Blog

Sean Michael Irish, 60, a Denbigh High School alumnus and musician, passed away in Newport News, Virginia, on April 17, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Weymouth Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Puckett, 67, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church in Newport News.

Timothy Franklin Downey Sr., 73, of Mattaponi passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2025. Born September 24, 1951, in Gary, Indiana, he was a Navy veteran and a master shipbuilder at Newport News Shipbuilding for over 40 years. He is survived by his wife Deborah, sons Timothy Jr. and Aaron, daughter-in-law Marina, grandsons Nicholas and Jason, and nieces Christine and Elizabeth. A celebration of life will be announced later; the family requests blood donation or contributions to the American Red Cross in lieu of flowers.

Nellie Boyd Crump, 92, of New Kent, died April 24, 2025. She is survived by children, a brother, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at New Kent Chapel Memorial Church, 13100 Cooks Mill Road, Lanexa, with a graveside service following at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the New Kent Chapel Memorial Association.

Gertie Bernice Whiting, 89, of Charles City, passed away. Born May 12, 1935, she was the daughter of Rev. Harry and Gertie Crump. She graduated from Ruthville High School and Smithdeal Massey Business College. She married Frank Whiting in 1960 and they adopted their son, Michael Frank Whiting. Gertie worked at Fort Eustis and enjoyed traveling. She was cared for in her later years at Claire Bridge of Brookdale in Williamsburg. She is survived by extended family.

James Runkle “Butch” Durrette, Jr., 61, of Williamsburg passed away on April 25, 2025, after battling cancer. Born in Richmond on October 12, 1963, he worked as a construction superintendent. He is survived by his wife, Lori Durrette, and family, and was preceded in death by his father, sister, and brother-in-law. A Freemason, he enjoyed family, travel, and building projects. A visitation and reception will be held on May 2, 2025, from 5 PM to 6 PM at Nelsen Williamsburg Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life from 6 PM to 8 PM. The family requests donations to the Heritage Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

Patti June Sample, 61, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Born October 31, 1963, she is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren, and will be laid to rest at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

Margie Mae Beggs, 94, of Seaford, Virginia, died April 27, 2025, at her home. Services will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Amory Funeral Home in Yorktown. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Newport News. The family will receive friends one hour prior at Amory Funeral Home.

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.