Flo C. Sexton, 80, of Jarratt, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Sexton. She is survived by a son, Kevin Sexton and wife, Carol; daughter, Julie S. Coleman and husband, Ronnie; two grandsons, Richard and Daniel Coleman and three great-grandchildren, Emily, Sophie and William Coleman, all of Jarratt. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct 6 at the home of her daughter, Julie. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday. October 7 at High Hills Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to High Hills Memorial Cemetery, P.O. Box 296, Jarratt, Virginia 23867. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Mr. Sidney Elton Council died Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center. He was 89.

Sidney was born in Isle of Wight County to the late John Richard and Ruth Holleman Council. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Shirley Glenn, a sister, Ruth Council Ramsey and brothers, Ralph, Horace, and Wilbert Council.

Sidney worked for many years as an oil delivery driver and only recently retired as a carrier for the Independent Messenger Newspaper.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Frances Lynch Council, A step-son, Billy Crowder, step-daughters Dorothy Allen and Phyllis Grizzard, and a special niece, Jackie Young.

Echols Funeral and Cremation Service is serving the family, where they will receive friends at a later date.

Mr. L.C. “Monkey” Phillips, 84, died Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at his home. A native of Greensville County, he was born to the late Otis Parker and Blanche Norwood Phillips. A U.S. Army veteran, he retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation after many years of service.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years Virginia Inez Phillips and three brothers, Parker Wyche, Garmon, and Marvin T. Phillips. Monkey is survived by a sister, Marie Trent, and three sisters in law, Shirley, Frances, and Barbara Phillips.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 13,2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Independence United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeaux Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in the Church cemetery. The Family will receive friends starting at 1 P.M. at the Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Independence United Methodist Church, 4438 Independence Church Rd., Emporia, Va. 23847.

Echols Funeral Home is serving the family, and online condolences may be left at echolsfuneralhome.com.

James C. Kimberlin, “Jim” 81, departed this life, Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Dunlop House in Colonial Heights, VA.

He resided at the Dunlop House for the past 18 months, but spent most of his adult life living in Jarratt, Virginia for nearly 55 years. He enjoyed small-town life and attended many events and gatherings in the community.  He especially enjoyed gatherings with his church family and was famously known for the banana pudding that he prepared and shared at church dinners.

Jim was born in Johnson County, Tennessee, December 1, 1935, a son of the late D.C. and Maude Kimberlin. He graduated from Johnson County High School in Tennessee. He then served in the United States Marine Corps for three years including some time in Japan. After leaving the military, he earned a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and later a master’s degree in elementary education from the College of William & Mary.

He was an employee of the Sussex County public schools for 29 years retiring in 1991. He served as the principal at Jefferson Elementary School. For a time, he was the principal at both Jefferson and Jarratt Elementary Schools. He also served as a teacher and coach at Jarratt and Stony Creek High Schools.

Jim strongly believed in the value of public education and worked tirelessly to serve the students and staff of both schools and the county. His goal was to be fair and honest as he supported their efforts.

He served a number of terms on the Jarratt Town Council and two terms as the town’s mayor.

He was a devout Christian and an active member of the High Hills Baptist Church in Jarratt where he was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He most recently attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights.

Jim enjoyed being outdoors.  He was an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers with his wife. They shared much of what they grew with family, friends and neighbors in Jarratt. He was also an active fisherman for many years.  He and his wife were known for taking long walks each morning.   Jim was an avid reader. He read and studied the Bible daily.  He subscribed to multiple magazines and newspapers. He read the Richmond Times-Dispatch each morning, from the first page to the last.

He was a fan of gospel music and attended many concerts with his wife.  Jim enjoyed a variety of sports.   He followed the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Volunteers. He was a fan of college basketball, rooting for UNC, Duke and the VCU Rams.

He is survived by his wife, Stella Jeanette (Dugger), of Colonial Heights. They were high school sweethearts and celebrated their 60^thwedding anniversary in February.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Keith Kimberlin of Westerly, RI and a daughter, Jackie Kimberlin of Emporia, VA,  two granddaughters, Brittany Aerni (Adam) of Chester, VA and Caitlin Kimberlin, of Westerly, a grandson, Matthew Kimberlin (Tamiel) of Los Angeles, CA and a great grandson, Landon Bailey, of Westerly.

