J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

09/07/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, and today marks the beginning of National Su***de Prevention Week. We wanted to take a moment to start the conversation and raise awareness about one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. First, we grieve with our families today who have lost their loved ones to su***de. Let us hold our loved ones closer, check in with our friends, and speak openly about mental health. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Every life matters. Every story matters.
Please remember, you are not alone. If you are having a crisis, you can call or text 988 24/7.
If you would like resources for how to raise awareness, know the warning signs, or how to be prepared in a crisis, please visit nami.org/su***depreventionmonth.

09/07/2025

Sarah Helen Crowgey Figg

Sarah Helen Crowgey Figg, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. She was born on October 28, 1925, in Giles Co., VA. She was the youngest of four children born to Clara Harwood Crowgey and William Perry Crowgey, Sr. The family moved to Wythe Col., VA, and Sarah graduated from Wytheville Highschool in 1943. She attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) the following year and then spent the remainder of the World War II years working at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. She met Roane Carlton Figg, in 1946 and they married in 1947. They lived in Southampton Co., VA, for seven years during which time both of her daughters were born. In 1954 the family moved to Prince George Co., VA, and thereafter she considered it home.

Sarah was a long-time member of Marin's Brandon Episcopal Church where she served on the Alter Guild. She volunteered over the years for several charitable organizations and was especially fulfilled as a volunteer at Petersburg General Hospital.

Sarah made a warm and welcoming home for her family and friends. She enjoyed baking and was appreciated for it. She loved swing music and animals.

Sarah is preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Wesson; her husband, Roane Carlton Figg; her siblings, Virginia Snider, William Perry Crowgey, Jr., and Clara Stiff; and her son in law, York A. Wesson (Jim).

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Figg; granddaughter, Autumn Warrington (Dennis); step-grandchildren, Stephen Wesson and Chritine Choate; great-grandson, Cody Warrington; step great-grandchildren, Madison Choate and Matthew Choate; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Sarah is also survived by her longtime caregiver and friend, Gloria Tyler.

Sarah Crowgey Figg was buried in Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens on Friday, September 5, 2025, in a private ceremony.

View Sarah Helen Crowgey Figg's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/06/2025

Sandra Nickolson Richardson

Sandra Nickolson Richardson, 80, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, in Chesterfield, Virginia. Born on January 31, 1945, in Sylacauga, Alabama, Sandra was the daughter of Reed and Thelma Nickolson. She grew up surrounded by a close-knit family that included her siblings, Jimmy Reed Nickolson, Sherril Nickolson, and June McCreight, all of whom preceded her in death.

Sandra is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Andrew Richardson; her two loving daughters, Wendy Richardson (Jim) and Paige Richardson. Her family was the center of her world and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was a 1963 graduate of Goodwater High School. She was the President of her class as well as the Home Coming Queen. A lifelong lover of books and learning, Sandra found great joy in volunteering at the Chesterfield Library as a Friend of the Library. Her passion for reading was infectious - she delighted in helping others discover new authors and stories. Through this work, she formed lasting friendships and became a beloved presence among fellow readers and library patrons. Sandra's warmth extended far beyond the library walls. Known for her quick wit and generous spirit, she brought laughter and light to those around her.

Whether offering a helping hand to friends or supporting charitable causes close to her heart, Sandra lived a life marked by kindness and compassion. She had a natural gift for making others feel welcome-never meeting a stranger-and treasured the company of her neighbors and community. While she thrived in social settings, Sandra also valued quiet moments spent with a good book. Antiquing trips with her daughters were among her favorite pastimes-simple pleasures that brought deep joy and connection.

Sandra's legacy is one of love, laughter, generosity, and friendship. The family will receive friends on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 6-8pm, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son, 3050 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831.

View Sandra Nickolson Richardson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/05/2025

Bryan J. Crowder

Bryan J. Crowder, 42, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 27, 2025.

Bryan was born on June 14, 1983, a beloved son to James Crowder of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Barbara Showers, and Paul Showers of Granville, Tennessee. He was a devoted brother to Keith Crowder of Richmond, Virginia, his stepsisters, Sarah Showers and Kylie Curley of Granville, Tennessee; and his stepbrother, Brandon Showers of Phoenix, Arizona. A faithful Grandson of Barbara Crowder of Sutherland, Virginia, uncle of Cora Crowder of Glen Allen, Va, and a cherished partner to Nikki Hunter of Indiana. Bryan formed a beautiful bond with Nikki's daughters, Grace Hunter and Alexis Bravo and loved his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. He was a loyal friend to many and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A man of dedication and service, Bryan proudly served his country in the United States Army as a member of the 98th Support Maintenance Company. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for mechanics, graduating from Redstone College with a major in Airframe and Power Plant Repair.

