Mrs. Addie Ardelsia Todd Lamb Howard, age 84, of Petersburg, VA, departed this life on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 5:44 AM.
She was the oldest child born to the late Arrow Henry Todd and Ruth Thwreat Todd on October 30, 1934. She was also the widow of Carter A. Lamb and Charlie Howard.
She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Carlos Andrew Lamb; brother, Arrow Leon Todd, two sisters, Lillian Marie Todd Henry and Barbara Todd Overton; one nephew, Nigel Todd; and a host of other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
During her healthful years she was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where she served as a member of the senior choir and mass choir, served on the Usher Board, a member of the Pastor’s Aid Ministry, and she worked at the Tabernacle Day Care Center. She was a superintendent of the Vacation Bible School and a Sunday school teacher.
She graduated from the Peabody High School in 1952 and from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in 1956. She adored teaching in Buckingham County and retired from the Hopewell Public School System in June of 1990. Her favorite pastime was cooking and baking.
She was affiliated with the Virginia Education Association, National Education Association, Hopewell Retired Teachers’ Association, Petersburg Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star, Petersburg Royal Court #3 Order of Cyrene, Jeshua Court #4 Heroines of Jericho, Petersburg Assembly #144, Order of Golden Circle, Past Royal Grand Commandress of the Most Royal Grand Court of Cyrene of VA, Past Grand Most Ancient Matron Gilgal Grand Court Heroines of Jericho State of VA, and Past Loyal Lady Ruler of Petersburg Assembly #144 Order of Golden Circle.
She leaves to cherish her memories: a devoted son, Charles A. Lamb of Richmond, VA, and a dedicated daughter, Cynthia Freeman (Michael) of Capitol Heights, MD; three dutiful grandsons, Michael Freeman, Mark Freeman (Tameika), and Antonio Lamb all of Richmond, VA, and the apple of her eye and only granddaughter, Michele Adetona (Monsuru) of Capitol Heights, MD.
She also leaves four sisters, Mary Goode of Petersburg, VA, Ruth Simpson of South Chesterfield, VA, Sharon Williamson, and Geraldine Todd both of Richmond, VA; three brothers, James Todd and Lewis Todd both of Petersburg, VA, and Michael Todd of Richmond, VA; a brother-in-law, William Overton of Oxon Hill, MD; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fur grandbabies. She leaves two devoted and faithful friends: Mrs. Saundra Mason and Mrs. Annie V. Steele both of Petersburg, VA.
A special recognition goes to her adopted daughter and grandson, Dawn Peacher and Caleb Peacher both of Petersburg, VA as they have been caring for her since 2014 up until her final moments.
She was a firm believer that the work she did should speak for her. She left these words of encouragement for all of us: “You all be kind to one another as I have tried to be to each of you. Remember I loved each of you in a special way. Don’t cry for me, I am happy to be with Jesus.”
Service were held 3:00 P.M., Monday, February 18, 2019 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA. The interment will follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.
A wake was held from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the funeral establishment.
The family will assemble 2:00 P.M. the day of the service and will also receive friends at 111 Shore Street, Petersburg, VA, and may be contacted by calling (804) 732-3330.