Miscellaneous Chesapeake County, Virginia Obituaries

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Thelma L. Bartell
CHESAPEAKE -- Thelma Louise Bartell of the 1200 block of Commerce St. died Jan. 2, 2000, at Lake Taylor Hospital, Norfolk. She was born in Lumpkin, Ga., and was the widow of Joe Bartell.

Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Bartell and Lillian Holmes; two sons, Ulysses Berry and Alcelius Bartell; her mother, Ozie Demery, all of Chesapeake; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and an aunt, Lillian Miller Hyman of Chesapeake.

A funeral will be conducted at noon Thursday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1608 E. Liberty St., Chesapeake, by the Rev. Rayphield Clay. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Fitchett Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Anita R. Jorgensen
CHESAPEAKE -- Anita R. Jorgensen, 46, of the 2500 block of Wild Horse Ridge, died Jan. 4, 2000. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in Grace Lutheran Church, Chesapeake. There will be no public viewing or visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Portsmouth-Chesapeake Unit, 2730 Ellsmere Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513. Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, Great Bridge, is in charge.

Jimmie S. Pope
CHESAPEAKE -- Jimmie S. ``Dick'' Pope, 80, of the 1000 block of George Washington Hwy., died Jan. 2, 2000, at Maryview Medical Center.

Born in Franklin, he retired in 1982 as a shipfitter and flange turner from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 35 years. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Mount Gilead A.M.E. Church in Newsoms, Va., and a member of the Southside Civic League. Mr. Pope was a World War II veteran and served on the USS Saratoga at Pearl Harbor.

Survivors include two daughters, Gwendolyn Wicks of Columbia, Md., and Veda Pope Deloatch of Riverdale, Ga.; three stepdaughters, Jennifer Beal and Shelia Hobbs of Franklin, and Vonetta Jackson of Chesapeake; two sons, Victor Pope of Virginia Beach and Jimmie D. Pope of Norfolk; two stepsons, Eldridge Crocker of Franklin and Quinton Roberts of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister, Mary P. Green; four brothers, Rufus Pope of Portsmouth, Johnnie Pope and Alphonso Pope of Franklin, and Olie Pope of Abingdon, Md.; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and four sisters-in-law, Beatrice Pope, Geneva Pope, Ernistine Pope and Virgie Faulk.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home, Franklin, by the Rev. Roosevelt Harmon Jr. Burial will be in Mount Gilead A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Newsoms. The family will receive visitors at 6 p.m. today at the home of Mary Green, 420 Pine St., Franklin.

Arye W. Powers
CHESAPEAKE -- Arye Walker Powers, 86, died Jan. 3, 2000. 

Mrs. Powers was born July 20, 1913, in Norfolk, to the late William and Daisie Barrett Walker and was the wife of the late Lawrence Powers. She was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a former postmaster of Northwest. She was a member of Northwest Baptist Church. 

Mrs. Powers is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Neleski of Eastbrook, Maine, and Arianna Geddings of Chesapeake; four sons, William Langston of Cheyenne, Wyo., Carter Bain Langston and Wesley Powers, both of Chesapeake, and Neil Powers of Norfolk; and a sister, Alice W. Stallings of Virginia Beach. Mrs. Powers was the grandmother of 20 grandchildren and had 15 great-grandchildren. 

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Rutter Cemetery, Ballahack Road, Chesapeake, by the Rev. M.R. White. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today. Twiford Funeral Home, Great Bridge, is in charge.

Amy G. Spruill
CHESAPEAKE -- My beloved mother, Amy Geasland Spruill, of the 1100 block of Decatur St., died Jan. 3, 2000, two months before her 95th birthday as a result of complications from surgery. 

Born in Harriman, Tenn., she was a retired clerk from the Commissioner of Revenue. Amy was a tenacious, intelligent and very loving person who maintained an independent life up until the end despite being unsighted in one eye, legally blind from muscular degeneration in the other, having limited use of her fingers and a hip that had degenerated.

She tumbled from a chair and the fall revealed the need for a total hip replacement. Despite an osteoporosis condition, and always the fighter, an election was made to attempt what could only be categorized as a difficult surgery rather than face total immobility and constant pain.

The surgery proved to be more difficult than anticipated. The procedure required over six hours and complications were encountered. Her aged and frail body fought to recover, but the fight was too much and she succumbed.

