IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Keith L.

Keith L. Stith Profile Photo

Stith

Mar 26, 1972 — May 7, 2025

Obituary

Keith Lorenzo Stith was born on March 26, 1972, in Wakefield, Virginia, to Carroll Stith and Marion Parker Stith.  Keith was called home to his final resting place on May 7, 2025, at his residence in Prince George, Virginia, in the comfort of his fiancée and life companion of ten years, Sonya James. Keith was preceded in death by his grandmother, Carrie Louise Brown; grandfathers, Clarence D. Parker and James Warren; sister, Tracy Lynn Stith; uncle, Clarence O. Parker; and aunt, Valerie McAllister.

Keith was raised in Wakefield, Virginia. He was a graduate of Sussex Central High School, where he was an athlete (football and track/field). In 1989, Keith placed fifth in Virginia for discus throwing. He later moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1990 where he attended Virginia Union University following in the footsteps of his aunt, Monica Parker and sister, Iris Cheeks.  Keith was always a quiet, but observant person (even as a little boy, he was a child of few words).  He grew up surrounded by the love of his close-knit family and eventually started a family of his own with former wife, Ryshonna Addison. Keith and Ryshonna have three beautiful daughters, Siarra, Maiya and Skyla who they co-parented until he took his final rest.  Keith honored his commitment to his children by never missing a birthday or milestone celebration.  He witnessed all three of his daughters graduate and his legacy will continue when they someday have children of their own. Keith's daughters were the love of his life.

For the past ten years, Keith shared his life with his fiancée Sonya James, his dear friend and life partner with whom he developed a deep connection, stability and devotion. Their love was joyous and powerful, built on mutual respect and true partnership. From this relationship, Keith inherited a bonus daughter, Shaquinta "Sha" Hill of Prince George, Virginia, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond. Together, Keith and Sonya traveled the world and enjoyed a full life of good times and laughter.

Keith became an entrepreneur in 2002, due to his determination to succeed and provide for his family. Keith started his first business with former co-workers and later founded Corporate Furniture Services of Virginia, Inc., a company known for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction in the office furniture industry, in which he single-handedly managed and led until his health declined. Through his leadership, the company became a trusted name in the region, providing businesses with tailored solutions to enhance their workspaces.

Beyond his professional achievements, Keith was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist in Wakefield, where he was baptized and actively participated in various church activities and outreach programs. Keith's generosity and willingness to help others left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Keith supported his alma mater as an active member of the Sussex Central High School Alumni Association.  He consistently donated to Community 50/50, Inc. a grass-roots organization where he aided in feeding the community and supporting youth programs. Keith's legacy will continue through the lives he touched and the business he built, which remains a testament to his dedication and passion.

"Our father was a man who didn't speak much but his actions were always loud. He always made sure we were good. He enjoyed peace and quiet and a clean environment (not a speck of dirt anywhere). As our father, he strived to make our experiences in life positive. Our dad showed up to support our dance recitals, sports games, school activities, never missed our birthday dinners or our life achievements. He provided what we wanted or needed (it was hard for him to say no to us)! We all shared a sense of humor with our dad that only we could understand. Whether it was a clip from a movie, people watching, or him doing a funny gesture, we had our jokes and we will miss him!" (From your daughters).

Keith leaves to cherish his loving and devoted parents whom he loved dearly, Carroll Stith and Marion Parker Stith; grandparents, Ruth Lewis (William); brothers, Mark Stith of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and Ivan Stith of Aberdeen, Maryland; sisters, Iris Cheeks (Anthony) of Prince George, Virginia, Sunita Barbers of Petersburg, Virginia, and Sherrie Roundtree (Reynaldo) of Woodbridge, Virginia.  The connection with his siblings was unspoken, but ever strong, rooted in shared memories and unbreakable family ties.

Keith leaves behind a circle of love that includes his aunts, Jackie Hill, Stephanie Delk (Wallace), (devoted) Monica Parker, Sandra Neal-Hill, Lula Sills (George), Patricia Ruffin (Chris), Carolyn Bartee (Kenneth), Tonga Evans, Denise Cooper; great aunts, Barbara Green (Thomas), Clara Stith, and Dorothy Gay; great uncles, Curtis Stith (Gertrude), Earl Stith (Mary), Alvin Stith (Helen), and Charles Stith who nurtured and encouraged him throughout his life;  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, among them, Craig Stith.

Keith's little big brother Mark Stith was his first best friend.  Mark's love for his little brother was undeniable.  His "buddy" took care of Keith in sickness and in health. They both had a love of sports and could talk, travel, hang out together, just sit back and chat, and participated in each other's family events by supporting each other's children, nieces and nephews.

His lifelong best friend, Donald Rose, who stood by his side through the highs and lows, more of a brother than a friend, someone who Keith could always count on with long phone conversations extended for hours and who will carry forward the memory of a friendship that never wavered.

Throughout the years, Keith built lasting friendships through his work and community. Of those were his devoted former mother-in-law and friend, Karen Addison, the neighbors of Tiffany Meadows/Cloverfield Lane, Katina Pegram (Rodney), Annette Stith, Felicia Jones (Lee), Waverly Crawley, Dave Thomas, Rev. Joseph A. Fleming and the Ladies of Elegance.

Keith had a way of making others feel safe, heard and understood. He listened more than he spoke.  When he did speak, his words carried meaning.  He valued honesty, patience and loyalty, qualities that endeared him to everyone who truly knew him.

Though his time with us has ended, Keith's impact will remain. He leaves behind memories, but most importantly, lessons on how to love without condition, to lead with pride and to live with grace.  Keith will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.

Services will be held, 12 Noon, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 38070 Rocky Hock Road, Wakefield, VA, the Rev. Joseph A. Fleming, eulogist and Bishop Freda Cross, officiant. The interment to follow at Booker T Memorial Park.

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

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Funeral Services

Viewing

May
14

Wednesday

J M WILKERSON FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT, INC.

102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803-4220

9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Funeral Service

May
15

Thursday

Starts at 12:00 pm

Interment

May
15

Thursday

Booker T Memorial Park

, Wakefield, VA 23888

Starts at 1:00 pm

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