James Nathan Yerby of Richmond passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident in Charles City County.
He was raised in a Christian home and joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Heathsville at an early age.
He later joined Moore Street Baptist Church in Richmond and was an ordained deacon and served in many other capacities until his death.
James was educated in the Northumberland County public schools. Upon graduation, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in May 1975.
James began his career of teaching seventh-grade history in 1976 at Caroline Middle School, Milford, and continued until he retired in 2007.
He was more than just a colleague. He was a beloved brother and friend who inspired many people with his love for teaching and his daily quote of “God is good.”
He leaves to cherish his love and precious memory his devoted wife, Vernice; two sons, Patrick and Brandon; and one daughter, Tiffany, all of Richmond; a loving father, James Clinton Yerby of Heathsville; seven sisters, Margaret and her husband, James, of Wytheville, Jane and her husband, Darryl, of Christiansburg, Lorraine and her husband, Isaac, of Richmond, Loretta of Washington, D.C., Patricia of Bowling Green, Sheila and her husband, Calvin, of Ruther Glen, and Carol A. Yerby of Heathsville; one sister-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Othella Taylor Yerby; a twin brother, John; and a sister, Betty Jo.
A viewing will be Thursday, July 31, from noon to 8 p.m. at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m. A viewing also will be held Friday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Moore Street Baptist Church, 1408 W. Leigh St., Richmond, Va. 23220.
A funeral will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m., at Caroline County Community Services Center, 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Milford, Va. 22514, with the Rev. Alonza Lawrence officiating. Burial will be private at a later date.