U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
VENABLE
William M. Venable of Richmond departed this life Sunday, May 13, 2001. Remains rest at the Mimms Funeral Home, 19th & Hull Sts. Funeral notice later.
WHITE
Departed this life May 13, 2001, Mrs. Evelyn V. White of Richmond. Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St. Funeral notice later.
WILLIAMS
Departed this life May 13, 2001, Mr. Aaron (Slim)
Williams Jr. of 9077 New Bethesda Rd. Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St. Funeral notice later.
WOODEN
John Wooden of 3115 Edgewood Ave. died May 13, 2001. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Funeral notice later.
Lester D. Nave, retired Methodist pastor, dies
Sep 14, 2002
A memorial service for the Rev. Lester D. Nave, a retired United Methodist minister and state conference executive, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Welborne United Methodist Church.
Mr. Nave, who served as executive director for the state conference's board of pensions, died Wednesday. He was 73.
Among his charges were Mount Carmel Methodist in the Holston Conference. In 1955, he joined the Virginia Conference and in 1956 was assigned to Grace Methodist in Roanoke.
In 1961, he led the congregation at Greenwood Methodist in Henrico County and a year later began a seven-year pastorate at Welborne Methodist in Henrico County. During his years there, the church, formerly at the corner of Parham Road and Patterson Avenue, relocated to a 10-acre tract farther west on Patterson.
A sanctuary, a parsonage, and an educational and administrative building were all built during his tenure, said current Welborne pastor, the Rev. Peter Vaughn. The church named Mr. Nave pastor emeritus in 1998.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease more than 20 years ago, Mr. Nave fought to stay active and in recent years volunteered at Welborne as a groundskeeper.
"He would cut the grass and trim the bushes, partly for his own exercise, but partly because he was a willing servant," said Vaughn. "Here he was, the pastor emeritus, and for him to be raking the leaves . . . he was just tenacious. He had a marvelous wit and he told more jokes than anyone I have ever met."
As a pastor, Mr. Nave was reassigned from Welborne to First United Methodist in Salem in 1969. He also served Trinity United Methodist in Alexandria and later Williamsburg United Methodist until being named district superintendent for Danville in 1981.
From 1986 to 1990, he was executive secretary for the conference's pension board and director of ministerial services.
Mr. Nave was awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Emory & Henry College, in 1988. That year he was a Virginia Conference delegate to the United Methodist General Conference. When that job was reorganized into two positions, he continued as executive director of the pension fund for another year. He stepped down in 1991 because of his health and retired in 1996.
He was the widower of Brucie Nave.
Survivors include his wife of eight years, Frances Nave; three sons, Dr. David Nave of Sanford, N.C., Bruce Nave of Virginia Beach and the Rev. G. Kirk Nave of Stephens City; a stepdaughter, Sheila Ray of Richmond; a stepson, David Callis of Milford, Mass.; and 13 grandchildren.
Stephen Russell Merritt
Oct 24, 2001
Few folks around the town of Ashland could deliver a point of view with such understated flair as Stephen Russell Merritt. A thin smile, droll sense of humor and seaman's salt-and-pepper beard concealed a passion and compassion for local issues of both social and environmental relevance.
Mr. Merritt, who served as Ashland's mayor from 1992 to 1994 and was a town councilman for eight years, died Oct. 16. He was 55.
During his council tenure, Mr. Merritt championed construction of a municipal swimming pool and fought the Virginia Department of Transportation when the state agency began heavy tree cutting along Interstate 95 near Ashland to allow clearer sight of commercial billboards.
"If he saw a misjustice that needed fixed, he wanted to do it," recalled John Newell, a former councilman who succeeded Mr. Merritt as mayor. He called Mr. Merritt a friend "whose opinion I appreciated and whose judgments I valued."
Even during occasions when the two were on opposite sides of an issue, Mr. Merritt "was almost always right," Newell said.
The owner of MiniVan LLC, on the town's main commercial street, Mr. Merritt remained willing to lend his voice to town issues long after his elected public service ended.
Three years ago, Mr. Merritt employed his trademark flair after the town's tax office sent him a bill for back taxes on two parcels of property adjacent to his England Street van dealership. Mr. Merritt paid the taxes and then sued the town for $22.15 - the amount of the interest and penalties assessed by the town.
