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Memorials
Byrdell C. Branch
The Matriarch of our family Byrdell C. Branch was called home to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, October 22, 2018. Her journey on earth ended when she slept peacefully to her eternal home. Her transition was a beautiful sight to behold. Byrdell was born on September 1,1923 to the late Jesse and Joanna Cowan in Galatia, North Carolina, the seventh of eight children. Byrdell was preceded in death by her husband of 52…...
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Mary V. Parker Lanier
Mary Virginia Parker Lanier, February 27, 1932 – October 23, 2018, Resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. After a courageous eight-year battle with dementia, Mary passed away peacefully in Sentara Careplex Hospital, Hampton, VA. Mary was born and raised in Suffolk, (Nansemond), VA. She was one of nine children born to the late, Arcelious and Idina Parker, and was the beloved wife of the late, Jeremiah Lanier for over 40 years. Mary will forever be remembered with…...
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Barbara A. Williams
Our beloved Barbara A. Williams passed away on October 22, 2018. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Alvin Williams; four children, Theresa Browne, Norine Shelton, James Shelton, Jr. and Carla Hodge....
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Julia M. McEachin
During the early morning hours of Sunday, October 21st, 2018, the Angel of Silence took our beloved, Sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Julia Mae McEachin, known by Judy, was born at Norfolk Community Hospital in Norfolk, VA on September 6th, 1955 to the late Mr. Robert Lee McEachin and Dorothy McEachin. Judy was educated in the Norfolk public school system. She graduated from Norview High School in 1973. In the early 1980’s she started as…...
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Elbert Brown, Jr.
Elbert Brown, Jr., affectionately known as BJ was born on July 1, 1985 to Elbert, Sr. and Vanessa Brown in Portsmouth, VA. He graduated from Indian River High School in 2005. He also earned his certification as a welder from Tidewater Tech. He was recently employed with the City of Portsmouth as a groundsman. BJ was known for his love of family, love of good humor and most of all LOVE OF GOOD FOOD.…...
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Charity Bell Parker
Charity Bell Parker was summoned to sweet sleep in the early morning hours of October 22nd in her home while being lovingly attended to by her sons. Charity was born June 6, 1927 in Pitt County, North Carolina to Preston Sylvester Dupree and Ada Diggins-Dupree Charity was one of 12 born to this great union, all with the exception of her baby sister were in that great cloud of witness that beckoned her as she…...
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Ryan McDonald Toppin
Ryan McDonald Toppin was born November 16, 1987 in Brooklyn, NY to Noreen and Anthony Toppin and departed this earth on October 19, 2018. His grandparents, Ina Walrond, (Barbados), Ercil Smith and Luther Hinds (United Kingdom) proceeds him in death. Ryan graduated from Lake Taylor High School in 2005 and attended TCC and majored in Culinary Arts. Ryan was an amazing Chef and had a love for feeding family and friends. He was also a 3X MVP for Calvary Basketball Team. He…...
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Timothy E. McNeal
Timothy Eric McNeal, 53, of Norfolk, Virginia passed away October 19, 2018 peacefully in his sleep. He attended Booker T. Washington High School. He was known for his outgoing personality, uplifting spirit and compassionate heart. He always made us smile and laugh no matter the circumstances. Timothy was predeceased by his father, James McNeal, Jr. and sister, Karen Norman McNeal. He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Pearl B. McNeal of Norfolk, VA; two…...
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Corey M. Merchant
Corey McKinley Merchant, 38, of Chesapeake, Virginia entered into his heavenly home on October 18, 2018 at Sentara Norfolk General. Corey was born October 14, 1980 to Priscilla (P. C.) Merchant and the late William Shark. Corey worked in the Military Sealift Command for 12 years. Corey was a very loving and kindhearted person that would freely give to anyone. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Fannie Owens and aunt, Yvette Fisher. Those left to cherish his memories are three siblings, Latitia Merchant, Reginald…...
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Elsie J. Newell
Elsie J. Newell passed Elsie J. Newell was born on October 24, 1926 to the late John Henry and Willie L. Johnson in Boykins, Virginia. As one of fourteen children, Elsie grew up with a great love for family and perpetuated a legacy of family unity. She became the wife of the late Willie Newell from this union three children were born. Elsie started her journey working in Norfolk Public Schools where she retired. She began her Christian walk in faith at Holy…...
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Richard Bullock Ferrell
Richard Bullock-Ferrell (Lil Richard) aka Droppy was the son of Nekice L. Bullock and Omar Ferrell. Lil Richard has he was called was raised mostly in Norfolk, Virginia by his great grandfather, Richard Bullock and his surrogate grandmother Sandra Sampson whom he loved dearly. Richard Bullock-Ferrell was born November 11, 1994 in Norfolk, Virginia and was one the oldest of five children. He attended the Norfolk Public school systems and later received his G.E.D. He traveled and worked several places with his…...
