Orphia Cozart Lyttle

July 27, 1919 - February 5, 2013
Orphia Cozart Lyttle

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Orphia Cozart Lyttle, 93, of Williamsburg, VA. passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 5th at home with her daughters by her side.

A native of Roxboro, NC, she grew up in Edenton before coming to the peninsula in 1943. She was a resident of Newport News before moving to Kingsmill in Williamsburg in 1987.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, Connie Speed and Susie Ann Cozart; four sisters; three brothers; her first husband, William Meredith Belch and her second husband, W. J. Lyttle.

Orphia was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Newport News for 65 years, where she played the piano and taught Sunday school for 30 years. She was past President of Beta Sigma Phi in Newport News. Orphia volunteered endlessly at the Virginia Baptist Home in Newport News. She served two terms on the Virginia Baptist Foundation Board of Trustees in Richmond, VA. She was a member of the Newport News/Hampton Christian Women’s Club and served on the executive committee.

One of her passions was playing the piano. At the age of five, she was told she could not be taught because she had the gift of playing by ear and she played beautifully for 85 years.

She loved traveling with her daughter, Janis, and always had her passport ready for the next trip. She loved sports and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill was her team. Orphia was a Tarheel born and bred with those beautiful Carolina blue eyes. She missed only two football games in 30 years and continued attending through her 90th year.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Beverly Belch McLean of Angier, NC., and Janis Elizabeth Belch of Williamsburg VA.; two grandchildren, Meredith McLean Hood (Errol), F. Ryan McLean of Carolina Beach, NC; four great-grand children, Caleb, Kellan, Cayden and Kylie Hood.

The family would like to thank AGAPE, Williamsburg Faith in Action, and Debbie Ames for their weekly visits in her last year. A graveside service was held on Friday, February 8th at Burchwood Cemetary in Roxboro, NC. Dr. Bill Tomlinson presided.

The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA. or Williamsburg Faith in Action,354 McLaws Cir. Ste. 2, Williamsburg, VA.

Orphia’s faith in God, her children and her family were her life and she lived it to the fullest.


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  • February 10, 2013
    Jimmie Scott says:
    Beverly and Jan, In am sorry to learn of your mother's passing. She was such a nice lady. I really enjoyed knowing her since we first met in 1957. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • February 25, 2013
    Bob & Tracy Houston says:
    Dear Jan & Beverly, we were so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious Mother. She was another one of my "Mom's" growing up in First Baptist. She always made me feel welcome and I know that was just her nature. She was an elegant and classy lady. She was very special to many people and she will be deeply missed. May you feel God's loving arms around you now and in the days ahead during this difficult time.

  • March 08, 2013
    Susan Anderson Hanson says:
    Dear Janis and Beverly, I was so saddened to learn of your mother's passing. She was such a dear lady. I think of your family often. You are in our prayers. Much love, Susan Anderson Hanson and family

  • February 18, 2013
    Claire Belch Broughton says:
    Jan, didn't take time to sign when I viewed last week. I am praying for you especially, because I know how much you must miss Aunt Orphia. Love to all of you, Claire

  • April 03, 2013
    Billy McDonald says:
    Janis, It was so good to see you this week but I was sorry to hear of your mom's passing. What a full life she lived but for her now it is just the beginning. 2 Corinthians 5:8.