VAPT REMEMBERS

Rewel A. "Buster" Bynum passed away on November 16, 2023. He was born to the late Romie Lee and Natilee Hodge Bynum, June 4, 1931, on the family farm in Mecklenburg Co., Va. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Johnson Bynum; his brother, Charles Bynum; and his sister, Kathryn Reese. Buster is survived by two sons, Stephen and Ryan; three wonderful grandsons, Tyler, Jason and especially Jake, the youngest; and Sophie, the Blue Pitbull.

He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Steagall (Donald); and several nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Chase City High School, the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University. Buster served a Director of Pupil Transportation in public school systems on local, state and government levels for over 40 years. He was inducted into the National Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame on October 31, 1999 and subsequently the Virginia Pupil Transportation Hall of Fame. Buster served as Treasurer of the Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference for 30 years where a scholarship named in his honor is awarded to deserving students in each of the 14 member states annually. He served in the U.S. Army 47th Infantry Division as a Sgt. First Class. Buster was a Past Commander of American Legion Post 43 and an active and long-time member of North Richmond Kiwanis Club, holding positions on most every level since 1965. He was an active member of Chamberlayne Baptist Church until the church closed in 2021.

A memorial service was held 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 215 Wilkinson Road, Richmond, Va. 23227. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions were made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice.8:50 AM 12/8/2023

Lonnie Chandell Reavis was born on August 8, 1969 to Ellen Louise & James C. Reavis at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. He departed this life on November 4, 2023 at his North Carolina home in Bertie County.

Lonnie graduated a year early from Stuttgart International High School in 1986. He then matriculated to Norfolk State University in 1991, where he joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology while minoring in Criminal Justice. In 2001 Lonnie graduated from Longwood College with a Master’s in Educational Administration & Supervision. As a Kappa he was known to his brothers as “Serge”, but affectionately called “FACE” whose line number was twenty-one. Lonnie climbed the ranks within the organization by starting the Franklin/Southampton County, VA charter. Lonnie also honorably served in the Navy Reserves.

In 1993 he began his educational career in Southampton County Public Schools as a middle school Drop-out Prevention Specialist and also taught 5th grade at Courtland Elementary School. He then quickly excelled through the ranks of various systems & supporting roles at the state department using his role in the Virginia Association of Pupil Transportation (VAPT) where he was Regional Director 2010-2013 and vice-president from 2013-2014. Lonnie was also active with the National Association of Pupil Transportation (NAPT) during this time. After Southampton he served the stakeholders of Suffolk Public Schools through the support of the Superintendent, Dr. Milton Liverman. Lonnie transitioned from a 6th grade math and science teacher at John F. Kennedy where he started a black male youth mentoring program called the GENTS to an Assistant Principal at John Yeates Middle to begin his current love, Transportation. In 2015, with the blessings of his spouse, Lonnie accepted an opportunity to run those yellow school buses that he is so fond of during a short stint in Northern Virginia at Loudoun County Public Schools prior to his final stop and home, Fairfax County Public Schools under the direction of Mrs. Furby. On the morning of his death, Lonnie excitedly shared with his NC neighbor that he was in the process of updating his resume to extend his retirement plans by five years because his beloved boss was retiring in December even though he already surpassed his 30th year. Mr. Powell stated that Lonnie’s goal was to finish what Mrs. Francine Furby started before he retired.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents James (Pop) and Louise Reavis of Prince George, VA; siblings Demetria (Julius) Freeman of Henrico, VA and Chad Reavis of Petersburg, VA. Three nieces Tiyanah Reavis of Petersburg, VA; Alexis Johnson of Warrenton, VA; Jailyn Jenkins of Hampton, VA. Three nephews JaQuael Reavis of Petersburg, VA; Julius Freeman of Norfolk, VA, TreVaughn Jenkins of Tempe, AZ. Mother and father-in-law Thomas and Caroline Jenkins of Virginia Beach, VA. Uncles Vernon Reavis (Jeanette) of Yorktown, VA; Alvin Reavis of Kenbridge, VA; Robert Stokes (Emma) Charlotte, VA; Roosevelt Capers Jr. (Joyce) of Victoria, VA; Leare Capers of Hyattsville, MD; Donnell Capers (Penny) of Manassas Park, VA; Aunts Beaulah Reavis of Victoria, VA and Melba Reavis of Brooklyn, NY. Two sisters-in-law Madelyn Jenkins of Norfolk, VA; Angelina (Torrick) Hayes of Hampton, VA and cousins Anthony (Elizabeth) Capers, Amory Capers, Cedric (Shalynda) Capers, Lashaunda K. Capers, Donnell Capers Jr., James Capers and a host of other relatives and friends.

