J.F. Bell Funeral Home INC.

02/11/2026

In Loving Memory
Of

Louise Thomas Swift

A Life of Service and Dedication
July 25, 1934 - February 4, 2026

Beloved Nurse, Mentor, Community Leader, and Friend

Early Life and Education

Louise Thomas Swift was born on July 25, 1934, to Margaret Thomas and Travers Brock, and lovingly raised in Culpeper County, Virginia by her devoted grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Al Thomas, and Mrs. Martha Whitten. From her earliest years, Louise’s warmth and determination shone through, touching all who knew her. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Rapidan, Virginia, in 1954, and in pursuit of her passion for helping others, earned her nursing diploma from the Culpeper County School of Practical Nursing in 1964. Her lifelong commitment to education laid the foundation for a career of service and care.

Professional Career

After completing her studies and passing the State Boards, Louise started her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Inpatient Neurosurgery Unit at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Known for her gentle touch and unwavering presence, she became a cherished figure among both patients and staff. Louise was celebrated for never leaving a patient’s room without ensuring they felt seen and heard, often sharing her signature reassurance, “Kindness is the heart’s best medicine.” She was committed to professional growth, frequently attending conventions and workshops to bring new knowledge and expertise back to her team.

Community and Church Involvement

Louise’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Upon relocating to Charlottesville, she joined Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church, where she was an active and beloved member until her health prevented her attendance. Louise’s involvement included the Diaconate, Missionary group, Choir, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. Her kindness and gentle encouragement touched many, and she frequently reminded those around her, “We’re all here to lift each other up.”

Professional and Social Organizations

Louise was deeply committed to advancing the nursing profession and supporting her colleagues. She held leadership roles with organizations such as Black Nurses of Charlottesville and the Local LPN Organization, mentoring new nurses and guiding professional development. As an active member of the State LPN Association, National LPN Associations, and the National Black Nurses Association, she advocated for continuing education and compassionate care. Louise’s joyful spirit also united members of the Social Bug Club, where she was a guiding force and an inspiration to all.

Family and Personal Relationships

In August 1972, Louise married the late James Swift, with whom she shared more than fifty years of loving partnership. She was a devoted godmother to Michael Bell, Christina, Shelva, Saturn (Bernice), and Jean Edwards, and an adopted sister to Rachel Sanborn, Ann Armstrong, Marie Brown, and John Tangney. She was predeceased by her sister Harriet Wheatly. Louise’s family circle included niece June Banks and the Swift family, as well as a wide network of friends who remember her for her warmth, humor, and steadfast love. Her legacy is defined by unwavering kindness and a lifelong commitment to lifting others up.

Louise Thomas Swift’s memory will be cherished by all whose lives she touched, and her legacy of service, compassion, and love will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral Service

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church. She will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Holly Memorial Gardens.

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

02/04/2026

IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
VINCENT STACEY RICHARDSON, SR.
NOVEMBER 27, 1965 - JANUARY 28, 2026

VINCENT STACEY RICHARDSON SR., AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN TO THE WORLD AS, ''DADA," TRANSITIONED FROM THIS LIFE ON JANUARY 28, 2026, AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA HOSPITAL. BORN ON NOVEMBER 27, 1965, IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, HE WAS THE SON OF GEORGE ANDREW RICHARDSON SR. AND LAURA VIRGINIA RICHARDSON, BOTH OF WHOM PRECEDED HIM IN DEATH.

TO KNOW DADA WAS TO EXPERIENCE A FORCE OF NATURE. HE WAS A MAN WHO DIDN'T JUST ENTER A ROOM-HE COMMANDED IT. A PROUD GRADUATE OF CHARLOTTESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, HE WENT ON TO ATTEND AND PLAY FOOTBALL AT NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY, CARRYING WITH HIM A COMPETITIVE SPIRIT AND A LIFELONG LOVE FOR THE GAME. HE WAS A MEMBER OF JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH AND A FORMER MEMBER OF PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH IN CHARLOTTESVILLE.

PROFESSIONALLY, VINCENT FOUND HIS TRUE CALLING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SALES INDUSTRY. POSSESSING AN UNDENIABLE "GIFT OF GAB," HE SPENT MOST OF HIS CAREER AS ONE OF CHARLOTTESVILLE'S TOP CAR SALESMEN. HE WORKED AT SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS THROUGHOUT THE AREA, MOST NOTABLY AT BROWN'S, BEFORE RETIRING FROM RIGHT WAY HYUNDAI. HIS SUCCESS WAS NEVER JUST ABOUT SELLING CARS-IT WAS ABOUT HIS ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE. HE WAS A TRUE PEOPLE PERSON: FRIENDLY, PERSUASIVE, CHARISMATIC, AND INSTANTLY LIKED BY EVERYONE HE MET, BUT IT IS HIS VIBRANT SPIRIT THAT WILL BE MISSED MOST. DADA WAS LOUD, BOISTEROUS, AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY HIMSELF. KNOWN FOR HIS STYLE-ALWAYS SHARP IN HIS SUITS AND SUNGLASSES-HE WAS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY AND A SELF-PROCLAIMED "RIOT STARTER" WHO KNEW EXACTLY HOW TO GET A CROWD LAUGHING AND ENERGIZED. WHETHER HE WAS COOKING A MEAL, WATCHING FOOTBALL, OR GATHERING WITH FRIENDS, HIS PRESENCE WAS UNFORGETTABLE.

