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Will Massenburg Obituary
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
Will Massenburg Jr. (Junnie), 66, of 15777 Cabin Stick Road, Stony Creek, Va., departed this life into eternal rest on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va. He was born May 21, 1944, in Sussex County, Va., to the late Will Massenburg Sr. and Leatha M. Massenburg.
He graduated from Central High School in 1963 and furthered his education at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). Will graduated in May 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in business.
Will confessed Christ at an early age and joined Hunting Quarter Baptist Church in Stony Creek, Va. He was ordained as a deacon on April 29, 2006. Deacon Massenburg was an active and faithful servant who served diligently in whatever capacity he could. He served as chairman of the Diaconate Ministry, church treasurer, trustee, past president of the usher board, and sang in the male chorus. He loved Bible study and attended on a regular basis. Deacon Will was dedicated to his church and his pastor, Dr. Carroll Robb.
Deacon Massenburg was actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Sussex County School Board, vice chairman of Sussex Social Services Department and served on the Rowanty Board of Trustees. He was a former employee of Brown and Williamson and a retired employee of the Department of Corrections (Probation and Parole), where he worked for 26 years. Will was also involved with Primerica Financial Services.
Deacon Massenburg was definitely a people person who enjoyed making everyone laugh with his jokes. His hobbies included fishing, NASCAR racing, photography and watching television. Will was always helping people and frequently visiting the sick and shut-in to uplift them in prayer. He will be remembered as a loving, thoughtful, kind, helpful and compassionate person who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a veteran of the United States Army and was honorably discharged on March 29, 1972. Will was also a member of Stony Creek Lodge, #123 Prince Hall Freemasonry.
Deacon Massenburg leaves to cherish and celebrate his precious memories: a loving, devoted wife of 39 years, Phyllis Mason Massenburg; daughter, Dr. Darkeesha Massenburg-Pride (Roderick) of Chester, Va.; grandson, Nicholas Pride; mother-in-law, Annie B. Mason of Disputanta, Va.; sister-in-law, Catherine Gregory of Disputanta, Va.; two brothers-in-law, George R. Mason Jr. (Carolyn) of Petersburg, Va., and John T. Mason (Sarah) of Waverly, Va.; and a host of devoted and caring cousins, relatives and many, many friends.
A celebration of love and life for Deacon Will Massenburg Jr. will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at Galilee Baptist Church, 12392 Lee Ave., Stony Creek, Va., with the Rev. Charles Davis officiating and Dr. Carroll Robb eulogizing. Burial will commence at the Hunting Quarter Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the residence and the immediate family will assemble there at noon on the day of the service. The family may be reached at 434-246-5971 or 804-304-5972.
Funeral services for Deacon Massenburg have been entrusted to the staff of Jones-Peace Funeral Service, 13013 Park Ave., Stony Creek, Va., 434-246-3171.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Will Massenburg
January 13, 2011
So sorry about your loss. Cherish the memories - they will be with you forever.
Ann and Porcher L. Taylor, Jr.
Areva (Walton) Boyd
January 13, 2011
I, too attended and graduated from VSU, a freshman in '59 and a graduate of '64. You were/are a Trojan so hear felt sympathy is extended to the Massenburg Family. May God continue to strengthen and bless the family. Memories and happy times shared will always be with you
Arthur Mallory
January 7, 2011
To the Family,
I am saddened to hear about Will's death. I will remember Will as a good guy, a gentleman, a motivated person who wanted more. We talked often at B&W and I could see his eagerness to become an accomplished man.
May God be with you.
Nadir/Hadiyah Ahmad
January 6, 2011
To The Massenburg Family: We are praying for Will, as well as the family he leave behind. May God have mercy on him and grant him a place in paradise.
Linda Goode
January 6, 2011
To: Phylliss, Darkeesha, Roderick, Master Nicholas and The Massenburg Family
We know that your hearts are saddened but, remember that the pain does lessen. Continue to keep Will's memories, laughter, and joy alive. May God continue to sustain and Bless you in the days ahead forever.
Love,
The "Burrow" Girls and Families
Gloria, Phyllis (George), Linda (Marvin), Lavern (William)
Hattie Bonner
January 5, 2011
To The Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will strengthen you and may he find a comforting place in your hearts. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gwendolyn Brown FlowersProctor
January 5, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Alicia Smith-Freshwater
January 5, 2011
To Mrs. Massenburg and Darkeesha-
I know you are so proud of the life and legacy of your husband/father. He lived a life that inspired & helped others. May the memories always comfort and lift your heavy hearts. Know that through dying we have eternal life; and you will see him again... My love and prayers,
Richard Caple, Jr
January 5, 2011
To Phyllis and the Massenburg family,
So sorry I can not be there physically, as I had originally planned, but please know that my prayers and thoughts are that the God of peace will comfort your hearts and grant you peace in the passing of Will. I will especially miss not seeing him when I visit Stony Creek, for he would often stop and talk if he saw my car in Dorothy's driveway.God bless you all.
