Category: Local

Barbara Louise Drejza, 76, of Yorktown passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Formerly of Maine and Glenallen, Va., she was a Registered Nurse at Grafton Middle School for York County Public School and an active member of Grafton Baptist Church. She is survived by her children Jennifer Parker and Mike Leowin Drejza and was preceded in death by her husband Daniel Henry Drejza. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, and memorials may be made to Animal Aid Society in Hampton.

Lt. Col. Daniel W. Emberton, 83, of Newport News, a decorated veteran of 38 years in military and civil service including tours in Vietnam and Desert Storm, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. Visitation and a service are scheduled for Thursday, May 1st at Amory Funeral Home Chapel in Yorktown, followed by interment with full military honors at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News.

Gene Austin Echols, 94, of Yorktown passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025. Born in Rawlings, VA, he was a retired chemical engineer who worked for AMOCO in Yorktown for 35 years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Melva Echols, son Mark Echols, daughter Lois Echols, and two granddaughters. A funeral service will be held at Amory Funeral Home in Grafton on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM with interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Donations may be made to World Outreach Worship Center or the Yorktown Hospice House.

Michael A. Lee Sr., 73, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away on April 18, 2025. Born in New River, Virginia, he was an electrical engineer with VIT and an Old Dominion University graduate who enjoyed pickleball and darts. He is survived by his sons Michael Jr., Maurice, and Aaron, sisters Marchelle Flynn and Lynn Johnson, and grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Theresa Ann Wood, 63, of Virginia Beach, passed away on April 22, 2025. Born Jan. 31, 1962, in North Carolina, she was known for her free spirit, love of music and the beach, and volunteering at the Virginia Beach SPCA. She is survived by her sisters JoEllen and Robin. A celebration of life will be held later. Donations are requested for the Virginia Beach SPCA or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Robert Spratley, 62, of Norfolk, passed away on April 23, 2024, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Louis Leonard “Lou” Vannostrand, 63, a lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, passed away April 23, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. Known for his cooking and enjoying football with his brother, he is survived by his brother Calvin Roy Vannostrand, Jr., and Brother-in-law Brooks. No services are scheduled, and the family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers.

Richard “Rick” Evans Westbrook, 56, of Virginia Beach, died April 23, 2025. Born January 13, 1969, he was known for his warmth and positive spirit. Rick was the heart of Bayville for 29 years. He passed away after facing ALS. He is survived by his parents, siblings, and many friends. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home – Southside Chapel in Virginia Beach, with a reception following. Donations can be made to the ALS Association in his name.

Dream Catchers therapeutic riding center in Toano offers equine-assisted services. The center helps children and adults facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Operation Mount Up! is a specific program for veterans and active duty military personnel. This program aids veterans in transitioning to civilian life and managing PTSD. Operation Mount Up! is seeking veteran volunteers with horsemanship experience. Volunteers help participants engage in activities like grooming and leading horses to foster connection. Horses are effective therapy animals, teaching trust, respect, and self-awareness through non-verbal cues. Founded in 1993, Dream Catchers has expanded its services beyond therapeutic riding to include mental health programs. The center serves a wide range of participants from young children to seniors. Dream Catchers aims to enrich lives through equine interaction offering education, empowerment, healing, and hope. New programs are being developed for seniors with dementia and at-risk youth.

Theresa Ann Wood, 63, of Virginia Beach, passed away on April 22, 2025. Born January 31, 1962, she was a free spirit who loved the beach, music, and animals, volunteering at the Virginia Beach SPCA. She is survived by two sisters. A celebration of life is planned for a later date.