J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

02/25/2026

Betty Lewis Reese

Betty Lewis Reese, 91, of Ford, Virginia passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. A lifelong resident of Dinwiddie County, she leaves behind her sons, Frank (Barbara) and Mark (Dawn) Reese, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She was the widow of Franklin Elder Reese who died in 2005.

Betty was the daughter of Anna and Gordon Lewis and grew up with her 8 brothers and sisters in Baltimore Corner on the family farm. In her final days, she relived memories of that time and spoke of being with her mama and Gordan, Joe, Buck, Bootlum, Ruby, Pud, Annabelle, and Florence again.

Betty drove a school bus, kept her and Franklin's home, raised a large vegetable garden, and loved her family, neighbors, and church. Her grandchildren - Bryan and Holly Reese, Sara Patterson (Eirik), and David Michael Crowder (Amanda) - spent many happy days and nights and were always fed, loved, and protected by her. Her great-grandchildren, Leanna, Daisy and Dixie Reese; Daelyn and Audree Crowder; and Ragnar Patterson were loved but robbed of her wonderful cooking and time because of the ravages of Alzheimer's.

Frank, Mark, and their wives express their deepest appreciation to the kind and loving staff of Petersburg Home for Ladies (Magnolia) and the support of the Crater Community Hospice team.

A private funeral service will be held with J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home supporting the family. Memorial contributions can be made to Hawkins Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund and Crater Community Hospice.

View Betty Lewis Reese's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/24/2026

Marlene Ayscue Wood

Marlene Ayscue Wood, 94, of Petersburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Dunlop House, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 6, 1931, in Petersburg, Virginia, Marlene was the daughter of the late Charles Henry Ayscue and Myrtle Sadie Green Ayscue. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oscar Jefferson Wood, Jr.; her children, Pamela Zone and Oscar Jefferson Wood III; and her siblings, Carl Douglas Ayscue, Robert Curtis Ayscue, and Barbara Ayscue Porach.

Marlene lived a life defined by service, intelligence, and deep commitment to her community. She worked for many years as a supervisory telephone operator with C&P Telephone, where she also served as a Union Representative. She later worked as a switchboard operator at Petersburg General Hospital and enjoyed seasonal employment at JCPenney during the holidays - a role she took special delight in each year.

She was perhaps most widely known for her eleven years of dedicated service on the Petersburg School Board. A passionate advocate for education, Marlene believed strongly in encouraging others to be the very best they could be. Her steady leadership and thoughtful voice left a meaningful impact on students and families throughout the community.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marlene was deeply involved in civic and social life. She served as a Girl Scout leader; volunteered for local, state, and national election campaigns; modeled for numerous department stores; was an active member of the Colonial Heights Republican Committee; and was active with the Elks Club Auxiliary. She was a proud member of the Dancing Grannies and a longtime member of The Heights Baptist Church. An avid reader, she likely read nearly every book housed at the Colonial Heights Public Library. She enjoyed spending time outdoors in the sunshine, cherished babies, and valued time spent with her many friends.

Marlene will be remembered for her vibrant personality and gracious presence. She was exceptionally social and friendly, always impeccably dressed, and remarkably intelligent and well-read. She had a natural way of engaging others in conversation and a gift for making people feel both welcomed and encouraged.

She is survived by her children, Tracy Lynn Wood, Betsy Blake Wood, and Tina Wood West and her husband, Ronald A. West; nine grandchildren and respective spouses; ten great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Margie Wood, all of whom were a tremendous source of pride and joy in her life.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Blandford Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Dunlop House for the loving care and compassion shown to Marlene, as well as to Legacy Hospice and Amedisys Hospice for their dedicated support.

Marlene's life was one of dignity, service, and unwavering encouragement to others. She leaves behind a legacy of intelligence, community involvement, and deep love for family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

View Marlene Ayscue Wood's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/24/2026

Charles Samuel Gilbert

Charles S. Gilbert, 86, passed away on February 22, 2026. He was born in Victoria, VA and raised in Chester, VA and Galena Park, TX. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles H. Gilbert; his mother, Bernice Palmer Ridgell; stepfather, William Ridgell; brother, Harry H. Gilbert, Sr.; and his loving wife of 43 years, Martha "Marty" Gilbert. He was a Draftsman and a Project Estimator by trade, retiring from Natkin & Co. and R.S. Harritan & Co., Inc. He was an avid hunter who was an owner and member of Knights Run Hunt Club. He was also a racecar driver as well as a classic car enthusiast. Charles was involved with the Shriners and a proud long-time member of the Glen Allen Masonic Lodge #131. He is survived by his children, Sonja Stech (Eddie), Belinda Barnes (Terry), and Marcia Adams (Donnie); and his step-children, Pamela Flemmons (Tommy), Allen Bailey (Genitha), and David Bailey (Janet); his thirteen grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; and many more extended family. The family invites you to a night of visitation on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the chapel at 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Glen Allen Masonic Lodge #131, 3024 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

