Portsmouth - On Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 11:03 p.m. Hazel Violet Anthony Jennings, surrounded by her family, peacefully answered the call of her Lord and Savior. "BeeBee," as she was affectionately known was born January 8, 1925 to the late John Anthony and Teresa Shaw. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lister Jennings, and her sister, Ruby Morris.

He gently swept her from this earthly home to his heavenly home. BeeBee was born in Norfolk, Virginia and reared in the Berkley section of Norfolk where she grew up in St. Mark United Church of Christ. She was a member for over 70 years and sang in the number two choir for over 60 years. She also served on the deaconess board. In 1945, she would meet and marry the love of her life, Lister Jennings, and to this union 11 children were born. Later she joined First Baptist Church South Hill under the leadership of Reverend Michael R. Toliver. She loved her church and remained faithful as a member of the choir, the deaconess board and noon-day bible study until her health began to fail.

Hazel graduated from Providence School and Norfolk State College as a nurse. She was a secretary, nurse, teacher and health inspector. She was a singer who sang in many places such as the church choir, the Ritz Theater, the Attucks Theatre as well as the Apollo where she was offered a contract and declined the offer.

Deaconess Jennings opened her heart to many. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother not just to her own but to all who came in contact with her. She would take them in, give them a place to live, feed them or simply care for them.

Our mother has left this earthly house but we glory in God's presence to know that there is no pain, suffering or sickness. We will always remember her and keep her in our hearts for her love, guidance and teaching. May the work she's done speak for her. May the life she lived speak for her.
To carry on her legacy, Hazel leaves to cherish fond memories eleven children: Lester (Beverly), Chester (Peggy), Waymond, Larry (Arlene), Clinton (Gloria), Reverend Glenn Jennings, Hazel "Kathy" Dent, Linda Jennings, Reginald (Vicky), Debbie and David; 53 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; special cousin/sister, Rubell Scott, two godsons, Samuel Brown and Vince Hankinson; two goddaughters, Tammy Sturdifen and Deborah Brockington; two special nieces, Denise Watford and Teresa Lucas; two brothers-in-law, Columbus Dozier and Wayman Johnson; eight sisters-in-law, Olivia, Marie, Gilda, MacOneal, Amy, Mary Green, Naomi Chadwich and Ella Mae Simon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A home going celebration will be held noon Saturday at First Baptist Church South Hill, 3633 Galberry Rd,Chesapeake. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 3pm – 7pm Friday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.