ROZELMA H. SAVAGE
ROZELMA JANICE HUNTE SAVAGE, daughter of the late Mertilly Alphonso Hunte and Delores Swan Hunte Savage, was born on October 10, 1930 on the “Church Road point” in Accomac, VA. She entered into eternal rest early Monday morning January 13, 2015 at Riverside Shore Life Care in Parksley.
“Chuck”, as she was lovingly called by those who knew her best, was a proud graduate of the Class of ’47, from Mary N. Smith High School. She earned her BS degree in business at Virginia State College and continued her studies in education at Temple University. After graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart, Harold “Litly” Savage, in September of 1951. To this union were born two children, Craig and Carla. The couple worked hard together to earn their piece of the American dream. They succeeded in building Harold’s masonry business, their dream home, Rozelma’s lifelong career as an educator. All this was accomplished within walking distance of her birthplace and place of worship Macedonia AME Church.
Macedonia was an integral and essential part of the lives of the entire Savage family since Rozelma began playing the piano for Sunday school as a child. She was later joined at the organ by her mother, “Miss Dee.” Together, they worked to survive the loss of Mr. Hunte in World War II, by boarding new teachers who worked for their eventual employer. Each lady served Macedonia for over half a century as keyboardists and Carla has since joined as a choir director. Rozelma accompanied the Junior Choir and later the Senior Choir and Male Chorus. She briefly retired when caring for her ailing mother but renewed her service until her own health began to fail. In 1985, Harold Savage with son, Craig, as his assistant, was hired to complete the masonry work and lay the cornerstone of the beautiful sanctuary.
Mrs. Savage was initially hired by Accomack County Public Schools as a secretary. After earning her teaching credentials at Temple, she worked for 40 years as an educator, beginning her career as a teacher at T.C. Walker Elementary School.
When county schools fully integrated in 1970, she was transferred to North Accomack Elementary where she spread love through math and music. Her award-winning chorus performed throughout the county and served as a brilliant example of vocal and racial harmony. She is remembered, by students and colleagues, for her high-heeled elegance, and her ability to make every child feel like her favorite. Her model of excellence raised the aspirations and potential of students, peers, and parents during this tense time in history. Mrs. Savage instilled a love of life and learning in all she met.
Rozelma was a fervent prayer warrior and faithful church member. She maintained a lending library of books on religion, faith, and prayer. Each Sunday, she was not at the piano, she shared the third pew on the right with fellow “Ro” ladies, Rosalyn and Roberta. She leaves behind dozens of composition books filled with general and specific prayer requests, written by hand with repeated fervor in the teacher style of “I will not talk in class.” She often shared Psalm 37 with loved ones in the faith that God truly takes care of His (and her) children.
Rozelma was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Harold L. Savage. The descendants who remain under their Divine watch are: children, Craig Savage and Carla Savage-Wells (Norm); grandchildren, Kisha Savage, Kraig Savage (Kimya, fiancé), and Sheridan Wells,; great-grandchildren, Derrick Savage, Kimiya Matthews, Kierra Matthews, Noah Savage-Williams, Kisaun Savage and Khylon Savage; and great-great-grandchild, Kyre Scott. She will be missed and remembered by; sister-in-law, Mary Savage Smith; sister, Dorothy Savage Allen; brothers-in-law, James Savage, Edward Savage, Roy Mason and Shelly Allen; several nieces; nephews; cousins; sister-friends; and former students and colleagues.
