Obituaries

Willie Newkirk Norfleet, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Teeny,” passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on March 1, 1933, in Magnolia, North Carolina, where she spent her childhood on the family farm. She later moved to Richmond, Virginia, to pursue a degree in nursing at the Medical College of Virginia, where she became a registered nurse and met the love of her life, Ben. Together they made Newport News their home, where they raised their family and built a life filled with faith, love, and community. Her nursing career reflected her lifelong gift of serving others, whether as a nurse, a friend, or later as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Teeny was a faithful member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, where she found deep joy in fellowship and in song. Her love of music and her strong faith came together in the church choir, where her voice lifted others for many years. She also enjoyed reading, traveling, sailing, gardening, and entertaining—always bringing joy to those around her and cherishing every gathering, large or small.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Benjamin Elliott Norfleet, Sr., as well as her siblings: Catherine Ann Newkirk Hanks, Amelia Glenn Newkirk Zurl, and Joseph (Buddy) Whitfield Newkirk. Teeny is survived by her children: Benjamin E. Norfleet, Jr. and his wife Lucy; Mark S. Norfleet and his wife Rebecca; David S. Norfleet and his wife Mary Pat; Paul Scott Norfleet and his wife Amy; and Amelia Norfleet Munds. She was the proud grandmother of Kimberly Lovelace, Benjamin Norfleet III, James Norfleet, Jessica Clark, Susan Roukous, Michaela Norfleet, David Norfleet, Thomas Norfleet, Joelle Norfleet, Garrett Norfleet, Kendall Norfleet, Hannah Munds, and Ian Munds. Her joy was multiplied in her great-grandchildren Kasey Lovelace, Chase Lovelace, Lucy Clark, Alice Clark, and Sienna Roukous.

Teeny will always be remembered for her warmth, kindness, generosity, and joyful spirit. Whether in her profession as a nurse, her devotion as a wife and mother, or her love of singing in the choir, she carried her faith and love for others into everything she did.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hidenwood Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice.