Natalie Lindsay

Natalie Parks Lindsay PORTSMOUTH - Natalie Parks "Tootie" Lindsay, 69, of the 1200 block of Warfield Drive, peacefully moved from this life to eternal life on Nov. 17, 2009 with her husband by her side after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Natalie was born in Norfolk in 1940 and was the eldest of 10 children born to Mary and the late John Eddie Parks. She attended Norfolk Public Schools in her younger years and then Virginia Beach Schools, as the family moved to West Neck Road. Natalie graduated salutatorian from Princess Anne Training School after being actively involved as a cheerleader, and in many student organizations as well as Campbell's Chapel AME Church. She then graduated in 1962 from Norfolk State University and began her illustrious career in the field of nursing. After graduation, she married her soul mate and high school sweetheart George Lindsay Jr. They began their lives together in Washington, D.C., and then returned home to raise their family of five children in the Cavalier Manor community of Portsmouth. Natalie was the quintessential working mother rotating in the field of nursing from newborn care (Portsmouth Naval), community health (Portsmouth Health Dept.), emergency medicine (Obici Hospital), and school nursing (Chesapeake Public Schools) as her family responsibilities changed. She returned to school mid-career and obtained a B.S. in health education from Old Dominion University and began her real life's work as a nurse educator. Natalie worked at the Coronada School in Norfolk for several years teaching pregnant adolescents, and then at Norcom High School, along with both Maryview and Portsmouth General hospitals respectively, teaching the next generation of nurses. She retired from the Portsmouth Public Schools in 2002 after 20 years of being a nurse educator, transforming many lives. Her second life's work was raising five children, teaching and rearing them with her husband of 47 years to become productive Christians through her life example of love and service to others. Mrs. Lindsay was a very active member of the community. She provided service as a Vann H. Lefcoe Fellow, and was appointed to the Mayor's Commission on Aging, as well as a SHARE volunteer, HOSA advisor, The Red Hatters, Member of Community United Presbyterian Church, where she served as parish nurse, Virginia Education Association, The Portsmouth Education Association, FRIENDS, and was a member of the Iota Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, George Lindsay Jr.; Dr. Mary Lindsay-Barber (Shedrick) of Charlotte, N.C., Lillie of Virginia Beach, Melissa (Robert) of Hampton, George III (Deidra) of Marion, Ind., and Josiah Esq. (Nicole Esq.) of Stamford, Conn.; three handsome grandsons, Robert, Nigel and Darius and three beautiful granddaughters, Taja, Mariah and Tyra. Her sisters, Jennifer Haynes, Natasha, Marguerite (Robert), Kimberly, and brothers, John III (Dianne), Gerald (Brenda), and Michael also survive. She was predeceased by two siblings, David and Angela and is survived by a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and many special and devoted friends. "Mama Lindsay," as she was affectionately known by her children, was a source of inspiration, admiration and love. This freedom rider drove her family into a world of change, and for that her family is eternally grateful. Viewing will be held today, Nov. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m., with the family being present from 6 to 8 p.m. at J.T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1080 N. George Washington Highway, Chesapeake. A life celebration service will be held Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 801 Tazewell St., Portsmouth. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations in her name, to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, c/o American Cancer Society, 4416 Expressway Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or the Community Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 801 Tazewell St., Portsmouth, VA 23701. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.jtfisher funeralservices.com.