Willard Skinner, 76, of Petersburg, VA, transitioned from this earthly life at his residence in Hopewell, VA, on March 15, 2026. During the rise of Halifax Street you could find Willard dancing and having a good time on "The Avenue." Being a man of different trades Willard held various jobs throughout his lifetime but the job he found most rewarding was helping his daughters Moonie and Sharon raise his grandkids.

Willard was born February 19, 1950 to the late Fred and Viola Taylor Skinner. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Skinner; daughter, Tonya Taylor; son, Vattell Fields; grandson, TeAndrey "T$" Taylor; and the mother of his children, Beverly Fields.

To cherish his memories and carrying on his legacy he leaves behind, a very devoted granddaughter whom was his caregiver and as he called her, "Lil Momma" Voncelia White; daughters, Sharon Fields, Vannette "Moonie" Taylor and Shauntae Suggs; sons, George Wright, Clyde Jones and Brian "Gut" Thomas; grandchildren, Briana Thomas, Dvonte Fields, Tabyus and Orlando Taylor, Shanequia and Shane' Fields, Brian Thomas, Jr., Destini and Jakhira Wallace, and Yalonda Williams; stepchildren, Margaret Mcrea, Charlene and Pamela Fields; several nieces, nephews and cousins-a devoted cousin, Dorothy "Dot" Taylor and family; devoted friend, Debi Wallace Ferguson;and then there was the woman, Karen Thomas whom he proclaimed his love for until his last day on earth.

The family would like to thank former Mayor of Hopewell City Brenda Pelham, state and local public official and others for their acts of kindness.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Pastor Michael Hathaway, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5818252?fl=so&fe=fs