Elnora Whitfield Golden

    In Precious Loving Memory of Elnora Whitfield Golden

Elnora Whitfield Golden was born on January 21, 1926, the third of nine children born to the late Martha and Walter Newsome Sr., in Southampton County, Virginia.  She was called from labor to reward by her Heavenly Father on October 3, 2019, at White Plains Hospital, White Plains, New York. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, James Edward Newsome, Walter Jr., and sisters, Sally Francis Scott and Hattie.

At an early age, “Nore” as she was affectionately called, was introduced to Christ by her father, a Sunday school teacher, and her mother.  It was not long before they were all singing songs of Zion at Rising Star Baptist Church. When her father passed away Nore had to stay home and help her mother with her younger siblings.  The experience she gained from this developed a life-long commitment to helping others whenever, and wherever she could.

Nore met and married George W. Whitfield when they were both young. Seeking greater opportunities, they moved to Newport News where she found employment at Buxton Hospital and became a member of Zion Baptist Church, where she continued to serve the Lord.

After the passing of her mother, Nore once again took on the responsibilities of caring for her three younger siblings.  It was truly a labor of love.  Her faith never wavered and she knew that in spite of the circumstances, God would see them through.

She was a fashion guru. She always had an eye for the latest clothes and styles.  Like many others who could not afford the latest fashions and clothing styles, Nore decided she would do the next best thing, learn to make her own.  Her determination led to proficiency and it was not long before she was traveling and putting on fashion events, and enjoying the glitz and glamour of that industry, meeting people from all walks of life.

Elnora was classy, proud, debonair, and fearless. As the matriarch she was the respected head of household, dedicating her life to helping other family members. If you wanted to know someone’s whereabouts in the family, the answer was to call Nore.

After 14 years of marriage, in 1956 irreconcilable differences caused Nora and George to go their separate ways. Seeking greater opportunities Nora moved to New York where she did not abandon her faith nor trust in God.  Led by the Holy Spirit she became a member of Union Baptist Church in White Plains, NY serving the Lord in various capacities.

Always seeking opportunities to advance herself, Nora enrolled in night school to obtain her G.E.D. Afterwards she received a certificate from The Delfon Institute for Home Health Care. In 1979, Nora was employed by Calvary Hospital, Bronx N.Y. as a Nurse Tech and Recreational Therapist.

In 1993, Nora retired from Calvary Hospital and returned to Hampton, VA. where she was greeted by family and friends and renewed her fellowship at Zion Baptist Church in Newport News.  In 2007, she met and married John Golden, Jr and subsequently became a member of St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg, VA, under the Pastoral Leadership of Rev. Walter Hudson. She was in attendance regularly until her health began to decline. Nora never allowed her faith to be compromised with doubts or fears. She faced life’s trials and tribulations head-on and never looked back. She attributed that to her early introduction to Christ and strong family bonds.  

She enjoyed traveling, both foreign and domestic, and meeting people. Some of her favorite TV shows were Jeopardy, The Price is Right, Let’s Make A Deal, and Wheel of Fortune. She loved crossword puzzles and reading. She also enjoyed watching the Williams sisters, figure skating and her all-time greatest sport was bowling.  

Surely, Nora will be missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind those to cherish her precious memories, her son, Rev. George R. Whitfield (beloved daughter-in-law, Rose); four grandchildren, Denise Gittens (Marvin), of Douglasville, GA, Sonia Stewart (Gary), of New Windsor, NY, Michelle Whitfield, and Michael Whitfield, both of  White Plains, NY; great-granddaughter, Jasmin Francis Whitfield, of Yonkers, NY; brother, Lythie Newsome, of Hampton, VA; three sisters, Virginia Wiggins, of Bronx, NY, Thelma Kirby, of Newport News, and Bernice Lewis, of Ocala, FL; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and  countless number of relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2019, in St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Family and friends will assemble by 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church.  Mrs. Golden may be viewed on Monday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the hour of her service.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

“ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”

- 2nd Timothy 4:7-

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