U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
JOSEPH JARVIS HOWELL
Joseph Jarvis Howell passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in Suffolk, Virginia. He was born in Suffolk on November 4, 1928 and was predeceased by his father, Joseph John Howell, and his mother, Sallie Maie Parker Howell.
Joe’s vast career began as a Radio Engineer at WRNL, Richmond, Virginia, and was followed by his distinguished service in the Air Force as a Navigator and Bombardier.
A true “rocket-scientist, ” Joe began his amazing aerospace career by his pioneering contributions to America’s space program. He worked for NASA as a staff consultant to Werner Von Braun and his German rocket scientists in Huntsville, Alabama. Joe’s expertise was programming the rocket trajectories that placed the rockets on their proper path. These rockets included Explorer I, our first satellite, Juno II, our first moon probe, Mercury Redstone, our first manned space flight, Gemini Atlas, our first manned orbital space flight, and Apollo Saturn, our first manned mission to the moon.
During the Apollo program, Joe was a chief engineer who provided supervision during the operation of the Saturn Guidance and Launch Control Systems at the Kennedy Space Center. Following the Apollo program, Joe shared his knowledge with students as a professor of Physics at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where he taught Electronics and computer design.
Joe returned to NASA at the Langley Research Center where he served as a project manager during the development of the “Aero-assist Brake” which facilitates the space vehicle’s entry into the Mars atmosphere. Joe concluded his aerospace career as a Sensor Systems Branch Head at the Langley Research Center.
Joe and his wife, Doris, enjoyed their retirement while living at “The Villages” in Florida. His passions were travel, golf, and magic. As a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Joe was known as “the Great Fly-dini.” The “Great Fly-dini” opened several shows for famous magicians. He often said, “It’s a silent act, so I’m very comfortable, besides, at 77 years old, how can I go wrong?”
Jarvis is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Doris; his brother Raymond Parker Howell and wife, Billie Howell, of Boone, NC; his son, Joseph Jarvis Howell, Jr., and wife, Linda Howell; and their two daughters Heather Joe Widmer and husband, John Widmer of Birmingham, MI and Bonnie Lynne Howell and great-granddaughter, Skylar of Melbourne, FL; his daughter, Penny Birdsong and husband, Warren Lee Birdsong and their children Japheth Edward Saecker, Jr. from Lubbock, TX, and Christianna Saecker Johnson, and her husband Charles Benjamin Johnson of Suffolk, VA.
Graveside services will be held at Holly Lawn cemetery on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 1:00PM, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 in the Portsmouth Center at Lake Prince Woods, with a reception following. The Rev. Dr. Woodie Rae, Director of Spiritual Life at Lake Prince Woods will officiate.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following: Lake Prince Woods Spiritual Life Fund, 100 Anna Goode Way, Suffolk, VA 23434; or The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 W. Finney Ave., Suffolk, VA 23434.
R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
Mrs. Joanne Elliott Tanner
July 10, 1935 - November 15, 2003
Mrs. Joanne Elliott Tanner, age 68 of Chase City, died Saturday, November 15, 2003. She was a retired businesswoman and pianist. She was predeceased by a daughter Michele Tanner and is survived by her husband Franklin W. Tanner; two daughters Johnna Beth Tanner of Mystic, Conn. and Patricia Bromley of Morrisville, Vermont; a son Paul C. Tanner of Groton, Conn.; a sister Roberta Lachapelle of Sunset Beach, NC. and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted this month in Connecticut and later in Chase City.
Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
EUGENIE G. BYRUM
Eugenie Goodrich Byrum, 53, died October 21, 2011. She was the daughter to the late Fletcher and Nettie Goodrich. She was also predeceased by her sister Mary Wilkiins.
She is survived by her husband Tommy Byrum, Sr., children Tiffany R. Webb and husband Thomas of Emporia, Virginia, Tommy R. Byrum, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Tammy B. Whitson and husband Jonathan of Suffolk, VA; grandchildren Jacob Byrum and Hayden Byrum; brothers Fletcher Goodrich, Evan Goodrich and sisters Christie Prudnikow, Bonnie Byrum, and Wynee Montoya; special nephews and nieces Paul and Michael and Dana Williams and many other nephews and nieces and great nephew and nieces.
A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434 by the Pastor Ron Heath with burial at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, October 24, 2011 from 7-8 PM.
ANNIE BEADLES WILROY
Annie Beadles Wilroy, 89, died September 2, 2011 at Sentara Obici Hospital. She was the daughter to the late Carrie and Lee Carroll. She was predeceased by her husband’s Fletcher C. Beadles and L. H. Wilroy. She was an avid bridge player and she loved her church, home and family. She was a long time member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her son Fletcher Beadles and special friend Ophelia Crawford; sister Mary Walsh of Suffolk, VA; nephews David Walsh, Keith Walsh, Gary Walsh, and Bobby Carroll; and niece Fletcher Lee Carroll Conway.
A funeral service will be conducted Monday, September 5, 2011 at 11 AM in Main Street United Methodist Church, 202 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA by the Rev Myrtle F. Hatcher with burial in Cedar Hill cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, September 4, 2011 from 3 to 4 PM in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA.
The family would like to thank her long time care giver Mary White. They would also like to thank the staff and Doctors of Sentara Obici and Nansemond Point for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 202 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Mrs. Pattie Louise Temple Tudor
July 4, 1914 - October 27, 2003
Mrs. Pattie Louise Temple Tudor, age 89 of Bracey, died Monday, October 27, 2003. She was the widow of Samuel Coleman Tudor and is survived by her son and his wife Sam F. and Maude Tudor of Bracey; two granddaughters and their husbands Beth and Bubba Johnson of Chester, Wanda and Dean Smith of Courtland; three great grandchildren Sarah, Ashley and Tyler Smith; a step great nephew Austin Elmore; friends Hilda House and Rachel Wright. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Wednesday at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home with interment in Rehoboth United Methodist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 P. M. at the Funeral Home.
ELSTON L. BROWN
Elston Lee Brown age 73 went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2011. He was the son of the late Charles W. and Irene Brown. Mr. Brown has served as a pastor at the Chesapeake Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Deep Creek for the last 16 years. He previously held positions with Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls and CBN in Virginia Beach.
His survivors include his wife, Bonnie S. Brown; daughter, Charmaine McKinney and husband, Nathan, of Caldwell ID; son, Allyn Brown and wife, Kristen, of Suffolk; four grandchildren, Wesley Brown, Ally Brown, Melody Brown, and Kaj McKinney; brother, Paul Brown and wife, Joan; and a sister Nancy Hall of Osage Iowa.
We will miss our selfless, steadfast, and faithful God loving cowboy.
The memorial service will be held Thursday September 8, 2011 at 7:00pm at The Church of the Messiah 816 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake, Virginia. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Chesapeake Vineyard Christian Fellowship mission’s fund, address PO. Box 15128 Chesapeake, VA 23328-5128.
R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Mary Lilly Hutchinson
August 19, 1920 - November 18, 2003
Mary Lilly Hutchinson, age 83 recently of Palmer Springs, VA and formerly of Northern Virginia, died Tuesday, November 18, 2003 in Community Memorial Healthcenter. She is survived by two daughters Mary Lou Morrison of Palmer Springs and Susan Gleim of Fort Lauderdale, FL; a son Lamuel McRae Lilly of Shelby, NC; three sisters Minnie Bell Clark of Daniels, W. Va., Melva Sheehand of Newark, Del. And Martha Harper of Albuquerque, New Mexico; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday at Bethesda Baptist Church at Palmer Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 120 South Hill Avenue, South Hill, VA 23970. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
RUTH C. RANKINS
Ruth Carolyn Rankins, 84, passed away October 21, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Forrest R. and Elizabeth Dixon Sr. She was a manager of NRHA. Ruth was predeceased by her son, Arthur “Ricky” Rankins; sister, Vinetta White; and brother, William Dixon.
Survivors include her daughter, Ann-Rene’ Challenger and husband, Alvin, of Suffolk; brothers, Forrest R. Dixon, Jr. of Wilmington, DE, and James Dixon of Jacksonville, FL.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Mineral Springs Baptist Church, 4849 Mineral Spring Road, Suffolk by the Rev. Alan R. Hunt. The family will receive friends at the home of Ann-Rene’ Challenger on Friday, October 28, 2011 at 6:00 pm. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
SHIRLEY D. THOMPSON
Shirley Davis Thompson, 62, passed away January 10, 2011 at Sentara Obici Hospital.
Born in North Carolina, she is the daughter of Margie L. Robinson of Tuxedo, NC and the late Carl E. Davis.
