Dinnie Freeman Obituary (1944 - 2017) - Portsmouth, VA - The Virginian-Pilot (legacy.com)
James R. “Jack” Turner Jr. (1937-2010) - Find a Grave Memorial
Verdelle Patterson Turner (1939-2005) - Find a Grave Memorial
Clyde Wright Obituary (2005) - Richmond, VA - Richmond Times-Dispatch (legacy.com)
Clyde Wright Obituary (2005) - Richmond, VA - Richmond Times-Dispatch (legacy.com)
ETTA YOUNG Obituary (2020) - Washington, DC - The Washington Post (legacy.com)
Prologue:
Our history matters a great deal. For many years, I have learned so much information about my family history. For a large part of my life, I had a dream to figure out my relatives beyond my great grandparents. It was a long journey too. I tried in 2015 and in 2016 when I was in my in 30s, but in 2018 (when I was in my near mid 30s), I gained tons of valuable information into a higher level. I found out that I am a descendant of both Zilphy Claud and George and Esther Perkins. As time went onward, I learned about the hundreds of cousins who are related to me. They live in America and throughout the world. They include athletes, political leaders, actors, actresses, musicians, a film director, teachers, retired people, and other diverse human beings. We live in unique times with the extremist Donald Trump being inaugurated again on January 20, 2025. Yet, we will never lose faith as the progressive ideals of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equality, and justice remain true forevermore. I created many groundbreaking works about my family tree that has been witnessed by thousands of people worldwide. I always believe in the basic truism that my information is meant for the people, not a select few. I am transparent about who I am and what I represent in terms of my identity. I am thankful to be a black American born in Virginia, and I appreciate the global black African Diaspora (with people from Patrice Lumumba to Benedita da Silva) who made tons of contributions to the human family for the eons of human history.
1. It is important to celebrate the life of my late 3rd cousin Doretha Williams Grinnard. She lived from February 20, 1939, to April 10, 2024. We share the same ancestor as Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Her parents were Theodore Lewis Williams (1906-1993) and Ethel Lena Gilliam (1911-2001). Theodore Lewis Williams's parent was Peter Percy Williams (1880-1949). Peter Percy Williams's mother was Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline's Hill's parents were Tom Hill and Sarah Claud. Sarah Claud's mother was my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud. Doretha Williams Grinnard was a hard-working woman and a religious woman who faithfully believed in God. She grew up in the rural area of Southampton County, Virginia where many of my maternal relatives are from. She was a member of Bryant's Baptist Church in Courtland, Virginia. Doretha graduated from Southampton County Training School in 1959. Later, she married Thomas Grinnard being a couple for 64 years. Doretha worked in New York at the Federbush Loose-leaf Building Company. She worked in New York City to be a worker for 20 years in the City of New York Department of Social Services. Doretha and Thomas worshipped God in Deer Lake, New York and at Union Baptist Missionary Church in Suffolk, Virginia. Doretha and Thomas Grinnard have three daughters whose names are Michele Grinnard Hite, Toni Grinnard, and Tanya Grinnard. Their two grandchildren are Dominique Hite and Christian Reed. Doretha Williams Grinnard's siblings are: James Williams, Fred Williams, Theodore Williams, Douglas Williams, Hattie Pope, Ethel Easter, Nannie Rollins, Sadie Hill, Katie Flythe, Brenda Tillery, John Williams, and Marvin Williams.
2. My 3rd cousin Nannie Vivian Williams Rollins was born on February 18, 1936, in Southampton County, Virginia. Her parents were Theodore Lewis Williams (1906-1993) and Ethel Lena Gilliam (1911-2001). He married William Henry Rollins Sr. (1933-2018) in 1958 in New York City. The couple had many children who are: Evelyn Rollins Gaines, Michael Rollins, Sharon M. Rollins, William H. Rolins Jr., and Pamela Rollins. Nannie Vivian Williams's grandfather was Peter Percy Williams (1880-1949). Peter Percy Williams's mother was Adeline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill's parents were Sarah Claud and Tom Hill (1838-1915). Sarah Claud's mother was my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
3. There is more information found about my late 3rd cousin Virginia Dare Bynum (1938-1977). We are descendants of my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud. Her daughter was Sarah Claud. Sarah Claud married Tom Hill, and their daughter was Adeline Hill (1862-1930). Adeline Hill (1897-1946) married Dupie Nehemiah Bynum (1892-1947) on February 2, 1911, in Southampton County, Virginia. Their children are John Henry Bynum (1911-1979), Nello Bynum (1913-1992), Dorothy Bynum (1917-1998), James L. Bynum (b. 1934). Dorothy Bynum had a daughter named Virginia Dare Bynum. Virginia Dare Bynum married Robert Lewis Daye (1932-1987) at Courtland, Virginia on March 3, 1956. Their children are Sterling Laverne Day (b. 1954), Malcolm Eugene Daye (1955-2022), Serita A. Daye (b. 1958), Alton Milford Daye (b. 1959), Kelson Demore Daye (b. 1962), and Robert Nelson Daye. My 5th cousin Serita A. Daye is married to Napoleon Beard.
4. Dr. Kimberly Carmen Munro Whitley of North Carolina is my 4th cousin, as we share the same ancestor as Zilphy Claud. She was born on September 27, 1970. Before she moved to North Carolina, she lived in Spring Valley, New York. Her brother is Theodore Charles Munro Jr. (b. 1969). Her parents are Theodore Charles Munro (1945-2018) and Linda Darnell Hundley (b. 1949). My 3rd cousin Linda Darnell Hundley’s parents are Ernest Allison Hundley (1915-1973) and Gladys Elizabeth Williams (1918-2000). My 2nd cousin Gladys Elizabeth Williams lived in Southampton County, Virginia and her parents were Peter Percy Williams (1880-1949) and Hattie E. Joyner (1881-1959). My 1st cousin Peter Percey William’s parents were Nottoway descendant John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill’s parents were Sarah Claud (1842-1892) and Tom Hill (1838-1915). Sarah Claud’s mother was my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
5. There is more important about my family tree that I recently discovered on Thursday, May 16, 2024. My late 3rd cousin was Irvin Wesley Harris (1942-2021), as we are both descendants of Zilphy Claud. His parents are Frank Ralph Harris (b. 1912) and Gracie Williams (1913-1999). Irvin Welsey Harris married Gloria Elizabeth Potts (b 1946) on October 28, 1961, at Portsmouth, Virginia. Their 2 children together are Angelique Harris-Anderson (b. 1962. She married Gregory Malone Anderson on October 24, 2006, in Norfolk, Virginia) and Irvin Wesley Harris Jr. (b. 1963. He was once married to Penny Brown). Later, Irvin Welsey Harris married Audrey Boomer Harris. His siblings are James R. Turner, Barbara Turner Vann, and Calvin Wendell Harris. James Riddick Turner and Barbara Turner Vann's parents are Gracie Williams and James Riddick Turner Sr.
My 3rd cousin Barbara Turner Vann married Arthur Thomas Vann (b 1929) on June 5, 1950, at Portsmouth, Virginia. Their children are Avis Lucretia Vann (1950-2021), Arthur Thomas Vann Jr (b. 1951), Shelly Vann Morris, Gregory Vann Sr., and Ricky Mordecai Vann (b. 1952). Cheri Vann Fields and Artrina Vann are the children of Phyllis Vann and Arthur Thomas Vann Jr. Avis Lucretia Vann married Dinnie Lee Freeman (1944-2017) on June 24, 1978, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Avis Lucretia Vann worked at Bank of America. Her daughters are Chanel Vann Tillman (b 1970) and Ebony Shawn Vann (who is with Ronald Jay Jiles since September 5, 2021. Ebony was born in 1973). Her grandchildren are Dante' Vann, Deondrea Tillman, Brion Vann, and Bryson Vann. My fifth cousin Chanel Velnette Vann was born on June 20, 1970, at Portsmouth, Virginia. Her first child was Dante Marcus Vann (b. 1989). Later, she married Antwan Lee Tillman on February 14, 1992, at Portsmouth, Virginia. Their daughter is my 5th cousin Deondrea Nhy'eta Bnea Tillman (b. 1991).
My 3rd cousin James Riddick Turner Jr. married Verdelle Patterson Moody (1939-2005) on April 6, 1963, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Their children are Roy Chester Turner (b. 1956), Darius Wendell Turner (b. 1967), and James R Turner III. Roy Chester Turner married Janet Lee Veeder (b 1960) in Chesapeake, Virginia on March 3, 1978. Their child is Kendra Leigh Turner (b. 1984), and she has a child with Stephen Copeland named Teayana Turner (b. 1971).
6. Rena Lynette Everett is my 4th cousin as we share the ancestor of my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud. Rena Everett was born on October 13, 1951, in Southampton County, Virginia. She was married to Alex Maurice Garris (b. 1946) from March 13, 1971, at Franklin, Virginia to May 7, 1976, in Southampton County, Virginia. She married Melvin Earl Jones from August 14, 1993, at Southampton County, Virginia to April 20, 2009, at Richmond, Virginia. Renee’s parents are Floyd Arthur Everette (b. 1929) and Mary Lee Williams (1929-2008). Renee Everett’s siblings are Floyd Arthur Everett Jr. (b. 1949), Rosemary Everett (b. 1952), Curtis Leon Everett (b. 1956), Vonda Kay Everett (b. 1966), Kenneth Lee Everett, and Anthony Jerome Everett. The parents of Mary Lee Williams (1929-2008) were Robert Spurlock Jr. (1911-1979) and Carrie Williams. Robert Spurlock Jr.’s parents were Robert Spurlock (b. 1888) and Mary Lee Williams (1890-1938). Mary Lee Williams’s parents were John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill’s parents were Sarah Claud (1842-1892) and Tom Hill (1838-1915). Sarah Claud’s mother was Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
7. The late James R. “Jack” Turner Jr. (1937-2010) was my 3rd cousin who was in the United States military. He married Verdelle Patterson Moody (1939-2005) on April 6, 1963, at Portsmouth, Virginia. The couple have three children whose names are: Roy Chester Turner (b. 1956), Darius Wendell Turner (b. 1967), and James R. Turner III. James Turner Jr. and Verdelle Moody have three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. James Turner Jr.’s parents are James Riddick Turner and Gracie Williams (1913-1999). Gracie Williams’s parents were James Edward Williams (1877-1950) and Miranda Williams (1880-1964). James Edward Williams’s parents were John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill’s parents were Sarah Claud (1842-1892) and Tom Hill (1838-1915). Sarah Claud’s mother was Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). James Turner Jr. loved to cook out on his grill and entertain his friends, as well as attending Jazz Concerts. He attended I. C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA and was a United States Air Force Veteran, after twenty years of service. He retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
8. My 2nd cousin Arthur D. Jr. lived from April 18, 1947 to December 24, 2023. His parents were Arthur Alexander D. (1919-1993) and Alma Virginia Douglas (1926-2016). Arthur D. Jr. Married Mabel Rebecca Giles (b 1951) on September 2, 1975 at Richmond Virginia. Their marriage ended on June 20, 1985 in Virginia. Arthur D. Jr. was born in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. His siblings are: England Warner D. (1944-2006), Betty L. Copes (b. 1945), Wilhelmenia Teresa D. (b. 1949), Remona Ann D. (b. 1952), Sharon Darlene D. (b. 1955), and Alma Loretta D. Corbin (b. 1959). Arthur D. Jr. graduated from Mary N. Smith High School in Accomack, Virginia in 1965. He left home in 1966 to secure a job as a short-order cook in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He later furthered his education and attended Smithdeal-Massey Business College in Richmond, Virginia during the early 70’s.
Arthur joined the Friendship United Methodist Church in Wattsville, Virginia, and was baptized at an early age. He has always confessed his belief in Jesus Christ later in life in his family home on the Eastern Shore, as they gathered for prayer during Thanksgiving and Christmas everyone would recite the Prayer of Salvation. In October 1968, Arthur was inducted into the Army. From March 25, 1969, to March 24, 1970, he served his country in Vietnam. After serving in Vietnam, Arthur moved to Richmond, Virginia, and made his home there. He was employed with the John Marshall Hotel for over 30 years until the hotel closed its doors in 2004. During this time, he was also working evenings at the Richmond Times Dispatch and Diversco Integrated Services until his retirement in 2012. “Dog” as he was known to his friends, was a hard worker and excellent floor technician. Arthur had a great love for his children and family and was always telling beautiful stories about home on the Eastern Shore and his family as they grew up on the farm. After retirement, “AD”, as he was fondly called by most of his family in the latter years, enjoyed going back to his parent’s home on the Eastern Shore to visit his mom, Alma, his sisters, nieces and other family and childhood friends and to clean up the yard. “AD” loved working in the yard as his dad before him did. He made sure that everything in the yard was in top form before he left the Shore. He was a Dallas Cowboys fan. He has three sons, Antrea Doggett (b 1974) of Pocomoke, MD, Andre Doggett (b 1978) of Danville, VA, and King Revolution (formerly known as Quinton Doggett) of Richmond, VA; one daughter, Monique Doggett Chase (b. 1975) (She is married to Kevin Chase) of Atlantic City, NJ; one grandson, Kevin Chase of Atlantic City.
9. Many people on my father's side live in the state of West Virginia. West Virginia has a long history involving working-class culture and rural culture. West Virginia was created on June 20, 1863, during the American Civil War being part of the Union. It is a key border state with tons of mountains and hills with locations like Charleston, Huntington, etc. My 4th cousin George Benjamin Artis Sr. married Nora Mae Brown (1955-2022) on November 6, 1978, at Wise, West Virginia. Their children are George Benjamin Artis Jr. (1977-2021) and Bethany Raechelle Justice (b. 1981). George Benjamin Artis Sr. had a child named Brittany Elaine Artis (b. 1989). Brittany Elaine Artis's mother is Robin F. Goolsby. Nora Mae Brown Artis lived from March 3, 1955, to Thursday, August 10, 2023. Nora lived in Brooskville, Florida and her parents were John and Mary Brown. Nora Mae Brown had tons of friends from her job at the Williamson Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. George Benjamin Artis Jr. had two daughters who are DeAndria Artis and Olivia Malaun Artis (these women are my 5th cousins). Olivia Malaun Artis has two children who are Dominique Dogan and Kamira Skye Dogan (who are my 5th cousins too). My 5th cousin Bethany Raechelle Justice had many children with Byron Justice whose names are Byron Justice Jr., Celeste R. Justice, and Victoria R. Justice (these are my 5th cousins too). George Benjamin Artis Jr. lived in Tampa, Florida before his transition on November 21, 2021. He attended Willaimson High School and graduated from Capitol High School in Charleston, West Virginia.
George Benjamin Artis Jr. was a person who was loyal to his family and friends and was funny. His aunts are Carole Artis, Cheryl Artis, Mary Fullen Blackwell, Donzella Fullen, and Patricia Brown. George Benjamin Jr. and I are descendants of my 4th great-grandparents who were George and Esther Perkins. George Benjamin Artis Jr.'s parents are George Benjamin Artis Sr. (b. 1951) and Nora Mae Brown (1955-2023). George Benjamin Artis Sr.'s parents were Dekalb Artis (1915-2009) and Christine Tanyhill (1920-2004). Dekalb Artis's parents were George Artis Jr. (1891-1935) and Mary Fannie Artis (1895-1958). My late 2nd cousin's Mary Fannie Artis's parents were Sam Casey (1868-1938) and Sophronia Perkins (1870-1926). Sophronia Perkins's parents were George Perkins II (1847-1932) and Fannie Lou Blackstock (1848-1949). My late 3rd great-granduncle George Perkins's II's parents were Geroge Perkins I (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816). They lived in Northampton County, Virginia or the Virginian Eastern Shore. So, my paternal ancestry came from 2 locations. One set of my paternal ancestors came originally from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, traveled into North Carolina, then West Virginia, and all across America (in Florida too). Another set of my paternal ancestors came from Halifax, North Carolina, and traveled into Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and across America.
10. There is recent information that I found about my paternal 2nd cousin George Smith Jr. He was born in Halifax, North Carolina. Later, he lived in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia. He passed away on November 12, 2013. His parents are Ertie D. and Geroge W. Smith Sr. His first wife was Naomi Wallace Barrett (b. 1928) on June 21, 1962, at Newport News, Virginia. His second wife was Georgia Harris Johnson (b. 1945), and they married on April 29, 1974. His children are George E. Smith III (his wife is Brenda), Ernest W. Smith (his wife is Tammy), Aundre' M. Smith, Quinton D. Smith (his wife is Heather), and Michael A. Smith (his Wife is Denise). He has many stepchildren. Also, he had 48 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and many other family members and friends. George Smith Jr.'s parents are George Smith Sr. and Eartie Lou D. (1909-1995). Eartie Lou D.'s parents are Daniel D. (b. 1868) and Mollie Demry (b. 1868). Daniel D.'s parents are Alfred D. (b. 1828) and Jennie D. (1820-1919). Alfred D.'s parents are my 4th great grandparents of James D. and Edney D.
