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Darley STOREY Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - Darley L. Storey, longtime resident of Newport News, passed away Dec. 17, 2009, at York Convalescent Center after a brief battle with pneumonia, at the age of 84.
Two daughters, Lexie Adkins and her husband, David of Newport News, and Frances Lee Giannakos and her husband, Nick of Pleasant Hill, Calif.; a son, Charles Donald Storey of Berkeley, Calif.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive her.
Mrs. Storey was born in Claremont, Fla. She was educated at University of North Carolina, graduating with a B.A. in Journalism. She later married Walter E. Storey, who became managing editor at the Daily Press newspaper in Newport News, Va.
Darley was an active grassroots supporter of Congressman Scott's political activities for many years. She served as the citywide precinct organizer for Rep. Scott and for other Democratic candidates. "When Darley called you to work on Election Day, not many were able to resist her request," said Margaret Keator, District Manager for Rep. Scott. She always served at the registration table for both Congressman Scott's annual Labor Day picnic and his birthday parties. She welcomed each guest with a "welcome to the party." She loved parties and talking social justice issues with elected officials and supporters. She was honored for her long-standing efforts in Democratic politics by all four of the local Democratic Parties on the Peninsula with the "Bobby Scott Grassroots Volunteer of the Year Award" in 2005.
Mrs. Storey was a regular volunteer in her community and was especially involved in women's and children's issues and was a leader at Warwick United Methodist Church in Newport News, Va. Examples of her tireless community service efforts include: member of Newport News Mayor's Committee on disabilities; member of Voices for Virginia's Children; co-chair of the Public Policy Committee for the Newport News Unit of Church Women United; chair of Warwick United Methodist Church and Society Committee.
Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 21, 2009, at the Warwick United Methodist Church in Newport News, Va. Reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested for the general fund at Warwick United Methodist Church. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Darley STOREY

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Lizzy aka Beth aka Elizabeth

June 24, 2017

It's been nearly 8 years, since my grandma passed away. As I journey though my life, growing older, I am impressed with the number of ways her legacy lives on in me. From politics, to art, to travel, & the neverending thirst for knowledge her memory is firmly rooted in my soul.

Jeff Schroeder

April 14, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Darley at the Public Affairs Office at Ft Eustis VA in the 70s. She was quite a lady and tireless advocate. My thoughts are with her family.

Gary W. Kelly

January 13, 2010

Sorry to read of Darley's passing. I was not aware of her illness.
She was a dedicated volunteer within the Newport News Democratic City Committee. Although during my times of volunteering she did not seek a committee officership, she led in her own way in political involvement.

December 23, 2009

Dear Lexie, Lee, and Don,
Please accept my sincere condolences regarding your Mom's passing. Your Mom's presence in my life was so very important. She was, as you are well-aware, my 2nd Mom. I was unable to attend services, and will contact you, Lexie, during my break from school. There were soooo many times that your Mom was my advocate and my rock.
Please take comfort in knowing that your Mom was such a special person not only to you all, but to all lives that she touched.

Love always,
Frances Rowe

Sylvia Rumsey

December 23, 2009

Dear Family of Darley Storey,

Please accept my sincerest condolences for your great loss.

I remember well Darley's work in the United Methodist Women and her dedication to social action. At United Methodist Day at the General Assembly she always stationed herself at a table, handed out literature and chatted about whatever cause she was most adamant about at the time. She was truly a dedicated advocate for those social causes for which our Methodist founder was so concerned. The downtrodden have lost a great friend and supporter. However, she didn't believe in putting a bandaid on a problem; she wanted to find the root cause and fix it! I greatly respected her outspoken approach--people really listened to her.

Lexie, you may remember that your Mom and I often roomed together the day before UM Day. I always enjoyed the ride up and back to Richmond and our spare time together. She was a fascinating conversationalist. I loved her stories about politics, family, church, etc. Her sense of humor was the best!

I know she will be greatly missed in your family, her church family and Democratic family. Take comfort in the knowledge that she is at last in her heavenly home, where all is perfect. It's now up to us to carry on her legacy of speaking out for just causes.

The obituary was nicely written. Someone in the family must have inherited her editorial expertise.

God bless you all.

Love in Christ, Sylvia Rumsey

Lynn Cole

December 22, 2009

Don, Lee and Lexie... The world has lost a true original! Your mom was such a character... I know she leaves a big empty spot in your lives, even though she was a petite person - she had a big personality! All of you are in my prayers.

Angela Herring

December 21, 2009

Darley was a wonderful role model with her work to better the community. She always had a positive attitude and a smile.

December 21, 2009

I am so sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.

My condolences to the family and I pray God will strengthen all of you during this time.

Esther Walker
Newport News Mayors Disability Committee Member

Varna Roberts

December 21, 2009

Darley was so vital to this community and she will be sorely missed. We always had long conversations whenever she called and I always felt more energized about what was happening in our community, state and country but especially in our own community.

My sympathy for your families lost and sadness for the void that will be felt in the community at large.

Linda Brooks

December 21, 2009

Darley was an inspiration and will be sorely missed in our community. I remember our talks as we drove to and from meetings together. She will always be remembered by her Democratic family in Newport News.

Neil Bates

December 21, 2009

My father worked with Darley at Fort Monroe, and they were great friends. She also worked hard for the Democratic Party. We will miss her and her indefatigable efforts.

- Neil, and for Joanne Bates

Jerry and Suzanne van Rijn

December 20, 2009

Darley was a good friend to Mama (Susanna van Rijn). She truly cherished their friendship. I also enjoyed knowing her and working with her through the Girl Scouts getting their cooking badge at the 4-H office there in Newport News on Main Street. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Carol Masser

December 20, 2009

Indeed Darley was a supporter of women's issues! She was a dear friend of Menchville House, particularly in our early days. She was such an enthusiastic encourager for all the things about which she cared so deeply. She will not be replaced, but she would want us to carry on with the causes so dear to her heart. How blessed we were to have her in our lives and community.

Gene Magruder

December 20, 2009

Their are no words that can be used to describe her committment to her Democratic values and her community. I personally will miss her as she had a great impact on my life and involvement in the political field.

Janet Lockstampfor

December 20, 2009

Dear Storey Family and Friends.
You are in my prayers and thoughts. Matthew 5:4 says, Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.
God bless each of you.
I went to Ferguson High with Lexie. I know you will remember me.
Grace and Peace,
Janet Lockstampfor

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