A special request and dedication to the Class of 2007

Subject: Andrea
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:40:27 -0400
From: "hannahrichard" hannahrichard@cox.net
To: Bryan@DenProductions.com

Dear Bryan,
One idea I had for the Great Bridge High School site was some sort of memorial for one of my friends, Andrea(rising sophomore)B. Deller, who passed away on June 19, 2004. I think it would be something that many people would appreciate because so many of us were friends with her. In case you do not know, the details are found below. Please consider this suggestion, because she meant so much to many of us.
Yours sincerely,
Hannah Richard

Andrea B. Deller , Chesapeake
Saturday, Jun. 19, 2004
©The Virginian Pilot
Andrea Bliss Deller, 16, a student at Great Bridge High School, died in a highway accident near Savannah, Ga. at 10:27 a.m. Sunday, June 13, 2004. Andrea, her sister, Rachel, 15 and brother, Thomas, 12, and their two aunts, Margaret and Jennifer Deller, were en route to visit their grandparents in Largo, Fla. Rachel and Thomas suffered injuries, but were released from Savannah Memorial Hospital on June 16. Andrea was the daughter of Bliss S. Deller of Chesapeake and Petty Officer First Class Keith F. Deller of Groton, Conn. She was the granddaughter of Lucia Ann (Bliss) Hay of Hillsboro, Ill. and Thomas C. Hay of Indialantic, Fla. and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Deller of Largo, Fla. Mrs. Thomas A. Bliss of Hillsboro, Ill. is her maternal great-grandmother. Andrea is also survived by her brother, Nicky Patterson, 6, of Chesapeake; her mother's fiance, Navy Commander J.K. Sellers; aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. William Spencer of Largo, Fla.; her boyfriend, Mark Copeland of Chesapeake; and her stepfather, Nick Patterson of Virginia Beach. A memorial service will be held Monday at 6 p.m. at Messiah United Methodist Church at the corner of Dominion Boulevard and Cedar Road, Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Andrea Bliss Deller Memorial Scholarship Fund. Checks may be made payable to Great Bridge High School, 301 Hanbury Road North, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Friends may call to pay their respects from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at 708 Waterford Court, Chesapeake.

It's hard to loose a classmate, even harder when they are so young. Andrea may no longer be with us in body but the Class of 2007 will always have her spirit.
Our hearts and sympathy are with Andrea's family and everyone she has left behind.

Along with Andrea, our class has also lost two other people taken too soon, Miss April Carolyn Townes and Mr Nicholas Stephen Rosso. Both were dear to our class and will be greatly missed during our senior year. I'm sure many of their friends and family would appreciate their being added to this site, because they are surely not forgotten.
Thanks,
Kate Welsh

Memories of our classmates

Hi Bryan,
My husband, Joseph L. King c/o 1996, was killed in a car accident on Sunday, September, 21, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ. He leaves behind our two beautiful daughters and numerous family and friends. He was loved by all who knew him and touch many lives in his 30 years. He will be missed by all who knew him, if anyone would like to send condolences they may do so by going to www.grahamfuneralhome.com. I have attached a picture for your use as well.
Sincerely,
Michelle N. King c/o 2000

Bryan,
My name is Tom Meeks, the oldest brother of Michael Meeks...
I came across your Great Bridge Memoriam site today -
First, let me thank you for including my brother on your site. It's wonderful to know that he hasn't been forgotten by his peers, even after all these years.
Second, I noticed a very warm submission from one of my brother's friends, Caitlin Revell:
"I came across your site and when I saw the picture of Mike Meeks it brought back a lot of memories. I have lost touch with his family when they moved back to Tennessee but I've always wanted to let them know that I still think of Mike, as I'm sure so many of the other people that had the pleasure of knowing him still do. He was the kind of person you could meet just once and never forget. I actually had a huge crush on him, he was a grade older than me and I met him the spring before he was killed and hung out with him that whole summer. He was always so funny and so ready for anything - truly an amazing person. His death was a tragedy, his life was far too short and he missed out on so much, and so many people missed out on knowing him. I would really appreciate it if you could post this on the memoriam page, I hope his family will see it - Mrs. and Mr. Meeks, Tom, Andy, Laney and Keeka. I hope they're all well, they are a great bunch of people."
It was very moving to read something about my brother from someone who was close to him at the time. It occurred to me that I should perhaps try to contact her to let her know that her submission had been seen by our family and so deeply appreciated. Unfortunately, all searches to find a method of contact for her have been unsuccessful.
I am hoping that you might have an email address for her, and perhaps would be willing to pass it on to me for this purpose?
Kind Regards,
Thomas Meeks

