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Memorials
Bishop John H. Colander
Bishop John H. Colander, 77, entered eternal rest and peace surrounded by his family on June 30, 2024 (3:07 pm) at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield, NC. He was born November 26, 1946 in Nansemond County (Suffolk, Va.) and resided most of his life in Portsmouth, VA with his family. He was a Bronze Star Army Veteran and US Postal Service Retiree. He was the son of the late Bishop Obadiah and Dejohnnie (Ricks) Colander…...
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Karen R. Howcott
On the morning of June 30, 2024, Karen Rene Howcott laid down her sword and walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Karen courageously fought a 10-year battle with cancer. She refused to surrender to or be held hostage by the disease. As she liked to say, “I’m tough like a Tonka truck.” Karen found strength in her faith and her relationship with God. She attended Gethsemane Community Fellowship Church in…...
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Darlene Laverne Blow
On Sunday, June 30, 2024, Darlene Laverne Blow was called to her eternal rest in heaven. Darlene was born on October 27, 1955, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Modzel Blow. She attended Norview High School but later went on to get her GED and nursing degree. She graduated in 1987 with a 4.0 GPA. Soon after graduating, she began working for River Pointe Nursing Home, until she retired. Darlene had an enormous giving and…...
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Jazennie Deloris Powell
Our loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Jazennie Powell, also known as Jay, was welcomed into the world on March 17, 1956. She was called home to glory on June 27, 2024, at the age of 68. She was born in Jarvisburg, North Carolina. In the ‘60s, she attended Currituck Union for elementary school, she then moved on to Grigg’s School once schools integrated. In 1974, she graduated from J.P. Knapp High School. From there, she…...
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Dollie P. Wells
Dollie P. Wells, cherished daughter of the late Vernell Franklin Peeples and Bettie Wilkerson Peeples, transitioned peacefully on June 28, 2024. Born in Southampton County, Virginia, Dollie was the eldest among 10 siblings. She exhibited the characteristics of a true matriarch, extending her love and grace to her beloved siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Known for her impeccable attention to detail, she was a dedicated and meticulous individual who enriched the lives of all who knew her, both…...
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Lilton Kareem Abdullah
Lilton Kareem Abdullah, 74, of Chesapeake Virginia departed from this world on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Kareem was born on June 29, 1949, to Lilton Cross Sr. and Celloustine Sherrod-Cross in Hobgood, NC. In 1981, Kareem married Aminah, and they have 6 children, Khalaida Dennison, Olaniyan Locker (Tawanna), Aswad Locker, Shawn Cross, Wali Locker (Travonda), and Jameelah Cannon (Malachi). As well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Kareem was the…...
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George Walter Cherry, Jr.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, The Almighty God dispatched an angel to bring home the soul of our dearly beloved brother, uncle, and cousin, Deacon George Cherry Jr. He was the second son of the late George and Rose Cherry Sr. born January 11, 1955. He was taught and required to serve in the United House of Prayer at an early age by participating as a member of the Boy Scouts, playing the Trombone in…...
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Pleasant A. Walker
Pleasant Walker was born on March 14, 1935, in Norfolk County, VA (now known as Chesapeake). She was an only child to Elsie and Henry Ricks. On December 25, 1959, she married Aldustus Walker. True to her given name, Pleasant always welcomed people graciously. She avoided conflict but knew how to end it without raising her voice (and not even the dogs would talk back to her). She was an avid follower of Christ, spending…...
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Frederick Lorenzo White, Sr.
On June 22, 2024, our Heavenly Father sent an angel to one of His chosen sons to inform him that his assignment of dedication and love for his family, friends, and community was completed. The angel’s orders were for Frederick Lorenzo White, Sr. affectionately known as “Uncle Bay Bay” or “Fred” to leave and take flight at 6:15 a.m. from his home in Chesapeake, VA and enter the presence of the Lord to spend eternity…...
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Dorothy L. Dodson-Mumford
Dorothy L. Dodson Mumford was born in Bluefield, West Virginia to the late Fred D. Dodson and Lillian Dodson Hendricks. Mother passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024. She was a proud native of Bluefield, West Virginia. Dorothy attended Genora High School, where she was a cheerleader, and played on the basketball team; a game she loved. Mrs. Mumford went to Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV. Dorothy worked for the Portsmouth School Board for over…...
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Alphonso Forrest
On January 26, 1941, the late Clote Parker-Pugh and George Forrest welcomed their oldest son Alphonso Forrest in Martin County North Carolina. While in Martin County Alphonso found a love for wrestling, travel, and family. The Martin County public school education allowed Alphonso to take his love for travel on the road as a truck driver. As a truck driver, Alphonso collected numbers for the local lottery. The lottery became a huge pastime for him.…...
