Evelyn Pitt departed this life on March 2, 2019.  Evelyn was a native of Portsmouth, VA born Friday, September 16, 1921 to David and Annie Wright.  She was educated in the Portsmouth Public Schools.  Evelyn married Banner L. Pitt and celebrated 42 years of marriage. When Evelyn was 17 years old her mother became ill; and she refused to have her family split up.

Evelyn received Christ at an early age.  She joined the Church of God and Saints of Christ, 1945 under Elder Charles Yancey at 2200 Chestnut St., Portsmouth.    Evelyn and her late husband Deacon Banner Pitt were dedicated members and worked on several committees.  Later on in years, they continued their membership worshipping at the Church of God and Saints of Christ in Norfolk, VA, and continuing to Church of God and Saints of Christ in Suffolk, VA, now presently Temple Beth El.

Evelyn became the Matriarch of the family and any family members that needed nourishing, she would take them in her home.  She was a great inspiration to her, nieces, nephews, and many others she raised giving advice and supporting them in any way she could. Evelyn retired from Maryview Hospital after 29 years of service and continued her mission of helping others through community service.

Evelyn received many Certificates of Achievement, Honorable Mentions Awards and Certificates of Appreciation from the City of Portsmouth for her Community Service. She belonged to various organizations; Chrysanthemum Tent #480, Martha Chapter #10 Order of Eastern Star, Areme Social and Saving Club, President Portsmouth Crimes Prevention Steering Committee, Past President Gosport Police Relation for 2 years, Portsmouth Wilson Ward Civic League and others.

Evelyn continued her education over the years: International Training in Communication, Churchland High School for Public Speech, Emily Spong Training in Genealogy, and Douglass Park Computer Class.

Evelyn was predeceased by two brothers, William Wright and James Smith, and two sisters, Mary Scott and Martha Lea.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one brother, Jerry Penny; a devoted niece who took care of her dearly, Deborah Penny; devoted nephews, William Penny (Charlene, Kelvin Penny (Peggy), Melvin Penny, Ronnie Penny, and Archie Lea (Lolita); and a host of lovable nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Evelyn would take anyone in her home, extending her nourishment to many children, but she had some special family members that she raised, James Smith Jr., Nathaniel Smith, and Derrick Smith and the following family members that are deceased, Bobby Mackling, Alfred King, Helen Saunders, Mable Mabry, and Montell Smith.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Corprew Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2019, 10 am at Temple Beth El, 3927 Bridge Rd., Suffolk, VA  23434.  Interment will be in Belleville Cemetery, Suffolk, VA.