Musical Prelude...........................................................................................Musician
Processional..................................................................Clergy, Family, and Friends
Musical Selection...................................................................GBC Celebration Choir “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”
Scripture Reading
Old Testament....................................................................................Minister
New Testament..................................................................................Minister
Prayer of Comfort.........................................................................................Minister
Solo....................................................Minister Charles B. Cotton, Jr. “I’ll Fly Away”
Reflections............................................Andrew Dickenson(Nephew)
Sharifa Dickenson (Niece)
Sylvia Smith (Cousin)
Acknowledgments..................................................Tinisha Williams
Silent Reading of the Obituary
Photo Montage
Solo..............................................................Minister Ashley Felder “Everlasting God”
Eulogy...............................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr.
Recessional.........................................Clergy, Family, and Friends “Going Up Yonder”
Elaine Witten, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was called home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on January 19, 1942, in the picturesque Saint Mary’s Parish in Bolans Village, Antigua, Elaine was the cherished daughter of Christobel and David Baptiste. Her journey through life was marked by deep faith, dedication to her family, and a commitment to serving others.
At the age of 16, Elaine moved to St. Thomas, USVI, where she lived for a decade. During these formative years, she built a foundation for the life she would lead, marked by resilience and determination. At 26, she immigrated to the United States, where she began her illustrious career and built a beautiful life with her family.
Elaine’s spiritual journey began in Saint Mary’s Parish in Antigua, where she was baptized and nurtured in her faith. She joined Gethsemane Baptust Church in 1992. After moving to Charlotte, North Carolina she continued her walk with the Lord at Mount Carmel, and later came back hoem to continue as a devoted member of Gethsemane in Newport News, Virginia. Her involvement in numerous church ministries over the years was a testament to her unwavering faith and desire to serve her community.
Elaine’s pursuit of education began in Bolans Village Public Schools, and she later earned an Associate Degree in Banking from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Her career spanned 38 years as a Bank Analyst at Chemical Bank and Bank
of America, where she was known for her hard work and dedication. Following her retirement, Elaine continued to serve others through her work with the American Red Cross in customer service for 12 years.
Elaine was a woman of many passions. She was an avid traveler, always eager to explore the world, and found joy in watching her favorite show, Days of Our Lives. Gardening, spending time with her family, cooking, and baking were among her greatest pleasures. Elaine also had a love for concerts, plays, walking, and reading, which she enjoyed throughout her life.
Elaine was a role model to many—a perfect wife, a devoted mother, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Her strength, resilience, and love were the cornerstones of her family, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Christobel and David Baptiste; her siblings, Olga, David, and Stephen; and countless other loved ones who have gone before her. Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we find comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind and the knowledge that she is now at peace in God’s loving arms.
Elaine is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Eugene Witten, with whom she shared 44 beautiful years together. She leaves behind her cherished children: Allison West, Angie West, Irene Sutton, and Laya Vosges; her treasured grandchildren: Chrystina Ingram, Ebony Sutton, Paige Vosges, and Maurice Vosges; and her beloved great-grandchildren: Elijah, Nyah, Leah, Ezrah, and Kalaya. Elaine is also survived by her siblings, Novelle Dickenson and Hilson Baptiste, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends, including Yvonne and Audrey.
“Although my heart is heavy with the loss of this beautiful soul whom God granted me the privilege of calling my mother, I will cherish every moment we shared, especially our daily morning phone calls to ask if Gene had made her a Queen’s breakfast that day or to find out if she was out gallivanting. Rest peacefully, my beautiful Mother, love Angie West”
“Mom, I didn’t understand your tough love at the time as a young boy. But when I became a man with my own child, it finally became clearer to me. I will always love you for all the life lessons you instilled in me. I always just wanted you to be proud of me, and I sought that approval from you. Rest now, no more pain, you are in God’s hands and forever your son, Allison.”
