Celebrating the Life of John Marshall Slade Sr. known to many as "Sonny."

On Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the age of 86, John Marshall Slade Sr., a supportive, loving husband and father, passed away to go back home to the Father. He was born on June 18, 1938, to Minnie Rezelane Hopson and John Slade Jr. in Yorktown. John was preceded in death by his wife, Doris E., his son John, and his two sisters, Naomi Johnson and Aurelia Overton.

John grew up in a loving home along with his three siblings, Naomi, Aurelia and Alease. He attended James Weldon Johnson High School and graduated in 1957. That is where he met Doris E. Jackson of Williamsburg, his high school sweetheart in which they dated until they got married on June 11, 1960. They immediately started their family. They had two sons, John Jr. and Kerry, and a daughter Alesia.  John got a job supporting his family at the Newport News Shipyard. He later worked at NASA at Langley Air Force Base and Goodman Hardware and Glass. After his retirement he started his own bus service, REZELANE BUS SERVICE which he was dedicated to and enjoyed serving others in the Hampton Roads community by providing bus services until his health didn't allow him to travel any longer.

During his leisure time, he enjoyed singing in the chorus in Cary's Baptist Church senior and men's choir and even song solos from time to time. John was known for his homemade yeast rolls and coconut pies he made from scratch. He enjoyed staying busy and was full of life. Sonny enjoyed riding his motorcycle so much that he joined a motorcycle club and participated in many road trips with them. He really enjoyed fellowshipping with family and friends. John cherished the moments seeing his grand kids and great grand kids growing up. Even though he will be missed, we celebrate him, because there is no more pain or suffering for him to endure. He is absent from the body and present with the Lord. John's memories will always burn in our hearts and the stories we will share as we speak and reminisce on the goodness of his life.

John is survived by his two children, Kerry and Alesia; daughter-in-law Kathy; sister Alease; brother-in-law Tommy; grandchildren, Erica, Amanda (Kristofer), Damian, Tyrique, Cameron; great grandchildren, Malachi, Slade, Dezmon and Zuri; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Cary's Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.