:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 28, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :22
Delzola R. Byrd
NORFOLK - Delzola Ruffin Byrd, 72, of the 500 block of Ruffner St., passed away Aug.
24, 2007. She
was born May 8,
1935, to the late
Lena Pitt in
Scotland Neck,
N.C. She was a
member of
Temple of Prayer, Norfolk. She leaves to cherish her memory five daughters, Linda Johnson of Virginia Beach, Veronica Ruffin, Remona Outlaw, Valarie Cowell and Priscilla Portlock, all of Norfolk; three sons, Percy Ruffin of Richmond, Vincent Price and Jerome Price, both of Norfolk; one sister, Odell Brown of Norfolk; 29 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Metropolitan Funeral Service, 7246 Granby St. Elder John Freeman will officiate. Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Family and friends will assemble at the chapel one hour prior to the service. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 28, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :22
Mattie E. Noel
NORFOLK - Mattie Edith Noel was called to be with the Lord, her Savior, Aug. 25, 2007, at 9:37 p.m. at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Edith, who was 74 years old, was the loving and generous wife of Melvin Noel Sr. and the excellent mother of six children, Dr. Melvina Noel, Melva Noel, Melvern Noel Logan, Melvette Arnold (Willie), Melvin Noel Jr. (Audrey) and Melinda Noel Coley (Donnie). Her grandchildren, Fatima Alexis Arnold, Paloma Picasso Arnold, Andre Robinson, Mia Louise Noel, Monet Noel, Melvin Noel III and Antoine Robinson; and a sister, Nettie Livingston, also survive her.
Edith was born Nov. 23, 1932, in South Norfolk. She will always be remembered by her family as a supportive and unselfish person whose motto was “I tried.” Her family wants her to know that she did more than try. “She did it!” She did for everyone whatever they needed and whenever they needed it. The world will definitely be a little less brighter without her in it.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in New Union Chapel AME, 1200 Saint Julian Ave., Norfolk, by the Rev. Clifton R. Wilson. The interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Chesapeake after which the repast will be back at New Union Chapel. The family will receive friends at Riddick Funeral Services, 1225 Norview Ave., Norfolk, from 6 to 7 p.m. today.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 28, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :22
Shirley B. Griffin
SUFFOLK - Shirley Bradley Griffin, 82, of the 200 block of Unity Court, passed away Aug. 26, 2007.
Born in Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Claude S. and Theodosia W. Bradley. Mrs. Griffin was predeceased by two sisters and three brothers. Shirley will be remembered for her love and devotion for family. She was a member of the Norview Bridge Club for more than 50 years. She was also a member of the Elizabeth River Women’s Club, where she served on the Board and was a former vice president.
Survivors include her loving husband of 64 years, John Emmett Griffin Jr.; a son, John Emmett Griffin III and wife Patricia of Franklin; a daughter, Claudia Griffin Luehrs and husband Eric of Virginia Beach; six grandchildren, Allison, Amanda, Blair, Emily, Eric Michael and Laura; and three great-grandchildren, Griffin, Lauren and Emmett IV.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. The Rev. Mary Henderson will officiate. The interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk.
The viewing will begin Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Lake Prince Woods Retirement Center, 100 Anna Goode Way, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
Myrtle Lee Anderson
CHESAPEAKE - Myrtle Lee Anderson, 68, of the 1300 block of Virginia Ave., passed away Aug. 28, 2007, in a local hospital. Mrs. Anderson was born in Greenville, N.C., to the late James and Elma Whitaker. She was the widow of Lawrence F. Anderson.
Mrs. Anderson is survived by a son, Edward L. Anderson of Chesapeake; a daughter, Deborah Darlene Wallen and husband Christopher of Acworth, Ga.; sister, Louise Vincent of Spring Hope, N.C.; five grandchildren, Crystal Anderson, Christopher and Austin Wallen, and Damien and Jacob Hatcher; and three great-grandchildren, Malachi Hatcher, Makenna and Carigan Buck. She was predeceased by a son, Jiovanni F. Anderson and a daughter, Barbara Anderson.
A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Bridge Chapel. Burial will follow in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
William James Chambers
CHESAPEAKE - William James Chambers of the 500 block of Greenway Drive
passed away
Aug. 28, 2007, in
his home. He
was born in
Surry County,
Virginia, April
4, 1925, to the
late Joseph Chambers and the late Minnie Harris Chambers. William was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where he was a member of the Male Usher Board, the Prayer Band and formerly served on the Trustee Board. He was also a former Mason and was retired from civil service.
He was predeceased by his wives, Mandy Marie Chambers (1963) and Mable Chambers (1997); grandsons, Michael S. Chambers II and Monte Stephenson.