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Denise L. Joe
On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, God’s angel of eternal rest, visited and took our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Denise Joe. She was born , March 10, 1955 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Norma and Alfred Graham. She attended and graduated from Granby High School Class of 1979. She was a member of St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church, Norfolk for many years. She worked for Norfolk Public Schools in the Accounting Department for 36…...
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Mark Lee Hargrow
Mark L. Hargrow began is journey of life on June 7, 1959 in Virginia Beach, Virginia as the son of the late Laura Butts Hargrow and James Lee Hargrow. He departed this life on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Sentara Nursing Center. Mark was educated in the Virginia Beach Public School System and later become a Brick Mason. He loved what he did at work. Mark was one to have you laughing, crying, choking from his jokes. He had a name…...
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Samson Smith
Samson Smith passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2018 surrounded by his family. Sam was born in Enterprise, Alabama, raised in Buffalo, NY and lived in Virginia Beach, VA until his death. Sam continued to work for the Navy (Fleet Force Command) after serving 23 years in the United States Navy. He is predeceased by his first wife, Shirley A. Smith and father, Joseph James Smith. Samson is survived by his wife, Bernice V. Smith; mother, Ettie Lee…...
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John Cleveland Tripp
Mr. John Cleveland Trip was born July 23, 1928 in Pitt County, NC to the late Mack Tripp, Sr. and Flossie Williams Tripp. He went from earth to glory on October 16, 2018 at the age of 90 years old. Mr. Tripp was married to the late Sarah Johnson Tripp. He was educated in Pitt County, NC and later moved to Craven County, NC. From there he joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. Upon departure from the Navy,…...
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Maurice Antonio Darden
Maurice Antonio Darden, Sr. left this earthly world to start his eternal journey on October 10, 2018. He was born in Newark, New Jersey to Linda W. Darden and Lawrence S. Ray on November 28, 1971. As a young child, he was very quiet and stayed close to his mother and grandmother. He was very intelligent and would study so well that you would think that he was an expert in the subject. He enjoyed wrestling, listening to jazz…...
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William Herbert Brown
William Herbert Brown was born in Everett, North Carolina on December 7, 1942, the third of six children from the union of James E. and Ossie Mae Brown. Peacefully on Sunday, October 14, 2018, Herbert entered the heavenly realm after a long battle with cancer. Herbert (as he was affectionately called) worked for his brother, Earl as a plaster and painter until his retirement in 2001. Herbert loved life and was obsessed with his beautiful apartment. He loved the casinos and could…...
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Dorothy Collins
On Sunday, October 14, 2018, in the comfort of her earthly home, the Angel of Life slipped into our mist and called our beloved great grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, and friend home. Dorothy J. Collins was born, March 10, 1928 in Chattanooga, TN to the late Robert and Daisy Belle Hicks. She was the second of three daughters born to this union. Dorothy married the late John W. Collins, Sr. and had six loving kids. Mrs. Dorothy Collins leaves to cherish…...
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Gary Lillie
Gary Lillie was born on November 5, 1958 to Phillip Carter and Billie Blue Lillie in Ennis, Texas. He departed this life on October 13, 2018 at VCU Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia. Gary graduated from high school in Ennis, Texas. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer, honorably serving our country for 21 years; 4 of those years in the United States Army and 17 years in the United States Navy. After retiring from the military, Gary made his home in Suffolk,…...
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Clifton Styles, Sr.
Our hearts were filled with sorrow when our son, nephew, and friend, Clifton Styles, Sr. departed this life on Sunday, October 14, 2018, after battling an illness. Cliff was born on August 24, 1955 in Portsmouth, VA. The son of Bessie Styles and Joe Manley. He was a brick mason and had his own business for many years and also worked for the City of Portsmouth for five years. He was a devoted member of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Cliff was charming…...
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Ida K. Morgan
Ida Katherine Morgan departed this life, October 11, 2018 at the age of 84 years old at Sentara Leigh Hospital. She was born in Tarboro, NC to the late Mary M. Porter and Stephen P. Morgan. Ida was very active in church as a trustee and Superintendent of Sunday School at Woodside A.M.E. Zion in Stanford, CT. She was a current member of Saint Francis A.M.E. Zion in Mt. Kisco, NY. Ida was also a passionate and nurturing caregiver to many. She was…...
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Roger Edward Coston
Mr. Roger Edward Coston (Mr. C.) peacefully departed this life on Friday, October 12, 2018 to be with his Lord and Savior at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. Roger was born on March 3, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Janie Coston. Roger was educated in the Brooklyn Public School System. After moving to Chesapeake, Virginia he met and married the love of his life Alice Brandon in 1997 and from this union two…...
