Virginia's child welfare system is struggling, data show

In loving memory of our husband, father, and grandfather.

Walter Wayne Hamilton, 71, of Richmond, Va, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025. He is survived by his two children, Lora Suzanne Hamilton and Michael Brooks Hamilton, both of Richmond; a brother, Thomas E. Hamilton (Jan) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fl; and one grandson, Justin Alexander Williams, of Richmond. He was preceded in death by his parents, William W. Hamilton Jr. and Mary Meadows Hamilton, of Richmond. He was a kind, loving brother, father, uncle, pop-pop, friend and colleague, cherished by all who knew him. He was a graduate of the Hermitage High School class of 1972 and furthered his education at the University of Richmond, earning a degree in 1976, followed by a Masters degree from George Washington University. Wayne was a licensed racer with the American Motorcycle Association, competing as a professional novice in flat track racing and earning 35 podium finishes between 1969 and 1974. Wayne dedicated 37 years of his career to Philip-Morris/Altria before retiring. Beyond his professional life, he was an avid fan of MotoGP racing, American Flat Track, and the Baltimore Orioles. His legacy of kindness and dedication to those whom he loved will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Richard Meredith "Dick" McGhee, Sr.

Kenneth Payne

Jennie Simmons

Joyce A. Bailey

Hunter Davis

Patricia Partin Hale passed peacefully into heaven on September 27, 2025. "Pat" was born on January 9, 1937, in Durham, NC to Charlie David Partin, Jr. and Virginia Rowland Partin. She was predeceased by her parents and brother David Rowland Partin. Her memory will be cherished by her husband of 42 years, Thomas Lee Hale and her three daughters Karen Reid Beale (Carl) of Harkers Island, NC, Holly Lee Caulder (Buddy) of Greensboro, NC and Leslie Rose Guarino (Joe) of Vienna, VA, along with two stepsons Jeffrey Lee Hale of Dallas, TX and Jeremy Curtis Hale (Laurie) of Kennewick, WA. She was a beloved "Grammy" to her nine grandchildren, Dana Bradford (Dennis), Casey Mooney, Jack Guarino, Riley Guarino, William Guarino, Jordan Sides, Hunter Hale, Michal Hale and Kassity Hale and affectionately called "GG" by her six great-grandchildren. Pat will be remembered as an elegant woman with a warm southern charm, who was engaging and always kind and respectful of others. She was a talented and accomplished professional who received numerous awards for excellence in management, leadership and citizenship throughout her career. She relocated to the Tri-Cities region of WA State in 1983 with her husband Tom. "Senator Hale" served three terms in the Washington State Senate and served as Chair of the Republican Caucus for five years. Pat remained forever connected with her lifelong friends in Richmond, VA where she graduated from John Marshall High School. She and Tom enjoyed retirement in the Woodland Pond Community in Chesterfield, where they were active members of Ironbridge Church. The family wishes to thank their fellow church and Sunday school members for all their support! A funeral service celebrating Pat's life will be held on Oct 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Ironbridge Church, 10900 Iron Bridge Road, Chester, VA, with a reception immediately following at the church. A private graveside service for the family will be held at St Luke's Historic Church in Smithfield, VA. In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Ironbridge Church. Leave condolences at blileys.com.

Elder James Henry Hawkins

Ruby Tate

Dawn W. vonBechmann, 63, of Richmond, peacefully went to heaven on September 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Eugene Wright. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jacques F. vonBechmann III; daughter, Lauren vonBechmann (Caleb); daughter, Camden Louthan (Blake); daughter, Tolson W. Louthan; grandson, Jacques F. vonBechmann IV (McKenzie); son, Donna P. Wright; mother, Marc Wright; brother, Melissa Wright; sister, Sara W. Holloway (Chris); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Frances Walker

Dainese Jones Washington

Peter Neil Callan, known to all as Neil, passed away on September 14, 2025, after a decade-long journey with cancer. Born the eldest of four, Neil carried wisdom and wit into every corner of his life.