He is also survived by a sister, Peggy Church, of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

He was predeceased by a sister, Eleanor Church of Zionville, North Carolina, and two infant brothers.

 The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Jim’s former colleague and devoted friend, W. H. Goodwyn, III, of Waverly, VA for his ongoing love and support throughout the years and especially during his illness.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff of the Dunlop House and private caregivers for the care they provided to him.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, October 16 at High Hills Baptist Church, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends 12 – 2 prior to the service. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to High Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 296, Jarratt, VA 23867.

Geraldine “Gerry “Jackson Mitchell, 90, of Emporia, VA, died Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Greensville Manor.

Gerry was born in Norfolk, VA the daughter of the late Henry Louis and Margaret Broughton Jackson. She was a homemaker and the widow of Byron Holt Mitchell.

Surviving are: a son Michael “Butch” Mitchell of Emporia, VA; a sister Jane Cosner and her husband J. A. of Chesapeake, VA; three grandchildren, Douglas Mitchell, Bethany Mitchell and Darren Mitchell and his wife Jonalyn; five great grandchildren, Tim Malpass, Allyson Mitchell, Rebecca Mitchell, Bryan Mitchell and Michael Jaden Mitchell.

Funeral services will be held at Spring United Methodist Church, 697 Spring Church Road, Skippers, VA 23879, Monday, October 23, 2017, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Bob Clyde officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive following the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Spring United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Tina Dickens, 1901 Spring Church Road, Skippers, VA 23879

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.echolsfuneralhome.com

Matilda Shimko “Tillie” Phillips, 93, of Emporia; widow of Peter Y. Phillips, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017. She was a daughter of the late John and Mary Shimko and was also preceded in death by two brothers, John A. Shimko and wife, Minnie and William Shimko.

 She is survived by her daughter, Mary Alice Okerlund and husband, Tom; her son, Buddy Phillips and wife, Joy; grandson, Peter Christopher Owen; two granddaughters, Abigail Joy Phillips and Rachel Elaine Phillips; great-grandson, Peter Christopher “P.J.” Owen, Jr.; sister-in-law, Irene Shimko and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. Sunday, October 22 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 1351 West Atlantic St., Emporia, Virginia 23867. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Robert E. “Bob” Croak, 65, of Capron, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2017. He retired from Southampton County as a supervisor in the wastewater treatment department. He began his 43 year career starting in Lockhaven, PA. and had served a number of commercial and municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

Mr. Croak is survived by a daughter, Ashley Dawn Croak Jones and husband, James Michael Jones; son, Justin “Jake” Croak and wife, Anna Simmons Croak; grandchildren, Robert Michael Jones, Hunter Levi Jones, Sarah Ann Jones, Elizabeth “Libby” Croak and Justin Tyler Croak; great-grandson, Justin James Croak; his mother, Lorraine Ellen Croak; sister, Debra Carol McCulley, brothers, Jeffrey Croak and wife, Joy and Randy Croak and wife, Kim and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, November 3 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Drewryville Volunteer Fire Department.

Carolyn E. Lifsey, formerly of Petersburg, Va, died on October 1, 2017 in Dallas, TX. She was 90 years old. Carolyn was born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1927. She was the fourth of five children born to Roy and Estelle Lifsey and lived in Zebulon, GA for most of her childhood.

Mr. James Warren “Jimmie” Webb, a longtime resident of Emporia, died Saturday at his home. He was 79. A U.S. Navy veteran, Jimmie was born in Greensville County to the late Shelton Short Webb Sr. and Anita Crane Webb. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sons, Jonathan W. Webb and Gregory W. Webb. Jimmie was beloved by his neighbors for his kindness and a friend to many in Emporia.

He is survived by his daughter Rose Webb Lee and her husband Southgate Lee Jr.  Of Capron, sister Elsie Meade Webb of Emporia, his brother S.S. “Biddy” Webb Jr. of Suffolk, granddaughter Amanda Lee Campbell and great granddaughter Catherine Alexis Jones, both of South Carolina.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, November 1 at 11:00 A.M. at Emporia Cemetery with Pastor Rachel Plemmons officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 31 at Echols Funeral and Cremation Service from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Online condolences may be left at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

Herman R. Kitchen, Jr., “Willie”, 55, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2017. He was a son of the late Herman and Elizabeth Kitchen. He is survived by his spouse, Kenneth Eanes; two daughters, Sara Chappell Myrick and Melissa Kitchen; four grandchildren; two brothers, Owen Kitchen and wife, Brenda and Calvin “Peanut” Kitchen; a sister, Juanita Kitchen and a number of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Monday, November 6 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt where the family will receive friends prior to the service 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to assist the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.owenfh.com. 