Besides her mother, she is survived by her husband, Jerry R. Thompson; daughter, Adrian Lee Thompson of Newport News, VA; son, Shawn Thompson of Suffolk; brother Steve Davis of Tuxedo, NC; and grandchildren, Sommer Thompson and Sydney Thompson.
A funeral service will be conducted Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 4:00 pm by the Rev. Stewart R. McCarter in the R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St. The family will receive friends in the funeral home from 3 to 4:00 pm.
LYDIA ALLSBROOK EDWARDS
Lydia Allsbrook Edwards, 89, passed away January 18, 2011 in Sentara Obici Hospital.
Born in Scotland Neck, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jesse B. Allsbrook and Eva Smith Allsbrook and widow of James N. 'Nicky'¯ Edwards. She was predeceased by a sister, Marjorie Beck Johnson; brother, Jesse D. Allsbrook; and step-father, Walter F. Offer. She retired from General Foods Corp. and was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 3:30 pm in Holly Lawn cemetery by the Rev. Wayne Gardner. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of choice. R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
MARY M. APPLEBACH
Mary Applebach, born Maria Marolla on March 4, 1928 in Providence, R.I., passed away January 22, 2011. Her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Richard O. 'Dick'¯ Applebach, and her family were by her side at Lake Prince Woods in Suffolk.
Mary and Dick's many years together reflected a special love and fostered strong bonds in their immediate and extended families. They were among the first members of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Norfolk more than 50 years ago and, more recently, members of Suffolk Christian Church.
Mary enjoyed many lasting friendships around the area and was an avid bridge player for many years. Prior to moving to Suffolk, she resided in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, and also lived in cities around the nation and the world during Dick's military service.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincenzo and Angelina Marolla, and by four brothers and a sister. Left to cherish her memory are a brother, Dan Marolla and wife Jeanne of Providence RI; two sons, Charles Applebach and wife Sally of Virginia Beach and Richard Applebach Jr. and wife Janice of Charlotte, N.C.; her daughter, Maria Waters of Virginia Beach; and her grandchildren, Chris, Cliff, James, Bryan, Jared, Rachel and Emilee.
A funeral service will be conducted in Suffolk Christian Church on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with burial at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn cemetery, Norfolk, VA. The family will receive friends in the R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 604 Constance Woods Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434.
MARION AUSTIN CROSS, JR.
Marion Austin 'Mac'¯ Cross, Jr., 94, died January 23, 2011.A native of Suffolk he was a son of the late Evelyn H. and Marion Austin Cross, Sr. and was predeceased by a sister Mary Evelyn Cross Hayes and a brother Joseph Milton Cross. Mac served in the Navy in World War II. He was retired as President of Nansemond Grocery Co.
Mac received degrees from both MIT and Randolph-Macon College. In 1938 he worked the Richmond District for VEPCO in System Engineering Department and Commercial Engineering. March 1, 1942 he was assigned Plant Shops Superintendent Department in Portsmouth. In December 1942 he transferred to the Norfolk Naval Operating Station and in 1943 to the Berkley Ship Yard Group. In December 1944 Mac was transferred to Pearl Harbor as Naval Yard Electrical Ship Superintendent. Pearl Harbor was his second tour as commanding officer of a Floating Power Plant the JACONA. In 1946 he returned to Suffolk serving as Secretary and Vice-President and later President of Nansemond Grocery Co. Mac was a former Rotarian and a life long member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a sister, Emily Cross Jones of St. Augustine, FL and two brothers J. Frank Cross of Suffolk and Wilbur Rawles Cross of Winston-Salem, NC. Several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 PM at the graveside in Cedar Hill cemetery by the Rev. Robert J. Parks. Memorial Donations may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church 202 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434.
MARGARET LEE WILLIS
Margaret Lee Willis went to be with the lord on June 11, 2011. She is predeceased by her parents, Margaret G. Willis and Absalom G. Willis
She is survived by her sister, Sarah Hart W. Blair and husband William P. Blair of Suffolk, VA; brother, Edwin L. Willis and wife Joyce Y. Willis of Lignum, VA; nephews, Thomas W. Blair, Richard W. Blair and wife Elizabeth Blair; nieces Abigal W. Kearns and husband Brian and Jennifer Willis; great nieces and nephews, Virginia H. Blair, Will Blair, Brandon Kearns, Andrew Kearns, Parker Blair, Peyton Blair, Madison Blair.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lignum, VA. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory will be serving the family.
