Thomas L. Forman (Age 69)
Memorial service info
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) Thomas L. Forman (Ret.) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, passed away September 19, 2024, at the age of 69, following a full and rewarding life as a loving husband, father, soldier and dedicated public servant.
Born on July 24, 1955, in Rochester, New York, Tom’s life-long commitment to the service of his country traces back to his decision to enlist in the United States Army following graduation from East Rochester High School in 1973. He began his career in the Military Intelligence Corps, where he went on to serve as a Counterintelligence Special Agent in both the Active and Army Reserve components until his military retirement in 2003 at the rank of CW4. In addition, Tom’s civil service included various roles within the federal government related to counterintelligence, national security and emergency management, before his retirement in 2013 as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). All told, Tom’s military and civil service spanned over 40 years, and included involvement in the Vietnam War, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and the immediate response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, including Operation Enduring Freedom.
His civilian and military decorations, medals, and awards include the National Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star Attachment, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Director’s Award for Excellence from the Office of Personnel Management, and numerous other commendations, medals, and awards. In addition to earning his Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification, Tom was also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute, along with other military, counterintelligence, and national security programs.
While the list of Tom’s professional accomplishments spans decades of public service, his greatest achievement, for which he was always proudest, was his role as a husband and father. Tom will be remembered for being a devoted husband and loving father who led by example, always prioritized family, and left a lasting impact on the lives of so many. His love of family and service can be seen not only in his career, but in the activities that he chose to take part in within his community. Whether as a Scout Master in the Boy Scouts, a coach for his sons’ soccer teams, involvement in their schools and Parent Teacher Associations, volunteer work at the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department, or as a founding sponsor of the National Museum of the U.S. Army, Tom will forever be remembered for his love of family and country, as well as his deep-rooted passion in the service of others.
He is survived by his wife of over 44 years, Lori; children Jason, Justin, and Thomas II; brother Michael; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Winfield Scott Forman, Sr.; mother Ednamaye Dickenson Forman; brothers Charles, James, Robert, and Winfield, Jr.; and sister Beverly.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1 at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Quantico National Cemetery.
While flowers are welcome, donations to one of Tom’s most cherished foundations, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, are also encouraged.
The following memorial events are planned.
Visitation
09/30/2024 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford
1310 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Virginia, 22554
Funeral Service
10/01/2024 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford
1310 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Virginia, 22554
Interment
10/01/2024 01:30 PM to 02:00 PM
Quantico National Cemetery
18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia, 22172
Submitted by Covenant Funeral Service
Khymir Martis Di’James Johnson (Age 25)
Memorial service info
Khymir Martis Di’James Johnson, 25, of Stafford, Virginia, died Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Sentara Medical Center, Woodbridge, Virginia.
Khymir was born March 23, 1999, in Morristown, New Jersey, the son of Curtis Murray and Tiara Charisse Johnson Hudson.
He worked in customer service for an auto dealership.
He is survived by mom and stepdad, Tiara and Marc Hudson of Stafford, VA; his dad and stepmom, Curtis Murray and Cheryl of Jersey City, NJ; two brothers, Azmir Jones of Irvington, NJ and Khyir Johnson of Morristown, NJ; sister, Malani Hudson of Stafford, VA; three stepsisters, Gia Tapscott and Christia Tapscott of Clinton, MD and Kelela Blake of Newark, NJ; stepbrother, Jeffrey Blake of Cincinnati, OH; his godmother, Shavon Hamilton of Fredericksburg, VA; and four god sisters, Shaleah Hamilton of Maplewood, NJ, Shadae Pyatt of Richmond, VA, Asia Pyatt of Cranston, RI and Aaliyah Pyatt of Fayetteville, AR.
A graveside service will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 13, 2024, at Cool Spring Natural Cemetery with Rev. Lawrence Wilson, Jr., officiating. A repast will follow at the Clarke County Parks & Recreation Center, 225 Al Smith Circle, Berryville.
Arrangements are by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville.
To view the obituary or send online condolences, please visit www.endersandshirley.com.
Submitted by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home
Linda Miedzinski Caldwell (Age 84)
Memorial service info
Our beloved mother has been called home. Linda Miedzinski Caldwell passed suddenly on Saturday, 8/24/2024, three days after her 84th birthday. We are grateful that she did not suffer and is now with those that she loved that have passed before her.
Linda was born in Washington, D.C. to the late Stephen Miedzinski and Nellie Maure Miedzinski. She was preceded in death by her husband, William B. Caldwell (Bill or Slats). She is survived by her sister and husband, Joan Miedzinski Friend (Lawrence) of Nebraska. She is also survived by her children and spouses, Lisa Caldwell Garrett (Stephen) of Bedford, Virginia and William (Bill) and Kerri Hester Caldwell of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Linda is also survived by five grandchildren that she adored, Lindsay, Danny, Molly, Alex and Sarah.
Linda enjoyed life and loved to laugh. She was the type of person that could also laugh at herself, which is a blessing. Her greatest wish for her friends and family was that they were happy.
Linda was a very talented and capable person. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D. C., she went on to complete her education at the Washington School for Secretaries. She took a job as a secretary in Washington D. C., where she met her husband over the phone. After their marriage, they moved to Arlington and started a family. Next, they joined with other business associates and opened Interstate Electric Supply Company in Merrifield. Linda played a large part in the company’s beginning and thought of the other partners and employees as family. After a while, she was able to concentrate on her young children. She and Slats had a house built on the Potomac River in Lorton, where they would spend many happy years. Linda loved living in Lorton and particularly loved the river and the wildlife surrounding their home. She made life-long friends and was involved in the community. Linda was also captivated by the history of the area. She worked at Gunston Hall Plantation, nearby, for many years as a tour guide. She painstakingly decorated the plantation house for Christmas for many years and was interviewed on the radio for her work. Linda eventually opened The Coffee House of Occoquan. Her business gave her great joy. She enjoyed meeting the customers and made many, many friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 4:00 pm at the Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 13318 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, Virginia. A gathering will follow at The Harbour Grille, 13188 Marina Way, Woodbridge, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lorton Community Action Center, (LCAC) or to a charity of your choice.
The following memorial event is planned.
Reception following Memorial Service
09/07/2024 05:30 PM to 09:00 PM
The Harbour Grille
13188 Marina Way, Woodbridge, Virginia, 22191
Katherine Elizabeth Sexton (Age 78)
Katherine Elizabeth Sexton
Katherine Elizabeth Sexton, 78, of Winchester, passed away on August 11, 2024, at Evergreen Health and Rehab Center in Winchester.
Kathy was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to the late Merle and Alice (Murphy) Rayman on January 8, 1946. She went to high school at St. Mary’s Academy in Alexandria and graduated in 1963. Kathy was a homemaker until her children grew up and moved away. While her youngest child was still in school, she worked as a teacher’s aide at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in Prince William County for 7 years. Later in life she worked as an office manager and patient care coordinator for Beltone Audiologists for 13 years in Manassas and Falls Church. She was involved with Girl Scouts in Prince William County for 30 years, holding positions such as troop leader, leader trainer, troop organizer and service unit manager. She earned the Outstanding Volunteer Award, Appreciation Pin, Nation’s Capital Pin and the Outstanding Leader Award. Kathy also taught English as a Second Language for 5 years in Loudoun County.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David (Greg) Rayman.
Kathy is survived by her children James (Jamie) Sexton (Sonia) of Sterling, VA; Jill Tomaselli (John) of Stephens City, VA; Laurie Bickart (Jeffrey) of San Francisco, CA; Amy Sexton (Justin Howe) of Knoxville, TN; Rev. Adam Sexton (Angie) of Ashland, VA; and Julie Stokes (Matthew) of Austin, TX; her grandchildren Cara and Andrew Sexton; Skylar and Reese Bickart; Carley, Ryleigh, Reaghan and Mackenzie Howe; Jacob Sexton, Alycia Ervin (Andrew), Raeman Bresee (Christian), Josiah, Illia, Bede (Jizelle), Gabriel, Seamus, Georgia, Teresita and Iva Bell Sexton; and Finnegan Stokes; her great grandchildren April, Aurora and Ernest Ervin; her sister Mary (Terry) DeVito (Frederick) of Stafford, VA; her niece Mary (Jenny) DeVito of Stafford, VA; her nephews David DeVito of Nellysford, VA and Michael (Sara) DeVito; and close family friend Janice Brown of Dumfries, VA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 130 Keating Drive in Winchester, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with Reverand Stephen Vaccaro officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, www.dementiasociety.org; or Dementia Matters, www.dementiamattersusa.org.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Evergreen Health and Rehab Center and the staff of Blue Ridge Hospice.