At the time of his lawsuit, Mr. Merritt told a local newspaper that his lawsuit, despite the small change he was looking for, was very serious: "As much as anything in life over $22 is serious."
The case was later dismissed, but Mr. Merritt said he made his point.
He made his point again a few years later during the town's bitter battle with retail giant Wal-Mart. The company eventually won out against outspoken town residents to build a store there.
But not before Mr. Merritt rented a gaudy, lighted sign, which he compared to the aesthetic virtues offered by Wal-Mart's proposed construction in the quiet railroad town.
The instant billboard asked passing motorists to honk their support for a referendum on the rezoning rather than leave the vote to what he characterized as a sympathetic Town Council. It was yet another way to voice his opinion.
Mr. Merritt spoke in June in favor of a recently adopted and significantly bolstered town sign ordinance. His temporary Wal-Mart billboard from a year or so earlier had also served as a flashing neon message taunting the ineffectiveness of the town's old ordinance.
John Merritt of Ashland, one of Mr. Merritt's two brothers, recalled his sibling's high-minded approach to government. "He had very high principles. Even if there was shade, he would stay in the sun."
Mr. Merritt held sociology degrees from both Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William and Mary. A former assistant professor at Randolph-Macon College, he had also worked previously for the State Council for Higher Education.
An enthusiastic runner, Mr. Merritt was involved as an organizer for the annual Ashland R-MC Railroad Run, a 10-kilometer event.
In addition to his brother, Mr. Merritt is survived by his wife, Kay-Lyn Merritt; three daughters, Rebecca and Catherine Merritt, both of Ashland, and Robin Liesfeld of Montpelier; his mother, Bettye Merritt of Madison Heights; five sisters, Susan Stimart of McLean, Shirley Boe and B.J. Garrett of Madison Heights, Michele Meinhart of Roanoke, and Teresa Hopkins of San Antonio, Texas; and another brother, Scott Merritt of London.
Elizabeth Balsbaugh
Sep 29, 2002
For many residents at the Virginia Home for Boys, Elizabeth Matthews Balsbaugh was a sort of surrogate grandmother.
The wife of the home's executive director, Tod Balsbaugh, she kept track of the boys' birthdays, made sure residents got something on their holiday wish lists and worked to ensure that alumni away at college or in the military got care packages.
Mrs. Balsbaugh, who volunteered at the home for more than 30 years, died Thursday at age 56. She had been diagnosed with cancer.
Mrs. Balsbaugh and her husband lived on campus. Much of her work was done in conjunction with the home's other volunteers. In the late 1980s and 1990s, when the home did not employ live-in staff, she took on a larger role in direct contact with the residents.
Her efforts were often behind the scenes, but when the idea of an award to recognize the boys' volunteerism emerged, staff members suggested it be named in her honor.
The Betsy Balsbaugh Award for Community Service has been given to a resident for about four years, Tod Balsbaugh said.
"She didn't like a lot of recognition," said her husband. "A lot of the things she did were things no one else ever saw or no one else wanted to do. She always wanted the recognition to go to the boys."
A native of Canada, Mrs. Balsbaugh earned a degree from Westhampton College in 1968.
She worked for the Hanover School for Boys and the Henrico County Fuel Assistance Program before taking a job in development with the Virginia Home for Boys. In 1996, she stepped down but continued to volunteer.
In addition to her husband of 32 years, survivors include two daughters, Kim Balsbaugh and Meg Balsbaugh, both of Richmond.
A funeral will held Monday at 11 a.m. at the West Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
ALFORD
Edwin Lee Alford, 79, of Richmond, died Saturday, September 1, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Joyce B. Alford; son, James B. Alford; sister, Marygene Watkins; a granddaughter and three nieces. A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2001 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Latter-day Saints Church on Atlee Rd. A graveside service will be held 12:30 p.m. Monday. September 10, 2001 in Quantico National Cemetery. Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, is handling arrangements.
BECK
Mr. Hilaire Emil Beck Jr. of The Hermitage, Richmond, died on September 4, 2001. He was born and reared in Richmond where he was graduated from Benedictine High School, class of 1932 and University of Richmond, class of 1966 and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. After graduation he was employed by the Philip Morris Tobacco Co. holding various executive positions for 43 years. Upon the onset of World War II he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve serving aboard the USS Gen. John R Brook troop transport as navigator in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Indian theaters until obtaining the rank of commander. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Manning Beck, and is survived by two daughters, Fanny Manning Lineberger and Ann Manning Moorefield; his only son, Hilaire Emil Beck III; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sisters, Eleanor Lane of New Jersey and Marie McGraw of Maryland; and his brother, James E. Beck of Georgia. The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday ending with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. at the Bliley Funeral Home's Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Interment Westhampton Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials be sent to Benedictine High School or St. Gertrude's High School.
BEYERSDOERFER
Earl Adolphus Beyersdoerfer, 76, a devoted Christian, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, departed this life September 4, 2001 at Henrico Doctors' Hospital. Mr. Beyersdoerfer left his native Kentucky in 1941 to serve in the Army. He later became a plastics engineer in his long-time home of Cincinnati. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dora; a daughter and son-in-law, Pam and John McAlister of Glen Allen; a sister and brother-in-law; and his three grandchildren. The family welcomes visitors Thursday 7 p.m. at the Bliley Funeral Home's Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Rd., where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday. Interment will follow at Westhampton Cemetery. Donations in memorial may be made to Hospice of Central Virginia.
BRAY
Departed this life August 31, 2001, Mrs. Lois J. "Lil Sis" Bray, formerly of 2400 Burton St. She is survived by three grandchildren, Norman E., Robinette and Mark A. Johnson; five great-grandchildren; a host of cousins, among them one devoted, Joan Hill; other relatives and devoted friends. Remains rest at the Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St. Remains will lie in state 12 noon Friday at Great Hope Baptist Church, 2101 Venable St., where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Dr. Earl Bledsoe officiating. Burial Oakwood Cemetery.
BURTON
Mildred H. Burton, 77, of Richmond, died September 5, 2001. She was the widow of Earle C. Burton Sr. She is survived by her sons, Earle C. Burton Jr. and his wife, Betty, William D. Burton and his wife, Paula; sister, Mozelle H. Burton; four grandchildren, Jill B. Moore, Heather B. Hathaway, Matthew E. Burton and Bryson R. Burton; two great-grandsons, Logan and Landon Moore. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Morrissett Funeral Home, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd. (Rt. 10). Her funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Entombment in Dale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6359, Glen Allen, Va. 23058-6359 or Lucy Corr Nursing Home Volunteer Auxiliary, c/o Blanche Castelow, Treasurer, 6800 Lucy Corr Blvd., Chesterfield, Va. 23832.
BUTLER
M. Ruth Hagerty Butler, 74, of Richmond, widow of Robert E. Butler, died September 4, 2001. She is survived by her son, Thomas P. Butler; her brother, Harry Hagerty of Baltimore, Md.; sister, Gertrude Legan of Phoenix, Ariz. Her remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Home's Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave., where the family will receive friends 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Friday in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
CLOTHIER
Mrs. Juliette Croxton Clothier, 86, of Woodrow Wilson Way, Rome, Ga., died Saturday afternoon at her residence. Mrs. Clothier was born in Springfield, Virginia on October 10, 1914, daughter of the late William Edwards Croxton and Sophie Robinson Croxton. She was a graduate of William and Mary College, where she earned a degree in library sciences. Mrs. Clothier attended both St. Peter's Episcopal and Transfiguration Episcopal Churches. Prior to her retirement, she served as the Clerk of Circuit Courts in Williamsburg, Virginia. Mrs. Clothier was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Clothier Jr. on June 6, 1994; and two sisters, Anne Croxton Meehan and Sophie (Tibs) Croxton Christian. Mrs. Clothier is survived by her daughter, Juliette Dale Clothier Carroll of Rome; two grandsons, Paul Brandon Carroll and Spencer Clothier Carroll, both of Rome; and two sisters, Trudy Bland Christian of West Point, Virginia and Maria Walther Haff of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. Memorial services for Mrs. Clothier will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia on Friday at 11 a.m. in the Bruton Parish Church. Interment will be Saturday at 12 noon in the Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia. Daniel's Funeral Home has charge of the services for Mrs. Juliette Croxton Clothier.
