Coles, Lemons, Meekins, Williams, Winfree, Woodson Family
Cousins Cruise
© 2023 by Marla D. Woodson
The Ronald A. Meekins Sympathy Card Project
For many, many years, Ron has been sending sympathy cards to survivors of family, only if we have a valid mailing address on file. He is our National Executive Committee Chaplain and enthusiastically continues to bring warmth during a very trying time in their lives.
Known Family Deaths
Dr. Clariece E. Morris
Age 83, passed away October 2024 in Georgia. She was the daughter William M. Morris and Veora E. Smith, granddaughter of Reavy L. Morris, great granddaughter of William H. Morris and Vera J. Streater, great-great granddaughter of Major and Mildred Morris, and great-great-great granddaughter of Nannie Meekins and George Morris.
Hannah Meekins Blizzard
Age 94, passed away in New Jersey October, 2024. Originally from New Kent, VA., she was the daughter of Saunders E. Meekins and Marie R. Winfree, and granddaughter of Oliver Meekins and Redelia Edwards, William Winfree and
Sallie S. Wickham
Sarah Ann Meekins Graves
Age 83, died September 2024 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Robert Hall Meekjns and Alice Lee Jones, and granddaughter of
Lemco Meekins, Sr.
Fannie Wesley Burrell
Age 99, died September 2024 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Charles and Maria Cooper Wesley, granddaughter of John Wesley, great granddaughter of Sally Earves and great granddaughter of Emeline Earves.
Charles Henry Beavers, Jr.
Age 81, passed away in Richmond,Virginia on 9-17, 2024. He was the son of
Mary Mickins (Meekins) Beavers (who passed away 8-21-2024), grandson of Robert N. Mickins (Meekins) and great-great grandson of
James P. Meekins.
Mary Mickins (Meekins) Beavers
Age 99, passed away August 21, 2024 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Robert N. Mickins (Meekins) and great granddaughter of James P. Meekins.
Mary Mickins (Meekins) Beavers
Age 99, passed away in Richmond, VA. She was the daughter of Robert N. Mickins (Meekins) and great granddaughter of James P. Meekins.
Charleston Russ Saunders
Age 70, passed away August 21, 2024 in Pennsylvania. He was the son of Ernestine and Charles R. Saunders, and grandson of Margaret E. Woodson
Ameen Abdul Khabir
Passed away August 2024 in Pennsylvania. He was the husband of Annetta Faust. Annetta is the daughter of Jean Faust, granddaughter of Deliah Easton Crump, and great granddaughter of
Laura Meekins Crump.
Shireese M. Street
Age 47, passed away August 4, 2024 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Shirley and William L. Street, Jr., granddaughter of Florence and William L. Street, Sr., great granddaughter of Laura Lewis and William T. Street, and great-great granddaughter of London Lewis and Eliza J. Winfree.
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Ronald Harding Shivers
Age 76, passed away in Maryland July 2024. He was the husband of Alma Woodson Shivers. Alma was the daughter of Edward F. Woodson, Sr. and great granddaughter of George F. Woodson.
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KingDavid S. Meekins, Jr.
Age 26, passed away July 26, 2024. He was the son of KingDavid S. Meekins, Sr. and Desiree Jackson, grandson of John C. Meekins, and great grandson of
Washington Meekins
Krystlyn Monae Davis
Passed away July 7, 2024. She was the daughter of Courtnee T. Meekins and Chris Davis, granddaughter of Charles W. Meekins, and great granddaughter of
Charles H. Meekins
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Aretha Marleen Meekins
Age 55 died on June 15, 2024 in Virginia. She is the daughter of Rosemary Meekins and William Graves, and granddaughter of Robert Hall Meekins
Donald H. Jones
Age 82, passed away June 11, 2024 in Virginia. He was the son of Carrie Lemon and Christopher Jones, grandson of Susan A. Meekins
William Lee Meredith
Born December 24, 1957, he died on April 28, 2024. He was the son of Pernell and Robert J. Meredith, Sr., grandson of Jake L. Meredith, great grandson of
Patrick Meredith and Deliah Meekins
Chukell Smalls
Passed March 26, 2024, in New York, NY. She is the mother of Janera Smalls. Janera is the daughter of Eugene J. Roper, granddaughter of Shirley Roper-Davis, great granddaughter of Eugene T. Roper and Helen P. Daniels, great granddaughter of Benjamin Daniels and Helen A. Jackson, great great granddaughter of Annie Lee Meekins.
Wanda Michelle Lemon Blackburn
Age 59, died on March 19, 2024, in Virginia. She was the daughter of Jean lemon Dixon and Gene Cowles, granddaughter of Laura Lemon, great granddaughter of Susan A. Meekins
Roy Hamilton Burson, Sr., age 67 passed away March 5, 2024, in Virginia. He was the husband of Della Harris, who is the daughter of Thelma Lemons Harris, granddaughter of Christopher Lemons, great-granddaughter of Lemuel S. Lemon and Catherine Bowman and Vollie Lewis and Lucille Meekins.
Our beloved Richard Thomas Forchion
Age 80, gained his heavenly wings on February 20, 2024, in NJ. He was the son of Bernice Meekins Forchion and Willian D, Forchion, Jr., and grandson of Ellen Lawrence Meekins and Osie Belles Meekins.
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John B. McClendon
Age 59, passed away February 20, 2024 in Delaware. He was the husband of Rhonda D. Carter, who is the daughter of Yvonne Neal and granddaughter of Yvonne V. Crump Palmer.
Donald Duane Terrell, Sr.
Age 74, passed away February 9, 2024. He s the father of
Antoinette L. Barker. She is the daughter of Virginia Barker, granddaughter of Lawrence R. Barker, Sr., great granddaughter of William H. Barker., Sr., and Lillian B. Meekins
Brenda Neal
Age 77, passed away February 6, 2024, in Pennsylvania. She was the wife of Barry C. Neal. Barry is the son of Yvonne Crump Neal and Clifton Neal, grandson of Deliah Easton Crump and Wilton C. Crump, great grandson of Laura Meekins Crump and Collier Crump.
Anna Bernice Bowman
Age 91 passed away January 12, 2024, in Virginia. She was the daughter of Joseph S. Bowman and Carrie Lewis, granddaughter of Anna H. Williams and Richard Lewis, and great-great-granddaughter of Jones Williams and Mary Wilkerson
Dorothy Althea Brown
Age 75 passed away December 30, 2023, in Virginia. She was the daughter of Lelia R. Meekins Brown and Stanley F. Brown, granddaughter of Saunders E. Meekin and Marie R. Winfree, great granddaughter of Redelia Edwards Meekins and Oliver Meekins.
Ellen D. Norris Parham,
Age 63 passed away December 11, 2011, in New Jersey. She was the daughter of Merteen Bowen Norris and John Norris, Jr., granddaughter of Daisey Bell Meekins and Frank Bowen, and great granddaughter of Harry O. Meekins, Jr. and Merteen Booker.
Vernon T. Robinson
Born June 11, 1945, Vernon passed away December 6, 2023, in Maryland. He was the son of Benjamin W. Robinson and Minnie Rosa Pinckney Robinson, grandson of Susie B. Meekins and Edward S. Robinson, and great grandson of Clairborne Meekins and Blanche Holmes.
Elaine Maria Meekins Pleasant
Age 66 passed away October 25, 2023, in Virginia. She was the daughter of James N. Meekins, Sr. and Marie Thompson, granddaughter of Clarence S. Meekins, Sr. and Elizabeth Hopkins and great-granddaughter of John O. Meekins.
Felicia M. Meekins passed away in Virginia September 19, 2023 at the age of 59. She was the daughter of Clara Meekins and Bobby Braxton, granddaughter of Judy White and Curtis Meekins, Sr., great granddaughter of Lemco Meekins, Sr. and Sarah Williams Meekins.
Helen Marie Williams Crawford Meekins
Passed away at the age of 81 on August 14, 2023 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Helen and McNeil Williams.
Pedro Antonio Benitez, III
Age 38, passed away in Maryland on August 2, 2023. He was the son of Theresa Bowen Benitez-Fuentes, grandson of William R. Bowen, great-grandson of Daisy Bell Meekins and great nephew of Mary Bowen Jones.
Michael O’Neal Akrie, Jr.
Passed away on July 22, 2023 at the age of 32 in Virginia. He was the son of Michael O’Neal Akrie, Sr. and Mary B. Akrie, grandson of Roy L. Akrie, Sr., and Martha O. (Bunny) Braxton Akrie. And great great grandson of Roy John Akrie and America Lemons.