11. My 3rd cousin is Rachel Aelia Claude, born on May 27, 1938, in Southampton County, Virginia. She married Clyde Roosevelt Wright (1936-2005) at Greensville on April 13, 1956. Their marriage ended on December 13, 1977, in Virginia. Their children are Clyde Demetrius Wright (b. 1957), Wanda L. Wright (b. 1960), and Michael R. Wright. Clyde Demetrius Wright married Relonda Dannette McGill on August 10, 1985, in Richmond, Virginia. The 11 grandchildren of Clyde Roosevelt Wright are Raven, Carmen, Brandon, Michael Jr., Courtney, India Wright, Tony, Shayla and Shatora Williams, McKenzie Johnson and Qu'ron Dandridge. My 4th cousin Clyde Demetrius Wright (b. 1957) married Relonda Dannette McGill (b. 1958) on August 10, 1985, in Richmond, Virginia. The couple had four children (who are my 5th cousins) who are Brandon Wright (b. 1988), Courtney Chante Rebecca Wright (b. 1990), India Tanzania Tasman Wright (b. 1992), and Raven Wright. My 5th cousin Courtney Chante Rebecca Wright married Blakee Dale Pentebrink (b. 1988) on April 3, 2013, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Clyde, Brandon, Courtney, India, and Raven Wright share the same ancestor as my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud. Clyde Demetrius Wright's parents are Clyde Roosevelt Wright (1936-2005) and Rachel Amelia Claude (b. 1938). The parents of Rachel Amelia Claude were Persie Booker T. Washington Claude (b. 1900) and Mandy Turner (1903-1982). The parents of Persie Booker T. Washington Claude were Frank Thomas Claud (1856-1948) and Elizabeth Whitehead (1868-1939). Frank Thomas Claud is a direct descendant of Zilphy Claud.
12. David Sylvester Reese lived from February 19, 1939, to November 13, 2023, and he was my 1st cousin of the Reese family. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. His parents are John Reese Sr. and Helen Horton. David Sylvester Reese was a shipfitter for the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard. He graduated from Trade School at Norfolk State University. He was a choir member and Trustee at St. Paul AME Church. David Reese has three daughters with his first wife named Betty Mae Brown (b. 1940. David Reese and Betty Mae Brown married on February 28, 1958, in Norfolk, Virginia. Their marriage ended on August 5, 1951, in Virginia). Their names are Rhonda Felicia Reese (b. 1959), Kathyrn Reese Peterson (b. 1960. She is married to James Peterson. The couple lives in Atlanta, Georgia), and Davida Syvel Reese (b. 1962). He married his 2nd wife Bonita Tabron. David Sylvester Reese's grandchildren are Kadija Taylor, Felicia Henry, Destiny Bangura, Reginald Reese, Nikkia Reese, Brandon Reese, Tiffany Reese, Terrell Reese, and Tayshia Reese. Rhonda Bangura was married to Amadu Salu Bangura (1950-2023), and their children are Kadiaja Hawanatu Bangura (b. 1980), Felicia Salamatu Henry (b. 1986. She is married to Robenson Henry, and their children are Isabella Henry and Isaac Henry), and Destiny Betty Bangura (b. 1993). Rhonda Bangura lives in Staten Island, New York. My 2nd cousin Kathryn L. Reese is married to James J. Peterson (b. 1956). Kathryn L. Reese had children with Reginald Lee Peele (1954-2021) named Syvel Nikki Reese (b. 1984), Brandon Reese, and Reginald Reese (b. 1981). My 3rd cousin Syvel Nikki Reese had children with Monie Jones named Jales Reese, Amani Jones, and Amari Syvel Jones (b. 2010). My 3rd cousin Brandon Jamel Reese (b. 1987) have children with Shaquita Johnson named Keshaun J. Reese and Briannah D. Reese. David Sylvester Reese's parents are John Henry Reese (1873-1945) and Helen Catherine Overton (1915-2008). My 2nd great-granduncle John Henry Reese's parents were Richard Reese and Jane Redman. Richard Reese is my 3rd great-grandfather.
13. Many of my paternal cousins migrated from North Carolina to Connecticut. My late 3 cousin Ollie May Broadnax (1910-1990) lived from May 22, 1910, at Spray, North Carolina to January 3, 1990, at Bridgeport, Connecticut. She married Berkley Moyer (1913-1973). Their children are Troy L. Moyer (1928-2010), Doris M. Moyer (b. 1931), Ophelia Moyer (1935-1993), Cynthia A. Moyer (b. 1937), Luther R. Moyer (b. 1939), and Lois J. Moyer (b. 1943). My 4h cousin Ophelia Moyer married George Melvin Dillard (1930-2000) on September 3, 1949, at Rockingham, North Carolina. Their son was Aubrey Dillard (1952-2018), and Aubrey Dillard married Linda Diana Moyer on December 10, 1977, at Henry, Virginia. This family lived in Martinsville, Virginia for many years. Their children (who are my 5th cousins) are Audrey Lynette Dillard (b. 1983), Anthony Jerome Dillard (b. 1980), and Adrian Mario Dillard (b. 1986) Anthony Jerome Dillard is married to Tanell Rebekah Dillard (b. 1984). Adrian Mario Dillard is married to Dorian Antonette Swanson (b. 1987). One of their children is Tory Dillard. Ollie May Broadnax's parents were Cynthia Broadnax (1885-1931) and Dennis Broadnax (1881-1975). Cynthia Broadnax's parents were Dennis Harris (1860-1928) and Gundora Perkins (1868-1927). Gundora Perkins's parents were George Perkins II (1847-1932) and Fannie Lou Blackstock (1848-1949). Geroge Perkins II's parents were my 4th great grandparents George Perkins I (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816). My late 5th paternal cousin Julian Edward Dalton (1956-2018) was the grandson of Ollie May Broadnax (1910-1990). Julian Edward Dalton lived in Eden, North Carolina and in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His parents were Cynthia Ann Moyer (1956-2018) and Sam B. Dalton (b. 1934). Julian's family called him "Rabbit." He was educated in the public-school systems of Eden, North Carolina and in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was a friend of people of many backgrounds and learned to speak many languages. He played music and did physical sports like boxing and doing karate (including playing with his nunchucks). He loved his family and he loved to work. Julian's great friend is Ana Garcia. He was the worker of the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority for 24 years. His daughters are Latreece Dalton and Julian Dalton.
The children of my 4th cousin Cynthia Ann Moyer (1937-2020) and Sam Belvy Dalton (1934-2005) are Julian Edward Dalton (1956-2018), Dennis O'Neal Dalton (b. 1957), Sandra A. Dalton Ruff (b. 1958), Belvy Dalton, and Ernest Lee Dalton (1955-2016. He once married Ernest Lee Dalton). My 5th cousin Sandra A. Dalton Ruff married Merritt Ruff (b. 1964) on May 25, 1991, at Bridgeport, Connecticut. Their children are Cynthia Ruff (b. 1992), Merritt Ruff III (b. 1993), and Persephone Ruff (b. 1996). Cynthia Ruff is an activist and scholar, Merritt Ruff III works in law enforcement, and Persephone Ruff is an expert real estate agent in the Connecticut area. My 5th cousin Belvy Gene Dalton married Lenore Ruffin (b. 1957) on June 28, 1980, at Bridgeport, Connecticut. Their son is Belvy Gene Dalton Jr. (b. 1986). Belvy Gene Dalton Jr. lives in Florida.
I found out that my 5th cousin Dabrisha Yolanda Dillard (b. 1990). She was born on October 6, 1990, at Rockingham, North Carolina. Her sister is Satori Lanisha Dillard (b. 1988). She married Moussa Balla on May 3, 2011, in Danville, Virginia. They have six children together, including Nazair Moussa (b. 2011), Nouhou Moussa, Naima Moussa, and other children. The parents of Dabrisha Yolanda Dillard are James Nathaniel Dillard (1957-2019) and Serena Lynette Hampton. James Nathaniel Dillard's parents were George Melvin Dillard (1930-2000) and Ophelia Moyer (1935-1993). The parents of Ophelia Moyer were Berkley Moyer (1913-1973) and Ollie May Broadnax (1910-1990). My 3rd cousin Ollie May Broadnax's parents were Dennis Broadnax (1881-1975) and Cynthia Broadnax (1885-1931). Cynthia Broadnax's parents were Dennis Harris (1860-1928) and Gundroa (Geneva) Perkins (1868-1927). Gundroa Perkins's parents were George Perkins II (1847-1932) and Fannie Lou Blackstock (1848-1949). My 3rd great-granduncle George Perkins II's parents were George Perkins I (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816). Dabrisha's mother was my 5th cousin James Nathaniel Dillard who lived from August 31, 1957, to October 2, 2019. She believed in God with help from the late Bishop W. H. Giles in the Only Way Church of Christ. James Dillard attended the local public schools of Eden City System. He worked in brick masonry. James Nathaniel Dillard's brother was Annette Dillard, who lived from August 11, 1959, to July 18, 2022. Annette Dillard was a native and lifelong resident of Rockingham County, North Carolina. She was educated at Rockingham Community College, earning an Associate Degree. She worshipped at the Only Way Church of Christ, with Pastor David Caibness. She loved to draw, cook, write poems, and spoil her grandchildren. Her twin is Anthony Dillard (1959-1979). She married Johnny Ray Hopper on June 24, 1983, in Rockingham, North Carolina. Their child is my 5th cousin Antonio Hooper. Annette Dillard had children with Alvin Bridges whose names are Kristin Marie Bridges (b. 1988) and Breionna Bridges. The grandchildren of Annette Dillard are Amari, Kristopher, Kendirck, Ka'Niyah, and Kamron. My 5th cousin Diamond Kimauri Irving Leake was born on February 14, 2000, in Rockingham, North Carolina. Diamond Leake is an expert nail specialist. Her parents are Gary Thomas Leake Jr. (1981-2000) and Ophelia Bernice Irving (b. 1974). My 5th cousin Ophelia Bernice Irving's parents are Robert Lee Irving Jr. (b. 1953) and Joanne Dillard Irving (1953-2016). My 5th cousin Joanne Dillard Irving's parents were George Melvin Dillard (1930-2000) and Ophelia Moyer (1935-1993). Ophelia Moyer is the descendant of George Esther (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816) of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
14. There is new genealogical information that I have discovered about my family tree coming about constantly in this time. Terry Williams Butler is my 3rd cousin who was born on May 9, 1968. He is a talented DJ who does concerts and other celebrations in Hampton Roads, Virginia. We are descendants of my 4th great grandparents Morefield Hurst (1827-1918) and Milly Woodson Bozeman (1830-1910). Terry Williams Butler's parents are William Henry Butler (1927-1991) and Mahala Luvenia Stith Noble Butler (1928-2023). My late 2nd cousin Mahal Luvenia Stith Noble Butler's parents were Charlie Walter Stith (1897-1973) and Corine Estell Sykes (1901-1996). Corine Estell Sykes's parents were Kenneth Sykes (1865-1949) and my 3rd great-grandaunt Josephine T. Hurst (1868-1929). Josephine T. Hurst's parents are Morefield Hurst (1827-1929) and Milly Woodson-Bozeman (1830-1910). Terry Williams Butler's two daughters and my 4th cousins are Tiarra Butler (b. 1988) and Kameryn Alexis Darrington Butler (b. 2000). Tiarra Butler is a professional dancer who has her own choreography class to help people dance in creative ways. Her classes are in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Kameryn Butler is a General Manager at Planet Fitness. She studied Administration of Justice and Psychology at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Wise is in the mountains of Virginia near Tennessee at the Western Virginian region. She went to C.D. Hylton High School and loved to play lacrosse when she went into college. She graduated from college in 2023.
15. Khadijah McKenzie is my 6th cousin who is related to both the Claud and Lowe families. Her grandmother is Robin Adair Green Mabina (b. 1957), and her great-grandmother was Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin (1936-2017). Her mother is Kenya Nicole Greene (b. 1973). Kahdijah's 2 daughters are Mani McKenzie and Brooklyn McKenzie. Kenya Nicole Greene's parents are Mark David Green Sr. (b. 1957) and Robin Adair Greene Mabina (b. 1957). Robin Adair Greene Mabina's parents were Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin (1936-2017) and Maurice Craddock Mabina (1930-1999). Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin's parents were Ann Louise Miles (1920-1999) and Joseph Isaac Lowe (1919-1974). Joseph Isaac Lowe's parents were Bishop Charlie Wesley Lowe (1875-1954) and my 1st cousin Louisa A. Sykes (1876-1955). Louisa A. Sykes's parents were Willis Sykes (b. 1832) and my 4th great-grandaunt Lydia Claud (b. 1842). Lydia Claud's mother was my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
16. There was the late great matriarch who is my distant maternal cousin. Her name is Constance Lorress Thomas Harrell who lived from August 27, 1949, to October 31, 2021. She worked hard to bring joy to her family and friends. Her parents were Clarence Carter and my late 3rd cousin Doretha Branch Thomas (1924-2011). Constance Harrell (whose nickname was "Connie") was born up North in New York City. She later lived in Patterson, New Jersey in the 4th Ward. She attended Patterson Public School Number 6 and graduated from Eastside High School in the Class of 1967. Constance Harrell earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree and teaching certificate from William Patterson University. She earned her Master's Degree and had many certifications too. She believed in God attending the Second Baptist Church as a child. She also attended Calvary Baptist and Gilmore Memorial Tabernacle and later on, she found reverence in St. Luke Baptist Church where she used her gift of teaching literacy amongst others. Reading, crocheting, cooking, baking and going to the movies were her favorite hobbies. Connie used her hobbies to help others. Constance Harrell would cook food for anyone who needed assistance. Boston Crème pie, pound cake, carrot cake, soups, carrot muffins, and other items of food were created by her. Connie was a phenomenal educator, Learning Disability Teacher Consultant, and Reading Specialist. She worked in the Paterson School District for 38 years. Teaching at P.S.#25, Child Study Teams, and Eastside High School amongst others. She was a District Reading Supervisor for the Paterson School District. While and after her retirement, Connie was instrumental in starting reading programs for children and adults. Literacy was most important to her. Connie tutored hundreds of students. She received many awards and plaques for outstanding community service.
Constance Harrell met and married Robert Harrell Sr. (1936-2018) after they met at William Patterson University. They wed in 1969. They loved to go to the movies and the Garden State Plaza. The couple had three children who are Robert Harrell Jr. (b. 1970), Terrance Harrell (b. 1974), and Justin Harrell. Constance Harrell has 6 grandchildren: Asia, Ania, D'Nali, Victoria, Valentina, and Vanessa, 3 great granddaughters: Aulani, McKayla, and McKinley, 1 sister-in love Jeannette Wallace, nieces: Robnette Romero and Elizabeth Rozier, grand nieces: Naphia and Margaret Clark, and a host of other relatives and friends. Constance Harrell and I share the same ancestor of Zilphy Claud (1820-1892) or my 5th great grandmother. Constance Harrell's parents were Clarence Carter and Doretha Branch Thomas (1924-2011). Doretha Branch Thomas's parents were Marvin George Branch (1895-1982) and Junie D. Copeland (B. 1905). Marvin George Branch's parents were George Washington Branch (1864-1963) and Mattie Sue Sykes (1874-1942). Mattie Sue Sykes's parents were Willie Sykes (b. 1832) and my late 4th great-grandaunt Lydia Claud (b. 1842). Lydia Claud's mother was Zilphy Claud. Doretha Branch Thomas lived in Paterson, New Jersey for over 50 years. She loved crocheting like her daughter Constance Harrell. Dorethea Thomas graduated from Hackensack High School. She was employed by the Bendix Corporation and White Metal Manufacturing Company, before retiring in 1991. Dorethea was a member of Gilmore Memorial Tabernacle in Paterson, where she served as an usher and various organizations within the church. Dorethea often provided readings for various programs at Gilmore. Doretha Branch Thomas's sisters are Eleanor L. Branch (1925-2013) of New York City and Mary Ruth Branch.
17. My late cousin Mary Lizzie Claud lived from 1936 to 2007. She married Samuel Junior Ridley (b. 1931) on October 29, 1953, at Southampton County, Virginia. The couple had a daughter named Mary Ellen Ridley (b. 1956). Mary Ellen Ridley married Donald Eric Pugh (b. 1958) on February 28, 1979, in Newport News, Virginia. Later, she had a child with Richard Morgan (1959-2002) named Michael Morgan. The other children of Mary Lizzie Claud and Samuel Junior Ridley are Virginia Pearl Ridley (b. 1954), Dennis Lee Ridley Sr. (b. 1960), and Johnnie Lloyd Ridley. Dennis Lee Ridley Sr. married Angeleca Queveda Fenner (b. 1965) on May 21, 195 in Newport News, Virginia. Their children are my 5th cousins whose names are Latoya Denise Ridley (b. 1989), Shaunda Nicole Ridley (b. 1991), and Dennis Lee Ridley Jr. (b. 1994). Dennis Lee Ridley Sr. and I are descendants of Zilphy Claud. Dennis Lee Ridley's parents were Mary Lizze Claud and Samuel Junior Ridley (b. 1931). Mary Lizzie Claud's parents were Ralph Elijah Claud (1912-1965) and Gussie Estell Claud (1914-1985). Ralph Elijah Claud's parents were Richard Washington Claud (1874-1945) and Ann Elizabeth Claud (1876-1960). Richard Washington Claud's parents were George Washington Claud (1849-1923) and Martha Velvin-Ferguson (b. 1830). George Washington Claud's mother was my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
There is new information that I found out about my 3rd cousin Lina Mae Claud Tann (b. 1934) as she is a descendant of Zilphy Claud via Frank Thomas Claud. She was born in March 1934 in Southampton County, Virginia. She married James Reuben Jenkins (1929-1965) on July 21, 1951, at Emporia, Virginia. The couple had 2 sons named Roger Lee Jenkins (1953-2023) and Charade Jenkins (1964-2017). Roger Lee Jenkins was my 4th cousin who worked hard in New Jersey to be a mentor, help people get back on their feet after serving time in prison, and being a role model for the state of New Jersey in general. He married Katherine S. Cromwell (b. 1954) on January 29, 1998, at Las Vegas. The couple's daughter is Kisa Cromwell (b. 1971). Kisa Cromwell's children are Niyah Cromwell (b. 1992) and Davion Cromwell. My 4th cousin Charade Jenkins had a child with Richard Williams named Shalonda Charade Jenkins (b. 1984). Shalonda Charade Jenkins married Jonathan Napoleon Smith on June 16, 2015 at Montclair Township, Essex, New Jersey. Their daughter is Zaniyah Smith.
