U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
THOMAS
Died April 7, 2002 Mrs. Elsie M. Thomas of 1100 Irby Dr. Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr., 2011 Grayland Ave. Funeral notice later.
THOMAS
Ray Baxter Hedley Thomas of Richmond, widow of Tyree Tilman Thomas, passed from this life on April 8, 2002. She was born May 14, 1906 in Danville, Va. Mrs. Thomas was raised in Ashland, Va., where she attended Henry Clay High School. Later, her family moved to Richmond, where her father, Dr. William Edward Baxter Hedley, was the first pastor of Ginter Park Baptist Church. Mrs. Thomas attended Longwood College. For years she studied with the internationally renowned Richmond pianist and composer, John Powell. For over 60 years she taught piano. She served as president of the Leschetizky Association of America (Virginia Chapter). Ray was a loyal member of First Baptist Church, the Tuckahoe Woman's Club and The Country Club of Virginia. For 57 years she was married to Tyree Tilman Thomas, president of the Electrical Equipment Company. Mrs. Thomas is survived by one daughter, Anne Baxter Thomas Hines and her husband, Robert Lee Hines Jr.; one granddaughter, Anne Hedley Thomas Hines Davey and her husband, Bernard Arthur Davey of Richmond; two grandsons, Robert Whitfield Hines and his wife, Jane Molster Hines of London and Lee Baxter Hines of Richmond; three great-granddaughters, Ashley Rawls Davey of Richmond, Anne Lillian Hines and Margaret Grace Hines, both of London; and her niece, Deborah Hedley Kendrick and family. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 in the Chapel of First Baptist Church. Interment in Hollywood Cemetery. Donations may be sent to First Baptist Church marked for the Television Ministry.
TURNER
Departed this life Sunday, April 7, 2002, Ira W. Turner Jr. of Chesterfield Co. Remains rest at the Mimms Funeral Home, 19th and Hull Sts. Funeral notice later.
WALKER
Ms. Carolyn V. Walker died April 4, 2002. She is survived by one sister, Pamela W. Key; three brothers, James, Vincent and David L. Walker, other relatives and friends. Remains rest at the Mimms Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held, Wednesday, April 10, 2 p.m.
WELLS
Marianna Wyatt
Wells of 11815 Goodwick Square, Richmond, departed this life April 6, 2002 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Mrs.
Wells was the daughter of the late J. Thompson Wyatt, former Commonwealth attorney of Petersburg, and his wife, Anna Hobson Wyatt. She is survived by her three loving children, Jane Berkeley Roberts of Chesapeake, Thompson Wyatt Goble of Richmond and David Hobson Goble and his wife, Penny of Atlanta, Ga.; and grandson, Andrew Berkeley Roberts of Chesapeake. Mrs.
Wells was a noted music educator in piano in Virginia for over 30 years. She was a member of the Virginia Music Teachers Guild, Richmond Musicians Club and Richmond Symphony Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a student of Hollins College and a graduate of Piano Performance of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Private ceremony to be held at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg.
WHITT
John H. Whitt Jr., 74, of Mechanicsville, died Sunday, April 7, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Ann Ford Whitt; one daughter, Kimberly W. Gunter and husband, George; one granddaughter, Katie; three sisters, Carol W. Taylor, Joan W. Gillen and Maxine W. Colley; and one brother, James M. Whitt. Mr. Whitt retired from AT&T Telephone Co. after 40 years of service. Remains rest at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where the family will receive friends Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., and where services will be conducted on Wednesday, April 10 at 2 p.m. Interment Signal Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 5001 W. Broad St., Richmond, Va. 23230 or the East Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 454, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.
