This is a dedication meant to honor those that have faithfully served within ESA Virginia. They blessed us with friendship, support, and kindness.
Dorothy Carter Brown
May 24, 1935 – March 16, 2025
Dorothy Carter Brown, age 89, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, with her family and her beloved cat, Sam, by her side. Dot is survived by her four devoted children, Debbie Lovings, Randy Brown, Paige Betke (Matt), and Cindy Sowers (Tevin); five cherished grandchildren, Chris Lovings (Whitney), Courtney Alkire (Ryan), Brandon Sowers (Cassidy), Brooke Betke, and Taylor Betke; and six beloved great-grandchildren, Riley, Wesley, Blakeley, and Jett Lovings; Hunter and Hallie Alkire. She is also survived by her brother, Bradley Carter of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Wes; her sister, Anne; and her parents, James and Lillian Carter.
Dot was born on May 24, 1935, in Buckingham County and enjoyed life on the farm with her family. She moved to Richmond where she met her husband, Wes, and they were happily married for over 50 years at the time of his passing. They were blessed with four children who kept them busy. Dot loved family time, especially cookouts and holidays, going to the beach, cooking for her family, and working craft shows and special events. Dot volunteered at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and Sheltering Arms. She volunteered for many years at Aggie’s Attic and loved her time with the wonderful friends she met there.
Dot was a proud, active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority and served as State President among many other offices. She had many lifelong friends through this group and enjoyed traveling, conventions, and socials throughout the years. Her sorority sisters were a huge part of her life and brought her so much joy.
Dot lived in the same house for 50 years, and was blessed with great neighbors who looked out for each other. The family would like to thank Linda Jones and Linda Kolkhorst for their constant visits, loving care, and meals delivered.
Dot faced many health challenges over the years and overcame each one with strength, determination, and optimism. She never complained and fought hard until the very end. Dot was lovingly cared for 24/7 by her family and then assisted by SunCrest Hospice for the last six weeks of her life. We are grateful for all of the wonderful nurses, therapists, and caregivers who helped her.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Parkway Richmond, VA 23294. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity Dot supported her whole life.
Cecilia Anne Lumpkin Newton
– July 9, 2024
Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Chapter 3548 in Newport News
Cecilia Anne Lumpkin Newton departed this life on July 9, 2024, passing away peacefully after a brief illness.
Cecilia spent her youth in Seneca and Clemson, SC. As a young adult, she moved to Newport News, VA, where she made her home and lived the remainder of her life. Cecilia was a proud graduate of Seneca Senior High School and studied Business Administration at Forrest College.
Her career was distinguished by dedicated volunteer service and substitute teaching at Newport News Public Schools, as well as invaluable contributions to the History Department at Christopher Newport University and the Reves Center for International Studies at the College of William and Mary. She retired in 2013.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Tommy E. Lumpkin and Edna M. Lumpkin, sister to the late Tommy R. Lumpkin, and aunt to the late Stephanie Anne Lumpkin. Cecilia is survived by her loving son, Ric Newton (Amy) of Washington, DC, and her great-niece, Katie C. Lumpkin of Walhalla, SC. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Charissa Newton McSwain (Michael), and her twin nieces, Cara McSwain McCord (Zack) and Meredith Glenn McSwain, to whom she passed on her deep love of gardening. Cecilia is also survived by her longtime friends, Lana, Bob, and Terral Bolton, Nikki Cooper, Doreen Smith, and Theodora Bostick. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Jeffrey M. Newton.
Cecilia loved tennis and was a member of the Center Court Racquet Club and the Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center, where she was the women’s PTPA tennis team captain for many years. She also assisted in the planning of the annual CCRC Thanksgiving Classic junior tennis tournament and PTPA tournament. Cecilia loved helping train ball boys and girls for local and professional tournaments held at William and Mary. She co-founded Little League Tennis on the Peninsula in the 1980s.
Cecilia was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international women’s philanthropic organization, where she held many offices.
Cecilia was happiest when she was “playing in the dirt,” nurturing her flower garden. She found joy in sharing flowers and plants with friends and neighbors. In her memory, she requested that you give flowers or a plant to someone who is unwell, has no family, or simply to someone you love.
Cecilia will be profoundly missed by her countless heartbroken friends and neighbors who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and love. All who knew her will remember her legacy of kindness, nurturing spirit, and devotion to her family and community.
Margaret “Peggy” Barclay Smith
March 17, 1944 – November 26, 2023
Beta Kappa
Margaret “Peggy” Barclay Smith, 79, died November 26, 2023. Peggy was born March 17, 1944 in Newport News, the daughter of Robert Lee Barclay and Katherine Anderson Coleman. Peggy graduated from Warwick High School, worked at Lake Taylor Hospital where in 1973 she joined ESA Epsilon Sigma Alpha/Beta Kappa Sorority and met her life long friends. Later, she worked and retired from RK Chevrolet. Peggy was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Through her Church and Sorority she was forever serving and helping others.
She was predeceased by her soul mate, Gerald Smith and is survived by her two sons Richard Lane Nuckols Jr., and Robert Lee Nuckols, his wife Samantha and daughter Sadie Paige; and her siblings Sally Rhodes, Robert Barclay Jr., Charles Barclay, Katherine Barclay, and their families.
Please join Peggy’s sons and family in a celebration of her life on Saturday December 2nd at 2 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church located at 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach, 23462.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Ada Jean Bowman
August 13, 1936 – September 27, 2023
Alpha Xi
Ada “Jean” Bowman, 87, a former longtime resident of Portsmouth passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Wilmington, NC. She was born on August 13, 1936 in Asheville, NC to the late Clyde and Edna Lanning; and retired as an Office Administrator from Indoor Air Systems. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Earl W. Bowman; second husband, Bobby E. Mullikin; a sister; and 5 brothers.
She is survived by her two daughters, Sherrie J. Bridgeman and husband Chuck, Linda B. Pemberton and husband Wade; her son E. Wayne Bowman and wife Jo Ann; eleven grandchildren, Zachary, Joshua, Cali and Maggie Bridgeman; Johnny, Shawn and Angel Pemberton, Heather King, and Alisha Good; Jenna and Garrett Bowman; nine great grandchildren; and a host of extended family.
Jean was a member, past secretary and president of the local and state Epsilon Sigma Alpha for over 50 years. She also volunteered at Leigh Memorial Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Hospital fundraisers; and was very active in the Cradock Little League. Jean’s true passion in life was her family, friends, and sisters in ESA. She enjoyed being an active member of her community and being part of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was “mom” to many and never turned anyone away that was in need.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-7:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Margaret Ann Crouse
July 9, 1937 – December 11, 2023
Sigma Chi
Margaret Ann Crouse, 86, of Murrells Inlet, SC, formerly of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at her home. She was born July 9, 1937, in Washington, DC, to the late Roger W. Venable, Sr. and Marie Cusic Venable. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Retired Air Force Master Sargent Roy Lee Crouse, Sr.; and son, Roy Lee Crouse, Jr.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Her siblings, Evelyn J. “Ebbi” Arthur, Roger W. “Butch” Venable, Jr., Joseph L. Venable and Michael E. Venable all predeceased her. Survivors include her children, Rhonda Wyatt (Brett), Ray Crouse, Randy Crouse (Debbie) and Roger Crouse (Heather); daughter-in-law, Carol Crouse; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Venable and Helen Adams. Margaret became the matriarch of 5 generations upon the birth of Elias, her great-great-grandson.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., in Greenhills Memory Gardens, Claypool Hill, VA. Dr. Marc Brooks will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Randy Elswick II, Rusty Elswick, Roy Lee Crouse III, Travis Crouse, Lee Crouse and Dylan King. Honorary pallbearer is Ryan G. Crouse.
Prior to moving to Roanoke, Va. Margaret was a floral designer for Richlands Florist in Richlands, Va. Margaret was the consummate mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and excelled in all relations of her life. She retired from a career as Public Relations manager at Blue Ridge Public Television. She was a tireless and ardent supporter of St. Jude, Make-A-Wish, Ronald McDonald House and Backpacks4Kids. She donated her time, resources and money to all these causes. She was the rock and the glue of the entire extended family. She was a fantastic cook who always kept an immaculate and beautiful home. She was an avid reader and learner, loved to watch Jeopardy and to do her daily crossword. She made the best cornbread dressing, apple pies, crabcakes and macaroni salad. She doted on and treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never missed sending a card for birthdays and special events. She was the epitome of a lady who intensely loved her family and her God. She possessed a rare beauty inside and out as she moved through this world with grace, poise and confidence. She possessed a remarkable character and held a positive outlook and lived a grateful, fulfilling and rewarding life marked by her integrity, diligence and character. She loved God and her country as her patriotism was renowned and it knew no bounds. She will be greatly missed here on earth and her memory will last for many generations among her family and friends who dearly cherished her. Heaven has gained a beautiful and loving soul and her presence surely makes it a brighter place. She is celebrating her eternal life now with her husband, son, parents and siblings who awaited her and greeted her as she was welcomed by a host of rejoicing angels to receive her reward for a life well lived.
Margaret “Peggy” Barclay Smith
March 17, 1944 – November 26, 2023
Beta Kappa
Margaret “Peggy” Barclay Smith, 79, died November 26, 2023. Peggy was born March 17, 1944 in Newport News, the daughter of Robert Lee Barclay and Katherine Anderson Coleman. Peggy graduated from Warwick High School, worked at Lake Taylor Hospital where in 1973 she joined ESA Epsilon Sigma Alpha/Beta Kappa Sorority and met her life long friends. Later, she worked and retired from RK Chevrolet. Peggy was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Through her Church and Sorority she was forever serving and helping others.
