Eddie Elliott, Sr.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things.” Romans 10:14-15

Apostle Eddie Elliott, Sr. was born on November 11, 1927 in Camden County, NC. to the late Ferebee and Hannah Elliott. He departed this life for a better one with the Lord on Saturday, August 6, 2011 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

In October 1953 he was united in Holy Matrimony to Eva Elizabeth Gilliam. He was a faithful, loving husband and nurturing father for 57 years. From that marriage was born three children, Audrey, Eddie Jr. and Milton (deceased).

His education includes his attending Camden County Public Schools. In 1952 he was drafted into the United States Army serving his country as a Medical Technician in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania at the Army Hospital for two years. While in the Army he furthered his education by attending Madison Wisconsin Institute in 1953 and Norfolk State College in 1954. In 2008 he graduated from the United House of Prayer For All People McCollough Theological Seminary.

In 1954 he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. After the discharge he became employed by the Norfolk Naval Supply Center and remained there for 38 years.

In 1941, he was ordained a minister and received his credentials. In 1955, he became the Assistant Pastor in South Mills, NC. He was elevated and served as Pastor of South Mills for several years. He left South Mills to become the Assistant Pastor of Norfolk #1 until 1960 where he became pastor of Norfolk #2. Upon leaving Norfolk #2 he became a State Evangelist for the State of Virginia. In 1986 he became the Pastor of South Mills, NC where he served until retirement for 23 years.

He was a member of the Rising Sun Lodge #2 FAM,  Alpha Omega Consistory #9 and the Arabia Temple #12.

He leaves to cherish his wife of 57 years, Eva E. Elliott, daughter Audrey Harold (Albert Jr.) of Virginia Beach, VA, son Eddie Elliott Jr. (Ritta) of Chesapeake, VA, four grandchildren, Elvin L. Elliott of Chesapeake, VA, Kelvin L. Elliott (LaChelle) of Norfolk, VA, Jarita N. Willie of Atlanta, GA, Trinelle Conquest Boykin (Antonio)of Pasquotank County, NC, and one great-grandchild, Zykeus. Turner of Portsmouth, VA,  one sister, Margaret Powell of Moyock, NC, five brothers, Apostle Frank Elliott (Patricia) of Portsmouth, VA, Ernest Elliott, Joseph Elliott, William R. Elliott and Vernon Elliott of Chesapeake, VA, special sons and daughters, Michael Richardson (Chrystal) of Suffolk, VA, James and Sandra Tyree of Chesapeake, VA, Betty Turner and Patricia Jones of Portsmouth, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Alice Burnley

Mrs. Alice M. Burnley of Portsmouth, Virginia, went home Tuesday, July 12, 2011 in Chesapeake General Hospital. Born August 18, 1921, to the late Waverly James and Lena Reaves Stith. A native of Chesterfield County she was born August 18, 1921, to the late Waverly James and Lena Reaves Stith. She was a graduate of G. Webster Davis High School and attended Virginia State University. Alice retired from the NARF(Naval Air Rework Facility) . “Sweet Al” as she was affectionately known received numerous awards and was known for “Z-DEFECTS” as an upholstery mechanic on F-14 tomcats. She was a devoted member of Fourth Baptist Church, Portsmouth, where she was an active member of the Pastors Aide, Seniors Ministry and Noon Day Bible Study. She was predeceased by her husband Frederick M. Burnley , her son Lawrence Burnley, her siblings, William Stith, Cedric R. Stith, Helen S. McNabb, Francis S. Strong, Pauline S. Bundy, and Jenette S. Henry,. Her family will always cherish her memories, Children, Frederick R. Burnley(Anna Gardy), Waverly S. Burnley, Sr.(Sharon), Adrienne B. Patterson, Eileen F. Burnley, and Vicki L. Burnley; Sisters, Alberta S. Reynolds, Lucille D. Bradley; nieces & nephews, Helen Mullen(Eddie), Mildred Davis, Robert Burnley(Aileen), Elenor Brown, Carol Henry, Lela Henry, Leo Henry, and Charles McNabb Banks; grandchildren, Donna B. Alexander(Kenneth), Kimberly B. Bradley(DeGeon), Michael Phillip Behrman, Lisa Burnley-Munchel(Richard), Erian B. Poole, Lori B. Gregory(Christopher), Waverly S. Burnley, Jr.(Jenifer), Jana B. Bell(Xavier), James F. Burnley(Tonya), Brian C. Garner(Dannielle), Grady L. Patterson, Frederick A. Patterson, Dannielle S. Patterson, Matthew Burnley-Punsalan, Nannette Burnley McKinney, Star Burnley, Floyd Peete and Jamel May; great grandchildren, Lamont Burnley, Kenneth C. Alexander, II, David C. Alexander, Noah A. Johnson, Joshua D. Johnson, Harold Poole, Jr., Naire Poole, Teiah Poole, Selden Poole, Ian Poole, Brittany Burnley, Haley Gregory, Jurnee Gregory, Salome’ Burnley, Arom Burnley, Naviy Burnley, James Burnley, Jr., Jaden Burnley, Brianna Burnley, Xavier Bell, Xiovo Bell, Trevon Garner, Antonio Marty, Brian C. Garner, Jr., Brianna Garner, Jayla Patterson, Sasha D. Cable; lifelong friends & sisters, Lillian Holt and Mattie Bembury; special daughters Rosa Hicks, Pearlene Strothers, and Gracie May.

