It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Madeline Newsome, 81, of Norfolk, VA, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was born on October 1, 1943, to the late Foye and Bertha Newsome and entered into eternal rest on June 2, 2025. She is predeceased in death by her parents, Foye and Bertha Newsome; sons, Curtis and Leon Gary Newsome; brother, Foye Newsome, Jr.; and sister, Deloris Newsome. She leaves…...
Read Full MemorialOn Monday, May 19, 2025, Nathan Tylik Johnson was called home to be with his Heavenly Father. He was born on February 26, 1976, to Lillian Jackson and Clifton Aikens in Brooklyn, New York. Nathan, known to all as “Nate,” loved the Lord and valued his relationship with God more than life’s circumstances. In 1996, he became a member of the Christian Tabernacle in Wilmington, Delaware. He worked as a teacher at Christian Tabernacle Academy…...
Read Full MemorialStephan was born September 28, 1963, to Joe Harvey Hayes and Martha Cleo Hayes. Stephan is predeceased by both of his parents; daughter, Taresha Spencer; brother, Antoin Hayes; and sister, Sherrell Hayes Williams. Stephen attended Booker T. Washington High School. Stephan is survived by his wife, Georgia D. Taylor-Hayes; brother, Ronnie Hayes and Yolando-Hayes; sisters, Sharon Hayes Taylor (Angelo) and Josette Hayes Walker (Jeffrey); son, Cameron Tyric Spencer; as well as a host of nieces…...
Read Full MemorialMary Ella Cooper was born on June 12, 1960, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late James Henry and Ruby Rose Cooper. She attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Lake Taylor High School in 1978. Mary later pursued business studies at Kee Business College and studied piano under the late Ianthia Virginia Uzzle. At the tender age of 10, Mary joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she was baptized. She was an active participant in…...
Read Full MemorialYolanda Anne Powell was born on June 15, 1963, to the late Theodore and Eva Marie Carroll. At 61 years of age, she gained her angelic wings quietly in her home on the grand rising of Sunday, June 1, 2025. Yolanda grew up in the South Hill area of Chesapeake. She was raised by her grandparents, the late Theodore and Flonzora B. Carroll. Yolanda graduated from Oscar Frommel Smith High School in 1981. For most…...
Read Full MemorialBessie Lorean Shark was born in Southampton County on September 30, 1948, and made her transition into eternity on May 31, 2025, ending her battle from illness at home in Norfolk, VA. Bessie received her primary education at Ruffner Jr. High and Booker T. Washington High School. She worked several housekeeping positions. She is predeceased by her parents, Paul E. Warren and Madis Lee Warren; son, Jasper L. Scott; daughter, Pamela D. Jenkins; sister, Mazie…...
Read Full MemorialYvonne D. Lane, 69, peacefully transitioned on May 29, 2025, in her home in Norfolk, Virginia, surrounded by the love and care of her sons. Born on June 6, 1955, in Norfolk, Yvonne was a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and friend whose uplifting spirit and selfless heart touched countless lives. Yvonne grew up in the Berkley neighborhood of Norfolk, raised by her parents, Willie and Fannie Bell Woodard. She shared a special bond with her…...
Read Full MemorialMs. Ardrena J. Anderson was born on December 18, 1945, in Winter Park, FL, to the late Mr. Booker T. Jordan and Ms. Pauline Jones Jordan. She was converted at an early age and joined the church fellowship, where she served faithfully until her health failed. She attended Hannibal Square Elementary School, played for the Winter Park Bobcats girls’ varsity basketball team, and was a cheerleader in high school, graduating from Hungerford High School in…...
Read Full MemorialRoberta Lee Smith won the jackpot of all time. The alert went off on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She had won BIG time. She entered into the arms of Our Lord & Savior. Roberta was born to the late Clara & Albert Harrell on October 19, 1940, in Norfolk, VA. Roberta received her education through the Norfolk Public School system. In her early years, she was employed at Norfolk General…...
Read Full MemorialAndre Antonio DeLoatch Sr., 65, passed away suddenly on May 27, 2025. A resident of Portsmouth, Virginia, Andre was a beloved father, grandfather, friend, and pillar of strength to all who knew him. Andre was born to Calvin and Cleo DeLoatch in Nansemond County, Virginia, on August 6, 1959. In his early years, Andre loved to go crabbing and have a drink or two with family and friends. Later on, Andre enjoyed listening to old…...
Read Full MemorialRhett, a devout Christian, beloved father, and dedicated professional, passed away on May 27th after a courageous battle with bladder cancer. He is survived by his loving son, Rhett C. Butler, Jr., and his wife, Cheryl L. Butler, as well as his devoted siblings, Chery L. Mack and Rev. Willie T. Butler, along with their families. Rhett was a highly respected member of the City of Chesapeake Revenue Operations Team since February 16, 1998. His…...
Read Full MemorialEvelyn Gordon Mitchell, 94, entered her eternal rest on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Chesapeake Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was predeceased by her life partner, Otis Melvin, and parents Carrie Gordon and Thomas Cooke. She was born April 7, 1931, in Norfolk, Virginia. Evelyn attended Booker T. Washington High School. She was a member of St. Paul Church of God in Christ, Norfolk, VA. Evelyn later joined the Order of the Eastern Star in…...
Read Full MemorialIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Curtis Leroy Crumity, Jr., age 35, of Norfolk, Virginia. He was called home to rest on May 26, 2025. Curtis was born on December 12, 1989, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Philissa Marable and Curtis Leroy Crumity, Sr. He attended Green Run High School, Tallwood High School, and Booker T. Washington High School. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 2008. He…...
Read Full MemorialKenneth D. Lewis, known to his family and friends as Dwayne or “Teddy Bug,” died on May 25, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. Kenneth was born in Richmond, VA, on December 3, 1960, to Robert Sr. and Elsie (Bond) Lewis. They later moved to Norfolk, VA, where Kenneth graduated from Lake Taylor High School. Kenneth served in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. Kenneth loved all types of music and singing. He served in…...
Read Full MemorialWith deep sorrow and enduring love, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Julia Rosena Cowell-affectionately known as “Rose,” who departed this life at the age of 81 on May 28, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, unwavering love, and deep devotion to her family. Born on June 11, 1943, in Norfolk County, VA, Rose was the heart of our home, a devoted…...
Read Full MemorialEve Mae Carter, lovingly known to many as “Mae Mae,” was born on February 25, 1945, in Norfolk, VA, to the late James and Eva Carter. She peacefully transitioned on May 28, 2025, at Portside Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mae was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brothers Donald V. Tanner of Tempe, Arizona, and James B. Nolan of Beaufort, North Carolina, her granddaughter Erykah, and her lifelong friend Doris Parker. Mae received…...
Read Full MemorialOn May 27, 2025 Ms. Belinda Larvne Simpson was called home to be with the Lord. She was born on October 4, 1949 to the late Mr. Nicholas and Mrs. Florence (Hill) Simpson in the city of Portsmouth. She was the first grandchild of the late Mr. David J. and Mrs. Flossie (Scott) Hill. Belinda is preceded in death my both her father and mother; her youngest sister, Ms. Renita “Sweet gal” Simpson, and an…...
Read Full MemorialIt is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, and friend, Rebel Lux Brown, who died unexpectedly on May 26, 2025, at the age of 7, after a sudden and courageous battle with leukemia. Rebel was born to parents Jason T. and Alicia Danielle Brown on July 8, 2017. Born on July 8, 2017, Rebel brought joy, light, and boundless love to everyone who knew her. A…...
Read Full MemorialCelebrating the Life and Legacy of Willie Otelia Allen The Life of Willie Otelia Allen began on February 21, 1943, in the small town of Windsor, North Carolina. She was the eldest daughter of Willie Rogers and Joanna Smith. She attended W.S. Etheridge School from kindergarten to the twelfth grade, where she established many close relationships that she maintained throughout her life. One of Willie’s greatest pastimes was to share stories about her childhood and…...
Read Full MemorialLeslie or “Tommy” as we called him, departed this life on a sunny, warm day. Leslie was born in Norfolk, VA, and remained here for the rest of his life. He attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated in 1992 from Lake Taylor High School with academic honors received in May 1991. Leslie was predeceased by his father, Leslie S. Pope; maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles. He is survived by his loving and devoted…...
Read Full MemorialIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William E. Shambley, age 82, of Chesapeake, Va who departed this life on May 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 26, 1943, William was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He lived a life marked by kindness, hard work, and unwavering love for his family. William spent his career as a Painter at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where…...
