NEWPORT NEWS — Mamye Wilhelmina Edmondson BaCote, 81, departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. She was born Feb. 18, 1939, in Halifax to the late Elisha and Elizabeth Ewell Edmondson.
Upon graduating from Halifax Training School, Mamye went on to pursue undergraduate studies at Virginia Union College (now University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and graduated with highest honors. While at Virginia Union, Mamye was initiated into the Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mamye later attended Hampton Institute (now University), where she received a Master of Arts Degree. She also completed postgraduate studies at Dartmouth College and the University of Exeter, Exeter, England.
As a dedicated educator in Newport News Public Schools, Mamye taught social studies at Huntington and Menchville high schools, before retiring in 1994. She continued as an adjunct professor of Political Science at Hampton University.
Mamye ran for, and won, a seat on the Newport News City Council, where she served from 1996 to 2003. While on the city council, she served on the National League of Cities Constituency Group and as president of Women in Municipal Government.
She then ran for a seat in the Virginia General Assembly, where she proudly represented the 95th District in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2004 to 2016. Mamye was assigned to the pivotal Appropriations Committee. She also served on the Health Welfare Institutions and Transportation committees and was appointed to the Youth Commission and The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Advisory Commission. She was a member of the House Democratic Caucus, Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and the Reproductive Rights Caucus.
A faithful member of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Mamye worked tirelessly for an array of social ministries. She adored singing in the choir and was a charter member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies’ Auxiliary. Devout in her faith, Mamye never missed a day of holy obligation until her illness prevented it.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Edward BaCote Jr.; son, Kyle Rippon; and four sisters, Sue E. Wilder, Elizabeth Soares, Grace Harris and Lola Sadler.
She leaves to cherish many memories her sons, Theodore Edward III (Cathy), Derek Lemoine (Von) and Marlon Jermaine (Shawnie); grandchildren, Darian, Teddy IV, Telaya, Tyrika, Kayla, Aaron, Cameron and Marlon; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Kaylee, Rose and Remington; brother, William Edmondson; sister, Marian Brazziel; brother-in-law, James Harris; cousin, Sallie Creuzot; and a host of beautiful nieces, nephews and friends.
A special thank you to Tracy Moore. The family is eternally grateful for her loving care of Mamye during her convalescence.
Viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 28, at O.H. Smith and Son Funeral Home. A private service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. The service will be livestreamed via the church’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to The Mamye Edmondson BaCote Women in Politics Endowed Scholarship at Hampton University.
Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Share online condolences with the family at O.H. Smith and Son Funeral Home.
