News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 4, 2025
Obituaries
William Richard Easton Jr.
LCDR William Richard Easton Jr. (Rick), USN Ret., 79, passed on to his next duty station in heaven on Mar. 19, 2025. Rick was born on July 20, 1945, in New London, Connecticut. He graduated from Coronado High School in California and went on to English in the United States Navy in 1965. He was selected for the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP) and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Rick received his commission as an officer in 1971. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1988 after 24 years of service, which…
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Patricia Marie Cusic Ellyson
Patricia Marie Cusic Ellyson, 73, of New Kent, Virginia, passed peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father surrounded by family. Patricia graduated from Highland Springs High School in 1971, and worked for many years at Mircale Mart, The Jefferson Hotel, Hyatt Hotel, and Cigna. She had a love for God, family, and a strong Catholic faith. She provided unconditional care for her mother for many years. Patricia’s biggest hobby was shopping, and she loved making trips to T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Target, Home Goods, and of course, Kohls. Pat was a dedicated wife, mother, and sister. Her spirit will be…
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Etta Lee Wallace Jones
Etta Lee Wallace Jones, 92, transitioned to her Heavenly Home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Etta was born on Dec. 18, 1932, in Charles City County, Virginia, as the third of sixteen children to the late Summerfield and Rosetta Bradby Wallace. She accepted Christ as her Savior in Aug. 1941 and was baptized and joined Little Elam Baptist in Sept. 1941. Etta was educated in the Charles City County School System. She lived in Baltimore for a short time where she worked at St. Lutheran Hospital, among many other places, including Coleville Nursery, Babcock Phillips, Tomato Factor, Plants Unlimited, and…
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Christopher Thomas Gentry
Christopher Thomas Gentry, 38, of Quinton, Virginia, departed this earthly life prematurely on May 5, 2025. Chris was born on Feb. 10, 1987, to his cherished mother Joy (Groux) and father, J. Thomas (Tom) Gentry. He graduated from New Kent High School in 2005 and completed technical coursework to complement his natural talents with HVAC work. He frequently served those in the community through his technical and mechanical skills, outside of his commercial and residential work as an HVAC technician. Chris was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing, but his passion was spending time on the lake or the…
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Nellie Catherine Boyd Crump
Nellie Catherine Boyd Crump departed this life on Apr. 24, 2025, after leading a rich and rewarding life for 92-plus years. Nellie was born on May 27, 1932, in Patrick County. She was a long-time member of Corinth Baptist Church and New Kent Chapel Association. Nellie was predeceased by her husband, Grosjean Graves “Dusty” Crump Jr. She is survived by her children, G.G. Crump III, Catherine Hart (Garrett) and Pamela Radwani (Kent); a brother, Billy Boyd of North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Brandon Paige, Nathaniel Boyd, Sunnie Dae, Ashley Aldon, Jonathan Lee, Chase Alexander, and Taylor Winfree; and nine great-grandchildren. A…
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Rachel Elizabeth Carter Long
Rachel Elizabeth Carter Long, 60, of Charles City, a loving and gregarious mother, wife, sister, friend, healer, teacher, student, and indomitable spirit, crossed over peacefully on Apr. 18, 2025. Born at Fort Lee, Virginia, Rachel grew up in Charles City. After attending West End Christian and Bollingbrook Schools and graduating in 1983, she attended Richard Bland College. Rachel would go on and earn a degree in Occupational Therapy from MCV in 1989, a diploma from Sarasota School of Massage Therapy in 1991, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine from the Florida School of Acupuncture and O.M. in Gainesville in 1997, and…
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Gloria Goodrich Johnson
Gloria Goodrich Johnson, 71, of Providence Forge, Virginia, went to join her Lord and Savior on arch 14, 2025. She fought a hard three-and-a-half year battle with cancer with the same grace, dignity, and faith that she led her life. Gloria was at peace in her final days as she knew her body would be healed, and she would join the lord. Gloria graduated from Surry Academy, attended VCU, and obtained her Master of Education. In 2015, she retired from New Kent County Schools after 25 years of teaching elementary children. She loved her career but found her true joy…
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Joseph Earl Adams
Joseph Earl Adams, 78, went to be with the Lord on March 2, 2025. Joe was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and served in the United States Army. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Vernelle Adams; two brothers, David Adams and William Adams; and two sisters, Miriam Hall and Peggy Barksdale. Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Faye Adams; son, Rylan Adams (Katie); three grandchildren, Chloe, Dixie, and Waylon Adams; two sisters, Lisa Albouy and Ginny Matthews; and brother, Edward Adams (Debbie). The family wants to thank his hospice team, Mac, Rev….
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Lucy Ann Sawyer
Lucy Ann (Ayer) Sawyer, 88, of New Kent, Virginia, went to her next great adventure on Feb. 21, 2025. Lucy was born in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 9, 1936, to Fred and Marie Ayer. As a child, she was known to tap dance on the roof and paint on her bedroom walls. In 1959, she married Ed Swayer, having five children together. They spent 23 years travelling across the country while Ed was in the Air Force. Lucy was a self-taught artist and painted using numerous mediums including oils, acrylic, watercolors, and silk dyes. Lucy and Ed moved to New…
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Elsie Watson Martin
Elsie Watson Martin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on Feb. 21, 2025, at the age of 83 in James City County, Virginia. Born on Aug. 24, 1941, in Blackstone, Virginia, Elsie was a beacon of love and strength to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Throughout her life, Elsie exemplified kindness and resilience. She navigated the joys and challenges of life with grace, always putting her family at the center of the world. As the family matriarch, Elsie was known for her nurturing spirit and her ability to bring everyone together. Whether it…
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