She was predeceased by her soul mate, Gerald Smith and is survived by her two sons Richard Lane Nuckols Jr., and Robert Lee Nuckols, his wife Samantha and daughter Sadie Paige; and her siblings Sally Rhodes, Robert Barclay Jr., Charles Barclay, Katherine Barclay, and their families.
Please join Peggy’s sons and family in a celebration of her life on Saturday December 2nd at 2 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church located at 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach, 23462.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Ada Jean Bowman
August 13, 1936 – September 27, 2023
Alpha Xi
Ada “Jean” Bowman, 87, a former longtime resident of Portsmouth passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Wilmington, NC. She was born on August 13, 1936 in Asheville, NC to the late Clyde and Edna Lanning; and retired as an Office Administrator from Indoor Air Systems. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Earl W. Bowman; second husband, Bobby E. Mullikin; a sister; and 5 brothers.
She is survived by her two daughters, Sherrie J. Bridgeman and husband Chuck, Linda B. Pemberton and husband Wade; her son E. Wayne Bowman and wife Jo Ann; eleven grandchildren, Zachary, Joshua, Cali and Maggie Bridgeman; Johnny, Shawn and Angel Pemberton, Heather King, and Alisha Good; Jenna and Garrett Bowman; nine great grandchildren; and a host of extended family.
Jean was a member, past secretary and president of the local and state Epsilon Sigma Alpha for over 50 years. She also volunteered at Leigh Memorial Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Hospital fundraisers; and was very active in the Cradock Little League. Jean’s true passion in life was her family, friends, and sisters in ESA. She enjoyed being an active member of her community and being part of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was “mom” to many and never turned anyone away that was in need.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-7:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Edna Heather MacFarlane Plancon
July 18, 1937 – May 20, 2023
Beta Tau
Edna Plancon, age 85, of Woodbridge, VA. passed away on May 20, 2023.
Edna was the middle child of seven girls born to Duncan and Emily MacFarlane of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada. She worked for Algoma Steel Corporation LTD in Sault Ste Marie after leaving high school. She met and married Staff Sargent Paul A Plancon on June 8, 1960. Sgt Plancon later became a Chief Warrant Officer.
While working for an insurance agency in El Paso, Tx, Edna was a member of the Professional Women’s organization.
The family were members of the US Army for 22 years. They were stationed at multiple locations throughout the US, Taiwan, and Germany.
Edna started her federal government career working as the Command Secretary for the 547th Engineer Battalion at Kelly Barracks in Darmstadt, Germany. During the Battalion’s annual inspection of the installation, she received an exceptional rating for her performance as Command Secretary.
After returning to the US, she worked for the Civilian Personnel Office on Fort Belvoir, before transferring to MERADCOM, as an accounting technician. She transferred to the Corps of Engineers, returned to school and became an accountant and became a Management Accountant. She retired in 2007 with 30 years of service. She received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, which is the highest award any civilian working for the Federal Government can receive. She was a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers.
Edna was a lifetime member (having served 44 years) of the Beta Tau Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, a service organization that supports local, state, and national charities. The number one charity being St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She joined the organization in May of 1997.
For the past 13 years, Edna worked as an associate for the Walmart Store in Dumfries, VA.
Edna is survived by sisters, Lillian (Mel) Hurley and Shirley MacFarlane, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom still reside in Canada. She is preceded in death by her parents, Duncan and Emily MacFarlane, and sisters, Catherine (Les) Porter, Nancy (Fred) Morrison, Donna (Don) Meany and Mary Lynne (Gordon) McCulloch.
She was the beloved mother of Duncan (Kerry) Plancon, Patricia Plancon, and Heather (Wes) Barth. Edna was the grandmother (title of Nana) of Jenny (Benjamin) Tyler, Nicholas Kazaklis, Rhiannon and Sydney Barth, and Sara Hardin. She was also the great grandmother to Aurelia and Caoimhe Tyler.
Edna has been a member of the Cokesbury United Methodist Church since 2011, and a member of the Helping Hands Church Group.
Services will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 at 1:00PM at the Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, VA.
Brenda Underwood
1950-2022
Delta Kappa
Brenda Underwood of Delta Kappa in Roanoke passed away July 15, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband. She had one son, Jamie. Her living siblings are from the Dublin, VA area.
Brenda loved dog sitting and going to plays. Cracker Barrel was her favorite restaurant. She loved to travel, and Elaine Prillaman was her roomie for conventions and trips.