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Cynthia Ann Pittman
On the morning of June 22, 2024, by divine providence, Cynthia Ann Pittman, 79, affectionately known to all as “Granny,” peacefully passed away. Cynthia was born on January 18, 1945, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Mr. Watson and Bethola Robinson. Cynthia graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia, where she met her husband, Milton Pittman. They were blessed with two children, Lisa Watkins and Milton Pittman Jr. The two were married…...
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James Elliott, Jr.
James Elliott Jr. was born June 6, 1953, to the late James and Annie L. Elliott, Sr. in Portsmouth, Virginia. James attended Portsmouth Public schools and graduated from Cradock High School in 1971. After graduation, James served in the United States Army, whereby returning to Portsmouth, he graduated from Norfolk State University. Shortly after, James begins his career working in various capacities at the Newport News Shipyard Newport News, Virginia. On March 25, 1983, James…...
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Valerie Hobbs
On June 20, 2024, God sent an angel to bring his loving servant, Valerie Hobbs home. Valerie was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and godmother. She was born on March 26, 1962 and was raised in the Berkley section of Norfolk, VA by her loving parents, Rudolph and Juanita Perkins Sr. Valerie graduated from Lake Taylor High School where she ran track. Today we celebrate the love she poured into her family and everyone…...
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Alice B. Bonner
Alice Butler-Bonner was called home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2024. Born in Washington D.C. on January 31, 1946, she is the sibling of three sisters and six brothers of the late James John Butler and Mary Adele Somerville Butler. Alice was raised and baptized in the Catholic faith. In 1976, Alice moved to Virginia soon transitioning to become a faithful member of New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church. She has played…...
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Mildred E. Nicholson Lynch
Mildred Nicholson Lynch, daughter of the late James Nicholson and Mary Bell Daniels Nicholson, was born on November 7, 1928, in Littleton, North Carolina and entered into eternal rest on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at her home, where she transitioned from labor to reward. Mildred was educated in the public schools of Littleton. In 1946, Mildred married Obie Lynch, Sr. and shortly thereafter moved to Norfolk, Virginia. From this matrimony came six children. Mildred…...
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Patricia Ann Martin Murphy
Patricia Ann Martin was born, December 1, 1944, to the late, Harvey “Okie” E. Martin, Sr. and Evelyn Bowser Martin Reid and daughter of Bonus Father, Jonah Reid. Patricia was a native of Portsmouth, VA. She attended Portsmouth Public Schools System and was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School where she met and married John Reid Murphy, “Bear”. From their union came, Angeline and John, Jr. Patricia decided to further her education at Norfolk…...
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Cora L. Mills
Cora Lucille Mills (née Warren), born on April 10, 1939, in Severn, NC, passed away on June 21,2024, in Portsmouth, VA, at the age of 85. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Cora was known for her caring, giving, and loving nature, always putting others before herself. Cora embarked on her career as a barber in 1976 after completing her education in barbering school. She dedicated her life to her craft and served her…...
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Michael D. Jones
Michael Deshawn Jones, also known as “Deshawn” or “Dee,” was born on January 5, 1980, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Vickie Jones-Lowery and Mitchell Smith. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Franshot Spellman, Reuben and Nette Smith, Leroy and Eva Brooks, father Mitchell Smith, dad Ricky Brooks, and stepfather Eduardo Lowery. Deshawn was the first grandchild of Claretta Sawyer. He attended Great Bridge High School and later obtained his GED and certifications in Horticulture…...
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Lonnie Peterson
Lonnie Peterson, lovingly known as “Seanute” or “Bunch” went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Lonnie was born on May 6, 1941 to Hattie Drew and John Peterson. He was raised in Suffolk, VA where he graduated from East Suffolk High as part of the 1961 class. While in school he participated in basketball, junior red cross, NFA and the camera club. Along with being a Vietnam Veteran, he also worked…...
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Legacy D. Gatling
On Sunday June 16, 2024, Legacy Daisha Gatling joined our Lord and Savior in Christ. Legacy will be remembered as the most kind-hearted, free spirited and compassion young lady. Legacy graduated with honors in June of 2018 from Western Branch high school. She continued to pursue her education at Old Dominion University. She graduated from ODU in May of 2022 with honors and received a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting management. For the past…...
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Furlease Williamson
Furlease Williamson also known as “Fur” called home on June 19, 2024. She lived most of her life in Mullins, South Carolina on a farm with her husband. Furlease then moved to New York in 1967. There she worked as a custodian in the latter part of her life until she moved to Virginia Beach, VA where she retired. Furlease was beautiful inside and out. She was kind-hearted, generous, loving, funny and out-spoken. She enjoyed…...
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Marie Spears Adams
On September 8, 1954, at Norfolk Community Hospital, the world was graced with a gift and her name was Marie Ann Spears. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Isaac Spears Sr. She was the eldest of seven siblings, a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, cousin, and aunt. Marie had a warm and inviting smile; and showed compassion, kindness, and patience to everyone she encountered. Marie began her academic career attending…...
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