeral Home website
 

Norfolk - Mildred V. Breon, 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 17, 2014.
Born in Newport News, VA, she was the widow of Perry H. Breon. She was a Charter Member of Virginia Beach Community Chapel.
Left to cherish Mildred's memory are her 2 daughters, Sandra Gwynn and husband Joseph of Virginia Beach and Sheron Wetherington and husband Ralph of Massachusetts; a brother, Carter N. Harrison of Virginia Beach; 6 grandchildren, Timothy Gwynn, Andrew Gwynn (Celeste), Joanna Lupton (Everett), Peri Forister (Steve), Beth Joy Donley (Patrick), and Nathan Wetherington; and 8 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 at Peninsula Memorial Park by Rev. Ralph E. Wetherington and Rev. Joseph L. Gwynn. Condolences may be offered to the family at: www.hollomon-brown.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Apr. 20, 2014
 

Portsmouth - Mavis Barnes Hooks, 93, died April 23, 2014. A native of Wayne County, NC, she was predeceased by her husband, James L. Hooks; parents, Bryan B. and Ida Lane Barnes; son, Dennis R. Hooks; sister, Elizabeth Watson; and granddaughter, Kim Fallejo. Mrs. Hooks retired as a salesperson after 30 years at Hofheimer Shoes .
She was an active member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years and a member of the Women's Missionary Union. She was also a member of the South Loxley Garden Club.
Survivors include her daughter, Brenda H. O'Quinn and husband Alfred of Portsmouth; son, Neil Hooks and wife Theresa of Ocean View, NJ; daughter-in-law, Jerri Hooks of Norfolk; sister, Margie Shirley and husband Wilbur of Goldsboro, NC; brother, Ralph Barnes and wife Hazel of Fremont, NC; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Apr. 26, at 1 p.m. in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. Paul Martin. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Contributions may be made to Fairview Heights Baptist Church, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association . www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Apr. 24, 2014
 

Portsmouth - John Andrew Arrington, 92, of the 900 block of Sacony Street, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014. A native of Winston-Salem, NC, he retired as a ship surveyor from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 31 years and also retired from Quality Boats, Inc. as a quality control manager. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during World War II. He was a member of Cottage Place United Methodist Church, Portsmouth Masonic Lodge #100, A.F.
& A.M. and the Portsmouth Scottish Rite Bodies.
Mr. Arrington was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jane Lucille Mackey Arrington; his parents, Gene C.
and Fannie Alspaugh Arrington; and a sister, Margaret E. "Bitsie" Miller.
Survivors include two sons, John A. Arrington II and wife Barbara of Smithfield and David C. Arrington and wife Marie of Portsmouth; a brother, Howard Arrington of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, John M. Arrington, Cammie J.
Lewis, Amber M. Fox and Amanda M. Smiley; and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, in Greenlawn Mausoleum Chapel by the Rev. Andrew Book.
The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cottage Place United Methodist Church.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Apr. 25, 2014
 

Portsmouth - FOX, Sheryl Brooks, 66, of Richmond, joined her father, William F. Brooks Sr. in Heavenly peace on July 1, 2014 at Henrico Doctors Hospital, Forest Campus, due to chemotherapy complications associated with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Edgar T. Fox Jr.; mother, Ardelle W. Brooks; brother, William F. Brooks Jr. and his girlfriend, Deborah L. Ransone; aunt and uncle, Sylvia W. and Gerald A. Schmidt, all of Richmond; sister-in-law, Loretta and her husband, "Sarge" Sarazen of Crossville, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Sandra McInnis of Chesapeake, Va.; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sherry was born in Portsmouth, Va., graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and Old Dominion University. She taught elementary school in Portsmouth and Roanoake and was a resident of Richmond for the past 30 years. She and Ed enjoyed visiting many of the natural and historic attractions throughout the Richmond area and also traveling to different areas of the country, particularly New England in the Fall. Their special love was Maine. Sherry especially cherished time with family and friends. For the past eight years, Sherry has been a devoted daughter, helping with the care of her mother. She was also a loving wife, sister, aunt and a special friend to many and will be in our hearts forever. A celebration of Sherry's life will be officiated by the Rev. Roxanne Cherry of Henrico Doctors Hospital. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m., a service at noon and a reception following on Thursday, July 10, 2014, all at Blileys-Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond Va. Casual attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on July 6, 2014
 