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George Robert Lashley
George Lashley, 73, transitioned to new life on October 13, 2018 at Maryview Hospital. He was born to Robert & Helen Lashley on December 5, 1944 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was predeceased by 2 brothers (William & Leon) and 3 sisters (Dallas, Maxine and Ann). His remaining brother, James, who was also at Maryview, departed only two days after him on Oct 15, 2018. He attended Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School. …...
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Ernesto William Perry Crespo
Ernesto W. P. Crespo, born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 8, 1989. He is the son of Ernesto Crespo, Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia and Brenda Johnson from South Carolina. Ernesto is a graduate of Granby High School, Class of 2007. He enlisted in the United States Navy right after high school. Nesto is survived by his loving wife, Nebraska S. Crespo; two sons, Ernesto Z. Crespo, 9, Daniel U. Crespo, 6; daughter, Kailani A. Crespo; siblings, Sybil M. Crespo, Christopher Kelly,…...
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Johnathan E. Griffin
“Jesus said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This is to acknowledge that Johnathan Elijah Griffin departed this life on Saturday, October 6, 2018, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Born on January 21, 1994 in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was affectionately called “JoJo.” He was the eldest child of Dawayne Lemart Hoffler Sr. and Laura Ann Griffin. He was raised by his paternal grandmother,…...
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Donnell McKinley Copeland
Donnell McKinley Copeland passed away October 13, 2018....
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Zena Vanessa Brown
Zena Vanessa Brown, daughter of the late Deacon Ralph Clifton Brown, Sr. and Frances Vandora Brown was born on March 8, 1961 and departed peacefully on October 13, 2018. Zena graduated from Neptune Senior High School in 1980. After graduation she joined the Army where she served our country honorably for 6 years, including an overseas tour in Germany. Post her military service, she moved back to Richmond, VA where she attended Kee Business College…...
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Derek Bryon Smith
On Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 3:06 P.M., God called Derek Byron Smith, Sr. home to be with him. Derek was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, May 26, 1970 on a Tuesday morning at 3:06 A.M., to Herman and Estelle Smith. Derek is a graduate of class 1988 from Wyandanch and Wilson Tech High School in Wyandanch, NY. He was a loving son, who respected his parents, himself and others. Derek was a loving brother who enjoyed spending time with his sisters, April Smith…...
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Sarah A. Hill
Sarah A Hill, 60, gained her wings on October 10, 2018. She was born in Chesapeake, Virginia to Ella Reese and William Patterson Jr. Sarah called the Deep Creek area home before joining the Navy and eventually settling in Virginia Beach. Sarah dedicated the last 24 years to the Portsmouth Police Department as a respected Dispatcher and Supervisor. Left to share her memory are her children, Walter and Erica Hill and her partner in love and life, Michael Avant. Also lifting her up are her two…...
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Sylvia Perry
Family and friends we are gathered together to praise God and bid farewell to Sylvia Perry. The daughter of the late Jessie and Marie W. Perry. She was born June 28, 1952 in Portsmouth, VA, she transitioned at Chesapeake General Hospital. A native of Portsmouth, VA Sylvia was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School class of 1971 (Go Greyhounds). She continued her education at Norfolk State University. Sylvia then worked 40 years as a Supply Clerk for Alutiiq where she retired. Sylvia’s…...
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Earl Davis Smith
On October 10, 2018, God sent an angel to visit Earl, calling him to his new life. He was born on August 24, 1940 to Earl James Smith and Elessie Moore Smith. He was educated in Chesapeake City Schools, he was a retired plumber, and at an early age achieved difficult tasks. Earl preceded his parents Earl Smith and Elessie Moore Smith, paternal grandparents Samuel Smith and Virginia Garden (Gennie), maternal grandparents Louise Forbes Moore…...
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James E. Copeland, Jr.
Our Beloved James E. Copeland, Jr. lived his life in Norfolk, Virginia until he was called to his eternal rest. James was called “Cope” and was born, March 28, 1940 to his parents, the late Helen James and James E. Copeland, Sr. of Eastern Shore, VA. He worked for the City of Norfolk Water Department for 40 years until he retired. He was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. His precious memories will always linger in the hearts of…...
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Lesia Eason Cuffee
Her Sacred Journey When you head of my home-going, don’t worry about me… I’m just another soldier on my way home. Over beloved, Lesia Eason Cuffee, age 56 of Chesapeake, Virginia, departed from this early life on Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Lesia as she was affectionately called, was born to the late Robert L. Eason, Sr. and Dorothy Marie Alexander Eason on December 26, 1961. At an early age,…...
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Demonta Faircloth
A limb has fallen from the family tree that says, “Grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the life I lived while I was strong”. Demon’ta L. Faircloth affectionately knowns as “Doo Doo” entered eternal rest on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Demon’ta was born on May 31, 2002 in Norfolk, Virginia. He attended Portsmouth Public Schools (Woodrow Wilson High School). He was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He was the…...
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