Willie Chavis

Sunday, February 15, 2026, heavenly angels escorted our beloved Willie Chavis into eternal rest. Willie was born January 21, 1944, in Farmville, North Carolina to Anna Bell Chavis and Johnny Forman. At the union of Anna Bell and Alonza Pitt Sr., Willie become the second oldest of eleven children…. four sisters and six brothers. Although he began his education in the Pitt County Public School System, Willie made the decision to postpone his education to assist in raising his four sisters. In 1963 he met the love of his life, the late Ada Gray Suggs, and they were married February 13, 1967, behind a little grocery store in Stanford, North Carolina. Through this union three children were born (Stephanie, Willie (Jerome) and Tonya). In 1973, the family moved to Norfolk, Virginia. They made their permanent home in Chesapeake in 1982. After the passing of his first wife, years later, Willie unexpectedly found love and companionship again with Deborah Boone Goodman. They married on October 23, 2025, in Chesapeake, Virginia. A man that genuinely believed in hard honest work, Willie’s formative years were spent chopping wood with Uncle Bubble Chavis and learning how to do carpentry work, building houses in Pitt County. After moving to Virginia, he did odd jobs before landing a job at the NORSHIPCO Shipyard where he worked for 15 years before launching his own business as a sub-contractor, installing cabinets, remodeling houses, building decks and sheds before the housing market collapsed in 2010. Willie then accepted a job with the City of Chesapeake, Public Works where he retired after 5 years. Willie always loved making BBQ, with his award winning “secret sauce.” He participated in several local festivals including Mt. Trashmore, Harbor Fest, New Light Church and many other Special Events. He was even interviewed by Channel 3 NEWS. He loved his family and supported them in whatever they tried to do. His favorite team was the Pittsburg Steelers and any college basketball or college football team but especially the teams for which his grandchildren were playing. One of Willie’s favorite sayings was “you’ve got to have a made up mind”…..and with his mind made up, Willie accepted Christ as his personal savior and united with New Light Baptist Church under the then leadership of Pastor Ajack Scott where he dutifully served with the Male Usher Board. His faithfulness and dedication led him to being elevated to Deacon under Pastor Charles R. Green and after a few years, he was appointed chairman of the Deacon Ministry. Willie faithfully and wholeheartedly served New Light for over 25 years, leaving a legacy of obedience and humility.

Willie Chavis

January 21, 1944 - February 15, 2026