Mr. Arkell Mason Thweatt Sr

Mr. Arkell Mason Thweatt, Sr. of 3220 Dupuy Road, South Chesterfield, VA took the afternoon train to Heaven at 3:28pm on Thursday, December 27th from MCV Hospital in Richmond, VA. Arkell, affectionately known as “Papa” by his family, was given an invitation from the Heavenly Father who said, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” After serving 88 years here among family and friends his body decided it was time for a much-needed rest. Arkell was born to loving parents, William Erasmus Thweatt and Estelle Fitzgerald Thweatt on December 5, 1930 in Petersburg, VA. He was one of six talented and busy siblings. He loved trains and built many models. He enjoyed working on cars, doing both furniture and automobile upholstery. He was an all-around handyman. Arkell gave his heart and life to Christ, was baptized and became a member of Gillfield Baptist Church. He married and fathered three children but raised many. He was employed by automobile dealerships, upholstery shops, and worked for Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp. for 20 years. He was a graduate of Virginia State College (now University) and was active in church early on as a deacon, an usher, and a member of the Men’s Ensemble. Arkell was a former member of Petersburg Consistory #144, Petersburg, VA Scottish Rite; Abram #10 Lodge, Petersburg, VA; and Mocha Temple #7 Shriners, Richmond, VA. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 52 years, Ida E. Thweatt; sons, Stephen A. Thweatt, Arkell M. Thweatt, Jr., and Marvin A. Williams; daughter, Dr. Charlette H. Fairchild; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Effie M. Robinson (Granville Robinson, Jr.); many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Among them one very devoted niece, Carol E. Thweatt. It was said somewhere, “God humbled Himself and joined an earthly family so that we may join a heavenly one.” We must all remember memories make us who we are. Dreams make us who we will become. Arkell left each of us with both! A Celebration of Life will be conducted 12 Noon, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry St., Petersburg with the Pastor, Rev. Dr. George W.C. Lyons, Jr., officiating. Interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park, Petersburg. Public Viewing will be on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 9 to 8 PM at the funeral home.

Mr. Arkell Mason Thweatt Sr

December 5, 1930 - December 27, 2018