Doris Ann Cropper Shannon

Doris Ann Cropper Shannon, 45, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital.
Born to Charles and Doris Cropper on March 8, 1965, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Cropper Jr.
Survivors include her husband, Tony Shannon; a stepson, Chris Shannon of Colonial Beach; a brother, Robert Cropper; two sisters, Amy Peyton (Lawrence), and Vicky Cropper, all of King George; and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Malik, who called her his “Dee-Dee.”
A memorial service was held Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Christian Outreach Tabernacle Church, Jim Morris Road in Spotsylvania County, with the Rev. Norman Galimore officiating.

Henry Wilson Ashton

Henry Wilson “Coach” Ashton, 85, of Tappahannock died Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010.
Coach Ashton was born and raised on a farm in the Tetotum area of King George County. In 1940, he graduated from King George High School, where he was a member of the basketball and baseball teams.
After graduation, he served his country proudly in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator on the B17 bombers.
After his discharge in 1946, he enrolled at the College of William and Mary. He was a regular infielder on the Tribe’s baseball team in his senior year, and went on to play semipro baseball for several teams in King George and Tappahannock. In 1950, he graduated from William and Mary with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
After teaching and coaching junior varsity basketball at King George High School for one year, Coach Ashton accepted a position as a physical education teacher and coach at Tappahannock High School in 1951. For many years he coached all boys and girls sports at the high school, including football, baseball, boys basketball, and boys track.
Although he loved all the sports he coached, baseball was always his first love. In 1988 he was named state baseball Coach of the Year by the Virginia High School Coaches Association. In 1991, he received the ultimate honor for a coach when the baseball field at Essex High School was named for him. He cherished this honor for the rest of his life and took great pride in helping to make the field one of the finest facilities in the region. In his final year as head coach, the 1999 team won the Group A state championship. He retired as head coach after that season, having won 425 games. He continued to serve as an assistant coach for the Essex High School baseball team until the 2009 season. Along with his coaching duties, he served as athletics director at both Tappahannock and Essex high schools. He taught physical education, Spanish, and driver’s education. He touched many lives in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and behind the wheel in the driver’s education car.
He was a longtime member of Beale Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and a member of the adult choir. He was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins, and he shared his passion for the team with his son and grandson.
As a baseball fan, he loved to watch the Atlanta Braves and admired their manager, Bobby Cox. Earlier in his life, he had been a longtime fan of the Washington Senators, and he was happy to live to see baseball return to the nation’s capital.
Coach was loved by many in the Tappahannock community, in the Northern Neck, and in his native King George, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his son, Henry Benjamin Ashton II (Annette); his grandson, Henry Benjamin Ashton III; and his sister, June Ashton Steppe, all of Dahlgren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Madeline Fenwick Ashton, who was the most supportive spouse a coach could ever have; and by his parents, Henry Benjamin and Nellie Wilkins Ashton.
A funeral was held Thursday, Aug. 19, in Beale Memorial Baptist Church, Tappahannock. Interment will followed in Essex Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Marks-Bristow Funeral Home, Tappahannock.

Marie M. Saft

Marie M. Saft, 90, of Greenfield Assisted Living, in Stafford County, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010. Marie was a longtime resident of Dahlgren.
Marie was born Sept. 17, 1919, to James T. and Eva B. Murray of Binghamton, N.Y. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather Thomas Murray and a brother, James T. Murray Jr.
Marie is survived by her husband, Woodrow “Woody” Saft, of Stafford; three children, Clare L. Painter, Rose M. Johnson (Sonny), and Thomas P. Saft, all of King George County; and nine grandchildren: Catherine M. Ritz (Mike) of Fort Worth, Texas; Wendy Shepherd (Joe), of King George; Michael A. Painter of Three Rivers, Mi.; S. Nichole Houck (Keith), of King George; John D. Painter of Fort Worth; Abbey Crew (Randy), of Wilmington, N.C.; Christy Lingerfelter (Jason), of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; Lauren Saft of Virginia Beach; and Dana Saft of King George; six great-grandchildren, Christopher Ritz, Joseph Ritz, Sarah Ritz and Karen Ritz of Fort Worth, and Joshua Lingerfelter and Faith Lingerfelter of Elmendorf AFB; and one niece, Marie Post of Orange City, Fla.
Marie and Woody were married on Aug. 7, 1943. They traveled the world after retirement.
Marie was a member of Sacred Heart Chapel, Dahlgren, since 1942. She worked at K-Lab and Space Surveillance before retiring from civil service. Marie was an avid card player, bingo player and loved to be with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her many friends.
A memorial service was held at Nash and Slaw Funeral Home, King George, on Saturday, Aug. 21. Interment will be private.

Mary Kelsie Anderson

Mary Kelsie Anderson, 78, of Colonial Beach went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010.
Born in Alexandria on Sept. 16, 1931, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Leon Stewart Anderson, as well as her mother, Kelsie G. Quayle, and her three brothers, Ronald, Roderick and Robert Quayle.
She will forever be missed by her three children, Mimi Fowler, Donna Crooker and Stewart Anderson (Bonita); her seven grandchildren, Brittany and Brooke Fowler, Kenny, Kimberly and Kristi Crooker, and Will and Nina Anderson; her nine great-grandchildren; and extended family and many friends.
She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Alexandria and, most recently, of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Colonial Beach. She was also an active member of the Legion of Mary.
In 1987, Mary retired from the Social Security Administration after more than 30 years of service.
Mary was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Moose Lodge, and the American Legion. She enjoyed donating her time to many events and charities of her local church and the Colonial Beach Ladies Auxiliary.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Father Vincent Brok and the Mary Washington Hospital Hospice staff. Her prayers will always be with you.
The family received friends Thursday, Aug. 19, at Cunningham Funeral Home, in Alexandria, where a funeral was held Friday, Aug. 20.  
Interment followed in Quantico National Cemetery.

Freda Chilton Clift

Freda Chilton Clift, 76, of King George County passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, peacefully at home with her family by her side.
She was born Freda May Chilton on March 30, 1934, to Earl and Mary Chilton of Stafford County.
In 1955, she married the love of her life, Gene Clift and moved to King George, where she and Gene set up home and, upon her first child’s birth, she became a full-time homemaker.
Freda was a lifetime member of the King George Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a longtime member of Trinity Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years, and a member of the United Methodist Women’s Organization.
Freda loved to cook and often provided meals to the sick and to shut-ins. Her “Freda” bread will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She loved to tend her vegetables and flower gardens. Friday trips to Fredericksburg with her dear friend Verda Thompson were a highlight for 30 years.
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, James E. “Gene” Clift; her children, James “Bowie” Clift(Marlene), of Christiansburg, Bryan Clift (Venue), Venus, of King George, and Paula Clift Spiller of King George; and grandchildren Sarah and Cole.
She is also survived by her sister, Susie C. Hicks; brothers Earl Chilton Jr. (Emily), and Ernest “Punk” Chilton (Shirley), all of Bowling Green; and sister-in-law Ann, who was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Chilton.
Freda will be dearly missed by everyone whose life she touched.
A funeral was held Saturday, Aug. 21, at Trinity United Methodist Church in King George, with the Rev. Charles Chilton (Freda’s first cousin) and the Rev. Michael Finn-McKenzie, pastor, officiating.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Judy Clift, Visiting Angels, Medi Hospice and Dr. Lisa Sarber and staff for the loving care given to Freda.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following: Clift-Thompson Endowment Fund, c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, Box 155, King George, Va. 22485; King George Fire and Rescue, Box 466, King George, Va. 22485; or Medi Home Health and Hospice, 125 Olde Greenwich Drive, Fredericksburg, Va. 22408.
Online guest book is available at nashandslawfh.com.

Toni Kazuko Seratte

Toni Kazuko Seratte, 75, of King George County passed away Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Mrs. Seratte was born in Kumamoto City, Japan. She married her husband, Leymon D. Seratte, on Nov. 28, 1958.
Mrs. Seratte worked at the commissioned officers’ club at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, from 1971 until retiring in 1992.
Survivors include her husband of almost 52 years, Leymon Seratte; her three children, Kathlene Seratte of Spotsylvania County, Lee Seratte (Judith), of Fredericksburg, and Randolph Seratte (Tita), of Winchester; her grandsons, Devon Lambert and Graham Seratte; her granddaughter, Mary Antonette Sharp of Winchester; and her great-granddaughter, Mikyla Sharp.
Condolences may be expressed in the form of contributions to the American Lung Association, lungusa.org; or the Dahlgren Rescue Squad, 16037 Dahlgren Road, King George, Va. 22485.
A graveside interment service was held on Tuesday, Aug. 24, in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fredericksburg.
Online condolences may be posted at nashandslawfh .com.

Jean Marie Hicks

Jean Marie Hicks, 50, of Colonial Beach died Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at her home, with her family at her side.
Mrs. Hicks was a dispatcher for the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office and a member of the Eagles Lodge in Colonial Beach. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Robert E. and Elizabeth A Childers; and one brother, Richard L. Childers.
She is survived by her husband, Harry L. Hicks, of the home; one son, Ian L. Hicks of Colonial Beach; three brothers, Robert A. Childers of Fredericksburg, William “Wild Bill” Childers of Colonial Beach, and Thomas E. Childers of Montross; and one granddaughter, Lillian Deanna Hicks. Also surviving are 13 nieces and nephews; and two great-nieces and -nephews.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, Aug. 24, with the Rev. Richard Headley officiating. Burial will be private.
Contributions in her memory may be made to any Westmoreland County Volunteer Fire Department or Rescue Squad of your choice.
Online guest book is available at nashandslawfh.com.

James E. Chappell

James E. “Butch” Chappell, formerly of King George County, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, in Gaston, S.C.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Chappell Knable.
He is survived by children Christopher Tedeton of Mineral, and Loren J. Hills, Byron J. Chappell and Greta L. Chappell of West Palm Beach, Fla.; former wife Teresa Chappell of West Palm Beach; and by seven brothers and five sisters: Linda Sullivan, Nancy Madison, John Chappell, Carolyn Lumpkin, George Chappell, David Chappell, Kenneth Chappell, Joseph Chappell, Stephen Chappell, Diana McQueen, Franklin Chappell and Donna Chappell and by numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at J.P. Holley Funeral Home, 8132 Garner Ferry Road, Columbia, S.C. Burial will be at a later date.
Donations may be made to South Carolina Combat Veterans (Disabled), c/o W.J. Bryan Dorn Veterans Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, S.C. 29209.

Russell Scott Harrell

Russell Scott Harrell, 43, of Spotsylvania County died Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Harrell of Spotsylvania County; the mother of his children, Kimberly K. Harrell of Westmoreland County; his parents, Jean & Russell Harrell, of Spotsylvania; his son, Preston Wayne Harrell(Jessica), of Spotsylvania; his daughter, Samantha K. Bryant(Jason), of Spotsylvania; his brother, David Bruce Harrell(Tracy), of Spotsylvania; his sister, Vikki Arnold of Spotsylvania; a grandson, Dylan Lucas; a grandmother, Elizabeth Harding of Spotsylvania; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service was held Friday, Aug. 6, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.
Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.

Rita Laverne Lightfoot

Rita Laverne Lightfoot, 64, of King George County passed away peacefully Saturday evening, July 31, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital. She was surrounded by her family and friends during her final hours.
A member of the Dahlgren Chapel Family, she loved the fellowship, acceptance and support they offered her.
Preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Alice “Tinker” Erwin, she is survived by her devoted husband, John “J.T.” Lightfoot; her children, April Ann Tavin and Tia Denny of California, and Jeri L. Berryman and Robert Lightfoot; her granddaughter, Shalayne Berryman; and her brothers, Alan and Leon Erwin, all of Texas.
A service of remembrance will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.

Yvonne L. Davis

Yvonne L. Davis, 77, of Colonial Beach passed away Thursday, July 29, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital.
A funeral was held Thursday, Aug. 5, at Good Hope Baptist Church, 17223 Good Hope Road, King George.
Services are by Lee Funeral Home, King George.

