Obituaries Honoring Lives in Jarratt, VA

Feb 12, 2024

Betty Moore Gregory, 87, of Jarratt, Virginia went to meet her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 12, 2024.

She has been reunited with her husband of 66 years, Charles I. “Billy” Gregory, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie A. Moore and Elizabeth W. Moore; seven sisters, Lila, Carrie, Willar, Martha, Edna,...

Feb 8, 2024

Mary Florence Grizzard Proctor, 80, known to everyone as Polly, went to be with the Lord on Thursday February 8. Polly was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was predeceased by her parents Edgar M. Grizzard and Ruth Conn Grizzard as well as five brothers, Earl Grizzard, Frank Grizzard, Elmer Grizzard, Pete Grizzard, and Benjamin...

Feb 3, 2024

Mrs. Lynn Harrell Ramsey, 69, of Drewryville, went to her eternal heavenly home Saturday, February 3, 2024 surrounded by her family in her home.  She was daughter of the late Lester and Irene Harrell of Jarratt.

Lynn was a nurse and worked at the Emporia Hospital and retired from the Department of Corrections.  Her favorite title was...

Jan 28, 2024

Mr. Jackie Ray “Jack” McCaffity, 69, of Jarratt, Virginia passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was son of the late Clyde C. McCaffity and Oma B. McCaffity and he was also preceded in death by a son, James Ray “Jamie” Moore.

Jack is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Joshua McCaffity (Jennifer), Justin McCaffity, Christopher Butler...

Jan 22, 2024

Mrs. Amy Taylor Dianis, 60, of Emporia, passed away Monday, January 23, 2024 surrounded by her family after a short battle with bone marrow cancer. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Edward & Joan Smith Taylor.

Amy is survived by her husband of 33 years, Walter Dianis; daughter, Morgan Dianis (John Wachsmann); son, Daniel Dianis;...

Jan 19, 2024

Mr. Steve Bradley Bolton, 75, of Emporia, Virginia passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024. He was the son of the late Mary and Everett Bolton and was also preceded in death by a great-grandson, Walker Brooks Sampson and a sister, Diane Moore.

Steve was a graduate of SVCC and worked for the Department of Corrections as...

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...