The Virginia Conference just learned of the passing of James Sortore, he was the spouse of Rev. Marion Sortore (retired LP). James David “Jim” Sortore, age 78, of 72 Bath Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia and formerly of New York, died on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at his residence. Jim was
Jane Rilee was the surviving spouse of Rev. Randy Rilee. Jane Brown Rilee, age 89, of Urbanna, passed away on February 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Urbanna to Jake and Irma Brown on March 22, 1936, Jane was a 1954 graduate of Middlesex High School and
Ann Fink was the surviving spouse of Rev. Jerry Fink. The Virginia Annual Conference received word that Ann Fink passed away on February 14, 2026. Ann Fink was the surviving spouse of Rev. Jerry Fink. Please keep Ann’s family in your thoughts & prayers. An obituary has not been shared
Anne C. McWilliams was the surviving spouse of Rev. Joseph (Jody) McWilliams. Anne Crockett McWilliams died peacefully in the early hours of the first day of this year. A woman of strong Christian faith, she lived a life devoted to service to others, especially children, and to love for her
Rev. Dr. Martin Kersey Spilman, Sr., retired United Methodist Church clergy, resident of Lake Monticello, Virginia, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 92. He is survived by his three children, Karolina, Martin, Jr., and Andrew; six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren including one step great grandchild; his
The Virginia Annual Conference received word that Marian Bomberger passed away on January 31, 2026. Marian was the spouse of Rev. C. Grant Bomberger (retired). Please keep Marian’s family in your thoughts & prayers. An obituary has not been shared yet, please check here for more information when it’s available.
Elinor “Susie” Wolf died January 13,2026, at home, in Woodbridge Va. Many in the Va Conference knew her as the VUMAC Cokesbury store manager, Farmville District Lay Leader, District, Annual, and General Conference Delegate, Choir Member for life (alto!) among other accolades. Others saw neighborhood volunteer, Church lady, small town
Elaine (Briggs) Drummond died on January 2, 2026. She was the daughter of Rev. John Briggs. Elaine (Briggs) Drummond was born eight weeks prematurely at only 3lbs 5 oz, on June 14, 1975, in Elizabeth City, NC. She was strong even in her infancy and surpassed all expectations for her
On the afternoon of Friday, November 14th, Chester Theodore “Ted” Ashby, Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by members of his family. He was 96 years old. Born on March 20, 1929, in Newport News, VA to Chester and Marion Ashby, Ted was raised in a house facing the James River.
William Mears was the spouse of Rev. Charlene Landes Mears. William Mears, 85, a resident of Staunton, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Mr. Mears was born on December 21, 1940 in London, U.K. and worked in the Middle East on the rebuilding of the palace of the Sulton
Betty was the spouse of Rev. Walter Westbrook. Betty Joan Blevins Westbrook, 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital Forest. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 2:00pm at Richmond Hill, located at 2209 E Grace St. Richmond VA 23223.
Reverend Herbert Abraham “Abe” Moyer, resident of Givens Estate Retirement Community, passed away on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, following an extended illness at the Givens Estate Nursing Center. Reverend Moyer, Abe to his friends and many congregations, served the United Methodist Church in the Virginia Conference from 1954-1993, then served