John Wooten

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God has chosen for me. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I've found now peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys. John Ervin Wooten departed this earthly world to enter eternal rest on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Born November 17, 1956 in Smithfield, Virginia, John was the firstborn son to the late John Haywood and Mary Elizabeth Wooten. John attended Smithfield schools. As an adult he worked as a brick mason for over 15 years with Vernon ray Edwards Company and "Smitty." He worked in maintenance for Jersey Park Apartments for over 10 years. He also worked at the Smithfield Center for five years. John fellowshipped with Main Street Baptist Church where his wife Deborah belonged. John was a lover of life and everything it had to offer. He spent much of his time singing and dancing. As an artist extraordinaire, John could draw, sculpt, paint and carve with flair. On any nice day, you could find John browsing the neighborhood. Loved by many, he enjoyed speaking and joking around those he encounted. John is preceded in death by his wife Deborah H. Wooten. He leaves to cherish his memories hisson, Johnathan Gholston (Teannette Gholston); a daughter, Sherrell Gholston; three stepsons, Willie Chavis (Chaquatia), Morris Chavis and Gerald Gholston (Shirley); one stepdaughter, Priscilla Gholston; two grandchildren- Makayla Gholston and Sincere Gholston; three step-grandchildren- Amar Gholston. Seqouia Gholston and Ashley Gholston; four siblings- Effie Wooten, Malinda Greene (Wallace) Edward Wooten and Raymond Jones; and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. SO TO OUR LOVED ONES FAMILY AND FRIENDS A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Oh yes, these things, we all shall miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, look for the sunshine of tomorrow. John's life was full, he savored much; good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps this time seems all to brief; don't lengthen your time with undue grief. Lift up your heart and hear and peace to the, god wanted him now. He set John free. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel BY INVITATION ONLY. In compliance with CDC guidelines, limited attendance will be adhered to and required. The service will be live streamed on the Shivers Funeral Chapel Facebook Page. Public viewing will take place Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Wooten is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Wooten family in your thoughts and prayers. View Memorial Pictures

Burial Date February 13, 2021

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Shivers Funeral Chapel BY INVITATION ONLY. In compliance with CDC guidelines, limited attendance will be adhered to and required. The service will be live streamed on the Shivers Funeral Chapel Facebook Page. Public viewing will take place Friday, February 12, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Wooten is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Wooten family in your thoughts and prayers.