Wilbert Leroy Todd

Wilbert Leroy Todd was born in Richmond, Virginia, the fourth child of Thomas and Harriette Todd, having had eleven siblings. He was born on his father’s birthday, October 1st. He was educated in the Hampton Public School system. Following his high school years, he worked at Hampton Institute in the cafeteria. Because he hadn’t obtained his driver’s license at that point, and his sister Yvette had hers, true to form, Wilbert would “require” her to get up at 4:30 AM and drop him off at work. After a short stint at HI, he transitioned to the masonry industry. He apprenticed with his brother Michael as a bricklayer. Ironically his bricklaying skills were used in some of the buildings at Hampton University and throughout the broader peninsula area. As a child, Wilbert loved physical sports, playing sandlot football and basketball with his brothers and buddies. He, his brothers and friends could be found playing on Washington Street and Eaton Street in Old Hampton. At that time, across from the now Hampton City Hall was several lots. They would walk out the back door and engage in rumble and tumble basketball and football. Other “verbally combatant” pastimes in which he enjoyed was playing Chinese Checkers, Spades, and Gin Rummy. Without a doubt he was the loudest of the bunch, making his presence known. Trust us, he had a very competitive spirit and would tell his partner, if they played the wrong card. You could hear him slam his card and the table. Throughout his life, Wilbert loved to eat and on occasions his mother had to hide food (LOL)! Wilbert and his brothers frequented several “ALL You Can Eat” Restaurants. This incident occurred at a former restaurant on Mercury Boulevard, in Hampton, included his brother-in-law Cecil too! The legend recalls that the owner said he could no longer serve him/them; the seafood gave out. Wilbert was the ringer “eater”. Although they were not twins, Wilbert and Michael were practically joined at the hip in their adventures including working and recreational ventures. His great pastime was frequenting flea markets and bargain hunting. He was known for trying sale “you” one of special finds and would make you believe the item was especially for you. He was a former member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ and loved the gospel music of Rance Allen and the Clark Sisters. Wilbert accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and one of his favorite saying was, “If the foundation ain’t right, then everything is crooked.” Wilbert loved the family dog, Blackie, and many late nights before the Space and Air Museum was built, they roamed the streets of downtown Hampton. During his teenage years, Wilbert was found walking through the family home draped in a curtain or with a blanket. He would direct his younger brothers, “fill the tub” or bring me my ________ (fill in the blank). His father gave him one nickname, “Your Highness” and someone else started calling him, “The King.” While this was said in good humor, it caught on with others beyond the immediate family. His siblings can attest to the following: In Wilbert’s mind he thought he was the family superintendent as he loved giving orders; however, they called him the “Stupervisor.” Occasionally, they played along with his imaginary ‘lordship’. After Wilbert ended his brick masonry work, he transitioned into taking his truck, bartering and selling his goods and wares. He spent numerous weekends, with a friend, reselling his treasures. Wilbert seemed to be a little bit of a social worker at heart. When his friends came to him with various life challenges, he would offer resources that might make a difference for them. Wilbert liked to project that he was strong tough guy, but those that were closest to him knew under his outer shell, he was kind and a very caring person. Some of his last caring acts included being there for his brothers, Ronald and Bradford, who resided in the home together. Since the passing of his parents, he adopted a second mother, Mrs. Lillie Scott, a very dear family friend, who is now 94 years old. Over the last several years, Wilbert would personally visit and encourage his siblings to visit and support Mrs. Scott. Mrs. Scott looked forward to Wilbert’s calls to check on her and pray with her nightly. Guess what friends, the secret is out now… Mrs. Scott was the older Woman in his life. His very close friend, George Ward, better known as “JB”, was with Wilbert until his close of life. The Todd family thanks JB for his lifelong friendship and support. Wilbert was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Harriette Todd, brother Thomas, Michael and his sister, Ruth Todd Binns (Silas) and (Darrell Williams – brother in law. He is survived by his siblings and in-laws, Karen Todd, Sandra M. Todd (sister-in-law), Cheryl Todd Collier, Cecil Collier, Ronald Todd, Yvonne Todd Douglas (Hamilton), Yvette Todd Vann, Bruce Vann, Mary Williams, Timothy and wife, Barbara Todd, Bradford and Bradley. Wilbert was uncle to many nieces and nephews, cousins by the dozens and friends. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A celebration of Wilbert’s life will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, November 2, at the funeral home.