Amy never forgot a kindness, and she returned each as best as she could. She treated all persons equally and no one unfairly. She loved and was loved. After a lifetime of struggle, she achieved her own financial independence out of nothing but simple frugality, hard work and determination. She will be terribly missed.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Amy; her brother, Fred Geasland, and her husband, George. She is survived by many friends and her immediate family of a son, William ``Bill'' and his wife, Linda Vestal Spruill of Chesapeake; three grandsons; four great-grandchildren; numerous special nephews, nieces, cousins and a very special sister-in-law, Betty Gordan Geasland.

Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2000, at Francis A. Gay Funeral Home, South Norfolk Chapel, where a memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2000. Burial will be private.

Elizabeth A. Vara
CHESAPEAKE -- Elizabeth Agnes Vara, 80, of the 2000 block of Cherry Lane, died Jan. 3, 2000.

Mrs. Vara, a native of New York City, was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, George Kenneth Vara; four sons, Col. Richard F. Vara of Fort Thomas, Ky., Glenn K. Vara of Portsmouth, Terence K. Vara of Chesapeake, Bruce S. Vara of Norfolk; a sister, Helen Bibler; a brother, Frank Shea; 13 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in Holy Angels Catholic Church by Father J. Ven Ilano. Burial will follow in Portsmouth Catholic Cemetery. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth, is handling arrangements.

Michael L. Wilson
CHESAPEAKE -- Michael Lee ``Mike'' Wilson of the 100 block of Hibben Road died Jan. 4, 2000, at Chesapeake General Hospital. Services will be announced by Carlos A. Howard Funeral Home, Norfolk Chapel.

Ellen V. Adamson
NORFOLK -- Ellen Veronica Adamson, 87, died peacefully Jan. 3, 2000, in a local nursing home. 

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., she is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Eugene; their son, Mark, of Greensboro, N.C., and his three children, April, Jesse and Colby; their son, Jimmy, his wife, Ming, and their daughter, Debbie, all of Tampa, Fla.; their daughter, Pam and her husband, Tom, of Virginia Beach. She also had one great-granddaughter, Rhiannon. 

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday in Altmeyer Funeral Home, Virginia Beach.

Sallie C. Biggs
NORFOLK -- Sallie C. Biggs of the 800 block of Goff St. died Jan. 3, 2000, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Born in Bertie, N.C., she was a seamstress and a member of United House of Prayer for All People, Norfolk No. 1., and its No. 1 Usher Board.

She is survived by a special cousin-in-law, Ruthel Walton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday at United House of Prayer for All People, Norfolk No. 1., by Apostle William R. Scott. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 3:30 to 8 p.m. today at Carlos A. Howard Funeral Home, Norfolk Chapel. The family will assemble at 268 Fernwood Farms Road for the procession.

Donald C. Dietterick
NORFOLK -- Donald Carlton Dietterick, 60, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Jan. 2, 2000.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a retired Norfolk firefighter with over 20 years of service. He was a member of the firefighters union and the Norfolk Fire Paramedical Retiree's Association.

Mr. Dietterick is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Donna L. and Gary Crossman of Gatesville, N.C.; his former wife and close friend, Barbara Dietterick of Chesapeake; a brother, Dale Dietterick, and two sisters, Debbie Dunn and Sharon Traugh, all of Pennsylvania; and four grandchildren, Rachel, Andy, Joe and Jackie.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Altmeyer Funeral Home Chapel. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Norfolk Professional Fire Fighters Children's Christmas, 5691 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502.

W. Roger Leathers
NORFOLK -- W. Roger Leathers, 64, died Jan. 3, 2000, in his residence. He was born in Culpeper, Va. 

Survivors include his wife, Betty Leathers; and two sons, Kenneth Piper of Norfolk and Mark Leathers of Arlington, Va.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel.

Edward B. McCaskey
NORFOLK -- Edward Braxton McCaskey, a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk, died Jan. 2, 2000, at the age of 77. Mr. McCaskey was the son of the late Philip Braxton McCaskey and Mary Openshaw McCaskey of Norfolk.

Mr. McCaskey was in the first graduating class of Granby High School, and attended Augusta Military Academy before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in the South Pacific. He graduated from the College of William and Mary and enjoyed a long career in the maritime transportation industry, serving as the Mid Atlantic Regional Manager of the Virginia Port Authority before his retirement in 1984.