Elmore Sydney Meekins, Jr.
Passed away on July 23, 2023, in Virginia at the age of 66. He was the son of Elmore Sydney Meekins, Sr. and Helen L. Morton Meekins, grandson of Lillian C. Christian Meekins and Thomas E. Meekins.
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Philip Garcia
Passed away July 21, 2023, at the age of 73 in California. He was the son of Bertha S. Williams Garcia and Gerard L. Garcia, Sr., grandson of Martha E. Winfree Williams and William S. Williams.
Samba Goldin
January 19, 2002-June 10, 2023
Passed away at the age of 21 in Prague, Czech Republic.
His life, as he wrote it, in his application for The Emma Woodson Hill Memorial Scholarship Award Application - 2021 and on a c.v. - 2022
Residence: Velká Chuchle 2224, Prague-CZE
Parents: Ephraim Eli Goldin, Lucie Goldin nee Vrankova
My place in our family tree.
· Son of Ephraim Eli Goldin
· Grandson of Shirley Mae McCoy and Harold Aaron Goldin
· Great grandson of Eli McCoy and Catherine Lorraine McCoy nee Meredith
· Great-great-grandson of Samuel and Maria Bicker Coy
· Great-great-great grandson of Daniel and Martha Meekins Coy
· Great-great-great-great grandson of Claiborne and Parthenia Osborn Meekins and Simon and Peggy Coy,
· Great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Billy and Sallie Osborn.
High school: Selective Gymnasium of Ota Pavel in Prague, CZE
A. Accomplishments (awards, honors, etc.)
· Many gold medals in Judo in my weight category (2006-2012).
· Two times best big band winner - drummer - of the CZ.
· Completed my CAE and got a C2 level certificate.
B. Special abilities, skills, and talents
· Bilingual speaker of Czech and English
· Played for the men’s A-team in TJ Sokol Lochkov soccer club
· Played in the Smiling Drum Band of the Adolf Voborský Music School
· Played drums and other percussion instruments in the junior and senior Big Band of Adolf Voborský Music School
· Member of an indie-rock band that plays at many student festivals.
· Actor in two Netflix production films (Army of the Dead: Meanwhile in Germany, White Bird) and the HBO film, OSLO, in the past year
· Do commercial photo shoots and modeling
· Occasional actor in TV commercials
· Produce music.
· Design clothes.
C. Extra-curricular activities
· Hip hop music & rap production.
· MMA and boxing
· Art in general
Professional Goals
As my skill set is mostly backed by social science aptitude, I strive to work in HR, management or film/music industry. I’d love to travel as much as possible in order to expand my social network. I want to work part time after I graduate in order to support myself and my hobbies as a music producer and to pay my travelling expenses. Travelling the world, understanding other cultures and gaining insight into how other people live and think would be the most valuable asset for my future life. All this while I get degrees in HR, management and education.
IV. Personal Statement Paragraph As both my parents are musicians, I’ve always loved music. But my grandparents here in Prague made sure I put education first. That’s why I want to make the best of both, use it to my advantage and pursue both in my career life. I’ve always had many friends, with a good stable social surrounding. That’s why I aim towards humanities in education and working with other people. I wish to become a person who helps people understand and use their full potential.
WORK HISTORY:
● 2018-2019 Worked for MALOSTRANSKÁ BESEDA (Historic theatre and concert club in Prague) distributing leaflets throughout the city centre.
● July 2018 Worked for a private gardening service.
● School mediated volunteer work with the homeless and those in need.
STRENGTHS, QUALIFICATIONS and further information:
● Born January 19, 2002 in Prague, Czech Republic. Canadian and Czech citizenship
● Fluent in both English and Czech.
● Judoka since 2005, won 2nd place in state championship in my age and weight category.
● Drummer since 2011- placed 2nd in state championship of drum groups in 2016. Placed 1st in the state championship of Big Bands and Jazz orchestras in 2017.
● Play soccer since 2013 for Lochkov Football Club. Currently a starting forward for both the club’s Men’s A-team also for the under-18 team.
● Actor in various school plays
● Good communication skills and work habits; well mannered.
● Assist in caring for two younger brothers with cooking, babysitting, pick up from school and extra-curricular activities.
