Mattie Lee (Smith) Hazel Pitt

“Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday.

Missing you is a heartache, which will never go away.”

Hazel was born in Greensville County on September 25, 1935, to the late Calvin & Rebecca Woodley Smith, becoming the eldest of 12 siblings. She attended Powell School on Low Ground Road, completing up to the sixth grade. Hazel remembered going to her family church at Antioch Baptist Church with her grandmother, and whenever communion was served, she would shift from seat to seat to receive it repeatedly.

Hazel was joined in Holy Matrimony to Handsome Pitt Jr. on March 9, 1950, and to this union, they were blessed with four children: Mamie (Deceased), Jeanette, Samuel and Linda.

Upon leaving Virginia, Hazel moved to New York, where she stayed for years while working at Goldstein’s as a seamstress. As her children grew older, she chose to return to Virginia in 1968. Hazel had a rich work history in the service industry and stayed the course as she continued her employment at New York Restaurant, Holiday Inn, and Simmons Truck Stop for many years prior to retirement. In the time there after, she continued in her desire to nurture through service, as she became a full-time cook for her family and prepared delicious Sunday dinners for more than 45 years. She loved her family, and they never missed a meal at Grandma’s, Ma’s, Me-ma’s, or Granny’s and for those that couldn’t make it, she prepared plates and sent her love.

In 1984, Hazel accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and became a member of St. Paul Church of God in Christ. In 2013, she became a member of St. John Church of God in Christ where she reconnected with the saints, remaining steadfast by submerging herself in Sunday School, her Pastor’s teachings and other forms of communications. Throughout her religious journey, be it St. Paul’s or St. John’s, she faithfully served in the position she loved, which was cooking and feeding God’s people by preparing her delicious dishes. Hazel became most famous for her banana pudding and cabbage and potatoes. She was a marvel in the kitchen and could create any meal requested. Her style and sophistication was sprinkled on more than just her dishes, for Hazel remained fashionable and trendy with her jewelry, furs, pumps and purses while she graced us with her presence. Although she loved her family immensely, she created a space to love and cherish her friends, congregation members, co-workers and those whom appeared to be in need of her embrace, so to know Ma was to love Ma.

On January 31, 2021, Hazel transitioned peacefully in the serenity of her home. Her loving family will forever miss her. Hazel is preceded in death by one daughter, Mamie Smith; a granddaughter, Tasha Smith and a brother Charles.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Jeanette (Frank Batts Jr.), Samuel Pitts, Linda (Melvin Joyner) all of Emporia, VA; 24 grandchildren: Angela of Washington D.C., Crystal of Maryland, Andre (Francheska) of Ashburn, VA, Alma (Benjamin II) of Franklin, VA, Kelly (Cleveland) of Baltimore, MD, Elizabeth (Bryce) of San Angelo, TX, Nehemiah (Keisha) of Rocky Mount, NC, Monique of Chester, VA, Katina (Brian) of Emporia, VA, Allison (Clifton) of Fayetteville, NC, Stanley of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Josephine of Chesterfield, VA, Omar (Sheree) of White Plains, MD, Sinclair (Damika) of Chesterfield, VA, Shawn of Albuquerque, NM, Harold Jr. of Richmond, VA, Author of San Antonio, TX, Melissa of Mt. Rainier, MD, Christopher of Chesapeake, VA, Michael of Houston, TX, Lakeisha of Lawrence, NJ, Samuel and Roman, MD; 51 great-grandchildren: Zaria, Landen, A’maree, A’keelah, Krystain, Sinclair Jr., Caleb, Trevor, Akeen, Shaunica, Auriel, Amond, Tevin, Dajour, Taylor, Julia, Cache, Ckennedy, Domonick, Diamond, MarkEl, Curtis, Renaya, Sharaiya, Asya, Dalemon, Montasia, Chauncey, Deric, Makayla, Solomon, Isis, Jaylyn, Nadia, Joshua, Rayni, Ramel, Isaiah, Yarah, Dalayna, Mykel, Jaden, Michael, Hassan, Sharif, Quadir, Issac, Iyanna, Brittany, Shatoria and Zana; 13 great-great grandchildren: Sarai, Phoenix, Angelique, Judah, Aayden, Khole, Precious, Menyon, Willow, Siah, Jewels, Avari and Zion; 10 siblings: George (Helen) Smith of Hephzibah, GA., Richard Smith of Emporia, VA., Curtis (Patricia) Smith of Emporia, VA., Myrtle Chambliss of Emporia, VA., Betty Pitt of Emporia, VA., Roger Smith of Emporia, VA., James Smith of Oak City, NC., Mozell Smith of Greenville, NC., Loutisha Smith of Emporia, VA. and Lawrence Smith of Emporia, VA.; her loving church family of St. John, & St. Paul Church of God in Christ; special friend Vergie Williams of Emporia, VA. and Employees of Davita; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Pitt's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Mattie Lee Hazel Smith Pitt.

We ask that you join us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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