J.F. Bell Funeral Home INC.

11/12/2025

In Loving Memory
of
Bishop Darnell Jackson
September 9, 1953 - November 8, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bishop Wayne Darnell Jackson, who left us on November 08, 2025. He was 72 years old and was a resident of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Wayne Darnell Jackson was born on September 09, 1953, in Albemarle County to Jesse and Julia Jackson. He grew up in Albemarle County and attended Western Albemarle High and then furthered his education/training when he enlisted in the Army from 1973-1986.

Throughout his life, Bishop was known for being family oriented, charismatic, and a huge community supporter. His generosity and kindness poured and filled communities wherever his feet led him. Bishop was a die-hard Washington Commanders fan, enjoyed collecting antique cars, staying in the latest fashion threads, fishing and throwing down in the kitchen when family was around. Bishop began preaching at Zion Hill in September 2012, and he was elected pastor in 2013. He was dedicated to his lifelong ministry of 40 years, being a military veteran serving in the US Army E8 Sgt First Class, Medical Corpsman. He worked at Shippers’ Choice CDL Training School from 2016-2025 as senior director while also being a 3rd party DMV examiner equipping the community with the knowledge needed to drive trucks. Bishop was a devoted husband and father. He made a difference in his community through community outreach and ministry.

Bishop is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn Jackson; his daughter Veronica Lucas; grandsons Deonte’ T Lucas and Amare L Lucas; stepson ElCarlos Coles; 8 siblings Lenora “E” Thomas out of Dillwyn, Joyce Coleman out of Waynesboro, Brenda Arkward (Kenneth-Butch) out of Waynesboro, Sadie Miller (Roosevelt) out of Waynesboro, MaryAnn Jackson out of Charlottesville, Mildred Jackson “Millie” out of Richmond, Franklin Jackson (Jennifer) out of Culpepper and Benita Eubanks (Larry) out of Schuylar. He is also remembered fondly by brothers-in-law Henry Harris (Christine) and Mack Poindexter (Laverne); sister-in-law Marilyn Green (Larry); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse James Jackson Sr and Julia M. Key Jackson; siblings Jesse J. Jackson, 3rd, Robert Jackson, Larry Jackson and Gerald Jackson.

Viewing will be held on Friday November 14, 2025, from 12pm - 6pm at J.F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, 108 6th St. N.W., Charlottesville, Va.

A funeral service will be held on November 15, 2025,at 1:00 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Church 1675 Avon St. Ext., Charlottesville, Va. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to J.F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. to assist with funeral costs.

Rest in peace, Bishop. Your presence brought joy, strength, and wisdom to all who knew you. You were a beacon of love and kindness, and your memory will forever illuminate our hearts.

Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.

10/28/2025

In Loving Memory
Of

Mary Elizabeth Burruss
May 1, 1937 - October 24, 2025

10/28/2025

Mary Elizabeth Burruss

Mary Elizabeth Burruss of Palmyra, Virginia started her life journey 88 years ago on May 1, 1937, in Nelson County, Virginia. She was born to the late Sidney and Celest Page. She was called to her heavenly home on Friday October 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

At an early age, Mary joined Locust Grove Baptist Church in Faber, Virginia. Later in life she became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia where she remained a member until her departure. Mary attended school at the Nelson County Training Center and graduated in 1956. She received her Cosmetology License from Brutons in Charlottesville. Her working career began in 1957 at the Monticello Hotel, where she met the love of her life, Lloyd. Mary worked for many years at General Electric Company and in the Nutrition Department for Charlottesville City Schools until her retirement. As most of you know, Mary babysat a lot of children in our community who brought her so much joy. Mary loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Mary had a beautiful and heartfelt way of expressing her love through her cooking. Sunday dinners were a ritual, and all were welcome.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband of 68 years Lloyd Burruss, Sr., affectionately known as “Bo”, her children, Lloyd Burruss Jr. (Pamela) of Palmyra, VA, Victoria Burruss-Jones of Charlottesville, VA, Angela Burruss-Terrell (Mark), of Keswick, VA., Kathy Palimore (Scott) of Richmond, VA, Stefanie Calloway (Thomas) of Keswick, VA, and Lorenzo Burruss (Sarah) of Charlottesville, VA. Her grandchildren Jessica Burruss (Keyone), Danielle Freeman (Gary), Brittany Burruss, Codie Burruss, Justin Palimore, Keri Palimore, Thomas Calloway II (Kitty), Sydney Calloway, Mark Terrell II (Chloe), Lorenzo Burruss II, and Zoe Burruss. In addition, her great grandchildren Taylor, Jayden, Amiyah, Tysen, Bryce, Thomas III, Beau and Cruz. One sister, Marjorie Morse of Charlottesville VA., two sisters-in-law Dorothy Page of Orange VA., Alberta Page of Spotsylvania, VA., and one brother-in-law John Morse of Piney River VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Sidney and Celest Page, her brothers John Page, Howard Page, Norman Page, Herbert Page, George Page, Chester Page, Sidney Ross Page and Alex Page; her sisters Edith Jones, Annie Mae Powell, and Lucille Campbell; one son-in-law Cecil N. Jones Jr., and one grandson Scott Palimore II.

