Trevis Von Etheridge

Our beloved Trevis Von Etheridge, left this world on September 10, 2024, at the age of 54. Trevis fought a brave battle and faced his illness with the same strength and dignity that characterized his entire life. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on a chilly day of January 5, 1970, to Marva Stafford and Jawaad Abdur-Rahman (formerly known as Gerhardt "Butch" Etheridge), Trevis was a true New Yorker at heart, hailing from Brownsville to his final years in Suffolk, Virginia. Trevis lived a life full of love, learning, and laughter.
To know Trevis was to love him. His warm smile and hearty laugh could light up any room. As a true New Yorker, he carried that unmistakable Brooklyn swag wherever he went, but it was his kind heart and generous spirit that truly defined him.
Our Trevis was a man of service, both to his country and his community. Trevis enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a teenager, serving honorably for six years and achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class (E5). He served in the Persian Gulf War aboard the USS Guadalcanal and completed multiple tours before settling in Norfolk, Virginia with his first wife, Tonia and eldest two children. His service to his family and community is what truly sets him apart.
After hanging up his naval uniform, Trevis brought his leadership skills to the civilian world. Trevis' career was marked by dedication and excellence, from his time at Circuit City to his 17-year tenure at Charter/Spectrum. But for Trevis, work was never just about a paycheck - it was about doing his best and lifting up those around him. Trevis was a pillar of our community, always ready to lend a hand or offer words of wisdom. He was recognized by the International Black Women's Congress in 2007 when he proudly accepted the Encircle Award, which barely scratched the surface of the impact he had on those around him. Trevis lived by the principle of "Each One Teach One," always ready to mentor, guide, and support those around him.
A man of many interests, Trevis had an insatiable curiosity and a love for knowledge that inspired everyone around him. He could often be found with his nose buried in a book, soaking up information about Black history or exploring the depths of Islamic studies. His passion for chess wasn't just about the game - it was about strategy, patience, and always thinking several moves ahead, a philosophy he applied to all aspects of his life.
We would be remiss to not acknowledge his athletic prowess in football, basketball, and baseball, whether playing in the game or in the man cave cheering for his beloved NY teams.
But of all his accomplishments, nothing made Trevis beam with pride quite like his family. His love story with Cheryl was one for the ages - 30 years of partnership, laughter, and unwavering support. As a father, he was unmatched. Trevis raised his 4 children with a perfect blend of tough love and tender care. He taught them the value of hard work, the importance of critical thinking, and the power of staying true to one's values. His love extended to his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy in his later years.
We will miss so many things about Trevis - his passionate debates about sports (especially his beloved New York teams), his unbeatable chess strategies, his wise council, and his unwavering faith in Allah. But most of all, we'll miss his presence - that feeling of comfort and security that came from simply being near him.
Trevis was preceded in death by his sister Treva, father Butch, stepfather Ike, mother Marva, and aunt Mavis. We take comfort in knowing that they are reunited now, probably engaged in one of those lively discussions Trevis so enjoyed. He is survived by his wife Cheryl; children Trevis II (Jasmine), Jasmine (Sheldon), Aneesa, and Naiyhani (Nigel); grandchildren Honor, Reign, Trevis III, Tristan, Jiselle "Gigi", Ayden, and Armon; and siblings Bilal, Khalid, and Karen.
To Cheryl, his children, grandchildren, siblings, and all who loved him - Trevis may no longer be with us in body, but his spirit lives on in each of us. Every time we challenge ourselves to learn something new, every time we extend a helping hand to others, every time we stand up for what's right - we honor Trevis' legacy. We take comfort in the memories of Sunday family dinners filled with laughter, heated debates about sports, and the quiet moments when he'd share a piece of wisdom that would stay with us for years.
Trevis, you were our rock, our historian, our tech geek, and our hero. The world is a little less bright without you in it, but we promise to keep your memory alive in everything we do. We'll continue to root for your beloved NY teams (even when they're losing), we'll keep learning and growing just like you taught us, and we'll make sure your legacy lives on forever.
Rest easy, our dear Trevis. Until we meet again, we'll never stop missing you. We love you to infinity and beyond!