Obituaries

Jason Rance Raymer

Jason Rance Raymer passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 10:12am at Riverside Hospital, surrounded by the people who loved him most — his wife Jennifer and his daughter Alli. He was 60 years old. Born and raised in Collinsville, Illinois, Jason was the only child of Jessie and Rance Raymer. From an early age, he carried a deep love for music. Picking up the guitar and discovering a passion that would stay with him for the rest of his life. As a young man, Jason answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, an experience that took him around the world and shaped him into the steadfast, adventurous man his family would come to know and admire. He returned home to Illinois carrying stories, a broader view of the world, and an unshakeable sense of who he was. It was back home in Illinois that Jason met the love of his life, Jennifer. Together they built a life full of warmth, laughter, and love, and were blessed with their daughter, Alexandria — known to everyone as Alli. The family eventually made their home in Virginia to be closer to Jennifer’s family, and it was there that Jason truly put down roots, surrounded by the people and the life he cherished. Jason was a quiet and deeply caring presence in the lives of everyone around him. He didn’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make his mark — his warmth spoke for itself. He always had an open ear for those who needed to talk and a steady shoulder for those who needed to lean. His dad jokes were legendary, reliably groan-worthy, and delivered with the kind of satisfied grin that made it impossible not to smile. Jason had a gift for making people feel at ease, and he gave that gift freely. In his time in Virginia, Jason found deep joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a devoted pitmaster, tending to his smoker with patience and pride — whether it was brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, whatever came off that smoker was something worth gathering around. He loved to travel with Jennifer and Alli, exploring new places and collecting memories along the way. And through it all, music remained a constant companion — playing his guitar, singing, and listening to the classic rock he’d loved since boyhood. Jason Raymer was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a loyal friend. He lived quietly and loved loudly, and the world is a little dimmer without his warmth in it. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, his daughter Alli, his mother Jessie, and the many friends and family members whose lives were made richer for having known him.

A celebration of life will be held on June 20th at the Raymer family home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share your memories, stories, and photographs of Jason with them at alli.raymer@nullgmail.com

Nancy Robinson

Nancy Robinson (1951 – 2026)
Nancy Robinson (née McAvoy), a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on December 4, 1951, Nancy lived a life defined by joy, dedication, and a deep love for her family and furry companions.
Nancy was a proud graduate of Southwestern High School in Lakewood, New York, where she first established a lifelong commitment to education and hard work. Her educational journey led her to Jamestown Community College, where she earned an Associate degree, after attending SUNY Geneseo. Guided by her sharp mind and a strong work ethic, she attended Old Dominion University to complete her Bachelor’s degree and CPA coursework. In a brilliant display of her professional dedication, Nancy successfully passed the rigorous CPA exam on her very first attempt.
She enjoyed a successful career in Corporate Healthcare Accounting beginning at Mary Immaculate Hospital, moving to Peninsula Behavioral Hospital. She finished her stellar career at Riverside Health Systems, where she was a highly respected colleague until her retirement in 2014.
For 50 wonderful years, Nancy shared a beautiful and enduring marriage with the love of her life, Jerry Robinson, whom she met while walking on the beach. Together, they built a lifetime of cherished memories, supporting one another through every season of life. Nancy was known by all for her vibrant spirit and her ability to light up any room. She was always the first to enthusiastically dress up for a theme, making every party, gathering, and event infinitely more fun and exciting just by being there.
A passionate animal lover, she opened her heart and her home to numerous rescue dogs and cats over the years, giving them a beautiful life.
Nancy was also an avid traveler who loved seeing the world. However, out of all her travels, her absolute favorite excursions were her trips to Michigan to visit her family. There, she was affectionately and widely celebrated as the “Famous Aunt Nancy,” a title she wore with great pride and joy. Back at home, she stayed active and engaged in her community as a dedicated member of the Yorktown Women’s Club and her local exercise group, where she formed many lasting friendships.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Howard E. McAvoy and Helen Faust McAvoy. Her bright light and loving memory will be forever cherished by her husband of 50 years, Jerry Robinson; her sister, Kathleen McAvoy; her brother, Robert McAvoy (Jean); her sister-in-law, Debbie Abbey (Brian); her nieces, Randie Kohler (Mike) and Taylor Clark (Josh); her nephew, Blake Abbey (Jennifer); and her great-nephews, Monte, Mack, and Winston, who brought her immense joy.
Nancy leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and generosity. In honor of her lifelong love for animals, the family suggests that any memorial donations be made to a local animal rescue or the Humane Society in Nancy’s name.
Memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.

