Von Boyd Pritchard, born December 10, 1946, to the late Roosevelt and Armenter Pritchard in Adams Creek, North Carolina, exchanged time for eternity on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey.
Von received his formal education in the segregated public schools of Craven County, North Carolina. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Adams Creek. He graduated from Godette Elementary School in Harlow and then Queens Street High School in Beaufort in 1965.
After high school, Von worked at Atlantic Veneer Corporation before relocating to New Jersey in 1970 where he began a career in construction. He worked for Daniel Black Construction Company and Randy and Ruffin Construction Company. He joined Local 343 now Building and General Construction Laborers Local 77. As a proud “Union Man,” Von worked for Patock Construction Company. He retired from Woodward Construction Company in 2009 after 30 years as a construction worker.
Von was generous and creative with his skills. He did construction projects for relatives and friends on his own time. He built a grill pit in his backyard where he and Sandy hosted many family gatherings. He built an extended garage onto his house in Red Bank with a little help from some friends. The Garage is unique because you can drive in through the front door and drive out the back door, and the labor cost was beer, sandwiches, and good fellowship.
Von, affectionately known as “Baby” by his family and childhood friends, and “Uncle Babe” to his nieces and nephews met his own “babe,” the love of his life, Sandra Williams, in Red Bank, NJ. Two years after meeting, they exchanged marriage vows on July 5th, 1980. Together they enjoyed traveling, cruising and hosting family gatherings. His wife, Sandy, says their marriage lasted so long because Von was kind, loving, calm and always extending himself to help his family and friends. He always enjoyed his monthly breakfasts with nephews Shaun, Mike, and Spencer Jr. Von was also a strong advocate for the Concerned Black Nurses of Monmouth County.
Von loved hosting family barbeques and cruising with his wife, family, and friends to Hawaii, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Mexico. Bahamas, St. Martin. Puerto Rico and his favorite Cruise destination, Aruba.
Von loved God and he loved going to church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a youth and was baptized at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Adams Creek. While living in Red Bank, he attended St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, Union Missionary Baptist Church, Middletown, and Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, also in Middletown, when his sister-in-law was the pastor there.
Von was predeceased by his parents, Roosevelt and Armenter Pritchard, Sisters Julie Stewart, and Odessa Horton.
Von leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 45 years, Sandra; daughter Vonda Cheryl Manning (Ron), Sons Morris Craig McGowan(Rosane) and Jerome McGowan; Grandchildren, Shakim McGowan, Corey Bost, Senay McGowan, Simone McGowan, Jasmine McGowan, Ebonie Jackson, Maya Jackson, Shantell Manning, Maya Manning; and Iris Arielle; Great-Grandchildren Asante McGowan, Amari Mc Gowan, Emorie Eversley and Kyomi Rauen, Brothers Roosevelt, Johnny, and Berling; Sisters; Lillie-Mae Kelly and Arnersey Fraiser; Brothers-in law Michael Edwards, Ralph Edwards III (Patricia), Barry Edwards(Yolanda), Keith Williams (Gail) ; Sisters-in law ; Judy Schimipf (Charlie), Elizabeth Gillard (Donald), Rev. Eunice Washington. Host of nieces, nephews, cousins and Special Neighbors David, Jackie Joy and Matthew Nickens. Special thanks to nieces Geraldine Bibbens and Rene Gooding, for helping their uncle when his wife had to be away.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Shrewsbury Ave AME Zion Church Building Fund.
God comfort Von’s family with your love.
Sandy you were blessed to have Von in your life.
Sandy God will be with you
Love Eunice
Sandy you were blessed to have Von as you husband. God bless you
in Jesus name Amen
Sandy you were blessed to have Von in your life. Love Eunice