M. Earl Cofield

PORTSMOUTH Mahlon Earl Cofield, 78, passed away November 29, 2015 at his home in Churchland after a long battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Inez Bratton. Born in Tarboro, NC, February 19, 1937, Earl spent most of his life in Portsmouth. He was a 1955 graduate of Cradock High School. After leaving Cradock, he served two enlistments in the US Marine Corps in the 2nd and 3rd divisions, serving a full year in Okinawa. He earned several Sharpshooter Medals during his service. Upon his return from Okinawa Earl went to work in the Apprentice School at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, graduating in 1966. He then went to the welding shop where he worked his way up to the top civilian job as Superintendent which he held for 10 years until his retirement after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Naval Civilian Manager Association, National Superintendents Association and Upper Manager Association. Earl was a member of Churchland Baptist Church, the Great Bridge Masonic Lodge #257 AF AM, and Port Norfolk Royal Arch Chapter. Earl is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte Jones Cofield; a brother, Ronald and wife Donna; and four children, Melinda Corbett (Jimmy), Dana Abdella (Tim), Jay Cofield and Rusty Lupton; three grandsons, Timothy, Matthew and Jamey; many cousins; and a special aunt, Grace in Tarboro. He had two special lifetime friends, Chuck Edwards and Steve Spindel and his little dachshund, Matti. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Churchland Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Coleman officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Refreshments will follow the burial in the Fellowship Hall at Churchland Baptist. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, Wednesday from 5 - 7 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Churchland Baptist Church, 3031 Churchland Blvd., Chesapeake 23321. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com