Zelma M. Deas

Zelma M. Deas PORTSMOUTH - Mrs. Zelma M. Deas of Portmouth died July 12, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Felton and Amelia Stith. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, and attended "Little State" before beginning a civil service career that lasted 33 years. She joined the First Baptist Church of Lambert's Point and was affiliated with many churches over the years. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Deas and sister, Doris Stith. She is survived by daughter, Cynthia Hudson (Eric); granddaughter, Franita Delk (Christopher); sisters, Marian Scott and Gloria Wells; nieces, Phyllis and Michelle Stith; nephew, William Stith; and a devoted great-grand nephew, Jovan Stith. She is also survived by many great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in New Bethel Baptist Church, 4212 Greenwood Drive, Portsmouth, and burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow at New Morning Star Baptist Church, 2111 High St., Portsmouth. Arrangements by Riddick Funeral Service.