October 8, 1947 - May 10, 2023

Ann Briggs Wrenn, 75, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. She was the daughter of the late, Henry Marriott Briggs and Maude Lassiter Briggs.

Left to Cherish her memory is her husband of 52 years, James Wrenn, daughter, Karen Thompson, son, Jimmie Wrenn (Ginger), grandchildren, Becca Gill (Taylor), Jammie Wrenn, great-grandchild, Kinsley Gill.

A graveside service will be held at Greensville Memorial Cemetery on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 1:00 P.M.

Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

October 12, 1931 - May 2, 2023

Charles Jimmie Clay, Sr., passed away on May 2, 2023 at his home. He was the son of the late, Mitchell Clay and Nina Wall Clay. Jimmie served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class in the Korean War and was a retired Captain of the Virginia Department of Corrections. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 70 years, Jean Phillips Clay, brother, Mondell Clay, sisters, Loretta Dobler, Avis Adams, Rose Kilchenman.

Left to cherish his memory is daughters, Kaye Herman of Littleton, N.C., Debbie Heath of Gaston, N.C., Connie Pittard (Rick) of Cape Coral, FLA., son, Charles Clay (Jennifer) of LaCross, VA., brother, Max Clay, sisters, Judy Vorndran, Emma Dotson, grandchildren, A.J. Harrell, April Epling (Kenny), Chad Wright (Amy), Joey Herman (Kim), Jason Wright (April), Tim Herman (Dana), Nathan Pittard, Scarlette Edens, along with twelve great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Independence United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

A funeral service will immediately follow starting at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Brad Barbour officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

August 8, 1939 - March 29, 2023

Frances Lucy Grizzard, 83, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. She was the daughter of the late, Raymond and Ruth Lucy. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Raymond Lucy, Jr., Arthur Lucy, sister, Ellen Jean Lucy Gibson. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Robert Hope Grizzard, Jr., nephews, David Gibson, John Gibson, niece Janet Gibson.

Frances was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church for 53 years. She also loved to play golf and enjoyed teaching Sunday school to the youth at Calvary.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Bob Pipkin officiating. Interment will be held at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. Contributions are to be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

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Johnny Lee Brna, 72, passed away on February 20, 2023, at his home. He was the son of the late Paul Brna and Rosa Bradley Brna. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Albert Brna and Kenneth Brna. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Jacqueline Woodard Brna. Daughters, Linda Slate, Lisa Graham (Alex), brother Joseph R. Brna (Linda), sister Phyllis Brna. Grandchildren, Taylor Slate, Cambra Graham, Meredith Graham, Austin Graham, nieces, Katherine Talley (Dean), Sheila Sasser (Keith), along with many other nieces and nephews.

Johnny was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and the best Papa. He was a selfless man who loved God, his family, friends, and being a part of the Farmers Hunt Club as he was an avid hunter. He was an excellent farmer and always took pride in his work. In his spare time, you could find Johnny in his garden picking his tomatoes or cucumbers, hunting with his grandson, Austin, or watching sports on tv. His presence will be greatly missed, as he was one of the best men we have ever known.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Saint John the Baptist Lutheran Church from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. A funeral service will immediately follow, starting at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Dennis Rhoads officiating. Interment will follow at the Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint John the Baptist Lutheran Church. 1351 W Atlantic St. Emporia VA, 23847. Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

Martha Moore Allen, of Emporia, VA., born July 13, 1937 in Greensville County to the late James Bryant Moore and Virginia Ruth Stainback, passed away on February 17, 2023. Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Milton Eugene Allen, Sr.

Martha was a longtime member of Main Street Baptist Church. She graduated from Greensville County High School in 1955 and retired from the Greensville County School Board Office after 34 years of employment as an Administrative Assistant in 2002.