I came across the memoriam that you set up for Great Bridge High. When I saw the picture of Michael Meeks (Class of 1997) it brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy that his classmates and friends remember him so fondly after all these years. Thank you for the picture, the kind words and the rush of sweet memories that your site brought to me today.
Sincerely,
Jessica Wilson (class of 95)

Hi Bryan,
My mother, Marjorie K. Mastracco, was a teacher at Great Bridge High School. She passed away on July 22, 2007. (Breast Cancer). I thought having my mother as a teacher at the same high school I attended would cramp my style - but she was such a blessing and a security to me during those years.
Many of my classmates and her fellow teachers attended her Celebration Service this past year. My mother left a wonderful Christian legacy with her 4 daughters, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
She is missed daily.
Marci Mastracco Muldoon
Marci R. Muldoon

Hi Bryan...
My brother, Paul Harris - Class of 2006, died on September 20, 2006 as a result of brain injuries from a single car accident on Waters Road on September 13, 2006. He was loved by all who knew him. We set up a website www.caringbridge.org/visit/paulharris when he was in the hospital and have continually kept it up throughout the past year. Paul was an incredible young man who had his entire life before him. He is survived by my mother and father, Chuck and Cindy Harris; my sister, Emily (Harris) Ackerman - Class of 1998; my husband, Jeff Taylor - Class of 1994; his nephew, Morgan Taylor; his two nieces, Ella Ackerman and Gracelyn Taylor; and myself, Hillary (Harris) Taylor - Class of 1994.Thank you for listing Paul on the memorial page. All of us still mourn his tragic death.
Yours truly,
Hillary Taylor

This is really great you have a Memorial for all of the Great Bridge alum.
Owen Czapiewski class of 2002 “Great Bridge” passed away July 29, 2006. He had recently graduated from East Carolina University with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. Owen was visiting family in Minnesota when he passed away he was involved in an all-terrain vehicle accident when he crashed into a house where he had been visiting family. Owens was a great buddy, he stood up for everyone and was always on time and willing to help with anything asked. He took heat for me once and it saved me from getting kicked out of school. It was his idea what we did on the field trip and he owed me a favor at the time but he could of pin the whole shebang on me but he took blame for it. A great buddy. Now I would like to repay the favor by requesting you to post his name on this wonderful site.
Thanks,
Jacob

Bryan,
Thanks for keeping the Great Bridge Memorial web site going. I didn't realize so many people I knew in high school had passed on. I graduated from Great Bridge in 1994, and knew a lot of those from different grades as well. Please keep this site going in their memories.
Respectfully,
Howard "Les" Springer, Jr.
Great Bridge High School Class of 1994

Hi Bryan, My name is Sabrina Campbell, Class of 1997. I was the girlfriend of Matt Hunt when he died all to soon in his life. I can't even begin to explain how I felt when I saw this website and came across Matt's name and picture.... Wow.... Memory Lane ;-) It's really nice to know that his name is still living on to others even today as I often think of him still. I keep in touch with his family Mr and Mrs Hunt, Patrick, and Mike. All are doing very well living in Sandbridge. Matt's birthday passed last week and I can't wait to tell his mom about this website!! She'll be so happy to see his life being remembered... Thanks for keeping this site up and running ;-)
WE MISS YA MATT!!!! R.I.P -- Sabrina Campbell

My name is Dana Di Peri... I graduated from Great Bridge in 2001. I am currently attending ODU full time majoring in English with an emphasis in Journalism, and a minor in Communications. I graduated with an Associates' Degree in Social Sciences from TCC in 2005. I live in Norfolk with my boyfriend, Harlow. If anyone wants to get in touch my email is diperi3262@cox.net
There is one person missing from your memorium section who was a graduate from Great Bridge. Teresa Dell Garrison (Cutrell-married name) graduated around 1970 or 1971 and she died in September of 1998. She was like a second mother to me, and her daughter, Melissa, was like my sister. I was attending GB when she died... I was in the 10th grade. I will never forget the warmth and love she spread while on earth. Teresa will never be forgotten.... Love you Miss Teresa!!!!
Dana Di Peri
I also have a comment for the memorium section on David O'neal and Chad Guilfroy, both of the class of 2001.... both of them died in the same car accident on the first day of tenth grade in 1998. I remember David the most. I had had a crush on him since 6th grade!!! I will never forget.
You have a wonderful website... thanx so much!!! Dana