18. Many descendants of my late 1st cousin Catherine Lee Peeples (1933-2006) live in South Carolina. I haven't really delved into the South Carolina connection to my relatives in an in-depth fashion until now. South Carolina is a Southern state whose history has been filled with tragedies and triumphs. A lot of great people live in the state of South Carolina indeed. Catherine Lee Peeples lived in Somerset, Maryland at Pocomoke (or in the Maryland area of the Eastern Shore). She married Aaron P. Nottingham Jr. (1932-1989). Their children are Deborah Lee Nottingham (b. 1953), Patricia Ann Nottingham (b. 1960. She married Alvin Purnell Robinson, who was born in 1953, on January 16, 1982, at Princess Anne, Virginia. Their child is Anthony Robinson), William Aaron Nottingham (b. 1961), Cynthia Nottingham (b. 1964), and Kimberly Michone Nottingham (b. 1968). My 2nd cousin Deborah Lee Nottingham married Arthur Wayne Onley (1953-2009) on March 16, 1974, in Northampton County, Virginia. Their children are my 3rd cousins Wayne Tiaz Onley (b. 1976) and Dimitra A. Onley (b. 1980. Her children are Dylahn and Marquis). Dimitra Onley lives in Irmo, South Carolina, and she is a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) at South Carolina Internal Medicine. Wayne Tiaz Onley married Kimberly Candace Burnett, and their child is Nature Naphtali Onley (b. 2012).
Arthur Wayne Onley was a great man whose parents were Louis and Flossie Mapp Onley. Arthur Onley was born in Exmore, Virginia. He served in the United States Army for 21 years (as a Sergeant First Class, being part of the Persian Gulf and Vietnam wars). His siblings are Shirley, Phillip, and Lewis. Deborah Lee Nottingham and I share the same ancestors as Charles and Fannie Peeples, my 2nd great-grandparents. Charles and Fannie Peeples are Deborah Lee Nottingham's great-grandparents. For example, Deborah Lee Nottingham's parents were Catherine Lee Peeples (1933-2006) and Aaron P. Nottingham (1932-1989). Catherine Lee Peeples's parents were William Rouser Peeples Sr. (1898-1952) and Goldie Elizabeth Taylor (1902-1985). William Rouser Peeples Sr.'s parents were Charles Peeples (1855-1922) and Fannie Fronianna Susanna Virginia Brown (1857-1946). So, everything comes full circle.
19. I found out on July 28, 2024, that my 3rd cousin is Althea Lynette Malloy, who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on December 18, 1967. She and I are descendants of my 4th great-grandparents of Morefield Hurst Turner (1827-1918) and Milly Woodson-Bozeman (1830-1910). Morefield Turner and Milly Woodson Bozeman had many children, and one was Josephine T. Hurst (1868-1929) during Reconstruction. Josephine T. Hurst married Kenneth Sykes (1865-1949) on December 5, 1888, in Southampton County, Virginia. One of their children was Minnie Eva Sykes (1906-1980). She married Harry Cecil McPherson Sr. (1903-1982) on June 21, 1923, in Norfolk, Virginia. One of their children was Ceceilia Elaine McPherson (1927-2016). Ceceilia Elaine McPherson married John Edward Williams (1924-1955) on March 16, 1948, in Norfolk, Virginia. She later married Joseph Edward Malloy Sr. (1912-1986) on January 25, 1963, at Norfolk, Virginia. Their daughter is my maternal 3rd cousin Althea Lynette Malloy. Althea Lynette Malloy married John Roland Allen III on June 1, 1991, in Norfolk, Virginia. The couple's children are my 4th cousins Christopher Allen (b. 1996), Jasmyn Jaliyah Allen (b. 2000), and another daughter. Ceceilia Elaine McPherson Malloy lived to be 89 years old and lived in Virginia Beach by the time of her transition on November 12, 2016. Cecelia Elaine McPherson these children with John Edward Williams (1924-1955). They are Paulette Delight Williams (1948-2018) and Janette Williams White. Ceceilia Elaine McPherson had these children with Joseph Edward Malloy Sr. (1912-1986) who are Mark Malloy (b. 1963) and Althea Lynette Malloy (b. 1967). My 3rd cousin Mark Malloy (b. 1963) married Stacey Michelle Blanding Malloy (b. 1968) on November 11, 2011. Paulette Delight Williams had many children and grandchildren.
20. There are more descendants of my late 2nd cousin Innie Moore (1922-1980) that I found out. She married Ollie Lee Allen (1923-1982) on September 11, 1954, at Dinwiddie, Virginia. Their children are Ollie Allen Jr. (1952-1978), Alveta M. Allen Corbett (b. 1954), Lerona Pulley Allen (1955-2013), Katherine Clara Allen (1957-2010), and Oretha Hope Allen Millage (b. 1959). Lerona Pulley Allen married Walter Henry Jones (b. 1922) on March 30, 1986, at Newport News, Virginia. Lerona Allen had a daughter named Monica Janneese Allen, who was born on June 19, 1970. Monica Janneese Allen had many children (who are my 4th cousins named Samouya Larein Allen (1987-2023), Nakiia Allen, Sydney Allen Yasmine Gates, Bre Fitzgerald, Bayshon Allen, Jonathan Allen, Darrick Allen, Najae Allen, and Jasmine Paul. Samouya Allen had these daughters with Tony Shumaker who are: Nhakiliyan Allen, Jaedyn Hopson, and Saniyah Shumaker of Newport News. She grew up in Newport News except for the brief period of time that she lived in Washington, DC. Samouya Larein Allen attended Newport News Public Schools. She enjoyed playing her saxophone in middle and high school and also being a part of the R.O.T.C. She graduated from Heritage High School in June of 2005. Following high school, she attended North Carolina Central University. My 3rd cousin Alvetta M. Allen Corbett is a religious woman who is married to Calvin Curtis Corbett on March 15, 1992, in Newport News, Virginia. Her children are Stacey Pernetta Allen (b. 1970), Charlotte Denise Allen (b. 1979), and Chantel Regina Robertson (b. 1985). Deaconess Alveta M. Allen Corbett is a very religious woman who worships God.
My fourth cousin Charlotte Denise Allen married Scottie Lee Johnson Junior on December 21, 2002, in Hampton, Virginia. The couple's children are: Syedah Barbara Marie Johnson (b. 2003), Jada Alvetaa Johnson, Scottie Johnson III, Brandon Johnson, Jaheim Johnson, and Krisean Devonte Johnson.
21. This story relates to my family tree that goes from Southampton County, Virginia to California. There is the story of my late cousin Rassie Lester Williams who passed away in 1971. He was buried in Norfolk, Virginia as documented in Norfolk Journal and Guide, February 13, 1971. He passed away in Southampton Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Virginia after a short illness. His parents were Rasse C. Williams and Violet Williams. He retired from the International Longshoreman's Association Local 1248 after many years. He was a member of the Southampton County Baptist Church. His son is Everett Walters of Norfolk, Virginia back then. His brother was Samuel Williams of Richmond. He had three living sisters back then who were Mrs. Carrie Smith of Norfolk, Mrs. Sylvia Luggins of New York, and Mrs. Daisy Talton of Los Angeles, California. Rassie Letter Williams lived from February 12, 1906, in Virginia to February 3, 1971, at Franklin, Virginia. He was married to Elmira Williams. Rassie Lester Williams and I share the same ancestors as my 6th great grandparents who are Nottoway descendant Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791) and African American freeman Burwell Williams. So, Rassie Lester Willaims is the great-grandson of Winifred Woodson-Bozeman and Burwell Williams. Rassie Lester Williams's parents were Rao Lester Kelle Williams (1876-1920) and Violet Ramsey (b. 1887). The parents of Rao Lester Kelle Williams were Mary L. Williams and Eddie Drew Kello (1851-1921). The parents of Mary L. Williams (1855-1905) were John Burwell Williams (b. 1815) and Mary Williams (b. 1832). John Burwell Williams's parents were Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791). Now, the siblings of Rassie Lester Williams are Susie Kelle Williams (b. 1900), Claudia Ann Williams (1902-1936), Samuel Roosevelt Williams Sr. (1903-1974), Daisey E. Williams Talton (1910-1976), Carrie Elizabeth Hunt Williams (b. 19110, and Sylvia Margaret Davis Liggins (1912-1994).
Now, a relative of Rassie Williams was his niece Marion Elizabeth Murphy who lived from October 5, 1920 to February 21, 2014. She lived to be 93 years old and was born in New York City according to her obituary. Her parents were Claudia Ann Williams Foster (1902-1936) and Charlie Foster. Marion Elizabeth Murphy had many children. She married Arceanious Herbert Felton (b. 1915) on July 24, 1936, at Norfolk, Virginia. Their daughter is LaVonne Harriet Felton (1936-2001). Later, Marion Elizabeth Murphy married Enrich Alfred Jasper (b. 1919) in New York City in May 1942. Their son was Enrick Alfred Jasper (1944-2009). She married Joseph Murphy (1918-1982) on April 3, 1954, in San Diego, California. Their children are Joseph David Murphy Jr. (1964-2009), Sondra Ann Murphy-Scott, and JoAnn Murphy-Thomas. She had a child with Rufus C. Wheeler named Ruthie Charlesetta Wheeler (1951-2005. Her children are Lemuel Kinney Jr. who was born in 1996 and Passion Desiree Wells Lowe, who was born in 1985. They are my 6th cousins). Marion Elizabeth Murphy was raised and attended school in Newport News, Virginia. She loved to sing and dance. She was a LVN Nurse at Balboa Naval Hospital. She had granddaughters Stephanie and Michelle Gibbs, one grandson Rodney Gibbs, and one great-grandson Aaray Daniels.
22. Recently, a young woman named Tierra Ashandra Filhiol (b. 1987), who is my 3rd cousin, listed Ernest Calvin Faltz as her grandfather. It took me a while to find out how we are related to each other. We share the same ancestor of my 3rd great grandparents Rev. James Thompson Claud (1857-1926) and Susanna Field Hurst-Turner Claud (1862-1949). They had a child named Alice Rosetta Claud (1906-1988), who was my 2nd great grandaunt. My mother had a picture of her funeral packet. I copied the images of its pages and placed them in my Ancestry.com account, so people can have access to the images for free. Alice Rosetta Claud married Joseph Nathan Faltz Sr. (1901-1952) in Virginia on January 13, 1923. They had many children including Ernest Calvin Faltz (1931-2007), who was my late first cousin. Ernest Calvin Faltz married Clara Lou Whitehead (b. 1931) on April 26, 1968, in Norfolk, Virginia. The couple had the son of Calvin Faltz (whose wife is Joanne), and two daughters who are Ingrid Robinson (she is married to Jerome), and Betty Randolph. Calvin Jerris Faltz was born on December 31, 1969, in Norfolk, Virginia, and he is my 2nd cousin. He married Joann C. Copes on January 16, 1998, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Their son is had Winston Faltz (b. 1999). Ingrid Maxine Jones Robinson was born on June 12, 1961, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Ingrid Robinson is a God-fearing woman. She married Jerome Robinson (b. 1963) on January 18, 1991, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The children of Dr. Ingrid Robinson and Jerome Robinson are my 3rd cousins who are Cydney Claren Robinson Lopez (b. 1992. She is married to Brandon Lopez), Bryceton Jerome Robinson (b. 1995), and Alexa Robinson (b. 2002). Ernest Calvin Faltz had a son with Evangelist Linda Paige Corry Filhiol Holloman (b. 1941) named Anthony Barry Filhiol (b. 1959). Their daughters are my 3rd cousins Tierra Ashandra Filhiol (b. 1987. Her son is Amari Lopez) and Alisha Renee Filhiol. The Virginian Pilot from March 28, 2007, page B6 cited an obituary of Ernest Calvin Faltz saying that Anthony Filhiol is the son of Ernest Calvin Faltz too.
23. I have recently learned about more of the descendants of my late 1st cousin Elnora Irene Peeples (1924-1981). We share the same ancestor of Charles and Fannie Peeples. Elnora Irene Peoples was born in Southampton County, Virginia in 1924. She is the daughter of William Rouser Peeples Sr. (1898-1952) and Goldie Elizabeth Taylor (1902-1985). She later lived in Pocomoke City, Maryland, which is in the Maryland region of the Eastern Shore. She married Gladstone Henry Waters Jr. (b. 1921). Their children are Gladstone Henry Waters III (b. 1943), Douglas DeWayne Waters (1946-2016), Ursula Noreen Waters Johnson (b. 1948), Sandra Waters, Paulette Waters Bowie, Brenda Waters, Amelia Newborn, and Carolyn Waters. My 2nd cousin Gladstone Henry Waters III had a daughter named Terrence (Terri) E. Waters (b. 1965). Terri Waters married Robert W. Batson Jr. (1966-1997) on April 18, 1992. Their daughter is Maya N. Batson, who is an expert educator. My 3rd cousin Maya N. Batson is now engaged to Tim Bratten. Terri Waters's brother is my 3rd cousin Patrick Darnell Waters (b. 1966). Patrick Darnell Waters married Renee Matthews Waters, and their daughter is my 3rd cousin Tatyana Waters (b. 2000).
My 2nd cousin Douglas DeWayne Waters lived from November 29, 1946, in Cokesbury, Maryland to July 13, 2016, in Lanham, Maryland. He lived in Pocomoke, Maryland, and went to college at Bowie State University (an HBCU) in Bowie, Maryland. He lived in Washington, D.C. after his graduation. He was a community elementary school teacher for over 30 years in Prince George's County Public Schools, mostly at Gaywood Elementary School (at Lanham, Maryland).
He loved playing music, painting, writing, and celebrating life with family and friends. His first wife was Cheryl Cynthia Dozier (b. 1949). They were married on June 11, 1967, in Virginia. Their child is Kevin D. Waters. His 2nd wife is Cheryl Ann Wilson (b. 1955). They were married in July 1976 in Lanham, Maryland. Their children are Aaron C. Waters (b. 1970), Rachel Ursula Waters (b. 1977), Michael D. Waters (b. 1979), Isaiah E. Waters (b. 1980), Jairus Earl Waters (b. 1983), and Leah R. Waters (b. 1987). Douglas Waters's children-in-law are Adam Hensel, Rashida Waters, Reginald Mack, and Marisol Lugo. His late granddaughter was Jaydan Malae Waters. Her five grandchildren include Carlos Waters, Sabine Hensel, and Phoebe Hensel. Isaiah Waters is married to Rashida Greene Waters (b. 1982). Ursula Noreen Waters had a son with Andrew Van Dorn named Adrian Van Dorn. She married Edward L. Johnson (1942-2003).
24. I found out (from an Ancestry.com DNA match) today that my 2nd paternal cousin is Najah T. Masudi, who was born on January 20, 1975. We share the same ancestors as Adam D. and Georgianna Tillery. Her parents were Harry McNeil (1953-2000) and Shamah Masudi (formerly Lorraine Williams who lived from 1946-2016). She is married to Craig Clark. Shamah Masudi's parents were Courtland Williams (1924-1999) and Minne Alberta Lee (1928-2002). Minnie Alberta Lee's children with Courtland Williams (1924-1999) are Shamah Mas'udi (formerly Lorraine Williams. She lived from 1946-2016), Edwin Brian Williams (1947-2011), and Islah Hayatt Rasul (b. 1951). Minnie Alberta Lee's children with Elder Eddie L. Robinson are Diane Renee Robinson Hood Woodward Stephney (b. 1957. Her son was Kyle Vincent Woodall. Kyle's father is Clifford N. Woodall. Diane is married to David Stephney Jr. now. David was born in 1948) and Holly A. Robinson Scott (She passed away in 2020). Holly A. Scott passed away on June 24, 2020, when she was 62 years old. She lived in Bayville, New Jersey. She was born in Princeton, New Jersey, and lived most of her life in Trenton, New Jersey. Her parents were Minnie Alberta Lee and Elder Eddie L. Robinson. Her sisters are Shamah Mas'udi, Vera Riley, Islah Rasul, and Diane Stephney. Her brother was Edwin Williams.
My 1st cousin Minnie Alberta Lee's parents were Hebert Laryon Lee (1909-1976) and Ernestine D. Lee (1911-1994). My grandaunt Ernestine D. Lee's parents were my great-grandparents Carl D. (1886-1968) and Lizzie Trice (1885-1950). Carl D.'s parents were my 2nd great-grandparents Adam D. (b. 1862) and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954). Shamah Masudi had many siblings. One was my 2nd cousin Edwin Brian Williams (1947-2011) who was married to Barbara Buck, and their children are Paula Williams of Columbus, Georgia, and Nadea Williams of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Edwin Brian Williams was born in Princeton, New Jersey, and was raised in the Princeton area. He was educated in the Princeton public school system. Also, he was a U.S. Army Veteran. Castro GMC Truck Company employed Edwin Brian Williams in Hopewell, and he was employed by Purdy Builders in Hopewell. He was a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Hopewell, where he served as a Trustee and a member of the Usher Board. Edwin Williams was part of the Hit and Miss Rod and Gun Club in Princeton. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Montgomery Twp. #2 Volunteer Fire Department. Edwin loved to experience go-cart racing and collecting scraps. Edwin Williams's grandchildren are Kaila Williams and Michelle Williams. Edwin Williams' four sisters are Shamah Masudi of Trenton, Islah Rasul of Statesville, North Carolina, Diane Stephney of Trenton, and Holly Scott of Trenton.
25. My maternal 4th cousin is Shirley Williams Hinton who was born in January 30, 1953 at Norfolk, Virginia. We share the same ancestor who was my 4th great-grandmother Sarah Claud (1842-1892), daughter of my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Shirley Williams's siblings are Leslie Thomas Williams (b. 1947), Edward Carlton Williams (1951-2021), Eric Lynn Williams (b. 1963), and Roland D. Williams. Shirley Williams's parents were Otis Grant Williams (1921-2007) and Annie Elizabeth Sharp (1927-2001). Otis Grant Williams's parents were Ezra Grant Williams (1898-1975) and Ella Wyche (b. 1897). The parents of Ezra Grant Williams were James Edward Williams (1877-1950) and Miranda Williams (1880-1964). The parents of James Edward Williams were Nottoway descendant John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). The parents of Adaline Hill were Sarah Claud (1842-1892) and Tom Hill (1838-1915). The mother of Sarah Claud was Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Shirley Williams married Harvey Hinton Jr. (b. 1950) on May 13, 1978, in Durham, North Carolina. One of their children is Harvey Hinton III (b. 1978), and he married Jametra Lynn Dickey (b. 1976) on September 3, 2006, in Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana. Their 2 children are my 5th cousins Maia Hinton and Sanura Hinton.
26. There is information about my 2nd paternal cousin named Welton Burton. He was a professional oyster shucker at Port Mahon. He was 51 years old when he passed away on Saturday at Kent General Hospital in Dover, Delaware. His wife is Marir Sample of Exmore, Virginia. He had two sons of Welton Burton Jr. of Camden, New Jersey, and Clifton Burton of Exmore, Virginia. He had three daughters who are Betty Anne Burton Hickman (b. 1945), Welton Burton Jr. (b. 1946), Barbara Burton (b. 1948), and Essie Delois Burton (b. 1949). My third cousin Betty A. Burton married Winford W. Hickman (1945-2009) in March 1965 at Franklin Township, Somerset, New Jersey. Their children are Nina Broadnax (She was born on January 31, 1966, and was married to Vance Broadnax since December 5, 1988), Wallace Winiford Hickman (b. 1970), Shaneene Hickman (b. 1968), Deion Hickman (b. 1971), and Lynette Hickman (b. 1967), who are my 4th cousins. Winiford Hickman was born in Cape Charles, Virginia, and lived in West Cape May, New Jersey for over 40 years. He was a landscaper and owner plus operator of Hickman Lawn Care. He worshiped at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Cape May, New Jersey, was on their Board of Trustees, was their church sexton, and custodian. Nina Dorelle Hickman and Vance John Broadnax (b. July 1956) had these children who are Alijah V. Broadnax (b. 1995), Teran W. Broadnax (b. 2001), and Renin W. Broadnax (b. 1998). They are my paternal 4th cousins. My 4th cousin Deion M. Hickman lives in Rio Grande, New Jersey whose 2 children are Rayvon Knight (b. 1990) and Keyonna D. Knight (b. 1993).
Now, the children of Welton Burton (1924-1975) and Marie Julia Sample (b. 1926) are Betty Ann Burton Hickman (b. 1944), Welton Burton Jr. (b. 1946), Barbara Burton (b. 1948), Essie Delois Burton (b. 1949), and Clifton Burton. Welton Burton's parents were Henry Burton (b. 1884) and Essie Rogers (1890-1950). The children of Henry Burton and Essie Rogers were Henry Burton Jr. (b. 1916), Langstone Burton (b. 1916), Clifton Burton (1919-1977. He lived in Philadelphia), Frezel Burton (1920-1996. He lived in Cape May, New Jersey), Tyson Burton (1922-1999. He lived in Wildwood, New Jersey), Welton Burton (1924-1975), Louise Burton (1924-2013. She lived in Exmore, Virginia), and Ernest Burton (1927-1999. He lived in West Chester, Virginia). The late wife of my cousin Frezel Burton was Dorothy H. Burton or "Dot." The couple loved their children of Tina (and Butch) Browser, Frezel Burton Jr., Guiseppi (and Charlotte) Burton, James (and Sandra Burton), Henry (and Linda) Burton, and Lynette Burton. The parents of Henry Burton were James Burton (1848-1931) and Ann Eliza Brickhouse (1857-1921). The parents of my 2nd great-grandaunt Ann Eliza Brickhouse were my 3rd great grandparents Johnson Brickhouse (b. 1826) and Julia Perkins (b. 1835). The parents of Johnson Brickhouse were my 4th great-grandparents of Benjamin Brickhouse II (1791-1878) and Eliza Collins (b. 1805). The parents of Benjamin Brickhouse II were my 5th great grandparents Benjamin Brickhouse I (b. 1750) and Polly Brickhouse (b. 1760).
There is the story of Ernest Burton too. He lived from February 10, 1927, in Northampton County, Virginia to June 5, 1999. He married Mary Ester Collins (b. 1930) on June 30, 1947, at Northampton County, Virginia. Their children are Burlene Burton (b. 1947) and Mary Louise Burton (b. 1949). My 3rd cousin Burlene Burton married Richard Lee Johnson (1945-2016) on August 7, 1965, at Exmore, Virginia. Their children are Richard Suvester Johnson (b. 1965), Valerie Victoria Johnson (1965-1965), Emma Michelle Johnson-Surgis (b. 1969), Gregory Johnson, and Agaitha Johnson Mears. Richard Suvester Johnson has been married to Lisa Diane Wallace (b. 1966) since September 2, 1988, in Northampton, Virginia. Emma Michelle Johnson-Sturgis is married to Kevin Lefonda Sturgis since December 20, 1997, in Northampton County, Virginia (their daughter is Ka'Shella Sturgis).
27. There is more information about my 4th cousin Virginia Pearl Ridley Barnwell, born on September 15, 1954, at Southampton County, Virginia. She was once married to Wendell Bernard Barnwell (b. 1953) in 1981 at Pasquotank, North Carolina. Their children are Wendell Bernard Barnwell (b. 1980), Brian B. Barnwell (b. 1981), and Kimberly R. Barnwell (b. 1985). Wendell Jr., Brian, and Kimberly Barnwell are my 5th cousins. Wendell Bernard Barnwell Sr. is currently married to Levia Mason Stovall. We are descendants of Zilphy Claud. Zilphy Claud had a son named George Washington Claud (1849-1923). George Washington Claud had a son named Richard Washington Claud (1874-1945). Richard Washington Claud married Ann Elizabeth Claud (1876-1960) in Virginia on January 26, 1898. Their child was Ralph Elijah Claud (1912-1965). Ralph Elijiah Claud married Gussie Estell Claud. One of their children was Mary Lizzie Claud (1936-2007). Mary Lizzie Claud married Samuel Junior Ridley (1930-2006) in Southampton County, Virginia on October 29, 1953. Their children are Virginia Pearl Ridley (b. 1954), Mary Ellen Ridley (b. 1956), Dennis Lee Ridley Sr. (b. 1960), and Johnnie Lloyd Ridley. I found that many of the Claud family are living in Boston too. Elsie Mead Claude was born in March 11,1949, and she lives in Boston, Massachusetts in the Roxbury area. Her daughter is Kimberly R. Claude who was born in May 1977. Elsie Mead Claud is a descendant of Zilphy Claud via her son George Washington Claud. She is the daughter of Ralph Elijah Claud (1912-1965) and Gussie Estell Claud (1914-1985).
There are many children of my 3rd cousin Selena Estell Claude (b. 1953). She is a descendant of Zilphy Claud via her son George Washington Claud (1849-1923). Selena Estell Claude married Elmer Lewis Barnes (b. 1952) in Southampton County, Virginia on August 16, 1975. Their children are my cousins Bobby Lewis Barnes (b. 1978), Dr. Joy Leatrice Barnes (b. 1980), and Cassie Nicole Barnes (b 1986). Dr. Joy Leatrice Barnes Phelps was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. She finished her undergraduate education at North Carolina State University. After graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Biological Sciences, she attended the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She works as a board-certified Pediatric Dentist. She loves her husband Dr. Maynard Phelps and her four children. She was awarded the Richard C. Pugh Award for scoring in the top 3 percent of all candidates nationwide who took the written pediatric dental certification examination. Bobby Lewis Barnes is married to Rielle C. Montague (b. 1975) and their children are Sabrina Barnes and Joceyln Barnes. Cassie Nicole Barnes is married to Jeffrey Beamon, and their children are Jasmine Beamon and Giselle Beamon.
28. On September 22, 2024, I found out that Justin E. Franklin is my 5th cousin as we are descendants of Zilphy Claud. Her mother is my 4th cousin Julie M. Franklin, and she was born in June 1, 1970 at Amityville, Suffolk, New York. That location is in Long Island. She has other children who are Julian L. Franklin (b. 1997) and Karyn Franklin (b. 2002). Julie M. Franklin's parents were Dr. Alfred Lloyd Franklin Sr. (1927-2005) and Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin (1936-2017). Dr. Alfred Franklin Sr. was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was a family man and a lover of his wife, Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin. Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin was a matriach of many children. She had children with Maurice Craddock Mabina (1930-1999) whose names are Robin Adair Green Mabina (b. 1957) and Mark Wayne Mabina (b. 1960). Her children with Dr. Alfred Lloyd Franklin Sr. are Alfred L. Franklin (b. 1965) and Julie M. Franklin (b. 1970). The parents of Shirley Ann Lowe Franklin were Joseph Isaac Lowe (1919-1974) and Anna Louise Miles (1920-1999). The parents of Joseph Isaac Lowe were Bishop Charlie Wesley Lowe (1875-1954) and my 1st cousin Louisa A. Sykes (1876-1955). The parents of Louisa A. Sykes were Willis Sykes (b. 1832) and my 4th great grandaunt Lydia Claud (b. 1842). Lydia Claud's mother was Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
29. Mysteries are being revealed all of the time. I found out that Lydia Ruth Patricia Ricks (b. 1948) is my 4th cousin. We share the same ancestors who were my 6th great grandparents of Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791. She was the daughter of Nottoway Native American Nancy Woodson and Micajah Woodson)) and Burwell Williams (who was an African American freeman). Lydia Ruth Patricia Ricks was born to Helen Armentia Owens (1922-1953) and Garland Ricks (1908-1967) on November 10, 1948, in Southampton County, Virginia. Her siblings are Elsie Mae Ricks (b. 1938) and Majorie Lee Ricks (b. 1942). Helen Ownes and Garland Ricks married at Courtland, Virginia on June 1, 1941. Helen Owens passed away at a young age, so Helen, Lydia, and Elsie were raised by foster parents in Newport, Rhode Island. Rhode Island is in the New England region, and these siblings are the first people that I found out that were related to me who lived in Rhode Island for an extended period of time. Lydia Ricks went to Rogers High School, studied at Rhode Island College, studied at Sawyer Business School, and worked at medical facilities in Rhode Island. She is retired and lives in Greensboro, North Carolina. So, Lydia Ricks' parents were Garland Ricks and Helen Owens. The parents of Garland Ricks were Levy Ricks Jr. (b. 1888) and Della Williams Ricks (1889-1917). Della Williams Ricks' parents were Mary L. Williams (1855-1905) and Eddie Drew Kello (1851-1922). Mary L. Williams' parents were John Burwell Williams (b. 1815) and Mary Williams (b. 1832). The parents of John Burwell Williams were Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791).
30. There are new discoveries about my 3rd great-granduncle Benjamin Hurst-Turner (b. 1874). Her parents were Morefield Hurst-Turner (1827-1918) and Milly Woodson Bozeman (1830-1910). Benjamin Turner was a farmer who lived in Southampton County, Virginia. She married Cora B. Sykes on January 4, 1903, at Southampton County. The person who performed the ceremony was Sam Freeman. The couple had many children who were Libbie Turner (b. 1903), Irma Turner (b. 1905), Roberta Turner (b. 1908), Blanche Turner (b 1910), Alice Turner (1911-2001), and William Turner (b. 1918). My 1st cousin Alice Turner married Joe Bill Artis (b. 1912). Alice Turner and Joe Bill Artis had many children who were Mary Magdalene Artis (b. 1935), James T. Artis (1938-2003), Ruben L. Artis (b. 1940), Erma Lee Artis (b. 1942-1990), Donald Eugene Artis (1943-1973), and Joanna Artis (1945-2014). My 2nd cousin Elma Artis lived from 1942 to 1990. She was born on February 19, 1942 at Elizabeth City, Virginia. She married Alton Lee James (b. 1933) on November 13, 1964 at Newport News, Virginia. Their child is Elroy Artis of Hampton, Virginia (his biological father is Bobby Paul Ballett). Erma Artis James worked in Hampton and worked for the Lawson Seafood Company for three years. Elroy Artis married Sheila Mayphene Sheppard on January 28, 1995, at Hampton, Virginia. Their child is Jermail Askew.
My 2nd cousin Mary Angline Artis married Jesse Lee Wright Sr. (1932-2021) on March 2, 1955, in Franklin, North Carolina. Their children are Jesse Lee Wright Jr. (b. 1955), Juanita Wright (b. 1956), and James Wright. The 7 grandchildren of Mary and Jesse Lee Wright Sr. are: James L. Wright (Tamika), Kevin D. Wright (Cherie), Candace N. Wright, James J. Wright Sr. (LaToya), Eric M. Wright, Jessica M. Wright, Shayla D. Wright. The 11 great-grandchildren of Mary and Jesse Lee Wright Sr. are: Alexandria Wright, Tyler Wright, Logan Smith, Kiana Wright, Jaleah Wright, Layla Wright, James J. Wright Jr ((3j), London Wright, Janiyah Wright, and Dimitris (Dj). My 2nd cousin James T. Artis married Dorislee Phyllis Lynch (1952-2010) and their children are James T. Artis Jr. and Dorian L. Lynch. My 2nd cousin Ruben L. Artis (1940-1981) married Juanita Elizabeth Jones (b. 1942) on June 11, 1960, at Newport News, Virginia. Their children are Diana Artis (b. 1962), Reuben Artis Jr. (b. 1964), Teresa Michelle Artis (b. 1965), Ronald Artis, Alicia Artis, and Shirell Artis.
31. There is always new information that I find out constantly. I found out that Julinda Delores Lewis is my paternal cousin. She was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and lives in Henrico, Virginia. She has studied at Brooklyn College, New York University, and Regent University (in Virginia Beach). She is an adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, and she is an editor and publisher at RVArt Review. Also, Julinda Lewis is an expert dancer and dance teacher. She went to the Bronx High School of Science. She was born on February 28, 1955. She was once married to Ralph George Ingersoil Ferguson. Her parents were James W. Lewis (1925-1975) and Emma C. Manley (1938-2008). My 4th cousin Emma C. Manley's parents were John Manley (1908-1969) and Alice Virginia Satchell (1913-2009). The children of John Manley and Alice Virginia Satchell were Robert M. Manley (1930-1995), John Edward Manley (1935-2002), and Emma C. Manley. The parents of Alice Virginia Satchell were Teagle Satchell (1886-1939) and Doris Satchell (b. 1893). The parents of Teagle Satchell were Jackson Satchel (b. 1845) and Harriet Susan Kelley (1860-1927). The parents of Harriet Susan Kelley were George Kelly (b. 1830) and Easter Perkins (1840-1910). The parents of Easter Perkins were my 4th great-grandparents of Esther Perkins (b. 1816) and George Perkins (b. 1815). The daughter of Dr. Julinda Delores Lewis is Jamila Julinda Williams (b. 1977). Dr. Julinda Delores Lewis has other children named Trey Ferguson (who is a pastor) and Soleil Afafa Ferguson (b. 1985).
