U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
SHANNON
Mrs. Eleanor Bosworth Shannon, widely revered for her longtime contributions to education and to the Charlottesville-Albemarle community and the widow of former University of Virginia President Edgar F. Shannon Jr., died Friday, March 3, 2000 at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville. Born April 14, 1925 in Memphis, Tenn., she was the daughter of Eleanor Hinds Bosworth and Millard Moore Bosworth. In a time when many young women abandoned their own interests to marriage and raising a family, Mrs. Shannon broke the mold. She traveled widely in England, Europe and the Middle East and was an ardent scholar, reading books and taking joy in learning new things throughout her life. Her enthusiasm for learning was something she shared passionately with others. She dedicated her life to supporting and improving education in many places and in many ways. She attended Miss Hutchinson’s School for Girls in Memphis, where she graduated in 1943. She continued her studies at Sweet Briar College in Virginia where she received her B.A. degree in international relations magna cum laude in 1947 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She studied briefly at Balliol College, Oxford, as a member of a student group promoting international understanding in the wake of World War II. From 1949 to 1955, she was an assistant professor of history at Southwestern College in Memphis (now Rhodes College) and was the Acting Dean of Women from 1952 until 1955. In 1955, she moved to New York City to begin working on a doctorate in history and religion at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University. Her studies were interrupted when she met Edgar Shannon Jr., who shared her passion for scholarship. They were married at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral in New York City in February 1956. In the fall of 1956, the Shannons moved from Cambridge, Mass., where Edgar Shannon had been teaching at Harvard, to Charlottesville, where he joined the English department of the University of Virginia. In 1959, Mr. Shannon was elected president of the University of Virginia and Mrs. Shannon became the "first lady" of the university. She worked tirelessly in partnership with her husband to reaffirm the Jeffersonian ideal that the University of Virginia be not only an exceptional state and regional university but also a great national university. In 1972, Mrs. Shannon received one of the university’s most prestigious awards, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, in recognition of excellence of character and service to humanity. The citation described her as being "in the great tradition of the University president’s wife...firm of belief, quick of mind and warm of heart." The citation noted "her many contributions,...her many nameless acts of kindness and her love for the University." Mrs. Shannon made important contributions to other educational institutions. For several years, she served on the executive board of the Alumnae Association of Sweet Briar College and then on the board of trustees from 1965 to 1977. She also served on the board of Rhodes College from 1980 to 1984. In Charlottesville, Mrs. Shannon was a founding board member of the Learning Center, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Originally known as the Center of Dyslexia, this institution helped transform the teaching of special needs students in Charlottesville and has encouraged countless students from pre-school through college age. With the help of her husband, who died in 1997, and a few other dedicated colleagues, Mrs. Shannon also realized her dream of creating a foundation to support excellence in teaching in the public schools. Since 1990 the foundation, now known as the Edgar and Eleanor Shannon Foundation for Excellence in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Schools, has held an annual competition for innovative teaching ideas and has awarded approximately $100,000 in grants. Despite these many accomplishments, Mrs. Shannon’s greatest joy was her family: her husband and their five daughters, Eleanor, Bess, Lois, Susan and Virginia; and her sons-in-law and seven grandchildren. She loved their visits and avidly kept up with all their activities. Mrs. Shannon was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder from 1976 to 1979. Raised in the Episcopal Church, she was also affiliated with the Church of Our Savior. She is survived by her daughters and grandchildren. Those families are Eleanor Shannon and her husband, David Salem of Hanover, N.H. (and their children, Caroline, Peter and Virginia); Bess Shannon and her husband, Reid Smith of Oreland, Pa. (and their children, Liza and Morgan); Lois Shannon and her husband, Thomas Virden of London, England (and their son, Andrew); Susan Shannon of Charlottesville; and Virginia Shannon and her husband, John Kirby Nicholas of Concord, Mass. (and their daughter, Katherine). She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Hugh Bosworth; and her husband, Edgar Shannon Jr. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday, March 6 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rugby Road, in Charlottesville and a service at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge on Tuesday, March 7. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to the Edgar and Eleanor Shannon Foundation for Excellence at 1368 Reas Ford Road, Earlysville, Va. 22936 or the Eleanor and Millard Bosworth Scholarship Fund at Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, Tenn. 38112-1690. Teague Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
SITES
Alice H. Sites entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 29, 2000. She is survived by three daughters and one son, all of northern Virginia; two sisters, Jean Ayers of Richmond, Va. and Georgiana Wratchford of Petersburg, W.Va.; two brothers, Carson W. Reel of Richmond, Va. and Curtis C. Reel of Woodbridge, Va. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The remains rest at Blasius-Baker Funeral Home in Manassas, Va. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2000 at 2:30 p.m. at Stonewall Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the form of a donation to Oak Forest Baptist Church, 5101 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield, Va. 23832.
SNELSON-TUCK
Phyllis Snelson-Tuck, 81, of Richmond, died March 2, 2000. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Jean Snelson; son, Gilbert H. Snelson III; sister, Jean McMahon of Key West, Fla.; five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren. Her remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Home’s Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull St. Rd., where the family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. on Monday at Washington Memorial Park.
