Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Vernice V. Allmond

Vernice V. Allmond

Apr 12, 2026

Vernice V. Allmond transitioned from this life on April 12, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with her health. She was preceded in death by her father, Zollie L. Allmond; mother, Susie Pearle Helen Allmond; sisters, Mary Jane Richardson, Mildred C. Mann, Iris C. Ricks; and brother, Wilbert L. Allmond. Born on October 14,1944, in Nansemond County, Suffolk, VA,...

Lillian V. Wiggins

Lillian V. Wiggins

Apr 13, 2026

Lillian Vernett Bowser Wiggins, affectionately known as “Vernett,” was a woman of faith, strength, humor, and undeniable personality. She entered eternal rest on April 13, 2026.

Born on July 9, 1947, Lillian was the beloved daughter of Lillian Frances Thomas Bowser and Maso J. Bowser, Sr. She was raised in Isle of Wight County and educated at Isle of Wight Training...

Fenton L "Poochie" Williams, Sr.

Fenton L "Poochie" Williams, Sr.

Apr 13, 2026

Fenton Leroy Williams, Sr., 65, of Suffolk, Virginia (Chuckatuck), entered eternal rest in the early morning hours of April 13, 2026, at Virginia Beach General Hospital.  Fenton was born to the late Fred Jones and Inez Jones. He was a proud graduate of John Yeates High School and went on to become a highly talented and respected general contractor. Known...

Thomas William Spratley “Baby Jug”

Thomas William Spratley “Baby Jug”

Apr 1, 2026

Thomas William Spratley, “Baby Jug” began singing in the heavenly choir on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at his residence.

Viewing will take place from 3-6 pm on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A musical tribute will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Main Street Baptist Church from 11 am - 12:00 pm with a Celebration of Life...

Frank C. Young, Jr.

Frank C. Young, Jr.

Apr 13, 2026

Frank C. Young, Jr. transitioned from this life on Monday, April 13, 2026, at VCU Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held 12 pm Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Shivers Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends at 11 am before the service at the Chapel. Please keep the Young family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Fostiletta McKay Major

Fostiletta McKay Major

Apr 18, 2026

Fostiletta McKay Major transitioned from this life on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Smithfield, VA.

On Sunday, April 26,2026 viewing will take place from 2-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. On Monday, April 27, 2026,  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am at Mt. Tabor COGIC, Smithfield. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Please keep the Mckay and Major...

Rev. Willie Williams

Rev. Willie Williams

Apr 18, 2026

Rev. Willie Williams transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Riverside Smithfield Hospital. 

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, viewing will take place from 2-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 12pm on Monday, April 27, 2026, a Celebration of Life will be held at Little Zion Baptist Church. Please keep the Williams family in your thoughts and prayers....

Sanford Goldston

Sanford Goldston

Apr 17, 2026

Sanford Goldston transitioned from this life on Friday, April 17, 2026.Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later time.  Please keep the Goldston family in your prayers.

Vernita Elam

Vernita Elam

Apr 12, 2026

Sis. Vernita M. Elam transitioned from this life on Sunday, April 12, 2026  at Sentara Obici Hospital Suffolk. 

On Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:30-10:30am a wake service will take place. Following the wake at 10:30am a Celebration of Life will be held at Israel's Main Sanctuary, 1200 N. Washington Street at 2000 E. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21213.  Please keep...

Hendrix R. Taylor

Hendrix R. Taylor

Apr 9, 2026

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of baby Hendrix R. Taylor, precious son of Tenisha Greene and Henry Taylor.Though his time here was short, his life was filled with love and meaning beyond measure. Hendrix touched hearts deeply and will forever remain a beautiful light in the lives of those who loved him.Please keep this family lifted in prayer during...

Drucella Hicks

Drucella Hicks

Apr 6, 2026

Drucella Hicks transitioned from this life on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Virginia Beach General Hospital.

On Friday, April 17, 2026, viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. At 11 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026, a Celebration of Life will be held at New Branch Baptist Church, Ivor, VA.  Interment will follow the service at Beulah Land...

Bernie Bowers

Bernie Bowers

Apr 5, 2026

On Sunday, April 5, 2026, our beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Bernie-affectionally known as “Shorty” to those closest to him-passed away at Riverside Regional Medical Center the age of 79. True to his nature, he departed this life with laughter, humor, and a joyful spirit. Born October 8, 1946, to the late Charlie and Annie Mae Bowers, Bernie was a...

Charles Bibbins, III

Charles Bibbins, III

Mar 31, 2026

Reflections on the Life of Charles Lee Bibbins, III

"God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he wrapped his arms around you and whispered come to me.

On March 31, 2026, the angels carried Charles to glory peacefully at home following a brief illness at the age of 62. Charles was born July 8, 1963,...

Samuel H. Duck

Samuel H. Duck

Mar 28, 2026

Celebrating the Life of Samuel H. Duck

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, God called home one of His faithful servants, Samuel H. Duck, a lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Sam was born on August 19, 1939, in Walters, Virginia, to the late Robert L. and Colia Carr Duck. He was the tenth of twelve children and grew up...

Thomas L. Ricks

Thomas L. Ricks

Mar 27, 2026

Thomas L. Ricks, 75, beloved son of the late James Walter Ricks and Thelma Ricks Davis, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026 at home with his devoted partner, Vickie by his side.

He was a native of Isle of Wight County.

Thomas, known to family and friends as Tommy, graduated from Georgie Tyler High School. After graduation, he attended Norfolk State...

Arlethia L. Keys

Arlethia L. Keys

Mar 24, 2026

Arlethia Lyons Keys, better known as (Sis. Bee), transitioned from this life on March 24, 2026 at the Autumn Care Nursing Home in Suffolk, Virginia. Arlethia was born December 12, 1931 to the late George and Margaret Wilson Lyons in Nansemond County, now Suffolk, Virginia.

She received her early education in the Sandy Bottom School and graduated from East Suffolk High...

William A. Robinson

William A. Robinson

Mar 19, 2026

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

William A. Robinson, 79, peacefully transitioned from this life on March 19, 2026. He was born on December 30, 1946, to the late Horace and Edith Robinson.

William proudly served his country in the United States Army, demonstrating honor, discipline, and dedication. After his military service, he...

Dr. Michaele Paulette Penn

Dr. Michaele Paulette Penn

Mar 12, 2026

Dr. Michaele Paulette Penn transitioned from this life on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Houston, TX.

Dr. Michaele “Paulette” Penn (Mitchell) was born on March 10, 1943, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to the late Desmond Mitchell and Bertha Emma Mitchell Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Dr. Clarence P. Penn, Jr.

She leaves to cherish...

Sylvia Denson Batten

Sylvia Denson Batten

Mar 10, 2026

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, angels entered the residence on Courthouse Highway to retrieve a sweet flower from this earthly garden, Sylvia Denson Batten. With her loving family by her side, she peacefully entered eternal rest and was reunited with her husband, Dalton Batten, Sr., of whom she had been married to for 52 years. She was 80 years old...

Elmer Ray Green

Elmer Ray Green

Mar 4, 2026

Elmer Ray Green, lovingly known to family and friends as “Jay," passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the age of 85. Jay was born on September 10, 1940, and lived a life full of love, laughter, faith, and connection with the many people fortunate enough to know him.

Jay was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Portia Green,...