Altamese L. Pritchett

February 1, 1926 - August 27, 2020

The early years The beloved daughter of Mattie Hemingway and Sidney Gordon, Altamese was introduced to this world on Monday, February 1, 1926 in Summerfield, Florida. Her sister, Willie Mae, was born a little over a year later. The two of them loved their home, family, and friends nestled in that little country town. In her teenage years, the family moved to Orlando, Florida. There the sisters attended Jones High School and were members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Institutional Church in Orlando, Florida. Young adulthood In 1946, Altamese attended Florida Normal and Technical Institute in Miami, Florida. To all who remember him— shockingly, her father (who did not allow much), let her sing in local nightclubs. And—she was paid! Altamese was married to SFC Alvin C. Pritchett until his death and they raised 4 beautiful children: Valorie, Gayle, Kathy, and Tracy. Her professional & community life After many years of being a traveling military wife and stay at home mom, Altamese stretched her wings and entered the education field. She worked 27 years in the Orange County Public School System, including Eccleston Elementary, Orange Center Elementary and Jones High School of Orlando, Florida until her retirement in 1993. In 2008, the Orlando Sentinel profiled her as one of seven other families who sued to desegregate Orange County schools in 1962. “My first instinct was for my people, not my children.” November 25, 2016, she was presented with the City of Orlando, Florida’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions, support and community leadership to uplift the residents of District 6. Her spiritual life Born and raised in the church, Altamese always made sure her children were active in church, attending Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU), the Red Circle and Sunshine Band, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School. An avid singer with a beautiful alto voice, she participated in church choirs, until she was unable to do so. She was also a faithful member of Mt. Zion’s Golden Years Ministry. Hat-itude She loved to dress “to the nines”, her head adorned with a hat. She would drive far and wide for “that special one”—taking many a trip to Atlanta to visit Joyce “the hat lady” and owner of The Mad Hatter. And let’s not forget the matching purse, shoes, suit and nails. Her family On Thursday, August 27,2020, in a peaceful transition, Altamese went home to be with our Lord. She is survived by her children Valorie Gordon Roberts (Joe Hardy), Atlanta, GA; Gayle (Richard) Danner, Kathy Pritchett, and Gordon Tracy Pritchett, Orlando, FL. Four grandchildren: Bakori (LaCrisa) Roberts, Atlanta, GA; Ashante (Dana) Roberts, Atlanta, GA; Nailah Ifé (Erica) McKever-Montgomery, Orlando, FL and Sidney Arrington Walker, Orlando, FL. Five great-grandchildren: Asia Bowers-Roberts, Miami, FL; Mosiah Roberts, Kymani Roberts, and Langston Roberts, Atlanta, GA; and Sidney Walker Jr, Orlando, FL. Two great-great-grandchildren Shaia Nicole and Ajani Selassie Dupree, Miami, FL. One niece, Dawn General, and one great-nephew, Daniel Holland, Orlando, FL. Her special friend, Mary Collins, Orlando, FL. And a host of other relatives and friends. The celebration of her life will be held at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Institutional Church (535 W. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801), Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. In consideration of the global pandemic, the family must close the service to the general public. However, the celebration will be available via live stream on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mtzmbic/?ref=page_internal), at http://www.mtzionmbic.org/livestream/ or the conference line at 1-480-297-0773, passcode 6926313. In lieu of flowers, donations in Altamese Pritchett’s name may be made to the Jones High School Music Department.