Stuart J. Barnes, 60, of Emporia, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2017. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.  

Maggie Leonard Lewis, 88, of Stony Creek, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was the widow of H. Garnett Lewis and was also preceded in death by her daughter, Martha Lewis Rideout. She is survived by her son, H. G. Lewis, III and wife, Kay; son-in-law, David Rideout and wife, Helen; five grandchildren, Jamie Lewis and wife, Brandy, Chuckie Lewis, Katie Poarch and husband, Doug, Kevin Rideout and wife, Shannon and Louise Brucato and husband, Joe; nine great-grandchildren, Taylor Gill, Carter Lewis, Austin Lewis, Grace Lewis, Kaitlyn Poarch, Makenna Poarch, Kelsey Rideout, Luca Brucato and Martha Brucato; a brother, John Leonard and wife, Ruby of Disputanta; a sister, Betsy Critz of Richmond; devoted brother-in-law, Roy Lewis, Sr. and a number of devoted nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Sunday, November 12 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 13. Interment will follow at Lewis Family Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sappony Baptist Church, 9183 Huske Rd., Stony Creek, Virginia 23882. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com. 

Alice Smith Bivens, age 81, of Emporia, VA, died Monday, November 13, 2017, at Dunlop House Assisted Living and Memory Center, Colonial Heights, VA.

Mrs. Bivens, was born in Greensville County, VA the daughter of the late Pender Lee Smith, Sr. and Virginia Harrell Smith; she was pre-deceased by two sons, Mike Lee and Joe Bivens.   She was a devoted mother and homemaker.

Surviving are: Her husband Billy Joe Bivens; two daughters, Pat B. Clary and her husband Wilson of Emporia, VA and Amy Pollard Lifsey of Roanoke Rapids, NC; A brother Alfred Smith and his wife Christine of Emporia, VA; 4 grandchildren, Heather Lifsey Barnes of Lucama, NC, Katie Clary Richardson of Gasburg, VA, Kelly Clary of Emporia, VA, Kendall Clary of Sutherland, VA; three great grandchildren, Ryan Barnes and Ben Barnes both of Lucama, NC and Kenzie Clary of Emporia, VA.

Graveside services will be held in Greensville Memorial Cemetery, Emporia, VA, Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 2:00PM, with Rev, Rick Ragan officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6350 Center St., Suite 102, Norfolk, Va. 23502.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.echolsfuneralhome.com

William W. “Billy” Dickens, 74, passed away Friday, November 10, 2017. He was born April 26, 1943, a son of the late Warren and Marie Dickens and was also preceded in death by a daughter, Billie Jo Dickens.

He is survived by his son, William S. “Shelley” Dickens and fiance’ Jeanna; three grandchildren, William J. “Joey” Dickens (Alexis), Taylor R. Dickens (Joshua) and Christian B. Dickens; two great-grandchildren, Joshua A. Moore, Jr. “L.J.” and Bruce S. Moore; two sisters, Gayle D. Gilliland (Deb) and Myrtice D. Pinelli (Tony) and a brother, Joseph Alston “Joe” Dickens (Tina); and a devoted former daughter-in-law, Tammy H. Dickens (Johnnie).

Billy was and is still our hero and remains the strongest man we ever knew. The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses of the ICU and CLC at McGuire VA Medical Center for their compassionate care and concern for Billy and his family.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 15 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 16.

Interment with military honors will follow 3 p.m. at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Rd, Amelia, Virginia.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Francis “Buddy” Harding, 87, of Jarratt, passed away Sunday, November 19, 2017.  He is survived by his wife, Esther “Tutter” Harding; three daughters, Denice Cifers and husband, Wayne, Karen Wiles and Sheran Rigg and husband, Baker; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nephew, Kevin Harding and nieces, Tammy Cabrera, Virginia Anderson and Kathleen Meehan. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, November 25 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.owenfh.com.

Kathaleen B. “Kat” Lipscomb 73, Homemaker, Loving Mother, Grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Tuesday November 21^st, 2017. Kat was preceded in death by her life partner Bill Ellis.

