CLASS OF

In Memory Of....

CLASS OF '80	CLASS OF '81	CLASS OF '82	CLASS OF '84	CLASS OF '85	CLASS OF '86	CLASS OF '87	CLASS OF '88	CLASS OF '89
Class of '78					EDUCATORS	SURRY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

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CLASS OF '78

Wilber G. Butler Jr.

Wilber G. Butler Jr., 42, departed this life on Sunday, October 6, 2002. A native and lifelong resident of Surry County, he was the son of Wilber G. Butler Sr. and the late Ruth M. Butler.

He was a 1978 graduate of Surry County High School and was a member of St. Paul Holiness Church, where he attended Sunday school and Bible study.

He leaves to cherish his memories his father, Wilber G. Butler Sr. of Surry; his grandmother, Mrs. Mable Byrd of Surry; three sisters, Loretta Whitmon of Hyattsville, Md., Mable A. Butler of Zuni, Va., and Ruth D. Butler of Elberon, Va.; a special uncle, John P. Butler of Waverly, Va.; one niece, Rachel Whitmon of Hyattsville, Md.; three nephews, Derek Cheathan of Hyattsville, Md., Bryant Butler of Surry and David Whitmon of Hyattsville, Md.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held noon Thursday at St. Paul Holiness Church.

Charles Stringfield

Charles Stringfield, 37, departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 19, 1997, at Sentara Hampton General Hospital.

A native of Surry County, he was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he was an active member of the Usher Board, Male Chorus and Sunday school. He was a 1978 graduate of Surry County High School and was employed with the Surry County school system.

Surviving are his wife, Tillie Thomas Stringfield; two daughters, Corina and Chelsea Stringfield, a son, Shaunta Johns, his parents, Clarence and Mary Stringfield, and grandmother, Annie Byrd, all of Surry; three brothers, retired Maj. Clavin Stringfield of Lake Ridge, Chris Stringfield and Clarence Stringfield Jr., both of Surry; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 1997, at Jerusalem Baptist Church with the Rev. D. Wright and the Rev. J. Harrison officiating.

Kelvin L. Young

Kelvin L. Young, 34, passed away Friday, September 23, 1994, in Medical College of Virginia, Richmond. He was a 1978 graduate of Surry High School.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Young, of Surry; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Louise Spratley, of Surry; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Essie B. Young, of Spring Grove; six aunts, seven uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted noon Monday, September 26, 1994, from the Chapel of Peace Funeral Home, Waverly, with Elder Otis Smith officiating. Interment will be in Mount Ray Cemetery, Surry. The family will assemble 10:45 a.m. at the residence on the day of the funeral services. Peace Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Sidney A. Young

Sidney A. Young, 35, a native of Surry County, died Saturday, June 19, 1993.

Mr. Young was a maintenance supervisor for the Hampton public school system at Bethel High School. He was a 1978 graduate of Surry High School and a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Surry.

Survived by his parents, John C. and Ethelene S. Young of Surry; a brother, Kelvin L. Young of Newport News; maternal grandmother, Louise W. Spratley of Surry; and paternal grandmother, Essie Bell Young of Spring Grove.

Viewing from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Poole's Funeral Home, Surry. Funeral at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Nebo Baptist Church by the Rev. Kermit Watson. The body will be placed in the church by noon. Burial in Mount Ray Cemetery, Surry. Assemble by 12:15 p.m. at his parent's residence, Highway 10, Surry.

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CLASS OF '79

Melvin "Khaki" Bernard Evans

Sgt. (E5) Melvin "Khaki" Bernard Evans, 34, died Saturday, June 10, 1995.

A native of Surry County, he retired from the Department of Highways and Transportation for the Jamestown Ferry. At an early age, he was baptized at the St. Paul Holiness Church of Elberon. He graduated from Surry County High School in 1979. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and Korea.

Survivors include one daughter, Chartice Evans of Aiken, S.C.; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mack Evans Sr. of Surry County; a sister, Linda Evans of Richmond; five brothers, James Lorenzo Evans of Portsmouth, Howard Leon Evans of Toano, Mack Evans Jr. of Martinsville, William Evans of Surry County and John R. Evans of Atlanta, Ga.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12 noon Wednesday, June 14, 1995, at Cypress Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Nellums officiating. Interment will be in Mount Moriah AME Church cemetery. Viewing will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Poole's Funeral Home, and a wake will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Assemble at 3756 Golden Hill Road, Elberon, by 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Arrangements by Poole's Funeral Home.

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CLASS OF '80

William Thomas Britt

William Thomas Britt, 42, entered into eternal rest on Monday, Feb. 11, 2002, at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Richmond, Va.

He was born on March 2, 1960, in Surry County, to the late Hugh D. and Martha Roberts Payne. At an early age, William was adopted by his uncle and aunt, Harold Britt and the late Jennie Roberts Britt.

William received his early education in the public schools of Surry County and graduated from St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville.

Deacon Britt was a devoted husband and father. Loving memories will remain in the hearts of those who loved him: his devoted wife, Nannie G. Britt; his son and daughter, Brandon Thomas Britt and Courtney Alexis Britt. He also leaves to cherish his memory his father, Harold W. Britt, and his stepmother, Dorthelia Britt from Surry; one sister, Andra Blizzard and husband, Louis, from Dendron; two brothers, Hugh D. Payne Jr. and wife, Audrey from Waverly, and Carcenus Payne from Newport News; one stepsister, Virginia D. Pierce from Surry; two stepbrothers, Randy Parker from Surry, and Percell Parker from Lakeside, Calif.; two aunts, Delia Flowers and husband, Frederick, from Courtland, and Rebecca Bailey from Dendron; a father-in-law, Theopolis Gilliam Sr. from Emporia; two sisters-in-law, Belinda G. Porch and husband, Alvin, from Bowie, Md., Effie G. Lee and husband, Wyatt, from Emporia; two brothers-in-law, Dr. Theopolis Gilliam Jr. and wife, Rhonda, from Emporia, and Shelford Gilliam and wife, Evelyn, from Bowie, Md.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Funeral services for Mr. William Britt were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, at Oak Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Leroy Williams, pastor, officiant. Interment followed in the Gilliam Family Cemetery. Wake services were held Friday, Feb. 15, at Pearson-Bond Chapel.

Darnell Newby

TSGT (Ret.) USAF Darnell Newby, 45, was called home by the Lord's Angels on Monday, July 3, 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 10, 1961, to Mrs. Cotelia Newby and the late Albert Newby Sr. He was a graduate of Surry County High School and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2000 after 20 years of service.

He is survived by his wife, Lesa Newby; his mother, Cotelia Newby; a sister, Louise Savedge; eight brothers, Linwood Eley, Pernell Newby, Albert Newby Jr., Doctor Newby, Wesley Newby, Haywood Newby, Adolph Newby and Larry Newby; mother-in-law, Bobbie J. Williams; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters- and brothers-in-law, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at Mount Moriah A.M.E. Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery with full military honors. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

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CLASS OF '81

Thomas E. Evans, Jr.

SURRY - Thomas E. Evans Jr. of Elberon, 31, a native of Surry County, died Wednesday, March 17, 1993. He graduated from Surry County High School in 1981.

He retired as general manager of the Marriott Restaurant in Richmond. Mr. Evans was a member of First Baptist Church, Dendron.

Survived by his mother and stepfather, Lillian E. and John Foster; three sisters, Helen Shears of Spring Grove, Janet Johns and Janice Evans of Newport News; a stepsister, Mitz Malon of Georgia; a brother, William Evans of Elberon; and two stepbrothers, Jack Foster of New York and Peter Foster of Portsmouth.

Visitation from 7 to 8 tonight at Peace Funeral Home, Waverly. Viewing from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church. Funeral 1 p.m. Saturday at the church by the Rev. Dennis K. Ellis. Assemble at the residence of Lillian E. Foster, Elberon, by noon. Burial in Mount Mariah Church Cemetery, Surry County.

Deacon Antione Edward Gholston Sr.

Deacon Antione Edward Gholston Sr., 39, departed this life on Friday, September 6, 2002, as a result of a boating accident. He was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church, Prince George Co., where he served as the Chairman of the Deacon Board and Superintendent of Sunday School. He attended Surry County Public Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1981. Mr. Gholston also served in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 1989. He was employed by Amark Industrial Contractors as the Corporate Safety Director. He is the son of Alice M. Gholston and the late Leroy Gholston of Spring Grove and godson of Emma Hargraves and the late Clarence Hargraves.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara A. Gholston of Spring Grove; six sons, Antione Edward Gholston Jr. of Goldsboro, NC, Jamario J. Gholston, Torell and Terrance Flowers of Spring Grove, Antonio Flowers Sr. of Hopewell and Daniel Cooke of Williamsburg; a daughter, Daniella Cooke of Williamsburg; one grandchild, Antonio Flowers Jr. of Petersburg; four godchildren, Tavon & Traven Pettaway, Bria Gholston & Breyon Barnes; four brothers, Clyde Gholston of Surry, Anthony Gholston of Chesapeake, Wayne Gholston (Linda) and Laneil Gholston of Spring Grove; one sister, Lenora Gholston of Claremont; a devoted daughter-in-law, Barbara A. Flowers of Hopewell; three sisters-in-law, Lula Barnes (James), Jackie Parson (Jerry) and Regina Baines; two brothers-in-law, John Flowers (Victoria) and Tyrone Flowers (Marion); one devoted uncle-in-law, McKinley Jones; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, three great aunts and two great uncles, other relatives and friends, among them two devoted, Rev. Robert L. Elliott Jr. and Reginald Poole.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2002, from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Prince George, where the Reverend Phillip Knight is pastor. The Rev. Robert Elliott, pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church, and the Rev. Dr. James Barnes, pastor- elect of Lebanon Baptist Church, Prince George, will share in eulogizing. Interment with military honors will be in Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Disputanta.

Otis T. Judkins

Otis T. Judkins, 44, was born Dec. 3, 1961, in Surry County, Va., to the late David A. Judkins Sr. and Frances Huggins Judkins. He departed this life Feb. 20, 2006, in Athens Regional Medical Center.

At an early age he joined the Mount Nebo Baptist Church. After relocating to Georgia, he became a member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga.

He was a graduate of Surry County High School and Norfolk State University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

He leaves to treasure his memories one sister, Ruby Judkins of Surry; eight brothers, Theodore Judkins of Newark, N.J., David Judkins Jr. of Surry, Va., Nelson Judkins of Newport News, Va., Charles Judkins of Surry, Va., Welton Judkins of Chesterfield, Va., Curtis Judkins of Suffolk, Va., Calvin Judkins of Jefferson, Ga., and Randolph Judkins of Dale City, Va.; sisters-in-law, Blanche, Marshall, Ruby Lee, Carol, Angela, Brenda, Donna and Melissa; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church with Dr. Daniel L. Baltimore officiating. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery with military honors.

Elvis Fitzgerald Parson

Elvis Fitzgerald Parson, 33, died on Sunday, Aug. 11, 1996, at Louise Obici Hospital, Suffolk. He was a native of Surry County.

He was a 1981 graduate of Surry County High School, Surry, where he was a member of the Marching Cougars band. He was a 1986 graduate of Norfolk State University, Norfolk, where he received his bachelor of science in general business and marketing. He was a member of the Spartans' Legion Band, where he served as recording secretary while in college, and became a member of the Norfolk State Alumni Band upon graduation with profound enthusiasm and dedication. He also received an associate's degree in arts in fashion merchandising from the Art Institute of Atlanta, Ga. He was a member of the Surry County NAACP.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Elvis worked in several managerial positions in the Atlanta area before returning to Virginia, where he was employed by Proffitt's in Hampton. He was a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Elberon.

He is survived by his parents, Zelna H. Parson Sr. and Vivian Tyler Parson, both of Elberon; four brothers, Wayman of Virginia Beach, Zelna Jr. of Ivor, Allen Sr. of Elberon and Earrett Sr. of Chesapeake; five sisters, Carolyn P. Jones of Emporia, Eunice P. Gay of Surry, Sharon P. Lofton of Virginia Beach, Esther P. Pierce of Portsmouth and Tunisia Parson of Hampton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at Cypress Baptist Church, Elberon, with the Rev. Charles W. Nellum Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery.

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CLASS OF '82

Karen Pierce Bethea Edmond

Karen Pierce Bethea Edmond, 37, died on Saturday, June 9, 2001.

She was a native of Surry, Va., and grew up in Chesapeake, Va. She served 14 years in the United States Army, and was a veteran of the Gulf War with two tours in Saudi Arabia and one in Bosnia. She was retired after being diagnosed with cancer.

Karen is survived by three children, Jonathan, Joseph and Kamym; her mother and stepfather, Geruth and Glenwood Mitchell of Surry; her father, Arthur Lee Pierce of Surry; her grandparents, Richard and Edith Pierce, Louise Edler and Robert Brown, all of Surry; three sisters, Diane Lane of Richmond, Va., LeAnn White of Surry and Renita Pierce of Baltimore, Md.; and a host of other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at noon Thursday, June 14, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Baltimore officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Delorise Shaw-Brownley

Delorise Shaw-Brownley, 43, also known as "Dee," of 6819 Claiborne Road, Sutherland, Va., departed this life Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007.

Delorise was born May 9, 1964, in Prince George County, Va. She was educated in Surry County Public Schools and graduated in 1982. She also graduated from the Colonial Heights Beauty Academy.

Delorise was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church, Prince George, Va., and was an active member of the Ushers Ministry, Sisterhood Ministry and the Adult Praise Dance Team.

Delorise was employed at the Walmart Distribution Center, Sutherland, Va., as a Traffic Clerk for 15 years.

Delorise leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband of 13 years, Travis Brownley; two precious sons, Darren Andre and Deveon Michael Brownley, all of Sutherland, Va.; father and mother, Thurman D. Shaw Sr. and Ethel A. Shaw of Spring Grove, Va.; five sisters, Shirley S. Brown (John) of Prince George, Va., Judith A. Shaw of Spring Grove, Va., Clementine Butts (Tracy), Stacie Turner (Karlos) and Jennifer S. Holmes, all of Waverly, Va.; one brother, Thurman D. Shaw Jr. of Spring Grove, Va.; seven aunts, Dorothy Adams, Mabel Ellis, Alma Ellis, Virginia Shaw, Gloria Shaw and Marie Blount, all of Spring Grove, Va., and Rebecca Shaw of Claremont, Va.; three uncles, S. Marvin Shaw of Macon, Ga., Roger Shaw of Spring Grove, Va., and John H. Adams of Patterson, N.J.; two great-aunts, Bernetha Williams of New Jersey and Frances Shaw of Maryland; seven sisters-in-law, Tara, Galvoris, and Helga Brownley, Sharon, Yvonne, Vera and Maxine Johnson; seven brothers-in-law, Terrence, Pelias and Charles Brownley, Curtis, Lawrence, Floyd and Dennis Johnson; 15 devoted nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and nephews; many devoted friends, co-workers, and relatives among them Janice Blizzard, Carolyn Johnson, Shirley Saunders and Robert Johnson.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Morning Star Baptist Church, Burrowsville, Va. The Rev. Dr. Robert Elliott, Pastor, officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery.

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CLASS OF '83

Patricia Diane Bailey

Patricia Diane Bailey, age 40, of 1606 Stewart Ave., Hopewell, departed this life Sunday night, March 13, 2005, in the John Randolph Medical Center, Hopewell.

She was a native of Surry County and daughter of Kenneth Bailey and Flossie Shaw Bailey.

She was employed at Sussex II Prison in Sussex County, Va. Ms. Bailey had recently rededicated her life to Christ at the Power of Praise Bibleway Church under the pastorate of Elder James Clarke.

Surviving are a devoted son, Marlow Bailey of Hopewell; mother, Flossie Bailey; father, Kenneth Bailey (Carolyn); sisters, Theresa Johns (Billy) of Claremont and Vicky Wade (Otis) of Williamsburg; brothers, Kenneth Bailey (Patricia) of Newport News and Tony Bailey (Teresa) of Hopewell; six nieces, five nephews and one great-niece; a host of uncles, aunts, stepsisters, other relatives and friends among them a devoted cousin, Jerelene Shaw, and devoted friends, Michael Nick, Carolyn Newby, Leah Otey, Toni Harrison and Debra Simmon.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 17, from the Swan Point Baptist Church, Spring Grove. Elder James Clarke, Pastor of Power of Praise Bibleway Church, Hopewell, will officiate. Interment will be in Abundant Life Church Cemetery (formerly Gravel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery). Relatives and friends attending the funeral may assemble at the church at 2: 45 p.m. on Thursday.

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CLASS OF '85

Cassandra A. Ruspus

Cassandra A. Ruspus, 25, a Suffolk native, died Sunday, June 14, 1992.

A 1985 Surry County High School graduate, Miss Ruspus worked at Marriott's in Williamsburg in preparatory food service.

She was a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church.

Survived by a daughter, Sharday C. Ruspus of Surry; her parents, Viester P. and James Ruspus of Surry; and three sisters, Monica Holloman, Cynthia Holland and Evelyn Ricks of Smithfield.

Visitation from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Poole's Funeral Home. Funeral at 1 p.m. Friday at Mount Nebo Baptist Church by the Rev. Daniel Baltimore.

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CLASS OF '86

Carolyn Faye Cooke Dawson

Carolyn Faye Cooke Dawson, 38, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk after months of declining health.

Faye was the daughter of Helen Cooke Eggleston and her husband, Michael, of Wakefield, and the late Thomas M. Cooke Sr. She was a 1986 graduate of Surry County High School and after living in Newport News and Windsor for a number of years she had returned to her childhood home in Dendron to be near her family and friends after her health prevented her from driving.

Faye is also survived by her beloved children, Sarah Ruth Vassar of Surry and Thomas Joseph Dawson of Carrsville; her sisters, Teresa Cooke Walton and husband, David, of Roanoke, Susan Cooke Bunn and husband, Keith, of Elberon; her brother, Thomas Cooke Jr. and wife, Mary Lynn, of Dendron; her grandmother, Ruth Virginia Cooke of Dendron; nieces and nephews, Abigail Walton, Tonya Cooke Raj, Amanda Cooke, Ina Bunn, Seth and Ethan Walton, Brian Cooke, Andrew and Travis Bunn; and her closest friends, Shelley Switzer, Bobbie Lyn Bachelor, Tammy Rollings and Cindy Kyttle. Her precious memory will be cherished in the hearts of her loving family including aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, in the Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield, with the Rev. Gary Ross officiating. Interment will follow in Waverly Cemetery, Waverly. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

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Class of '87

Toni Olivia Newby

Toni Olivia Newby, age 33, of Dendron, departed this life Sunday, April 14, 2002, in the John Randolph Medical Center, Hopewell.

She was the daughter of Mrs. Myrtle Newby Jones and the late Curtis Newby of Dendron. She was a 1987 graduate of Surry High School and served as Crew leader for McDonald's, Williamsburg, over four years. She was a member of First Baptist Church Dendron.