Mr. McCaskey served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and was honored with a commission in the U.S. Air Force Aide-de-Camp under Gov. Mills E. Godwin in 1974, and continued to serve in that capacity under subsequent Virginia governors. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1981. He was a lifelong and active member of Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, singing in the choir as a youth and, later, as a member of the vestry. He founded the church's annual Kirking of the Tartan, held each November to honor St. Andrew, Scotland's patron saint. He was a former member of the St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C., the Clan MccLeod Society U.S.A., the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club and a lifelong member of the Hampton Roads Traffic Club Inc.

Mr. McCaskey is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sudie Hopkins McCaskey of Norfolk; a daughter, Mary Hunter McCaskey Cooper and her husband, Kevin, of Virginia Beach; two sons, Scott Braxton McCaskey of Norfolk and Philip Douglas McCaskey and his wife, Jenny, of Wilmington, N.C.; and a grandson, Skye McCaskey Ball of Virginia Beach.

A church service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 560 W. Olney Road, followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ and St. Luke's or to the Disabled American Veterans Association. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Colonial Ave., Norfolk.

Victor D. Rejas
NORFOLK -- Victor Dango Rejas, 46, died Jan. 2, 2000. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Kellum Funeral Home, Bonney Road Chapel, is in charge.

Mary L. Shields
NORFOLK -- Mary Louise Shields of the 1100 block of Chapel St. died Dec. 29, 1999. A funeral will be at noon Thursday at Graves Funeral Chapel. 

Gertrude M.R. Tilton
NORFOLK -- Gertrude M.R. Tilton, 89, died Jan. 4, 2000. Born in Salem, Mass., Mrs. Tilton was the widow of Arthur F. Tilton Jr. and was a retired secretary. She was a member of Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, Norfolk. 

Survivors include a daughter, Shirley M. Dickerson and her husband, Robert, of Norfolk; six grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. 

Burial will be in Syracuse, Utah. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, is in charge.

Mildred L. Williams
NORFOLK -- Mildred L. Williams of the 900 block of Philpotts Road died Dec. 31, 1999. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Riddick Funeral Service.

Perry C. Davis
PORTSMOUTH -- Perry C. ``Lum'' Davis of the 2100 block of Evergreen Place died Jan. 1, 2000, at Maryview Medical Center.

Born in Suffolk, he was a retired rigger from Norfolk Naval Shipyard after 28 years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Elm Ave., where he was a former chairman of the Deacon Board. He was a former secretary of the Tidewater Deacons and Deaconesses Association and a member of Alpha & Omega, Lodge No. 46, Order of Masons.

Survivors include his wife, Helen O. Davis; a son and his wife, Alex Davis Sr. and Lois Berry Davis of Randolph, N.J.; a sister, Celestine Hill of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Navy BMSN Alex Davis Jr., Cheyenne Davis, Nate Davis and Alan Davis, and their mother, Corliss Davis; a host of nieces, including a special niece, Mary Patillo, and nephews, cousins, in-laws, including a sister-in-law, Alberta Davis, and brother-in-law, Charlie Briggs of Portsmouth, and many friends.

A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Elm Ave., by the Rev. Gregory Thomas. Burial with Masonic rites will be at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. Viewing at Corprew Funeral Home will begin at noon today. The body will be taken to the church at 10 a.m. Thursday.

David L. Watts
PORTSMOUTH -- David L. Watts, 78, of the 800 block of Portsmouth Blvd., died Jan. 1, 2000, at Sentara Bayside Hospital, Virginia Beach.

Born in Nansemond County, Va., he was the owner of Watts Produce Co. for over 50 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Bute St., Norfolk.

Predeceased by his wife, Trumell Watts, he is survived by two sons, Ronald Watts and Michael Watts, both of Portsmouth; a sister, Virginia Lassiter of Brooklyn, N.Y.; two brothers, Upton Watts and George Watts, both of Portsmouth; 10 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and other family members including Donald Christian, Estelle Harris and Terry Early, other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Bute St., Norfolk. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake. The family will be at Fisher Funeral Home from 6 to 7 p.m. today and will assemble there at 1:45 p.m. Thursday for the procession.

