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Official Obituary of

Josephine Weaks

April 11, 2026
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Josephine Weaks Obituary

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
— Revelation 21:4

Josephine Weaks, a loving mother, grandmother, and devoted family matriarch, peacefully departed this life on April 11, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on December 16, 1931, in Franklin County, Josephine was the cherished daughter of the late Nellie Mae Brown and Arleigh Hopkins. She was educated in the Franklin County Public School system, and later moved to Norfolk, VA, where she laid the foundation for a life rooted in strength, resilience, and love.

Josephine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lester T. Weaks, Sr.; her sons, James Whitehead, Lowell Whitehead, Sr. and Lester T. Weaks, Jr.; her daughter, Linda Whitehead; her grandchildren, Lowell Whitehead, Jr. and Lavell Whitehead; her brother, Chester Lee Hopkins; and her parents.

She leaves to cherish her memory three devoted children: Sharon Owens, Arthur Lee Weaks, and Hattie Tatem. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Brian Whitehead, Lynette JahNesta Savage, Latoya Whitehead, Nikia Jordan, Trevonia Weaks, William Owens (Ebony), Ryan Owens, Tracey Gray, Lavon Williams, Timothy Rigg (Nicole), Nicholas Rigg (Rona-Jean), Lester Forbes, and Martini Hunt. She is also lovingly remembered by Diamond, her cherished fur baby and longtime companion, as well as her great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends.

Josephine dedicated her life to her family as a proud stay-at-home mother and nurturing grandmother. She was a woman of strength and discipline, known for her firm guidance, yet she balanced it with a deep and unwavering love. She created a home filled with laughter, often playing kickball with her children and grandchildren, creating treasured memories that will live on for generations.

Her life was a testament to love, sacrifice, and devotion. Though she is no longer with us in the flesh, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.

 

 

She Was the Heart of Home

She was the hands that held us tight,
The voice that made our wrongs feel right,
The steady love, both firm and true,
The quiet strength that saw us through.

She laughed with us in games we played,
In simple joys, her love was laid,
A kickball thrown, a smile so wide,
With every child right by her side.

Though time may take her from our view,
Her love remains in all we do,
For in our hearts, she’ll always stay,
Guiding us gently, day by day.

Rest now in peace, your work is done,
A life well lived, a victory won.
Though we may grieve and shed our tears,
Your love will echo through the years.

 

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine Weaks, please visit our floral store.


Services

Viewing
Friday
April 24, 2026

3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Keith Matthews Funeral Home
5665 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23502

Funeral Service
Saturday
April 25, 2026

1:00 PM
New Rising Sun Baptist Church
201 Patrick St.
Norfolk, VA 23523

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