The Legacy of Elvera “Peaches” Chesson
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me
the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to
me but to also to all who have loved his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)
On February 3, 2024, God sent his heavenly angels down to escort Elvera “Peaches” Chesson from her earthly
home to her eternal home. She was born to Ernest M. Smith, Sr. and Hilda Batts Smith on February 7, 1956, in
Norfolk, Virginia.
Peaches married her high school sweetheart Alton Chesson in 1978. From this union they became the proud
parents of Courtney Kenisha Chesson and Brandie Nicole Chesson.
Peaches attended Portsmouth Public Schools and was a graduate of the 1974 Manor High School Mustangs.
Peaches was a dedicated and excellent employee. She worked 40 years as a Transportation Clerk and Hazard
Packer with the Federal Civil Service Defense Logistics Agency at the Norfolk Naval Air Station (Retired 2016).
She also worked part-time as a Cafeteria Server with the Portsmouth School System for two years.
She committed her life to Christ at an early age and was a lifetime member (over 50+ years) of Mount Herman
Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. Her sweet and kind spirit led her to serve with care and compassion in
various roles and on many committees.
She was proceeded in death by her Father, Ernest M. Smith, Sr.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her loving daughters, Courtney and Brandie; her Mother, Hilda Day;
Brother, Ernest M. Smith Jr. (Portsmouth), Sisters, Deryl Creekmur and Janice Smith Gregg (Tommy Gregg) who
reside in Austin,Texas. The loves of her life Grandson Kayden E. Collins and Granddaughter Jerrni Maliyah Hamilton.
She leaves four nieces Shannon and Lauren Creekmur; Amber Gregg; Tawnya Fullwood and one nephew,
Aaron Gregg; and many Chesson family members, a host of cousins, special girlfriends and loving friends.