Gene S. Williams Sr.
PORTSMOUTH -- Gene Shelton Williams Sr., 63, of the 3800 block of Turnpike Road, died Jan. 3, 2000, at his residence. A native of Buxton, N.C., Mr. Williams retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 147, and was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Marie C. Williams; a daughter, Gena M. Palmer and husband Johnny of Portsmouth; a son, Gene S. ``Willie'' Williams Jr. and wife Tina of Portsmouth; a sister, Alice Etz of Cape Charles, Va.; two brothers, Isaac Williams of Hatteras Island, N.C., and Ennis Williams of Portsmouth; five grandchildren, Jonathan Palmer, Jeremy Palmer, Joshua Williams, Jennifer Williams and Ashley Williams. He was predeceased by a son Dennis K. Williams and a brother, Eddie Williams.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by John King. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. 

Louise R. Butts

VIRGINIA BEACH -- God sent an angel to escort Sister Louise R. Butts, 76, home on Jan. 1, 2000, from her residence.

Born in Norfolk, she was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a missionary.

She was a loving mother to her son, Melvin L. Butts of New Jersey, and two daughters, Slyvia B. Cummings of Virginia Beach and Theresa A. Wingard of Norfolk. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law; two sons-in-law; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a niece; a great-niece; two great-nephews; and a host of good friends.

A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Norfolk. The family will receive friends at 3309 Weeping Willow Lane from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, where family and friends will assemble at noon Friday for the procession. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Metropolitan Funeral Home, Berkley Ave., is handling arrangements.

Francis G. Hancock
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Francis G. Hancock, 67, the beloved husband of Ellen R. Britton Hancock, formerly of Gloucester City, N.J., passed away on Jan. 3, 2000.

Mr. Hancock served in the Korean Conflict, was a member of the V.F.W., worked for G.A.F. for 35 years and was retired from Cooper Hospital Medical Center. He was predeceased by a son, William Hancock and a daughter, Helen Hancock. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Francis J. Hancock; and two daughters, Cathy Hancock and Brenda Thomas, all of Gloucester City, N.J.; his stepchildren, Anthony Venturino of Virginia Beach, Ronald Venturino of Deptford, N.J., Albert Fedorka Jr. of Gloucester City, and Deborah Tomlin of Woodlyne, N.J.; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, three step-grandchildren and a brother. 

A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Yuriko Hirata
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Yuriko Hirata, 60, of the 400 block of West Lane, died Dec. 29, 1999, in a local hospital.

Born in Hilo, Hawaii, she was an administrator for Colonna's Shipyard, Norfolk. She was Buddhist.

Survivors include her mother, Jane Hirata; a sister, Terumi Chock; three brothers, Soichi, Richard and Lawrence Hirata; a sister-in-law, Eileen Hirata, all of Hawaii; and her companion, Richard Keffer of Virginia Beach.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, by the Rev. Mike Miller.

Paul E. Humbert
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Paul Edward Humbert, 73, died Jan. 4, 2000, in his home. A native of Ohio, he retired from Norfolk and Southern Railroad.

Mr. Humbert is survived by his wife, Virginia Humbert; his children, Mildred Gast and her husband Steve, Karen Basel and her husband Bob, Benita Polk, Jocelyn Smith, Charles Stoltz and Greg Stoltz and his wife Sherrie; two sisters, Helen Scudder, Ann Ryan; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Nicholas the Great Catholic Church. The family will receive friends in the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Kellum Funeral Home, Pleasant Hall Chapel, is in charge.

Ida M. King
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Ida M. King of the 2900 block of Old Glory Road died Dec. 29, 1999. A wake service will be from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Graves Funeral Home.

Goldie L. May
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Goldie Louise May, 75, passed away Jan. 3, 2000. Mrs. May was a lifelong resident of Virginia and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bayside Ward. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include her husband, Robert May; five children, Michael May, Susanne Culley, Mitchell May, David May and Robin May; six brothers and sisters; and seven grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4780 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. Burial will be in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Kellum Funeral Home, Bonney Road Chapel.

Thomas J. McGarvey
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Thomas J. McGarvey, 85, passed away peacefully Dec. 24, 1999, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marie, who died Feb. 11, 1998; and his parents, three brothers and a sister.