32. Dana Howard is my 4th cousin, and she was born in Fairfax, Virginia on January 19, 1981. Her parents are Roy Lee Howard (b. 1944) and Yetta Stratton (b. 1951). Her sister is Danielle Howard. Yetta Straton's parents were Thomas Edward Stratton (1914-1992) and Essie Mae Ames (1924-2006). The parents of my 2nd cousin Thomas Edward Stratton were Alfred Stratton (1894-1951) and Virginia (Jennie) Burton (1883-1968). The parents of Virginia (Jennie) Burton were James Burton (1848-1931) and Ann Eliza Brickhouse (1857-1921). The parents of my 2nd great-grandaunt were Johnson Brickhouse (b. 1826) and Julia Perkins (b. 1835). So, Dana Howard and I share the same 3rd great grandparents of Johnson Brickhouse and Julia Perkins. My 2nd paternal cousin Ardelia Upshur (1897-1986) was married to Roman J. Barnes (b. 1896) on December 3, 1920, at Northampton, County, Virginia. Their son is James Wendall Barnes (b. 1922). James Wendall Barnes married Elsia Kenner on January 11, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware. The Delaware Marriage Records confirmed this too. Their child is James Wendall Barnes Jr. (b. 1943). Later, Ardella Upshur married Monieth Roots (1891-1966) on March 22, 1943, in Delaware. My 3rd cousin was Naomi Upshur Francis (1929-2019), and she was born in Hare Valley, Virginia on November 18, 1929. Her parents are Jesse and Nellie Upshur. She was educated in the Northampton County school system and married Curtis Hoover Francis of Nassawadox, Virginia. They were married on February 28, 1948, at their home church, New Allen A.M.E. Church in Franktown, Virginia. They have three children whose names are: G. Giane Brown (who is married to Michael Brown) of Irvington, New Jersey, Curtis H. Francis Jr. (who is married to Sheila) of Willingboro, New Jersey, and Donald L. Francis (who is married to Cheryl) of Manassas, Virginia. She has 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many family members plus friends. Naomi Upshur Francis volunteered at the local Hospice care, helping the homeless, worked with her husband in religious activities, and mentored plus prayed with young women at her. She was the guiding light of wisdom and strength. Her brother is the late Dr. Bernard Lee Upshur of Florida.
32. There is more information that I know about the Peeples family on November 30, 2024. My fourth cousin Earl Nelson Peeples (b. 1954) married Joyce Ann Boyd (b. 1953) on June 19, 1982, at Clarksville, Virginia. Their 2 children are my 5th cousins Brandon Earl Peeples Sr. (b. 1984) and Amber Kristin Peeples (b. 1988). Amber Kristin Peeples, from 2010 to 2013, studied at Business Administration at Keller Graduate School of Management. Earl Nelson Peeples, Brandon Earl Peeples, and Amber Kristin Peeples share the ancestors of Zilphy Claud and Charles Peeples (and her wife Fannie Brown). My 2nd great grandparents of Charles Peeples (1855-1922) and Fannie Froniana Susanna Virginia Brown (1857-1946) had a child and my great-granduncle named Mack Franklin Peeples (1881-1939). Mack Franklin Peeples married Daisy L. Claud (a descendant of my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud) on December 28, 1919, at Southampton County, Virginia. The person who performed the ceremony was W. R. Blow (shown by the Virginia U.S. Marriage Registers, 1853-1935). Mack Peeples was in the U.S. Army from 1918 to 1919 being in the 540 Engineers. One of the children of Mack Peeples and Daisy Claud was my 3rd cousin Joe Edgar Mack Peeples (1925-1972). Joe Edgar Mack Peeples married Dorothy Rose Gholston (1925-2016) on March 29, 1947, at Emporia, Virginia. One of the sons is Earl Nelson Peeples (b. 1954). So, this is how they are related to me. I am a descendant of Charles and Fannie Peeples via their son Joseph Peeples.
33. I found out that Joy Latricia Faison is my 5th cousin. She was born on December 9, 1976 in Norfolk, Virginia. Her parents are George Lee Faison (b. 1950) and Rebecca Ann Turner (1953-2015). Her late brother was Sean Tyrone Faison (1971-1998). Her parents are George Lee Faison (b. 1950) and Rebecca Ann Turner (1953-2015). George Faison's parents were Rassie Williams (1923-2000) and Carolyn Caroline Ann Tabb Faison Brown (1929-2015). Rassie Williams' parents were Roser Williams (1900-1969) and Willie May Blow (b. 1910). The parents of Roser Williams are George Williams (1868-1934) and Mary A. Bryant (b. 1875). The parents of George Williams were my 5th great-granduncle John Burwell Williams (b. 1815) and Mary Williams (b. 1832). The parents of John Burwell Williams were my 6th great-grandparents of Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791) and Burwell Williams. The mother of Winifred was my 7th great grandmother Nancy Woodson (1760-1808).
34. I found out more information about my late 4th cousin Euvonne Arbodella Peeples (1952-2017). She was born on April 19, 1952 in Adams Grove, Virginia to Joe Edgar Mack Peeples (1925-1972) and Dorothy Rose Gholston (1925-2016). Her nickname was Von. She believed in the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. That church is located in Boykins, Virginia, and I have been to the church before. She was educated in the Southampton County Public School system, and she graduated from Southampton High School in 1970. From there, she attended Norfolk State University. She worked in GMAC and ALLY after 30 years. She also worked as a federal employee for 9 years. She has been married to Albert Granby for 35 years. Euvonne Arbodella Peeples married Albert Granby Sr. at Shiloh Baptist Church. The double ring ceremony was performed by the Reverend R. C. Elliot. The ceremony had lighted candles and a fan candelabra. Mrs. Thelma Jennings was the organist. Mrs. Peggie Smith and Mrs. Evelyn Carter were singers who sang People and We've Only Just Begun. Euvonne's brother, Elger Peeples, escorted her to the altar. Ms. Margorie Joyner of Drewryville, Virginia was the maid of honor. She loved to cook, travel, and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was an active member of Brown Grove Baptist Church in Chesterfield, Virginia. Her children are Albert Donnell Granby Jr., Donnie Granby, and her step-daughter Erica Granby Thorton. Her grandsons are Albert III, Avon, Bryson, and Blake. Her brothers are Earl Nelson Peeples (b. 1954), Elger Wendell Peeples (1948-1999), and Ervin Andre Peeples (1966-2013).
35. I found more information about my distant cousin Clarence Edward Harris Jr. (1954-2021). He lived in Waldorf, Maryland. His parents were Deacon Clarence Edward Harris Sr. and Mrs. Virginia Colbert Harris. He was one of 11 children born into this union. He was baptized when he was 12 years old in Washington, D.C. He was a deacon, preacher, teacher, and devotion leader. He worked in Washington, D.C., Delaware, and Maryland. He was raised in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1973, graduating in honors. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in May 1978. Clarence earned his Master's of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. in February 1983. He worked in the U.S. Navy and had a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree in July 1999 with the tutelage of Dr. Phyllis E. Heath. He was married to Faye Harris for 37 years with five children Clarence Harris III (with Lydia), India Eadie (with David Sr.), Darius Harris (with Chioma), Kenard Harris Sr. (with Jillian), and Korea Harris. His six grandchildren are David Jr., Jael, Kenard Jr., Dawson, Nara, and Jude.
36. I found out that my maternal 5th cousin is Veronica Elizabeth Glast, who was born in April 1972. She lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Veronica Glast has worked in Howard University as part of the Human Resources Business Partners (HRBP). She worked to help Howard University run more efficiently in Washington, D.C. She has experience from Virginia Commonwealth University and in other institutions. Her brother is Christopher Weylin Glast (b. 1968). Her parents are Willie James Glast (b. 1940) and Gracie Lee Bynum (b. 1945). Gracie Lee Bynum's parents were Jimmy Lewis Bynum Sr. (1920-2003) and Laura Elizabeth Claud (1923-1985). The parents of Laura Elizabeth Claud were Peter L. Claud (1891-1969) and Nettie Rogers (1894-1924). The parents of Peter L. Claud were Frank Thomas Claud (1856-1958) and Elizabeth Whitehead (1868-1939). The parents of Frank Thomas Claud were my 4th great-grandaunt Mason Claud (1840-1877) and Isaac Gilliam. The mother of Mason Claud is my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud.
By Timothy
Genealogy Information: My Family tree (mygenealogyinformation.blogspot.com)
Obituary Guestbook | Carolyn M. Ruffin | Shawn Lea Funeral Home
Zilphy's Legacy of Descendants (rootsmagic.com)
Theopolis Melton... - Charles E. Huff's International Funeral Home | Facebook
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/20963082/Dorothy-Mae-Worrell/
Rosalynd Harris Obituary (2019) - Norfolk, VA - The Virginian-Pilot (legacy.com)
Carlton Harris Obituary (1971 - 2013) - Norfolk, VA - The Virginian-Pilot (legacy.com)
26 Nov 1998, Page 117 - Hartford Courant at Newspapers.com
Honor Roles - Washington City Paper
CONSTANCE LEIGH Obituary (2012) - Washington, DC - The Washington Post (legacy.com)
Obituary | Mary Rivers Harris | R. E. Pearson and Son Funeral Home
Hattie Williams Pope – Metropolitan Funeral (metropolitanfuneralservice.com)
Leila Mae McCants Obituary (2012) - Atmore, AL - The Trentonian (legacy.com)
Latonya Cheray Heard (1964-2022) - Find a Grave Memorial
E. HARRIS Obituary (2022) - Warwick, Bermuda - The Royal Gazette (legacy.com)
Deborah M. Jones Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (marchfh.com)
John Mayo Obituary (1923 - 2017) - Norfolk, VA - The Virginian-Pilot (legacy.com)
E. HARRIS Obituary (2022) - Warwick, Bermuda - The Royal Gazette (legacy.com)
Obituary | Mary Rivers Harris | R. E. Pearson and Son Funeral Home
1. It is important to celebrate the memory of the late Israel Claud who lived from February 4, 1936, to May 21, 2023. He was my late cousin who was born in Southampton County, Virginia. His parents were Guy and Viola Rogers Claud. Israel Claud was educated in the Southampton County school system and worshipped as a member in the Galilee Baptist Church. He moved into Suffolk working for the railroad industry. Later, Israel Claud was a mechanic with the Nansemond County Tractor sales. He loved to farm, so he was a farmer full time later during his life. Israel Claud for years was an active member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church under the leadership of the recently deceased Reverend Doctor Vaurice Chambers. Isarel was on the deacon board and served as Sunday School Superintendent. He was an advisor to the Farm Service Agency of the USDA. People knew of his wit, and he loved his tractor plus his shop. He married Carrie Elziabeth Parker on January 29, 1958 at Emporia, Virginia. Their three children are Valerie Lorraine Claud (b. 1958), Veronica Denise Claud (b. 1959), and Stanley Israel Claud (b. 1960). Ancestry.com confirmed that Israel Claud is genetically related to me in a very high level, as I'm a descendant of Zilphy Claud (just like Israel Claud). He was predeceased by his parents and siblings who are Frank, Naomi (1920-1950), Guy Franklin Claud Jr. (1925-1975), Sudie (1927-2003), Gabrilla (1930-2004), Doris (1918-2007), Lilia (1928-2005), James (1941-2020), Webster (1934-1997), Oliver (1923-2016), Viola (1937-2013), and Obadiah (1931-2014). Israel Claud was a heroic man who loved his wife and his family. Condolences do out to Israel Claud's family and friends.
2. By early June of 2023, I found out about a history about my 5th cousin Shem Jermmott (b. 1986). He was born in East Orange, New Jersey and now lives in Detroit, Michigan with his wife Morgan Jemmott. His parents are Marshall Ernest Jemmott (1961-2021) and Kenyatta W. Jackson (b. 1963). The parents of Kenyatta W. Jackson (or my 4th cousin) are James Jackson (1930-1988) and Mary Lou Wiggins (1940-1991). Kenyatta Jackson was born on April 30, 1963, at Orange, Essex, New Jersey. Mary Lou Wiggins's parents are Bennie Wiggins (1918-1993) and Marie Harris (b. 1914). Bennie Wiggins's parents are William Wiggins (1878-1931) and Annie L. Barnes (b. 1878). My 1st cousin William Wiggins's parents are Nottoway descendant John Henry Wiggins (b. 1853) and Cordelia (Candy) Turner (1860-1934). Cordelia Turner married John Henry Wiggins on December 14, 1876, at Southampton County, Virginia. Cordelia Turner or my 3rd great-grandaunt's parents are my 4th great grandparents of African American freeman Morefield Hurst Turner (1827-1918) and Milly Woodson Bozeman (1830-1910). So, everything goes full circle.
3. My late 3rd cousin Rosetta Smith Sykes lived from July 22, 1913 to March 9, 2008. She was a descendant of my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). My mother knew of Rosetta Smith Sykes and people like Jasper Sykes and other human beings in that family too. Rosetta Smith Sykes's parents were Reuben Smith (1885-1952) and Annie Mason Claud (1887-1961). Annie Mason Claud's parents were Frank Thomas Claud (1856-1948) and Elizabeth Whitehead (1868-1939). Frank T. Claud is a direct descendant of Zilphy Claud. Mrs. Rosetta Smith Sykes transitioned to eternal life at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia. During her childhood and teenage years, she attended Southampton County, Virginia public schools. She loved to be a member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at Drewryville, Virginia. She worked in many ministries of her church as Usher, Missions, and Food Services. Rosetta Sykes was a member of the Sunday school and Bible study. People referred to her as Mother Sykes, and she had a great love for the Lord. She was the Mother of the Church, and the church was headed by the pastorate of the Rev. William Dentson. In real life, Rosetta Sykes helped tons of human beings as a babysitter, housekeeper, and caregiver. She was a member of the Shiloh Association and other groups. Rosetta Smith Sykes married Jasper Sykes Sr. (b. 1912), and her children are James Lloyd Sykes (b. 1934), John Ruben Sykes (1936-2004), Rudolph Sykes (1938-1985), Floyd Sykes, Melvin Sykes, and Jasper Sykes Jr., Rev. Dr. Rosa Rynn (b. 1944-2009), and Delores Verronco Sykes (b. 1953). My 4th cousin Jasper Sykes Jr.'s first wife was Lynnette Elizabeth Mayes (b. 1945). His second wife was named Gloria J. Sykes (b. 1948). Jasper Sykes Jr.'s children with Lynnette Elizabeth Mayes are LaShonda Verrett Sykes (b. 1968), Areatha Sykes (b. 1969), and Aronda Sykes (b. 1971). His 2 stepchildren are Chandra Porter and Leonard Gilliam Jr. Jasper Sykes Jr. six grandchildren (or Rosetta Sykes's grandchildren) are Sameia, Areatha, Taurik, Maurik, Lyndsey, and Lauryn.
Jasper Sykes Jr. was a member of the First Union Baptist Church on Dill Road. He served the Trustee Ministry. He worked for 35 years in the United States Postal Service (from being a mail carrier to the supervisor of mail delivery). He retired in October of 1999. He was in the U.S. Army for 8 years and then served in the reserve unit for 20 years. He was a truck driver for the Atlantic Constructors. Rosetta Smith Sykes's son of James Lloyd Sykes (or my 4th cousin) married Margaret Ann Stevenson (b. 1937-2022) on April 8, 1955, at Norfolk, Virginia. Their children are Karen Sykes (b. 1955), Marietta Lavonne Sykes (b. 1957), Jane Elois Sykes (b. 1959), and Jay Lloyd Sykes (b. 1962). Karen Sykes married Burnell Jason Moore (b. 1954) on May 28, 1977, at Norfolk, Virginia. Marietta Lavonne Sykes married Willie Clay Woodard (b. 1957) at Norfolk, Virginia on August 13, 1983. Their children are Gabrielle Nicole Woodard (b. 1989), Sade Denise Woodard (b. 1993), and Willie Woodard Jr. (b. 1994. He is married to Allison Woodard). Jay Lloyd Sykes married Angela Priscilla Meyters on November 23, 1985, at Portsmouth, Virginia. Jane Elois Sykes married Aubrey Griffin McCoy at Norfolk, Virginia on April 3, 1982. Rosetta Smith Sykes had 31 grandchildren,36 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren.
4. The daughter of John Burwell Willaims (b. 1815) and Mary (b. 1824) was Mary L. Williams. Mary L. Williams's daughter was Ida Williams Artis (1883-1963). Ida Artis's father was Eddie Drew Kello (b. 1851). Ida Artis married Ivy Artis (b. 1883), and their children were Willie Artis (b. 1902), James Robert Artis (1905-1968), Pearl Artis (b. 1908), George Artis (1912-1939), Booker T. Washington Artis Sr. (1915-1980), Thomas Artis (1917-1990), and Lucy Mae Bainty Artis (1919-2006). Booker T. Washington Artis Sr. married Evelyn Ricks on December 30, 1937, in Sedley, Virginia. Their children are Booker T. Washington Artis Jr. (1938-1958) and Melvin Lee Artis Sr. (b. 1940). One daughter of Ivy Artis and Ida Williams Artis was Lucy Mae Bainty Artis (1919-2006). She married Ervin Hicks (1918-2002) on June 3, 1939, at Sedley, Virginia. The marriage documents show Lucy Artis's parents as Ivory Artis (her father) and Ida Williams (her mother). Their children are Lloyd Hicks (b. 1938), Grace Mae Hicks Ricks (b. 1939), Annie B. Hicks (b. 1948), and Robert Lee Hicks (1952-1988).
