Van Norton Skipper, Jr.

Van Norton Skipper, Jr. was born on January 10, 1961, in Conway, South Carolina to Ollie Mae Bessent-Skipper and Reverend Van Norton Skipper.

Van attended Whittemore Elementary School and Conway High School both in Conway, South Carolina and graduated in 1980.

Van entered the United States Navy Corp in 1986. He served his country in many nations throughout the world. He served on many battleships, mainly the USS George Washington, aircraft carrier. While being stationed in Scotland he met and married the late Marie Latham. They are the parents of one son Van Norton Skipper III.

Van was a kind and humble character of a person. He enjoyed hearing stories and legends from older adults. With his passing a lot of family history is lost. Van enjoyed being with family and he had many conversations with people to learn their history, especially their politics.

Van joined Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. H.H. Singleton. Later years he joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles M. Pee. After making Virginia his home, Van joined Rising St. James Pentecostal Church, in Suffolk, Virginia under the leadership of Pastor Robert Wilkins until his death.

Van met and married his wife Brenda Griffin and gained a loving family.

Van leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Brenda Griffin Skipper; one son, Van N. Skipper III; one stepdaughter, Ebony Chisolm; two stepsons, Anthony Chisolm, and Brandon Latimore; one grandson, Elias Johnson; three granddaughters, Nevaeh Walton, Jeft Oliver Calvan, and Raiyah Chisolm; goddaughter, Chyna Walker; sister-in-law, Rita Ford; one sister, Ballery V. Skipper; one brother Marvin B. Skipper; one aunt, Idella Bessant; one dedicated nephew, Shelton R. Skipper; two nieces, Michelle Skipper, and Tamikia Skipper; five great nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at 1:00 PM, November 15, 2024, at Florence National Cemetery.  There will be a viewing from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Conway Chapel.

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