Obituaries

STEVEN BAREFORD

BAREFORD, Steven B., 54, of Mechanicsville, went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 23, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, Allan Bareford; and is survived by his mother, Barbara Bareford; sister, Debbie Borkey; brother, Mike Bareford (Sandra); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews ,and friends. Steve loved muscle cars, was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan and had a vast collection of Earnhardt memorabilia. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., with services beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd. Interment will be private. In lieu in flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Onward Christmas Campaign, c/o Fairmount Christian Church, P.O. Box 788, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.

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MARIE BROOKS

BROOKS, Marie Clark, of Mechanicsville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 21, 2021, in the arms of her devoted husband of 48 years, Clarence Brooks and family. In addition to her husband; she is survived by her son, Jeffrey Scott Brooks (Glenda); two grandsons, Hunter Scott Brooks and Trevor Reed Brooks; sister, Jeannie Clark (Gene); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Marie served the Richmond and Mechanicsville community as a talented cosmetologist for 40 years. She was a mentor and friend to so many. Marie enjoyed art, camping and fishing as much as possible on the Rappahannock River. The family received friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Interment followed in Hanover Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Bethesda Baptist Church, 9019 New Bethesda Rd., Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

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ROYAL C. DAWSON JR.

DAWSON, Royal Calvin "R.C., Chief, Tiny or Max"

Jr., 72, of Mechanicsville, passed away in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side, on December 16, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Josephine Dawson. He is survived by his loving wife, Candace Dawson; son, Jonathan Roberts (Ana); sister, Elsie Dawson; fur babies, Smokey and Jack; and many other extended family members. R.C. spent more than 30 years with the Henrico Fire Department, going from Cadet to Deputy Fire Chief. He was also a founding member of the first HAZMAT team in Virginia. After retirement, he continued to serve the community as the Chief of Guest Services at the Richmond International Raceway. All who worked with him knew him for his professionalism, care for others and endless support and guidance. As his family grieves in such a challenging moment, they remember his constant love, laughter and impact on them and the community. They will never stop missing or loving him, but know that he is one of their angels now. The family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday, December 27 at the Bennett Funeral Home, Mechanicsville Chapel, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where a memorial service took place at 2 p.m. The service may be viewed via live stream at reellyfeproductions.com/watchlive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, t2t.org. Online condolences may be registered at bennettfuneralhomes.com.

LUTHER T. LOVING

LOVING, Luther Thomas, "Papa," 77, of Mechanicsville, Va., departed this life on December 15, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay; four children, Todd Patrick of Mechanicsville, Troy Kelley of Mechanicsville, Tony Spencer (Janet) of Mechanicsville and Lori Mason (Robert) of Buckingham; along with five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Luther is the beloved brother of eight sisters, four brothers, with numerous nieces and nephews. Luther retired after 38 years of loyal service with Westvaco and contributed seven years of service to the Hanover County School System. Luther loved gardening and his flowers and was an avid hunter. He is much-loved and will be missed greatly. The family received friends on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the B.W. White funeral home in Aylett, Va. from 3 to 6 p.m. A graveside service was held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 12 noon at Upper King and Queen Baptist Church in Newtown, Va.

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THOMAS J. MCKITTRICK III

McKITTRICK, Thomas

Joseph "Tom" III, 74, of Mechanicsville, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda; daughter, Karen Bolton (John); son, Michael (Alexis); and three granddaughters, Laura and Sadie McKittrick and Audrey Bolton. Tom enjoyed spending many volunteer hours with several community organizations, especially his time with Boy Scout Troop 555 at New Hanover Presbyterian Church and Hanover County Sheriff's Office. Graveside services were held 11 a.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. bennettfuneralhomes.com

see OBITUARIES, pg. 11

Continued from pg. 10

CONSTANCE PACE

PACE, Constance Mann, 80, of Mechanicsville, passed away on December 22, 2021, at Henrico Doctors' Hospital surrounded by her children. Connie was very proud of her fulfilling career as the CEO of full-time mother and grandmother. She accomplished her lifelong dream of being a mother to her three children and a grandmother to her six grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally. She was a very proud 1960 graduate of "the old" John Marshall High School and a member of the SF Sorority. She served in the Woman's Club of Richmond (including President) for many years. She was runner up for Tobacco Land Hostess one year as well. Connie also worked at C&P Telephone, the General Assembly, A. H. Robins, and retired working for Henrico County Schools, but she was most proud of her work as wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, R. A. Pace Jr. She is survived by her children, Kevin (Faye), Kirk (Elizabeth) and Kelly Cecil (Mike); grandchildren, Jackie Crowe, Anna-Louise Cecil, Jack and Pace Cecil, Olive and Ashby Pace. Our mother, our grandmother and friend will be missed beyond words. She had a true zest for life. Her quick wit and humor will make for cherished memories for the rest of our lives. God love her! The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 30, at the Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 9271 Shady Grove Rd., Mechanicsville. A funeral service will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 31, at Shalom Baptist Church, Walnut Grove Rd., Mechanicsville. Interment will be private in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shalom Baptist Church. Online condolences at woodyfuneralhomeatlee.com.

DEBRA RAMSEY

RAMSEY, Debra

Newbill Williams, 66, of Mechanicsville, Va., went to be with the Lord Friday, December 17, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bobby" Williams; and her mother, Dorothy Tate Wingfield. She is survived by her daughters, Lorrie Williams Colbert (Wyatt) and Melinda "Nikki" Williams; three grandchildren, Tyler and Emily Colbert and Jackson Williams; her father, Edward "Tom" Newbill (Edith); and her brother, Eddie "Bubba" Newbill. The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville, Va. 23111, with a funeral service immediately following at noon. Interment followed in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support equine rescue at lovemyhorse@comcast.net.

LEIGH ECKARD STILES

STILES, Leigh Eckard, beloved mother and wife, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the age of 58. Leigh was born April 4, 1963, in Fayetteville, N.C., the daughter of the late Jerry Lee and Cynthia West Eckard. She graduated from Peace College in 1983, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1985. Leigh and Thomas L. Stiles Jr. were married on April 25, 1987. They raised two wonderful daughters, Laura Elizabeth and Kathryn Lee "Katy." Leigh was a lovely lady who had a beautiful spirit and loving heart. Her family was her greatest joy. She was proud of being a pilot's wife, a "Volleyball Mom" to Katy and a "Chorus Mom" to Laura. She was an enthusiastic Tar Heel fan, particularly during basketball season. Leigh loved warm weather and enjoyed traveling, especially to the beaches of North Carolina. She appreciated Jimmy Buffet and James Taylor music. Leigh was a perfect example of southern hospitality, and always put on a great tailgate spread, whether for a college football game or a day at a local winery. She was admired for her strength and resilience, positive attitude and most of all, her big heart. Leigh is survived by her husband, Thomas L. Stiles Jr.; daughters, Laura Stiles Rowe and Kathryn Stiles Harrs and their husbands, Steven Patrick Rowe and Andrew Edward Harrs Jr.; her mother, Cynthia Eckard Matthes and R. Kenneth Matthes Jr.; her brothers, John West Eckard and Joseph Bacot Eckard and wife, Kymberly; sister-in-law, Courtney Stiles Clem; her four nieces and nephews, Vance Stiles, Chloe Stiles, Parker Stiles and Collins Eckard; as well as many loving family members and friends. A memorial service was held Tuesday, December 28, at 2 in the afternoon at First Presbyterian Church at 4602 Cary Street Rd., Richmond, Va. 23226. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Red Cross - Blood Services: https:// www.redcross.org/donate/ donation.html/.

WALKER, Jane Edith, 76, of McKenney, Va., went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 17, 2021. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. She was the widow of William

CALENDAR

Continued from pg. 4 Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact the church office, located at 7046 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville. Contact 804-746-5081 or at wgbcinfo@ comcast.net or 804-746-4696. The classes are free but the students will need to purchase the books required for their class.

Hanover Rotary meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roma’s Restaurant at 7240 Bell Creek Rd. in Mechanicsville. Due to the pandemic, contact President Penny at pennyguiles43@gmail.com for current meeting at Roma’s or Zoom connection information.

Th ursdays

The Ashland Rotary Club meets weekly at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant at 100 S. Railroad Ave. in in Ashland. For more information, contact Steve Dunham at 804-4966093 or sandrdunham@yahoo. com.

Overcomers Outreach & Women’s Codependency is a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. at Shalom Baptist Church at 8116 Walnut Grove Rd. in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-6524 or email mjfaith1@gmail.com.

Civil Air Patrol, Hanover Squadron, meets Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Rd, in Mechanicsville. CAP is an awesome program for youth, ages 12- 21, as well as for adults who care about young people and want to help train America’s next generation of Leaders. You’ll find cadet life exciting if you enjoy Flying, Leadership Training, Model Rocketry, Earning Rank & Awards, and much more. For more information, visit hanover.vawg.cap. gov. You can also call or email Capt James Wright at 804-5513354 or james.wright@vawg. cap.gov

JANE WALKER

L. Walker; and was also preceded in death by her parents, Randolph and Edith Acker. Jane is survived by her six children, Janie Burke, Vikki Fisher (Troy), Barbara Nargang (Troy), Mary Coleman (David), Billy Walker (Bonnie) and Randy Walker (Kelly); 18 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren and numerous relatives and friends. She was talented and enjoyed doing various types of crafts and was a wonderful woman and a child of God. She brought the word of God into her home and helped bring God's word into so many lives. Jane taught Sunday school and Awana class and was willing to be there for others when she could. She will be remembered for being a wonderful, trustworthy person you could confide in and a good friend. Before she left this world to go be with our Heavenly Father, she made sure her children knew how much she loved them...with arms open wide she said I love you all! She will be greatly missed by all! A Celebration of Life service will be held later in January 2022.

Second Mondays

The WEB of Hope meets from 10 a. m. to noon at the Black Creek Baptist Church at 6289 McClellan Rd. in Mechanicsville. It is one of several groups in the Richmond area that crochets, knits, sews, and quilts gifts for the American Red Cross to distributed to those in need. Since its inception, the WEB has donated over 153,000 gifts locally, nationally and globally. If you can make it, the WEB can use it. There are so many organizations in need of help. For more information, call Laurie Wagner at 804-781-0338.

see CALENDAR, pg. 26