Obituaries/Death Notices

Dolly M. Porter

Dolly M. Porter, 91 of Dinwiddie County, VA was peacefully called home to be with the Lord Friday, November 7, 2025. She lived a long and blessed life grounded in faith and devoted to Christ. Dolly affectionately known as Nana, is survived by her loving husband of nearly 74 years,

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Lorretta “Lorrie” Marie Murphy

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Lorretta Marie Murphy, 62, of Strasburg, the daughter of the Reverend Doctor Tom Murphy and Dreanna Murphy departed this life to be with her Heavenly Father. Known by many as Lorrie, she was born on February 22, 1963, at Duke Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.

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Rev. Phyllis Anne Ruckle Earley

Rev. Phyllis Anne Ruckle Earley, 72, formerly of Norfolk, Arlington, Poquoson and later Fredericksburg, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, October 26, 2025. Born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Philip Stephen Ruckle Sr., and Mary Smith Ruckle. She was preceded by her husband,

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Sandra Baker

Sandra Baker was the surviving spouse of Rev. Herbert E. Baker. The Virginia Annual Conference received word that Sandra Baker passed away on October 25, 2025. We will share more details if they are available. Please keep Sandra’s family in your thoughts & prayers.

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Rev. John William Haynes

John William Haynes began life in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 29, 1924. He was lovingly raised by his guardians, Clara and Elijah Haynes. John passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones in Norfolk, Virginia. After graduating from high school, John was drafted into

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Rev. Harlan Beckley

The following is from an email shared by Trinity UMC (Lexington). The Trinity Church family extends Christian sympathy to the family of Rev. Dr. Harlan Beckley, who passed away [on Monday, October 20, 2025]. Please keep Harlan’s family in your thoughts and prayers, especially his wife Debby and their children

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Rev. Frederick Chancellor Hamilton

Frederick Chancellor Hamilton, beloved husband, father, and lifelong servant of God, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025. His life was a testament to faith, compassion, and service. For thirty-seven years, he ministered to congregations across Virginia as a pastor in the United Methodist Church, followed by twelve years of

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Rev. Charles E. Johnson, Jr.

The Virginia Annual Conference received word that Rev. Charles E. Johnson, Jr. passed away on October 7, 2025. Please keep the family of Rev. Johnson in your thoughts & prayers. An obituary has not been shared yet, please check here for more information when it’s available.

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Marjorie Jennings Raney

Marjorie Jennings Raney was the spouse of Rev. William N. Raney. Marjorie Jennings Raney passed away peacefully in her home on September 16, 2025, at the age of 99. She lived a long, full life and had the special honor of becoming a great-great-grandmother. Born and raised in Virginia, she

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Ruth Hedrick Wilkinson

Ruth Hedrick Wilkinson, 79, of Richmond, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on September 24, 2025. Born in Richmond on June 27, 1946, Ruth grew up in Beaverdam and the Shenandoah Valley, where her faith, family values, and servant’s heart began to shape the extraordinary life she would live. Ruth was

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Rev. William F. Porter, Jr.

Rev. William Forest Porter, Jr,, 74, of Lake Anna, Va, died on Friday, September 19, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1950 in Lawrenceville, Va to the late Forest and Lucille Porter. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ruth Swortzel Porter. He is

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Rev. Jo Ellen Hetherington

REV. JO ELLEN HETHERINGTON, 75, of Dublin, VA, went home to be with the Lord she faithfully served on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Highland Ridge Rehab Center. She was born March 9, 1950 in Bland, VA, the daughter of the late Joe Byrnes Hetherington and Mary Gillespie Hetherington Vest.

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