His maternal and paternal grandparents Roosevelt “Munchie” (Alice) Capers, and George (Florene) Reavis preceded him in death.

Lonnie was united in marriage on March 28, 2005 to Suwana Suwan Reavis of Herndon, Virginia. Although no biological children were comprised through this union, he affectionately adored the daughters left behind by his best friend Eugene T. Alston. Quira Monique Alston (Millville, NJ), Alexis Evelyn Alston, and Arielle Elizabeth Alston (Suffolk, VA).

He was an avid sports enthusiast—golf, billiards, fishing, horseshoes and life-long Dallas Cowboys fan with an infectious smile and personality to match who will definitely be missed.
 


Thomas Bernard Thorpe was born December 18, 1970, to the late Chief Master Sergeant Lewis Thomas Thorpe III and Catherine "Cathy" Nell Thorpe in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  On Friday, April 21, 2023, his sweet spirit went to join the Savior in that home not built by hands but whose maker and builder is our God.

 

After graduating from Homer L. Ferguson High School Class of 1988, he studied at Tidewater Community College and Christopher Newport University, graduating with a degree in I/O Psychology. Over the years, Thomas held numerous jobs working at Christopher Newport University; Bus Driver for Newport News Public Schools (NNPS); Transportation Supervisor at Newport News Public Schools; Smokehouse-Grills/Kitchen at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg; and Assistant Director of Transportation at Hampton City Schools.  In 1991 Thomas became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

On July 16, 2005, Thomas married his Best Friend, Soul Mate, and Wife, Tanya Renee Thorpe.

Thomas was a Military brat and traveled the USA and overseas with his parents. He loved to travel and had a heart of Gold. He made time for everyone, and for those who Thomas came across, he left an everlasting footprint.  Thomas has been a source of encouragement to all whose lives he touched. Thomas will be greatly missed because he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, brother-in-law, and most of all, a great friend. 

He leaves to cherish fond memories his loving and devoted wife, Tanya Renee Thorpe; two daughters, Courtney Thorpe and Chrystal Hamlett (Darryl); grandson, Da’Shaun Hamlett; two granddaughters, Mi’Yannah "Bubbles" Hamlett and Skyler Hamlett; brother, Shawn Nicholas Thorpe (Gwendolyn Denise); two nieces, Shanise Victoria-Lynn Thorpe and MyKhia Nicol Thorpe; sister, Brittney LaKeasha Thorpe; nephew, Ayden Lewis Thorpe, all of Newport News, VA; grandmother, Beatrice Green Thorpe of Butner, NC; four aunts, Muriel "Luci" McGhee, Delores Chambers-Dupuy (James) of Palm Coast, FL, Brenda Thorpe (Charles) and Beulah Thorpe of Butner, NC; five uncles, Alvin Tommie McGhee (Catherine) of Oxford, NC; Ernest Crowder of Laurel, MD; Donnie Thorpe, Ronnie Thorpe, and Lee Thorpe of Butner, NC; and a host of cousins and friends.                   

Services were held on Saturday, April 29, 2023  at 12:30 at Colossian Baptist Church.

 

 
 

Mr. Ricky Blunt, Sr., 66, of Courtland, Virginia, transitioned peacefully on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. He was born in Franklin, Virginia, on May 16, 1956, to the late Gurnie and Thelma Blunt. He graduated from Virginia State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of 1976. He was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church, Franklin, Virginia where he served as the Chair of the Board of Deacons until his health failed.
Ricky purchased Franklin Bus Service from his father and became the owner in 1991. In 1996, he was recognized as the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year. Later in his career he served as the Transportation Supervisor for Hampton Roads Transit in Norfolk, Transportation Director for Franklin City Public Schools, and retired as Transportation Director of Southampton County Public Schools in 2019.

He held various leadership roles in the community. He was a former member of the Franklin School Board and Franklin Kiwanis Club. He was also a Franklin United Way Board Member, Franklin-Southampton Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Charter Member, Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member; Member of the Board of Directors of Franklin Salvation Army, Founding Member of the Buffalo Riders Equestrian Club, and most recently Founding Member of Citizens Create Change who Led the Effort to Change the Name of Blackhead Signpost Road (now Signpost Road) in Southampton County.
He lived his best life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids, on trail rides, jet skiing, in his backyard pool, and his most recent endeavor, a koi pond.

Ricky leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 40 years, Dorothy Key Blunt; children, Ricky Deon Blunt, Jr. (Megan) of Henrico, Rickeita Blunt Jones (Chris) of Chesterfield; brothers, Claude Knight (Theresa), Gurnie Blunt, Jr. (Cynthia), Roger Knight (Phyllis), Larry Blunt (Mechelle), Jerry Blunt; sisters, Nora Dove, Thea Annette Lettley (Allen), Claudette Mason; grandchildren, Ricky Blunt, III, Mason Deon Blunt, Christen Jones and Christopher Blunt Jones (CJ); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday evening from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Move of God Ministries, 221 South Main Street, Franklin, Virginia, where reflections from family and friends are welcomed from 5 to 6 p.m. The Kappa public memorial ceremony honoring Ricky Blunt will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. The Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Apostolic Faith Church of God, 608 Oak Street, Franklin, Virginia with Dr. D.S. Riddick, II will deliver the message of comfort; Overseer Ronnie Warren is pastor.

 

Fred Stanley Valentine, 80, of Henrico, entered eternal rest Sunday, June 12, 2022 at his residence. He was born in Chase City, Virginia on September 26, 1941 to the late John and Mary Lena Valentine.

At an early age, Fred joined Concord Baptist Church where he maintained his membership. He attended Mt. Olive Baptist in Glen Allen. Fred received his early education in the Mecklenburg County schools and graduated from West End High School in 1960. Later, he furthered his education, receiving a B.S. degree from Knoxville College and a M.S. degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Fred started his career in education. He was a teacher, coach and administrator in Pittsylvania County Public Schools, Chatham, VA.

He was a coach, teacher and administrator at King William County Public Schools in King William, Virginia. He worked as an Assistant Supervisor at the Virginia Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Service and as Director of Transportation for Hanover County Public Schools in Ashland until his retirement in 2002.

Fred wore many hats. After retirement, Fred served as a Consultant of Transportation for the State of Virginia. He served as President of VAPT. He was a dedicated member of the West End High School Alumni Association, having served as the President of the WEHS National Alumni Association and most recently as President of the Richmond Chapter and Advisor of the National Association.

Fred loved people and it was easy for people to love and admire him. No one was a stranger to Fred. He opened his heart to everyone he met. He loved watching sports particularly, football and basketball. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 55 years, Carolyn B. Valentine' devoted son, Fred Sterling Valentine; loving grandson, Fred Sterling Valentine, Jr.; devoted sister, Johnsie V. Davis (John); brother, Robert Valentine; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, two devoted, Ernest Timberlake (Ann) and Earl Timberlake; a daughter-in-love, Vicky Battle and her children, Nakyah Battle and Syniah Battle and numerous friends.