Angela Denise Meredith Palmer
Our 57 year old beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was called from her earthly journey unto her heavenly reward on Friday, June 9, 2023. She was born on May 1, 1966, the daughter of the late Robert Meredith Sr. and Pernell White Meredith. She was also raised and nurtured by the late Sophronia and Edward Olvis, and the late Henry Atkins.
A lifelong resident of the Williamsburg community, Angela was educated in the public school system graduating from Lafayette High School. She was employed as the Cafeteria Manager at Laurel Lane Elementary School and as a Café Manager for WaWa Convenience Stores.
On July 29, 1989, she was united in holy matrimony to Joseph Palmer Sr. This union was blessed with three wonderful children.
Angela loved the Lord. She was baptized at Runnymeade Holiness Church in Elberon and recently fellowshipped with Bibleway Baptist Church in Surry.
Angela loved traveling, attending church, but most of all she loved family. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s basketball games and any occasion for family and friends to gather. She was the “Rock” of the family who was passionate, loving, and supportive. She will forever be loved and missed by all.
She was also preceded in death by her sisters, La.Faith Graves, Michelle Olvis, and Madeline Olvis; brothers, Carl Meredith and Thomas Meredith; and great-niece, Journey Olvis.
Her memories will eternally be cherished by her children, Michael Palmer, LaToya Palmer, and Joseph Palmer Jr.; nephews who she considered as her own children, Bryant Olvis and Anthony Olvis; grandchildren, Mikhayla Davis, Yasmin Satchell, Phenix Palmer, Mikingh Palmer, Justice Palmer, Arianna Palmer, and Hedaia Palmer; sisters, Sharon Smith and Shelly Miles (Lonnie); brothers, Robert Meredith, Louis Meredith, William Meredith, and Robert Butler; special friends, Celestine Winnegan, Zakena Castelonia, Sheila Heard, Ernestine Heard, Eddie Walker, and Christopher Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A service celebrating Angela’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at Williamsburg Community Chapel. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Immediately following the service, there will be a horse-drawn hearse procession from Highland Park to Cedar Grove Cemetery. Ms. Palmer may be viewed on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
Angela was also the granddaughter of Jake Meredith and great granddaughter of Patrick Meredith and Deliah Meekins.
Norma Odessa Tyler Puryear Daniel, age 76 passed away May 30, 2023.
She was the daughter of Estelle Woodson and Norman Tyler, granddaughter of William Woodson and Elizabeth B. Meekins, great granddaughter of Samuel S. Woodson, Sr. and Alice S. Williams, Washington Meekins and Phillis Twine. Funeral services were private.
Roosevelt M. White
On May 5, 1934, a remarkable soul was born into the world, bringing with him an abundance of loyalty, love, and elegance. Mr. Roosevelt M. White, the beloved son of the late John White Sr. and Elsie Barrow Winn, graced the town of Zachary, Louisiana, with his presence. As the youngest of seven children, Roosevelt embraced the values of discipline and strength, becoming the unwavering pillar of his family. He carried this strength with him throughout his life, remaining steadfast in his loyalty to those he held dear.
After graduating from Southern Laboratory High School, Roosevelt received his Bachelor's Degree in Business from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Roosevelt honorably served his country with the U.S. Air Force. He retired after twenty-four years of service as Master Sargent Roosevelt M. White. While serving, Mr. Roosevelt met the one and only love of his life, the former Norma V. Taylor (Daughter of Gertrude V. Meekins, granddaughter of Lemco C. Meekins). The two were united in holy matrimony on June 30, 1959, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Now, as Mr. and Mrs. White embarked on their lifelong journey as soulmates, they were blessed to welcome baby Kevin Preston White Sr. into the world. Enveloping an unwavering, devoted love into their child, Mr. and Mrs. White created the family they desired. Roosevelt's devotion to his family knew no bounds and as he created an atmosphere of unity, love, commitment, and compassion for his family, it flowed out into the community and continues to touch the hearts of all whom he encountered.