Earline Patricia Johnson

Earline Patricia Johnson, 47, of King George County died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital.
She is survived by two daughters, Latoya Johnson and Laqueasha Scott, one son, Lewis Scott, and her parents, Anderson and Shirley Johnson, all of King George. Also surviving are eight brothers, George, Timothy, Michael, Kevin, William and Thomas Johnson, and Kevin and Larry Beverly; six sisters, Laverne Smith, Verlette Davis, Delorise McDowney, Mary Johnson, Cynthia Freeman and Barbara Johnson; and one granddaughter.
A funeral was held at Monday, August 9, at St. Stephens Baptist Church, King George, with Bishop-elect Anthony Jones officiating. Burial followed in Meadow-Brooke Memorial Gardens, King George.
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home, Port Royal, handled the arrangements.
Online guest book is available at brooksfuneralhome.com.

Clifford Wilkerson

Clifford “Buddy” Wilkerson of Spotsylvania County went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lawrence Wilkerson and Gladys Dillon. Also preceding him in death were his brother, William Wilkerson; his sister, Gladys Rogers; a daughter, Patricia Diane Donovan; and great-grandchildren Brandon Luttrell, Logan Strother and Lance Strother.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Edna Wilkerson; three daughters, Joan Eagle(Bobby), of Spotsylvania, Ethel Johnson(Ray), of King George County, and Teresa Payne(Kenny-Ray), of Spotsylvania; seven grandchildren, Wendy Luttrell, Melissa Hoskins, Michael Johnson, Larry Strother Jr., David Johnson, Richard Donovan Jr. and Deanna Norton; and 18 great-grandchildren.
A service was held Sunday, Aug. 8, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg, with the Rev. R. Kenneth Brooks officiating. Interment followed in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, 910 William St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401.
Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.

Charles Allen Carter

Charles Allen “Rod” Carter, 76, of Fredericksburg passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, at Mary Washington Hospital.
He was an Air Force veteran and had retired from the Dahlgren Naval Weapons Laboratory and Fredericksburg Auto Auction.
Survivors include his daughter, Charlotte Ann Unterseher(Jeremy), and three grandchildren, Landon, Nora and Connor, of Phoenix, Ariz.; a stepdaughter, Mary Kay Chatt of Tarboro, N.C.; three sisters, Mary Elizabeth Wine and Betty Newsome of Fredericksburg, and Nancy Johnson(William), of Spotsylvania County; and two brothers, John Cole Thomas(Marie), and George Thomas of Fredericksburg. He also had numerous nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and -nephews.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg, with the Rev. Jack A. Marcom Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Donations may be made to Knights of Pythias Lodge 22 Widows’ Fund, 330 Wallace Lane, Fredericksburg, Va. 22408, or the American Heart Association, Memorial Processing Center, Box 5216, Glen Allen, Va. 23058.
Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.

Phyllis Sisson

Phyllis Sisson went to her eternal celebration with the Lord on Monday, August 9, 2010 with her family by her side after a courageous fight with lung cancer.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Richard A. Sisson; her mother, Margaret Herrera; a sister, Frankie Reynolds and a brother, L.W. Reynolds.
She is survived by her son and caregiver, Christopher W. Swann of King George County; her daughter and comfort giver, Myra Hardesty(Bill), of Dentsville, MD and also Gene and Mary Yaukey.  Three very special people in her life were her son, John C. Yaukey, her niece, Mary Margaret Pitts and her grandson, Justis Hardesty. Phyllis was especially loving and proud of her grandchildren, Kayla, Justis and Mylee Rose Hardesty and Brittany and Liane Swann.
Services will be held at a later date at Charles County Four Square Church in LaPlata, MD.
Donations may be made to Mary Washington Hospice, 5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 or to the American Cancer Society, c/o Trudy Clifton, 113 Tall Pines Avenue, Locust Grove, VA 22508.
Online condolences may be expressed to Phyllis’ family at foundandsons.com.