Fred will truly be missed.

Valerie Hicks Seaborne

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, Heaven lit up with a mighty presence, as the Angels all looked down. That day, the Lord was placing the jewels into Valerie’s crown. He held up her golden crown, and she said “yes” to His gentle voice.

Known by most as “Toe” was born December 13, 1964 to the late Matthew Hicks and Lillian “Anne” Hicks Miller. She was preceded in death by a sister.

As a Christian, Valerie was a dedicated soldier in God’s Army. She was baptized at Poplar Mount Baptist Church in September 1972 where she served faithfully until she became too ill to fulfill her responsibilities. In her early years, she served on the Junior Usher Board and was a dedicated Sunday School member. As her love for Sunday School grew, she went on to become a Sunday School teacher for the toddler class. She also served as the Finance Clerk, Praise Dance Advisor, and Youth Advisor. Additionally, she was a member of the Kitchen and Finance committees. Valerie was very instrumental in the planning of many of the activities enjoyed by the youth of the church to include the annual Easter egg hunt, back to school rally, vacation bible school, and Fall Festival.

Valerie graduated from Greensville County High School in 1984. She continued her education at John Tyler Community College, Chesterfield, Virginia and received an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development in December 2002, after which she matriculated at Saint Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, Virginia, and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. Valerie worked for the Greenville County Public School system in several capacities for many years before and during the pursuit of her college degrees, including her most known role as School Bus Operator. After completing this chapter in her educational accomplishments, she accepted a position as a Family Services Specialist with The Improvement Association in July 2004 and was eventually promoted to Area Coordinator. In 2011, she returned to the Greensville County Public School System to serve as the Transportation Director, until God proclaimed “well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

As a lover of family and the community, Valerie was actively involved in the community, on her job, in her church, and in her family. In her early years, she followed the legacy of her mother and became a member of the award-winning Ante Jets women’s softball team and continued her love for the sport through high school into her adult years as a powerhouse for the Emporia-Greensville Recreation Association women’s team. Valerie enjoyed feeding people’s soul through her food while catering alongside her sister and several cousins at many family and community events. She possessed a high level of organizational skills that led her to the forefront of activities throughout Greensville County including serving on the Board of Directors for The Improvement Association since April 2013 and The Improvement Association Head Start Policy Council since 2016. As a former member of Pride of Emporia Chapter #137 O.E.S. P.H.A. of VA, she served on the Recreation and Hospitality committees. She strongly believed in the family unit and she spent hundreds of hours facilitating many Miles Family Reunions as well as Hicks Family Reunions.

Left to cherish her memories and legacy are her loving and devoted children: Shavon Moore (Terry) of Richmond, Virginia, and Terrance Price of the home; three granddaughters: Tajah Moore of Union City, Georgia, and Madyx and Mayson Cook of Chesterfield, Virginia; one sister: Shirley Mangrum (Andrew) of Emporia, Virginia; one brother: Baron Daniels of Emporia, Virginia; one nephew: Craig Mangrum of Emporia, Virginia; three nieces: Cortney Thompson (Kyle) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and De’Ja and Destiny Mangrum of Norfolk, Virginia; bonus dad: Freeman Miller of Emporia, Virginia; one great aunt: Viola Roberts of Queens, New York; five aunts: Idelia Carpenter, Virginia Harrision, Wilma Thomas, Mary W. Hicks all of Emporia, Virginia and Priscilla Hicks of Richmond, Virginia; two uncles: James Miles of Emporia, Virginia and William Hicks of Richmond, Virginia; six bonus siblings; her forever mother-in-love: Anna Seaborne of Emporia, Virginia; Godson: Ronnie “Donovan” Franklin of Emporia, Virginia; honorary daughter: Sierra Carr of Emporia, Virginia; honorary grandchildren: Seleya and Laron Carr of Emporia, Virginia; special “niece”: Akeria Benton of Emporia, Virginia and a host of cousins, extended family, and coworkers.