Hours before celebrating her birthday and beginning the New Year, Sis. Burnette C. Pepper slipped quietly away and took her flight into eternal life, on December 31, 2020, On January 1, 1945 in Newburn, NC, the Lord blessed the union of the late Frederick A. Carter, Sr. and Eloise M. Carter with the birth of their second child Burnette Deloris; she was known and call by her many family and friends, “Bea”. Bea was the second oldest of five siblings. She was educated in the Norfolk Public School System where she attended Jacox Jr. High School and B. T. Washington High School.
She met and married her sweetheart, DK-1 U S Navy, Frank Carl Pepper on November 25, 1966. Her marriage to Carl allowed her to travel to many different countries. Her favorite port was Germany, which she traveled too eight times. She was employed for over 20 years at Tidewater Air Filters in Virginia Beach VA; and worked briefly at the Gourmet Coffee Warehouse on 21st Street in Norfolk, VA.
As a Navy spouse, she was committed to helping military veterans. She joined the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legend Post Unit 60. She and long time friend Bertha Underdue-Turner wanted to re-organize the Unit after the passing of several members. Taking an interest in their desire to grow and make the female Unit more active, in 2002 Commander Herbert Ford paid the dues for Bea and Bertha to re-start and expand Unit 60. Once the membership increased the Unit held their first election of officers; Bea was voted into the position of Sergeant at Arms. She held the position until her passing. Unit 60 pride themselves on helping military veterans through the sponsorship of various events, most notably their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, celebrating military accomplishments on Veterans Day, Christmas and various outings which gained Local and National attention and recognition. Bea always looked forward to their annual conventions held in various states. She was part owner with her Brother Lil Fred then became owner of the Roaring 20’s Night and Supper Club in Norfolk. Bea enjoyed taking cruises with her girl friend Frances Boyd and she looked forward to their weekend bus excursions. Her favorite past time was playing Bingo.
Bea had a strong love and commitment to family. She always enjoyed family gathers, especially family holiday dinners at her home, or Mary’s; and Family Reunions Picnics. She loved attending the many activities her children and grandchildren were a part of.
She joined the United House of Prayer For All People Norfolk #1 under the deceased Pastor, Apostle T. Simpson during the dispensation of our deceased Leader Sweet Daddy McCollough. She loved the singing of the various choirs and the music of the shout bands. Her favorite song was, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”. During one of the Sunday morning services, the spirit was so high Bea got caught up in the shout. When she came to herself, she told her sister Mary, “I never felt anything like that before”. She loved hearing the word of God delivered in sermon by her Pastor, Apostle W. R. Scott, Sr. She helped her sister Mary with many programs sponsored by the Maids Auxiliary, and she helped in the cafeteria.
She is predeceased by her Husband, the late Frank Carl Pepper, Son, Felix Carlton Pepper “Pep”; and Brother, Frederick A. Carter, Jr., “Lil Fred”. She leaves to cherish her memories, two Daughters- Flonise Y. Holliday (Andre) and Fasiska D. Pepper both of Norfolk, VA; one Brother- Stanely L. Lowe “Leroy” of Virginia Beach, VA, two Sisters- Mary F. Carter of Virginia Beach, VA; and Chavelia C. Tate of Charlotte, NC; 2 Sisters in Law- Fran Faulk of Suffolk, VA and Joyce Lowe of Elizabeth City NC; one Special Son- Craig Matthews of Norfolk, VA; one Special Daughter- Mattie Wells of Suffolk VA; one God Son- Oliver Artis (Tori) of Newport News, VA; 7 Grandchildren—Raven, Nestle (Raja), Richard (RJ) (Sabrina), Quincy, Terryon, Alexis, and Carlton; 3 Great Grandchildren- Z’Air, Zy’Mir and Andre; 3 Nices- Tanysha “Niki”, Nichelle “Chelle”, and Eloise “Renee”; 6 Nephews- Jason (Nikita), Antonio Sr.(Patricia), Frederick Sr. (Sandra), Travis, Vernon and Otis; 10 Great Nieces- Brandi, Daja, Chyna, Caya, Makayah, Mikhaela, Tahjanay, Jada, Janae and Jade; 8 Great Nephews- Antonio Jr., Aaron, Frederick Jr., Chayce, Nishon, Levii, Isaiah and Jahlia; and 2 Great Great Nieces- Majesty (Tut) and Tayleigh; and a generous host of cousins and lifelong friends.
Condolences(17)-
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Henry and Brenda Howard says
January 11, 2021 at 1:24 pmTo the family our Condolences to you , we are long time friend of “Bea” Henry and Brenda Howard , Gainesville, Florida . we will miss her dearly , we talked a lot by phone and that will be missed, may the Lord keep you all together in LOVE .
Flonice Holliday says
January 16, 2021 at 5:03 amThank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers
Flonise Holliday and Family
Chavelia Carter-Tate says
January 12, 2021 at 4:49 pmMy oldest sister was a very sweet soul. I will miss talking with her and the laughs i would get when i would call and interrupt her watch “General Hospital”. Our favorite passtime when i would come home was eating steamed and fried blue crab. My heart is heavy that she is gone but happy she is no longer in pain. Until we meet again Big Sister give Mom, Dad, Lil-Fred and all our relatives my love.
Your Baby Sister
Chavelia
PS: Flo and Dee Dee you can make it. Just hold on.
Love Auntie
Alexis Pepper says
January 13, 2021 at 8:08 pmHey grandma it’s your lexy Pooh . I love and miss you so much . It’s been really hard because I would come see you all the time and hug and kiss on you. But you are no longer in pain and not suffering anymore . I saw the sky the other day and I looked up and said “ my baby made it to heaven “ you are truly missed but this isn’t goodbye it’s see you later ?
Love your grand baby lexis
Forever in my heart ?
Flonice Holliday says
January 16, 2021 at 5:04 amThank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers
Flonise Holliday and Family
Niki says
January 12, 2021 at 7:12 pmHey hey Bernadine! This is Niki-o-lio. We couldn’t do our annual Aunt and niece outing because of Covid but our bond was always great and the laughs non stop. My heart is heavy but I have to accept what God allows, I miss you, and I love you, rest well.
Katrina (Harris) Riley says
January 13, 2021 at 4:53 pmTo the family, this is Katrina, (Harris) Riley. I have been a friend of the family for many years My heart goes out to the family; as you all bereave your loved one, Bea. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I pray the Lord will sustain and strengthen you. Love Katrina❤️
Flonice Holliday says
January 16, 2021 at 5:06 amThank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers
Flonise Holliday and Family
Mary Carter says
January 12, 2021 at 8:37 pmSis, it really is “Hard to Say Good Bye to Yesterday,” from our childhood days gowning up on 27th Street with all our friends. We had so much fun and got into so much mischief.
We helped each other take care of our siblings and supported each other through so much. Your laughter always lite up a room, oh how that will be missed. I’m so grateful for the time God gave our family to prepare as best we could for your earthly departure. No more pain, just peaceful rest on the other side.
Bringing in the New Year and your Birthday won’t be the same. You will always be with us, always be loved and deeply missed. Now I’m the second oldest!
Love you Sis.
Mary
Monica gary says
January 12, 2021 at 9:14 pmMy condolences Miss Bee was like a mother to us when we stayed out Ben moreell housing I remember hanging out with Peppa and felonies we all had a great time if you got in trouble with b she would give us a smack and then we go home because she had call my mom Dolores and she to would beat us were the good old days bea you will be missed tell my mother I said hello until we meet again
Diane(Ms Goldie) Spencer Outlaw says
January 13, 2021 at 12:31 pmFamily BLESSED-many years of love and support from our special lady.
Burnette cared-offered her precious time-gentle strength often times faith filled wisdom covered in prayer
Thankful for the love, support and encouragement it made a difference in many lives
To the family and in her legacy thanks for allowing us to share in the memory making moments
Sis. Dorothy Askew - Etheridge says
January 13, 2021 at 3:15 pmTo the Pepper & Carter family, I send my sincere sympathy. Remember, “GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL”!
Bro. Michael Gates & St. Ella Mae Mercer says
January 13, 2021 at 3:27 pmTo the Pepper & Carter family, my family sends our sincere condolences during and after your hours of bereavement. “Weeping may endureth for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”!
Gracefully yours!
Bertha Underdue Turner says
January 14, 2021 at 10:19 amBee, wow, I am still trying to accept this. After many years apart, we finally reunited for a friend’s reunion. e share some great times, We often talked about our 26 Street days, play ball on Armstead Ave. I am grateful to God for allowing us to reunite. You will be missed as a friend and an ALA member. I am lost for word. Sleep on Bee, no more pain You will always be in my heart.
Your old school friend, Bertha (Pig)
Bertha Underdue Turner says
January 14, 2021 at 10:34 amTo the family:
You have my deepest sympathy Praying that God will give you strength during this time of bereavement. Continue to hold on to Gods unchaining hands,
Bertha and Johnnie
Flonice Holliday says
January 16, 2021 at 5:01 amThank you so much for your thoughtfulness and prayers
Flonise Holliday and Family
Flonice Holliday says
January 16, 2021 at 5:08 amThank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers
Flonise Holliday and Family
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