Bryan's hands were rarely still. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life-casting a line while fishing, the methodical work of auto repair, and the feeling of freedom on the open road while riding his motorcycle. Above all, he valued the connections he made. He maintained long-lasting, meaningful friendships with the many brothers and sisters he served with in the Army and the colleagues he met during his studies.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. The family will announce memorial service details at a later date.

Bryan's family will receive visitors at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Hopewell, Virginia on Saturday, September, 13th, 2025, from 10am to 11am. Following, he will be laid to rest at Merchant's Hope Cemetery.

View Bryan Crowder's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/05/2025

Hailey Elizabeth Davis

Born into this world with fire in her soul and compassion in her heart, Hailey Elizabeth Davis, passed away on September 2, 2025, at the age of 21, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and deep compassion.

Hailey rarely met a stranger. Her intelligence, empathy, and radiant kindness made her a natural light in the lives of others. Spirited and strong-willed, she was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in or to lend a hand to someone in need. Her passion for helping others led her to serve as a volunteer firefighter with Company 10 in Buena Vista, Virginia, a role she embraced with courage and pride. She was preparing to take her EMT certification this fall or devote her time to caring for her beloved Nana, a testament to her selflessness and devotion to family.

Recently, Hailey made the deeply personal decision to give her heart and soul to Christ, a reflection of her growing faith and the grace she carried within her.

Hailey was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Earl and Dee Davis (lovingly remembered as "Chuck E. Cheese Nana"); her maternal great-aunt, Susan Hellams; great-grandparents, Ralph and Doris Hellams; and her grandpa, Kelton Honeycutt.

She is survived by a large and loving family: her father, Anthony Davis; her mother, Danielle Linderman (Art); her brother, Daniel Aidan Hellams; her Nana, Loretta Honeycutt; her Pappy and Marmie, Eric & Lynn Wagner; grandparents, Randy and Christol Hellams; her maternal great-aunt, Carla Johnson (Danny); her uncles, Eric Wagner, Jr. (Jill), Nick Wagner, Carl Wagner (Myrah), Donaldson Hellams, Matthew Hunter Hellams, and David Christopher Hellams; her aunts, Heather Headley (Jason), Kyndall Coates, and Rhianna Coates; and many cousins and extended family members who adored her, including her self-adopted brother, Jonathan "Lil J" Tucker.

Hailey's life was a beautiful blend of grit and grace. She will be remembered for her laughter, her loyalty, and the way she made everyone feel seen and loved. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

As Hailey would say, "Keep ya head up and down at the same time." A reminder to walk boldly with strength, and gently with grace-just like she did.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 12 pm, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son with a visitation to follow until 3 pm. On Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 5 pm, at Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista, VA, there will be another memorial service.

View Hailey Elizabeth Davis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/05/2025

David Harry

David Harry, 53, was born in Hopewell, VA, to the late Henry Harry and Nancy McDaniel. He is also preceded in death by his stepfather, Wayne McDaniel; sister, Donna Bryant; and his paternal grandparents, Frank Blaine Harry and Margie Adams Harry. He is survived by his loving wife of seven years, Juanita Harry; sons, Brandon Slaughter (Dana) and Blaine Harry; step-daughters, Ashley Stelmack (William) and K.C. Stelmack (Richard); two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; siblings, Betty Howard (Bruce) and Henry "Bubba" Harry; and brother-in-law, Robert Bryant; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended loving family. A Celebration at Life will be held by the family at a later date.

View David Harry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/05/2025

Dolores Elaine Bray Watkins

Dolores "Dee" Elaine Bray Watkins, age 86, passed away on August 31, 2025. Dolores was born on February 23, 1939, in Washington, DC, to Carroll Bray, Sr. and Margie Wood Bray, whom preceded her in death.

Dee is survived by her loving husband, James L. Watkins; her wonderful children, Michael Watkins, Richard Watkins, Suzanne Anderson, and Lisa Dabney (Dwight); her sweet grandchildren, Elaine Biedler (Andy), Laura Barker (Michael), Jennifer Shelton (Benjamin), Joshua Roberts (Brittney), Meaghan Frost (Kylan), and Alana Kowolski (Jacob); and her precious great-grandchildren, Tucker Biedler, Reagan Biedler, Benjamin Barker, Matthew Barker, John Simmons, Haylie Shelton, Noah Shelton, Allie Shelton, Benjamin Shelton, Christian Shelton, Savannah Shelton, Hayley Roberts, Courtney Roberts, Avalene Frost, Boden Frost, Eliana Kowolski, Zechariah Kowalski, and another little one on the way; as well as her siblings, Carroll Bray, Jr., Robert Bray, and Melvin Bray.