Besides her mother, surviving are one brother, Tyrone Curtis Newby of Dendron; two sisters, Tracey L. Dillard (Michael) and Teresa Ann King; two nieces; four nephews; and other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, from the First Baptist Church Dendron.

Andrew "Junnie" Hardy

Andrew "Junnie" Hardy, 29, departed this life on Wednesday, July 7, 1999. A native of Surry County, he was a 1987 graduate of Surry County High School and was employed at Smithfield Packing Co. He joined Mount Sinai Baptist Church at an early age and had attended Cypress Baptist Church.

He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Mrs. Uteria Hardy; and his father, Andrew Lee Newby, both of Waverly; four sisters, Rosemary Edwards (James) of Wakefield, Brooke Haskett of Surry, Joyce Faulkcon (Lawrence) of Surry; and his twin, Angela Jones (Darrin) of Smithfield; six brothers, Clarence Hardy (Linda) of Wakefield, Lonell Hardy, Rocky Hardy (Sheila), Sherman Hardy and Patrick White, all of Surry, and Calvin Hardy of Waverly; 25 nieces and nephews; grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Pretlow; a host of aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins; two devoted friends, Walter "Blossom" Jones and Sylvia Smith; and also his special friends he commuted to work with. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 12, 1999, at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Ivor, with the Rev. Raymond Clarke officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

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CLASS OF '88

Shellie Bailey-Simmons

Mrs. Shellie Bailey-Simmons, 24, departed this life on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 1995, at Medical College of Virginia Hospital after a long illness. A native and lifelong resident of Surry County, she was the daughter of the late Pernell and Rose Hill Bailey. Shellie was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church and a 1988 graduate of Surry County High School.

She is survived by her husband, Van Simmons III of Surry; a brother, Pernell Bailey Jr. of Hampton; a sister, Barbara A. Bailey of Youngstown, Ohio; her grandmother, Mrs. Lillie B. Hill of Smithfield; nephew, Xavier Bailey; nieces, Diamond Kelley, Alicia Bailey and Mallory Bailey; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday Jan. 21 at Lebanon Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Beamon, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Davis Cemetery. Assemble at the residence of Mrs. Clara Bailey at 10:30 a.m. There will be no viewing. Arrangements by Poole's Funeral Home.

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CLASS OF '89

Kevin T. Nicholson

Kevin T. Nicholson, 26, died Monday, Oct. 6, 1997. He was a 1989 graduate of Surry County High School.

He was employed by K&L Pest Control. He is survived by his wife Peggy G. Nicholson.

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CLASS OF '90

Sharod Claiborne

Sharod E. Claiborne, 23, an employee of Friendly Family Restaurant, Williamsburg, died Friday, April 29,1994. Claiborne was a 1990 graduate of Surry High School.

Mr. Claiborne was a member of St. Paul's Holiness Church, Elberon.

Survived by a daughter, Rachel Claiborne of Spring Grove; a son, Michael Claiborne of Spring Grove; his mother and step father, Sylvia Claiborne and Ollie Harris of Smithfield; a sister, Bridgett Claiborne of Newport News; five step sisters, Patricia Osborne, Porticia Harris, Earline Harris, and Josephine Harris of Smithfield, and Drocellia Harris of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a brother, Rodney Claiborne of Dendron; three step brothers, Ollie R. Harris and Allen Harris of Smithfield, and Aaron Harris of Williamsburg.

Funeral 4:15 p.m. Wednesday at Surry High School, Hollybush Road, Dendron. Visitation 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Pretlow & Chapman Funeral Home, Smithfield.

Tamara S. "Tammy" Cypress

Tamara S. "Tammy" Cypress, 24, died Monday, April 21, 1997. A native of Surry, Tammy was a 1990 graduate of Surry County High School and a 1994 cum laude graduate from Norfolk State University.

She was an active member of the Wakefield Christian Outreach Center in Wakefield. She was employed at Carroll's Foods of Virginia in Waverly.

Words cannot express how committed and energetic Tamara was. She was loyal and dedicated to her church, job, family and friends. Her presence and candid-like spirit will be greatly missed by everyone, especially the Wakefield Christian Outreach Center family.

She is survived by her parents, Minister Charles and Pearl Cypress. She also leaves to cherish her five sisters, Marsha R. Brown, Monica C. Gilchrist, Bernita J. Cypress and Charlotte N. Cypress, all of Surry, and Muriel C. McKay of Triangle, Va.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held noon Saturday, April 26, at Runneymeade Holiness Church, Elberon. Interment will be in Booker T. Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Wakefield Christian Outreach Center and the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. She may be viewed at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Pamela Yvette Gay

Army Pvt. Pamela Yvette Gay, 19, died Sunday, March 10, 1991 in Saudi Arabia while assigned to the 183rd Personnel Service Co. in support of Operation Desert Storm as the result of an armored vehicle accident.

Pvt. Gay joined the National Guard at the age of 17 and took her basic training in the summer of 1989. She was a personnel records specialist whose unit was activated Jan. 3. Prior to leaving with her unit, she was employed by Zoom's Convenience Store in Surry.

Pvt. Gay was a 1990 graduate of Surry High School and a member of the track team.

She is survived by her parents, John H. Thornton and Estelle D. Gay of Surry; two sisters, Michelle Gay of Surry and Janice Thornton of Wakefield; three brothers, Jeffery Gay of Surry, John C. Thornton of Wakefield and Anthony Thornton with the Marine Corps in Germany; and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Gay of Wakefield.

The body will be placed in Surry County High School at noon Saturday where a funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. by Chaplain Sgt. Maj. Bernard Lloyd. Burial with full military honors will be in City Point National Cemetery, Hopewell. The family and friends will assemble at the residence by noon Saturday.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to support families of Operation Desert Storm; or a favorite charity.

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CLASS OF '91

Danni A. Parker

Danni A. Parker, 17, died Monday, July 9, 1990 in Surry County.

A native of Isle of Wight County, he was employed at Colonial Restaurant, Williamsburg. He was a member and usher of Mount Nebo Baptist Church.

He was a senior at Surry High School and a member of the football team.

Survivors include eight sisters, Maxine J. Parker of Surry, Donna R. Burke of Churchland, Kathy Lawrence and Chiquita Costley, both of Windsor, Vivian Brown and Diane Costley, both of Suffolk, Nancy Costley of Norfolk and Casie A. Costley of Tennessee; four brothers, Vance C. Deloatch of Surry, Juan A. Parker, stationed with the U.S. Army in the Netherlands, and Johnnie Costley and Larry Costley, both of Suffolk; one foster brother, Melvin Carter of Newport News; his father, James E. Costley of Suffolk; his mother, Dorothy M. Parker of Surry; and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Vance Parker, both of Smithfield.

A funeral will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Mount Nebo Baptist Church by the Rev. Daniel Baltimore. Burial will be in Baptist Cemetery, Smithfield.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Poole's Funeral Home, Surry. The family will receive friends at the residence.

The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Friday.

William Alexander Womble

William Alexander Womble, 29, died February 22, 2002 at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Va. A native of Surry County, he was a 1991 graduate of Surry County High School where he participated on basketball, football, and baseball teams, the choir, and the JR. R.O.T.C. He was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church where he served in the choir and was a former member of the usher board. He was employed with Perdue Farms in Prince George, Va. Surviving are his wife, Diane Womble; one daughter, Jasmine Womble; his parents, William and Rev. Shirley Womble of Waverly; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Womble of Dendron and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Haskett of Surry; one brother, Dion Womble; two sisters, Frances Harrison (Mark Sr.,) and Lillie Smith (Gowon), all of Surry; a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2002 at Jerusalem Baptist Church with Pastor Hallie Richardson, officiating.

Guan Oneeka Wyatt

Guan Oneeka Wyatt, 23, of Petersburg departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 26, 1997, at her residence. She was a native of Surry County and the daughter of the late Norman and Wilma Holmes Wyatt.

Guan was a 1991 graduate of Surry High School and a 1996 graduate of Virginia State University. She was presently employed at Norge Primary School in James City County as a third-grade teacher. She was a member of Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church of Waverly, where she was a former member of the Youth Choir. Upon moving to Petersburg, she attended Mount Olivet Baptist Church.

