Once you request the services of Fisher Funeral Home, we will immediately put our experienced funeral professionals to work for you. A single, dedicated individual will stay in contact with you every step of the way and guide you through the decision-making process. He or she will carefully explain your options, make recommendations at your request, take care of all the small details, and ensure that you and your family’s personal touch is always present.

In loving memory of the late John T. Fisher, Jr.
(1920-2007)

Mr. John T. Fisher, Jr. made his final transition on December 26, 2007, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. God, in His infinite wisdom allowed him to transcend this world and fly away to be with Him. We can imagine that the soul of our Mr. Fisher found peace in the words of the Apostle Paul in his second letter to his beloved son, Timothy, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on this day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Our God does everything in His own time. He has set a predetermined time to bring into fruition His promises in our lives. “And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority!’” Acts 1:7

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 emphasizes the significance of time. The writer begins, “There is a time to be born and a time to die.” John T. Fisher Jr. was born January 5, 1920, to John T. Fisher, Sr. and Grace Judkins Fisher. A third generation owner of the Fisher Funeral Home, he worked along with his predeceased sister, Marian Fisher Troy. Continuing the legacy started by his grandfather, Samuel Fisher in 1885, the Fisher Funeral Home has a strong legacy (one hundred twenty-two years) as a service institution in the city of Portsmouth. Mr. Fisher was a humble man of quiet dignity, a debonair statesman, who will be greatly missed. Having served as a funeral director for sixty years, he was one of the oldest Black Morticians in the state of Virginia. “Always are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times.” Psalm 106:3

His time to learn came when he attended the Portsmouth Public Schools, graduating from I.C. Norcom High School in the class of 1937. His education for a career as a mortician was received at the Eckols School of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A time to love was realized when he met and married Athaline Sharpe Fisher, his beloved wife for fifty-two years.

He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of thirteen when he joined the Zion Baptist Church, Portsmouth Virginia. His love for God and for his church remained steadfast for seventy-four years, to God be the glory! Always in a position of helping and caring for others, he formerly served on the Young Men’s Usher Board at his beloved Zion.

John T. Fisher, Jr. was a humble man whose purpose in life was to provide services, encouragement, and consolation to hundreds of citizens in the community. When persons were suffering from their deepest throes of personal pain, he encouraged them to remember God’s words in Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

John T Fisher was driven by time. His family members and friends attest to the fact that he highly regarded being on time. He was a perfectionist and a man of great integrity. In addition he was proficient and patient, and this legacy is passed to those who follow. “Trust in Him at all times you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8.

In addition to his duties as director of Fisher Funeral Home for sixty years, he still found time to serve our country as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and in numerous organizations. He was a member of the Eureka Club (Emeritus), the Olympian Sports Club, and the American legion Post 190. He was a former member of the JOB Lodge, the Love and Charity Lodge, Sahibs, Inc., National Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Morticians Association, EPPO, and MULE. Though he never ran for public office, he was extremely knowledgeable concerning the political scene in his beloved city.

This historical figure, John T. Fisher, Jr., will always be remembered for his contributions to the citizens of Portsmouth, Virginia, and he will be included in the written history of the city.

Staff 

Athaline Sharpe Fisher

(Establishment owner)

Karen Fisher Davis-(Administrator) 

A woman of grace, dignity, and beauty, Karen Fisher Davis has distinguished herself as a woman extraordinaire. Born January 17, 1962, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She is the daughter of the late John T. Fisher, Jr. and her lovely mother Athaline Sharpe Fisher. She has been happily married to Glenn Eric Davis since June 1986 and they have one daughter, Glenia Athleen Davis. Her pampered dog, a pomeranian, who is named Missy, also shares her home life.

A 1980 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Karen continued her education at Virginia Union University. She completed her studies with honors in 1984 receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She also reigned as Miss Virginia Union University for the 1983-84 school year. In 1986 she was the only African American honor graduate to receive an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College.

