Elsie Rebecca Whitehurst passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. She is predeceased by her parents Rilla A. and Israel T. Elliott. She was the only child of this union.
Elsie leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Lisa W. Pretlow (Roscoe); her son Charles B. Whitehurst, Jr.; her grandchildren, Christina Whitehurst-Slade (Wesley); Lloyd Colby Caldwell; Victoria D. Pretlow; and Roscoe C. Pretlow IV. She also leaves her five great-grandchildren, her uncle, her aunt, a host of cousins, and her very dear special friend Samuel Riddick.
Elsie joined Noble Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, early in life and remained a member until her death. Elsie was an active member in the Davidson Circle, the Sunday School Missionary, and the Women's Ministry. Elsie was quiet but would help in any way that she could. Elsie was also a member of Mount Herman Chapter #19 Order of the Eastern Star, and she was a member of the Dilettantes Club of Hampton Roads for over fifty years.
Elsie worked early in her life as a substitute teacher at Douglas Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia. She later worked within the healthcare system, dedicating over twenty-five years of service at an evolving medical practice with three physicians: Dr. Alex Mayo and Dr. Edward Barham (Dr. Mayo-Barham Clinic), and Dr. Donald Cochran (Family Medical Practice a.k.a. Bons Secours Maryview) until her retirement in 1999.
Elsie enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. She was also an avid CIAA Basketball fan and Dallas Cowboys fan. Elsie also enjoyed spending countless outings with her Dilettante sisters. Elsie stayed in shape by walking the Chesapeake Square Mall where she would meet and greet with her many friends. She was always active and always engaged. She will be greatly missed.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, 4569 Shoulders Hill Road, Suffolk. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 4pm until 5pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.
