Albert Lee Whitley, Sr., made his mark in Portsmouth, Virginia, through his entrepreneurial spirit, his futurist thinking, and his love and kindness to all who he encountered, died on Thursday, May 11, 2023, in his beloved home, at the age of 81.

Born and raised in Middlesex, North Carolina, Albert was a dreamer. In childhood photos of Albert, he can be seen dragging his little wagon behind him with a glint of purpose and determination in his eyes.

Known to those who knew and loved him as “Whit,” Albert set off for college, attending Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. During his time there, Whit pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Lambda Gamma Chapter, in the fall of 1965 and was a part of the Swinging 18 line that crossed on December 11, 1965.

As the first “Omega Man” in the family, his influence inspired six more Omega Men to pledge to his family.

Shortly after graduating from Elizabeth City State University with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts. He would later additionally earn his Master of Arts in Education.

Albert met the love of his life, Evelyn Louise Ellis, while attending Elizabeth City State University. Evelyn once said that she fell in love with Whit because he sang beautifully.

Soon after graduation, Albert and Evelyn met and married on August 24, 1968. Two children were born into their union: Albert Lee Whitley, Jr., and Jonelle Leneé Leary. Albert and Evelyn shared a beautiful life of love, laughter, and friendship for 54 years until Evelyn’s transition on February 23, 2023.

Both newly minted educators, Whit got a map, discovered the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, and secured a job at Harry A. Hunt Junior School teaching trades skills. He also secured a teaching job for Evelyn, which launched her career in education. From that one inspired decision, Whit set out to build a community of families and friends.

As a developer, Whit found a new home community – Lake Forest – being built around a man-made lake. He secured a loan, purchased the land on Carson Crescent West for his home, designed that plot of land, and built that home himself with love, care, workmanship, and precision. He went on to build many of the homes currently within the Lake Forest community and other developments throughout Portsmouth and the Tidewater area.

Albert’s entrepreneurial mind led him to start and grow a plethora of successful businesses throughout his lifetime. Some of those familiar businesses included W&W Builders, Real Estate Sales Agent, Whitley’s Bail Bonding Agency, an arcade, Med-Transit Medical Transportation, Country Favorites Restaurant, and Fair Deal Auto Sales. His business savvy and his love for teaching led him to coach, mentor and employ hundreds of young men and women throughout Portsmouth. Some of those young men he taught trades to at Wilson High wound up working for him at one of his companies or becoming entrepreneurs themselves. He inspired many in his family to start and grow their own businesses.

Whit loved opening his and Evelyn’s Carson Crescent home to family and friends for summer breaks, Christmas gatherings, family reunions, or spending time with loved ones.

Over the years, he never met a stranger, and he touched the lives of everyone he met.

Albert is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Louise Ellis Whitley; his father, Benjamin R. Whitley; mother, Quilie Barnes; sisters, Delores Whitley, Mamie Lee Johnson, and Helen Whitley. He is survived by his son, Albert Lee Whitley, Jr., daughter, Jonelle Leneé Leary; his siblings, brother, Benjamin Johnnie Astor Whitley, and sister, Jesse Whitley; five grandchildren: Antonek Tyquasia Edwards, Jordan Kalis Leary, I’lasia Margaret Cannon, Khari Isaiah Whitley, and Aji Leneé Whitley; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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