STATON
John A. "Skee" Staton, 78, of Ruther Glen, formerly of Richmond, died Friday, March 3, 2000. Survivors include a daughter, Nita Mills of Ruther Glen; a stepson, Douglas Hepler of Covington; two sister s, Lucille Nunnally and Katherin Starnes, both of Richmond; a brother, Ernest Staton of Tappahannock; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Sunday 2 p.m. in the Storke Funeral Home, Bowling Green, with burial to follow in Dale Memorial Park, Chesterfield. Visitation at the funeral home Saturday 7 to 9 p.m.
SWAN
Ernest L. Swan Jr. will be funeralized today at 1 p.m. at Community Church of God in Christ.
THOMPSON
Mable E. Thompson of South Hill died March 3, 2000. She would have been 100 years old on April 12. survived by her daughter, Etta T. Mathews; and grandson, Charles A. Mathews, both of South Hill. Service 2 p.m. Sunday at Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home. Interment Crestview Memorial Park. Visitation Saturday 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
WARDEN
Departed this life March 3, 2000, Mrs. Vernice "Sis-Homey" Warden of 2005 Hechler St., formerly of 2400 Burton St. Notice of funeral later. Arrangements by the Chiles Funeral Home, 2100 Fairmount Av e.
WILKINS
Departed this life March 3, 2000, Mrs. Louise S. Wilkins, of 1005 Kinney Street. Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 North 25th Street. Funeral notice later.
WILLIAMS
Robert K. Williams Jr., 79, of Richmond, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2000. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Virginia Rudd of Richmond. He is survived by three sons, Robert K. Williams III of Las Vegas, Nev., Curtis Rudd Williams of Ashland, Va., Douglas H. Williams of Martinez, Calif.; and one daughter, Karen Frances Williams of Richmond, Va.; a daughter-in-law, Mary Helen Williams of Ashland, Va.; and four grandchildren, Justin Curtis Williams, Daniel Scanlon Williams, Elizabeth Alice Williams, all of Ashland, Va. and Virginia Marie Williams of Martinez, Calif. Mr. Williams was a graduate of John Marshall High School (member of Cadet Corp.), 1937 and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from VPI (Virginia Tech), class of 1941, where he was captain of Battery K. Graduating as a second lieutenant from VPI, Mr. Williams received a commendation from the brigade commander as captain of 69 AAA Group in Saipan. Later Mr. Williams was promoted to major for outstanding service. Following WWII, Mr. Williams began his impressive career, starting with the Virginia Highway Department as materials engineer for Richmond District from 1946 to 1952 and district engineer for Virginia Asphalt Institute from 1952 to 1958. Mr. Williams was appointed and served as executive director of the Virginia Asphalt Association from 1958 to 1982 when he retired. His remains rest at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., where the family will receive friends on Sunday, March 5, 2000 from 2 to 5 p.m., and where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2000. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations shall be sent to the Robert K. Williams Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, 201 Pack Building, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. 24061, Attn: T. O. Williams.
WOOD
Mildred Person Wood, 66, of Emporia, entered eternal rest Monday, February 28, in the Greensville Memorial Hospital. Survivors include her husband, Edward Wood; five children, Gretchen Whitfield and husband Paul, Edward Roderick and Joel Wood, Leandra Wood, Ercelia Mayo and husband Aric, all of Richmond; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; two brothers, Thomas and Alvin Person of Emporia; four sisters, Rose Allen and Emma Harrison of Emporia, Audrey Person of Raleigh, N.C. and Ida Edwards of Newport News, Va.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. During a period of the 25 years Mildred lived in Richmond, she worshiped at the New Bethel United Holy Church. Upon her return to Emporia, she re-united with her home church. Her homegoing service will be held Sunday, March 5, 2 p.m. at the St. Paul Church of God in Christ, 294 Lowground Rd., Emporia. Pastor Frank N. Batts, officiating. Interment at Forest Lawn. Family will assemble at 240 Harrje Street at 1 p.m. Sunday.
ALLEN
Mildred O. Allen of 3009 Oxnard Road, Richmond, entered eternal rest June 8, 2000. Professional services entrusted to:
BARTLETTE
Mary S. Bartlette of Richmond died Thursday, June 8, 2000 at Westminster Canterbury Health Care. Born in Davy, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Edward Weston and Mabel Damron Bartlette. She is survived by one niece, Macon T. East and husband, Lee of Prince George, Va. She was a retired long time employee of United Paper Company and was a member of Reveille United Methodist Church. A service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2000 at the gravesite in Riverview Cemetery, Waynesboro. The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials to consider Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 Cary Street Road, Richmond, Virginia 23221. The Central Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., is handling arrangements.