Mr. McGarvey was a native of Philadelphia. Although he moved to Honolulu in 1999, he had resided in Virginia Beach since 1956. He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys. He attended Wharton School of Finance of the University of Pennsylvania; thereafter, he worked for the Philadelphia Electric Co. and the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse. After 40 years with Atlantic and Gulf Stevedores (presently I.T.O., Norfolk), he retired as comptroller and secretary of the corporation. He later established his own business, Holly Consultants. Many people along the Norfolk waterfront and within the city's shipping businesses fondly remember Mr. McGarvey. He was a perfect gentleman with a sense of honor and a friendly personality who will be truly missed.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Mission in Virginia Beach; Propellor Club; a volunteer and member of the Old Coast Guard Station Museum and the Virginia Beach Sports Club. He was recently honored as a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Nicholas J. Habers Council, Virginia Beach Order.

Survivors include his daughters Judith McGarvey White of Virginia Beach and Patricia McGarvey Lucas and her husband William D. Lucas of Downingtown, Pa.; his son, Thom. McGarvey of Honolulu; two brothers, Joe McGarvey of Canton, Ohio, and Jack McGarvey of Charlotte, N.C., and their wives; two grandchildren, Emily Lucas Jennings and her husband Frank Jennings of Topeka, Kan., and Thomas McGarvey Lucas and his wife Michelle Lucas of Woodbury, N.J.; a great-grandson, Austin James Lanfear of Topeka; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at noon Saturday at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, by Fr. Terry Marks. A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m. preceding the Mass; interment will follow in the adjacent Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Mission, the Old Coast Guard Station Museum, Virginia Beach, or the Virginia Beach Sports Club Scholarship Fund.

Cosmo F. Scianna
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Cosmo F. Scianna, 65, formerly of New York City, died Jan. 4, 2000. 

Born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., he was a retired purchasing agent for Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

He is survived by his mother, Lillian Scianna; a sister, Catherine Saunders; a nephew, Matthew Saunders, all of Virginia Beach; two nieces, Michelle Saunders of New York and Christine Rawls of Virginia Beach.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Nicholas Catholic Church by Monsignor Raymond A. Barton. Entombment will be in Princess Anne Memorial Park. A wake service will be held at 7 p.m. today at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with a visitation to follow. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel, is in charge.

Dorothy J. Walker
VIRGINIA BEACH -- Dorothy J. ``Dot'' Walker, 53, of the 700 block of 19th St., died Dec. 29, 1999. She was born in Virginia Beach, a daughter of the late Eula Boone and the late Columbus Brown.

She is survived by a daughter, Diane M. Walker of Bridgeport, Conn.; four sons, Nathaniel Costen of Lexington Park, Md., Charles Walker of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Clifford Walker of Bridgeport and Michael Brown of Newport News; a sister, Carolyn Boone of Norfolk; five brothers, Leroi Boone and Allen Boone, both of Virginia Beach, Anthony Boone of Maryland, Itha Boone and Kevin Boone, both of Virginia Beach and Columbus Brown of Norfolk; 11 grandchildren, JA'monte Munson, Nathan Guy Costen, Demetrias Lashonda, Tamika Keys, Trinese Thomas, Eric Thomas, Charles Walker, Cassandra Joy Brown, Alyssa Brown and Dante' Michael Brown; and a host of nieces, including a special niece, Diane E. Walker of Bridgeport, Conn., nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by a son, James Costen.

A funeral will be held at noon Thursday at New Hope Baptist Church, 395 Old Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, by Dr. E. Ray Cox. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. for remembrance and visitation at P.G. Thomasson Funeral Services.

Ethel V. Cokes
SUFFOLK -- Ethel V. Cokes, 81, entered into eternal rest Jan. 3, 2000.

Although she was born in Franklin, she spent most of her life in Suffolk. She also lived in New York and most recently in Florida. For many years, she was active in the community and church. She was a volunteer with the Virginia Extension Service; a charter member of the Chums Club; active in the Sharon Association, the Lily of the Valley and Missionary Clubs of First Baptist Church of Mahan Street; as well as the National Lott Carey Association.

Her survivors include a son, Solomon Cokes of Florida; two daughters, Anne Sadler of Maryland and Patricia Abraham of Suffolk; a sister, Willie Pearson of Portsmouth; a brother-, son- and daughter-in-law; a foster sister, Edith Chambliss; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Mahan St., by the Rev. Dr. Isaac E. Williams. The body will be placed in the church at 9:30 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lily of the Valley Club or First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 112 Mahan St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Crocker Funeral Home is in charge. 