VINCENT LEAVES A LEGACY OF LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES TO HIS SON, VINCENT STACEY RICHARDSON II (JAYLA) OF RUCKERSVILLE, VA; AND HIS DAUGHTER, ALEXANDRIA NICOLE RICHARDSON OF WAYNESBORO, VA HE WAS A PROUD GRANDFATHER TO VINCENT, NATHANIEL, ALEXANDER, AND JOSIE MAE.
HE IS ALSO SURVIVED BY HIS BROTHER, GEORGE "JUNIE BUG" RICHARDSON OF CHARLOTTESVILLE; HIS UNCLE, JOHN "BOYBLUE" JACKSON (LENA) AND HIS AUNT, VIVIAN JACKSON. A SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO ANGELA SPINNER, HIS FORMER WIFE AND STEADFAST FRIEND, WHO SERVED AS HIS DEVOTED CARETAKER THROUGHOUT HIS ILLNESS.


CELEBRATION OF LIFE GATHERING (IN LIEU OF REPASS)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026, AT 6:00PM

STONE CREEK CLUBHOUSE, 365 STONE CREEK POINT, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

FUNERAL SERVICE:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026, AT 2:00PM
PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH, 211 ALBEMARLE STREET, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
(VIEWING WILL BE HELD ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE SERVICE)

SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS

FINAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING HANDLED BY J.F. BELL FUNERAL HOME

02/04/2026

In Loving Memory
Of

Christine Murray
June 17, 1927 - January 27, 2026

The long and fruitful life of Christine Murray "Teenie" came to an end on January 27, 2026. She was born June 17, 1927, to the late Isabell and Burdell Chapman.

She is survived by her children, Lorraine Maupin, Gloria Murray, Theresa Murray, Grace Bowers, Sandra Murray (Mark Scott), Susan Murray, Donald Murray, David Murray, and Patrick Murray.

In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Chapman and Burdell Chapman Jr.; two sons, Earl Murray and Michael Murray; and two grandchildren, John Whiting and Tracey Bowers.

She was a longtime employee of the University of Virginia Medical Center and retired after over 30 years of service. She was a faithful member of Union Ridge Baptist Church. Her devotion to family and friends was evident in everything she put her hand to.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Union Ridge Baptist Church. She will lie in repose at the church one hour before the services. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

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

01/30/2026

In Loving Memory
Of
Dawn Antoinette Pryor
February 12, 1962 - January 23, 2026

On Friday, January 23, 2026, Dawn Antoinette Pryor of Charlottesville, VA, departed this life unexpectedly at the age of 63.

Dawn was born on February 12, 1962, to Julia Martin Pryor Jones. Dawn was adopted as an infant by Aubrey L. Blakey, Sr., and AnnaBell Blakey. She was raised in Albemarle County.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey L. Blakey, Sr., AnnaBell Blakey, and Julia Jones. She was also preceded by her brothers, Aubrey Blakey, Jr, and Charles Lee Blakey, Sr. A devoted sister, Shirley Barbour-Strother; her husband, Gregory Veney; Robert ‘Butch’ Preston Jr, the father of her, a nephew, Jermaine ‘Manky’ Jackson, and three biological uncles: Lawrence, Howard, and Clinton.

Left to cherish Dawn’s memory are her adopted siblings, a sister, Veronica Chambers, and brothers George Blakey and Roscoe Gilmore (Selena). Biological siblings are Jerome Martin (Denise), Gwen Pryor, Cranston Pryor (Valerie), Hope Pryor, Virgilio Pryor, Ira Pryor, Leslie Pryor, and Taber Martin (Dawn).

Dawn was most proud of her two children. Her love for her children and her grandchildren was unconditional. A son, Robert ‘Face’ Pryor, and her daughter, Tanisha ‘Teedy’ Pryor, both of Charlottesville, VA. She adored her four grandchildren, Demetrius ‘Noopie’ Brown, Robert ‘Jamaul’ Pryor, Jr., London Pryor-Williams, and Lamon Pryor-Williams. A devoted lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Roberta P. Mason. Lifelong friend/sister Angela “Ange” Carter. Dawn also leaves six biological uncles/aunts: Clifford, Tony, Matthew, Phillip, Eric (Jacklene), and Jerry (Ann). There are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends left to cherish her memory.