Martha is survived by a son; Milton Eugene “Mickey” Allen, Jr., and his wife Pamela Newsome Allen, grandchildren; Kevin Blake Allen and wife Loren Taylor Allen of Jarratt, Nicholas Eugene Allen and special friend Courtney Lewis of Brodnax, Crystal Lynn Carpenter of Emporia,  Katelyn Dawn Malone of Norfolk, Stephen Tyler Malone of Bossier City, Louisiana., great-grandchildren; Bryson Blake Allen, Macy Rain Allen, sisters; Peggy Blankenship of Emporia, Helen Rose of Richmond, Shirley Lamm of Richmond, a special nephew; Ted Rose and wife Melinda of Harrisonburg, and two special nieces; Ginger L. Hawthorne of Richmond, Candy L. Harrison and husband Billy of Chesapeake.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Echols Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Rick Hurst officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home at 2:00 P.M. until service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Street Baptist Church, 310 N. Main Street, Emporia, VA., 23847.

Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Flowers Wornom, 94, longtime resident of Emporia, died peacefully on January 5, 2023 surrounded by her family at her home at Lakewood West End in Richmond.

Mrs. Wornom was born on March 2, 1928, daughter of the late William Oscar Flowers and Otelia Wachsmann Flowers. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Boyce Carmines Wornom; her daughter Barbara Wornom Adams; son-in-law Samuel Webster Adams, III; and sisters Sarah Flowers Pennington and Elizabeth Flowers Phillips.

She is survived by her sister Jean Flowers Grubbs (John) of Richmond; daughters Debora Wornom Williams of Millwood; Patricia Wornom Gresset (Frédéric) of Charlotte; Lynda Wornom Wright (Ross) of Ashland; grandchildren Ashton Williams (Shelley) of Atlanta; Boyce Adams (Katie) of Henrico; Anne Williams (Matthew Peterson) of Boyce; William Adams (Whitney) of Henrico; Henri Gresset (Joyceline) of Charlotte; Jacques Gresset of San Francisco; Ross Wright, Jr. (Sarah) of Richmond; Elliott Wright of Richmond; Alice Gresset of San Francisco; Owen Wright (Libbie) of Richmond; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Born and reared in Sussex County, Mrs. Wornom attended Mary Washington College and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia (VCU) with a degree in medical technology. A long-time member of Main Street Baptist Church in Emporia, she taught Sunday School for over 50 years and was a member of the Elizabeth Hale Circle. She was a member and former Regent of the Hicksford Chapter of the National Daughters of the American Revolution, a former member of the Riparian Women’s Club in Emporia, and a dedicated volunteer with the Greensville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Funeral services will be held at Main Street Baptist Church in Emporia on Monday, January 16 at 1:00 pm. followed by a reception at the church. Interment will follow at Emporia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Main Street Baptist Church or the Emporia-Greensville Rescue Squad.

The Wornom Family wishes to thank devoted caregivers Anita Singh, Crystal Wilson, Ella Anulova, Shynetta Campbell and her team at The Father’s House Nursing Agency, and Affinity Care of Virginia.

Online condolences can be sent to www.echolsfuneralhome.com

Jean Phillips Clay, 87, passed away on December 4, 2022. She was the daughter of the late, Joseph Phillips and Mable Bowen Phillips. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Clara Mitchell (Roy), brothers, Joseph Phillips (MesaAnn), Jessie Phillips (Jackie), son-in-law, Mike Herman. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Jimmy Clay, children, Kaye Herman of Littleton, N.C., Debbie Heath of Gaston, N.C., Connie Pittard (Rick) of Cape Coral, Fla, Charles Clay (Jennifer) of LaCross, VA., brother, Milton Phillips (Betty) of Chester, VA., grandchildren, A.J. Harrell of Emporia, VA., April Epling (Kenny) of Mechanicsville, VA., Chad Wright (Amy) of Athens, AL, Joey Herman (Kim) of Kernsville, N.C., Jason Wright (April) of Emporia, VA., Tim Herman (Dana) of Garner, N.C., Nathan Pittard of Chester, VA, Scarlette Edens of LaCross, VA., along with twelve great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Independence United Methodist Church on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

A funeral service will follow starting at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Brad Barbour officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice of Virginia, 2235 Staples Mill Road, Ste 100, Richmond, VA., 23230, or Independence United Methodist Church, 4438 Independence Church Road, Emporia, VA., 23847.