Read Full MemorialLonnie Isiacar “Baby” Stevens, Sr. was born in Portsmouth General Hospital on November 7th, 1961, to Barbara Stevens, “mother”, and predeceased by Joseph Lee Stevens, Sr., “father”. He was educated through the Portsmouth school system and attended Cradock High School. Lonnie was employed at BJ Stevens Hauling in Portsmouth, VA, and later in life, at TetraTech in Louisville, Kentucky, as a truck driver and equipment operator. He loved to dance, go fishing and crabbing, and…...
Read Full MemorialGilbert Hurst, age 69, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 19, 1956, in Mobile, Alabama, Gilbert was the cherished son of the late Roosevelt and Lulu Mae Hurst. A proud and dedicated U.S. Navy veteran, Gilbert lived a life of service, love, and strength. He was united in marriage with Faye McMillan on November 27, 2002, during an intimate ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia. Their love and…...
Read Full MemorialClarie M. (Gleaton) Gantt was born on April 10th, 1937, in Sally, SC, to the late Dovie Bell and Jake Gleaton. Clarie departed this life on May 22nd, 2025. Mom graduated from AI Corbett. She worked as a seamstress. Then went on to work at a couple of different insurance companies as a supervisor and receptionist. She loved to cook, sew, bake, and spend many hours in Zion Baptist Church. Mom sang with Unity Choir…...
Read Full MemorialOn Thursday, May 22, 2025, our beloved father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend, Ri’chard Willie Hoggard, Sr., transitioned this earthly life. Ri’chard, affectionately known as “Lil Willie” or “Squilly’, was born on March 7, 1984, to Rickey C. Hoggard, Sr. and the late Deborah Peebles-Hoggard. Willie was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System. He was the co-owner of Ziggy’s Street Eats in Portsmouth, VA. Willie lived a life guided by Christian values…...
Read Full MemorialMillicent Avery Sawyer passed away at the age of 85 on May 20, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Malcolm L. Avery Sr. and Evelyn Shambry Avery and was born in the Lamberts Point section of Norfolk, Virginia. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Dr. and Colonel (Ret.) Frederick Harold “Doc” Sawyer, and her daughter, Kimberly Maxine Sawyer. Her family affectionately called Millicent the “energy bunny” because of her…...
Read Full MemorialIt is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John W. Graham, 78, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, who departed this life peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and cherished friends. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and friend, John was a man of quiet strength, boundless kindness, and unwavering wisdom—gifts he shared generously with everyone he met. Born on March 1, 1947, in Poplar Grove, Arkansas, John…...
Read Full MemorialTHE PROMOTION CEREMONY OF FRANKLIN J. MICKLE It was the will of our Heavenly Father to call Franklin J. Mickle back home to heaven, where he may rest in peace. Franklin was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on May 2, 1947, to James and Anniemae Mickle. He married Delores Mickle on August 31, 1968. Together, Franklin and Delores raised five children: Alton (Maxine), Fleachia, Deanna, Franklin, and David. Franklin completed the Job Corps program and…...
Read Full MemorialLetha Dawn Oakley-Rochelle, affectionately known as “Lee” and “Rochelle,” was born on August 23, 1978, in Norfolk, VA she passed away peacefully in her home on May 10, 2025. She was 46 years old. She was married to Myron Rochelle Jr. in the year of 2000, and from that union, they had three beautiful children. Lee was a hard-working woman who loved her family, and we cannot forget how much she loved her cats, who…...
Read Full MemorialVictor Delano Billups, Sr. transitioned to be with the Lord on May 19, 2025, at Chesapeake Regional Hospital in Chesapeake, VA. He was born on November 3, 1944, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Reginald and Inez Billups, Sr. He was the second eldest of six children and grew up in the Liberty Park and Chesterfield Heights area. Some of his fondest memories were playing with his brothers and friends in the neighborhood. Victor was…...
Read Full MemorialOn Thursday, May 8, 2025, Arnetta Nichols Corprew took her final flight home to Heaven. Born on March 21, 1943, to Arthur and Vernetta Nichols, Arnetta was the youngest child of their union. She was raised in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland areas, where she began a life filled with passion, elegance, and adventure. After graduating from Calvin Coolidge High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton Institute.…...