LINA S. EVANS
Lina Syble Evans, 95, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2011.
She was predeceased by her husband, Edison M. Evans; parents, Annie and William Taylor; her sisters Anne Holland and Mammie Britt; and brothers Frank Taylor and Wallace Taylor. She was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church, where she was a member of the Fellowship Club and Staley Circle. Lina retired from J.C. Penney in 1980.
She is survived by sons, Charles Evans and wife Bonnie of Chesapeake and James Evans and wife Debbie of Courtland; daughter, Brenda Asher and husband Ron of Virginia Beach; Sister Louise Taylor of Harrellsville; and six grandchildren Andrew and Ian Asher, Jennifer, Brian, James and Ashley Evans.
A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Christian Church by Rev. Dr. Reginald Warren with the burial to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. R.W. Baker and Company Funeral Home, 509 West Washington St. Suffolk, VA 23434, will be serving the family.
Memorial donations may be to Bethlehem Christian Church, 1549 Holland Road Suffolk, VA 23434.
Mr. Calvin James Jones
July 8, 1947 - November 2, 2003
Mr. Calvin James Jones, 56 of Brodnax, died Sunday, November 2, 2003 at his residence. He was a retired log truck driver. He was predeceased by his parents Elmo and Susie Wright and a special aunt Florence 'Flo' Clary and is survived by two sisters Connie W. Kanipe of Louisburg, NC and Dorothy Clary of Emporia, a brother Donnie W. Wright of Gasburg and a special aunt Maebell Jones of Brodnax. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday at Canaan cemetery, Brodnax. The family will receive friends at his home Tuesday night at 53 North Ave. Brodnax, Va.
PHYLLIS L. JONES
Phyllis Louise Jones, 49, passed away peacefully June 11, 2011 in her home.
She is survived by her mother, Peggy E. Scott and husband Sam Scott, Jr. of Suffolk; her fiancée and best friend, Mack Anchors; sons, Chase M. Jones and wife Macie of Chesapeake and Jack M. Jones III of Smithfield; sisters, Shirley Jones and husband Douglas, and Judy Dildy all of Suffolk; brother, Edward L. Vann of Wakefield; granddaughter, Caleigh M. Jones.
A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday June 14, 2011 at 2 PM in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street by the Rev. Ron Merry with burial in Holly Lawn cemetery. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Monday June 13, 2011 from 7 to 8 PM.
Memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen for the cure, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
BETTY COOPER SWARTZ
Betty C. Swartz passed away from this world into the arms of her Lord and Savior on June 9, 2011 at her home in Smithfield, Va. after an extensive battle with ovarian cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many in the community. During her extended illness the cancer would weaken her physically but her love of life and sharing God's goodness never faltered. She showed us how to live fully and courageously with difficult treatments and an unknown future. She loved life by spending time in the mountains of Covington, Va. in her cabin, which she called God's home and being with her wonderful family and friends. She was a member of Smithfield Baptist Church
Betty is survived by her husband, Michael W. Swartz, son, Jerry S. Gary, Jr. and his wife, Shari, all of Smithfield, Va., son, Jeffrey W. Gary and grandson, Cody Gary of Hampton, Va., her sister, Joan Gary and her husband, Harry Gary of Gloucester, Va. She is also survived by a Brother- In- Law, Eugene R. Swartz, Jr. and his wife, Vicki of Knoxville, Tn.
A memorial service will be conducted June 15, 2011, Wednesday, at 12 noon by Dr. Donald Rhoton in the Smithfield Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent De Paul Back Door Ministry, Newport News or Smithfield Baptist Church Homeless Shelter.
SHARON L. KING
Sharon Lee King, 68, passed away June 3, 2011 in Sentara Obici Hospital. She was the widow of Gerald King and the daughter of the late Paul and Rose Rosencrans. She is predeceased by her sister, Joyce Cox.
Sharon was a certified Sous Chef and a one-time Washington State Arm Wrestling Campion. She also lived her life the way she wanted to live.
Survivors include her sons, Dennis Neil Newcomb from Grayland, WA, Daniel Lyle Newcomb and wife, Tina, of Lucerne, CA; daughter, Debra Hartley and husband, Chris, of Suffolk; grandchildren, Amber, Christopher, Thomas, Nicholas, Dylan, and Brandon; brother, Gary Rosencrans and wife, Alberta, of Bermerton, WA.
A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Robert F. Cofield Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA, 23434.
