East Suffolk High's final graduation class of 1965 celebrates "Golden Anniversary" reunion

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East Suffolk High's class of 1965

The class had a wonderful event tonight, August 8, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Suffolk.

Sunday morning, the celebration will continue when the class convene for worship service at a church on County Street in Suffolk.

(to be continued with more details)

Darline Cobb-Boone, East Suffolk High Class of 1958, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015

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Darline Cobb-Boone

Darlene was a dedicated christian.  In her youth, she served as secretary for Pleasant Union Baptist Church Sunday School on Webb Street in Pleasant Hill.  Also, she was active in the church's Baptist Training Union services.

In church and the community, Darlene was a pleasant and inspiring role model for other youths to follow.

After graduating from East Suffolk High in 1958, Darlene continued her education at Hampton Institute (now University), and graduated with a B. S. degree in elementary education.

Darlene was an award winning educator, who worked and retired from the Isle of Wight County School System.

Funeral services for Darlene is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11 a.m. at East End Baptist Church  in Suffolk, Virginia.

I extend my condolence to Darlene's family.  

Yes, Darlene was a special and positive minded person.

More  information on the life of Darlene was published in the Suffolk News Herald on June 29, 2015.

Darline is listed as her name in the newspaper.  I respect that. However, we grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same church, elementary and high school, and she was always known as Darlene. Importantly, she will always be remembered for her dedicated work in her life's endeavors.

                 Copyright 2015. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

Richard Wheeler and Milton Butts members of East Suffolk High's class of 1960 passed away this month

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Richard Wheeler and Milton Butts

Richard will always be remembered for his outstanding play as a point guard for the 1960 East Suffolk High, district winning, basketball team.   He was a three year basketball letter man. Also, he was a good actor. He played a leading role in East Suffolk High's production of "Mary Lou".

Richard could also sing.           Richard and Daisy in high school play in senior year

As a child, Richard always had a happy face.

Richard served in the military.

He died on June 11th and his funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.
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Milton will always be remembered for his generosity and concern for others. 

He died on Thursday, June 25, 2015. 

We spent a lot of time together in D.C. in the mid-sixties, along with other Suffolk immigrants to the city.  Milton was able to give us some insight on how to survive in a big city.

In high school,  we were in the same homeroom and lived in the same neighborhood. Milton participated in our sandlot sport activities.

He enjoyed sports.

Funeral service will be held for Milton on July 3, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul RZUA Church in Suffolk, VA.  The church is located at the intersection of Spruce St and Lewis Avenue.

I extend my condolences to the families of Richard and Milton.

More information on the lives of Richard and Milton can be found in the Suffolk News Herald.


      Copyright 2015. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

Raymond Boone, 1955 East Suffolk High Graduate, passed away in 2014

  In June 2014 Raymond Boone passed away in Richmond, VA
(to be continued).

"Bobby" Joe O. Gamble, 1961 East Suffolk High Graduate, passed away on December 14, 2014

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Remembering Joe O. "Bobby" Gamble

A Funeral service was held for Joe Otis "Bobby" Gamble on December 29, 2014 at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home in Brentwood, Maryland. He resided in Takoma Park, Maryland.

"Bobby" Joe grew up in the Saratoga neighborhood of Suffolk, Virginia.

After graduating from East Suffolk High in 1961, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. In the mid 60's, after military service, Bobby moved to Washington, D. C.

He was one of my best friends in the sixties.  Together, we got to know a lot about city life.  It was a lot different than life in Suffolk, Virginia.  We enjoyed the experience and challenges of life in the city and decided to stay in the D.C. area.

Now, if you are a little bit confused about the name Joe Otis, I think I can help you.  Joe Otis was Bobby Gamble, as we knew him in school, the community, parties, and events. The same person.  I did not know his name was Joe Otis until two days ago and I think that may be true for a lot of friends from Suffolk and the military.

His relative, Reverend Katrina Watford Gamble delivered a beautiful sermon at the Home Going service.  She used Corinthians 15: 50-57 for her text.  She is an Associate Minister of New Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, N.C.

Joe's youngest daughter, Eleasha Francine presented a wonderful tribute to her father. Of course, she mentioned his hats and shinning shoes.

His oldest daughter, Jolema Kiara, also participated in the services.

Music was provided by Nova Payton, soloist and Darius Smith, Pianist

The American Legion's presentation, honoring Joe was outstanding.

Bobby worked at Safeway for 30 years.

In 1973 he married Claretta Green. To this union, two daughters were born. Jolema and  Eleasha.

Joe Otis leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters and a host of  family and friends.

Yes, Bobby will be remembered.

                   Copyright 2014 Grady E. Bryant