View Charles Samuel Gilbert's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Dorothy Nichols Riggan

Dorothy Nichols Riggan, 93, of Chesterfield, Virginia passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 22, 2026 at St. Francis Medical Center. She was born on December 5, 1932 to Berkley and Dorothy Laffoon. She graduated from Petersburg High School in 1949 and spent most of her working life as payroll manager at Seward Luggage in Petersburg, Virginia. She was a lifelong member of Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, where she held an Honorary Life Membership of the Presbyterian Women.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Riggan; her son, Arley Nichols; her granddaughter, Alexis Nichols; and her grandson, Austin Nichols. She is survived by her son, William Dale Nichols (Diane), and daughter-in-law, Annie Nichols. She is also survived by two stepchildren, William Riggan and Patricia Soto.

She is survived by two grandchildren, Heather N. Gill (Jason) and Jason Nichols (Naomi); and three great-grandchildren, Madison and Caleb Gill, and Vela Nichols.

Funeral services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2pm. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Presbyterian Church.

View Dorothy Nichols Riggan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Jacqueline A. Callis

Jacqueline A. Callis, of Prince George, Virginia, went to be with the lord on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Best known as Jackie, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard M. Callis; her daughter, Lisa A. Ellis; and her son, Jeffrey S. Callis.

Jackie is survived by two sons, Richard Callis and David Callis, both of Prince George, Virginia; her daughter, Margie Holt, of South Hampton; her granddaughter, Heather McCay (Chris); brother, Butch Daughtry, of Hopewell, Virginia; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jackie was a member of Monumental Baptist Church on Crater Road in Petersburg, Virginia, where she was attended regularly. She was also a charter member and a past president of the Ladies Aux. Fraternal Order of Eagles, also in Petersburg, Virginia.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, South Prince George, VA 23805.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Monumental Baptist Church in honor of Jackie. https://mbcpetersburg.breezechms.com/give/online

View Jacqueline A. Callis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Ronald Edward Kimberlin

Ronald Edward Kimberlin was born and raised in Kansas City, MO, to Wayne George Kimberlin and Mary Ruth (Enoch) Kimberlin, who preceded him in death. He came to Virginia with the military, where he met Dollie and lived in Chester for 62 years.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Ron was greeted in Heaven by his son, Wayne Lee Kimberlin; grandson, Ryan Wayne Dotson; and his sister, Sue Anne Schaefer. Ron leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Dollie Eggleston Kimberlin; his daughter, Michelle Kimberlin Dotson; his granddaughter, Jessica Dotson; and his buddy, R***r. Ron worked for Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company for 28 years and retired in 1991.

Ron was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was an Army veteran and was a member of American Legion Chapter 284. He was also a member of the Heights Baptist Church for 35 years. He served as a Deacon and was the treasurer of his Bible Fellowship class. He was also a member of the choir for 35 years and was in the Christmas pageant every year. He loved being in the choir and really enjoyed giving the ladies in the choir a big hug every week at practice. He would not miss going to the Dunlop House in Colonial Heights twice a month with other choir members to sing hymns to the folks in memory care.

Ron was a very friendly and caring person. After the death of his son, he got involved in Grief Share at the Heights Baptist Church for a number of years. Everywhere he went, people would come up and speak to him and thank him for what he had done to help them at a difficult time in their life.

A service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local dog pound.

View Ronald Edward Kimberlin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

Barbara Mueller

Barbara Mueller, 83, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born and raised in Portsmouth, VA, to Edward and Louise Babb.

Barbara graduated high school at Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth and attended Maryview Nursing School, graduating with a Nursing Degree. She was on the board of Bell-Arbor HOA, and served as a registered nurse for the Chesterfield Country Health Department and the State of Virginia. She graduated Suma Cum Laude from VCU and was a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa Honorary Society.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Thomas Mueller; her brothers, John Babb, of Virginia Beach, VA and James Babb and his wife, Sylvia, of Chesapeake, VA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends.

View Barbara Mueller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/21/2026

Fritz Lee Zeiner

Fritz Lee Zeiner, 76, of Chester, VA, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Joyce Zeiner; stepson, Larry Douglas "Doug" Gaimel, Jr.; and brother, William "Bill" Zeiner.

Fritz served two years in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of E-4. He fought and was injured in the Vietnam War. He received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his service.

Fritz was the captain of a charter fishing boat in Cape Hatteras, NC. He was also a longtime member of the Hopewell VFW and Hopewell American Legion.