Dr. Erik S. Saether

Thirty-year Yorktown, Va. resident Dr. Erik Sigurd “Ziggy” Saether passed away peacefully at his home on March 16, 2026. He was 69 years old. Dr. Saether was born in 1956 to Norwegian immigrants Kolbjorn Saether and Emily Eskedahl in Chicago, Ill. and grew up in the suburb of Wilmette. He earned undergraduate degrees in aerospace and mathematics for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a masters degree from UCLA, and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.
Dr. Saether worked as a research engineer at NASA for 25 years. Prior to that, he held positions at Northrup-Grumman and the Army Research Lab. During his career he authored or contributed to more than 80 publications. His primary topic of research dealt with material failures. His latest technical article will be published posthumously by NASA.
Dr. Saether was also a humor writer. HIs favorite pieces can be found on his blog at www.segwayviking.com. He was an avid amateur videographer, responsible for capturing hundreds of hours of vacations and family events with his camcorder.
Dr. Saether enjoyed travelling. He had toured most of western Europe, as well as a majority of the Caribbean. His favorite locations were Salzburg, Austria, anywhere in Italy, and his parents’ home country of Norway.
Dr. Saether is survived by his wife, Anne Racel, his sister and half-sister, two nieces, four stepchildren and two step-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held April 18th at 2 pm at Amory Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in his honor to the American Civil Liberties Union or St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

Pamela Ann Moore Hesler

Pamela Ann Moore Hesler left this world on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, to be with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her parents, Keith I. Moore and Shirley A. Thomas Moore, 17-year-old brother, Larry I. Moore and her mother’s second husband, Burl E Coburn.
Pam loved working with the kids at the Day Care. She also had a deep love and passion for animals.
She leaves behind her husband of 41 years, Donald N. Hesler, her son Zachrey N. Hesler Sr., her daughter-in-law Frances Hesler, 2 Granddaughters Augusta and Samantha, a Grandson Zachrey N. Hesler Jr. ,one Great Granddaughter, Grace and one Great Grandson, Forrest, whom she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends on Saturday April 4, 2026 from 11- 12 Noon. A Life Celebration will start at 12 Noon at Amory Funeral Home in Grafton, Virginia.

Jan J. Eason

Jan J. Eason
Hampton, Va. Jan J Eason , age 75, passed away peacefully after a short illness with his family by his side on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
He is survived by his sister, Ava E. Pierce and husband Tommy. Jan is also survived by nieces, Victoria Lackey and Elizabeth Webb. He was predeceased by his father, Eugene M. Eason and mother, Marian E. Monday.
A graveside service will be held on a Thursday April 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery. 5310 Milner’s Lane Suffolk, Va 23434

Marjorie C. Parker

Marjorie C. Parker, 89, of Seaford, Virginia passed away on March 16, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was born in 1936 and grew up in Chelan, Washington.
Marjorie pursued a career as a Registered Nurse at Hampton General Hospital (Pediatrics) and later Sentara Care Plex until retirement.
Marjorie was married to John W. Parker, Jr. in 1962 and they shared 63 years of memories and adventures. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Marjorie was affectionally called “Mommer” by her grandchildren. She happily chaperoned or attended many field trips, band excursions, concerts, scouting and sporting events. In her older years, she could be found following Auburn football and basketball games, NASCAR, and the K.C. Chiefs. She loved her cats, flowers, word searches, and bird watching.
Marjorie is survived by her husband, John W. Parker, Jr, her daughters Elizabeth Leatherwood (Chris), Leigh-Ann Parker and her grandchildren Zachary Leatherwood (Stephanie), Austin Leatherwood (Joanna), Chad Marx, Haley Smalley (Colter). She also survived by a number of nieces and nephews that were important to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Loretta Crill, and sisters (Jean and Shirley) and her brother Gerald.
A memorial service will be held at Amory Funeral Home at 410 Grafton Drive, Grafton, Virginia, on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marjorie’s name can be made to:
Gloucester/Mathews Humane Society: https://gmhumanesociety.org

Bryson John Light

Bryson John Light January 5th, 2016 – March 14th, 2026

A boundlessly loved son, brother, grandson, and nephew, Bryson John Light, Age 10, of Yorktown, Virginia, was chosen by God to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven on March 14th, 2026, after a yardwork incident.

Bryson was born on January 5th, 2016, to his late mother, Patricia Anne Light, and father, Derick John Light, in Virginia, following prebirth complications with his heart. The young boy lost his mother to pancreatic cancer at only 8 years old- but never let it get him down. He was a 4th grader at Yorktown Elementary School and was always seen with a wide smile on his face. Bryson was extremely passionate about football- especially the Washington Commanders and was often found staying up late at night studying football facts and stats. He had recently joined a local football league and was very enthusiastic to begin practicing with bright eyes, determination, and an extraordinary dream to “make it big” at such a young age. He was also a swimmer for the neighborhood swim team, the “Mudtoads”- elected Most Improved Player following his first season, the summer of 2025.

The warm and welcoming young Bryson also absolutely adored helping people, knowing no strangers. He loved animals, nature, and playing outdoors. He absolutely adored his little sister, Lily Light (6). The two were inseparable best friends, always doing everything together. Alongside his younger sister Lily, Bryson also has two older sisters, Hannah Light (21) and Emma Light (16). The siblings were often seen playing games together online, throwing the football outside with Bryson, and laughing and cracking jokes.

We take comfort in knowing Bryson is reunited in heaven with his Mother, Patricia Anne Bolz Light. He is survived by his Father, Derick John Light. As well as his Sisters: Hannah Estelle Light, Emma Rose Light, and Lily Anne Light. Grandparents: Grandmother Debra Elizabeth Light, Grandfather Cary Light Sr., Grandmother Linda Robinson Gillespie, and Grandfather Douglas Bolz.

Bryson’s memory and relentless sunny energy will be forever cherished and never forgotten by his entire family, including many aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends, and many friends in the neighborhood, including the McClusker and Peter families. We know he will be well remembered as well by his friends at Yorktown Elementary School, Swim-mates on the Marlbank Mudtoads swim team, and teammates of the York Seaford Falcon football team.

A funeral and memorial service will be held for Bryson on Saturday, March 28th. Beginning with an hour of gathering at 2:00 PM at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown, Virginia. His ceremony will begin at 3:00 PM and is open to anyone who wishes to honor the life of Bryson John Light, and is suitable for children. There will be light refreshments after the ceremony.

“He will wipe away the tears from their eyes, and death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away” – Revelation 21:4, Bryson’s favorite bible verse.

John Winston Whitmore

John Winston Whitmore, 98, of Yorktown, Virginia passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026.

John was born on July 18, 1927 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia to Mary Frances Fuqua Whitmore and John Garland Whitmore.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elizabeth Whitmore Jones and grandson, Shaun Lee Whitmore.

He is survived by his wife of 77 years Ruth Shields Whitmore; their children:  John Whitmore, Jr. (Nina) of Gloucester VA, Kenneth Whitmore (Gina) of Lancaster PA , Elizabeth Hill (John) of The Villages FL and Nancy Mitchell (Ron) of Yorktown VA; Granddaughters:  Shannon Wolpert (Michael) of Lancaster PA, Jaime Austin (Sean) of Gloucester VA, Megan Whitmore of Virginia Beach VA and Karina Fisher (Christopher) of Lancaster PA;  and Great grandchildren Abby Martin (Hunter), Michael Wolpert, Olivia Wolpert and Madilyn Fisher.

John served in the Navy and Army during WWII.  In 1948 he began the NACA (NASA) Apprentice School and retired from NASA in 1987.  John & Ruth loved to travel – enjoying two cross country road trips and many winters in Florida after retirement.

John was devoted to his family and had been an active member of the York County Volunteer Fire Department and Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 6-7 PM at the Amory Funeral Home in Grafton, Virginia. A Graveside services will be held on Monday March 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, VA.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Butterwood United Methodist Church Attn:  James Maitland, Treasurer, 6967 Grubby Road Wilsons VA 23894.

Steven E. Moore

Steven E. Moore, 70, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2026. Read Obituary

John Winston Whitmore, Sr.

John Winston Whitmore, Sr. 98, of Yorktown, Virginia passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026. Read Obituary

Elmer Ernest Emmons, Jr.

Elmer Ernest Emmons, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth of his family on March 11, 2026. Read Obituary

Harold E. Earehart, Sr.

