Joshua Storrs

Mr. Joshua Storrs, of 1229 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va., entered eternal rest on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at his residence surrounded by his wife, Christine Storrs, son, Norman Storrs and daughter-in-law, Evelyn Storrs.

Joshua was a native of Richmond, Va., born June 23, 1923, to the late Joshua Storrs and Elizabeth Pollard.

At an early age he confessed Christ and was baptized into the fellowship at Tabernacle Baptist Church under the pastoral of the Rev. A. Lincoln James. He was a long time member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., where he was a member of the mass choir in his early years. Joshua received his GED through the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Joshua went on to enlist in the United States Navy where he served during World War II. At the conclusion of World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Army as an infantryman. He served in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat. He was blessed with mechanical abilities and became a certified helicopter mechanic. At the age of 40, he qualified himself as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division.

After retirement from the U.S. Army, Joshua stayed with the government as a Department of the Army civilian in Installation Services at Bellwood, Richmond, Va. He retired from Bellwood in 1982 after 20 years of faithful service. Joshua had a deep love for making things work, riding motorcycles, bowling, playing chess and hotrods. This beloved husband of Christine Storrs, dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and beloved friend shall be missed dearly.

Joshua was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Storrs Jr. of Charleston, S.C.; sister, Elizabeth Spencer of Brooklyn, N.Y.; brother, Thomas Henry Storrs of Petersburg, Va.; and grandson, Thomas Shelby Storrs of Fort Lewis, Wash.

Joshua leaves to cherish his memories, a wife of 60 years, Christine Storrs; three sons, Norman Storrs (Evelyn) of Petersburg, Va., Vincent Storrs (Pamela) of Atlanta and Thomas F. Storrs of Fort Benning, Ga.; nephew, Jerald Spencer (Janice) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; niece, Lisette Spencer of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandsons, Thomas Jr. of Prince George, Va., Phanyn of Richmond, Va., Claude Campbell of Fort Bragg, N.C., Travis Campbell of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Tyrone Wall of Glen Allen, Va., and Melvin Wall Jr. of California; granddaughters, Krystal Storrs of South Carolina, Shelly Harris of Ft. Bragg, N.C., and Tricia Harrison; great-grandchildren, Jaden Storrs of Petersburg, Va., Anthony Wall and Cierra Wall, both Tennessee, and Ayanna Curry, Colonial Heights, Va.; daughter-in-law, Darlene Lindsay of Richmond, Va.; and a host of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, friends and countless others whose lives he touched and inspired.

A wake will be held between 6 and 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment.

The home going service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr., officiating. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, with full military honors.

The family will receive friends at 1677 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted by calling (804) 733-4967.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Storrs online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com and where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.