John L. Simmons, of Washington, North Carolina, was born on September 10, 1929, to the late Bessie Simmons and John Reddick. A quiet and gentle spirit, John found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed music, spending peaceful moments smoking his cigars, and observing the world around him; people-watching was one of his favorite pastimes. He also loved watching action-packed television shows and spending time at Sentara Pace, where he found community and companionship. John…...
Read Full MemorialMona Poteat Rieck, 71, of Norfolk, VA, passed away on Sunday, June 22, surrounded by her family after a prolonged illness. She was born Mona Gwen Poteat in Concord, NC, on April 30, 1954, to Eva Olah Poteat and Warren Eugene Poteat II. Her father was in the US Army, and Mona (along with her seven sisters) spent their youth moving amongst numerous Army bases in the Carolinas, Kentucky, Georgia, France, Louisiana, Alabama, and Germany.…...
Read Full MemorialShannon James Moreland, 57, passed away on June 6th, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida. Shannon was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on December 1st, 1967. Shannon lived a life full of hard work, passion, and deep devotion to his family. A dedicated and skilled contractor, Shannon took pride in being a master of all trades. Whether building, fixing, or improving, he gave everything his full effort and heart. He was known for his positive spirit, always seeing…...
Read Full MemorialGail Blackmon was a child of God, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a generous giver, and a prayer warrior for the Lord. On February 28, 1957, in Americus, Georgia, she was welcomed into the world by Lynn and Ludy Bell Monts. Gail was one of thirteen children. As a native of Gifford, FL, she attended the public schools of Indian River County and graduated from Vero…...
Read Full MemorialAmonte Savion Copeland, affectionately known as Monte or Wale’, was born on March 25, 1999, in Portsmouth, VA, to Kevin D. Thomas and Angela C. Lewis. On June 19, 2025, Monte was tragically taken away from us at the young age of 26. Amonte is a graduate of Manor High School in Portsmouth, VA, class of 2018. While attending Manor, Amonte was actively involved in sports, showing a great passion for football. It was his…...
Read Full MemorialLevinia Elliott Goodman was born on November 26, 1932, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late James Henry Elliott and Mary Epps Elliott. She was the last survivor of her thirteen siblings. She was raised in Philadelphia, PA from the age of three by her uncle and aunt, the late Mr. and Mrs. James Williams. Eventually, she moved to Norfolk VA, met and married her first husband, the late James Bunch, Sr. Patricia A.…...
Read Full MemorialPhinis Styne Ashley, 76, of Norfolk, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2025. Born on July 17, 1948, in Madisonville, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of the late O.C. Ashley and Ida Smith Ashley. Phinis graduated from Madisonville High School in 1966, where she was the Salutatorian for her class. She went on to pursue her passion for caregiving by earning her nursing degree from Provident Hospital School of Nursing in 1971.…...
Read Full MemorialWe come together today with heavy hearts, but also full hearts, to celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved mother, sister, friend, and servant of God: Rosa Mae Norman. Rosa was born and raised in a loving, faith-filled home. She grew up with strong family values, shaped by her parents who instilled in her the importance of faith, hard work, and compassion. From an early age, she learned how to serve others, not just with…...
Read Full MemorialJonathan David Judice was born on April 9, 1961, at Athens Hospital in Athens, Georgia. He was the third child of Lorraine K. Judice and the second child of Leo NMN Judice. David embraced Christianity at an early age and became a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church after his family relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1962. He attended Robert Gatewood Elementary and Lake Taylor High School, graduating in 1979. Upon graduation, David held various…...
Read Full MemorialMr. George Washington Blanchard, Sr., was born on December 25, 1940, to the late James and Virginia Blanchard. George transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Now free from any pain and suffering he endured during his final days, he is now reunited with his son, George Jr., and with his predeceased siblings and loved ones whom he cared for deeply. George was born in Norfolk County, now Chesapeake, Virginia…...
Read Full MemorialCharlie Johnson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Elnora Johnson and Charlie George Moore. As a child, he attended Smyrna Church of Christ Holy Disciples, which was located on Brambleton Ave in Norfolk. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Cuthrell and Ruby Johnson, and two brothers, Trustee Lester Johnson and Willie Murff. He attended Norfolk Public Schools and acquired certificates in work-life and independent living skills. He began working for…...
