Tribute to Virginia Revels

Many years ago, a group of young women, bound together by a Sunday School teacher who loved each of us unconditionally for who we each were, became the "DOVR" - Daughters of Virginia Revels.

Virginia is front and center.  Can you find the writer of this blog?

 Twenty years later, in 2015, a group of us got together to honor this special lady and friend.

 This week, we received word that our "Mother", Virginia Revels, went to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 99.

We moved to Bastrop, LA, in June 1969 and lived there until August 2002.  Dick and Virginia Revels were among the first to welcome us and make us part of their family.  We soon learned that Dick and my mother were distant cousins, so quickly, his name for me became "Cuz."

When my youngest sister, Sarah, came to live with us in August 1969 to complete her senior year of high school, Dick and Virginia's youngest daughter, Jana, quickly befriended her.  This meant so much to Sarah and to us as well.

It didn't take long for Dick to discover Jana's outstanding vocal abilities, and we both remember vividly her first solo at church.  She went on to major in vocal music and is now an Associate Professor of Voice at Kennesaw State University.  We feel that another of our children has done well.

Through all of this, our friendship continued to grow, and a mutual respect began to develop between not only Dick and Virginia, but with their children as well.

How does one adequately describe a saint, a role model, and the epitome of graciousness?

Virginia was the most gracious lady who could make the most awkward young woman feel special.  She had a way of making everyone she met feel loved and accepted.   She was a hostess extraordinaire, and an event at her home was always memorable.

Virginia was not only an excellent seamstress but also a designer.  She had such a sense of style.  Her clothes were to be envied as they were always perfect - at least in my eyes.  Her tastes in decor helped set my own, and I can vividly recall almost every detail of her lovely home.

Virginia taught the young adult women's Sunday School class for many years, so there were many "daughters" who went through her teaching and influence.  She was the example to us of what it meant to be a godly woman, wife, and mother.  She was our friend!

After we moved to Shreveport, Virginia, and a group of ladies who were also my mother's friends came to visit her.  I cannot describe how much this meant to Mother.

This is who Virginia was: a friend, a giver, a joy, and an inspiration.

You will be forever remembered, Virginia, and forever missed.  I thank my God for you at every remembrance.