Surviving are a loving brother, Norman Wyatt Jr. of Petersburg; a loving sister, Sheron Wyatt of Surry; her grandparents, Roosevelt and Fannie Coleman of Surry; seven uncles and their wives, M. Sherlock and Doris Holmes, John R. and Gloria Holmes, Calvin and Rita Holmes, Elder Isaac and Ada Holmes, and Kenneth and Gwen Holmes, all of Surry, Anthony Wynn of Prince George and James and Joyce Wyatt of Dinwiddie; five aunts and their husbands, Mrs. Ernestine and Alvin Spratley, Mrs. Arlean and Edwin Robinson, and Mrs. Terry and Malcolm Dodson, all of Surry, Ma Francis Gee of Petersburg and Mrs. Catherine and Samuel Moore of McKenney; a host of cousins, other relatives and many devoted friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church, Waverly. Interment will be in Waverly Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the residence of Calvin and Rita Holmes, 5328 Laurel Drive, Surry, at 834-3367. The family will also receive friends at the Rose of Sharon Church on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

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CLASS OF '92

Tunisha NeShawn "Nisey" Dobie

Tunisha NeShawn "Nisey" Dobie, age 26, of Richmond, Virginia departed this life on Friday morning, November 17, 2000 at Chippenham Medical Center. Born on July 23, 1974 to Howard Winford Dobie and Joyce Ann Dobie. She was a 1992 graduate of Surry County High School, a 1999 graduate of Virginia State University, and employed by Crater Juvenile Detention Home, Disputanta. Preceded in death by her grandmother, Mrs. Virginia Dobie, she leaves to cherish her memory, her parents; a grandmother, Mrs. Annie L. Vaughan of Surry; grandfather, Mr. Clyde Vaughan of Waverly and Mr. Saint Joseph Dobie Sr. of Surry; great-grandmother, Mrs. Annie Mae Holmes of Surry; aunts, Christine V. Anderson (Wilton), Phyllis Ellis (James), Shelia Brown (Larry), Elaine Johns, Stacey Dobie, all of Surry; Lois Washington and Sherry Dobie White, both of Richmond; uncles, Jamie Vaughan (Cheryl) of Woodbridge, and Saint Joseph Dobie Jr. of Petersburg; a devoted friend, Willie O'Neal of Richmond; god-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Garrison of Petersburg; godmother, Mrs. Mable Turner of Petersburg; a host of great-aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. A very special and devoted cousin, Tonya Vaughan of Richmond. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Carsley Rd. (Rt. 615), Spring Grove, with Eulogy by the Rev. Lewis Newbill. The Rev. Hallie Richardson is the Pastor. Interment will be in the Waverly Cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 12:45 p.m. until the hour of service. Relatives and friends will assemble at the residence of Howard Dobie, 5546 Salisbury Rd., at 1 p.m. The remains rest at Tucker Funeral Home.

Tracy Renea Smith

Tracy Renea Smith, 32, departed this life on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 at her residence in Waverly, Va.

She was a member of the Mount Nebo Baptist Church and a former member of Jerusalem Baptist Church. She was a 1992 graduate of Surry County High School.

She was preceded in death by her daddy, Oscar Ellis and three sisters, Sharon, Denise and Diane.

She leaves to treasure her memories, her devoted husband, Bobby Smith; two children, Traquan and Trakiyah Smith all of Waverly; her mother, Frances Addison (Earl) of Waverly; her father, Willie Crockett (Judy) of Chester; sisters, Sandy Tyler (Donald) of Spring Grove, and Tawshewai Brumskin of New Jersey; brothers, Wardell flowers (Brenda) of Texas, Neil Ells (Cindy) of Spring Grove; her mother-in-law, Lucy Smith of Surry; three sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, 13 nieces and nephews and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A service of remembrance will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006 at Mount Nebo Baptist Church with the Rev. Daniel L. Baltimore, officiating. Interment will be in the Church Cemtery.

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CLASS OF '93

Marquetta Naomi Lane

Marquetta Naomi Lane, 24, departed this life on Tuesday, March 28, 2000, at Obici Hospital, Suffolk.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, John H. Lane.

Lane was a 1993 graduate of Surry High School.

Surviving are her 4-year-old son, Markus Lane, and her mother, Eunice N. Lane, both of Surry; her brother, Sylvester E. Lane and his wife, Mesha, of Germany; grandmother, Marion Lane of Surry; godmother and special aunt, Carolyn L. Blount of Surry; a caring aunt, Ethel Lane of Newport News; other aunts, Mary Edmonds, Marie Blount, Edith Blizzard and Joyce Price, all of Surry, Essie Edmonds of Williamsburg and Sarah Blount of Hampton; two uncles, Albert D. Lane of Hyattsville, Md., and James R. Lane of Surry; godson, Donta Hatcher; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at Ferguson Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. James D. Charity, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Lane Family Cemetery. Viewing will begin at 5 p.m. Monday at Poole's Funeral Home, and the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Ms. Lane will be viewed at the church one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Poole's Funeral Home, Surry.

Mary A. Pierce

Mary Alanna Pierce, 17, a rising senior at Surry High School, died Wednesday, June 24, 1992.

She was a member of the Drama Club, Forensics Club, the Student Government Association and Natural Highs.

Miss Pierce was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, the Methodist Youth Fellowship and also taught Bible school.

Survived by her parents, Doris M. and Michael D. Pierce of Smithfield; a sister, Rachel S. Pierce of Smithfield; a brother, Michael M. Pierce of Smithfield; her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John G. McCarthy of Williamsburg and her paternal grandmother, Ruby E. Pierce of Smithfield.

Visitation from 7 to 8:30 tonight at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethany United Methodist Church by the Rev. Maria M. Waters.

Burial in Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials to Bethany United Methodist Church, 318 Main St., Smithfield 23430.

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CLASS OF '95

Sharneqwa T. Evans

Sharneqwa T. Evans, 26, departed this life suddenly Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, as the result of an automobile accident.

A native and lifelong resident of Surry County, she was a 1995 graduate of Surry County High School and a 2000 graduate of Virginia State University, where she received her degree in accounting.

She was a member of Bibleway Baptist Church in Surry.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jamie Brown Jr. She leaves to treasure her memories her mother, Jackalyn Evans, and a brother, Cordero Evans, both of Spring Grove; her grandmother, Blanche Brown of Dendron; one aunt, Carlon Yvette Evans of Surry; one uncle, Kerry Evans of Hampton; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at Bibleway Baptist Church with Pastor Howard Daniels officiating.

Marvin Terrell Shaw Sr.

Marvin Terrell Shaw Sr., 27, departed this life Sunday night, November 3, 2002, in Newport News.

A native of Spring Grove, Marvin had been a resident of Newport News for seven years.

Marvin was born May 6, 1975. He was the son of Marie H. Shaw and the late Clarence E. Shaw Sr. Marvin graduated from Surry County High School in 1995. He had a very strong passion for art. He was the proud owner of two locations of Shaw's Art Shop in Newport News.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Marie H. Shaw-Blunt and stepfather, John Blunt of Spring Grove; his two sons, Khadduri Langford and Marvin T. Shaw Jr.; two daughters, Kierra and Tyisha Stephenson; four brothers, Clarence E. Shaw Jr., William K. Shaw (Charlene), Milton L. Shaw (Karen) and Kevin A. Shaw (LaKeisha); four sisters, Christine E. Charity (Reginald Sr.), Brenda S. Edler (Lloyd), Cynthia Bradshaw (Terry) and Kim Wooden (Jerrod); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2002, at Rising Star Apostolic Church, Spring Grove with Elder Everette Harvey officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Shaw will lie in state from 1:45 p.m. until the hour of service Saturday at the church. Relatives and friends are asked to assemble at 2 p.m. at the residence of his mother, 6588 Martin Luther King Highway, Spring Grove.
A native of Spring Grove, Marvin had been a resident of Newport News for seven years.

Marvin was born May 6, 1975. He was the son of Marie H. Shaw and the late Clarence E. Shaw Sr. Marvin graduated from Surry County High School in 1995. He had a very strong passion for art. He was the proud owner of two locations of Shaw's Art Shop in Newport News.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother, Marie H. Shaw-Blunt and stepfather, John Blunt of Spring Grove; his two sons, Khadduri Langford and Marvin T. Shaw Jr.; two daughters, Kierra and Tyisha Stephenson; four brothers, Clarence E. Shaw Jr., William K. Shaw (Charlene), Milton L. Shaw (Karen) and Kevin A. Shaw (LaKeisha); four sisters, Christine E. Charity (Reginald Sr.), Brenda S. Edler (Lloyd), Cynthia Bradshaw (Terry) and Kim Wooden (Jerrod); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2002, at Rising Star Apostolic Church, Spring Grove with Elder Everette Harvey officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Shaw will lie in state from 1:45 p.m. until the hour of service Saturday at the church. Relatives and friends are asked to assemble at 2 p.m. at the residence of his mother, 6588 Martin Luther King Highway, Spring Grove.

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CLASS OF '97

James C. "J.T." Trombley

James C. "J.T." Trombley, 26, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004. Born in Nebraska, he had lived many years in Surry where he was a 1997 graduate of Surry High School and a former member of the Surry Volunteer Fire Department. J.T. had worked six years for the Waltrip Recycling Company and was an avid hunter, fisherman and athlete, playing football, baseball and soccer.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Cathy and Jeff Morecock of Surry; brother, David Trombley and wife, Lisa, of Surry; grandfathers, Rhea Harris of Hampton and David Jones of Pennsylvania; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and many special friends that loved him. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lois Harris. J.T. will also be missed by his faithful friend Hunter.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 Sunday, Nov. 28, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home by the Rev. Ray Roland. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be sent to the James Trombley Memorial Fund c/o Southside Bank, 176 Colonial Trail East, Surry, VA 23883.

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CLASS OF '99

Lorin Christopher Sutton

Lorin Christopher Sutton, 21, of Surry County, died May 7, 2002. He is survived by his father, Ralph Lorin Sutton Jr. of Chesterfield; mother and stepfather, Kelly M. and James M. Nachman of Richmond; paternal grandmother and husband, Ann M. and Thomas Williams of Prince George, Va.; paternal grandfather, Ralph Lorin Sutton Sr. of Mount Olive, N.C.; maternal grandmother, Clare M. Martin of Richmond; and maternal great-grandmother, Ina E. Martin of Richmond. Lorin was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dan W. Martin. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Harrowgate Baptist Church, 3612 North Street, Chester, Va. The family will receive friends at church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the JROTC program c/o Surry County High School, Dendron, Va.

William Lee "C.J." Warren Jr.

William Lee "C.J." Warren Jr., 17, a senior at Surry County High School, departed this life to be with the Lord suddenly on Jan. 16, 1999, as a result of a traffic accident. He was born in Hampton on July 23, 1981, and had been a resident of Surry County.