Richard (Dickie) Caple
Marian Goode
January 4, 2011
To Phyllis and Daughter, my heart is with you during your time of sorry. Just know that God is with you and he will see you through. Keep your faith and stay strong in the Lord and he will carry you through. Just remember the spirit lives after death.
Yvonne Williams
January 4, 2011
Phyllis, My deepest sympathy and condolences are with you and your family.
Elder Barbie Roundtree
January 4, 2011
Phyllis, Keesha and Family;
May the Peace of God that surpasses all our understanding guard your hearts and souls as you continue to trust Him, even in this hour. Holy Spirit is a comforter who will never leave you. You are certainly in my prayers. (Angela Wilson)
Doretha S.Johnson & Family
January 4, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Take comfort in knowing that friends care.
STEPHANIE WYCHE & FAMILY
January 4, 2011
PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS. PLEASE KNOW THAT TRULY GOD MAKES NO MISTAKE. KEEP THE MEMORIES OF MR.MASSENBURG ALIVE AND THAT WILL BRING COMFORT AND PEACE TO YOUR HEART.
January 4, 2011
Phyllis,
Our prayers are with you and your family
in your time of bereavement. Continue to
lean and depend on the Lord and he will
surely see you through.
Ellen & John Boone
James Malone
January 4, 2011
To the family of Mr. Will Massenburg.
We at Petersburg Community Corrections are sadden by your loss. Will was a great man who helped many as a Parole and Probation Officer. I considered him a true friend and mentor. He will be missed by all who came to know him.
James L. Malone
Director Petersburg Community Corrections and Staff
Yvonne Burrell
January 4, 2011
Dear Keesha,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom during this difficult time.
Yvonne Burrell
January 4, 2011
We are all so sorry for your loss. Mr. Massenburg was a wonderful person and a great friend. He will be sadly missed. From: Your Friends at Southside Dental Associates
Cindi and Robert Thomas
January 4, 2011
Gentle thoughts during these difficult days...
May it make your sorrow
Easier for you to bear
Knowing there are others
Who understand and care.
Mr Massenburg will be missed by all..I knew Mr Massenburg from Heritage Chevrolet where he would visit. He loved people and always had something uplifting to say. He was always smiling. He loved to look at the new cars in showroom.He would share stories about his family. His family meant the world to him.He touched all our lives...
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you..My condolences are with the family during your grief.
Lydia Hinton Jones
January 4, 2011
To Wills Wife, Daughter, and other family members, my thoughts and prayers are with you, in your time of loss, grief ,and bereavement ; I pray that God's loving comfort will keep you in perfect peace; and just remember that weeping you may endure during the night! but joy cometh in the morning.
Lydia Hinton Jones
January 4, 2011
To the family of Will, (Junnie) Massenburg; may GOD give you his peace and comfort in your time of grief and sadness, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Natasha (Spratley) Perkerson & Family
January 4, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
frances winfield
January 3, 2011
May the Lord be with you in your time of sorry.
Frances Williams Winfield Richmond Va
January 3, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during these difficult times. Please find comfort in the words from Isaiah 43:1-2"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."Elizabeth Parker;Jewell Green and The Seaborne Family(Sussex/Peterburg)
Nina Lemocks
January 3, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Deepest sympathy to you and all of your family.
January 3, 2011
With deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Delores J. Claiborne
Wilma Epes-Bush
January 3, 2011
Phillis and Keesha,
Courtney, Gina nad I were so socked and sadden to have heard the passing of Will. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to you. He will be truly missed. God is with you and will be with you through this difficult time. Trust in the Lord, He will give you strength.
Wilma Epes-Bush
January 3, 2011
Phillis and Keesha,
Courtney, Gina and I were was so sadden when we heard of Will's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. He will be truly missed, especially at the family gathering.
Nicole T. Evans
January 3, 2011
To The Massenburg Family
To my family keep your hands in Gods hands he'll make everything alright. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Joan Parham and family
Clementine Gregory-Smith
January 3, 2011
Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Cousin Will Jr. was a good man, and he will be missed by many. My prayers to you and Darkeesha.
The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.
Mindy Purvis
January 3, 2011
To the Massenburg Family, I worked with Will at Southampton Correctional Center before he promoted to Probation and Parole. He was a great person to be around and he always had a joke to tell. I am sorry for your loss. May God continue to comfort your family.
