Community Funeral Home Inc.

03/29/2026

03/28/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Albert Bayes.

Early Thursday morning on March 26, 2026 at Lynchburg General Hospital, God saw that Albert was tired and called him to his heavenly home after a brief illness.

The legendary Deacon Albert Bayes was born on March 28, 1944 in Amherst County, Virginia to the late Viola Black Bayes and Wilson Alexander Bayes.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eunice Smith Brown Bayes; his daughterDejuana Bayes Barnes; a bonus son Tracy Brown; grandsons, Jesus Smith and Christopher Brown; great grandson, DaQuan Turpin and his siblings, Curtis, Lawrence, Leroy, James and Ruth B. Rose.

Albert retired from Lynchburg Foundry after years of service. He served as a Deacon at Lovingston Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Edward Austin. Albert was a dedicated family man, devoted husband and friend to many. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and cooking.

He is survived by his sons, Albert Bayes Jr., Curey L. Bayes and Garland Bayes; his brother, Clayton Bayes; bonus children, Doyle Lee Smith, Ella Colmore and Aubrey Brown; grandchildren, Stephanie Irving, Umeko Brown, Tyrone Colmore Jr., Mrk Quette Turpin, Teyon Turpin, Donta Brown, Derick Johnson, Allison Johnson, Washika Arnold, Umeko Smith and Sabian Barnes; 21 great grandchildren; devoted nephews, Vincent Bayes and James E. Rose; a niece, Shirley R. Jackson and a host of other relatives and friends.

We love you Albert, but God loves you best!

A funeral service will be held 12pm Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Community Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Baptist Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home.

Community Funeral Home directing

03/27/2026

Please join us in wishing our very own Emanuel Watkins a blessed birthday!

03/25/2026

Join us for a joyful day of fun, fellowship, and community at our Easter Egg Hunt: "Being A Light In Darkness"! 🌸✨🥚

Bring the whole family out on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Peaks View Park in Lynchburg, Virginia for an unforgettable morning filled with food, games, laughter, and lots of eggs to find!

This event is all about coming together, spreading love, and creating beautiful memories while celebrating the spirit of Easter. 💛

Come ready to have fun, connect with the community, be a light!

03/25/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Jerry Thomas.

Jerry Thomas of Madison Heights departed this life on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Lynchburg Health and Rehab. He was born on March 16, 1954 to Shirley Banks Thomas and the late George Thomas.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his sister, Cynthia Thomas.

Jerry was a man of many talents, he was known for his million-dollar smile. He loved chicken, his westerns, he loved to cook and he was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. His mother was his heart and he was very protective over his daughters.

In addition to his mother he leaves to cherish his memory his four daughters, Cynthia Thomas “Da-Da”; Latesha Saunders, Erica Rucker and Rochelle Thomas; his brother, Martin Thomas; three sisters, Diane Bolling (Rondel), Deborah Mabry and Shirl Thomas and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held 1pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Scott Zion Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. His remains will be open to the public one hour prior to the service.

Community Funeral Home directing

His remains rest at Community Funeral Home.

03/22/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Diane Gloria Brice.

Dianne Gloria “Cookie” Brice departed this life on March 19, 2026 with Michelle Anthony, Lamont Wayne and Kevin Lewis with her during her transition. Born March 4, 1952 to the late Scott E Brice, Sr and Geraldine Matthews Brice Thomas Davis. She was the granddaughter of the late Ocie Matthews and Lillie Mae Elliott Matthews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Sandra Brice Lewis Wayne, Jerry I. Brice and Willie Thomas Jr.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories her brother, Scott E Brice, Jr; her step siblings, Clarence Thomas (Earline), Bobby Thomas, Dorothy Rice, Janet Davis Moody and Alison Davis Bayne (Peter);her dedicated caregivers Nathan and Stacy Brown and staff of Nirvana Residential Services along with the staff of Achieve formerly LSI where she was a faithful employee for many years before her passing and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dianne was a faithful member of Rivermont Baptist Church and served until her health declined. She graduated from the Virginia State School of the Death and Blind in Hampton, Virginia. Dianne also participated in the Special Olympics and received many metals. She loved her family and friends she was a beautiful soul who will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held to honor her life at 3pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Community Funeral Home.