Dee pursued her education within Psychology and achieved her Bachelor of Science with High honors at VCU and a Master of Science, Psychology, also at VCU. She used her degree within her work as a Psychologist & Investigator at Southside Virginia Training Center.

She had multiple hobbies, interests, and talents. She loved gardening, using care techniques and learning growth patterns per species of plant. Dee loved music such as Zydeco, Country, and Ukulele. She collected many Ukulele pieces as well as played the instrument herself. Dee loved to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren no matter how far they may have lived apart. She would read books and tell stories using video calls, to contact the little ones that live on the West Coast and sending them gifts using Amazon. She also enjoyed traveling as she had made her way to different parts of the world such as Chincoteague, London, Paris, and Vienna Austria.

Dee was heavily involved in volunteer affiliations such as Chester United Methodist where she was a volunteer and member. She was heavily involved with Emergency Medical Services (EMS): a Life Member Ettrick-Matoaca Volunteer Rescue Squad, a Life Member Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, an Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider, a Basic Life Support (BLS) & ACLS Instructor, and she was the president of Crater EMS Council for 10 years. She was also a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Debriefing team member which included handling cases involving Assaults, Deaths, Mass Shooting, Murders, Terrorism, and Vehicle crashes. As she was involved in (CISM) she conducted over 500 Debriefings; she provided services to Civilians, EMS, First Responders, Fire Departments, Law Enforcement Agencies, Municipalities, Rescue Squads, and more. With (CISM) Her proudest call for service was part of the post 09/11 (2001) Virginia CISM Strike Team as she spent one week at both the Pentagon and World Trade Center and provided Debriefing and Counseling contacts for all folks at the heart of the 09/11 attacks.

The family with receive friends on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service & fellowship will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at Chester United Methodist Church, 12132 Percival Street, Chester, VA 23831.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Colonial Heights Fire & EMS in honor of Dee Watkins.

View Dolores Watkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/05/2025

Ollie Gertrude Ratliff Chaney

Ollie Gertrude Ratliff Chaney, age 86, of Dinwiddie, VA, ascended to her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, while surrounded by family at her home. She was born on August 22, 1939, in Hurley, VA, to the late Will and Stella Rowe Ratliff. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Paul Ratliff; half-brothers, Jess, Roland, and Herb Ratliff; and half-sister, Melda Sykes.

Ollie was a kind-hearted, selfless woman, and a devout Christian who served as deaconess at the Rock Church of Petersburg for many years. Her greatest joy was found in spending time with her family who loved her more than words can express.

Those left to cherish Ollie's memory include her loving husband of 68 years, James Leslie Chaney, of Dinwiddie; children, Sherry Chaney Eley (Steve), of Prince George, Leslie Dewayne Chaney (Colleen), of Bluffton, SC, and Tanya Dawn Chaney, of Richmond; four grandchildren, James Hurley (Danielle), of Damascus, Blair Shell (Ray), of Hudson, NC, Ashley Chaney (Kristen), of Columbia, MD, and Aaron Chaney, of Richmond; four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Brady, and Hannah Hurley, and Maya Chaney; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service to honor Ollie's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Greenhills Memory Gardens (Mausoleum 4), located at 11800 Governor George C. Peery Hwy, Cedar Bluff, VA, and will be officiated by Brother Gary Chaney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

View Ollie Gertrude Ratliff Chaney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2025

Mary Karvelis Nicholas

Mary Karvelis Nicholas, 96, of Petersburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Hopewell, Virginia. She was born in Emporia, Virginia, on October 31, 1928, to the late Charles John and Constance Pappas Karvelis. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Nick George Nicholas, RPh; and brother, John C. Karvelis. She is survived by her goddaughter, Christina Callis and husband, Donald "Duck" Callis.

Mary went to Greensville County High School in Emporia, where she excelled in academics. She graduated in 1946 as the class Valedictorian. Following high school, she went on to study at the Pan American School of Business, which today is part of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Her career first led her to Camp Lee (Fort Lee) where she worked in civil service for two years. Mary then worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Emporia for ten years. She later became a pharmacy technician and bookkeeper for the family business at O.P. Hare Drug Company in Petersburg, Virginia, until 1990 when her husband retired. She went on to have many adventures traveling the world with her husband. Mary loved boating and spending time on the river with her friends and family.

Mary was a lifelong member of St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church in Hopewell, Virginia. She also enjoyed her service as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and Daughters of Penelope. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and godmother. She spent the last ten years in the care of her loving goddaughter and husband. Mary loved her time with their chihuahua, Angel and their kitty, Angelina.

The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. All services will be private. The family will plan a celebration of life that will take place at later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Memorial Avenue, PO Box 1204, Hopewell, Virginia 23860.