Dr. Marcel Cornis-Pop, distinguished Professor of English and Media Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and internationally renowned literary critic and theorist, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. He was 79.

Lillian Duffie

Fredrick D. (Fred) Morris age 89, of Fort Mitchell, formerly of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on September 26, 2025. Fred honorably served his country and was a United States Air Force Veteran and was a retired employee of C&P Telephone Co., after 33 years of service. Fred enjoyed traveling, playing golf and playing cards. He was born in Pulaski, Virginia, to the late John Randolph Morris and Elma Arnold Morris. He was also predeceased by 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by his wife Barbara (BB) Morris, three sons Rick Morris, Craig Burks, and Shannon Burks and his wife Kimberly; two grandsons, Matthew Morris (Holly), Justin Morris (Briana) and step-granddaughter Samantha Sauer; four great-grandchildren, Caleb, Katelyn, Hunter Morris, and Autumn Ayres. He is also survived by his son Keith Morris, brother Jack Morris (Robin), sister-in-law Nancy Morris, numerous nieces and nephews. Also, his Bailey family, Roger Bailey (Janet), Judy B. Smith, and Wanda B. Barnes (Charles). A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Ash Camp Baptist Church, 8687 Church St., Keysville, VA. Interment with military honors will be held at a later date at Salem Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Shriners Children's Hospital. Wood Funeral Service, Chase City, is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.woodfuneralservice.com.

Larry Stephen Eavey, 78, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025. Born January 28, 1947, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Larry was the son of George Eavey and Myrtle Lee.

Isabelle McGill

Joy and Alan Barnes

Paige Smith Brockwell

Patricia S. Brown

Otha May Burford

Anne Dix Chaney

Gerald (Jerry) Francis Clarke of Richmond, VA, passed away on September 23, 2024, at VCU Medical Center due to injuries sustained in a fall. Jerry served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the 1960s and later was a civilian employee of the U.S. National Guard. He then transitioned into the field of technology in education and made a significant impact during his 25 years at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Karen Anne Edds

David Allen Evans

Milton Calvin Grantham

John Aubrey Hall, 76, passed away on September 24, 2025, in Mechanicsville, VA. Born July 10, 1949, they touched the lives of many throughout their years. May their memory bring comfort to those who knew them and peace to all who mourn their passing.

John Aubrey Hall, 76, of Mechanicsville, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was born on July 10, 1949. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Ozelle Hall.

John Aubrey Hall, 76, of Mechanicsville, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was born on July 10, 1949. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Ozelle Hall.

Walter Drury Hawkins, Jr. "Dru"

William Beverly Lipscomb

Nancy "Carol" Pavey Loving

Forrest D. Moody

It came on fast. I expected to be fighting it off longer. But it's ok. I had a very nice life. I had an amazing wife, two wonderful kids, and two great dogs. I was at the home I loved with my family by my side at the very end. I leave with them my love of all kinds of music and food, as well as the essential ability to flow with what life brings.

Bernard Patrick "Pat" O'Donnell, Jr.

Thomas Powell

Scales, Thomas H., Jr. died September 20th, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family. A Richmond native, Tommy grew up in Windsor Farms, attended Thomas Jefferson HS and Hampden Sydney College. He achieved success in the Insurance business as a broker and owner/agent. An active parishioner of St. Stephen's Church, Tommy served on the Pastoral Care Committee as a Eucharistic Visitor. An avid golfer, he was a lifelong member of the Country Club of Virginia. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Thomas H. and Caroline O. Scales, his daughter, Eleanor S. Dunigan and his son, Thomas H. Scales, III. He is survived by his loving wife, Frances F. Scales, daughter, Caroline S. Dale (James, dec.), son-in-law, Bruce F. Dunigan, sister, Archer S. Browning and eight grandchildren. Interment will be private. A reception for family and friends will take place at St Stephen's Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Ave Richmond, VA on October 3rd at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Hampden Sydney College, Farmville, VA.

James A. Bell