Ninette Legette, affectionately known as "Neen,"  "Ms. Cookie" or Sister Legette to those who knew her well, took her final breath on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 in Newport News, Virginia.

Ninette was born in Brooklyn, New York to family matriarch, Ella Mae Williams and Walter McRae, Sr. She attended Erasmus Hall High School and later, John Jay College for Criminal Justice in NYC. She met and married Terry Legette in 1979.

Ninette began her career in NYC with the Department of Traffic and later the Department of Education, before the family migrated upstate New York to Binghamton, and later to Hampton, Virginia in 1997.

While in Virginia, Ninette worked for the Newport News/Hampton Community Service Board. Shortly after being diagnosed with Lupus, Ninette could no longer work, but was able to spend greater time with her grandchildren. In sickness and in health, Ninette was loved for her kindness and comforting spirit. She positively impacted the lives of others in communities near and far.

Ninette is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Alice "Leatrice" Clarke Dempsey. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Terry Legette; three children, Karima, Tiffany and Jawara Legette, Sr., four grandsons, Davion Thompson, Jawara Legette Jr., Cameron Lanier and Andre Edey; three granddaughters, Sierra Legette, Jamiyah Legette, Aayana Waters; three brothers, Walter "Ricky" McRae Jr., Edward D. McRae, and Daniel W. McRae; three half siblings Calvin, Walter and Janice.

She leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins in various states including New York, Philadelphia and Florida.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service for Ninette Legette, which will be held at the Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, at 2609 Cunningham Dr. Hampton, VA  23666 on Thursday, January 7, 2016. Visitation will be held from 12 -1pm; the Memorial Service will begin at 1pm.