5. Elton Trower (who was my 3rd cousin) was a famous person of the Trower family of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was a great martial artist, and he lived form March 6, 1936, to July 22, 2015. His parents were Milton Norwood Trower (1909-1981) and Carrie Bernice Satchell (1910-1979). He married Margaret Jone Collins (b. 1934) on January 22, 1957, at Northampton County, Virginia. Their children are Colonial Trower (b. 1956), Roxane Trower Fisher (b. 1962), Alpheus Trower (b. 1967), Felicia Lynn Trower (b. 1982), Jason Trower, Joseph Trower, Lynwood Trower, Elton Trower Jr., and Eltenia Trower. Elton Trower lived to be 79 years old and was a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. and was a nine-time East Coast Champion. His honors spanning more than 60 years in martial arts. He was the first person inducted into the Founder's Hall of the United States World Breaking Association in 2013. Elton Trower taught people karate at the age of 17 years old. He had his Karate Warriors school in Melfa, where he taught local children and adults for years. Trower helped to lead weekly exercise sessions for senior citizens and brain injury survivors in the community. Elton Trower was very human known in the Eastern Shore of Virginia as a humanitarian. His mother, Carrie Bernice Satchell's parents were John Satchell (b. 1882) and Ethel Kelly (b. 1885). Ethel Kelly's parents were George Kelly (b. 1830) and Easter Perkins (1840-1910). Eastern Perkins's parents were George Perkins I (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816).
6. It is important to remember the legacy of my late 5th cousin Laron Michael Vann. He lived from January 11, 1978 to September 28, 2021. We share the same ancestor of my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud. Laron Vann lived in Bangor Crescent in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was 43 years old. He was born in Suffolk, Virginia. His parents were Vanessa Almond Vann and Larry Wiggins. Laron was the graduate of Churchland High School from the class of 1996. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Business degree from Hampton University in 2002. He was an employee of ADI for three forming friendships and professional relationships. His wife was Toni Latoya Vann (b. 1981. Toni Vann's parents are Tony Curtis Powell, who was born in 1953 and her mother was Viola S. Powell, who was born in 1958). His daughters are Sariyah Vann, Alivia Vann, and his stepdaughter Taniya Taylor. Laron Vann's mother was my 4th cousin Vanessa Almond Vann (1953-2008). Vanessa Almond Vann's parents were George Washington McDonald (1933-1993) and Catherine Eloise Langstone (1933-2001). Catherine Eloise Langston's parents were Andrew J. Langston (1915-1995) and Carlee Dorcus Evans (1920-1993). Carlee Dorcus Evans's parents were Rev. Edward Franklin Evans (b. 1876) and Mobie Lee Sykes (1885-1932). Mobie Lee Sykes's parents were Willis Sykes (b. 1832) and Lydia Claud (b. 1842). My 4th great grandaunt Lydia Claud's parents was my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Laron Michael Vann's sister is Kimberly M. Vann-Haynes, who is my 5th cousin. She was born on December 26, 1975, at Suffolk, Virginia. She married Eric Haynes on November 25, 2000 at Portsmouth, Virginia. Their children are Erica Haynes, Destiny Haynes, KaRon M. Vann, and Eric Haynes Jr. Laron Vann's aunts are Jacquelin A. Hicks and Mamie Sutton. Jacqueline A. Hicks is my 4th cousin, and she was born on August 30, 1968. She married Andrae David Hicks (1965-2007) on January 30, 1993 at Suffolk, Virginia. Their children are Andrae D. Hicks II, Travis Ward, Jada Anevay Hicks, and Daisha Andrea Knight.
7. Starlette Babsie Allen Edmonds (b. 1961) is my 2nd cousin as we share the same ancestor of Adam D. (b. 1862). Starlettee Babsie Edmonds's parents are Robert Allen and Helen Maxine D. (b. 1936). Starlette Edmonds was born on May 25, 1961 in Halifax, North Carolina. She married Claymetal Randolph Edmonds (b. 1959) on May 25, 1984 at Richmond, Virginia. Their daughter is my 3rd cousin named Whitney Cierra Edmonds (b. 1985). Sharlette's mother, Helen Maxine D.'s parents were Arthur Lawrence D. (1899-1944) and Alvania Station (1895-1996). Helen's siblings were Arthur, Meddrict, Iva Lena, Fred Edward, Annie V., Georgianna, Leland, Hubert Lawrence, and Mack. Arthur Lawerence D.'s parents were Adam D. and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954). Starlette Edmonds lives in Richmond, Virginia for many years now, and she was a former Clerk at the U.S. Postal Service. She is confirmed to be related to me by Ancestry.com which showed a DNA match with me and Starlette Edmonds.
8. David Harrison is my 3rd paternal cousin as we share the same ancestor of Adam D. (b. 1862). He has a daughter named Nyla Harrison. David Harrison's parents are Lynwood Welsey Harrison Jr. (1952-2017) and Janie Vanesta D. (b. 1952). Janie Vanesta D.'s parents were Meddrict D. (1921-1977) and Rozella Opra Pickett (1933-2013). Meddrict D. was my 1st cousin who was part of the U.S. Army during the era of World War II. He was trained in North Carolina for the military, and he lived in Norfolk, Virginia. His parents were Arthur Lawrence D.(1889-1944) and Alanvia Station (1895-1996). Arthur Lawerence D.'s parents were Adam D. and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954).
Also, I found out how David Harrison is related to both my father's and mother's sides of my family. The reason is that David Harrison's father, Lynwood Welsey Harrison Jr. is a descendant of my 6th great grandmother Winifred Woodson-Bozeman and my 6th great grandfather Burwell Williams. First Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791) married Burwell Williams (a freeman African American). One of their children was John Bruwell Williams who married a woman named Mary. One of their children were Mary L. Williams (1855-1905), and she had a child with Eddie Drew Kello (b. 1851) named Rosa W. Peterson (1887-1966). Rosa W. Peterson married a man named James Edward Peterson (1885-1945). Their children are Mary Peterson (b. 1906), Irma J. Peterson (b. 1907), James L. Peterson (b. 1910), Florence Corene Peterson (b. 1915), Franklin W. Peterson (b. 1918), Carrie Ethel Peterson (1920-1976), Romine Sallie Peterson (b. 1921), Elizabeth Peterson (b. 1925), Leroy Peterson Sr. (b. 1923-1973), Eunice Roberta Peterson (1928-1992), and Willie Peterson (b. 1929). My 3rd cousin Carrie Ethel Peterson married Lynwood Harrison Sr. (1919-2006). Their children are Marion J. Hatcher (b. 1938), Carolyn T. Norman (1948-1996), Lynwood Harrison Jr. (b. 1952), Simone Harper, and Wiley Whitley. Lynwood Harrison Jr. was my 4th maternal cousin and he married my paternal 2nd cousin Janie Vanesta D. Their child was my paternal 3rd cousin and my maternal 5th cousin David Harrison. So, everything comes into full circle.
9. All of the time, information about my family tree existed. Recently, I found information about Joan Mae Howell Artell, who is my 4th cousin as we are descendants of my 7th grandmother Nanny Woodson (the Nottoway matriarch of so many human beings in Southampton County, Virginia). Nanny Woodson had many children who were Anny Woodson, Winny Woodson, William G. Bozeman, and Jincy Woodson. Winny Woodson, or my 6th grandmother was born in ca. 1791, and she married Burwell Williams (a freeman African Americans). Their children were Pasty Woodson-Williams, John Burwell Williams, Mary Woodson-Williams, and Sally Woodson-Williams. My 5th great grandaunt Sally Williams-Woodson married Robert Wiggins, and they had many children. One of their children were Mary J. Wiggins (b. 1843). My 1st cousin Mary J. Wiggins had a child with William B. Lamb named William Lamb (1875-1958). William Lamb was my 2nd cousin and married Della Jones. Their child was Mabell Lamb (1916-1968). Mabel Lamb was my third cousin, and she married Horace Howell (1908-1981) on May 12, 1941, at Southampton County, Virginia. Their children are Joan Mae Howell (b. 1942), Horace Howell (1946-1973), and William Howell (b. 1947). Joan Mae Howell was my 4th cousin, and she married Herbert E. Atwell (b. 1942). Their child is Nicole M. Atwell (b. 1969) My 5th cousin Nicole M. Atwell lived in New Jersey and married Delando Lyle Braxton (b. 1965) on November 15, 1998 at Berkeley Heights Township, Union, New Jersey. They have many children like Kaela Braxton (b. 2001. She lives in the state of Florida. She recently graduated from Florida State University. Her major is Criminology, and her hometown in Orlando, Florida. She wants to promote equity and inclusion for students of color), Courtney Chanel Braxton, and a younger sister named Deon Braxton. Delando Lyle Braxton's parents are Oliver Chester Braxton and Aida Luz Martinez.
10. I found out that Dwayne A. Roberson was my 3rd cousin, and she was born in March 1978. We are descendants of Adam D. (b. 1862). Dwayne A. Roberson is from the Washington, D.C. area, and her parents are Terrence Alan Robertson (b. 1953) and Jeanette F. Roberson. His siblings are Brendolyn Robertson (1976-2004) and Corey Roberson. My 2nd cousin Terrence Alan Roberson's parents are Elbert Lee Roberson (1913-2001) and Lucy Nanearl Holmes (b. 1926). Elbert Lee Roberson and Lucy Nanearl Holmes's children are Elbert Rudolph Robertson (b. 1948), Tia A. Roberson McClain (b. 1951), Terrence Alan Roberson (b. 1953), and Nannette Roberson Johnson (b.1956). Elbert Lee Roberson's parents are James Gus Henry Robertson (1883-1951) and Ada (Ettie) D. (1890-1960). My great grandaunt Ada D.'s parents are Adam D. and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954).
11. There is the story of my later 3rd cousin Elizabeth Peterson Carter (1924-2017). We share the same ancestors as my 6th great grandparents of Winifred Woodson-Bozeman and Burwell Williams. Her parents are James Edward Peterson (1885-1945) and Rosa W. Peterson (1887-1966). She married Smauel Beecher Carter Sr. (b. 1924) on January 16, 1956, at Franklin, Virginia. Elizabeth Carter grew up in Southampton County, Virginia, and she graduated from Elizabeth City University at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She was a member of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, Virginia. She was an educator in the Southampton County Public School System for over 45 years. The couple of Samuel B. Carter Sr. and Elizabeth Carter had one son of Samuel B. Carter Jr.
12. My late 3rd cousin Carlton B. Harris III lived form 1971 to 2013. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Carlton Bernard Harris Jr. and Rosalynd Laverne Lee Harris on January 9, 1971. He attended Lee's Chapel A.M.E. Church where he sung in the Junior Choir. He was educated in the Chesapeake Public School System and graduated from Great Bridge High School in 1989. Great Bridge is close to North Carolina. He worked in many grocery stores like Food Lion and Walmart. He loved his fiancé Erin Williams. He also had many sons who are DeAngelo Gutierrez and Ka'Darian Cooper. His daughters are Nicole Ramirez, Cheavante Hunter, Chayla Chesson, and Taylor Isaac. Their 3 grandchildren are Mariah, Jaydn, and Chaise. His sisters are Crystal H. Goodman, Carlisa Forbes, Mianekee S. Johnson, Andrae Cherry, Shannon Settles, and Candace Murrell. His brothers are Marcus Adams, Antwan Johnson, and Mauricio Paige. Carlton B. Harris III and I share the same ancestor of Alex Bynum (b. 1843). His father, Carlton Bernard Harris Jr.'s parents are Carlton Bernad Harris (b. 1921) and Margaret Marion Artis (1930-1967). Margaret Marion Artis's parents were Garfield Artis (1879-1938) and Annie Mildred Bynum (1891-1967). Annie Mildred Bynum's parents were Alex Bynum (b. 1843) and Susanna Joyner (1843-1936).
13. I found out that Kira Tillery (b. 1998) is my 5th cousin, because we share the same ancestor of my 5th grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1892). Kira's mother is Glenda Yvonne Tiller (b. 1978), and her parents are Harry Lee Tillery (b. 1949) and Brenda Yvonne Williams (b. 1949). My 3rd cousin Brenda Yvonne Williams's parents are Theodore Lewis Williams (1906-1993) and Ethel Lena Gilliam (1911-2001). My 2nd cousin Theodore Lewis Williams's parents are Peter Percy Williams (1880-1949) and Hattie E. Joyner (1881-1959). My 1st cousin Peter Percy Williams's parents are John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adeline Hill's parents are Tom Hill (1838-1915) and Sarah Claud (1842-1892). Sarah Claud's parent is Zilphy Claud.
15. I found out about a person who is Alexia M. Colacicco (b. 1996) who is my 6th cousin. Her parents are Robert Lee Hicks Jr. (b. 1973) and Kim M. Colacicco (b. 1971). My 5th cousin Robert Lee Hicks Jr.'s parents are Robert Lee Hicks (1952-1989) and Linda Du Milton. Robert Lee Lee Hicks's parents are Irvin P. Hicks (1918-2002) and Lucy Mae Bainty Artis (1919-2006). Lucy Mae Bainty Artis's parents are Ivy Artis (b. 1883) and Ida Artis (1883-1963). Ida Artis's parents are Mary L. Williams (1855-1905) and Eddie Drew Kello (1851-1905). Mary L. Williams's parents are John Burwell Williams (b. 1815) and Mary (b. 1824). John Burwell Williams's parents are my 6th great grandparents of Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791) and Burwell Williams. So, Alexia M. Colacicco and I shared my 6th great grandparents as direct ancestors.
16. This is a story about a brave, young woman who passed away at 26 years old but whose legacy is wide ranging. She was my 3rd cousin Shani-Jinaki Whipple. She lived in Maryland for years, and we share the same ancestors of Merrit and Mary Sykes (who are my 3rd great grandparents from Virginia). Shani's parents were Earl Varnet Whipple (1922-2021) and my 2nd cousin Elena Julia Pearson Murray (born March 21, 1939, at Massachusetts). Shani lived a life of heart and courage. She graduated from the high school of School Without Walls in 1995. Elena Whipple was close to her daughter Shani. Elena and her husband Earl live in Annapolis for years. Shani-Jinaki Whipple could read at 3 years old and write at 4. Elean taught her the alphabet, math, and Swahili with a big chalkboard. Later, she was diagnosed with lupus when she was 6 years old. This was during the summer at Maryland's Eastern Shore. Lupus is a disease that attacks the human immune system. Shani-Jinaki experienced epilepsy, inflammation of her joints, skin issues, etc. She had kidney damage and took many treatments. She earned to win valedictorian from her high school. She loved to ride horses. She went to the College of Southern Maryland to peruse her education. She had a knew kidney, and an fungal infection and the complications from lupus caused her transition. Her family and her cats with her. Shani-Jinaki loved to read literature from authors constantly from Mark Twain to Jane Austen. Earl and Elana Whipple formed the Shani-Jinaki Whipple Endowed Scholarship for the Physically Challenged in honor of their daughter. We believe in human rights for fellow people. This scholarship has helped many human beings at The College of Southern Maryland. Shani-Jinaki's half sister is Tanya Lavette Murray (b.. 1956. Her father is Cyril Augustus Murray) who married Dexter Lernard Jenkins (b. 1958) at Fairfax, Virginia on January 28, 1980. Elena Julia Pearson's parents are George Henry Pearson Sr. (1911-1970) and Bertha Mildred Sykes (1910-2001). Bertha Mildred Sykes's parents were Micojah Sykes (18178-1923) and Lena Jones (1878-1928). Micjoah Syke's parents were Merrit Sykes (b. 1841) and Mary Francis (b. 1848).
17. I found out a lot of information about the Beech family (who are related to my paternal relatives). Russell Walker Beech (b. 1960) is my 3rd cousin, and his parents are Darrel Morgan Beech (1926-1991) and Charlotte Ann Stokes (b. 1925). Darrel Morgan Beech was a Navy veteran who married Jessie Curtiss Berlena Bailey (b. 1929) on October 2, 1947, at Northampton County, Virginia. Later, he married Charlotte Ann Stokes on April 26, 1958, at Richmond, Virginia. His third wife was Loretta Elizabeth Johnson Beech (1932-2007). Darrell Morgan Beech's parents are Walker Dumas Beech Jr. (1885-1966) and Cora Lee Tillery (1896-1955). 1st cousin Cora Lee Tillery married Walker Dumas Beech Jr. on September 21, 1911 at Northampton County, Virginia. Their children are Dumas Beach Jr. (1914-1921), Rose D. Beech (1916-1939), Melvin Thomas Beech (1917-1968), Earl Dale Beech (1919-1991), Lois Carolyn Beech (1923-2020), Darrel Morgan Beech Sr. (1926-1991), Carrie Webster Beech (b. 1930), Philbert Dutel Beech (b. 1930), Vivian Garfield Beech (b. 1931), and Barbara Ann Beech (1934-1998). My 2nd cousin Earl Dale Beech married Francenia May Bundy (1918-2016) on September 28, 1941 at Essex, Virginia. Their children are Rose B. Graham (b. 1943), Francenia Beech-Martin (b. 1949), Leslie Tillery Beech-Morris (b. 1951), and Valerie B. Siler. Earl Dale Beech was also a Monfort Point Marine 51st Defense Battalion too. Cora Lee Tillery's parents are Walter Tillery (1868-1927 and Sallie Gary (b. 1869). My 2nd great-granduncle Walter Tillery's parents are my 3rd great grandparents who are Isam Tillery (b. 1835) and Martha Jane Randolf (b. 1847) as they lived in Halifax County, North Carolina. My 4th cousins of Devin Jovan McCants (his first wife was Melissa Tabon, and his 2nd wife is Carla Nikole Riche since 2016), and Tira McCants are children of my 3rd cousin Paulette C. Ayers (b. 1952. She was married to the late William Banks Carter, who lived from 1950 to 2014). Paulette C. Ayers's parents are Paul Lawrence Ayers Sr. (1933-1990) and Barbara Ann Beech (1934-1998). Barbara Ann Beech is a descendant of Isam Tillery and Martha Jane Randolf. Many of the Ayers family lives in Trenton, New Jersey, Cape Charles, Virginia, and all over America.
