Elida "Lottie Mae" Mae Easter

Elida Mae "Lottie Mae" Easter, 91, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. She was born on June 2, 1921 in Smithfield, Virginia. Elida was one of 6 daughters born to Hezekiah Tyler and Odell Haskins Tyler Brown, all of whom have passed.

Elida received her early education in Smithfield and later was trained in the field of welding at Hampton Institute. She became a beautician and owned and operated a beauty shop in Newport News. Later she became a school bus driver for the Hampton City schools, from where she retired. Once retired, Elida enjoyed her family and the comfort of her friends. She was a longtime member of Wesley Grove United Church of Christ.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 66 years, Howard Easter; children, Julia Hodge, Rose Easter, Barbara Easter, Debra Easter, Marquita Easter, Steven Easter (Ruth), and Quintin Easter; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A celebration of Elida's life will be Monday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Grove United Church of Christ, 2308 Roanoke Avenue in Newport News. A repast will be held at the church following the service. Interment will then follow at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.