Condolences may be sent through Omps Funeral Home, www.ompsfuneralhome.com.
The Prince William Library Foundation mourns the loss of founding member and Board Secretary Joyce Eagles, who was instrumental in the organization’s activities and achievements since its inception in 1997.
From her obituary:
Joyce Eagles, 81, of Woodbridge, passed away on this July 24th, 2024.
Joyce was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Tirzah and Antranig Juskalian on April 12, 1943. She went to school in Belchertown, Massachusetts. She married Douglas Eagles on June 26, 1967 in Belchertown; they had 57 great years of marriage together. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a BA in Zoology. Joyce worked at the Belchertown State School helping mentally handicapped children for six years before moving on to other pursuits and to Iowa as Doug completed his PhD and post-doc work. There, their first son, Scott, was born in 1973.
Joyce and Doug moved to Manassas, Va. in 1974 and grew their family to another son, Ross, in 1978. Their family moved and ultimately settled in Woodbridge, Va. where they have lived for over forty years with travel to and from the area. Most of Joyce’s work has been as a volunteer, showing her passions for education, nature, history, conservation, and preservation.
Joyce Eagles served her community since 1990 on the Prince William Water Board of Directors. She was the first female board member and the longest serving board member with over 34 years of service. During that time, Joyce served as Chair for six years, Vice-Chair for eight years, and Secretary Treasurer for nine years. She was the Chair of the Audit Committee and participated in numerous community outreach events each year- including the ”Water Art Invitationals”. She provided valuable oversight and guidance- always caring about the customer, the community, and the employees she served.
Joyce supported Prince William Cooperative Extension’s and PW Housing Fairs’ community outreach- from teaching first home buyers financial planning to dressing as Glinda, the good witch, for “There’s no place like a home.” Joyce was a founding member of the Prince William Library Foundation in 1997 and served consecutively on the executive board of directors. Joyce loved our public library system and the many essential programs the Foundation was able to fund for our community..
Her advocacy was paramount from chairing the committee to analyze the expansion of development of the Manassas Battlefield to preserving the acres of the wetlands of the now Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge, Joyce has been recognized as a supporter of the environment.
With several other community members, Joyce organized meetings to establish the Greater Manassas branch of the American Association of University Women in 1975 as one of its charter members. A life member of AAUW, she joined the Woodbridge branch in 1982 and actively supported STEM endeavors for science fair judging and career roles for girls at regional conferences. For AAUW of Virginia, she served as Parliamentarian for the state board.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Tirzah and Antranig Juskalian, her spouse’s parents Clyde and Helen Eagles, and her son, Scott Eagles.
She is survived by her husband Douglas, her son Ross, brothers Richard (Susan) and Andrew (Carolyn); nephews John, Russ (Clara) and Brett (Tara); nieces Kelly, Andrea and Tirzah; and great nieces Marlene, Vincent and Catalina – among the many immediate and extended family members.
Memorials may be given in her name to Virginia Hospital Center – https://vhchealthfoundation.org/; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center – https://sentara.tfaforms.net/4709133 ; and The American Heart Association – https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNELYZXFBW The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington’s Intensive Care Unit and the emergency room doctors and nurses of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge.
Flowers may be sent to Mountcastle Turch Life Celebration Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, VA 22193 in time with her August 9th Ceremony, from 2-4pm. Sympathy cards may be mailed directly to the family home.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gregory “Greg” Scott Cook, who departed this world at his home on July 30, 2024.
Born on March 19, 1979, in Alexandria, Virginia, Greg’s life was a remarkable journey of service, dedication, and boundless generosity. Greg proudly served his country as a distinguished member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. His courage and commitment in the military were a testament to his unwavering dedication to his nation.
