Virginia Chalkley

CHALKLEY, Virginia Overton Harris, widow of H. Otway Chalkley Jr., died on November 29, 2010. She was born on September 13, 1914 and was the daughter of Frank Cowherd Harris and Frances Vest Holland Harris. She was predeceased by two sisters, Ann Tyler Harris and Frances Harris Walker and her husband, James Thomas Walker. She is survived by a son, H. Otway Chalkley III and his wife, Althea McKnight; and a daughter, Frances Courtney Chalkley Robertson and her husband, John; and two grandsons, John Thomas Robertson Jr. and James Catlin Robertson. Mrs. Chalkley grew up in Beaverdam and Mineral, Va., where she learned to love family ties and old Virginia country homes. She enjoyed many summer vacations at Prospect Hill, home of her Holladay cousins, and many visits at Cherry Grove, the Harris family farm. A graduate of Mineral High School and Smithdeal-Massey Business College, she also attended the College of William and Mary. Mrs. Chalkley took pride in her work as a Red Cross nurse's aide and volunteer with the USO during World War II, and 10 years of work for the Life Insurance Company of Virginia. After six years of courtship, Mr. and Mrs. Chalkley wed in 1946 and were married for 56 years. Mrs. Chalkley was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed people of all ages. She was a longtime member of Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, and a charter member of the Louisa County Historical Society. The family extends heartfelt thanks to special caregivers at Sunrise Assisted Living and to the wonderful staff of Westminster Canterbury for seven years of friendship and care. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Westminster Canterbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Westminster Canterbury Fellowship Fund.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.