Online condolences may be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com

November 27, 1922 - May 9, 2022

J. Reid Wrenn died peacefully, surrounded by family on May 9, 2022, at the age of 99 years. He lived a long and accomplished life. He was the oldest of nine children, a family man, a skilled businessman, a member of the Baptist church and a lifelong resident of Emporia, VA.

Reid is survived by his son James Reid Wrenn, Jr. of Midlothian (Spouse: Karen), Daughter Rebecca Wrenn Adam of Charlottesville (Spouse: Michael), Grandson Brian Wrenn (Spouse: Adriana and Great Grand Daughter: Maria), Grandson Elliott Wrenn (Partner: Michelle Giezeman) and Grandson Ryan Adam, all of Washington, DC. Four of Reid’s seven sisters survive him: Margaret Thrower of Emporia, Elvin Picano of Richmond, Frances Matson of Richmond and Linda Joyner of Franklin.

Preceding Reid in death were his parents, Richard and Jessie May Wrenn of Emporia, Sarah Wrenn, his wife of 73 years, and four siblings: Burton Wrenn, Mary Lee Pearson and Ruby Rawlings, all of Emporia, and Jean Ciletti of Baltimore, MD.

At the age of only 18 months, Reid contracted Polio, leaving his right arm partially paralyzed. At six years old, Reid received surgery and treatment at Sheltering Arms Hospital that allowed him to regain partial use of his arm. Never allowing this early difficulty to hold him back, Reid moved forward through school and through life with ambition, determination and optimism. As the first-born of nine children and inspired by the sheer will, determination and selflessness of his mother and father confronting the enormous challenges of the Great Depression, he became a faithful big brother and virtual assistant "Daddy" to all of his siblings.

At the age of 17, he began his career in Sales at Emporia Sash & Door, a building supply dealer in Emporia. Having helped the company prosper, he was elevated to Vice President.

During WWII, Reid served his country in the Virginia State Guard as a Supply Sergeant, since his brush with polio prevented him from serving in the military.

In June 1966, he was offered a new position at Brick & Tile Corporation of Lawrenceville, VA. (Brand name is Lawrenceville Brick.) Initially focusing on regional sales, Reid later rose to Vice President. In 1975, he became President / CEO. Reid’s vision for Brick & Tile fostered growth. In 1966, when Reid arrived, the company was making 27 million brick per year. Under Reid’s direction, the construction of new plants (ultimately three new plants over the years) with innovative technologies that allowed Brick & Tile to better compete in the marketplace, increase sales and increase manufacturing to 110 million brick per year. He always attributed much of his success to the excellent Sales, Engineering and Administrative teams at Brick & Tile Corporation.

Reid retired as Brick & Tile’s President / CEO in October of 2001.

For many years, Reid served as a Director for the Brick Industry Association. Additionally, he served as Chairman for the Emporia Industrial Development Authority for more than 10 years.

Reid was an avid reader of history, political discourse and current events. He was constantly learning. He was an excellent and competitive checker player. Devoting nearly all of his spare time to his family and friends, Reid was always seeking ways to make life’s path smoother for those he loved. He was a tirelessly unselfish and generous son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who always put his family first. In his passing, there is no doubt he heard the words of Jesus saying "Well done, my good and faithful servant" for the manner in which he led his life.

Visitation will begin at 1pm on Thursday 5/12/22 at Echols Funeral Home in Emporia, (806 Brunswick Avenue) followed immediately by a Chapel Service at Echols at 2pm. Interment will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery, 1250 Skippers Road, (Route 301 South) Emporia, VA. Reception to follow at Golden Leaf Commons, 1300 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, VA.