Everlena Riddick

Bishop Everlena G. Riddick, the daughter of the late Elijah and Mattie Woods was born on October 13, 1932 in Salters, SC, and God called her home peacefully August 1, 2021. At a young age of nine, Bishop Riddick was converted and baptized. By the age of fourteen, she moved to Suffolk, VA, where she continued her education and graduated from East Suffolk High School. While continuing her studies, Bishop Riddick received her Nutritional Studies from Tidewater Community College, Theology Studies from Virginia Seminar and the Christian Institute, Doctor of Theology, Doctor of Divinity and Pastoral Counselor from World Christianship Ministries. Bishop Riddick joined the Old Mount Joy Holiness Church at the age of nineteen under the leadership of Bishop R. Griswold. In 1974, through fasting and praying, God gave her a vision and along with her late husband, Deacon James Riddick, they became the founder of New Mount Zion Holiness Church in Suffolk, VA. In 1992, she was ordained as a pastor and in 1999 she was ordained as a Bishop. After retiring from Sentara Norfolk General Hospital as a Dietitian, Bishop Riddick was also a Certified Patient Care Aid while continuing her work for God. Bishop Riddick was a foster parent with Suffolk, Virginia Social Services Department. She was preceded in death by her late husband’s Luther Gray Jr., James W. Riddick, and son Joseph E. Gray. She leaves to cherish her memories Carolyn G. Brown (Michael), Linda G. Hunter (Theodore), Frances E. Gray, Luther Gray, III & Robin R. Scott; Grandchildren Jevone L. Gray (Rachel), Terraine T. Hunter, Morgan A. Moore (Jonathan), Michael A. Brown, II, Timothy Woods, Shira L. Hunter, Derrick Woods (Theresa), Courtney M. Birchette (Breon), Sean C. Riddick, Ryan N. Jackson, Shantae N. Johnson, Destiny L. Gray, Vantonio Gray; and a number of great grandchildren and foster sons, Eddie Whitley, Dwaine Whitley, Rodney Eure and Dontay Holloman; sister Alma Tisdale; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. A viewing will be held at 10am at Carver Memorial Cemetery (Mausoleum), Suffolk, VA, followed by celebration of life at 12pm, Monday, August 9, 2021 at Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. We do not mourn her passing we celebrate her life and legacy. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Everlena Riddick, please visit our flower store.