Dawn was baptized at an early age and spent most of her adult years as a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She attended Albemarle High School, later earning her GED and becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant after completing Job Corps.

Dawn dedicated her career to caring for others, providing nursing services throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. She was also employed by Region Ten CSB, where her compassion and dedication made a meaningful impact.

Dawn had a joyful spirit and a love for life. She enjoyed singing, dancing, playing cards, and truly knew how to have a good time. In her spare time, she loved cooking, especially pasta, and bringing people together through laughter. Above all, Dawn was a caring and loving person who cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Her happy spirit, kind heart, and beautiful soul will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Dawn loved gatherings with family and friends, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be missed dearly.

Viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday February 6, 2026, at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, located at 108 Sixth Street, N.W., Charlottesville, VA.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, located at 3417 Earlysville Rd, Earlysville, VA. Interment at Riverview Cemetery.

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

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

BRIDGET BROWN-SHACKELFORD
Memorial Service Change of Date:

Due to the inclement weather and the potential for more this weekend, the Memorial Service for Bridget Brown-Shackelford has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026; 1:00 pm
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church,
Earlysville, Virginia

01/16/2026

In Loving Memory
Of
Patricia Seay

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Patricia “Pat” Seay or affectionally known as TeTe, left us peacefully on January 7, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on December 23, 1958, in Charlottesville, Va, Patricia lived a life filled with kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

Patricia is survived by her cherished family members, her father, Cleveland Seay; two sons, Derrick Eubanks (Chasity) and Dominique Eubanks (Jessica); three sisters, Donna Seay, Debbie Seay, and Sandra Seay; one brother, Cleveland Seay; five grandchildren, Anyya, Darriuss, Durron, Chance and Zayla; three great-grandchildren as well as a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever remember her gentle spirit and generous heart.

Patricia was preceded in death by her mother, the late Mildred Seay and her life partner, Kerney Eubanks.

Throughout her life, Patricia touched the lives of many with her compassion, sense of humor, and commitment to helping others. She worked for many years in the UVA mailroom, then finishing out her working years at Harvest Moon Catering. Patricia loved to play bingo, gamble, and to take casino trips until she became ill. Patricia will be missed by all, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. She left this world in a little bit better shape than she found it.

A memorial dinner to celebrate Patricia's life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 705 Dale Ave, Charlottesville, Va.

A memorial sendoff will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Chapel, 108 Sixth St., NW. It was Patricia’s wish to be cremated; her children will be honoring that request by spreading her ashes later that day.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share their memories, stories, and kindness with all that knew all loved her.

Patricia will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace.

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

01/15/2026

In Loving Memory
Of
Toni Chapman Reaves
August 30, 1951 - January 6, 2026


Toni Chapman Reaves, 74, of Charlottesville, Virginia, departed this life on January 6, 2026. She was born on August 30, 1951, the daughter of the late James Earl Chapman and Margaret F. Kelly Chapman.

Toni graduated from Lane High School in 1970 and retired after more than 25 years as an editor and copy monitor at Lexis Nexis.

She enjoyed Backgammon and supporting her nephews and nieces at sporting events. Her smile, infectious laughter, and keen insight was always highly anticipated whenever she was with family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Milton J. Reaves and Evan H. Reaves; two brothers, Earl Chapman and Eric Chapman Sr.; and a sister, Phyllis Chapman.

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

01/15/2026

In Loving Memory
Of
Bridget Christine Brown-Shackelford
February 2, 1966 - January 3, 2026

Bridget Christine Brown-Shackelford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, was born on February 2, 1966, and peacefully entered eternal rest on January 3, 2026.

Bridget was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Raymond N. Shackelford, III. United in marriage for 21 years, their union was marked by commitment, partnership, and enduring love.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Anne Solomon-Brown, formerly of Charlottesville, Virginia; her maternal grandparents, Polly and Willie Solomon; her paternal grandparents, Ike and Lena Brown; and her uncle, Odell Smith.

Bridget leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband, Raymond N. Shackelford, III. Her father, Vernon Lee Brown of Staunton, Virginia; and her stepmother, Mary Brown of Charlottesville, Virginia.

She was a proud and loving mother to her children: sons Shane Brown, Sean Lewis, Montrese Brown, Cory Brown, Christian Brown, and Joshua Brown; daughters Alexis Brown and Dysha Brown; and stepdaughter Shamica Cooper and a beloved grandmother to one granddaughter and three grandsons.. Bridget’s life was deeply rooted in her love for her children and family, whom she cherished immensely.

