Hermanze E. Fauntleroy Jr.

Mr. Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy Jr., Herman, as affectionately known to his family and friends, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va., at the age of 78. He was born on Aug. 7, 1932, in Petersburg, Va., to the late Hermanze E. and Helen C. Fauntleroy Sr.

He attended Petersburg Public Schools, graduating from Peabody High School in 1949. Herman continued his education at Virginia State College (now University) receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters in Education and Supervision. His fraternal and social memberships included, past Basileus of Delta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.; The Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, Emeritus, Eureka Lodge #15, Prince Hall Masons of Virginia Inc.; charter member and past president of the Beaux-Twenty Club Inc.; charter member and past president of the Howard L. Baugh Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc.; and the NAACP. He served in the United States Army for 32 years, which included a tour in Korea. He later retired from the 80th Division of the 300th Support Group Reserve unit at Fort Lee as commander and decorated colonel, where he received the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service.

Herman's professional career began as an educator in the Sussex County Public School System teaching physics and math at Sussex Central High School for one year. He then moved to the Petersburg Public School System where he taught electronics and physics at Peabody High School for 10 years. After losing his position at Peabody High School because of his election to the Petersburg City Council, Herman became a staff member at Virginia State College where he became the first development officer. Additional career opportunities included Seward Luggage, ownership of White Stores Electronics and Uni-Serv director of VEA for Southside VA.

Herman loved Petersburg and served as a City Council member for 20 years. In 1973, he became the first African-American mayor of Petersburg as well as in the State of Virginia. He also served as past chairman of the Petersburg Planning Commission; member and past chairman of the Petersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority; and past chairman of the Petersburg Democratic Committee. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Virginia Council of Human Rights for Virginia from 1987–1989, appointed by then Gov. Gerald Baliles.

Throughout his life, Herman was a passionate civil rights activist and, along with his wife, was vital to the integration of Petersburg Public Schools in the late 1960s.

As a life-time member of Gillfield Baptist Church, Herman served as the first leader of the congregation for nine years and was a member of the Men's Choir.

A loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Herman was extremely proud of his daughters and grandchildren in their academic accomplishments and professions. He will be missed by his wife of 57 years, Germaine (Gerry) Fauntleroy; three daughters, Veronica Fauntleroy, Germaine Fauntleroy Brewington and Sharone Fauntleroy Williams; a son-in-law, Wayne Clayton Williams; four grandchildren, Kristin Williams, Matthew Williams, Danielle Brewington and Allen Brewington; three sisters-in-law, Ida Williams (James), Deborah Gonzales (Tony) and Carmencita Stewart; one brother-in-law, Vincent Stewart (Susan); and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held noon, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St., Petersburg, Va., the Rev. Dr. George W.C. Lyons, pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Va.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at Gillfield Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Virginia State University Foundation, H.E. Fauntleroy Jr. Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 9027, Petersburg, VA 23806.

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

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