Justine Rebecca Livingston Lifsey, born March 15, 1943, departed this life on November 15, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Rayford Livingston, Sr. and Elzona Jones Livingston. She was a native of Louisburg, North Carolina and grew up with fourteen siblings on a family farm in Centerville, North Carolina. She attended Perry's High School and continued her education at Elizabeth City State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1965. During her 33 years of teaching in the Newport News Public School System, she pursued higher education at Norfolk State University, receiving a Masters of Arts in PreElementary Education. She was a dedicated teacher who touched the lives of countless students.

Justine was joined in holy matrimony to Daniel C. Lifsey on August 5, 1967. To this union, two sons were born, Arvin and Darryl. They established a beautiful life together in Newport News, Virginia.

Justine joined First Baptist Church East End, where she was a Deaconess and was later bestowed the title of Emerita, a member of the Golden Key Club and the League of Christian Women. She also spent many hours visiting the sick and shut in. She was also a member with Sigma Chapter Lambda Kappa Mu and The Red Hat Society. After retirement, Justine also enjoyed traveling, listening to gospel music, crossword puzzles, and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.

Justine will be remembered as a warm, loving, and friendly person. She loved family and people gravitated toward her because she gave whatever she could- comfort, advice, understanding, and was a prayer warrior for all.

Justine was preceded in death by her father, Rayford Livingston Sr., and mother, Elzona Jones Livingston; husband, Daniel C. Lifsey; brothers, Atlas Livingston, Melton Livingston, Wilbert Livingston, Rayford Livingston, Willard Livingston, and George Livingston; sisters, Elzona Perry, Beatrice Whitley, Evert Ramsey, Sophia Brodie, and Geraldine Long.

She leaves to cherish her memory two devoted sons, Arvin and Darryl (Latoya); two grandchildren, who were the love of her life, Darryl Jr., and Kyah; her sisters, Pauline Clifton of Paterson, NJ, Ailene Bryant of Lake Royal, NC, and Pearline Kelly of Wake Forest, NC; two sisters-in-law, Jennie Williams and Teresa Livingston; extended family, Carolyn Hutcheson, Joyce Weeks, Beverly Townes, Brenda Turner, Kathleen Saunders, Toni Redcross, Betty Guy, and Mr. and Mrs. Lane. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2024 at First Baptist Church East End.  Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.  Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the funeral home and from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church on Friday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.