Virginia Beach - Patsy Hughes, 79, Loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Tuesday at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She is survived by her husband Joe Hughes; daughters, Elaine Sevy, Karen Stith, and Kyndall Wilson; a son, Kevin Hughes and her grandchildren Bradley and Brian Slater, Jordan Love, Kelsey Wilson, Kyle, Carlisle and Keagan Hughes. Also surviving Patsy are her brother Jack Phillips and sister-in-law Pat Phillips.
Patsy was retired from Verizon Telephone Company, where she worked for 27 years.
The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Bayside Chapel on Sunday July 6, 2014 from 7-8:30 pm. A funeral service will be held at Old Donation Episcopal Church, 4449 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA, on Monday July 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM with entombment to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park Mausoleum. The Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association in Pat's Honor. Condolences may be made at www.hollomon-brown.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on July 5, 2014
 

Portsmouth - Francis Bernard Kirsch IV, "Kip", 43, of Suffolk, died unexpectedly, Thursday, December 11, 2014. He was born in Portsmouth to Linda Watson Pace and Bernie Kirsch. He is survived by his sisters, Robin and husband Kevin Martin of Spring, Texas, and Lisa and husband Kendall Rump of Fishers, Indiana, niece Lauren Martin and nephews Collin Martin and Benjamin and Joseph Rump, a host of cousins, aunts and uncles as well his dog, Bo, his best friend. He was a well-loved and loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and master.
Kip was an outdoorsman, simply the best of that group. He knew the forest, the ocean, our rivers, hunting, crabbing, fishing and treating his friends and family to his many harvests. He spent his life becoming an expert in the outdoors and was widely respected by his peers.
A memorial service for his friends and family to honor Kip will be held at 11 AM, on Monday, December 15, 2014 in Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth, VA. A private family burial will be held at a later date. You are encouraged to make a gift to your local Humane Society. Condolences messages for the family may be expressed on-line at bwfosterfuneralhome.com

Portsmouth - Ella Lewis "Polly" Frazier, 92, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2015 in her home. She was a native of Bowling Green, VA and was the daughter of the late Strother and Linda Lewis. She is predeceased by her husband James Robert Frazier; her daughter, Ginger Bondoc; and a son, Richard Frazier.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Allred and husband James; four sons, Bob Frazier and wife Fran, Tommy Frazier and wife Robin, Willie Frazier and wife Mary and Larry Frazier and wife Cindy; three sisters, Virginia Beazley, Mary Lynn Dyson and Hannah Chance; a brother, Strother Lewis, Jr. and wife Margaret; ten grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held 1 P.M. Saturday, January 17, at the residence of Willie and Mary Frazier. Her body was donated to science and the family request that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to  a favorite charity  . The family wishes to thank Denise and Allison with Bons Secours hospice for their extraordinary care.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Funeral Home
Sturtevant Funeral Home
5201 Portsmouth Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 488-8348
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Jan. 11, 2015
 

Douglas Richard Slocumb, Sr., 62, died February 2, 2015. A native of Portsmouth, he was predeceased by his first wife, Linda B. Slocumb; and son, Richard Slocumb. Doug was a retired U.S. Coast Guard construction representative and a master electrician. He was a member of Believers Church.
Survivors include his wife, Rhonda H. Slocumb; daughter, Dawn Mason and husband Danny; siblings, Wayne Slocumb (Diane), Carole Logwood (Charles), Judith Hafner and Linda March (Randy); and five grandchildren, Aaron, Jared, Justin, Mackenzie and Alexis.
 A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at noon in Believers Church by Pastor Jamey Stuart and Mr. Keith Lewis. Burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 7-8:30 PM. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

