Celestine Worthington

MEMOIR

Celestine S. Worthington Celestine Worthington, affectionately known as "Lestine," entered into eternal rest on October,15, 2022 , at her residence in Carrollton, VA.. She was born September 24, 1954, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, to Margie and Earnestine Stephenson. She graduated from Murfreesboro High School in 1972. Celestine graduated from Elizabeth City University in 1976 with a Bachelor of with a Bachelor of Science degree in Intermediate Education.

 Celestine embarked on her journey as an educator in 1976 with Loudoun County Schools Public Schools. She began her teaching experience at Leesburg Middle School, which later became J. L. Simpson Middle School. She was a dedicated, beloved, and enthusiastic educator. Her interactions with others were always well received. She was very insightful of the needs and cares of her students. Students described her as kind and loveable. One student jokingly called Mrs. Worthington, “his baby”. Celestine ended her teaching career at J.L. Simpson Middle School and retired to Carrollton, VA in 2006.

Celestine was united in marriage to Milton Ronnell Worthington on July 9, 1977 and from that union, their daughter Janika Michelle was born. They made Leesburg, Virginia their home until retirement. While in Leesburg, they united and worshipped with Providence Baptist Church. While at Providence Baptist Church she served as a faithful choir member, Sunday school teacher and deaconess.

Upon retirement to Carrollton, VA Milton and Celestine united with Main Street Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend Dr. James M. Harrison. Milton and Celestine joined Main Street Baptist Church because of the loving and friendly spirit of the people. Celestine was a committed choir member and Missions worker, where she loved serving others-availing her God given talents and abilities to help others. Celestine’s hobbies included shopping, traveling, spending time with family, reading, eating and cooking good food, and tutoring students. We fondly remember her enjoyment of pranking others just to “have a little fun.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnestine and Margie Stephenson; brothers Herman L. Stephenson and Vernon L. Stephenson. She leaves to cherish her wonderful memory, her husband Milton Worthington, daughter Janika Worthington; honorary daughter Angela Ridddick; granddaughter Angela Carrington, and grandson Jaiden T. Avery; her sisters: Mardesta S. Pope, Maurice S. Blythe and Daphine Charity (Fredrick); her brother Ernest S. Stephenson (Jacqueline) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Notably, Celestine had a host of close neighbors and friends who helped her throughout her various stages of healthcare and other needs. We bless God for them. We will miss our mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but we will always cherish the wonderful memories that we formed with Celestine, our dearly beloved.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1PM Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Main Street Baptist Church, 517 Main Street, Smithfield, VA 23430. Viewing will be held from 2-5PM Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Interment, 12:00 PM Monday, October 31, 2022 at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Please keep the Worthington family in your prayers.