Yvonne Jones, 85, was crossing London Road in Benfleet on December 7 when she was struck by a Jaguar car.
The driver did not stop at the scene.
An inquest into Mrs Jones’s death was opened on Friday, with coroner Michelle Brown telling the court a she would suspend the inquest so Essex Police could continue their investigation.
The force arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released him under investigation.
Mrs Brown also told the court Mrs Jones had been on a coach trip to London for the day with her 90-year-old sister, and had got off the bus in an area known locally as Bread and Cheese Hill before she was hit by a car.
Bystanders carried out CPR and paramedics soon took over, but they could not save Mrs Jones and she was pronounced dead at 12.08am on December 8.
A post-mortem was carried out by forensic pathologist Dr Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow, who gave a provisional cause of death as brainstem transection, awaiting histology and toxicology.
Mrs Brown said said: “Essex Police have requested a suspension of the coronial investigation pending further investigation and possible prosecution.
“If there is likely to be a prosecution, [coronial proceedings] will remain suspended until the conclusion of that.”
A public appeal following the incident asked for witnesses to contact Essex Police if they had seen a Jaguar saloon-style car in the area at the time of collision.
A tribute from Mrs Jones’s family read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Yvonne Jones, our mum, nan, great nan, sister and aunty.
“She was born in London and was unexpectedly taken from us on December 7, 2024 in Essex whilst on holiday, visiting her family.
“Australia has been mum’s home for over 50 years with her children, Lee, Julie, Debbie and Tracy and their extended families and will be her final resting place.
“We will miss her cheeky humour and above all her kindness to everyone she met.
“We love you – rest in peace, mum.”