Tom B. Person Dies At 64

Tom B. Person

Tom B. Person of Bridgehampton died at Southampton Hospital on Monday, March 12. He was 64.

Born on May 31, 1947, to Robert and Anna Person in Southampton County, Virginia, he received his early Christian training at the Rising Star Baptist Church in Branchville, Virginia. In 1964, he relocated to the East End to live with his older sister Mae. It was in 1975 that Mr. Person began working at “The Creeks” estate in East Hampton. He took great pride in his job and enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with his co-workers.

He was a gentle, quiet man who greeted everyone with a smile, and the southern greeting of “hiya doing?” family said. In his spare time, Mr. Person watched his favorite television programs or was busy lending a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. He was loving, accountable and was a man of his word.

Each Christmas, Mr. Person looked forward to going “home to lil’ Texas,” where he would gather with family and friends to enjoy music, card games, delicious food and a glass of holiday cheer.

He never had children of his own, but loved, cherished and supported his many nieces and nephews. He developed an endearing bond with his niece, Verlie Anderson-Rudolph, who became his special friend and confidant after the passing of his sister Mae.

Mr. Person is survived by his brother, Aubrey Person; three sisters-in-law, Mary, Alice and Doris Person of Virginia; and one brother-in-law, Ben Person, of Virginia. He was predeceased by his siblings, Hattie Sue Person, Robert Allen Person, Mae Queen Murphy, Edward Person, Mae Anderson, James T. Person, Mary Person, Louise Person and Marie Blunt.

Visitation took place on Thursday, March 15 at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral service followed on Thursday at 8 p.m., officiated by the Reverend Cornelius Fulford. Interment was on Saturday, March 17, in Branchville, Virginia.