Celia Mae Pinkston

Big Stone Gap, VA Celia Mae Pinkston was born on May 24, 1955, in Norton, VA, to the late Ernest Sr. and Annie Neeley Pinkston. On February 12, 2025, she was called home to be with her Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to her family. Raised in Appalachia, VA, Celia graduated from Appalachia High School in 1973 before pursuing higher education at Virginia State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977. After briefly working for the Social Security Administration in Norton, VA, she returned to VSU to complete her Master’s degree in 1984. Celia then settled in Petersburg, VA, where she began her long and successful career with the Department of Defense at Fort Lee (Fort Gregg), retiring in 2011 from the Division of Aviation and Logistics. A woman of deep faith, Celia was a devoted member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA, where she served her congregation faithfully. Her commitment to service extended beyond the church, as she actively participated in community outreach, including preparing food boxes for the SHARE organization and care packages for local shelters. Though she had no children of her own, Celia played a vital role in the lives of her niece, nephews, and extended family, offering love, guidance, and unwavering support. She took great pride in being a Virginia State University alumna, regularly attending football games and alumni events and enthusiastically celebrating her beloved school. Celia is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Claudette Thomas, Mary Pittman, Ernest Pinkston Jr., James Pinkston, Jeanette Pinkston, Artist Pinkston, and Lucille Pinkston; cherished cousins Thelma Jean Ewing, Cynthia Clark, and Terrence Poole; special friend Melvin Hill; and her beloved furry companions Adam and Rocco. Her memory will be forever treasured by her loving sisters, Shelia Pinkston and Kate Hill; dear aunts, Ida Neeley and Pauline Neeley; devoted niece and "bonus daughter," Misti Pinkston-Allen (John); nephews and "bonus sons," Malcolm Pinkston (Sonya) and Myron Pinkston; great-nephews, Jerimyah Allen, Markus Pinkston, Marquez Pinkston, Maurice Pinkston, and Myles Allen; cherished cousins, Jake Neeley, Ricardo Neeley, Mark Neeley, Daemai Lester, and Makayla Poole; as well as a host of other relatives, extended family, and friends. Celia’s kindness, generosity, and radiant spirit touched the lives of so many. Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy of love and faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap. The funeral service will be conducted following in the funeral home's chapel officiated by Reverend Leroy Cain and Reverend Sandra L. Jones. An online obituary is available for the family at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Celia Mae Pinkston.

Celia Mae Pinkston

May 24, 1955 - February 12, 2025

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