William is survived by his seven children, Lee Chambers (Delphine) of Norfolk, Barbara Scott of Philadelphia, Michael Chambers (Dorothy), Phyllis Boddie, Faye Johnson (James), all of Chesapeake, Anita Atkins of Portsmouth and Jeanette Chambers of Newport News. He also leaves to cherish his memory 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Bethany Baptist Church, Chesapeake, by the Rev. Jake Manley. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park. The body will be placed in church Saturday at 9 a.m. Fitchett Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.fitchettfuneralhome.
Danielle M. Fitchett, funeral director.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
John D. Crafton
CHESAPEAKE - John Delbert Crafton, 85, of Burr Court, went to be with the Lord Aug. 29, 2007, surrounded by family in his home.
Born in Wellville, Va., he was the son of the late Thomas L. and Cora P. Crafton. He was predeceased by two sons, Michael Crafton and Delbert Crafton and a brother, Leroy Crafton. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 80th Division and was a decorated soldier who fought in Northern France, Ardnnes, Rhineland, Central Europe, Luxenbourg and Belgium. Mr. Crafton was a retired electrician with IBEW Local 80. He was a member of the Local 80 Senior Citizens Club. Since 1957, he was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon.
Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Laura R. Crafton; three daughters, Loretta Hirschfeld, Sandy Sawyer and husband Ronnie and Connie Motley and husband Larry; a daughter-in-law, Myrtle “Butch” Crafton; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Bryant and Agnes Mawyer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The Rev. David Zavidil and the Rev. Charles L. Moseley will officiate. The interment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The viewing will begin Friday with the family receiving friends from 10 to 11 a.m. one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3229 McDonald Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
Pearl B. Tureman
CHESAPEAKE - Pearl Bragg Tureman, 55, of the 1000 block of Shell Road, passed away Aug. 28, 2007. She was born Jan. 15, 1952, in West Virginia to Frank and Garnett Bragg.
Besides her parents, those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Shelley Tureman Hunter and husband Mike and Sherry Tureman McDonald and husband Ben; a son, Shawn Ira Tureman and wife Regina; three sisters, Annis Fergeson, Vernna Everett and Martha Luddy; five grandchildren, Taylor, Caitlin, Jack, Noah and Emma; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Charlotte Lafferty and Juanita Tureman.
A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by Fred Amos. Burial will follow in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7 to 8 p.m.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
Dorothy M. Wrightson
CHESAPEAKE - Dorothy M. Wrightson, 81, of the 2900 block of Kilbride Drive passed away Aug. 28, 2007, in Chesapeake.
Born in Norfolk County, she was the daughter of the late John R. and India B. Wilkins. She was predeceased by her husband, Frances J. Wrightson. Dorothy will be remembered as a loving, devoted wife and mother who found greatest joy in providing and caring for others. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by six children, Raleigh Voight, John Voight, Diane Pierce, Robert Voight, Michael Voight and Dorothy Colley; as well as many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk. The Rev. Tom Mercer will officiate.
The viewing will begin Friday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake.
Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
Mary E. James
NORFOLK - Mary E. James, 77, of the 4600 block of Colonial Ave., passed away Aug. 25, 2007.
She was a
retired nurse of
42 years. She
was the daughter of the late
Allen and Mable
Mosley. She was
predeceased by two brothers, Allen Mosley and Rufus Mosley. She is survived by her loving husband, Wilbert W. James Sr.; three daughters, Cynthia J. Watson (Roger), Angela Borland (Luis) and Beverly Nedab; one son, Wilbert W. James Jr. (Michaelene); two sisters, Elnora Willie and Mary Young (Bobby); a special maternal aunt, Melissa Eure; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A wake will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. in First Baptist Church Lamberts Point, 1268 W. 38th St., Norfolk. The funeral will be held Friday at noon in the church. The Rev. Anthony Paige will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Graves Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Lamberts Point.
:The Virginian-Pilot; :Aug 30, 2007; :Hampton Roads; :16
Thelma D. Lawrence
PORTSMOUTH - Thelma Dozier “Squit” Lawrence, 80, of the 500 block of Phillips Ave., died Aug. 27, 2007, in Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. She was born June 29, 1927, in Portsmouth and was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Birdeen “Chicken” Lawrence Jr. She was a lifetime member of Celestial Baptist Church in Portsmouth. Mrs. Lawrence is survived by three cousins, Shirley Marshall and Venice Snead of New York City and Willemenia Paupaw of Mexico; two sisters-in-law, Ethel B. Hammonds of Perris, Calif., and Lucille Lawrence Mitchell (Clarence) of Portsmouth; nieces, nephews and many, many friends. A special thanks to Maryview’s MICU and Davita Dialysis Center.
A funeral will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Celestial Baptist Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Leon J. Boone. Burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk. Viewing at Corprew Funeral Home, Portsmouth, will begin at noon today. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