C.J. was a member of the Victory Life World Outreach Center, Hampton, and served as a member of the Teen's Ministry, Children's Ministry, church basketball team and Surry County Recreation League.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph Lee Ruffin and Junius and Corrine Warren.

He is survived by his parents, William Sr. and Linda Warren; two sisters, Felicia Warren and Chalinda Warren, both of Surry County; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Alice Ruffin of Surry County; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Surry, with Pastors Phil and Barbara Privette of the Victory Life World Outreach Center, Hampton, officiating. Interment will follow in the Davis Family Cemetery.

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CLASS OF '01

Christopher Shawn Britt

Christopher Shawn Britt, 16, a ninth grade student at Surry High School, died Saturday, November 1, 1997, as a result of injuries received in a multi-car accident on U.S. Route 460 in Southampton County near Ivor. A lifelong resident of Surry, Shawn formerly attended Faith Baptist Church, Waverly, and was an active member of the AWANA Junior Varsity Bible Club of Bacons Castle Baptist Church, Surry.

Shawn was an active, outgoing young man who loved his family, other people, animals and a variety of outdoor activities. He was an avid hunter as a member of Beechland Hunt Club. He had played football in the Surry Recreational League and loved playing basketball as well. He planned to play football for Surry High School in coming years. A skilled and enthusiastic horseman, he was a member of the Surry 4-H Club and the Norge Saddle Club of Williamsburg. He spent many hours riding horses across the state of Virginia. He was employed by Billy and Wayne Epps at Epps Dairy Farm, Bacons Castle. He is survived by his parents, James Allen ''Jimmy'' Britt and Pamela Susan Ivey Britt; two sisters, Christina Dawn Britt and Lauren Angela Britt, all of Surry; his maternal grandmother, Louise Agnes Ivey (and grandfather the late Elmer Henry Ivey); maternal great-grandmother, Bettie Twiddy, all of Elizabeth City, N.C.; paternal grandparents, Boney J. and Fannie Mae Britt of Dendron; his aunts, Geraldine Bray, Bonnie Sue Peeples, Margaret Joan Watring, Shiela Mae Necessary; his uncles, Steven Glen Ivey, Kenny Lee Britt, Michael Wayne Britt, Dean Walter Britt, Larry Eugene Britt and Randy Julius Britt; a cousin, Don Crocker, and his wife, Kathy; best friends, William and Cindy Wood; and a host of friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in Bacon's Castle Baptist Church by the Rev. James Acree and the Rev. Lewis Lawson. The family will receive friends at Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friends that would like to offer the family assistance may send their gifts to Kenny and Peggy Britt, P.O. Box 217, Dendron, Va. 23839, or to Purviance Funeral Home, P.O. Box 727, Wakefield, Va. 23888, or donations may be sent to your local rescue squad.

DeVon Mario Jones

DeVon Mario Jones, 17, of Salisbury Road, Spring Grove, departed this life Tuesday morning, May 2, 2000, as a result of an automobile accident that occurred two miles east of Route 40 on Route 611 in Spring Grove.

He was a native of Surry County and the son of Deborah Jones and Eric Jones.

DeVon was a 11th grade student at Surry High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Jazz Band and the Future Business Leaders of America. DeVon was also a member of Morning Star Baptist Church, Burrowsville, and served as an usher and member of the pastor's aid and junior choir. DeVon was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Mary Virginia Harrison, who passed away April 28, 2000.

Besides his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Kavonia and Shavonne Jones of Spring Grove; two half-sisters, Jennifer Jones and Takoya Jones of Newport News; two half- brothers, Marlin Thornton of Gloucester and Tyrone Bowser of Smithfield; devoted maternal grandparents, Vernell and Thelma Jones of Claremont; paternal grandparents, Payton and Brenda Jones of Smithfield; several uncles, aunts, great- uncles and -aunts, among them Vernell, Jr., Mario and Lamont Jones, Sheila Allen and Vanessa Jones; numerous cousins; and other relatives and many friends, among them devoted: Myron Wooden, Ryan Parker, Douglas Young Jr. and Jarrell Walters.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6, from the Morning Star Baptist Church. Dr. E.L. Fleming, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family may be contacted at the residence, or call 834-8663. They will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the residence.

Arrangements entrusted to Turner-Bland Funeral Home, the Rev. William N. Bland Jr., Funeral Director.

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CLASS OF '03

Elliott Percell Cypress

On Thursday, May 11, 2006 God called our beloved Elliott Percell Cypress home.

Elliott was born on November 1, 1983 to Cathy Cypress and James Marshall. He attended Surry County Public Schools, where he was a member of the concert, marching and jazz bands. He graduated in June of 2003 and furthered his studies at Thomas Nelson Community College and Kee Business College. He was an active member of Lily of the Valley Deliverance Center where Elder Marvin Drew serves as pastor.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted mother, Cathy Cypress of Surry; a loving and devoted father James A. Marshall of Hampton; a loving and attentive grandmother, Irene Cypress of Surry; one brother, James G. Marshall of Lynchburg; two sisters, Anntoinette Harvey of Lynchburg and Marlolessa (Walter) Brown of Glen Alan; two nephews, Karrington and Kaleb; a special and devoted Aunt Linda (Terry) Lewis of Surry; five uncles, McKinley E. Marshall of Lynchburg, Charles (Pearl) Cypress of Surry, Melvin (Diane) Cypress of Norfolk and Robert (Cynthia) Cypress of Alexandria and Glenn Cypress of Austin, Texas; a close friend, Mrs. Blanche Turner and "The Boys", Andre, Brian and Jordan; a special and loving friend Ms. Jasmine Bailey of Spring Grove and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive family and friends at Poole's Funeral Home today from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, May 17 at Lily of the Valley Deliverance Center. Professional services rendered by Poole's Funeral Home.

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CLASS OF '07

Tavonne Sade Elliott

Tavonne Sade Elliott, 18, affectionately known to the immediate family as "Littles," of 4221 Cabin Point Road, Claremont, Va., answered the Master's call by trading in her cross for a crown on June 6, 2007.

She was born May 9, 1989, and was the beloved daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Elliott Jr. and Bonnie G. Riddick.

Tavonne was educated in Surry County Public Schools and was scheduled to graduate with the Class of 2007 on June 16, 2007. While at Surry County High School, she actively participated in Cheerleading, Softball, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), FTA (Future Teachers of America), Definition of Crunk Step Team and Chorus. Due to her eagerness to help others, she made plans to continue her education and pursue a degree in Social Work at Virginia State University.

Tavonne was baptized at Union Baptist Church, Spring Grove, Va., and later joined the Morning Star Baptist Church, where she was an active member in the Sunday School, Junior Choir, and Mass Choir. She was featured as one of the soloist in the song entitled, "Silver and Gold," as well as the lead soloist for the song entitled, "It's Only a Test."

Tavonne was preceded in death by her grandfather, Deacon Robert L. Elliott Sr., and her grandmother, Francis Jamison.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories a devoted father and stepmother, Dr. Robert L. Elliott Jr. and Jacqueline Elliott (Momma Jackie) of Claremont, Va.; mother and stepfather, Bonnie G. Riddick and Ollie Riddick of Hopewell, Va.; three brothers, Ronnie Goode, Derrick Minigan Jr. of Hopewell, Va., and Robert L. Elliott III of Claremont, Va.; paternal grandmother, Dolly H. Elliott of Claremont, Va.; maternal grandmother, Roberta Jamison of Hopewell, Va.; maternal grandfather, Floyd Goode Jr. of Petersburg, Va.; maternal great-grandfather, Richard Jamison Sr. of Hopewell, Va.; maternal great-grandmother, Rebecca Goode of Ettrick, Va.; six aunts, Paulett Fitzgerald (Fontasia) of Claremont, Va., Dr. Christine Smith (Maurice) of Waverly, Va., Elva Clayton (Alvin) of Claremont, Va., godmother, Vonyetta Lee (Howard) of Chester, Va., Michelle King (Aubrey) of Ettrick, Va., and Latarsha Tyler (Larry) of Colonial Heights, Va.; one step- uncle, Thomas A. Whitley (Robin) of Suffolk, Va.; godfather, John D. Elliott of Claremont, Va.; special cousins of Grandma's Nursery, Tiffany Clayton of Claremont and Maurice Smith Jr. of Waverly, Va.; step-grandparents, Thomas and Mary Whitley of Smithfield, Va.; best friend, Kierney Johnson of Surry, Va.; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Morning Star Baptist Church. The Rev. Robert Elliot, pastor, will officiate. The interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the residence and from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of Turner-Bland Funeral Home.

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EDUCATORS

Lt. Col. Milton L. Baker

Retired Lt. Col. Milton L. Baker, 57, an ROTC instructor at Surry County High School for the past 10 years, died Friday, March 4, 1994.

Mr. Baker, a member of First Baptist Church, served on the fund- raising committee. He also belonged to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Retired Officers Association, Kiwanis and the Special Olympics. He graduated from Hampton University, North Carolina A&T University and Webster University. Mr. Baker retired in 1984 from the Army after 24 years.

Survived by his wife, Yvonne M. Baker of Hampton; a daughter, Chena S. Baker of Hampton; a sister, Vermadel B. Cole of Fayetteville, N.C.; two brothers, Linwood Baker and Clarence Baker, both of Philadelphia, Pa.