Read Full MemorialPerry Darnell McCloud, better known as Darnell, went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2025, at Sentara Leigh Hospital. He was born to the late Alfonzo Dailey and Minnie Rea Hammond on June 24, 1955, in Norfolk, VA. He worked on the Norfolk Naval Base as a warehouseman and drove trucks in and out of town for years, as a Receiving Supervisor in a Rewarehousing Program for the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force…...
Read Full MemorialOn Thursday, May 22, 2025, Mirian Louise Johnson, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, and friend, heard God’s call and surrendered to His will to make heaven her home after a fearless and inspirational battle with her health. Mirian Louise Johnson was born on February 17, 1948, in Norfolk, VA, to the late Ella Louise Stith and George William Davis. Mirian received her education in Norfolk, VA, and she also married Herbert Albert…...
Read Full MemorialOn Tuesday, June 10, 2025, our hearts were saddened by the passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, Judy Lee Body of Portsmouth, VA, at age 71. She was born in Suffolk, VA, on January 17, 1954. She graduated in 1972 from John F. Kennedy High School in Suffolk, VA. She worked many years as a daycare teacher in Portsmouth, VA. She was a long-time resident of Dale Homes in Portsmouth, VA,…...
Read Full MemorialA New King Has Ascended to the ancestral plane of the Elders On June 15, 2025, the world lost a light and the ancestors gained a king. Briscoe Conyer, a son, husband, father, mentor, and true original, has ascended to the plane of the elders, where legends gather and spirits rise. Born in Quantico, Virginia, Briscoe was the beloved son of Nancy Conyer and the late Clinton Howard (Chrome) Conyer. He was one of four…...
Read Full MemorialAlvis Aaron Lee Reid entered into internal rest on June 15, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1986, in Nansemond County, Suffolk, Virginia, to his father, Alvis Oscar Lee Reid, and his mother, the late Tammie Ellen Reid. Alvis attended Lakeland High School. He was employed at the Lipton tea company before his health declined. He was also the proud owner of Aaron‘s Fair Repair, LLC. Alvis’s greatest joy was his children, and he…...
Read Full MemorialWillie Mingo Williams, affectionately known as “Mingo,” passed away on June 10, 2025, at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, with his loving sister by his side. Born on June 27, 1981, in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the beloved son of the late Willie Joyner and Virginia Williams Joyner. A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 2000, Mingo was well-known and well-loved. With his magnetic personality, warm smile,…...
Read Full MemorialShirley H. Hall was born on July 9, 1945. She was known to family and friends as “Punkin”. She passed away peacefully in her home on June 15, 2025. She was born and raised in Nash County, North Carolina, where she attended Nash County Public Schools. She moved to Virginia, where she met Joseph Lee Hall, and they married on June 24, 1986. Shirley worked in the Norfolk Public School System and then moved on…...
Read Full MemorialThomas Edward Coleman, Sr., passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at Sentara Leigh Hospital, surrounded by his children and siblings. He was 63 years old. Thomas was preceded in death by his grandmother, Leatrice Gregory, mother, Della Coleman, and brother, William Coleman. A product of Tidewater Park and Norfolk Public Schools, Thomas received his G.E.D. while serving in the Army at Fort Knox, KY. After serving his country, he was known in Norfolk for…...
Read Full MemorialAdam Troy Atterberry was born on June 16, 1962, in Mount Vernon, New York, to Adam and Geraldine Atterberry. He was raised in the Mount Vernon Public School System and went on to serve his country with pride in the United States Army. Prior to his military tour, he married his high school sweetheart and the mother of his firstborn, Troy Jr., Felita Atterberry. During his time in the military, he built lifelong friendships, especially…...
Read Full MemorialDoris Ricks Green, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on August 3, 1934, in Virginia, Doris was the cherished daughter of the late Garland and Lena Ricks. She grew up in Sedley, Virginia, and received her early education at Sedley Elementary. She later graduated from Hayden High School in Franklin, Virginia. Doris retired from a dedicated career at General Electric in Portsmouth,…...
Read Full MemorialPatricia Jo Walloe, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully entered eternal rest on June 15, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. Born on September 19, 1955, Patricia was a lifelong Virginian who touched the hearts of everyone she met with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love. She was the cherished daughter of the late Mary Handy and Lloyd Walloe and a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Patricia continued her education at Old Dominion…...
Read Full MemorialMichael Wesley Lee was born March 1, 1955, in Norfolk, Virginia, to William T. Lee, Jr, and Anna McGue Lee. At a young age, he joined First Baptist Church. He was a saxophonist in the Sunday School Band, a member of the Youth Choir, Young Adult Choir, and the Men’s Choir for as long as his health allowed. Michael was also a member of the Virginia Mass Choir. He loved showcasing his vibrant baritone voice.…...
Read Full MemorialMary Virginia Hodges was 99 years young when she passed away peacefully in the arms of her daughter, Cynthia Hodges-Wright, at her home in the Cavalier Manor neighborhood of Portsmouth, Virginia at 7:58 am on Monday, June 9, 2025. Mary Hodges was born on May 17, 1926, in Moyock, North Carolina, to her parents, Mamie Snowden and Claude Holley. She was one of six siblings: Hayward, Willie, Claude Jr., Rosa, and Ruth. As an adolescent,…...
Read Full MemorialOn June 10, 2025, at home surrounded by his family, Marcus Edward Boykins, Jr. (aka: Birdie) was called home to be with his Heavenly Father. Marcus leaves behind a legacy of God given strength, unwavering love, and deep devotion to family. He touched countless lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Marcus was the oldest son of the late Marcus E. Boykins, Sr.…...
Read Full MemorialDeborah Renee (Duke) Thompson-Gray, 59, entered into eternal rest on June 5, 2025, at Corewell Health Wayne Hospital in Wayne, Michigan. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, it was Deborah’s wish to be laid to eternal rest in her “ancestral home” with her maternal grandmother. Deborah grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and was educated in the Cleveland Public School System, graduating from Collinwood High School, class of ’84. She attended Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio, and Schoolcraft…...
Read Full MemorialWesley Earl Bishop Sr., lovingly nicknamed ‘Uncle Wes’, peacefully transitioned on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Wesley was born on September 4, 1956 to the late Raymond Bishop and Lucy Allen Bishop. Uncle Wes grew up in Mount Hermon where he spent his early years in Portsmouth and Chesapeake Public Schools, and later graduated from Natchitoches Central High School in Louisiana. Following graduation, Wesley proudly served in the United States Army from 1974-1980. Wesley would then…...
Read Full MemorialOn Thursday, June 5, 2025, our precious little prince KwAmir Nezha Howard, beloved infant son of Shakeira Roberts and Johnathan Howard was ascended and was called home by our Heavenly Father. KwAmir was born in Jefferson County, NY. The Lord blessed us with him on April 24, 2025. KwAmir was a sweet little soul whose eyes were bright, beautiful, full of hope and love. He was such an advanced little child, being able to roll…...
Read Full MemorialRudy Joyner, 68, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born in 1956 in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Sylvia and Alexander Joyner. In addition to his parents, his sister, Gwendolyn Joyner, and brother, Alexander Joyner Platt, preceded him in death. Rudy was raised in Burton Station, grew up in the Chesapeake Gardens area, and graduated from Norview High of Norfolk in the class of 1975. Rudy proudly…...
Read Full MemorialIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Linda Darlene Griffin, a devoted woman of faith, love, and compassion, who entered eternal rest on June 9, 2025, at the age of 73. Linda was born in Manhattan, New York, and was a native of the Long Ridge Community in Chesapeake, Virginia. Linda was a God-fearing woman whose life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. She was known…...
Read Full MemorialCleone was a vibrant soul, taken from us at the tender age of 58. She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a friend. Born and raised in our cherished Caribbean community, Cleone’s journey began at St. Patrick’s Catholic School and continued through St. Joseph High School. Her academic path led her to Xavier University in Ohio, where she formed close-knit friendships and faced life’s challenges with resilience and grace, even enduring knee surgery…...
Read Full MemorialWilhelmina Armstead was born on October 5, 1956, in Norfolk, VA, to the late Willie Eli King and Gladys Beatrice Smith King. On June 8, 2025, Wilhelmina, affectionately known as “Mina,” made her heavenly transition in the loving arms of her husband, Don Armstead, in the comfort of their dream home. Mina attended Maury High School and later began a 20-year career with the Navy Exchange. For the past 25 years, she worked faithfully alongside…...
Read Full MemorialDoris Ann Jackson, age 75, has taken her final rest on May 30, 2025. Doris had worked for Pathmark for 30 years before retiring in 2008. She was truly a dedicated and loving mother to her children, grandchildren, as well as to the rest of her family and her dearest and closest friends. She always gave her beautiful heart to those who crossed her path. Everyone was always greeted with the biggest hugs and her…...
Read Full MemorialOn a beautiful Sunday morning, after spending an evening with family, Priscilla “Landa” Smith received her call home to be with her heavenly father. Landa was born to Willie Mae Felton and Arcadio Escumbise on March 2, 1963, in Maryland. She spent her early years in Maryland, moving to Virginia at the age of 18. She loved putting on a nice outfit and stepping out. She loved spending time with family and friends. If you…...
