Mrs. Minerva McNair

Minerva Victoria Haltiwanger McNair was born on June 15, 1948 to the late Samuel and Mable Haltiwanger in Newport News, VA. She went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2025.

She was the tenth of eleven children.  Additionally, she was the granddaughter of the late Sister Lillie Young who, along with her Son – Minerva’s father – Samuel, where charter members of Gospel Spreading Church of God founded in 1919, by the late Elder Lightfoot Solomon and Sister Mary Eliza Michaux in Newport News. 

Minerva was raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord and attended weekly services that included Sunday School, Purity Club, Young People’s union, Sunshine Band, and the Sunday and nightly services. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of nine under Sister Michaux and served the Lord faithfully until her death.

She attended Newport News Public School and graduated from Huntington High School in 1966.  This class is a close one and continues to meet on a regular basis to celebrate milestones including birthdays and class reunions. She attended Christopher Newport College – where she was the first Black to be enrolled at the school and later attended Thomas Nelson Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College). 

In 1967, Minerva married James McNair and were blessed with James Jr (Clint) and Monica.  She has 6 Grandchildren, 6 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild,  and a few “strays” that have become like children along the way.

Minerva worked for Newport News Public Schools as a School Secretary and Bookkeeper for thirty (30) years prior to accepting early retirement at the age 49. She worked at Booker T. Washington Middle School and became a mainstay there. Following her retirement she went to work with her sister May at Warwick Kids’ Academy, helping to ensure the day care ran smoothly and the accounts were kept in order.  Most recently she has worked for Gospel Spreading Church of God in the Newport News Church office, the church she called home her entire life. 

Throughout the years Minerva has worked hard to be the hands and feet of Jesus – working and serving in all facets of ministry:  singing, ushering, cooking, acting in plays, etc.  She sang in multiple choirs including the Samaritan Gospel Singers and the Mass Choir, was an active member of the Hospitality Committee – providing THE BEST macaroni and cheese this side of heaven.  This is in addition to being a member of the World-Famous Cross Choir. , and a faithful usher If there was a need to be filled, with the help of the Lord, she would fill it. 

Minerva is predeceased by her parents, Deacon and Mrs. Samuel Haltiwanger; brothers: Howard, Oliver, John, and Solomon Haltiwanger; sisters: Lillie H. Miller, Mable H Hill, May H. Byrd, and Patricia H Manning.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband James,  son James Jr (Clint), daughter Monica, grandchildren: Darius (Linda) McNair, Ashlee (Clarence) Muse, Makayla Lasker, Nylah McNair, Keyen Coates, Tyson Lasker.  Great Grandchildren CJ, Austen and Rome Muse, …..Two sisters Rhoda (Alphonso) Holt and Gardenia (Charles) Burton; Calvin Miller, Brother-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, friends and church family.

It is the desire of the McNair family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Minerva McNair has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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