U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Mr. Clarence Charles Jerome
May 8, 1912 - March 18, 2004
Mr. Clarence Charles Jerome, age 91 of River Ridge, Bracey, VA, died Thursday, March 18, 2004 at his home. He was a retired Alcoa Corp. Foreman. He is survived by two daughters Barbara Mandish of Woodbine, Georgia and Faye Greene of Bracey; two sisters Rita Henry and Emogene Murray both of Massena, NY; seven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Monday at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church near Ebony with interment in Crestview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7:00 to 8:30 P. M. at the Funeral Home.
Mrs. Nora Newcomb Cannon
August 15, 1935 - February 16, 2004
Mrs. Nora Newcomb Cannon, age 68 of Brodnax, died Monday, February 16, 2004 in a Richmond hospital. She is survived by her husband Ben J. Cannon; two sisters Carolyn Freeman of Pekin, Ilinois and Margaret Hash of Keysville; a step daughter Sarah Cannon of Brodnax; a step son Michael L. Cannon of La Crosse; five step grandchildren and five step great grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Wednesday at Canaan Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 P. M. at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home.
Mrs. Louise Cumbia Whitby
December 21, 1927 - February 1, 2004
Mrs. Louise Cumbia Whitby, 76, of Brodnax died Sunday February 1, 2004 in Duke Medical Center. She was a homemaker and an active member of Sanford Memorial Baptist Church and for a number of years lead a bible teaching ministry for local Hispanic farm workers. Mrs. Whitby is survived by her husband of fifty-six years Arthur Ray Whitby, two sons Samuel Ray Whitby and wife Uta of Hopewell and Randall Brooks “Randy” Whitby and wife Rodessa of Brodnax, one sister Evelyn Black also of Brodnax, five grandchildren Emmitt, Juanita, Colleen, David and Tyler and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Oscar F. Cumbia, Jr. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. in Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home with interment in the Cumbia Family Cemetery near her home. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to to Sanford Memorial Baptist Church , P. O. Box 361, Brodnax, VA 23920.
Mr. Raymond Therian Clark
November 10, 1907 - February 5, 2004
Mr. Raymond Therian Clark, age 96 of Bracey, VA and formerly of Portsmouth died February 5, 2004. He was a self employed Businessman and was the widower of Helen Clark. He is survived by a niece Jean Stewart of Orlando, Florida. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Sunday at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Memorial Healthcenter Foundation, P. O. Box 90, South Hill, VA 23970.
Mr. Alan Harrison "Jack" Matthews
June 5, 1938 - February 11, 2004
Mr. Alan Harrison “Jack” Matthews, age 65 of Kenbridge, died Wednesday, February 11, 2004 in Community Memorial Healthcenter. He retired as a retail store manager and retired from the Virginia National Guard after 23 years. He is survived by his wife Mary Farkas Matthews; two daughters Deborah Matthews of Chesterfield and April Mayton of Kenbridge; three sons Alan H. Matthews, Jr. of Richmond, Tony K. Matthews of Flint, Mich. And Troy W. Shiflett of Kenbridge; four grandchildren Julia and Kaleigh Matthews and Matthew and Joshua Mayton. A private memorial service will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenbridge Rescue Squad or Kenbridge Volunteer Fire Dept.
Mrs. Nancy High Gosnell
May 29, 1930 - February 11, 2004
Surrounded by the embracing love of her family, Nancy High Gosnell, age 73, died peacefully at her home at Kerr Lake, Virginia on Feb.11, 2004.
Nan was a fun-loving and high-spirited individual whose life centered on family and friends. She and her husband of 57 years, Henry Lloyd Gosnell, made their home in Raleigh, N.C. where they raised four children: Susan C. Gosnell of Ithaca, N.Y.; Lynn Gosnell (John Branch) of San Antonio, Texas; Leigh Gosnell of Chapel Hill, N.C. and Paul V. Gosnell (Maisie) of Middletown, Del. She was the sweetest grandmother to Jacob and Colin Clark, Adrien and James Branch and Riley Gosnell.
