All Obituaries

Wanda Lou Hancock, born and raised on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 11th, at the age of 88. She was born to the late Bennie and Lenore “Ink” Daisey on February 13th, 1936. At the young age of 17 (or 18 if you asked the Clerk of the Court!), she married the love of her life, Louie “Hallas” Hancock. They were married for 53 years. She is survived by their only child, Sallie Lou Holloway (James “Jimmy” Holloway...

Christopher Bruce Corbin, born on December 1st, 1962, to Emma Alvord Lasche and Bruce Corbin, passed away unexpectedly on April 7th at 61 years old in Chincoteague, VA. He was the youngest of their four children. Raised in Exmore, Chris moved to Chincoteague when he was a teenager. It was there that he married Renee Bowden in 1981 and joined the United States Army as an Engineer. He retired early in 1995 as a decorated soldier with several overseas tours, placement in Ft. Stewart, GA, and...

Mildred Love Wilkerson (Pelot) died on April 3, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on January 15, 1929, in Virginia Beach. She was the youngest and last surviving sibling of 7. Known as “Millie” or “Putchie or “Nanny” by so many, she lived her life to the fullest. She shared 34 years of marriage with Charles Pelot, Sr before his passing and another 24 years of marriage with William “Fleet” Wilkerson before his passing. She had a long life filled...

Michael Steven Sosebee, 71, passed away on March 28, 2024. He was born on August 14, 1952, to the late Jackson and Dorothy Sosebee.   Mike is a graduate of Texas A&M University, has served in the Navy, and retired from the Eastern Correctional Institute, where he served as a Correctional Officer and managed the Recreations Department. Mike was also a lifetime member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. He was very proud to be a certified firefighter where he would assist...

Maureen Mary Conklin Derrickson was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on March 24, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born to Henry Winfred and Mary Elizabeth Conklin on March 17, 1936. After graduating from high school, she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Bevis Derrickson, and they were happily married for 69 years. Together, they have two sons, Brian Derrickson (Rose) and Tom Derrickson (Jacque). She is...

Donald Ray Thornton passed away on March 21, 2024, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital at the age of 87. Surrounded by his loving Family. He was born in Chincoteague, Virginia, on July 26, 1936, The son of the late Snowden N. Thornton and Ida B. Thornton. After graduating from Chincoteague High School, he entered The United States Coast Guard. Retiring in 1975. Serving twenty years. He was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge and Served on the Town of Chincoteague Board of...

Rev. Doctor Allen B. Hopkins, Sr. of Newport News, VA, passed away in his home on February 29, 2024, at the age of 80, with his family by his side. Allen was born on December 1, 1943, in Norfolk, VA, where his father was stationed during his time in the Navy. He grew up on Chincoteague Island, where he attended Chincoteague Elementary School and Chincoteague High School and was a member of Union Baptist Church. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Christopher Newport College in...

Charles R. “Charlie” Portz, 69, peacefully passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at his home on Chincoteague Island, VA surrounded by his loved ones and comforted by his rescue cats. Charlie was born on March 15, 1954  in Ashland, PA and grew up in Girardville, PA. He relocated to York, PA where he raised his family for 31 years before retiring to Chincoteague, VA in 2020. He was the son of the late Raymond and Anna Portz (née Cichoski) Girardville,...

William Ervin Melvin, “Barnacle Bill” of Chincoteague Island, Virginia, passed away in his home on January 21, 2024, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loved ones.  Bill was born on January 24, 1940, in his parents’ home on Chincoteague.   Throughout his life, Bill wore many hats, including Waterman, Saltwater Cowboy, Salesman, Contractor, and Entrepreneur, but he was most known for his amazing storytelling and guided boat tours as Barnacle Bill.  Bill...