Viewing will be held from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, 105 Lankford Avene. She will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.

10/27/2025

In Loving Memory
Of

Eugene Williams
November 6, 1927 – October 18, 2025

10/27/2025

Eugene Williams

Eugene Williams, a beloved resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born Eugene Williams Jr. to Eugene and Septimia Williams, he grew up on Dice Street. After the passing of his father, Eugene, at age 10, assumed greater responsibility for his family, which included his mother and younger brother, Albert, while attending school.

He graduated from Charlottesville’s public schools and went on to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he majored in business. While in college, he worked part-time at a funeral home, intending to pursue a career in that field.

In 1949, Eugene married Doris Lorraine Payne, a Hampton University graduate. The couple lived in Chicago and Baton Rouge before returning to Charlottesville to raise their daughters, Karol and Scheryl.

Eugene built a successful career with Richmond Beneficial Insurance Company, later part of Universal Life Insurance Company, one of the nation’s leading Black-owned firms. As Regional Vice President, he managed the Charlottesville office and earned numerous sales awards.
As committed members of the NAACP, Eugene and Lorraine played a central role in desegregating Charlottesville’s public schools. Their daughters were among the first African American children to integrate Johnson Elementary School, escorted by police during the historic integration of 1959.

After retiring from insurance, Eugene focused on affordable housing. In 1980, together with Lorraine, his brother, and sister-in-law, Albert and Emma Williams, he co-founded Dogwood Housing Limited Partnership, providing quality homes for underserved residents—a mission that became his life’s work.

He continued advocacy into his later years, including efforts to erect a historical marker

recognizing Charlottesville’s role in the slave trade, dedicated on March 3, 2025.

Eugene’s contributions were widely recognized. He served as President of the Charlottesville NAACP, was honored by Governor Chuck Robb for pioneering scattered-site affordable housing, recipient of the NAACP Virginia Banks Carrington Humanitarian Award, named Small Businessman of the Year by the Charlottesville-Albemarle Chamber of Commerce, received the Paul Harris Fellow distinction from the Blue Ridge Rotary Club, earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Charlottesville Regional Chamber, and was honored at the 2025 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet.

Eugene Williams leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service. He is survived by his daughters, Karol Williams Biglow and Scheryl Williams Glanton, along with Scheryl’s life partner, Robert L. Mitchell. He was a proud grandfather to Hope Biglow McCallum and her husband Andrew McCallum, Holly Lynn Biglow, Earl Eugene Biglow and his wife Andrea Spriggs, Morgan Grace Glanton, and David Howard Glanton; and a cherished

great-grandfather to Jessica McCallum, Emily McCallum, and Nyla Biglow. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Isabel Payne Giles, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and members of the broader community.

Memorial Celebration

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Boar’s Head Resort – The Pavilion, Charlottesville, VA

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the NAACP in honor of Eugene Williams:

https://naacp.org/donate

Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.

10/21/2025

In Loving Memory
Of

Beverly Ann McGruder Claiborne
March 8, 1949 - October 10, 2025

10/21/2025

Beverly Ann McGruder Claiborne peacefully departed this life on Friday, October 10, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Henry Thomas “Tiny” McGruder and Delores Frances “Lolly” Henry.

Born on March 8, 1949, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Beverly attended Jackson P. Burley High School and went on to study at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Upon returning home, she shared her talents with the community through her work at WINA, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, and The Kelley Group. Later in life, she devoted her time and faith as Church Secretary for both First Baptist Church and Zion Union Baptist Church.

Affectionately known as “Bev,” she was a cherished presence in the Charlottesville community—always ready with a helping hand, a kind word, or a warm smile. She loved to write poems, songs, and letters to her friends and family, often filled with humor, encouragement, and love. Her words had a way of lifting spirits and reminding others of the beauty in everyday life.

Beverly found joy in fellowship and friendship. She treasured her time with the Mary Williams Senior Center community and the new friends she made at Cedars Healthcare. Her creativity, generosity, and compassion touched countless lives and will long be remembered by those who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Addison (Buddy) Brown of New York City; her loving son, Eugene (Tre) Claiborne of Charlottesville; her devoted daughter, Richelle Claiborne of Charlottesville; and her caring granddaughter, Cheyenne. She is also remembered with deep affection by a host of cousins, extended family members, “adopted” children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many dear friends.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public services. Condolences may be sent to Richelle Claiborne at P.O. Box 343, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Online Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.

10/20/2025

Sara Pearl Tucker Johnson peacefully departed from this earthly world on October 12, 2025. She was born to the late Adolphus and Daisy Hunter Tucker on July 28, 1940, in Maybinton (Newberry County), South Carolina. Sara’s life was a testament to the values of family, friendship, education, laughter, and love.
Sara took pride in her roots as a member of the Tucker and Hunter families, growing up in the close-knit community of Maybinton, fondly referred to as Tucker Town. She was the oldest living sister among her ten siblings that consisted of five brothers: John Arthur (Ella Mae), Marcelie (Joycelan), Adolphus, Jr. aka June - deceased, Charles (Leretha - deceased), Larry - deceased (Betty), and five sisters: Mariah - deceased, Mary Senia (Lewis - deceased), Daisy (Edward), Donzell (Elvin - deceased) and Genelle (Earl). Sara cherished her family and her upbringing in the countryside. She often reminisced about her adventures with animals and nature, and the bonds she shared with her siblings. Sara accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age and continued to serve him her entire life.

