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Memorials
Vanessa V. Onyirimba
Our dearest and beloved Vanessa “Nessa” Onyirimba peacefully entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 5, 2023. Vanessa was born in Norfolk, VA on December 3, 1953, to the late Horace C. and Addie Marie Spiers. She was also preceded by one brother, Joseph Spiers, and one sister Theresa Mebane. Vanessa served as a member of Freedom C.O.G.I.C and later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA where she served on the Usher Board Ministry. Vanessa was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High…...
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Fannie Ruth Blocker
Fannie Ruth Blocker, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, educator, and friend, departed this life on November 9, 2023. Fannie Ruth Blocker (affectionately known as “Ruthie” to family) was born on November 16, 1948 in Newsoms, Virginia to the late John H. Russell and Fannie E. Kee. She was the fourth of six children, and grew up from humble beginnings on a farm in Southampton County, Virginia. Fannie Ruth began her academic career at Riverview High…...
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Berlene Mae Ruffin
Berlene Ruffin, 83, passed away on November 6, 2023. She was born in Norfolk, VA. to the late Alice Blackwell-Parker and Robert Parker. Berlene is predeceased by her sister, Beatrice Parker. Berlene is survived by her sisters, Marrianne Parker-Jordan (Murfreesboro NC), Muriel Parker (Florida) and Kathlyn Parker-Richardson of Chesapeake, VA. A special God-Son Eric Thompson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends....
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Melody LaFrances Davis Copeland
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved Melody LaFrances Davis Copeland “Frances.” Melody was called home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2023 at the age of 64. Melody was born Suffolk, VA and raised in Portsmouth, VA by her mother and father, Floyd and Ernestine Davis. She attended Cradock High School and went on to become a wife and mother. She was a fashionista Queen who loved her jewelry,…...
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Ella Marlene Woodard
In the afternoon of November 6, 2023, the Lord called home one of his beloved children to her eternal rest. Ella Marlene Woodard left her earthly body to receive her wings and joined our Father in Heaven. Ella Marlene Aekins was born on February 22, 1938, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Samuel A. and Clara M. Aekins. After her mother’s sudden passing when Ella was only six years old, Samuel moved the family to Norfolk, VA…...
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Debra Baez
Beloved artist Debra Ann Baez not only created beautiful pieces of art but also crafted a beautiful life that was hard to leave behind. Debra passed away on November 6, 2023, at the age of 64, after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her children and loved ones who will remember her wide smile and warm spirit, both crafted by God specifically for her. Debra was many things to many people. She was…...
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Anthony Brecnel Calahan
Anthony Calahan was born on the 24th of April, 1957, to the union of Myrtle and James Calahan in New Orleans, Louisiana. They made a home in Folsom, Louisiana where he stayed as a young child to adult. Anthony attended a Catholic school as a child, so he was no stranger to God’s love even at a young age. He lived a life full of fun while playing football at and receiving his high school…...
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Yvonne Wanda Edmonds Owens
Yvonne W. Edmonds Owens, 65, from Norfolk, VA was born on August 7, 1958. She was called home on November 4, 2023....
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Lorraine B. Woods
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Lorraine Beatrice Woods, 103, of Norfolk, Virginia began her eternal life with God on Thursday November 2, 2023 in her home on Lamp Post Drive in Chesapeake, Va. Born to William Jones and Wilhelmina (Stokes) Jones on December 18, 1919, the Jones family knew that a special being had entered their lives. The…...
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Ruby Lee Fentress
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1) Ruby Lee Fentress, Grandma as she was affectionately known by all, quietly entered her eternal rest Sunday, November 5, at her residence, 628 Timon Ct. Virginia Beach, VA. Ruby Fentress was born on February 13, 1952 in Norfolk, VA. She was the eldest child of both her parents. Ruby was a remarkable mother, auntie, grandmother, sister and friend. She…...
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Joseph Thorpe Jr.
Joseph Thorpe, Jr. was called home peacefully to be with our Lord on Thursday morning, October 26, 2023. Joseph, affectionately known as “Joe”, was born on November 15, 1944 in Norfolk, Virginia to Joseph and Annie Thorpe. He was educated in Norfolk Public Schools and was an alumni of Booker T. Washington High School. He married the former Joyce Robinson, also of Norfolk, on May 7, 1978. Joseph was a diligent, hard-working man. He was…...
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Sylvia J. Pierce
Sylvia Jean Pierce was born on March 23, 1951, to Virginia Brown and James Lewis in Norfolk Virgina. Due to natural causes, Sylvia went to be with the Lord on November 5th, 2023. Sylvia was 72 years young. Sylvia attended Norfolk and Virginia Beach Public schools. She worked many odd jobs, including working at Naval Base Norfolk in housekeeping and guest services. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Virginia Brown and James Lewis; her brother, James…...
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Edith Wanda McKinney
Edith was a longtime member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 901 Thomas Circle, Portsmouth. She was an alumni of IC Norcom class of 1970, Norfolk State University and University of Phoenix. During her 30 years of dedication to the department of defense, her leadership and coworkers will remember her as being an outstanding individual who provided outstanding customer service and support to all. She retired in 2022 in which she spent her time with her…...
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Ronnie McCoy Taylor, Sr.
Ronnie McCoy Taylor was born on July 13, 1972, to Ronnie McCoy Miles and Joyce Taylor. Ronnie Boo, as he was affectionately called, was born and raised in Norfolk, VA. He was a proud graduate of Norview High School. After graduation, Ronnie served 5 years in the United States Air Force. He was a Senior Airman and served as a Fuels Journeyman. During his military career, Ronnie earned several awards including Air Force Achievement…...