Hello Bryan,
I would like to add Kim Marylin Sivels Class of 1982 to list of members of are class gone but not forgetten. We lost Kim on July 28, 2005. Her smile will truly be missed.
Trina M. Cuffee-Tripp

I was reading Great bridge High School's "in memoriam" and saw my moms name (Michelle Williams class of 1981), I thank you all so much for my moms tribute she loved Great Bridge, and was a very dedicated mother and daughter, sister and friend. I miss her so much and she also worked at verizon wireless as senior sales rep. for 11 years and was top at her position. She was excellent at whatever she did, especially being there when you needed her the most.
Thank you so much
Tiffany Coleman

Bryan,
I love your site. Thanks so much for all your efforts and hard work to keep the alumni in touch. I am a class of 86 graduate and we will be holding our 20 year reunion on June 10. We would like to acknowledge our deceased classmates. Do you know what happened to Michele Davis and Mike Donnelly? It is always so sad and shocking to hear that someone from our class has passed.
Thanks again for the Memorial page.
Amber Ridgely Cleveland

Hi, I am Leslie Morrow, c/o 98..and was shocked when I read the news about Johnny Lee Hall, Jr....do you have access to the info on what happened to him? I knew him from the 6th grade at Crestwood Middleschool, then we saw each other in the halls of GB high. I wasn't close buddies with him, but we'd talk sometimes and i remember he always had a big smile on his face and was soo funny. Any info provided would be much obliged. Thank you!~ Leslie

Hi Bryan,
I came across your site and when I saw the picture of Mike Meeks it brought back a lot of memories. I have lost touch with his family when they moved back to Tennessee but I've always wanted to let them know that I still think of Mike, as I'm sure so many of the other people that had the pleasure of knowing him still do. He was the kind of person you could meet just once and never forget. I actually had a huge crush on him, he was a grade older than me and I met him the spring before he was killed and hung out with him that whole summer. He was always so funny and so ready for anything - truly an amazing person. His death was a tragedy, his life was far too short and he missed out on so much, and so many people missed out on knowing him. I would really appreciate it if you could post this on the memoriam page, I hope his family will see it - Mrs. and Mr. Meeks, Tom, Andy, Laney and Keeka. I hope they're all well, they are a great bunch of people.
Thank you,
Caitlin Revell

Larry Owens, class of 1963?, died October 2000 from heart failure. This is to share with his classmates from his brother John. He will always be sorely missed and loved.

Dear Bryan - I don't know how to thank you for putting Ronnie's picture with his name! I have attached his obituary which appeared in The Virginian-Pilot as well as a link to a guest book the Baltimore Sun has reopened for me!
I have found over the past 2 years that stories of him have helped so much with my "healing process". I don't know if you can do anything with either of these but thought it was worth a chance or if anyone would like to contact me directly @ trish.boliek@earthlink.net I would love to hear from them.
Again, my many heartfelt thanks for the site you have created!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trish Boliek

Hi there, came across your website and wanted to share this with you. I dont know if anyone remembers her or not. But my mom Martha Doughton class of 1968, passed away in 2001 at the age of 51. She talked often about her high school over the years, although I dont remember any of the names she used. She lived on Whitehurst rd, now called Ewell Lane in Chesapeake. She raised us three girls almost by herself. She was a very unselfish person and never judged anybody for anything. She had six granbabies when she died. We miss her dearly! Thanks Jennifer

I would like to pay tribute to Johnny Lee Hall Jr. (C/O ’98) who passed away in early 2005. We knew each other from Elementary School. We’ll miss u J Hall!
Chuck Lloyd

Thanks for this kind gesture of honoring those that have "graduated" before us into there eternal destiny. I would like to remember my dear friend and classmate Stanley Earl Lancaster, class of 1974. "Big Red," as he is affectionately known, is greatly missed and it would be a shame for him not to be remembered along with others from the alma mater that he loved so dearly. If it is possible, please include Stan in your memoriam.
Respectfully,
Rolfe Carawan '74