Funeral at noon Tuesday at First Baptist Church by Dr. William D. Booth. Body placed in church 10 a.m. Burial in Parklawn Cemetery with military honors. Viewing noon Monday at Cooke Brothers Funeral Home. Alpha Phi Alpha memorial service 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Wake 7 to 8 p.m. Monday also at the funeral home. Assemble by 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at 130 Marcella Road, Hampton.

Memorials to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church, Hampton.

Linda D. Curl

Linda Davis Curl, 46, a native of Richmond, died Wednesday, March 31, 1993.

Mrs. Curl was a data entry secretary at Surry Elementary School and was a volunteer for the Surry unit of the American Cancer Society. She was a member of the local, state and national chapters of the Educational Organization of Office Professionals. She attended Surry Christian Fellowship Church.

Survived by a daughter, Mary E. Collins-Spiers of Surry; two sons, Earl H. Collins III and James D. Curl of Dendron; a brother, Ryland T. Davis of Halifax County; and a grandson.

Visitation at 1107 Liberty St. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday at Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, by the Rev. Bill Eley. Burial 2 p.m. Saturday in Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Halifax County.

Memorials to the Surry Volunteer Rescue Squad, Surry 23883; or the American Cancer Society, 618C J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News 23601; or the Surry Christian Fellowship Church, Surry 23883.

Fannie Norcum Grayson

Fannie Norcum Grayson, a native of Williamsburg, was born in Norfolk on June 29, 1920, to the late Sarah Jones Norcum and Prince E. Norcum. She departed this life on Monday, Jan. 31, 2000, after a short illness. Her life was devoted to her family, education and music.

While in the Williamsburg area, she joined Oak Grove Baptist Church at an early age. She attended Oak Grove School and graduated from James City County Training School in 1938. She received a Normal Professional Certificate from St. Paul's College and a degree in elementary education from Delaware State College.

After leaving St. Paul's College, she began a teaching career that spanned 45 years and included elementary schools in the United States and Europe. Schoolchildren in Mathews, York and Surry counties, as well as Armed Forces students in Stuttgart, Germany, and Chinon, France, benefited from her instruction. In 1982 she retired from Surry County, but continued to work as a substitute teacher in the Hampton City Public School System.

Her numerous awards included recognition as an Outstanding Teacher of America and the Virginia Education Association award for outstanding service and dedication. She was affiliated with the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association.

In addition to her teaching career, she was a faithful worker in the church. She played the piano and directed choirs in the United States and Europe, taught Vacation Bible School, worked with the missionaries and participated in senior citizens' groups. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Hampton, and later united with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Herndon.

She married the late Andrew C. Grayson on Dec. 10, 1949, and to this union one child was born. At the time of her death, she was a resident of the INOVA Cameron Glen Care Center in Northern Virginia.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted daughter, Regina Grayson of Fairfax; a grandson, Rustin Jamerson of Woodbridge; an aunt, Jereles Jones; nephews, Jerome Randall, Gary Randall and Dale Randall; great- nephew, Kevin Randall; brother-in-law, Nathaniel Hunter; and a host of cousins, in-laws, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Hampton, with the Rev. Walter Dean, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will begin at 1 p.m. today, Feb. 4, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, and the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Family will assemble at the chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday for the service.

JOSEPH ALPHONSO ELLIS, SR.

On Saturday night, May 14, 2005, God called one of his children, Joseph Alphonso Ellis, Sr. (also known as Big Joe or Coach Ellis) home to eternal rest.

He was born to Joseph and the late Herma Lee Ellis in Wakefield, Va on May 29, 1953. He graduated from Luther Porter Jackson High School and earned a B.S. and M.S. Degree from Virginia State University. He recently retired from the Surry Public School SYstem after 23 years of service where he taught physical education and health and coached boys basketball, football, tennis, softball, girls basketball, and track. In addition, he served as the Area 21 Games Coordinator for Special Olympics for almost 20 years.

He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy a devoted and loving wife of 31 years, Doris M. Ellis; three children -- Kimberly, Keisha, and Joseph, Jr.; three grandchildren, who affectionately call him "Big Daddy", Keion, Keionna, and Joseph III; father, Elder Joseph (Shirley) Ellis; five sisters -- Janet Gibbs, Carolyn (Gerald) Montier, Brenda (Dwayne) Brandon, Miriam (Orlando) McDaniels, and Aretha (Daryl) Rawlings; five brothers -- Larry (Debra), Charlie, Herman (Ellen), Craig (Karen), and John (Toya) Ellis; two sisters-in-law Eloise (Robert) Palmer and Grace (Tyrone) Jones; one brother-in-law Russell (Jane) Ellis; five aunts -- Rosa Mae Poole, Elizabeth (Stanley) Jones, Virginia (Walter) Freeman, Emily (Benny) Jones, and Beatrice (Edward) Butler; three uncles -- Pearl, Peter (Virginia), and Paul (Georgette) Ellis; his best friend Ervin Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.

Visitation for Coach Ellis will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday May 18 at Jersualem Baptist Church 6512 Carsley Road, Waverly. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2005 at the Surry County High School Gymnasium 1675 Hollybush Road, Dendron with Rev. Mitchell Jones, presiding and Rev. George Reynolds, officiating.

Alma Geraldine Gibbs

Alma Geraldine Gibbs, 89, of 874 Railroad Avenue, died Thursday, November 20, 2003.

Miss Gibbs taught school in the Surry County Public School System for 32 years before retiring in 1978. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Dendron, for many years, where she served actively as a Trustee and on other auxiliaries in the church. She later joined St. Paul Holiness Church in Surry where she was a loyal member until her declining health. Being a very active participant in the community, a few of her affiliations include a Lifetime Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); President of Surry-Prince George Alumni Chapter of Virginia State University, Petersburg; President of Southside Regional lung Association; Vice-President of Surry County Auxiliary Patrick henry Health Center, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Lung Association. She also worked diligently for over 40 years for the American Lung Association. From 1970 to 1980 Miss Gibbs served as Councilwoman in Dendron, where she later became Mayor, the first Black elected to that body. She received several awards during her lifetime which include the Women for Political Achievement Award, Norfolk, Virginia Lung Association Award, Progressive Men's Club Award, and recently a NAACP Award.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Laura Rebecca Jones Gibbs and Jim Gibbs; and a niece, the late Essie Mae Mason of Dendron. She is survived by a niece, Ruby Parson Ellis of Winton, N.C.; five great-nephews, Dennis Mason (Mae) of Wakefield, Karl Mason (Juanita) of Dendron, Earl Mason of Hampton, Tyrone Ellis (Marva) of Suffolk, and Fredrick P. Ellis, Jr. of Newport News; five great-nieces, Eleanor Johnson and Nancy Mason, both of Dendron, Mildred Ann Swillings (Gregory) of Bridgeport, CT., Malvenia Martin of Newport News, and Gwendolyn Sawyer (Stanley) of Winton, N.C.; and a host of relatives and long-time friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, at St. Paul Holiness Church, Surry, with the Rev. Earnest Green officiating. Interment will follow in the Bailey Cemetery, Carsley. Family and friends will assemble by 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the residence of Dennis and Mae Mason, 407 East Main Street, Wakefield. Miss Gibbs may be viewed from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2003, at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

Dr. Gwendolyn V. Holmes

Dr. Gwendolyn V. Holmes passed away suddenly at her home on March 8, 2007.

Dr. Holmes was born October 22, 1949, in Franklin, VA. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University and Master of Arts degree from Hampton University. In 1995, Dr. Holmes received her Doctorate in Education from Virginia Tech.

Her professional career started as a teacher and departmental chair in Health and Physical Education at Surry County Public Schools in 1973. She also served as Assistant Professor, Student Teacher Coordinator, and Special Assistant to The President at Virginia State University. Upon retiring in May of 2006 as Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education, Student Teacher Coordinator, and Assessment Coordinator at Norfolk State University, Dr. Holmes began her position as the NCATE Coordinator at Bowie State University in August 2006.

Dr. Holmes also served as Vice President for Health, Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (VAHPERD) and Editor for the VAHPERD newsletter. She chaired the Quality Enhancement Proposal Writing team, Diversity Committee, and the Curriculum Committee at Norfolk State University. Selected to WHO’s WHO Among Teachers and WHO’s WHO Among Educators; selected as Health Educator of the Year VAHPERD and AAHPHERD; life member of the NAACP; and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Dr. Holmes leaves to cherish her memory three children, Dr. Keinya Arnell Holmes, Khristi Jean Holmes and Kenneth Ray Holmes, II, all of Chesapeake, VA; former spouse and father of the children, Kenneth Ray Holmes, Sr., of Surry County, VA; her mother, Pearl Brown Vinson Lassiter of Newport News; four sisters, Eura Jewette of Franklin, Pearl E. Young (Charles) of Chesapeake, Edna L. Powell (Fred) of Newport News, and Lois A. Wright (Robert) of Hampton; three brothers, Walter L. Vinson (Stella) of New York, NY, Robert R. Vinson (Dyan) of Hampton, and Randolph D. Vinson of Newport News; three devoted friends, Edna Powell of Surry County, Eleanora Stowe of Bermuda and Patricia Watlington of Hampton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

William Henry Miller Jr.

William Henry Miller Jr., 54, Dendron, Virginia passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2000, at John Randolph Medical Center, of a sudden illness.

A native of Chesapeake, Va., he was the son of William Henry Miller Sr. and Mary B. Miller.

He retired from Surry County Public Schools after teaching for 31 years. His talent to develop leadership potential in young men was manifested as he coached championship football and baseball at Surry County High School for 19 years. Mr. Miller earned Tidewater Blackwater District "Coach of the Year" honors for five consecutive years and in 1984 was named VHSCA All Star Coach of the Year. He was a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Miller is survived by his loving wife and friend, Carolyn Bailey Miller of Dendron; a son, William Henry Miller III, and his wife, Sonya, of Petersburg; two daughters, Stephanie M. Allen, and her husband, Steve, of Prince George and Schanne L. Miller of Dendron; a stepmother, Brenda Miller of Portsmouth; his mother-in-law, Lucille Bailey; three brothers- in-law and three sisters- in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at Mount Nebo Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel L. Baltimore officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

A Memorial Tribute will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, at Mount Nebo Baptist Church.

On Saturday there will be additional parking at the Bacon's Castle Baptist Church with shuttle service every 15 minutes. A special thanks to the Bacon's Castle Baptist Church and surrounding churches for your loving support.

Doris E.H. Clayton Overby

Doris E.H. Clayton Overby was born April 22, 1927, in Surry County. She was the eighth of 10 children born to the late Parthenia Taylor Harrison and the Rev. William Benjamin Harrison. She departed this life May 21, 1996, at the Mount Vernon Hospital, Alexandria, after a long illness.

Doris received Christ as a child and joined the Lebanon Baptist Church, where she remained active until her retirement from the public schools in 1983.

She was educated in the public schools of Surry County during elementary years, subsequently completing secondary education at Smithfield High School in 1944. Doris attended Virginia Union University in Richmond, graduating in 1948 with a bachelor of arts degree in English and history. She attended New York University, New York, N.Y., receiving the master of arts degree in 1969. She labored diligently within the Virginia public education system, shaping the minds of students for the future at the former L.P. Jackson High School, Dendron, and later at the Surry County High School. Doris retired due to illness in 1983, culminating a career of 34 years as public servant. Upon leaving her beloved Surry County and Lebanon Baptist Church, she united with the Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria. It was there that she became a part of the tutorial ministry to children. Illness took its ultimate toll and she became confined to her home.

Doris united in holy matrimony to Richard B. Clayton and later to Charles M. Overby.

Doris is survived by two loving and devoted daughters, Anita K. Clayton, M.D., and Brenda J. Clayton, R.N., both of Alexandria; one sister, Amazie Louise Meadows of Washington, D.C.; two brothers and their wives, Dennis L. and Mary Harrison of Spring Grove and Leo F. Sr. and Sandra Harrison of Waverly; two sisters-in-law, Catherine Harrison of Spring Grove and Victoria Harrison of Claremont; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by one sister, Ruth Harrison Lee, and five brothers, Alfred G. Sr. , Melvin G., James H., William T. and Jesse J. Harrison.

A funeral service will take place on Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m.,

Patrick Alan Pinner

Patrick Alan Pinner, age 52, of Knoxville, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at his home. Mr. Pinner was a graduate of the University of Tennessee with his Master's Degree. He was a foreign language teacher at Farragut High School and a member of Rocky Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Pinner was preceded in death by his father, Roy Nichols (RN). He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Pinner of Knoxville brothers and sisters-in-law, Butch and Brenda Pinner, and Nick and Esther Pinner, all of Knoxville nieces, Kim, Jessica, Anna, and Katie nephews, Roy Nicholas and Bryce aunts, Helen Jenkins, Helen Epps and Katherine Webb uncle, Verlin Pinner and a special friend, JoAnn Bullard. Mr. Pinner is at Highland Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations, 5315 Kingston Pike, where the family will receive friends from 6-8pm Friday. Graveside services will be conducted at 2pm Saturday in Rocky Hill Cemetery with Rev. Rick Hicks officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral! home at 1:15pm Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Webb, Doug Pinner, Gary Hall, Jamie Patterson, Gary Ownby, and Corey Ownby.

Wiley Powell Jr.

Wiley Powell Jr., 49, a native of Tarboro, N.C., and son of Mrs. Mary Dickens Powell and the late Mr. Wiley Powell Sr., was called from labor early Saturday, May 8, 1999, at Maryview Hospital after a long illness.

A 1968 I.C. Norcom and NSU graduate, he taught English and coached award- winning speech, technical writing and drama groups at Surry County and Warren County high schools until he was victimized by a stroke in 1990. A gifted actor, writer, producer and director, he used his craft to imitate life on the stage doing professional plays and dinner theater. He was a member of the Main Street Baptist Church, where he served as drama director and in the Men of Music and as a string accompanist. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Additional survivors include Edna Ford Powell, his devoted wife of 27 years; children, William Joseph Powell, Charles Richard Dickens Powell, Michael Powell and Jernell Powell of Surry; and sister, JoeAnn Ramseur, of Portsmouth.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 11, at noon at Main Street Baptist Church, Smithfield, with Dr. James Harrison officiating. A wake will be held at the church from 6:30-8 p. m. on Monday, May 10. The family will assemble at the home of Mrs. Mary Ford, A-7, Church Manor Apartments, by 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Helen B. Slade

Helen B. Slade, 79, departed this life on Monday, July 19, 2004, at her residence in Surry County. A native of Isle of Wight County, she was the daughter of the late Algie and Priscilla Bowen and the widow of Russell F. Slade.

She was a member of First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Rushmere, where she was the Church Clerk, an After School Tutor, a Youth Advisor and an Usher. For several years she was the Director of Vacation Bible School and a Sunday school teacher at both First Gravel Hill Baptist Church and Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Surry. She was a member of the Grace Union Chapter No. 56; Order of Eastern Star.

After 36 years of dedicated teaching and instruction services, she retired from the Surry County Public School System as Supervisor of Elementary Education. After her retirement, she continued to work in the school system as a substitute teacher and an advisor. She was Valedictorian of the class of 1942 of Isle of Wight Training School and she received her undergraduate and master's degrees from Virginia State University. She also attended The College of William and Mary, Norfolk State University and the University of Pennsylvania.

She is survived by one son, Glenn R. Slade (Brenda) of Hampton; one daughter, Carolyn Slade Dickens of Surry; four grandchildren, Sharon Slade of Surry, Crystal Slade Nunn (D'Juan) of Hampton, Melanie Dickens of Surry and Ashley Dickens of Surry, Va.; three stepgrandchildren, Joi Crittiden and Deven Burden, both Washington, D.C., and Kevin Burden of Virginia Beach; one great-granddaughter, Jade Dickens of Surry; and one step great-granddaughter, Monet Crittiden of Washington, D.C.; four brothers, Algie Bowen Jr. of Smithfield, Henry L. Bowen of Newport News, Pilson B. Bowen of Baltimore, Md., Elester "Mac" Bowen (Deborah) of Philadelphia, Pa.; two sisters, LeClara Bowen of Smithfield and Deloris Thomas (Andrew) of Surry and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and two faithful companions and caregivers, Lillie Thomas and Annette Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church with Rev. P. D. Wells, officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Ray Cemetery.

Stuart "Ward" Whyte

Ward Whyte, 51, of Williamsburg, died February 9, 2008.

He was born in Oklahoma and moved with his family to Williamsburg in 1958. He attended WJCC schools and graduated from Lafayette High in 1975.

Ward attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, where he played football.

He graduated in 1979 and served his country in the Army, where he graduated from Ranger / Green Beret school, served in Panama with the 101st Airborne, and reached the rank of Major.

Ward loved football. He played on and coached several teams in the Army and continued to coach as he took up his second career of teaching.

Most recently, Ward taught and coached football and basketball at Surry Middle and High Schools. He was a gifted teacher and had a special connection with his students and athletes.

His father, James P. Whyte, preceded him in death.

His mother, Martha Whyte; daughters, Jamie and Blair; brothers, James and Scott and his wife, Ethel; nephew, Scotty; nieces, Rhonda, Shelly and Nicole; and grandchildren, Triston and Laney, all survive him.

There will be a private funeral and a memorial service at 6 p.m. Feb. 13, at Surry County High School.

Donations can be made to the Surry County High School Athletic Department care of Kenya Grissett at Surry County High School, 1675 Hollybush Road, Dendron, VA 23839.

Bucktrout of Williamsburg is in charge of arrangements.

Linda Harrison Wooden

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, our beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, godmother and aunt, Linda Harrison Wooden, left her earthly house to be with the Lord as a result of an automobile accident. She was born to Victoria Spratley Harrison and the late Alfred Harrison Sr. on March 29, 1953.

A 1971 graduate of Luther Porter Jackson High School, she was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church and served faithfully at Swan's Point Baptist Church, Spring Grove, Va. She was a dedicated employee of Surry County Public Schools, where she served as a guidance counselor. On June 3, 1978, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Giron R. Wooden Sr. To this union, three children were born.

She is survived by three sons, Giron R. Wooden Jr. (Jennifer) of Spring Grove, Va., Myron L. Wooden (Shonda) of Lorton, Va., and Bryant H. Wooden of the home; one grandson, her precious baby, Aaron Alexander Wooden; three godchildren, Teresa Thompson, Megan Harrison and Paul Elliott; one sister, Gwendolyn Thompson (Bob); two brothers, Reginald Harrison (Valerie) and Alfred Harrison Jr. (Cleo); one sister-in-law, Hazel Hickman (Baryon); one brother-in-law, Elwood Wooden Jr. (Sheila); mother-in-law, Vernice Wooden; fathers-in-law, Elwood Wooden Sr. and Clarence E. Wooden; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Mount Nebo Baptist Church, 5738 Colonial Trail East, Surry. Interment will be in Swan's Point Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb, 22, at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church.

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Surry County School Board Members

Bailey S. Ashby

Bailey Sizer Ashby, age 73, a resident of Waverly and a Surry County farmer since 1946, died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 1995, at the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond. He was an active member of Waverly Baptist Church and a former deacon and Sunday school teacher of the church.

