Edmond F. Etheridge
Calvary Cemetery
Section 15, Block 15, Lot 232, Space NW
(1887-1945)
Edmond F. Etheridge was born in the rural community of Currituck, North Carolina in 1887. As a boy, he worked in a grocery store operated by his elder brothers and developed a keen business sense. However, opportunities for economic advancement were limited in his rural community. In 1906, he moved to Norfolk and found employment as the headwaiter in a dinning room at the Jamestown Exposition, which was then being held on Sewell’s Point. When the fair ended, he spent four years as a barber.
Throughout his youth, Etheridge was extremely frugal with his earnings. In 1910, the capital that he was able to accumulate through hard work and thrift enabled him to open a grocery store at 1400 Princess Anne Road, in partnership with a white businessman. When his partner died in 1929, Mr. Etheridge used his savings to acquire sole ownership of the business. He renamed the establishment Etheridge Grocery and undertook a significant expansion and modernization of the facility. By the time of his death in 1945, Etheridge Grocery had become one of the most prosperous grocery stores in Norfolk.
Mr. Etheridge was active in civic affairs, making numerous charitable contributions and serving on the board of directors for United Colored Charities. He was married to Addie E. Etheridge, who played an active role in her husband’s store. They resided at 960 Dunbar Street. After he passed away at the age of 57, she carried on the business until her retirement in 1956. They are interred together at Calvary.
Death Claims E. F. Etheridge
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Feb 10, 1945;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 14
Etheridge Grocery Comuany Store
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Jun 3, 1933;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. A3
Display Ad 60 -- No Title
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Aug 26, 1944;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B4
NORFOLK VISITORS ARE FETED WITH PARTY ON ETHERIDGE LAWN
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jul 17, 1937;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. A13
Career Of Norfolk Grocer Is Object Lesson In Thrift And Success In Chosen Bus...
HOMER ROSE
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Jun 3, 1933;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. A3
To Be Honored
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Apr 10, 1954;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. D13A
A. Etheridge Announces Retirement
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Aug 18, 1956;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. C7
Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.
Visitor Information
Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Free parking inside cemetery.
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries
Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site: