Chesapeake - Mabel Elliott Surrat , 101, of the 1000 block of Mains Creek Road was called home to rest on March 20, 2012. She worked for 35 years as a dietician at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital until her retirement. She was a longtime member of Bethel Baptist where she served as a Deaconess, Trustee and a member of the Senior Choir and the Pastor's Aid. She was known as the "Mother of the church."

She is predeceased by her husband, John Surrat. Survivors include three sisters: Grace Smith, Eugenia Parson and Elnora Hayslett; one step-daughter, Geraldine Jones; four nephews, Edward Shepard, Emerson Smith, John and Keith Hayslett; two nieces; Suzanne (Parson) Janhrett and Vanessa (Hayslett) Wilson; and a host of great-nephews, great-nieces and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday at Bethel Baptist Church. Interment will be in Rosewood Memorial Park. Viewing will be 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will receive friends. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com .