Read Full MemorialLena Wilson was a devoted Pentecostal Baptist Church attendant. She was born on September 17, 1936, in Washington, North Carolina, to Woodley Whitley, Sr. and Johnnie Ruth Whitley. She was married to Willis E. Wilson, Sr. She retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where she worked as a fabric worker. She had six children: Jennifer Rodriguez, Chrystal Wilson, Willis E. Wilson, Jr., Selena Edwards, Phillip D. Wilson, and Johnna McKnight. She leaves behind 18 grandchildren and…...
Read Full MemorialWith heavy hearts and overflowing love, we remember and celebrate the life of Kevin Andre Jorden, affectionately known as “Squirt,” who departed this life on June 6, 2025. Born on August 3, 1969, to the late Naomi and Melvin Jorden. Kevin lived a life full of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion to those around him. Family was everything to Kevin. He leaves behind his beloved wife Annette Davenport, his children Sha’Quita Haynie and La’mar Haynie,…...
Read Full MemorialMary Dorothy Kesiah Bennett de Wattley transitioned to eternal life while at home on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from end-stage heart failure. She was born in the city of Colón, Panama, to the late David Benjamin Dougal Bennett and Repersia Forte on March 8, 1928. Both of her parents were immigrants from the island of Jamaica who came to Panama to work on the construction of the Panamá Canal. Dorothy’s father was a skilled carpenter,…...
Read Full MemorialRoderick Jerome Simmons, Jr. was born on September 12, 1990, in Norfolk, VA. He was the son of Denise “Pattie” Goodman and the late Roderick “PeeWee” Simmons, Sr. Affectionately known as Weedy, Wezzy, Wezz, or Rah, he touched many lives throughout his lifetime. Whether it was a joke, a smile, or an inspirational quote, he always poured into others, making them feel seen and valued. He was a shining light for all who knew him.…...
Read Full MemorialOn Sunday, June 1, 2025, Crystal Laverne Barron, affectionately called “Blink”, peacefully entered into her eternal rest while surrounded by loved ones. Crystal was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on July 9, 1962, to Dennis and Thelma Taylor. As a child, she was given the nickname Blink by her mother, as she would be seen constantly blinking her eyes. Crystal attended Norfolk Public Schools and later developed a passion for Childcare. For many years, she successfully…...
Read Full MemorialErnestine Joyce Burden transitioned from labor to reward on June 5, 2025. Born on June 22, 1954, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to the late Louis and Esther Boyd, Ernestine was a proud graduate of Brien McMahon High School. She dedicated over 20 years of service to the Hilton Hotel, where her warmth and work ethic touched the lives of many. Ernestine was united in marriage to the love of her life, Barney Burden, with whom she…...
Read Full MemorialThe Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18 On June 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at home, Derek “Dee” Eugene Ward (53) peacefully departed this earthly life to be with our Heavenly Father. Derek was a beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Known to many as “Dee,” he was cherished for his love, loyalty, and compassion. He touched countless lives,…...
Read Full MemorialMarjory N. Oliver, 83, passed away on June 5, 2025. She was born to Reverend Raymond Neely, Sr., and Mamie Louisa Neely on August 24, 1941, in Buena Vista, AL. She spent part of her childhood in Alabama and moved to Concord, North Carolina, when she was 12. Marjory received an undergraduate degree from Barbara Scotia College and a graduate degree from Old Dominion University. She began her career as a teacher at Peabody High…...
Read Full MemorialOur beloved Antonio “Tone” Nixon passed on June 4, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. The hearts of Priscilla Nixon and Jesse Carter were overjoyed to welcome Priscilla’s first born Antonio Trenton Nixon, to the world on February 24, 1980. Tone attended Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia & was employed with At Ease Moving LLC. In Richmond, Virginia, his love for video games early in life sparked an imagination that turned to a passion…...
Read Full MemorialAffectionately known as “Mayor” of Pughsville James “Buddy Red” Lawton, Sr., 83, peacefully entered eternal rest on June 4, 2025. Born on August 7, 1941, in Nansemond County, Virginia, he was the second oldest of 15 children born to the late Annie and George Lawton. Buddy was a strong, generous provider and a pillar of support for his parents, siblings, and extended family. Deeply rooted in faith, family, and community, he devoted his life to…...
Read Full Memorial