Rev. First Lady Velma Kingwood

Reverend Velma Lee Lytch Kingwood was born May 9, 1946 in Mullins, South Carolina to the late William “Rudy” Lytch and the late Leona Howard Lytch. Rev. Kingwood departed this earthly life and transitioned to her heavenly home on February 15, 2020 surrounded by the love of her family. Rev. Kingwood was raised in Dillon, South Carolina and attended Gordon High School. There, she won contests for public speaking and graduated in 1964.

Following high school, Rev. Kingwood attended Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina where she graduated in 1969 with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Rev. Kingwood was heavily involved with the Morris College Concert Choir as one of the leading sopranos and earned A’s in her choir courses each semester. She was also crowned Queen of Miss Daniels Hall in recognition of her beauty, intelligence, and poise. At Morris College, Rev. Kingwood met the love of her life, Bishop Bennie L. Kingwood, Sr. Through their union of love Rev. and Bishop Kingwood were blessed with four amazing children: Marcia Letitia, Alva Danita, Shawntina Yvette and Bennie Lee, Jr.  Following Morris College, Rev. Kingwood went on to pursue a graduate degree.

She successfully completed courses at Georgia State University and the University of South Carolina before earning a Master of Arts from Atlanta University (now known as ClarkAtlanta University). During her career, Rev. Kingwood held teaching positions in San Diego, California, Clarion County, South Carolina and Newark, New Jersey before obtaining a permanent teaching position with Newport News Public Schools. She was a strong pillar in the educational community and retired in 2004 after seventeen years of service teaching Social Studies and English. Rev. Kingwood truly enjoyed teaching and giving back to students in need. On many occasions she would provide them with food, clothing, and shelter without hesitation because of her love for them. Rev. Kingwood was a faithful servant of God and ministered to many people throughout her life.

When called into ministry, she faithfully responded and became a licensed minister. Rev. Kingwood subsequently received her certificate of ordination on June 28, 2015 from Faith Deliverance Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Bennie L. Kingwood, Sr. Rev. Kingwood was involved in numerous church activities and ministries, including: participation in the adult choir as an active soprano member, annual involvement in Vacation Bible School, spearheading the daytime Bible study, and being a faithful shepherd for the nursing home ministry preaching and singing to the sick and shut-in at five different nursing homes in the Hampton Roads area. 

During her spare time, Rev. Kingwood loved to research family history, sing hymnals, and watch Hallmark movies or Say Yes to the Dress on television. She also enjoyed decorating her home and spending time with her loved ones and church family. Rev. Kingwood truly enjoyed shopping and one of her favorite stores was Steinmart. She was an absolute diva of fashion! Rev. Kingwood was loved by many and was the beacon of light for her family. She was preceded in death by her father, William Lytch, Sr., her mother, Leona Howard Lytch, and her brother Walter Winford Lytch.

Rev. Kingwood is survived and cherished by her loving husband, Bishop Bennie L. Kingwood, Sr, brother Fitzgerald (and his wife Barbara) Lytch, brother William (and his wife Betty, preceded) Lytch Jr., daughter Marcia (and her husband Harry) Adair, daughter Alva (and her husband Nestor) Brignoni, daughter Shawntina Kingwood, son Bennie (and his wife Anabel) Kingwood, Jr., grandson Terrell
(and his wife Natalie) Kingwood, granddaughter Catherine Brignoni, great-grandson Logan Kingwood, and a host of relatives and friends.
And surely I am with you always to the very end of age- Matthew 28:20

Viewing for Rev. First Lady Kingwood will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 pm Friday, February 21, 2020 at C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

Services for Rev. First Lady Kingwood will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 5405 Roanoke Ave, Newport News, Virginia.

It is the desire of the Kingwood family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of the late Rev. First Lady Velma Kingwood has entrusted her final care to the staff of C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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