WILLIAMS
Mrs. Rachel W. Williams, 93, formerly of 11 S. Morris St. departed this life April 6, 2002. Preceded by her son, Nathaniel E. Williams, she is survived by two daughters, Ruth W. Haggins and Edith W. Pace; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Carl L. Haggins; two daughters-in-law, two sisters-in-law, a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Her remains rest at the W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home, where her family will receive friends 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. After 10 a.m. Wednesday, her remains will rest at Providence Park Baptist Church, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Dr. Jerome C. Ross officiating. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
WINSTON
Robert (Bobby) Hershell Winston, 55, a retired employee of Reynolds Metals, departed this life April 5, 2002. He is survived by his daughters, Renee W. Johnson, Pamela W. Johnson, and LaToya Mayo; sons, Robert H. Winston Jr. (Charlene) and Jermaine Winston; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild; brother, Jesse Winston; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; cousins, two devoted, Alfred Winston and Robinette Allen; former wife and devoted friend, Carol T. Winston. His remains rest at the W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home, 2700 North Ave., where his family will receive friends Tuesday 6 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday 1 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church, 2801 Fendall Ave. Interment Roselawn Memory Gardens.
WRIGHT
Departed this life April 8, 2002, Mr. Nathaniel (Dad) Wright Jr., of 3307 Bunche Place. Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th Street. Funeral notice later.
Noah R. Tipton
Jul 28, 2003
Noah Ray Tipton, a former owner of 7UP Bottling Co. of Richmond who also held business interests in Florida and Alabama, died Wednesday at his Richmond home. He was 82.
The Tennessee native entered the soft-drink industry as a route salesman for the 7UP franchise in Richmond after World War II. At that time, his uncle owned the business and Mr. Tipton gradually moved up the ladder, in 1960 becoming president of the Richmond company as well as a chain of bottlers throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
In the years that followed, he acquired 7UP operations in Mobile, Ala., as well as Pensacola, Fla., where he had a second home and became involved in banking and civic work.
After selling the bottling businesses in the late 1970s, he maintained his office in the Scott's Addition section of Richmond until his death.
A decorated World War II pilot, Mr. Tipton continued his interest in aviation, owning three aircraft in his lifetime, including a Stearman biplane. For several years he also operated a small charter service, Davenport Airlines, out of Richmond.
During his Army Air Forces service, Mr. Tipton piloted a P-38 fighter plane and spent a year in a German prison camp after his plane was shot down near Berlin.
His awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
Mr. Tipton was a former board member of Dominion Bank in Richmond and held a number of civic positions in Pensacola, including board chairman of Baptist Health Care and a trustee's post at the Naval Aviation Museum.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Oglesby Tipton; two daughters, Linda Raye Alt of Kents Store and Margaret Emily Tipton of Ruther Glen; two brothers, William F. Tipton of North Muskegon, Mich., and Fred Lawson of Maryville, Tenn.; four sisters, Inez Calkin of Maryville, Tenn., Mary Ruth Maddox of Rockville, Md., Billie
Williams of Townsend, Tenn., and Betty Hayes of Indiana; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of River Road Church, Baptist.
John Tansey
Mar 20, 2001
First as a gravelly voiced, no-nonsense announcer and later as an editorial commentator who pulled no punches, John Bernard Tansey devoted his 50 years at WRVA Radio - half of them as general manager and vice president - to one thing: Richmond. His legacy as a broadcaster in Richmond and beyond amounts to far more than the sum of its parts.
"He made community service in radio almost a religion," said John Harding, a morning news anchor and former news director at WRVA, of the man who hired him. "Those of us fortunate enough to work for him were really just converts."
Mr. Tansey, who steered WRVA through decades as the top-rated radio station in the Richmond market and a nationally recognized example of community-based radio broadcasting, died Monday after a decade-long battle with cancer. He was 84.
A 1940 journalism graduate of the University of Florida, Mr. Tansey dreamed of a career as a newspaper reporter.
"I had a paper route when I was a kid, and I was editor of my high school newspaper," he said. So it came as somewhat of a shock when he found himself without offers after graduation.
He turned to radio, first helping to found the college's radio station. He was returning to Florida from a trip to New York when he stopped in Richmond and a friend and fellow WRVA legend, Ray Kennedy, encouraged him to apply at the station. He got the job.
Harvey Hudson, another WRVA alumnus who later was an announcer for rival WLEE, recalled his own thrill at competing against Mr. Tansey, whose vision for WRVA kept listeners coming back. He was "the man behind the gun," Hudson said.
"There's been a lot of talk recently about the end of an era with WRVA," Hudson said. "Well, this really is the end of an era."