Read Full MemorialEugene Johnson, Sr., affectionately known as “Smiley” for his warm spirit and signature grin, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on May 17, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia, at the age of 82. Born on August 18, 1942, in North Carolina, Eugene lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and a deep love for people. True to his nickname, he never met a stranger—everywhere he went, he brought joy and knew someone, always making others…...
Read Full MemorialAngela Yvette Brown, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and woman of unwavering faith, peacefully transitioned on May 20, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on January 18, 1959, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to James E. Lee and Berthine V. Clifton, Angela lived a life marked by love, purpose, and service. A proud graduate of Norfolk State University, Angela earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and went on to touch countless lives during her 30-year…...
Read Full MemorialRobert Eugene Boyd, Jr. (affectionately called “Rob J”) was born on September 18, 1961, to the late Robert E. Boyd, Sr., and Joyce Bracey Boyd in the city of Portsmouth, VA. He attended Portsmouth public schools and the Job Corps, where he gained his painting skills. Robert demonstrated his eye for detail and his painting abilities with the Lawrence Painting Corp. LLC, Chesapeake, VA. He worked with them for over 35 years and was a…...
Read Full MemorialWilliam “Bill” Morris passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine “Tina;” two daughters, Bridget (Steve) Outlaw and Kimberly Irvin; four granddaughters, Christina Smith, Jessica Smith, Emily (Pedro) Sanchez, and Anna Irvin; and a great-grandson, Daniel Sanchez. A devoted husband and family man, he would have moved mountains for “My Girls,” as he lovingly called us. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force…...
Read Full MemorialAnnie Lee Collins, 69, affectionately known as Annie, was born in humble beginnings to Clarence and Edith Green of Norfolk, VA. She was called home on May 6, 2025, Bronx, NY. Annie met and married her husband, who she referred to as “Vic” and during the course of their marriage, bore five children: Anthony Lee Collins, Victor Ralph Collins, III, Troy Eugene Collins, Marcus Booker T Collins, and Deion Collins. Annie developed her love and…...
Read Full MemorialDeborah Althea Jones-Parker was born March 21, 1951, in Norfolk, VA, to Mattie and Levy Jones, Sr. She was joyfully welcomed by her older brother, Levy Jr (deceased), and sister Marsha. Four years later, she joined Levy and Marsha in welcoming their younger brother Vincent (deceased). On Saturday night, May 17, 2025, Deborah passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness. Due to the active involvement and leadership of their parents, Deborah and each of her…...
Read Full MemorialCathy Darlene Faltz was called home to rest in the arms of the Lord, finding eternal peace on May 17, 2025, at the age of 66. Although we mourn Cathy’s passing, we rejoice in the promise of a heavenly reunion, knowing that she is resting in the presence of the almighty God and Saviour. Cathy was born on January 20, 1959, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Wilbert Randon Faltz, Sr., and Sarah Wiggins Faltz.…...
Read Full MemorialElla Mae Gilliam was born on July 4, 1962, in North Carolina, she departed this life on May 15, 2025. A soft-spoken, kind, and sweet soul, she touched the lives of many with her gentle spirit and warm heart. She had a deep love for family and a simple joy in life; especially her favorite meal, fried chicken. She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Mary A. Person; her son, Donnell J. Gilliam; and a…...
Read Full MemorialCynthia V. Gregg Poittilo, affectionately known as Cynt, with the pretty green eyes, was born on June 25, 1953, to the late James N. Gregg and Lucy B. Gregg. Cynt grew up in the Mt. Hermon area of Portsmouth, VA. She attended Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School, Class of ‘72. Cynt was a very hard worker; she didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. She was employed at Ford Motor Company…...
Read Full MemorialKathy Nious Tillman was born September 22, 1965, to her parents, Wilbert and Norma Whitaker, in Norfolk, VA. She and her twin brother, Calvin Whitaker, are the youngest of six: Betty Davis (Milton, both deceased), Eleanor White (Charles), Furma Williams, and Chrystal Whitaker (deceased). Kathy grew up in the Bowling Park Community. In high school, she ran track and helped her mother deliver newspapers as her part-time job. Kathy graduated from Norview High School in…...
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