I also would like to pay tribute to Wayne Wyatt "Class of 1986" He was my neighbor and friend we grew up together as kids. He was a sweet and loving person, two days before he died he made a point to visit my mother who was just home from the hospital. No only was he a great athelete he was a great friend who brought joy everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed.
Marika(Browne) Gross
Class of 1987

I hope you can add my mother's name to you're list of Great Bridge High School alumni that are no longer with us. Linda Lee Evans, class of 1965. She passed away December 26, 2003. She talked fondly of her days at Great Bridge. Thank you,

Hi, my name is Courtney Fleming and I am Brad's older sister and I am 23 yrs. old. I found the Great Bridge High site online and saw that Brad was included in the people that are no longer with us but nothing had been said about him. Well I was not one of his classmates...but I was the closest person to him and I felt like something should be said in his memory. He was killed in a single car accident on Johnstown Road, he was a backseat passenger and the only one killed. He was my best friend. He had no idea how many people really cared about him because that viewing service was packed with kids, they just kept coming in, my whole family was very pleased and surprised by the turnout. I counted how many came to the service and it was over 250 people. I am glad that Brad touched so many peoples lives. I just want his memory to stay alive in everyone's hearts as it will in mine. He had the purest soul and was the first to help out in any situation whether it be family or friends. He was the kindest person I have ever met and I am lucky to have had him as a brother. You can post my email if you would like or I can even provide pictures to post, just let me know.
Sincerely,
Courtney Fleming
We all miss you Brad, I love you...

I recently visited the Great Bridge High ('70) site and would like to add my brother to the memorial page. His name was Sgt. Carl Wayne Baker and he died April 24, 1980 in Germany while serving with the Army. He died from a heart attack in his sleep at the age of 20. He was a member of the class of '78.
Thanks for the great sight!
Cornelia McKenzie

Phil Smith Class of 1972 and Donald Strohecker Class of 1972
Both of these gentlemen were friends from school..... It's so sad to see their names listed here, but thank you for a place to come and remember them. I wish I could have spoken to them one more time, it's been so many years. God.. Phil was so handsome and Donald was a great guy.
God Bless all, and peace be with you.
Donna Ostiguy Manfredi

I attended my reunion in 96 and learned at that reunion that Wayne Wyatt class of 1986 died. He was a great person, very athletic and very sweet. He played for the GB Football team during high school. He worked after that at Tidewater Construction, which is how he died on the job.
Thank you
Valerie "Carter" Beary
Class of *86*
Memories Are Worth A Liftefime Of Cherished Happiness

I often look at the picture that we took in Mrs. Scotts gym class. He was such a clown, always making me smile when I was having a bad day. I can not remember one time that he was having a bad day. So when the news was out that he was dead due to being shot, that was a big shock. Also it opened my eyes to how short life really is, and how you never know when it is your time. So remember to live life by the fullest and treat others as you would like to be treated. MISS YOU LIL MIKE.
Seika Rodgers
Class of 1995

Requests

Request for pictures
"I recognize many of the names on the memorial page. I was even friends with quite a few of the people, but unfortunately, I can't remember some of the faces. Is there a way to provide a picture of these people and a brief statement of their deaths? I know that this would ultimately be up to the families to provide the information. My heart really aches for some of the losses that I've read of and I'm sure that many other people feel the same. It would really be a wonderful thing if you were able to make some of those names come to life. -- Thanks!"

I think it would be nice to be able to put a face with the names of our former classmates. For those that would like to have a picture posted with the name, you can send me a jpeg image with the name and class and I will post it unless requested not to do so.

Request for class information
There was a boy when I was in about 9th grade, I think, who was hit by a car while riding his bike down Mt. Pleasant Road. He was one of the most popular boys in our class at the time because he was so nice. His name was Michael Meeks. I think he deserves a place on this page. He was the first person I knew that passed away and it really hit me hard.
I honestly don't know what class he was in. Maybe if you post it in the discussion forum, others will remember him and you can find out that way. I think he would have graduated in '98 or '99 but I honestly don't know what grade he was in.

I knew Mike. He was in 8th grade at the time. He was in my English class. He would have been in the graduating class of 1997.
Christina
Thanks Christina for your help with this, Bryan