Mr. Tansey hired Alden Aaroe, longtime WRVA morning announcer. He added "Millard the Mallard" to the station's cast of characters.
He was a pioneer of radio editorial commentary - well-researched and sometimes sharply critical of state and city political figures.
He "was always focused on fairness in news reporting, dedicated to public service and determined to make a difference in the greater Richmond region," said former Gov. Gerald L. Baliles, who found himself frequently in the bull's-eye.
Despite the occasional on-air barbs, Baliles and Mr. Tansey were friends. "Behind that sometimes gruff exterior beat the heart of a gentle spirit," he said.
WRVA staff members recalled both the gruff exterior and the gentle spirit.
"John Tansey was the toughest boss I've ever worked for," said Tim Timberlake, who departed WRVA just last week. "It took some growing up on my part to fully recognize his profound commitment to WRVA and the quality of the on-air product."
Mr. Tansey, who retired from WRVA in 1981, continued as a consultant at the station for 10 more years. He was recognized numerous times by the Richmond journalism community for his service.
Most recently, he received the George Mason Award from the Virginia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in 1998. He was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in 1986.
Mr. Tansey is survived by his wife, Shannon Hornor Tansey; three daughters, Quita Tansey Collins, Maureen M. Tansey and Colleen Tansey Keller; three sons, Michael S. Tansey and Kevin C. Tansey, all of Richmond; and two brothers, Robert Tansey of Washington and Bill Tansey of Windsor, Vt.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
CAMPBELL
Leonia Kines Campbell, 90, of Lottsburg, died August 15, 2001. She was the widow of Robert Booker Campbell and a member of Henderson United Methodist Church for 80 years. She was a graduate of St. Agnes Nursing School in Baltimore, Md. After receiving her certification as a registered nurse, and returning to the Northern Neck, she did private-duty nursing. Mrs. Campbell later worked for about 40 years at the Booker Clinic in Lottsburg for Dr. Robert E. Booker and his sons Dr. C. Leonard Booker and Dr. J. Motley Booker. She was well recognized by residents of Northumberland county and former patients of The Booker Clinic. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Robert Booker, Jr. and Doris Campbell of Aylett; four grandsons, Melvin, Jimmy, Bobby, and Ronnie Lowry; five great-grandchildren; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Francis and Burdelle Kines of Callao, Leslie and Lilly Kines of Farnham, and John and Norma Kines of Callao. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Henderson United Methodist Church, Hyacinth. Interment Melrose United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lottsburg. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Jones-Ash Funeral Home, Rainswood, Va. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Lancaster/Northumberland Chapter. P.O. Box 107, Irvington, Va., 22480.
COHEN
Rose Cohen, age 82, of Richmond, died August 14, 2001. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris. She is survived by her sister, Sophie Berger of N.J.; her two daughters, Beverly Simon and Maxine Della Fave and her husband, Rick; four grandchildren, Barry Simon, Rona Simon Goldstein, Damon Della Fave and Renard Della Fave; and one great-grandchild, Rachel Faith Simon. Rose was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and moved to Scranton, Pa. where she met her husband. They moved from N.J. to Richmond about 20 years ago. In 1987 she began volunteering at Henrico Doctors' Hospital, which she called her home away from home. She was an every-day volunteer for quite some time and loved every minute of it. She was involved in many assignments from flowers, information desk, and clerical work to becoming the Volunteer Manager of the Gift Shop. In 1989 she was Volunteer of the Year, and in 1990 she received the Always There To Care Award. In 1992 she received her five-year pin and in 1997 she received her ten-year pin. In 1995 she received the Dr. Frist Humanitarian Award, which is the highest honor a volunteer can receive, for someone who has demonstrated unusual concern for comfort and happiness of patients and extraordinary acts of kindness. Rose had earned more hours than any other volunteer in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.). In her 14 years at Henrico Doctors' Hospital she served a total of 36,963 hours of volunteerism. Her family and friends were very proud of her. Funeral services will be held at the Bliley Funeral Home's Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Rd., 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 17. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity or organization of your choice.
DARGINIS
Efigenia "Effie" Darginis, age 95, of Richmond went home to be with the Lord, August 13, 2001. She was the widow of Varsames "Bill" Darginis. She is survived by her daughter, Carrie Balderson and husband, Robert "Bobby"; her grandchildren, Effie Swanson and husband, Dean of Penryn, Calif., Bill Balderson and wife, Rhonda, Larry Balderson and wife, Nittiel, Danny Balderson, all of Richmond; 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Bliley Funeral Home's Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Rd. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park.
DAWSON
Walter Dennis Dawson, 68, of Tappahannock died Wednesday, August 15, 2001. He was a retired employee of Potomac Supply. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Brooks Dawson; his daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Tom Rogers of Warsaw, Faye and Wally
Johnson of Stafford, Diane DeLorenzo of Jacksonville, Fla.; his brother and sister-in-law, Fletcher and Lois Dawson; and five grandchildren, Ryan Wainwright, Ulrich, Kyle and Gavin Rogers and Lauren Palentino. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday in the Marks-Bristow Funeral Home, Tappahannock. Interment Essex Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 481, Tappahannock, Va. 22560.
DENOBLE
Victor John DeNoble Sr., 83, of Richmond, a master plumber for over 50 years, went to be with the Lord August 15, 2001. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Camela A. DeNoble; daughter, Carole DeNoble of Long Island, New York; son, Victor John DeNoble II of Newark, Del.; brother, Joey DeNoble of Stanton Island, New York; also three grandchildren, Steven, Jennifer, Victor III. Mr. DeNoble was a member of St. Edward's Knights of Columbus Council No. 6546 and a charter member of Elks of Valley Stream, New York. The family will receive friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, 12:30 p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. Interment 3 p.m. at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the St. Edward Church Building Fund.
DOSS
Floyd Lee Doss, age 91, of Mechanicsville, died Wednesday, August 15, 2001. Survived by two sons, Phillip L. Doss of Fuquay Varina, N.C. and Michael B. Doss of Mechanicsville; three grandchildren and one great-grandson; six sisters, Virginia Swain, Cora Wooldridge, Virgie Cassell, Viola Kelly, Pauline Glass and Cleve Travis. Remains rest at the Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, Shady Grove and 301, Mechanicsville, where the family will receive friends 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
FARRIS
Harold R. Farris, age 50, of Colonial Heights, Va., went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2001. He was a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, a dedicated Boys Scout Leader, decorated Vietnam veteran and was employed by Walmart Distribution Center. He is survived by his wife, Julie and two sons, Benjamin and Jeremiah, all of Colonial Heights. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall E. Farris and Muriel E. Corbin and brother, Brian Farris. He is also survived by brothers, Butch E. Farris, Kenneth T. Farris and Roger P. Farris and sisters, Marie Van Evera and Maggie Ruby. Surviving also are many family members and friends. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held Friday at 4 p.m. at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Children's Miracle Network.
FEARS
Mr. Clyde L. Fears of Mechanicsville died August 15, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Estrella; four daughters, Angela G., Taunia C., Nyoka J. and Wanda G. Fears; two brothers, Charlie and Carlton Fears; four sisters, Bessie Cook, Ollie Mayhew, Elizabeth Bomar and Joyce Peade; one grandson, Chris Slayton. Mr. Fears was a retired Henrico police officer. His remains rest at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where the family will receive friends on Thursday (today) from 6 to 9 p.m., and where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 17, 2001. Interment Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Angela G. Fears Educational Fund at the Richmond Academy, 3809 Patterson Ave., Richmond, Va. 23221.
FERGUSON
Lorenzo "Lo" Ferguson of Richmond entered eternal rest August 14, 2001. Professional services entrusted to the: A D PRICE FUNERAL HOME
HACKETT
Mildred L. Hackett, 75, of Sandston, widow of James Willard Hackett Sr., passed on to be with the Lord Monday, August 13, 2001. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Calvin Baldwin; one son and daughter-in-law, James W. Hackett Jr. and his wife, Mary, all of Richmond; grandchildren, Randy, Rocky and Roger Childress and Hope Hackett; and five great-grandchildren. Remains rest at the Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where the family will receive friends 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and where funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday. Entombment Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, Va., 23060.
