Obituaries Honoring Lives in Jarratt, VA

Jan 12, 2024

Virginia Mae Harrell Simmons, 103, died on Friday, January 12, 2024. She was born on November 14, 1920, to the late Joseph Bryan Harrell and Mattie Rebecca Jarratt; and was also preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Ernest Edward "Mac" Simmons, a son, Ernest Harrell Simmons; and her brothers, Bryan, Richard, Walter, and Freeman. She is...

Jan 7, 2024

Thomas Wade "Tommy" Poarch, 68, of Chester, VA, died on January 7, 2024. Though a longtime resident of Chester, "home" always included his beloved hometown of Jarratt, VA, which he visited often. Tommy was the son of the late Broaddus Wade Poarch and Inez Alice Yeattes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by many cherished...

Jan 7, 2024

Sunday January 7, 2024 Stuart Anthony Slagle Sr., 63 of Emporia received the checkered flag and headed to the winners circle.

Stuart lived a life in the fast lane from his single digit years. Before he was steady on his feet, he was hip deep in an engine compartment. If it had gears, he would know how...

Jan 6, 2024

Mrs. Yvonne Cifers Lynch, 70, of Chesterfield passed away on Saturdaay, January 6, 2024. She was the daughter of the late David and Margaret Cifers.

Yvonne is survived by her husband, E. C. Lynch, Jr.; two daughters, Nannette Lynch and Yvette Brown (James); two sons, Efride C. Lynch, III (Emily) and John Lynch (Megan); grandchildren, Reid Lynch,...

Dec 24, 2023

Onnie Lee Woodruff, 78, of Stony Creek, VA, took his last breath here and his first breath in Heaven on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He was born in Nash County, NC to the late William A. and Verna B. Woodruff. He was preceded in death by brothers, Daniel, Frank, Bill, Cecil, Charles “Tuck” and his sisters, Sue, Catherine, Betty...

Dec 4, 2023

Annie Virginia Starke Barnes (Virgie), 85, passed peacefully December 4, 2023 with her devoted children, Beth and Joe (III), by her side.  Virgie was the daughter of the late Wille and Annie Mae Starke.   Virgie was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Joe, and brother, John Starke.

Virgie is survived by her son, Joe...

Nov 19, 2023

Gary McDowell Rae, 55, of Emporia, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Rae and a brother, Gage Rae.

Gary is survived by his son, Dalton McDowell Rae; mother, Janice Drexler and stepfather, David Drexler; two brothers, Joseph Drexler (Megan) and Todd Drexler (Shanda) and a number of...

Nov 8, 2023

W. David McPherson, Sr., 69, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Rosa McPherson; daughter, Laura Russo; sons, David McPherson, Jr. (Bridget) and Wayne McPherson (Krystal Arnold); nine grandchildren, Joseph Russo, Alyssa McPherson, Zamari Turner, Noah McPherson, Marek Bates,  Dylan Diehm McPherson, Elijah McPherson, Kellan Arnold and Willow McPherson; five great-grandchildren, Zayd,...

Oct 29, 2023

Family, friends and Gentiva watched over God’s child, Nettie Geneva Owen Woodard as she departed for his permanent care on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Widow of William “Bill” Charles Woodard and last of maternal and paternal descendants, she leaves to cherish and carry memories her children, Janet, Donna, Sherri and Robert “Rob” (Terry) along with 10 grandchildren;...

Oct 28, 2023

Fred Helfrich, 87, of Emporia, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie Sue Helfrich. He was the owner of Fred’s Auto Parts and Main St. Motors in Emporia and has been a member of the community for over 40 years.

Fred is survived by a son, David Helfrich (Theresa);...

Oct 12, 2023

Mrs. Shirley Faye Black, 78, of Jarratt, formerly of Ashland, Al, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Earl and Leola McDonald and she was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Black; a step-daughter and her husband, Darlene and Tommy Tubbs; a great-grandson, Tanner Pallone and a brother, Willard McDonald.

Oct 6, 2023

Joyce Oliver Williams, 55, of Carson, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Oliver and a son, Wesley Goins.

Joyce is survived by her children, Dustin Williams (Amber), David Williams (Caitlynn), Taylor Ward (Michael) and Wade Goins; grandchildren, Bradley, Ella, Peyten, Paige, Kali, Paisley and Clover; her mother, Helen...

Oct 2, 2023

Mr. Lynwood Matthews, 67, of Emporia, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late June & Becky Matthews.

Lynwood is survived by his wife, Judy; son, John and his wife, Jessica; grandchildren, Cole and Kamryn; brother, James and his wife, Suzanne and he is also survived by...

Sep 29, 2023

Thomas Wesley Parson IV of Jarratt, Virginia, died on September 29, 2023, under hospice care.   Born in Petersburg, Virginia, on August 17, 1953, Tommy was a lifelong resident of Jarratt.  He was in the Class of 1971 at Brunswick Academy, Class of 1973 at Louisburg College where he later served on the Board of Trustees, and graduated from the...

Sep 26, 2023

Francis B. Drummond, 94, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wives, Eloise Newsome Drummond and Elsie Bennett Drummond.

Francis is survived by two sons, Bain Drummond (Debbie) and Gary Drummond; two grandchildren, Lauren Drummond and Brad Drummond.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 29...

Sep 23, 2023

Gene Corbet Lemocks, 86, of Stony Creek, VA went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 23rd at his home. He was the son of the late Earl and Sadie Lemocks, he was preceded in death by 1 brother and 2 sisters. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nina M. Lemocks, a devoted son,...

Sep 17, 2023

Stephen Tucker Redd, 37, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

He is survived by his son, Dosson Redd; daughter, Braelynn Redd and his mother, Beckie Powell.

He also leaves behind his beloved canine companion, Bree.

Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the...

Sep 17, 2023

Mrs. Dianne Barnes Fleming 73, of McKenney Virginia passed away Sunday, September 17, 2023.  She was the daughter of the late Robert Scott Barnes of Stony Creek, VA.

She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Roy Keith Fleming; daughter Kristi Thrift Porterfield (Stuart), two grandchildren Caroline Scott Porterfield and Stuart Miller Porterfield, Jr. all...

Sep 14, 2023

Andy Brown, 49, of Rocky Mount, NC, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Brown; his son, Erik Brown, three daughters, Arwyn Brown, Alyna Brown and Savannah Lee; his father, Ronald Brown; sister, Melissa “Missy” Carter (Danny); brothers, Ernie Brittle and Ernie Owens and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service...

Sep 12, 2023

Miss Patricia Ann Perkins, of Doodlum, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023. She was the daughter of the late George and Lucille P. Perkins.

She is survived by her sister, Estelle Kidd (Buddy) and a brother, George B. “G.B.” Perkins, Jr. (Georgette) and a number of nieces and nephews.

Interment will be private.

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