News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | November 2, 2025
Obituaries
Christine Jeanette Briggs Taylor
Christine Jeanette Briggs Taylor, 86, of Providence Forge, Virginia, passed away on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Frank R. Taylor; her parents, Raphia “Ray” Parker Briggs and Emma Kate Hammock Briggs; a brother, Burhl Briggs; a daughter, Anita Norton; and a son, Elmer Stewart. Christine is survived by four daughters, Renee Priddy (Ted), Terry Petke (Mark), Elaine Odom, and Frankie Taylor; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. A graveside service was held on Thursday, Jan. 13, at Rose Garden Cemetery, Lanexa, Virginia. Tributes may be…
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Jonathan Scott Oertel
Jonathan Scott Oertel, 61, passed away peacefully on Dec. 30, 2021. Scott was born on July 30, 1960, in Prince Edward County, Virginia, to the late Robert Joseph Oertel and Julia Ann Vogel Oertel. He was a graduate of New Kent High School and served in the United States Army. Though born in Farmville, Scott and his family grew up in New Kent County where his home is today. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jacob Vogel, and father, Robert, Scott was a master brick mason and worked as a supervisor overseeing large masonry projects. A favorite adventure was…
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Tanya Lavon Pruitt
Tanya Lavon Pruitt, 41, sadly passed away on Dec. 19, 2021. Tanya was born on Oct. 29, 1980 in Newport News, Virginia, and grew up in Charles City County. She later moved to Boynton Beach, Florida. Tanya is preceded in death by her father, Clyde Harrison Pruitt; her brothers, Vaughn Pruitt and Daniel Franklin; and her sister, Freeda Pruitt. She is survived by her two children, Robert Craige Jr. and Elizabeth Craige; her mother, Blenda J. Pruitt, her brothers, Glenn Pruitt (Jessica) and Kristopher Locklear; her sister, Ellen Kobussen (Steve), her siblings, Jane Pruitt, Jennifer Jones, China Thompson, and Rheannon…
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Stanley John Hula Jr.
Stanley John Hula Jr., 81, a lifelong resident of Charles City, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 28, 2021. As a longtime member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Stanley served in numerous roles including Deacon, Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, and occasionally filling in with a sermon. He was a lifelong farmer and collector of antique farm equipment. Stanley was a pioneer of the “no-till farming” and his land could be considered some of the oldest continuous “no-till” land around. A devoted and loving family man, Stanley was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years,…
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Charles Ryland Tench Sr.
Charles Ryland Tench Sr., 88, of Charles City, passed away on Dec. 27, 2021, and was reunited with his wife, Patricia. He was born Oct. 22, 1933 to the late Robert and Lucille Tench and grew to become an avid outdoorsman. He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran who worked as a farmer and commercial fisherman. At one point, Charlie held the largest quota of rockfish tags in the state. He also enjoyed helping Virginia Marine Resources with tagging fish and fish quotas in the James River. “Big Charlie” or “Catfish” as he was often called never met a stranger….
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Judith J. Zummo
Judith “Judy” J. Zummo, of Locust Grove, Virginia, was born on June 27, 1944, and passed away Dec. 5, 2021 at her home surrounded by her husband, daughters, and fur babies. Judy began her teaching career at New Kent High School and later taught in King William County. She finished her teaching career at Ni River Middle School. In her retirement, she published several children’s books whose characters are based on her daughter’s childhood imaginary friends. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Sumner and Gertude Jones. She is survived by her husband, Michael Zummo; two daughters, Tonya L….
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Victor R. Golderos IV
Victor R. Golderos IV, 51, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 8, 2021. Victor loved spending time outdoors, especially gardening and landscaping. He was an avid reader and loved to cook. Victor is survived by his parents, Betty K. Golderos and Victor R. Golderos III; brothers Reuben M. Golderos (Lorrie) and Christopher M. Golderos; a special niece, Rebecca Borron (Kevin) and their children, Caroline and Kevin; a nephew, Reuben Golderos Jr. (Holly) and their children Josephine, Lola, and Vivian; along with a host of beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family will plan a Celebration of Life sometime next year with…
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Donnie Hill Land Sr.
Donnie Hill Land Sr., 64, of Quinton, passed away on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at his home. Donnie worked as a superintendent for general contractors. He loved camping in the George Washington National Forest at the Piney River. Donnie was an avid Harley rider. Donnie is survived by his wife, Dale Vaden Land; three children, Christina Tolley (David), Donnie Hill Land Jr. (Dawn), and Jeremy Land (Caitlyn); one sister, Nancy Shumaker; and seven grandchildren, Kodi, Justin, and Timothy Tolley, Evan, Hannah, and Kira Land, and Kaitlynn Tolley Perry. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, 2…
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Ev Etsel Snedegar
Ev Etsel Snedegar, of Quinton, departed this life on Nov. 17, 2021. Mr. Snedegar was born on Dec. 15, 1938 in Friar’s Hill, West Virginia, a son of the late Ev and Maymie Snedegar. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Jean and Hilda. He is survived by his wife, Faye Taylor Snedegar; three daughters, Debbie, Louise Spicer (Joe), and Sandi Eubank (Tommy); three grandchildren, Sarah, Shawn, and Taylor; and two great-grandchildren, Allanah and A.J. A private graveside service was held on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family is very…
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Harry L. McCartney Jr.
Harry L. “Trooper” McCartney Jr., 56, of Lanexa, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Harry was born on Apr. 11, 1965 at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, to Master Sergeant Harry L. McCartney Sr. (USA-Ret) and Donna L. McCartney. He grew up in Newport News and graduated from Menchville High School in 1983. Trooper was active in sports as a youngster and became a great outdoorsman, loving all animals, hunting, fishing, building, and everything at the Outer Banks. He rarely met a stranger, was a friend to all, and mentor to many. Family, friends, and work ethic were top on…
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