Deacon Weldon A. Givens

The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. announces the transition of Deacon Weldon A. Givens, Father of Association Member, Wendal A. Givens.

The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. sincerely sympathizes with the Givens Family. May God continue to watch over you all. We give you this one thought to keep, "Although it's difficult today to see beyond sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."

Early Wednesday morning, July 8, 2026, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, called His beloved son, Weldon A. Givens, home to eternal rest. Surrounded by the love and presence of his family, Weldon peacefully transitioned from this earthly life after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Weldon was born on June 14, 1952, in Stony Creek, Virginia, to the late Sherman L. Givens, Sr. and the late Lena Mae Mason Givens. The family relocated to Carson, Virginia, where he was lovingly raised alongside his siblings.

He received his early education in the Dinwiddie County Public School System and graduated from Dinwiddie County High School with the Class of 1970. During his high school years, Weldon was a member of the Dinwiddie County High School Marching Band, where he developed a lifelong passion for music.

Following high school, Weldon continued his education at John Tyler Community College, where he obtained an Associates Degree in Business Administration. He later transferred to Virginia State University. While at VSU, he was a member of the renowned “Marching 110” playing the tuba.

Weldon began his professional career with Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company, where he worked for several years. When the company relocated its operations to Macon, Georgia, he chose to remain in Virginia and accepted employment with the Southside Virginia Training Center. During his many years at SVTC, Weldon developed lasting friendships with coworkers and friends. While employed at Southside Virginia Training Center, Weldon also worked with AT&T in Richmond, Virginia. He eventually joined the company full-time, advancing into a management role. His career continued through the company’s transition to Lucent Technologies. Near the close of his career, Weldon relocated briefly to Reading, Pennsylvania, to continue his work with Lucent before retiring. Following his retirement, he returned home to Virginia, where he enjoyed being surrounded by family and familiar surroundings.

At an early age, Weldon accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized, and united with the family’s home church, St. John Baptist Church in Stony Creek, Virginia.

Throughout the years, Weldon faithfully served in numerous ministries at St. John Baptist Church. He served as president of the Big Brothers Ministry.

Under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Herbert Rick Holly, II, Weldon was ordained as a deacon. He considered it a privilege to serve God’s people and faithfully carried out the responsibilities of his calling. He faithfully served in the St. John Baptist Church Senior Choir, Voices of Praise, and Men Chorus. For many years, he also served as president of the SJBC Mass Choir. He also was a member of the former Sussex County United Churches Mass Choir, and the Bethany Baptist Association Concert Choir.

In 2006, Weldon began working alongside his son and the Johnson family at the Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home. He served as front desk assistant and funeral service personnel. He especially enjoyed meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, and offering a comforting presence to those during their time of need. He served with the funeral home for seven years, until declining health made it necessary for him to step away.

In 2018, Weldon was blessed with the gift of both a heart and kidney transplant, a testament to God’s grace and the generosity of others. During the course of these life-saving procedures, he suffered a stroke that left him with significant physical limitations. Although his recovery required months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Weldon faced each challenge with remarkable courage, unwavering faith, and an unshakable determination to persevere.

Despite the obstacles he encountered, Weldon never allowed his circumstances to define him. He maintained a positive outlook, remained hopeful, and believed that, with God’s help, he would continue to overcome each hurdle placed before him.

Besides his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister, Veatrice Givens Bonner, and his brother, Sherman Levi Givens, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved wife, Alice S. Givens of Carson, Virginia, whose unwavering love, faithful devotion, and selfless care were a constant source of strength throughout their years together, especially during his illness; He also leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving son, Wendal A. Givens (Raven) of Carson, Virginia, of whom he was immensely proud of.

Through marriage, Weldon was blessed with a loving daughter and son-in-law, Tearle and Ryan Jefferson of Stony Creek, Virginia. They embraced him with love and respect, and their unwavering care, and support over the years held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by several wonderful grandchildren whom were dear to his heart: Diamond Stith, Oryan Jefferson, Jazlyn Jefferson, and Teo Jefferson (Calicia); a host of nieces and nephews, of whom he all loved greatly, to include Grant Givens of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Gretchen Givens Generett (Dr. William) of Pittsburgh, PA, JaVeatrice Bonner (God daughter) of Harlem, New York, and Deacon Jamie Cherry (God son) of Hopewell, VA; special nieces and nephews, Carolyn Mayfield (Pastor Frank) and Lonnie Mason (Francine), all of Chesterfield; a cousin, whom was more like a brother, John Thomas Mason (Juanita) of Chesterfield; one uncle, Deacon Fred Wyatt of Jarratt; great nieces and great nephews, loving cousins, a host of other relatives and many friends/. inclusive of the Jones family, with whom he enjoyed sharing fellowship and participating in the Jones Family Bible Study Group.

The Givens family was blessed to have loving caregivers who made Weldon’s journey a little easier: Rhonda Bailey, Karen Shands, Lucille Hall, Nancy Jones, Anthony Simmons, James King, Gladys Perry, Edna Noggins, and Carolyn White, for all the invaluable medical advice. The family is also grateful for the care and friendship of Weldon’s Physicians, more especially, Dr. Phillip Duncan, and Dr. Kadarnath Boodram.