Ethel Lee Aikins, age 87, a beloved mother, grandmother sister. Aunt, and friend, died peacefully at the home of her daughter on July 28, 2016. Ethel was born on January 4, 1929 in Monticello until her graduation from high school in 1946 and her marriage to Abraham D. Aikins that same year.

The couple relocated to Newark, New Jersey in 1948, shortly after the birth of their first child. Ethel remained in New Jersey for 43 years where she worked, raised children, and maintained membership in several houses of worship, the latter being Second Baptist Church of Rahway, New Jersey. Rahway was where she fondly called home from 1968 to 1991.

With her relocation to Chesapeake, Virginia in 1991 she joined the Restoration Center, New First Baptist Church Crestwood, where she maintained membership until her passing. She was a member of the churches' Beautification Club. She was also an active member of the Golden Age Seniors Club.

Ethel loved cooking, gardening, and crocheting in her spare time. In addition to her hobbies she was also very fitness conscience. She engaged in a daily two mile walk for years until the effects of advancing age slowed her pace. Ethel was employed as a licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at John F. Kennedy Hospital in Edison, New Jersey and Sentara Nursing Center in Chesapeake, Virginia until her full retirement in June of 2001.

Preceding Ethel in death were here parents, John and Eva Perry, a brother, Franklin Perry, a sister, Geneva Perry, and her eldest son, Abraham John Aikins. She is survived by a brother, William Perry (Beulah), six children; Patricia A. Aikins, Will Aikins (JoAnn), Al Aikins (LaVerne), Deborah L. Balogh(David), Donald Aikins (Eddie), Tyrone Aikins(Theresa), and a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth L. Aikins. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be sorely missed, but the memory of her will be forever cherished.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday at The Restoration Center, N.F.B.C.C.,4701 Bainbridge Blvd.,Chesapeake, Virginia 23320. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 2pm - 5pm Friday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home.