Evelyn S. Beavers

William S. Thompson Jr.

William S. Thompson Jr.

William S. Thompson, Jr., AKA Big Butch, 62, passed away May 29^th at Chesapeake General Hospital.  Mr. Thompson was born on June 28, 1948 in Chester, PA to William S. Thompson, Sr. and Clara Mufflen.  He was educated in the Chester, PA Catholic school system and was employed at Baldwin School for Girls, located in Bryn Mawr, PA for over 25 years. 

 He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Priscilla Thompson; mother, Clara Mufflen; 6 children, Juanita Fletcher, Regina Tyler, Uraina Pierre, Letisha Thompson, Netta Tyler and Brian Thompson; 7 siblings, Florence Hill, Lamont Thompson, Valeria Gardner, Roslyn Thompson, Lynell Thompson, Joseph Thompson and John Thompson; 15 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, William S. Thompson, Sr. and sister, Wilhelmina Thompson.

Danny W. Barnes

Danny W. Barnes

Danny William Barnes, 52, of the 2000 block of King St. passed away May 25, 2011.  He was born June 8, 1958 in Portsmouth, VA.  He was predeceased by his father, Willie T. Barnes Sr. and two brothers, David L. Smith and Roy Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Barnes; two daughters, Danielle Cherry and Sabrina Hamlin; two sons, Danny Cherry and Gary T. Hamlin; his mother, Annie Mae Barnes; four sisters, Deloris Dupree (Jerome), Gloria B. Smith, Carolyn Wyatt (Russell) and Brenda Barnes (Dale); two brothers, John Smith (Lynette) and Dr. William Barnes; three grandchildren; special friend, Agnes Hamlin; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Isaiah Key

Isaiah Key

On Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Hampton Veterans Hospital, our beloved Isaiah Lytle Key departed this life peacefully to be with the Lord.  He was born on December 5, 1951 to the late Isaiah Key Sr. and Eloise Key in Smithfield, Virginia.  He resided in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife whom he loved dearly.  He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Kim Thomas.

He attended Westside High School and Smithfield High School and also Norfolk State University and Jessie Radtley Business College.  Isaiah served in the United States Marine Corp before becoming an Officer with the Portsmouth Police Department in his early years.  He worked for the Federal Government for a total of 29 years.  His job was with the Defense Logistics Agency at Norfolk Naval Base, up until the time he was admitted into the Hampton Veteran’s Hospital. 

He served on the Missionary and Usher Boards at Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church.  Isaiah later joined New Hope United Church of Christ where he became a member of the Men’s Fellowship Choir and the Men’s Auxiliary.  He was like a five star hotel open for business 24 hours a day with room for everyone.  Everyone’s problems, joys, or successes became his.  No one was turned away.  Isaiah loved good food and family gatherings.  Finally, he took great pride in sharing time with all his loved ones.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Vyone Key; brothers, Mr. Birvin Key, Mr. William Key and Mr. Jack Key; his children, Galvin Key, Leon McLendon, Santino Blow, Ruvondra McLendon, Lisa Sampson; grandchildren, Jay-Len Key, Ryan Taylor Jr., Semaj Choice and Kai’eshia Cole; sisters-in-law, Bobbie Johnson, Cynthia Thomas-Benn, Mary Robinson, Phinoris Perry, Coretta Basnight and Joan Heath; brother-in-law, James H. James; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Kenneth C. Todd Sr.

Kenneth C. Todd Sr.

Kenneth C. Todd, Sr., 70, of the 1900 block of Prentis Ave. passed away May 20, 2011.  He retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

He is survived by his fiance, Harriett Alexander; one daughter, Kim Todd; two sons, Kenneth Todd Jr. and Kevin Todd Sr.; one sister, Mildred Foreman; one brother, Stanley Todd; 5 grandsons; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Otis Taylor Jr.

Otis Taylor Jr.

Otis Taylor, Jr., 73, of the 3100 block of Carolina Rd. passed away May 23, 2011.

Anna R. Claude

Anna R. Claude entered into the gates of eternal rest and peacefully closed the last chapter of her life on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center.

She was born in Southampton County, VA to the late Curnel and Rosa Turner.  Anna was predeceased by her husband, Norfleet Claude.  She was a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in the Tribe of Reuben.

Anna is survived by her three daughters, Alma R. Hudnell (John), Cynthia Marie Battle and Eleanora Stowe (Thomas); one son, Norfleet Claude, Jr.; 10 grandchildren, U. Terrell Battle (Glenda), Shaun Battle (Patricia), Lytrece Clark, Daryle Hudnell (Millie), Doreen Hudnell, Thomas Stowe, Jr., Richard Stowe, Vernon Claude, Verita Buie and Terrie Vanderhorst; 10 great-grandchildren; three brothers; four sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Coolidge Spratley

Coolidge Spratley

Coolidge Spratley, 84, of the 1700 block of Arlington Ave. passed away May 19, 2011 at Envoy at Thornton Hall.  He was born March 25, 1927 to the late Rosa Johnson and James Spratley in Southampton County. 

Coolidge was educated in the Isle of Wight Public Schools and was a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church, Norfolk.  He retired as a longshoreman for ILA Local 1248 after 22 years.  He was also employed with Tidewater Construction Company for 15 years.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie B. Spratley; three daughters, Gloria James (Ricky), Belinda Wright (Samuel) and Darlene Etheridge (Michael Sr.); two sons, Calvin Spratley and Melvin Spratley (Pamela); 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.