Grace W. Parks
SUFFOLK -- Grace Windley Parks, 85, a retired hairdresser, died Jan. 4, 2000. Born April 11, 1914, in Belhaven, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles W. and Maude L. Burbage Windley and widow of Elton Savage ``Obie'' Parks. Mrs. Parks was the owner and operator of the Band Box Beauty Salon in Portsmouth. She was a member of the Suffolk Elks Lodge No. 685 Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Olga W. and Ryland C. Motley of Portsmouth; niece Marylyn M. Smith; her husband Michael L. Smith Sr. of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; great-niece Mandy S. Ferguson of Charleston, S.C.; great-nephew Michael L. Smith Jr. of Swansboro, N.C.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. today in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home by the Rev. Dr. Donald J. Dunlap with burial in Holly Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Ave., Bedford, VA 24523-1399.

Charlie Stevenson
SUFFOLK -- Charlie Stevenson of the 1800 block of Cypress Road died Jan. 1, 2000. A funeral will be at noon Thursday at Balm of Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. Crocker Funeral Home is in charge.

Virginia W. Jennings
WAVERLY -- Virginia Wellons Jennings, 89, died Jan. 4, 2000, in Hopewell, Va. A native of Southampton County, she was the daughter of the late Levi Thomas Wellons Sr. and Sally Rose Wellons. She worked as a secretary/receptionist for Maurice Rosenberg, M.D., of Waverly for 35 years. The widow of Lewis Edwards ``Dick'' Jennings, she was a member of Waverly Women's Club and Waverly Baptist Church.

She is survived by two brothers, Levi Thomas Wellons Jr. of Deale, Md., and John Frank ``Johnny'' Wellons of Sedley, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Shirley W. Jackson and Ruby W. Simpson.

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, by the Rev. Brad Reynolds. Burial will be in Waverly Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home before the service. Memorial donations may be made to Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad or Waverly Baptist Church.

Linwood Lynch Jr.
FRANKLIN -- Linwood ``Buck'' Lynch Jr., of the 200 block of Cobb St., died Jan. 2, 1999, in Arlington, Va. 

Born in Franklin, he was a forklift driver for Planters Peanuts Co. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Franklin. 

Survivors include a daughter, Stephanie Pope; mother, Julia D. Lynch of Franklin; a sister, Portia Joyner of Alexandria, Va.; two brothers, Algea Lynch and Hubert Lynch, both of Franklin; grandmother, Essie Mae Lassiter Deloatch; two grandchildren; an aunt, Lucille Smith of Norfolk; a great-aunt, Mabel Law of Virginia Beach; four uncles, Samuel Deloatch, James T. Deloatch of Franklin, George Deloatch of Virginia Beach, James Lynch of Baltimore, Md.; and a dear caring, loving friend, Alice Newsome of Franklin. 

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in First Baptist Church by the Rev. Henry Blunt. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery, Franklin. Viewing will be at 9 a.m. Thursday until the funeral. William M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, Franklin, is in charge.

Russell B. Railey
NEWSOMS -- Russell Brett Railey, 88, died Jan. 4, 2000. Arrangements are pending at Wright Funeral Home, Boykins.

Florence A. Steeves
OAK HALL -- Florence Amelia Steeves, 81, died Dec. 30, 1999. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Downing United Methodist Church. Fox Funeral Home, Temperanceville, is in charge.

Aaron W. Austin
WILMINGTON -- Aaron William Austin, 27, of the 400 block of N. Crestwood Drive, died Jan. 2, 2000. Born in Norfolk, he was an auto technician for the Chrysler Corp.

Survivors include his parents, Willie A. Austin Jr. and Alexia T. Austin of Chesapeake; a brother, Todd Eugene Austin of Virginia Beach; maternal grandmother, Margaret Mae Trouland; his fiancee, Mary Ellen Hale of Wilmington, N.C.; several aunts and uncles and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. today at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Bridge Chapel, by the Rev. Ernest L. Trueblood. Burial will be in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Clyde L. Evans
EDENTON -- Clyde Lamar Evans, 90, of Pasquenoke Trail, died Jan. 2, 2000. Graveside memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Richmond. Evans Funeral Home is in charge.

