Otis Fleming Early

Otis Fleming Early, 91, passed away on Wednesday April 9 2025, peacefully at his home in Powhatan County. He was born on February 12 1934, in Richmond, VA. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 55 years Sarah Bell Early. They are survived by 5 children, Rita Early Ford, Lisa Bowles and husband Robert, Otis Maurice Early, and wife Lauren, Marvin Pernell Early, and wife Sarah, Marketa Lynn Jefferson, and husband Ruben. All surviving children dwell in the Richmond, VA area and surrounding counties.

Surviving grandchildren include Eric and Robert Early, Noah Blackmon, Kayla Jefferson, Kyndel and Kyle Bowles, Caroline and Abigail Early, and Isaac and Sarai Early, and Great Grandchild Imagine Early.
Otis is also survived by niece Zeporia Cartwright -Johnson(Linda), and husband Paulis, and her son Kenneth Cartwright Jr.(Great-Nephew) and his wife Sonja, Henry “Buddy” Allen(Nephew), and his daughter Johnné Davis-Allen(Great niece),Kenneth Cartwright III , Korbin Cartwright, and Donovan Cartwright(Great-Great Nephews), and Kaydence Cartwright(Great-Great-Great niece).
Otis was also preceded in death by his parents Bennie and Katherine Early, sister Thelma Brooks(husband Wilbert), brother Bennie Buford Early, and brother “Teenie” Early.
Otis was known for being a hardworking man his whole life, with a kind heart that was always ready and willing to offer help to anyone. He was a humble, and simple man that loved his morning coffee, so he could be ready to work, help, live, and love his family and friends. His strong faith enabled him to live a long, and blessed life, and he will be missed by so many, but forever in our hearts. Otis lived with honesty, and Integrity, and was a testament to how to live for others instead of living for ourselves. The optimistic hope is that these traits will continue to live on, as Otis adored all of his grandchildren. His infectious laugh, and witty sense of humor made it a joy to be in his presence. Otis loved anything outside in the fresh air and had a passion for gardening and planting. Otis always had a green thumb and love tending to his gardens.

The Early family would like to give special thanks to all of Otis’ friends and his many sisters and brothers in his faithful Rockwood congregation and all other congregations that knew him. Your exceptional love is what kept Otis going everyday.

We are especially grateful for Dr. Choudhary, Hillary, and all the staff at The Virginia Cancer Institute. We want to thank you for the incredible care, love and support you gave to Otis and his family during his cancer journey. Because of you, we were able to spend many more years with Otis and that is truly priceless.

We want to personally thank Becky, Heather, Mary, Keely, Stacy, David, Liz and all the staff at Legacy Hospice for the excellent care you provided Otis and his family during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for the compassion and love you all provided. You made it possible for Otis to live out his best life at home and surrounded by loved ones during his last moments. We are most appreciative for your love, care, and comfort you provided Otis and his family.

In his memory he would want all to help someone in need, and plant a tree.


His memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 4pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 5550 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, 23832.