Presently, she is the CEO of Fisher Funeral Home. She also provides services to the community as a Notary Public. Karen serves with distinction as an administrator, and as an excellent resource in assisting with Social Security Benefits, Insurance Claims, Burial Benefits, etc. As a licensed Burial Insurance Agent in the State of Virginia, with many years of experience, she continues to offer quality service to help or assist those in need.

This woman extraordinaire is well known for her kind, thoughtful and caring ways. Many describe her as professional, experienced, resourceful, hardworking, organized, as well as being a humanitarian and philanthropist.

In spite of her professional responsibilities, Karen still loved cooking, singing, interior decorating, writing poetry, ballroom dancing, jazz music, beautiful and unique hats, high heeled shoes, jewelry, and exquisite fashion designs. We call all attest to the fact that she is quite exquisite when she shows up!

Two of her greatest moments were receiving the 2007 Community Star Award for Outstanding Community Service in Hampton Roads by News Channel 13, and a Recognition Award in 2008 from Zion Bethel UCC for Outstanding Achievement of Black Women in the Community.

One of the major set backs in her life was the loss of her father, John T. Fisher Jr., in December of 2007. During this period in her life, she owes her husband her deepest gratitude for his unwavering support during her father’s lengthy illness. In addition she expresses sincere appreciation to the staff of Fisher Funeral Home for their true dedication, support and loyalty. These qualities have allowed Fisher Funeral Home to continue its legacy of serving families and the community as a whole.

Affiliations:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Links Inc. (Portsmouth Chapter)
• Milady Social and Civic Club-One of the Founding Members
• Order of Eastern Star (Martha Chapter #10)
• Moles of Portsmouth
• Zion Baptist Church (Since childhood)
• Life Member of the NAACP

Glenn E. Davis- Licensed Funeral Director, (LFD) 

• Embalmer

• Graduate of St Leo University (Liberal Arts)
• Graduate of Norfolk State University (Mortuary Science)(Honors)
• History: First to receive licensure in Hampton Roads moturary program
• Retired United States Navy
• Attended Tidewater Community College (Mortuary Science)
• Graduate of Alpha and Omega College of Real Estate (Licensed 1986)
• Graduate of Kee Business College (Accounting)
• Graduate of KCM Barber College (Licensed 1994)
• Manager and Coach (Charles Peete Little League baseball)(8 years)
• Member of Zion Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

George W. Turner- Licensed Funeral Director, (LFD)

• Embalmer
• United States Army Veteran 
• Graduate of John Tyler Community College (Mortuary Science) 
• Funeral Director (State of Virginia and North Carolina)
• Member of Tidewater Funeral Directors Association 
• Member of New Grafton Baptist Church (Newport News, Virginia)

Thelma Stewart

• Administrative Assistant
• Notary
• Member of Saint James Episcopal Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Anthony D. Dixon

• Funeral Service Assistant
• Member of Third Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

William Drewitt

• Completed Mortuary Program (Tidewater Community College)
• Completed Mortuary Science Apprenticeship Program 
• Funeral Service Assistant
• Organist of Father Son and Spirit Church of Grace
• Member and Musician of United House of Prayer For All People

William R. Lindsey

• Retired United States Navy
• Retired from the US Naval Shipyard
• Member of Fourth Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Joseph Brown Jr.

• Retired Naval Air Station
• Member of Saint Paul Catholic Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Willie Syms

• Retired Tractor Trailor Driver
• Member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Elsie Brown

• Member of Grove Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Valerie Hester

• Member of New Bethel Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Gerald Lindsey

• Member of First Baptist Church (South Portsmouth, Virginia)

Melvin Vaughn

• Member of Mount Nebo, RUZA (Portsmouth, Virginia)

Clarence Grimes

• Member of Fourth Baptist Church (Portsmouth, Virginia)

 

757-399-6366 1520 Effingham Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704 Email: Copyright, 2009 Fisher Funeral Home and FuneralNet®