Alfred Widgeon Whitehurst

Judge Whitehurst lived most of his life in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up in the Lambert’s Point section of the city. He was born May 17, 1927 to Hattie Pauline Widgeon and John Alfred Whitehurst.

After graduating from Maury High School he attended the University of Virginia and graduated in 1950. His studies continued at the University Of Virginia School Of Law with graduation in 1953. He worked many jobs to help pay for his education including driving a cab. He began a distinguished legal career as a prosecutor in the 1950s and a Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge from 1958 to 1960. He was then honored to serve as Commonwealth’s Attorney for ten years. In 1970 he returned to the bench as a judge in Norfolk Circuit Court. A judgeship he held for more than twenty years until his retirement in 1995. Judge Whitehurst stayed active and still heard cases when needed until just recently. Several legal experts classified his decision making from the bench as “tough, but fair.” He really cherished his friendships with so many people at the courthouse and enjoyed visiting quite often. He took great pleasure in discussing law, sports and telling jokes. The judge was a very religious man and taught Sunday school for more than fifty years. He was a long time member of Larchmont United Methodist Church.

Judge Whitehurst was a huge sports fan. He loved the Redskins, UVA and the game of golf. One of his fondest childhood memories was being a batboy for the New York Yankees with his twin brother when they played exhibition games in Norfolk at Bain Field. They got to see some real legends up close. He was also a regular at the downtown Norfolk YMCA most of his adult life.

His two brothers passed away recently and their loss certainly took a toll. Eldest brother Russell Paul Whitehurst and twin brother Harold Shipp Whitehurst. He is survived by two sons, Alfred W. Whitehurst, Jr., and his wife Christine Whitehurst, and John W. Whitehurst; three grandchildren Zachary Whitehurst, Ashlynn Whitehurst and Cassidy Whitehurst.

The family will receive friends at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norview Chapel on Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of Judge Whitehurst’s life will be held 1 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2013 at Larchmont United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

He will be sorely missed by family and friends, but his legacy and spirit will shine a light for years to come. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.