Williamsburg, Va. – Harold E. Earehart, Sr., 97 passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026. Read Obituary

Debra Rowell Alger

Debra Rowell Alger
July 23, 1951 – March 9, 2026
Debra Rowell Alger, of York County, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Read Obituary

Winifred “Winnie” Birkbeck

Winifred “Winnie” Birkbeck
August 19, 1939 – March 6, 2026
Winifred “Winnie” Birkbeck, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Grafton, VA. Read Obituary

Teresa Marie Thacker Haskin

Yorktown, Va. – Teresa Marie Thacker Haskin, 63, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed peacefully on the morning of Saturday, February 28th, surrounded by family in her home. Read Obituary

Mikl Henry Williams

Mikl left us way too soon and passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026. Read Obituary

Carl “Andy” Andrew Woodruff

Williamsburg, Va. – Carl “Andy” Andrew Woodruff, 59, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Read Obituary

Libby Carolyn Carlson

Libby Carolyn Carlson of Yorktown, Va, peacefully passed , February 12, 2026. She was guided by her beloved late husband as they flew away together on their next journey. Read Obituary

James Darrell Tulloch

James Darrell Tulloch passed away in the comfort of his home on February 23, 2026. Read Obituary

Benjamin “David” Taylor

Benjamin “David” Taylor, 87, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away peacefully Monday, February 16th, 2026, at home with family. Read Obituary

Gerald Thompson Shrader

Gerald “Gerry” Shrader passed away to be with our Heavenly Father at Riverside Hospital on Sunday February 15, 2026, at 10am surrounded by family. Read Obituary

Michael Waggener

Michael Waggener
January 8, 1947-February 12, 2026
Michael Waggener grew up in a family with deep devotion to both the United States Army and Catholicism, and graduated high school from Würzburg, Germany in 1965. Read Obituary

Declan James Edward Torry

Declan James Edward Torry
November 14, 2003 – February 10, 2026
Declan was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, spent his childhood in Roanoke, Virginia, and had lived in the Tidewater area since 2016. Read Obituary

Christopher “Chris” Charles Robins

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
It is with immeasurable sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Christopher “Chris” Charles Robins, age 37 years young, on February 3, 2026. Born on April 24, 1988 on Long Island, New York to proud parents Arthur Barrett Robins, Jr. and Shirley Hickman Robins. Read Obituary

William (Billy) Doggett

William (Billy) Doggett, 86, of Grafton, VA, died peacefully on February 9, 2026 in his home surrounded by family. Read Obituary

Frances Boze Hauser

Frances Boze Hauser, of Dinwiddie, went home to be with her Lord and savior on February 5, 2026 at the age of 78. Read Obituary

Col. Suryakumar (Suri) Rajaram

Colonel Suryakumar (Suri) Rajaram, age 79, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026 in his daughter’s home. Read Obituary

Cynthia Major

Cynthia Major, 71, passed away on February 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS. Read Obituary

Zachary “Zach” Jordan

Yorktown, Va. – Zachary “Zack” Jordan, 30, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in Hampton, Virginia. Read Obituary

William “Bill” Earl Richmond

William ‘Bill’ Earl Richmond,
Born November 28, 1934 passed on to be with the Lord February 2, 2026. Read Obituary

Anne Welch Tuck Newsome

Anne Welch Tuck Newsome, Born in Newport News on April 20, 1946, Anne passed away on January 29, 2026. Read Obituary

Summer “Sunny” Andrea Mundell Deming

Summer “Sunny” Andrea Mundell Deming passed away peacefully at home January 27th, 2026. Read Obituary

David Boyd Sykes, Sr.

David Boyd Sykes Sr (D.B.) September 12, 1939- February 1, 2026. Read Obituary

Roxie Elizabeth (Betty) Smith Meeks

Roxie Elizabeth (Betty) Smith Meeks was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 29, 2026. Read Obituary

Lt. Col. I. Wayne Dickerson (USAF Ret.)