Roosevelt was the embodiment of a classy gentleman. His impeccable sense of style and attention to detail left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Souly invested in his church New Zion Baptist Church, Mr. Roosevelt became the member and president of the Brotherin Corleo Mens Choir. He loved his God and loved his church family. A dedicated and loyal member of the Williamsburg Mens Club and DAV Chapter, Mr. Roosevelt leaves a lasting legacy. From his tailored suits to his polished shoes and many hats, physical and personal he exuded an air of sophistication that mirrored his kind and gentle nature. His refined elegance was a reflection of his character—a man who approached life with dignity, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As we gather to bid farewell to a loyal husband, a devoted father, and a remarkable gentleman, we honor the profound legacy of Mr. Roosevelt M. White. He is survived by his only son, Kevin Preston White Sr.; grandson, Kevin Preston White Jr.; granddaughter, Dejah Brown; nieces, Leslie Williams of Virginia, Elsie Johnson Carr and Cheryl Whiten, both of Louisiana; nephews, Lloyd Johnson Jr. and Donald Johnson, both of Louisiana; best friends, Charles Nettles of Louisiana, James Chapman, Lloyd Wallace, Jerry Phillips, and Charles Morris, all of Virginia; sister-in-law, Patricia Fish and family, Sohn Smith, Brent Smith, and Cheryl Smith, all of Atlanta, GA; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
May Mr. Roosevelt M. White rest in eternal peace, finally reunited with the love of his life Norma V. White, his siblings, Joe Louis Winn, Ella Winn, Emily Winn, Mary Winn, John White Jr., Phoebe White Jackson, and Octavia White Johnson, and parents, John White Sr. and Elsie Barrow Winn.
Mr. Roosevelt, you have done well, and your legacy will forever live on!
A service to celebrate his life will be held at Noon Saturday, May 27, 2023, at New Zion Baptist Church. Live stream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment with full military honors to follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Roosevelt may be viewed from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
May 5, 2023
Irma F. McGriff (Woodson)
Irma Fanny McGriff, 97, of Lithia Springs, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. She was born on September 18, 1925. She is the daughter of the late Dowd Wells and the late Dorenda Powell and former wife of Charles A. Woodson, Jr.
Irma was an active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for many years. She was very strong in her faith. Irma loved watching western movies.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Charles Woodson; daughter, Karen Woodson; brother, Dowd Wells, Jr.; sisters, Geraldine Wells, Wilma Wells, and Shirley Wells.
Mrs. McGriff is survived by her daughters, Dorenda Joseph of Douglasville, Georgia and Michelle Peeples of Smyrna, Georgia; grandchildren, Tiffany Burke, Arthur Woodson, and Akil Woodson.
In accordance with her wishes, Mrs. McGriff was cremated.
Messages of condolence may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Crematory of Douglasville is in charge of the arrangements. 770-942-2311
Published by Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory - Douglas Chapel on May 4, 2023.
Thomas Odell Williams, Sr.
of Grove Hill, AL, formerly of New Kent, VA passed away on March 24, 2023.
Obitituary
Thomas Odell Williams, Sr., 84, of Grove Hill, AL, formerly of New Kent, VA, died March 24, 2023. Surviving are his wife, Lynette Jones-Williams; five sons, Thomas, Jr., Da'at Olam, Joseph (Jennifer), Michael Williams and Steven Jones; two daughters, Antoinette Williams and Tanya Henderson; 9 grandchildren, sister, Marion Banks (Irvin); two brothers, Bernard (June) and Charles (Joyce) Williams; nieces, nephews, 7 sisters-in-law, 7 brothers-in-law, host of other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Monday, April 3 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 at Second Liberty Baptist Church, 8140 George W. Watkins Road, Quinton, VA. Rev. Sean Young, officiating. Interment Church cemetery.
Darnell D. Christian, Jr.
Son of Darnell D. Christian, Sr, grandson of Helen Lipscomb Jackson, Great grandson of Sarah Lee Meekins, passed away in Virginia on March 22, 2023 at the age of 22.
Helen Alease Carter passed March 20, 2023 in VA. She is the great granddaughter of Eliza Jane Winfree.
Obituary for Glennis Ann Wyatt
Glennis Ann Wyatt, age 68 departed this life suddenly March 2, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father, William Al Otey, Sr.; her brothers, William Al Otey Jr, her twin Dennis Ban Otey and Roger Irvin Otey.
