CHESAPEAKE—William B. Tolson, 78, of Chesapeake, Virginia, entered God's healing arms on May 3, 2024. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on March 26, 1946, to the late Roland Tolson and Marie Cattenhead Tolson.

Bill attended Frederick Military Academy and obtained his bachelor's degree in education. He was a civics teacher to Portsmouth Public School students before moving to Mount Airy, NC, to earn his master's degree. Eventually, he returned to Portsmouth and resumed teaching.

Bill met and married his wife of 44 years, Brenda, when she was a first-year teacher at the original C.A.E.S. They were guided through the marriage encounter sessions at Church of the Resurrection, sponsored by the Frenia family and married by Father Heckel in 1980. Bill and Brenda had one daughter, Mary Tolson, her father's heart. He was a proud father and cherished attending all her sporting, school, and family events.

Bill played many sports such as tennis, golf, basketball, and pickleball. He was part of a reliable team of players who could organize a game in ten minutes and count on one another to show up.

After 44 years of teaching, Bill and Brenda traveled extensively. His favorite trip was the Fifties and Sixties Star Vista Cruises each November.

Bill survived five major cancers; he was positive and determined but ultimately succumbed to cancer number six. He will always be remembered for the way he lived life.

Bill is survived by his wife Brenda; his daughter Mary E. Tolson; and his cousin, Bryan Cattenhead.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., followed by a reception. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.