Thomas Chavis Jr.

Mr. Thomas Chavis Jr. went home to meet the Lord on Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. Thomas was born on March 15, 1938, in Middle Creek, N.C., to Thomas and Osie Chavis. He left North Carolina in his early teens locating to Washington, D.C., beginning a career as a professional barber.

Thomas was an active member of the Free Masons, Washington, D.C., Chapter, aside of being an entrepreneur of several businesses. He remained in the Washington, D.C., area until 1996, then relocating to Petersburg, Va. Thomas, better known as "Champ and Jay," was a blessing to all that knew him through his gift of laughter and constant giving from his heart to those in need. Thomas acquired a love for fast cars and music from A-Z which he collected. He was truly a "people person" and was not a stranger to anyone he met in his journey living life to the fullest. One of his greatest attributes was his love for children which he fostered six children in giving them a start and direction in life. He became a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., where he served on the Ushers Board.

Thomas is preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Richardson.

Thomas will be missed and greatly mourned by his wife, Susie Chavis; four stepchildren, Barbara Elmin (Yassir), Faye Cox-Dawson (Robin), Gregory Cox and Donald Cox (Maria); four stepgrandchildren, Montonio Cox (Michelle), Arrow King, Gregory Cox Jr. and Tiffany Cox; 14 great-stepgrandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all from the DC Metro area; mother-in-law, Mary Louise Jenkins of Petersburg, Va.; three brothers, Sylester Chavis (Louise) of Holy Springs, N.C. Levan Chavis of Burlington, N.C., and Joe Chavis (Dorothy) of Wilmington, N.C.; one sister, Carolyn Faucehe of Henderson, N.C.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, among them a special friend, Joe Watson.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Jeffrey L. Reaves Sr., senior pastor, officiating. The interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends at the residence and may be contacted by calling (804) 733-7471.

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.