James "Jimmy" Franklin Thurston, 73, of Barboursville, Virginia departed this life peacefully in his home on Thursday, February 25, 2021. He was born on January 28, 1948, in Albemarle County to Robert and the late Lucille Thurston.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Thurston; his two brothers, Robert "Thurston Jr. and Clarence Thurston; grandparents, Willie and Dora Berkley, Robert and Isabella Belt; one uncle, Harry Swift; two aunts, Estelle Brown and Dorothy Harris.
Jimmy was a member of Union Run Baptist Church, Keswick, Virginia where he joined at an early age. He attended Petersburg training school. Jimmy retired from the University of Virginia after giving 40 years of service.
Jimmy leaves behind to cherish his memory his father, Robert Thurston Sr. and his sister, Clarissa Seay both of Barboursville, Virginia; one aunt, Pearl swift of Charlottesville, Virginia; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Union Run Baptist Church Cemetery.
Walk-through viewing will be held from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, 108 6th St. N.W.
The family would like to extend special acknowledgments to Barbara Luckett for her caregiving; and to Linda Dean and June Lewis.
Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Mary A. Steppe departed this life on Saturday, February 6, 2021, in Charlottesville, VA.
She was a loving and caring person. The one to make you smile. She enjoyed collecting and donating to help the veterans.
She was born in Charlottesville VA on February 8, 1948, to the late James and Lottie Steppe.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Estelle Thompson.
She is survived by three sisters, Sandy (Roger), Joan/Wayne, Marion/Diamonique; three brothers, James, Wilson, and Charles Steppe.
Funeral services for Mary A. Steppe will be private.
Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Thomas D. Carr 75, of Charlottesville, Virginia departed this life on Thursday, January 14, 2021. He was born in South Boston, Va. on July 27, 1945, to the late Willie and Nannie Carr. He was the beloved husband of Lillie M. Carr.
He worked as a car detailer and enjoyed watched "Gunsmoke" in his pastime. He was a devoted grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren and was affectionately known as "PaPa" to them.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lille M. Carr; a son, Stefon Carr of Charlottesville, Va.; two daughters, Antoinette and Danielle Carr of Charlottesville, Va.; a brother, Robert Carr of South Boston, Va.; a sister, Nannie Atily of Newark, N.J.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A walk-through viewing will be held from 12-6 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel. A private service will be held.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements. www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Jennie Mae Taylor Ford, 71, departed this life suddenly at her residence on December 21, 2020. She was born on September 17, 1949, in Exuma, Bahamas the daughter of Alonzo Taylor and Pleasant Munroe Taylor. She was the wife of the late George F. Ford Sr.
A daughter, Antoinette Johnson-Reckley preceded her in death.
Jennie was employed in several capacities in her career as a Telephone Operator, Housekeeper and as a CNA. She was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and served on the Usher Board.
She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Anita Saunders and Schimeka Johnson; three sisters, Eloise Rolle, Dolly Rolle, and Doris Rolle; three grandchildren, D'Angelo Griffin, Pleasant Green, and Constance Green; one son-in-law, Antonio Green; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, with the Reverend Lehman Bates II, officiating.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements. To send condolences to the family please sign our guestbook.
Bernice Helen "Peg" Thurston Redd, 75, of Charlottesville, VA died on December 13, 2020, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.
Born in Louisa, VA, she was the daughter of the late David A. Thurston, Sr. and Helen L. Harris Thurston.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James E. Redd and 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
She worked at Stromberg Carlson, General Dynamics and Comdial until its' closing. She was a faithful member of her beloved Ebenezer Baptist Church in Charlottesville until her health prevented her from attending. She was an excellent cook and loved to prepare big Sunday dinners for family and friends that stopped by.
"Peg" is survived by her one and only child a daughter, Jamesa Redd Hughes of Front Royal, VA; 4 grandchildren, Brandon Ellis (Nicky) of Charlottesville, Corey Ellis (Amy Ryan), Logan Thacker (Rebecca) all of Greene County, VA, and Brianna Thacker Wingfield (Joshua) of Fluvanna County, VA; a brother. Eldridge "Pete" Thurston (Jennie) of Charlottesville, VA; 4 sisters, Pastor Joann Brice of Kent Store, VA, Alice Christmas(Pastor Robert) of Louisa, VA, Geraldine Ragland (Esmo) Brooklyn, NY, and Karen Thurston of Charlottesville, VA; 10 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.
Walk-through viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Riverview Cemetery.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Diane Elizabeth Grooms. Diane departed this life on Saturday morning in her home on November 14, 2020, at 11:25 a.m. She was born in Troy, Va. on May 7, 1954, to the late Robert and Nancy Lee Grooms.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories her five children, Channel Jones of Scottsville, Va., Tanya Jones and her husband, Richard Jr. of Charlottesville, Va., Tamika Grooms of Keswick, Va., and Brian and Johnathan Grooms both of Charlottesville, Va.
A Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020, at Evergreen Bible Way Church, 1576 Evergreen Rd., Louisa, Va.
