Dylan Demetyre Pritchett Sr.

Dylan Demetyre Pritchett, Sr., lovingly known as “The Storyteller,” has joined the ancestors. Dylan was born in Williamsburg, VA to the late Robert Lee and Mae Ella Pritchett.

For over 35 years, Dylan has dedicated his life to preserving history and culture through the power of storytelling. His journey began at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, where he joined the Fife and Drum Corps at the age of 13. He was later asked to become the African American Program Specialist for Colonial Williamsburg, before becoming self-employed as a professional Storyteller. In 1990, he began building his own brand, “The Storyteller,” sharing his craft on stages across the country. His voice and presence graced institutions and organizations such as the Smithsonian Museums, PBS, Arts for Learning (Young Audiences), The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Monticello, Poplar Forest, Gunston Hall, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, and countless museums, schools, conferences, and libraries nationwide.

The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS) held a very special place in Dylan’s heart. Throughout his years of membership, he was honored with both the Zora Neale Hurston Award and the Linda Jenkins Brown Award for Service, while also holding various leadership roles within the organization.

In addition to his storytelling legacy, Dylan was proud of being a published author, penning two beloved children’s books, The First Music and Yellow-Speckled Black Bird.

Dylan believed in putting God first and prioritizing family next. Those were two things he would say he cherished most. He participated in weekly Men’s Bible study/prayer groups, and he believed his relationship with God is what got him through this life.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Pritchett, Jr. He leaves memories with his children, Dylan Jr. (Rebeka) and Shannan (Byron); his sisters, Shirley of Newport News, Sandra of Maryland, and DanySu of Florida; his beloved grandchildren, Elijah and Nulae; his lifelong friends, “Da Fellas”; his pinochle family and so many other family members, friends, and loved ones whom he embraced as family.

A memorial celebration will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. John Baptist Church, Williamsburg.

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

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