Benda loved doing volunteer work with Delta Kappa where she was a member for 27 years. She was deemed the best coupon clipper for the Troops, sometimes collecting over $3000 worth of coupons. She also did the printing/copying work for the chapter through her workplace. Brenda also was a Party in the Park volunteer.
Brenda spent her last days at the Friendship Manor in Roanoke.
Brenda worked at Source 4 for over 25 years. She enjoyed the people she worked with, and it was those friends that held a COL picnic in her honor and invited the Delta Kappa members to attend.
Judith Brigg
Beta Sigma
Early Sunday morning, May 22, 2022, Judith Brigg, loving mother to three children, passed away at age 75, surrounded by her family in the final hours of her life.
Judi was born in Hawaii to a Navy family, and as a result, she grew up on the move: she and her family ventured from coast to coast, with a stint in the Panama Canal Zone, and eventually settled in Norfolk, VA, where she met her first husband. They gave birth to two sons, Glen and James, and a daughter, Kaia.
Judi went back to school in her forties and not only finished her bachelor’s degree but attained a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. She worked for 24 years as a social worker at the Virginia Home, a residence for people with physical disabilities. Judi’s work was an extension of her kind and compassionate soul.
Judi was a 37-year member of the Beta Sigma chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International, helping to raise impressive amounts of funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was also a prolific creator, making everything from decorative cakes, beloved by her children, to award-winning painted furniture. She was generous with her work, gifting family and friends with her beautiful ceramics, painted furniture, and paper quilling art.
Judi was known for her sweet nature, heartwarming smile, and love of a good gadget. After retiring from the Virginia Home, she was able to devote more time to her children and grandchild, in particular her son, James, who was a devoted caregiver in the last years of her life. Judi treasured their weekly dinner and movie dates every Sunday evening.
Judi was preceded in death by her father, Louis, mother, Ina, brothers Gerry and Michael, and precious infant daughter Margaret. She is survived by her three children, Glen, James, and Kaia, daughters-in-law Kristie and Renys, beloved granddaughter, Lucienne, brother Richard, several cousins, and two nieces.
A Celebration of Judi’s Life will be held on July 24, 2022 from 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at the Shields Lake Shelter in Byrd Park, Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Virginia Home at www.thevirginiahome.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Mildred Wade Edwards
Alpha Xi
Mildred Wade Edwards, 86, was called upon to the angels to go with Christ on Nov. 8, 2021. She was preceded by her parents, Malcolm and Betsy. Mildred was a native resident, whom attended William & Mary College/ODU.
She was actively involved with Epsilon Sigma Alpha, St. Jude’s, and was a dedicated LEAD volunteer for ALL 22 years of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. Mildred was a member of Thalia Lynn Baptist Church.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 60 years, Walter C. Edwards; son, Walter “Wade” Edwards and his children, Robert and Ryan; and daughter, Sylvia Edwards.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Mon, Nov. 15, 2021 at Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, VA. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of her charitable efforts, please send donations to St. Jude.
Eveleen Harrison
Theta Mu
Eveleen W. Harrison, 74, gained her heavenly wings on January 10, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents; Robert N. Wildbore Jr. and Doris P. Wildbore. She is survived by her son; Stan Harrison and his wife Traci, granddaughters; Brianna and Lillian, brother; Bob Wildbore (Jean), sister; Juanita Crockett, nephews; Troy and Scott, and niece; Kari. Eveleen enjoyed spending time with her ESA family. In her free time she would visit the river in Deltaville, VA. Eveleen was also an active member of North Run Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Diane McLane
Theta Mu
Eva Diane Tolley McLane, 66, of Buchanan and Richmond, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Born to James R. and Rena W. Tolley of Buchanan on August 29, 1955, Diane was a gifted and generous woman. She graduated as valedictorian of James River High School’s class of 1973 and received degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 1977. She enjoyed a successful career as a computer programmer and systems analyst for several companies, including Best Products, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia, Bank of America, and CarMax.
Diane demonstrated her considerable talents and generosity of spirit with her creativity. She created stunning quilts and magnificent cakes – from weddings to birthdays – for family and friends alike.
Diane also lent her support to Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s philanthropic efforts, working tirelessly in ESA’s charitable mission as it raised millions of dollars in support of St. Jude Children’s Hospital and many other worthy causes.
She was preceded in death by her father, James R. Tolley Sr. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, James E. McLane and their children, Sean Paul and Virginia Diane (Ginny) McLane. Surviving family members include her mother, Rena W. Tolley of Buchanan; brothers, James R. Tolley and Nelson C. Tolley; and sisters, Bonnie L. Parker, Rena E. Wright, Tina M. Link and Janet B. Bryant.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 12 noon at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church in Buchanan, Virginia. Pastor Daniel Boone will officiate.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Virginia State Council 