March 29, 2025
0 P.M.
ssionary Baptist Church
Chesapeake, Virginia
- Pastor and Eulogist
White – Officiant Church, Chesapeake, VA
Processional...........................................................................................Clergy and Family
Musical.........................................................................................................Selection Choir
Reading the Holy Scriptures
Old Testament.............................................................Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va.
New Testament.............................................................Bishop Cleveon Bryant
Retired Pastor Phillipi Church of Christ, Norfolk, Va.
Prayer of Comfort.........................................................................Rev. Dr. Rufus Mosley
Centerville A.M.E. Church, Chesapeake, VA
Musical Selection..........................................................................................................Choir
Expressions...............................................................Community- Pastor Phyllis Sears
Believer’s House, Fayetteville N.C.
Church- Deacon Charlie Dozier
Family- Elder Barry Debrow
Acknowledgement and Church Resolution.....................Elder Ivy Burnham
New Rising Sun United Holy Church, Norfolk, VA
Music Selection.................................................................................................Choir
Eulogy.....................................................................................Pastor John C. Smith
New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA
Finial Viewing
TheJourneyofaTrailblazer
Ernestine Riddick Ernestine Riddick
With hearts full of gratitude for a life well-lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Deaconess Ernestine Riddick, a woman of faith, wisdom, and unyielding strength, who quietly transitioned into eternal rest on Friday, March 21, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 19, 1923, in Halifax, North Carolina, to the late Elliott L. Smith and Ester L. Smith, Ernestine was blessed with a century of life, witnessing generations grow and leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. She carried within her the legacy of African heritage—one of perseverance, dignity, and unwavering faith.
A LEGACY OF FAITH AND SERVICE
Affectionately known as “Teen,” Deaconess Riddick’s journey of faith began early. Baptized in 1940 by Rev. Jessie H. Smith at New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. Her service was not out of obligation but out of deep love and devotion, embodying the scripture, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
She was a cornerstone of her church, wearing many hats over the years—President of the Usher Board, Deaconess Ministry, and Women’s Ministry; Secretary of the Church; member of the Helping Hand Club, the Missionary Board, the Golden Age Club, and Pastor’s Aid Ministry; and a singer in the senior choirs of both New Weeping Mary and Centerville A.M.E. Church. Later in life, she was honored with the esteemed title “Mother of the Church.” Her commitment to the church mirrored her commitment to her community. Whether organizing for the Fentress Civic League, raising funds for charities, or opening her home to care for neighborhood children, Deaconess Riddick lived out the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” She poured love, wisdom, and encouragement into all she encountered, shaping lives and strengthening families.
A TRAILBLAZER IN BUSINESS AND BEAUTY
Beyond the church, Teen was a woman of remarkable skill and entrepreneurial spirit. A proud graduate of Providence High School and Jordan Beauty College (Class of 1943), she pursued a career in cosmetology, becoming a highly sought-after beautician and among one of the first black women to own her own beauty shop in her community. Her “Ernestine Special”— a press and curl so perfect it seemed to last forever—was legendary. She worked tirelessly, not just as a beautician but as a trusted friend and confidante to her clients, many of whom saw her chair as a sanctuary of warmth, wisdom, and encouragement.
A MATRIARCH OF STRENGTH AND LOVE
Deaconess Riddick was a woman of unyielding faith, quiet strength, and boundless love. She was confident yet kind, firm yet fair. She cared deeply for her elderly parents, her family, and her community. She embraced her role as a matriarch, teaching generations the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance.
Her love of family was evident in everything she did. Whether preparing a homecooked meal, offering words of encouragement, or sharing her favorite sayings—“If a task is once begun, never leave it till it’s done” and “Any way you bless me, Lord, I’ll be satisfied”—she embodied wisdom and grace. She found joy in the simple things: family gatherings, a good meal, and her beloved soap operas.
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Deaconess Riddick was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph N. Riddick, and cherished sisters, Icelean Hicks and Ethel R. Washington.
Her spirit and legacy live on in those she loved: She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Elliot Riddick, Mathews, Va., Maurice Riddick (Cindileigh) Chesapeake, Va., daughter, Lori Riddick, Chesapeake, Va. Three grandchildren, Joseph S. Riddick, Elliot Tramaine Riddick, and Maurice L. Riddick, Sr., Chesapeake, Va. Four great-grandchildren, Antonio Riddick, Joseph S. Riddick, Elysia M. Riddick and Maurice L. Riddick, Jr. A God-daughter, Leatrice Grandy-Williams and God-Son, Bishop Aubrey G. Mullens, Jr. along with other relatives and friends.
For 101 years, Deaconess Ernestine Riddick stood as a beacon of faith, service, and love a reminder of the power of a life well-lived. As we celebrate her journey, we rejoice in knowing that she has now received her heavenly reward and rests in the arms of the Lord.
