Obituaries

R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home Obituaries

In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones

Richard Bessette

Richard Bessette

Feb 10, 2026

Richard “Dick” Bessette, born September 14, 1929, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Joseph and Blanche (Cote) Bessette, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the age of 96. A gifted musician and a devoted serviceman.

For more than 20 years, Richard served in the United States Army, including proud service during the Korean War. He dedicated his military career to...

Geraldine Walsh

Geraldine Walsh

Jun 16, 2026

Geraldine H. Walsh, 97, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Hampton, Virginia. She was born in Castine, Maine to Murray and Virginia Gray. Jerry enjoyed life to the fullest. She was the kindest, most loving, giving, positive, generous person to everyone she met. She moved to Goochland County, Virginia in 1971, a county that she loved, and lived...

Claude F. Burge Jr.

Claude F. Burge Jr.

Jun 16, 2026

Claude F. Burge, Jr. died June 16, 2026. Born in Hampton, July 31, 1932. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1951 and was employed by N.A.C.A. that summer. His career was interrupted by the Korean War. He served in the United States Navy (Mine Warfare) and attended Jackson College on OAHU during that time. Upon completion of his military...

James B. Jarden

James B. Jarden

Jun 14, 2026

James Byron Jarden (Jim), 75, of Hampton, Virginia, peacefully passed away on June 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Debbie, and their children, John (Tonya), Jim (Leslie), Doug (Jessica), Jennifer Johnson (Jordan), and Kelly Wood (Justin). They have 14 grandchildren, all dearly loved by Jim. He is also survived by his...

Donnie Wayne Childress

Donnie Wayne Childress

Jun 13, 2026

Donnie Wayne Childress, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Donnie remained a lifelong resident of the community he loved. Before his retirement, he dedicated many years of service working as a maintenance engineer. Donnie found joy in life’s simple pleasures — tending to his garden, gathering around bonfires, and taking rides...

Avery A. Sullivan

Avery A. Sullivan

Jun 13, 2026

Avery Addison Sullivan, 32, of Richmond, VA, passed away on June 13, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Diane Rec, Ralph Sullivan, and Gene and Jeanine Kocmich.

Avery is survived by his three beloved children, Veyanova (8), Emerus (6), and Yana (20 months); Sarah Sullivan, loving mother of his children; parents Paul and Laura Rec; devoted parent-grandparents...

Eugene William Moreland

Eugene William Moreland

Jun 12, 2026

Eugene William Moreland, age 101 of Hampton, VA and formerly of Mt Storm, WV went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 12, 2026. Born on July 24, 1924 in Kempton, MD, he was the son of the late Joseph Lawrence Moreland and Ollie Mae (Eversole) Moreland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his...

David Hatch

David Hatch

Jun 8, 2026

It is with great sadness that David Warren Hatch, known as “Hatch” or “Dave”, passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2026. He was born in Wisbech, England on June 14, 1960 to the late Harold David Hatch and Shirley Florence Adams. Dave was a hardworking employee for Hoy construction for 41 years. A loving father and grandad to his family....

James Francis Green

James Francis Green

Jun 7, 2026

After a lingering illness, with the love and support of his family, Jim Green passed away in the comfort of his mother’s home, on June 7, 2026. Having a deep sense of humor, Jim had the uncanny ability to find the fun in everyday situations. He was a doting son, brother, and uncle, and extremely appreciative of any efforts made...

Jean P. Andleton

Jean P. Andleton

Jun 4, 2026

Jean P. Andleton passed away on June 4, 2026 at the age of 91. Jean was a graduate of Hampton High School and long-time member of First United Methodist Church of Hampton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorrimer and Marion Proctor and husband, Edward Andleton. A graveside service will be held at Oakland Cemetery at a future...

Anne Hunt Kincaid

Anne Hunt Kincaid

May 29, 2026

Anne Hunt Kincaid died Friday, May 29, 2026. A lifelong resident of Hampton, Anne was a 1947 graduate of Hampton High School. She worked for many years as a secretary at Captain John Smith, Moton, and Asbury Elementary Schools, retiring in 1989. She and her husband, George, loved square dancing and travelled all over the state to dance. She enjoyed...

Ronald Odell Rumsey

Ronald Odell Rumsey

May 22, 2026

Ronald Odell Rumsey, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 22, 2026. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ron graduated from Guilford College with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard before building a successful career as a commercial roofing contractor, working throughout North Carolina and Virginia.

A devoted and...

John G. Saunders

John G. Saunders

May 19, 2026

John Grady Saunders, 86, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Born in Elizabeth City County, he retired as a Shipfitter from the Newport News Shipyard and had served his country in the US Army during Vietnam.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Doris Saunders; and many nieces and nephews.

There are no services planned at this time.

Elizabeth C. Morgan

Elizabeth C. Morgan

May 19, 2026

Elizabeth Chappell Morgan went home to the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. She was born February 9, 1929, in Candor, North Carolina, to James Terrell and Ruth Seward Chappell. Beth was the youngest of three children; her brothers Walton and Bill predeceased her. She was married for 60 years to Clyde Grayson Morgan. A woman of deep and abiding...

Rena Mitchell Rhea

Rena Mitchell Rhea

May 17, 2026

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Rena Mitchell Rhea, age 92, of Hampton, Virginia, who passed peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Born on June 24, 1933, in Colerain, North Carolina, Rena was raised with the values of kindness, hard work, and generosity that would define her entire life. In September of 1959, she married the...

Rosemarie Watson

Rosemarie Watson

May 17, 2026

Rosemarie Watson, 78, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026. Born in Germany, she had been a Hampton resident for over 60 years. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eric and Stella Snapp, Richard and Mary Dazley, and a brother, Darryl Dazley. Survivors include four daughters, Elizabeth Andrucci (Maxie), Jennifer Brendle (Bryan), Nancy...

Cynthia Ann Hearn

Cynthia Ann Hearn

May 15, 2026

Cynthia “Cindi” Ann Hearn, 67, a lifelong resident of Hampton, Virginia, passed away peacefully, on May 15, 2026, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

Cindi was born on October 10, 1958, in Hampton, after her twin sister, Kim. In her childhood she participated in Brownies and enjoyed ice skating at the Hampton Coliseum.

She attended Kecoughtan High...

Wells Edward Henifin

Wells Edward Henifin

May 15, 2026

All birds fly home, finally Woody is safe. Wells Edward Henifin finished his work here on earth Friday May 15, 2026, at the age of 36.

He is a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and most of all a loyal and generous friend. A walking paradox (no, he’s not), Wells was Wells. His eccentric, contradictory nature was equally maddening and...

Brenda Joyce Hayes

Brenda Joyce Hayes

May 10, 2026

Brenda Joyce Hayes, of Williamsburg, Virginia passed away at home on May 10, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Stewart Hayes. Brenda is survived by their daughter, Laura Hayes Chalk and her husband Jared Chalk, and their children Stewart and Charlotte; her sons, Donald Faulkner and his wife Susan; and Jason Faulkner and his children BreAnna,...

Helen J. Vartuli

Helen J. Vartuli

May 6, 2026

Helen J. Vartuli, 87, died Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Born in Oil City, PA, she had been a Peninsula resident since 1959. She served honorably in the US Army and was a life member of the DAV Chapter 13, Yorktown. Helen had been a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Poquoson.

Preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Mary...

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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home

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