Kat is survived by her six children; Mickey (Martha) Stephens, Pansy (Earl) Mitchell, Ronald (Debra) Lipscomb Sr., Rickey (Renee) Lipscomb, Threasa Moore and fiancée Steven Myers, Dorothy (Ronnie) Bryan. Ten Grandchildren, thirteen Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and Special Friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 2:00 P.M.  at Emmanuel Worship Center, 4910 East Atlantic St. Emporia, VA. The family will receive friends from 12:00 P.M. until Service time.

In lieu of flowers, our family request donations for cremation/memorial expenses. Contact Threasa Moore (434-631-7983) or Echols Funeral Home (434-634-2633)

Online condolences may be left at echolsfuneralhome.com

Swanson D. Jennings, 77, of Stony Creek, passed away Monday, October 9, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise A. Jennings. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Kelly and husband, Fred; brothers, Ronnie Jennings and wife, Judy, Ray Jennings and wife, Nancy and a number of nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful father and husband, a faithful brother and friend, and a generous and kind-hearted man overall. He was loved by many. He will be profoundly missed. Mr. Jennings was once a member of Fort Grove and also had a special place in his heart for animals. Thus, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Fort Grove United Methodist Church, 12471 Church St., Stony Creek VA 23882 or to the ASPCA of Petersburg and Colonial Heights, 201 Temple Ave #E, Colonial Heights Va 23834. A memorial service will be held at Fort Grove United Methodist Church on Friday December 15^th at 3:00. The family will be receiving friends and family after the service at the home of Fred and Beth Kelly, 22612 Walkers Mill Rd, Stony Creek Va 23882. Online condolences may be shared with the family at Owenfhva@aol.com.

Charlie Joseph Brna, 82, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Charlie was with the Army National Guard for two years and was Honorably discharged to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1954. He retired from the USAF after 23 years of service as an Audio-Visual Superintendent. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He also retired after 21 years from Carpenter Company. Charlie was a member of the American Legion Post 137 and the Farmer’s Hunt Club in Emporia, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna Brna. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Dillard; brother, Dr. Theodore Brna; son, Steven Brna; daughter, Rhonda Underwood (Matt); two grandchildren, Kamryn and Rylan; and numerous extended family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church at 2 P.M., Monday, December 11, 2017 with Rev. Stephen Bocklage officiating. Internment will follow in St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1 hour before the Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be left at echolsfuneralhome.com.

Donna G. Whitby, 69, went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2017. She is survived by her brother, James Grant (Lynne) of Emporia; special nieces, Tami Reeves, Alyssandra Reeves and Amber Reeves. She is also survived by special friend, Scott Wilkerson. Funeral services and interment will be private. Online condolences may be shared with family at www.owenfh.com.

On the morning of Tuesday, December 19, 2017, the Lord, our God called home his son Robert Clark, Jr.

On April 30, 1942, Robert was born the 8th child out of 14 children to Robert Clark, Sr. and Beatrice Clark. He joined Rock Mount Baptist Church at an early age.

Robert Jr. was employed at Weldon Mills and Southampton Textile and retired  after over 30 years of service. Later on, he returned to Southampton Textile in  security. He also worked many years in various lawn care services.

Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his beloved son, Marcus Lewis Clark and four siblings; Frances, Jasper, Alice, and Shirley.

Robert Jr. leaves to cherish his precious memories a dedicated wife; Victoria, three beloved children; Frank (Felicia), Angela and Kemeca (George), eight grandchildren; Melonie (Solomon), Paulette, Shawna (Marcus), Dijon (Julia), Montavius, Justin, Jasmine, Alexavier, and Andia, seven great grandchildren, nine siblings; Ivory, William (Shirley), Jean, Marie (Clarence), Fannie (Shane), James, Milton, Theodore (Alice) and Betty, one very special aunt; Nellie Williams, his God-mother; Effie Revis, three devoted friends; Swanson Robinson, Dwayne Thomas and Landis Moody and a   plethora of aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins other relatives and friends.

The family will receive visitors from 9 am to 7 pm on Friday, December 22, 2017 at R. E. Pearson and Son, 556 Hamifax Street, Emporia. Funeral services will be at 2 pm on Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Mars Hill Baptist Church, 11211 Low Ground Road, Emporia, with interrment following at the Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetary. Professional Services are entrusted to the staff of R.E. Pearson and Son Funeral Service, Inc.