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Matthew Reid, Jr.
Matthew Reid, Jr. answered the call to his eternal rest while surrounded by his loving family on October 24, 2023. Matt was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on April 26, 1961 to the late Matthew and Frances Reid. Matt was educated in the Portsmouth Public Schools and was a graduate of Tidewater Building Association, Chesapeake, VA. He excelled in learning all the building trades. Matt became very proficient in ship fitting and went on to work…...
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Elsie Naomi Wiggins
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Elsie Naomi (Dawson) Wiggins, 71, of Chesapeake, VA, passed away quietly at home with her family by her side. Heaven opened its gates and received her home. Elsie was born on May 27, 1952 in South Hampton County, VA to her predeceased parents Elsie Lee (Deloatch) Dawson and Henry Dawson, Sr. Elsie was raised in Suffolk, VA where she attended John F. Kennedy (JFK) High School and Suffolk High School.…...
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Vincent M. Holloman, II
Vincent M. Holloman, II was born on October 5, 1976, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the first child of Vincent M. Holloman and Deborah Goodrich Holloman. Vincent started his educational journey in the Portsmouth Public School System. He was a proud graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Class of 1995. He attended Hicks Academy of Beauty Culture in Norfolk, VA where he graduated in 1996. He was a board-certified cosmetologist for over 25 years. He worked in…...
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Edward Lee Jones, Sr.
On Thursday, October 26, 2023, Edward Lee Jones Sr., affectionately known as Heat, went to be with the Lord. He leaves his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Jean D Jones, who will cherish his memories forever. May 20, 1937, Edward Lee Jones Sr was born to the late Clara Jones and Columbus Jones in Norfolk, VA. He graduated from Booker T High School, Norfolk, Virginia, 1958. He accepted Christ, and was baptized…...
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William Anthony Grimes
William “LilBoy” Anthony Grimes transitioned this earthly life into God’s reward of an eternal life on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. William was born to Mrs. Bessie Grimes of Norfolk, VA, and the late Mr. William Earl Grimes on October 3, 1964. He was educated in the public schools of Norfolk, Virginia. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and was passionate about his business. He was the owner of Park Food Store in Norfolk, VA for over…...
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George Oran Branch
George Oran Branch entered into eternal rest on October 28, 2023. George was born on January 8, 1969 in Portsmouth, VA. He was the son of Joan G. Branch and the late George E. Branch Jr. George was affectionately known as “Booker”. He was educated in the Portsmouth Public Schools and was a graduate of Manor High School, Class of 1987. After completing high school, George attended Virginia State University in Petersburg VA. Shortly after…...
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Barbara Anne Harris
Barbara Anne Harris entered her eternal home on Sunday, October 29, 2023. She was born on April 22, 1939, in Norfolk, Virginia to Clarence and Mary Anne Hardy. Barbara was a vibrant, fun-loving, God-fearing woman who could brighten any room with her presence. Since childhood, Barbara aspired to become a healthcare provider. Her desire to care for others was attained through years of service in the healthcare industry. Barbara attended and completed nursing school and was a Licensed…...
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John Waddler, Sr.
John Willie Waddler, 75, of Portsmouth, VA, gracefully completed his earthly journey on October 26, 2023. He was born on April 4, 1948 to the late Willie Waddler and Estelle Gordon Waddler in Portsmouth, Virginia. John graduated from I. C. Norcom High School in 1967.While attending school John played Junior Varsity basketball. He started as a freshman on the Varsity Football team and moved up the ranks achieving the ultimate position of captain of the…...
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Kay J. Mack
Kay J. Mack gained her wings on October 28, 2023. Kay was born on January 26, 1939, to Thomas, and Victoria Jones. She was the sixth child of fifteen children. Kay was predeceased by her parents, Thomas, and Victoria; six sisters; six brothers; two daughters: Donna Barrow (Aubrey Barrow Sr.), and Betty J. Mack; two grandchildren: Timothy Yates and Akayla Mack. Kay was a military spouse and lived in various states as she traveled with…...
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Clarence Ivory Purnell, Jr.
Clarence was born on March 15, 1953, in segregated DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Va to Clarence and Ada Purnell. He entered eternal life on October 21, 2023 to be present with the Lord. He grew up in Barraud Park, a tight knit neighborhood located in Norfolk. He attended Norfolk Public School system. While attending Jacox Junior High School he joined the band where he played the clarinet. He graduated from Booker T Washington High School…...
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Connie Louise Johnson
Connie Louise Johnson, born on January 19, 1951, to Claude and Isabelle Johnson, was called home to reside with her Heavenly Father on October 23, 2023. Raised in Cavalier Manor along with her three younger siblings: Claude, Jr., Yvette, and Carlton, she was proud to call Hancock Avenue her home up until the day of her passing. A graduate of the Virginia Public School System, Connie was happy to boast that she was a mighty,…...
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Tracy Lamont Cross
Tracy L. Cross of Portsmouth, VA entered eternal rest on October 22, 2023, at Maryview Hospital. Born to Herbert & Doris Cross on October 4, 1970. Tracy was number 7 of 10 children. He was a 1989 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, 1991 graduate of TCC (Associate), 1994 graduate of Norfolk State University (Bachelors) and 1999 graduate of South University (Masters). Tracy was an advocate for education and encouraged all young people to do…...
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Juanita Yarbra
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by family, God sent his loving angels for our beloved mother, grandmother, auntie, and sister to come home to be with his heavenly father. Juanita was born November 9, 1938, to the late William and Janie Holland. She was educated in the Norfolk County/Chesapeake school system. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA where…...
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