Mottie B. Gardner
BEAR GRASS -- Mottie Bell Gardner, 84, died Jan. 3, 2000, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

Born on Oct. 7, 1915, in Martin County to the late Gilliam and Lizzie Rogers, she was a retired merchant and store owner. She was a devoted member of Rehobath Pentecostal Holiness Church for over 60 years, and owned and operated Mottie Bell's Store in Bell Grass for over 40 years.

She was the widow of John Hyman Cowan and Simon T. Gardner and is survived by a daughter, Janie Kuruvilla and husband, Ranjit, of Chesapeake; sisters, Lissie Davenport and Leonia Gurganus, both of Williamston; a brother, Bill Rogers of Williamston; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by sons, Nathan Cowan and Robert Cowan, and a daughter, Barbara Ann Rogerson.

A funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at Biggs Chapel in Williamston by the Rev. Jimmy Williams and the Rev. Haywood Price. Burial will be in Martin Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at the home of John Rogerson, 1291 Five Cent Road, Williamston, N.C.

Floyd R. Hassell
GRANDY -- Floyd Reynolds Hassell, 76, of the 400 block of Grandy Road, died Jan. 2, 2000. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Twiford's Memorial Chapel, Elizabeth City.

Shirley K. Morrisette
NAGS HEAD -- Shirley Kendrick Morrisette, 81, of the 500 block of Soundside Road, died Jan. 3, 2000. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Twiford's Memorial Chapel, Elizabeth City. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. 

Willie Outlaw
WINDSOR -- Willie Outlaw, 87, a native of Bertie County, died Jan. 1, 2000. Cherry's Funeral Home is in charge. 

J. Dillard Riddick Jr.
COMO -- James Dillard Riddick Jr., 91, a lifelong resident of Como, died Jan. 3, 2000, at his home.

He was a son of the late James Dillard and Nora Bryant Riddick and the widower of Marjorie Griffin Riddick. A retired farmer, he was a member and first president of the Como Ruritan Club and a former national director of Ruritan National. He was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, James Dillard Riddick III and his wife, Connie, of Como; two grandchildren, Robert Edwards of Como and Melundy Vandiford of Pendleton, N.C.; a great-grandchild, Bridgette Vandiford. He was predeceased by a son, William Hugh Riddick.

A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday in Poplar Spring Cemetery, Franklin, by the Rev. William M. Jeffries. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Wright Funeral Home, Boykins Chapel, and suggests that memorial donations be made to the Ruritan National Foundation, P.O. Box 487, Dublin, VA 24084.

Inez H. White
ELIZABETH CITY -- Inez Hudson White, 80, of the 1400 block of Northside Road, died Jan. 4, 2000. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Twiford's Memorial Chapel is in charge.

Mary E. Williams
NEWPORT NEWS -- Mary Elizabeth Williams, 44, of the 500 block of Randolph Road, died Dec. 31, 1999. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at New Covenant Church, Sedley. William M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Frances D. Norman
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. -- Frances D. Norman, 68, of 1188 Miramar Drive, Chambersburg, and formerly a six-year resident of Kitty Hawk, N.C., died Jan. 3, 2000. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mount Olivet United Brethren Church. Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home Ltd., Chambersburg, is in charge.

Anne Sperling
MIAMI, Fla. -- Anne Sperling, 83, of Miami and formerly of Norfolk passed away Jan. 2, 2000. 

She was a life member of Hadassah, Beth El, Temple Israel and was a Pink Lady at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk. 

She was the beloved wife of Israel Sperling; devoted mother of Paula and Rabbi Barry Tabachnikoff; dear sister of Harry and Sylvia Kroll, Maury and Anne Kroll, Ida and Bill Kitner; loving grandmother of Rabbi Johnathon and Rabbi Debbi Till Tabachnikoff and Adam Tabachnikoff. 

A graveside service will be held at 2:15 p.m. today at Lakeside Memorial Park, Miami. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Congregation Bet Breira, 9400 S.W. 87th Ave., Miami, FL. 

Emma White
SUWANEE, Ga. -- Emma ``Lou Lou'' White, 80, died Jan. 3, 2000. 

She is survived by her husband, Daniel White; a daughter, Fran Arnold of Suwanee; a son, Stewart White of Hanover, Pa.; a sister, Nancy Laine of Dinwiddie, Va.; a brother, William Stewart of Colonial Heights, Va.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Episcopal Church of The Messiah. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga., is in charge, (770) 963-2411.


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