My 4th cousins of Paul Ayers (b. 1974)., Devion Ayers (b. 1975), and A'yanna Ayers are siblings. Their parents are Paul Lawrence Ayers Jr. (b. 1955) and the late Denise Yvette Hall-Jones (1958-2015). My 3rd cousin Paul Lawrence married Denise Yvette Hall-Jones on October 1974 at Trenton, New Jersey, and his second wife is Lorraine Covington (b. 1967. He married her on January 23, 2001, at Trenton, New Jersey too). His parents were Paul Lawrence Ayers Sr. (1933-1990) and Barbara Ann Beech (1934-1998). Barbara Ann Beech's parents are Walker Dumas Beech Jr. (1885-1966) and Cora Lee Tillery (1895-1955). Cora Lee Tillery's parents are Walter Tillery (1868-1927) and Sallie Gary (b. 1869). Walter Tillery's parents are my 3rd great grandparents of Isam Tillery (b. 1835) and Martha Jane Randolf (b. 1847). Devion Dermont Ayers Sr. married Janine Tricia Butler on December 12,2012 at Eastampton Township, Burlington, New Jersey. Their children are Kaeli Ayers (b. 2015), Kameron Ayers, and Devion Ayers Jr.
18. My 3rd paternal cousin is Lisa Michelle D.-Flynn. She was born on May 11, 1988, at Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia). She married Julius B. Flynn (b. 1968) and their children are Dominque Flynn (b. 1999) and Skylar Flynn. Lisa's mother is Wilhelmenia Teresa D. (b. 1949). Wilhemenia Teresa D. worked at the U.S. Department of Transporation (as many African Americans in the DMV area work heavily in federal government jobs), and she studied at Southeast University. She is from New Church, Virginia. Wilhelmenia Teresa D.'s parents are Arthur D. Jr. (1919-1993) and Alma Virginia Douglas (1926-2013). The parents of Arthur D. Jr. is August D. Sr. (1889-1944) and Alvania Staton (1895-1996). Arthur Lawrence D.'s parents are Adam D. (b. 1862) and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954). Lisa Michelle D.-Flynn lives in the city of Wilmington, Delaware.
19. You always find new information on family trees. I found out that Aisha Camille Bennett is my paternal 4th cousin as she is related to the Tillery family. She was born on August 31, 1972, and she has lived in New Jersey. She married Harry Hayes on August 23, 2003 at Willingboro Township, Burlington, New Jersey. Aisha Bennett and Harry Hayes's children are Jaidon Hayes and Cameron Hayes (my 4th cousins). Her parents are Calvin L. Bennett (b. 1971) and my 3rd cousin Bessie Teresa Ayres (b. 1954). Calvin L. Bennett married Bessie Teresa Ayres in June 1971 in Trenton, New Jersey. Aisha Camille Bennett's sister is Charmel Bennett Bloodshaw. Bessie Teresa Ayres's parents are Elton Douglas Garland Ayres (1930-1983) and Vivian Garfield Beech (b. 1931). Vivian Garfield Beech's parents are Cora Lee Tillery (1895-1955) and Walker Dumas Beech Jr. (1885-1966). Cora Lee Tillery's parents are Sallie Gary (b. 1869) and my 2nd great granduncle Walter Tillery (1868-1927). Walter Tillery's parents are my 3rd great grandparents Isam Tillery (b. 1835) and Martha Jane Randolf (b. 1847).
20. There is more information I found about my late maternal cousin Catherine Lee Peeples (1933-2006). Both of us are descendants of Fannie Peeples and Charles Peeples. Catherine Lee Peeples was born on November 20, 1933, at Pocomoke, Maryland. Pocomoke is located in the Eastern Shore of Maryland where cities like Cambridge, Eaton, and other places are found at. I been to the Eastern shore of Maryland in real life too. Catherine Lee Peeples's parents were William Rouser Peeples Sr. (1898-1952) and Goldie Elizabeth Taylor (1902-1985). Catherine Lee Peeples married Aaron P. Nottingham Jr. (1932-1989). The Nottingham African American family heavily lives in the Eastern Shore of Virginia at Northampton County. The couple had the following children: Deborah Lee Nottingham (b. 1953), Patricia Ann Nottingham (b. 1960), William Aaron Nottingham (b. 1961), Cynthia Nottingham (b. 1964), and Kimberly Michone Nottingham (b. 1968). Kimberly Michone Nottingham and Troy Lamont Jackson had the child of Taneckia Jackson (b. 1985). My 2nd cousin Deborah Lee Nottingham married Aurthur Wayne Onley (1953-2009) on March 16, 1974 at Northampton County, Virginia. Their children are my 3rd cousins whose names are Wayne Tiaz Onley (b. 1976. He married Kimberly Candace Burnett) and Dimitra Onley.
21. My late maternal 4th cousin Mabel Lee Artis (1945-2021) is a descendant of my 6th great grandparents of Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson-Bozeman (b. 1791). To start, Mabel Lee Artis was born on April 26, 1945 at Nansemond, Virginia (or Suffolk, Virginia today). She married Thomas Lee Roberts (b. 1944) on December 31, 1987 at Suffolk, Virginia. She and James Edward Speller had the child of Rosemary Artis (b. 1960). She and Norman Skinner had the child of Phebe Annette Artis (b. 1963). Her other children are Melvin McKinley Artis Jr. (b. 1964), Norman McCoy Artis (b. 1967), and Ruby Artis. Mabe Lee Artis's parents were Harry Columbus Artis Sr. (1925-2003) and Gladys Earline Ash (1925-2004). Harry Columbus Artis Sr. and Gladys Earline Ash had the following children: Mabel Lee Artis (1945-2021), Alton Artis (1948-1987), Harry Artis (b. 1950), Susie Mae Artis (1951-1967), and Jessie Lee Artis (1954-1992). Harry Columbus Artis Sr.'s parents are Harry Washington Artis (1876-1958) and Mary Alice Brown (1877-1953). Henry Washington Artis's parents are Jimmie Artis (b. 1853) and Margaret Wiggins (b. 1847). Margaret Wiggins's parents are Sally Williams-Woods Wiggins (b. 1825) and Robert Wiggins. Sally Williams-Woodson Wiggins's parents are Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson-Bozeman.
22. Walter James Jr. (b. 1974) is my 5th cousin as we share the same ancestors of George and Esther Perkins. She is married to the Mayor of the city of Bladensburg, Maryland Takisha Dawnett James (b. 1976). Their daughter is Imani James. The parents of Walter James Jr. are Walter Lee James Sr. (b. 1948) and Lillian Virginia Hack (1953-2019). The siblings of Walter James Jr. are Rebekah James and Samuel Cornelius James. The parents of Walter Lee James Sr. (b. 1948) are Hezzie James and Dora Lee Fisher (1926-2009). Hezzie James and Dora Lee Fisher's other children are Charles Fisher James (b. 1939), Herbert Robert James (1946-2000), and Willie Lee James (1947-1968. He passed away in the Vietnam War as he was in the military). My 3rd cousin Dora Lee Fisher had a child with James Folk (1922-1996) named Veronica Lee James (b. 1958. She was born in Northampton County, Virginia). Veronica Lee James married Spencer J. Drummond Jr. on June 12, 1976, at Accomack, Virginia. Their daughter is my 5th cousin Alicia Drummond-Cottman (b. 1979). Dora Lee Fisher's parents are William B. Fisher (b. 1903) and Hall B. Fisher (1906-1985). Hallie B. Fisher's parents are John Satchell (b. 1882) and Ethel Kelly (b. 1885). Ethel Kelly's parents were George Kelly (B. 1830) and Easter Perkins (1840-1910). Easter Perkins' parents are George Perkins I (b. 1815) and Esther Perkins (b. 1816).
23. I found out more information about my late maternal 1st cousin Ida Peeples Eppes (1916-2000). She was born on October 4, 1916, at Boykins, Virginia. She married Robert Eppes (b. 1911) on October 12, 1933, in Virginia. Ida Peeples Eppes's parents were Ray Peeples (1879-1929) and Mary Anne Boyd (1887-1951). Ray Peeples's parents were Charles Peeples (1855-1922) and Fannie Fronianna Susanna Virginia Brown (1857-1946). Fannie Brown's parents were Thirsty Ann Brown and Bill Rawles. Charles Peeples's mother was Annie Peeples. I am a descendant of Charles and Fannie Peeples's son Joseph Henry Peeples. Also, Ida Peeples Eppes had a child with Jesse Lee Manor (b. 1909) named Helena Manor (1948-2007). There is a 1950 United States Federal Census document showing Helena Manor as 2 years old. The document said that Helena was born in Connecticut, and she lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania too. Also, it showed her as being the niece of Lucy Peeples Brown which means that Lucy Peeples Brown is the sister of Ida Peeples Eppes Manor. My 1st cousin Lucy M. Peeples married Walter Emory Brown (1906-1962) on August 16, 1939, at Mecklenburg, Virginia. Their child is Queen Esther Brown (b. 1942). Helena Manor and Nathaniel Wilson (1949-2013) had the child of Tito V. Manor (b. 1964). My 3rd cousin Tito V. Manor and Shareen L. Jordan (b. 1981) had the following children of Jahmir Jordan (b. 2003), Ashton Jordan (b. 2004), Tabitha Manor, and Nino Jordan (who are my 3rd cousins).
24. There is more information that I found out about Lucy Williams (the descendant of Nancy Woodson) and her descendants. She was my late 1st cousin. My distant cousin Larry Darden had an obituary of Lucy Williams from back in 1964 that described her life and legacy. The eulogy of her funeral was done by the Rev. R. L. Steele. The obituary confirmed that Lucy Williams was born in November 1875 at Southampton County, Virginia whose parents were John Henry Williams and Mary Williams. The document showed that Lucy Williams married Ridley Worrell, and the couple had 8 children. She passed away on May 8, 1964, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Worrell at 5:15 pm. Lucy Williams was a kind mother and a dedicated Christian. Lucy Williams and Ridley Worrell's children are Mrs. Gladys Worrell Boone, foster daughter, Mrs. Lynie Green, Rev. James Henry Worrell (1899-1982), Hattie Worrell (1903-1942), Lewis Worrell (1908-1984), Tommie Worrell (1905-1987), Pearl Worrell (1898-1925), Gladys Lillie Worrell (1915-1985), Mary Etta Worrell (1910-1955), and Frank Worrell (b. 1912). Lucy Williams in 1964 had 20 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Lucy Williams's son was Rev. James Henry Worrell (1899-1982). His second wife was Sadie Lee Myrick (b. 1900), and their daughter was Sarah Lee Worrell Graves (1930-2019). Sarah Lee Worrell Graves married Ozzie Harvey (1920-2011) on June 5, 1958, in Richmond, Virginia. Their children are Pamela Odett Harvey (b. 1963), Christeen J. Harvey (b. 1970), Kevin Harvey, Rudine Harvey Jenkins, Otis Harvey, Adolphus Graves, and Darrell Harvey. Rev. James Henry Worrell married Josephine Artis (1900-1933). Their children are Susanna Edna Worell (1920-2006), James Worrell Jr. (1921-2015), Roman Worrell (b. 1924), Vernon Randolph Worrell (1925-2015), Bessie Mae Worrell (b. 1927), and Josephine Lutheran Worrell (b. 1933). James Harrell Worrell Jr. married Leah Cynthia Morris and had the child of Gary Worrell (b. 1953) or my 4th cousin. Gary Worrell married Sharon Lee Spratley (b. 1956) on March 21, 1976, at Hampton, Virginia. Their child is Jaime Deshawn Worrell (b. 1978), and she married Ralph Bernad Cypress Junior on May 7, 2010, at Virginia Beach, Virginia.
My 3rd cousin Josephine Lutheran Worrell married Clarence Julian McCarthy (b. 1923) on December 1, 1958, at Prince George County, Virginia. Their child is Sharon Beverly McCarthy Berry (b. 1956). She married Lawerence Marshall Berry (1954-1977) and later Charles H. Robinson. My 3rd cousin Sarah Lee Worrell Graves (1930-2019) married Adolphus Graves (b. 1925) at first and had the children of Rudine Wynette Graves (b. 1949 and Adolphus Malcolm Graves Sr. (b. 1951). Rudine Wynette Graves married John Mark Jenkins Jr. (b. 1949) on December 31, 1968, at Prince George County, Virginia. Their child is John Mark Jenkins III (b. 1969). John Mark Jenkins III married Tanya Renee McCollough (b. 1971) in 1995 and their children are: John Jenkins IV (b. 1996), Aaron Jenkins (b. 1998), and Jayahna Renee Jenkins (b. 2011) who are my 6th cousins. Adolphus Malcolm Graves Sr. married Katrina Mae Hamilton on August 25, 1973, at South Boston, Virginia, and their child is Adolphus Malcolm Graves Jr. Adolphus Malcolm Graves Jr. lives in Georgia and is married to Cora Lee Williams Graves (b. 1975). They have 4 children together. My 4th cousin Otis Mershell Harvey is married to Valtroud Ellerete Smith on December 21, 1990, at Fairfax, Virginia.
Lucy Williams and Ridley Worrell's son of Louis Worrell married Lillian Johnson (b. 1911) and had the children of Herbert H. Worrell (B. 1925), Harwood H. Worrell (b. 1928), Charles Edward Worrell (1929-1995), Paige Elizabeth Worrell (1930-2014), Thomas Worrell (b. 1935) and Arthur Lee Worrell (1937-2014). Arthur Lee Worrell married Dorothy Mae Worrell (1939-2020) on April 16, 1956. Their children are Robin R. Worrell Combs (b. 1956), Donna Ushekia Worrell Hall (b. 1958), Arthur Ricardo Worrell (b. 1960), and Ronnie Louis Worrell Sr. (b. 1966). My 4th cousin Donna Ushekia Worrell Hall works in the Post Office and lives in Washington, D.C. She is married to Sherwood Mauricio Hall (b. 1956) and their children are Bridgette Sherre Clark Bridges (b. 1976) and Paulette Usheka Hall (b. 1985). Bridgette Bridges married Donnell Bridges.
25. There is more information about my 2nd great-grandparents of Indiana Reese (1866-1946) and George Seaborn (b. 1862). There is a marriage document from the Virginia U.S. Marriage Registers, 1853-1935 showing that my 2nd great grandfather George Seaborn married Indiana Reese in Sussex, Virginia on March 1, 1883. William Bassett was the person who performed the marriage ceremony. George Seaborn's parents were Berry Seaborn and Georgianna Squire (1831-1921). My mother had a document saying that George Seaborn's parents were slaves named Berry Seaborn and Georgianna Squire. She is right. My 3rd great-grandmother's father was George Squire. Berry Seaborn and Georgianna Squire had many children like George Seaborn (b. 1862), Ella Seaborn (1869-1943), John Seaborn (b. 1870), Louvinia Seaborn (b. 1871), and Loula Taylor (1872-1914). Recently, I found out that Oretha Hope Allen Millage (b. 1959) is my 3rd cousin. We are linked genetically as proven by her being my DNA match on Ancestry.com. She married Greg Anthony Millage, and the couple has the child of Kimberly Kay Milage (b. 1984). Oretha Hope Allen Millage's parents were Ollie Lee Allen (b. 1927) and Innie Moore (1920-1980). Inna Moore's parents were James Moore and Willie Grigg (1893-1984). Innie Moore and Ollie Lee Allen's children are Alveta M. Allen Corbett (b. 1954. She is confirmed as being related to me by Ancestry.com DNA's match too), Catherin Hinton, Leron Allen, and Oretha Hope Allen Millage. Willie Grigg's parents were George Gregg (b. 1864) and Ella Seaborn (1869-1943). Ella Seaborn was my 2nd great grandaunt whose parents were Berry Seaborn and Georgianna Squire.
26. Many of my distant paternal cousins do live in Brooklyn, New York City. My 2nd paternal cousin is Bishop Rothel Highsmith (who was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and now he lives in Jamaica, Queens, NYC). He was born on May 12, 1961, in New York City. His first wife is Jeanette Terry (b. 1962), and they married in 1983 in New York City. Their 2 daughters are Rotanetta M. Highsmith (b. 1984) and Jeathel J. Highsmith (b. 1990). These daughters are my 3rd cousins who are from Brooklyn. Bishop Rothel Highsmith's 2nd wife was Tawanda L. Wright being married on September 26, 1998, in New York City. His third wife was Vivian Nesbitt being married on January 22, 2005, in New York City. Their son is my 3rd cousin Jallen C. Highsmith (b. 2005). His current wife is Yolanda Shantell Taliaferro, and the couple married on October 24, 2014, in New York City. Bishop Rothel Highsmith's parents are Herbert Reed Highsmith (1930-1992) and Thelma Lee Whitehead (1933-2014). Bishop Rothel Highsmith's siblings are Herbert Reed High Smith Jr. (1951-1993), Eugene Highsmith (1954-2003), Leatha Highsmith (1956-1991), Reginald Highsmith (b. 1957), and Rhoda L. Highsmith Alexander (b. 1974).
