Stephen V. Mitchem

Stephen VanDorn Mitchem, age 91 of Hayes, died on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Stephen was born on Gwynn's Island at the family home "Gwynnsville" to the late VanDorn and Lillie Forrest Mitchem. He spent his entire young life on the island and was very proud of his Gwynn's Island roots. He graduated from Mathews High School and left to work at the shipyard. He graduated from The Apprentice School in 1956 and continued a long and prosperous career as a designer. He married the love of his life, Rosalyn Norvader Quinn, in 1958, and they settled in Hayes, VA. Always the adventurous spirit, he became involved in many different organizations, always wanting to help his community and those less fortunate. He was the past president of the Gloucester Jaycees, the Hopesville Boys Ranch, and the Masons. He was a 54-year member of the Achilles Lodge No. 281 AF & AM. He also obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed flying a plane all over the area, taking beautiful photographs from the air. He was a master clock and watch repairer and enjoyed woodworking. Forever the Mr. Fix It. His skills became very handy to many people, including spending many years volunteering at the Bargain Box with his good friends Raymond and Faye Burris. He had a great Faith in the Lord and was a firm believer that everything was in God's hands. After the death of Rosalyn in 2001, Stephen met his second wife, Barbara, and had over a decade of love and joy before her death in 2024. Stephen was known to be quite the jokester and loved to make people laugh. His quick wit was like no other. He will be sorely missed. In addition to his parents, Stephen was preceded in death by the love of his life, Rosalyn, his brother Harry E. Mitchem, and his second wife, Barbara. Stephen is survived by his daughter, Melanie Danforth (Adrin McFerrin) of Gloucester, VA, and his son, Stephen D. Mitchem (Jessica) of Orlando, FL. Six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, niece Linda Triolit (Charlie), and devoted niece Candy Belvin, who stood by Melanie's side for the past six years during his illness, helping provide unconditional love and support to her uncle until the end, three nephews, and two more nieces, and a host of cousins. The family would like to thank Heron Cove 2 for the wonderful care they provided to Stephen over the last two years, especially Brittany, Angie, and his "sweetheart" Amber, just to name a few. The family will receive friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Bill West, will be held at Hogg Funeral Home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 3:00 pm with Masonic Funeral Rites. The inurnment will be private. In memory of Stephen, memorial contributions may be made to Heartfelt Community, 7282 York Ave, Gloucester, VA, 23061. Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.