BLEDSOE
Rosie Walton Bledsoe, 87, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2000, after a long illness. She was a retiree of Sealtest and an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She is survived by one sister, Ruby B. Sonner of Richmond, Va.; one brother, Sam Scott Walton of Dayton, Ohio; two daughters, Dixie Lee McKeone of La Mesa, Calif., and Patricia Ann Veynar of Poway, Calif.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family visitation will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2000 at her home at 5005 Monumental Street, Richmond, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The graveside service will be held on Monday, June 12, 2000 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. Donations to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Rosie began her life’s journey in Danville, Va., and ends it by going to the Lord. Arrangements by K.L. Jordan Funeral Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd. K L JORDAN
BROWN
Aurelius Wilson Brown Jr. of Richmond died Friday, June 9, 2000. Memorial service to be announced later.
CLARKSON
Bertha W. Hairfield Clarkson, 86, of Richmond, died Thursday, June 8, 2000. She was the widow of Minor L. Hairfield and I. Floyd Clarkson. She is survived by two daughters, Gladys H. Wesson and her husband, Charles W. Wesson and Beverly H. Martin and her husband, Paul R. Martin Jr.; two grandchildren, Stephen Kyle Wesson of San Francisco, Calif., and Meredith Ann Martin. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Pine St. Baptist Church endowment funds or The Virginia Voice.
CLEMENTS
Helen Marie Clements, 76, of Richmond, died Thursday, June 8, 2000. She was the widow of Roland C. Clements Sr. and is survived by her son, Louis C. Clements Sr. (Ricky) and his wife, Patsy; a daughter-in-law, Connie Clements; a sister, Doris A. Eades; five grandchildren, Kevin Carlisle Clements, Kimberly Sue Clements, Rebecca Gail Brown, Melissa Ann Clements and Louis C. Clements Jr.; one great-grandson, Christopher Michael Woolard. She was predeceased by her son, Roland C. Clements Jr.; and her great-granddaughter, Angel Gail Clements Ridout. Mrs. Clements attended St. John’s Roman Catholic Church. Her remains rest at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where friends may call anytime Saturday or Sunday. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Highland Springs. Interment Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.
CORNETT
Eula Mae Cornett, age 79, of Hallie, Ky., died June 8, 2000. She was the mother of Mrs. Rebecca C. Massey of Richmond, Va. She is also survived by husband, Dock Cornett of Hallie, Ky.; three daughter s, four sons; 22 grandchildren, including A. Travis Massey, William E. Massey III, and Taylor C. Massey of Richmond, Va.; seven great-grandchildren; and son-in-law, William E. Massey Jr. of Richmond, Va. Visitation will be held Saturday at the Letcher Funeral Home in Whitesburg, Ky. Services will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Hallie, Ky.
DANIEL
Diane O. Daniel, 52, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2000 after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Richmond, Va., she had been a Peninsula resident most of her life. Mrs. Daniel was employed as an occupational health nurse for Anheuser-Busch since 1992. Before that at BASF in Williamsburg and prior to that, she was a staff nurse at Riverside Hospital. She graduated from Johnston-Willis Hospital School of Nursing in 1969. She was a charter member of the Hampton Roads Virginia Association of Occupational Health Nurses, where she held numerous offices on the state and local level. She obtained her certification in occupational health in 1995. She was awarded the Cleo H. Everhart Award as the Outstanding Occupational Health Nurse for the State of Virginia in 1997. She dedicated her career to improving the health of employees and educating companies on the benefits of a safe and healthy workplace. Mrs. Daniel was a member of Grafton Christian Church, Grafton. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, William Samuel "Billy" Daniel III; two sons, Steven Daniel and his wife, Melody and David Daniel and his wife, Jillanna, all of Gloucester; her father, Jesse Ormand and his wife, Thelma of Charles City, Va.; two sisters, Paige Herbener of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Nila Hansford of Sparta, New Jersey; a grandson, Derek; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Amy Griffith Ormand. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2:30 p.m. in Grafton Christian Church with Rev. David Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 729 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite #3C, Newport News, Va. 23606.
DANIEL
Katherine (Kitty) DeLoach Daniel of Kenbridge, Va., died June 9, 2000. Her husband of 52 years was the late Herbert Walter Daniel. Her beloved daughter was the late Patricia Gayle Daniel. Mrs. Daniel was born in Plainville, Georgia in 1924 to the late Allie Gunn DeLoach and the late Arthur Grady DeLoach. She moved to Kenbridge in 1945 to make her home with her husband, Herb. She was an active member in the Kenbridge Christian Church. She operated a local florist and also provided day care for a number of years. She is survived by family and friends, including, Bagley and Nancy Hawthorne, and their two children, Baskervill and Sara Manson of Kenbridge; her sister, Phemie Bagley of Rome, Ga.; her sitter, Susan Bell of Kenbridge; five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Clarke Funeral Home in Kenbridge on Saturday, June 10, from 7 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Sunday at 2 p.m. with burial in the Kenbridge Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Kenbridge Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 328, Kenbridge, Va. 23944.
EVANS
Jennie Mae Evans of 3024 Park Avenue, Richmond, entered eternal rest June 7, 2000. Professional services entrusted to:
