Joseph Burke Smith, an Army and Coast Guard Reserve Veteran and life-long resident of Norfolk, Virginia passed away on August 3, 2022, at the age of 69 after an on-going battle with cancer. Joseph is survived by his six children, 5 daughters:Tusenia Bland, Latana Rogers, Melethia Pittman, Josette Smith and Retina Smith and 1 son Joseph Smith Jr. He also leaves behind 9 sisters and 4 brothers: Teresa Smith, Yvonne Smith, Denise Smith, Michelle Smith,…...
Read Full MemorialRoberta Lyles-Hankins, our beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, departed this life on Tuesday, August 2nd at 10:30 am. Roberta was born and raised in Norfolk, VA. She retired from Navy Lodge NEX where she worked for over 20 years. She also worked for Chow Hall on the Norfolk Base for many years. She enjoyed spending time with family, laughing, listening to music, dancing, and watching CNN. She was a joy to have…...
Read Full MemorialDora Marie Kearney departed this life peacefully on July 30, 2022. Our almighty God wrapped his arms around our beloved Dora and carried her into eternal rest. Dora was born to Geraldine Kearney and Glenn Baker on February 27, 1989. Dora was educated in the Norfolk and Hampton Public School Systems. Dora had a love for children, and a passion for music. She loved to show off her singing skills to her family, and anyone…...
Read Full MemorialMelissa Sims left us on August 1, 2022 at the age of 56 with her family by her side. Melissa was born September 10, 1965, in Norfolk, VA to Dorothy and Clifton Fentress. Melissa worked many years as a City of Norfolk Sheriff and retired as a Corporal at the age of 50. Her hobbies and interests included spending time with family and friends, traveling, football,(Dallas Cowboys) card playing, and being the life of the party.…...
Read Full Memorial“Don’t think of her as gone away, her journey’s just begun. Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears. In a place of warmth and comfort where there is no more days and years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. Think of her as living in the…...
Read Full MemorialEllen Maronica “Pache” Porter went home to the Lord on August 2, 2022. She was born in the Hattonsville section of Portsmouth to Evelyn Boone Porter and James H. Porter, Sr. on October 11, 1962. She was the youngest of 12 siblings. Her mother passed away in 1964 when she was only 18 months old, and so her upbringing was mostly shaped by her older sisters. This positioned her to not only be the “fun aunt” but…...
Read Full MemorialDemetriz Deshon Chatman, Sr, affectionately known as “Meatman”, 35, passed away in the early hours of July 30th, 2022 in Norfolk, VA. Demetriz was born January 17, 1987 at DePaul Hospital to Lawrence Edward Chatman, Sr and Elsie Elizabeth White who have gone before him to make room in Heaven. The tenth of 13 children, Demetriz grew up surrounded by a very large family. However, any cousin or friend that spent a day in the…...
Read Full MemorialAnthony Darnell Sparrow, later known as Askia, the son of Robena Holley-Mangum and Elijah Holloman Jr., was born on July 5, 1965, in the city of Norfolk, Virginia. Throughout his childhood, Anthony spent most of his time playing basketball, football, and track for local youth sports teams and was one of the few Black children in his area to also play baseball. He was known for using his wit to outsmart the competition. His love,…...
Read Full MemorialOn the morning of Tuesday, July 26, 2022 our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Emma Mae Elliott (Peaches) was peacefully called to eternal rest. She was born in Norfolk (Virginia) on September 1, 1949, to the late Herbert Osborne and Emma Spratley of Surry County (Virginia). Emma graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and then worked for J.H. Miles & Company for 35 years from which she retired. She married the love of…...
Read Full MemorialDoris L. Spencer (Patterson) departed this life on July 29, 2022, at her daughter’s home, surrounded by loved ones. She was predeceased by her husband, James W. Spencer, parents, Benjamin and Esther Patterson, sons, Prentice Spencer and Robert Brown, siblings, Lilia & Earl Patterson, son in laws, Cleodis Johnson and Darnell Spencer, granddaughters, Danesha Spencer and Bethany Clemons and grandson, Willie F. Clemons Jr. (Frankie). Doris was born on October 1, 1931, in Norfolk, VA…...
Read Full MemorialMarvin “Balley” Butts was born in Norfolk, VA on June 17, 1952. He was raised in the Berkley area of Norfolk. In his early 20’s, he moved to Portsmouth VA, and lived there for over 22 years before returning to Norfolk. Marvin had a good life, loved people, loved his family and they loved him. He enjoyed listening to old R &B music, watching TV westerns and game shows. Marvin also spent time enjoying activities…...
