Obituaries

Chesapeake-Patrick Eugene Wilkins, affectionately known as “Woody”, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at home. Woody was born on January 9, 1951 in South Norfolk, Virginia to the late Virginia Manley-Burfoot and Bennie Wilkins. He is predeceased by his grandmother, Mollie Manley and brothers, Benjamin Wilkins, Norman Wilkins and Victor Wilkins.

Woody was raised in the Broadlawn neighborhood and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1969, the last graduating class. Upon completion of high school, Woody was drafted into the Army but decided to join the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a guard at the Marine Barracks in Norfolk, Virginia. While in the Marines, he earned a National Defense Services Medal and Rifle Expert Badge. After the military, he started his career with Amoco Oil Company and later worked as a supervisor and office assistant for the City of Portsmouth and retired April 1, 2013. While working with the City of Portsmouth Woody earned an Associate’s Degree from Tidewater Community College. Throughout his life, Woody pursued several entrepreneurial endeavors, including his every own candy truck and food truck called Po Woody’s.

Woody enjoyed a plethora of hobbies and activities including traveling, photography, practicing his golf swing and walking the neighborhood. He was a movie buff and an avid sports fan who loved to watch and root for the Washington Commanders. Woody loved spending time with his family and friends. He was the community comedian and always left people with a smile on their faces.

Woody was a devoted family man who leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 52 years, Beatrice Wilkins; daughter, Nitika Tavares (Marc); son, Maurio Wilkins; grandchildren, Daizsa Holland and Marc Tavares Jr; brothers Terry Wilkins, Tyrone Bray (Jocelyn) and Jacob Bray; aunts Dorothy Whitmore, Olivia Ruffin, and Carolyn Everett (McKinley); uncles, Herman Manley (Alva), Lionell Spruill, Larry Spruill, and Johnny Spruill; brothers-in law, Herman Flora, Albert Butts Jr., Edward Butts Sr. (Delois); sisters-in-law, Myrtle Hundley, Ella Harrison (Charlie), Claudette Cuffee, Constance Bailey (Maurice Sr.), and Jacqueline Wilkins. A host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends will also cherish his memory for years to come.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Norfolk Sentara Hospital, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare Center, Virginia Oncology, Gentiva Hospice, Chesapeake Health and Rehabilitation and Ashley Bethea (personal aid) for providing essential care. A sincere thank you to our family, friends, church family, and Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services who gave loving care and support during this difficult time. Thank you for all of the cards, calls, texts, visits and prayers. We are truly grateful and appreciative.

A funeral will take place at 11am Wednesday; May 31, 2023 at Providence United Church of Christ, 2200 Vicker Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324. Visitation will take place Tuesday; May 30, 2023 from 4-6pm at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1146 Rodgers St., Chesapeake, VA 23324.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.