He served for 12 years on the Surry County School Board, from 1976 to 1988. He was past president and a member of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association. He was past president and an active member of the Waverly Ruritan Club. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Prescription Fertilizer Company, Ivor, and was an active member of the Virginia Farm Bureau. He was the son of the late Edward Bassett Sr. and Wilma Sizer Ashby.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Boothe Ashby; a son and daughter-in-law, B. Stuart and Stephanie S. Ashby of Mechanicsville; daughter and son-in-law, Carol A. and Rainer M. Schlichtherle of Midlothian; four grandchildren, Benjamin S. Ashby, Elizabeth J. Ashby, Lauren A. Schlichtherle and Hannah C. Schlichtherle; three brothers, Frederick B. Ashby of Waverly, Edward B. Ashby of Disputanta, Dr. Charles C. Ashby of Dinwiddie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, on Friday, Oct. 27, 1995, at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Anthony George. Burial will be in Wakefield Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, Oct. 26, 1995, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and at the Waverly Baptist Church Social Hall following the service on Friday.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Waverly Baptist Church or the Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Rufus Pernell Blount

Rufus Pernell Blount was called to eternal rest on Monday, May 23, 2005 at 7:55 a.m. at the Williamsburg Sentara Hospital after a short illness.

Mr. Blount was born in Surry, Va. to the late Willie and Ruth Blount. He attended the public schools of Surry County. At an early age he joined the Mount Nebo Baptist Church of Surry, Va., where he remained a member until he married the former Thomasine Marie Lane. Upon marriage, he joined his wife at the Poplar Lawn Baptist Church of Surry, Va., where he was a faithful member and servant even in his final days of illness. During the years Mr. Blount served as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Director of the Senior Ministry, Co-Chairman of the Transportation Ministry, President of the Men's Ministry, President of the Senior Choir, and Vice-President of the Outreach Empowerment & Renewal Ministry.

He served for 20 years on the Surry County School Board, from 1972 to 1992.

Mr. Blount was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Blount Sr.; two brothers, Herbert Blount (Carolyn) and Henry Blount (Geraldine). To cherish his fond memories, he leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Thomasine Marie Blount of Surry, Va.; four daughters, Janice Young (Elder Keith Young) of Brandywine, Md., Jeanette Newby (Larry) of Carrollton, Va., Joyce Knight (Rev. Charlie Knight) of Dendron, Va., and Judy Meekins (Brian) of Surry, Va.; one son, Keith Blount (Stephanie) of Waverly, Va.; two sisters, Corine Watson and Carolyn Moore (Sam), all of Surry, Va.; four brothers, Osborne J. Blount (Mildred), Willie Blount Jr. (Elsie), Lewis Blount (Ethel), all of Surry, Va., and Vearlie Blount (Sarah) of Hampton, Va.; two aunts, Virginia Spratley and Purlie Brown, both of Surry, Va.; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two godsons; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, May 27, at Poplar Lawn Baptist Church with Pastor Bruce Childs. Interment will be in the Brick Church Cemetery, Bacons Castle. Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Poole's Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service Friday at the Church.

Arrangements by Poole's Funeral Home.

Robert L. Elliott

Robert L. Elliott, 65, of Claremont, died Friday, May 13, 1994 after a brief illness. Mr. Elliott was a member of the Gravel Hill Baptist Church of Cabin Point, where he was a deacon and minister of music. He was also a minister of music at the Morning Star Baptist Church of Burrowsville.

He was a former member of the Smallwood Temple Masonic Lodge of Spring Grove, a senior partner of the John Elliott's Funeral Home of Claremont, manager of the Gilmore's Funeral Home in Newport News, and a member of the Peninsula Funeral Director's Association.

He served for 3 years on the Surry County School Board, from 1991 to 1994.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Dolly M. Elliott, Claremont; a son, the Rev. Robert L. Elliott Jr., Burrowsville; four daughters, Mrs. Paulette Fitzgerald and Mrs. Elva Clayton of Claremont, Mrs. Christine Smith, Waverly, and Mrs. Vonyetta Lee, Chester; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Hall, Philadelphia, and Mrs. Elfreda Howard, Petersburg; a brother, Thurman Elliott Sr., Claremont; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday from the Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm. Monday at the John Elliott's Funeral Home. The remains will be placed in the church at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home by 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Charles Howard Ellis

Charles Howard Ellis, the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ellis Sr. of Kansas City, Mo., died on March 14, 2007, at Riverview on the Appomattox in Hopewell, Va. His death ended his long battle with cancer.

He was a longtime resident of Claremont, Va., where he and his wife made their home. Charles was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann Estelle Lamb Ellis of Claremont, Va., and his brother, Dr. Robert A. Ellis Jr. of Princeton, N.J. The union of Charles and Ann produced three children (all surviving): Ian "Tony" Ellis of Albuquerque, N.M., Jeanne (Ronald) Holmes of Prince George, Va., and Charles E. (Kenya) Ellis of El Paso, Texas.

Charles was born in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 14, 1929, the third child and second son of the family. At an early age he confessed his belief in Christ, and joined the Saint Paul's Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. He lived there until his adult life when he left home to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn. He soon left school to join what became his passion - the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served as one of the "Munford Point Marines." During his 29 year enlistment, Charles served in the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. He retired in 1974 with the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGYSGT) the highest rank obtained by enlisted personnel.

There were many passions in his life: God, Family, the Corps, and Education. Charles was a very strong and vocal advocate of the county's educational system.

He served faithfully and diligently for 5 years on the Surry County School Board, from 1994 to 1999.

In addition to the above listed children, he leaves to cherish his memory a sister, Muriel Jean Ellis Morris of Quincy, Ill.; three grandchildren, Kadena Estelle Ellis, Charles E. Ellis II, and Robert Clifford Ellis; four sisters-in-law, Dr. D. Victoria Ellis, Arnette Lamb Swan, Phyllis Lamb and Muriel Lamb. He also leaves a host of very devoted nieces, nephews and cousins, most especially his cousin, Dr. George White of Columbus, Ohio.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 19, at the Poole's Funeral Home, 8721 Colonial Trail East, Smithfield, Va. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, Va. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Va.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Surry County Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Lt. Col. Nelson C. Ritchie

Lt. Col. Nelson C. Ritchie, mastermind behind the county's annual Pork, Peanut and Pine Festival, died Thursday, January 4, 1996 after a long illness. He was 75.

He served for 15 years on the Surry County School Board, from 1976 to 1991.

Col. Ritchie accepted the festival chairmanship in 1976 and engineered the event as part of Surry's Bicentennial celebration. The one-day festival at Chippokes State Park grew to two days and now is Surry's biggest event and civic moneymaker.

Former chair of the Bicentennial Committee, Iva "Polly" Seward, refers to Col. Nelson as the Father of the Festival. "He engineered it. He had the vision that we could have something here and he knew how to do it," she said. "We still do it the same way."

Helen Gwaltney Lenox sparked the notion of promoting Surry's three main products, Seward said, then Col. Ritchie wrote the idea into a detailed festival plan.

Lenox remembered Col. Ritchie as "terrific on detail" and "good on logistics." She described him as "a very quiet man ... thoughtful person ... a deep thinker and a good planner."

Currently on the Surry County School Board, Seward knew Col. Ritchie as a school board member while she was a teacher. "He was the mover on the school board," she said. "He didn't have to cater to anybody. That was his personality."

Seward said she thought of him as "watchdog over the finances." County Superintendent Clarence "C.P." Penn agreed.

As chair of the board's Fiscal Affairs Committee, Col. Ritchie developed a financial program based on state-recommended accounting procedures still used in the county today, Penn said.

Col. Ritchie hired Penn in 1977 and they served together until Ritchie left the board in 1991. They were often at opposite sides of issues, yet Penn credits his boss with many forward-moving actions from outfitting the band and choir in uniforms to raising salaries for all school employees.

Penn described Col. Ritchie as a fiscal conservative "with a soft heart - if it was something the children needed."

Col. Ritchie was born in April 1971 in Haddon Heights, N.J., where he graduated from high school before attending college for two years in Philadelphia. He joined the U.S. Army in 1941, flying as a fighter pilot during World War II and the Korean War, and serving during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1971, and moved to Surry County.

He earned military awards including the Legions of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross. Col. Ritchie was a member of the Regional Health Commission in Surry and brought two doctors to the county to served for a now defunct health center. He was a member of the Surry Ruritan Club.

Noel Creed Taylor Jr.

Noel Creed Taylor Jr., 84, died Friday, July 19, 2002, at his home in Dendron, VA. Born March 26, 1918, in Halifax County, VA, he was the son of the late Mary Ellen and Noel C. Taylor Sr. Mr. Taylor was retired from Newport News Shipbuilding and was a longtime resident of Surry County.

He served for 17 years on the Surry County School Board, from 1972 to 1989.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Arlene Ingram Taylor; daughters, Jennifer Bumpas and husband, Jim, of Colonial Heights, Va., and Mary Ellen Rickmond and husband, Darrell, of Williamsburg, Va.; and four grandsons, Noel Bumpas and wife, Molly, of Burlington, VT, Matthew Bumpas of Seattle, WA, and Kent Rickmond and Daniel Rickmond of Williamsburg, Va.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 22, 2002, at 3 p.m. at Dendron United Methodist Church, Dendron, VA, with the Rev. Ray Rowland officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Crater Community Hospice, the Surry Co. Vol. Rescue Squad or the Dendron United Methodist Church.

Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, is in charge of arrangements.