CRAWFORD
Mrs. Marjorie I. Crawford, age 77, of Highland Springs, died September 4, 2001. She is survived by her husband, Jesse Crawford; a granddaugther, Magan McCalley; niece and nephew, Lisa and Douglas Bankston; and Travis. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at Loving Hope Church, 301 West Nine Mile Road. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Loving Hope Church for Majorie Crawford Burial Fund, 301 West Nine Mile Road, Highland Springs, Va. 23075. Arrangements by K.L. Jordan Funeral Services. K L JORDAN
CRAWFORD
Warren G. Crawford, age 80, of Richmond, died September 1, 2001. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Sadie Crawford; four brothers and three sisters. Survived by his sister, Mrs. Alma C. Satterwhite, of Richmond; 14 nieces and nephews. Mr. Crawford was a retired U.S. Navy veteran and retired from Kraft Foods Inc. Graveside Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Greenwood Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by K.L. Jordan Funeral Services, 5008 Nine Mile Rd. K L JORDAN
CUDJOE
Departed this life September 4, 2001, Mrs. Joyce Ann Cudjoe of 1207 N. 1st St. Apt. C. Remains rest at the Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St. Funeral notice later.
DAVIDSON
Juanita Pollard Davidson, 66, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, September 4, 2001. She is survived by her husband, E.L. "Pete" Davidson; her son, Kirby Mark Davidson and his wife, Candy of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.; her daughter, Regina Davidson Gernatt and her husband, John of Edgewater, Md.; her mother, Faye Perry Pollard of Bluefield, W.Va.; two grandsons, John Luke Gernatt and J.T. Best; four brothers, Donald Pollard of Bluefield, W.Va., Ronald Pollard of Newport News, Va., Norman Pollard of Stafford, Va. and David Pollard of Alexandria, Va.; three sisters, Patricia Campbell of Dumfries, Va., Donna Knight of Alexandria, Va. and Rita Lund of King George, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Davidson was devoted to her family, and enjoyed reading and genealogy. Her remains rest at the Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and where funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday. Interment will be at 12 noon Saturday at Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville, Md.
DRAPER
Nancy Moyer Draper, 73, of Midlothian, died September 4, 2001. She is survived by her children, Courtney Geer, Blair Draper, Jonathan Draper; her son-in-law, Bruce Geer; and daughter-in-law, Belinda Draper. Grandchildren include Jordan and Nicholas Geer, Michael and Matthew Draper and the late Nicole Maria Draper. Mrs. Draper was a talented percussionist whose credits include playing for the Hollywood Bowl orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, radio, USO shows and making motion picture recordings such as "Spellbound." She lived her dreams by having a wonderful career, living abroad and enjoying her grandchildren. Many thanks to Dr. Brian Mitchell, the nurses at St. Mary's, and the wonderful Bon Secours Hospice team of Sally, Joyce, Gwen and Carl.
GREER
Joyce Swanson Greer died peacefully September 4, 2001, after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by and will always be in the hearts of her children, George L. Wright Jr., Sherry Swanson Flatley, Teresa D. Bandy, Samuel A. Swanson Jr. and James P. Swanson. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Loved by so many neighbors, co-workers and friends. Mrs. Greer is at the Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where the family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and where services will be held 10 a.m. Friday. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
GRESHAM
Christopher Ryan Gresham of 6 Longstreet Ave. died September 2, 2001. He is survived by his parents, Reverends. James L. Sr. and Beatrice Gresham; two sisters, Nicole Wyche and DeNitre Lipscomb; one brother, James L. Gresham Jr.; grandparents, Lillian Gardner of West Point, Va., Viola and James A. Gresham of New Kent Co., Va.; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. After 11 a.m. Friday, remains will rest in Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 2311 Ford Ave., where funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Rev. Fred Hannah officiating. Interment St. Luke Baptist Church Cemetery, Plum Point, Va.
HACKETT
William Walker Hackett, 83, of Indiana, died Wednesday, September 5, 2001. He was a retired adjustment manager for Reynolds Metals Co. and a World War II Army veteran. Survivors include his son, Larry Hackett of Powhatan; his brother, Robert L. Hackett of Louisville, Ky.; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Burial at Guilford Memorial Park, High Point, N.C.