She is survived by her precious sister Martha Anne (James) Wilburn of Clayton, N.C., beloved sisters-in-law Anna Jones, Peggy Beasley (Ellis), Linda Watkins (Lattie), Donna Rogers (Fred), numerous nieces, nephews and their families. She is also survived by many dear cousins, especially Betsy Jean Pierce of Chickamauga, Ga. and Peggy Ruth Asbill (Buddy) of Richmond, Va.
Born and raised in Raleigh, N.C., she was the younger daughter of Paul Vernon and Elizabeth Irene Jordan High. She graduated from Hugh Morson High School and married Lloyd in 1946. They raised their family in Raleigh, N.C., before moving to Kerr Lake in 1981. Nan never met a stranger. Over the years, she and Lloyd welcomed many visitors to their home, where friends and family enjoyed skiing, fishing, swimming, camping and cooking out at the lake.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14 at Bethesda Baptist Church, 1614 Buggs Island Road in Palmer Springs, Va. The family will receive friends at their home following the service. In lieu of flowers, it was Nanâ’s wish that contributions be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, 4240 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, Va. 23060 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Va. 23058-5216.
The family would like to thank the skilled nurses, doctors and attendants at South Hill Community Memorial Healthcenter and the Home Health and Community Hospice, the members of Bethesda Baptist Church, especially Pastor Donnie Owen, and friends near and far for their loving support.
Mrs. Elizabeth Davis Sumner
March 30, 1920 - February 15, 2004
Mrs. Elizabeth Davis Sumner, age 83, of La Crosse, died Sunday, February 15, 2004 in the W. S. Hundley Annex.
She was a retired inspector for the former La Crosse Sportswear and the widow of Boyce Sumner. Mrs. Sumner is survived by her two sons Fletcher Lee Beale of La Crosse and Gene R. Beale of Richmond, her two sisters Mildred Britton of Portsmouth and Lillie
Williams of Clinton, MD., her two brothers Fletcher C. Davis and Emmett L. Davis both of Emporia, eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
A Graveside funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 2:00 PM in La Crosse Cemetery . The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:00 Noon to 1:30 P.M. at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home.
Robert M. Norris Jr. dies
Jan 13, 2002
When Robert Murphy Norris Jr. took the job as executive secretary, the newly created Potomac River Fisheries Commission had more than its share of detractors.
Through his fairness and ability to communicate, he helped dissipate some of the tension of the "oyster wars" between Maryland and Virginia.
Mr. Norris, the commission's first executive secretary, died Friday at age 89.
"His greatest characteristic was fairness, and that gets you a long way with people," said J. Clifford Hutt, commission counsel and a former commission member. "Watermen are not bashful, and they would go in and tell Bob of their grievances, and Bob would listen. Then he would find a way to communicate. The people who used the river respected Bob Norris."
Established in 1958 by an agreement between the two states, the body didn't hold its first formal meeting until 1963 because of legal challenges. Mr. Norris held the executive secretary's job from 1963 to 1982.
"I've never worked for a finer man," said A.C. Carpenter, who succeeded Mr. Norris as executive secretary. "He was quite instrumental in making the commission work. I don't think it would have lasted without him. He was able to communicate with watermen, with commission members, with politicians and law enforcement."
A Northumberland County native, he was a perfect fit for the job, growing up on the banks of the Potomac in Mundy Point.
He attended Randolph-Macon College, but the Depression made it impossible for him to continue his education, so he came home to work in his uncle's herring canning plant. He held other jobs with the Bank of Hague and Potomac Supply Corp. before establishing a real estate firm in 1960. He was the president of the Northern Neck Board of Realtors at the time he was appointed to the commission. Mr. Norris was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Engineers.
At Carmel United Methodist Church in Kinsale, where he had been a member for 68 years, he served as treasurer for four decades.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Tod Booker Norris; two sons, Robert M. Norris III of Richmond and Motley B. Norris of Warsaw; and two daughters, Jane Norris Taylor of Kinsale and Elizabeth W. Norris of Hague.
A funeral will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Carmel United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Lawyer, businessman Ronald M. Plotkin dies
Jan 07, 2002
Though his family was already involved in a successful business, Ronald M. Plotkin chose to pursue his passion for law.
After a decade in practice and a decade with the family's Richmond Lumber Co., he again decided practicing law fit him best.
A funeral for Mr. Plotkin, who retired from general practice in 1999, will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Ahabah. Burial will follow at Hebrew Cemetery.
He died Thursday at age 57 after a recurrence of cancer.
Admitted to the bar in 1969 after earning a degree from Lehigh University and graduating from the T.C.
Williams School of Law, Mr. Plotkin focused on real estate law and estate planning.
He joined Richmond Lumber Co., a cabinet manufacturer, as vice president in 1980. The business was then based at Fourth and Maury streets. The following year, he became president after his father's death.
Then-Gov. Gerald L. Baliles appointed Mr. Plotkin to a four-year term on the State Water Control Board in 1987. He was vice chairman in his final year on the board.
In 1990, Mr. Plotkin dissolved Richmond Lumber, which had relocated to Charles City County, to resume private law practice. He retired in 1999 when he was first diagnosed with cancer.
A 1962 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, the Richmonder was a member of the school's golf team.
"After we had children, he said golf took up too much time, and he gave it up, only to take up fly fishing," said his wife, Catherine Strause Plotkin. "He started golfing again when the children were older. He would have been on the course every day if he could have."
Mr. Plotkin was a veteran of the Army Reserve and was active with the JCC. At his death he was serving his third year on the board of governors of Congregation Beth Ahabah. He was a former trustee for the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation.
In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Jay Plotkin of Austin, Texas, and Adam Plotkin of Richmond; his mother, Shirley Perel Plotkin; a brother, James N. Plotkin; and two sisters, Marianne Plotkin Metzger and Cathy Plotkin Daniel, all of Richmond.
H.H. Mansbach dies in Norfolk
Dec 03, 2002
NORFOLK - Harry H. Mansbach, a founder, fund-raiser and major shaper of the Eastern Virginia Medical School, died Sunday at his Norfolk home. He was 91.
Mr. Mansbach had to overcome the efforts of Virginia's existing medical schools to block the emergence of one in Norfolk and persuade the General Assembly to approve it.
Mr. Mansbach graduated with honors from Yale and earned a law degree with high honors from Harvard University.
He practiced law in Norfolk until September 1942, during World War II. Past the draft age for military service, Mr. Mansbach volunteered for the Navy and was assigned to guard ships for the merchant marine.
From 1946 to 1966, he served as vice president and then president of the Hub, a chain of men's clothing stores owned by his family. He then sold the business and returned to practicing law.
Survivors include three children, three stepchildren, five grandsons and five great-grandchildren.
A service will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk.
Pastor, educator H.R. Clarke dies
Jan 16, 2002
Baptist pastor and educator Herman Randolph Clarke loved young people.
"He was encouraging kids to go to school and further their education, so they could come up from poverty," said a daughter, Dr. Ophelia Patterson of Mitchellville, Md.
Mr. Clarke, a former pastor in Goochland, Fluvanna and Louisa counties and a former teacher and principal in Goochland, Buckingham County and Richmond public schools, died Friday in a local convalescent center. He was 94.
He began his career in education teaching Sunday school and Bible school. "His mother always thought he would be a good teacher. She thought he had a way with words and books," Patterson said.
After graduating from Virginia Union University in 1932, Mr. Clarke taught at Boydton Bible Academy before joining Goochland Public Schools in 1935. In that school system, he was a principal and a teacher at Chapel Hill Elementary School and later at the Fauquier Training School. He also taught and served as a principal in Buckingham County from 1939 to 1942 and again from 1950 to 1955.
During World War II, he was hired to teach at Camp Holabird in Baltimore. Assigned to the 1342nd Special Training Unit, he was to take young illiterate black men who had been turned down for military service and bring them to a fourth-grade level quickly so they could serve in the military.
In 1961, Mr. Clarke was hired as a history teacher by the Richmond Public Schools. His students included tennis great Arthur Ashe and symphony conductor Isaiah Jackson. He spent most of that time at Randolph Junior High School before teaching at Maymont Elementary in 1970 and Bellevue Elementary in 1971, retiring the next year.
In the county schools where he taught, he was supervisor of college-bound students. In the Richmond schools, he also was known as a disciplinarian and father figure, his daughter said.
At the same time he was teaching, he also served as a Baptist minister. When he was about 19, he had felt a call to the ministry. He returned to VUU after completing his degree to take courses in theology.
He served as pastor concurrently for more than 10 years of Second Union Baptist Church in Goochland and County Line Baptist Church in Fluvanna. He also had led Galilee Baptist Church in Louisa County.
He was a founder of the Goochland County Ministers Conference and was a member of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond and Vicinity for 50 years.
He was married 42 years to Elmira Kenney Clarke, who died in 1979.
Survivors include another daughter, Frances Brown, of Richmond.
A funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1400 Idlewood Ave. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.
Dr. James L. Tramel Jr., agronomist, dies at 76
Oct 24, 2002
Dr. James L. Tramel Jr., the first director of what is now Virginia Tech's Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Blackstone, died Monday at age 76.
The Blackstone resident oversaw the establishment of the center, which opened in 1975, and continued to serve as its director until his 1990 retirement.
Formerly the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Experiment Station, the center was created with the consolidation of three smaller research stations. A continuing education center was added later during his tenure.
"He envisioned the whole thing and was the driving force behind it," said Dr. Jim Jones, recently retired director of the center. "He wanted to continue strong tobacco research and diversify the crops that could supplement tobacco."
A Pittsylvania County native, he became an instructor at the former Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1952 shortly after earning his bachelor's degree there. He was later an assistant professor of agronomy and in 1965 was named extension tobacco specialist.
Mr. Tramel earned a master's degree from VPI in 1955 and completed his doctorate at North Carolina State University in Raleigh in 1966.
Survivors include his wife, Hyler Newman Tramel; two daughters, Sally Hyler Tramel, of Philadelphia, and Laurale Tramel Collins, of Martinsville; three sisters, Lillian Apple, of Reidsville, N.C., Eva Mae Clark, of Danville, and Myrtle Wells, of Richmond; and two grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Blackstone.
BROWN
George Robert (Bob)
Brown Jr. of Richmond died June 16, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Louise (Lou) Brown; his sons and their wives, George Robert
Brown III and Shelia and David Garland
Brown and Linda; daughter and her husband, Barbara Lee Dearmon and Jerry; grandchildren, Robert O'Neal Dearmon, Stephanie
Brown Wingfield, LeeAnne Dearmon, Susan
Brown Scheerer, Roy Edward Slaughter, George Robert
Brown IV and Brandon David Brown; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Olivia, Katlin, Savannah, Drew, Sarah, Grayson and Isabelle. His remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Home's Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Road, where the family will receive friends Sunday (today) 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and where services will be held 2 p.m. Monday. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. For many years, Mr.
Brown was the owner and operator of
Brown & Sons Citgo Service Station on Lakeside Avenue.
DAVIS
Mrs. Janie Southard Davis, 85, of Mechanicsville, widow of Charles William Davis, died Saturday, June 16, 2001. She is survived by four sisters, May Bowles, Maude Kirby, Ruth Farmer, and Katherine Dunn; and a brother, George Southard. Friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee Davis Road, where services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. Interment New Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery.
