Robert Lee "Billy" Jarvis

Robert  Lee Jarvis was born on April 24, 1938, in Newport News, VA.  He was raised by his adopted parents, the late Josephine and Simon Stokes.  He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Simon Stokes Jr. of Newport News, Dorothy Mayo of Hampton, VA, Gertrude Banks of Buffalo, NY, Shirley Emerson of Philadelphia, PA, and Mary.

"Billy", as he was affectionately known, graduated from Carver High School in Newport News, VA. After high school, Billy joined the U.S. Army and served honorably during the Vietnam War. He worked at the Fort Eustis Post Exchange for a few years as a civilian.  He quickly discovered his God-given talent for cooking.  For over forty years, God blessed multiple Newport News restaurants and the public with his extraordinary culinary skills.  He used his many skills and talent to cater and to serve all major family events.  Although Billy never married, he built a beautiful and multi-generation family of significant friends, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Billy was a lifelong and faithful member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church. He was very active in the community and a fan of the Gospel Quartets.  Billy loved sports and was a die-hard fan of the Redskins, the Lakers, and the Yankees. He also coached a youth baseball team.  Billy loved to host parties, sit outside on his stoop, and talk to every neighbor, roommate, Food Lion friends, and everyone he came in contact with. Billy was the ultimate uncle and father figure to many generations with a compassionate spirit.  He provided a home with excellent food to anyone that needed a place to stay.  He loved his family, church, and neighbors. Uncle Billy was known to be fun-loving and always had a quick, witty response to anyone brave enough to challenge him.  He was loved and will be missed by his family and friends.  A life well-lived is at rest.

He leaves a legacy that surpasses the life he led.  He leaves to mourn his cherished memories with his cousin, who was like a brother, Eugene Jarvis; numerous other cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, other relatives, and friends.  

A special thanks and gratitude to Riverside Cancer Center. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022, at Whiting's Funeral Home.  Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Facial coverings are required.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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