Fritz is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Regina "Genie" Outlaw Zeiner; sister-in-law, Barbara Zeiner; nephews, Mark Zeiner and Brad Zeiner; and niece, Krystal Zeiner. He is also survived by his family by marriage, including brothers-in-law, Woody Outlaw (Betsy) and James Outlaw (Rita); nephews, Maynard Outlaw and Eric Outlaw; and nieces, Savanna Outlaw and Tana Outlaw.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son, with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed More Richmond.

View Fritz Lee Zeiner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/21/2026

Today, we are proud to celebrate a valued member of our staff this month: Brandon Woody, who has served our company and community for 16 years as one of our Licensed Funeral Director. His integrity, compassion, and dignity have strengthened our company and the families we serve. At J.T. Morriss & Son, we are fortunate to work alongside some of the finest ladies and gentlemen in the profession, and today we are especially grateful for Brandon!

02/21/2026

Meldena Rose Moore

Meldena Rose Moore, age 78, of Chester, VA, passed from this world February 16, 2026. The daughter of the late Alberta Mae Moore (March 1, 1988) and Richard Moore (Aug 30, 1976), she spent her early years in Kansas City, Kansas, where she graduated from Wyandotte High School.

Dena will be missed but remembered through our smiles, laughter, and tears. She was a quiet, giving soul, always serving and taking care of others.

Dena loved cruising the Southern Caribbean Islands. She spent hours watching and re-watching old westerns and war movies. Her favorite pastime was to read and re-read - almost memorizing - mystery novels by James Patterson.

Meldena is survived by her sole remaining sister, Marilyn Moore, of Chester, VA. Her other sisters, Marva Lee Neff, of Omaha, NE and Jacqueline Joyce Coonfield, of Kansas City, KS preceded her in death. Other family include: nieces, Candice Blackman (Kansas City, KS) and Terrilyn Koetting (Kansas City, MO), and Marva's children: nephew, James Neff, and three nieces in Omaha, NE, Denise, Deborah, and Diane. Her sister and her very special friends in Hopewell, VA, coworker, Linda Charles and her daughters, Nicole and Ericka, along with childhood school friend, Twila Jones in Kansas City, KS, will miss her most of all.

A service will take place at Porter Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kansas (PorterFuneralHome.com).

View Meldena Rose Moore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/20/2026

Shirley Ann Jones Morris

Shirley Ann Jones Morris, 88, passed away on February 18, 2026. She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas to the late Francis and Dorothea Wilk McCune. She met her husband, Robert “Bob” Jones, also a native of Leavenworth, and married in 1957. When Bob received a job opportunity in Virginia, they, along with their four children and the family dog, moved to Prince George County in 1971. Shirley and Bob were married for almost 37 years at the time of his death in 1994.

In 1999, she remarried to Don Morris and moved to Denton, North Carolina where she spent 13 years. Shirley was active in her church and made many friends while there. Upon Don’s death in 2012, she returned to her family in Virginia.

There was no room in the house that Shirley enjoyed more than the kitchen. Cooking, canning and baking, especially for others, brought her immense joy. She enjoyed beach vacations, spending time with family and friends, and any event that would allow her to cook for her family.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert "Bob" Jones; her second husband, Don Morris; and her daughter, Michelle Henderson. She was the last surviving sibling of her sisters, Dorothea Timmons, Barbara Thomasson, Mary "Pat" Powers, and Gayle Meredith; and her baby brother, Francis McCune, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Robert Jones II (Tammy Varney), Douglas Jones (Mary), and Dean Jones (Carla); her son-in-law, Buddy Henderson; her grandchildren, Robert Jones III, Bethany Aslett, Douglas Jones, Jr., Erin Szozda (David), Jennifer Mattes (Cody), Joseph Bauer (Kendal), and Christopher Bauer (Kristen). She also leaves seven great-grandchildren as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Dunlop House for the kindness, care, and friendship extended to Shirley during her time there.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home at 11 AM. The family will receive friends an hour prior, and interment will follow the service at Southlawn Memorial Park.

View Shirley Ann Jones Morris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

Martha Hutchinson Gilbert

Martha "Marty" Hutchinson Gilbert, 82, passed away on February 12, 2026. She was raised in Welch, WV, by the late George and Grace Sutcliffe. She is also preceded in death by her infant son, Bernard Scott Bailey. She was a member of a Homemaker's Club, where she was an avid bunco player. She also served in the Western Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad for many years as an EMT and Ambulance Driver. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Charles S. Gilbert; her children, Pamela Flemmons (Tommy), Allen Bailey (Genitha), and David Bailey (Janet); her step-daughters, Sonja Stech (Eddie), Belinda Barnes (Terry), and Marcia Adams (Donnie); her thirteen grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; her devoted cousin, Judy Yancey; many more extended family; and her spoiled companion, Mandy. The family invites you to come and celebrate her life on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Hanover County Fire Department Station 9 for their care and help over the years.

View Martha Hutchinson Gilbert's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.