Virginia B. Conrad
VIRGINIA BEACH—Virginia Phillips Beale Conrad, 89, formerly of Norfolk, died with her family present June 5, 2009, at the Chesapeake home of her daughter.
She was born in Antioch, Fluvanna County on Jan. 16, 1920.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Effie Jane (Daughtrey) Beale and father, James McDowell Beale.
Mrs. Conrad was a 60 year member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Norfolk, and sang in the church choir for many years.
At the age of 8, she moved with the family to their farm on Country Club Road in Franklin. She graduated valedictorian from Franklin High School at the age of 15.
She attended Franklin Business College, after which she was private secretary to an executive of Camp Manufacturing Corp., Franklin.
She retired from Charles A. Robinson Accounting firm in 1986 as office manager after many years of service.
After her marriage to Gilbert Oscar Conrad (deceased) in 1942, she moved to Norfolk and raised two children, Diane Elizabeth Conrad Orlando, (Anthony) of Chesapeake and Christopher Gilbert Conrad, (Elizabeth) of Green Bay, Wis.whom she leaves to continue her legacy.
Her brothers, James McDowell Beale Jr., Edwin Fairlamb Beale, and sisters Helen Lula Beale Jones, Effie Louise Beale Jarman and Mary Elizabeth Beale Hitchens preceded her in death.
Survivors include her sister, Emily Theresa Beale Matacia of San Diego, Calif., nieces and nephews and in addition to her children she leaves grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Conrad DeJaynes (Kirt) of Abingdon, Illinois, Lara Danielle Brangan Hannah of Chesapeake and Jeffrey Louis Brangan and fiancee, Jill VanSleet of Virginia Beach; great-grandchildren Matthew Troy DeJaynes, Joseph Scott DeJaynes, Emily Elizabeth Hannah and Sydney Marie Hannah.
She was active in the Hyde Park Garden Club, Norfolk, for many years and held several offices. She was known for her iris garden of over 100 varieties in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
During iris blooming season, guests visited from all over Norfolk to enjoy her garden’s beauty.
She passed her love of nature, gardening, flowers and fishing to her family and many others.
During her retirement years, she raised and showed Siamese cats in local cat shows.
She chose the name of Blossom’s Cattery for her show cats as they were named for flowers.
She won numerous ribbons for her cats’ beauty and quality.
The family is so thankful for the wonderful caring from aids Janet Chapman, Lola Stewart and Angela Holmes.
In addition, we wish to thank the Sentara Hospice Care Service who helped all along the way and particularly Lanesha Saunders. Mother’s doctor, Dr. Abiola Opeitum of Physicians for Homebound Patients has been our angel.
A private family graveside service was held in the Beale family cemetery, Country Club Road on June 5.
Contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Virginia in mother’s memory.
Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, assisted the family.