She is also survived by her siblings: Sisters Kathy Walker, Delores Rush, Tanya Brown, and Natasha Brown; and her brother, Vernon Lee Brown, Jr., sister-in-laws: Renae Saunders (James), Yvette Carr (Rev. Ralph Carr), Valerie Johnson, and brother-in-law, David Shackelford (Josephine).

Bridget leaves behind a host of loving extended family, including her aunts Marie Feggans (Lloyd), Dora Brooks, and Rose Marie Burrell; her uncle Sherman Brown; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, strength, and compassion.

Bridget Christine Brown-Shackelford will be remembered for her devotion to her husband and family, her loving spirit, and the legacy of love she leaves behind. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Earlysville, Virginia.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical team at PACE Senior Center and Services for always being there for Bridget throughout the years.

Arrangements and cremation services provided by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc., 108 Sixth Street NW, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook at www.jfbellfuneralservices.com

01/15/2026

In Loving Memory

Of
James Edward Swingler

December 8, 1943 - November 14, 2025

James Edward Swingler, affectionately known as “Bean,” passed away at the age of 82 on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hospice House of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, VA. Born on December 8, 1943, he was the beloved son of the late Charles Henry Sr. and Alice Elizabeth Swingler.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Houston; and three brothers, Charles Swingler Jr., Frank Swingler and Manzie Swingler.

Bean was a baptized member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Keene, VA, and was educated in the Albemarle County Public School System. He had a lifelong passion for tinkering with cars and working the land. Throughout his life, Bean was employed primarily as a farm hand and, most recently, for the Crutchfield’s before his retirement. He was well known for his love of cooking, especially delighting friends and family with his famous Super Bowl deer ribs.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Sarah Swingler of Esmont; three daughters, Cassandra Swingler of Charlottesville, Delnita Green of Baltimore, MD, and Keisha Harris of Richmond, VA; one son, Maurice Swingler of Charlottesville; two stepsons, Darryl and Darrence (Kierra) Scott; four siblings, George Swingler and Mildred Poindexter of Charlottesville, Lawrence (Tessa) Swingler of Madisonville, KY, and Ruth Swingler of Esmont; four sisters-in-law, Rev. Mary Lloyd, Amy Scott, and Marquita Scott (Everette); three brothers-in-law, Keith, Jamie (Kim), and Wallie Scott, and Lonnie Houston of Statesville, NC; as well as a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The memorial service for Bean will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 7725 Porters Road, Esmont, VA 22937 on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

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

01/14/2026

In Loving Memory
Of
Beverly Lee Walker
August 23, 1940 - January 9, 2026

Beverly Lee Walker, born August 23, 1940, in Charlottesville, VA passed away peacefully and entered his heavenly home, Friday, January 9, 2026, at Henrico Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Highland Springs, VA.

Beverly was predeceased by his father, George Edward Walker Sr. and his mother, Mildred Elizabeth Taylor Walker, three brothers, John Walker, Russell Walker, George Walker, one sister Edna Walker, and one son in law, Michael Scott.

Beverly was an active member of Charlottesville Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Apostle Rufus Hayes. Those who knew Beverly will remember him for his infectious smile and booming laughter, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, a gift he shared even up to his passing. Beverly was an avid sports enthusiast, and among all teams, his favorite was the Washington Commanders.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Beverly leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Dorothy Anderson Walker; one remaining sibling, his beloved sister, Mary Carey of Charlottesville, Virginia; two sons, Kenneth Walker (Linda) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Beverly Lawrence Walker (Tanya) of Troy, Virginia; and one daughter, Sheila Scott of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He is also survived by a stepson, George Turner of Kents Store, Virginia; three stepdaughters, Judy Turner of Ruckersville, Virginia, Tracy Tinsley (Robert) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Kimberly Turner of Kents Store, Virginia.

Beverly leaves behind six grandchildren: Shanell Washington, Nyieka Walker, Lawrence Walker, Lewis Walker, Chloe Walker, and Khalil Walker; and eight step-grandchildren: Marcus Turner, Deangelo Turner, Bennett Turner, Jamario Turner, Saquen Turner, Jaylen Carr, Miranda Turner, and Shamiya Turner.

He is also survived by six sisters-in-law, Mary Walker, Geraldine Walker, Shirley Anderson, Catherine Gray, Virginia Anderson, and Beulah Dibble; and four brothers-in-law, Silvester Anderson (Elaine), Roger Anderson (Deanna), James Anderson (Diane), and Robert Anderson (Betty).

He leaves two very special nieces, Doreen Wells and Sarita Walker Philpott, along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. 108 Sixth Street NW, Charlottesville, Virginia.

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