Valarie, Toccara & Tyler
January 3, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 3, 2011
Mrs. Massenburg & Darkeesha,
Please except my deepest sympathy, I am still shocked. Will was a kind person to all who knew him. You both are in my prayers. I first remember him from VA State, we had the same major and graduated the same year. I even enjoyed talking to him back then.
Maria W. Baines
SHERIFF RAYMOND BELL
January 3, 2011
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
RICHETTA GRAVES
January 3, 2011
PHYLLIS AND DARKEESHA, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, KEEP ALL MEMORIES ALIVE, BECAUSE HE WAS A KIND PERSON WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE WHENEVER HE WAS IN YOUR PRESENT. GOD BLESS.
January 3, 2011
Phyllis,
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Will Jr. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. Will Jr. was a good person and will be greatly missed. LaVerne C. Ford
James Freeman
January 3, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Massensurg family as you deal with life's most difficult moment. May you find peace in the loving memories of the more joyous times.
January 3, 2011
Remembering you and your family in heartfelt thoughts of sympathy and hoping it helps to know that others care and share your loss. Bernice,Kevin,and Keilana,Petersburg, Virginia.
Arlene Harvell Woodley
January 3, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ernestine Wilson
January 3, 2011
Dear Darkeesha and Family,
Though I did not know your father, from all I have read he was one of God's special people. It seems that God gave him a beautiful soul. That beauty is now reflected in His presence.
With deep sorrow for your loss and hope that you will find peace in beautiful memories.
Ernestine G. Wilson & Family
Petersburg, VA
Fred & Jean Dillard
January 3, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 3, 2011
Mrs, Phylllis Massenburg & Family, We extend our heartfelt ccondolences to you and your family. We pray that the strength of Almighty God will sustain you during your time of bereavement and the days ahead.
Sincerely, Rev. & Mrs. Leroy A. Cherry & Family
DEE COPELAND
January 3, 2011
Phyllis, I found it difficult to accept the news. As you know, Will and I worked together many years at Southampton and remained friends even after his promotions within the Department. His love for you and "Keesha", his family and friends was evident. I will remember his smile,warmth and genuine concern for his fellow man. God Bless.
Viola Brown
January 3, 2011
My heart was sadden to hear of your loss. May your strength in God help you through this most difficult time.
Frances (pudding) Artis-Reed & Jimmy R. Reed
January 2, 2011
Phyllis, I pray for God's peace to keep you and your family in this time of loss. Will jr is a cool cousin of which I have wonderful memories. Love to you and your family.
George Mason, Jr.
January 2, 2011
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
James & Brenda Lankford
January 2, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
January 2, 2011
My prayers are with you as you go through this period of sadness. Stay strong and know that God will take care of you.
Sharon Yates
Louise Turner-wyche
January 2, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Hope Urquhart
January 2, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
shayla simpson
January 2, 2011
My heart goes out to the Massenburg family this indeed was a shocker to all,you all are in my prayers.
Rosa DeWitt
January 1, 2011
To The Massenburg & Pride Family:
Do not let your heart be troubled...
God will take care of you.
This brings a prayer that God above will comfort you with His Great love,
And may the strength of your belief help guide you through this time of grief.
Thinking of You With Sympathy,
Little Bethel Church Sunday School, Stony Creek VA
Rosa DeWitt, Supt.
Dea. Kenneth Adkins, Asst. Supt.
Randy & Ophelia Gregory
January 1, 2011
May the peace of God comfort you in your time of sorrow. We will lift you up in prayer during your time of mourning. Remember God is your source of strength
Clarence Jackson
January 1, 2011
My heart goes out to Phyliss and Darkesha. You have lost a husband and father that was loved and respected by all he came in contact with. He was a cousin most loved by my family and will be held in our hearts foreever. Heaven has welcomed it's chosen one home.
William Bain, Sr.
January 1, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
William Bain, Sr.
January 1, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Nikki Williams (Thornton)
January 1, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Massenburg's passing. My thoughts are with you. May you find peace in the comfort God promises those who mourn.
LaVerne Thornton
January 1, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
January 1, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sharon/Chris Mason
January 1, 2011
May the gentle hand of God touch your hearts with peace during your grief.
Stephen Hill
December 31, 2010
My deepest sympathy and condolences are with you during your period of grief.
Wilsey Taylor
December 31, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you..My condolences are with the family during your grief.
Phillip Taylor
December 31, 2010
As the days and weeks pass and you return to life's routine, may you all continue to feel comforted by love and support from family and friends..
Dorothy J Graves
December 31, 2010
Thou we should be evenso ready, our hearts were deeply sadden when we learned of the transforming of your loveone from here to eternity. Our prauuers are with you.
Dorothy JeAnne and family
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