View Mary Karvelis Nicholas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2025

Betty Louise Best

Betty Louise Best, 78, a native of Colonial Heights but recent resident of Chester, VA, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025.

She was born March 23, 1947, to the late Jack Lebo Best and Louise Marie Robinson Best. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Harvey Jackson Best, Sr.; nephews, Harvey Jackson Best, Jr. and Steven Patrick Best; and her beloved fiance, Larry Whitmore.

Betty retired from Kenner Hospital, located at Fort Lee, in the pediatrics department. She loved everything to do with Christmas; she would decorate every room in the house, even right down to the Christmas packages. Betty enjoyed spending time fishing and hunting with Larry. She was caring, loving, and would give you the shirt off her back if she thought you were in need. Betty was a devoted caregiver to her mother.

She is survived by her nephew, Kevin Wayne Best and wife, Renee; niece, Amber Best Roberts and husband, Mark; great-nieces, Eric Hayes and husband, Doug, Krista Bowers and husband, Dustin, Brittany Palmer and husband, Tim, Kendal Marable and husband, Adam, Ivey Roberts and finance, Marcus, Bella Roberts, Faith Hedrick and husband, Caleb; great-nephews, Daniel Best and wife, Nikki, Stone Best; as well as many great-great-nieces and nephews, and many friends that she made through the years.

A graveside service will be held, 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Bermuda Memorial Park.

View Betty Louise Best's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/03/2025

Rowena Laura Carter

Rowena Laura Carter, 83, of Petersburg, VA, passed away on August 31, 2025. Born in Ironwood, MI, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Lillian Guglielmotto. In addition to her parents; she was predeceased by her devoted and loving husband of 36 years, Bernard Levi Carter; and her precious pets, Dusty, Starboarder, Lefty, and Tangy.

Rowena was a 1981 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, and she was proud to serve as a medic in the Women's Army Corps. She later opened and co-owned the Carter & Carter Secretarial Service alongside her husband, Bernard. Rowena enjoyed volunteering at various local institutions. She was a serving member of the Disabled American Veterans organization and the Friends of the U.S. Army Women's Museum on Fort Lee. Her compassion and care extended to all animals with whom she came into contact. Rowena was also a strong woman of faith, having been a longtime member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Hopewell. She will be remembered for her devotion to God, her husband, her chosen family, and many friends.

Left to cherish her memory is her cousin, Lynn Kirby; adoptive nieces, Dawn Lineman, Jenny Graham, and Jenny's daughter, Caitlyn; and her godchildren, Jonah Fistler, Vincent Knop, Emily Lineman, Michael Lineman, and Annette Lineman.

A funeral service for Rowena will be held at 11:00am, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, 1711 Grant Street, Hopewell, VA, 23860. The family will accept friends one hour prior to the service, at 10:00am. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the U.S. Army Women's Museum Foundation at https://armywomensmuseum.org/

View Rowena Laura Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/03/2025

Catherine Spence

It is with deep sadness that the family of Catherine Hartsook Spence, of Chester, Virginia, announces her passing on September 1, 2025, at the age of ninety-eight.

Catherine was born at home on April 1, 1927, in Lewisburg, West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Hubert Austin Hartsook and Bessie Gardner Hartsook, and sister of the late Helen Hartsook Garner.

Catherine lived a full life in Lewisburg climbing apple trees, reading books, riding bicycles and horses, and tending to the family's chickens. After graduating from Lewisburg High School, Catherine attended Greenbrier College, where she earned her degree in Fine Arts. Upon graduation from college, Catherine married Don Wilmoth, whom she met at Lewisburg High School, and began working for the Greenbrier County Courts. An avid reader, she also enjoyed traveling, knitting, sewing, gardening, interior decorating, and floral arranging.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd G. Spence, Sr.; previous husband, Howard R. Will, Jr.; and previous husband, Don H. Wilmoth. She is also preceded in death by her son, R. Dean Wilmoth; step daughter, Penny McCulloch; grandson, Lloyd G. Spence III; and granddaughter, Avery Spence.

Catherine is survived by her children, Vicki Wilmoth Wilson, Shelley Wilmoth, Gregg Wilmoth, and Jennifer McDaniel (Tim); step-children, Cherilyn Mock (Tom), Barbara Reed (Tina), Patricia Sever (Al), Howard Will III, Pam Masters (Larry), Lloyd G. Spence, Jr. (Ellen), Pat Walters (Dan), and Paul Spence (Carolyn); son-in-law, Dave McCullouch (Wendy); as well as twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Chester Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Chester Presbyterian Church, 3424 West Hundred Road, Chester, Virginia, with a reception to follow. Flowers are welcome.

The family would like to thank the staff of Legacy Hospice and The Crossings at Ironbridge for their care of Catherine.

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