She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, James E. Wyatt, Sr.,; daughter, Shanita W. Brown; sons, William L. Wyatt and James E. Wyatt, Jr.; her mother, Hazel Lee Brown Otey; ten grandchildren who loved their “GenGen” so much, Shontazia Brown, Shateka Brown, Khairi Wyatt, JaQuane Wyatt, Marvin Brown, Jr., Shanijah Brown, Jaelah Wyatt, Kaleb Wyatt, Samone Wyatt and Jaiden Wyatt; four great grandchildren, NiAjah Jones, Iviona Cotman, Kingston Wyatt and Imani Cotman; siblings, Mansfield Otey (Elizabeth), Richard Otey (Winifred) and Irma Lee (Robert).
She was the granddaughter of Bessie V. Meekins Otey
A funeral service will be held 1PM, Friday March 10, 2023 at Mt. Calvary International Church, 5200 Mount Castile Rd, Providence Forge, VA 23140. A viewing will be held Thursday March 9, 2023 from 6PM-8PM at Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge, VA.
Viewing
MAR 9. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET)
Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge Chapel
9923 Pocahontas Trail
Providence Forge, VA 23140
Funeral Service
MAR 10. 1:00 PM (ET)
Mt. Calvary Church Int'l.
5200 Mountcastle Rd.
Providence Forge, VA 23140
Cemetery Details
Mt. Calvary Church Int'l.
5200 Mountcastle Rd.
Providence Forge, VA 23140
Obituary for Garry Edmond Robinson
In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2
On February 26, 2023, Garry Edmond Robinson, age 65 transitioned from life on earth to his eternal home with God. Garry was born July 23, 1957, into the loving arms of Walter Sr. and Margaret Robinson in Richmond, VA. Garry was one of four siblings, Walter, Erle, and Julianne Minor. He is preceded in death by both parents, his eldest brother Walter Robinson Jr., and his sister Julianne Elizabeth Minor.
To his parents, Garry was considered blessed for surviving and thriving, with a diabetic diagnosis at the age of 10. He attended Huguenot High School where he developed a passion for carpentry. After graduating in 1975, he worked in cabinetmaking which later expanded into building homes. As a young adult, he began working at Nabisco (now Mondelez Global LLC). He was employed there for 31 years until his retirement. During his tenure, he met Cynthia Jones.
Garry and Cynthia married, and their union was blessed with two daughters: Samantha and Tabitha. He also gained a daughter, Fostina. Aside from his gift of gab, hunting was one of Garry’s favorite pastimes. He hunted locally as a member of several hunting clubs in New Kent County. Garry also hunted nationally in the states of Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania. His hunting expeditions culminated with international trips to Africa and Canada for exotic game.
A conversation with Garry meant high-spirited storytelling complete with animation, and dotted with the statement, “I’m Garry Robinson!” This pride in who he was coupled with brassy candor made him memorable to those who knew him.
During his retirement, Garry drew closer to God. Almost all his conversations concluded with him sharing his revelations of scriptures and what God was doing in his life. He attended Grace and Peace Center’s online church services regularly.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his two daughters and stepdaughter, Samantha Robinson, Tabitha Robinson, and Fostina Allen as well as their mother Cynthia Robinson; his brother Erle S. Robinson Sr.; devoted friend of 15 years Barbara J. Fulcher; friend and extended family, Nicole Harris and her parents James and Beatrice Gresham who Garry affectionately referred to as “Mom” and “Pop” Gresham. two grandchildren, Zalia and Infinity; nieces and nephews, Walter, Sheila, Brenda, George Jr. Claudia, Kevin, Carolyn, David, the late Reginald, Eric, Erle Jr., Jennifer, Brittney, and Mauriceo; godsister and niece, Pamela Thompkins and LaChone Thompkins; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Garry was the grandson of Susie B. Meekins.
Public Viewing
MAR 10. 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (ET)
March Funeral Home -Laburnum Chapel
2110 E. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23222
Family Hour
MAR 10. 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (ET)
March Funeral Home -Laburnum Chapel
2110 E. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23222
Celebration of Life with live streaming
MAR 11. 1:00 PM (ET)
March Funeral Home-Laburnum Ave.
2110 E. Laburnum Ave.
Richmond, VA 23222
Cemetery Details
Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery
5300 Hopewell Road
New Kent, VA 23124
December 22, 2022
Eugene Jonah Roper
It is with a heavy heart, we inform you of the passing of Eugene Jonah Roper, age 50 on yesterday morning in Brooklyn, New York City. He was the son of Shirley Roper, grandson of Helen P. Daniels and Eugene Roper, great grandson of Helen A. Jackson Daniels and Benjamin Daniels, Sr., great great grandson of Annie Meekins. This is the THIRD person in their immediate family to move on to Glory this year. Please keep their family in your prayers.