Greg’s passion for community engagement later led him to found Old Town Strong and the Old Town Whiskey Club in Manassas, Virginia. A native of Nokesville, Greg became an integral part of the local community. In 2019, Greg founded the Old Town Whiskey Club, serving as its President. Under his leadership, the club hosted numerous events and fundraisers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support throughout Old Town Manassas.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greg’s visionary spirit shone brightly. Recognizing the struggles faced by local businesses, he founded Old Town Strong to bridge the gap many felt during a time of great isolation. The group successfully sold t-shirts and sweatshirts stating “Old Town Strong,” and raised nearly $20,000 in just 30 days to support local bars and restaurants in need. Greg’s heart was indeed too big for this world, and his legacy of kindness and community spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerry. He is survived by his parents, George and Patricia Cook, and his brothers and their families: Richard and his wife Monica, Michael and his wife Becky, and Stephen and his wife Ashelly. Greg also leaves behind ten beloved nieces and nephews, his life partner of 17 years, Courtney O’Brien, and two loving pups, Harley and Beau.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 9 at the Old Town Sports Pub in Manassas, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 11am-4pm, with remarks starting at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Historic Manassas Inc’s Old Town Strong Fund, ensuring that Greg’s mission of community support continues to thrive.
Greg’s life was a beacon of hope and unity, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Greg Cook — Celebration of Life
Old Town Sports Pub
8971 Center Street
Manassas , Virginia, 20110
Aug 9, 2024 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Stafford County mourns the passing of Ralph Metts, a former member of the County Board of Supervisors who was instrumental in building the first water treatment plant and expanding the public school system during his tenure.
Press release:
Stafford County mourns the passing of Ralph Metts, a former member of the County Board of Supervisors. Metts served on the Board from 1964 to 1967 and again from 1976 to 1977. His fellow Board members elected him vice chairman in 1965, 1966, and 1967.
“On behalf of the Board and the citizens of Stafford County, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ralph Metts,” said Chairman of the Board Meg Bohmke. “By all accounts, Mr. Metts was dedicated to public service and propelling Stafford County forward. We appreciate his service to Stafford County.”
Metts was most proud of his work on the Board in building the first water treatment plant and expanding the public school system. He was on the Board during a pivotal time in Stafford – the beginning of growth with the opening of Interstate 95 in the area in 1964.
Information on arrangements for his burial is available online.
Col. John “Duke” Snider, 71, of Manassas, passed away on June 28, 2024. Born in Oxford, Ohio, in 1953, Snider’s early life was marked by achievements such as achieving Eagle Scout rank and excelling in various sports. His academic and military careers were equally distinguished, beginning with his time at Duke University and extending through a 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot and held various command roles.
After retiring from military service, Snider continued to impact his community through various roles, including Chairman of the Manassas City Board of Elections and a Manassas City Airport Commission member. His efforts were integral to the expansion of the Manassas Airport, moving it closer to accommodating commercial flights, which was approved by the city council last year.
Manassas City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis highlighted Snider’s community contributions in an interview. “John brought his vast experience as a pilot to the airport commission, significantly advancing our capabilities,” said Ellis. She also noted his balanced approach to his role on the Electoral Board, emphasizing that he “served the whole community well.”
Snider’s commitment to community service extended to his involvement with the Inter-Service Club Council. “In the short time that he was here, he really made a big impact,” Ellis remarked.
Snider is survived by his wife, Mary P. Snider, his son, Wesley J. Snider, and his daughter-in-law, Melissa L. Snider. His life was celebrated on July 20, at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas.
Throughout his life, James was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, embodying the virtues of kindness and compassion. His commitment to his faith was evident in his everyday actions and the love he shared with those around him. As a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James’s legacy is carried on through his family, whom he adored immeasurably.
James is survived by his four children: Brenda Ferri Kennaugh, Debra Ferri Lucia, Joanne Ferri Lesher, and Thomas Ferri. He was a cherished grandfather to Mandelyne Lesher McCombe, Kaitlin Lesher, Taylor Kennaugh, David Lucia, Ryan Kennaugh, Nicole Lucia, Faith Lesher, and Matthew Kennaugh, and a proud great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Verna Zonts Ferri.
James’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith and the deep bonds of family. His memory will be treasured and kept alive in the hearts of those who loved him.
