Celebrating the Life of Applewhite
VictoriaApplewhite
Order of Worship Order of Worship Interment
Victoria Applewhite The Life and Legacy of
Victoria P. Applewhite entered into eternal rest on November 15, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born on July 17, 1944, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late Jesse Lee Parker, Sr., and Lucille Frances Anderson. From her earliest days, Victoria’s life was shaped by faith, family, and a deep commitment to service.
At a young age, she was baptized at Zion Baptist Church in Newport News under the pastoral leadership of Rev. L. T. Daye, Sr. Years later, she united with Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she faithfully served through song in the choir and as a dedicated member of the Nursing (now Healthcare) Ministry. Her heart for ministry continued long after retirement as she volunteered as a church receptionist and joyfully offered her medical expertise each year at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference.
Victoria was educated in Newport News Public Schools, attending John Marshall Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, and proudly graduating from Huntington High School with the Class of 1962. During her time at Huntington, she was an active and accomplished student—singing in the choir and participating in FBLA, the Hobby Club, Math Club, Student Council, Leadership Class, Spanish Club, and various social clubs. She continued her studies at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), pursuing nursing, and later earned a master’s degree in Business from Troy State University.
Her professional career reflected her versatility, discipline, and passion for helping others. Victoria served as a church clerk at Zion Baptist Church, worked at Newport News Shipyard and Hampton General Hospital, and later served with excellence at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, where she retired in 2012.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Victoria embodied sisterhood, service, and scholarship in every stage of her life. She was known for being kind and
loving, yet wonderfully direct. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and unmistakable sass made her unforgettable to all who knew her. Above all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her heart’s greatest joy.
Victoria was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jesse Lee Perkins, Jr., and Norman Perkins; and nephew, Raheem Best.
She leaves a legacy of love and treasured memories to her children, Janessa L. Vaughn (Titania) and Jesse L. Applewhite; her bonus daughters, I-Shai Best and Glori Best; her grandchildren, Eric K. Wilson, Jr., Aaron “Toni” Wilson, Trevon Hayes, Jalen Hayes, and Shamondre Applewhite; her siblings, Joy Auburn, Vanessa Perkins, Henry Perkins (Paula), Vivica McLain (Anthony), Carter Seabron, and William “Billy” Seabron (Guedia); special friend, Ricardo Renard Hines,and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.
I'm Free I'm Free
By: Janice M. Fair-Salters
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
Floral Beaerers Floral Beaerers Family
and Friends
Thank You Thank You
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of the calls, texts, cards and expressions of love. We would also like to thank the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living for the excellent care for the last eight months, also to Medicare Hospice for stepping in at the end of our loved one’s life. In addition, thank you to the staff at Harbor’s edge in Norfolk, VA for exellent rehab. May God conitnue eto bless each one you.
