From the 09/17/08 Edition
Sep 18, 2008

Martin Robin “Marty” April, died on Sept. 8, 2008. Mr. April was born in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 13, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, Israel and Myrtle Robin April; and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Marr April of Mechanicsville; son, Brian Doggett; daughter-in-law, April; and grandchildren, Britney and Ashley, all of Corpus Christi, Texas. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Patricia April Coshland and Gilbert Coshland of Reston, Va.; nephew, Jeffrey Coshland (Megan); and niece, Jill Coshland Perry; as well as three grandnieces and one grandnephew. Mr. April was a member of Temple Beth El and also attended Walnut Grove Baptist Church with his wife. He was a proud member of Virginia Blood Services’ Society of 100, having donated over 144 pints. Mr. April served during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge he returned to the University of Maryland and obtained his degree. He was an active member and a past commander of the Mechanicsville American Legion. He also held numerous offices and was a longtime member of the Mechanicsville and the Richmond Host Lions Clubs. He worked at the Bingo games for both organizations for many years. He was also a member of the Ruritan Club. He was instrumental in the development of the Mechanicsville Civic Sign and was responsible for the Lions’ yellow mailboxes to collect used eyeglasses. He also taught Adult Literacy for many years. He was an avid Redskins fan and a longtime season ticket holder. Services were held Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008 at Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, Mechanicsville, Va. Graveside services were held at Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Virginia Literacy Foundation, 413 Stuart Circle #303, Richmond, Va. 23220, or a charity of your choice.

Patsy Lee “Pat” Blanton, 56, of Caroline County, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Fredericksburg on July 31, 1952, she was raised in her family home in Ruther Glen, and was a member of Concord Baptist Church. She was a 1970 graduate of Caroline High School, and attended Ferrum College and Pan American Business School. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Blanton; and her brother, Taylor Blanton. Pat was a loving daughter, sister and dedicated friend. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Betty and Aubrey Wade of Mechanicsville; a stepmother, Evelyn Blanton; a sister, Debby Thomas and her husband, Buddy; two nephews, Brad Thomas and Joel Blanton; two nieces, Haley Kennedy and Katie Blanton; her longtime friend and wonderful caregiver, Ned Burruss; and her pet dog, Zoe. A memorial service was held Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 at Storke Funeral Home, Bowling Green. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Caroline Relay for Life, P.O. Box 920, Bowling Green, Va. 22427. Sign register book online at http://www.storkefuneralhome.com.

David W. “Biscuit” Buisset, went to be with our Lord on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Arthur Buisset. He is survived by four wonderful children he shared with Tammy, Brandi, Jasmine, Cody, and Austin. He is also survived by his mother, Vivian; sister, Sandra; and brother, Dennis; and family. David was loved by all who knew him and will be remembered forever as an amazing man of God. The family received friends Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 at the Mechanicsville Chapel, Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008 at Black Creek Baptist Church, 6289 McClellan Road, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111. Graveside services followed at Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to David’s children, payable to Brandi Buisset c/o BB&T, 7016 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, Va. 23111.

Dr. Jeanie Little Castle, 65, of Mechanicsville died Sept. 9, 2008, after fighting bravely against a virulent cancer.  She was preceded in death by her parents Horace and Jean Little formerly of Richmond, and a brother; Paul G. Little of Greenville, NC. She is survived by her husband, Capt. Ernest C. Castle, U.S. Navy retired; a sister, Martha Elmore and her husband William “Mickey”, and three nieces, Lynnette Byington, Eleanor Valentine and Laura Little. Dr. Castle was born May 5, 1943 in Charlottesville.  She was a graduate of Lynchburg College, and Indiana University and held a PhD in Organ Literature and Pedagogy from Iowa University.  Jeanie did post graduate studies at Oxford University.  She taught organ, piano, counterpoint, music history and art appreciation at Virginia Union University for 18 years.  Dr. Castle was an active lifelong member of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society.  She was a recognized scholar on Georgian England and medieval cathedral architecture.  Jeanie married Capt. Castle on August 3, 1991.  The Castles were frequently a teaching team in several continuing education programs. The family received friends on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at the Atlee Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, Rt. 301 & Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Ave., Richmond. 

Bernard Melvin Dixon, 82, of Mechanicsville, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008. He graduated from Maury High School, Norfolk, and attended the VPI-William and Mary College Extension, now known as Old Dominion University. In WWII, he served his country as a member of the United Sates Navy. He was an active member of Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. He was the youngest of three children of the late Ida Ethel Otey and Charles DeWitt Dixon. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jean E. Dixon; his sister, Virginia Dixon Donnelly; and his brother, Charles DeWitt Dixon Jr. He is survived by daughters, Carol A. Watkins of Mechanicsville and Sandra D. Garrett and husband, Bruce, of Richmond; sons and their wives, Michael C. Dixon and Susan, Peter C. Dixon and Debra, and John A. Dixon, all of Mechanicsville; and many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family received friends on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road, where services were held Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. Graveside services were held in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church.

Janel Herman, 43, of Mechanicsville, Va., passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 after battling a brain tumor with remarkable strength, courage, and dignity for over four years. Janel was preceded in death by her father, Norman S. Herman. She is survived by her mother, Ardeth S. Herman of Mechanicsville; special aunt and uncle, Devon and Cathy Smith of North Carolina; other aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends. Janel was a graduate of James Madison University and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. She had a Lab Technology Degree from VCU and worked in several Richmond hospitals and Virginia Blood Services during her life. A Service of Remembrance was held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 at Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road in Mechanicsville; visitation followed the service. Graveside services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Va., or Ashcake Rescue Squad of Mechanicsville, Va.

Lola Hudgins Maxey, 95, of Richmond, passed away Sept. 12, 2008 after a lifetime of cheerful service to her extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 79 years, William Mercer Maxey in 2007. Lola is survived by her two children, Ronald D. Maxey and Barbara M. Elliott; as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at Bennett Funeral Home in Mechanicsville on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008 with a memorial service followed immediately by graveside services held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A reception followed at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3006 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, Va. 23223. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Trustee Fund at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Cornelia Bailey “Connie” Mays, 99, of Mechanicsville, died peacefully in her home on Sept. 11, 2008. She now joins her devoted husband of 71 years Richard Landrum Mays, Jr. She was born on July 13, 1909 in Brookneal, Va. and was baptized in Falling River. She was the first of her graduating high school class to leave home for the “big city” of Richmond. She graduated from St. Elizabeth’s Nursing School in 1930, married Richard Mays in 1931, was a private duty nurse and later continued her career as a night supervisor at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. During WWII she worked with the American Red Cross. She was active in the Richmond Order of the Amaranth, the Forest Lake Hills Civic Association with her husband, and the St. Elizabeth’s Nursing Alumnae. She was a former member of Ginter Park Baptist and later a longtime member of Cool Spring Baptist Church. She is survived by her brother James R. Bailey and his wife Ruth of Brookneal, Va.; her two daughters Barbara Hudson and her husband William of Madison Heights, Va. and Judith Motley and her husband Howard of Mechanicsville; four grandchildren, Catherine Motley-Fitch and Brian Motley, both of Mechanicsville; Roberto Sabastiani of NY. And Elaine Grant of AZ.; and two great grandsons, Bronson and Alex. She also is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a lovely lady and a pioneer for her time. She loved her home, her family and life and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Carolyn Moore for devoted care. The family received friends at the Woody Funeral Home Atlee Chapel, Rt. 301 and Shady Grove Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008. Funeral services were held at Cool Spring Baptist Church, 9283 Atlee Station Rd. on Monday, Sept. 15, 2008. Graveside services were held at Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cool Spring Baptist Church Building Fund.

Theresa Marion Monaghan, age 48, of Virginia Beach, formerly of Mechanicsville, passed away surrounded by her family, Sept. 11, 2008. She is survived by her life partner, Barry C. (Buff) Davis Sr. She was the mother of Joseph C. Monaghan and Barry C. Davis Jr., devoted daughter of Marion and the late John J. Monaghan Sr., loving sister of Mary C. Amann (Bob), Suzanne Cecchini, Cynthia R. Caison (Michael), Jerry Monaghan (Cathy), Kevin Monaghan (Meredith), Stephen (Be Be) Monaghan (Lisa), and Kelly M. Austin (Joseph). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Theresa was preceded in death by her big brother, Joe, who gave his life for our country. A party celebrating her life was held Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 at the Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy., Mechanicsville. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Virginia Beach. Graveside services were held in Hanover Memorial Park, Mechanicsville.

Caroline Covington Rotella, passed away peacefully Sept. 7, 2008. She is now with her beloved husband, William A. Rotella; and her parents, Carrie and Chastine Covington; two sisters and three brothers. She is survived by her beloved sister, Audrey Chmielewski; nine nieces and nephews, and five great-nieces and great-nephews. She was born in Caroline County, Va., but was a lifelong resident of Mechanicsville in Hanover County. Caroline loved fashion and was a former employee of Ardley’s. Caroline was an attractive lady with a dry sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones. The family received friends Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 at the Mechanicsville Chapel, Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road. Graveside services were held Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, Tenn. 38101.

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