Hattie Sue West

Hattie Powell West was born January 30, 1927 in Greensville County, Virginia (Emporia) where she was the fourth child of nine children born to the late Tomlin and Carrie Powell. Hattie departed this life on June 4, 2017 at her residence. Hattie was educated in the public schools of Greensville County, Virginia. She graduated from Greensville County High School as Salutatorian. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State College (University) in Home Economics Education. She received her Master’s of Science degree in Extension Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. Hattie furthered her professional growth from Cornell University, Colorado State University, University of Wisconsin, Hampton University and North Carolina State University. Hattie married Whitt A. West a local businessman. They didn’t have any children but Hattie adopted many nieces and nephews. Their home was always open to their family. She cherished the love of her siblings. Hattie was a phenomenal woman of beauty, quite fashionable and the epitome of class and poise. She took great pride in the love of her family and friends. Hattie was employed as the first Black Home Demonstration Agent in Nansemond County (City of Suffolk) for 30 years. In 1977, she was appointed the first Black District Program Leader of Home Economics in the State by the Virginia Cooperative Service, Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg. In her administrative position in Southeast District, she supervised Extension Agents and technicians in 17 cities and counties. She played a major role in the establishment of Southeast District 4-H Educational Center located in Wakefield, VA. This center is used by 4-H’ers as well as various youth and adult groups. Hattie retired from Virginia Cooperative Extension Service after 37 years. Hattie was preceded in death by her husband, Whitt A. West, sisters, Mae P. Hamlin, Marie P. Fleming; five brothers, William H. Powell, Leroy Powell, Robert C. Powell, Charlie C. Powell and James E. Powell. She leaves to cherish her memory, one loving brother, George C. Powell (Shirley) of Hampton, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Cindy W. Womble of Baltimore, MD and Ruth West Willingboro, NJ; one special nephew, Tamlin Cepheus Fleming; nephews, Daniel Powell, Thomas L. Powell (Gloria), Brian Powell, Keith Powell and Alfonsa Green (Janice); nieces, Sudie B. Williams, Linda Dawlabani (Nassif Dawlabani, M. D.), Tonya Powell, Darline Blackwell (Samuel), Carole P. Walker, Patricia Powell, Phyllis Adams (Carlon Adams, M.D. ), numerous cousins, other relatives, extended family and friends. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will have an Omega Omega service 6 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2017 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home followed by the Links. A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017 at East End Baptist Church, 523 East Washington Street, Suffolk, VA 23434. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Hattie Sue West, please visit our flower store.