Frances R. Paige

During the early hours of December 15th 2016, the “angel of mercy” came and opened death’s door so the soul of our beloved Frances Revell Paige could “take flight” from the cares and concerns of this earthly existence and enter into the presence of God and Eternal Rest. A native of Suffolk, VA, she was a devoted family matriarch, a dedicated teacher, and a devout Christian. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Union University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh, she began her teaching career. In addition to teaching English and forensics, she spent a major portion of her life helping young people of the Portsmouth Schools to build a personal philosophy, based or moral and spiritual principles. As a result, she was the recipient of many awards and honors. She was one of four African-American teachers selected to integrate the public schools in Portsmouth in the 1960’s. She received her highest accolades as a teacher the year she retired when she was honored with an outpouring of love from co-workers, students and friends during a two-hour “This Is Your Life” assembly program. In addition to her educational endeavors, she was an active member of Community Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Virginia for thirty-two years. During this time, she served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, leader of the Inter-faith Bible class, and co-administrator of the Thomas B. Hargrave Day Care Center. The first Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbytery of Southern Virginia, she served as pulpit supply and was often in demand as guest speaker for religious organizations and churches. After her retirement from teaching, she rejoiced in the opportunity to give full time to Christian service as Commissioned Lay Pastor in the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia. One of the greatest fulfillments of her Christian aspirations was her appointment as a member of the Pastoral Care Team at Messiah Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia. This confirmed Christian firmly believed that Bible study and prayer were the two most important forces in her life, and she was deeply grateful that God had chosen her as one of His servants to share His love with others. Those who will treasure her memory include her devoted husband of fifty-five years Oliver Paige, daughter Hadiyah Muhammad, son Rev. Keith Paige, five grandchildren, four great-grand-children; nieces Janie Thornton, Bertha and Delores Smith; nephews Elder Leroy and Carlton James; other relatives, former students, and all who were touched by her ministry.

Frances R. Paige

March 28, 1926 - December 15, 2016