757.628.1000

Barbara Chavis


Sunrise: October 24, 1934

Sunset: May 8, 2022

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, Ihave kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  II Timothy 4: 7-8 (NKJV)

Barbara Jean Chavis transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022.  She loved us all so much, she waited for this day to bring us all together so she could leave knowing we had one another.  Rest in heaven our forever angel.  

She was born on October 24, 1934 and was the second child born to parents, Margaret Parker Wright and Norman Lee Wright.  

Barbara Jean Wright Chavis was educated in Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T.  Washington High School in 1954.  She later graduated from Cosmetology school in Augusta, GA, in 1962 and became a licensed Beautician.  She had several different jobs in her life and was gifted with working with her hands.  She began a career at General Electric TV Factory in Suffolk, VA in 1967 and worked there until it closed in September 1986.  She continued her working career at Hoffer Flow Controls in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and retired at the young age of 84,in August 2019, after 28 years of dedication and service.  Barbara loved working.  

Barbara had an active Christian life.  Once relocating to Portsmouth, VA following her husband’s retirement, she joined First Baptist Church South Portsmouth in January 1983 and remained a faithful member.  She participated on Usher Board #2, Pastor’s Aid Ministry and the Women’s Ministry.  She authored a song which she often sang during Sunday’s worship service to greet and welcome visitors.  

Barbara married Manasseh T.  Chavis in November 1950.  From this union they had three children, Margaret Chavis Sills-Allen, Ella Chavis Martin, and Manasseh T.  Chavis, Jr.  

Barbara was the “Matriarch” of the Chavis family.  She was an excellent cook, liked catering, spoiling her grandchildren, bowling and traveling.  Barbara was an avid bowler.  She bowled on local leagues for 55 years and was recognized as one of the best female bowlersin the local Tidewater area during the eighties and nineties.  She bowled in tournaments from coast to coast.  She also traveled domestically and internationally with what she called “The Girl Crew”.  Her international travel included Germany, France, United Kingdom, Bahamas, and South Africa.  

Barbara is predeceased by her mother, Margaret Wright, her father, Norman Wright, her brothers; Norman Wright and Joseph Wright, and her son, Manasseh T.  Chavis, Jr.  

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Margaret Sills-Allen (Rev.  Jimmie) of Virginia Beach, VA., and Ella Martin of Portsmouth, Va.; seven grandchildren; Letitia Robinson of Pretoria, South Africa; Michelle Sills of Gaithersburg, MD; Lakisha Gooden (Wilbert) of Portsmouth, Va; Latonya Jenkins (Pamela) of Portsmouth, Va; Thomas Chavis (Victoria)of Portsmouth, Va; Tammika Patterson (Imani) of Chesapeake, Va; and Glenn Martin, Jr (Talaysha) of Honolulu, Hawaii.  She also leaves her sister, Virginia Poole of San Diego, Ca; a special nephew, Sherman Wright of Norfolk, VA; a special son-in-law, William Sills of Portsmouth, Va; and a very special friend, Keith McDaniel of Norfolk, Va; along with 25 great grandchildren, 6 greatgreat grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.  

Viewing Friday, May 13, 2022 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH LIVE ONLINE Saturday, May 14, 2022 12 Noon First Baptist Church South 1445 Centre Avenue Portsmouth, VA 23704 Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 *Masks Required*

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Condolences(13)

  1. reply
    Redell and Velma Brown says

    Redell & Velma Brown offer condolences to the family of Mrs. Barbara Chavis. She was a beautiful, kind and loving person. We will miss her dearly. Margaret, Ella and family, we will continue to pray for you and the family.

  2. reply
    Marva Davis says

    Sending condolences to the family Barbara was such a sweet,loveable person we will continue to pray for you all that God will give you the peace that you need .Ernest & Marva Davis

  3. reply
    Champ says

    My condolences to you and families from the Carters

  4. reply
    Lezeria " Bunny " Liverpool Marsh says

    Condolences to family and friends during this most difficult time. Keeping all uplifted in my thoughts and prayers. Our Father will continue to give you the strength to lean on one another for support as well as encouragement. To God be the Glory.

  5. reply
    Deana Jones says

    I’m sending my condolence to the family. Your mom was a wonderful and kind person. Always had a smile on her face. I will miss her singing her welcoming song she often sung to welcome the visitors of our church. God bless the family at this time.

  6. reply
    Deana Jones says

    I’m sending my condolence to the family. Your mom was a wonderful and kind person. Always had a smile on her face. I will miss her singing her welcoming song. God bless the family.

    P God bless the family at this time.

  7. reply
    Williams Family says

    May the Strength and the Comfort of the LORD continue to uphold you all, as we lift you’ll up in prayers for peace.

  8. reply
    Wanda Byrd says

    Rest in peace pretty lady. We will miss seeing you on Monday nights.

  9. reply
    Michelle & Van Wilson says

    Sending our love and prayers to cover Margaret, Rev. Jimmy, Ella and the grand & great grandchildren. May you find peace and comfort in the days, weeks and times to come, cherish the memories of the beautiful times spent together. God bless and keep you in Jesus name we proclaim. The Wilson’s

  10. reply
    Teje says

    My gma <3 a sweet gentle soul . I will miss you and I love you . Rest In Peace baby <3

  11. reply
    Barbara D. Holloman says

    My Condolences to the family of Barbara Chavis, may God continue to be with each of you.

  12. reply
    TINYA Prayer says

    My condolences go out to the family Mrs. Barbara Chavis family. She was a beautiful, gentle, and softly speaking person. She will be miss.

  13. reply
    Tyreasha Stewart says

    My condolences to the family. I worked with Barbara for many years, we all know her as Grandma. I have so many fond memories of her. She showed us that age is truly nothing but a number. She kept us fed very well and taught us some dance moves too! On break a couple of times she even trimmed my ends for me. We will miss her dearly! Rest in peace Grandma!

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