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Emma FITZHUGH Obituary
She was born at home during the worldwide flu epidemic of 1919 and fittingly died at home surrounded by friends and family. She celebrated her 92nd birthday on March 29, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Ellen Parker Padgett and Ambrose Andrews Padgett, local real estate broker, developer, and founder of Murray and Padgett Real Estate in the 1920's.
She graduated from Newport News High School with honors in 1936 and was the class commencement speaker. She studied drama with Miss Dorothy Crane, whom she always remembered with gratitude and respect. In 1940, she graduated from Mary Baldwin College and was again commencement speaker. She taught in local public schools until her marriage on May 5, 1945, to Eugene Perkins Fitzhugh upon his return from combat duty with the U.S. 15th Air Force in Italy during World War II. Her husband entered the real estate business with his father-in-law and was principal broker at Murray and Padgett Real Estate until his death in 1993, now Fitzhugh-Wilson Real Estate.
Most of her life she was active in church, Bible studies, social and community affairs. She was a member of several local prayer groups, including Lydia International and International Cooperating Ministries. Emma was an accomplished gardener, award-winning flower arranger, and in 1952 she and friends Allison Cutler and Frances Thompson founded the Warwick Garden Club.
Throughout her life she devoted time and talents to a variety of worthy causes, among them American Red Cross at the Port of Debarkation for World War II, Peninsula Symphony Orchestra as Membership Chairman, initiator of the local March for Jesus in 1992, and was a longstanding participant in People to People. Her church affiliations included the former First Presbyterian Church most of her life, Yorkminster Baptist Church, Zoe Community Church, and World Outreach Worship Center in later years.
Emma was committed to promoting others. Her radiant smile, exuberant personality, and enthusiasm propelled her into a fearless later chapter of life. With fervor and tenacity, she engaged in local spiritual and political causes.
She is survived by her children, Anne Parker Fitzhugh of Newport News, Virginia "Gina" Fitzhugh Wilson and husband, Christopher of Newport News, and Eugene Perkins Fitzhugh Jr., of Virginia Beach. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Jonathan F. Wilson, Katherine C. Wilson, Laura F. Kheir, Julia B. Fitzhugh, John E. Fitzhugh and Anne M. Fitzhugh; and one great-grandchild, Elisabeth A. Kheir.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, 414 Hiden Boulevard, Newport News, on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the service for all who would like to visit with Emma's family.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emma FITZHUGH
Anne Burnett
October 11, 2011
Dear Ann and Gina -
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother. I know she will be missed by many, but most especially you both. You are in my thoughts.
Anne Axton Burnett
Greg Bicouvaris
October 9, 2011
If you could ever define what a true lady was in every sense of the word it was Mrs.Fitzhugh . Her memory will be eternal.
Charles Epes
October 5, 2011
Gina,
So sorry to learn about your mother. I still recall with great fondness all the hijinks your parents and mine used to get into. I guess we kids got into a few, too. All the best to your family from ours. We're thinking about you.
Stan Glasofer
October 3, 2011
Ann & Gina,
I looked forward to seeing your mother's smile every time she came into the precinct to vote (and she ALWAYS voted). My sincere sympathy for your lose of such fine lady.
Helen Johnson-- World Outreach Worship Center
October 3, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We will certainly miss your mother at the World Outreach Worship Center.
Kevin & Angel Brown
October 3, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Fitzhugh family during this difficult time. Heaven has gain another jewel.
Rev. Kevin and Angel Brown
October 2, 2011
Proverbs 31:30-31
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord,she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates". Emma was a woman who sacrificially gave of herself in many ways, seen and unseen. May the Lord fill the void she leaves with His presence and comfort. Love & Prayers, Jo(Bowen)Howard, Newport News, VA
October 2, 2011
Blessings and much love to Emma's beloved family. I knew Emma in the 70's and 80's in Bible studies and prayer groups. Being with her was always a joy. She was energetic, enthusiastic and an encourager. Although I had not seen her in recent years I will always remember and be thankful to the Lord for bringing her into my life. She was a blessing and inspiration to me...Betsy Phillips, Norfolk, VA
October 2, 2011
Dear Family of Emma Padgett Fitzhugh, I was sorry to read about Emma. I remember her vitality and passion for the things she treasured most. She was a bright light on the Peninsula. I send you all blessings, respect, and condolences on her passing..
Sincerely, Joanne Kates Roos, Yorktown, Virginia
October 2, 2011
A bright light for Jesus has gone out from out community, but the afterglow will shine on for years to come. Emma was a blessing to the Body of Christ, and an encourager to all who knew her. We will always be grateful that God used her to enrich our lives as only she could. Our hearts are sad with yours because we no longer have her happy smile and winsome personality to cheer us; but when we remember where she is now, we know she has no more pain and is rejoicing in the presence of our Lord!!
May He comfort your hearts as only He can.
Sincerely,
Kiddy and James Starboard
Teeny Anderson
October 1, 2011
Your Mom and I met 40+ years ago at a Bible Study and I will never forget her vibrant personality, her love of our LORD, and her caring heart. She walked the walk and talked the talk. My deepest sympathy to each of you. She is now with the LORD Whom she loved.
Carlene Richardson
October 1, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting your mom through Ms Elsie Duval. She was very highly spoken of by Elsie, and they would occasionally be at the hair salon the same time on Fridays. Ms Duval would always relate their chat times to me as we left the salon. May you cherish your times together and know that God has promised a time when "no resident will say I am sick." (Isaiah 33:24)
Judy Allen
September 30, 2011
Dear Anne and Gina,
God blessed the world with a very special lady with a an energetic spirit and love for HIM and mankind. I have fond memories of her and the two of you from many years at First Presbyterian Church, NN. My mother loved her dearly and spoke of her often. I'll always remember her as the real deal when it comes to being a Christian. God bless and comfort
you all.
Love, Judy Phillips Allen
Lisa Levitt
September 30, 2011
Ann,
Your mother had a profound impact on my life. We had gone to the beach house in NC. I was a wayward soul who was searching for answers. I met you mom that weekend. She encouraged me and spoke words to me that I'll never forget. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I began attending the church she went to (WOWC). I was touched by her love for her God and people. She will be missed! I am so sorry for your loss but, I know heaven is rejoicing because they now have her as an angel. God bless you and your family.
Lynn Wilson Saldajeno
September 30, 2011
Emma Fitzhugh was the matriarch of a strong and graceful family, and will be missed greatly. My best wishes for the Wilsons and Fitzhughs during this time of sorrow.
Susan Piland
September 30, 2011
I had the great honor of getting to know Emma through People to People. She was such a gracious and godly woman who radiated love to everyone she encountered. She always uplifted me with her warm smile and kind words. She will be missed in our community! Please accept my sincere condolences.
September 30, 2011
Thomas and Phyllis Schaaf and family send their most sincere condolences to the Wilsons and Fitzhughs
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