Foy A. Greenwood, Sr., 94, died February 1, 2015. He was a resident at Dominion Village of Chesapeake for eight years, where he was known as the “Mayor”. Born in Chase City, VA, he was predeceased by his parents, W. Samuel and Mollie Goodin Greenwood; wife of 65 years, Evelyn Koon Greenwood (married December 7, 1941); sister, Mary Sane; brother, Boyd Greenwood; granddaughter, Amber Porter; and grandson, Gene Umberger. Foy retired from the Norfolk Naval Air Station as an airframes mechanic after twenty seven years. He was a long time member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church.
Foy enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, the Washington Redskins, UVA football and the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed building fast cars and in the early days of NASCAR built a very successful early model modified race car. Foy was a proud U. S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
Foy is survived by his daughter Lori Umberger (Lenny) of South Mills, NC, son Foy A. Greenwood, Jr. (Joyce), granddaughter, Robin Ankron (Dalton); grandson, Al Greenwood (Charissa); seven great-grand children, Ted and Amy Belloli, Joy and Amber Ankron, Tyler Porter (Lauren), Riley and Emma Greenwood; and one great-great-grandson, Steven Porter. Foy was a kind, loving, faithful and devoted husband and father. He loved his family, Christ, country and friends.
Services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 11 AM in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by Pastor Aaron Fuller. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 6220 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23701. The family would like to thank the staff at Dominion Village and Interim Hospice for their compassionate care, also all those who attended to his spiritual needs. The many cards, visits and prayers from those that knew him were all much appreciated. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
 

Mother to Nancy Wade ('62)

Portsmouth - Our Mom and Granny, Sallie Elizabeth Wade, 98, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015. She was born in Capron, VA to the late James and Sallie Harrup. She joins in heaven her husband Jim N. Wade and a grandson, Michael Bostick.
She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Bostick and husband William and Nancy Smith; two grandchildren, Bridget Rivenbark and Jeffrey Braun; and two great grandchildren, Zack and Cody Rivenbark.
A memorial service will be held 3 P.M. Saturday, March 14, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. T.M. Frye. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Portsmouth Humane Society.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Mar. 12, 2015
 

Chesapeake - Kate Eleanor Stampley, 98, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2015. She was born on May 7, 1917 in Macon County, NC to the late Zeb and Melvina Shope; and retired in 1972, as a school teacher from Academy Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, after 31 years. Mrs. Stampley was a Christian who loved God and was one of the original members of Alexander Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew O. Stampley, Sr.; a son, Robert K. Stampley; and eleven siblings.
Those left to cherish her memory are a son, Andrew O. Stampley, Jr. and his wife Yvonne; a daughter in law, Carol Stampley; a sister, Mildred Swafford; three grandchildren, Andrew "Drew" Stampley, III, Meredith A. Howard and Melissa B. Gage; eight great grandchildren; and a host of extended family.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, May 28, 2015 in Alexander Baptist Church by Dr. Gene Primm. Burial will be private in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel on Wednesday evening from 7 8:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to "Alexander Baptist Church" for the Missions Program, 4316 Pamela Ct, Chesapeake, VA 23321.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 25, 2015
 

Portsmouth - Virginia Lee Phillips Thomas, 97, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2015. A native of North Carolina, she was predeceased by her parents, Rosa Lee and Slade Wyatt Phillips; husband, Werner W. "Tom" Thomas; brothers, John, James and Amos Phillips; and sister, Lena "Billie" Schriner. Virginia was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church. She lived a long and blessed life, always propelled by a strong faith in God. She loved to travel, work with ceramics and china paint, but most of all she loved to cook southern food for her family as long as she was able.
Virginia leaves behind her two children, Rosalie Draper (Phil) of Virginia Beach and Donald Rinehart (Judy) of Melbourne, FL; brother, Slade W. Phillips (Peggy) of Portsmouth; grandchildren, Mark Kahler (Mary), Kevin Kahler (Kelly), Kelli Wadsten (Gary), Clay Kahler (Ariane), Donald Rinehart Jr. (Kathy), Lisa Hagdone (Jeff), Doreen Rinehart, Leslie Raley (Kevin), and Marc Du Paul; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their support. Words can never express the family's gratitude to Bessie Cuffee, Cora Bryant, Ida Cherry, Julie Kerns and Emily Cuffee for their exceptional in-home care, love, support and dedication to her for so many years.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Apr. 14, at 1 PM in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel is in charge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice . www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

Portsmouth - Glanville O'Connell "Glenda" Newsome, 93, a longtime resident of the 500 block of Cornick Road passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Churchland House Assisted Living. A native of Scotland Neck, NC, she was born on December 14, 1921 to the late Julian and Ellie Bunch.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus C. Newsome, Sr.; a son, Rufus "Rock" Newsome, Jr.; a sister, Catherine Weedo; and three brothers, Jarrett, Jack and Owen Bunch.
Survivors include a daughter, Glenda N. Moore and husband Ward; a son, Gene C. Newsome and wife Mary Alice; a grandson, Kevin Moore; a sister, Lois Matthews; and a host of special nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 in Sunnyside Cemetery, Scotland Neck, NC. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel Tuesday evening from 6 7:30 PM.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Mar. 2, 2015
 

