"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

THE EARLY YEARS

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:6-7

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the transition of our Mr. PBD, Peabody. We believe it was in the early hours of October 18th while resting in his sleep, Clifton Raigns, Sr. went on to meet with the Lord. His earthly journey began on September 18th in 1962, born to Shirley Mabry Raigns and Charles Raigns, Sr. at Petersburg General Hospital in Petersburg, VA. To know Peabody was to know that he was a loyal resident of Petersburg. Decade to decade, he patrolled his City daily withstanding every change and challenge this City has faced. All while remaining faithful to his community, steadily pursuing conversations and making connections.

He spent many of his early years on 123 S. West Street in the 5th Ward Area of Petersburg. Spending most of his earlier days hanging with the boys Gary, Kevin Smith (deceased), and others, playing basketball, forming the bond of a lifetime all while showcasing his love for fast cars and nice things. (Shoutout to the Camaro) Here in Petersburg he would attend Peabody Junior High School, where he would receive the nickname amongst his teachers and peers: Mr. Peabody - named after a certain man known for his intelligence, as well as the school. Later, going on to graduate from Petersburg High School, Class of 1980. While his community called him Peabody or PBD, we would also come to be known as P Funk, Master P or that fly guy riding around with his signature hats and BLK GSUS License Plate. A man who was dedicated to his roots, his City; his foundation.

HIS FAITH

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Peabody was known for his intellect, his wit, charisma and deep conversation. A man serious about his faith in Christ, constant in expression of his trust in God, a man who was fascinated by the brilliance and power of God. He wanted to know the Creator and all of Creation in its entirety and he spent his life sharing and confessing the knowledge he'd found to anyone who would hear. He loved sharing the truth. For years, he would spend most of his nights sitting at his computer with scripture pulled up in one tab and an Online Chess Game in another and if a Redskins game was on, that was an ideal day. If you ever saw him coming you could easily identify him as carrying the weight of a thinker, a man with his mind fixed on what's beyond this reality. This was a man who wasn't accepting of anything life handed him, he wanted to know what lies beneath the surface. A man always after more. A man with a fight for truth and ministering that truth to others.

HIS PASSIONS

"If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."  1 Peter 4:11

He would go on to choose Chemical Operation as a Career at businesses such as: PreCon, Virginia Linen, Titmus Optical, Honeywell and others. Although he found success in the workplace, he would ultimately pursue his passions, daring to explore the greater call that connected to his faith. When he wasn't in the workplace, you could find him blasting the best music of the time period behind a keyboard, turn tables or a drum set. He had a passion for music that could not be ignored, his children share fond memories of their earlier years, where they'd come together almost like a band in their spare time showcasing each of their talents. Candace would go on to perform at the Apollo, Crystal sharing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech at various locations, choosing acting as a career and Clifton Jr. (Mann) with his own entertainment company. Kristina was yet to be born but even she has come along with a passion for the beauty industry and business. But when music wasn't the priority, you could find him riding around with another one of his best friends and partnerships yet, Mr. Cook. These two, a dynamic duo. They would come to begin a church located in the VFW facilities right here in Petersburg across from Lee Park. Men passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to whoever came in, and they would choose to build the House of God until they decided to leave that building and take that conversation outside of the church's walls and into the streets. Together they traveled, debated and found profound revelations together. A season of life he would always honor any chance he got, so because he'd want us to, at this time we honor Mr. Cook.

PRESENT IN FAMILY

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

Peabody always had a heart and deep appreciation for family.  So much so, shortly after leaving his family's home as a young adult, he would eventually find his way to what would be his forever home just a couple of short blocks beyond where he grew up. He believed in his City and was proud of the upbringing his family had.

He is survived by his loving and devoted children. Even as a young man, Clifton Raigns Sr. accepted the role of a male father-figure to Shanika Jones (Epps), Whom he lovingly raised as his own, and he would ultimately begin his journey into fatherhood in 1982, with the birth of Candace Briggs (Aaron Briggs, deceased).

In 1986, he would welcome his first-born son, Clifton Leon Raigns, Jr. (Candace Raigns, formally Drew), with Veronica Epps. Later in 1989, he would welcome his first biological daughter Crystal Tequia Johnson, with his longtime companion, the late, Rosetta Marlean Johnson and their daughter. However…. his legacy doesn't stop there. The two of them would go on to birth their last addition to this lineage of ground breakers, their daughter, Kristina Nicole Johnson in 2003.

It was very important to him to be a father that remained present and vocal in his children's lives and so there was never a short conversation in his home or over the phone, every talk commanded weight and critical thinking with the occasional laughs. He'd hoped to leave a legacy of thinkers who knew how to remain present even when life sent its most challenging battles, no matter how flawed they showed up in this world - to stay the course.

His ancestry is a blend of power, strength and love from both his maternal and paternal heritage: his maternal grandparents, Shirley, Robert Lee Mabry and Bessie Mae Roney Mabry; paternal grandparents, Charles Sr., Wilson Raigns and Clover Blanding Raigns. Peabody shares a unique connection and resemblance with his father, Charles Lee Raigns, Sr. "Mike" (Sharon Moore Raigns) the two, seemingly when standing next to each other, you'd think you were seeing twins. Faithful to one another to this very day.

From the union of his father Charles "Mike" Sr. and mother, Shirley Mabry Raigns (deceased), came Deborah V. Raigns (Alvin), Charles L. Raigns, Jr. "Uncle Mickey" (deceased) (Kimberly Raigns) Delores V. Raigns "Kickapoo" and Danay V. Raigns "Nay". These siblings are known in the City of Petersburg for their unwavering dedication to one another and the most epic seasonal gatherings over the years. Mike and Shirley instilled in them the importance of family and preserving legacy.

The Aunts and Uncles to Peabody are Robert "Uncle Bro" M. Mabry (Aunt Marva), Uncle Richard Mabry (deceased) (Aunt Linda Harper Mabry), Aunt Lizzie Raigns, Aunt Evelyn Sykes and Aunt Phyllisco Walker (Uncle Bobby).

To his Nieces and Nephews Tara V., Tori V., and Tasha V. Raigns (Deborah V. Raigns), Keyon Jackson, Christine Scott, Christopher Scott and Ky'Mani Jackson (Charles & Kimberly Raigns) he was affectionately called, Uncle Peabody. A coach when they needed it most and correction even when it wasn't asked for.

He also is survived by a host of great nieces and nephews including Steven Raigns, Kyra Massenburg and Queen "Ookie Oot" Jackson.

Last but not least, his especially unique special long-time relationships with his devoted cousins, Yul Mabry, Clarence Sykes "Poo-Poo", Marcus Mabry, Tomesha "Mesha" Mabry, LaShunta "Shauna Boo" Mabry-Horne and Yulonda Jordan "Yo-Yo".

Lastly, his lineage and legacy will continue through his grandchildren, Clifton Jr.'s children, Que'Miyah Raigns-Brown, Clifton L. Raigns III "C3", and newest grandchild, Drew Noel Raigns.

Along with the children of Candace Briggs (Raigns), Ariyana Briggs, Cadarius Carey and Cayden Raigns.

No matter the circumstance or season of life, Peabody had a special relationships with all of his family and friends.

Clifton Leon Raigns, Sr., affectionately known as Peabody will be remembered as a devoted son, father, brother, Son of God and truth seeker. A man of passion, style and strength. We consider this a true loss as there is no one on the earth like him and there will never be again. This moment will forever be marked in our hearts.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

A wake will be held from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Friday, October 31, 2025, at the funeral establishment.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.