Graduating in the top ten of her class from Gallman High School in 1958, Sara pursued higher education at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. There, she earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Early Elementary Education and proudly became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. During her college years, Sara also actively participated in sit-ins as part of the Civil Rights movement in the city.

Following her graduation, Sara ventured to New York before settling in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she embarked on a distinguished career as an elementary school teacher. Over the course of 37 years, Sara left an indelible mark as a nurturing and influential reading teacher at McGuffey School, Yancey Elementary, Venable Elementary, Burley Moran, and finally, Jackson-Via Elementary School. Countless former students fondly remembered her as "Ms. Johnson, my favorite third-grade teacher."

In Charlottesville, Sara crossed paths with her late husband, Rev. William "Plue" Johnson, whom she married on July 1, 1967. Sara was preceded in death by her parents, Adolphus and Daisy, and beloved husband, Plue. Sara’s memories will live on through their three children: Traci (Waki), Travis (Jeannie), and Tim (Jessica), as well as her four grandchildren: Treven, Alyssa, Darius, and Khari, and two great-grandchildren, Tatum and Kai. She also leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, cherished family members and friends who will forever hold her dear in their hearts.

Sara’s love for her children and grandchildren was immeasurable. She loved going to their games and events and being the loudest one in the stands. She was their number one fan and all who knew her could see and feel her unconditional love. Sara’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul find eternal peace, and may the memory of her be a blessing to us all.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens.

She will lie in repose from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel.

Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.

10/20/2025

In Loving Memory
Of

Sara Pearl Tucker Johnson
July 28, 1940 - October 12, 2025

10/10/2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paulette Diane Anderson, who departed this life on September 19, 2025, at the age of 74. She was born on April 21, 1951, at Norfolk Community Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, to Mrs. Willie D. Hunter and the late Paul Hunter.

Paulette was the devoted wife of Marcellus Anderson, who together celebrated over 46 years of marriage. She is also survived by her mother Willie D. Hunter (Chubby) of Norfolk, Virginia, a brother Frederick Hunter (Ervina Cleopatra) of Willingboro, New Jersey, an aunt Regina (Cookie) Moore of Atlanta, Georgia, two brothers-in-law Willie Corevis Anderson (Bettye) and Adrian Anderson, cousins John Rudy Williams and family of Newport News, Virginia, cousins Janice Thomas and family of Norfolk, Virginia, cousins Ronnale Cotton and family of California and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was a graduate of the University of Virginia (M.Ed. 1975) and Norfolk State University (1973). Paulette pursued a career in Speech Pathology in the Newport News school system and later, real estate investment.

Paulette found joy in cooking, exploring her family roots through Ancestry.com, and, most of all, spending time with her loved ones. She cherished moments shared with family and friends and found deep fulfillment in fellowshipping at various churches throughout the Tidewater area. Her warmth, wisdom, and laughter will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Paulette’s life will be held on October 11, 2025, at 12 p.m. at J.F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, 108 Sixth Street N.W., Charlottesville, Virginia. She will lie in repose at the Chapel one hour prior to the services. Friends and family are invited to share memories and honor Paulette’s remarkable journey. Interment will follow in the Garland Family Cemetery, Buck Island, Va.

In lieu of flowers the family request a donation be made to a charity of your choice in Paulette’s memory.

May Paulette rest in peace, knowing she was loved beyond measure and will be remembered always.

Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.

10/09/2025

Ronnie Lee Henderson departed this life on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the University of Virginia Hospital. He was born on November 2, 1949, in Covesville, Va. to the late Luther James Henderson, Sr. and Alice Elizabeth (Garland) Henderson. He was the 10th child of Alice’s fourteen and Luther’s sixteen children.

He was preceded in death by six sisters, Ann Hawkins (Frank), Margaret Scales (Neumar), Corine Monroe (Joseph), Carolyn Johnson (Grover), Gayle Pierce and Brenda Moore (John); five brothers, Luther James Henderson, Jr., Eddie Henderson, Gregory Henderson, Alwyn Henderson, and Russell Smith.

He is survived by three sisters, Ruth Henderson, Katherine Burton (Gene), and Phyllis Smith; three brothers, Garland Henderson (Ruby), James Smith and John Smith (Bessie); a sister-in-law, Veronica Henderson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and a very caring and devoted niece, Shelia Dudley (Cece).

Ronnie was educated in the Albemarle County Schools, served in the U. S. Army, and retired from Ceramico Tile Company, Charlottesville, Va.

A funeral service will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, with the Reverend Mary Smith officiating.

Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at

At J.F. Bell Funeral Home in Charlottesville, you will always be greeted by familiar faces. Let us help you & your loved ones during your time of need.