CARROLLTON- Clifford M. Montney, 72, passed away April 9, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends. A native of Muskegon, MI, he was predeceased by his parents, Clayton A. and Betty H. Montney; and two sisters, Mary Ann Kogler and Emma Jane Montney.
Cliff was retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a member of Benn’s United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 49, and Central Hill Hunt Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and good fellowship and loved all those who shared these special times with him.
Survivors include his wife, Ann Jennings Montney; daughter, Julia Ann Montney Paul (T.J.) three sisters, Nancy Fulton, Linda Combs (Oakie), and Janet Fitzgerald; three brothers, John Montney (Karen), Joe Montney (Tami), and Tim Montney; three grandchildren, Clarissa Saunders (Chad), Ian Saunders, Matthew Saunders, father-in-law; R.M. Jennings as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13, at 3 PM in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel, Suffolk, by the Rev. O.H. Burton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3-5 PM. Burial will be at a later date in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 49 at 818 S. Church St. Smithfield, Va. 23430. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

Portsmouth - Edna Muriel Jenkins, 87, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015. She was born in Littleton, NC to the late Jesse and Ora Adkins. She retired as a teacher's assistant in special education. She was a charter member of Fairview Heights Baptist Church, the Phebean Sunday school class, Order ofthe Eastern Star Victory Chapter 16, and the Beazley Senior Center. She is predeceased by her husband, Calvin W. Jenkins and a special friend, Keith Simpson.
She is survived by her two daughters, Hazel Taylor and husband David and Peggy Lilienthal and husband Jack; a son, Charles "Stevie" Jenkins; four grandchildren, Sharon Brallier, Richard Taylor (Karen), Jack "Andy" Lilienthal (Caroline) and Nathan Lilienthal (Anna); and eleven great grandchildren. 
A funeral service will be held 1 P.M. Tuesday, March 24, at Greenlawn Memorial Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the mausoleum one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Fairview Heights Baptist Church. 
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Mar. 22, 2015
 

Chesapeake - Violet Virginia Gould (Memo), 94, died February 28, 2015. A native of Portsmouth, she was the widow of King P. Gould. Violet loved her family dearly, loved the beach and animals.
She is survived by three sons, Ronnie Gould and wife Martha of Suffolk, Jerry Gould of Portsmouth, and Gary Gould and wife Cindy of Carrollton; sister, June Stewart of Rumson, NJ; brother, Edward Earl Brewer of Portsmouth; daughter-in-law, Patricia Gould of Suffolk; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Mayfair House staff in Portsmouth for their excellent and loving care.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 3, at 11 AM in Meadowbrook Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel on Monday from 7-8 PM. Memorial donations may be made to your local Humane Society. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Mar. 2, 2015
 

Doris Dearmon Silva, Academy Park High School, 1947 died Thursday morning.
Doris Dearmon Silva, 84, died July 10, 2014. A native of Statesville, NC, she was the widow of Bill Silva. Doris retired from J.C. Penny and was a member of Community United Methodist Church, the Ellen Bailey Circle, and the Beazley Senior Center.
Survivors include two daughters, Karen Whitener (Al) of Suffolk and Debra Daniels (Mike) of Franklin; three sisters, Lois White, Nadine DeJarnette and Renae VanShellenbeck; one brother, Jerry Dearmon; four grandchildren, Neil, Kevin, Michelle and Michael; and three great-grandchildren, Allison, Ella and Chase.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 11 AM in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by the Rev. Kirk Culpepper. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community UMC.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
 

N. CHARLESTON - William "Bill" Chavis left this earth late on Tuesday to take his place in paradise. He leaves behind his wife, Karen Wohlgemuth Chavis, his sister Barbara VandeKuyl (Dennis) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; a daughter Beth Chavis (AJ Governale) of Atlanta, Georgia; a daughter Cheryl Shoemaker of Warner Robbins, GA; a son David Chavis of Macon, Georgia; a step-daughter Dawn Wohlgemuth (Karl) of Hanahan, SC, and four fabulous grandsons (Dillon, Mason, Charles and Benjamin) who were all the apple of his eye as well as several nieces and their families. He will be missed by his family and a host of lifelong friends and co-workers. The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice, especially Evelyn and Taryn, for their care and concern during his brief illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 p.m. at Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services, 7475 Peppermill Parkway, North Charleston. All are asked to wear a University of Georgia shirt or red and black in honor of Bill's loyalty to his Georgia football team.
Published in Charleston Post & Courier on May 15, 2015
 

Chesapeake - Ella Louise Cahoon, 92, of the 1000 block of Baugher Avenue passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2015 in her home. Ella will be reunited in heaven with her loving husband of 64 years, George W. Cahoon. She was born on October 10, 1922 in Engelhard, NC, to the late Early and Ella Gibbs.
Ella was a warm, kind-hearted wife, mother, and grandmother who brought joy to so many. She will be dearly missed.
Those left to cherish her memory are her four sons, Bobby, Blair, Freddie and Chad. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; her sister, Marva; and brothers, Tommy and Larry.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel by Rev. T.M. Frye. A committal service will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 7 8 PM.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 25, 2015
 

Mary Jean Blevins Caffee of Sanford, NC, passed from this earthly domain to her heavenly home Sunday, March 8, 2015 at UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents Howard Jason Blevins and Grace Thompson Blevins. Mary was born in Lansing, NC July 5, 1939, graduated from Lansing High School then attended Appalachian State Teachers College. During her work career she was a switchboard operator in Greensboro, NC and in Richmond, VA. She was a stay-at-home mom until her daughter was in third grade. She completed her career as office manager for Sanford area dentists. Mary had been a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and the A.S. Parker Sunday School Class since 1985. She was devoted to God, her family and her friends, and she considered everyone her friend. Over the years Mary served St. Luke UMC and other churches as UMW Circle Chair, receiving a lifetime service pin, chair of Altar Guild, Chair of Communion Committee, secretary of the A.S. Parker Sunday School Class, nursery helper, Williams Lobby receptionist, kitchen helper for VBS and any other task where she felt a need. She also gave back to the community through her work in the gift shop at Central Carolina Hospital, Bread Basket and Meals on Wheels. In every activity her compassion and friendly spirit shone through. Mary is survived by her loving husband Don Caffee, her precious daughter Michelle Caffee Phillips (Steve), granddaughter Mackenzie Phillips (her Angel), grandson Bobby Phillips (her Prince), sisters Thelma Richards of Aiken, SC, Betty Miller (Ben) of Taylors, SC, and Ann Jones (Bobby) of Gibsonville, NC, as well as by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 1:00 PM in the Casey Chapel of St. Luke UMC with Rev. Dr. Gene Cobb and Rev. Dr. Suzanne Cobb officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Mary Tulluck Fund at St. Luke UMC, 2916 Wicker St., Sanford, NC 27330.
Visitation Following the service in the Ladies Parlor.
Services 1:00pm Wednesday at St Luke United Methodist Church Chapel.
 

Brother to Johnny ('50) & Janice ('62) Branch

Suffolk - Clifton "C.R." Randolph Branch, 87, passed away May 12, 2015. He was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC the son of the late Johnny W. and Hattie W. Branch. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Shirley B. Branch; sister, Sarah Singleton; and son-in-law, Bobby Lilley. He was a United State Air Force veteran having served as a corpsman. Clifton worked for many years in the food service industry. He retired as a salesman from Doughtie's BBQ and Portsmouth City Schools. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. He served as President of Tidewater Gospel Music Association for many years.
Clifton is survived by his daughter, Sherri Branch Lilley; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Earl and Nancy C. Greene; grandchildren, M. Neil Greene, Nicole L. Siebert (Adam), Heather L. Russell (Brandon); great grandchildren, Amanda Greene, Kearstin and Landon Russell; sister, Janice Branch; brother, Johnny W. Branch, Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Sandy. Special thanks to special caregivers, Peggy Culpepper, James and Melissa Middleton.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens with Rev. Tom Potter officiating. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation Friday night from 7-8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association . Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 14, 2015
 

Portsmouth - Jeanette Flagg Mitchell, 94, of Chesterfield and Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2015, following a brief illness. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia on March 5, 1921, she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Russell Waugh Mitchell; her parents, Rena Morton Flagg and John Carroll Flagg; and grandchild Stephen C. Mageras. She is survived by her three devoted children; daughters Helen Mitchell Olds (Tom) of Williamsburg, VA, Judith Mitchell Rocawich (Mark) of Chesterfield, VA, son David Russell Mitchell (Loretta) of Frederick, Maryland; loving sister Helen F. Hudgins Stevens of Richmond, VA; grandchildren Matthew Stephen Rocawich, Judith Anne Malone (Scott), Kevin Mitchell, Carter Mitchell, Mitch Mitchell; and great grandchild Finnegan Anders Malone. For many years, Jeanette and her family resided on Court Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth and their door was always open.
Jeanette enjoyed a many-faceted life and lived each day to the fullest. She gave of herself unconditionally in service to the Lord as a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. She was known as an ardent volunteer within her parish and the community. Prior to relocating from Portsmouth to Midlothian in 1992, Jeanette was a member of Trinity's Altar Guild and a docent at the Portsmouth Museum. She was a volunteer at Brandermill Woods Retirement Center in Midlothian long before becoming a full-time resident of The Chesterfield in 2013, a home she adored for the friendship and staff, and the activities which completed her days.
Jeanette loved to travel. When her daughter, Helen, traveled to Asia on one of many trips, Jeanette's suitcase was always packed and ready to go. She joined The Right Reverend Charles Vache and a delegation to Russia as a guest of the Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. Her cultural curiosity also led to travels to Austria, Hungary, Ireland, Yugoslavia, England, Germany and more. The opportunity to be present at the Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavaria was a special memory in her life.
Jeanette will be remembered by many for her love of flowers and gardening and as an accomplished artist. Currently her paintings are on exhibit at Brandermill Woods. Her children will always remember her for her devotion to family, unwavering positive attitude, and love of entertaining. Jeanette was grateful for the blessing of every day as each was filled with sunshine. She will always be in the hearts of her family.
A graveside service for members of the family will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 or to a charity of your choice . Condolences may be offered to the family at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Sept. 20, 2015
 

Virginia - Brenda Nana Kuhlman Whiddon, 74, a resident of Lutz, FL has gone home to be with her Lord. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.
Brenda grew up in Tampa and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1959. She received her associate degree at FSU and her bachelor's at USM. Brenda loved to travel and worked as a tour guide, taking large groups to Israel. She also lived and worked for years in Virginia Beach.
Brenda is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Whiddon, daughter Deborah, step-daughter Amy, their husbands, grandchildren Ashley, Amelia, Gabe and Lauren, and brother, Dennis.
She battled dementia bravely for six years and lost her life on September 12, 2015. Death never had to work so hard.
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Mary Kuhlman and her daughter Michelle. We know their reunion in heaven was a joyous one. Arrangements entrusted to the Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel.
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Sept. 20, 2015
 

Chesapeake - Carol Hayton Bradley, 79, went to be with her Lord on April 7, 2015.
Born in Kings Daughters Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia on January 29, 1936, Ms. Bradley was the eldest daughter of Thomas H. and Pauline W. Bradley. An exceptional person who was respected by all who met her, she loved traveling extensively, needle work, singing and playing the piano.
She was predeceased by her mother and her father. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister and brother-in-law, Paula and Cameron Pitts; niece and family, Melody and Jim Schofield and sons, Benjamin and Aaron; dear friend, Gail Van Aalst and her family Pamela, Justin and JB Henry and the many friends in Eagle Pointe.
Ms. Bradley was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Portsmouth, received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Madison College and a Master's Degree from Emory University Chandler School of Theology. Carol was Children's Choir Director at Raleigh Court Methodist Church, Roanoke, Virginia before embarking on a successful career in education. She taught in Cradock, Academy Park and Port Norfolk before moving to Prince William County. During her career she taught seventh grade, fifth grade, third grade and was Supervisor of Elementary Personnel. She was always striving to be the best educator she could be. Carol moved to Chesapeake following her retirement from Prince Williams Schools after 31 years of service.
Friends will be received for visitation Monday, April 13 1t 12:00 p.m., funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home and Crematory, Great Bridge Chapel, 524 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. A reception will follow at Eagle Pointe Cahoon Plantation Bay Club. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Carol's name to Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com
Published in The Virginian Pilot on Apr. 11, 2015