Community Funeral Home directing

03/21/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Ronnie Spencer Jones.

Ronnie Spencer Jones was called home to rest on March 13,2026. He was the son of Lois Smith Jones and the late Marvin Jones. He was the first grandchild of the late Deacon Roosevelt Smith and Maggie Jones Smith and the late Brother William Jones Sr. and Angeline Jones.

Ronnie joined the Free Spring Baptist Church at age seven. He was a graduate of Rustburg High School. He loved sports and Soft Music was a “die hard” Commander fan formerly known as the Redskins.

In addition to his mother he is survived by three sisters, Karen Ann Jones (Fernandez Scott) of Fairfax, VA, Sherry Lee Jones and Sandy Renee’ Jones both of Rustburg, VA and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 2pm on Sunday, March 22,2026 at New Free Spring Baptist Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. He will lie in state one hour prior to the service.

Community Funeral Home directing

03/19/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Phyllis Burford Jackson.

Phyllis Burford Jackson went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 15, 2026. She was born on February 1, 1953 to the late Kathleen Mays and Wesley Burford.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Freddie Mays; three brothers, Clifton Burford, Robert Burford and Rudy Burford and her beloved son, Lare’ Jackson.

Phyllis leaves to honor her memory her devoted daughter, Patrice Jackson; five grandchildren, Te’Shon Jackson, Tenara Crawford, Toriaynah Moore, Tyler Jackson and Tanner Jackson; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ray Charles Burford (Carolyn) and Freddie Mays Jr.; five sisters, Gwendolyn Thomas, Deborah Gale, Marilyn Mays, Gloria Smith (Vern) and Kathleen Barbour; her dedicated bonus son, Jerel Darby and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, other loved ones and friends.

Phyllis will be remembered for her strength, and her unwavering faith.

Her presence will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

A graveside service will be held 2pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Rising Sun Memorial Garden. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery.

Community Funeral Home directing

03/16/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Sharolyn "Sharon" Elain Herndon.

Ms. Sharolyn Elain Herndon “Sharon” departed this life Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born in Lynchburg, VA, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert Herndon and Helen Pope Herndon Ferrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband Henry L. Younger (Kenny), one nephew Kevin L. Herndon and one brother-in-law Kenneth Ferrell.

Sharon was a 1977 graduate of E. C. Glass High School. She was employed by and retired from Central Virginia Training Center. She was a dedicated member of 5th Street Baptist Church. She was also a dedicated and loving mom, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.

Sharon is survived by her loving children Tracey Herndon and Adrian Herndon, a devoted sister Helen Davis “Lois”, her siblings Gilbert Herndon “Eugene”, Sidney Herndon, Charles Herndon “Flinchie” and Doris H. Ferrell, her grandchildren Shaquille Herndon (Shyanne, Skylar), Shanea Herndon (Zy’Aire), Brianna Herndon (Co’Riya, Chloe, Blu), Ajsian Herndon, Alaskah Herndon, Aden Herndon, Jayden Wyant, and Kallan Furrow. Sharon is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Sharon's life will be held 2pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Fifth Street Baptist Church with Pastor R. Stuart Jones, eulogist. Her remains will be open to the public one hour prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at the church.

Community Funeral Home directing

03/16/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Deborah Ann Alexander Marshall.

Deborah Ann Alexander Marshall, 71, quietly departed this life at Lynchburg General Hospital and went home to her Savior on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Born on August 2, 1955, in Lynchburg, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Aaron and Clara Alexander. In addition to her parents, Deborah was also preceded in death by one brother, David Alexander and one sister, Yvonne Johnson. Married for 32 years, Deborah was the devoted wife of Michael Marshall of Lynchburg, Va. This union blessed them with one loving daughter, Brea Michele Marshall.

A funeral service will be held 1pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at White Rock Baptist Church, Lynchburg. Interment will be in the Baptist Cemetery. Her remains will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at the church. Condolences may be emailed to comfuneral@aol.com.

Community Funeral Home directing

03/16/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Albert Edward Fray Jr.

Albert Edward Fray Jr. of Spout Spring, VA departed this life on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

There will be no service.

Community Funeral Home assisted the family.