John Melvin Mason

On the evening of April 22, 2024, our beloved husband, brother and friend, John M. Mason passed away peacefully at Chippenham Hospital. John was the first of 10 children of Oscar and Doretha Mason. He was born in Southampton County, Boykins, VA on September 12, 1947. John joined Zoar Baptist Church at an early age and maintained an affiliation with the church throughout his life.

John attended Southampton County Public Schools, Southampton County, VA before attending Virginia Union University, in Richmond, VA where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree and graduated Cum Laude in Business. Upon graduation, John worked at Phillip Morris, USA for a short time. He began working at Bellwood in 1972, now called Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, as an inventory manager in the Directorate of Supply in Richmond, VA. He worked several years in the Equal Opportunity Employment Office where he established himself as a fair and reasonable representative in all employee complaints. While working, John attended graduate school on the weekends to obtain a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University. Over the years, John became well known by his co-workers for being a logistics professional and a genuinely good and kind person. Later in his career, he was promoted to the Deputy Director in the Office of Telecommunications and Information Systems. When the mission was transferred from Bellwood to Defense Supply Center Columbus, John transitioned to become a Supply Chain Point of Contact. While at Bellwood, John frequented the Officer's Club on Friday nights. This allowed him to socialize and to get to know his fellow colleagues on a more personal basis. After 39 years of federal service, John retired.

Upon his retirement, John, in what started as a hobby, indulged himself by purchasing homes to rent out to those who needed a place to stay but could not afford to buy a home. John took great pride in ensuring that his rental properties were well maintained. He would even cut the grass of tenants that were unable to do so. He loved to work outside as it reminded him of doing farm work which he did early in life. John leaves a tremendous void in the Petersburg community where he helped so many people acquire a place that many called "home".

John also stayed informed and engaged in local politics because he always wanted to make a difference in his community and neighboring cities. Not only did he support candidates by making financial donations, most notably, he supported former State Senator Rosalyn Dance's campaign by personally driving her to various polling precincts throughout the city during election night. Mrs. Dance is now Vice Chair of the Virginia State Board of Elections.

John was a family man. Being the first-born sibling, John was a role model, mentor, coach and advisor to each of his siblings. He set the example for each by living a life that was pleasing to God and to his parents. He personally took each one of his siblings to their respective college. He reinforced the importance of education as a means for improving one's lot in life. Within the family he was known as "Big John". You would always see his truck at family and other events throughout the community. He treated everyone with dignity, honesty, respect and professionalism.

John's love for family did not stop with his blood relatives. He met and fell in love with the love of his life, Cynthia Stewart, and was married on February 8, 1991. John also loved to visit his father-in-law, Richard Stewart, known as the proclaimed Mayor of Pocahontas Island by Senator Rosalyn Dance because of Richard's dedicated work, museum and historical knowledge of the island. The museum houses unique artifacts and a thorough history of the island. John and Richard would sit around and talk for hours about history, sports, current events, politics and the latest gossip from Bellwood.

Dedicated, Devoted, Enthusiastic, Ethical, Faithful, Honest, Trustworthy, Diplomatic, Loyal and Family Oriented are all characteristics which best describes the man, husband, brother, friend and well-respected servant leader in which John became over his entire career and lifespan.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Doretha Blowe Mason; two sisters, Mildred B. Graves (Melvin), Attorney Barbara G. Mason; three brothers, Oscar G. Mason, Alfred F. Mason (Claudette), Boy Mason (stillborn); father-in-law, Richard Stewart; mother-in-law, Joann Holmes; sister-in-law Patricia G. Mason (Stephen).

Left to cherish his memory are his faithful loving wife of 33 years, Cynthia M. Mason of Chester, VA; sisters, Dr. Marian Y. Mason of McLean, VA, Dr. Shirley Mason Randall (Willie) of Cape Charles, VA, Deborah Muhammad of Newsoms, VA, and Stephen M. Mason, Chesterfield, VA; nephews, nieces, a host of relatives, friends and colleagues.

The homegoing service will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home located at 3050 W Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831. The viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the funeral will be the committal service at Sunset Memorial Park located at 2901 W Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831.