Madeline R. Meredith Spain, age 85 passed away 11-9-2022 in Connecticut. She was the daughter of William C. Meredith and Helen Rogers, granddaughter of Wilson Meredith and Harriet H. Meekins.
Madeline Ruth M. Spain, age 85, of Bridgeport, CT departed this life on November 9, 2022.
A viewing will be held 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, December 9, 2022.
Interment will follow the service at the Washington Memorial Park.
The family has entrusted final arrangements to Wilson & Associates Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA. 23223.
Dr. Alfred R. Ashford, age 74, passed away on 10-22-2022 in Collierville, TN. He was the son of Alfred C. Ashford and Janice E. Garcia, grandson of Bertha Williams Garcia, great grandson of William S. Williams, Sr., and Martha E. Winfree. Before retiring (after 45 years in the medical profession), he was an oncologist in New York, New York. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Oncologists diagnose and treat cancers of all types. They use diagnostic tools like biopsies, endoscopies, X-ray and other imaging, nuclear medicine, and blood tests. Cancer surgeons, or surgical oncologists, remove tumors, while medical oncologists treat cancers with chemotherapy. Radiation oncologists use multiple forms of radiation to eliminate tumors. One of his places of providing specialized care was at the Harlem Hospital, and the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Many of us last saw Dr. Alfred during our March 2022 “Cousins Fun Night” Zoom session in which we honored his cousin, Celeste Mann. That session and more are available via this website.
Our cousin, whose grandmother Bertha Williams was born in New Kent, VA and truly saved many, many lives due to his chosen profession. We thank him tremendously.
Rev. Wayne O. Chinn, age 75 was born March 21, 1947, and transitioned to Glory October 10, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, John (Bus) Pratt & Cora C. Meekins-Chinn (John A. Chinn) Wayne grew up and was educated in the Moorestown, NJ school system. He became a great football player at Moorestown High school. He also grew up attending Second Baptist Church. After high school he went to serve in the United States Army. Wayne was multitalented and had many careers. Realtor, self-contractor, security officer, just to name a few. But his career path changed course when he totally accepted Jesus Christ in his life. Wayne gave his life to the Lord at Holy Temple of Deliverance Church in Philadelphia, PA, Where Dr. Dominic Joachim, Sr. is the pastor and founder. Wayne initiated tent crusades, church revivals and preached on the streets of Philadelphia and Camden. He traveled to both Haiti and Jamaica on mission trips. Wayne was the founder of Living Waters Worship Center located in Camden, NJ. After closing his doors, he became a member and associate minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Camden, NJ. Wayne also had a voice and a love for singing. He was an active member of the Golden Voices of South Jersey, a gospel Acapella group with 4 CDS. In Wayne's free time he enjoyed cooking and collecting teapots. If you never tasted his fried fish, you missed out. His love for his family was simply amazing. As he thought of himself as the Forchion number 7. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Sean Bush, Sr. aka Wadu Muhammad (Alicia), Capri Battie (Caleaf), Sonja Brown Kelly (David), Roshelle’Brown Bowman, grandchildren Sean Bush, Shanae Foxworth, Wadeeha,Aaliyah, Samya, Ibn-Wadu, Wali Muhammad, Keivon Bowman, Le’Asia Christopher,Jonathan Johnson, Ali’yah, Ja’Mayra, Ryleigh Kelly, brother Rev. G. Fred Chinn(Mary), sisters Robin Pratt and Cheryl Williams. He raised Jaslynne, Jacqualyn, Jayla, Jaelynn, Jezelle, and Wayne Macklin. Ten great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. One of Wayne’s quotes were” Don’t Let Money Keep You from The Lord”. Loving submitted, The Family.
Byron Chinn, age 72 passed away in NJ on September 25, 2022. He was the son of Martha (Dit) I. Meekins Chinn and Malachi F. Chinn. He is survived by his twin daughters Donean Chinn Parker (Jamal, Sr.) and Dionne Chinn, grandchildren Jamal Parker, Jr. and Jayla Parker, brothers Cordell (Donna) Chinn and Douglas Chinn (Annette) nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, and friends.
