Newport News- Mr. James Albert (Buster) Worsley transitioned from this life peacefully at 97 years old on Monday, January 8, 2018 at home with his immediate family in Newport News VA. He was born in Halifax County, North Carolina on February 9, 1920. His parents were the late Columbus Worsley Sr. and Minnie Draughn Worsley. He was the third oldest of 14 children and predeceased by three brothers and 5 sisters.
He came to Newport News around 1940. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941-45. He worked for the Newport News Shipyard followed by a long career at the Hampton Veterans Administration from the early 50's to retirement around 1987. He was a proud member of Zion Baptist Church, a graduate of Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton VA. He was a Mason and member of the Union Light Lodge.
He leaves to cherish his memory a faithful wife Marguerite S. Worsley, a daughter, LaVerne Gillis (Eugene) of Canton OH and a son Rev. Michael C. Worsley, Newport News VA. He is survived by two brothers Columbus Worsley Jr. (Newark NJ) and Lindbergh Worsley (Philadelphia PA); three sisters, Betty Hieke (Hampton VA), Geraldine Pringle (Newport News VA) and Shirley Ruffin (Hampton VA) along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Zion Baptist Church, 633 20th Street, Newport News VA 23607. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2700 Parish Avenue, Newport News VA 23607. Viewing will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. O. H. Smith and Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.