News Summary
The Raleigh community is deeply saddened by the passing of Beba Zevgolis, a dedicated member of her church and community. At 91, her legacy of service, faith, and love for family remains impactful. Beba’s journey from Greece to a career in federal service, active church involvement, and family life has left a lasting mark on those who knew her. Her contributions and community spirit will never be forgotten.
Raleigh, North Carolina—Obituary of Beba Zevgolis: A Life of Dedication, Faith, and Community Service
The Raleigh community mourns the passing of Beba Zevgolis, a beloved local resident and devoted member of her faith and community. Beba, who was 91 years old, passed away peacefully, leaving a lasting legacy of service, strength, and love for her family and faith.
Early Life and Immigration to the United States
Born on March 6, 1932, on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Beba Zevgolis was the daughter of Elias and Stamatia Hangelia. At the age of three, she emigrated to the United States with her mother and brother through Ellis Island aboard the Conte Grande. The family initially settled in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, where her father joined them. Subsequently, they moved to Burlington, North Carolina, where Beba graduated from Burlington High School.
Career in Federal Service
After high school, Beba moved to Washington, D.C., beginning her career at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). She initially worked in the typing pool before advancing to the records department. Her dedication and skill led to her being assigned as an assistant to two FBI agents. During her tenure, she often recounted riding the elevator with J. Edgar Hoover, reflecting a personal connection to the history of federal law enforcement.
On August 31, 1952, she married George P. Zevgolis; they shared 58 years of marriage until his death in 2010. Following her marriage and a period focused on raising her children, Beba resumed her federal career at the Naval Research Laboratory. She served there with dedication for nearly 40 years until her retirement in 1996.
Later Years and Community Engagement
In 2000, Beba and her husband relocated to the Raleigh, North Carolina area, where she became a committed member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. She actively participated in the Ladies Philoptochos Society and was recognized for her faith and service with the Archangel Michael Award. In 2020, she was nominated for the National Philoptochos AGAPE Award in recognition of her contributions.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
An avid sports fan, Beba held season tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team well into her eighties. Notably, she experienced the unique opportunity to ride the Zamboni during a Hurricanes game and touched the Stanley Cup after the team’s championship victory in 2006.
Family and Surviving Relatives
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Stamatia Hangelia; her brother, Michael Hangelia; and her husband, George. Beba is survived by her children, Paul (Kaori) Zevgolis and Susan (Martin) Zevgolis Condon; her four grandchildren, Christopher (Danielle) Zevgolis, Stephen Zevgolis, Arianthe Zevgolis Condon, and Hana Zevgolis; and her great-grandchildren, Brady and Brooke Zevgolis.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Contributions
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at 5000 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, with Trisagion Prayers beginning at 7 PM. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 27th, at 11 AM at the same church, followed by interment at Raleigh Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, either by mail or online.
Service arrangements are being managed by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, NC.
Legacy
Beba Zevgolis leaves behind a legacy rooted in her unwavering dedication to her faith, family, and community. Her warmth, strength, and service have left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and her contributions to her church and community will be remembered for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Raleigh Community Mourns the Loss of Beba Hangelia Zevgolis
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Beba Zevgolis Obituary
- Wikipedia: Greek Americans
- Dignity Memorial: Funeral Arrangements
- Google Search: Beba Zevgolis
- Dignity Memorial: Legacy of Service
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greek Orthodox Church
- Dignity Memorial: Community Engagement
- Google News: Beba Zevgolis
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
