AKEIM R. EASTER Sr.

So the last shall be, first, and the first last: for many be called, but few are chosen. Matthew 20:16

Our hearts were saddened when God called our dear loved one home, Mr. Akeim R. Easter Sr., also known as "Ark," 25, of 523 St. Matthew St., Petersburg, Va., early Sunday morning.

He was born to Arthur R. Easter and Vernell W. Scott on Jan. 4, 1989. He attended Petersburg Public Schools. He recently started attending God's Mission of Faith in Ettrick, Va., Pastor Virginia Graham.

He was a father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Akeim was loved by many. He loved the outdoors and was a people person. He never minded lending a helping hand. He loved his sons more than life itself. He had unconditional love for his sisters and brothers. He loved to make people laugh being that his favorite word was the "B" word. He enjoyed going out spending time with his family.He was a great person whom we shall miss dearly.

He leaves to cherish his legacy of memories, his children, Master Jordan Akeim Easter Jr. (Dominique, mother of Akeim Jr.) and Maliek Easter (Delonda, mother of Maliek); sisters, Arnita Williams (Gilbert) and Velva Walker (Kevin); brothers, Washington Scott Jr. (Faith) and Courtney Barcliff; grandmother, Ernestine Easter; grandfather, Washington Scott Sr.; aunts, Celesine Easter and Sharron Timmer of Richmond, Va.; great-aunts, Nazarene Jones, Louise Jackson and Beulah Williams; great-uncle, Lynn Williams of Richmond, Va.; stepfathers, Leroy Weaver, Roderick White and Robert Goodwyn; nieces and nephews, Danyell, Latrail, Kawanda, Michael, Wayne, Arlisa, Lamour, Tiffany, Isaiah, Marquez and Iyanna; great-nieces and nephews, Christopher, Shaniya, Shanae, TyQuan, Zamoreion, Zaleioun, Zyonna, Taziya, Derionna, Breon and Chance; godsons, Marcus Foster Jr. and Khalil Balthrop; devoted friends, Anthony Butcher, Deontae Balthrop, Marcus Foster, Frankie Tucker, Keon Parker, Marcus Parker, Tawon Parker, Demonte Perry, Delvon Winfield, Demetria Butcher, Katrell Stith and Felecia Perry.

Services for Mr. Akeim R. Easter Sr. will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2014, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr., pastor, the Rev. Damion T. Batts and Pastor Virginia Graham, eulogists. Interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, at the funeral establishment.

The family will receive friends at 523 St. Matthew St., Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted by calling 804-504-6768 and 933 Rome St., Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted by calling 804-704-5241.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Easter at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

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