757.628.1000

James Oliver Yeldell, Sr.


Sunrise: January 20, 1939

Sunset: February 11, 2021

James Oliver Yeldell, born January 20, 1939 to the late John Henry Yeldell and Eddie Vern Smith, entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 11, 2021 surrounded by family and friends.

He was a native of Greenville, AL and spent a lifetime learning how to work with his hands; a self-educator.  He freely shared his knowledge and experiences with others.  James held many interest, talents and passions. His greatest passions were serving others and Christ. Other talents and hobbies included, car racing, carpentry, auto mechanic, plumber, and most recently word searches and politics.

James earned his trade as a professional meat cutter at The Tuskegee Institute. During his 40-year career, he was employed with Be-low Supermarket and as the meat department Head Supervisor at Saunders Provisions Company, Inc.

James married the love of his life, Mary Alice Scott, also of Greenville, AL on June 24, 1964 and moved to Norfolk, VA. They were blessed with four children, James Jr., Pamela, Nichole and Cheryl.

James and Mary raised their children with a Christian foundation, to serve the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The family faithfully served at Mount Hermon Baptist Church and Downtown Church of Christ, both in Norfolk, VA. James was a servant, a brother and beloved deacon at the Downtown Church of Christ for well over 20 years.

James always bought a gentle and loving word to every conversation. He loved to laugh, joke and gave meaningful advice. He was a great father to his children and taught them how to be self-efficient, caring and dedicated members in their community.

Preceded in death by; son James O. Yeldell, Jr., sisters Ruby N. Murray and Mary L. Rogers., brothers Johnny B, Yeldell and John E. Smith.

James leaves to cherish his loving memories his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Alice Scott Yeldell, daughters Pamela (Paul) Abrams, of Colorado Springs, CO, Nichole M. Yeldell-Jones and Cheryl L. Yeldell both of Norfolk, VA, Grandchildren Lynaie’ Yeldell, Blake Abrams and Mayia Yeldell, Great-grandchild Ozias Yeldell. Grand-loves Keasia Cooper, Laycie Tucker, Ashley Brooks, Michelle Brooks, and Stephanie Brooks; Sister-in-law Louise Yeldell, and brother-in-law Elbert Murray both of Dayton, OH; brother Henry (Shirley) Yeldell of Greenville, AL, and three sisters Eddie Beeman, Addie (Rufus) Crenshaw both of Montgomery, Al and Mae (Charles) Harvell of Athens, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

 

 

Viewing Friday, February 26, 2021 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, February 27, 2021 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance.

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Condolences(7)

  1. reply
    Astrid Alexander says

    May God strength and comfort you all through this difficult moment
    Brother Yeldell will be missed

  2. reply
    Porscha Brown says

    Bro Yeldell was like family to me. He will truly be missed. To his family I love all of you and my hearts and prayers are with you.

  3. reply
    Deborah Taylor Mapp says

    To the Yeldell Family: Prayers are for your comfort at this time. We were neighbors in Colonial Place and I admired this family. May he rest with Jesus. Blessings

  4. reply
    Henry & Frances Herbert says

    To the Yeldell Family: May God continue to give you all strength and comfort during this time. Our prayers and sympathy are with you. Bro. Yeldell will be missed tremendously.

  5. reply
    Kareem george says

    may God continue to give your family strength and comfort at this difficult time. I was lucky to have met and listened to history through you. Thank you for blazing trails for us to follow. Til Valhalla!

  6. reply
    Elijah Roberts says

    Prayers and condolences to you and your family. I’m fortunate to have met and listen to you share your amazing experiences with me and two of my brothers. May God continue to bless your family as we say our goodbyes to a great trail blazer. RIP

  7. reply
    The Hale Family says

    To the Yeldell family, you all have our deepest condolences. We are keeping you in prayer. Hold to Gods unchanging Hands.

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