Elizabeth Mae Sturgis' Obituary
Elizabeth Mae Sturgis, affectionately known as "mom-mom", "grandma" and "Aunt Beth", was born August 25, 1917 to the late James Matthews and Charolotte Dickerson. She was blessed with 96 years and departed her earthly life on Friday, January 10, 2014 at The Tate Chesapeake Hospice House.
Elizabeth was a native of Painter, VA and received her education in the Accomack County school district. She enjoyed sharing stories about her childhood including the many miles she had to walk to school and times when she was able to buy milk and bread for only 5 cents. She was a hard worker and kept her family laughing quite often about her experiences as a canning factory worker, cafeteria worker at the hospital and as a housekeeper. She also loved yard sales and made weekly visits to one of her favorite places, "The Curiosity Shop".
Elizabeth opened her home and was a caregiver to foster children and the elderly with mental or physical challenges. Her home was always filled with love, and good home cooking. Her family was always guaranteed to find a gallon of homebrewed iced-tea in the refrigerator and a pound cake nearby.
On many occasions, she enjoyed spending time with her only sister, Gladys Cephas and familyespecially for Sunday dinners.
Elizabeth loved the Lord and would often quote Hebrews 13:5 ".for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". She was a devoted member of Clarence Street Church of God until she was no longer able to attend. She served as an usher and very faithfully shared the second row with her dear friend, Sis.
Sarah Taylor along with Sis. Maggie Fletcher and Sis. Elma Colburn.
Occasionally, you could hear the sound of candy wrappers during the Word, which meant she was passing out mints to the row.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, William Lee Sturgis, Sr.; son, William Lee Sturgis, Jr., brothers, Elwood Mapp, Linwood Mapp and Paul Mapp and grandson, Ronald L. Sturgis. She leaves to cherish memories, her children, Ralph (Betsy), Anita (Wade), Bonnie (Russell), and Maureen; sister, Gladys (Leroy); sisters-in-law Cathenni Simmons, Hythia Doughty, Sara Bull and Catherine Sturgis; grandchildren, Deborah, Nealie, Von, Dana, Dontaya, Shavonda, DeWayne and Rose; great-grandchildren, Olympia, Derrick, Damien, Turquoise, Samson, Daiyah; great-great children, Desheyna, Erykah, Kobe, Jaylin, Paige and Amare; one godson, Daryl Coverdale; special cousin whom she grew up with and loved as a sister, Louise Harmon, special cousin Luagia Mapp; and a host of other relatives and friends.
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