Mr. Matthew E. Peanort Jr.

Matthew E. Peanort, Jr., 83, of Hampton, Virginia, transitioned peacefully at Riverside Regional Medical Center on November 5, 2025.
Born on November 3, 1942, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Matthew E. Peanort, Sr. and Ethel Mae Jacobs Peanort, Matt, affectionately known by family as "Junior", was the first child born in the Douglass Park neighborhood of Portsmouth.
Matt was a proud 1961 graduate of I. C. Norcom High School and later earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia.
As a child, Matt attended his family's home church, Zion Baptist Church in Portsmouth, where he was active in the Youth Choir, Sunday School, Baptist Youth Fellowship, and the Boy Scouts of America. In 1985, he joined First Baptist Church East End in Newport News, Virginia, where he remained a faithful and active member throughout his life.
Matt's first job was as the neighborhood paperboy in Portsmouth. Known for his reliability and pride in his work, he never missed a single delivery on his route, a sign of his strong work ethic.
After high school, Matt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably in South Carolina, Hawaii, and Japan before returning to Virginia. His post-military career began as a security officer at Newport News Shipyard, but he soon found his true calling in the Fire Service.
Over the years, Matt served with distinction as a firefighter at the Newport News Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Fort Eustis Army Base, culminating in his retirement from the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown as an Assistant Fire Chief. Even after retirement, Matt continued to stay active-working part-time at Canon, Inc., and, until his passing, at Enterprise Mobility in Newport News for over 20 years.
In the summer of 1970, Matt married the love of his life, Doretha Ann Williams of Newport News. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Matthew III and Marcus, who became the center of his life. Matt was a devoted husband and father, known for never missing an event or activity that involved his boys.
Matt adored his family and friends and especially cherished his granddaughters, Morgan and Madison, who affectionately called him "Pop-Pop". Matt spoke often and lovingly about Morgan and Madison, sharing their accomplishments and adventures with everyone he met. His face would light up when he talked about their academic successes and extracurricular activities. Being their "Pop-Pop" was one of his greatest joys and his devotion to them reflected the deep, caring spirit that defined his life.
Matt had a love for driving and was known for his unmatched knowledge of the highways. He could tell you what was located at nearly every exit along I-95, I-64, and I-81, and was always ready with alternate routes to avoid traffic. His road trips often included visits with family and friends, he was famous for showing up in person to wish you a happy birthday, no matter where you lived.
At First Baptist Church East End, Matt served faithfully in several ministries, including the Men's Fellowship Ministry, Pastor Ambassador Team, Port Shelter Volunteer, Golden Key Ministry, Parking Lot Ministry, the Church Open and Close Team, and Volunteer Church Driver. Beyond the church, he was also a dedicated member of the Marine Corps League – Yorktown Detachment 1173, where he served as Sergeant at Arms, and an active member of the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Retirees' Association.
Matt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doretha; his paternal grandfather, Charlie Peanort; maternal grandmother, Agusta D. Jacobs; father, Matthew E. Peanort, Sr.; and mothers, Ethel Mae Jacobs Peanort and Erline Keene Peanort; along with many other cherished family members.
He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory two sons, Matthew III (Tamisha) of Ashland, VA, and Marcus (Tyra) of Germantown, MD; two granddaughters, Morgan and Madison; two loving sisters, Marie Peanort Whitaker (Arthur) of Adelphi, MD, and Geneva Peanort Fennell (Carl) of Dover, DE; a special cousin, Carl "Maxie" Jacobs of Newport News, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Matt's life was one of faith, service, and love, an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Donations
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the First Baptist Church East End - Men's Fellowship Ministry, 3000 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23607 or online at https://myfbcee.org/e-giving/ (Men's Day)
Live Stream Details: Available on YouTube @fbceenn.
Mr. Peanort's services can be viewed live on First Baptist Church East End's YouTube page the day of the service: http://www.youtube.com/@fbceenn
It is the desire of the Peanort family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
The family of Mr. Matthew E. Peanort, Jr. has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mr. Matthew E. Peanort, Jr., please visit our floral store.