A walk-through viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2020, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.
Flowers may be sent to J. F. Bell Funeral Home; cards and condolences can be sent to 1658 Townwood CT., Charlottesville, VA 22901.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences online may be sent via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Edith Belle Jones Scott, 70, of Esmont, Virginia departed this life on Saturday, October 31, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones at her residence. She was born on August 28, 1950, a daughter of the late Robert McKinley Ayers and Cora Pauline Jones. She was the beloved wife of Reginald Scott.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mamie Chrystal Holland Bruce, 98, of Palmyra, Virginia departed this life at her residence on Sunday, October 1, 2020. She was born in Palmyra, Virginia on June 30, 1922, the daughter of the late John and Odie (Brice) Holland. She was the wife of the late Arthur Lee Bruce.
She received her formal education in the Fluvanna County Public Schools and was a graduate of the School of Cosmetology. She also completed Nursing and a Seminary Education. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide and Private Home Care Provider.
She was a member of the Eastern Star and several organizations within the churches to include Evergreen Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, and Galilee Baptist Church.
She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Arthur Jerome Bruce; a daughter, Sandra La Verne Bruce Patterson; one sister, Bertha Payne; a niece, Thelma Bruce; seven grandchildren, Regina Thomas, Sabrina Davis, Adrianne Patterson, Norma Patterson, Tanya Patterson, Malisha Patterson, and Andre Bruce; 24 great-grandchildren, LaToya, Danielle, Taron, Shanelle, Kesean, Rahsean, NaQwan, Jarell, Chynice, Tiesha, Dante, Javon, Whitney, Justin, Hasan, Shakur, Javil, JaQwele, Jalisha, Jahzel, Caleb, Zoey, Jaziah, and Janell; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020, at the Holland Family Cemetery, Palmyra, Virginia.
A walk-through viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Alexander "Rocky" Anderson, Jr., 60, of Charlottesville, Virginia went home to be with The Lord on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
Rocky was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on July 28, 1960, he was the son of the late Alexander Anderson, Sr. and Ella Parson Anderson.
Rocky is survived by his children, Dwayne Anderson, Montina Anderson, Alexzander Anderson, Asher Anderson, and Andre Anderson. His siblings, Jerome Parson, Goldie Walton, Vincent Samuels, Tony Anderson, Diane Anderson (Frank), Robert Anderson, and Lisa Garner (Harry); his grandchildren, Ja'zel Anderson and Zyheem Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rocky went to Charlottesville City Schools. He loved fishing and listening to music (reggae and oldies were his favorites). Rocky's favorite football team was the Washington Redskins.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm Monday, August 17, 2020, at Washington Park with Pastor Lehman Bates, II of Ebenezer Baptist Church, officiating.
A Walk Through Viewing will be held from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.
The family of Rocky wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Pastor Bates as well as the doctors and nurses at the University of Virginia Medical Center and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. The family would also like to thank everyone that has expressed their condolences during this time.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
NOTICE ELSTON "CLIFF" CLIFTON YOUNG
Elston "Cliff" Clifton Young, 85, of Charlottesville, Virginia died on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the Hospice House.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Diane Elizabeth Anderson departed from this life to death on Monday, April 27, 2020, at her residence. She was born in Baltimore, Md., on July 6, 1957, to the late Charles and Fannie Byrd Chesley.
She was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church and later joined Living Water Christian Center. She graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1975. She was employed by The Omni Hotel for many years.
Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Ronnie Anderson, a sister; Deborah Chesely as well as her grandparents.
Her loving memories will be cherished by her two sons, Keith Chesley, Jonathan Barnes, and a special son, Nathaniel Gardner; four grandsons, Jabari, Malik, Josiah and Jadien all of Charlottesville, Virginia; two brothers, Charles "Leon" (Deborah) of Ruckersville, Virginia and Rodney "Ronnie" of Utah; six aunts and uncles, Annie Rose Dickens of Philadelphia, PA., Virginia Davis (Donald) of Cambria height, NY., Agnes "Aunt Ray" Coletraine of Charlottesville, VA., Shirley Wells of Berkley, Missouri, Barbara, Shirley, and Gregory all of Baltimore, MD; and other extended family and friends near and far.
Special thanks to her devoted caregivers Lena and Shanice. As well as the staff of UVA Hospital.
She will lie in repose from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Mrs. Oweeda Wyoming Jackson, age 81, departed this life on March 31, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia to join her belated husband Thurmond Jackson with our Heavenly Father. She was born on January 25, 1939 in Nelson County, Virginia to the late Docia (Durette) and Will Folley; she lived in Charlottesville, Virginia most of her adult life. She was a Sister at Charlottesville Church of Christ for many years.
Oweeda was known as a strong maternal figure for her family and all of those around her. Mrs. Jackson always lent a hand or her home to those who were in need out of the kindness of her heart. She leaves behind an extensive family who will fondly remember her.
Oweeda was preceded in death by her husband, Thurmond Jackson; dear son, Rickey Lee Folley; and her sisters, Geneva Folley and Gertrude Goodwin.
Left to continue her legacy on this Earth are her son, Harold Folley Sr. and daughter-in-law, Susan; sisters, Joyce Burton and Sterling Allen; grandchildren, Maurice, Harold Jr., Chris, Adrian, Rickey, Danielle, Aleisha, and Airea; and two devoted nieces, Patchell and Margie. She also leaves behind a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other beloved family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery, Charlottesville. She will lie in repose from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home, Inc. 108 Sixth St. N.W.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Lacy L. Weeks, 64, of Earlysville, Virginia died on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Covenant Church, 1025 Rio Road. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services.
Yvonne T. Carey, 78, of Louisa, Virginia departed this life on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at a local nursing home. She was born in Louisa, Virginia on July 4, 1941, a daughter of the late William L. and Marmon Boone Johnson. She was preceded in death by her first and second husband the late Spencer Thurston and Linwood Carey.
A daughter, Frederica Thurston also preceded her in death.
She had a special gift and passion for cooking and loved spending time with her family.
She leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Louise Hubert of Louisa, Virginia; a number of nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Foster Creek Baptist Church, Louisa, Virginia, with Pastor Michael R. Crawley, Jr., officiating. Interment will follow in the Johnson Family Cemetery, Louisa. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the services.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Gerald "Jazmynn" Lee Thomas, 52, of Charlottesville, Virginia departed this life on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Jazmynn was born on August 16, 1967, to the late Woodson Lewis Frye, Sr. and Diane Thomas. Jazmynn was preceded in death by a sister, Violet C. Lewis.
Jazmynn loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Jazmynn's survivors include a brother, Troy Thomas of Richmond, Virginia; three sisters, Robin Hardy, Antoinette Hardy, and Patricia Carrington of Charlottesville, Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at the Haven, 112 West Market Street. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Barbara Ann (Medley) Cotton, 74, of Charlottesville--a faithful believer in her savior Jesus Christ departed this life on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at the University of Virginia Hospital. She was born July 29, 1945, and spent her early childhood in Aroda, Virginia, before joining family in Charlottesville.
She attended Burley High School in the early 1960s. After marrying and residing in Washington, DC for a period of years, she relocated to Denver, Colorado, eventually remarrying and making the Rocky Mountain state her home for more than 20 years. Her security career included working at Denver International Airport followed by Reagan National Airport as a TSA agent, and with the University [hospital] as a security officer for 10 years until her retirement.
Survivors include her mother, Myrtle M. Dillard; her children, Isabel Wright (Jonathan) of Earlysville and Maurice Jackson of Charlottesville; her siblings, Doris, Vernett, and Roy Dillard; her grandchildren, Ashley Williams, and Markell and Teyhana Jackson; Two Great Grandsons, William and Aiden; and a host of cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Virginia Louise (Lou) Medley and her stepfather Grafton W. Dillard, Jr.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2019, at Oakwood Cemetery. In the event of snow or rain the memorial service will be held at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Mary Elizabeth Rush, 74, of Esmont, Virginia departed this life on November 27, 2019, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. She was born in Albemarle County, Virginia on December 24, 1944, a daughter of the late William Morris and Hazel Rush. She was the wife of Walker Lee Rush.
She received her formal education in the Albemarle County School System. She was a homemaker and an active member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church serving as a member of the Deaconess Board.
A son, Walker Rudolph Rush; a daughter Sherilyn D. Rush Rogers; a brother James R. Rush; and a sister-in-law, Marion Rush preceded her in death.
In addition to her husband Walker Lee Rush she leaves to cherish her memory four sons, Walker B. Rush, Kevin L. Rush, Lyndell A. Rush, and Prentice L. Rush; two daughters, Aretha P. Rush and Francelia T. Rush; six grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, 8825 Chestnut Grove Road, Esmont, Virginia. Interment will follow in the church Cemetery.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be rendered to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com
Janet Sims, 72, of Greenwood, Virginia departed this life on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. She was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 8, 1947, daughter of the late Elgie and Dora Jones-Sims.
A brother, Elgie Sims, Jr. preceded her in death.
She was a graduate of Jackson P. Burley High School. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Greenwood, Virginia from an early age and remained very active in all aspects of church life. She enjoyed participating in sports and was an avid sports fan.
She leaves to cherish her memory 2 sons, Robert Sims, Sr. and Antione Sims; a daughter, Rochelle Sims; a brother, Stuart Sims; 4 sisters, Loretta Dickerson, Nancy Diggs, Catherine Sims, and Etta Woodfolk and husband, Charles; 8 grandchildren, Gabriella Morris, Tianna Brown, Robert Sims, Jr., Jada Sims, Deven Sims-Sandridge, Devonta' Sims-Sandridge, Jalen Sims, Aniyah Sims; 3 great-grandchildren, Bella Johnson, Bryson Johnson, Brelynn Johnson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Many thanks to Ananda Kablack, a very good friend.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Greenwood, Virginia, with the Reverend Dr. Stanley Woodfolk officiating.
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be rendered to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com