Read Full MemorialPamela was born Pamela Lenett Reynolds, August 30, 1970 to the parents of Mary Wesley Johnson and the late Charles Edward Reynolds, in East Meadow, New York. Pamela attended Hempstead High School in Hempstead, New York. She moved to Talladega, Alabama and worked for Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga, Alabama. She moved to Virginia in 2010 where she resided until her death. She leaves to mourn her memory, her mother, Mary and…...
Read Full Memorial“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 Wadell Scott was called home to be with the Lord, our Savior on July 27, 2022. He was born June 10, 1954…...
Read Full MemorialJohn Everett Smith was born January 11, 1935, to Reverend Richard Warner Smith and Martha Alberta Gayle Smith in Gloucester County, VA. John graduated from high school at Gloucester Training School in 1952. After graduation, he attended Norfolk State College (Little State). In 1955 John joined the United States Air Force and served until 1959. Following his military duty, he married the love of his life, Maryland Isabell Ellis on the 23rd of January,1960. From…...
Read Full MemorialOn Wednesday, July 27, 2022, God called James A. Parker of Chesapeake, VA home to rest. James, affectionately known as Jimmy, was born on August 25, 1954, to the late Beulah Parker Terry and Charles Myers. Jimmy was educated in the Chesapeake Public School System. He later went on to serve in the Army from 1973 to 1977. After serving in the Army, he started his career at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an Insulator in…...
Read Full MemorialLife Reflections Ada O. Boyette transitioned life on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. She was the youngest child born to Preston Dupree and Ada Diggins Dupree. She was born in Pitt County, Fountain Township, N.C. where she was educated in the Pit County public school system. She relocated to Norfolk Virginia in 1943; caught the eye of a wonderful gentleman caller Daniel Winfred and was married in the year of 1945. …...
Read Full MemorialOn Saturday, July 23, 2022, the Lord called home the soul of His child, our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt and friend Johnnie Mae Smith. Johnnie Mae was born February 9, 1929 to the late Patty and Johnny Green in Margarettsville, NC. She was an avid caterer and operated a catering service with her partner, Ethel Morgan, for 25+ years. She was also one of the proprietors of Tic Tock Kindergarten.…...
Read Full MemorialMay the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me…. On Sunday, July 24, 2022 George A. Epps was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. George was born in Norfolk, VA on June 15, 1948 to the late George and Ruth Mae Epps. He received his education in Norfolk, VA at Booker T. Washington High School, and also attended Norfolk State University. From then he joined the military. He was enlisted in…...
Read Full MemorialCarol Lee Young of Virginia Beach, VA. went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 18, 2022. Carol was born February 23, 1950, in the county of Chittenden, town of Burlington, State of Vermont. Carol was employed by the Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 27 years prior to her retirement. Carol attended Gateway Free Will Baptist Church where she was baptized on February 24, 2019 and enjoyed Christian fellowship. Carol’s baking…...
Read Full MemorialMay the Work I’ve Done, Speak For Me……. Elder David Levi Brooks, Sr. transitioned the morning of July 25, 2022. He was born January 1, 1941, in Edenton, North Carolina, the son of David and Martha (Blanchard) Brooks. Following high school, he served with the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life Christine (Scriven) Brooks on July 3, 1976. They shared nine kids and recently celebrated 46 years of…...
Read Full MemorialAdrienne Lorrie Harris departed this life on Sunday July 24, 2022. Adrienne was born on October 27, 1963 in Naples, Italy to Barbara Anne Hardy and Levelle Harris. Shortly after birth, she and her family relocated back to the United States where she begin her beautiful life. She attended Bayside High School and graduated in 1981. She had a plethora of jobs and was known for being a hard worker wherever she went. In 1995,…...
Read Full MemorialLet the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 KJV “MUSIC MAKES LIFE A SYMPHONY WHEN GOD IS THE CONDUCTOR” — Prelude— Cecilia Earle Bacon was introduced to life through the union of Roger and Earline Bacon on February 4, 1937 in Norfolk, Virginia. One of three children, Cece, as…...
Read Full MemorialVeronica Mae Jackson 71, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 21, 2022. Veronica was born on March 26, 1951 to the late Marion Shirley Spruill and Mack Spruill Jr. Veronica was predeceased by her husband Frank O. Jackson. She was affectionately known to her family and close friends as (Poochie). She was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System. She was a licensed…...
Read Full MemorialIn according with God’s word, promise and plan for our life, Sidney N. Parker was received into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Being a very caring and conscientious man, Sidney enjoyed helping others. He was always willing to do what he could for anyone with a smile and a kind heart. He had a sharp sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. A guy with an old soul. Sidney loved…...
Read Full MemorialElder Jessie J. Goodman, of Norfolk, VA departed this life on July 20, 2022. He was born on November 13, 1938 to the late Norman E. & Beatrice Goodman. Jessie J. Goodman was a loving & caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was a dedicated member to the Church of Christ, Apostolic Faith in Norfolk, Virginia. A native to Princess Anne County, Virginia he met and married the late Mary Skinner Speller Goodman on…...
Read Full MemorialLawrence Alexander Ruffin went to be with the Lord on July 20, 2022. Lawrence was born in Norfolk, VA to the late Joseph Jr. and Blanche Ruffin, on June 22, 1948. Lawrence was educated in Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Maury High School. He attended Norfolk State University for two years. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his tour of duty, Lawrence worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard…...
Read Full MemorialDonyae Calloway was born on October 26, 1977 to Maureen Anderson in Norfolk, VA. He was preceded in death by brother Aaron Calloway, grandparents Delma and Morris Calloway, Aunt Sharon Calloway, Uncles Timothy Calloway and Morris Calloway. God called Donyae to rest on July 19, 2022. Donyae leaves to cherish the memory of his Mother Maureen Anderson, Sisters Moya Calloway and Jameelah Anderson, Brothers Bryon (Erin) and Kaharah Calloway, Nieces Brianna Calloway, Mariah and Maia…...
Read Full MemorialMs. Jovi Shakira Horace, 28, of Suffolk, VA, transitioned Monday, July 18, 2022. She was predeceased by a sister, Jendaya Hunter, maternal grandparents JD and Martha Harden. Jovi Horace was born May 16th, 1994 to Flossie Horace and James Hunter. Jovi was a wonderful free spirit young woman who loved dancing and making TikTok videos. Jovi was kindhearted and funny. She knew how to have a good time and make a bad situation a laughable one. Jovi was employed at Smithfield Packing and recently got hired at Amazon. Jovi leaves to cherish her memories her children, Moriah,…...
Read Full MemorialRaymond attended the Chicago Public Schools. Raymond entered the Navy and served for many years After years with the Navy, he was a special policeman for Belo, Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. He held many other jobs which included a printer in the civil service defense department on the amphibious bases, as well as a rental car associate for AVIS rental car. . For 53 years, he was married to his loving and devoted wife, Willie Mae Uzzle, and…...
Read Full MemorialJaCobe Trevon Davis-Cherry was born on October 30, 1997 in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Cobe. JaCobe was a specialist stationed at Fort Stewart Army Base in Georgia. He was a 2016 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was studying to obtain his CDL and was also pursuing an associate degree in Biology from Tidewater Community College with plans to…...
Read Full MemorialRonald Kendall Orton a.k.a. “Bum Rogers”, was born in Portsmouth, VA to the late Charles Melvin Orton and Leathia Orton Jones. He is predeceased by siblings, Don Saunders, Ebonee Orton and stepfather, Albert Jones. Ronald was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved his entire family and others very much. He was known for his bowed legs and his contagious smile. People he didn’t even know, knew him, especially working at Wal-Mart. He had…...
Read Full MemorialThursday, July 14, 2022, Manuel Junior Roundtree, affectionately known as Gene, was called home to be with the Lord. Gene was born in Norfolk County to the late Manuel and Rosa Roundtree. Gene attended Portsmouth Public Schools and retired from the City of Chesapeake after thirty years of dedicated service. Gene was predeceased by both parents, brothers: James, Horace, Willie and Curtis and sisters: Maggie, Mildred and Rosa Mae. Left to cherish his memory are…...
Read Full MemorialAlthough a person born on March 21, 1940 was said to be part of the “Silent Generation”, Margaret Simmons Chatmon was anything but. Her larger than life personality coupled with the desire to “fight for right” would prove beneficial years later. Born to Edward and Marie Simmons in Charleston, South Carolina, Margaret exhibited a fierce loyalty for family, zest for life, and a healthy thirst for knowledge from an early age. As a child, she…...
Read Full MemorialMrs. Eunice Nadine Baker, affectionately known as “Bopeep”, was born in Stony Creek, Virginia on September 28, 1928. She was the sixth of seven children born to Lola and Amos Booth. She was reared and educated in Dinwiddie County, Virginia and graduated from Dinwiddie Training High School in 1946. At the age of eighteen, she relocated to Norfolk, Virginia. Upon arriving to Norfolk, she met and later married John C. Baker, Sr. and shared in…...
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