My late 2nd cousin Eugene L. Highsmith was married to Wylina G. Cooks in 1981 at Manhattan, New York City. Their children are: Justine Malika Highsmith Luis (b. 1980. She is married to Troy Antonie Luis since February 14, 2009, at Brooklyn, New York City), Gavin E. Highsmith (b. 1989. he is married to Shardae B. Hall since December 12, 2016, at Queens, New York City), and Janeice G. Highsmith (b. 1991). The parents of Thelma Lee Whitehead are Gustave Whitehead (b. 1892) and Penora D. (b. 1895). This is proven by the state of North Carolina marriage record of Thelma Whitehead and Hebert R. Highsmith being married on August 30, 1950, in Martin, North Carolina. The record showed her parents are my great-grandaunt Penora Whitehead and Gustave Whitehead. My great grand aunt Penora D. Whithead's parents are my 2nd great grandparents Adam D. (1862) and Georgianna Tillery (1868-1954).
27. I was researching the Ridley family and found out that Ciera Chante Ridley (b. 1990) is my 5th cousin as we both are descendants of my 5th great-grandmother Zilphy Claud. Ciera Ridley's parents are Donnel Donald Ridley (1962-2005) and Lisa Johnson (b. 1968). Donnell Ridley's parents were Alfred Kernel Ridley (1939-2007) and Delsey Lee Robinson (b. 1942). Alfred and Delsey's children are Lowrenzo Pernell Ridley (1967-1975), Nelson Dennis Junior Ridley (1968-2019), Sheila Laverne Ridley (b. 1969) and Donnell Donald Ridley (1962-2005). Alfred Kernel Ridley's parents were Arthur Ridley (1910-1990) and Etta Claud (1919-2016). Etta Claud's parents were Richard Washington Claud (1874-1945) and Ann Elizabeth Claud (1876-1960). Richard Washington Claud's mother was Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Zilphy Claud was born a slave and she was free after the Civil War. She wore a necklace, and she lived in Portsmouth, VA before her passing. Zilphy Claud's parents are A. and F. Blount. I trust my intuition and I knew by my intuition that this information must be shown to the people. DNA evidence confirmed that I'm related to the Claud family too.
28. New discoveries about my family tree happen constantly. On Ancestry.com, a talented young woman matched me genetically, and she is my 3rd maternal cousin. Her name is Xylia Adell Abiola Ye Ajose, and she was born in 1997. Her parents are David O. Ajose (b. 1972) and Aricia M. Cottman (b. 1973). Aylia Ajose and I are descendants of Charles and Fannie Peeples. Aricia M. Cottman's parents are Randolph E. Cottman (b. 1954) and Arvenia Viola Brittingham Saunders (b. 1954). Arvenia's sister was Randolynn Pleshette Cottman, who earned a Master's Degree in Education Guidance and Counseling from Wilmington University in 2012. She lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Arvenia Saunders's parents are Richard Thomas Brittingham Sr. 1929-2007) and Fannie B. Moses Brittingham (1928-2004). Fannie B. Moses Brittingham's parents were Levin A. Moses Jr. (1905-1986) and Viola Emily Jones (1909-1958). Viola Emily Jones's parents were Jessie Jones (1887-1951) and Lizzie Peeples Jones Spady (1887-1964). Lizze Peeples Jones Spady's parents were Charles Peeples (1855-1922) and Fannie Fronianna Susanna Virginia Brown (Peeples) (1857-1946).
29. Christy Nicole Williams Godwin (b. 1983) is related to me via our ancestor of Zilphy Claud. She is married to Javon Godwin. She is my 4th maternal cousin. Her parents are Payton Joyner Williams (b. 1955) and Sharon Lynicia Graves (b. 1957). Payton Joyner Williams's parents are Payton John Williams Sr. (1922-2002) and Ethel Redell Wright Whitfield (1925-1991). Payton John Williams Sr.'s parents are Peter Percy Williams (1880-1949) and Hattie E. Joyner (1881-1959). Peter Percy Williams's parents were John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill's parents were the freeman Tom Hill (1838-1915) and Sarah Claud (1842-1892). Sarah's Claud's mother was Zilphy Claud (1820-1893).
30. I recently found out on August 28, 2023, that Taylor Jordon Shannon Pigram is my 3rd maternal cousin as we are both descendants of my 3rd great-grandparents of Rev. James Thompson Claud (1857-1926) and Nottoway descendant Susanna Field Hurst-Turner (1862-1949). Her parents are Gale Denise Butler (b. 1952) and Arthur Caliph Pigram. Taylor Jordon Shannon Pigram's siblings are Danielle Alisha Uzzle (b. 1973), Larry Uzzle Jr. (b. 1975), Marcus Lamont Uzzle (b. 1979), and Darnell L. Uzzle (b. 1986). My 2nd cousin Gale Denise Butler's parents were William Butler Jr. and Doreatha E. Faltz Butler (1930-2019). Doreatha E. Faltz Butler's parents were Joseph Nathan Faltz Sr. (1901-1952) and Alice Rosetta Claud (1906-1988). My 2nd great-grandaunt Alice Rosetta Claud's parents were Rev. James Thompson Claud (1857-1926) and Susanna Field Hurst-Turner Claud (1862-1949).
31. Randi-Paige Kneisha Hill is my 5th cousin who was born on September 28, 1983, in Portsmouth, Virginia. We are descendants of Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Her parents are Randall Calester Hill (b. 1950) and Terri Ann Morris (b. 1958). My 4th cousin Terri Ann Morris's parents are Jesse Morris Jr. (1932-2020) and Frances Elizabeth Ricks (b. 1932). Frances Elizabeth Ricks's parents were McGrath Louis Ricks (1913-1984) and Page Williams (1915-1986). Page Williams's parents were James Edward Williams (1879-1950) and Miranda Williams (1880-1964). James Edward Williams's parents were Nottoway descendants John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill's parents were Sarah Claud (1842-1892) and African American freeman Tom Hill (1838-1915). Sarah Claud's mother was Zilphy Claud.
32. My paternal 2nd cousin Patrice Martell Wilson Waller was born on July 2, 1953, in Pitt, North Carolina. She was married to Henry Thomas Waller Jr. (b. 1952) on April 16, 1976. They had 2 children together. Patrice Wilson Waller studied at the Piedmont Virginia Community College in August of 1994 in Graphic Design with a Minor in Art. Her parents were William James Wilson (b. 1931) and Clavon Irene D. (1933-1998). Irene's parents were Mancy D. and Hattie Burnett (b1903-1993). Mancy D.'s parents were Adam D. (b. 1862) and Georganna Tillery (1868-1954). My 3rd paternal cousins are John Jasper Wilkins III (b. 1980) and the late religious leader Pastor Jared Carlton Wilkins (1982-2022). Pastor Jared Wilkins lived a blessed life being lived to 40 years old. He loved his wife Shauna Scott Wilkins (b. 1984) and their 4 children of Makena Wilkins (b. 2010), Declan Wilkins (b. 2012), Zoe Wilkins (b. 2015), and Naomi Wilkins. He was the young pastor of Parkcrest Christian Church. He helped a lot of people in Long Beach, California. He lived in North Carolina, Chicago, Oklahoma, and in California.
Jared Wilkins didn't just talk about racial justice. He was actively involved in promoting policies to help his church be inclusive of people of every color. He opposed racism and police brutality. Also, Jared Wilkins worked hard to condemn the January 6th, 2021, insurrection. He was 6 feet and 4.5 inches tall. He was born on April 25, 1982, in Raleigh, North Carolina his parents are John Jasper Wilkins Jr. (b. 1954) and Cheryl R. McDougald Wilkins (b. 1959). Jared Wilkins studied business law as an undergraduate. He graduated from Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. He met his wife, Shauna Scott, at his father's Durham church. His father is a pastor. They married on August 30, 2008. In 2020, he wrote that "Civility and honor must return to our discourse." His wife started as a crime scene investigator for the Huntington Beach Police Department. My 2nd cousin John Jasper Wilkins Jr.'s parents were John Jasper Wilkins (1932-1991) and Inell Ava D. (b. 1935). Inell Ava D.'s parents were Mancy D. (1896-1964) and Hattie Burnett (1903-1993). Mancy D.'s parents were Adam D. (b. 1862) and Georganna Tillery D. (1868-1954). Therefore, I am learning a lot of facts about the courage found in my family tree.
33. I found out recently that Autumn Lanay Ashe is my 5th paternal cousin (b. 1998) as we are both descendants of my 5th great-grandmother of Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Where does this journey start? First, Autumn Ashe was a great basketball player when she was in school. Her parents are Andrew Fitzgerald Ashe (b. 1964) and Yulonda Denea Carter (b. 1969). Yulonda Denea Carter's parents (or Autumn's grandparents) were James Peter Carter (1945-2023) and Alma Ora Carter, as the couple married on March 14, 1969. My 4th cousin Andrew Fitzgerald Ashe's parents were Nathaniel Herman Ashe Sr. (1934-2015) and Shirley Marie Langston (1937-2003). My 3rd cousin Shirley Marie Langston's parents were Andrew J. Langston (1915-1995) and Carlee Dorcus Evans (1920-1993). My 2nd cousin Carlee Dorcus Evans's parents were Rev. Edward Franklin Evans (b. 1876) and Mobie Lee Sykes (1885-1932). My 1st cousin Mobie Lee Sykes's parents were Willis Sykes (b. 1832) and Lydia Claud (b. 1842). My 4th great-grandaunt Lydia Claud's mother was Zilphy Claud. Autumn Ashe earned the 2012 African American Academic Excellence Award. Autumn Ashe loves her child Kai Ashe-Hardy (or my 6th cousin).
34. There is more information about my family tree too. The late Linda Dianne Claud Fothergill is from the Claud family, and she lived from 1951 to 2000. Her parents are Joe Frank Claud (1930-2018) and Ruth Elizabeth Pugh (b. 1934). Their children are Tisha Fothergill (b. 1970) and Shannon Fothergill-Armour (b. 1975. She married Hakiem S. Armour and their children are Nia Armour and Nicole Armour). Joe Frank Claud and Ruth Elizabeth Pugh's son is Frankie Gerond Claud Sr. (b. 1952). He married Sharon E. Crooms (b. 1952) and their daughter is Tonya Lynn Claud (b. 1973). Tonya Lynn Claud lives in the state of Connecticut. Joe Frank Claud's parents were Peter L. Claud (1891-1969) and Joeanna Claud (b. 1891). Peter L. Claud's parents were Frank Thomas Claud (1856-1948) and Elizabeth Whitehead (1868-1939). Frank Thomas Claud is a descendant of Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). I found out about this information today.
35. My late 4th maternal cousin Lenhart Elijah Brown lived from January 17, 1973, to January 7, 2021. He was born in New York City and passed away at Salt Lake City, Utah. He lived in Brooklyn, NYC for years, and his children are Isaiah Brown and Genesis Victoria Brown (of Brooklyn, New York City). His parents are Eddie Lenhart Brown (1948-2020) and Susa Jane Cue. His siblings are Eddie Lenhart Brown Jr. (b. 1973) and Tiffany Alice Brown Goosby (b. 1981. She lives in Brooklyn, NYC and is married to Kenward J. Goosby since July 19, 2016. He was born in 1969). Eddie Lenhart Brown's parents were Jim Brown (1918-2007) and Alice Beatrice Evans (1922-2003). Alice Beatrice Evans's parents were Rev. Edward Franklin Evans (b. 1876) and Mobie Lee Sykes (1885-1932). Mobie Lee Sykes's parents were Willis Sykes (b. 1832) and Lydia Claud (b. 1842). Lydia Claud's mother was my 5th great grandmother Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Lenhart Elijah Brown graduated from Nansemond River high school in Suffolk, Virginia in 1992 and Eagle Gate College with an associate's of science degree in paralegal studies. He was a notary and worked for Utah's legal Aid Society for 11 years.
36. My 4th cousin Victoria Joi Cason (b. 1993) is the daughter of Associate Pastor Allen Dewayne Cason (b. 1958) and Frieda Elaine Williams (b. 1959). Victoria Cason is the Principal Security Advisor at Gartner. She is a cybersecurity expert in keeping us safe from cyber-attacks. Victoria Cason earned her Bachelor of Science degree in communication and Media Studies by 2015. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Management and Policy from the University of Maryland Global Campus. My 3rd cousin Frieda Elaine Williams has a son named Shaun Anthony Williams (b. 1978). Shaun is the brother to Victoria Cason and Alanna Grace Cason (b. 1999) being my 4th cousins. Shaun Anthony Williams married Dana Cherie Brown (b. 1981) on July 3, 1999, at Suffolk, Virginia. Dana Brown Williams brings spiritual messages to the people. Shaun and Dana Williams love their children who are Cayla Alexis Williams (b. 2002), Colin Williams, Corey Williams, and Christopher B. Williams. Victoria Joi Cason and her mother Frieda Elaine Williams and I are descendants of Zilphy Claud. Frieda Elaine Williams's parents were Johnnie Thomas Williams (1912-1977) and Irene Turner (1921-1994). Johnnie Thomas Williams's parents were Peter Percy Williams (1880-1949) and Hattie E. Joyner (1881-1959). Peter Percy Williams's parents were John Henry Williams (1857-1921) and Adaline Hill (1862-1930). Adaline Hill's parents are Sarah Claud (1842-1892) and Tom Hill (1838-1915). Sarah Claud's mother was my 5th great grandmother Ziilphy Claud (1820-1890).
37. There is information about my late 3rd cousin Martha E. Artis (1878-1960) that must be shown to the public. She was the daughter of Benjamin Thomas Artis (1852-1936) and Indiana Briggs (1855-1923). Martha E. Artis married Herbert F. Ramey (1878-1966) on December 26, 1901, at Sussex, Virginia when she was 23 years old. Martha E. Artis and Herbert F. Ramey Rainey had many children who are: Willie Rainey (b. 1904), Marea Rainey (b. 1906), Vaton Rainey (b. 1908), Ruth Rainey (b. 1912), Bessie R. Matthews (b. 1914), Mary V. Rainey (b. 1920), and Gladys E. Rainey). One of the daughters of Martha and Herbert Rainey was Bessie Mae Rainey. She married Charles Elmer Matthews (b. 1911) on June 20, 1936, at Petersburg, Virginia. Their children are Shirley Marie Matthews (1936-1990), Charles Matthews (b. 1938), Reginald Matthews (b. 1940), Maria Matthews (b. 1944), and Cynthia Matthews (b. 1947). The daughter of Martha E. Artis and Herbert F. Rainey was my 4th cousin Ruth Caronale Rainey Morgan (1912-1993). She married Leonard O. Morgan (b. 1911) with the child of Richard Lewis Morgan (b. 1929). Her 2nd husband was James Edward Flowers on December 5, 1944 at Petersburg, Virginia. My 5th cousin Richard Lewis Morgan (b. 1929) married Lois Josephine Fountain on February 20, 1960 at Pasquotank, North Carolina. They had a child named Anita Richelle Morgan (b. 1961). She was born in Norfolk, Virginia and married Dale Alan Harris (b. 1958) on August 28, 1981. The marriage ended on July 25, 1988. Martha E. Artis and I are descendants of Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson Bozeman (my 6th great grandparents). Burwell Williams and Winifred Woodson-Bozeman had the child named Patsy Williams Crocker (1810-1870). Patsy Williams Crocker had a child named Indian Bozeman Crocker (1831-1896), her child was Benjamin Thomas Artis (1852-1936), and his daughter is Martha E. Artis.
38. As many people know, I am related to many people of the Artis family found in Southampton County, Virginia and all over the world. Recently, I had a DNA match to a person named Celeste Artis on my maternal side of my family. Ancestry.com stated that she is my 4th to 6th cousin. In my family, genealogical research is part of my culture. So, I did a lot of research to find out that we share the same common ancestor of Zilphy Claud, and that Celeste Artis is my 5th cousin. Celeste Artis was born on November 17, 1977 at Norfolk, Virginia. Her parents are Lawrence Harry Artis and the late Vivian Artis (1950-1997). Her siblings are Nya Francheri Artis (b. 1973) and Tiffany Monique Artis (b. 1980). Vivian Artis was my 4th cousin and her parents are Clarence Lee Rollins (b. 1920) and Ruth Victoria Claude (1923-2009). Ruth Victoria Claude's parents are Joseph James Claud (1894-1988) and Georgia Bynum (1893-1975). Joseph James Claud's parents were Frank Thomas Claud (1856-1948) and Elizabeth Whitehead (1868-1939). Frank Thomas Claud is a direct descendant of Zilphy Claud (1820-1893). Zilphy Claud is my 5th great grandmother.
39. My late 4th cousin Richelieu L. Davis Sr. (1906-1957) married Estelle Pasham (b. 1909). Their children are Davis (1928-1928) and Richelieu L. Davis (1929-1995). My 5th cousin Richelieu L. Davis (1929-1995) married Vivian Solomon Davis. Their children are Richelieu Leroy Davis III (b. 1981), Marvin Davis, Michelle Davis, Derryck Davis, Cassandra Davis, Jerome Davis, and Lisa Davis. The family has lived in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for years.
By Timothy
