Deacon Lee Ernest Whitfield, of 3225 Manning Road, died on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late Paul Whitfield and Elizabeth Cotton Whitfield.

He retired from Planters Peanuts Nabisco Inc.

He was a faithful member of Rising St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he was a deacon and trustee for more than 30 years. He served in many capacities of the ministry faithfully and was a licensed deacon of the Pentecostal Churches of Christ Holiness Worldwide.

He was married to the late Minister Lillie Lousie Baker Whitfield.

Mr. Whitfield is survived by three daughters, Gail A. Smith (Ricky), Sandra P. Mann (Bishop Designate, Pastor Bernard), Sawana C. Goodman (Minister Eric) all of Suffolk; three sons, Bishop Dwight L. Whitfield (Elder Glendell), Deacon Terence Whitfield (Melody) and Torie L. Whitfield (Damaris), all of Suffolk; 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Baker; two brothers, Howard Whitfield and David Whitfield; two sisters-in-law, Bertha White and Peggy Baker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to give a special thanks and appreciation to Nansemond Pointe Healthcare Center and Mrs. Jada Bellamy with Supreme Healthcare.

The home going service of Deacon Whitfield will take place on Saturday at noon at Rising St. James Pentecostal Holiness Church, and he will be laid to rest at Holly Lawn Cemetery. A visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and the family will greet guests from 5 to 7 p.m.