July 9, 2011

NORFOLK — Odessa Magee Tompkins, 87, passed away Friday, July 9, 2011. Born Oct. 12, 1923, in Suffolk, Va., she was the youngest of four children born to the late A.B. and Mamie MaGee. She was a member of First Baptist Church Bute Street, Norfolk, Va. and a former member of First Baptist Church Mahan Street, Suffolk, Va.

She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Suffolk. After 27 years of federal service, she retired in 1978 from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command as a contract procurement specialist. She had many years of dedicated service to the community, including the FAHOCHA Club of Suffolk, Va., Green Hill Farms Flower Club and Civic Association, as well as compassionate service and support to various programs for the mentally disabled.

She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Elridge C. Tompkins. Those left to cherish her memory include two sons, Victor L. Roberts Sr. (Brenda) and Elridge Jr.; one daughter, Alexis R. Colander (Archie); two sisters-in-law, Muriel T. Jones (George) and Harlena C. MaGee; four adoring grandchildren, Vera R. Jackson (Cleveland Jr.), Brandi A. Colander, Victor L. Roberts Jr. and Nicholas T. Colander; one great-grandson, Cleveland III, her dedicated caregivers and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Metropolitan Funeral Service, 7246 Granby St., Norfolk, Va. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Louise W. Eggleston Center or to Shepherd’s Village at Park Avenue, Norfolk. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.