Esther V.B. Bulifant

Esther Virginia Burton Bulifant, 85, of Chesterfield County, died peacefully at her home on Oct. 20, 2008. Mrs. Bulifant was the daughter of Charles and Minnie Dance Burton. Mrs. Bulifant and her husband, Jacob Bulifant owned and operated Holt's Jewelry Store in Petersburg until their retirement in 1990. Mrs. Bulifant was a life-long member of Wood's United Methodist Church, joining in 1928. She served as a Sunday school teacher in the Bur-Ka class and was secretary of the Administrative Board.

Mrs. Bulifant is survived by her daughter, Paulette Bulifant Thomas and her husband, Michael Ward Thomas Sr.; grandson, Michael Ward Thomas,Jr. and his wife, Heather; great-grandson, Keegan Thomas; and her sister, Charlene Burton Wall, all of Chesterfield County. Mrs. Bulifant was known for her special love of Wood's Church, her church family, her home, and especially her "Church Children."

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at Wood's United Methodist Church with the Reverend W. Doug Gilfillan and the Reverend Dave Morefield officiating. Friends may call at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wood's United Methodist Church, 7701 Hickory Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.