Lt. Col. I. Wayne Dickerson (USAF, Ret.)
February 13, 1941 – January 23, 2026 Read Obituary

Vivian P. Smith

Yorktown, Va. – Vivian P. Smith (84), a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, passed away January 27th, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband and family. She is preceded in death by her parents John L. Pace and Gladys A. Pace, her sister Judy Hodgins, brother Richard Pace, and cousin Donald Levi. Vivian is survived by her loving husband, Ernie Smith Sr., to whom she was married for 65 years, and her loving family  daughter Kimberly Jewel (Shawn), her sons Ernest Jr. and Eric Smith (Brandi). She had five grandchildren, Tyler Jewel, Mackenzie Smith, Samantha Smith, Amber Holt, and Noah Smith, and three great grandchildren, Kyler, Elleanor, and Luca, all of whom she absolutely adored. She is also survived by three sisters, Brenda Disano, Joyce Lamm, and Janice Keller.
Vivian was born in Fletcher, North Carolina and moved to Hampton, Virginia with her family at a young age. She and Ernie, who was the love of her life, settled in Yorktown in 1968. Vivian grew up with a strong sense of purpose combined with ambition and started working at age 14. She developed an interest in fashion and embraced the industry working for Beeline Fashions Inc. where she quickly rose to regional manager and traveled extensively. Throughout her 15-year career she made lifelong friends and made her impact on the fashion world. She transitioned to a 35-year career in the mortgage industry where she again put her ambition to work, becoming an industry leader working for C&F Mortgage Corp. (23 years) where they recognized her with numerous awards. Her daughter Kim had the pleasure of working with her as a loan officer partner for over 17 years.
Most important of all, Vivian was a dedicated Christian and Church volunteer. She dearly loved spending time with her family. Her devotion and joy in family embodied her whole life. She treasured the small moments like backyard cookouts, babysitting grandchildren, as much as the big adventures like trips to Disney World, snow skiing, beach excursions, and her very favorite  camping at Kerr Lake with the family (and the Hyatts) and enjoying our boat (the VE-KEE). Family and friends remember Vivian for her warmth, kindness, and how she loved us so. We miss hearing her call us “honey.” We will miss her.
The family will celebrate her life, welcoming all who wish to join us, at Amory Funeral Home (Yorktown) on Friday, February 6, 2026 between 6-7pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Yorktown, VA, with a reception at St. Luke’s following the service. A graveside service will commence at Peninsula Memorial Cemetery at 1pm. Vivian was a 25-year breast cancer survivor and we encourage any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Go to relayforlife.org to send a donation.

Mae Adelaide Huffman

Mae Adelaide Huffman died Saturday January 24, 2026. Read Obituary

Ellen “Christine” Garber Moorefield

Ellen “Christine” Garber Moorefield, 91 years old, went to see the Lord on January 23, 2026. Born in Halifax County, Virginia on September 17, 1934 and spent most of her life in Tabb, Virginia. Read Obituary

Barbara Ann Hanf

Barbara Ann Hanf
On Friday, January 23, Barbara passed away peacefully at her home in Yorktown, VA. Read Obituary

Vivian Lee Allen Canada

Vivian Lee Allen Canada, lovingly known as “Susie,” age 91, passed away on January 22, 2026. Read Obituary

Bonnie Sue Ramey

Newport News, VA. – Bonnie Sue Ramey (54) passed away on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Read Obituary

Anita Carol Holmes

Anita Carol Holmes gained her angel wings on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 while surrounded by her loving family. Read Obituary

Aldyth Leonie Duncan

Aldyth Leonie Duncan, Yorktown, Virginia With heavy hearts and watery eyes, our beloved Aldyth Leonie Duncan, 73, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2026. Read Obituary

Phillip Jerry Capece

Phillip Jerry Capece, of Yorktown, Virgina, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the age of 84. Read Obituary

Ronald Dorenbush

Yorktown, Va. – Ronald Dorenbush (82), a devoted man of faith whose life was a testament to service, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to God, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2026, at 6:30 a.m. He was surrounded by his loving family. Read Obituary

Lucy “Juanita” Rhew

Yorktown, Va. – Lucy ‘Juanita’ Rhew (née Wilson) age 89, passed away in her sleep January 10, 2026, at Warwick Forest in Newport News. Read Obituary

Loraine Huegel

Loraine Huegel, born on August 5, 1940, in Barbourville, Kentucky, passed away on January 11, 2026. Read Obituary

Charles (Chuck) Horace Purnell, Sr.

Charles (Chuck) Horace Purnell, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, servant leader, and proud veteran, passed away on December 20, 2025. He was 78 years old. Read Obituary

Joseph Francis Henton

Joseph Francis Henton, 61
Joseph Francis Henton passed away peacefully on Saturday January 10, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Read Obituary

George Henry King

Yorktown, Va. – George Henry King, 76, of Yorktown, VA, passed away on January 1st 2026 in the warmth and comfort of the long-time home he shared with his surviving wife, Duygu “Dee” King. Read Obituary