News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | April 29, 2025
Obituaries
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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Justin Huntley Walker
Justin Huntley Walker, 38, of Lanexa, Virginia, passed away on Feb. 16, 2025. Justin loved having a good time enjoying roller coasters, theme parks, and being around his family and friends. Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Joann Walker. He is survived by his mother, Toni Blevins; step-father, Bob Blevins; brother, Steven Mickey; sister, Shannon Mickey; nephew, Theo; uncle, Mark Walker (Kathy); aunt, Jaime Killin; and cousin, Katie Killin. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m., at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, Virginia, 23140. The family will receive…
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Gerald Arthur Taft Sr.
Gerald Arthur Taft Sr., 83, of Quinton, Virginia, and formerly of Wisconsin, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side. Gerald retired at 74 as a software engineer for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Quinton, Virginia. Gerald was known as a kind, generous, and soft-spoken gentleman. He was devoted to his loving wife an daughter, and other family and friends who he always put first. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents,…
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Jessica Mae Tench Wise
Jessica Mae Tench Wise went home at the age of 86 on Sunday, November 10, 2024, after a brief illness. Jessie was born on Dec. 10, 1937 in Charles City to Robert and Lucille Tench, and was raised at Peace Hill by Luther and Amelia Morecock. She met her husband, James Lafayette Wise, at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, from which she graduated with honors. After their marriage, Jay entered the Navy and they lived in Massachusetts, Maine, Puerto Rico, and Haiti before returning to Peace Hill in Charles City, where she would spend the rest of her life. Jessie was…
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William Grubb
William “Bill” Odell Grubb, 72, of Quinton, Virginia, passed away on Nov. 19, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on Feb. 4, 1952 to Doris and William Odell Grubb. One of many siblings, Bill cherished having a close-knit family. A true southern gentleman, he became a mentor and confidant to many, always ready to offer guidance. Bill served in the Army National Guard, leaving after six years of service in 1977. After being honorably discharged, he worked hard and purchased his family’s business from his father. Under Bill’s leadership, the company flourished, becoming a hallmark of growth…
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Carol Ann Miller
Carol Ann Miller, 55, of Quinton, Virginia, passed away on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Carol had a deep passion for gardening, hunting, fishing, arts and crafts, and spending time at the beach, specifically the North Carolina Outer Banks. Her greatest love was spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren play sports. Carol is preceded in death by her brother, Junior. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Alton Miller; her daughter, Traci Parsley (Paul); her son, Christofor Miller (Tiffany); six grandchildren, Hunter, Kelly, Aubrey, C.J., Natia, and Colson; her parents, Carol and Ally Hicks; and her…
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